Keeping Abreast with Dr. Jenn

Dr. Jenn Simmons talks with Dr. Robin Berzin about her path from an unexpected pre-med background to conventional medical training, then into functional medicine and entrepreneurship. The conversation covers the roots of Robin's interest in prevention, her early exposure to health and nutrition, and how she built Parsley Health into a national, insurance-covered practice.In this episode, they discuss why functional medicine can work alongside conventional care, how to think about root causes instead of symptom suppression alone, and what it takes to scale a health care company without losing clinical rigor. Robin also shares the realities of fundraising, leadership, and protecting her own health while building a company and raising three kids.Key topicsDr. Robin Berzin's origin story, from international relations and economics to medicineHow a college thesis on hormone-treated beef helped shape her interest in public health, nutrition, and cancer riskWhy she did not initially see herself as a science person, and how she later reframed medicine as pattern recognition and synthesisThe role of her father's internal medicine background, and why she still did not assume medicine was her pathHow yoga, meditation, organic food, and personal health experiences deepened her interest in prevention and whole-person careWhat functional medicine means in practice: using the same medical tools, but focusing on root causes, personalization, and preventionWhy Robin saw a need to standardize and scale functional medicine through Parsley HealthThe tension between conventional medicine and alternative medicine, and why she rejects all-or-nothing thinkingExamples of root-cause thinking, including recurrent UTIs, migraines, autoimmune disease, infertility, and chronic fatigueThe challenge of building trust with insurers through outcomes data, cost savings, and reduced utilizationWhat it took to raise capital as a female founder with no MBA and no prior business backgroundHow leadership changed as Parsley grew from a small team to a 120-person companyThe importance of listening to patients, not just investors or skeptics, when making company decisionsHow Robin maintains her own health with sleep, supplements, meditation, food choices, exercise, and self-monitoringHer hope that evidence-based functional medicine becomes part of standard primary careTimestamps00:00 - Why Dr. Robin Berzin stands out in functional medicine 01:22 - The unexpected path from undergrad to medicine 02:26 - A thesis on hormone-treated beef and public health 04:35 - Early exposure to cancer prevention and health research 06:12 - Having a doctor father, but not seeing medicine as an obvious path 07:01 - Why medicine is more about synthesis than equations 09:22 - Strengths that matter in clinical practice 10:56 - From conventional med school to a functional medicine career 12:40 - What functional medicine actually means 14:14 - Yoga, food, and becoming more aware of health 16:18 - Research, ADHD trials, and early clues about her own ADHD 18:12 - Early exposure to Mark Hyman and Dr. Oz 20:31 - Why Parsley Health was built to fix access and consistency problems 21:24 - Real outcomes from functional medicine care 22:33 - Why medicine should use both conventional and functional tools 23:47 - Root-cause care for UTIs and migraines 25:09 - Functional medicine versus paint-by-numbers primary care 26:04 - Making functional medicine accessible through a national platform 27:24 - The courage required to build a company while practicing medicine 28:29 - Trial, error, and the first steps as a founder 31:20 - Bootstrapping the first version of Parsley 33:28 - Building a patient base and hiring the first team 34:32 - Raising a first round as a female founder 36:11 - The fear and pressure of taking investor money 37:30 - Learning fundraising with help from other women in venture 38:26 - Why fundraising never really ends 39:23 - How investor relationships changed as Parsley grew 41:28 - Why medicine did not prepare her for executive leadership 42:16 - The hardest lessons in hiring and management 44:15 - When investor priorities pushed the company off course 46:17 - Choosing company survival while staying true to the mission 47:45 - Parsley's broader mission and why health care costs are unsustainable 49:34 - Why functional medicine should become standard primary care 50:01 - Using outcomes data to win over insurers 52:25 - Why people assumed Parsley was only for the “worried well” 53:29 - How the medical community has responded over time 54:20 - The rise of longevity medicine and ongoing skepticism 56:52 - Dark nights of the soul during fundraising and board conflict 59:51 - How Robin protects her own mental and physical health 62:52 - Sleep, data, and the reality of life as a busy founder 64:03 - Travel routines, intermittent fasting, and skincare 65:53 - What she hopes medicine will look like when her career is done 68:17 - Why impact is fastest when you stay in your lane 70:18 - Food dyes, public health priorities, and respecting different missions 73:16 - Curiosity, skepticism, and keeping the lamps lit 74:24 - What Parsley Health offers now and how to work with the teamConnect with Dr Robin Berzin & Parsley Health:Website: https://www.parsleyhealth.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robinberzinmd/To talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working with Dr. Jenn visit: https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/clarity-callTo get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuideConnect with Dr. Jenn:Website:  https://www.perfeqtionimaging.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

