A Medicinal Mind

  In Episode 60 of A Medicinal Mind: Wisdom and Wellbeing, I share an intimate conversation with my friend and colleague: Yvette Brisco. I was first introduced to Yvette as part of her enduring work interviewing experts across the field of autoimmune disease and specifically MS in order to bring greater awareness and education to the hundreds of thousands of individuals affected by autoimmune disease.    As you will hear in the podcast, Yvette is as authentic and unique as they come. She begins by sharing her own story and struggles with her health and how that led her into her current career as a health coach and health educator. But just to make things interesting, Yvette's passions are not just confined to the health and wellness space. Spilling her passions over into the world of UFC, Yvette has found a community in which she can share her love for wellness, caring and resilient strength.   Even if you are not someone who has been diagnosed with MS of suffer from another autoimmune disease, I believe you will find great meaning and enjoyment listening to Yvette's story. I have been fortunate and honored to share some of my work as part of her greater efforts and education and it is my pleasure to share a little but of her life and love with you.   You can access more information on out podcast page http://www.amedicinalmind.com/podcast-wisdom-and-well-being   You can see all of our content including blogs, poetry, meditations, at A Medicinal Mind   You can also follow A Medicinal Mind on Facebook and Instagram   If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe with Apple Podcasts and leave us a review. Your feedback and reviews allow our message and this space of nourishment to grow.   Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only. 

In episode 59 of A Medicinal Mind: Wisdom and Wellbeing, I have an explorative conversation with my functional medicine colleague and dear friend Dr. Joe Mather.   Having connected with Joe, as a result of our mutual friend and colleague, Michael Ruscio, our friendship has quickly blossomed, bringing together two functional medicine practitioners seeking value based care and a critical eye to this new root cause resolution approach.    After sharing his story of supporting his mother with a functional medicine approach, Joe outlines the clinical importance of addressing foundational concerns with all of his functional medicine patients, regardless of the overt presenting symptoms.   Outlining skin rashes, IBS and joint pain as the most common presenting conditions he's seeing clinically, Joe provides some insights into his clinical approach as to how he is determining the root level of  dysfunction in these myriad of conditions.   Digging deeper into how he's addressing gut health dysfunction specifically, as well as the overall stages of his clinical approach, Joe gives us a clear and concise framework by which compromised gut health can be addressed without unnecessary testing, supplements and medications. Emphasizing the importance of addressing the terrain over the overt condition, Joe reports how he is preventing recurrence of conditions by treating the terrain over simply symptoms alone.   We then get into a thoughtful critique of functional medicine, collectively sharing insights regarding the strengths of functional medicine as well as some of the more controversial, misguided approaches such as food sensitivity testing, isolated genetic testing and expensive testing in general.   Moving further into the role of medications, Joe shares how he is moderating medication use, not completely eschewing medications in lieu of supplements and herbs. Giving examples such as genetic predispositions for lp(a) as well excessive supplementation, Joe shares how he is careful to utilize all available tools to address chronic health conditions.   We close the conversation with a thought experiment: exploring where functional medicine can go next so that we can address some of the controversial areas lacking rigorous evidence, all with the intention of increasing education as well as improving the gold standard of root cause resolution care.   I am so grateful to be able to share the work of another colleague who is practicing value based and rigorous functional medicine care.   Please check out the links in the show notes to see more of Joe's work and how you can become a patient of Dr. Mather's!   You can access more information and notes for this episode on our podcast page  https://www.amedicinalmind.com/podcast-wisdom-and-well-being/episode-059-joe-mather-md-from-family-medicine-to-functional-medicine-a-paradigm-shift-in-chronic-disease-care   You can see all of our content including blogs, poetry, meditations, and our weekly newsletter at our webpage: A Medicinal Mind   You can also follow A Medicinal Mind on Facebook and Instagram   If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe with Apple Podcasts and leave us a review. Your feedback and reviews allow our message and this space of nourishment to grow.   Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only. 

In Episode 058 of A Medicinal Mind: Wisdom and Wellbeing, I have a wonderful conversation with my new friend, classically trained chef and certified yoga teacher Jennifer Iserloh.   Jennifer is a graduate of the Institute for Integrative Nutrition and is the best-selling author of 50 Shades of Kale and Healthy Cheats as well as her most recent book: The Superfood Alchemy Cookbook.   In this conversation, we begin with an exploration of Jennifer's childhood, the role of chronic disease and family food addiction to influence her career into the culinary arts. From here Jennifer shares how some of her own health issues and emotional attachment to food lead her into nutrition, functional medicine and publishing books about nourishing and delicious food.   She then pushes us into a discussion of creativity, artistry and the role of her yoga practice to deeply influence her professional and personal pursuits.   Digging into her role as a health coach as well as a coach for functional medicine practitioners like myself, we see how she blends practical tips and empathetic understanding to support her clients. She provides some very inspiring advice and guidance for innovative clinicians to bring greater awareness to their practice and overall healing pursuits.   Expanding into the art of holding the therapeutic space, we engage in a thought provoking conversation about the many ways in which we can promote engaged listening, storytelling and a narrative of wholism to provide the greatest chances for us all to heal and remained nourished.   We then lead the conversation to a discussion of alchemy, starting first with Jennifer's definition of alchemy, and how she has taken a deep dive into alchemical principles and the medicinal properties of certain foods to make a comprehensive book blending in therapies for the mind, body, and spirit using much more than just food. She even provides an interesting perspective that functional and bioindividual medicine is one form of modern alchemy.   This conversation is so positively intense and I'm so happy to be able to share Jennifer's work as well as her tremendous passion to help grow this greater movement of root cause resolution and bio-individual medicine.   Be sure to check out the links below to get Jennifer's latest book as well as links to get her free online program accompanying the book!   Superfood Alchemy Cookbook: https://www.amazon.com/Superfood-Alchemy-Cookbook-Ingredients-Nourishing/dp/0738284742   Check out more of Jennifer's Work:    http://jenniferiserloh.com/ https://skinnychef.com/about-jennifer-iserloh   You can access more information and notes for this episode on our podcast page http://www.amedicinalmind.com/podcast-wisdom-and-well-being   You can see all of our content including blogs, poetry, meditations, and our weekly newsletter at our webpage: A Medicinal Mind   You can also follow A Medicinal Mind on Facebook and Instagram   If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe with Apple Podcasts and leave us a review. Your feedback and reviews allow our message and this space of nourishment to grow.   Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.

In Episode 057 of A Medicinal Mind: Wisdom and Wellbeing, I have a deeply nourishing conversation with one of the most authentic healers I know, nutritionist and women's health expert Laura Schoenfeld.   Laura has fascinating background, bringing a rigorous formal education in public health and dietetics into the world of integrative and ancestral wellness. Working alongside Chris Kresser to help mobilize the ancestral health movement through dogma and initial growing pains, Laura has been finding her own way beyond Paleo, incorporating her Christian faith and desire to help women find freedom and wellness outside of just food.   In this conversation, we begin by hearing about Laura's early childhood and her spiritual roots as well as her beginnings in the health space, expanding her interest in psychology from her undergraduate education into her pursuit of an education in public health and nutrition.   From there, Laura leads us deeper into the flowering of her faith, the origin of intentional and deep friendships that allowed her to accelerate her spiritual and personal growth.   Laura opens up about the process of bringing her faith and Christ into her work, sharing how she works professionally with individuals seeking to grow spiritually, all the while remaining authentic to her values every step of the way. Acknowledging her own spiritual challenges, Laura describes how she has found a personal and professional clarity coming from a foundation of faith. Expanding upon a personal Biblical verse, Laura shares how she has been able to value her own needs as well as others', and keep integrity to her clinical and personal approach.   And with that, let's dig into the show!   You can access more information and notes for this episode on our podcast page: https://www.amedicinalmind.com/podcast-wisdom-and-well-being/episode-057-laura-schoenfeld-mph-rd-finding-your-way-one-womans-deep-desire-to-pursue-wellness-helping-women-find-freedom-faith-health-and-joy   You can see all of our content including blogs, poetry, meditations, and our weekly newsletter at our webpage: A Medicinal Mind   You can also follow A Medicinal Mind on Facebook and Instagram   If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe with Apple Podcasts and leave us a review. Your feedback and reviews allow our message and this space of nourishment to grow.   Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.

In episode 057 of A Medicinal Mind: Wisdom and Wellbeing I have a deeply authentic and powerful conversation with one of the leaders of the ancestral health movement, the creative mind behind Primal Play: Darryl Edwards.   Darryl has been featured on numerous podcasts, sharing his beautiful spirit and desire to change your relationship with exercise, interjecting movement and play into every aspect of our lives. Today, however, seeking to delve more into Darryl's life story, we explore aspects of Darryl's journey, starting in early childhood through his initial career pursuits culminating in a radical shift towards cultivating wellness in everything he pursues.   Hearing first about Darryl's childhood and his original desire to enter medicine as a doctor, we then get a glimpse of the reframing and birthing of a new inner desire to explore computing and a relationship with technological intelligence.   Moving from here, Darryl continues exploring his early life and adulthood, sharing his original pursuits into investment banking and the financial arena followed by his awakening to begin modeling his life using an ancestral and evolutionary perspective.   Describing his “child like” and playful approach away from the jungle gym, Darryl outlines how his perspective has changed within the health and wellness field from one of dispensing of concrete knowledge, to one of playful curiosity, asking questions and holding space for others to cultivate their own questions and encourage openness rather than concrete certainty.   Moving into a discussion of human behavior, Darryl offers some insightful wisdom taken from the observation of humans as we collectively pursue convenience, yet accumulate chronic health issues.   Sharing ways to positively avoid convenience, Darryl provides his approach to addressing chronic health concerns by encouraging a playful mind, body and spirit, positively avoiding convenience and including play where you didn't think it was possible.   Getting into a necessary, but perhaps controversial topic, Darryl and I begin to explore how the greater ancestral health movement currently needs to change in order to become more inclusive and address the current barriers in education, language and accessibility. Sharing a personal example from his own life, seeking to help his mother address type ii diabetes, Darryl explains how he had to change and adapt his own educational approach to practically help his mother make the changes necessary to positively improve her health.   Darryl ends the conversation sharing some of his amazing resources educating us all on the practical ways we can cultivate play into our lives. From his website including blog and videos, to a recently released book, and Animal Moves play card deck, Darryl has created some of the most enriching resources for anyone seeking to avoid convenience and cultivate joy.   And with that, let's dig into the show!   Check out Primal Play: https://www.primalplay.com/ Primal Deck: https://www.primalplay.com/fitness-deck Check out all of our old podcasts using this link: https://www.amedicinalmind.com/podcast-wisdom-and-well-being   Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.

In Episode 055 of A Medicinal Mind: Wisdom and Wellbeing, I have one of my most beautifully intense and inspiring conversations with one of the top sports performance and rehabilitation specialists in the field, my close friend Scott Dolly.   Starting with an exploration of Scott's early life, we get a clear picture of the deep spirituality and intuition that was being cultivated long before his pursuit of sports performance and rehabilitation.   We then move to a discussion of Scott's methodical approach, illustrating, rather poetically, the inclusivity of his therapeutic techniques, outlining how he combines his empathic nature, pattern recognition, and a deep understanding of biomechanics and physiology to help individuals achieve optimal performance or rehab from challenging injuries.   Seeking to dispel the negativity attached to consistent judgement and labeling, Scott opens our eyes to see that as healers, we should not define ourselves simply by our formal training, and we should consistently seek further education as part of a greater exploration of ways to support healing.   Getting more specific, Scott begins an exploration of his manual techniques, defining and describing biomechanics, myofascial disturbance and the use of instrumented assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM).   Providing concrete clinical examples, Scott illustrates how his manual therapies must be combined with optimal nutrition and lifestyle habits in order to facilitate healing or improved performance.   Expressing his humility, Scott shares his evolution as a healer, outlining the changes in his nutritional and manual approaches, echoing the importance of continual and iterative improvements.   Expanding into some of the biggest challenges facing the health of our broad society, Scott offers his opinions on what he sees as the biggest barriers and drivers to dysfunction.   Getting practical, Scott leads us through what he calls “honoring the simplicity of movement” asking us to simply start moving our bodies through the breadth of angles and loads for which it was designed.   We close the conversation with a poignant exploration of the purpose of training and the desire to become more aware and mindful of our athletic pursuits.   There is so much in this discussion and I am really grateful to have crossed paths with Scott during my time in Winchester, and so grateful to continue my friendship with this dynamic healer.   And with that, let's dig into the show!     Explore Scott's Clinic: http://www.evolutionhpr.com/   Check out all of our previous conversations on our website: https://www.amedicinalmind.com/podcast-wisdom-and-well-being Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.  

In Episode 054 of A Medicinal Mind, Wisdom and Wellbeing, I welcome a visionary in the field of mindfulness and deliberate, non-violent communication Oren Sofer.   Oren's background is beyond fascinating. As you will hear in the podcast, he brings years of training in meditation from the Buddhist spiritual tradition as well training seeking to transform the way we communicate and interact with others.   Formally speaking, he has a degree in Comparative Religion from Columbia University, and spent two and a half years of living as an (renunciate) at various branch monasteries. Today, his teaching combines classical Buddhist training with the accessible language of secular mindfulness.   In this conversation, we begin the exploration with a look at Oren's early childhood, its spiritual roots and his earliest experiences delving into the world of intimate awareness. Getting rather personal, Oren shares one of his most powerful experiences early in his life beginning his push to wanting to further understand the depth of emotion and what it really means to be human.   Oren offers his perspective on the power of loss and sorrow, letting us all see the universal nature of this experience and the beautiful acts of compassion and connection that can happen my allowing ourselves to fully experience it.   Beginning our deepening discussion of violence and non-violence Oren outlines how human beings seek both consciously and unconsciously to meet various needs and that this pursuit often times can lead to needs not being met and interpersonal conflict.   Defining violence as “any avoidable impairment of human needs,” Oren shares insight from Johan Galtung as to what perhaps really underlies an act of violence and how as a society we may be committing more acts of violence than we really know.   Stepping into the practical. Oren provides us with a framework for seeking understanding as well as collaborative clarification in order to address others needs and our own in a unified and non-violent manner.   Drawing from his just released book: Say What You Mean: A Mindful Approach to Nonviolent Communication, Oren provides some of the most essential practices, techniques and tools for achieving more constructive clarity in our relationships, and ultimately meet your needs.   As you will hear throughout the conversation, Oren's passion and expertise for the craft of mindful and non-violent communication and I cannot urge you enough to order Oren's book: Say What You Mean. I have yet to find another book that practically addresses the most challenging aspects of cultivating nourishing relationships and engaging in the sticky, difficult conversations like Oren's. Check out the show notes for a link to Oren's page as well as links to order his book!   Oren's Webpage: https://www.orenjaysofer.com/about/ Get Oren's Book: https://more.orenjaysofer.com/book/?_ga=2.171256357.424896732.1544539567-371234106.1544539567   Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.     And with that let's dig into the show

