In this episode, I sit down with author and creator Kaila Yu to explore what it takes to move from external validation to authentic self worth. We talk about the harm of fetishization, the healing power of sobriety and community, Internal Family Systems therapy, and simple practices like meditation and gratitude that actually shift your biology and your story. If you have ever felt invisible or not enough, this one is for you.

Content advisory: mentions of addiction and sexual assault.

Read more at kienvuu.com

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Get the 2nd edition of Thrive State at thrivestatebook.com
Download the free Longevity and Performance Starter Kit at thrivestatestarter.com

References: IFS evidence and randomized trials, meditation and gratitude research, and reporting on anti Asian violence. Taylor & Francis Onlineifstherapy.orgSpringerLinkJAMA NetworkPBS

Episode Highlights:

• UCSD connection
• Five to Thrive: self love, rest, and power
• Why Kaila wrote Fetishized and the TikTok pivot
• Hollywood stereotypes and narrow roles for Asian women
• Sobriety and the start of real inner work
• Depression, chaos, and chasing validation
• Parents, achievement, and the missing words of affirmation
• What 12 step work opens up
• Naming the assault and why secrets make us sick
• IFS therapy and befriending your parts
• First steps that actually help
• Meditation and gratitude in practice
• Why fetishization is not harmless
• Book details and where to find Kaila
  

Longevity is not just living longer. It is living fully alive. In this Thrive State conversation, Dr. Kien Vuu joins David Meltzer to unpack how meaning, gratitude, and your biology work together to shape health, performance, and legacy. We cover the science of stress, mitochondria, and the default mode network, plus practical shifts that move you from dis-ease to ease.

Listen to more episodes: kienvuu.com/podcast

Follow @doctorvmd

Grab the Thrive State Starter Kit: thrivestatestarter.com

Get the Thrive State book: thrivestatebook.com

Episode Highlights:

• Intro at SoFi Stadium and what longevity really means today
• Doctor, lawyer, or failure: Dr. V’s immigrant story and the trap of “not enough”
• Ease vs dis-ease: identity, energy, and the signals we send our DNA
• Stress biology in real life: mitochondria, inflammation, and meaning reframe
• Longevity mindset: “live well” vs “do not die” and why fear backfires
• Feeling alive daily: freedom, service, and the energy others can feel
• Lessons and blessings: using pressure to grow

What if the anxiety, burnout, or exhaustion you feel isn’t just emotional—but energetic?

In this transformative episode of the Thrive State Podcast, Doctor V sits down with healer and intuitive guide Victoria Pippo to explore how energy affects our biology, relationships, and purpose. From grounding and shielding to energetic cleansing, you’ll learn how to shift your frequency and regain control of your inner world.

Start reclaiming your energy:
📘 Get the free Thrive State Starter Guide: https://thrivestatestarter.com
🧠 Order Thrive State Book: https://thrivestatebook.com
📲 Follow @doctorvmd

Episode Highlights:

• Why “Energy Is Medicine”

• Victoria’s Story: From Disney Performer to Healer

• What Energetic Sovereignty Really Means

• Reincarnation, Soul Contracts & Free Will

• Trauma, Tension & Energetic Blocks in the Body

• Meditation Hacks for Busy Brains

• Grounding Techniques That Actually Work

• Energetic Shielding vs. Emotional Numbing

• Cleansing Practices You Can Start Today

• Tuning into Your Intuition & Inner Guidance

• Victoria’s Final Message: Energy as Medicine