Live & Well is a weekly wellness podcast hosted by author, mother and influencer Melissa Magsaysay, who talks with experts and icons about longevity, beauty, fitness and the issues that matter to women. Each episode features conversations with dermatologists, fitness innovators, beauty founders and celebrities. Listeners get practical tips, product recommendations and insider stories, along with perspectives that go beyond surface-level self-care. The through-line is the intersection of beauty, fashion and wellness with cultural moments and personal transformation.
Episodes
Can Perfume Reduce Stress? The Science of Functional Fragrance
This is a sponsored episode, paid for by The Nue Co. , and does not involve the L.A. Times NewsroomCan your perfume actually lower stress, improve sleep, or rewire your mood? In this episode of Live + Well, Jules Miller, founder of The Nue Co., dives into the neuroscience of functional fragrance. We break down the clinical science behind scent, how olfactory cues connect directly to the brain’s em
Why Talk Therapy Fails to Heal Trauma (How Psychedelics Can Rewire the Brain)
Psychedelic assisted therapy is changing how we treat PTSD, depression, and treatment-resistant mental illness. In this interview, board-certified psychiatrist and neuroscientist Dr. David Rabin reveals how ketamine, MDMA, and somatic psychotherapy have the potential to help rewire the brain, reset fear circuitry, and repair trauma markers at the epigenetic level.Western psychiatry has traditional
Cortisol Explained — Belly Fat, Puffy Face, Coffee and Hormone Myths
Is "cortisol face" real? Does morning coffee ruin your hormones? Is low-impact exercise actually better for stress?Board-certified endocrinologist and hormone specialist Dr. Eva Cwynar breaks down the truth about cortisol, hormone balance, and social media trends. From the "90-minute coffee rule" to GLP-1 weight loss plateaus, Cushing’s syndrome, and how stress impacts fertility — learn what your
Is Your Medication Causing Skin Problems?
Are GLP-1 medications like Ozempic or prescription drugs triggering sudden skin redness, dryness, or irritation? In this episode of Live + Well, Melissa Magsaysay sits down with skin health practitioner and esthetician Lashelle Ullie to to break down the hidden connection between prescription medications, chronic illness, and your skin barrier.Discover why active ingredients like retinol, tretinoi
Can a Plant Extract Trigger GLP-1 & Stop Food Noise?
This is a sponsored episode, paid for by Calocurb, and does not involve the L.A. Times Newsroom.Can a plant-based hops extract naturally trigger GLP-1, CCK, and PYY to curb appetite and stop food noise? Calocurb CEO Sarah Kennedy joins Melissa Magsaysay on Live + Well to break down the science of natural appetite control and perimenopause weight management.CHAPTERS:00:00 The Plant-Based Supplement
An Eye Doctor Explains the Everyday Habits Hurting Your Eyes
Ophthalmologist and eye surgeon Dr. Dagny Zhu breaks down what screen time is really doing to your eyes — from digital eye strain and dry eyes to myopia, headaches, blue light and changes in vision after 40.In this episode of Live + Well, Dr. Zhu joins Melissa Magsaysay to separate eye health fact from hype. She explains the 20-20-20 rule for screen breaks, why she tells patients not to rub their
Bobbi Brown Exposes TikTok Beauty Trends That Ruin Your Face — and Products That Actually Work
Bobbi Brown, legendary makeup artist and founder of Jones Road Beauty, gets candid about aging, makeup after 40, injectables, beauty trends, foundation mistakes, TikTok beauty advice, and what the beauty industry still gets wrong about women’s faces.In this episode of Live + Well, Bobbi Brown joins Melissa Magsaysay to talk about Jones Road, her new memoir “Still Bobbi,” and the beauty philosophy
Sleepmaxxing, Orthosomnia & the Truth About Sleep Trackers | Dr. Michael Breus (The Sleep Doctor)
Is "sleepmaxxing" actually wrecking your sleep? Clinical psychologist and sleep specialist Dr. Michael Breus, aka "The Sleep Doctor” breaks down the biggest sleep trends taking over social media and why most of them are overcomplicating something your body already knows how to do.In this episode, Dr. Breus explains why sleep became a $90 billion industry, what's actually going on with viral trends
More Men Are Getting Penis Filler and Urologists Say Demand Is Surging
Are penile fillers and cosmetic urology becoming the new Botox for men? In this episode, host Melissa Magsaysay sits down with board-certified urologists Dr. David Miller and Dr. Joshua Gonzalez to clear up the myths around non-surgical girth enhancement, PhalloFill, and hyaluronic acid fillers.