In Episode 053 of A Medicinal Mind: Wisdom and Wellbeing, I welcome the incredibly talented and voraciously curious physician and expert in the field of environmental toxicity and chronic infections Dr. Neil Nathan MD.   Dr. Nathan is a board certified family physician and as you will hear in the podcast has an extensive background additionally in the world of pain management. He has spent over 40 years helping individuals recover from complex chronic illnesses. The depth of his expertise incorporating multiple healing modalities is beyond extraordinary and his determination to continually learn and explore the ways in which his patient's can heal is matched by very few.   Recently Dr. Nathan released a groundbreaking NY Times bestselling book. Toxic: Heal Your Body from Mold Toxicity, Lyme Disease, Multiple Chemical Sensitivities and Chronic Environmental Illness and while he is certainly known for his expertise in these domains, his passions and skills as a healer extend far beyond than that of just chronic environmental illness.   In this discussion, we start off with a exploration of Dr. Nathan's early childhood, hearing about his spiritual upbringing with Orthodox Judaism and his eventual journey into numerous other spiritual traditions and practices. Distilling down his spiritual core into three fundamental mantras:  Be Mindful, Be Grateful and Be of Service, Dr. Nathan provides some tremendous insight into perhaps the ultimate purpose of any religious or spiritual pursuit.   Moving from here, Dr. Nathan offers a very personal look into the diverse explosion of his medical education, most of which occurred AFTER his time in medical school As a self proclaimed seeker, Dr. Nathan shares the real reason behind his exploration of osteopathy, pain management and other healing modalities, as a seeker trying to discover the tools that would better support the spiritual wellbeing of his patients.   Expanding into the art of medicine, Dr. Nathan articulates the essence of medicine as truly listening and holding space so that patient can engage positively in the act of story telling.   Dr. Nathan provides incredibly practical insights for any current practitioner or student of the healing arts as  to the most supportive ways to listen, to collect a history, to hold space, to remain curious, to engage in the day after day, month after month journey of helping to remove the roadblocks preventing patients from healing.   We close the podcast with a critical analysis of functional medicine as Dr. Nathan helps us to understand how to really discover the root causes of illness and not just treat effects with supplements and drugs.   Offering wisdom from 40 years of practice, Dr. Nathan shares his observation that as a healer, you will come into contact with fundamentally very different types of patients. Using the terms difficult vs complex or complicated, Dr. Nathan shares a compassionate view towards physicians who feel they are not successful in the practice of medicine, telling us that the most challenging art of medicine is discerning the complex patients who are dedicated to healing no matter how long it takes, vs. the difficult or demanding patients who may still have unconscious or other blocks preventing them from progressing in the healing journey.   There is a wealth of wisdom in this podcast, and I strongly encourage you to take time to listen to the many insights of Dr. Nathan as well as check out and buy his book Toxic.   And with that let's dig into the show!   Notes   Dr. Neil Nathan's Main Page http://www.neilnathanmd.com/   Podcast with Better Health Guy https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=ia-xy2zjixc   Buy the Book: Toxic: Heal Your Body from Mold Toxicity, Lyme Disease, Multiple Chemical Sensitivities, and Chronic Environmental Illness   https://www.amazon.com/Toxic-Toxicity-Multiple-Sensitivities-Environmental-ebook/dp/B07H72N9RH     You can see all of our content including blogs, poetry, meditations, and our weekly newsletter at our webpage: A Medicinal Mind   You can also follow A Medicinal Mind on Facebook and Instagram   If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe with Apple Podcasts and leave us a review. Your feedback and reviews allow our message and this space of nourishment to grow.   If you want like become a patient of Dr. Abbott's you can explore his clinic: Resilient Roots: Functional and Evolutionary Medicine Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.

In Episode 052 of A Medicinal Mind: Wisdom and Wellbeing, I share space with integrative and naturopathic physician, a pioneer in the field of nutrigenomics, Dr. Kelly Halderman.   Dr. Kelly Halderman completed a Family Practice Medicine internship with the University of Minnesota; has a Naturopathic Medical Degree from Kingdom College of Natural Health where she is the current Academic Dean of Students.  She holds certification in MethylGenetic Nutrition by the Nutrigenetic Research Institute and certification from The American Functional Neurology Institute in Functional Neurology and Neurofeedback.   Despite the temptation to simply geek out in the world of nutrigenomics, detoxification and chronic disease, we spend most of this enlightening conversation exploring the miraculous background and journey of Dr. Kelly.   Beginning with a walk through her early childhood, we are given a glimpse at Dr. Kelly's spiritual background, the ethos by which her first years were imbued. Sharing reflections from her experiences witnessing her father's own chronic illness, Dr Kelly provides a rather raw showcase of her first visions of healthcare, physicians and the medical system as a whole.   Stepping away from her years as a witness to medicine, she then leads us into her own years in medical school and residency, ultimately leading to her own period of suffering, disillusionment and incredible awakening into the true power of healing when one surrenders to the powers of something greater. Offering story after story of her life's journey, Dr. Kelly illustrates the foundation by which she currently practices blending her deep spiritual roots with her fascination with the quantifiable, the biochemical and the poetically physiological.   Stepping away to end our journey in the world of nutrition, genomics, and detoxification, Dr Kelly starts us off with a description and definition of nutrigenomics. From here she guides us into practical applications of how understanding one's genetic template, its current state of expression, and the nutrients we supply it impact the progression or reversal of chronic disease. Providing a solid foundation for understanding our genetic code Dr. Kelly leads us into a thoughtful explanation of how certain genetic variations or SNP's when expressed within the context of poor lifestyle habits can lead to compounding negative effects and perpetuation of chronic disease. She even gives us a sampling of some of the most common genetic variants and how she is seeking to support individuals with these SNP's suffering from a myriad of symptoms and chronic illness.   Dr. Kelly closes the conversation with an elegant summary of detoxification, including the newly understood phase 2.5, and how we can apply an evidence based approach to detoxification so that we do not end up in the world of expensive and potentially harmful green medicine.   Lastly, I am incredibly excited to announce, if you are listening to this upon its initial release, that I have just joined my amazing team of functional clinicians at the Charlottesville Center for Functional Medicine and am now accepting new patients seeking support through functional and lifestyle medicine. Using the links in the show notes below, you can read more about our clinic and how to become a new patient.   Become a New Patient at Charlottesville Center for Functional Medicine   https://cvillefxmed.com/new-patients-1/   Call: 434.260.3284   Email: cvillefunctionalmedicine@gmail.com     Link to Dr. Kelly's website:   www.drkellyhalderman.com   Link to longer 2.5 podcast w Better Health Guy (just in case you want to geek out on the science): http://betterhealthguy.com/episode79   Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.

In Episode 51 of A Medicinal Mind: Wisdom and Well Being, I jump back into the world of quantified self and self improvement with our good friend, Benjamin Richardson. Ben has been featured on the show, not only once, but twice before in Episodes 31 and 35 and has brought a wealth of knowledge as a self proclaimed, practical citizen scientist, seeking to use emerging technologies and our understanding of the human body to improve his health, and through that exploration, make it easier for others to do the same.   In this episode we get our feet wet with a methodical discussion of quantified self, as Ben offers his 5-step approach to identifying and addressing self challenges. From this framework, Ben delves more deeply into each of the essential steps, from choosing a quantifiable goal, to selecting an intervention and measurement technique to actually assessing your progress and adapting based on your results, Ben gives us incredible insights into the practical things one must consider when attempting to make or quantify positive change.   From here we begin our dive into Ben's real life application of this framework as part of his attempt to improve his movement patterns and variety with a concept known as “exercise snacking.”   After providing a brief definition of this pattern of “exercising,” Ben takes us through each step of the quantified self process, beginning with his primary goals of improving blood and biometric markers to his creative implementation of various exercises in the workplace.   We end the show with an in depth discussion of functional blood chemistry, and a second personal experiment and exploration that occurred as a result of Ben's first intervention.  Applying our previously identified quantified self framework, Ben takes us through an exploration of his approach to address and further understand the roots behind low testosterone. Starting from a set of plausible hypothesis, Ben outlines a second multifaceted intervention to address this new identified concern and describes how he partnered with a holistic practitioner to obtain complementary testing to support and guide his personal self experiment.   This was as always, an absolute blast, and whether you are a citizen scientist, or clinician, you will gain some tremendous insights into cost effective and simply more effective ways to guide and support positive behavior change. While this may have been my third conversation with Ben, I found myself throughout the podcast continuing to uncover pieces of Ben's story and passion I had yet to fully see. Driven by the details, but fulfilled by the bigger picture, Ben's willingness to experiment, to explore and to let others in on his vulnerable journey is rather remarkable, and in truth, beyond rational explanation. While most seek to showcase a filtered version of their perfected lives, Ben has never been afraid to offer his authentic self, genuinely encouraging people through purposeful intent to see how they too can find more fulfillment, better health, and above all, greater meaning in their lives.   Listen to our previous conversation here: https://www.amedicinalmind.com/podcast-wisdom-and-well-being     Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.

In this week's episode Dr. Abbott walks us through a clinical case, outlining his therapeutic approach, offering along the way insights into the best ways to expand your integrative medicine education as well as improve your skills as a clinicians. Not to be left out, Dr. Abbott also offers his tips for patients on how to best partner with a holistic health clinician to effectively improve your health without breaking your budget or morale! Please check out the links below to a text version of the case study as well as more resources to expand your functional medicine education! Link to the Case Study: https://www.amedicinalmind.com/blog-spiritual-spaces-and-flourishing-faces/feature-a-case-study-in-functional-medicine-with-dr-michael-ruscio Link to Dr. Ruscio's Future of Functional Medicine Review: https://drruscio.com/login/ Explore more functional and integrative medicine resources from our E-Book https://www.amedicinalmind.com/health-e-book.html   Check out our previous shows here: http://www.amedicinalmind.com/podcast-wisdom-and-well-being   Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only. ​

In Episode 049 of A Medicinal Mind: Wisdom and Well Being, I share space with one of the leading voices in the integrative oncology movement, a pioneer in collaborative and whole person care, Dr. Nasha Winters ND.  Many of you listening to this show have likely heard of Nasha and her work, but for those new to her name and work here is all you really need to know: She is arguably the most widely spoken and passionate clinician I have ever met when it comes to integrative oncology, and simply to whole person care. She is the founder of Optimal Terrain, an innovative healing venture striving to educate, empower, and assist individuals in knowing their bodies and their physiologic process from a perspective grounded in scientific research and clinical patient care, and above all else, address the root causes of cancer and cancer progression. While we certainly could have spent the entire show talking about Nasha' multi-faceted approach to cancer, getting into the weeds of the ketogenic diet and nutrition as well supplements and complementing therapies to chemotherapeutics, much of today's show is spent in an entirely different realm, a realm science, on its own, will never fully be able to explain. Starting with a dive into Nasha' personal life story, we get a glimpse and the real reasons behind her pursuit of a career in medicine, a vulnerable look at her own journey with the cancer, and what she learned along the way that is informing her career now as a oncology physician. Digging deeper, Nasha answers such questions as What is the most challenging thing about being a patient? What are some of the best qualities of the most admirable physician, when precisely did you know, you were going to survive? Delving into the roots of her faith, Nasha, shares her perspective on the role of spirituality, religion and the pursuit of something greater as one traverses the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Even providing her own definition of this terrifying word, Nasha shows us precisely how she enters into the therapeutic space with patient's and their families, uncovering the real reasons and questions her patients are seeking to answer. Sharing stories from her clinical experience, the depth an poignancy of this podcast is second to none and left me wondering on more than one occasion, why do we even bother with the science when we have human connection? This conversation was an absolute blast, and a refreshing dive into spirituality and our connections to something greater, perhaps the real reasons healing is ever possible in the first place.  And with that, let's dig into the show ​ Keep up with Nasha:  https://optimalterrainconsulting.com/ The Metabolic Approach to Cancer:  https://www.amazon.com/Metabolic-Approach-Cancer-Integrating-Bio-Individualized/dp/1603586865   Check out our previous shows here: http://www.amedicinalmind.com/podcast-wisdom-and-well-being   Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.

In Episode 048 of A Medicinal Mind, Wisdom and Wellbeing, I welcome back the inquisitive mind of the researcher known affectionately as the Magnesium man, Morley Robbins. In my two previous discussions with Morley, Episodes 23 and Episode 32, we explored the foundations of mineral metabolism, the intricate dance between Fe, Mg and Cu and the overall implications of these minerals on our health.   In this new foray into the world of biochemistry, Morley leads us through a fascinating exploration of his most recent research rabbit hole into the importance of fat soluble vitamins, and most specifically Vitamin A and its part of the wider dance of mineral biochemistry.   Morley begins the conversation with a foundational discussion of Vitamin A metabolism, what really is Vitamin A, retinol, retinal, and beta carotene. Is the vitamin A in carrots the same Vitamin A in beef liver?   Exploring further questions, Morley helps to answer: What are some of the highest sources of retinol, what is the history of cod liver oil and the ingestion of organ meats?   What is retinol actually doing in the body? Besides its involvement in balancing oxidative stress in the body, Is it the molecule, and not iron, driving the production of hemoglobin and eventually the oxygen carrying red blood cell?   We then shift the discussion into the intricate science behind energy production in the mitochondria and the fascinatingly beautiful electron transport chain, where does Fe, Oxygen, Magnesium, Vitamin A, lipids and Cu enter the scene in order for us to make the energy currency of the body: ATP.   As the story unfolds we begin to discover that Vitamin A is behind perhaps the most important systemic processes in the body   Energy Production Genetic Expression and Regulation Inflammation Oxygen Deliverability Oxidative Stress   and much more   Shifting back to the discussion of fat soluble vitamins, A, D and K, Morley fills us in with the reality that Vitamin D supplementation alone is likely not helping and actually probably hurting more people than we think. And where does Cu fit into the metabolism and function of the fat soluble vitamins? And what really is the difference between a vitamin and a mineral chemically? Structurally? How does their chemical structure affect their function and location of action in the body.   We then end the discussion with an exploration of Vitamin A and its importance in genetic expression and regulation? Why are people so terrified of Vitamin A overdose and toxicity?   I encourage you once more to listen to this conversation at least 2 or 3 times to really synthesize all of the ideas presented by Morley and myself.   And, be sure as well to explore the show notes for today's show on our podcast page, our podcast app or other podcast media device to find our link to the intricately described Nutritional Testing Resource: a jam packed guide created by the visionary researcher Dr. Chris Masterjohn to help you discover how to properly assess, test and address functional nutritional status and any unearthed clinical deficiencies.   To get Dr. Chris Masterjohn's Nutritional Testing Resource go HERE   List of Primary Research Studies   http://departments.agri.huji.ac.il/animal/staff/faculty_staff/uni_zehava/publications/Bacterial%20population%20and%20innate%20immunity-related%20genes%20in%20rat%20gastrointestinal%20tract.pdf https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2991380/ https://academic.oup.com/edrv/article/34/6/766/2354654 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21366525 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17320364 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3916855/ Don't forget to get Dr. Chris Masterjohn's Nutritional Testing Resource HERE You can see all of our content including blogs, poetry, meditations, and our weekly newsletter at our webpage: A Medicinal Mind   You can also follow A Medicinal Mind on Facebook and Instagram If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe with Apple Podcasts and leave us a review. Your feedback and reviews allow our message and this space of nourishment to grow.     Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.

