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
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💼 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.
Vitals & Values: Concierge Medicine of West Michigan
"Collagen": marketing vs. evidence
Summary
In this episode, David Roden and Lara discuss the science and myths surrounding collagen, including its types, sources, and benefits. They explore the controversy of vegan collagen, the effectiveness of collagen supplements for skin and joint health, and the importance of a diverse diet in collagen production. The conversation emphasizes that while collagen can have benefits, it should not be seen as a cure-all and is only a small part of overall health.
Takeaways
Collagen is the body's most abundant protein, making up about 30% of total protein.
There are 28 types of collagen, with types 1, 2, and 3 being the most prevalent.
Plant-based collagen does not exist; collagen is derived from animal sources.
Collagen is not a complete protein and should not be counted towards daily protein goals.
Hydrolyzed collagen can improve skin hydration and elasticity.
Collagen may help with mild to moderate osteoarthritis due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Research supporting collagen for hair and nails is limited and often of poor quality.
Collagen supplementation requires consistent use for 8 to 12 weeks to see benefits.
The modern American diet lacks collagen-rich foods, impacting overall health.
Supplements should only be a small part of a healthy lifestyle, with diet and exercise being paramount.
Chapters
00:00 Understanding Collagen: A Humble Beginning
02:48 Types of Collagen and Their Functions
09:08 Collagen Sources: Animal vs. Plant-Based
12:48 Collagen Supplementation: Benefits and Research
16:28 Dosage and Expectations for Collagen Use
17:24 The Personal Journey of Supplements
20:32 The Importance of Collagen in Diet
24:39 The Impact of Modern Diet on Health
30:18 Understanding Supplementation and Its Role
33:35 The Limitations of Supplements
