Sofia Unfiltered

What to Say to a Child About Illness, Grief, or Death with Dr. Bob Macauley EP 77

What do you say to a child who’s seriously ill—or grieving the loss of someone they love? In this powerful conversation, pediatric palliative care physician and Episcopal priest Dr. Bob Macauley shares how to speak honestly and compassionately with children facing illness, grief, or death. We explore developmental stages, emotional awareness, and what not to say—plus insights from Dr. Bob’s new memoir, Because I Knew You: How Some Remarkable Sick Kids Healed a Doctor’s Soul. You’ll walk away with clarity, courage, and practical language for the hardest conversations. In this episode, we discuss: * How to talk about death without euphemisms. *  Age-specific insights into how children understand loss. *  Real language you can use with children facing hard questions. *  Emotional and spiritual support for the entire family. *  Why “just showing up” is often the most powerful thing you can do. The Sofia Unfiltered by Sofia Health is for general informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have. For any health concerns, users should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals.

Confused by Menopause Advice? Science Writer Amy Alkon Explains Why with Amy Alkon EP 76

Why does menopause still feel so confusing—even in 2025? In this episode of Sofia Unfiltered, science writer Amy Alkon joins host Riley Rees to share what she uncovered while researching her latest book, Going Menopostal. From hormone myths to misinformed care, Amy unpacks why so many women are still being dismissed in midlife—and how they can begin to ask better questions, challenge outdated advice, and advocate for themselves with confidence. You’ll learn: - Why many doctors aren’t trained in menopause or perimenopause - What research actually says about hormone fluctuations and “normal” labs - Why blood tests don’t always reflect what’s happening in your body - The ethical problem of treatment without adequate expertise - How to approach your next appointment more prepared and less passive Amy isn’t a doctor—but she’s done the work to make sense of the science. If you’ve ever walked away from a medical visit feeling unheard or unsure, this episode is for you. The Sofia Unfiltered by Sofia Health is for general informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have. For any health concerns, users should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals.

Why Modern Medicine Feels So Cold (and What to Do About It) with Dr. Alan Roth & Dr. Andy Lazris EP 75

Have you ever left a doctor’s office feeling rushed, dismissed, or more like a “chart” than a person? You’re not imagining it. In this episode of Sofia Unfiltered, host Riley Rees sits down with two nationally recognized physicians—Dr. Alan Roth and Dr. Andy Lazris, co‑authors of A Return to Healing—to unpack how a century of policy decisions, corporate interests, and profit‑driven care reshaped medicine into something unrecognizable. From the 1911 Flexner Report and the elimination of diverse medical schools, to today’s overtesting, overprescribing, and 8‑minute appointments, Drs. Roth and Lazris reveal why everything about modern healthcare feels… off. More importantly, they share what patients can do to reclaim their power, demand whole‑person care, and find providers who actually listen. Whether you’re frustrated by endless lab results, confused by conflicting prescriptions, or simply want care that treats you as a human being—not a number—this conversation is your roadmap to taking back control of your health. 🎧 Why Everything About Modern Healthcare Feels… Off will change the way you see your doctor’s visit—and show you how to advocate for the care you deserve. The Sofia Unfiltered by Sofia Health is for general informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have. For any health concerns, users should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals.

The Dopamine Trap: Why Nothing Ever Feels Like Enough with Michael Long Ep 74

Why do we keep reaching for more—but never feel truly satisfied? In this episode of Sofia Unfiltered, Riley Rees is joined by physicist, screenwriter, and bestselling author Michael Long to unpack the brain science behind distraction, impulse, and the constant craving for “something more.” Based on his new book Taming the Molecule of More, Michael explains how dopamine drives anticipation—not happiness—and why modern life is overstimulating our brains in ways that leave us anxious, scattered, and emotionally drained. You’ll learn: * Why scrolling, swiping, shopping, and multitasking feel addictive. * How dopamine fuels craving—but not contentment. * Why “more” is never enough—and what your brain actually needs. * A practical roadmap to calm your urges and build a life of meaning, not just reward. If you’re tired of feeling stuck in cycles of distraction, this conversation will help you take back control—one choice at a time. The Sofia Unfiltered by Sofia Health is for general informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have. For any health concerns, users should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals.

The Food-Inflammation Connection: What Your Body’s Telling You with Jane Durst Pulkys EP 73

Bloat. Fatigue. Brain fog. Stubborn weight. These symptoms aren’t random—and they’re not something you just have to live with. According to holistic health coach Jane Durst Pulkys, they may all point to one root cause: chronic inflammation. In this episode of Sofia Unfiltered, Jane breaks down the food-inflammation connection and shares what your symptoms might be trying to tell you. You’ll learn how to spot common signs of inflammation, which foods fuel it (and which reduce it), and how to begin supporting your body with personalized, realistic changes—without cutting everything out. We also talk about her new book, The Metabolic Balance Kitchen, which is filled with real-life strategies and recipes to help you feel better through food that works for your body. If you’ve ever felt like something’s “off” in your body but haven’t been able to explain it—this episode is your sign to listen in. In this episode, We Discuss: * Discover the signs of inflammation and how to reduce them naturally. * Understand the difference between Chronic and Acute Inflammation. * Learn about the biggest villains that may be present in your diet * Know the top anti-inflammatory foods that can heal you. * Find out what metabolic balance is, and how it helps reduce inflammation. * Find out what to expect from Jane's book, The Metabolic Balance Kitchen. The Sofia Unfiltered by Sofia Health is for general informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services, including the giving of medical advice. No doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have. For any health concerns, users should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals.