Dr. Rob Downey welcomes Benjamin Bressington for a wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond the mushroom hype cycle and into lived experience, integrity, and true therapeutic potential. Benjamin traces his path into mushrooms through years spent navigating infertility and IVF, where he witnessed firsthand the physical and emotional toll of narrow, protocol-driven medicine. That disillusionment, combined with his own struggle with depression as a high-performing entrepreneur, led him to explore mushrooms as a tool for accessing buried trauma and restoring a sense of vitality that talk therapy alone never unlocked. The discussion then turns practical and deeply educational. Benjamin breaks down why caffeine creates a cycle of "borrowed energy" and crashes, while certain functional mushrooms support the body's natural energy systems more sustainably. He also exposes why many mushroom supplements fail—using clear analogies to explain the difference between fruiting bodies and mycelium, and why extraction methods matter so much. By unpacking spagyric extraction and microdosing concepts, this episode equips listeners to make informed, discerning choices in a rapidly growing (and often misleading) wellness space.

Time stamps

01:27–06:19 — Infertility, IVF, and disillusionment with conventional medicine 03:04–04:08 — Depression, trauma, and mushrooms as a catalyst for healing

08:43–10:12 — Caffeine crashes vs. clean, adaptogenic mushroom energy

18:12–24:08 — Fruiting bodies, extraction methods, and why most products fail

Key takeaways

• Caffeine often stimulates fake energy, while mushroom adaptogens support real, sustainable energy production.
• The therapeutic impact of mushrooms depends heavily on fruiting body sourcing and extraction quality.
• Many "high-dose" mushroom products are ineffective because they rely on mycelium and weak extraction methods.
• Ancient practices like spagyric extraction and microdosing offer insights that modern wellness often overlooks.

Get your free sample: https://checkout.bareremedy.net/energygummy1?event_id=1ecc8bda-7d0c-4db1-a6e7-850bf586a522

Heather Moon, our wonderful nurse practitioner here at Seaworthy, is taking over as host for this episode of The Field Notes Podcast!

She welcomes fellow NP, Marcia Mankin, whose lifelong passion for skin health began on a Wyoming ranch and deepened through profound personal experiences with melanoma in her family. Together, they explore something I wish more people understood: your skin isn't just a surface.

It's a living, intelligent messenger—constantly reflecting your internal health, your environment, your stress levels, your sleep quality, and even your emotional state. Marcia brings decades of surgical and clinical wisdom to this conversation, helping us see how skin changes often reveal what's happening before we see it anywhere else.

Heather and Marcia also unpack the lifestyle patterns that shape skin health—nutrition, movement, hydration, sun exposure, and daily habits—and they shine a light on popular aesthetic trends that may do more harm than good. It's an empowering, science-grounded discussion that reminds us that the fundamentals matter far more than quick fixes. If you've ever wondered why your skin suddenly looks dull, inflamed, puffy, reactive, or "off," this episode will help you understand the deeper story and make meaningful changes that support whole-body vitality.

5 Key Takeaways

• Your skin is often the first place deeper issues—autoimmune, inflammatory, emotional, or organ-related—show up.

• Whole foods, adequate protein, hydration, and micronutrients directly support collagen, repair, and radiance.

• Stress, sleep quality, and emotional health influence the skin almost immediately—often within hours.

• Be cautious with trendy aesthetic procedures like PDO threads and injectable PDGF; research is limited, and risks include inflammation and scarring.

• The most powerful skin practices are simple: daily sunscreen, gentle cleansing, hydration, good sleep, and consistent care.

In this powerful "Podcast Rewind" episode of Field Notes Podcast, Dr. Elena Villanueva joins Dr. Rob Downey to explore a transformative approach to healing that blends functional medicine, quantum science, and emotional wellness. Dr. V discusses how chronic conditions like diabetes, fatigue, and mental health struggles often stem from unresolved trauma, stress, and neurological imbalances—not just physical factors. Through case studies, personal experiences, and cutting-edge insights, she shares how deep healing becomes possible when we address the mind, body, and spirit together. The episode offers both inspiration and actionable wisdom for anyone ready to go beyond the pill and reclaim their vitality.

Timestamps:
(02:35) Doctors lack root cause training 
(10:53) Neurological rewiring unlocks healing power 
(14:59) Stress triggered diabetes and hypertension 
(19:19) Rapid shifts: mind, body, spirit 
(38:58) Inner child work deepens self-love

 _______________________________________________________________________

Key Takeaways:
True healing requires root cause awareness 
Quantum science enhances traditional medicine 
Emotional stress causes physical illness 
Inner child work restores self-worth
Functional medicine can reverse chronic conditions

In this episode of the Fieldnotes Podcast, Dr. Rob Downey sits down with nurse and holistic health expert Esther Yunkin to explore Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism. Esther shares her journey from working in the ER to embracing a functional medicine and holistic approach, emphasizing the importance of looking at the body, mind, and spirit as a whole. They discuss the root causes of thyroid dysfunction, common misdiagnoses, lab testing strategies, and practical lifestyle adjustments to manage stress and autoimmunity. Esther provides actionable advice for patients to take agency in their health and simplify complex care plans, highlighting her own holistic practices and self-paced program.

Timestamps:
00:02 – Introduction to Esther Yunkin
06:51 – Importance of thyroid lab testing
10:03 – Ask why thyroid labs abnormal
21:36 – Stress and autoimmunity interplay
37:08 – Low vitamin D triggers discussed

 _______________________________________________________________________

Key Takeaways: 
Root causes key to thyroid health
Labs empower patient health decisions
Stress fuels autoimmunity, complicates thyroid
Simplicity aids sustainable lifestyle changes
Vitamin D often overlooked trigger

In this powerful episode of the Fieldnotes Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Aimie Apigian to explore the cutting-edge science behind trauma and how it's stored in the body—not as a memory of events, but as an internal biology of overwhelm. Dr. Aimie shares personal stories and clinical insights about how unresolved trauma shapes chronic illness, anxiety, and depression, while offering hope through somatic healing and nervous system repair. We discuss her upcoming book, The Biology of Trauma, why movement is essential, how early life stress imprints us, and what it truly takes to reset our systems and reclaim vitality. Whether you're a practitioner, patient, or simply curious, this conversation redefines what healing can look like.

Timestamps:
04:03 Trauma = internal overwhelm, not event
09:40 Chronic illness linked to stored overwhelm
13:16 Movement clears adrenaline, resets safety
18:35 Early stress leaves lasting imprint
36:48 Somatic work resolves stored panic

 _______________________________________________________________________

Key Takeaways:
Trauma lives in biology, not memory
Overwhelm leads to chronic health issues
Movement discharges stress hormones effectively
Early experiences shape lifelong stress patterns
Healing starts with your nervous system

In this episode of the Fieldnotes Podcast, Dr. Rob Downey interviews environmental health coach Jenny Johnson, who shares her personal and professional journey into the world of environmental toxicity, particularly mold exposure and Lyme disease. Jenny recounts how her family's move to an organic farm for a healthier lifestyle ironically led to severe illness due to hidden environmental biotoxins. Drawing from her recovery experience and advanced training under experts like Dr. Shoemaker and Dr. Bredesen, Jenny now empowers others with practical tools, testing strategies, and coaching to uncover the root causes of chronic illness. She highlights how chronic inflammation, often driven by environmental triggers, is frequently misdiagnosed, and stresses the importance of personalized healing plans and nervous system regulation in true recovery.

