Sweaty AF Podcast

Health Optimization, Preventative Wellness & The Future of Functional Medicine
In this episode, I’m joined by Sam Tejada, President and Founder of Liquivida, for a grounded, science-led conversation on what true health optimization actually means in a world obsessed with aesthetics, shortcuts, and trends.
Sam shares his personal journey from working as a lifeguard to emergency medicine, and ultimately into functional medicine, after witnessing first-hand the critical gaps in our healthcare system, particularly when it comes to prevention and early detection. Rather than reacting to disease, Sam’s work focuses on identifying imbalances early and creating sustainable, long-term health outcomes.
We explore why preventative wellness must be the foundation of modern healthcare, and why the basics, nutrition, movement, and sleep , are still the most powerful tools we have. Sam explains how tracking biomarkers provides clarity and direction, allowing individuals to make informed decisions rather than chasing trends or relying on guesswork.
The conversation also dives into stress management and nervous system regulation, the often-overlooked role of community and connection in longevity, and why weight loss alone is a poor marker of health if function, energy, and resilience are compromised. Sam contrasts aesthetic-driven goals with true functional health, highlighting the importance of mitochondrial health for sustained energy, performance, and ageing well.
We also unpack current wellness trends, including why alkaline water offers little therapeutic benefit, how molecular hydrogen differs, and why data, not dogma, should guide health decisions. Sam shares his personal non-negotiables for health, emphasizing the importance of learning what to say no to, not just what to add.
Finally, we focus on one of the most underestimated pillars of longevity: sleep. Sam explains why preparing the body to sleep is just as important as sleep itself, and how consistent sleep hygiene underpins everything from hormone balance to long-term performance.
This episode is a powerful reminder that optimal health isn’t about doing more, it’s about doing what works, consistently, and with intention.
Sam Tejada – Official Website:
https://samtejada.com/

Liquivida (Founder & President):
https://www.liquivida.com/about/executive-team/samael-tejada-president

In this powerful and deeply moving episode, we sit down with Dr. Emilia Vuorisalmi, medical doctor, bestselling author and globally recognised Love Doctor, to explore how love hormones shape every part of our emotional and physical wellbeing.
Dr. Emilia shares her personal journey from heartbreak and burnout into pioneering research on the hormones of love. What began as a search to heal her own heart became a lifelong mission to understand dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin and their profound influence on mental health, relationships, resilience and vitality.
We explore how trauma can disrupt hormonal balance and how modern healing tools such as EMDR therapy, plant medicine and sauna can help regulate the nervous system and restore emotional and physical harmony. Dr. Emilia also explains why midlife is not something to fear but one of the most powerful windows for healing, growth and self discovery.
This conversation is a beautiful blend of science, soul and practical tools for anyone wanting to feel more connected, calm, motivated and alive.
Key takeaways:
Dr. Emilia’s journey into love hormone science began with her own experience of heartbreak and emotional collapse.
Dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin are not just brain chemicals but powerful regulators of motivation, safety, connection and wellbeing.
Trauma can deeply disrupt these systems, leading to emotional dysregulation, stress and relationship challenges.
EMDR therapy and plant medicine can help rewire trauma and restore nervous system balance.
Sauna is not just a performance or detox tool but a powerful therapy for emotional and hormonal regulation.
Midlife hormonal shifts create a unique opportunity for reflection, healing and reinvention.
Deep connection with others starts with building a strong, loving relationship with yourself.
Gratitude has a direct impact on the dopamine system and can shift mood, motivation and outlook.
Excessive social media use can disrupt emotional balance and increase stress and comparison.
Simple daily practices done consistently can create profound changes in wellbeing.
About Dr. Emilia Vuorisalmi
Dr. Emilia Vuorisalmi is a medical doctor, author and internationally known Love Doctor. She specialises in the science of love hormones and how dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin influence emotional health, relationships and physical wellbeing. Through her work she bridges neuroscience, psychology and holistic healing to help people heal trauma, build healthy relationships and create lives rooted in balance and connection.
Connect with Dr. Emilia Vuorisalmi
Website
https://www.docemilia.com
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/docemilia
LinkedIn
https://fi.linkedin.com/in/emilia-vuorisalmi-7345b414
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/DoctorEmilia
Book & Link to Purchase:
The Healing Power of Hormones by Dr. Emilia Vuorisalmi
https://lnk.to/healingpowerofhormones?lf_source=qr
Why you should listen
If you are navigating midlife, healing from heartbreak, struggling with burnout or simply wanting to feel more emotionally balanced and connected, this episode offers science backed insight and deeply practical wisdom to help you reconnect with yourself and transform the way you feel, love and live.

