This week’s podcast guest is Katie Baric, Executive Director at Hands on Peru—a nonprofit organization in Peru and the US, created as a response to the deep inequities in access to medical care among the rural poor of Peru. Hands on Peru is a medical center that provides a range of basic medical services, from dentistry to ultrasounds.

The organization also has a mission to serve as an educational platform for students and medical practitioners from around the world. Katie invites listeners to reach out to her at katie@handsonperu.org to learn about opportunities for visiting and working with the organization to learn about pioneering public health theory into practice.

During the episode, Katie also highlights the launch of Chimuk, a social enterprise empowering local women through knitting, and the impact of these initiatives on the community's health and wellbeing.

Download and listen to the episode to hear about:

·       How Katie came to co-found Hands on Peru.

·       Katie’s and James’ introduction at the Lifestyle Medicine Conference in Mexico City, and why they were inspired by the unique conference format that modeled the principles of lifestyle medicine.

·       Peru’s practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.

·       And much more!

Please tune in to learn about opportunities to travel to Peru to participate in this community development and healthcare initiative.

In this episode, James Maskell is joined by Dr. Jeffrey Morrison, the newly elected president of the American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM). Since its founding in the 1960s, AAEM has been at the forefront of understanding and addressing environmental causes of illness.

Dr. Morrison shares how AAEM is experiencing a resurgence, fueled by a new generation of passionate practitioners dedicated to tackling chronic illnesses like chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and metabolic dysfunction through the lens of environmental health.

Key topics include:

• The impact of mold exposure, heavy metal toxicity, EMFs, and other environmental toxins on chronic disease.
• How AAEM is training practitioners to integrate environmental factors into their care strategies.
• Building a community of practitioners to advocate for policy changes that improve public health.
• Highlights from the upcoming AAEM conference in San Antonio, featuring renowned speakers like Del Bigtree and Erin Brockovich.

James also reflects on how Dr. Morrison’s innovative clinic shaped his early thinking about lifestyle medicine and patient engagement.

Tune in to explore how AAEM is leading the charge for a healthier future through environmental medicine.

Rob Kress, with a background in pharmacy and herbology, joins James for a compelling discussion on the critical need for men’s health-focused medical practices. This episode is meant to inspire practitioners to create successful, holistic men’s health practices that can effectively address the current men’s health crisis.

The conversation stems from the recognition that many existing practices are primarily geared toward women, leaving a gap in addressing men’s specific health needs. Rob Kress shares with listeners his program, Man Unmedicated, which is a 30+ hour training program designed to equip practitioners with both clinical knowledge and coaching skills. Man Unmedicated offers a dual approach to men's health:

1. Functional Medicine Training: Focuses on labs, hormones, medications, and other clinical aspects related to men’s health.
2. Holistic Wellness Training: Covers the "seven peaks of wellness," including physical health, movement, exercise, and emotional/mental well-being, providing a more comprehensive approach to men's health.

Listen to the episode to hear more about:

• Opportunities that come with building men’s health-focused practices
• The importance of creating relatability and trust with male patients by sharing personal health journeys
• Strategies for building referral-based, community-centered practices around men's health groups and coaching
• Ongoing mentorship and support to help practitioners implement this model in their communities
• And much more

The State of Men’s Health Functional Forum, August 2024

Man Unmedicated

Julia Hotz is a journalist and author, who wrote a book called The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service and Belonging. James and Julia connected because her new book is strikingly synergistic in topic and title to James’ second book, The Community Cure: Transforming Health Outcomes Together, which calls for readers to adopt group care principles to make lifestyle medicine more widely accessible and sustainable.

This is an enlivening conversation, where you’ll hear about the data backing social prescribing as an antidote to the most prevalent chronic health issues of this generation: illnesses exacerbated by the loneliness epidemic, such as attention and mood issues and a slew of chronic illnesses.

Tune in to learn about:

• Financial benefits of social prescribing
• Business solutions for supporting community-based solutions to chronic health issues
• How science backs social prescribing as an effective solution to ailments like chronic pain, trauma, dementia, diabetes and loneliness
• Potential for insurance companies to incentivize social prescriptions
• The benefits of art and nature on health
• And much more

VagusFest launched in spring 2024, and Dr. Kelly Livingston took the concept and ran with it, creating a sucessful event that engaged her local community members. Dr. Livingston joins this podcast episode to share her experience applying James Maskell’s VagusFest model in Darien, Connecticut.

The VagusFest model enables local practitioners to host local community events that demonstrate to local attendees the power of vagal toning, and indirectly, the benefits of lifestyle, functional, or integrative medicine. Functioning as a promotional event for local clinics, VagusFest addresses a public relations issue for functional medicine, which is that the general perception that patients must invest significant time into their health journey before seeing results. VagusFest hosts can showcase how their approach to medicine offers immediate benefits through direct experience at the event.

Download and listen to the episode to hear more about:

• Reasons for practitioners to prioritize nervous system regulation in their practices.
• Dr. Livingston’s favorite resources on vagal toning, including books by Deb Dana and Stanley Rosenberg.
• Challenges and successes of previous VagusFest events.
• The value of group medicine and community engagement.

This podcast episode is brought to you by Pulsetto. Pulsetto is a leader in the vagus nerve revolution. Their vagus nerve stimulator is extremely easy to use, great for addressing pain and sleep issues.  Order your first one at goevomed.com/Pulsetto. If you like it and want to order for your patients, you can also order wholesale much like you would do with supplements. This is potentially a powerful tool to use in your practice. 

Expanding upon the July 2024 Functional Forum about reversing cognitive decline, this podcast episode offers the full conversation between Dr. Heather Sandison and James Maskell.  Dr. Sandison is the author of Reversing Alzheimer’s: The New Toolkit to Improve Cognition and Protect Brain Health.

In this episode, the guest delves deeper into the potential for functional medicine to reverse dementia, and Dr. Sandison shares her success in using a comprehensive approach to improving cognitive function for patients.  She also discusses challenges and controversies surrounding this approach, including the role of mold and toxins in brain health

This is a hopeful discussion that offers listeners:

1. An overview of the factors that clinicans want to consider addressing with dementia patients
2. Findings from clinical trials that use lifestyle and personalized medicine
3. An understanding of cost saving benefits of a functional medicine approach
4. The potential for AI to assist in supporting decision-making protocols
5. And much more!

Kirkland Newman is the founder of MindHealth360, host of the London Functional Forum Community, and is organizing the Integrative Medicine for Mental Health Conference, occurring October 10-13, 2024 just outside of  Washington, DC.

The conference aims to bring together various practitioners and professionals in the mental health field to discuss concrete solutions and advancements in mental health care. The conference will address topics such as brain health, technology addiction, gut-brain connection, trauma therapy, genomics, and more.

The goal is to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice and provide practitioners with a wider toolbox to address mental health issues. The conference is open to medical and mental health professionals, as well as passionate individuals interested in mental health transformation.

