As we look back on 2025, one thing became clear. The episodes that resonated most were not about quick fixes. They were about helping women finally understand their bodies. This year, you leaned into conversations that offered clarity instead of confusion, compassion instead of restriction, and real explanations for why your body responds the way it does.

In this special Best of 2025 episode, we are revisiting the moments that moved you most. You will hear powerful clips on gut health, hormones, burnout, mitochondria, intimacy, alcohol, oral and eye health, and the nervous system. Again and again, the message was the same. Your symptoms are not random, your body is not broken, and everything is connected. When we support digestion, calm the nervous system, and honor female physiology, healing becomes possible and sustainable.

If these conversations reflect what you are craving right now, I invite you to join the Keto-Green 16 Challenge. This is not just about healthy eating. It is about challenging what has been holding you back. For 16 days, you will replenish your body, boost your energy, and reconnect to your highest self with daily support from me, a private community, proven meal plans and recipes, intermittent fasting protocols designed for women, and real results like weight loss, mental clarity, and lasting energy.

Key Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Welcome to The Girlfriend Doctor Podcast.
[00:02:57] The Gut-Hormone Link You Need to Know with Steven Wright
[00:05:06] HRT: Compounding Hormones & Customization with Sahar Swidan
[00:07:16] Histamine & Burnout: The Connection with Will Cole
[00:10:33] Rethinking Your Relationship with Alcohol with Olivia Farrelly
[00:14:40] Repair Your Mitochondria, Heal Your Body
[00:18:07] Empowering Women: Beyond the Estrogen Window
[00:00:25] The Deadly Secrets in Your Smile Part 1
[00:23:06] Reclaiming Sacred Sexuality
[00:26:44] New Year Q&A Special: Heartfelt Stories, Hair Loss & Hormonal Insights
[00:30:24] Eye Health & Migraine Relief (Live Community Call) Dr. Rani Banik

Connect with Dr. Anna Cabeca:

Website: https://drannacabeca.com/pages/show

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca

Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com

So many women hit midlife and suddenly find themselves whispering about things they never thought they'd struggle with, like desire, dryness, disconnection, or feeling like a stranger in their own body. That quiet discomfort adds up, and it can take a real toll on intimacy and self-confidence. In this episode, we start talking about what's actually going on with your hormones, your libido, and your relationships, so you can finally get clarity instead of guessing.

Gabriella Espinosa, a Menopause Advocate, Women's Health and Sexual Wellness Coach, and Host of Pleasure in the Pause, joins me and immediately brings this grounded mix of wisdom, humor, and real-life experience. She opens up about her own perimenopause journey and why understanding your anatomy, pleasure points, and changing hormones is a total game-changer. We talk about how to speak up with your partner and your doctor in a way that feels honest and not awkward.

You'll hear simple, practical ways to reconnect with your body, rebuild desire, and shift the narrative around menopause from "something to survive" into something that actually expands your confidence. Gabriella shares how this stage of life can sharpen your wisdom, deepen your pleasure, and even make you feel sexier than you expected. If you've been craving a more open, empowering take on sexual wellness in your 40s, 50s, and beyond, this conversation is for you. And before you go, grab my Free Holiday Recipe Guide, 29 pages of hormone-friendly Keto-Green dishes that help you enjoy every festive bite without the crash, bloat, or guilt, available at dranna.com.

Key Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Introduction.

[00:01:54] Cost of silence in intimacy.

[00:06:48] Midlife sexuality and pleasure.

[00:09:40] Self-discovery through sexual anatomy.

[00:12:11] Bodily awareness and sexual desire.

[00:16:35] Intimacy and pleasure anatomy.

[00:22:14] Pleasure exploration in midlife.

[00:26:49] Menopause as an invitation.

[00:30:06] Sexual awakening in later life.

[00:32:10] Redefining midlife women's roles.

[00:35:52] Healing a body you hate.

[00:39:30] Unsilencing women's conversations.