Timestamps:
(03:41) Family hit hard by mold exposure
(05:05) Son's neurodivergence reversed post-detox
(15:00) Mold is more than mold
(21:28) Chronic inflammation mimics many diseases
(43:02) DIY mold tests empower families

 _______________________________________________________________________

Key Takeaways:
Mold exposure often hides in plain sight
Chronic illness can stem from environment
Testing empowers informed health decisions
Nervous system health drives recovery
Personalized plans beat one-size-fits-all fixes

In this episode of the Fieldnotes Podcast, Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Dana and Colleen, co-founders of The Digital Dojo, about trauma, healing, and personal transformation. They explore how trauma—both acute and subtle—can be stored in the body and inherited across generations. Through a unique fusion of traditional Chinese medicine, martial arts principles, and performance coaching, they share practical frameworks like NAP ("repeat after me" method) to help individuals safely engage with and heal from trauma. The conversation also covers distinctions between self-worth and self-esteem, and how finding one's "why" can drive meaningful change.

Timestamps:
(00:47) Trauma blocks wellness and healing efforts.
(03:10) Talking unlocks hidden trauma patterns.
(06:34) Trauma = unmet resources in moment.
(08:15) Inherited trauma via ancestral chi.
(17:12) NAP technique prevents emotional flooding.

 _______________________________________________________________________

Key Takeaways:
Trauma can be multigenerational and subtle.
Healing requires emotional safety, not force.
NAP helps process trauma gently.
Self-worth matters more than esteem.
Purpose fuels commitment to healing

In this episode of the Fieldnotes podcast, Dr. Downey interviews integrative psychiatrist Dr. Michael Broukhim, who shares his transformative journey from personal loss to pioneering holistic mental health care. Motivated by the death of his father and a mystical hospital experience, Dr. Broukhim embraced energy healing, osteopathic medicine, and integrative psychiatry. He now helps patients safely taper off psychiatric medications by addressing root causes through lifestyle changes, trauma work, and community connection. The conversation critiques modern psychiatry's overreliance on meds and highlights the healing power of presence, emotional safety, and spiritual practices.

Timestaps:
(02:43) Father's hidden cancer shapes purpose
(06:09) Turn to integrative psychiatry begins
(10:02) Critiques rushed, med-focused psychiatry
(22:14) Steps for safe med tapering
(33:13) Practical healing tools: nature, touch

 ____________________________________________________________________________

Key Takeaways:
Healing requires presence, not prescriptions.
Psychiatry overlooks root emotional issues.
Safe tapering needs lifestyle support.
Spirituality can drive real transformation.
Connection and curiosity heal deepest wounds.

In this episode of the Fieldnotes podcast, Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Dr. Colin Zhu—a family and lifestyle medicine physician, chef, and health coach—about the powerful role food plays in shaping personal well-being, community connection, and planetary sustainability. Drawing from his upbringing under a Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner and his diverse medical background, Dr. Zhu explains how disconnection from our food sources has widespread health and ecological consequences. He emphasizes that food is more than nourishment—it's a love language, a tool for healing, and a reflection of our relationship with ourselves and the planet. Together, they discuss how mindfulness, meaningful relationships, and small daily choices can catalyze major transformations in individual and collective health.

Timestamps:
(00:55) Food connects us across all levels
(04:30) Food is emotional and political
(07:04) DOs embrace holistic mind-body healing
(10:32) Livestock drives rainforest destruction
(17:23) Relationships predict health and longevity

 ____________________________________________________________________________

Key Takeaways:
Food is love, culture, and identity.
Disconnection from food harms health.
Lifestyle medicine treats root causes.
Small habits create lasting change.
Wellness thrives through collective action.

In this episode of the Seaworthy Podcast, Dr. Rob Downey interviews women's health coach Saoirse Nash about her personal journey with chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs) and the broader systemic issues surrounding women's healthcare. Saoirse shares how recurring UTIs in her youth were normalized and dismissed, leading to years of inadequate treatment until she took control of her health through holistic and functional approaches. The discussion explores the intersection of anatomy, immune and gut health, poor diagnostic tools, and the role of chronic stress and environmental toxins in women's health. Together, they emphasize the importance of patient empowerment, lifestyle changes, and the need for better research and advocacy—highlighting organizations like Live UTI Free that offer critical support and information.

Timestamps:
(00:00) UTIs common, especially in women
(01:51) Saoirse's health journey begins with UTIs
(06:25) Gut health linked to immune defense
(08:13) Standard UTI tests often fail
(30:35) Trust your body and instincts

____________________________________________________________________________

Key Takeaways:
Chronic UTIs are often misdiagnosed and undertreated.
Gut health is vital for immune defense.
Stress and trauma impact physical health deeply.
Women's symptoms are too often normalized.
Trust your body—advocate for better care.

In this episode of the "Fieldnotes" podcast, Dr. Rob Downey interviews Courtney Cowie, a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner and certified coach, about her personal and professional journey through chronic gut health issues, including IBS, IBD, mold toxicity, and Lyme disease. Courtney shares her powerful origin story—from childhood stomach aches and years of ineffective conventional treatments to her transformative experience with Chinese medicine in Japan and her eventual embrace of functional medicine. Together, they explore the critical role of functional testing, the gut-brain connection, and the importance of root-cause approaches in healing chronic digestive conditions. Courtney also highlights how personalized testing, diet, and trauma-informed care can empower patients to regain their health and vitality.

Timestamps:
00:48) Courtney discusses her IBS diagnosis
(05:00) Bathroom stops planned during runs
(06:11) Herbalist urges eating meat
(14:31) Microscopic colitis finally diagnosed
(17:17) Mold toxicity and Lyme uncovered

____________________________________________________________________________

Key Takeaways:
Chronic gut issues often start in childhood.
Conventional medicine may overlook root causes.
Functional testing reveals hidden gut dysfunction.
Mold and Lyme can mimic IBS symptoms.
Diet, stress, and trauma impact digestion deeply.

In this episode, Dr. Rob Downey welcomes Dr. Darin Ingels, a naturopathic doctor and expert in environmental and allergy medicine, to discuss alternative and functional approaches to managing allergies. Dr. Ingels explains how conventional allergy treatments, like shots, often fail to address the root causes of immune overreaction. He explores lesser-known but effective methods such as sublingual immunotherapy and Low Dose Allergen (LDA) therapy, which aim to retrain the immune system for long-term relief. The conversation highlights how allergies can manifest in surprising ways, even affecting mood and cognition, and emphasizes the need for personalized, root-cause solutions beyond standard protocols.

Timestamps:
(00:29) Dr. Ingels joins allergy discussion.
(02:42) Alternatives to allergy shots explained.
(06:04) Allergies affect brain and behavior.
(17:48) Immune therapy improves depression symptoms.
(26:48) Remote testing and treatment possible.

_______________________________________________________________________________


Key Takeaways:
Allergies are immune system overreactions.
Standard allergy tests can miss triggers.
Sublingual therapy is safe and effective.
Allergies can affect brain and mood.
Root-cause treatment leads to long-term relief.

