The Wellness Files with Kari Beal

Following the tragic death of Hayden Panettiere from a lethal mix of fentanyl and other prescriptions, new focus is turning to the root causes of America's addiction crisis and how routine post-surgery prescriptions can start that dangerous cycle. We examine Journavx, the first new class of non-opioid pain medication approved by the FDA in 20 years.  00:00 — Introduction: The genetic di...

Following a coroner's report identifying five substances in Hayden Panettiere’s body, host Kari Beal sits down with addiction researcher and psychiatrist Dr. Joseph Friedman to break down the deadly reality of polysubstance overdoses and erratic street drug potency. They explore the science behind dangerous drug synergies, emerging non-opioid threats like medetomidine, and practical harm red...

Dry, irritated eyes are skyrocketing thanks to modern screen habits. Hormonal shifts also play a role, and microscopic eyelash mites can be mistaken for dry eye. In this episode of The Wellness Files, optometrist Dr. Cory Lappin explains what’s really drying out your eyes and the proven clinical and at-home steps to fix it. 00:00 - intro 02:01 - Meet Dr. Cory Lappin / Optometrist vs. Ophthal...

Former South Carolina quarterback Stephen Garcia discusses his battle with Stage 4 colorectal cancer. Stephen shares his aggressive treatment journey, the incredible news of a 99.8% reduction in tumor DNA, and why he launched his new nonprofit to advocate for early screening and detection. 00:00 - intro 01:08 - Explaining Signatera blood scans & tumor shrinkage 02:15 - Interview intro: South C...

Reproductive psychiatrist Dr. Neha Hudepohl, Prisma Health, joins the show to discuss the complexities of postpartum psychosis in light of the national conversation surrounding the Lindsay Clancy trial. Dr. Hudepohl explains the critical differences between postpartum depression and psychosis, outlines key warning signs, and details how families can identify a psychiatric emergency to seek life-sa...

In this powerful episode, Dr. John Deloney joins host Kari Beal to discuss the tragic passing of actress Hayden Panettiere and the crushing weight of maintaining a perfect public identity. They dive deep into the messy intersections of postpartum depression, addiction, and abusive trauma bonds, providing practical advice on how to build a life-saving support system when things go sideways. 00:00 -...

In this episode of The Wellness Files, host Kari Beal sits down with obesity medicine specialist Dr. Christopher McGowan to discuss Retatrutide, the highly anticipated "triple agonist" weight loss drug currently in Phase 3 trials. They dive into its unprecedented weight loss potential, unique side effects like skin sensitivity, and the dangerous black market pathways patients are using to access i...

Science communicator Morgan McSweeney, PhD (known online as "Dr. Noc"), joins the podcast to explain how emerging mRNA flu vaccines differ from traditional egg-grown shots and details the latest clinical trial data on their efficacy and side effects. We broaden the conversation on mRNA vaccines, provide critical context on rare risks like myocarditis (heart inflammation), and outline how safety is...

Gastroenterologist Dr. Veeral Oza explains why pancreatic cancer is so hard to catch early and how a new oral KRAS-targeting drug, known as daraxonrasib, is showing promising survival gains for some patients. He also shares a key early red flag doctors don’t want you to ignore: new-onset diabetes after age 50 (or sudden worsening control) 00:00 intro 00:03 Why pancreatic cancer is often caug...

Functional medicine doctor Katherine Birchenough and nutrition coach Sarah Wilson explain the “internal sunscreen” trend, how plant pigments and certain nutrients may build up in skin and help reduce UV-related damage. They stress it’s an extra layer of defense (not a replacement for topical sunscreen) and share practical food picks, supplement options, and common sun-safety myth...

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new testosterone-deficiency screening program for service members, but endocrinologist and former military doctor Dr. Karl Nadolsky says the science doesn’t support universal testing in people without symptoms. In this episode, we break down who should be evaluated, why obesity/sleep apnea and certain injuries or medications can lower testosterone,...

Host Kari Beal interviews Dr. George Ibrahim about the surge in peptide use for injury recovery, energy, weight loss, and more, plus why many peptides aren’t FDA-approved and have limited human data. They break down common peptides (BPC-157, TB-500, CJC-1295/ipamorelin), discuss safety and cancer/angiogenesis concerns, and explain why buying “research peptides” online can be risk...