Dr. Jenn Simmons and Dr. Erica Schwartz on hormones, individualized care, and questioning mainstream medicineDr. Jenn Simmons sits down with Dr. Erica Schwartz for a candid conversation about women's health, hormone replacement, and the importance of individualized care. They discuss why hormone therapy is gaining renewed attention, why many providers are not adequately trained to prescribe it, and how patients can make more informed decisions about their health.They also explore breast screening, overdiagnosis, metabolic health, medical fear, and the value of having a trusted provider who looks at the whole person. Together, Dr. Jenn and Dr. Schwartz challenge one-size-fits-all medicine and make the case for thoughtful, relationship-based care.What You'll Learn:Why hormone therapy requires better provider education, not just wider accessHow outdated medical training continues to affect women's healthWhy individualized care is often more important than rigid protocols The difference between breast cancer prevention, diagnosis, and overdiagnosisWhy metabolic health is central to breast health and long-term wellnessHow watchful waiting can sometimes be safer than immediate testing or biopsyWhy progesterone and synthetic progestins should not be treated as the same thingWhat women should consider before using supplements, peptides, or extreme dietsWhy having a trusted healthcare provider can prevent conflicting and unnecessary treatmentsHow patients can question medical assumptions while taking greater responsibility for their health Timestamps00:00 - Why hormone conversations are surging and why training matters02:10 - Dr. Schwartz's path from conventional medicine to individualized care04:00 - Medical paternalism, discrimination, and resistance to change15:46 - Why mammography is diagnosis, not prevention17:32 - Hormone replacement, oral estrogen, and breast cancer concerns24:07 - Perimenopause labels, social media, and inadequate training30:30 - Why relationships matter more than protocols and lab results43:13 - Watchful waiting, breast biopsies, and the value of doing less45:55 - Metabolic health as a foundation for breast cancer prevention56:34 - Questioning mammography and taking responsibility for your care60:08 - Why modern medicine needs more time for patient relationshipsTo talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working with Dr. Jenn visit: https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/clarity-callTo get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuideConnect with Dr. Jenn:Website:  https://www.perfeqtionimaging.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

Dr. Jenn Simmons and Dr. Bradley Campbell unpack why autoimmune disease is rising, why so many patients are dismissed for years, and why symptom suppression alone often makes things worse. This conversation focuses on root causes, especially gut dysfunction, stress, and immune triggers, and explains why individualized care matters more than one-size-fits-all treatment.Dr. Campbell shares how his work evolved from injury care into complex autoimmune cases, while Dr. Simmons brings the perspective of conventional medicine, cancer care, and the limits of training that does not teach health optimization.Key topicsIn this episode, Dr. Simmons opens with a blunt critique of how poorly autoimmune disease is understood in conventional medicine, especially when labs are “normal” but patients are clearly unwell.Dr. Campbell explains how autoimmune cases found him through patients with chronic, rare, and complex conditions that mainstream care could not resolve.We discuss the gap between medical training and real-world health care, including the difference between knowing how to prescribe and knowing how to create health.Dr. Simmons and Dr. Campbell agree that the system rewards sickness management, not healing, and that insurance incentives often push short visits, prescriptions, and procedures over root-cause work.In this episode: low iron is treated as a major red flag for digestive dysfunction, malabsorption, celiac disease, low enzymes, or bile flow problems, not just a number to supplement away.We discuss why proton pump inhibitors can create long-term digestive problems by reducing stomach acid, impairing digestion, and contributing to dysbiosis and infection risk.Dr. Campbell outlines his autoimmune screening approach, including ANA, ENA panels, thyroid antibodies, hormone testing, food