Couch Talk W/ Dr. Anna Cabeca

The fascinating intersections of circadian biology, quantum health, and women's wellness really come alive as I sit down with Neurosurgeon-turned-Quantum-Biologist Dr. Jack Kruse. You'll hear how simple things, like the light you see first thing in the morning, quietly shape your hormones, energy, and even how you age. Dr. Jack's decades of surgical and biophysical knowledge make these concepts surprisingly practical for everyday health. By the end, you may find yourself rethinking your daily routines in the best way.   Together, we get into why AM sunlight can make such a big difference for women going through hormonal changes, especially around menopause. Dr. Jack breaks down big ideas like heteroplasmy in simple, eye-opening terms and shows how it plays into skin health, longevity, and mitochondrial function. You'll also hear why red light deserves a place in your wellness routine, and how blue light and non-native EMFs might be draining more than just your battery.   If you've ever struggled with weight c

Fertility challenges are becoming all too common, and it's not just about trying to get pregnant. It's about the bigger picture of how our health today shapes the next generation. I sat down with my dear friend, Dr. Ann Shippy, a brilliant Functional Medicine Physician and Author of The Preconception Revolution, to talk about what's really driving the rise in infertility and what we can do about it long before conception even happens.   Dr. Ann has such a unique perspective. She started out as a chemical engineer before becoming a doctor, so she looks at the body like a system: one we can optimize, not just fix. We got into the science of epigenetics (don't worry, we keep it real and relatable!) and how the choices we make every day, what we eat, breathe, and put on our skin, can literally change our health and our children's future. She also shared simple, practical steps for detoxing, boosting fertility for both men and women, and building a healthier foundation overall.   Whether you're dreaming of a baby

You know that feeling when your body's tired but your heart's carrying the real weight? Yeah… that's not just stress. It's your body holding onto stories it never got to finish, the unprocessed stuff we call trauma. In this powerful and personal conversation, Dr. Shiroko Sokitch and I get into how emotional wounds can quietly shape your physical health, and how real healing starts when you finally listen to what your body's been trying to say.   Dr. Shiroko spent years in emergency medicine before following her intuition into acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, blending Western science with deep emotional and spiritual healing. She shares incredible stories of patients who've transformed their lives by healing the emotions behind their symptoms. You'll learn how simple practices like visualization, acupuncture, and genuine self-compassion can help you reconnect with your body in ways that feel surprisingly doable.   If you've ever wondered why your shoulders ache when life feels heavy, or why your e

Strong bones do more than prevent fractures; they help you stay active, confident, and energized no matter your age. I caught up with Kevin Ellis, aka the Bone Coach, a Forbes-featured integrative health coach who's helped thousands of people worldwide improve their bone health through his Stronger Bones Solution. We talk about what your bone density scores really mean, the difference between bone quality and bone density, and practical steps you can take today to strengthen your bones. Kevin also shares simple nutrition tips, supplements like vitamin D3, K2, and collagen, plus safe exercises that fit your lifestyle.   If you've ever worried about osteopenia or osteoporosis, Kevin's personal story and guidance make it feel manageable and even empowering. From resistance training to balance exercises, he explains small, actionable ways to protect your bones while setting up a healthy foundation for future generations.   And while you're taking care of your bones, don't forget your daily boost with Mighty Maca

The transition through midlife can feel like stepping into unknown territory, your body changes, your moods shift, and suddenly what used to work no longer does. But what if understanding your hormones was the key to feeling like yourself again? In today's conversation, Dr. Cheryl Burdette, Director of Education at Progressive Medical Center and Co-Founder of Precision Point Diagnostics, breaks down what's really happening inside your body during this season of change. She shares how functional testing and targeted lifestyle shifts can restore energy, balance, and clarity at any age.   Dr. Cheryl's work spans everything from hormone testing to gut health and detoxification, and she has a way of making complicated topics feel doable. We talk about the truth behind those midlife changes no one really prepares us for, why they happen, what your labs might be telling you, and simple steps to start balancing your hormones naturally. It's the kind of honest, empowering conversation every woman deserves when navigat