A new FDA-approved treatment for Hunter syndrome (MPS II) is giving families hope, but it’s not a cure. We explore how close researchers may be to a cure, including promising gene therapy clinical trials, and what experts say still needs long-term study. 00:00 intro 00:45 How this story began: a mom reaches out about newly approved Avlayah. 01:03 Why it matters: therapy designed to cross the...

The federal government is fast-tracking some psychedelic-based medicines for research and development. Emergency physician Dr. Jonathan Leak explains how these therapies may work in the brain and if they’re safe. 00:00 — Fire captain recounts suicidal crisis; psilocybin changes his outlook and family life 00:36 — Intro: what psychedelics might do (neurotransmitters/neuroplasticit...

Musician Carnie Wilson is raising awareness about tardive dyskinesia (TD), an uncontrolled movement disorder that often goes undiagnosed. She shares why she’s advocating for screening, how stigma can keep people silent, and where listeners can find support and resources.  00:00 – intro 00:01:05 – What TD is: common symptoms (face/lips, chewing-like movements, eye twitch). 00...

USC School of Medicine Greenville experts break down lifestyle medicine and the evidence behind its “six pillars.” They discuss how food, exercise, sleep, stress management, social connection, and avoiding risky substances can improve chronic disease outcomes—and even support brain health in depression, Alzheimer’s risk, and more. 00:00 Intro 00:47 Welcome + live event at U...

After a seizure led to the discovery of a brain mass, FOX Carolina news anchor Tori Carmen shares the whirlwind from surgery to an unexpected malignant diagnosis and how recovery has challenged her physically and emotionally. One year later, she explains the tools that helped her cope (therapy, nature, faith, community) and the lifestyle shifts she’s made to support long-term health. 00:00 I...

X Ambassadors keyboardist and Grammy-winning musician Casey Harris shares what it’s like living with Leber’s congenital amaurosis and how learning music by ear shaped his career. He also explains why he partnered with Vision Through Music to connect blind and visually impaired kids with trained music teachers and why more educators are urgently needed. Vision Through Music: https://chi...

A groundbreaking randomized trial in Kinston, North Carolina is testing fluoridated vs. non-fluoridated water in young children to produce the most rigorous evidence yet on fluoride’s real-world benefits today.   00:00 Intro 01:01 Quick history setup: how fluoridation began and why it became widespread. 01:20 Early clues: mottled teeth but fewer cavities; investigators suspect water. 01...

Cities across the U.S. are battling over a question that hits close to home: what’s really in your tap water and what could it mean for kids? In Part 1, host Kari Beal goes on the road to investigate fluoride fears concerns, breaking down the latest science on thyroid markers, IQ findings, and why dosage matters, with a leading researcher explaining what we know (and what we still don’...

Nisha Patel thought she was “too young” for perimenopause because her labs were normal, but her mood and body told a different story. We hear from nutrition coach, Bonnie Papajohn on how to spot the real signs, advocate for yourself, and use practical nutrition and workout tweaks to feel like you again.  Sign up to attend The Wellness Files LIVE! https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/...

Host Kari Beal talks with functional medicine physician Dr. Katherine Bircheough and esthetician Kim Manganella about how seasonal allergies can show up on your skin, not just your sinuses.

Host Kari Beal joins activist and forager Robin Greenfield on a Hendersonville greenway to sample wild edibles and unpack what it means to eat (and live) in closer connection with the earth. Greenfield shares how he reprogrammed his mindset away from consumer culture and even his views on aging and death. 01:42 Homemade, compostable clothing/footwear + living without plastic 03:05 Background: leav...

Glyphosate is the most widely used herbicide in the U.S., but some recent studies find it's associated with cancer. Boston College pediatrician and researcher Dr. Philip Landrigan breaks down the science,  recent policy changes, and practical steps to lower exposure. 00:02 What glyphosate is, where it’s used, and how people are exposed (farmers + food supply). 00:03 Scale of use: ~90% o...

Yale public health researcher Dr. Vasilis Vasiliou explains how alcohol raises cancer risk and why risk can depend on genetics, dose, and other exposures in your environment. The conversation also breaks down alcohol flushing syndrome, the “red wine is healthy” myth, and emerging concerns about PFAS (“forever chemicals”) interacting with alcohol.