In Episode 047 of A Medical Mind: Wisdom and Well Being I bring back one of my previous guests, visionary integrative psychiatrist Dr. Will Van Derveer MD.   Back in Episode 19 of the show, Will gave us a great glimpse into his foundational approach to medicine and integrative psychiatry.   In this episode, we jump in right where we left off into an exploration of Will's innovative research and clinical expertise utilizing psychedelics alongside psychotherapy to combat severe PTSD and treatment resistant depression.   Will leads us through an introduction offering an insightful rationale for using psychedelics in supportive psychotherapy.   Applying our emerging understanding of brain connectivity and the activity of the Default Mode Network, Will explains why this baseline “mind wandering” state of thinking is perhaps one of the greatest reasons for cognitive distortions leading to rumination, depression, obsessions and general maladaptive thinking patterns.   From this understanding of the importance of the DFN to our resilience and cognitive flexibility,  Will explains the role of meditation and psychedelics to alter the activity of the DFN.   Getting more specific, Will then introduces the two psychedelic drugs emerging as effective augmenting treatments with psychotherapy: MDMA and Ketamine.   Will explains how his clinic and clinicians and general are using MDMA and integrative psychotherapy session to help individuals with severe PTSD breakthrough debilitating states of fear and hypervigilance to discover self compassion, forgiveness and paths to healing.   Expanding from here, Will also provides insights into the drug ketamine and how it is emerging through rigorous clinical trials to be off significant benefit to those undergoing psychotherapy for chronic treatment depression.   While the drugs are extremely distinct in structure and proposed mechanism of action, together they represent a new paradigm of psychiatric care that for perhaps for the first time can actually involve the word CURE.   We end the conversation with perhaps the most important and meaningful exploration I have had to date. Getting a little controversial, Will and I share our concern with our societal search for the quick fix, whether it be in the form of a pill, diet or green medicine. Sharing vulnerable insights from our own journeys integrating traumatic experiences and doing the “deep work,” we open up about the reality that we cannot expect to heal wounds overnight that took years to form in the first place. From a place of hopeful curiosity, we urge everyone, clinician or layperson to recognize the deep need to engage in the process of iterative self exploration, extending compassion and forgiveness to all along the way. To explore Dr. VDV's Integrative Psychiatry Training starting in October: ipi.higherpractice.com   Visit Dr VDV's main page at  www.ketaminetherapyboulder.com   To learn more about MAPS and psychedelic studies visit maps.org   Check out all of our previous podcasts using this link: https://www.amedicinalmind.com/podcast-wisdom-and-well-being     Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.

In episode 046 of A Medicinal Mind: Wisdom and Well Being , I welcome TWO guests, and new close friends. Dr. Tommy Wood and Christopher Kelly of Nourish Balance Thrive. Between the two of them, Tommy and Chris have been helping burned out athletes achieve both optimal performance and wellness through a combination of targeted testing, nutritional approaches and selective augmentation. The two have helped thousands of athletes and are constantly providing nourishing content, no pun intended to thousands more via their NBT podcast. Additionally Tommy puts out an incredible weekly review: a “Highlights” emails that will leave you with more to chew on that just your thumbs.   In this episode we start the conversation exploring the origin stories of Chris and Tommy, finding their way into the ancestral health space. They both offer descriptions of the paths that lead them to their current work in addition to more specific details regarding the nature of the education and scholastic background.   When then explore the birth of Nourish Balance Thrive and discuss in depth the vision, passion and ethos behind this unique and innovative initiative. Chris offers a personal look into his own leap of faith starting the business, followed by the quick collaboration with bright and curious minds like Tommy.   We then get into the meat of the discussion, the newest technological feat between the two and their partner in crime naturopathic physician and biochemistry extraordinaire: Dr. Bryan Walsh. Chris and Tommy describe their blood chemistry calculator, a tool utilizing machine learning and incorporating data from thousands of athletes, that can actually predict nutritional status, blood sugar regulation, and even potentially xenobiotic exposure from just a handful of laboratory tests. While still early in its implementation, this calculator has the ability to transform medical care and functional medicine testing, and you will here from them both how they see it being optimally used and explored.   Combining perspectives for both clinicians and the lay audience, Tommy offers some great reasons, why machine learning and this calculator should be on your radar.   We then end the podcast with Tommy sharing a little of his background leading the innovative group: Physicians for Ancestral Health, an organization of which I am proudly affiliated. Tommy shares some of the vision and initiatives of the group and how he hopes to expand its reach in the months and years to come.   I still cannot fully believe I was able to share this conversation with Tommy and Chris, having listened to the two over many years during my own incubation and exploration of ancestral and functional health. I am extremely excited to share this conversation with you all and please be sure to explore the podcast show notes with links to their page, podcast and their Blood Chemistry Calculator.   And with that, let's dig into the show! Check out Tommy's homepage: http://www.nourishbalancethrive.com   Blood Chemistry Calculator: https://bloodcalculator.com   Physicians for Ancestral Health: http://ancestraldoctors.org    

Before I get into the introduction for today's show, I simply want to thank you all for your patience and support over the past month as we have taken a brief break from the podcast. The entire team has been hard at work over the past two weeks and have just released the newest version of the Ultimate Integrative and Functional Medicine Education Resource. The 2018 edition has a whopping 57 pages and is filled with 170 total resources from blogs, books and e-books to podcasts, practitioner trainings and conferences, all with embedded links to get you right where you need to be!   The book is also full of amazing pictures from none other than my partner in crime, my twin brother James, and I think you will really enjoy the combination of artistry and content. And I have to give some major thanks to my dear friend and the woman behind the scenes of nearly everything you see on the webpage and social media, Rhett Deverich. She was instrumental in getting this E-book designed and I am lucky to have it .   AND, if that wasn't enough, I just announced my partnership with Mickey Trescott and Angie Alt of Autoimmune Wellness. If you have not already, you must check out the work of Mickey and Angie, pioneers in the field of nutrition when it comes to the nutrient dense elimination diet The Paleo Autoimmune Protocol. I am so fortunate to have partnered with them and have already published our first collaborative blog post: Is Baking Soda An Effective Treatment for Autoimmune Disease?  Be sure to explore the article with the link on our podcast page or your podcast player.   So, are you ready for today's show?   In Episode 045 of A Medicinal Mind: Wisdom and Well Being, I welcome my close friend and fellow Virginian, Ashley Mannell. Ashley is the only dual-credentialed psychiatric nurse practitioner and registered dietitian in Virginia, who is ALSO a certified practitioner of Functional Medicine through the Institute of Functional Medicine.   And in today's show we get into the story that lead Ashley to such a unique place of healing. Starting by sharing her early experiences as a child and in the healthcare field as a whole, Ashley offers some background behind her pursuit of medicine. Growing from here Ashley leads us into her journey into more holistic practice, why she ultimately decided to pursue functional and integrative medicine over more traditional clinical practice.   Ashley then leads us into a discussion of her clinical practice, first seeking to define integrative psychiatry and psychology, outlining the methodical and foundational approach of her visionary clinic Richmond Integrative Psychiatry and Nutrition Services. She shares a little about their design, describing the team based approach of the clinic and the way they focus on key lifestyle habits while supporting and healing the gut on top of integrating in support for mental wellness.   We then explore some of the current hot topics in psychiatry, discussing the role of psychotherapy and genetic testing alongside nutrition and targeted supplementation. We even begin to speculate upon the future of psychiatry and the road ahead for mental health care.   This was an absolute joy to record and I am so lucky to have a partner in Virginia with such knowledge and passion for healing using root cause approaches. Functional and integrative medicine in Virginia is only going to grow with clinicians like Ashley.   And with that, let's get into the show!   Stay up to date with Ashley and her work using this link: https://richmondfoodandmood.com   You can see all of our content including blogs, poetry, meditations, and our weekly newsletter at our webpage: A Medicinal Mind   You can also follow A Medicinal Mind on Facebook and Instagram If you enjoyed the show, please subscribe with Apple Podcasts and leave us a review. Your feedback and reviews allow our message and this space of nourishment to grow. Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.

In Episode 044 of A Medicinal Mind, Wisdom and Wellbeing, I welcome evolutionary psychiatrist and a pioneer studying the genetic underpinnings of mental health, Dr. Emily Deans MD.   Since first discovering the ancestral and functional medicine movements, I have been an avid follower of Emily Deans and her curious, yet practical explorations into our evolving understanding of psychiatric illness.   Dr. Deans is a practicing psychiatrist who utilizes an ancestrally informed nutritional approach as well as targeted pharmaceutical interventions to improve those with previously treatment refractory depression.   She is a regular contributor at Psychology Today with her blog: Evolutionary Psychiatry where she explores the role of nutrition and genetic variability, amongst many other topics, and their impact on mental well being.   In this episode Dr. Deans starts us off with a little background into his first experiences in medicine and her choice to pursue psychiatry, detailing her own life journey that lead her to explore more integrative approaches to well being.   She then leads us into the meat of today's discussion, a beautifully articulated story detailing the function, regulation and variability of some of the most well studied genes in psychiatric health including the recently popularized MTHFR and COMT.   Taking us on a journey of the neurotransmitter from its production, release, reuptake or breakdown to its eventual signalling and the downstream cascade of events stemming from its simple signal, Dr. Dean's offers insights as to why many of the medicines we use to treat psychiatric illness are not effective or simply not enough to help someone through a period of significant depression.   She provides us with an integrated theory of mental illness, combining our emerging understanding of inflammation and immune activation in the brain with the role of neurotransmission and neuronal connectivity circuits influencing our behaviors.      This podcast is one of my absolute favorites and it was such an honor to have Dr. Deans on the show. It is quite incredible to think back to my own journey struggling with depression in medical school and the influence of Dr. Deans work some 5 years prior to lead me to a new understanding of whole person wellness. And with that let's dig into the show!   Read up on Dr. Dean's blog here: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/evolutionary-psychiatry

In episode 043 of A Medicinal Mind Wisdom and Well Being, I welcome the creator and host of the top rated evidence based personal growth podcast, a visionary leader in the self improvement movement, Matt Bodnar.   Outside of hosting the podcast “The Science of Success” Matt is a partner at early stage investment firm Fresh Hospitality where he focuses on deal-making and strategy.   In the podcast, Matt leads us into a explorative discussion of our current education system pointing out some of the key inefficiencies and downsides of modern education.   He then guides us into the role of lifelong self directed learning and shares much of his recent dive into speed reading and how to remember more of what you read and learn. Expanding from this, Matt offers his evolutionary hypothesis for learning and explains why we have a much greater capacity to encode and retrieve associative visuospatial memory over concrete words and objects.   When then move into a discussion of Matt's podcast: “The Science of Success” and explore his definition of “evidence based personal growth.” He shares some of the most insightful wisdom he has gained from these conversations and the importance of being a curious and purposeful listener. Matt explains why he believes the two most practices one can engage in are building self awareness and learning how to effectively deal with challenging and negative emotions.   Matt ends the show sharing a few of the wonderful free resources available on the Science of Success homepage that seek to help you become a better decision maker and empowered learner.   This was once again, another serendipitous and thought provoking podcast and I am incredibly grateful to have connected with Matt and to be able share his wisdom and work with you.   And with that let's dig into the show.   Keep up with Matt and his awesome work using the links below: ​ http://www.successpodcast.com/ http://freshhospitality.net/ https://www.evidencebasedgrowth.com/ http://www.mattbodnar.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattbodnar/   Check out all of our previous podcasts using this link: https://www.amedicinalmind.com/podcast-wisdom-and-well-being   Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.  

In Episode 042 of A Medicinal Mind Wisdom and Well Being I welcome my new friend and one of the leaders in the self optimization and self mastery space fellow Virginian Ryan Munsey. As you will hear in the show, I was fortunate enough to be introduced to Ryan and his incredible work through a dear friend Steve Fullerton and this conversation was an absolute blast to record.   Ryan is the co-founder of the new podcast the Better Human Project More, “a movement; sharing inspiring stories from people of all walks of life, stories made to given all people the tools we need to become better humans while simultaneously building bridges to foster unconditional giving to improve our communities.   In the podcast Ryan and I start out with an exploration of his childhood, going through his early years in sports and even a foray into strength training and the modeling industry as he sought to discover what it was he was truly called to do. We even explore rather philosophically what perhaps we are getting wrong today when it comes to raising and holding environments for creative and curious exploration in our youth.   Ryan then offers us his definition of self mastery or self optimization and provides a rather incredible insight that self mastery is really not about making a better you, but a better we. Ryan explores how we can take the energy we pour into ourselves through self care and increase our capacity for giving to others.   The conversation then turns into an exploration of human behavior as we collectively ask what is really behind our actions? Are our rational minds running the show or do our feelings have much more control than we wish to believe?   Ryan gives is a great overview of the basic neurobiology behind human behavior and we some people succeed at their goals and others fall tremendously short? It can't just be about will power and tangible resources can it?   We end the podcast exploring Ryan's new innovative endeavour the previously mentioned podcast and initiative:  The Better Human Project. I was so lucky to connect with Ryan and to be able to share this conversation with you all. I encourage you to explore Ryan's work and the Better Human Project for it is people like Ryan and initiatives like this that are making meaningful and positive change in our world.   Stay up to date with each new “Better Human Project” podcast using this link: https://www.betterhumanproject.org Follow Ryan and his work on his website: http://ryanmunsey.com Listen to our previous podcasts using this link: https://www.amedicinalmind.com/podcast-wisdom-and-well-being       Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.

Episode 041: Jamil Sayegh, How to Live a Joyful and Meaningful Life: One Man's Journey to Uncover the Roots of Flourishing   In Episode 041 of A Medicinal Mind Wisdom and Well Being I have perhaps my most intimate and inspiring conversation to date with my close friend, naturopathic medical student and transformation coach Jamil Sayegh. I could provide a short bio for Jamil, but there is simply no way to adequately articulate the passionate drive and story of this incredible healer.   In our conversation, Jamil lets us in to his miraculous life journey, providing a vulnerable glimpse into his path to becoming motivational integrated healer. Jamil shares the early years where his diet was far from optimal and the self-directed journey that led him to holistic nutrition and the empowerment of lifelong learning.   Jamil offers his insights as to the role of a transformational coach in bringing about dramatic and meaningful life change. Jamil tells the story of what it was like growing up in a medical family and the surprises that unfolded as he brought his newly discovered passion for holistic health into this traditional medical space.   We then explore perhaps the most powerful story ever told before on the podcast, the story of Jamil's father and how their relationship grew during his father's own personal struggle with illness.  Since the original recording of this show, I have gone back 5 times to listen to this story and I have yet to make it through without being moved to tears.   Jamil's passion for wellness and joy is unrivaled by anyone I have ever met. It is impossible to not be moved and motivated by his story, his life's work and his vision for a better world.   Please explore the show notes to find links to Jamil's page and get his amazing free Ebook: 20 Steps To Your Next Breakthrough, one of the most practical guides to realizing your greater purpose and service to others.   Check out Jamil's book: "20 Steps To Your Next Breakthrough"  using the link below! http://jamilsayegh.com/20-steps-to-your-next-breakthrough/ Jamil's website:  http://jamilsayegh.com Follow Jamil's journey on Instagram at: thelifedoc And keep up with Jamil using his Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JamilSayeghCoaching/   Check out our previous podcasts using this link: https://www.amedicinalmind.com/podcast-wisdom-and-well-being   Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.  