In this episode of the Fieldnotes podcast, Dr. Rob Downey interviews naturopathic doctor Sarah Love about why nutrition alone often fails to resolve modern health issues. Sarah explains that despite patients following excellent diets, chronic stress, lack of breaks, and sympathetic overdrive frequently block healing. She emphasizes the importance of intentional rest, reconnecting with nature, and stimulating the parasympathetic nervous system. Her clinical experience led her back to herbal medicine and the creation of her own caffeine-free tea blends designed to support relaxation, gut health, cognitive clarity, and daily rituals that restore vitality. The conversation highlights simple, "common-sense" lifestyle practices — like scheduled breaks, outdoor time, and herbal tea — as essential foundations for wellness.

Timestamps:
02:40 – Diet alone not healing patients.
04:54 – Break culture urgently needs revival.
06:43 – Breaks must be truly restorative.
13:48 – Herbal teas reintroduced into practice.
21:39 – Gut drives overall body health.

_______________________________________________________________________

Key Takeaways:
Breaks are essential for true healing.
Stress blocks digestion and vitality.
Nature exposure boosts parasympathetic activity.
Herbal teas support gut and mind.
Simple habits outperform complex interventions.

In this powerful episode of Field Notes – Dr. Rob Case Studies 2, Dr. Rob Downey shares the deeply personal story that led him into functional medicine: a patient suffering from severe psoriatic arthritis, depression, and fatigue, who had exhausted all conventional treatment options.

Her transformation through botanical medicine and holistic care became a turning point in Dr. Rob's career, igniting his passion to explore root-cause healing. The episode explores how lifestyle interventions—like an anti-inflammatory diet, stress reduction, and gut repair—can reverse chronic disease and restore hope.

Dr. Rob also unpacks the science of leaky gut and autoimmunity in accessible, empowering language that inspires both practitioners and patients alike.

• A case of psoriatic arthritis reversal using functional medicine became the catalyst for Dr. Rob's career shift.

• The patient improved 50–75% through a botanical protocol (Boswellia, Curcumin, Quercetin) and naturopathic care.

• Chronic symptoms included depression, fatigue, pain, and functional disability—impacting every area of life.

• Functional medicine emphasizes systems-based healing: anti-inflammatory nutrition, stress management, and supplements.

• Dr. Rob explains leaky gut with vivid metaphors and highlights its role in triggering autoimmune diseases.

You can learn more about the Case Studies event here: 

In this episode, Dr. Rob Downey and Joe Rignola explore the profound link between peace and health. Dr. Rob discusses the importance of cultivating peace to achieve vitality, presenting the science behind stress and its impact on our physical and emotional well-being. He emphasizes how maintaining inner peace can regulate bodily functions such as digestion, immunity, and cognitive clarity. The episode also introduces practical tools like heart rate variability devices and supplements like ashwagandha for enhancing peace, underscoring the critical role of safety—both physical and emotional—in achieving peace. Listeners are encouraged to take proactive steps toward peace through mindfulness practices, positive psychology, and self-care.

Timestamps: 
(00:00) Introduction to Dr. Rob and Joe
(02:28) Importance of peace vs. food
(06:31) Cultivating peace through self-care
(11:15) Heart rate variability as peace tool
(22:56) Supplements for peace available

____________________________________________________________________________

Key Takeaways:

Peace is Central to Health.

Stress Management Affects Vital Functions.

The Role of the Nervous System.

Mindfulness Practices and Tools Help.

Safety is Essential for Peace.

In this episode of the podcast, Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Jenny Harkleroad, an expert in functional medicine and wellness. Jenny shares her personal journey of overcoming chronic pain and discovering the powerful connection between the mind and body. After suffering a severe back injury, she explored alternative healing methods, including muscle testing and subconscious work, which helped her identify emotional pain manifesting as physical pain. She discusses her transformation from a successful real estate career to founding her wellness company, Balanced You, and how she now helps others overcome pain by addressing the root causes within the subconscious. The episode emphasizes the importance of mental and emotional health in healing chronic pain.

Timestamps: 
(00:00) Rob introduces chronic pain topic.
(02:24) Jenny's back injury leads to transformation.
(08:00) Pain revealed as emotional, not physical.
(16:00) Subconscious work helps eliminate pain.
(38:52) Jenny's app and wellness resources.

_______________________________________________________________________________

Key Takeaways:
Chronic pain may have emotional roots.

The subconscious mind is a powerful tool for healing .

Pain can be a signal for life changes.

Subconscious reprogramming can transform relationships.

Healing doesn't require struggle.

In this episode of Field Notes, Dr. Steven Masley, a physician, nutritionist, and expert in functional medicine, joins host Dr. Rob Downey to discuss the critical role of diet and lifestyle in preventing and reversing heart disease. Dr. Masley shares his insights on how heart health can be significantly improved through simple, actionable changes, such as consuming "smart fats," minimizing sugar intake, and incorporating probiotics. He emphasizes the power of real, minimally processed foods and discusses how incorporating Mediterranean and plant-based diets can reduce risk factors like high blood sugar and inflammation. The conversation highlights how people can take control of their health and prevent heart disease and other chronic conditions through sustainable lifestyle changes.

Timestamps:

(00:40) Dr. Masley discusses heart disease prevention.
(03:04) Mediterranean diet and longevity insights.
(05:03) Key heart-healthy foods for improvement.
(09:21) Importance of reducing sugar and sweeteners.
(19:47) Mediterranean diet's long-term benefits.

________________________________________________________________________________________

Key Takeaways:

• Heart disease is preventable with simple lifestyle changes

• Incorporating Mediterranean and plant-based diets can reduce risk factors

• Healthy fats and probiotics play a vital role in heart health

• Reducing sugar and sweeteners is key to prevention

• Gut health is critical for maintaining a healthy heart

In this podcast episode, Dr. Rob Downey and Dr. Evan Hirsch discuss the intricacies of chronic fatigue syndrome, long COVID, and how to restore energy and vitality. Dr. Hirsch shares his journey from experiencing chronic fatigue to developing a program to help others reclaim their energy. They discuss the root causes of fatigue, including toxins, heavy metals, mold, infections, and nervous system dysfunction. The episode also delves into the importance of understanding energy systems and the impact of stressors on overall health. Additionally, Dr. Hirsch explains the comprehensive approach of his program, emphasizing personalized treatment over testing, and how lifestyle changes and nervous system retraining can lead to lasting health improvements.

 Timestamps:
(00:01) Dr. Downey introduces Dr. Evan Hirsch.
(02:02) Chronic fatigue and long COVID overlap.
(05:57) Toxic 5 causes fatigue and burnout.
(10:53) Adrenal and mitochondrial dysfunction discussed.
(36:49) Dr. Hirsch offers a free consultation.

_______________________________________________________________________

Key Takeaways:

Chronic Fatigue and Long COVID share common causes.

Energy is our birthright.

The Toxic 5 contribute to fatigue.

Personalized treatment over lab tests.

Nervous system retraining is essential.

In this episode of the Field Notes podcast, Dr. Rob Downey engages in a deep conversation with Bob Martin, a former criminal trial lawyer turned meditation teacher and therapist. They explore Bob's transformative journey from a high-pressure legal career during Miami's infamous "Cocaine Cowboys" era to discovering the profound benefits of meditation. Bob shares insights on how meditation helps cultivate compassion and loving-kindness, facilitating personal transformation and emotional healing. They discuss the significance of self-love, the importance of befriending one's thoughts, and the ability to experience awe as a way to enhance mental well-being. The conversation emphasizes the need for intentional meditation practices to foster balance and personal growth, ultimately leading to a fulfilling life.