From scrotal Botox and procedural safety to tackling body dysmorphia and setting realistic anatomical e
What’s Really Inside Your Mattress?
This is a sponsored episode, paid for by Naturepedic, and does not involve the L.A. Times Newsroom.Are you sleeping on 20 gallons of crude oil? In this episode we peel back the covers on the "clean sleep" movement to reveal what's hiding inside many conventional mattresses. Arin Schultz, Chief Growth Officer at Naturepedic explains how conventional bedding affects your health, how to spot gre
Is the Burden of Infertility on the Wrong Partner?
Did you know that male factor fertility contributes to up to 50% of conception challenges and miscarriages? In this episode of the Live + Well podcast, we sit down with Ronit Menashe (Co-Founder of WeNatal) and Dr. James Weinberger (Reproductive Urologist) to break down the critical, yet often overlooked, role sperm health plays in family planning.
We dive deep into Trimester Zero — the crucial
Trauma & Stress Get Trapped in Your Fascia
Garry Lineham, co-founder of Human Garage reveals how physical and emotional trauma get trapped in your fascia, and how simple counter-rotation maneuvers can reset your nervous system in minutes.
In this episode, we explore the fascinating science of fascia: the bioelectric, intelligent connective tissue that holds your entire body together. Garry shares his personal journey from decades of chro
Why Your Diet Could Be Failing (Try This First)
This is a sponsored episode, paid for by BIOptimzers, and does not involve the L.A. Times Newsroom.
Are you doing "everything right" with your diet, but still struggling with low energy, sluggish digestion, brain fog, or poor recovery?
In this episode of Live & Well, Wade Lightheart, co-founder of BIOptimizers, exercise physiologist, and former 3x Canadian Natural Bodybuilding Champions shares
Kids' Skincare Isn't What Most Parents Think
Is kid's skincare actually necessary or is it a social media trend that should be ignored? In this episode of Live & Well, we sit down with Esther Song, fashion veteran and co-founder of Rini (alongside Shay Mitchell), to discuss the real science behind children's skin health.
Esther shares her journey from fashion executive to CPG founder after searching for clean, effective solutions for her d
Peptides Explained | BPC-157, Tesamorelin & What Works
What are peptides, and why is everyone talking about them? From fitness influencers and biohackers to Beverly Hills clinics and Hollywood anti-aging routines, peptide therapy has taken the wellness world by storm.
In this episode of ‘Live & Well’, board-certified family physician and longevity medicine specialist Dr. Daniel Ghiyam breaks down what peptides actually are, how they signal the body,
Menopause & Intimate Wellness Boom: From Taboo to Big Business
Vaginal dryness, bladder leaks, painful sex, and postpartum recovery — for decades, these everyday realities were ignored by mainstream medicine and dismissed as “just part of aging.” Today, they represent one of the fastest-growing sectors in healthcare, wellness, and venture capital.
In this episode, we sit down with two trailblazing CEOs approaching the women’s intimate wellness boom from two
Train for Life, Not Just the Gym: Mobility, Stability & Moving for Longevity
From carrying groceries to checking your blind spot while driving, life happens in motion — and your workouts should reflect that. Pvolve's Dani Coleman joins Live & Well to share why multidimensional training helps build strength that extends beyond the gym. We talk about mobility as the missing link in fitness, training for longevity, and how small, intentional movement patterns can help you fee
Recovery Isn’t An Afterthought: Moving Through Life with Less Pain and More Ease
Most people think recovery happens after the workout. According to Dr. Jason Wersland, that’s the biggest mistake we make.
