Couch Talk W/ Dr. Anna Cabeca

As we look back on 2025, one thing became clear. The episodes that resonated most were not about quick fixes. They were about helping women finally understand their bodies. This year, you leaned into conversations that offered clarity instead of confusion, compassion instead of restriction, and real explanations for why your body responds the way it does.   In this special Best of 2025 episode, we are revisiting the moments that moved you most. You will hear powerful clips on gut health, hormones, burnout, mitochondria, intimacy, alcohol, oral and eye health, and the nervous system. Again and again, the message was the same. Your symptoms are not random, your body is not broken, and everything is connected. When we support digestion, calm the nervous system, and honor female physiology, healing becomes possible and sustainable.   If these conversations reflect what you are craving right now, I invite you to join the Keto-Green 16 Challenge. This is not just about healthy eating. It is about challenging what h

So many women hit midlife and suddenly find themselves whispering about things they never thought they'd struggle with, like desire, dryness, disconnection, or feeling like a stranger in their own body. That quiet discomfort adds up, and it can take a real toll on intimacy and self-confidence. In this episode, we start talking about what's actually going on with your hormones, your libido, and your relationships, so you can finally get clarity instead of guessing.    Gabriella Espinosa, a Menopause Advocate, Women's Health and Sexual Wellness Coach, and Host of Pleasure in the Pause, joins me and immediately brings this grounded mix of wisdom, humor, and real-life experience. She opens up about her own perimenopause journey and why understanding your anatomy, pleasure points, and changing hormones is a total game-changer. We talk about how to speak up with your partner and your doctor in a way that feels honest and not awkward.   You'll hear simple, practical ways to reconnect with your body, rebuild desire,

Oxytocin might get all the hype as the "love hormone," but the way it quietly shapes our mood, relationships, and everyday well-being is honestly pretty incredible once you understand it. In today's episode, you'll get a clear look at what this hormone is actually doing behind the scenes and why it plays such a big role in how connected, calm, and joyful we feel. We break down the real science in simple language and talk about the places where oxytocin shows up in your life without you even noticing.   I'm sitting down with my good friend, Dr. Tyna Moore, one of the smartest and most grounded voices in regenerative medicine, and a licensed Naturopathic Physician and Chiropractor with nearly 30 years of experience. She shares how oxytocin supports immunity, emotional balance, metabolic health, and even pain resilience in ways most women never hear about. We talk through simple, doable habits that naturally lift oxytocin without feeling like another task on your list.   We also open up about topics that deserve

It's wild how easily alcohol becomes part of our routine, especially in midlife, yet so many women quietly wonder why their sleep, mood, or hormones suddenly feel out of sync. In this episode, we get real about what alcohol is actually doing behind the scenes and how a few simple nutrition shifts can change the way you feel (and even what you crave). I'm sitting down with Dr. Brooke Scheller, a Doctor of Clinical Nutrition and Founder of Functional Sobriety, whose work is helping women rethink their drinking habits with compassion and curiosity.   Dr. Brooke opens up about her own sobriety journey and the surprising link she discovered between food and alcohol cravings. We break down the myth of "healthy" drinking, talk through why midlife hormones can make alcohol hit harder, and share the small swaps that make cutting back feel a lot less intimidating.   You'll hear insights that make you feel empowered, not judged, about what's going on in your body and why giving yourself a little more support can make a

The fascinating intersections of circadian biology, quantum health, and women's wellness really come alive as I sit down with Neurosurgeon-turned-Quantum-Biologist Dr. Jack Kruse. You'll hear how simple things, like the light you see first thing in the morning, quietly shape your hormones, energy, and even how you age. Dr. Jack's decades of surgical and biophysical knowledge make these concepts surprisingly practical for everyday health. By the end, you may find yourself rethinking your daily routines in the best way.   Together, we get into why AM sunlight can make such a big difference for women going through hormonal changes, especially around menopause. Dr. Jack breaks down big ideas like heteroplasmy in simple, eye-opening terms and shows how it plays into skin health, longevity, and mitochondrial function. You'll also hear why red light deserves a place in your wellness routine, and how blue light and non-native EMFs might be draining more than just your battery.   If you've ever struggled with weight c