In Episode 040 of A Medicinal Mind: Wisdom and Wellbeing, I have one of my most inspiring conversations with one of the leading visionaries in integrative and functional medicine: Kyle Braatz. Kyle is the co-founder of the wellness platform and online nutriceutical dispensary Fullscript and his radical approach to wellness is changing how integrative medicine is practiced.   In the podcast, you will hear some of Kyle's fascinating background including some of the early inspiration behind his love of creation and pursuit of meaningful service. From biking across Canada to raise money for those in need to laying the foundations for Fullscript, Kyle life is one full of passion and relentless curiosity.   As we dig deeper into the conversation, Kyle shares his definition and vision for health. What are the most essential components and where can we start to improve our health.   When then get into the vision, mission and ethos behind the wellness platform Fullscript.   What exactly is Fullscript? Is it for doctors? Patients? Or Both?   How and why should clinicians be using Fullscript to better serve their patients?   Who currently are the greatest utilizers?   And where did you even get the name Fullscript in the place?   Kyle even offers us a sneak peak of what it's like to be a Team Member at Fullscript, how they seek to support each other's wellness and the importance of self care.   We also explore some of the biggest challenges facing healthcare delivery and how Fullscript is seeking to address these issues with some creative and innovative solutions   As you will hear in the show, I am incredibly grateful for all the team members at Fullscript for providing an integrative wellness platform that allows me the better serve by patients and it was an honor to share this conversation with Kyle. I sincerely encourage all clinicians to explore Fullscript and incorporate this platform into your practice and I urge any interested patients to share the utility of Fullscript with your doctor.   And with that let's dig into the show!   Check out Fullscript using this link: https://fullscript.com   Listen in to our previous podcasts using this link: https://www.amedicinalmind.com/podcast-wisdom-and-well-being   Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.  

In Episode 039 of A Medicinal Mind: Wisdom and Wellbeing, I seek to dispel some of the myths behind mental health with naturopathic doctor, Dr. Christina Bjorndal.  As you will hear in the podcast, Dr. Bjorndal's journey to becoming a holistic mental health clinician is anything but linear or easy. In this conversation, Dr. Bjorndal, shares some intimate details of her own struggle with mental illness, navigating the medical system, stigma and labels that sought to suppress her flourishing. Growing through these incredible experiences, Dr. Bjorndal offers some of her own insightful wisdom as she realized the power of nutrition, connection and emotional freedom to cultivate whole being wellness. She leads us through her own definition of health and walks us through her clinical approach to addressing mental illness, offering powerful physiologic and psychological therapies to bring about positive changes to an otherwise conflicted mind, body and spirit. Dr. Bjorndal and I even dig into some potentially controversial topics, exploring the “victim” mentality and what it means to contribute meaningfully to society.  We even start to ask the question: What thoughts and beliefs are actually behind our most common habits and perceptions? Dr. Bjorndal's story and clinical work is beyond inspiring and will certainly empower anyone who has experienced mental illness. I personally resonated with one her most poignant pieces of wisdom “you will be with you longer than anyone else, so why not start focusing on the relationship with yourself first.” I hope you resonate with her authentic story and seek out some of her nourishing resources created to support people through their journeys of healing. And with that, let's dig into the show! Learn more about Dr. Christina Bjorndal and her work by using this link to her website: https://drchristinabjorndal.com/   Listen to our previous podcast using this link: https://www.amedicinalmind.com/podcast-wisdom-and-well-being   Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.  

In episode 38, I welcome back one of my previous guests: naturopathic pediatrician and visionary mother: Dr. Erika Krumbeck. Dr. Krumbeck returns in this conversation to help us explore the uses, potential harms and relative unknown of the commonly used over the counter drug: Acetaminophen. She shares much of her research into the still unknown mechanism of action of this ubiquitous medication as well as some of the concerning associations with its use and certain disease states such as Autism Spectrum Disorder. Dr. Krumbeck provides a very practical approach for helping children through febrile illness and shares some herbal alternatives for fevers that do not interfere with the body's natural immune response to infection.   We then explore the newest literature showing the potential associations between Tylenol and decreased emotional responses that may interfere with normal cognitive and emotional development in children and adults.   We then end the conversation with Dr. Krumbeck discussing some of the genetic polymorphisms and potential neurotransmitter perturbations behind the “behavioral disturbances” we commonly see in our growing children. Incorporating an ancestral and evolutionary argument, Dr. Krumbeck offers her hypothesis and insights regarding the potential true reasons behind our most sensitive and empathetic children.   This second conversation is once again filled with numerous insights and wisdom from Dr. Krumbeck and I really encourage you to sit with some of the topics discussed and explore some of the small things you could do today to better support the health of your children and even yourself.   And if you haven't already, I encourage you to check out my new collaborative endeavour the Charlottesville Center for Functional Medicine at our homepage:  www.cvillefxmed.com where you can subscribe to get our Free Quickstart Wellness Guide and our 10-part email series embedded with nutrient guides, workouts, recipes and more to help you take control of your health. We also just posted the first video recording of our community wellness series, an exploration of sleep and stress and things you can do today to improve your resilience, decrease your total burden of stress and get better sleep.   I extend my deepest gratitude and appreciation for your interest in our work and would love to hear your thoughts on what you like, what we could do better, or what you would like us to address in a future podcast. And lastly I want to extend a big shout out and a huge thanks to the amazing team behind A Medicinal Mind this includes Tucker MacDonald, the brains behind the podcast and beautiful voice you hear in the beginning and end of each show as well as Rhett Deverich the passionate spirit the makes the blog, poems, podcast, and webpage come to life or simply exist in the first place.   And with that, let's dig into the show!   Access our previous podcasts using this link:https://www.amedicinalmind.com/podcast-wisdom-and-well-being       Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.  

In Episode 037 of A Medicinal Mind Wisdom and Well Being I dive head first into fitness and faith with innovative nutrition and movement coach Drew Gallagher. Describing Drew and his passion in a single sentence is nearly impossible, so I will do my best to showcase a bit of his varied background and extensive training in the world of fitness. Drew has a bachelor's in Exercise Science and is a certified coach through the National Academy of Sports Medicine, Level 2 Kettlebell instructor through Strongfirst, Titleist Performance Institute Level 1 instructor, certified Level 2 instructor through Functional Movement Systems and Level 1 Precision Nutrition Coach.     More importantly, however, Drew is a visionary in the field of fitness exploring the real role of exercise vs. developing functional movements and differentiating the purpose of workouts vs formalized training.   As you will hear in the podcast, in his most recent incarnation, Drew is now specializing in a unique approach of functional movement and performance through biomechanics and neural motor control that maximizes overall function, performance and health.   In our conversation we start the ground running seeking to define exercise vs. movement, workout vs. training and the real reasons why we should pursue movement and exercise in the first place. Drew offers both insight and personal reflection as part of his journey navigating the sometimes misaligned fitness industry.   Drew illustrates the importance of the breath in initiating and creating positive movement and engaged exercise and then leads us into a thoughtful discussion about neural control and the role of neuromuscular training vs simply lifting heavy weight.   Through it all Drew offers his fatherly voice, sharing how he structures his workout with his kids and integrates dedicated training to expand his capacity to be a better role model and facilitator of play for his kids.   We end the podcast with a heartful discussion of faith, spirituality and wisdom as Drew shares how he incorporates his deep rooted Christian faith into his work with clients as they seek create whole being wellness.   This podcast is packed with wonderful nuggets for anyone with a shred of interest in fitness and movement, and you will likely hear something contrary or new to your present understanding.   I am so grateful for connecting with Drew and I think you will this conversation, inspiring, enlightening and just plain fun.   At with that, let's get into the show!   Listen to all of our previous podcasts using this link: https://www.amedicinalmind.com/podcast-wisdom-and-well-being     Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.

In Episode 036 of A Medicinal Mind Wisdom And Wellbeing, I welcome the founder and innovative voice behind Evidence Based® Birth Rebecca Dekker.   Rebecca Dekker, PhD, RN, APRN, received her Master of Science in Nursing and her Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing from the University of Kentucky and has built a strong reputation in maternal and infant health circles for her pioneering work as the founder of Evidence Based Birth.®   In the podcast, Rebecca shares here personal story of childbirth, the true origins behind the birth, pun most certainly intended, of her research and greater work with Evidence Based Birth®. Rebecca offers her insights into the evolution of pregnancy and the birthing experience, sharing her passion for putting practical evidence about childbirth into the hands of families and professionals with the ultimate desire to empower and educate all curious enough to explore.   The conversation is spilling over with Rebecca's passion and drive to hold nourishing spaces for mothers and their families to discover what they really need to support themselves and baby to be.   We explore some of Rebecca's newest groundbreaking work, expanding the content and reach of Evidence Based Birth ® and even discuss the role patients can play it helping to appreciate and understand the burdens clinicians face in trying to provide compassionate care to all patients.   It was such a honor to share this time with Rebecca and I really believe no matter your background or interest in childbirth that you will enjoy this conversation.   Many thanks again to your continued support of the podcast and work at A Medicinal Mind. We extend back our appreciation and love for you in this our St. Valentine's Day podcast.   And with that let's dig into the show.   Stay up to date and involved with Rebecca using the links below:   Home site with newsletter signup: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/   Podcast page on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/evidence-based-birth/id1334808138   Information on our Professional membership: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/become-pro-member/   Application link for our Professional membership student scholarship: https://form.jotform.com/60258591449161   Our upcoming events page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/EvidenceBasedBirth/events/?ref=page_internal   The About EBB page: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/about-evidence-based-birth/ Rebecca's EBB bio page: https://evidencebasedbirth.com/author/   Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.

In episode 035 of A Medicinal Mind: Wisdom and Well Being, I welcome back the curious citizen scientist Benjamin Richardson.   In Part I of this series, Episode 031 to be exact, Benjamin introduced us to intermittent fasting, the fasting mimicking diet and the role of personalized experimentation to discover what your body really needs to remain well.   In this conversation, Benjamin leads us into a discussion of personalized carbohydrate testing, insulin resistance and a thoughtful examination of all the reasons we choose to eat the food that we do.   We start out the podcast with Benjamin sharing some background behind his reason for undertaking another self experiment, this time to meticulously monitor his blood sugar in response to various foods and eating environments. Together we delve into the implications of personalized glucose testing and tailoring one's diet to avoid large fluctuations in blood sugar.   Benjamin then explains some of his own personal findings as part of the experiment and describes the importance of understanding all of the inputs, outside of just diet, such as sleep, stress, and chronic disease burden that can influence someone's insulin and blood sugar response to certain foods.   Benjamin then moves us into a thoughtful inquiry of the many reasons we humans choose to eat the food that we do. Benjamin offers his thoughts on the concept of eating for pleasure, and explores the implications of one's food choices on the health (or lack thereof) of our gut microbiota.   This is another wonderful discussion with Benjamin and I am honored to have his efforts and wisdom as part of our podcast. Be sure to check out the podcast page where Benjamin has provided a wealth of links and additional resources related to the conversation today.   And lastly, I wanted to also share some exciting news as I have recently partnered with my close friends Ryan Hall and Kerri Cooper in starting my newest and perhaps biggest wellness endeavour: The Charlottesville Center for Functional Medicine. While I will still be in Front Royal for the next 2 years as part of my family medicine residency training, we are already laying the foundations for discovering whole being wellness in the City of Charlottesville. You can explore our new homepage at cvillefxmed.com as well as our facebook page to find out more about upcoming free community workshops.   And with that, lets dig into the show!   Check out our previous podcasts using this link: https://www.amedicinalmind.com/podcast-wisdom-and-well-being   Check out the "Charlottesville Center for Functional Medicine" here: https://www.cvillefxmed.com/   Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.

In episode 34 of A Medicinal Mind: Wisdom and Wellbeing, I remain in the “non-medical world” exploring rural community wellness with pioneering activist and Vice President of the Center for Rural Strategies: Tim Marema.   Tim Marema is editor of the Daily Yonder, a news site published by the Center for Rural Strategies that covers rural economics, politics and culture using professional journalists, community correspondents, scholars, and a wide range of policy advocates..   In our conversation, Tim and I explore the life of the rural community, beginning with Tim's very own life story growing up in small rural community in Kentucky. Asking and answering questions such as   From the perspective of a rural community what is your definition of health and how do we cultivate it?   What are the biggest barriers to wellness within rural communities,   and   How as clinicians and advocates can we empower and support communities and protect cultural and geographic heritage?   Tim shares with us the work of the visionary non-profit Rural Strategies: an organization seeking to improve economic and social conditions for communities in the countryside through the creative and innovative use of media and communications.   We then close the conversation with an exploration of faith and Tim's story of spirituality, reflecting on the importance of spiritual institutions for creating social engagement, wellness and a space for finding joy.   I am so thankful for connecting with Tim and for all the members of Rural Strategies for their selfless work advocating and promoting the health of rural communities. As many of you know, I am currently in my family medicine residency training in Front Royal Va, a rural community itself with the greater Shenandoah Valley area, and rural health and wellness is certainly something close to my heart.   I really hope you enjoy the show!   Hear more about Tim and his great work using these links:   https://www.ruralstrategies.org   http://www.dailyyonder.com Listen to all of our previous conversation using this link: https://www.amedicinalmind.com/podcast-wisdom-and-well-being     Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.

In Episode 033, of A Medicinal Mind Wisdom and Well Being, I step away from the strictly medical to discover the beauty and truth of storytelling with visionary community leader and the founder of Storyslices Catherine Day.   In this conversation, Catherine shares her unique story-based approach intended to help others find their purposeful narrative and constructed from her extensive study at the Adler Graduate School as well as experiences as an executive in higher education, television, and radio.   We start the podcast wading in the waters of Catherine's childhood with the birth of her own origin story and the beginnings of her calling as a steward of the story, paving passageways for others through life's most challenging transitions.   Catherine then outlines her experience studying psychotherapist and medical doctor Alfred Adler, sharing how his pioneering work surrounding the role of community and our collective search for meaning informed the development of her story based approach.   We then explore the fundamental framework behind Catherine's unique method, delving into the spectrum of tragic character states that hold us back and the transitional changes that must take place in order for us to embody our archetypal ideals, our SUPER CHARACTERS: The Truth Teller, The Visionary, The Healer and The Artist.   Catherine blends her own narrative, and even that of her mother as she describes the dynamic fluidity of these positive trajectories, and together we seek to uncover what really is at the root of our suffering or our hindered flourishing.   Catherine ends the podcast with a piece of her own creative mastery, a poem that will likely leave you too surrounded by the beauty of our natural world, free from the container reality says you inhabit.   Keep up with Catherine and her amazing work using this link to her website:  https://storyslices.com   Listen to our previous conversations here: https://www.amedicinalmind.com/podcast-wisdom-and-well-being     Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.  

