The Lifestyle Medicine Show Powered by My Viva
Episode: The Power of Compliments Featuring: Loreen Wales & Dr. Prerana Rudrapatna Host: Michael Dargie Episode Summary What if one of the most powerful tools for better health, stronger relationships, and improved wellbeing costs absolutely nothing? In this episode of The Lifestyle Medicine Show, host Michael Dargie sits down with Loreen Wales and Dr. Prerana Rudrapatna to explore the often-overlooked science and impact of compliments. From mental health and workplace culture to patient care and personal connection, this conversation unpacks how intentional, authentic praise can...
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In this special Cervical Cancer Awareness Month episode, Dr. Prerana Rudrapatna and Loreen Wales bring much-needed clarity and compassion to a topic that too often goes unspoken. Dr. Rudrapatna, a Medical Health Liaison, shares insights into the clinical and systemic realities around HPV and cervical cancer—from gaps in screening and education to how stigma still prevents many people from seeking care. She breaks down the importance of the HPV vaccine, why early screening matters, and how equity in healthcare needs more than just policy—it needs honest conversation. Loreen Wales, CEO of My...
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The holidays are supposed to be joyful… So why do so many of us end them exhausted, overextended, and quietly judging ourselves? In this episode, host Michael Dargie is joined by Loreen Wales and Dr. Prerana Rudrapatna for a grounded, refreshingly human conversation about what actually creates holiday stress—and how to move through the season without white-knuckling it. This isn’t about rigid rules, skipping the food you love, or pretending stress doesn’t exist. It’s about values, boundaries, self-compassion, and planning just enough so the holidays don’t run you. If the...
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Hosted by Michael Dargie, this episode of the Lifestyle Medicine Show powered by my viva, is a look back the Lifestyle Medicine Conference (ACLM); Loreen and Dr. Prerana share the real behind-the-scenes experience—what surprised them, what lit them up, and what they’re bringing home into the work they’re doing at MyViva. This isn’t a “conference highlights” episode. It’s a human recap of what it feels like to be in a room full of people who actually get lifestyle medicine, and who are trying to make it real inside healthcare systems—without burning out the people...
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In this episode of the Lifestyle Medicine Show, host Michael Dargie is joined by dietitian and founder of My Viva Plan, Loreen Wales, and lifestyle medicine physician Dr. Prerana Rudrapatna to unpack one of the most pressing health topics today—Type 2 Diabetes. Timed with Diabetes Awareness Month, this conversation is a must-listen for anyone who has been diagnosed, is considered pre-diabetic, or wants to understand how to better manage their long-term health. The episode begins with a back-to-basics explanation of what diabetes actually is—glucose, insulin, and how resistance or...
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In this episode, Michael Dargie is joined by returning guests Loreen Wales and Dr. Prerana from My Viva Plan to explore a topic that’s as vital as any prescription—friendship. Drawing on decades of experience in healthcare and real-life stories, the trio unpacks the profound impact social connection has on our mental and physical health. Friendship, it turns out, is more than just a nice-to-have; it’s an essential component of a healthy life. Dr. Prerana shares research-backed insights on how social connection affects everything from inflammation markers and chronic illness risk to...
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In this energizing and thoughtful episode, Michael Dargie is joined by Dr. Prerana and Loreen Wales, CEO of My Viva Plan and a registered dietitian with a psychology background. Together, they dive deep into what self-care truly means—and what it doesn’t. From redefining indulgence to exploring the science behind rest and resilience, the conversation uncovers how to distinguish between genuine self-care and subtle avoidance. The trio shares personal stories, evidence-based strategies, and even a few snack-time confessions (popcorn, anyone?) to illustrate how health professionals and busy...
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In this important episode of the Lifestyle Medicine Show, host Michael Dargie sits down with Dr. Prerana, Chief Medical Liaison at My Viva, and Laureen Wales, CEO of My Viva, to shed light on an often overlooked topic: men’s mental and emotional health. June is Men’s Health Month, but this isn’t just about awareness—it’s about action. The conversation tackles staggering stats like the fact that suicide is the leading cause of death for Canadian men under 45, and that men account for over 75% of all suicides in Canada, despite only 10% being officially diagnosed with anxiety or...
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In this episode, we examine a powerful truth: meaningful change in chronic disease care happens through behavior, not biomarkers. Host Michael Dargie is joined by Dr. Prerana and Loreen Wales for a candid conversation about why self-awareness, connection, and coaching are essential to lifestyle medicine. They explore how My Viva Plan™ blends data tracking and AI-powered reflection with evidence-based behavior change models—creating a practical, compassionate tool that supports both clinicians and patients. What You’ll Learn: Why 70% of health decisions are driven by emotion, not logic ...
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In this episode of the MyVivaPlan Lifestyle Medicine Podcast, host Michael Dargie engages with experts Loreen Wales and Dr. Prerana Rudrapatna to discuss the operationalization of lifestyle medicine in clinical practice. They explore the challenges of chronic disease management, the importance of patient-centered care, and how MyVivaPlan serves as a bridge between healthcare providers and patients. The conversation emphasizes the need for sustainable behavior change, the integration of technology in healthcare, and the significance of personalized care in improving health outcomes. ...
info_outlineEpisode: The Power of Compliments
Featuring: Loreen Wales & Dr. Prerana Rudrapatna
Host: Michael Dargie
Episode Summary
What if one of the most powerful tools for better health, stronger relationships, and improved wellbeing costs absolutely nothing?
In this episode of The Lifestyle Medicine Show, host Michael Dargie sits down with Loreen Wales and Dr. Prerana Rudrapatna to explore the often-overlooked science and impact of compliments. From mental health and workplace culture to patient care and personal connection, this conversation unpacks how intentional, authentic praise can change how we feel, how we show up, and how we heal.
This isn’t about empty flattery. It’s about human connection—and how small moments of recognition can create meaningful, measurable change.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
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Why compliments have a real physiological and psychological impact
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The difference between authentic recognition and performative praise
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How compliments influence mental health, confidence, and motivation
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The role of kindness and validation in lifestyle medicine
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How clinicians, leaders, and everyday humans can use compliments more intentionally
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Simple ways to give compliments that actually land (and don’t feel awkward)
Key Takeaways
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Compliments can reduce stress, improve mood, and strengthen trust
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Recognition is a form of preventive care—not just a “nice-to-have”
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Small, sincere moments of appreciation can have long-lasting effects
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The way we speak to others directly impacts how safe, seen, and supported they feel
Featuring
Loreen Wales, CEO of My Viva Inc.
Loreen brings a deeply human perspective to wellbeing, connection, and communication. Her work highlights the power of everyday interactions in shaping healthier cultures—at work, at home, and in ourselves.
Dr. Prerana Rudrapatna
Dr. Rudrapatna is a lifestyle medicine physician who blends evidence-based care with compassion and practicality. Her approach emphasizes whole-person health, emotional wellbeing, and sustainable behavior change.
About the Host
Michael Dargie is a creative director, author, and host known for asking thoughtful questions that get past the surface. On The Lifestyle Medicine Show, Michael explores the human side of health—where science, story, and lived experience intersect.
Listen & Subscribe
If this episode resonated, subscribe to The Lifestyle Medicine Show and share it with someone who could use a genuine compliment today.
Sometimes the smallest words make the biggest difference.