Fertility challenges are becoming all too common, and it's not just about trying to get pregnant. It's about the bigger picture of how our health today shapes the next generation. I sat down with my dear friend, Dr. Ann Shippy, a brilliant Functional Medicine Physician and Author of The Preconception Revolution, to talk about what's really driving the rise in infertility and what we can do about it long before conception even happens.   Dr. Ann has such a unique perspective. She started out as a chemical engineer before becoming a doctor, so she looks at the body like a system: one we can optimize, not just fix. We got into the science of epigenetics (don't worry, we keep it real and relatable!) and how the choices we make every day, what we eat, breathe, and put on our skin, can literally change our health and our children's future. She also shared simple, practical steps for detoxing, boosting fertility for both men and women, and building a healthier foundation overall.   Whether you're dreaming of a baby

You know that feeling when your body's tired but your heart's carrying the real weight? Yeah… that's not just stress. It's your body holding onto stories it never got to finish, the unprocessed stuff we call trauma. In this powerful and personal conversation, Dr. Shiroko Sokitch and I get into how emotional wounds can quietly shape your physical health, and how real healing starts when you finally listen to what your body's been trying to say.   Dr. Shiroko spent years in emergency medicine before following her intuition into acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, blending Western science with deep emotional and spiritual healing. She shares incredible stories of patients who've transformed their lives by healing the emotions behind their symptoms. You'll learn how simple practices like visualization, acupuncture, and genuine self-compassion can help you reconnect with your body in ways that feel surprisingly doable.   If you've ever wondered why your shoulders ache when life feels heavy, or why your e

Strong bones do more than prevent fractures; they help you stay active, confident, and energized no matter your age. I caught up with Kevin Ellis, aka the Bone Coach, a Forbes-featured integrative health coach who's helped thousands of people worldwide improve their bone health through his Stronger Bones Solution. We talk about what your bone density scores really mean, the difference between bone quality and bone density, and practical steps you can take today to strengthen your bones. Kevin also shares simple nutrition tips, supplements like vitamin D3, K2, and collagen, plus safe exercises that fit your lifestyle.   If you've ever worried about osteopenia or osteoporosis, Kevin's personal story and guidance make it feel manageable and even empowering. From resistance training to balance exercises, he explains small, actionable ways to protect your bones while setting up a healthy foundation for future generations.   And while you're taking care of your bones, don't forget your daily boost with Mighty Maca

The transition through midlife can feel like stepping into unknown territory, your body changes, your moods shift, and suddenly what used to work no longer does. But what if understanding your hormones was the key to feeling like yourself again? In today's conversation, Dr. Cheryl Burdette, Director of Education at Progressive Medical Center and Co-Founder of Precision Point Diagnostics, breaks down what's really happening inside your body during this season of change. She shares how functional testing and targeted lifestyle shifts can restore energy, balance, and clarity at any age.   Dr. Cheryl's work spans everything from hormone testing to gut health and detoxification, and she has a way of making complicated topics feel doable. We talk about the truth behind those midlife changes no one really prepares us for, why they happen, what your labs might be telling you, and simple steps to start balancing your hormones naturally. It's the kind of honest, empowering conversation every woman deserves when navigat

If you’ve ever wondered why your body suddenly feels like it’s changing the rules, hot flashes, mood swings, brain fog, and all, this one’s for you. Perimenopause can feel confusing and even a little isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, I’m sitting down with my dear friend and hormone expert Dr. Mariza Snyder, who’s helping women everywhere see this season of life in a whole new light. She’s breaking down what’s actually happening in our bodies and how we can work with those changes instead of fighting against them.   Dr. Mariza has spent nearly two decades helping women understand their hormones, and she has such a beautiful way of making it all make sense. We talk through the stages of perimenopause, the shifts that happen along the way, and what your body’s trying to tell you through all of it. She also shares her top go-to practices, simple, doable things that make a real difference when it comes to energy, mood, and metabolism.   Your body isn’t broken; it’s evolving. Tune in for a hear