In Episode 032 of A Medicinal Mind: Wisdom and Well Being I welcome back visionary researcher and the man behind the Magnesium Advocacy Group: Morley Robbins. From start to finish, this conversation is another whirlwind of mineral metabolism, our second dive back into the fascinating world of magnesium, iron and copper.   In this conversation, Morley quickly get us up to speed on iron and its primary role in the body as the structural center of the oxygen carrying molecule hemoglobin, and then quickly pushes us forward into a fascinating exploration of blood and the red blood cell.   What do we mean when we say blood? How many red blood cells do we really have? Where do they come from and what is their primary role? Where does iron and oxidative stress enter the picture?   We then discuss a surprising discovery by Morley, an iron metabolism and pathology module from very own medical school!   Together we deconstruct what I was taught as a second year medical student and perhaps the pieces of the story that were missing from my education.   Morley then leads us into a discussion of the reticuloendothelial system and the life cycle of a red blood cell. What role does iron, and magnesium play in the function and shape of our red blood  cells? Are our cells living as long as they should? What can we learn from sickle cell anemia and other disorders of the red blood cell membrane when it comes to iron and magnesium metabolism?   Changing gears, Morley gives us a wonderful description of our primary energy production system: the electron transport chain, the role of reactive oxygen scavengers and antioxidants, and the interplay of copper and magnesium to produce energy and ultimately protect us from free radical damage.   We end the discussion with a little thought experiment exploring the implications of iron fortification and compare the amounts and forms of iron found in animal foods vs fortified cereals. We trace the journey of excessive and poorly absorbed iron into our colon, exploring the resulting gut dysbiosis and immune activation that can ensue from this excessive oxidative load.   Morley gives us hope at the end of this discussion as he describes his food based root cause protocol designed to restore the intricate balance of these minerals in our bodies.   Morley's curiosity is unparalleled and I am thankful for his desire to research  deas at the edge of science, sharing his findings with us all.   I encourage you to spend some time with this conversation, as you will likely need to listen 2, 3 or 4 times to pick up all the insights and wisdom discussed.   And lastly, If you enjoyed this conversation, we would really appreciate it if you would take 2 minutes to leave a review in I-Tunes so more people can find our podcast and its curious explorations.   And with that let's dig into the show!   Catch up with our last episode with Morley using this link:  https://www.amedicinalmind.com/podcast-wisdom-and-well-being/episode-023-morley-robbins-the-magnesium-man-an-exploration-into-human-mineral-metabolism-and-the-implications-for-your-health University of Virginia School of Medicine Iron Metabolism Module: Dr. Innes, MD https://www.med-ed.virginia.edu/courses/path/innes/nh/iron.cfm   Got Mag: http://gotmag.org Root Cause Protocol: http://gotmag.org/the-root-cause-protocol/   Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.

In episode 031 of A Medicinal Mind: Wisdom and Well Being, I explore the world of self experimentation, longevity, intermittent fasting and fasting mimicking diets with citizen scientist Benjamin Richardson.   I recently stumbled across Ben's work and page at Forever Free From during one of my many rabbit hole forays into emerging medical therapies, this time into the world of intermittent fasting and the newly evolving 5 day Fasting Mimicking Diet.   In this conversation, Benjamin and I delve into some of his curious self experiments, implementing major dietary and lifestyle changes, quantifying the results and sharing this wisdom with a wider audience.   We explore questions such as   What is the difference between lifespan vs. healthspan?   What really is behind the aging process and who is at the cutting edge of longevity research?   Benjamin than leads us into a thoughtful discussion of fasting, outline the differences between intermittent fasting, time restricted eating windows and the Fasting Mimicking Diet or FMD.   He shares he own story researching, planning and implementing the 5 day FMD as well as his generous reflections and resources created so that others can try the dietary approach for themselves.   Through it all, Benjamin shares his authentic curiosity and his genuine desire to help others through his own experimentation.   Dietary interventions such the FMD and intermittent fasting are emerging as powerful therapies for neurocognitive illnesses such as Alzheimer's dementia as well as for metabolic disorders such as diabetes and even cancer and it is quite exciting to explore this space with such a passionate and knowledgeable friend.   Benjamin has provided a wealth of curated resources available on the podcast page and I encourage you to explore some this nourishing content as well as the resources on his own page at foreverfreefrom.com. We will certainly be having Benjamin back soon to discuss his most recent experiment involving glucose monitoring, carb tolerance, insulin resistance and heart rate variability.   I really hope you enjoy the show!   Keep up to date with Ben using the links below:   Ben's page Forever Free From http://foreverfreefrom.com   Fasting Mimicking Diet Resources   DIY Guide to FMD including template http://foreverfreefrom.com/fasting-mimicking-diet-guide/   Reflections: http://foreverfreefrom.com/fasting-mimicking-diet-results/   Resource: Guide to science of Fasting https://endpoints.elysiumhealth.com/the-science-of-fasting-2f5b56a2a65d   Resource: Fasting Mimicking Diet First Human Trial outcomes review https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2017-02/cci-fm020717.php   Resource: Commercial ProLon version of FMD https://prolon.co.uk/   Resource: Blue Zones actionable insights based on research on the world's longest lived communities https://bluezones.com/   Resource: Dr Rhonda Patrick interview with Salk Institute Dr Satchin Panda on Time Restricted Feeding https://www.foundmyfitness.com/episodes/satchin-round-2   Resource: Dr Rhonda Patrick interview with Buck Institute Dr Eric Verdin on https://www.foundmyfitness.com/episodes/eric-verdin   Resource: Dr Rhonda Patrick interview with Valter Longo on Fasting Mimicking Diet (FMD) https://www.foundmyfitness.com/episodes/valter-longo   Resource: Buck Institute Science of Aging Blog http://sage.buckinstitute.org/   Resource: Homepage of Chris Kresser, functional medicine advocate, practitioner and author of Your Personal Paleo Code and Paleo Cure https://chriskresser.com   New Post on Carb Experimenting: Testing Blood Sugar DIY http://foreverfreefrom.com/blood-glucose-testing-guide/   Listen to all of our previous podcasts using this link: https://www.amedicinalmind.com/podcast-wisdom-and-well-being   Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.

In Episode 030 of A Medicinal Mind: Wisdom and Well Being, I share space with one of the visionary hearts behind Autoimmune Wellness, pioneering health coach and nutritional therapy consultant Angie Alt. You may remember in Episode 025, I held an inspiring conversation with the other half of this courageous duo, Mickey Trescott, and in this episode I continue the conversation with Angie as we seek to uncover the secrets behind communal healing, the real roots of wholesome lifestyle change and the hope that is born when we begin to see the past, no matter how troubling, not as something to run from, but as something to grow into.   In this podcast, we begin by exploring Angie's story, a story of suffering, renewal and unfathomable faith, leading her to her current calling as a health coach guiding others through the uncertainty and hurt of autoimmune illness.      Angie highlights her innovative initiative SAD to AIP in SIX, a group coaching program that has lead thousands of folks through their transition to the Autoimmune Protocol and sustainable lifestyle change. Speaking on its early origins and immediate success, into its most recent period of growth, Angie offers us some insights into the structure of the program, who is actually involved in the group and how truly does one support those through the healing journey?   Straying perhaps from the measurable and describable, we ask some curious questions behind the cultivation of community, the opening to vulnerability, and the eventual path to empowered wellness.   Is it really all about food?   We then explore Angie's most recent collaboration with Dr. Gauree Konijeti, MD, MPH, Director of the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Program at the Scripps Clinic in San Diego, California. Together the two partnered to guide 15 patients through a modified version of Angie's revolutionary program, ultimately leading 12 of the 15 participants from multiple years of debilitating illness despite significant pharmacologic therapy into clinical remission and new found health.   I cannot express how much I enjoyed this conversation with Angie, navigating through mild sleep deprivation and a few stumbling sentences to somehow begin to answer the ultimate question:   How do we get well?   And who do we to actually do it?   I hope you enjoy the show.   Keep up with Mickey and Angie on their website using this link: https://autoimmunewellness.com If you would like to read all of the articles I've written here on the blog, click here. If you would like to follow my daily ins and outs, check out my Instagram! If you would like to learn more about becoming a health coach, click here.   Listen to all of A Medicinal Mind's previous podcasts here: https://www.amedicinalmind.com/podcast-wisdom-and-well-being   Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.

In Episode 029 of A Medicinal Mind: Wisdom and Wellbeing I explore the field of naturopathic medicine with the founder and editor of Naturopathic Pediatrics: Dr. Erika Krumbeck, ND.  Dr. Krumbeck received her Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University and is a licensed physician in the state of Montana, working in her medical clinic in Missoula: Montana Whole Health.  Integrating her experiences from both conventional and naturopathic medicine, Dr. Krumbeck specializes in the treatment of chronic health conditions in children, however,  she recognizes and deeply appreciates that the best healing can only occur when the whole family is involved. In this conversation Dr Krumbeck starts by sharing her unique path to come to naturopathic medicine, literally coming full circle to her childhood home to pursue her dream of helping others heal. Erika then provides us with her definition of naturopathic medicine, outlining the foundational therapeutic approach as well as her beautiful contrast of allopathic and naturopathic remedies vs allopathic and naturopathic approaches. We then dig into the world of psychological and behavioral health in our children, seeking to demystify and clarify what really is ADHD? How should we approach kids and families struggling with behavioral and learning issues? Is it simply a psychological condition or are there underlying physiological disturbances, nutritional deficiencies manifesting in impaired cognitive functioning and emotion regulation? Is there  a green vegetable deficiency? Are probiotics and fish oil the answer? Where does the family dynamic, parental relationships and technology fit in to this story? Dr. Krumbeck offers her practical approach for introducing and improving dietary intake in children as well as her process for assisting parents dedicated to holding supportive spaces for curiosity and relational growth, focusing on the creation of healthy and nourishing boundaries. While I may not have kids of my own, I was blown away by Dr Krumbeck's practical wisdom for helping kids grow and this episode is packed with insights and passionate joy from a clinician dedicated to healing the entire family unit. Please explore Dr. Krumbeck's page Naturopathic Pediatrics and see for yourself the wealth of educational resources created by Dr. Krumbeck and her team for children and parents. We will certainly have Dr. Krumbeck back on the show to explore more of her naturopathic approach to help child heal and grow. Learn more on Dr. Krumbeck's website: http://naturopathicpediatrics.com Find some clarity on her “Vaccines Demystified” page:  ​http://naturopathicpediatrics.com/vaccines-demystified/ Listen to all of our previous conversations using this link: https://www.amedicinalmind.com/podcast-wisdom-and-well-being   Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.

In Episode 028 of A Medicinal Mind: Wisdom Wellbeing, I have a spontaneous and exploratory conversation with my new friend, the globetrotting health coach Ellen Jaworski.  Ellen has a flourishing health coaching practice and blog: Triple Peak Paleo, where she shares her unique approach to holistic health while she travels the world, inspiring others to take control of their health so they can become the best versions of themselves.   In this conversation, Ellen offers a vulnerable glimpse into her own health journey, or as she calls it “the why, behind the why,” that eventually lead her to ancestral health, health coaching and self exploration.   Ellen shares her insights on what it mean to be a health coach, answering questions such as   What is the training like to become a coach in the first place? What does she see as the primary role of a health coach? How does she start in cultivating a relationship with her clients? What does it take to discover “the why behind the why?”   We then explore Ellen's unique choice of forging a travel and telemedicine based practice, taking her expertise on the road to promote her own flourishing as well as that of her clients.   We end the podcast discussing the many ways we define spirituality and discover the heartbeat we see as greater than ourselves.   I was so lucky to have met Ellen just a few months back and believe in my core that the future of medicine will be lead by health coaches just like Ellen partnering with integrative clinicians focused on removing barriers to wellness and engaging in a self exploration towards to bountiful  joy. Please check out the show notes to see more about Ellen and her work at Triple Peak Paleo. She is a passionate and innovating soul holding space for others to grow, and I am beyond grateful to now call her a friend.   I really hope you enjoy the show.   Learn more about Ellen her amazing lifestyle by taking a look at her website:  www.triplepeakpaleo.com   And her social media Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram: @triplepeakpaleo   Stay up to date on all of our previous podcasts by using this link to our website: https://www.amedicinalmind.com/podcast-wisdom-and-well-being     Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.

In Episode 027 of A Medicinal Mind: Wisdom and Wellbeing, we turn our gaze inwards and talk all things functional when it comes to eye health with entrepreneurial optometrist Dr. Travis Zigler. Dr. Zigler graduated in 2010 from The Ohio State University College of Optometry and is the founder of Eye Love, https://eyelovethesun.com, an organization and business whose mission is to end preventable blindness. Travis and his wife, Dr. Jenna Zigler, use the profits from Eye Love to fund free and low cost clinics in South Carolina and Jamaica.     They also started a charity called the Eye Love Cares Foundation, https://eyelovecares.org, which provides exams, glasses and sunglasses for those in need, free education, and scholarships for students that align with their mission.     In this conversation Travis describes his framework for understanding eye disease, seeing systemic chronic inflammation as a much greater contribution to the health of our eyes than when classically think.   Travis then shares his revolutionary business model, turning the classic optometry clinic on its head in order to create a flourishing online business and education platform that has enabled him and his wife to fund larger scale mission trips to provide eye exams to those who otherwise would go without.   We explore the evolution and success of new businesses driven by foundational missions and core values as compared to the simple pursuit of growing the size of a business.   We then get back into the medical space as Travis offers his insights into some of the most common conditions he sees affecting the eye and how he seeks to help his patients heal.   We explore the role of a plant based diet, supplements such as fish oil, the integration of regular eyelid cleaning and the protection of one's eyes from blue light as some of the most effective ways to prevent many of the common chronic eye conditions.   Jumping from dry eye and cataracts to disrupted sleep from blue light exposure and myopia, Travis offers so much practical insights into how we can effectively keep our eyes and our entire bodies healthy as we age.   Please check out the links on the podcast page to explore Travis's business, his foundation and the many products he offers including his variety of more fashionable and functionally designed blue light blocking glasses.   Having searched at length to find functionally mind clinicians speaking about eye health, I feel so blessed to have found Travis and to share this conversation with you.   I really hope you enjoy the show.    Stay up to date with Dr. Zigler and his advice by using the following website links   Dr. Zigler Eye Love: https://eyelovethesun.com/ Eye Love's Vision Vision / Mission: https://eyelovethesun.com/pages/2019-vivid-vision-for-eye-love Eye Love Cares Foundation: https://eyelovecares.org Eye Love Shop: https://eyelovethesun.com/collections/all Dry Eye Syndrome Support Community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/dryeyesupport/   Blue Light Blocking Reading Glasses: https://eyelovethesun.com/products/vagary-computer-reading-glasses-blue-light-blocking?variant=43024012942   Eye Love on Amazon Sunglasses: https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=me%3DA2JLGM9DE4Z30V&field-keywords=sunglasses Dry Eye Products: https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=me%3DA2JLGM9DE4Z30V&field-keywords=dry+eyes   Business Consulting and Coaching Business Igniters: https://www.facebook.com/Business-Igniters-165108987349546/ Dr. Travis Zigler: https://www.facebook.com/Dr-Travis-Zigler-261315727610737/   Hilarious Eclipse Youtube video = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Kr3GNPCC2I&t=1s   Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.    

