Longevity Starts With Your Immune System, Not Your Serum Ft. Dr. Stacie Stephenson

In this episode of Skin Anarchy , host Dr. Ekta Yadav is joined by Dr. Stacie Stephenson, a leading voice in functional and integrative medicine, for a powerful conversation that reframes how we think about skin health. Rather than isolating skin concerns from the rest of the body, Dr. Stacie emphasizes a systems-based approach that connects the dots between stress, inflammation, gut health, and chronic conditions like acne and autoimmune disease. Dr. Stacie shares her remarkable journey from Olympic-level figure skating to becoming a disruptor in modern medicine—after personal health challenges led her to seek deeper answers beyond traditional care. Together, she and Dr. Ekta unpack the philosophy of functional medicine, spotlighting its focus on root causes, not just symptoms. They explore acne as a case study in how conventional treatments often overlook gut dysfunction, food sensitivities, and long-term microbiome damage. Dr. Stacie also weighs in on the rise of GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy—highlighting their promise, their risks, and the psychological dimensions of weight and wellness. This episode is both a masterclass and a mindset shift. Listeners will walk away with a clearer understanding of how to partner with their body—and their practitioner—to personalize their path to better health. Whether you’re managing a stubborn skin condition or exploring holistic healing, this conversation may offer the insight you’ve been searching for. CHAPTERS: (0:00) Introduction to Dr. Stacie Stephenson (1:16) Dr. Stacie’s Journey into Functional and Integrative Medicine (4:31) The Influence of Athletic Experience on Dr. Stacie’s Career (7:25) Discovering Functional Medicine and Early Career Challenges (9:26) Key Pillars of Functional Medicine and Its Application (12:12) The Role of Gut Health and Detoxification in Functional Medicine (16:04) Understanding Preventative Medicine and the Importance of Personal Health Awareness (19:43) Dr. Stacie's Thoughts on Acne and Its Root Causes (27:01) The GLP-1 Drugs: Benefits and Concerns on Long-Term Use To learn more about Dr. Stacie Stephenson, visit her website and social media . Don’t forget to subscribe to Skin Anarchy on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred platform. Reach out to us through email with any questions. Sign up for our newsletter! Shop all our episodes and products mentioned through our ShopMy Shelf ! *This is a paid collaboration* Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.