Dr. Sue Varma - 9/11 Trauma & Optimism Through Adversity | HFYH #113
Release Date: 01/07/2025
HOT For Your Health
In this episode, Dr. Vonda Wright sits down with Dr. Corinne Menn, a board-certified OBGYN, Menopause Society Certified Practitioner, and 23-year breast cancer survivor who brings both clinical expertise and lived experience to the menopause conversation. A BRCA carrier and surgical menopause patient, Dr. Menn is a fierce advocate for women navigating cancer risk, premature menopause, and hormone health. Together, they unpack the major gaps in menopause care—from the underuse of hormone therapy (only 4–5% of women use it) to the widespread misinformation among healthcare providers....
info_outlineHOT For Your Health
In this episode, Dr. Vonda Wright sits down with Dr. Alexandra Sowa, a dual board-certified physician in internal and obesity medicine, founder of SoWell, and author of The Ozempic Revolution. With over a decade of clinical experience and features in The New York Times, CNN, and Women’s Health, Dr. Sowa is a leading voice in metabolic health and the safe, personalized use of GLP-1 medications. Together, they dive into the science behind GLP-1s — what they are, how they work in the brain, gut, and pancreas — and why these medications have transformed the obesity medicine landscape. Dr....
info_outlineHOT For Your Health
In this episode, Dr. Vonda Wright sits down with the multifaceted Dr. Tiffany Moon, a board-certified anesthesiologist, entrepreneur, keynote speaker, twin mom, and author of the upcoming book Joy Prescriptions: How I Learned to Stop Chasing Perfection and Embrace Connection (May 2025). As the founder of Aromasthesia Candles, Three Moons Wine, and LeadHer Summit, Tiffany is also known for breaking barriers as the first Chinese American medical doctor featured on Real Housewives. Together, they dive into what it means to be an authentic woman in medicine and business, from dealing with online...
info_outlineHOT For Your Health
In this episode, Dr. Vonda Wright sits down with writer, activist, and feminist Jennifer Weiss-Wolf, a leading voice in the fight for menstrual equity. Dubbed the “architect of the U.S. policy campaign to squash the tampon tax,” Jennifer is the author of Periods Gone Public and serves as VP at the Brennan Center for Justice. Her groundbreaking work has been featured in The New York Times, TIME, Cosmopolitan, MSNBC, and more. Together, they dive into how a local donation drive sparked Jennifer’s national policy work, the cultural stigma surrounding menstruation, and the rise of the...
info_outlineHOT For Your Health
In this episode, Dr. Vonda Wright sits down with Logan Chierotti, founder of Physician's Choice, a supplement brand that hit $200 million in annual revenue and is sold in major retailers like Walmart and CVS. With three successful business exits, Logan shares his entrepreneurial journey, the toll stress takes on health, and how mindfulness practices, like daily meditation, have helped him manage stress and body pain. Logan also dives into the supplement world, discussing the importance of third-party testing, avoiding ineffective formulas, and his personal experience with probiotics in...
info_outlineHOT For Your Health
In this episode, Dr. Vonda Wright sits down with Dr. Dhivya Srinivasa, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon specializing in microsurgery and breast reconstruction. She is the founder of The Institute for Advanced Breast Reconstruction (IABR) and a fierce advocate for patient-centered care. They dive deep into the long-term journey of breast reconstruction, covering how weight changes, surgical revisions, and insurance mandates impact outcomes over a lifetime. Dr. Srinivasa shares why microsurgery using natural tissue can dramatically restore quality of life and explains the...
info_outlineHOT For Your Health
In this episode of 'Hot for Your Health,' Dr. Vonda Wright sits down with Landon Bryant—a Southern storyteller and social media sensation. Known for his viral "let's discuss..." monologues that hilariously and insightfully unpack Southern culture, Landon began his storytelling journey as an acclaimed art teacher with a flair for education. His wife’s suggestion to share his wit online sparked a meteoric rise to fame. Whether he's exploring the nuances of grits or recounting tales of "Walmart High School," Landon brings a magnetic authenticity to every story he tells. In this episode,...