In Episode 026, the Thanksgiving edition of A Medicinal Mind: Wisdom and Wellbeing I share space with one of the most creative, curious and supportive souls in my life, the owner and healer behind Davidson Yoga Therapy, Samantha Leonard.   In addition to her work with Davidson Yoga Therapy, Samantha is the founder and creative director of MyBackPainGuru, Learn2TeachYoga and has led education, professional development and mind-body wellness programming for the Carolinas Healthcare System, Davidson College and The Sanger Heart Clinic.  As part of her thriving practice with Davidson Yoga Therapy, she works with people with conditions from ulcerative colitis and ischemic stroke, to anxiety and anorexia, diabetes and low back pain.   As you will hear in the podcast, the intersection of my healing journey both professionally and personally with that of Samantha's is beyond rational explanation. First connecting as part of an initial session of the American Viniyoga Institute's Yoga Teacher Training, we have continued to remain close, tied geographically by the shared homes of my grandparents and Samantha in Davidson, North Carolina.   In this conversation, Samantha shares some incredible insights and vulnerable wisdom as part of her own journey through life, exploring her spiritual self and the fascinating practice we have both come to know as Yoga.   Digging into questions such as   What is Yoga and more specifically Yoga Therapy?   What does it mean to be a Yoga Teacher vs a Yoga Therapist? What kind of training is required?   Grounding in faith we explore some curious concepts and questions surrounding Christianity and Yoga: Where exactly does Jesus fit into the practice and can I meditate and still remain a Christian?   Being left wordless on more than one occasion, this conversation is filled with nourishment and inspirational ideas that will likely leave you seeking, if not already, a road of self exploration through more purposeful contemplation and reflection. Samantha is pioneering a field of healing through yoga therapy and I can only imagine the possibilities for greater collective wellness through the continued training and promotion of certified yoga therapists as part of integrative and multidisciplinary care teams.   I am so lucky to have met Samantha and all of the engaging souls with the American Viniyoga Institute including our teacher Gary Kraftsow.   I am blessed to offer, through this engaging conversation, at least a small sampling of some of the most enlightening teachings as part of my brief time with Gary and our nurturing yoga family.   And with that let's breathe into the show!   Keep up with Davidson Yoga Therapy:  https://www.davidsonyogatherapy.com   Follow Davidson Yoga Therapy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DavidsonYogaTherapy/   Listen to our previous conversation using this link: https://www.amedicinalmind.com/podcast-wisdom-and-well-being   Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.

In Episode 025 of A Medicinal Mind Wisdom and Wellbeing, I hold space with one of the most innovative and genuine hearts in the ancestral and integrative health space, Mickey Trescott. Mickey is a certified Nutritional Therapy Practitioner seeking to help people find creative solutions to preparing, cooking, and succeeding on allergen-free diets. She is the author of the best-selling book, The Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook, co-author of The Autoimmune Wellness Handbook and co-host of The Autoimmune Wellness Podcast with her friend and colleague Angie Alt. While many of you listening to this podcast may have heard Mickey's moving story before, in today's conversation, Mickey shares some of the newest evolving pieces of her calling and mission to help hundreds heal from chronic autoimmune disease. In the podcast, we dig into Mickey's recent work educating and training nutritional therapy practitioners fluent in applying targeted dietary and lifestyle approaches for various medical conditions, including some of the most devastating autoimmune diseases currently with few answers in the traditional medical model. We explore the greater social movement behind Mickey and Angie's work, seeking to increase awareness, education and empowerment so that any individual or family can make informed and nourishing choices to support optimal wellbeing. We all agree that while information alone will not change the epidemic of chronic disease, there are still hundreds and thousands of individuals completely unaware that there are dietary and lifestyle approaches that can halt and even reverse their autoimmune disease. Getting in the heart of the episode Mickey and I then explore a landmark study recently published involving the implementation of Angie Alt's uniquely designed phased elimination and lifestyle protocol based on the principles of the autoimmune paleo diet. I cannot encourage you enough to check out this study available on our podcast page and steep in the insights from Mickey and her partner Angie as they continue to hold a space for those seeking to heal from autoimmune disease.  I was so grateful to have this conversation with Mickey and am so thankful to call her a friend, sharing a space for innovators trying to break new ground towards a future of happy, healthy and flourishing human beings. I really hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did and please share it with your family, colleagues and friends. I truly cannot recall a more a joyful and authentic conversation as part of this podcast. And with that, let's dig into the show. Follow Mickey: http://autoimmunewellness.com Sign up from her page to get the QUICK START guide for AIP! Check out her books below Autoimmune Wellness Handbook https://www.amazon.com/Autoimmune-Wellness-Handbook-Chronic-Illness/dp/1623367298 Autoimmune Paleo Cookbook https://www.amazon.com/Autoimmune-Paleo-Cookbook-Allergen-Free-Approach/dp/0578135213/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_14_img_0?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=H5GNA2JDWA7D3JKRW0Q6 To explore the study: Efficacy of the Autoimmune Protocol Diet for Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Follow this link to download this groundbreaking OPEN ACCESS paper https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28858071 Listen to all of our previous conversation using this link: https://www.amedicinalmind.com/podcast-wisdom-and-well-being    Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.

In Episode 024, I interview Mackay Rippey, a New York Licensed acupuncturist who specializes in the treatment of Chronic Lyme Disease. Mackay first started his study of acupuncture in 1989 at the Maryland Institute of Integrative Health and has been in practice for more than 25 years. For the last several years, he has been a pioneer in the field of chronic lyme disease bringing free content to thousands suffering from chronic illness as part of his website and podcast Lyme Ninja Radio.  As you will hear in the show, I was quite fortunate to stumble across Mackay and his work, and am so grateful to have connected with his passion for helping those suffering with chronic lyme. Mackay starts us off with his unique background and persistence to finally discover his calling in acupuncture. He then leads us into his own experience with lyme  and how it inspired him to broaden his view, seeking to help others through his podcast and blog. We then get really practical and down to earth in this discussion, as Mackay and I dig into the disease process behind lyme, the current evolving state of diagnosis and the interplay between the body's immune response and the presence of various viral and bacterial pathogens. Mackay offers his advice for patients who are suffering and worried they may be afflicted by chronic lyme.  Mackay provides us with some recent insights as part of forays into the newest cutting edge research behind lyme and lyme treatment. Asking questions such as:  What are Bioflims? Are antibiotics able to penetrate these bacterial colonies? What alternatives are there to antibiotics in treating lyme? How important are stress management practices and dietary modifications to healing from lyme? How about neuro-psychiatric manifestations of lyme disease. ​Mackay's wealth of knowledge and curiosity is a blessing to thousands seeking wellness. I hope you enjoy this conversation and be sure to check out Mackay's page and podcast to dig deeper into lyme disease. Without further adieu, let's start the show! To learn more about his amazing work, visit his website at: ​ http://www.mackayrippey.com To hear more exciting news stay tuned at: http://lymeninjaradio.com And to hear more amazing podcasts, listen in at: http://lymeninjaradio.com/blog-boxed-grid-2/ Listen to our other exciting podcasts on our website using this link: https://www.amedicinalmind.com/podcast-wisdom-and-well-being     Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only. ​​

In Episode 023 of A Medicinal Mind: Wisdom and Wellbeing, I plunge head first into the world of inorganic chemistry, minerals and metals with the man known affectionately as the “Magnesium Man”: Morley Robbins. Morley is one of the foremost experts on Magnesium's role in the body, as well as the delicate dance that this “Conductor of the Orchestra of Minerals” plays with Calcium. Morley has also recently feverently explored  the body's dynamic regulation of CopperIron Metabolism and its relation to multiple chronic disease states. As a certified health coach, Morley has specialized expertise in interpreting mineral metabolism, particularly as impacted by “Stressors!” that are revealed in both HTMAs (Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis) and a specialized blood panel that he devised. He has now performed over 4,500 one-on-one consultations with clients around the world.  In 2012, Morley founded the Magnesium Advocacy Group (http://gotmag.org). Shortly thereafter, he created the Magnesium Advocacy Group on Facebook as way to further spread his research regarding the innumerable roles of magnesium in the body as well as the delicate balance or imbalance of iron, copper and magnesium. Today's conversation is one not meant for a single listening, but rather for a series of inquiries as we collectively open to the mysteries of human mineral metabolism. Digging in quickly, we explore some basics behind mineral metabolism, who are the main players, what is magnesium responsible for in the first place? How about Fe? Copper? As Morley sheds light on the intricate regulation of these minerals, we begin to uncover the all too frequent scenario of chronic inflammation and increasing oxidative stress and its relation to relative iron overload, as well as copper and magnesium deficiency. Getting a little gritty, we begin to ask some interesting questions such as What are the implications of the modern lifestyle on magnesium metabolism and overall health? Is iron overload and the associated oxidative burden more common than we thought and does iron overload pose a greater threat than is currently espoused. Is iron fortification really helping us? And what in the world is copper deficiency anemia? I really hope you take the time to listen to this podcast, possibly in bit sized chunks or on a couple occasions to really tackle some of the ideas and concepts presented by Morley and myself. As you will hear in the episode, I am already planning to have Morley back on the show to get even more into the weeds of mineral metabolism and human health. I encourage you to check out the links on the podcast page  as well to read more about Morley's work and some of his additional discussions on the topics of magnesium, iron and copper metabolism ​We thank you guys for tuning in and as always  appreciate your support. As we move into the Fall season, we express our gratitude for your presence and  for your choice to spend some of precious moments in your day with us. We hope you enjoy the show! Listen into Lyme Ninja Radio Podcast with Morley: http://lymeninjaradio.com/152-morley-robbins/  Learn more about Root Cause Protocol: http://gotmag.org/the-root-cause-protocol/ ​ And join his Facebook group using this link:  ​https://www.facebook.com/groups/MagnesiumAdvocacy/ Listen to our previous podcasts using this link: https://www.amedicinalmind.com/podcast-wisdom-and-well-being     Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.  

Rob and his close friend, a fourth year medicine student, Caroline Ruminski share with us their time impacting children in the most most positive way possible. Rob and Caroline reflect upon the wisdom within children and the many creative ways in which they express it. Together Rob and Caroline rest in the messages of the Lord, while the kids reveal how to never stop playing with His faithful words. This video showcases their wonderful work at their church, Cornerstone Community Church.     You can listen to the rest of our podcasts using this link: https://www.amedicinalmind.com/podcast-wisdom-and-well-being   Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.

In Episode 022 of A Medicinal Mind: Wisdom and Wellbeing, I have an exploratory conversation with pioneering researcher, behavioral scientist, and sleep guru: Dan Pardi. While many of you listening to this may know Dan from his passion for studying and improving your sleep, utilizing an ancestral framework through the study of hunter gatherer movement and sleep patterns, perhaps you are unaware of his background in a wellness world that extends far beyond the bedsheets.   Dan is the CEO of humanOS.me, an investigator initiated sponsored research association which leverages a novel behavior model to promote health fluency, skill development, and lifestyle insights to help people master their health practice. He does research with the Zeitzer Lab in the Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Department at Stanford, and in the Departments of Neurology and Endocrinology at Leiden University in the Netherlands where he investigates how lifestyle factors, like sleep, influence decision making, cognitive performance, and metabolism. Dan also works with Naval Special Warfare to help the most elite fighters in the world maintain alertness and capable mental performance under challenging circumstances. I could go on about Dan's accolades and impressive resume, but the truth is, Dan's passions do not actually rest in the pocket of your jacket or on the shiny screen of your new electronic device. Dan's life's work is deeply and profoundly rooted in his passion for discovering how exactly to help people live healthfully.   In this podcast, as I alluded to in the beginning of the introduction, we shake things up from the standard story of sleep to uncover a little bit more behind the man just trying to get you a little bit healthier.   We explore Dan's background and amazing journey through research institutions and pharmaceutical tech to arrive at his current work in the world of practically applied self tracking, or quantified self.   We start to ask and answer some of the big questions when it comes to applying health tracking devices or quantified self in the clinical context   What is Quantified Self or Biohacking anyway?   What currently are the most common techniques for supporting positive behaviour change?   Does it come from Doctors? Health Coaches? Digital Social Support Groups? iPhone Apps?   We then dig into Dan's newest endeavour the previously mentioned innovative program humanos.me   What is it exactly?   What is its intention? Mission going forward?   What measures are you tracking with this program and how?   And of course, does it actually help?   We then enter a discussion covering some of the pressing topics facing the functional and ancestral health movements as a whole.   Why do functional medicine clinicians need technologies such as humanos to track and deliver health education.   How can we practically tomorrow implement and start using some of this technology?   How many measures are too much? And are there actually any downsides to tracking biometrics?   Will we lose intuition, and simply become tech robots even more reliant on our digital devices to survive?   Dan ends the conversation speculating about the future of health tracking technology, genetics, and the personalized medicine movement as a whole   If you have listened to Dan speak before, and I most certainly have followed his fascinating work, I really think you will find this interview practical, genuine and creatively optimistic.   I was so excited and grateful to have met Dan this past September at the 2017 AHS and cannot wait to continue growing our friendship, bringing the world more insightful discussions and of course nourishing health education and technology.   A big thank you to Dan for taking time to share this conversation with me and through me with you!   So without further adieu, let's dig into the show!   Keep up with Dan via his social media using the links below! Website: humanOS.me Twitter: twitter.com/humanOS_me Facebook: facebook.com/humanOS.me Podcast: soundcloud.com/humanOSRadio YouTube: youtube.com/humanOSme   Listen to all of our previous podcasts using this link: http://www.amedicinalmind.com/podcast-wisdom-and-well-being   Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.

In Episode 021 of A Medicinal Mind: Wisdom and Wellbeing, we get into the world of mindfulness, meditation and the capacity of these practices, to relieve suffering and promote flourishing with founder of the Long Island Center for Mindfulness, Cory Muscara.   To put it simply, Cory is one of the most fascinating people I have ever met. While we are all unique, yet paradoxically all of one collective whole, Cory's background and experiences are quite astonishing.   Cory Muscara is the founder of the Long Island Center for Mindfulness, where he utilizes his extensive professional training in Mindfulness, Positive Psychology, and Integrative Health Coaching to facilitate a client's creation of, and movement toward, their optimal vision of health and wellbeing.   Cory has undergone professional training to integrate mindfulness within healthcare, schools, and businesses, through teacher training programs in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) at UMass Medical School with Jon Kabat-Zinn, Mindful Schools, Search Inside Yourself, and Breathworks Chronic Pain. He has completed his Integrative Health Coach training at Duke Integrative Medicine, is a 200-Hour Certified Yoga Instructor, and holds a Masters degree in Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) from the University of Pennsylvania. In 2012, Cory spent six months in silence practicing mindfulness meditation 14+ hours a day as a Buddhist Monk in Southeast Asia. The experience taught him how powerful mindfulness can be as a transformative practice for cultivating greater peace, clarity, wisdom, and wellbeing in one's life, and became the inspiring force behind his mission to share this work with others. Cory currently serves as faculty at Columbia Teachers College where he teaches mindfulness to school leaders and principals, and is an assistant instructor for the Master of Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) at the University of Pennsylvania, where he completed his graduate work. Cory has presented mindfulness to organizations such as Johnson & Johnson, Travelers, Prudential Insurance; universities such as NYU, Wharton Business School, and Dartmouth; a number of hospitals and healthcare systems in the New York area; and he regularly appears on the Dr. Oz show as a guest expert in the topic of mindfulness meditation. Cory's teachings and work with students stem from a deep passion for helping others, and personal experience with the transformative power of mindfulness, coaching, and positive psychology. He looks forward to helping you realize the same benefits he and his students have come to experience through this work.     Formally speaking, Cory has undergone professional training to integrate mindfulness within healthcare, schools, and businesses, through teacher training programs in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) at UMass Medical School with Jon Kabat-Zinn, Mindful Schools, Search Inside Yourself, and Breathworks Chronic Pain. He has completed his Integrative Health Coach training at Duke Integrative Medicine, is a 200-Hour Certified Yoga Instructor, and holds a Masters degree in Applied Positive Psychology (MAPP) from the University of Pennsylvania.   Positive Yoga Coaching anyone?   And just to make things interesting, in 2012, Cory spent six months in silence practicing mindfulness meditation 14+ hours a day as a Buddhist Monk in Southeast Asia. The experience taught him how powerful mindfulness can be as a transformative practice for cultivating greater peace, clarity, wisdom, and wellbeing in one's life, and became the inspiring force behind his mission to share this work with others.   In our show, Cory and I have a curious discussion about mindfulness and meditation. What in the world do we mean when we say mindfulness anyway?   Cory reflects on his background and rather remarkable course to get to his current work with the Long Island Center for Mindfulness.   As part of the discussion, Cory lays out in exquisite detail, some of his approaches to cultivating a meditative practice with others, providing one of the most insightful practical examples I have ever heard when it comes to describing the meditative experience.   Digging deeper, I push Cory to explore the word spirituality and ask him to draw upon his unique experiences to share his views of the world “spirituality” and perhaps what we should adopt as a more unifying collective perspective.   Not wanting to forget the medical applications, Cory shares some of his knowledge having trained as a health coach incorporating principles of mindfulness and positive psychology into his work. In the end, we conclude the discussion exploring Cory's work expanding the practices of mindfulness and meditation with youth and the family environment.   Cory even closes the show with one of the best endings we have had to date, perhaps only second to the hauntingly beautiful story told by my mentor Dr. Greg Gelburd at the end of Episode 010.   I am so excited to share this conversation with you and incredibly grateful to have connected with Cory, thanks again to the thoughtfulness of another previous podcast guest, our resident positive Mapster Grace Cormier.   And don't worry, Cory and Grace will certainly be back for more discussions and we further unpack the power of positive psychology coupled with a dedicated mindfulness practice.   If you enjoy the show, please don't forget to share your thoughts as part of a review in I-Tunes. I struggle enough trying to figure out Facebook and the best ways to grow our community, so from all of us at A Medicinal Mind, we would be grateful for your kind words as part of a review in I-Tunes. And as always, we encourage you to share the show and all the offerings on our main page to others in your life that you believe would benefit, all in the effort furthering this joyful conversation.   Thank you as always and we hope you enjoy the show!   To learn more about Cory's current work with the Long Island Center for Mindfulness click on the link below: http://www.mindfulnessmeditationnyc.com/mbsr-nyc-teachers/cory-muscara   To learn more about Cory's exciting and powerful work use the link below to access his website: http://www.corymuscara.com   To access all of our previous podcasts you may use this link: http://www.amedicinalmind.com/podcast-wisdom-and-well-being   Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.