On this episode of Live & Well, the Therabody founder & recovery expert explains why recovery should happen before, during, and after movement — not just when you’re already sore. From activating the nervous system before exercise to reducing burnout and speeding up rebound be
Commit to Less, Show Up More: Joyful Movement & Fitness for Every Life Stage
What if the secret to getting stronger wasn’t doing more—but doing less, consistently? In this episode of Live and Well, Melissa Magsaysay sits down with Sculpt Society founder Megan Roup to unpack a refreshing, sustainable approach to fitness that actually works.
From her early struggles with body image and the pressures of the dance world to building a global fitness platform, Megan shares how s
The Future of Facial Rejuvenation: Fillers or Fat Transfer?
What if the future of facial rejuvenation isn’t synthetic—but your own biology? In this episode of Live and Well, we sit down with renowned facial plastic surgeon Dr. Paul Nassif to break down the rising shift from traditional fillers to micro fat transfer.
Known for his precision work and complex revision cases (and as a star of Botched), Dr. Nassif explains why more experts are rethinking long-t
The Hair Growth Breakthrough: Inside the Peptide Revolution
Hair loss, thinning, breakage—what’s really going on beneath the surface? In this episode of Live and Well, host Melissa Magsaysay sits down with OMI founder Naomi Whittel to unpack the science of hair health and why peptides are emerging as a game-changing solution. From the biology of hair follicles to the role of stress, hormones, and aging, Naomi shares how a patented keratin peptide is helpin
Dr. Pimple Popper on Blackheads, Breakouts & What Your Skin Is Really Telling You
Everything your body is going through shows up on your skin first. Most of us just don't know how to read it.
Dr. Sandra Lee, aka Dr. Pimple Popper, breaks down what is actually happening inside a blackhead, why hormones are the real driver behind most breakouts and what your skin is trying to tell you at every stage of life. We get into hyperpigmentation versus scarring, the ingredients dermatolo
How Your Cooking Methods Are Aging You (And What to Do Instead)
You've spent years thinking about what you eat. How you cook it might be a bigger part of the picture than you'd expect.
Nutrition scientist and registered dietitian Dr. Michelle Davenport breaks down what actually happens to your food under high heat and why it shows up in your body long after the meal is over. We get into AGEs, inflammation, metabolic health, and why the chemistry of cooking is
The Science Behind Sensitive Skin, Your Barrier and What Your Routine Is Getting Wrong
Sensitive skin is one of the most misunderstood topics in beauty. Most of us have been told we have it. Very few of us actually know what it means.
In this episode, Tower 28 Founder and CEO Amy Liu joins Melissa Magsaysay to get to the bottom of what sensitive skin really is, why it's almost always a barrier problem, and what inflammation is doing beneath the surface to flare it. We talk about gre
What a Celebrity Trainer Actually Wants You to Know About Diet and Fitness
If fitness and nutrition feel more confusing than ever, you're not imagining it. Most of what's out there is louder than it is useful.
Celebrity trainer Harley Pasternak has worked with some of the most recognizable bodies in the world. His take on what actually moves the needle is simpler than you'd expect and more honest than most of what's in your feed.
In this episode, he breaks down the bigge
Puberty is Starting Earlier: Here’s What Every Parent Needs to Know
Puberty is arriving earlier than ever, and most parents aren’t prepared for it. Pediatrician Dr. Cara Natterson explains why kids are entering puberty years sooner than previous generations and what that means for their health, brain development, and emotional lives.
From environmental exposures and chronic stress to the neuroscience of adolescence, Dr. Natterson gives parents the science they nee
It's all in the Ritual: How to Navigate the Overwhelming Supplement Aisle
Most supplements on the market have never been studied on women.
In this episode, Ritual founder Kat Schneider explains why supplement research has historically focused on men, how terms like “clinically studied” are often misunderstood, and what real scientific validation should look like.
