In this final episode of Wildly Optimized Wellness, I reflect on the life-changing experience of surviving SCAD and how it has reshaped my beliefs about health, wellness, and the industry I’ve worked in for over a decade. After years of immersing myself in functional medicine, I’ve realized just how much misinformation and oversimplification exist in the wellness space—some of which I, too, have unknowingly contributed to. I dive into the illusions that the wellness industry sells, the importance of critical thinking, and why I’ve decided to take a step back, take a gap year, and reevaluate what’s next for me. This is a raw, honest, and deeply personal farewell—for now.

Timestamp

00:00 - Cracks in the Illusion: The Unspoken Lies I Believed in the Wellness Industry

01:11 - How SCAD Changed Everything

02:34 - Entering Functional Medicine

05:41 - Questioning Wellness Culture

08:29 - The First Wake-Up Call: Skin Cancer

10:40 - Misinformation in the $6.3 Trillion Wellness Industry

16:02 - Breaking Free from Affiliate Marketing

19:26 - Living in the Gray Area

21:17 - The End of Something Great

Resources Mentioned:

Toréa Rodriguez’s Website

Episode 073: Surviving SCAD & What Every Woman Needs to Know



Connect with Toréa

Website: https://www.torearodriguez.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torearodriguez/

Threads:https://www.threads.net/@torearodriguez

For full show notes and resources: https://www.torearodriguez.com/wowpodcast/e074

In this episode of Wildly Optimized Wellness, I open up about my journey with SCAD—spontaneous coronary artery dissection—a life-altering, yet little-known heart condition that primarily affects women. Six months after my SCAD heart attack, I’m sharing everything I’ve learned about this condition, from its surprising connection to hormone fluctuations to the gaps in research and diagnosis. I also dive into the emotional and mental health impact of surviving a SCAD event, the challenges of navigating medical care, and what we can do to raise awareness. If you’ve never heard of SCAD before, you’re not alone—but this is something every woman should know about.

Timestamp

00:00 - The SCAD Heart Attack I Never Saw Coming: What Women Need to Know

01:37 - What is SCAD?

04:28 - Who is at Risk?

06:31 - A Trip to the Mayo Clinic

09:29 - The Lack of SCAD Research

16:59 - The Hormone Controversy

26:54 - The Emotional and Mental Health Toll

34:34 - The Role of Functional Breathing

42:40 - The Future of SCAD Research

45:27 - Why SCAD Awareness Matters

Mayo Womens Cardiovascular Medicine

Mayo SCAD Information

iSCAD Registry

SCAD Alliance

Episode 062 | Cracking the Migraine Code

Episode 055 | Power of Functional Breathing

Connect with Toréa

Website: https://www.torearodriguez.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/torearodriguez/

Threads:https://www.threads.net/@torearodriguez

For full show notes and resources: https://www.torearodriguez.com/wowpodcast/e073

In this episode of Wildly Optimized Wellness, Toréa Rodriguez is joined by Becca Kannapell, the co-founder of Pound Jewelry. Becca’s passion for stones, crystals, and the natural world sparks a fascinating discussion about the energetic properties of minerals and their role in healing. Together, they explore how Pound Jewelry sources its materials ethically and the significance of sacred geometry in their designs. This episode is perfect for listeners curious about the deeper connection between nature and wellness, as Becca and Toréa reveal the powerful bond between the natural world and personal transformation.

Timestamp

00:00 - Listening to Stones: A Journey with Becca Kannapell

04:24 - The Birth of Pound Jewelry

07:04 - Childhood Connection to Crystals

10:04 - Sacred Geometry in Nature

19:02 - Feeling the Energy of Different Places

26:53 - Healing with Crystals

34:48 - Reconnecting with Nature

42:30 - Upcoming Projects for Pound Jewelry

45:53 - Where to Find Pound Jewelry

For full show notes and resources: https://www.torearodriguez.com/wowpodcast/e072

In this episode, Toréa explores the power of identity and how it shapes our lives. Broadcasting from the beach, she shares her journey through various identity shifts—from her early career in Silicon Valley to becoming a health coach and transformation guide. The episode takes a dramatic turn as Toréa recounts her recent experience with a heart attack caused by the rare condition SCAD (Spontaneous Coronary Arterial Dissection). Despite this challenge, she remains focused on her goal of becoming a "ninja in her 90s" and discusses how she’s adapting her identity once again to navigate this new chapter.

Discover the importance of intentional identity shifts, the role of neuroscience in reinforcing who we are, and practical tools for personal growth. This episode is filled with valuable insights for anyone facing a life pivot or striving to achieve their goals.