sensitivity workups, and broader root-cause diagnostics.The autoimmune triad comes up in detail: genetics, gut dysfunction, and a trigger such as physical trauma, infection, medication, food reaction, or emotional stress.We discuss parasites as a controversial but real variable in some autoimmune cases, especially in the context of protozoa, gut imbalance, and chronic thyroid issues.Dr. Simmons and Dr. Campbell both push back on rigid diets and medical absolutism, arguing for individualized decisions around grains, dairy, nightshades, and autoimmune protocols.The conversation closes with a strong emphasis on stress, nervous system overload, childhood trauma, and the need for quiet, reflection, and community without constant screen input.Timestamps00:00 - Why autoimmune disease is exploding and often missed for years 03:15 - How Dr. Campbell's path shifted from music and injuries to autoimmune care 06:23 - Why medical training is a foundation, not a complete education in health 08:49 - Doctors as well-intentioned players inside a broken system 11:10 - Why screening versus symptom-based testing must be treated differently 13:20 - Autoimmune disease is highly individualized, even when diagnoses look similar 14:23 - Why celiac disease is often found only after a breast cancer diagnosis 16:36 - Why 30 patients a day leaves no room for root-cause medicine 19:34 - Insurance incentives reward sickness instead of health 23:55 - Years of delayed diagnosis and the cost of being told labs are “normal” 26:52 - Low iron as a clue to digestion, not just iron deficiency 28:19 - Why stomach acid matters for digestion, immune protection, and bile signaling 31:03 - How Heidelberg testing evaluates stomach acidity in real time 33:39 - What Dr. Campbell looks for that many providers miss in autoimmune cases 36:09 - The autoimmune triad: genetics, gut dysfunction, and a trigger 37:34 - Structural, biochemical, and emotional triggers that can set off autoimmunity 40:28 - Parasites, terrain, and why over-treatment is not always the answer 43:44 - Vaccine-era inflammation, informed consent, and autoimmune flare concerns 48:59 - A better model for autoimmune disease: the immune system is trying to do something 51:02 - The autoimmune protocol diet and when a less restrictive approach is better 53:31 - Nightshades, liver function, and why food rules should not be universal 56:13 - Why grains and dairy are not automatically bad for everyone, but can be poor fits in active disease 61:34 - Blood sugar, energy, mood, and why kids often need more real food 63:41 - Why processed protein bars and powders are often worse than whole foods 65:49 - Food transitions at home: why change is hard even when the benefits are obvious 67:46 - Root-cause thinking applies to MS, breast cancer, dementia, osteoporosis, and diabetes 70:03 - Dr. Campbell's membership community, weekly teaching, and lab support 71:30 - GLP-1 drugs: useful tools for some, but not a shortcut for lifestyle change 74:42 - Stress, trauma, quiet time, and why emotional load drives chronic disease 76:55 - Why unresolved trauma and a lack of safety can affect healing for yearsTo talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working with Dr. Jenn visit: https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/clarity-callTo get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuideConnect with Dr. Jenn:Website:  https://www.perfeqtionimaging.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

Between a Shot and a Hard Place: Vaccine Facts, Medical Freedom, and Trust in MedicineDr. Jenn Simmons speaks with pediatrician and integrative medicine practitioner Dr. Joel Warsh, known online as Dr. Gator, about vaccines, informed consent, and why trust in medicine has broken down. The conversation focuses on what parents are actually being told, what the research does and does not show, and how medical decisions get shaped by mandates, industry incentives, and fear.We discuss vaccine schedules, the difference between evidence and dogma, how chronic disease trends relate to broader lifestyle and systems issues, and why Dr. Warsh believes parents need more transparency and more room to choose.Key topicsDr. Warsh explains how he moved from conventional pediatrics into integrative medicine after seeing the value of sleep, diet, exercise, and root-cause thinking in primary care.He describes why vaccines became a major focus in his practice: parents kept asking questions, and he realized medical training had not prepared him to answer them deeply.The hosts discuss how COVID-era mandates intensified distrust, especially in states like California, where school and work requirements effectively removed choice for many families.Dr. Warsh argues that medicine has become too force-driven and too dogmatic, and that doctors should educate rather than pressure patients.The conversation turns to the idea that modern medicine is heavily shaped by pharma funding, which affects training, journals, media, and what gets studied or published.They compare longevity to healthspan, with