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
37 episodes
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...
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Episode 36
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48:04
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...
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Episode 35
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1:10:55
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...
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Episode 34
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32:33
“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...
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Episode 33
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35:34
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...
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Episode 32
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43:09
“Heart Attacks Then vs. Now” STEMI, Stents, and the Evolution of Emergency Cardiology
In this episode, David Roden interviews his father, Dr. Raymond Roden, a retired cardiologist with over 35 years of experience. They discuss Dr. Roden's journey into medicine, the evolution of cardiology, and the complexities of heart attacks. ...
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Episode 31
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52:15
“No Biohacks, No BS”: One Guy’s Honest Questions About Getting Healthier
SummaryIn this episode, David Roden and Patrick Werksma discuss Patrick's revamped health journey, focusing on understanding macros, navigating food choices while traveling, and the impact of lifestyle on health. They explore per...
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Episode 30
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55:44
Can We Trust America’s Nutrition Guidelines? RFK Jr., HHS, and the Politics of Food
SummaryIn this episode, David Roden and Lara discuss the recently released dietary guidelines, exploring their history, evolution, and implications for public health. They analyze the new recommendations, focusing on protein inta...
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Episode 29
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39:28
“Profit vs. Patients?” A Real Conversation About Big Pharma
SummaryIn this episode of "Vitals and Values," David Roden and Dr. Lara delve into the complex relationship between patients, healthcare, and the pharmaceutical industry. David shares his personal experiences as a patient needing...
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Episode 28
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32:27
6 Health & Wellness Trends That Will Explode in 2026
SummaryIn this episode, David and Lara discuss the evolving landscape of health and wellness, focusing on the distinction between building health and buying health. They explore trends such as the increasing emphasis on protein c...
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Episode 27
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36:59
“Doritos Are Healthy Now?”: Why Fixating on Food Dyes Is Missing the Point
SummaryIn this episode, David Roden and Lara Baatenburg discuss the pervasive issues within diet culture, particularly the fixation on specific food components like artificial dyes and the misconceptions surrounding hyper-process...
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Episode 26
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36:06
Should Babies Really Get the Hepatitis B Vaccine at Birth? | Dr Terry Simpson
SummaryIn this conversation, Dr. Lara Baatenburg, David Roden, and Dr. Terry Simpson discuss the importance of the hepatitis B vaccine, particularly its administration at birth. They explore the historical context of hepatitis B ...
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Episode 25
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39:53
Faith and Ambition: A Journey Together
SummaryIn this episode of Vitals and Values, David Roden and Lara Baatenburg explore the intersection of faith and ambition, discussing how their beliefs anchor their relationships and guide their decisions in high-pressure situa...
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Episode 24
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36:42
Online Lab Testing Explained: Accuracy, Cost, and Red Flags
SummaryIn this episode, the hosts discuss the growing trend of ordering lab tests online, particularly focusing on Function Health. They explore the pros and cons of such tests, the importance of understanding blood test results,...
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Episode 23
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41:26
“Doctor vs. Doctor?” Inside the Real Relationship Between MDs & Chiropractors
SummaryIn this engaging conversation, David Roden, Seth, and Lara Baatenburg explore the multifaceted world of chiropractic care. They discuss personal experiences, the importance of understanding the nervous system, and the impa...
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Episode 22
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47:32
“Should You See a Fat Doctor?”: What a Doctor’s Body Really Tells You
SummaryIn this conversation, David Roden and Lara Baatenburg explore the complex relationship between physicians' weight, health, and their role as health models. They discuss the societal expectations placed on doctors regarding...
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Episode 21
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30:34
"AI in Healthcare": Trust and Technology
SummaryIn this episode, Lara Baatenburg and David Roden discuss the implications of AI in healthcare, focusing on its capabilities, limitations, and ethical considerations. They explore how AI can assist in medical diagnosis, imp...
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Episode 20
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33:58
The Future To Cancer Screening Is Here!
SummaryIn this episode of the Vitals and Values podcast, hosts Dr. Lara and David Roden are joined by Lara Bagby from Grail to discuss the groundbreaking Galleri test, a multi-cancer early detection blood test. They explore the sc...
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Episode 19
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28:01
"RFK Jr Says Eat More Saturated Fat?"
summaryIn this conversation, David Roden and Lara discuss the recent statements made by RFK Jr. regarding saturated fat and dietary guidelines. They explore the historical context of dietary recommendations, the complexiti...
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Episode 18
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33:51
"Collagen": marketing vs. evidence
SummaryIn 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 supplement...
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Episode 17
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34:59
"Intermittent Fasting": Miracle, Myth, or Metabolic Reset?
SummaryIn this episode, Lara and David delve into the topic of intermittent fasting, exploring its definitions, types, and the science behind its purported benefits. They discuss the nuances of fasting, the cultural shift from sp...
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Episode 16
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31:44
“The Energy Drink Epidemic:” What Caffeine Is Really Doing to Your Body
SummaryThis conversation delves into the world of caffeine and energy drinks, exploring their effects on health, absorption rates, and the science behind their consumption. The hosts discuss personal experiences, tolerance levels...
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Episode 15
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33:20
“The Red Wine Myth:” Is Any Drinking Actually Healthy?
SummaryIn this episode, David Roden and Lara discuss the complex relationship between alcohol consumption and health. They explore the harsh realities of alcohol as a class one carcinogen, the risks associated with its consumptio...
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Episode 14
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29:43