Podcasts

The What Happens in Vagus Podcast, hosted by Dr. Stephanie Canestraro, explores body function fundamentals and integrative health tips, featuring global experts on gut health, high performance, biohacking, and longevity for an empowered life.

What Happens in Vagus Podcast

Guest Appearences

The What Happens in Vagus Podcast, hosted by Dr. Stephanie Canestraro, a Functional Medicine Practitioner and Owner of Vagus Clinic, offers insights from over a decade in the industry and battling through her own health journey.  Through solo and guest episodes, they explore body function fundamentals and offer practical tips and knowledge for taking control of your own health.  Common topics discussed throughout each episode are gut health, Vagus Nerve, biohacking, high-performance and so much more.  Tune in for empowering knowledge to optimize your life.

Tune in to these insightful podcasts featuring Dr. Stephanie, where she delves into cutting-edge topics such as the Vagus Nerve, her journey with Lyme Disease, Bio-Hacking tips and so much more. Her engaging discussions provide valuable insights and practical tips that are sure to inspire and empower listeners. Don't miss out on the opportunity to learn from her expertise and discover new ways to enhance your well-being.

In this special episode of What Happens in Vagus Podcast, Dr. Stephanie takes a break from hosting and steps into the interviewee's seat for an enlightening conversation. The episode kicks off with Dr. Steph reflecting on the early days of her career, sharing stories about the influential people she encountered, such as Charles Poliquin, and how the mentorship and answering her curious questions helped shape her into the practitioner she is today. The conversation quickly heats up as Dr. Steph dives into a hot topic: why so many people today are dealing with stuck lymphatic systems. She provides valuable insight and tips on how to protect yourself from the growing exposure to manmade frequencies, like 5G, reminding us that “the dose makes the poison.” From there, she explores the crucial role drainage plays in any successful protocol and introduces her popular “toxin bucket” analogy to help listeners visualize how toxins accumulate in the body over time. Throughout the episode, Dr. Steph emphasizes the importance of vagal toning and stimulation, sharing techniques that can support the nervous system. She also discusses her favorite biohacks, including the use of organo mushroom coffee as part of her daily routine.

In this episode, Dr. Steph chats with Dane Johnson, Founder & CEO of Crohns Colitis Lifestyle, who dives straight into the personal story that fuels his mission today. Dane shares how his life-threatening health journey, marked by a lack of support and resources, became the catalyst for his work in helping others. Reflecting on his childhood, he reveals that what seemed like a typical upbringing was, in hindsight, detrimental to his health, as he had limited exposure to natural and healthier lifestyle choices. He walks us through the repetitive cycle of doctor visits and medication changes that offered temporary relief but ultimately led to a pivotal moment when he decided to take control of his health. Dane emphasizes the importance of consistency over perfectionism in the path to better health, stressing that the first critical step is reducing toxic exposure. As the CEO of his health, he has developed a comprehensive program called S.H.I.E.L.D., which he explains in detail—what it stands for and how it works. Throughout the conversation, they explore the root causes of chronic disease, the power of self-empowerment, and several essential keys to living a truly healthy life.

In this episode, Dr. Stephanie is joined by Dr. Catherine Clinton, a licensed naturopathic physician and Quantum Biology Health Educator, whose journey into the world of quantum biology was deeply personal. While studying to become a naturopath, Dr. Clinton was diagnosed with two autoimmune diseases and Lyme disease. This challenging period led her to discover Psychoneuroimmunology, a groundbreaking field that explores the intricate connections between our central nervous system and immune system, emphasizing how our thoughts and emotions can profoundly impact our biology. Dr. Clinton's exploration didn't stop there; she became fascinated with the ways in which our minds influence mitochondrial health, leading her to a holistic approach to wellness that integrates the mind, body, and environment. She shares insights into how connecting with the elements around us—like the earth beneath our feet and the sun in the sky—can foster a sense of safety and well-being.

In this episode of What Happens in Vagus podcast, Dr. Stephanie sits down with her long-time friend and client, former NFL lineman Jared Odrick, to explore the complexities of life as a retired professional athlete. Jared, who transitioned from football to racing in 2020, shares his journey of self-discovery and how his identity evolved post-retirement. The conversation delves deep into the challenges that athletes face, particularly concerning their mindset during and after their careers. Jared opens up about the serious issue of CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalitis), shedding light on the realities that many professional athletes face, often without adequate support. He challenges the common perception that professional sports teams provide the best care for their players, sharing his personal experiences that led him to become an advocate for CTE awareness and self-advocacy.