This episode offers a preview of cutting-edge perspectives on mental health, including cognitive decline. When you listen, you’ll learn about:

1. Kirkland’s vision to integrate functional medicine into mainstream mental health practices.
2. The epidemic of mental health issues, especially among young people, is a concern, and conventional medical practices seem ill-equipped to address the problem.
3. An introduction to some IMMH speakers, including Dr. Daniel Amen, who focuses on brain health rather than mental health; Dr. Robert Lustig, who discusses technology addiction and the impact of the amygdala on mental health; Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Dale Bredesen, and more. 
4. The gut-brain connection, trauma's impact on biochemistry and the gut, and the importance of safe connection and social engagement in healing are also highlighted in the conversation.
5. And much more!

In this Business of Functional Medicine episode, Kristen Brokaw hosts a conversation with Dr. Jarrod Spencer, a sports psychologist who also works with corporations and high net-worth professionals. In this episode, Dr. Spencer discusses the importance for clinicans to manage emotional energy and mental fatigue. Given that healthcare is usually a high-stress role, individuals must prioritize their emotional health and well-being.

Getting enough sleep, counseling and developing a mental toolbox to effectively manage emotional energy are examples of strategies healthcare providers should be employing. He also highlights the significance of creating a positive and supportive culture in the workplace, including practices like fist bumping and high fiving to foster camaraderie among staff members.

This episode validates physician burnout and offers helpful tools for managing emotional energy and mental fatigue.

If you listen to the full episode, you’ll hear about:

1.       Dr. Spencer’s scoring system, for measuring emotional energy, or one’s psychological capacity to effectively deal with immediate stressors in their life.

2.       Mental fatigue significantly impacts a person's perception of effort. When mentally fatigued, individuals are more likely to perceive tasks as requiring more effort, which can decrease their endurance and motivation.

3.       Emotional and mental fatigue can lead to negative thinking, decreased performance, and burnout.

4.       Compassion fatigue and neglecting one's own emotional well-being can have negative consequences on both personal and professional life.

5.       And more!

On this episode, our guest is Mastin Kipp, a best-selling author and creator of Functional Life CoachingTM. Mastin joined the podcast to talk about his recent book titled, Reclaim Your Nervous System, which discusses the importance of prioritizing the nervous system in healing and overall well-being.

Mastin asserts that befriending and addressing resistant parts of ourselves can promote healing and improve our relationship with our nervous system. Mastin highlights the power of group care and co-regulation in creating a safe space for emotional expression and healing.

This podcast release coincides with Evolution of Medicine’s launch of VagusFest, which is a participatory nervous system healing event that practitioners can organize to promote healing in their communities. If you’re interested in hosting your own event, please contact support@goevomed.com. 

Check out the full podcast episode to hear about:

• Mastin Kipp’s journey into coaching and the study of the nervous system.
• The power of group settings for facilitating behavior change and creating a sense of safety.
• Co-regulating groups can drive the adoption of functional medicine as a standard of care, with clinicians providing support and addressing root causes when necessary.
• Challenges of expressing emotions and the societal conditioning that often discourages emotional expression.
• And more!

Robert Lustig, MD joins James for this information-packed episode that unifies mental and metabolic healthcare. Dr. Lustig is a pediatric endocrinologist and food educator, who focuses on spreading awareness about the topic of this podcast.

During this episode he walks through the connection between nutrition, brain health, and mental health. They touch on topics such as the impact of ultra-processed food on metabolic health, the role of the amygdala in fear conditioning and chronic toxic stress, and the importance of the vagus nerve in regulating the nervous system.

Dr. Lustig also highlights the need for public education and policy change to address the systemic health crisis and mental health crisis. Dr. Lustig will be speaking at the Integrative Medicine for Mental Health Conference in October 2024.

Check out this informative, empowering episode to hear about:

• Dr. Lusting’s new book on the amygdala and its connection to food.
• The importance of understanding the difference between food science, nutrition and metabolic health.
• The role of mitochondrial dysfunction in systemic and mental health disorders.
• The potential for a cultural shift toward prioritizing metabolic health and the challenges facing it. 

In this episode, Darrell Moon, founder of Aspirational Healthcare, discusses the Nuka System of Care in Anchorage, Alaska, which has been called “the best healthcare system in the world.” The system is built around the needs and aspirations of the customers, focusing on building relationships and providing support to help individuals achieve their goals in life. 

Moon encourages healthcare providers to consider offering direct primary care memberships and aligning with employers who are willing to fund this type of healthcare. He also advises business leaders to take control of their healthcare purchasing power and align with benefit consultants who work in their best interest. Nuka System of Care has achieved high levels of patient satisfaction, improved health outcomes and reduced costs.

Moon invites individuals to attend the Nuka System of Care June conference and a conference for business leaders in September to learn more about the system and how to implement an aspirational model of healthcare.

Tune in to the full episode to hear more about:

·       How hospital admissions can be reduced by focusing on preventive care and early intervention

·       How CEOs can influence healthcare systems, through their purchasing power and by practicing problem solving abilities they regularly use to lead their businesses

·       How employers can align objectives with healthcare brokers, so that the benefits consultant gets incentivized to be paid for meeting the employers’ objectives (reduced healthcare expenses through direct primary care that emphasizes prevention and customer-centric care)  

·       Nuka System of Care provides healthcare at half the cost of other systems in the US, due to their focus on providing care that is aligned with the goals and needs of the customer, rather than focusing on profit

·       Growing demand for direct primary care (DPC) membership

Check out these upcoming conferences held by Nuka System of Care:

·       June 24-28, 2024: Nuka System of Care Conference

·       September 10-12, 2024: CEO Summit in Anchorage, AK with Aspirational Healthcare

In this episode James Maskell is joined by returning guest, Dr. Shilpa Saxena, MD to continue exploring the use of GLP-1 agonists, specifically Semaglutide, for weight loss and cardiometabolic diseases.

The conversation reinforces the importance of using GLP-1s responsibly and in conjunction with lifestyle medicine coaching to address underlying behavioral issues and promote sustainable weight loss. Dr. Saxena emphasizes the need to address metabolic dysfunction comprehensively, considering factors such as fatty liver disease and insulin resistance, and using a combination of interventions, including herbs, botanicals, and lifestyle modifications.

They also discuss the potential side effects of GLP-1 agonists and strategies for minimizing them. Additionally, they touch on the role of group visits and community support in facilitating behavior change and long-term success in weight management.

Check out the full episode to hear their thoughts on:

•        Normalizing discussions around weight without enabling poor health.
•       The role of supportive communities to support behavior change
•       Stigma around Semaglutide use
•        Patient personas who functional medicine providers are best able to help, and those personas that are not a good fit for the functional medicine approach to weight loss.

Learn about Group Visit Toolkits

In this episode, James Maskell speaks with Dr. Staci Whitman, a holistic pediatric dentist who shares her transformative journey from advocating for fluoride use to opposing its inclusion in public water systems.

Dr. Whitman integrates dental health with whole-body wellness. She is an IFM Certified Provider (IFMCP), Board Certified in Naturopathic Medical Dentistry and Integrative Biological Dental Medicine (NMD), and an active member of several professional dentistry organizations.