The conversation explores ingredient traceability, how supplement formulations are actually tested, and why
The Truth About “Clean” Products and Toxic Chemicals in Your Home
How worried should we really be about toxic chemicals in our homes? Environmental advocate and author Lindsay Dahl breaks down what actually matters when it comes to reducing everyday exposure.
From greenwashing and “clean” product marketing to microplastics and household dust, she explains the science in a practical way that won’t leave you feeling overwhelmed. Dahl also shares the simple habits
What Is Fascia? The Overlooked System That Shapes How Your Body Functions
Fascia is one of the most overlooked systems in the body, yet it plays a critical role in how we move, recover, and support cellular health. In this episode, fascia expert Ashley Black explains what fascia actually is, why it has historically been misunderstood, and how connective tissue influences everything from mobility to circulation.
From her personal health journey to the science behind tiss
Colette Laxton on The Inkey List and Breaking the Instant-Gratification Skincare Cycle
Skincare does not need to be complicated to work.In this episode of Live & Well, Colette Laxton, co-founder of The Inkey List, breaks down what actually makes a product effective and why overdoing it might be the very thing hurting your skin.The conversation explores the rise of instant-gratification beauty, the overuse of exfoliating acids, what is really happening when the skin barrier is compro
Inside the Noninvasive Facelift: Melissa Imperial on Microcurrent, Fascia, and Aging Well
Noninvasive facelifts are everywhere, but what is actually happening beneath the skin?On this episode of Live and Well, celebrity esthetician Melissa Imperial shares her approach to lymphatic sculpting, fascia release, and microcurrent therapy. Her method focuses on strengthening facial muscles, releasing built up tension, and supporting circulation to influence lift, clarity, and long term skin r
Sheena Zadeh on Creating Kosas and Rethinking Clean Beauty
Kosas founder Sheena Zadeh shares how clean beauty makeup is actually developed and tested, along with the cosmetic treatments and routines that shape her approach to skin.In this episode of Live + Well, Sheena reflects on building Kosas from the ground up, the discipline behind high-performance clean makeup, and how product development, skin health, and in-office treatments all inform the way s
Amanda Kloots on Building a Supplement Routine That Actually Sticks
Staying consistent with wellness can feel overwhelming, especially when routines are rigid, expensive, or hard to maintain. Amanda Kloots knows this firsthand.In this episode of Live and Well, the actress, fitness entrepreneur, and founder of Proper talks about why she built her supplement company around flexibility rather than perfection. She shares the idea of the “supplement graveyard,” explain
Why Trampoline Cardio May Be One of the Most Efficient, Low-Impact Workouts
Trampoline-based cardio is often overlooked, but research, including studies conducted by NASA, suggests it may be one of the most efficient low-impact workouts available.In this episode of Live & Well, host Melissa Magsaysay speaks with trampoline fitness trainer and Trampoline Trim founder Tiffany Marie Jenkins about why trampoline cardio is easier on the joints than running, how it supports car
What Most People Miss About Protein, Muscle, and Recovery
Protein is usually framed around intake, how much to eat and how to fit more into a day. But protein’s role in the body goes beyond muscle alone, and what happens after you eat it matters just as much.In this episode of Live + Well, Courtney McHugh, founder of Amplifye, joins the conversation to talk about how protein supports muscle recovery, strength, sleep, and overall health, and why absorptio
The Brow Reset: Regrowth, Microblading, and How to Achieve Effortless, Natural Brows
Brows have been shaped, overplucked, tattooed, and redefined for decades. In this episode of Live + Well, we sit down with celebrity brow expert Kristie Streicher to talk about her philosophy on brows and how her approach has evolved alongside changing trends.Kristie walks through her method to regrowth, microblading, tinting, and pigment correction, and explains why brow shape, texture, and patie