In this episode, Dr. Stephanie sits down with Kashif Khan, the Founder of The DNA Company and the author of The DNA Way. The conversation kicks off with a discussion on root cause health, which Kashif describes as a foundational baseline for understanding overall well-being. They delve into the intricate world of hormones, exploring how detoxing hormones and DNA testing can reveal what our cells are doing—or not doing. The dialogue broadens to encompass findings related to anxiety and depression, highlighting the connection between specific DNA markers and mental health. Kashif shares a profound and personal story about his niece, an experience that significantly influenced his research and insights. The episode then dives into the concept of methylation, explaining what it is and how it occurs within the body. Kashif provides practical examples of how to interpret DNA results functionally, helping listeners understand their genetic predispositions and take proactive steps to avoid potential chronic diseases.

In this captivating episode, Dr. Stephanie sits down with Leo Szymborski III, the President and Founder of pH Prescription. Leo shares an emotional journey from his childhood, growing up in a small town where rare diseases plagued many residents and his own family members succumbed to illness at young ages. It wasn't until later in life that he realized these tragedies were linked to the toxic chemicals present in their water supply. This revelation was the catalyst for Leo's mission to revolutionize the water industry. Leo takes us through his personal paradigm shift, detailing the moment he knew he had to create change. During his own healing journey, he discovered how the heart truly functions and the pivotal role clean water plays in overall health. This newfound understanding led to the creation of his company, pH Prescription.

In today's episode, Dr. Stephanie discusses the vagus nerve, immunity, nervous system and so much more with JP Errico, a highly accomplished scientist, executive, entrepreneur, and inventor. JP Errico discusses how a pivotal conversation with an esteemed functional neurosurgeon ignited a passion that has shaped his career. From treating conditions like asthma and headaches to tackling complex autoimmune diseases, his journey is a testament to the profound impact of a single inspiring dialogue. As the author of "Vagus Immune Connection," JP delves into groundbreaking insights, illustrating how stimulating the vagus nerve can yield significant health benefits without adverse effects, emphasizing the necessity of finding a balance in this stimulation.

In this enlightening episode, Dr. Stephanie sits down with the multifaceted Dr. Brianna Diorio, PhD in Integrative Medicine, MS in Clinical Nutrition, FDN, Herbalist, and Life Coach. Dr. Brianna shares her unique journey from aspiring Spanish teacher to renowned health and wellness expert, driven by a lifelong passion for fitness and holistic health. This episode delves into the vital practice of introspection and body awareness, emphasizing the importance of making sustainable, maintainable, and enjoyable changes for a healthier lifestyle. Dr. Brianna offers invaluable advice on giving any new health practice at least two weeks to assess its suitability.

Join Dr. Stephanie in an enlightening conversation with Zack Langlois, the Founder and CEO of Northern Raised. Once destined for a conventional corporate career, Zack experienced a transformative awakening that led him to prioritize his health and life choices. Through his healing journey, he discovered the profound impact of food, which ultimately inspired him to address the accessibility of high-quality, health-promoting foods.

In today's episode, host Dr. Stephanie Canestraro candidly chats with Amanda Panacea and share details about their transformative journeys and insights into holistic wellness. Amanda shares her journey from burnout and addiction to discovering her path in functional medicine. Through vulnerability and honesty, she guides others on their healing journeys while Dr. Steph adds to the conversation by discussing her struggles with heavy metals, EMFs, and toxic load.

Join Dr. Stephanie in an insightful conversation with Shannon Gregory, the Founder of Microcell Sciences, as they delve into non-diagnostic tests for healing and health journeys. Microcell Sciences utilizes microscopy to detect microbes and toxins in the blood, offering a unique perspective on health assessment. Dr. Stephanie shares her experience with mold exposure affecting her immune system and discusses how analyzing her test results from Microcell Sciences revealed insights about her blood cells.

In this episode, Dr. Stephanie sits down with Brian Richards, the innovative mind behind Sauna Space. During the conversation, Dr. Stephanie and Brian discuss the intricacies of light therapy, exploring the distinctions between far infrared, near-infrared, and full-spectrum light. They illuminate how SaunaSpace ingeniously mimics the sun's healing rays to purify the body and promote holistic well-being.

In this enlightening episode, host Dr. Stephanie sits down with Dr. Zulia Frost, Co-Founder and Clinical Director at Recharge Health, to explore the transformative power of red light therapy. Together, they dive into the world of energy medicine and its intersection with red light therapy, shedding light on its potential for enhancing overall well-being. From discussing the safe usage of red light therapy devices to highlighting the benefits of utilizing Flexbeam for at-home wellness, Dr. Frost offers valuable insights and practical advice.

The conversation delves into various topics including biological dentistry, the importance of trusting your body's wisdom, understanding the role of fascia in the parasympathetic nervous system, and the principles of Bio-Regulatory Medicine. Throughout the discussion, Kelly emphasizes the significance of being in a state of F.L.O.W.E. (Fascia, Lymph, Oxygen, Water. Energy) and encourages listeners to reconnect with their bodies and intuition.