The conversation explores recent studies and court rulings that highlight concerns about fluoride’s neurotoxic effects, particularly its association with reduced IQ in children—even at the so-called “optimal” levels used in most water supplies. Dr. Whitman emphasizes the cumulative nature of fluoride exposure, from water and toothpaste to processed foods, complicating efforts to measure total intake—especially for vulnerable groups like infants and children.

• The alarming lack of safety data on fluoride and its potential neurotoxic effects.
• The need for a paradigm shift in dentistry toward a more holistic and preventive approach.
• Why Dr. Whitman supports topical fluoride application over systemic water fluoridation.
• How hygiene, nutrition, and education offer better alternatives to public water fluoridation.
• Counterarguments from proponents of public water fluoridation.

Don’t miss this insightful episode on one of 2024’s most debated topics!

In James Maskell’s first-ever solo podcast, he introduces Evolution of Medicine’s upcoming event, VagusFest. On May 29, 2024, listeners can join the Evolution of Medicine’s debut VagusFest, a participatory education experience focused on toning the vagus nerve, that will provide hands-on healing experiences for participants.  

In this podcast episode, James previews themes that will be explored during VagusFest and expresses how the event will help advance health-promoting medicine.

VagusFest will serve as a model for clinicans to recreate similar events in their local communities as a strategy for carrying out public relations campaigns that promote functional medicine at the local level. VagusFest is a complete set of tools to run a VagusFest event in a community, including step-by-step guides, marketing materials, and PR assets.

Check out the full conversation to learn about:

• James’ thoughts on what has been limiting the growth of functional medicine.
• How to win over new patients who have been deterred by long treatment timelines and expectations to make lifestyle changes.
• How VagusFest will give participants the tools to regulate their own nervous systems and create a sense of unity and healing in their communities.
• Upcoming opportunities for practitioners to participate in VagusFest events and learn how to implement them in their own communities.

Dr. James Carter, the director of the Center for Functional Medicine at Cleveland Clinic, discusses his journey to functional medicine and his role at Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Carter is also a vascular medicine specialist and is interested in vascular health from a functional medicine perspective.

He talks about the vision and growth of functional medicine at Cleveland Clinic, including the development of specialized programs for women's health, oncology, pediatrics, and cardiovascular health. Dr. Carter also discusses the importance of group visits and shared medical appointments in functional medicine practice. He shares his excitement for the upcoming Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) Annual International Conference (AIC) and highlights topics he is looking forward to, such as bone health, mental health and pediatric nutrition.

Finally, Dr. Carter reflects on his decision to join Cleveland Clinic and expresses his enthusiasm for the future of functional medicine at the institution.

Check out this full conversation to learn more about:

·         A systems perspective that integrates biological systems with social context in patient care.

·         Educating medical students and integrating functional medicine into cardiology practice

·         Understanding and overcoming resistance to change with patients.

·         A preview of Dr. Carter’s upcoming IFM presentation, and what he’s looking forward to learning from other presenters.

·         And much, much more!

Register here for IFM’s AIC event, occurring May 29-June 1, 2024. You can also register for VagusFest here, which is occurring on the evening of May 29. 

Check out Lifestyle Matrix Resource Center’s new website to learn about their Group Visit Toolkits, tools to enhance patient compliance and more at lifestylematrix.com/membership.

In this episode, we learn about anthroposophic medicine from James Maskell’s guest, Adam Blanning, MD. Anthroposophic medicine takes a holistic approach to humans, nature, illness, and healing by addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health. The principles and practices of this medicinal form incorporate elements of herbal medicine, homeopathy, movement therapies and more. Anthroposophic medicine was established in the early 1920s by Rudolf Steiner and Ita Wegman.

Anthroposophic medicine can be especially beneficial for children working through chronic illnesses, such as asthma, allergies or behavioral issues. Dr. Blanning also highlights the importance of understanding developmental rhythms and providing support for children during key stages of growth.

Dr. Blanning, in addition to founding the Denver Center for Anthroposophic Therapies, is also involved in consulting for Waldorf schools, which are rooted in Rudolf Steiner’s work.

Check out this full conversation to learn more about:

• James Maskell’s personal experiences with anthroposophic medicine.

• Application of anthroposophic medicine in various settings, including hospitals and private practices.

• The importance of creating healing environments that consider the patient's comfort and well-being, such as reducing noise and promoting rest in hospital settings.

An upcoming training week through the Physicians’ Association for Anthroposophic Medicine on April 27 - May 4, 2024 in Loveland, Colorado.

James Maskell’s guest on this episode is Dr. Elisa Song, a holistic pediatrician whose mission is to educate clinicians and parents alike about environmental toxicity in children and how to help children thrive by improving their health. She has written books, organized conferences and is passionate about addressing environmental toxicity.  

In this episode, she discusses several sources of toxins in children and the importance of toning the vagus nerve as a strategy to improve children's well-being. Dr. Song’s upcoming book, Healthy Kids, Happy Kids: An Integrated Pediatrician's Guide to Whole Child Resilience, provides practical guidance to help promote health and resilience in children, including advice about how to read food labels and avoid harmful additives.

Check out this empowering conversation to learn more about:

• Food additives that contribute to leaky gut and chronic illnesses.

• The importance of parasympathetic exercises for children with chronic symptoms or illnesses.

• How environmental toxins are contributing to chronic illness.

• Dr. Song’s book, Healthy Kids, Happy Kids: An Integrated Pediatrician's Guide to Whole Child Resilience, available on May 14, 2024. 

Guest: Zak Holdsworth, CEO of Hint Health

In this Business of Functional Medicine episode, we hear from Zak Holdsworth, a leader in the health technology industry and the CEO and cofounder of Hint Health.

Hint Health supports the direct primary care (DPC) movement and aims to provide affordable, high-quality health care by offering a successful alternative to the traditional fee-for-service model.

Zak Holdsworth’s company offers technology solutions for DPC clinics, including membership management systems and employer infrastructure. They have also developed an EMR system specifically designed for DPC clinics. Additionally, Hint Health has created Hint Connect, a network product that connects DPC clinics with employers and other health care practitioners.

Their goal is to create a unified network of DPC clinics that can work together to provide better care and reduce costs. The company's vision is to redesign the healthcare system to enable easy access to high-quality, affordable care.

Download and listen to the full episode to learn about:

• The concept of unity and the value of working together in the DPC market.
• Constraints of the fee-for-service model and how removing those constraints can lead to better patient care and alignment with functional medicine practices.
• How Hint Connect allows for rapid patient onboarding and revenue generation for doctors.
• A positive shift in the perception of DPC by insurance brokers, who now see the value in investing in high-value primary care.
• And much, much more!

Plus, check out the visualization of the interconnected relationships across the Hint Health DPC ecosystem.

In this episode, Dr. Tom Guilliams rejoins the podcast to explore the complexities and misconceptions surrounding botanical medicine and how clinicians can maximize the therapeutic effects of herbs.

We learn from Dr. Guilliams that clinicians using herbs should consider the role of the microbiome in terms of absorption and activation of botanical compounds. He explains that because absorption varies from person to person, a personalized approach is needed for optimal outcomes.