If you’ve ever wondered why your body suddenly feels like it’s changing the rules, hot flashes, mood swings, brain fog, and all, this one’s for you. Perimenopause can feel confusing and even a little isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, I’m sitting down with my dear friend and hormone expert Dr. Mariza Snyder, who’s helping women everywhere see this season of life in a whole new light. She’s breaking down what’s actually happening in our bodies and how we can work with those changes instead of fighting against them.   Dr. Mariza has spent nearly two decades helping women understand their hormones, and she has such a beautiful way of making it all make sense. We talk through the stages of perimenopause, the shifts that happen along the way, and what your body’s trying to tell you through all of it. She also shares her top go-to practices, simple, doable things that make a real difference when it comes to energy, mood, and metabolism.   Your body isn’t broken; it’s evolving. Tune in for a hear

You might not think much about your bones until something goes wrong, but they’re living tissue that respond to how you move, eat, and even how you think. There’s a powerful connection between movement, mindset, and bone health that we don’t talk about enough. My guest today, Margie Bissinger, knows this better than anyone. She’s a Bone Health Expert, Physical Therapist, and Happiness Coach who’s helped thousands of women rebuild their strength and confidence from the inside out.   Margie and I get into what really works when it comes to keeping your bones strong without fear, confusion, or overwhelm. We talk about how to track your bone health between DEXA scans, what kinds of exercise truly make a difference, and how nutrition and hormones play a bigger role than most of us realize. She also shares her integrative approach to bone health that’s helped so many women feel vibrant again, and we answer some of your real questions from the Girlfriend Doctor community.   If this conversation sparks something in y

Sometimes the most important decisions for our health are the ones we don’t think about until it’s almost too late. Breast cancer screening is one of those things; we’d all rather not face it, but the truth is, the earlier we pay attention, the more power we have. That’s why I wanted to have this conversation with two incredible leaders in women’s health who are changing the way we think about mammograms and breast cancer detection.   Dr. Chirag Parghi, a Breast-Specialized Radiologist and Chief Medical Officer at Washington Radiology, explains why starting mammograms at 40 can make all the difference, especially if you have dense breast tissue. He also shares how new imaging tools, combined with artificial intelligence, are helping women avoid unnecessary biopsies and get clearer answers. Dana Brown, CEO of iCAD, brings such an inspiring perspective on how AI is transforming cancer detection around the world and why this matters to every single one of us.   We also talked about the simple, everyday choices w

Hormone health is rarely black and white, and that’s exactly why this conversation is so powerful. I sat down with my dear friend Natalie Jill, a Midlife Expert and Bestselling Author, to talk about the gray zones of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). We got real about the myths that keep women confused or even afraid, and why a “one-size-fits-all” approach just doesn’t work.   We get into the tough questions, like is HRT safe, when should you consider it, and what other natural support options are out there? We also talked about how detoxing plays such a big role in hormone health and how simple things (yes, even broccoli sprouts!) can make a difference. You’ll hear why progesterone and testosterone matter so much more than most women realize, plus a few easy ways to support your hormones starting today.   If this resonates, I’d love for you to join me live for my Mastering Your Hormones Masterclass at dranna.com/hormones. And because I always get asked what I use myself, yes, Julva is one of my favorite dai

Taking care of ourselves doesn’t always mean overhauling everything; it can start with one small choice to finally put our health first. That’s exactly what Tracy Slavik did after years of struggling with PCOS, weight, and hormonal ups and downs. She opened up about how she lost 100 pounds, regained her energy, and started trusting her body again with my Keto Green 16 program. Her story is such a reminder that real change is possible, even when it feels out of reach.   You’ll also hear from Angela Crump, who shares how she found her way back to joy after heartbreaking losses. Grief shook her world, but choosing self-care became her way of healing. She talks honestly about what it looked like to put her health back on the list and how those choices gave her life a new kind of vibrancy.   Both Tracy and Angela show us that when we take care of ourselves, everything else in life begins to shift too. This episode is full of real-life lessons, little mindset shifts, and encouragement that will meet you right where