both speakers noting that people may be living longer but not necessarily healthier, especially in the last 10 to 15 years of life.Chronic disease in children is a major theme, with discussion of rising rates of diabetes, obesity, autoimmune conditions, neurodevelopmental concerns, and autism.Dr. Warsh says the most surprising part of his research for Between a Shot and a Hard Place was realizing how little true vaccinated versus unvaccinated data has been published.He explains the vaccine schedule has expanded over time and discusses why he thinks the lack of manufacturer accountability reduces incentives to improve safety.The episode also covers newer vaccine platforms, including mRNA, and why Dr. Warsh is especially cautious about their use in children.Hepatitis B for newborns comes up as a particularly important example of a vaccine whose timing and risk-benefit calculus he thinks should be revisited.The discussion ends with a broader call for medical freedom, informed consent, and the ability for parents to make decisions without being forced.Timestamps00:00 - Why vaccine conversations are impossible to avoid02:10 - How integrative pediatrics changed Dr. Warsh's practice03:31 - Why parents' vaccine questions became unavoidable05:13 - Writing Between a Shot and a Hard Place06:50 - Why COVID deepened mistrust in medicine09:36 - Why school requirements don't feel like a real choice13:22 - Medicine should educate, not coerce17:06 - How pharma shapes training and medical thinking20:34 - Why accountability matters for vaccine safety23:28 - The rise of chronic disease in children30:22 - Big Food, convenience, and multi-generational health impact36:15 - The Henry Ford vaccinated vs. unvaccinated controversy40:48 - Why “the science is settled” is the wrong phrase43:43 - How the vaccine schedule expanded after 198648:26 - Rethinking timing, prioritization, and cumulative risk54:14 - RFK, reform, and transparency55:14 - What surprised Dr. Warsh most in the research62:03 - Reassessing newborn and early childhood vaccine timing67:30 - Why Hep B for newborns is controversial69:58 - Traditional vaccines vs. mRNA73:17 - Why Dr. Warsh is cautious about mRNA for kids75:28 - Why pulled vaccines used to be removed faster77:41 - The accountability gap79:39 - Why medical freedom matters for the futureTo talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working with Dr. Jenn visit: https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/clarity-callTo get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuideConnect with Dr. Jenn:Website:  https://www.perfeqtionimaging.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

In this episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons sits down with Dr. Daved Rosensweet for a wide-ranging, deeply informed conversation about menopause, hormone replacement therapy, breast cancer risk, and why so many women have been left without clear, trustworthy options.Dr. Rosensweet shares how the Women's Health Initiative created lasting fear around hormones, why that fear was built on misreported data, and how the conversation around estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone has slowly begun to change. Together, they make the case that hormones are not the enemy of women's health and in many cases, they are central to preserving it. The conversation also turns to safety, testing, individualized dosing, and the role of breast imaging. Dr. Jenn explains why QT imaging is changing the way she thinks about screening, and Dr. Rosensweet reflects on why he has long required imaging before prescribing hormones. The result is an unusually honest, technically rich, and hopeful conversation about how to care for women better at every stage of life.What You'll LearnWhy the Women's Health Initiative misled both the public and providersWhat the data actually showed about estrogen and breast cancer riskWhy many women were taken off hormones unnecessarily for decadesHow Dr. Rosensweet thinks about the safety of hormone replacement after breast cancerWhy estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone all matter for women's healthHow hormone loss contributes to sleep problems, brain fog, libido loss, bone loss, and muscle lossWhy the timing of hormone therapy matters, but it may not be “too late”How Dr. Rosensweet approaches individual dosing and hormone testingWhy topical delivery matters when it comes to clotting risk and liver metabolismHow QT imaging fits into a safer, more modern breast-screening strategyChapters00:00Introduction and episode overview09:50Hormone therapy after breast cancer: what the science says12:31The role of estrogen and breast cancer risk14:23Hormones and breast cancer risk: what the latest studies show16:22The lag in medical progress and the 30-year delay in hormone research17:44Why the narrative that estrogen causes cancer persists20:02Recent advances and the future of hormone therapy22:51The importance of provider education and safe hormone protocols25:49Signs you should consider hormone therapy30:44What women can do if they