Dr. Guilliams also discusses the limitations of traditional clinical trials in evaluating botanical medicine, and he proposes a new framework that considers individual characteristics, such as genetics and microbiome composition. While Dr. Guilliams encourages listeners to embrace the use of botanicals, he also advises questioning the source and efficacy of herbal products and considering the traditional uses of herbs in addition to the isolated compounds.

Please check out the full conversation to learn more about:

• The limitations of curcumin and the need to consider the whole components of herbs.
• Why herbology is complex and requires specialized knowledge.
• The historical and traditional uses of botanical medicine for healing.
• Issues with applying the pharmaceutical model to botanical extracts.
• Why we need to rethink research processes and clinical trial methodologies for botanical medicine.

• And much more!

In this podcast episode, James Maskell interviews Dr. Navaz Habib about the importance of the vagus nerve in healing and overall health.

Dr. Habib explains that the vagus nerve plays a critical role in shifting the body from a sympathetic (fight or flight) state to a parasympathetic (rest and digest) state, which is necessary for healing. He emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment for patients to feel connected and reduce stress. Dr. Habib also discusses the role of physical trauma, such as head injuries or spinal misalignments, in affecting vagus nerve function.

He recommends various strategies to improve vagus nerve tone, including diaphragmatic breathing, gargling, humming and physical exercise. Dr. Habib's new book, Upgrade Your Vagus Nerve, provides further information on these strategies and their impact on overall health.

Listen to the full conversation to learn how:

• The vagus nerve is the organ of unity, connecting all organs and systems in the body.
• Chronic diseases are diseases of disconnection, both internally and externally.
• Breathing exercises, such as slow, nasal and diaphragmatic breathing, can help regulate the breath and shift the body into a parasympathetic state.
• Gargling, humming and vocalization can stimulate the vagus nerve and activate the parasympathetic system.
• The vagus nerve is a unifying topic for health professionals and can be beneficial for patients of all ages and conditions.

James Maskell’s guest on this episode is Jeffrey Morrison, MD, whose clinical approach is to use nutrition to prevent or reverse degenerative and chronic disease. In both his clinical practice and as a member of the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Environmental Medicine, he considers detoxification as a critical foundation to health.

During this conversation, Dr. Morrison emphasizes that toxins in the environment are a major cause of disease and that our bodies are not equipped to handle the vast array of chemicals present in our modern environment.

He explains that detoxification is a natural process where cells push toxins into the connective tissue, which then moves them through the lymphatic system, liver, gallbladder, and digestive tract for elimination (or through sweat or breath). However, if the body is overwhelmed with toxins or if the detoxification process is hindered, symptoms and illness can occur. Most often, this looks like visible inflammation, aches and pains, fatigue, skin issues and brain fog.  

Dr. Morrison recommends supporting detoxification through practices such as regular exercise, anti-inflammatory eating, drinking plenty of water, and maintaining regular bowel movements. He also discusses the importance of the lymphatic system in detoxification and the role of the nervous system in regulating detoxification.

 Please listen to this full episode to learn more about:

• Group detox programs to save costs and time, for clinicans and patients alike. 
• The role of saunas in detoxification
• The American Academy of Environmental Medicine’s focus on educating practitioners and advocacy for environmental health
• And much more!

 Evolution of Medicine’s partner, Lifestyle Matrix Resources Center can point you to patient education materials, as well as protocols related to detoxification as well. You can contact them at contactus@lifestylematrix.com.  

In this episode, James interviews Dr. Bryce Appelbaum, a neuro-optometrist. For the first time ever on the podcast, we learn about the field of functional optometry, including how it differs from traditional optometry.

Dr. Appelbaum discusses the importance of vision for overall health and how vision problems can impact learning, behavior and daily life. His framework is shaped by his childhood experience with overcoming visual problems through vision therapy. He is passionate about his mission to raise awareness about functional vision care, even though he faces resistance from conventional optometry.

He also introduces his online vision training program, ScreenFit, which is designed to minimize the negative effects of screens on vision and promote healthy visual habits. Podcast listeners can use the code EVOMED to receive a discount on the ScreenFit program.

Tune into the full conversation to learn more about:

• How one in 10 children have vision problems that impact their ability to learn
• The importance of vision for neurological function, especially in childhood
• Waldorf education and developmentally appropriate educational philosophies
• How inflammation and cardiometabolic health relate to eye function
• And much, much more!

James’ guest on this episode is Dr. Andrew Weil, the founder and leader of a fellowship program for integrative medicine through the University of Arizona. In this role and others, he has significant influence on future generations of integrative medicine practitioners.

In this conversation, Dr. Weil discusses the current state of integrative medicine and his vision for the future. Integrative medicine is becoming more mainstream in the United States, with many medical schools teaching some form of it. However, there is still a long way to go in changing the paradigm of conventional medicine and fully integrating health-promoting practices.

Dr. Weil believes that history is on the side of integrative medicine and that it will eventually become the standard of care. Listen to the full show to discover what is needed going forward to evolve medicine from our guest’s perspective.

This dynamic conversation also touched upon the following topics:

• The role of psychedelics in integrative medicine
• A vision of the future where allopathic medicine is a subspecialty focused on critical care, trauma and terminal care
• The lack of financial incentives for health-promoting and preventative medicine
• The need for studies that compare conventional and integrative medicine in terms of patient outcomes
• And much more!

This interview was also featured in the January 2024 Functional Forum, which kickstarted the Evolution of Medicine’s year of unity.

In this podcast episode, Dr. Alaina Gair delves into her approach to cancer care through group support, inspired by the transformative principles of The Community Cure and events by Dr. Meghan Walker.

In this compelling conversation, Dr. Gair reveals how integrating community-based practices into her naturopathic care has redefined patient experiences by prioritizing emotional support, empowerment, and connection. We explore how the unpredictable journey of cancer can be positively transformed through shared experiences, group healing, and collaboration with oncologists.

Discover why creating a space for empathy, education and solidarity is essential in navigating chronic illnesses like cancer.

Download and listen to the full episode to learn more about:

• How community-based approaches can improve cancer care outcomes
• Groups can work well even when patients have different diagnosis
• Integrating naturopathic and conventional oncology for more comprehensive support.
• The value of shared experiences, grief support, and holistic collaboration.
• Dr. Gair’s approach to dealing with loss and grief within the group when a member passes away
• And much more

In this episode, Dr. Joan Rosenberg discusses her book, 90 Seconds to A Life You Love, and the concept of living life by design. Many believe their circumstances dictate their lives; our guest asserts that one can design their life by having a vision or big goals and working towards them despite the circumstances.

Dr. Rosenberg shares the importance of paying attention to how thoughts and feelings are expressed and managing emotional states effectively. She introduces the concept of the "Rosenberg reset," which involves choosing awareness by experiencing unpleasant feelings for 90 seconds and using insights gained from those feelings to make decisions or act.

Dr. Rosenberg also discusses how clinicians can apply these principles in their practice, including addressing difficult topics with patients and handling their own emotions. She suggests using a soft contract with patients to discuss sensitive issues and delivering information with well-intentioned kindness. Dr. Rosenberg believes confidence and resiliency can be developed when clinicians are able to confront difficult topics and handle the responses they receive.

