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PODCAST

The Upgrade Effect

Samantha Ricottone

Welcome to The Upgrade Effect. I’m Samantha, a Certified Teacher and Nutrition Coach. This is where real science meets practical wellness, and where understanding how your body works empowers you to create habits that actually upgrade your health for the long haul. Each episode, we explore holistic wellness — from brain health to digestion and everything in between. We’ll dive into the science behind strategies that help you build strong foundations, improve your overall well-being, and make

health & fitness nutrition

All Episodes

13:27

Neurotransmitters: Your Brain's Group Chat

The Upgrade Effect ·

2025/10/23

Your brain’s a group chat — and dopamine won’t stop texting. In this episode, we decode the chaos inside your head: dopamine, serotonin, GABA, and the rest of the chemical crew running your moods, cravings, and motivation. You’ll finally understand why scrolling feels good (for 0.2 seconds), why real progress feels better, and how to keep your brain chemistry from hijacking your day.

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20:25

Hormones: More Than Just That Time of Month

The Upgrade Effect ·

2025/09/17

Your hormones run the show, controlling your energy, sleep, stress, appetite, metabolism, mood, immunity, growth, and everything in between. In this episode, we break the science down simply, to what actually matters, and show how small, practical upgrades can change the game, helping you manage it all without wasting money on trendy supplements or "quick fixes."

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19:46

From Bite to Bathroom

The Upgrade Effect ·

2025/08/18

In this episode, I’ll break down each organ involved in digestion and show you how to fuel each one with the right nutrition to keep your system running at its best. Understanding digestion gives you the power to make smarter food choices, prevent digestive discomfort, and support long-term gut health. You’ll also uncover surprising facts about how your body breaks down food and learn practical strategies to keep your digestive system running smoothly, so you can feel healthier, more energized, and

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13:58

The Gene Scene: DNA Explained in 15

The Upgrade Effect ·

2025/06/09

Your DNA is more than just a code — it’s the foundation for nearly everything your body does. And while 99.9% of it is the same as everyone else’s, how you live can shape how your genes show up for you. In this episode, we unpack what DNA is made of, how it functions, and how daily choices like food, sleep, and stress impact gene expression. This is your starting point for a deeper understanding of your body — and how to support it at the cellular level for a more intentional, upgraded approach to

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18:43

Know Your Cellf- The Biology Behind Real Wellness

The Upgrade Effect ·

2025/05/26

We throw the word “wellness” around a lot—but if you don’t understand what’s happening at the cellular level, are you really upgrading your health? In this kickoff episode of Season 2 of The Upgrade Effect, we zoom in on the eukaryotic cell—the complex, powerhouse structure that makes up you. From mitochondria to the Golgi apparatus, we break down what each organelle does, why it matters, and how it all connects to the way your body feels, functions, and heals. Whether you're focused on nutrition,

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19:52

Trust Your Gut

The Upgrade Effect ·

2025/05/05

In this episode of The Upgrade Effect, we're diving deep into the gut—not just as a digestive system, but as the command center for your mood, immunity, and long-term wellness. Join me as we explore the delicate balance between beneficial and harmful bacteria in your gut microbiome. We’ll cover the science of probiotics, prebiotics, and the gut-brain connection, shedding light on how your digestive health influences everything from your skin to your mental clarity. By the end of this episode, you'll

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22:22

From Bite to Body: The Digestion Breakdown

The Upgrade Effect ·

2025/04/07

This episode breaks down the full journey of digestion—from the mouth to the gut—explaining what each organ does and how they all work together. We go beyond food to explore what really affects digestion: space between meals, breathing, food combining, and even stress. Whether you’re dealing with bloating or just want to better understand your body, this is a practical, science-backed guide to improving how you feel—so you can start upgrading your digestion from the inside out.

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23:04

Liquid Gold: What is Your Olive Oil Telling You?

The Upgrade Effect ·

2025/02/25

In this episode of The Upgrade Effect, we chat with Nelson Olive Oil Co. about the health benefits of olive oil, how to choose the best quality, and why this liquid gold is an essential part of a wellness-focused diet. Olive oil is the healthiest fat you can put in your body. It's time for an upgrade.