In episode 020 of A Medicinal Mind: Wisdom and Wellbeing, I have a conversation with my new close friend, and pioneering nurse Shawna Curry. I recently met Shawna just a few weeks back at 2017 The Ancestral Health Symposium in Seattle, Washington where she presented some rather fascinating insights into the application of the Western Medicine acute triage process as part of her practice of lifestyle medicine and the reversal of chronic diseases. Shawna's background is incredibly unique, currently working as a nurse on an acute neurology unit, she has training in both kinesiology and personal training, but currently spends much of her time practicing as part of her company Your Lifestyle Strategy, helping numerous clients engage in the process of cultivating optimal well-being.  As an Amazon bestselling author, Shawna is committed to helping people become the happiest and healthiest versions of themselves. Over nearly two decades, she has made her mark in the health and wellness space with live speaking engagements, published health articles, podcast appearances and personalized health coaching. This variety of experience has built a community of clients who benefit from her special form of intimate and inspiring health and wellness information. In 2014, Shawna launched her company, Your Lifestyle Strategy. Over the past three years, this company has been dedicated to total-health solutions and all of the aspects of healthy living including fitness, sleep, nutrition, self-help and overall lifestyle strategies. You can be part of her movement by taking charge of your own health today. In today's podcast Shawna and I discuss the foundations of this triage process and her overall clinical approach, exploring the complex intersection between lifestyle habits within the areas of sleep, stress management, diet, and exercise with a person's digestive and gastrointestinal health, all in the context of the patient's current circumstances, known medical conditions and familial or genetic predispositions. Shawna continue and shares her amazing visual description of this lifestyle matrix, and the practical and flexible tools she uses with her patients to personalized their “prescriptions” for wellness. Are you a new mother, taking care of a newborn with little to no regularity in your sleep pattern, perhaps your focus and foundation should be on the other three areas of Shawna's lifestyle table, recognizing that if another leg in the four is significantly compromised, it may result in a spiral of suffering and emerging illness. Shawna's passion is evident in her voice as well as her writing, most notably so in her recently released book: Healthy By Choice: Your Blueprint for Vital Living. While we discuss in the podcast many of the ideas and frameworks presented in Shawna' book, I strongly encourage you to seek out your own copy and uncover some of its simple, yet remarkably relevant tools for helping you optimize the areas of your life for which you actually have realistic control. I am so grateful to have met Shawna, bonding over our shared passion for reversing chronic disease, and currently doing so in the environment of traditional, Western medicine.  Shawna as a nurse and pioneering lifestyle coach, and myself as a young doctor just trying to figure out what allows people to truly flourish, we are collectively dedicated to remaining curious and challenging the things we think we know. We encourage you to check out the notes on the podcast page for links to follow Shawna and check out her new book. And from everyone at the medicinal mind team, we say thank you for your presence in this curious exploration, for it is your encouragement and unconditional gratitude that gives us the energy to continue holding a space for all to flourish and for suffering to finally cease. We hope you enjoy the show. ​ ​To reach Shawna, you can access her website, twitter, and instagram pages using the links below   This link to my website will take you directly to my Amazon best selling book! Facebook: Shawna Curry: Your Lifestyle Strategy Twitter: @takechargeyyc ​Instagram: yourlifestylestrategy Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.

In Episode 019 of A Medicinal Mind: Wisdom and Wellbeing I share a conversation with integrative psychiatrist Will Van Derveer MD. As you will hear in the podcast, I first came across Will as part of his joint presentation with Dr. Janet Settle on the February 2017 edition of the Evolution of Medicine's Functional Forum: the Evolution of Integrative Psychiatry. Serendipitously, before I had a chance to reach out to Will to thank him for his inspiring presentation, he contacted me following the release of my E-Book on Integrative and Functional Medicine Education, and a friendship was born.  Will Van Derveer, MD is the founder and medical director of the Integrative Psychiatric Healing Center in Boulder, CO, where he has practiced integrative psychiatry for 15 years. Dr. Van Derveer is a diplomate of the American Board of Integrative and Holistic Medicine (ABoIHM) since 2013, and he was board certified in the first wave of diplomates of the new American Board of Integrative Medicine (ABIM) in 2016. He is course director for the University of Colorado psychiatry residents' course on integrative psychiatry, and is a co-founder and core faculty of the in-depth integrative psychiatry training program, The Psychiatry Masterclass. Dr. Van Derveer regards emotional trauma as a significant root cause of psychiatric symptoms in integrative psychiatry practice, along with gut issues, hormone imbalances, inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and other functional medicine problems. He provides to most of his patients somatic psychotherapy for trauma recovery. Trained as a meditation instructor, he teaches mindfulness to his patients. In addition to his clinical work and teaching, he was co-investigator in 2016 a Phase II randomized clinical trial of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for treatment-resistant post-traumatic stress disorder, sponsored by the Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), the protocol of which has recently been approved by FDA for an upcoming phase III clinical trial. In our conversation, we dig in deep as Will shares his revolutionary framework for approaching mental illness, one where Will recognizes a trinity of interconnected and primary contributions to a patient's present illness including psychospiritual disturbance, physiologic imbalances and a patient's specific presenting symptoms. Will provides us with some practical methods for using lifestyle approaches to address chronic mental illness and outlines how he incorporates both medications and lifestyle medicine in his practice. We explore some of the fascinating science behind the bidirectional gut brain axis and the influence of various dietary and environmental factors such as gluten and glyphosate to disrupt one's optimal functioning.  Seeking to revise or perhaps dispel the currently espoused neurotransmitter imbalance theory of mental illness, Will walks us through the inflammatory cytokine or the inflammatory brain hypothesis and its power, in combination with the exploration of adverse and traumatic experiences to explain much of our current mental health crisis.​ IMPORTANT LINKS  Follow Will and his work  www.willvanderveer.com To take part in the revolutionary Psychiatry Masterclass  www.psychiatrymasterclass.com To watch Will and Janet's Presentation at the February 2017 Functional Forum   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqQdkyYzXgU Will offers up some of his personal research as well, working with psychedelics in combination with various forms of cognitive therapy in order to help those suffering with PTSD and others negatively impacted by adverse childhood experiences. We even dabble in exploring the emerging field of genetics, pharmacogenomics and the role of genetic testing to inform treatment in mental illness. There was so much to cover in this podcast, and we will certainly have Will back for more of his insights and wisdom. If you enjoy the show, please leave comments on our podcast page, follow us on Facebook and consider leaving a review in I-Tunes. We are always inspired to hear your thoughts and recommendations for future podcasts or articles! I am grateful as always to have such passionate speakers on the show and look forward to bringing you more episodes as we continue this amazing journey called life. Enjoy the show! To listen in on our previous conversations, click this link: http://www.amedicinalmind.com/podcast-wisdom-and-well-being     Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.    

In Episode 018 of A Medicinal Mind: Wisdom and Wellbeing I share an amazing conversation with my new friend, mindful mom, and meditation pioneer, Anna Gannon. Anna is a mom, the Community and Editorial Lead at Expectful, a Writer and a Yoga & Meditation Teacher. Her work has been featured on The Huffington Post, MindBodyGreen, Yoga Today and The Expectful Blog. Anna is passionate about the importance of the mind, body, and sometimes baby connection. Her mission is to improve women's emotional health during their fertility, pregnancy and new motherhood experience by sharing open and honest stories, educating them on the benefits of meditation and movement and most importantly, letting them know they are never alone. As you will hear in the podcast, Anna's story is beyond remarkable and one that speaks to the beautiful randomness of this life when we finally surrender to the entirely unexplainable.  In our  conversation Anna opens up about her journey as the Community and Editorial Lead with Expectful, a web and mobile based app designed to support mothers and mothers-to-be in developing and maintaining a meditation practice, supporting the health of their child to be as well as their own. In the podcast, Anna describes the fascinating creative process behind each of Expectful's meditation and the vision for the group going forward as they seek to support women at all stages of life Digging deeper, Anna and I explore how exactly we can best support mothers months before conception and for months after the birth of a child. Should meditation and support for mind-body practices be as routine as prenatal vitamins? We then discuss some of the barriers faced by mothers and families throughout a pregnancy and the benefits of engaging in a meditation practice, carrying mindfulness into all aspects of one's life. Anna's authentic story is touching beyond measure and left me on more than one occasion with chills and joyful disbelief. I encourage you to check out the show notes for links to connect with Anna and try out Expectful for yourself. As you will hear from my own mouth, being male or not pregnant is certainly not an excuse to explore some of Expectful's meditations. Whether you are a clinician looking to help your patients or a supporting partner trying to grow your connection with your loved ones, I truly believe you will find peace and presence with Expectful and it's thoughtful meditations. I am so thankful for Anna's pioneering work, and beyond grateful to have connected over our shared mission to support the flourishing of mothers, father and babies to be! We really hope you enjoy the show! ​Learn more through guided meditation for your fertility, pregnancy, and motherhood journey with Expectful, find us on the app store, and follow our podcast conversations by typing in "Expectful".  To access all of our previous podcasts episodes click this link: http://www.amedicinalmind.com/podcast-wisdom-and-well-being   Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.

In Episode 017 of A Medicinal Mind: Wisdom and Well Being, I engage in a practical conversation with my close friend and fellow functional medicine advocate Mike Etlinger. Mike and I first crossed paths after a synchronous email following my guest podcast appearance with functional medicine practitioner Dr. Michael Ruscio. Mike is a Full Stack Web Developer living in Brooklyn, NY. When he's not coding, he enjoys cooking, hiking, and riding his bike all around the boroughs. He believes that the best way to manage your health is to empower yourself with the knowledge and skills to make healthy choices. Mike is on a mission to help others, armed with his experience managing his Psoriasis and all the health woes that come with it.   As you will hear in the podcast, Mike's background is quite unique, however, his personal story of losing his health as result of an overall unsustainable and less than optimal lifestyle during his college years is one that is becoming much too common in today's world.   In our conversation, Mike opens up about his personal journey as a young man seeking to recover his health, searching for answers outside of traditional medical structures, eventually beginning a path to restoring his wellness working alongside Dr. Ruscio and his progressive functional medicine practice.   In the podcast, Mike outlines some of the most important lessons he has learned from being a patient seeking to educate himself and find the right functional medicine clinician to meet his needs.   Asking such questions as:   Is the practitioner compatible with my needs in this moment? Do I need some encouragement or a stern source of external accountability? Will I have freedom to experiment or will things be more protocol driven? And what about my emotional needs? Will these be met or just my nutritional deficiencies?   What is my potential doctor's specific area of expertise? Does is match my primary concerns?   And of course money. What can I expect in terms testing and treatment? Will everything fit within my budget?   Mike also offers some incredible insights on how to best prepare for your visit, making sure to honor and prioritize your needs as well as the time of the practitioner.   Some suggestions from Mike include:   Outlining very clearly your 2-3 primary goals. Get specific, make them attainable, relevant and time sensitive. Picking 2-3 priority areas, symptoms or perceived dysfunctions that you would like to address. Come prepared with a detailed history of what you have tried up to your visit. Medications, supplements, herbals, diets other protocols. Make it easy for the clinician to know what has or hasn't work for you and to what extent you tried various treatments.   We also discuss some of the often overlooked areas of the healing process, focusing on growth and the many positives that can come from an illness or suffering.   Some of the opportunities we discuss include   Building awareness into what nourishes your body, And revealing what hinders its flourishing. Beginning to cultivate gratitude for your symptoms, seeing them as information and the body's attempt at solving an area of dysfunction and not something to simply suppress   And lastly we close discussing Mike's dynamic career change as he now pursues a career in health technology following his personal dive into functional and ancestral health.   Mike shares his recent work developing a food diary app that seeks to aid in one's documentation of overall food quality, allowing an individual to build his or her awareness around food, potentially elucidating a specific food, emotional state or eating environment that is actually negatively impacting one's health.   I was so excited to share this conversation with Mike, and I really hope you enjoy the episode, seeing the real, authentic and practical side of restoring health and promoting one's flourishing.   I am incredibly grateful to Mike for reaching out in the first place many months back, and encourage you to contact Mike from the information in our show notes to hear more about his path and perhaps how you can begin your own journey to restoring your health. Please reach out to mk.etlinger@gmail.com with any questions or comments. To access all of our previous podcasts, you may use this link: http://www.amedicinalmind.com/podcast-wisdom-and-well-being I hope you enjoy the show!     Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.