Download and listen to this conversation to learn more about:

• How to develop confidence as a clinician
• Why emotional mastery is an important component of successfully collaborating with patients
• The eight emotions we need to accept to feel more capable in our lives
• Using “soft contracts” and offering observations tentatively to deliver difficult messages to patients
• And much, much more

Joan I. Rosenberg, PhD, creator of Emotional Mastery™ and Emotional Mastery Training™, is a highly regarded expert psychologist, master clinician, trainer and consultant. She is a cutting-edge psychologist who is known as an innovative thinker, trainer and speaker. 

In this episode, Dr. Mollie James shares her experiences during and after the pandemic. She transitioned from being a critical care physician in an ICU to providing functional and integrative medicine primary care services.  

Dr. James previously had a career in surgical and critical care, which ended because she spoke publicly about providing early COVID treatments and did not receive a vaccine because she has natural immunity. She was put under investigation by a medical board for 18 months, even though the board made no accusation of wrongdoing. This led to her dropping her fellowship credentials. She was also censured by The American College of Surgeons and is now unable to work in another ICU.

You’ll hear her discuss post-vaccine syndrome and how she helps patients clear and recover from excessive spike protein. She is now dedicated to providing personalized care rooted in functional and integrative medicine principles, and she treats a broad spectrum of chronic health conditions beyond COVID and post-vaccine syndromes.

Tune in and download this episode to learn more about: 

• How Dr. James’ first attempt at building a practice failed because she was using an insurance model
• The ethical responsibility of physicians to keep functional medicine affordable
• Her experience working in ICUs during four waves of the pandemic, which included having her ivermectin prescriptions canceled

• Foundational tools to treat post-vaccine syndrome
• And much, much more

Peter Kozlowski, MD is a functional medicine physician based in Chicago, Illinois. In this episode, we discussed the importance of detoxification and gut health in his practice. He emphasizes the need to address the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of health because they play a significant role in detoxification.

Dr. Kozlowski recommends focusing on the basics of detox, such as sleep, hydration, bowel movements, and sweating, before considering more advanced testing and treatments. He also highlights the importance of community and social support for maintaining a healthy detoxification system in the body. Dr. Kozlowski encourages practitioners to work together and collaborate rather than compete in order to better serve patients and improve outcomes.

Download and listen to learn more about the following:

• How recovering from an alcohol-use disorder led Dr. Kozlowski to functional medicine
• The value of testing for heavy metals, mycotoxins and glyphosate
• Addressing the skin and gut barrier during detoxification protocols  
• Dr. Kozlowski’s experimentation with different payment models and in-person versus virtual visits
• Using cortisol labs, stool cultures and other tests to show patients how trauma impacts their health
• And much, much more 

 This episode’s guest is Dr. Michelle Thompson, the medical director of the Lifestyle Medicine Institute at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC). This conversation explores how Dr. Thompson is bringing lifestyle and integrative medicine into major health systems.

She began her journey practicing integrative medicine but leveraged the six pillars of lifestyle medicine to bridge the gap with conventional medicine. This hybrid path allowed her to excel at practicing in traditional settings and facilitated introducing integrative and lifestyle medicine principles into larger health systems.

Dr. Thompson also shared evidence that there is growing momentum behind the integrative and lifestyle medicine movements, including acceptance and adoption of its principles within health systems. She encourages physicians who may have previously left the system to consider returning and joining a hospital system that is open to change and supportive of these modalities.

Building upon recent podcast conversations, such as the episode with Dr. Joe Pizzorno, this episode emphasizes the importance of unity amongst the many disciplines within health-promoting care.

Download and listen to this episode to learn more about:

• How clinicans can transform medicine by being bold and authentic in how they choose to practice
• The responsibility of clinicians, residents and medical students to help shift the culture in medicine to better align with the principles of lifestyle medicine
• The importance of showing empathy towards patients and letting them drive their own health journey
• Physician burnout and the importance of clinicians prioritizing self-care
• And much, much more

Related resources:

American College of Lifestyle Medicine: About the UMPC Lifestyle Medicine Program

Whole Hearted Medicine: Meet Dr. Michelle 

Dr. Joe Pizzorno, a prominent naturopathic doctor and Board Chair at the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), joins James to discuss the unifying factors among the many channels of health medicine, which include acupuncture, naturopathic, functional, integrative, chiropractic, and Ayurvedic medicine.

This conversation addresses foundational aspects of health, such as nutrition and lifestyle, that support optimal mitochondrial function for vitality. Dr. Pizzorno also shared the need for scientific research to support the effectiveness of health medicine practices and calls for increased funding in this area. For example, he hopes that we will have access to reliable clinical testing for mitochondrial energy and ATP production in the future.

Listen to the episode to learn more about:

•   Preventing neurodegeneration by eating organically grown food
•   The importance of flavonoids 
•   Vitalism (creating health) versus pathogenesis and salutogenesis
•     The need for a clear conceptual basis for integrative medicine
•   The great potential for Health Medicine Alliance to improve the public health baseline

Related resources:

•  Health Medicine Alliance
•   Health Medicine by Dr. Joseph Pizzorno and published in Integrative Medicine

ummary 

Our guest, Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Scott Mann is a former U.S. Army Green Beret, and he now shares his skills and experience as a storyteller, speaker, actor, playwright and leadership trainer. During this podcast episode, he joined Kristen Brokaw, our host for the Business of Functional Medicine quarterly series, to discuss the importance of emotional recovery and human connection for clinicians so they can combat burnout and build trust with patients.

Scott Mann's experience in the Special Forces, where relationships were crucial to his survival, has shaped his approach to leadership and communication. He now helps business, nonprofit and corporate leaders develop interpersonal influence skills to bridge trust gaps and engage with others effectively. He also highlights the power of storytelling in healing and fostering connections.

Scott encourages practitioners to share their own stories and ask thoughtful, open-ended questions to build trust and understanding with patients and peers.

Check out this episode to learn more about the following:

·       Scott Mann’s Pre-Engagement Preparation (PEP) technique (demo video) 

• What the world should learn from acting and storytelling practices
• High performers and mental health issues, and why clinicians must protect their well-being
• Storytelling heals and is a sense-making tool
• Why narrative competence may be the most important soft skill for clinicians to foster  
• And much, much more!

In this podcast episode, James Maskell speaks with Swathi Rao, PA-C. She is the owner of Be Well Family Care in Indianapolis, and she was featured in James’ book, The Community Cure, to showcase her successful implementation of group visits.

We explored the clinical applications of vitamin K2, which range from musculoskeletal and immune health to aesthetics and longevity. Swathi also shared how her knowledge on vitamin K2 nutrient therapy has developed throughout her career, how to identify patients who may benefit from vitamin K2 therapy and the benefits of combining vitamin K2 with vitamin D, including dosing recommendations.

Swathi emphasized the importance of patient education to enable informed decision-making when it comes to controversial health topics like vitamin K2 supplementation. She also provided insights on building a successful practice and the role of non-MD professionals in healthcare.