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26:41

Go, Get Lost, Grow

The Upgrade Effect ·

2025/01/27

Travel isn’t just sightseeing—it fundamentally changes the way you think and comes with a massive neurological upgrade. In this episode of The Upgrade Effect, we break down the highs and lows of traveling and how every experience, the good, the bad, and the ugly, leaves you with a fresh perspective. Few things have the power to transform you like travel. It’s the ultimate upgrade—expanding your mindset, shifting your priorities, and leaving you with a version of yourself that’s more open, adaptable,

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32:20

Ditch the Diet STAT

The Upgrade Effect ·

2025/01/14

What do you need to do? It depends on WHAT THE GOAL IS. In this episode of The Upgrade Effect, I’m joined by Meaghan Keating, a Certified Fitness and Nutrition Coach, to discuss why dieting is often a scam and how health fads can leave you feeling overwhelmed. We explore how your unique goals should guide your approach to health—whether it’s building muscle, losing weight, or simply feeling your best. Meaghan shares her experience prepping for a bodybuilding show, explaining how her intense diet and

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32:25

Liquid Logic: Unveiling the Secrets of Your Water

The Upgrade Effect ·

2024/12/30

In this episode of The Upgrade Effect, we’re putting water under the microscope—literally and figuratively. From the tap to the bottle, reverse osmosis to hydrogen water, we'll sip through the pros and cons of each type of water and take a closer look at the liquid you’re gulping down every day. Spoiler alert: not all water is created equal.

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21:18

The PH Puzzle: Why Balance is Key to Vitality

The Upgrade Effect ·

2024/12/09

Is your body running on battery acid or a peaceful mountain spring? In this episode of The Upgrade Effect, we get real about pH balance—what it is, why it matters, and how to stop your insides from feeling like a science experiment gone wrong. Join us as we break down the science, toss in a few laughs, and share practical tips to keep your body chemistry as zen as God's plan. Science meets self-care just about every time.

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30:06

Motherhood Series Part 2: Losing It Then Finding It...

The Upgrade Effect ·

2024/12/03

Motherhood: the ultimate test of patience, endurance, and your ability to function on zero sleep. In part two of our series, we’re spilling the tea on the daily chaos, sharing relatable moments, and dropping sanity-saving tips to help you survive the madness.It’s real, it’s raw, and it might just make you feel a little less alone. Pop in your earbuds—this one’s your survival guide.

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19:13

Part 1: Prologue to Motherhood

The Upgrade Effect ·

2024/11/25

Join us in this 2-Part Series on Motherhood. In Part 1 we get into where we were when we VERY UNEXPECTEDLY found out we were pregnant. We discuss fears, experiences and contrast our birth stories. Moral of the story is: pregnancy is the beautiful most insane miracle we believe any woman could ever go through. =

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25:45

Rethink Goal-Setting: Science-Driven Tools for Real...

The Upgrade Effect ·

2024/11/18

This episode of The Upgrade Effect takes a fresh look at goal-setting through a scientific lens. We uncover what drives focus and follow-through, then share practical methods to turn big ambitions into achievable weekly steps. No fluff—just tools to help you take action and make real progress. If you’re serious about leveling up, this is where it starts.

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20:01

The Sickening 15

The Upgrade Effect ·

2024/11/12

In this episode of The Upgrade Effect, we uncover some unsettling truths about the food industry. Drawing on insights from Vani Hari (aka “The Food Babe”), we explore 15 surprising ingredients the FDA allows in our food, despite the potential detrimental health risks. From antibiotics to MSG, these additives are more prevalent than you might expect—and they could be impacting your well-being. We will also offer some healthy alternatives to help you upgrade your grocery list to feel detox your body,

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33:45

Purely Simple Health Practices

The Upgrade Effect ·

2024/11/12

In this episode, we’re diving into the powerful health practices that have transformed our lives — and that anyone has access to, which creates lasting change. From simple, God-given tools like sunlight and breath work to other daily habits that elevate our well-being, we discuss how these practices can shift the trajectory of your health. Whether you’re new to wellness or a seasoned practitioner, we believe that small, daily and intentional upgrades can make a huge difference.

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39:09

If You Can You Will, If You Can’t You Won’t

The Upgrade Effect ·

2024/11/12

In this episode, we dive into the difference between being motivated and being driven. While motivation often comes in bursts and can be fleeting, being driven is about having a long-term vision that keeps you pushing forward, even when motivation fades. We’ll discuss why it’s important to know what truly works for you when it comes to staying motivated, and how identifying those strategies can help you maintain consistency in your health, wellness, and overall goals. Tune in to explore practical

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