Podcast Episodes

What exactly is collagen? Does it really support skin and joints? And, most pressing: IS IT SAFE to take (in general? if you've had cancer?) Tina and Leah answer all of this and more as they discuss one of the most popular functional foods available today. Did you know there are at least 28 different types of collagen in the human body? It is by far the most abundant protein in humans, accounting for about 30% of the total protein content in the body. Collagen is a "scaffolding" protein becaus...

Vitamin D may be the most pivotal nutrient in all of cancer care. Tina and Leah talk about this hormone masquerading as a “vitamin.” How much is ideal? Do you need to take it? Can you get what you need from the sun? Is it even safe to take? There is a tremendous amount of information on vitamin D and cancer, so there is a lot to sift through to figure out what is well-founded and what is hype. Tina and Leah discuss the data, their experiences with patients, and how you can optimize your levels....

Personal accounts of cancer can be inspiring, and this documentary about renowned film critic Roger Ebert is no exception. Tina and Leah discuss the man, his career, his cancer, and how he lived life to its fullest, right until the end. FYI: You don't need to have seen the movie to partake in their discussion. Life Itself the documentary is based on the memoir of the same name written by Roger Ebert. With his keen eye for storytelling, however, it is no surprise that the memoir translates flaw...

Sharon Jones was the electrifying front-woman for the NYC band, The Dap-Kings. She captivated audiences with her raw energy and talent. A diagnosis of cancer derailed her career but didn't deter her. Tina & Leah talk about the film and the shared challenges of those who see their world upended by cancer and its treatment. The film was directed by Academy Award-winning director, Barbara Kopple and is available to stream online. Links we mentioned in this episode and other cool stuff: Sharon Jon...

Tina and Leah are Back at The Movies! This time they are reviewing cancer-related documentaries. They talk about them, what they like, what they didn't like, and what parts of the films resonated with them. In this episode, they review TIG, a 2015 documentary directed by Kristina Goolsby and Ashley York. The film covers the personal experiences and events leading up to, during, and after comedian and actor Tig Notaro's breast cancer diagnosis and treatment in 2012, and how she uses humor to cop...

In this episode of Side Eff@¢ks, Tina and Leah talk about poo that just won’t quit—diarrhea. No matter what the cause, this episode offers tips and advice about what you can do to normalize your bowel function. Nearly every cancer treatment will affect bowel function, so diarrhea is not uncommon. Whether it is chemotherapy, surgery, radiation, immunological, or biological (targeted) therapy (or a combination!) the gut is most likely to be affected. Since rapidly dividing cells line the gastroin...

Do you have issues with constipation? If so, today is your lucky day! This podcast is all about the sticky business of stuck bowels. In our first episode of The Return of Side Eff@¢ks, we covered the basics of bowel function and touched on possible bowel issues encountered during treatment. In this episode, Tina and Leah talk about constipation from a naturopathic perspective. Whether during treatment or long after treatment has been completed, constipation can hamper your health. Since the mo...

Cancer treatments can be rough on the gut. The symptoms during and after treatment are no laughing matter (although well-timed potty humor can certainly be therapeutic, don't you think?). In this episode, Tina and Leah talk poop, that is, about the fundamentals of bowel function with an emphasis on the many ways that cancer treatments can interfere with it. As naturopathic physicians, Tina and Leah have spent their entire careers talking poop with patients. Why? Because most gut issues have to...

In this episode, Tina and Leah cover what you need to know about folate, otherwise known as vitamin B9 or folic acid. What could be so important about folate that a whole episode is dedicated to it, you ask? Well, there are times when supplementation is needed and other times when it could be detrimental. Companies selling supplements aren’t going to tell you the whole truth and nothing but the truth, but we will. Plus, there is a lot of misinformation out there on folate/folic acid, and who be...

What exactly are omega-3 fatty acids? They are essential, but what does “essential” even mean? Why do we need them? Tina and Leah tackle these questions and more. They also discuss the role of omega-3s before, during, and after treatment for cancer. They include a few studies that show particular benefits during conventional cancer treatments and some cautionary notes too.

Supplement use during and after cancer treatment is common. But do you really need to take supplements? How do you even begin to prioritize what (if any) supplements are right for you? In this episode, Tina and Leah open up about how they approach their use. Instead of saying, "must do this or that," they talk about how you can prioritize supplements.

The third installment of the At the Movies pod is Morgan Spurlock’s Supersize Me. In this 2004 shockumentary, Morgan eats nothing but McDonald’s three times a day for 30 days and assesses the effects it has on his body over that period of time but is this movie exaggerating the facts? And with some problematic and outdated material, can it be shrugged off as “of its time”? You’re going to want to listen to this one to find out what Tina and Leah think! SPOILER ALERT: Overall Rating: Tina gave t...