missed their window for hormone therapy33:49Is it ever too late for hormone therapy?36:02Determining the right hormone levels and testing methods37:24How Dr. Rosensweet ensures safe hormone replacement practices44:33Understanding breast cancer cells and hormone receptor sites46:03Hormones as protectors, not causes, of breast cancer47:08The impact of environmental toxins on health48:17The need for testosterone in women and men52:02Addressing the lack of provider training on hormones54:27Empowering women to have informed conversations about hormones55:46Closing remarks and call to actionTo talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working with Dr. Jenn visit: https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/clarity-callTo get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuideConnect with Dr. Jenn:Website:  https://www.perfeqtionimaging.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

Dr. Jenn Simmons interviews Dr. David Rosensweet about the history, misconceptions, and latest science of hormone replacement therapy, especially in relation to women's health and breast cancer risk. In this episode, Dr. Jenn Simmons and Dr. Rosensweet explore the science and safety of hormone replacement therapy, the importance of personalized treatment, and innovative breast cancer screening methods like QT. They discuss how understanding hormone levels, testing, and new technologies can transform women's health and cancer prevention.Key Topics in This EpisodeHistory of hormone therapy and misconceptionsImpact of the Women's Health Initiative studyThe safety and benefits of bioidentical hormonesRisks of hormone therapy and how to evaluate themThe importance of early intervention in hormonal declineAdvances in hormone therapy research and future prospects Hormone levels and testing accuracySafety and personalization in hormone therapyThe importance of estriol and receptor sitesNew breast cancer screening technologies like QTThe impact of environmental toxins and lifestyle on women's healthChapters00:00 Introduction and guest background01:56 History of hormone therapy and misconceptions04:07 Impact of the Women's Health Initiative study05:51 Reevaluation and retraction of initial findings06:56 Why false narratives persist in medicine09:59 The science behind hormone safety and breast cancer risk15:00 Studies on hormones and breast cancer recurrence20:12 Progress in hormone therapy acceptance and future outlook25:11 The importance of early hormone intervention29:51 Hormone therapy in aging and longevity34:58 Practical signs and when to seek help40:01 Reversibility of hormone deficiency effects44:53 Risks, evaluation, and safety protocols50:07 Hormone therapy protocols and cycle management55:06 Cell biology of menstrual and menopausal changes59:50 Closing thoughts and future directionsTo talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working with Dr. Jenn visit: https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/clarity-callTo get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuideTo purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off.Connect with Dr. Jenn:Website: https://www.jennsimmonsmd.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

In this episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons returns for part two of her conversation with Ivy Harris, the homeschool mom and researcher behind Done with Diligence, to answer the question Part 1 left open: if not a mammogram, then what? Dr. Jenn makes her most direct case yet that screening healthy, asymptomatic women with mammography is unethical and unsupported by science, and she lays out the alternative she built her practice around. This is the episode where she stops critiquing the old model and hands women a new one.Ivy asks the question every listener is thinking after Part 1: is there ever a situation where Dr. Jenn recommends a mammogram? Her answer draws the one line that matters most in this whole conversation, the line between screening a woman who feels fine and diagnosing a woman who has a symptom. One of those saves lives. The other, she argues, has been quietly manufacturing cancer for sixty years. This is the episode you'll want to send to every woman who's ever been told she has no choice but to start at 40 and repeat every year.What You'll LearnWhy Dr. Jenn recommends no screening mammogram for any asymptomatic woman.What the difference between FDA cleared and FDA approved really means, and why mammography would never pass the FDA todayHow QT compares to mammography and why it was built for dense breasts and implants firstWhy screening a 30 year old with a mammogram isn't avoided because it can't be done, but because it would reliably cause cancerWhy the WISDOM trial showed more screening produces more biopsies and more diagnoses without saving a single additional lifeWhat women should actually screen for instead, the metabolic dysfunction and inflammatory markers that point to preventionThe daily, no-cost practices Dr. Jenn says do more for breast health than any scan, from