You might not think much about your bones until something goes wrong, but they’re living tissue that respond to how you move, eat, and even how you think. There’s a powerful connection between movement, mindset, and bone health that we don’t talk about enough. My guest today, Margie Bissinger, knows this better than anyone. She’s a Bone Health Expert, Physical Therapist, and Happiness Coach who’s helped thousands of women rebuild their strength and confidence from the inside out.   Margie and I get into what really works when it comes to keeping your bones strong without fear, confusion, or overwhelm. We talk about how to track your bone health between DEXA scans, what kinds of exercise truly make a difference, and how nutrition and hormones play a bigger role than most of us realize. She also shares her integrative approach to bone health that’s helped so many women feel vibrant again, and we answer some of your real questions from the Girlfriend Doctor community.   If this conversation sparks something in y

Sometimes the most important decisions for our health are the ones we don’t think about until it’s almost too late. Breast cancer screening is one of those things; we’d all rather not face it, but the truth is, the earlier we pay attention, the more power we have. That’s why I wanted to have this conversation with two incredible leaders in women’s health who are changing the way we think about mammograms and breast cancer detection.   Dr. Chirag Parghi, a Breast-Specialized Radiologist and Chief Medical Officer at Washington Radiology, explains why starting mammograms at 40 can make all the difference, especially if you have dense breast tissue. He also shares how new imaging tools, combined with artificial intelligence, are helping women avoid unnecessary biopsies and get clearer answers. Dana Brown, CEO of iCAD, brings such an inspiring perspective on how AI is transforming cancer detection around the world and why this matters to every single one of us.   We also talked about the simple, everyday choices w

Hormone health is rarely black and white, and that’s exactly why this conversation is so powerful. I sat down with my dear friend Natalie Jill, a Midlife Expert and Bestselling Author, to talk about the gray zones of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). We got real about the myths that keep women confused or even afraid, and why a “one-size-fits-all” approach just doesn’t work.   We get into the tough questions, like is HRT safe, when should you consider it, and what other natural support options are out there? We also talked about how detoxing plays such a big role in hormone health and how simple things (yes, even broccoli sprouts!) can make a difference. You’ll hear why progesterone and testosterone matter so much more than most women realize, plus a few easy ways to support your hormones starting today.   If this resonates, I’d love for you to join me live for my Mastering Your Hormones Masterclass at dranna.com/hormones. And because I always get asked what I use myself, yes, Julva is one of my favorite dai

Taking care of ourselves doesn’t always mean overhauling everything; it can start with one small choice to finally put our health first. That’s exactly what Tracy Slavik did after years of struggling with PCOS, weight, and hormonal ups and downs. She opened up about how she lost 100 pounds, regained her energy, and started trusting her body again with my Keto Green 16 program. Her story is such a reminder that real change is possible, even when it feels out of reach.   You’ll also hear from Angela Crump, who shares how she found her way back to joy after heartbreaking losses. Grief shook her world, but choosing self-care became her way of healing. She talks honestly about what it looked like to put her health back on the list and how those choices gave her life a new kind of vibrancy.   Both Tracy and Angela show us that when we take care of ourselves, everything else in life begins to shift too. This episode is full of real-life lessons, little mindset shifts, and encouragement that will meet you right where

Menopause isn’t the end of your vibrant life—it’s the beginning of a new chapter. In this inspiring episode of The Girlfriend Doctor, I’m sharing my personal journey through early menopause, the challenges I faced, and the discoveries that helped me reclaim my health, vitality, and joy.   Too often, women are told to simply “endure” menopause, but I believe suffering is optional. With the right questions, symptom tracking, and intentional lifestyle changes, this transition can become a time of renewal. That’s why I created my Magic Menopause program—to help women everywhere step into this phase with confidence, clarity, and even excitement.   If you’ve ever asked yourself, Why am I so tired? Why am I gaining weight? How do I stop the night sweats?—this conversation is for you. I’ll walk you through practical ways to restore balance, how to tell whether it’s menopause or stress that’s dragging you down, and why community and education are essential for navigating this season of life.   Menopause doesn’t have t