Please download and listen to learn more about:

•       The forms of vitamin K and which are most beneficial
•       When it is appropriate to recommend this nutrient
•       Swathi’s experience with local Functional Forum meetups
•      Vitamin K2 uses for aesthetics and longevity
•       And much, much more!

Related resources:

•      Episode with Dr. Leon Schurgers on vitamin K
•      Be Well Family Care
•     Dr. Robin Berzin on the Functional Forum

Our podcast guest, Michael Mabry, DO, works in a fully capitated medical group in Johnson City, Tennessee. Capitation is a fee-per-patient model, which tends to promote health by incentivizing preventative medicine, chronic disease reversal and helping patients maintain their health. 

Implementing group medical visits has allowed Dr. Mabry’s practice to improve patient outcomes and increase the local community’s access to lifestyle medicine. In his group visits, patients who have similar medical issues come together once a month for a two-hour visit to learn relevant health information.

Dr. Mabry also shared that he can spend more time with patients individually because he has systemized patient education. Part of the success of the group visits, according to Dr. Mabry, comes from the much-needed sense of community experienced by participants.

Early in his career, he learned about how to build and scale his practice through some of the first Functional Forum events and the Group Visit Toolkits from Lifestyle Matrix Resource Center.

When you listen to this episode, you’ll also learn about the following:

• How to connect your business needs with your passion for lifestyle medicine to evolve health care
• The benefits of capitation as a business model
• How you can foster connections with your local community to build your business
• Practical alternatives for dysfunctional payment models in the health care industry
• And much more!

This week’s podcast guest is Jonathan Jones, PhD, a plant polyphenols researcher and the Chief Scientific Officer at Monteloeder, a company that provides innovative, scientifically researched botanical ingredients by assessing the botanicals’ components, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities, and mechanisms of action.

They developed a product called metabolaid®, which contains a standardized ratio of Hibiscus sabdariffa extract and lemon verbena extract to deliver active compounds, primarily anthocyanins and verbascoside, respectively. This product reduces triglyceride buildup in fat cells in the liver and adipose tissue.

We learned from Dr. Jones about how metabolaid® activates AMPK, which can switch on fat burning and block fat storage. There are numerous other cardiovascular and weight-loss benefits linked to this product, including improved microbiome diversity and others discussed by Dr. Jones in this episode.

Please listen to the full conversation to learn the following about this powerful botanical:

•       Its cardiovascular and fat-loss benefits
•        The plant components and mechanisms of action
•        The research and extraction process
•        How this product differs from incretin agonists and increases GLP-1 expression
•        And much, much more!

Zandra Palma, MD practices what she calls “sub-diagnostic analysis and disease reversal,” which is primarily environmental medicine with a touch of functional medicine. Environmental medicine, according to our guest, looks for elegant solutions to chronic health conditions. This often means removing environmental toxins that trigger mitochondrial dysfunction. 

Common environmental toxins include heavy metals, pesticides, plastics like BPA, and biotoxins like Lyme and mold—among many others. She also discusses the treatments she uses to reboot mitochondrial function.

Her passion is to spread the word about the gravity of the effects environmental toxins have on human health, especially the hormone-disrupting impacts of plastics and BPAs.

She recently gave a TEDx talk, which was censored by the TED organization. Thankfully, she was able to rip the video so you can still watch it online. In her talk, she provides specific tips to protect yourself from environmental toxins and recommendations for initiating grass roots movements in your community.

Other topics Dr. Palma covered in the conversation include:

•  Factors that motivate patients to care about their environment, such as weight loss, fertility and the health of future generations
•   The CLARITY-BPA Program
•  Why environmentalism is a public health issue
• And much more!

Dr. Joel Warsh is an integrative pediatrician who has built a successful practice in Los Angeles. He discusses his journey into integrative medicine, initially being frustrated by the overuse of medications in traditional pediatric care and seeking out alternative approaches. He talks about the challenge of getting the necessary education in integrative pediatrics, as there was limited formal training available at the time.

Dr. Warsh describes the experience of interacting with his more traditional pediatric colleagues, noting that he had to develop a thick skin but has seen the tide starting to shift as more doctors become interested in integrative approaches. He emphasizes the importance of open-minded communication and not being overtly contrarian.

A key theme of the conversation is the concept of "doing nothing" as the best approach in many pediatric cases, allowing the body's natural healing processes to work. Dr. Warsh shares his dramatic reduction in antibiotic prescriptions by taking a more watchful, supportive approach.

Tune into this conversation to learn more about

• How our healthcare system is evolving, and demand for integrative practices is growing
• Unity among practitioners can amplify the message of integrative health
• Dr. Warsh’s new book, Parenting at Your Child's Pace, which offers health-focused perspectives on common parenting questions and challenges in the early years.
• How Dr. Warsh’s book fills a gap left by therapy-focused parenting books
• And much more!

https://parentingatyourchildspace.com/

Joel Warsh, MD:

Our guest for this episode is Zeev E. Neuwirth, MD, an advocate for transforming healthcare delivery.

He is a healthcare executive with over 15 years of clinical practice in internal medicine and another 15 years in clinical operations, quality improvement, care redesign and population health. Dr. Neuwirth is also a digital health industry advisor, podcast host and author.

His most recent book released in September 2023 is called Beyond The Walls: Megatrends, Movements and Market Disruptors Transforming American Healthcare. It outlines a three-part strategy for the transformation of American healthcare and documents dozens of examples of the visionary, courageous entrepreneurs and leaders who are transcending the constraints of our legacy past.

Dr. Neuwirth is closely aligned with the Evolution of Medicine’s values, and he has been working to change healthcare from a high level within conventional systems.

Download and listen to the episode to learn more about the following:

• How digital technology and group visits can improve healthcare
• The importance of reducing or preventing physician burnout
• The urgency behind transforming payment models to reduce healthcare expenses
• Practical strategies for transforming healthcare from within large healthcare systems and “beyond the walls” of those systems
• And much, much more!

On this episode, Jon D. Kaiser, MD taught us about the mitochondrial health and chronic disease connection.

Dr. Kaiser is a mitochondrial specialist with over thirty years of clinical and research experience in applying functional medicine approaches to treat complex medical conditions, including HIV/AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), fibromyalgia and long COVID.

Dr. Kaiser began his career as an HIV/AIDS specialist in San Francisco at the height of the HIV epidemic. He found that many of his patients needed nutritional and mitochondrial support, especially after manifesting antiviral medication side effects.

He developed protocols to help patients improve their baseline health with an original nutraceutical formulation that supports mitochondrial health. Dr. Kaiser joined James to discuss how he has applied his protocols to help patients with other chronic illnesses and post-infection syndromes.

Tune in to learn more from Dr. Kaiser about the following topics:

•        Lifestyle factors that support healing beyond other integrative interventions 
•         How mitochondria are chemically and electrically connected and communicate with each other throughout the body
•         Parasympathetic activation as a critical component of recovery  
•        How the poor mitochondrial function impacts the neuro-endocrine-immune axis and gastrointestinal tract
•        His vision for the next steps in medicine, including the need for a readily available blood test that assays the health of mitochondria in blood cells

This episode continues to explore the theme laid out in the August 2023 Functional Forum, Mitochondrial Mayem, where we learned how mitochondrial dysfunction leads to a wide range of chronic illnesses—from autoimmunity to cardiometabolic disease, neurologic disorders and more. 