Memorable Quotes:

"I discovered that midlife isn't the end. It isn't the end of pleasure. It's really a new, exciting chapter." [00:10:30] – Gabriella Espinosa

"Your pleasure isn't lost. It may be buried under layers of stress, shame, or disconnection, but it's not gone." [00:33:19] – Gabriella Espinosa

Links Mentioned:

Free Holiday Recipe Guide: https://dranna.com/holidayrecipes

Connect with Gabriella Espinosa:

Website: https://www.pleasureinthepause.com

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

Connect with Dr. Anna Cabeca:

Website: https://drannacabeca.com/pages/show

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca

Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com

Oxytocin might get all the hype as the "love hormone," but the way it quietly shapes our mood, relationships, and everyday well-being is honestly pretty incredible once you understand it. In today's episode, you'll get a clear look at what this hormone is actually doing behind the scenes and why it plays such a big role in how connected, calm, and joyful we feel. We break down the real science in simple language and talk about the places where oxytocin shows up in your life without you even noticing.

I'm sitting down with my good friend, Dr. Tyna Moore, one of the smartest and most grounded voices in regenerative medicine, and a licensed Naturopathic Physician and Chiropractor with nearly 30 years of experience. She shares how oxytocin supports immunity, emotional balance, metabolic health, and even pain resilience in ways most women never hear about. We talk through simple, doable habits that naturally lift oxytocin without feeling like another task on your list.

We also open up about topics that deserve way more space, like vaginal atrophy, pelvic floor strength, intimacy changes, and how oxytocin weaves into all of it as we age. You'll walk away with insights you can use immediately to support your body, your mood, and your relationships. And before you tune out, don't forget to grab my Free Holiday Recipe Guide at dranna.com, it's packed with cozy, hormone-friendly Keto-Green recipes that let you enjoy the season without the crash or guilt.

Key Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Introduction.

[00:01:01] Oxytocin: The queen mother hormone.

[00:04:48] Oxytocin's far-reaching benefits.

[00:09:10] Oxytocin's impact on pain.

[00:12:20] Boosting oxytocin for well-being.

[00:16:02] Microdosing oxytocin through play.

[00:21:05] Importance of community for longevity.

[00:21:36] Oxytocin and stress reduction.

[00:25:05] Oxytocin's role in hormones.

[00:30:59] Medicalizing menopause concerns.

[00:34:03] Hormones and family dynamics.

[00:36:44] Physiology drives behavior transformation.

[00:39:47] Oxytocin vs. Cortisol Dynamics.

[00:44:05] Intimacy and stress management.

[00:47:19] Vaginal health importance and microbiome.

[00:56:50] Health of the vagina and intimacy.

[00:59:20] Vaginal and urinary health solutions.

[01:02:06] Hormonal impact on urinary health.

Memorable Quotes:

"It's a calming down of the nervous system enough to move through the pain is how I've tried to explain this to my patients and what I've experienced personally." [00:06:38] – Dr. Tyna Moore

"The more that you nurture me, make me feel safe, make me feel beautiful, make me feel happy, the more my hormones will respond positively and you will get the beautiful, happy wife that you deserve." [00:34:22] – Dr. Tyna Moore

Links Mentioned:

Free Holiday Recipe Guide: https://dranna.com/holidayrecipes

Ozempic Uncovered Course: https://www.drtyna.com/ozempicuncovered

Dr. Anna's Oxytocin Quiz: https://drannacabeca.com/pages/oxytocin-quiz

Connect with Dr. Tyna Moore:

Website: https://www.drtyna.com/

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

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@drtyna

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-tyna-show/id1577258582

Connect with Dr. Anna Cabeca:

Website: https://drannacabeca.com/pages/show

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca

Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com

It's wild how easily alcohol becomes part of our routine, especially in midlife, yet so many women quietly wonder why their sleep, mood, or hormones suddenly feel out of sync. In this episode, we get real about what alcohol is actually doing behind the scenes and how a few simple nutrition shifts can change the way you feel (and even what you crave). I'm sitting down with Dr. Brooke Scheller, a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition and Founder of Functional Sobriety, whose work is helping women rethink their drinking habits with compassion and curiosity.

Dr. Brooke opens up about her own sobriety journey and the surprising link she discovered between food and alcohol cravings. We break down the myth of "healthy" drinking, talk through why midlife hormones can make alcohol hit harder, and share the small swaps that make cutting back feel a lot less intimidating.

You'll hear insights that make you feel empowered, not judged, about what's going on in your body and why giving yourself a little more support can make a huge difference in your energy, mood, and clarity. And if you want a little extra help this season, grab my Free Holiday Recipe Guide filled with cozy, hormone-friendly dishes that taste like tradition without the crash, and hop on the 2025 VIP Hot List to be the first to know when my Black Friday deals go live.

Key Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Introduction.