Timestamps:
00:00:01 Introduction to Bob Martin.
00:01:51 Bob's background as a lawyer.
00:04:03 Meditation's role in personal transformation.
00:09:17 The importance of loving-kindness practices.
00:47:35 Bob shares his daily gratitude ritual.

 _______________________________________________________________________

Key Takeaways:

Clarity: Use simple language to ensure ideas are easily understood.

Relevance: Tailor content to audience interests for better engagement.

Actionability: Provide specific steps for practical application.

Prioritization: Highlight critical points first for quick comprehension.

Visuals: Use charts and infographics to enhance understanding.

In this episode of the Field Notes Podcast, Dr. Rob Downey and Joe Rignola dive into a variety of health topics, focusing on supplements, energy, stress management, and sleep. Dr. Rob shares his personal supplement regimen, highlighting key vitamins, minerals, and anti-inflammatories that help him maintain optimal health despite the stresses of his medical career. They discuss the importance of a simplified, effective supplement plan for overall well-being, as well as tips for boosting energy and sleep quality. The episode also explores immune support, gut health, and the role of morning sunlight in setting the body's circadian rhythm.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction of hosts and Q&A.
02:59 – Dr. Rob's supplement regimen discussed.
13:39 – Year-round immune support supplements.
20:47 – Tips for better sleep hygiene.
24:49 – Importance of morning sunlight exposure.

_______________________________________________________________________

Key Takeaways:

Simplify Your Supplement Routine 

Support Your Immune System Year-Round

Prioritize Sleep Hygiene

Energy Comes from the Inside

Morning Sunlight Sets Your Circadian Rhythm

Dr. Rob Downey speaks the Holistic Mom, MD, Dr. Madiha Saeed, board certified family physician, best-selling author of The Holistic Rx: Your Guide to Healing Chronic Inflammation and Disease and Adam's Healing Adventures.

Timestamps:

[02:37] The Holistic Kids Show
[05:40] About Dr. Madiha Saeed and her parenting "wins"
[14:16] Involving family in healthy living
[18:37] Quenching inflammation
[25:45] How the pandemic is affecting inflammation
[32:11] Adam's Healing Adventures + The Holistic Rx
[36:35] Taking holistic medicine internationally

In this episode of the "Podcast Jasmine Parker Gallery," Dr. Rob Downey and functional medicine coach Jasmine Parker discuss the transformative power of functional medicine, particularly for individuals dealing with hypothyroidism and autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto's disease. Jasmine shares insights from her personal health journey, emphasizing the importance of a holistic, whole-body approach to healing. They explore how functional medicine coaching supports long-term health by focusing on behavior change, sustainable habits, and individualized care. They also discuss the value of mindset, realistic goal-setting, and how small changes can lead to significant improvements in health.

Timestamps: 
(00:01) Introduction to functional medicine and coaching.
(03:07) Importance of a holistic approach.
(06:30) Moving beyond willpower for health.
(16:30) Jasmine's personal autoimmune health journey.
(25:33) Tips for starting functional medicine care.

_______________________________________________________________________

Key Takeaways:

Holistic Health: Functional medicine looks at the body as a whole system.

Coaching Support: Coaches help with lifestyle changes and accountability.

Beyond Willpower: Success requires mindset shifts and realistic goals.

Realistic Goals: Tailored goals lead to sustainable health improvements.

Foundational Health: Sleep, stress management, and nutrition are key to healing.

In this episode of "Field Notes," Dr. Rob Downey, a functional medicine practitioner, interviews Reed Davis, founder of Functional Diagnostic Nutrition (FDN). Davis shares his journey from environmental law to pioneering functional health practices, emphasizing the importance of addressing upstream health imbalances rather than relying solely on traditional diagnoses. He discusses his methods for identifying and treating root causes using alternative lab tests, personalized approaches to health, and a system for empowering both practitioners and patients. The conversation also highlights the necessity of individualized care, the role of stress and lifestyle in health, and the transformative potential of integrative wellness practices.

Timestamps: 
(00:38) Reed Davis' multi-certified global health impact.
(02:34) Motivation behind founding Functional Diagnostic Nutrition.
(05:10) Challenges with traditional diagnostic lab tests.
(12:35) Importance of upstream health imbalances.
(30:02) Personalized diets and food sensitivity testing.

_______________________________________________________________________

Key Takeaways:

Functional medicine targets root causes, not just symptoms.

Personalized health plans are crucial for long-term vitality.

Addressing upstream health imbalances is key to healing.

Advanced lab tests provide deeper insights than standard exams.

Stress, lifestyle, and mental health are essential factors in holistic healing.

In this episode of the Fieldnotes podcast, Dr. Downey interviews Natalie Lund and opens up about her unexpected journey through perimenopause and how it forced her to rewrite long-held beliefs about her body and identity. She shares how she experienced medical gaslighting when her symptoms were dismissed, and how she found real relief through hormone therapy and the mindset-shifting technique of rapid transformational therapy (RTT). She explores how hypnosis and RTT helped her reclaim control over her life, reset her mental and physical state, and begin seeing her femininity and wellbeing in a completely new way. The conversation offers raw personal testimony, practical tools for women navigating hormonal chaos, and a message that transformation is possible when you stop trying to live by old rules.

Timestaps:
(00:05:12) Realizing the symptoms meant perimenopause
(00:18:45) Doctors dismissed her pain and fog
(00:29:33) Discovering RTT & hypnosis as tools
(00:41:20) Hormone therapy changed her outlook
(00:55:10) Reclaiming identity beyond physical symptoms

 ____________________________________________________________________________

Key Takeaways:
Hormonal life changes demand identity transformation
Medical dismissal doesn't mean symptoms aren't real
RTT and hypnosis changed her internal narrative
Hormone therapy unlocked physical and mental clarity
Reclaiming femininity starts with redefining self

In this episode, Dr. Rob Downey sits down with Matthieu Mehuys a landscape architect and passionate gardener, shares his journey from growing up on a family farm to becoming a global expert in regenerative gardening. He discusses the power of nature, how gardening can enhance personal health, and the importance of regenerating the planet through soil restoration. Matthieu also explains the benefits of weeds and how to work with nature for more sustainable and rewarding gardening practices. He emphasizes the shift from sustainability to regeneration and provides practical tips and resources for those wanting to start their own regenerative gardens.

Timestamps:
(00:01) Rob Downey introduces Matthieu Mehuys.
(05:30) Matthieu's early gardening lessons at age 5.
(08:27) Leaving the 9-5 job for gardening.
(13:58) Transitioning from sustainability to regeneration.
(30:15) Matthieu explains weeds' benefits for soil.

_______________________________________________________________________

Key Takeaways:

Regenerative gardening benefits both personal health and the planet.

Weeds are not the enemy – they restore soil health.

Gardening with nature leads to sustainable, flourishing gardens.

Embracing regeneration over sustainability offers endless benefits.

Practical steps and resources are available to help you start.

In this episode, Dr. Rob Downey and Evan Transue discuss the evolution of functional medicine and its ability to address chronic health issues by using functional lab testing. They explore the strengths of Western medicine in life-threatening conditions and the limitations it faces in dealing with long-term health problems. Evan shares his personal journey with multiple health diagnoses and highlights the importance of understanding hidden stressors like hormonal, immune, and digestive imbalances. The episode also delves into the need for a balanced approach, combining conventional and functional medicine to achieve optimal health.