The Pilates Method: Reformer vs. Mat, Real Results, and What Most Studios Get Wrong
Pilates is everywhere right now, but the practice itself is often misunderstood.In this episode of Live & Well, Liana Levi, founder of Forma Pilates, explains the fundamentals of Pilates and how and why the practice works when taught correctly. Known for its referral-based, highly personalized approach, Forma Pilates has built a following that includes Hollywood talent, fashion insiders, founders,
Facelifts, Lower Blephs, and The Art of Natural Results With Plastic Surgeon Dr. Cat Chang
In this episode of Live & Well, host Melissa Magsaysay speaks with Beverly Hills plastic surgeon Dr. Cat Chang, whose precise technique, natural aesthetic philosophy, and high-profile clientele have positioned her as one of the leading voices in contemporary facial surgery.Dr. Chang traces her unexpected transition from transplant medicine to aesthetics, offering a rare look at why facial surgery
How Traditional Chinese Medicine Helps You Heal From the Inside Out with Elix Founder Lulu Ge
Elix founder Lulu Ge joins Melissa for a conversation on the benefits of Traditional Chinese Medicine and its ability to steady hormones, ease digestion, improve sleep and soften daily stress. Through personal stories and cultural wisdom, Lulu shows how an ancient approach can feel surprisingly modern, intuitive, accessible and genuinely supportive for women looking for real relief. Listen now for
The Hormone & Infrared Revolution with Burn LA’s Maria Chase and Longevity Expert Dr. Chris Asandra
From navigating perimenopause to building muscle and boosting mood, Burn LA founder Maria Chase and longevity expert Dr. Chris Asandra are here to break down the science of hormone balancing and share simple and effective strategies to feel your best at any age.In this episode of Live and Well, host Melissa Magsaysay talks with this dynamic duo about how infrared workouts, red-light therapy, and
The Retinol Reset: Shani Darden on Simplifying Skincare for Real Results
In an era of 17-step skincare routines and endless “miracle” ingredients, Shani Darden is bringing things back to basics. Known as Hollywood’s go-to retinol expert, the celebrity esthetician and founder shares why less is more when it comes to great skin.In conversation with Live & Well host Melissa Magsaysay, Shani breaks down her “Cleanse, Treat, Protect” philosophy, explains why retinol remains
Inside Phlur: Chriselle Lim on Storytelling, Scent Craft, and Building a Fragrance Brand
In this episode of Live & Well, host Melissa Magsaysay sits down with Chriselle Lim, owner and creative director of Phlur, to explore the vision behind the fragrance brand she helped reintroduce and shape into a modern success. Chriselle shares how she approaches scent as an emotional language and how storytelling informs every stage of the creative process, from early concepts to formulation and
The Truth About Facelifts: Dr. Jason Diamond on Deep Plane, Tech Neck & Non-Surgical Solutions
What does anti-aging look like in an era defined by filters, “tech neck,” and celebrity-fueled beauty trends? Host Melissa Magsaysay sits down with Dr. Jason Diamond, the Beverly Hills plastic surgeon renowned for his celebrity clientele and artistry in aesthetic medicine. Together, they explore how the philosophy around aging has evolved—from deep plane facelifts and non-surgical rejuvenation to
Debunking Pigmentation: Dr. Nancy Samolitis on Melasma Triggers, Why Lasers Can Backfire, and the Ingredients That Really Work
What if the go-to treatment for dark spots was actually making them worse? In our first episode of Live & Well, host Melissa Magsaysay is joined by top dermatologist Dr. Nancy Samolitis to challenge our most common assumptions about pigmentation.This conversation delivers a masterclass in decoding pigmentation. Dr. Samolitis dismantles the myths and marketing claims, explaining why heat may be the
Introducing: Live & Well
Live & Well is your weekly catch-up with author, mother, and influencer Melissa Magsaysay and her circle of experts and icons—diving deep into the latest wellness, longevity, beauty and fitness and issues surrounding women. Melissa will take listeners into a vibrant world where beauty, fashion, and wellness intersect with cultural moments and personal transformation.Each episode features conversat
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Stand In The Circle