This week, we address a hot and controversial topic in medicine: weight loss pharmaceuticals. 

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptides (GIP) agonists are gaining popularity for their use in treating type 2 diabetes and, in some cases, obesity. These medications stimulate insulin secretion and are shown to increase weight loss and improve blood pressure.

However, significant gastrointestinal and other rare but concerning side effects make these medications controversial. Patients often also gain back much of the lost weight when these medications are stopped.

Our guest this episode is Christina Robins, MD, who has a successful clinic called RevitaLife, which blends family medicine, women’s health care, antiaging medicine and medical weight loss, among other services. Dr. Robins has long been using GLP-1 agonists with her patients, and she joined James to share her strategies for supporting patients using those medications in combination with nutraceutical support.

Listen to the full conversation to learn about the following:

• Lifestyle and nutraceutical support before, during and after the use of weight-loss medications
• How to prevent connective tissue and muscle loss during weight loss
• FDA approval for weight loss and type 2 diabetes drugs
• Appropriate uses for these medications and potential off-label uses
• And much, much more!

Molly Maloof, MD joins the Evolution of Medicine podcast to discuss a shared vision: connection as a critical pillar of healthcare.

Dr. Maloof recently authored and released a book called The Spark Factor, which teaches readers how to personalize biohacking strategies for better energy and health. Dr. Maloof wrote portions of the book to fill the information gaps in biohacking for women, but 80% of its content is also applicable to men.

If you listen to this short yet powerful episode, you’ll quickly recognize how well-aligned Dr. Maloof is with our year of connection. She discussed how loneliness and lack of connection—either social or connecting with your own body and health—is a leading crisis, especially post-pandemic. 

Please listen to the full audio to learn more about the following:

• How The Spark Factor helps readers personalize their journey to improve their mitochondrial energy
• How the Functional Forum will be even more critical in the age of digital and medical censorship
• The seriousness of the loneliness and mental health crises
• Some practical tips for women to better align with their cycles
• Tips on fasting and exercise for different patient groups
• And much, much more!

Dan Strause is the president and CEO of Hometown Pharmacy, which is a network of 70 independent functional pharmacies across Wisconsin and Upper Michigan that deliver patient-focused care.

The Hometown Pharmacy group seeks to connect prescribing clinicians with pharmacists to collaborate and achieve the goal of moving patients from pharmaceuticals to nutraceuticals to food. They see a critical need for pharmacists to reconnect and work with prescribing clinicians, especially to mitigate or address drug-induced nutrient deficiencies.

Building relationships between patients, prescribing clinicians and pharmacists often starts with patients asking questions and engaging with their health care. Thus, the functional pharmacy approach involves empowering and inspiring patients through health education.

Listen to this full conversation to learn from Dan about the many innovative strategies the group incorporates, including: 

• Sending dieticians and nutritionists to speak within communities about functional pharmacies to educate and inspire at a grassroots level
• A test-teach-therapy-test approach with patients
• Using scientific literature and dialog to build relationships with like-minded clinicians 
• Learning how to best work with patients to foster adherence
• And much, much more!

Dan Strause is a keynote speaker at the upcoming Functional Pharmacy Symposium on September 23 in Nashville, TN. He will be joined by other former Functional Forum and Evolution of Medicine podcast guests, such as James LaValle, RPh; Thomas G. Guilliams, PhD; Mark Houston, MD; and Jeff Robins, RPh. Register to attend the conference to learn more functional medicine best practices that will support the future success of your pharmacy.

Our guest this week on the podcast is Robert Pearl, MD, a lifestyle medicine champion and leader. He is the former CEO of The Permanente Medical Group (1999-2017), the largest United States medical group, and the former president of The Mid-Atlantic Permanente Medical Group (2009-2017). In those two roles, he led 10,000 physicians and 38,000 staff. Currently, he cohosts a podcast and is an author, clinical professor, contributor to Forbes, and speaker.

In this podcast episode, we discussed the economics of health care and different payment models that can support preventative care and lifestyle medicine. Dr. Pearl laid out his perspective on the issues with fee-for-service payment models—mainly that it incentivizes disease treatment rather than prevention. He proposed an alternative model known as capitation, which is the model Kaiser Permanente uses. Capitation pays a group of doctors an established, upfront fee to fulfill medical needs for a defined population of patients.

 Listen to this fascinating conversation to learn more about the following:

• Capitation versus fee-for-service models
• Dr. Pearl’s vision for how clinicians can contribute to building an alternative market for lifestyle medicine
• The role of artificial intelligence in supporting patient education, compliance and outcomes
• Using telemedicine and groups to make lifestyle medicine more economical
• And much more!

Izabella Wentz, PharmD is an author and pharmacist who previously spoke on the Functional Forum and specializes in helping patients overcome thyroid dysfunction. In this episode, she joins James to talk about her personal journey with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis after years of debilitating symptoms.

Her most recent book, Adrenal Transformation Protocol, was released on April 18, 2023. The book focuses on resetting the body’s stress response through targeted safety signals, and it features a four-week program that has already helped over 3,500 people. 

Dr. Wentz is also an advocate for spreading awareness about how thyroid dysfunction can produce psychiatric symptoms, which is often overlooked by conventional health care providers. Check out the full episode to learn more about:

• The stigma around the term “adrenal fatigue”   
• Dr. Wentz’ experience addressing adverse drug events and drug-induced nutrient depletion
• The mental health and adrenal connection
• Options for supporting patients with thyroid dysfunction
• How to help your patients achieve lifestyle changes
• And much, much more!

Dr. Carrie Jones rejoins the Evolution of Medicine podcast to discuss the functional medicine approach to depression, anxiety and attention issues. She is an avid educator who specializes in stress and endocrine health.

A recent systematic review found that the serotonin theory of depression is scientifically unsupported,  which raises the question: What does this mean for patients who use either SSRIs or SNRIs? Dr. Jones explains how she answers this for concerned patients and discusses her approach to resolving mood issues by looking for root causes.

Other topics discussed in this conversation include rising mental health issues amongst teenagers in particular, group care, and mental health lifestyle factors, such as balancing neurotransmitters, stress management, social connection, nutrition, gut health and physical activity.

Tune in and listen to the whole conversation to learn about the following from Dr. Jones:

• Examples of how blood sugar dysregulation can harm sleep quality and mental health
• Problems that can arise when supporting only one neurotransmitter
• Specific nutrients she uses for patients with mood dysregulation
• The potential for technology, especially continuous glucose monitors, to empower patients in their health journeys
• And much, much more!

Kristen Brokaw hosts this episode which features Andy Sutton, CEO of Kare Health & Wellness. 

Andy and his wife, Keri Sutton, cofounded and grew a successful integrative health center. Andy’s background is in architecture as a project manager, and his wife is a nurse practitioner who serves as the chief medical officer of Kare Health & Wellness. At the clinic, Andy also oversees marketing, new staff hires and training.