Menopause isn’t the end of your vibrant life—it’s the beginning of a new chapter. In this inspiring episode of The Girlfriend Doctor, I’m sharing my personal journey through early menopause, the challenges I faced, and the discoveries that helped me reclaim my health, vitality, and joy.   Too often, women are told to simply “endure” menopause, but I believe suffering is optional. With the right questions, symptom tracking, and intentional lifestyle changes, this transition can become a time of renewal. That’s why I created my Magic Menopause program—to help women everywhere step into this phase with confidence, clarity, and even excitement.   If you’ve ever asked yourself, Why am I so tired? Why am I gaining weight? How do I stop the night sweats?—this conversation is for you. I’ll walk you through practical ways to restore balance, how to tell whether it’s menopause or stress that’s dragging you down, and why community and education are essential for navigating this season of life.   Menopause doesn’t have t

Did you know your eyes can actually tell the story of your overall health? My guest today, Dr. Rudrani (Rani) Banik, is a Board-Certified Neuro-Ophthalmologist and Functional Medicine Expert who blends the best of science with everyday lifestyle changes. She’s sharing how the food on your plate, the supplements you take, and even your daily routines can protect your vision as you age. And the best part is that it’s not complicated, just small steps that make a big difference.   If you’ve ever dealt with dry eyes, struggled with screen fatigue, or worried about your eyesight getting worse over time, this conversation is for you. Dr. Rani explains the surprising reasons eye drops don’t always work, her simple three-step eyelid routine, and the key nutrients that act like “super fuel” for your eyes. She also connects the dots between what’s happening in your eyes and what that can reveal about your heart, brain, and overall wellness.   Dr. Rani has been featured everywhere from Good Morning America to The New Yo

We’re surrounded by technology every day, but few of us stop to think about how it might be impacting our bodies. From the phone at your bedside to the Wi-Fi running all night, EMFs (electromagnetic fields) could be quietly affecting your hormones, energy, sleep, and even fertility. That’s why I sat down with Dr. Stephanie McCarter, a physician who has spent years studying how our environment shapes our health. She makes this complex topic surprisingly relatable and gives us plenty of reasons to start paying closer attention.   Dr. Stephanie shares some eye-opening stories and statistics, especially around how EMFs may be influencing children and pregnant women. More than just facts and figures, she offers everyday strategies you can easily bring into your own routine. She breaks down easy, practical changes that can lower your exposure without making you feel like you have to unplug from modern life.   What I love about this conversation is hearing Dr. Stephanie’s own journey from traditional medicine into e

Women’s health is complicated, isn’t it? Between stress, hormones, and all the changes that come with midlife, it can feel like we’re constantly trying to put puzzle pieces together without seeing the full picture. That’s why I loved sitting down with Dr. Margaret Christensen to talk about what’s really going on beneath the surface. She’s sharing a perspective on health, intimacy, and connection that every woman deserves to hear.   Dr. Margaret walked this journey herself. After facing serious health challenges from toxic mold exposure, she shifted from being a traditional OB-GYN to a leader in functional medicine. Now she helps women uncover the root causes of what’s draining their energy, throwing off their hormones, and leaving them feeling disconnected. In our conversation, she opens up about midlife changes, hormone therapy, and how we can reclaim both our vitality and our joy.   What really struck me was how she talks about sexuality and connection, not as something to be hidden or ignored, but as a pow

This might be the most personal story I’ve ever shared with you. I spent 92 hours in complete darkness, no phone, no light, no distractions, and what I came away with completely shifted how I see my life and make decisions. In this episode, I’m opening up about the surprising moments, the deep stillness, and the kind of clarity you can only find when everything else fades away. If you’ve ever felt pulled in a hundred directions, I think you’ll really connect with this one.   When I finally stepped out into the first light of dawn, it was like the world was brand new. Every sound, every feeling, every bit of sunlight felt alive. Out of that experience came something I now call Soul Math, a simple way to check in with myself before making decisions, so they feel good in my soul, not just on paper. I’ll walk you through the exact questions I ask myself, and I’ve even made a simple journal page you can use, too.   I’ll also tell you about a big speaking invitation I got in Bali, and the inner struggle it took to

