Vitals & Values: Concierge Medicine of West Michigan
Science Over Hype. Values Over Virality. Vitals & Values is where evidence-based health meets unapologetic truth. Hosted by Dr. Lara (@lbaat), a concierge MD reshaping modern medicine, and David Roden (@Fit_DRock), a transformation coach who lost over 200 pounds and lived to tell the tale, this podcast isn’t here to go viral—it’s here to tell the truth. Every episode dives deep into: 🧬 Medicine & Metabolic Health 🥦 Nutrition & Sustainable Weight Loss 🏋️♂️ Fitness & Habit Formation ✝ Christian Faith & Spiritual Stewardship 💭 Mental Health & Lifestyle Resets 📅 Weekly Format: Vitals Check – Clinical clarity from Dr. Lara Values in Focus – Real-world forces behind health: mindset, faith, emotions, relationships, identity, and environment The Honest Table – Candid convos & unfiltered guests The Real Takeaway – A lifestyle or mindset challenge for the week This isn’t wellness theater. It’s not guru culture. It’s a movement for people who want to think critically, live intentionally, and take their health personally. 🎧 New episodes every Friday 📲 Follow @lbaat & @Fit_DRock on Instagram/TikTok 💼 Brought to you by Concierge Medicine of West Michigan – @cmwestmichigan The information in this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or replace professional medical advice. Always consult with your personal physician before making changes to your health routine.
Episodes
Hormones have become one of the biggest targets of health misinformation online.
High cortisol. Low testosterone. Hormone imbalance. Estrogen dominance. Perimenopause.
But how much can a blood test actually tell you — and when is hormone testing really necessary?
In this episode of Vitals & Values, David sits down with Dr. Lara Baatenburg to separate hormone fact from social media fiction.
They break down what...
Fall is here — which means chili, fresh Michigan apples, pumpkin baked goods, roasted vegetables, pot roast…and apparently a butternut squash plant that has completely taken over our garden.
In this lighter episode of Vitals & Values, Lara and David share the fall foods they look forward to most, debate the foods that might be a little overrated, and talk about why eating seasonally can be both fun a...
In this episode, Dr. Todd Chassee, Dr. Lara Baatenburg and David discuss the innovative model of Right Care Clinic, its benefits over traditional emergency rooms, and how it aims to transform healthcare delivery in West Michigan. They share personal experiences, the clinic's unique features, and insights into healthcare cost management. In this episode, we explore the innovative model of Right Care Clinic, its chall...
In this episode, we explore the complexities of vaccine information, media portrayal, and public perception, focusing on the MMR vaccine and recent debates. Our experts clarify misconceptions, review historical data, and discuss the influence of social media and political figures.
Key Topics
History of the MMR vaccine from 1963 to present
Vaccine efficacy and safety data over 50 years
Misconcepti...
In this episode, Melissa shares her unique journey from massage therapy to manual therapy and physical therapy, emphasizing the importance of manual techniques, patient trust, and the shift from volume-based to results-oriented care. Discover how her holistic approach and personal passions influence her practice and patient outcomes. In this episode, experts discuss innovative approaches to physical therapy, manual ...
In this episode, David and Lara share their personal health journeys and debunk common myths about nutrition, sleep, and fitness. They emphasize the importance of humility, adaptability, and understanding science to make sustainable health choices.
Key Topics
Personal health journeys and lessons learned
The teachability index and willingness to change
Common misconceptions about sleep...
People are talking about testosterone more than ever—but who actually needs it?
In this episode of Vitals & Values, David shares his personal six-month experience on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) while Dr. Treisenberg separates science from social media.
Together they discuss:
- The real symptoms of low testosterone
- Why so many younger men are seeing lower testosterone levels
- ...
Understanding the Pelvic Floor: Insights from a Pelvic Floor PT. This episode dives into the complexities of the pelvic floor, debunking myths and explaining its vital role through visual analogies and expert insights. Perfect for those curious about pelvic health, whether for personal knowledge or clinical application.
