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In this episode, we welcome Amy Larocca, author of 'How to Be Well: Navigating Our Self-Care Epidemic, one Dubious Cure at a Time'. Amy joins us to discuss the intersection of fashion and wellness, chronic invisible illnesses, and the deceptive allure of the wellness industry. From her observations as a fashion journalist to her personal experiences and deep dive into the world of wellness, Amy reveals the psychological and cultural forces at play. We explore the commercialization of self-care, the rise of wellness trends, and the problematic blend of functional medicine with profit-driven motives. Amy also touches on the controversial role of celebrities, such as Gwyneth Paltrow, in promoting pseudoscience, and the constant societal pressure on women to achieve an unattainable standard of 'wellness'. Join us as we dissect the myths of the wellness industry and delve into the true meaning of self-care.

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00:00 The Origins of a Name
00:22 Introducing Amy Larocca: From Fashion to Wellness
01:11 The Intersection of Fashion and Wellness
02:37 The Rise of Wellness Trends
04:10 Motherhood and Wellness
06:59 Gwyneth Paltrow and the Goop Phenomenon
17:13 The Allure and Pitfalls of Functional Medicine
23:49 The Growing Gap in Healthcare Access
25:21 Debunking Health Myths
25:43 The Juice Cleanse Phenomenon
28:41 Balancing Humor and Seriousness in Health
29:04 The Absurdity of Health Trends
30:35 The Exploitation of Wellness
39:36 Biohacking and Its Implications
41:32 The Role of Lifestyle Medicine
43:35 Concluding Thoughts on Wellness

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International Conference on ADHD in November 2025 where Dr. Lenz will be one of the speakers.

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When I started this podcast and YouTube Channel—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 29+ years as an MD.

Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace per...

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New Breakthrough: The Neurobiological Basis of Fibromyalgia Pain Revealed

Are you or a loved one struggling with widespread pain often dismissed as stress-induced? Dr. Michael Lenz uncovers groundbreaking data showing that such pain is linked to measurable changes in the brain's structure. This episode delves into a massive study involving over 40,000 participants from the UK Biobank, validating the fibromyalgia index (FMI) as a reliable marker for nociplastic pain, especially seen in fibromyalgia. Key findings spotlight the altered structural connectivity within brain regions like the periaqueductal gray and amygdala, elucidating the link between chronic pain and symptoms such as fatigue and depression. Tune in to grasp a deeper understanding of the biological underpinnings of nociplastic pain and its ramifications for targeted treatments.

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00:00 Introduction to Nociplastic Pain
01:32 Groundbreaking Study on Fibromyalgia Index
01:52 Understanding Nociplastic Pain and Fibromyalgia
02:52 Brain Networks and Pain Modulation
04:08 Key Findings on Structural Connectivity
04:53 Specific Brain Circuits and Symptoms
06:10 Mediation Models and Symptom Domains
07:10 Specificity of the Fibromyalgia Index
07:48 Conclusion and Key Takeaways
08:16 Final Thoughts

Support the show

When I started this podcast and YouTube Channel—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 29+ years as an MD.

Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace per...

Text Dr. Lenz any feedback or questions

Navigating Chronic Pain and Pseudoscientific Treatments: A Deep Dive

The podcast episode features a conversation centered around the challenges and misconceptions in treating chronic conditions like fibromyalgia and ADHD. Topics covered include the shortcomings of mainstream medicine, supply issues of necessary medications, and the appeal of pseudoscientific treatments. Discussions extend to alternative therapies like EMDR for PTSD, their scientific validity, and potential psychological benefits. The episode critiques pseudoscientific grifts in wellness industries, emphasizes the importance of evidence-based medical approaches, and shares personal anecdotes to underline the significance of comprehensive, scientifically grounded care. The conversation concludes by advocating for skepticism over cynicism and the ethical duty of clinicians to empower patients with accurate information.

00:00 Introduction and Patient Case Study
00:05 Challenges with Fibromyalgia and ADHD
00:31 Alternative Medicine and Root Causes
01:43 Mainstream Medicine vs. Alternative Medicine
03:08 Exploring EMDR Therapy
03:54 The Purple Hat Metaphor
05:15 Debate on EMDR's Effectiveness
08:05 Neuroimaging and Mental Health Diagnosis
11:54 Critique of Alternative Pain Models
16:55 Red Flags in Evaluating Therapies
19:08 Personal Story and Motivation
22:14 Final Thoughts and Advocacy

Click here for the YouTube channel

Support the show

When I started this podcast and YouTube Channel—and the book that came before it—I had my patients in mind. Office visits are short, but understanding complex, often misunderstood conditions like fibromyalgia takes time. That’s why I created this space: to offer education, validation, and hope. If you’ve been told fibromyalgia “isn’t real” or that it’s “all in your head,” know this—I see you. I believe you. This podcast aims to affirm your experience and explain the science behind it. Whether you live with fibromyalgia, care for someone who does, or are a healthcare professional looking to better support patients, you’ll find trusted, evidence-based insights here, drawn from my 29+ years as an MD.

Please remember to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and care. This content doesn’t replace per...