[00:04:43] Alcohol consumption and the Gen Z

[00:06:06] Should you really drink alcohol?

[00:07:35] Alcohol's impact on midlife stress.

[00:12:41] Gut health and sobriety.

[00:21:11] Alcohol's impact on hormone balance.

[00:23:07] Alcohol as a macronutrient.

[00:28:23] Cravings and willpower connection.

[00:31:41] Nutrient depletion and cravings.

[00:36:31] Nutrient deficiencies and health.

[00:38:50] Understanding cravings and nutrition.

[00:43:33] The power of reducing alcohol.

[00:47:08] Simple steps to take if you want to reduce alcohol.

Memorable Quotes:

"I really challenge people, and what I hope that people take away from this discussion is really just starting to think about what alcohol means to them." [00:08:46] – Dr. Brooke Scheller

"It wasn't until we unlocked that alcohol piece that everything else started falling into place." [00:46:25] – Dr. Brooke Scheller

Links Mentioned:

Free Holiday Recipe Guide: https://dranna.com/holidayrecipes

Black Friday 2025 VIP Hot List: https://dranna.com/deals

How to Eat to Change How You Drink Book: https://a.co/d/6hjCXTE

Connect with Dr. Brooke Scheller:

Website: http://www.functionalsobriety.com/

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

Connect with Dr. Anna Cabeca:

Website: https://drannacabeca.com/pages/show

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca

Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com

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 changes, low energy, or hormonal shifts, you'll appreciate Dr. Jack's explanation of the leptin-melanocortin pathway and what it means for women at every age. His own 150-pound weight-loss story adds real heart to the science and shows how much can change when your environment starts working for you instead of against you. This episode delivers a mix of empowering insights and simple shifts you can start today for better vitality.

And before you go, make sure to download my Free Holiday Recipe Guide, a delicious, hormone-friendly way to enjoy festive, Keto-Green dishes all season long at dranna.com.

Key Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Introduction.

[00:04:57] Circadian biology and health optimization.

[00:10:10] The importance of morning sunlight.

[00:17:00] Environmental impact on women's health.

[00:19:54] Blue light toxicity in eyes.

[00:23:04] Impact of sunglasses on health.

[00:27:52] Importance of oxytocin hormone.

[00:30:30] Mitochondria and light absorption.

[00:36:15] Leptin and fertility connection.

[00:38:05] Importance of fat for babies.

[00:43:05] Blue light's role in hormonal balance and infertility.

[00:45:36] Natural sun protection alternatives.

[00:50:32] Hormonal health and technology impact.

[00:53:10] Light as medicine and healing.

[00:58:41] GABA and benzodiazepine addiction.

[01:00:06] Relationship between light and health.

[01:09:18] Deuterium's impact on health.

[01:13:39] Sun exposure for sexual health.

[01:20:34] Politics and health care challenges.

[01:24:03] Importance of time over wealth.

[01:27:29] Jet lag management strategies.

Memorable Quotes:

"If you're a woman who's a dried-up prune, this by definition already tells you that you don't get enough AM sunlight." [00:10:17] – Dr. Jack Kruse

"Blue light is the single number one thing that destroys hormone balance." [00:43:21] – Dr. Jack Kruse

Links Mentioned:

Free Holiday Recipe Guide: https://dranna.com/holidayrecipes

Connect with Dr. Jack Kruse:

Website: https://jackkruse.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drjackkruse/

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/drjackkruse

Connect with Dr. Anna Cabeca:

Website: https://drannacabeca.com/pages/show

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca

Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com

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 or just want to feel your best at any stage of life, this conversation will make you think differently about your health and the legacy you're creating.

And because the holidays are here, grab my Free Holiday Recipe Guide. 29 pages of delicious, hormone-friendly Keto-Green recipes that let you indulge without the crash or guilt. Get your copy at dranna.com.

Key Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Introduction.

[00:03:06] Your environment and its impact on health.

[00:06:08] Chronic disease vs. acute care.

[00:09:38] Fertility issues and preconception.

[00:13:48] Male factor fertility issues.

[00:15:45] Optimizing fertility before conception.

[00:19:12] Key supplements for pregnancy preparation.

[00:24:17] Where is inflammation coming from?

[00:25:25] Male factor fertility supplements.

[00:28:48] The Preconception Revolution.

[00:30:21] Fertility and environmental toxicity.

[00:33:51] Blue light and testosterone impact.