fasting to bone-loading movement to detoxificationWhy a biopsy does not spread cancer, and why stage one breast cancer is 99% survivableWhy the difference between surviving breast cancer and thriving after it usually comes down to who gets a health plan, not just a treatment planEpisode Timeline:01:29 Do mammograms save lives or save breasts01:50 Why finding cancer early doesn't change the outcome02:20 How QT imaging and doubling time work05:01 The difference between screening and diagnosis07:14 Thermography, ultrasound, and the tears test12:32 FDA cleared versus FDA approved, explained18:06 QT versus mammogram sensitivity, 91% versus 71%20:47 QT for dense breasts and implants23:51 QT insurance coverage, cost, and access26:11 What age to start screening, and why not mammograms28:20 Responding to Peter Attia and the WISDOM trial34:21 Diet, fasting, movement, and prevention basics38:53 What to do after a breast cancer diagnosis39:44 Whether biopsies spread cancer, and the estrogen myth43:30 Dr. Jenn's credentials and qualificationsGuest: Ivy HarrisWhere to find her: donewithdiligence.com & @donewithdiligenceTo talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with Dr. Jenn visit: https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/clarity-callTo get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuideTo purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off.Connect with Dr. Jenn:Website: https://www.jennsimmonsmd.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

In this episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons sits down with Ivy Harris, a homeschool mom of four, researcher, and soon-to-be certified homeopath behind the blog Done with Diligence, for part one of a two-part conversation on the hidden risks of mammograms and breast cancer screening. Ivy is not a doctor. She's a mom who decided she wasn't going to walk into her first mammogram without doing her own homework first, and what she found is the reason this episode exists.It started with one post, Ivy broke down what she'd learned about mammograms into five parts, shared it, and watched it split her audience in half, with some women thanking her and others telling her she was going to get people killed. Dr. Jenn picks up exactly where Ivy left off and does the math no one does at check-in: 40 million screening mammograms a year, and by the numbers in the study Ivy found, the radiation alone works out to tens of thousands of cancers and over a thousand deaths a year. This is the episode you'll want to send to every woman who's ever been told a mammogram is simply safe, simply necessary, and not worth questioning.What You'll LearnThe naming decision behind "mammogram" that Dr. Jenn says was never an accidentIonizing radiation is a classified carcinogen, and why radiologists won't apply that logic to their own testThe cross-country flight radiation comparison doctors use to reassure you, and why it doesn't hold upHow breast density and size can mean 10x more radiation for one woman than another in the same mammogramWhy younger breast tissue takes more damage from radiation as screening age keeps getting pushed lowerOverdiagnosis: the NIH's own number is as high as 1 in 2 women screenedWhy DCIS, diagnosed in 90,000 women a year, has no physical route to become life-threatening breast cancerHow standard DCIS treatment can raise heart failure and fracture risk higher than the diagnosis itselfFalse positives and the 80% benign biopsy rate hiding behind every mammogram callbackWhat a 2026 American College of Physicians paper found on mammograms and breast cancer mortality, at every ageWhy decades of mammography have increased mastectomies by 20%, the opposite of what screening promisedLead time bias: how a screening test can look life-saving on paper without changing when anyone actually diesThe UK surgeon forced to resign for telling women the truth about mammogram screeningEpisode Timeline:00:00 Introducing Ivy Harris and Done with Diligence02:27 Why Ivy researched mammogram safety before her first screening03:00 Going past the rumors to the actual breast cancer research04:13 Her viral mammogram post and the backlash that followed05:32 Standing firm on breast cancer screening controversy07:39 Radiation risks: why a mammogram is a breast x-ray09:12 The studies linking mammogram radiation to breast cancer11:14 How radiation damages younger breast tissue13:36 The math: 40 million mammograms and radiation-induced cancer deaths17:59 Overdiagnosis and unnecessary breast cancer treatment26:14 The train analogy for mammogram overdiagnosis28:12 How breast cancer actually progresses versus the screening myth32:29 The real harm of overdiagnosis and overtreatment34:54 Why mammograms don't reduce all-cause breast cancer mortality50:15 Lead time bias and misleading screening survival statistics52:04 Michael Baum, saving breasts, and a Part 2 previewResources Mentioned:American College of Physicians, Annals of Internal Medicine, April 2026: https://www.acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/M22-3424Guest: Ivy HarrisWhere to find her: Done with Diligence  & @donewithdiligenceTo talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with Dr. Jenn visit: https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/clarity-callTo get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuideTo purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off.Connect with Dr. Jenn:Website: https://www.jennsimmonsmd.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