Did you know your eyes can actually tell the story of your overall health? My guest today, Dr. Rudrani (Rani) Banik, is a Board-Certified Neuro-Ophthalmologist and Functional Medicine Expert who blends the best of science with everyday lifestyle changes. She’s sharing how the food on your plate, the supplements you take, and even your daily routines can protect your vision as you age. And the best part is that it’s not complicated, just small steps that make a big difference.   If you’ve ever dealt with dry eyes, struggled with screen fatigue, or worried about your eyesight getting worse over time, this conversation is for you. Dr. Rani explains the surprising reasons eye drops don’t always work, her simple three-step eyelid routine, and the key nutrients that act like “super fuel” for your eyes. She also connects the dots between what’s happening in your eyes and what that can reveal about your heart, brain, and overall wellness.   Dr. Rani has been featured everywhere from Good Morning America to The New Yo

We’re surrounded by technology every day, but few of us stop to think about how it might be impacting our bodies. From the phone at your bedside to the Wi-Fi running all night, EMFs (electromagnetic fields) could be quietly affecting your hormones, energy, sleep, and even fertility. That’s why I sat down with Dr. Stephanie McCarter, a physician who has spent years studying how our environment shapes our health. She makes this complex topic surprisingly relatable and gives us plenty of reasons to start paying closer attention.   Dr. Stephanie shares some eye-opening stories and statistics, especially around how EMFs may be influencing children and pregnant women. More than just facts and figures, she offers everyday strategies you can easily bring into your own routine. She breaks down easy, practical changes that can lower your exposure without making you feel like you have to unplug from modern life.   What I love about this conversation is hearing Dr. Stephanie’s own journey from traditional medicine into e

Women’s health is complicated, isn’t it? Between stress, hormones, and all the changes that come with midlife, it can feel like we’re constantly trying to put puzzle pieces together without seeing the full picture. That’s why I loved sitting down with Dr. Margaret Christensen to talk about what’s really going on beneath the surface. She’s sharing a perspective on health, intimacy, and connection that every woman deserves to hear.   Dr. Margaret walked this journey herself. After facing serious health challenges from toxic mold exposure, she shifted from being a traditional OB-GYN to a leader in functional medicine. Now she helps women uncover the root causes of what’s draining their energy, throwing off their hormones, and leaving them feeling disconnected. In our conversation, she opens up about midlife changes, hormone therapy, and how we can reclaim both our vitality and our joy.   What really struck me was how she talks about sexuality and connection, not as something to be hidden or ignored, but as a pow

This might be the most personal story I’ve ever shared with you. I spent 92 hours in complete darkness, no phone, no light, no distractions, and what I came away with completely shifted how I see my life and make decisions. In this episode, I’m opening up about the surprising moments, the deep stillness, and the kind of clarity you can only find when everything else fades away. If you’ve ever felt pulled in a hundred directions, I think you’ll really connect with this one.   When I finally stepped out into the first light of dawn, it was like the world was brand new. Every sound, every feeling, every bit of sunlight felt alive. Out of that experience came something I now call Soul Math, a simple way to check in with myself before making decisions, so they feel good in my soul, not just on paper. I’ll walk you through the exact questions I ask myself, and I’ve even made a simple journal page you can use, too.   I’ll also tell you about a big speaking invitation I got in Bali, and the inner struggle it took to

Brain fog, itchy ears, and phantom smells? Yep, those are real menopause symptoms, and chances are no one warned you about them. That’s why I sat down with Andrea Donsky, a brilliant Menopause Researcher, Nutritionist, and Host of the Menopause Reimagined podcast. With nearly 350K TikTok followers and decades in the wellness space, Andrea’s on a mission to change the way we talk about this season of life, and trust me, you’ll feel so seen after hearing what she shares. We chatted about the 100+ symptoms women are dealing with (some that honestly blew my mind), how to support your body with simple nutrition shifts, and why magnesium and omega-3s might just be your new best friends. Andrea also opened up about the reality of low libido and sleep struggles, things so many of us face but rarely talk about. If you’ve ever felt confused, frustrated, or just plain tired during perimenopause or menopause, you’re not alone, friend. This episode is full of truth, tools, and a whole lot of hope. And before you go… I’ve