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to leave a review, hit that follow button, and share it with a friend. Your support helps others discover the show and can make a huge impact!

00:00 - The Heart of Identity

01:16 - The impact of identity

04:47 - Understanding how identities form and can be reshaped

10:14 - The goal of becoming a "ninja in her 90s" and the identity shift needed

15:54 - Plot Twist: Toréa’s unexpected SCAD heart attack

20:38 - Embracing recovery through redefining identity

22:19 - Deep Transformation program is open for enrollment and a special offer for listeners

For full show notes and resources: https://www.torearodriguez.com/wowpodcast/e070

In this episode of the Wildly Optimized Wellness Podcast, host Toréa Rodriguez introduces Deanna Kleinhenz, a professional backpacking guide and empowerment coach. Deanna shares her journey from South Florida to Colorado, detailing how her first chaotic backpacking trip sparked a lifelong passion for the outdoors and mental wellness. The conversation explores the transformative power of nature, the importance of being present, and how Deanna’s company, Expedition Courage, empowers women through wilderness immersion. Whether listeners are seasoned hikers or simply curious about the healing potential of the outdoors, this episode offers insights, laughs, and inspiration. Join them on this trailblazing discussion!

00:00 - Introduction to the Episode.

01:11 - Meet Deanna Kleinhenz

02:17 - The Connection Between Mental Health and Nature

04:19 - From South Florida to Colorado.

07:21 - The Empowerment of Backpacking

12:06 - Becoming a Professional Guide

19:41 - Handling Psychological Emergencies

22:42 - Preparing Clients for Outdoor Experiences

27:43 - Upcoming Women's Backpacking Retreat

32:51 - How to Connect and Special Offer

For full show notes and resources: https://www.torearodriguez.com/wowpodcast/e069

In this episode of the Wildly Optimized Wellness podcast, Toréa takes along a paddle of a picturesque mountain lake near the Jefferson Wilderness area in Oregon. As she paddles through the clear waters, she reflects on the concepts of living in cause versus effect, demonstrating how shifting our mindset can lead to empowerment.

Join Toréa as she explores the beauty of nature and discusses the significance of taking control of our reactions and actions in the face of life's challenges. This episode is a perfect blend of tranquility and inspiration, encouraging listeners to embrace the outdoors as a proactive approach to their wellness.

00:00 - Join Me Outside 🌲 Living in Cause vs. Effect

01:28 - Setting the Scene: A Mountain Lake Adventure

02:38 - Exploring the Ecosystem

05:49 - Living in Cause vs. Effect

08:37 - Overcoming Obstacles: A Personal Story

14:23 - Applying the Concept to Life and Wellness

17:45 - Celebrating Small Actions

19:34 - Announcement: Deep Transformation is coming this fall

For full show notes and resources: https://www.torearodriguez.com/wowpodcast/e068

In this episode of the Wildly Optimized Wellness podcast, Toréa Rodriguez sits down with Lauren Sambataro, a fellow FDN and Chek Practitioner, to dive into the fascinating world of holistic health and biohacking. Lauren shares her journey from a background in dance and personal training to becoming a holistic health coach. They discuss the significance of integrating metabolic and mental health, exploring tools like continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), meditation, and microdosing to optimize wellness. Lauren's approach emphasizes the importance of curiosity and listening to one's body to tailor health practices to individual needs. This episode is packed with insights into how to harmonize your health practices for better physical and mental well-being.

[1:11] - Introduction to Lauren Sambataro, her background, and how she became an FDN and Chek Practitioner.

[2:55] - Lauren's transition from personal training to holistic health coaching, influenced by her father's background as a biological dentist and OG biohacker.

[10:00] - The integration of objective data (like CGMs) with subjective feedback to optimize health practices.

[12:49] - The role of curiosity in health practices and the unique challenges women face in the biohacking space.

[19:29] - Key takeaways from using a CGM: the impact of meal timing, post-meal walks, and high-protein breakfasts.

[21:51] - The concept of "Choose Your Own Adventure" meals for families with different metabolic needs.

[22:58] - The transformative effects of meditation and microdosing on Lauren's practice and client outcomes.

[36:39] - Upcoming events: Lauren and her sister will emcee the Dragonfly Women's Health Conference.

[40:04] - Discussion on the benefits of the AmpCoil, a biohacking tool that uses sound frequencies to tune the body's organs.

[43:23] - Where to find more about Lauren and the Biohacker Babes podcast.

For full show notes and resources:

https://www.torearodriguez.com/wowpodcast/e067