info_outlineHOT For Your Health
In this episode of 'Hot for Your Health,' Dr. Vonda Wright sits down with Dr. Anna Toker, a double-board-certified colon and rectal surgeon and medical director of SKANDii MedSpa in Mansfield, Texas. Known for her expertise in robotic surgery and passion for gut health, Dr. Toker shares her journey from chemistry to medicine, balancing a demanding career with family life, and her unique perspective as a female surgeon. Dr. Toker reflects on her path to colorectal surgery, overcoming challenges during residency, and how her specialization offers work-life balance and meaningful impact. Learn...
info_outlineHOT For Your Health
In this episode of 'Hot for Your Health,' Dr. Vonda Wright sits down with Marc Middleton, a television journalist, Emmy-winning broadcaster, author, and founder of Growing Bolder, a media company redefining aging and active lifestyles. A multiple Emmy Award winner, Marc is also a filmmaker, podcast host, and Masters swimming world record holder. He has dedicated his career to changing the narrative around aging, empowering older adults to live with passion, purpose, and vitality. Marc shares insights on combating ageism, reshaping societal views on aging, and embracing a pro-aging mindset....
info_outlineHOT For Your Health
In this episode of 'Hot for Your Health,' Dr. Vonda Wright sits down with Dr. Tara M. Griffin, a renowned sleep clinician, dentist, and co-founder of Sleep Solution Centers in Orlando, Florida. With expertise in dental sleep medicine, TMJ disorders, and holistic health solutions, Dr. Griffin has dedicated her career to transforming lives through innovative, non-surgical approaches to sleep disorders. Dr. Griffin shares her personal journey from general dentistry to sleep medicine, inspired by her own struggles with TMJ, sinus issues, and chronic pain. She explores the root causes of sleep...
info_outlineIn this episode of 'Hot for Your Health,' Dr. Vonda Wright is joined by Dr. Sue Varma, MD, DFAPA, a renowned psychiatrist, cognitive behavioral therapist, and Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at NYU Langone Health. With over two decades of expertise, Dr. Varma is a trailblazer in mental health advocacy, serving as the first medical director of NYU’s 9/11 mental health program and a trusted voice on national media platforms. Her upcoming book, Practical Optimism: The Art, Science, and Practice of Exceptional Wellbeing, is set to inspire readers worldwide in early 2024.
In this episode, Dr. Varma dives into the long-term mental health effects of 9/11, exploring how trauma reshapes safety, trust, and community morale. She discusses the concept of post-traumatic growth and how finding meaning in adversity can fundamentally transform individuals. Dr. Varma also introduces the idea of "practical optimism," an approach that demonstrates how optimism can improve physical and mental health, boost longevity, and reduce the risk of major illnesses.
The conversation highlights the balance between purpose, service, and self-care, incorporating insights from the Japanese concept of ikigai. Dr. Varma offers tools for processing emotions and shares how embracing self-compassion and rest can help individuals build resilience. This episode is packed with actionable advice on moving beyond survival to thriving and cultivating purpose and joy in daily life. Don’t miss this empowering discussion!
•••
Connect with Sue Varma:
Instagram: @doctorsuevarma
Website: www.doctorsuevarma.com
Pre-order her book: doctorsuevarma.com/book
•••
Make sure to follow Dr. Vonda Wright:
Instagram: @drvondawright
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@vondawright
Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drvondawright
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vonda-wright-md-ms-2803374
Website: http://www.DrVondaWright.com
•••
If you enjoyed this episode, Subscribe to “HOT For Your Health” for more inspiring episodes.
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hot-for-your-health/id1055206993
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1Q2Al27D79jCLAyzp4hKBv?si=b62b374994884eed
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Share your comments or join the discussion on social media using #HotForYourHealthPodcast.