Brain fog, itchy ears, and phantom smells? Yep, those are real menopause symptoms, and chances are no one warned you about them. That’s why I sat down with Andrea Donsky, a brilliant Menopause Researcher, Nutritionist, and Host of the Menopause Reimagined podcast. With nearly 350K TikTok followers and decades in the wellness space, Andrea’s on a mission to change the way we talk about this season of life, and trust me, you’ll feel so seen after hearing what she shares. We chatted about the 100+ symptoms women are dealing with (some that honestly blew my mind), how to support your body with simple nutrition shifts, and why magnesium and omega-3s might just be your new best friends. Andrea also opened up about the reality of low libido and sleep struggles, things so many of us face but rarely talk about. If you’ve ever felt confused, frustrated, or just plain tired during perimenopause or menopause, you’re not alone, friend. This episode is full of truth, tools, and a whole lot of hope. And before you go… I’ve

Hormones can be wild, especially in perimenopause and menopause, and sometimes it feels like no one talks about just how much they mess with your mind, mood, and energy. But there’s a real science behind why things feel off, and it’s not all in your head. I sat down with my friend and hormone expert, Dr. Betty Murray, to talk about the gut-brain-hormone connection and why it’s such a big deal for women in this season of life. She’s not only a Functional Medicine Pioneer with over 20 years of experience, she’s also the Founder of The Menrva Project, a game-changing platform rethinking menopause care. We talk about the stuff most doctors skip, why testing your hormones (not just guessing!) matters, how your gut health plays into your symptoms, and how stress totally hijacks your body. Dr. Betty shares what she’s seeing work in real time with her clients and why truly personalized care makes all the difference. If you’ve ever been told “it’s just aging” or felt brushed off, this one’s for you. She also gives som

You might not think of light as a healing tool, but red and near-infrared light can do some pretty amazing things, especially when it comes to pelvic health. From easing perimenopause struggles to helping your body bounce back after birth, this kind of light therapy is opening up a whole new world for women dealing with pain, discomfort, or intimacy issues. I had such a good conversation with Dr. Genevieve Newton (Fringe’s Scientific Director) and Elizabeth Frey (Pelvic Health Physiotherapist) about how this all works, and why more women need to know about it. If you’ve been dealing with stuff “down there” that no one seems to talk about… this is your episode.   We broke down how light therapy works on a cellular level, why the pelvic region responds so well to it, and how vibration and frequency add even more benefits. Liz shared some powerful stories from her practice, real women seeing real results, like less pain, better intimacy, and more confidence in their own bodies. And Dr. Gen? She brings the scienc

Hormones are wild, especially when you realize they’re not just about how much you have, but how your body uses and processes them behind the scenes. That’s what hormone metabolite testing helps uncover, and honestly, it’s a game-changer. I’m sitting down with Dr. Liz Bartman, an incredible Naturopathic Doctor with a deep background in hormone science, to talk about how we can actually test our hormones in a meaningful way and what those results are really telling us. We chat about the different ways to test—blood, saliva, urine—and why each one tells a slightly different story. Dr. Liz also shares what happens to our hormones during menopause (hint: it’s not all doom and gloom) and why cholesterol is actually essential for hormone production. One of the most eye-opening parts? The way our bodies detox estrogen and what certain metabolites might be saying about our long-term health risks, like breast cancer. If you’ve ever felt like your labs weren’t giving you the full picture, this one’s for you. Dr. Liz br

Bladder leaks, dryness, and low libido aren’t exactly dinner table topics… but maybe they should be. These issues are way more common than we think, especially during and after menopause, and they have a huge impact on how we feel day to day. That’s why I sit down with Dr. Rena Malik, a Board-Certified Urologist and Sexual Medicine Specialist who’s made it her mission to talk about the things most people won’t. We talk about everything from pelvic floor problems to how hormones like estrogen and testosterone affect our sexual health and bladder function. Dr. Rena shares why stress makes things worse (yep, even your bladder feels it), and how simple things like breathing or pelvic floor therapy can help you get back in tune with your body. She also breaks down what options are really worth exploring—like vaginal estrogen, testosterone therapy, and a few new treatments you may not have heard of yet. If your body’s been sending signals you’ve been ignoring, consider this your sign to tune in and start listening.