In Episode 016 of A Medicinal Mind: Wisdom and Wellbeing we share a conversation with Board Certified Family Medicine Physician, avid runner and community health visionary Dr. Josh Emdur.   While Josh is certainly passionate about exercise and sharing his joy for running with his patients, his calling and compassionate service to others is most profoundly embedded in his unrelenting desire to improve the patient doctor relationship and ultimately improve communities most in need.   As you will hear in the podcast, Josh comes from a background and family deeply rooted in medicine, but his unique passions have brought him to pursue an alternative approach to engaging and empowering patients. Josh is one of the newest generation of practitioners practicing telemedicine based Direct Primary Care, as previously outlined in Episode 7 of our podcast with Dr. Spencer Nadolsky DO.  Both Josh and Spencer have partnered with SteadyMD, an organization and platform dedicated to direct primary care and engagement of patients beyond what is possible in a traditional face-to-face medical encounter.   In our conversation today Josh shares much of his background entering the field of family medicine and later pursuing work as a hospitalist in Boulder, Colorado.   Josh shares some of his most insightful wisdom regarding the urgent need to transform healthcare delivery and revitalize the doctor patient relationship.   Together,  we explore topics such as:     What does it mean to be in the profession of medicine? What is a profession in the first place?   What are the most unsustainable aspects of our current medical model and how are Josh and other physicians seeking to change the course of healthcare delivery.     Getting personal we discuss   What does a typical day looks like for Josh when seeing patients as part of SteadyMD?   What can patients expect as part of their partnership in working with Josh? What are the expected benefits as well as the potential downsides? Do you lose anything when seeing patients over telemedicine? And what are emerging communication modalities and health education resources that Josh is using to communicate and encourage patients to make sustainable lifestyle changes.     And lastly we dig into our desperate need to find space and value in a cramped and overburden healthcare system.     Why is time to reflect, think, and further explore the personal needs of each patient so critical, yet remarkably lacking in current, traditional medical models.   How can patients add incredible value to their health care and decrease total cost by partnering with a Direct Primary Care doctor through membership based practices.   I'm incredibly grateful to Josh and all the visionary physicians and leaders at SteadyMD. As we share in the podcast, healthcare is changing and perhaps the only choice now is to decide whether you will be swimming with the flow or against it.   Please seek out Josh via the contact information on our podcast page, and begin to explore the avenues that perhaps you can pursue in partnering with a direct primary care physician, seeking to improve your health and the health of your community.   Please, if you enjoy this podcast, we would really appreciate it if you could leave a review in iTunes or Apple Podcasts so that more listeners can engage with our mindful message.   Thank you as always for your support and we hope you enjoy the show!   To access more information on SteadyMD use this link: https://www.steadymd.com/ ​And to access specific information for runners from Josh on SteadyMD you may use this link: https://www.steadymd.com/running Learn more about how Josh is revolutionizing the Doctor Patient Relationship with SteadyMD by using this link: https://www.boulderdoc.com/​   To listen to all of our previous podcasts, use this link to access them on our website: http://www.amedicinalmind.com/podcast-wisdom-and-well-being   Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.

In Episode 015 of A Medicinal Mind: Wisdom and Wellbeing, we explore the interface between science and spirituality, evolution and creationism, faith and the experimental method. I have a wonderful conversation with a dear friend and honorary family member, former governor of North Carolina and nurturing grandfather Jim Martin.   Jim is a Princeton PhD organic chemist who initially taught at his alma mater Davidson College During that time, he played principal tuba in the Charlotte Symphony and officiated high school football. Drawn to politics as a precinct worker, he was then elected three times as county commissioner, six times to the U.S. Congress, and twice as Governor of North Carolina. After twenty-six years of public service, he returned to his scientific roots in private life to serve as vice president of medical research at Carolinas Medical Center in Charlotte. He and his wife Dottie have three children and five grandchildren in addition to being amazing family friends to my grandparents and all the Abbott's in my loving family.   In our conversation Jim shares some amazing insights regarding the complexities of biology, organic chemistry, and physics as they relate to the current existence of humanity and our universe as a whole.   In distilling down some of the major ideas in his groundbreaking book: Revelation Through Science   Jim provides us with a small glimpse into some foundational scientific principles that perhaps, do not and WILL NEVER PROVE the existence of a God, but do indeed provide evidence POINTING TO the existence of a larger Creator.   Introducing the concepts of irreducible complexities, the remarkable relational geometry of DNA, RNA, sugars, and amino acids, we explore that miraculous machinery that allows for the storage and interpretation of genetic code and the eventual creation of an incredible array of proteins and biologic tissues.   Getting a little geeky, we, as two chemists explore the concepts of chirality or handedness of molecules. Why should we care if something is left handed or right handed? What does it mean to be left handed in the first place?   And what the heck is a enantiomer?   Changing gears, James and I explore Scripture and the biblical text   Can we treat the Bible as a scientific textbook or as a book of relational and interpretive wisdom?   Is it fair to judge the biblical text against our current understanding of the scientific method?   Dancing into the beautiful trinity of sugars, RNA/DNA, and amino acids, Jim creates the wonderful three way chicken, egg and creator conundrum, what came first nucleic acids, or ribose and deoxyribose, or amino acids or perhaps something we don't even currently understand?   I am so grateful to Jim for sharing this space with me and engaging in a thoughtful discussion seeking to bring peace to the supposed dichotomy between science and spirituality, providing a middle ground for individuals to recognize that you can both believe in God and evolution, use the scientific method and rely on faith for understanding.   And please check out Jim's book: Revelation Through Science, it really is a fascinating collection of thoughtful scientific inquiry accessible to both the rigorous scientist and curious layperson.   You can find links to Jim's page and his book in our show notes, as well as slides describing some of the concepts we discuss in the podcast, for those, like myself, who are rather visually inclined.   I really hope you enjoy the show!   Access Jim's website here:: http://www.beatenpathbooks.com/ Access Jim's book here: https://www.amazon.com/Revelation-Through-Science-James-Martin/dp/1524536083   You may access all of our previous podcasts on our website using this link: http://www.amedicinalmind.com/podcast-wisdom-and-well-being   Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.

In Episode 014 of A Medicinal Mind: Wisdom and Wellbeing, I welcome student doctor and my new partner in all things well-being and resilience: Jordyn Feingold. Jordyn, is now a second-year medical student at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISMMS) where she is actively working toward her combined MD/ Master's in Clinical and Translational Research. Before medical school, she attended undergrad and received a master's degree in Applied Positive Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania.  As you will hear in the show Jordyn is a founding member of the student-trainee division of CHARM (the Collaborative for Healing and Renewal in Medicine), a national network of medical students and residents working together with physicians to identify best practices around physician well-being and promote the resilience of medical practitioners.  She is currently the co-chair of the student wellness committee at ISMMS and is working within her own school and with the University of Pennsylvania's Positive Psychology Center to develop resilience trainings for medical students, trainees, and practicing physicians. Most importantly Jordyn rejuvenates by singing, exercising, cooking, and nurturing her relationships with family and friends.  Jordyn and I met as a result of the thoughtful connection from my previous guest in Episode 12: Grace Cormier. Following a short introduction, Jordyn and I were off to the races sharing stories of medical education, positive psychology and how we came to discover what exactly it was we were both called to do. Following our initial smiles and tears of disbelief, our passions for supporting fellow medical trainees has only continued to grow. As you heard in Jordyn's introductory bio, we have recently collaborated to build a new social network of passionate medical trainees dedicated to supporting each other's well being and changing the way medicine is practiced. We are so excited to share this collaborative group with you and as we discuss in the show, please reach out via email and explore the current database of students via the notes on the podcast past to join and share in our collective mission for wellness in medicine. Besides sharing our excitement over this new network, our conversation today explores much of Jordyn's fascinating background bridging early undergraduate coursework in positive psychology with her calling to pursue medicine. Jordyn shares her views on “Positive Medicine,” and details her unique wellness program REVAMP. In the discussion she describes the creation of this unique, six faceted program and her active pursuits to help medical students, residents and physicians successfully focus on all the aspects necessary for living a fulfilled and meaningful life. From physical vitality and relationships, to accomplishment and positive emotions, Jordyn provides us with an amazing introduction to her multifaceted and revolutionary approach and shares her own experience in living it each and every day. Jordyn is perhaps one of the most passionate and visionary individuals I have ever met, and I am beyond grateful for the connection that made our friendship possible. Jordyn will no doubt become a regular guest and contributor on the show and I genuinely believe you will resonate with her passionate mind and creative endeavors. And please, if you enjoy the show, we would greatly appreciate if you could leave a positive review in I-Tunes/Apple Podcasts as this is the single best best way beyond word of mouth for others to find our work. I have been smiling from the beginning of this podcast, astonished by the increasing numbers of listeners with each and every show. I am so thankful for your support and couldn't imagine finding the time or energy to write and record each week while navigate the 70-80 hour work weeks of my family medicine residency program. Your words and support make it all possible and never fail to keep a smile on my face and joy in my heart every step of the way. I hope you enjoy the show! Read more about Jordyn's work on Mount Sinai's MacroMD Blog, or check out her facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/jordynhfeingold/. To access more on CHARM: http://www.im.org/page/charm To see CHARM's Student Network Agreement: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B3W0wxKftwW4dUhyYzY4YmdlWVU And below is the contact information for Charm Student Network jordyn.feingold@gmail.com amedicinalmind@gmail.com To access all of our previous podcasts you may use this link: http://www.amedicinalmind.com/podcast-wisdom-and-well-being   Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only. ​ ​

  My guest today is Max Mishkin. I met Max on our first day of college at the College of William of Mary, almost a decade ago. Together in 2009, we hiked over 300 miles of the Appalachian trail, coursing our way through several southern states including Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee. Since that time, Max has followed his passion for nature and re-dedicated his life to preserving and protecting the outdoor spaces that he loves.   He was worked with the Appalachian Trail Conservancy based in Harper's Ferry WVA and has been a caretaker for the Maryland section of the Appalachian Trail. As part of his work in our natural spaces, Max has documented its beauty through photography and uses it to tell stories of places and the people that love them.   On his site: http://www.mishkinphoto.com Max contributes to the ongoing story of conservation. For as he sees it, photography is a means to connect the essential human experience with the imagery of our most cherished natural wonders, all in an effort to better understand our relationship with nature and the stakes of its preservation.   Whether he is managing his conservation photography company, working as a park ranger or thruhiking the Appalachian Trail, Max's story is all about following your dreams in the face of conventional wisdom.   In our conversation today, Max shares a piece of his life's journey, navigating his way through societal norms to eventually discover that his passion for nature, his spiritual purpose and his practical talents all overlapped as part of his work IN THESE NATURAL SPACES THEMSELVES. Breaking down the walls of work and play, recreation and livelihood, Max offers us a poetic yet realistic portrayal of what can truly happen when you follow your dreams and do what you love. I hope you enjoy this heartwarming conversation from two close friends.   For all those who have struggled with attentional deficit or hyperactivity issues, various learning disabilities and otherwise challenging school and working environments, I believe this episode with Max will touch your spirit, giving you more fire to know what is truly possible when you disregard those who say you cannot, and live in the empowered spirit that says of course you can.   Where to Find and Follow Him http://www.mishkinphoto.com   You can access all of our previous podcasts using this link to our webpage: http://www.amedicinalmind.com/podcast-wisdom-and-well-being   Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.  

In Episode 012 of A Medicinal Mind: Wisdom and Wellbeing, we enter into the world of Positive Psychology with my new friend and visionary researcher Grace Cormier. While Grace's bio may appear linear, straightforward, and precisely planned, the actual story, as you will hear in the podcast, is much more circuitous, yet blessed by courageous leaps of faith. Grace graduated from Carleton College with a B.A. in Psychology and from the University of Pennsylvania with a Master of Applied Positive Psychology. She has extensive experience implementing positive psychology and resilience programs in a wide variety of organizations including the military, public safety, universities, and a professional basketball team. Her academic work focuses on how to foster affective commitment through building cultures that support autonomy, competence, and relatedness. She has a passion for applying positive psychology in organizations to transform cultures, build effective teams, and encourage prosocial behavior. She currently does research with Wharton People Analytics at the University of Pennsylvania.  In the episode, Grace and I hold a joyful conversation, sharing aspects of our life stories and how we both came to study and practice in the field of Positive Psychology in the first place. To get things started, Grace shares with us: A Short History of Positive Psychology What is it exactly? What are the main principles of Positive Psychology, how about practices? And why are we even calling it “Positive” Psychology in the first place? Digging back into the personal we explore: The Many Ways in which Grace has incorporated positive practices into her daily life What are some of the most practical skills and applications? How can I start today with cultivating gratitude? Building from these practices Graces shares some amazing insights on" The Power of Self Talk How we can view setbacks or roadblocks as areas and opportunities of growth How we can reframe our perspective in any situation and become “learned optimists” Following our journey into the practices of Positive Psychology we then transition to a fascinating discussion about:  The Importance of Gratitude and The Concept of Resilience ​ What do we mean exactly when we say Resilience? How can one cultivate resilience and what specific practices from Positive Psychology seem to be most helpful in making one more resilient in the face of stress ​And lastly we close with some final insights and a beautiful piece of wisdom from Grace as she faithfully lives out the practices she most rigorously studies.      I was so grateful to have shared this conversation with Grace and so thankful for the nourishing friendship that emerged from our synchronous connection. I am already looking forward to bringing Grace back on the show to share more of her insights, wisdom and passion for connecting communities by holding a space for happiness to flourish. To learn more about the Positive Psychology Center UPenn you may access their website using this link: http://ppc.sas.upenn.edu To access more information about Wharton People Analytics use this link: https://wpa.wharton.upenn.edu And, to get in touch with Grace you can contact her at:  cormierg@wharton.upenn.edu To access all of our previous podcasts you may use this link to our website: http://www.amedicinalmind.com/podcast-wisdom-and-well-being ​Enjoy the show!   Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.

  Mixing things up this week, I have provided a short commentary on a recent recommendation from the United States Preventative Services Task Force (USPSTF) regarding the efficacy of routine behavioral health counseling for the prevention of cardiovascular disease in healthy adults.   The Recommendation “The USPSTF recommends that primary care professionals individualize the decision to offer or refer adults without obesity who do not have hypertension, dyslipidemia, abnormal blood glucose levels, or diabetes to behavioral counseling to promote a healthful diet and physical activity. Existing evidence indicates a positive but small benefit of behavioral counseling for the prevention of CVD in this population. Persons who are interested and ready to make behavioral changes may be most likely to benefit from behavioral counseling. (C recommendation).”   You may be wondering:   Who/What is the USPSTF and what are their recommendations in the first place?   Who are they directed towards and to whom do they apply?   And most importantly why should I care?   In my commentary I examine some of the details behind this recommendation and the studies that informed it. I dig a little deeper to explore some rather curious questions:   Why don't they recommend counseling for everyone? It seems like it would help?   In what ways did the USPSTF determined “benefit” from such counseling?   What types of health counseling was involved? What modalities were used?   Who was delivering the interventions?   Could we have even expected to see a benefit from such interventions in the first place?   How would you decide if nutrition counseling was helpful to you? Is preventing cardiovascular enough or relevant? And pushing still I begin to open some doors  and push some buttons examining   What does a Grade C recommendation mean when it comes to insurance? payment? Will this type of service be covered?   Were the interventions studied  “unsuccessful” because of the participants or was it the content and delivery? Are we actually telling patients the right things when it comes to nutrition and exercise?   What if we studied counseling for sleep, stress management and social connection? Would we see a benefit with these types of interventions? Is this where we should look to next?   And lastly I leave the discussion with a note on motivation, purpose and the willingness to change- is motivation and willingness to change a prerequisite for making meaningful lifestyle changes? Should we only educate those that seem interested to change?   I really hope you enjoy this commentary and want to hear from you!   Leave comments on our podcast page, contact us at using our contact page or send an email to  amedicinalmind@gmail.com. We would love to hear from you and wish to know if this type of podcast is something you would like more of in the future.   May you be happy, healthy and forever at peace.   Disclaimer: The content at A Medicinal Mind and the content of our podcast are educational and informational in nature. They are not intended to be medical advice, spiritual counsel or a substitute for working with a health professional or a trained spiritual counselor. We cannot guarantee the outcome of any of the recommendations provided on our page or by the guests on our podcast and any statements written or made about any potential outcomes are expressions of opinion only.