Their clinic prioritizes developing and nurturing a strong culture amongst staff. Andy believes his staff’s cohesiveness and shared values has a downstream effect of benefiting patients and allowing their business to be more efficient, which is one of the keys to their success.

This episode belongs to the Evolution of Medicine’s Business of Functional Medicine series. Once a quarter, we bring you conversations that focus on the business and practice management side of functional medicine. 

Check out the full recording to learn more about Andy’s approach to the following:

•        Developing a standardized staff training program
•        Staff hiring and fostering a team culture
•        Leveraging emotional appeal to acquire and retain patients
•        New patient onboarding
•        And much, much more!

Guest:  Amanda Wilson, MD, CEO, Founder

In this episode, we learned about emerging, research-based treatments for alcohol use disorder (AUD) that pair well with functional medicine values. 

Traditional 12-step programs have startlingly low success rates (8% for Alcoholics Anonymous) and teach some principles that are not supported by scientific literature—for example, that patients must abstain and avoid exposure indefinitely to stay in recovery.  

James’ guest, Amanda Wilson, MD, is an addiction physician who cofounded NorthStar Care, an alcohol treatment center that approaches AUD as a medical issue and offers a year-long, physician-monitored, at-home program. They incorporate functional medicine elements, including nutrition therapy, genomics for personalized medication selection, social support groups, and several technologies, such as virtual reality (VR) and wearables. 

NorthStar Care is partnering with a company developing a wearable device to continuously track not only blood alcohol levels but also glucose and sleep patterns. For their peer support group meetings, they use VR headsets so patients can participate remotely using anonymous avatars, virtual backgrounds and even voice changers for privacy. 

Download and listen to the full conversation to learn about:

• A genetic factor that makes naltrexone ineffective for a portion of the population
• The shortcomings of rapid-detox, inpatient rehabilitation and 12-step programs
• The importance of medical support throughout the recovery process
• The benefits of using VR for peer support networks
• And much more!

In this episode, Dr. Achina Stein and Silvia Covelli share their experience leading the Healing Depression Project, a holistic approach to treating depression that integrates functional medicine, lifestyle changes, and community support. Drawing from their personal experiences with conventional psychiatry, they discuss the frustrations with traditional treatments and the need to address both physical and mental health simultaneously. 

The project challenges the conventional narrative around mental health treatment, offering a comprehensive recovery program built on evidence-based practices and a supportive community. Tune into this episode to learn:

• Why we need alternative approaches to traditional psychiatry
• How the project integrates functional medicine with metabolic psychiatry to enhance mental health outcomes.
• How a holistic approach may be especially helpful for those who don’t benefit from medication.
• How community support is leveraged to support the recovery process.
• Future goals include expanding the program and making it accessible to a broader audience.
• And much more!

This episode offers insight into how functional medicine and community-based support can reshape mental health care and foster long-term recovery. Please download and share with someone who would like to hear about this opportunity.

Adrian den Boer, DC, ND joins the podcast this week to share his clinical success with collagen. As a functional medicine practitioner with extensive experience in naturopathic and chiropractic care, Dr. den Boer is just the person we needed to speak with to learn about the benefits of collagen for the musculoskeletal system.  

Tune into this episode to hear his astounding success stories, including one that did not even seem possible, according to his medical school training. He also provided clinical pearls that will help you achieve the best outcomes and improve compliance when using collagen with your patients.

Listen to the full episode to learn:

•         How collagen helps athletes recover from injury
•         Benefits of collagen for the aging musculoskeletal system
•         How Dr. den Boer’s highly successful practice got started, and why he is passionate about quality testing for supplements
•         Issues and risks with using bone broth in place of collagen supplements
•         And much, much more!

Functional Forum Local Communities connect like-minded practitioners, enabling dialog, information sharing, interdisciplinary discussion, and community building for those who attend.

In this episode we hear from a Functional Forum Community host and a loyal attendee. Kristen Brokaw, this week’s host, is the leader of Saint Louis’ local Forum Community, and founder of the St. Louis Institute for Integrative Medicine (SLIIM).

Guest Grant Corsi is the Community Host of the Orange County Functional Forum Community.  He shares his story about what drove him to begin planning community events and what has made his community successful.

Our second guest is Anthony Pasek, DC who has been attending St. Louis Forum Community events for at least seven years. He speaks to the value of his community, including professional camaraderie and collaboration.

Listen to this short episode to learn:

·       Valuable tips for initiating community meetups

·       Why you should consider hosting your own local Community

·       What challenges to expect, and how to prepare for them as a new host

·        The benefits of attending local community events for physicians

·       And much, much more.

Help us honor this year’s theme of Connection by sharing this episode and consider joining or hosting a local Forum Community near you.

Find a community near you.

Host a community.

Request a community.  

“Everyone needs a good coach in life,” according to our podcast guest this week.

For this Business of Functional Medicine episode, Kristen Brokaw interviewed Coach Micheal Burt to explore his perspective on becoming and staying motivated.

He applies the term prey drive—the instinctual motivation of certain animals to find, pursue and capture prey—to human behavior and motivation.

Coach Burt began his career as a basketball coach and is now an author, speaker and professional coach for multiple industries. He has clients who are the most successful preventative doctors and functional health care providers in the country.

Check out this full episode to take in empowering messages about:

• Every individuals’ potential to express a strong prey drive
• The parts of oneself that may need to be supported (body, mind, heart and spirit)
• How to foster motivation on a daily basis
• The importance of building and maintaining dynamic energy in business
• Business coaching for preventative and functional medicine providers
• And much, much more!

Visit his website to learn more about activating the drive to pursue your goals.

On this episode of the podcast, James is joined by two doctors from the Institute of Functional Medicine (IFM) to learn about their upcoming annual conference from June 1-3 in Orlando, FL.

Aly Cohen, MD is an integrative rheumatologist who speaks about the importance of environmental medicine and why autoimmunity needs to be understood by providers across medical specialties.

Dan Lukaczer, ND is the Director of Medical Education at IFM. He was previously Director of Clinical Research at the Metagenics Functional Medicine Research Center in Gig Harbor, WA, where he served as the principal investigator on various clinical trials on diet and nutrition.

This event will be the first in-person IFM event since 2019 and will not be limited to any one topic or health issue. Instead, they offer an agenda featuring a wide range of subject matter. Consider registering for the IFM conference to learn more about:

·       Contaminants in drinking water—from artificial turf, fluoride and more

·       Data about environmental chemicals and how they contribute to human health conditions, specifically diseases of the immune system

·       Dietary approaches and lifestyle changes to reduce toxicity

·       Functional medicine approaches to oncology and cancer care

·       Understanding mast cell activation syndrome (MCAS)

·       Innovative treatment options for mental health care

·       Updates on the microbiome, oral microbiome and systemic disease

·       Impacts of intermittent thermal stress on aging and longevity

·       Therapeutic applications of medical cannabis and endocannabinoids

·       Wearable devices and the unlocked potential of remote health monitoring

·       And much more!