Main Topics Covered:
- The pelvic floor as a supportive system, likened to a trampo...
Top 5 Things to Know Before Starting GLP-1 Medications for Weight Loss In this episode, we dive into the essential considerations for anyone contemplating GLP-1 therapies, addressing myths, safety, and real-world insights from healthcare professionals. Whether you're a patient or a healthcare provider, these points will help clarify the role of medications in weight management. Key Topics:
- The growing use of GLP-...
Travel, Food, and Fitness Insights from a European HoneymoonIn this episode, David and Lara share their recent honeymoon experiences in Italy, providing practical insights on enjoying travel while maintaining health and fitness habits. They dive into the realities of travel, cultural experiences, culinary delights, and how to balance indulgence with staying active.
Key Topics:
- The value of walking and expl...
We’re back—and officially married!
In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of our wedding and honeymoon, sharing the moments you'll never see in the photos, the surprises we didn't expect, and the lessons we'll carry into marriage.
We talk about what went into planning our wedding, balancing budgets with priorities, the traditions that meant the most to us, and why we believe it's so easy to lose si...
Your doctor probably wishes they had more time to say this stuff out loud.
In this episode, Dr. Lara Baatenburg joins David to break down ten things physicians wish their patients understood — from why more testing isn't always better, to why your symptoms don't always fit a clean diagnosis, to what a real doctor-patient partnership actually looks like.
This is the honest conversation that rarely happens in a 15...
The health food industry is a multi-billion dollar marketing machine — and most of us have bought something off a shelf because a label said "superfood." In this episode, Dr. Lara and David rank the top 10 most overrated health foods and ask the question that actually matters: does the science hold up?
From açaí bowls that are essentially dessert, to alkaline water that does nothing your kidneys aren't already ...
Summary
This episode explores the realities of slow versus rapid transformation in health, fitness, and life, emphasizing the importance of sustainability, realistic expectations, and identity shifts. Hosted by Lara and David, it debunks social media myths and highlights long-term strategies for lasting change.
Keywords
sustainable health, weight loss, social media myths, long-term transformation, ident...
Summary
This episode explores the complex relationship between physicians and pharmaceutical reps, including the benefits, ethical considerations, and the impact on medical practice. Guests share insights on how pharma influences prescribing habits, the role of samples, and the transparency of financial relationships. This episode offers an inside look into the relationship between doctors and pharmaceutical reps...
Summary
In this episode, Dr. Lara and David explore the complexities and frustrations of the American healthcare system, including primary care compensation, insurance challenges, pharmaceutical industry practices, and the impact of lifestyle on health. They aim to shed light on systemic issues and potential solutions, offering a nuanced perspective on healthcare reform.
Key Topics
Prim...
Summary
This episode debunks common myths about inflammation, explores what inflammation really is, and discusses how social media distorts its understanding. David Roden and Dr. Lara clarify misconceptions, review relevant blood markers, and critique influencer claims about inflammation and health.
Key topics
What is inflammation?
Blood markers for inflammation
Myths propagated by s...
Summary
This episode explores the complex factors contributing to rising anxiety and depression rates, examining societal, environmental, and personal influences. Hosted by David Roden, the conversation features insights from Lara, a primary care doctor, and delves into the impact of social media, lifestyle, faith, and community on mental health.
Key Topics
Societal and environmenta...
Summary
This episode explores the complex science behind calories, how they are measured, and the factors influencing calorie intake and expenditure. It debunks common misconceptions, discusses the impact of food quality, microbiome, and food processing, and offers practical tips for effective weight management.
Key Topics
Science of calories and measurement
Impact of food qualit...
Summary
In this in-depth interview, Dr. Lisa Larkin discusses the complexities of women's health, menopause, and hormone therapy. She shares insights on the evolution of medical understanding, social media's impact, and the future of personalized care in women's health.
Key Topics
History and evolution of menopause treatment
Impact of social media on women's health perceptions
Personalized...
Popular Podcasts
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.