Timestamps
[00:00] Introduction to functional medicine's revolution.
[01:07] Strengths and weaknesses of Western medicine.
[05:57] Importance of functional lab testing.
[14:16] Work-life balance affecting health outcomes.
[36:27] Humility and patient-centered care in health.

_______________________________________________________________________


On this episode you will:

Learn how functional lab testing uncovers hidden stressors like hormonal imbalances and gut issues.

Discover the gap between conventional medicine and chronic illness management.

Understand the power of a holistic, personalized approach to health.

Hear about the importance of integrating functional medicine with traditional treatments for optimal wellness.

Explore the role of lifestyle changes and nutrition in overcoming chronic health problems.

If you're ready to take control of your health, this episode is for you!

In this episode of Field Notes, Dr. Rob Downey interviews Jane Hogan, "The Wellness Engineer," who shares her innovative approach to addressing chronic pain through neuroplasticity, breathwork, and nervous system regulation.

Drawing from her engineering background and expertise in functional medicine, Hogan explains how trauma and subconscious patterns contribute to pain and highlights the power of calming the nervous system to promote healing.

Through simple yet effective practices like visualization, mindfulness, and morning routines, she empowers individuals to take control of their well-being. With inspiring success stories and actionable tools, Hogan offers hope and practical strategies for transforming pain into vitality.

00:58 – Jane Hogan introduces her approach. 

04:07 – Neuroplasticity's role in chronic pain.

06:14 – Childhood trauma impacts nervous system.

15:26 – Tools for calming nervous system.

47:37 – Guided exercise reduces pain instantly.

Jane Hogan, "The Wellness Engineer," blends proven leading-edge science and ancient spiritually-inspired practices to help people release chronic pain using the mind, body, and breath so they can become empowered creators of their own health.

Her personal experience of reversing crippling rheumatoid arthritis using natural solutions inspired her to leave a 30-year engineering career and become a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach, Certified Yoga Teacher, and wellness educator.

Jane's Wellness by Design Blueprint has helped thousands of people release chronic pain naturally. She is the host of the Wellness by Design podcast and her empowering message has been featured on numerous podcasts and summits.

She has been published in Thrive Global and Elephant Journal magazines and is a contributing author on three best-selling books. Jane hosted the Becoming Pain-Free: Healing the Root Causes of Chronic Pain online summit.

Saril Vasquez is a Certified Functional Nutrition Counselor, True Cellular Detox Practitioner, & a Certified Interventionist. She has the honour and privilege of coaching men and women with a compassionate and patient heart on how to uncover their true root causes of hair loss & reverse hair loss naturally. As a result, her students "rewind the aging clock," feeling confident about themselves again by gaining control & clarity about what turns on or turns off their hair loss. Saril is the founder and CEO of Belle Organix LLC, a global coaching company on a mission to help millions of people master their body mechanics to reveal their inner belles. Her practical approach, connecting symptoms to systems, has helped countless individuals hold a deeper understanding of how their seemingly random symptoms are actually crucially overlooked clues that could be used to find desperately needed solutions. She has been trained and coached by some of the greatest and most successful individuals in the functional medicine space. Her expertise lies in understanding how to connect the dots and put the puzzle pieces together for her troubled yet determined clients and students. As a result, her graduates are finally able to decode what is going on in their bodies, beyond genetics, that exacerbates or reverses their hair loss.

Today's episode is a bit different. This is a local lecture I did on Peace.

I explore the vital role of peace in our overall health and well-being. While many believe that diet is the single most important factor, I challenge that assumption by suggesting that effective stress management may actually have an even greater impact on health. 

Drawing on tools from functional medicine, I explain how our autonomic nervous system influences our ability to find peace, emphasizing the need for a sense of safety and balance. I share insights into how practices like meditation and positive thinking can change our genetic expression, improve heart rate variability, and support both mental and physical wellness.

Elise Spofford joins us to guide a brief meditation exercise. We also discuss our upcoming wellness retreat in Costa Rica, a peaceful setting where we can deepen our connection to inner calm and vitality. (01:17) Importance of stress management over diet.

(05:00) Autonomic nervous system impacts health.

(09:09) Benefits of rest-and-restore mode.

(15:42) Heart rate variability as a wellness tool.

(33:50) Guided Meditation and wellness retreat in Costa Rica

Learn more here: https://healthacceleratorfx.com/yoga-and-functional-medicine-in-costa-rica/

In this episode, Dr. Rob Downey interviews Dr. Peter Kan about the concept of neurometabolic health, which bridges the connection between brain function and metabolic processes. Dr. Kan explains that optimal brain health depends on balanced blood sugar, adequate oxygenation, nutrient utilization, and inflammation control.

He discusses the role of functional medicine in addressing these areas through lifestyle and nutritional interventions, emphasizing that chronic inflammation, often originating in the gut, can undermine cognitive health. 

Dr. Kan also highlights the importance of personalized approaches in functional medicine, as well as simple, practical lifestyle changes like reducing processed foods, increasing exercise, and setting health goals for lasting wellness.

01:16 - Dr. Kan on neurometabolic health

02:53 - Brain function-metabolism connection explained

05:05 - Reducing inflammation supports brain health

16:35 - Exercise as a metabolic booster

29:38 - Gut health affects whole-body inflammation

Dr. Kan believes that there are no accidents in life and everything happens for a reason. Although the family illnesses were difficult and stressful, his family's health was transformed through it all. Thousands of hours of post graduate training and over 5,000 clients later, Dr. Kan is committed more than ever to use what he has learned to help those who has lost hope and lost in the insurance-based, profit-motivated, and pharmaceutically-driven system that is failing people with chronic conditions. Dr. Kan supports and manages patients with chronic conditions using a comprehensive approach by merging the exciting advances of functional neurology and functional medicine. Patients from across the country have come to seek out his holistic approach that is changing the lives of those suffering from chronic conditions. Dr. Kan regularly consults with other physicians on the methods he uses. Born in Taiwan and immigrated to America at the age of 13, Dr. Kan has deep appreciation of the Eastern wisdom and Western advances in natural healthcare. He believes in the God given ability of the body to heal and regulate itself, and that the body, mind, and spirit must be in alignment for healing to take place. It is his faith in God that gives him the passion and commitment to help patients with chronic pain find hope and healing.

In this episode, Dr. Jessie Hehmeyer, founder of Well Empowered, shares her approach to functional medicine, which combines data-driven insights with a heart-centered, holistic perspective. She views health as a sacred journey, encouraging clients to move beyond restrictive health narratives and instead create a "vision of vitality" to guide their unique paths toward wellness.

Dr. Hehmeyer and host Dr. Rob Downey discuss how honoring health can enable people to show up fully for their loved ones and passions, creating a deeper motivation for sustainable change. Through her personalized methods—including lab work and mindset shifts—Dr. Hehmeyer empowers people to break free from self-sabotaging habits, fostering resilience and self-compassion.

(00:34) Health as a "sacred journey."

(03:12) Connection between health and life purpose.

(07:30) Weight as a symptom of a deeper health issue

(13:00) Using labs to guide wellness plans.

(39:07) Replacing self-sabotage with self-compassion.

Dr. Jessica Hehmeyer's life work is empowering individuals to create and sustain radical breakthroughs in health and vitality through educating patients, clients, and audiences on the targeted and science-based natural interventions of Functional Medicine. In her one-on-one counseling, she identifies the root cause of symptoms and conditions, employing food, botanicals, and lifestyle as medicine to tap into the body's tremendous ability to heal.

