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
57 episodes
Are Your Hormones Really Out of Balance? — Cortisol, Testosterone & Menopause Myths
Hormones have become one of the biggest targets of health misinformation online.High cortisol. Low testosterone. Hormone imbalance. Estrogen dominance. Perimenopause.But how much can a blood test actually tell you — and when is ho...
Our Top 5 Fall Foods — And the Ones We Think Are Overrated
Fall is here — which means chili, fresh Michigan apples, pumpkin baked goods, roasted vegetables, pot roast…and apparently a butternut squash plant that has completely taken over our garden.In this lighter episode of Vitals & Values,...
DO YOU REALLY NEED THE ER? | The $350 vs. $2,000+ Healthcare Problem
In this episode, Dr. Todd Chassee, Dr. Lara Baatenburg and David discuss the innovative model of Right Care Clinic, its benefits over traditional emergency rooms, and how it aims to transform healthcare delivery in West Michigan. They share per...
The Truth About MMR: What Actually Changed (and What Didn't)
In this episode, we explore the complexities of vaccine information, media portrayal, and public perception, focusing on the MMR vaccine and recent debates. Our experts clarify misconceptions, review historical data, and discuss the influence o...
Why Your Pain Keeps Coming Back: What Manual Therapy Can Find
In this episode, Melissa shares her unique journey from massage therapy to manual therapy and physical therapy, emphasizing the importance of manual techniques, patient trust, and the shift from volume-based to results-oriented care. Discover h...
10 Health Mistakes We Made Trying to Be Healthy
In this episode, David and Lara share their personal health journeys and debunk common myths about nutrition, sleep, and fitness. They emphasize the importance of humility, adaptability, and understanding science to make sustainable health choi...
The Testosterone Boom: Who Actually Needs TRT?
People are talking about testosterone more than ever—but who actually needs it?In this episode of Vitals & Values, David shares his personal six-month experience on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) while Dr. Treisenberg ...
Understanding the Pelvic Floor: Insights from a Pelvic Floor PT with Kelly Ruther
Understanding the Pelvic Floor: Insights from a Pelvic Floor PT. This episode dives into the complexities of the pelvic floor, debunking myths and explaining its vital role through visual analogies and expert insights. Perfect for those c...
GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs: 5 Things to Know BEFORE You Start
Top 5 Things to Know Before Starting GLP-1 Medications for Weight Loss In this episode, we dive into the essential considerations for anyone contemplating GLP-1 therapies, addressing myths, safety, and real-world insights from healthcare profes...
"Is European Food Actually Healthier?" | What We Learned from Our Italian Honeymoon
Travel, Food, and Fitness Insights from a European HoneymoonIn this episode, David and Lara share their recent honeymoon experiences in Italy, providing practical insights on enjoying travel while maintaining health and fitness habits. T...
Our Wedding Wasn't Perfect—It Was Better Than That
We’re back—and officially married!In this episode, we take you behind the scenes of our wedding and honeymoon, sharing the moments you'll never see in the photos, the surprises we didn't expect, and the lessons we'll carry into marriage....
10 Things Your Doctor Wishes You Knew
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...
The Honest List: Top 10 Most Overrated Health Foods
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 th...
“The Lie of Overnight Transformation” | Why Real Health Takes Time
SummaryThis 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 Dav...
“Big Pharma & Your Doctor” : Myths, Money, and Medicine
SummaryThis 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 pres...
Broken by Design: Why American Healthcare Fails Patients, Doctors, and Everyone In Between
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 ...
The Inflammation Lie: And the Truths Worth Keeping
SummaryThis 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 ...
Why Are We So Anxious Right Now?
SummaryThis 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 fro...
The Truth Behind Calories — And Why So Many People Get It Wrong
SummaryThis 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, mi...
Menopause and Hormone Therapy: What Every Woman Needs to Know
SummaryIn 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 per...
Is Social Media Making You Miserable? The Research, the Risks, and How to Take Back Control
Is Social Media Making You Miserable? The Research, the Risks, and How to Take Back ControlAre your daily scrolling habits quietly affecting your happiness, mental health, and real-life relationships? In this episode, David and Dr...
Overcoming Lipedema: Seven Surgeries and a New Life
SummaryCara 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 h...
GLP-1s and the Online Medication Boom: What You Need to Know
summaryThis 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 compounde...
“We Answer Your Weird Health Questions”: Some Fun, Some Strange, Some Surprisingly Important
summaryJoin 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 epi...
My Dad Felt Fine — A Routine Checkup Found Blocked Arteries and AFib
summaryIn 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 rout...