Join Dr. Stephanie as she delves into the fascinating realm of hypnotherapy with special guest Dana Shalit, a Clinical Hypnotherapist and Spiritual Mentor. In this enlightening episode, they unravel the mysteries behind hypnotherapy, exploring its transformative potential in healing journeys. From understanding the essence of hypnotherapy to its profound impact on the nervous system and mindset, they navigate through topics like meditation, energy cleansing, and cultivating the courage to embrace one's unique journey.

In this compelling conversation, Dr. Brar reveals how his pursuit of healing transformed his life and empowered him to assist fellow practitioners in navigating similar paths. Together, they explore the significance of integrating various healthcare modalities to address the root causes of health issues effectively. By prioritizing mitochondrial function, detoxification pathways, and gut health, practitioners can offer clients sustainable solutions that foster genuine well-being.

In this insightful episode, Dr. Stephanie sits down with her esteemed colleague and dear friend, Dr. Leah Barbaro, both integral members of the Vagus Clinic team. Dr. Leah candidly shares her personal journey, detailing how her path intertwined with Dr. Stephanie's, and helps to share Dr. Stephanie's journey to healing.

In this solo episode, Dr. Stephanie explains a not often talked about but life-changing topic – tongue ties. Tune in as she explains her journey of overcoming health challenges through a tongue-tie release. She takes you through the intricacies of tongue ties, explaining their impact on mobility and overall well-being. Discover the grades of tongue ties and the surprising connection between a grade four B tongue tie and various health issues, including neurological and digestive concerns.

Grab your headphones or turn the volume up and get ready to unravel the mysteries of Low Dose Immuno or Antigen Therapy, popularly known as LDIs and LDAs with Naturopathic Doctor, Dr. Nick Baboulas. Dr. Stephanie and Dr. Nick, plunge into the depths of this cutting-edge therapy, exploring its applications, methodologies, and the myriad of conditions that stand to gain from its unique approach.

In this enlightening episode, join host Dr. Stephanie and guest Adam Marafioti, Owner of Life Blud Co, as they embark on a profound discussion about the journey towards optimal health through liver flushing, detoxification, and understanding the body's intricate needs. The conversation delves into Adam's transformation from a former party-goer who neglected his body to someone who took charge of his health journey. His exploration of societal health fads eventually led him to a deep understanding of the body's mechanisms and the essentials required for its proper functioning.

Join Dr. Stephanie and special guest Dr. Rachel Hamel in this enlightening episode as they delve deep into the multifaceted nature of health. In a world often focused on isolated aspects of well-being, the duo emphasizes the critical importance of understanding health as a harmonious interplay of various elements. Driven by their wealth of experience, they explore three fundamental phases of health: mechanics, biochemistry, and the often overlooked emotional brain/stress connection.

Embark on a transformative journey into the intricate realm of the Vagus Nerve with renowned experts, Dr. Stephanie and Dr. Navaz Habib, on this episode of What Happens in Vagus. Delve deep into discussions on vagus nerve activation, inflammation modulation, gut health optimization, detoxification strategies, and the polyvagal theory. Uncover practical tips and exercises designed to empower you in activating and nurturing your Vagus Nerve, unlocking its potential to elevate your overall well-being.

In this episode, host Dr. Stephanie Canestraro engages in a profound conversation with the remarkable Dr. Stephen Hussey, a beacon of inspiration and knowledge in the realm of heart health. They expand on the pivotal significance of maintaining a balanced circadian rhythm, exploring its profound influence on overall cardiovascular health. The discussion seamlessly transitions to the pivotal role of heart rate variability, uncovering its nuanced implications for comprehensive wellness and longevity.

In this intriguing episode, join Dr. Stephanie and the innovative mind behind Hoolest Performance Technologies, Dr. Nick Hool, as they delve into the captivating world of the vagus nerve and its extraordinary capabilities. Dive deeper into their conversation as they uncover the intersection between neuroscience and spirituality, exploring the incorporation of visualization and manifestation techniques into daily routines with the aid of the vagus stim product.

In this deeply insightful solo episode, join Dr. Stephanie as she delves into the often-overlooked root cause of autonomic dysfunction – toxic overload within our bodies. With her extensive knowledge and passion for well-being, Dr. Stephanie uncovers the hidden connections between toxins and a wide array of health issues, including panic attacks, anxiety, joint pain, vagus nerve dysfunction, disrupted sleep, shoulder pain, heart palpitations, and more.

In this episode, Dr. Stephanie sits down with Gus, a passionate advocate for holistic wellness, to explore his transformative journey through sports therapy and personal training. Gus shares how his path led him to discover the significance of specific bodywork techniques, including lymphatics and the vagus nerve, and their profound impact on overall well-being.