As a speaker, she provides audiences with meaningful information and facilitates conversations that allow individuals to take immediate action to forward their commitment to health. In addition to her clinical, academic, and research-based knowledge, Dr. Hehmeyer understands the challenges people face when transforming decades-old habits. To this end, she walks individuals and audiences through a process to address the four fundamental aspects of producing and sustaining results: inspiration, information, strategy, and practice.

In this podcast episode, Jeff Patterson shares his transformative journey from a young boxer to a meditation expert, emphasizing how meditation can significantly enhance both athletic and everyday performance. He discusses the deeper principles of meditation, including the concept of yielding, which involves physical, mental, and emotional adaptability. Jeff explains how regulating the body, breath, and mind can help integrate meditation into daily life, leading to greater balance and resilience. He encourages listeners to commit to meditation for at least a year to fully experience its life-changing benefits, offering resources to support their practice.

(02:26) Jeff shares his meditation journey.

(06:54) How meditation enhances performance and awareness.

(18:52) Explanation of physical and mental yielding. (

29:59) Importance of regulating body, breath.

Get Jeff's book for FREE here: https://www.theyieldingwarrior.com/book

Dr. Rob is joined by functional medicine practitioner Dr. Sam Shay. They discuss the role of genetics in weight management, explaining that excess weight is often a symptom of deeper health issues rather than the primary problem. 

He categorizes weight gain into three main types—inflammatory, hormonal, and caloric—each influenced by specific genetic factors such as inflammation genes, vitamin D receptor variations, and detoxification capabilities.

Through lifestyle changes, known as epigenetics, people can manage the expression of these genes to improve health outcomes, although genetic predispositions cannot be entirely altered. Dr. Shay shares practical examples from his practice, highlighting how personalized lifestyle adjustments can help clients overcome genetic sensitivities and achieve better health.

03:34: Weight linked to upstream issues.

06:25: Epigenetics impact gene expression.

07:35: Genes categorized: green, yellow, red.

28:03: Alcohol affects genetic detox ability.

In this episode of the "Field Notes" podcast, Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Silvia Covelli and Dr. Achina Stein about a groundbreaking 45-day program aimed at addressing treatment-resistant depression through a holistic, functional medicine approach. Silvia shares her personal journey of overcoming severe depression after 25 years, highlighting the importance of integrating physical and mental health in treatment.

The program, based in Austin, Texas, focuses on identifying and healing the root causes of depression using comprehensive lab tests, diet, movement, and experiential therapies. The conversation emphasizes the need for a group setting, long-term strategies, and a shift away from conventional psychiatry's symptom-focused treatments. They invite listeners to explore the program, which also offers scholarships and additional resources.

In this episode: 

[3:30] Sivlia's story of overcoming depression

[10:05] What is so-called "treatment-resistant" depression

[20:15] The myth of a magic pill

[31:10] Life after depression

[46:40] Showing up for yourself

Silvia holds a degree in Sociology from Boston College. Following her undergraduate studies, she spent four years as a social science researcher at Harvard University. Later, she pursued graduate studies in finance and business law.

Silvia dedicated her career to entrepreneurship, evolving into a skilled business strategist and bringing ambitious projects to fruition. With a robust track record, she has a wealth of experience in business development and investments spanning both the United States and South America.

Dr. Achina Stein: DO, DFAPA, ABIHM, FACN, IFMCP

Dr. Stein is an osteopathic physician who graduated from the Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine in 1990 and has been in practice as a board-certified psychiatrist for 25+ years. Dr. Stein is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, a Fellow of the American College of Neuropsychiatry, and awarded the Exemplary Psychiatrist Award by NAMI-RI in 2008.

She is certified by the American Board of Integrative and Holistic Medicine (ABIHM) and is a certified practitioner of the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFMCP). She is a former Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior of The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.

In this episode of the Fieldnotes Podcast, Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Dr. Marissa Heisel—a chiropractor and midwife—about the importance of trusting our body's innate wisdom and recognizing that true healing begins from within. She shares how modern society, particularly for women, has conditioned us to depend on external authorities rather than our own intuition. Through her experiences in chiropractic, midwifery, and holistic care, Dr. Heisel emphasizes the power of self-trust, simplicity, and returning to natural grounding practices to restore vitality and sovereignty over one's health.

• (00:02) Introduction to Dr. Marissa Heisel and the theme of self-healing

• (02:11) Her transition from conventional medicine to holistic practice

• (03:48) Core philosophy: "You are your own best medicine"

• (08:24) How cultural conditioning undermines women's body wisdom

• (32:05) Practical guidance—using breath and nature to reconnect to inner balance

Key Takeaways

• We are both our own best expert and our most powerful healer.

• Cultural conditioning often erodes self-trust, leading to overreliance on external validation.

• True healing begins by simplifying—removing noise and reconnecting with the body's signals.

• Mindful breathing and grounding in nature are accessible ways to restore inner clarity and resilience.

Learn more about Dr. Marissa here: 

I'm excited to share one of my favorite interviews I've ever done. It's with the Father of Functional Medicine, Dr. Jeffrey Bland. This interview is from our Rewire Your Brain Masterclass, and I'm making it available for a limited time because I believe it will truly help so many people. 

Dr. Bland discusses the intimate connection between the immune system and the brain. Much like the brain, the immune system can be "rewired" or, as Dr. Bland says, "rejuvenated."

He also discusses what he calls the disease-care system or disease-care providers. "They are very skilled at understanding disease," he explains. Then he asks, "If you had 10 patients with autoimmune disease who all take a certain drug, how many would have positive outcomes?"

You'll probably be very surprised by the answer. 

You won't want to miss this. 

In this episode: 

4:00: Can you rewire your immune system?

13:30: The truth about autoimmunity and pharmaceuticals

19:30: Surprising facts about your genes and gene expression

34:10: The ideal healthcare system

Dr. Jeffrey Bland is a personable and highly respected thought leader who has spent more than four decades focused on the improvement of human health. He is known worldwide as the founder of the Functional Medicine movement, which represents his vision for a care model that is grounded in systems biology and informed by research that he has a unique ability to synthesize. His pioneering work has created the Personalized Lifestyle Medicine Institute (PLMI), as well as the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), the global leader in Functional Medicine education. Since 1991, hundreds of thousands of healthcare practitioners have participated in PLMI and IFM programs, and this collective knowledge has positively impacted the lives of patients all over the world.

Dr. Bland began his career as a Professor of Biochemistry at the University of Puget Sound. He is a natural educator and became involved with numerous academic institutions during the years he spent teaching. This includes the significant contributions he made to the founding and accreditation of Bastyr University, the first federally accredited university offering undergraduate and graduate degrees in natural medicine in the US. In the early 1980s, Dr. Bland was hand-selected by two-time Nobel Laureate Dr. Linus Pauling to serve as Director of Nutritional Research at the Linus Pauling Institute of Science and Medicine. This experience marked both a personal and professional inflection point for Dr. Bland that has become an integral part of his career.

Trauma expert and co-founder of Rebel Health Tribe, Michael Roesslein, joins Dr. Rob for this special episode of the podcast. 

This interview was part of our Rewire Your Brain Masterclass. It will be archived at the end of June, so be sure to listen now. 

Michael discusses how to take a truly holistic approach to mental health and whole-body healing. He also goes deep into how the body may actually be the subconscious mind because it reacts faster than our brains. 

