Episode: The Power of Compliments

Featuring: Loreen Wales & Dr. Prerana Rudrapatna

Host: Michael Dargie

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.

• Why compliments have a real physiological and psychological impact

• The difference between authentic recognition and performative praise

• How compliments influence mental health, confidence, and motivation

• The role of kindness and validation in lifestyle medicine

• How clinicians, leaders, and everyday humans can use compliments more intentionally

• Simple ways to give compliments that actually land (and don't feel awkward)

• Compliments can reduce stress, improve mood, and strengthen trust

• Recognition is a form of preventive care—not just a "nice-to-have"

• Small, sincere moments of appreciation can have long-lasting effects

• The way we speak to others directly impacts how safe, seen, and supported they feel

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.

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.

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.

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 Viva Plan, approaches the issue from a holistic health perspective. With a focus on personalized, sustainable lifestyle strategies, she discusses how foundational health and empowered decision-making play a role in prevention and recovery. Loreen also speaks to the importance of accessible resources that meet people where they're at—mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Together, they unpack what it means to live in a society where sexual health is still seen as taboo, and where cervical cancer is often misunderstood. They offer practical, science-backed knowledge for anyone who wants to better understand the human papillomavirus (HPV), the tools we have to prevent it, and how to advocate for yourself and others.

This is a grounded and thoughtful conversation about health literacy, body autonomy, and breaking down the barriers that keep people silent. It's about normalizing the conversation—because cervical cancer is preventable, and knowledge is power.

LINKS FROM THIS EPISODE

• My Viva Plan

• HPV Vaccine Info - Canada

• Screening for Life - Alberta

• World Health Organization: HPV & Cervical Cancer

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 season tends to feel like it happens to you instead of with you, this episode is your reset.

In this episode, you'll hear:

• Why holiday stress isn't just "in your head" — and why perceived stress still counts

• A simple values-first question that instantly clarifies what deserves your energy

• How overcommitting quietly creates guilt, frustration, and burnout

• Why the holidays feel like they disappear — and how a plan on a calendar changes that

• The "closet" metaphor: what happens when we avoid decisions instead of making them

• How to approach food and alcohol without restriction or regret (choose what's worth it)

• One powerful reframe that turns "I blew it" into useful data instead of self-judgment

• Why self-compassion might be the most underrated holiday survival skill

Key moments worth jumping to:

• 00:01:37 "Do I need to be stressed about the holidays?"

• 00:05:43 What stress really is — and why perception drives the experience

• 00:07:00 Values over expectations: deciding what actually matters to you

• 00:09:35 Why planning reduces stress instead of killing spontaneity

• 00:10:37 Guilt, shame, and the emotional hangover after the holidays

• 00:12:25 The "closet" metaphor (and why avoidance makes everything heavier)

• 00:14:54 Scheduling self-care like it's non-negotiable

• 00:16:05 Boundaries around food and drink that don't feel restrictive

• 00:21:59 The mindset shift: outcomes as data, not failure

A reminder worth keeping:

You don't need a "perfect" holiday.

You need a clear plan, aligned values, and a little kindness toward yourself.

Learn more:

• https://discover.myviva.com