In this episode of Unstable Vitals, Dr. Lara Zibners and Dr. Adam Brown welcome Alison Fragale, organizational psychologist, professor, and author of Likeable Badass, to talk about the science of respect, influence, and why women in leadership still face steep uphill battles.

From trading nail files for shoes to unpacking why “likeable” and “badass” aren’t opposites, this conversation dives into how gender bias shapes pay, leadership, and culture, and what can be done to change it.

Alison breaks down the psychology behind earning respect and why bias isn’t just a “men vs. women” problem. Lara and Adam bring it home with real-world reflections on mentorship and what it means to balance warmth and authority in a system that often rewards the opposite.

Smart psychology, unfiltered honesty, and a little bit of chaos the Unstable Vitals way.

In this episode of Unstable Vitals, hosts Dr. Adam Brown and Dr. Lara Zibners sit down with orthopedic surgeon, researcher, and author Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein. Together, they dig into an often-overlooked area of medicine: bone and joint health as the foundation for long-term wellness.

Dr. Wittstein shares insights from her new book, The Complete Bone and Joint Health Plan, exploring why osteoporosis and arthritis are more than “aging problems” — they’re critical, preventable drivers of disability that ripple into cardiovascular health, cognitive decline, and overall quality of life. The conversation covers:

• Why mobility is medicine and how preventing fractures protects independence.
• The evidence (and myths) behind supplements like glucosamine, collagen, and more.
• How proactive, cross-specialty care (from hormone therapy to strength training) can reduce complications and extend healthy years.
• Dr. Wittstein’s journey as one of the 6% of women in orthopedics, and how her perspective shapes both her practice and her advocacy for women’s health.

Blending humor, real-life stories, and evidence-based strategies, this episode shines a light on the connection between musculoskeletal health and the stability of our entire healthcare system.

In this episode of Unstable Vitals, Dr. Adam Brown and Dr. Lara Zibners welcome Dr. Steven Farmer, former senior leader at the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (and Adam’s husband).

Between playful banter and sharp commentary, the trio dives into the serious business of healthcare regulation: why the U.S. system remains unaffordable, how payment models shape medical practice, and what it really takes to shift toward value-based care. From international adventures to bundled payments, Dr. Farmer shares his unique journey through medicine, policy, and innovation—sprinkled with equal parts humor and frustration.

If you’ve ever wondered how regulation, incentives, and a little bit of “gaming the system” affect the care you receive, this is the episode for you.