Citizen Scientist Emily Gold Mears on Preventive Wellness and Empowerment

In this conversation, SEAM founder Amy Cohen Epstein sits down with Emily Gold Mears, author and self-described “citizen scientist,” to discuss the importance of being proactive about health and navigating an often complex healthcare landscape. With a background in law and research, Emily shares how she became an advocate for preventive health, offering insights into the power of testing, understanding nutrition, and becoming one’s own best health advocate. Join Amy and Emily as they explore the practical steps women can take to empower themselves in today’s healthcare environment.

Amy Cohen Epstein:
I am so thrilled to be here with you today, Emily Gold Mears. We recently did an event in Sun Valley, Idaho, where you spoke to a group of about 75 women of all ages—from around 23 to 83—and it was incredibly engaging and lively. So much so, I wanted to have you on this podcast to talk further. Thank you so much for being here.

Emily Gold Mears:
Thank you for having me, both in Sun Valley and here. I’m delighted to be here.

Amy:
So, let’s jump right into it. I love the phrase "citizen scientist"—it rolls off the tongue, but it’s also meaningful and says so much about you. Can you tell me what that means to you and why you describe yourself this way?

Emily:
There’s actually a big group of people who refer to themselves as citizen scientists. I use it because I always loved science, but when I was in school, especially a girls’ school, there wasn’t much encouragement to pursue science. I loved biology, but there was little guidance, so I ended up going into law, which I didn’t love. After raising my kids, I decided to go back into science, but I was too tired to get another degree. So, I became a citizen scientist—someone who recognizes scientific issues and tries to help find solutions... [Editor’s Note: Edited for clarity and brevity].

Amy:
How do you go about finding solutions, and what types of issues do you focus on?

Emily:
I’m a research analyst at heart. Even though I didn’t enjoy law, it taught me great research skills. I scour clinical studies through sources like PubMed and Google Scholar, and I can sift through the pseudoscience, which there’s a lot of, to identify what’s real and evidence-based. That’s what people need—knowing how to spot junk science versus reliable information... [Editor’s Note: Simplified for readability].

Amy:
And that’s so valuable, especially now. What are some of your favorite discoveries from your research—things that have changed how you live and that you share with others?

Emily:
That’s a hard question because I loved everything I learned. When I wrote my book, my publisher actually made me cut a third of it, which was tough because I thought all the information was important. One of the biggest changes was my nutrition. I used to eat terribly—sugar was practically its own food group for me. I didn’t realize until I did my research that true health begins at the cellular level. And you often don’t know what’s happening on that level without testing... [Editor’s Note: Condensed to capture main points].

Amy:
Let’s talk about sleep. You mentioned it affects so many aspects of health, and I’m a bit obsessed with it.

Emily:
It’s critical. Sleep affects your immune system, cognition, and every system in the body. Most people need about seven to eight hours, but quality matters. I use an Oura ring to track my sleep stages, which keeps me aware of how well I’m actually sleeping. I focus on sleeping in a dark, cool room, going to bed and waking up at consistent times. In the morning, I get outside to reset my circadian rhythm, which is key because every cell in our body has its own clock... [Editor’s Note: Edited for clarity and flow].

Amy:
And what about traveling? Do you have ways to handle sleep disruptions when you’re in different time zones?

Emily:
I try not to stress about it, but I have a few tricks, like using an app that helps adjust to new time zones before you even leave. It’s important to do what you can but also accept that travel is challenging... [Editor’s Note: Summarized for readability].

Amy:
You’re also a big proponent of testing. What types of tests do you think are essential for preventive health?

Emily:
I believe in getting a baseline of what’s happening internally before you even take supplements. Conventional doctors often stick to basic bloodwork, but functional or integrative doctors offer a wider range. There are even platforms now where you can order tests and get an analysis. This gives you a snapshot of where you are—deficiencies, micronutrient levels, and more. Micronutrient deficiency can contribute to disease, so knowing where you’re at is empowering... [Editor’s Note: Edited to highlight main points].

Amy:
And speaking of supplements, it’s easy to get lost in the hype. Do you believe people should supplement only if they’re deficient?

Emily:
Yes. The word “supplement” means you’re adding to where you’re deficient. For example, most people are low in magnesium, which supports over 300 enzymatic processes in the body. But before taking anything, it’s best to test and know your baseline... [Editor’s Note: Simplified to focus on key message].

Amy:
I love that approach. It’s empowering to know where you stand. And on a related note—menopause and perimenopause are finally getting attention. Can you talk about the role of testing in managing those phases?

Emily:
Absolutely. Hormone levels change with age, so testing helps tailor what works for you. There are lifestyle changes, too—sleep, nutrition, and exercise all affect how you experience perimenopause and menopause. Each person is unique, and testing lets you navigate these changes with better information... [Editor’s Note: Edited for clarity].

Amy:
I agree. My naturopath ordered a full blood panel for me, which made me feel seen and understood, whereas my regular doctor suggested going back on the pill, which didn’t feel right for me.

Emily:
You found a good doctor who looks at you as a whole person. Many conventional doctors treat symptoms, but everything in the body is connected. That’s especially important for women, who go through so many phases and changes throughout life... [Editor’s Note: Condensed for readability].

Amy:
That holistic approach is so necessary. I also have a friend dealing with cancer treatment, and it’s hard for her to separate the impact of treatment side effects from the cancer itself. Can you relate?

Emily:
Yes. I had breast cancer, and my tumor was small and slow-growing. I questioned why the standard treatment was so aggressive. I didn’t do radiation or estrogen blockers because I felt they didn’t align with my health needs. Doctors often scare you, but I wanted to weigh the risks and benefits for myself... [Editor’s Note: Simplified to maintain focus on personal experience].

Amy:
It’s so important to trust yourself. And sometimes that means challenging the doctors.

Emily:
Exactly. I had to switch doctors and find someone who would help me balance the risks and benefits. It took time, but it was worth it to find someone who would listen and work with me. Don’t rush into treatment; take the time to find the right team... [Editor’s Note: Edited for emphasis].

Amy:
Thank you, Emily. This has been incredibly insightful. It’s a reminder that we all need to be our own advocates, trust our instincts, and seek out trusted sources.

Emily:
Thank you, Amy. I appreciate the opportunity to share my story.

Editor’s Note: This interview has been edited for length and clarity.