Topics in this episode:

• [5:00] Preparing for the "storm" before the storm. 

• [9:30] You're not broken

• [16:00] Little-known secret to longevity

• [26:45] The body always remembers and always reacts 

• [40:40] Learning to trust and connect again to heal

On this episode, I'm joined by women's health and hormones expert Dr. Mariza Snyder. 

Dr. Mariza illuminates the critical connection between glucose and insulin levels and how they impact our hormones and energy. Blood sugar is often misunderstood and not talked about enough, so this conversion is truly an eye-opener. 

We also discuss ways to take your power and freedom back with the help of a great practitioner. 

She also gives us practical advice to help you along your health journey. 

Enjoy this fascinating episode as we dive deep into women's health and wellness. 

[1:40] - Dr. Mariza's health journey

[4:30] - Blood Sugar-Hormone-Energy Connection

[14:45] - The power of wearable monitors like Oura Rings and Glucose meters

[19:12] - Importance of breakfast and how and when to fast

[28:30] - How a health plan creates peace, security, and freedom

Dr. Mariza Snyder is a functional practitioner, women's hormone expert, and the author of eight books. The newest book, The Essential Oils Menopause Solution, focuses on solutions for women in perimenopause and menopause, and the #1 National Bestselling book, The Essential Oils Hormone Solution, focuses on balancing women's hormones naturally.

She has lectured at wellness centers, conferences, and corporations for the past fifteen years on hormone health, metabolic health, nutrition, and detoxification. She has been featured on Dr. Oz, Oprah Magazine, Fox News Health, MindBodyGreen, and many publications. Dr. Mariza is also the host of the top-rated Essentially You Podcast (with over 6 million downloads) designed to empower women to become the CEO of their health. Check out her website, drmariza.com, for women's hormone tips, including recipes and supplementation.

Metabolism and weight loss expert Nagina Abdullah joins me for a fascinating podcast episode. Nagina has been helping women in their 40s, 50s, 60s, and beyond get lean and feeling their best for many years. 

We're so fortunate to have her share her best insights and tips today so you can learn how to easily boost your metabolism and energy WITHOUT restrictive dieting. 

Yes, you can eat healthy and delicious real food, lose weight, and feel amazing. Nagina shows you how. 

In this episode, you'll learn… 

[2:32] Meaning of Masala (spicy) Body

[5:39] Timing, adding, and pairing food 

[16:40] The number one reason women are losing 10-20 plus pounds

[25:35] Why diets don't work

[32:40] Truth about portion sizes

[37:43] Using spices as a tool for flavor and high metabolism 

Nagina Abdullah, founder of Masala Body, is a health coach for female professionals, corporate executives, and 7-figure entrepreneurs.

She teaches tested and perfected metabolism-boosting strategies to help women lose 20-40 pounds while working 60+ hours a week, even if they have tried everything.

Nagina has a degree in Molecular and Cell Biology from UC Berkeley, an MBA from NYU Stern AND worked for a top 4 consulting firm as a management consultant before starting her health coaching business. She has been featured in Health.com, Business Insider, People.com, and many more prominent publications!

Get Her Sweet Spice PDF eGuide Here:

https://masalabody.com/sweetspicepdf/

Dr. Elena Villanueva joins the podcast to discuss a new era in health and healing. We talk about getting to the real root causes of disease, like stress, trauma, and even generational trauma. She breaks down the often misunderstood topics of energy medicine, quantum science, and much more. 

Join us for this fascinating conversation and learn how to go beyond pills and prescriptions and get to the true root causes of disease. 

Join Dr. V's Masterclass here: https://inflammationmasterclass.com/?oid=7&affid=2801

In this episode:

2:05 - Moving beyond pills and prescriptions

7:00 - Making holistic and functional health more accessible

9:10 - A new era in health and healing

13:45 - Case study: from diabetes and depression to healthy and happy

23:00 - The science of Energetic medicine

27:27 - A new awareness of health and disease

34:20 - Understanding quantum science

Carol Comfort joins the podcast again for an enlightening conversation about health coaching and finding your personal path to healing. 

They discuss having a tailored plan for health because everyone's journey is unique and it's critical to follow your own path forward.

Dr. Rob and Carol talk about where to start and how important it is to create tiny but powerful habits. 

Don't miss this wonderful episode of The Field Notes Podcast. 

You'll learn about… 

[3:20] - Connection: The key to success

[5:45] - Integrating health coaching and practical modern medicine

[9:20] - The power of small, positive action steps

[22:30] - Achieving more by doing less

[27:00] Carol's favorite health books

Carol Comfort is a Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach. 

After working in a functional medicine clinic for several years, she began her own private practice. Carol lives in Homer, Alaska, with her husband and their pup Tuuli on 20 peaceful acres where they raised two very independent children.

Carol enjoys hikes through the woods, kayaking, and cross-country skiing. Yoga and swimming are also regular parts of her fitness routine. In the summer, she swims in the small pond just out my front door. To help keep herself grounded and balanced, she's kept a regular meditation practice for the last 20 years. She's also a classically trained pianist and maintains a lively piano studio.

Connect with Carol here. <=

And you can download here App here. <=

Dr. Keesha Ewers joins the podcast to shed light on a topic that's too often in the shadows: Sex Health. They discuss hormones, "life force," trauma, the nervous system, and more. They also dive deep into what is "Functional Sexology," a term coined by Dr. Keesha. 

Dr. Keesha tells us about what she calls the "yellow brick road" of growth, healing, and gaining wisdom and strength. 

You'll learn about… 

[5:00] - The innocence of infancy to the wisdom of elderhood

[8:23] - What Ayurveda says about libido and life force

[12:05] - How heartbreak, betrayal, and trauma impact your health, hormones, and libido

[21:00] - How your body can be hyper-vigilant and how it can lead to chronic disease

[26:50] - Reducing stress vs. your relationship to stress

[37:00] - Why stages of development are supposed to be hard

[42:00] - 5 places to look for root causes

Dr. Keesha Ewers is a board certified Functional and Ayurvedic medical practitioner, as well as Doctor of Sexology, family practice ARNP (advanced registered nurse practitioner), a trauma informed therapist, Huachumera (medicine woman trained in the use of plant medicine from Peru), and a Reiki Master. She is registered in Washington state in clinical hypnotherapy and certified in EMDR, Brainspotting, the Enneagram, and mediumship and Angel Therapy. Dr. Keesha is also a certified MAPS MDMA therapist. She is the founder of a new branch of medicine called Functional Sexology.

Dr. Keesha practices what she calls Mystic Medicine. Mystic Medicine sees EVERYTHING as God, including illness and suffering. She has seen that once the lesson is learned, the struggle is relieved. Dr. Ewers developed the 4 Pillar Freedom Framework and founded the Academy for Integrative Medicine to train people who are passionate about empowering themselves and then empowering others to heal themselves. Her Integrative Medicine Health Coach Certification Program is the only health coach program that trains coaches in Functional Medicine, Ayurveda, Positive Psychology, the Enneagram, Sexology, and laboratory testing.

https://www.drkeesha.com/

In this episode, Dr. Rob is joined by Dr. Anna Cabeca to bring clarity to the often complex topic of women's health and hormones. 

Women suffering from conditions like fatigue, hormone imbalances, skin and hair issues, mood swings, hot flashes, and more, are often told it's a normal part of aging. 