In this enlightening episode, Dr. Stephanie engages in a captivating conversation with Leah Levitan, licensed massage therapist and certified lymphedema therapist, who transitioned from working with elite athletes to dedicating her expertise to chronically ill individuals. The duo dives deep into the world of the lymphatic system, discussing common choke points within it, reasons for stagnation, and practical strategies to promote lymphatic health.

In this thought-provoking episode, Dr. Stephanie talks about the fascinating world of parasites, toxins, and bioenergetic testing with the esteemed Dr. Todd Watts, the Co-Founder of Cellcore Biosciences. Dr. Watts takes us on a journey into the world of parasites within our bodies. Did you know these tiny organisms can wreak havoc on our health, often undetected for years? Prepare to be amazed as Dr. Watts unravels the secrets of these stealthy invaders and educates us on their impact on our well-being.

In this episode, Dr. Stephanie takes a deep dive into some commonly misunderstood aspects of organic farming with Matt Sheffer, the Managing Director at Hudson Carbon. Join them as they debunk myths surrounding cows and their off-gassing, along with the controversial topic of glyphosate and its effects on human health.

In this captivating episode, Dr. Stephanie chats with Dr. John Kim, a functional medicine pharmacist who encountered a life-changing wake-up call: a heart attack at the young age of 33. Join them as they dive into the root causes that led to his heart attack and Dr. John’s transformational journey toward uncovering the hidden stealth infections within his body. Hear about the powerful role of mitochondria, how they protect us against a building cell danger response, and why proper gut health is pivotal to our well-being.

In this episode, Dr. Stephanie chats with Justine Stenger about her expertise in Cellular Health and Cell Membrane Medicine. Justine shares her health journey from being an Elite Athlete and then being exposed to a moldy environment, getting ill, which lit a fire in her to learn everything she could to get and stay healthy. Now she uses food as medicine and concentrates on her health from a cellular level. If you want to start thinking more deeply about your body and build your health for the long game, then this episode is for you.

THE VAGUS NERVE. It is one of the hottest topics being discussed everywhere. In this episode, Dr. Stephanie does a deep dive on what it is, why she named her clinic after it, how it is connected within the body, tips and tricks to know if it is functioning well and also ways to stimulate it to receive the benefits. This is a must listen and save for later episode as the information she provides is priceless.

Dr. Stephanie interviews Dr. Chris George and Dr. Emilea Finley of Apogee Wellness. Both come from an elite athletic background until they found themselves injured and seeking answers that made sense to them. Throughout this episode, both Dr. Chris and Dr. Emilea share their personal stories which led them to meet some incredible mentors and then finding their true passion in areas like: Bio-Systems Integration, Quantum Neurology, Acupuncture, and Neuro-Emotional Technique and more.

In this episode, Dr. Stephanie interviews John Tarantino the Co-Founder and CEO of Blue Phoenix, and Mariana the Co-Founder & Chief Medical Officer of Blue Phoenix. They break down the variety of treatments offered and the benefits and some personal results they have achieved receiving their own treatments. This episode is for you if you want to take your health to the next level.

In this episode, Dr. Stephanie interviews Ryan Blaser of Test My Home and dig deep into what with in your home could be harming you and your family's health. From mold, to chemicals and off gassing, to water and EMFs - they cover it all. This episode provides valuable insights and practical advice for anyone looking to ensure their homes are not creating an unhealthy environment.

In this episode, Dr. Stephanie shares her personal health journey from infancy to adulthood, revealing how her experiences have shaped her approach to healing and understanding of the how the body works.

Tune in to the first ever episode of the What Happens in Vagus Podcast. Dr. Stephanie shares her personal story of her health journey and what led her to find out she had Lyme Disease in 2021. She describes this scary and eye-opening journey and shares her symptoms and misdiagnosis throughout the years.

In this episode we get to pick the brain of Functional Medicine Practitioner Dr. Stephanie Canestraro on how important gut health is for elite performance. Dr. Canestraro works with some of the most amazing athletes on the planet from the NHL to the NFL and beyond. She specializes in the gut-brain connection and how the relationship between the two could be the reason you can't reach your full potential. Plus she shares her powerful story of personal struggle with her own health and what she did to heal.

In this episode, get to know Dr. Stephanie Canestraro's incredible story of overcoming chronic health issues and how she fell in love with the vagus nerve, started her practice, and now runs a very successful functional medicine chiropractic clinic in Toronto, Ontario. We also chat about her recent experience with Lyme carditis and how she utilized several alternative approaches such as neural therapy.

In this episode Dr. Stephanie Canestraro explains what Lyme Disease is, signs and symptoms to look for and how to manage symptoms. She also discuss the lymphatic system, how to support the immune system (and not overly “boost” it) and of course she breaks down understanding the Vagus Nerve, vagal tone and how it impacts your overall health.