In this insightful conversation, Dr. Catherine Clinton, licensed naturopathic physician, author, and global educator in quantum biology, joins me to explore the science of how our cells, thoughts, and environment shape our health. Dr. Catherine’s personal journey through chronic illness informs her compassionate, holistic approach, helping thousands reclaim their vitality by reconnecting to the natural rhythms we are designed for.
We dive into the emerging field of quantum biology, a revolutionary lens revealing how quantum mechanics influences living systems and how subtle shifts in light, water, connection, and mindset can transform our physiology.
Together, we unpack the science, the mystery, and the actionable steps anyone can take to support deep healing, particularly during demanding midlife transitions such as perimenopause.
How quantum biology works and why it is reshaping the future of medicine.
How our thoughts influence cellular health, coherence, and repair.
The role of cellular terrain and why supporting your internal environment matters more than chasing symptoms.
Why structured or exclusion zone water is essential for energy production, communication, and resilience.
The profound impact of circadian rhythms on hormones, sleep, mood, and metabolic health.
How perimenopause symptoms can improve through quantum biology principles.
How modern living creates a mismatch between our biology and environment.
The role of human connection in driving repair, immunity, and emotional well-being.
How natural light exposure regulates biology from cortisol to mitochondrial function.
Practical lifestyle shifts that support healing and long-term vitality.
Quantum biology bridges physics and physiology, making healing more accessible and more human.
Our thoughts directly influence cellular function and repair.
A healthy cellular terrain is foundational to wellness.
Structured water acts as a conductor for communication and energy within the body.
Supporting circadian rhythm is one of the most effective midlife health strategies.
Perimenopause offers a unique opportunity to apply quantum biology principles for improved balance and resilience.
Human connection is essential for cellular repair and emotional regulation.
Light, water, movement, and connection form the core of quantum-aligned living.
Small, consistent lifestyle shifts can lead to profound health improvements.
Find Dr. Catherine here:
Website: drcatherineclinton.com
Instagram: @dr.catherineclinton

Catherines new book is available for pre-release now and launching widely on 6 January 2026.
Title: Optimize. A Groundbreaking 7-Step Plan to Health and Longevity Through Quantum Biology.

In this episode of Sweaty AF, Lucy is joined by Dave Robinson, founder of Soma North, to explore the deep connection between circadian rhythm, gut health, mitochondrial function, nervous system regulation and burnout recovery.
Dave shares his powerful personal story of physical and emotional collapse following years of intense stress, substance use, disrupted sleep patterns and toxic environmental exposure while working as a first responder. After hitting rock bottom with panic attacks, gut dysfunction and chronic fatigue, Dave turned to holistic health and eventually rebuilt his health through circadian realignment, nervous system regulation, targeted gut support and mindset rewiring.
Together, Lucy and Dave unpack the foundations of true healing, why guessing with supplements can backfire, how nature is the most powerful free medicine we have, and why mindset and identity change are essential for lasting recovery.
• How chronic stress, shift work and environmental toxicity can dismantle gut and nervous system health
• Why circadian rhythm is the master regulator of hormones, sleep, energy and recovery
• How light exposure, temperature, meal timing and grounding shape the body clock
• The relationship between melatonin, mitochondria and cellular repair
• Why gut healing should always be personalised through testing and blood work
• How mitochondrial dysfunction shows up as fatigue, inflammation and chronic illness
• The role of mindset, limiting beliefs and identity in physical healing
• How emotional dysregulation and physical fatigue are deeply interconnected
• Why community is essential for long term healing
• The dangers of overusing stimulants and random supplements
• What excites Dave about the future of health and the global shift towards self healing
• The first practical step anyone can take when feeling burnt out
Connect With Dave
To connect with Dave and find out more about his programme, follow him here:
https://www.instagram.com/itsdaverobinson/

In this conversation, Professor Ed Bullmore discusses the intricate relationship between inflammation and mental health, particularly depression. He explains how inflammation can manifest in both physical and psychological symptoms, emphasizing the importance of understanding low-grade inflammation and its impact on mental well-being. The discussion also covers the significance of blood tests in identifying inflammation, the need for holistic treatment approaches, and the potential of alternative therapies. Professor Bullmore highlights the role of temperature extremes, the effects of menopause on mental health, and the biological differences in inflammation responses between genders. He concludes with insights into current research and future directions in the field of mental health.
Depression can be linked to inflammation in the body and brain.
Low-grade inflammation can affect mental health even without obvious disorders.
Blood tests like CRP can indicate inflammation levels.
Holistic approaches to treatment are necessary for better mental health outcomes.
Alternative therapies like diet and exercise are gaining scientific credibility.
Temperature extremes may have health benefits worth exploring.
Menopause can increase the risk of mental health issues due to hormonal changes.
There are biological differences in how men and women experience inflammation.
Chronic stress can lead to immune dysregulation and affect mental health.
Current research is focusing on the immune system's role in mental health.
Author of The Inflamed Mind.