Dr. Anna is here to clear the confusion and offer real solutions and relief. 

You'll learn about…

[3:43] Misconceptions regarding bioidentical hormones

[8:18] The importance of nutrition and lifestyle

[15:53] The power of positive self-talk

[23:01] Why we need healthy fats in our diet

[29:13] The connection between trauma and women's health

Anna Cabeca, DO, OBGYN, FACOG, is the best-selling author of The Hormone Fix KetoGreen 16 and MenuPause. Dr. Anna is triple board certified and a fellow of gynecology and obstetrics, integrative medicine, and anti-aging and regenerative medicine. 

She holds special certifications in functional medicine, sexual health, and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy. She lectures frequently on these topics throughout the world to large audiences and is known nationally as The Girlfriend Doctor and is the host of The Girlfriend Doctor show. 

She has personally developed natural products to help women balance hormones and thrive through menopause, including the highly acclaimed Julva® cream for the vulva and MightyMaca® Plus, a powerful superfood blend. She now lives in Dallas with her daughters, horses, and dogs.

On this episode of Field Notes: An Exploration in Functional Medicine Podcast, Dr. Rob Downey is joined by Dr. Christine Schaffner, a naturopathic doctor and an expert in lymphatics.

[00:20] Introduction
[04:05] Lymphatics
[13:55] The function of a scar
[21:00] Injections and scar tissue
[27:59] What you can do to optimize your lymphatic system
[37:18] Functional medicine as a paradigm shift
[39:03] How to incorporate a biological dentist into your treatment plan
[41:00] How does a topical agent work systemically?

Dr. Christine Schaffner is a board-certified Naturopathic physician who graduated from Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington.  Prior to Bastyr, she completed her undergraduate studies in Pre-medicine and Psychology at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Dr. Schaffner is passionate about practicing medicine and creating healing spaces.  She is the Clinic Director of Sophia Health Institute, the clinic she co-created with her mentor Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt in Woodinville, Washington.  She actively sees patients at Sophia Health Institute and through her practices at Marin Naturopathic Medicine in California, as well as Bella Fiore Organic Med Spa & Klinik in Seattle, Washington.

Along with practicing medicine in clinics she has co-created or owns, Dr. Schaffner has built partnerships and working relationships with practitioners who are committed to treating persistent Lyme disease all over the world.  Through these connections, she has established a unique set of skills and knowledge to serve her patients.

With her diverse skill set, Dr. Schaffner seeks to improve access, outcomes, and speed of recovery for patients struggling with chronic illness wherever they may be.

If you're a highly sensitive person or deeply empathetic, you may easily pick up on subtle energies in the environment and go into fight, flight, or freeze mode.

Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Dr. Natasha Fallahi, The Sensitive Doctor. She is a MindBodyHealth expert, functional medicine practitioner, and Certified Autoimmune Coach specializing in an intuitive approach to living and healing.

Download her free ebook: Too Sensitive – 5 Things I Did to Heal from Depression, Anxiety and Hashimoto's Autoimmunity.

Timestamps:
[02:53] Natasha's unconventional journey towards medicine
[09:16] Healing Hashimoto's intuitively
[12:04] The health consequences of being empathic/intuitive- and its tie to autoimmunity
[17:30] The common sense of functional medicine
[29:18] Giving others hope: why diseases shouldn't be labeled as irreversible
[37:18] What is psychoneuroimmunology?

In this episode of the Fieldnotes Podcast, Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Jodi Cohen, founder of Vibrant Blue Oils, about the transformative power of essential oils on the brain and nervous system. Cohen recounts her personal journey, showing how scent can help regulate the vagus nerve, restore parasympathetic balance, and support emotional healing. She explains the direct neurological link between smell and safety, how scent can rewire stress responses, and why essential oils like clove, lime, and rose can serve as simple yet profound tools for trauma recovery, anxiety relief, and nervous-system regulation.

Timestamps:
(01:18) Started using oils for sleep
(03:50) Discovered vagus-nerve stress connection
(05:57) Created clove-lime parasympathetic blend
(12:49) Used rose oil to heal grief
(27:15) Linked neck fascia to relaxation

____________________________________________________________________________

Key Takeaways:
Smell directly accesses the brain.
Oils can shift stress to calm.
The vagus nerve controls healing.
Grief inspired powerful emotional blends.
Regulation begins with the parasympathetic system.

Deb Matthew MD, The Happy Hormones Doctor, joins the podcast today. She is a frequent guest expert on podcasts, radio, and TV news and talk shows, with more than 60 appearances on NBC, ABC, CBS, and FOX. Dr Deb suffered for years with fatigue and irritability, and her quest to restore her own health led her to change everything about how she practices medicine. Together, we discuss hormones, how they can affect us, and how to find someone to accurately assess your hormonal imbalance.

Timestamps:
[02:41] What started to change Deb's fatigue and irritability? [04:43] How do hormones affect us?
[08:59] Looking for a constellation of symptoms
[22:06] "Cortisol steal"
[30:15] How to find someone that can help you.

The topic of Pelvic Floor Fitness is not discussed nearly enough, despite the fact that pelvic floor issues affect millions of people. 

Jana Danielson joins the podcast to pull back the curtain on the health implications that the pelvic floor has for women and men 

You'll learn about:

[1:30] - Why this isn't talked about enough

[7:35] - The little-known and extremely important nerve 

[14:00 - The physiology of your core and pelvic floor

[23:32] - How breathing properly is like CPR for your pelvic floor

Jana Danielson is an award-winning wellness entrepreneur who through her own experience with physical pain, turned her mess into her message.  She is an Amazon Best Selling Author, owner of Lead Pilates and Lead Integrated Health Therapies, her bricks & mortar businesses and the Metta District, her online wellness community.  

She is the creator of the Cooch Ball, the world's first patented pelvic floor fitness tool for women.  Jana has coached and consulted with thousands of women from all over the world to help improve their quality of life, their confidence and their impact in this world.

In this episode, Dr. Rob is joined by Dr. Jaban Moore to discuss intestinal permeability, AKA, "leaky gut." 

Leaky gut can impact virtually all aspects of your health. Dr. Moore lays out some practical guidance you can take today to help you heal. 

Highlights:

[2:45] - What is leaky gut?

[14:44] - Root causes of leaky gut

[19:20] - Conventional medicine vs. functional medicine

[24:00] - Leaky gut-autoimmunity connection

https://healingleakygut.byhealthmeans.com/?idev_id=29465

Dr. Heidi Hanna is the Chief Energy Officer of Synergy Brain Fitness, a company providing brain-based health and performance programs to individuals and organizations, a Senior Researcher with the Brain Health Initiative, and a Fellow and Advisory Board Member for the American Institute of Stress. Dr. Heidi is also an instructor at Harvard at a regular lecturer at Canyon Ranch Resort and Spa. She is a NY Times bestselling author who has written seven books, including The Sharp Solution, Stressaholic, Recharge and What's So Funny About Stress?

Dr. Heidi has been featured at many global conferences including the Fortune Magazine Most Powerful Women in Business Summit, ESPN Leadership Summit and the Million Dollar Round Table. Her clients have included Google, Starbucks, Microsoft, Principal Insurance, Morgan Stanley, Ameriprise and WD40 as well as the PGA Tour and the National Football League. Dr. Heidi is also a National Board Member and Certifed Humor Professional with the Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor although she won't admit she's funny.