Memorable Quotes:

"I wrote this book because there's hope." [00:12:13] – Dr. Ann Shippy

"The dedication for the book is to these precious souls that want to come in to be part of humanity, and that they want strong bodies." [00:30:22] – Dr. Ann Shippy

Links Mentioned:

Free Holiday Recipe Guide: https://dranna.com/holidayrecipes

The Preconception Revolution: https://annshippymd.com/the-preconception-revolution/

Connect with Dr. Ann Shippy:

Website: https://annshippymd.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnShippyMD/

Connect with Dr. Anna Cabeca:

Website: https://drannacabeca.com/pages/show

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca

Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com

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 energy crashes after emotional stress, this episode is going to hit home. It's full of heart, hope, and hands-on healing wisdom you can actually use — no fluff, just real talk about what it means to feel whole again.

P.S. Before you dive into holiday chaos, a quick love note from me: don't forget to take care of you. My Black Friday + Cyber Monday deals are live soon, and it's the best time to stock up on my favorites like Mighty Maca and Keto-Green essentials that keep your body steady (even when life isn't). Pop over to dranna.com/deals to get early VIP access, because you deserve to feel amazing through all the merry madness.

Key Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Introduction.

[00:02:22] Body holds on to trauma.

[00:03:14] Incorporation of Eastern medicine with Western medicine.

[00:06:13] The science behind acupuncture.

[00:10:12] Healing emotional & spiritual trauma through acupuncture.

[00:16:08] Surgery preparation and success.

[00:20:15] Love as a healing force.

[00:23:32] Body love and healing journey.

[00:29:22] The body as a teacher.

[00:31:34] Healing without prejudice.

Memorable Quotes:

"I always talk about love as the most powerful healing force." [00:20:17] – Dr. Shiroko Sokitch

"If you are willing to love and recognize your body as your friend, then you can start to learn what you need to learn from these experiences." [00:29:39] – Dr. Shiroko Sokitch

Links Mentioned:

Holiday Deals: http://dranna.com/deals

Healing When It Seems Impossible by Dr. Shiroko Sokitch: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-When-Seems-Impossible-Keys/dp/0692188274

Connect with Dr. Shiroko Sokitch:

Website: https://hearttoheartmedicalcenter.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HearttoHeartMedicalCenter/

Connect with Dr. Anna Cabeca:

Website: https://drannacabeca.com/pages/show

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca

Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com

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 Plus, packed with 30+ superfoods that even my three-year-old loves. For women wanting to feel vibrant and confident, Julva cream is a gentle, natural way to support intimate wellness. Visit dranna.com to try them today.

Key Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Introduction.

[00:01:01] Bone health and osteoporosis.

[00:06:32] Osteopenia: precursor to osteoporosis.

[00:08:49] Bone density and quality assessment.

[00:11:12] Advice for osteopenia and osteoporosis.

[00:16:15] Nutrients for bone health.

[00:18:26] Bisphosphonates and bone health.

[00:23:09] Bone turnover markers importance and testing.

[00:34:34] High bone turnover osteoporosis.

[00:35:58] Hormones and bone health markers.

[00:40:01] Importance of resistance training.

[00:44:38] Young male osteoporosis experience.

[00:46:04] Osteoporosis and bone health solutions.

[00:49:17] Health advocacy and personal growth.

Memorable Quotes:

"Bone density shows you the past. Bone turnover shows you the future." [00:23:48] – Kevin Ellis

"I feel like we're in a position where we can really move this space forward in a positive direction and help people be a little bit more predictive than reactive." [00:31:04] – Kevin Ellis

Links Mentioned:

Mighty Maca Plus: https://drannacabeca.com/products/mighty-maca

Julva Cream: http://dranna.com/summeroflove

Bone Coach (Use code DRANNA): https://bonecoach.com/

Healthy Bones Co. (Use code DRANNA): https://healthybonesco.com/

Osteo IQ (Use code DRANNA): https://osteoiq.com/

Connect with Kevin Ellis:

Website: https://bonecoach.com/

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

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bonecoach

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bonecoach

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bonecoach

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bonecoach

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bonecoach

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-bone-coach-osteoporosis-bone-health-podcast/id1483975147

Connect with Dr. Anna Cabeca:

Website: https://drannacabeca.com/pages/show

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thegirlfrienddoctor

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drannacabeca

Produced by Evolved Podcasting: www.evolvedpodcasting.com