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
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 ...
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...
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, i...
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 rep...
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
Pri...
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 b...
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 environmental in...
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 quality a...
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 ...
Is Social Media Making You Miserable? The Research, the Risks, and How to Take Back Control
Are your daily scrolling habits quietly affecting your happiness, mental health, and real-life relationships? In this episode, David and Dr. Lara dive deep into what the latest research actually says about social media and phone addiction — and what you can do about it.
From the dopamine loops keeping you glued to your screen, ...
Summary
Cara shares her inspiring journey with lipedema, the challenges of diagnosis, multiple surgeries, and the transformative impact of lifestyle changes including diet, exercise, and medical interventions. This episode highlights the importance of understanding lipedema, advocating for better medical awareness, and embracing personalized health strategies.
Takeaways
Lipedema is often...
summary
This episode explores the evolving landscape of online medication access, focusing on hormones and weight loss drugs like GLP-1s. Dr. David Roden discusses the implications for patient care, the legality of compounded medications, and the importance of primary care relationships.
key topics
Online medication access and its evolution over the past decade
The role of big pharm...
summary
Join David and Dr Lara as they explore a variety of quirky and serious health questions, from coffee's effect on digestion to the truth about detoxes and the differences between cardio and strength training. This episode offers insights into common myths, scientific explanations, and practical advice for health enthusiasts.
key topics
Coffee and GI response
Multivitamin...
summary
In this episode, David Roden and Dr Lara's father, David Baatengurg, discuss the critical importance of routine medical check-ups, particularly for those who feel healthy. They share a personal story about how a routine appointment led to the discovery of atrial fibrillation and significant heart blockages, ultimately resulting in bypass surgery. The conversation emphasizes the value of preven...
In this episode, David Roden interviews his father, Dr. Raymond Roden, a retired cardiologist with over 35 years of experience. They discuss Dr. Roden's journey into medicine, the evolution of cardiology, and the complexities of heart attacks. Dr. Roden shares insights on patient care, the importance of education in medicine, and the advancements in treatment over the years. The conversation also touches on pre...
Summary
In this episode, David Roden and Patrick Werksma discuss Patrick's revamped health journey, focusing on understanding macros, navigating food choices while traveling, and the impact of lifestyle on health. They explore personal motivations for change, including health scares, and the role of GLP-1 medications in weight loss. The conversation emphasizes practical strategies for maintaining a hea...
Summary
In this episode, David Roden and Lara discuss the recently released dietary guidelines, exploring their history, evolution, and implications for public health. They analyze the new recommendations, focusing on protein intake, saturated fat, whole grains, and alcohol consumption, while emphasizing the importance of understanding these guidelines in the context of population health rather than individ...
Summary
In this episode of "Vitals and Values," David Roden and Dr. Lara delve into the complex relationship between patients, healthcare, and the pharmaceutical industry. David shares his personal experiences as a patient needing medication and discusses the common blame placed on Big Pharma for health issues. The conversation challenges the stigma surrounding pharmaceutical companies, emphasizin...
Summary
In this episode, David and Lara discuss the evolving landscape of health and wellness, focusing on the distinction between building health and buying health. They explore trends such as the increasing emphasis on protein consumption, the rise of microdosing pharmaceuticals, and the popularity of peptide stacking. The conversation also touches on the implications of direct-to-consumer lab testing and...
Summary
In this episode, David Roden and Lara Baatenburg discuss the pervasive issues within diet culture, particularly the fixation on specific food components like artificial dyes and the misconceptions surrounding hyper-processed foods. They emphasize the importance of understanding overall dietary habits, focusing on whole foods, and the role of calories in achieving health goals. The conversation criti...
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