In this episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons sits down with Dr. Aimie Apigian, a physician with a master's in biochemistry who left surgical training to study the biology of trauma after her own health collapsed. Together they make the case that unresolved trauma, including the kind you'd never check a box for, is not a side note to breast cancer but part of the terrain it grows in. This is the conversation conventional oncology skips entirely.Dr. Aimie didn't recognize her own trauma until it nearly destroyed her health. Raised to be her adopted father's emotional stability, she carried a burden she never named as trauma, until a failed adoption after six years left her with chronic fatigue she couldn't get out of bed from one month later. She knew the research linking adversity to disease. She still didn't see it in herself. If you've ever told yourself your childhood "wasn't that bad," this episode will give language to what your body already knows.What You'll LearnWhy the women most likely to carry hidden trauma are the ones who'd swear they had a happy childhoodWhat the famous ACE study found when it looked at wealthy women, and why it shocked the medical worldWhy trauma isn't a feeling you can think your way out of, but a physical loop your body keeps runningWhat a review revealed about childhood adversity and breast cancer riskWhy the state you were in before your diagnosis matters more than the diagnosis itselfHow to tell if your body is still holding trauma, without digging into your pastWhy feeling safe feels terrifying to a nervous system that survived on controlHow healing can start with just two seconds at a timeWhy no retreat or single psychedelic trip will do what small daily habits canWhy most people start their trauma work in the wrong place, and pay for itGuest Dr. Aimie ApigianWhere to find her: biologyoftrauma.comInstagram: www.instagram.com/draimie/To talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with Dr. Jenn visit: https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/clarity-callTo get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuideTo purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off.Connect with Dr. Jenn:Website: https://www.jennsimmonsmd.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

In this episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons responds to Peter Attia's breast cancer screening episode (#396). Attia asks the right question: why are 42,000 women still dying of breast cancer every year? But his answer, more mammograms and MRI on top, is exactly wrong. Dr. Jenn breaks down, study by study, why that 40-year approach has never moved the death toll.Forty-two thousand women a year. That number has not moved since mammography went mainstream in the 1980s. Detection rates are up, diagnoses are up, and the death toll has not changed. We have been finding more cancer, calling more women patients, and watching the same number of them die. If you have ever scheduled your annual mammogram believing it was the most protective thing you could do, this episode will reframe everything you thought you knew.What You'll LearnWhy the breast cancer death toll has not moved in 40 years, and why more screening is the reasonWhy DCIS is not cancer, why mammography invented it, and what happens to a woman the moment it gets labeled "stage zero"Why an aggressive tumor is aggressive from the day it forms, and why finding it earlier on a mammogram does not change what it does nextWhy mammography catches the cancers least likely to kill you, and routinely misses the ones that willWhat happened when researchers followed 89,835 women for 25 years and compared annual mammography to doing nothing, and why you have never heard about itWhat the Cochrane review found after analyzing every randomized mammography trial ever run, and why Peter Attia addressed it in one sentenceWhy the WISDOM trial, the most significant recent evidence in this space and the one study Attia never mentions, is an indictment of everything he arguedWhy there is no standard radiation dose for a mammogram, and why the woman next to you in the waiting room may have received ten times less than you didWhat the FDA has formally documented about gadolinium staying in the brain and bones for years, and why the women being told to get it every six months are the last women who shouldWhy insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and toxic burden are among the most powerful drivers of breast cancer risk, and why Attia's episode contained zero mention of any of themResources MentionedPeter Attia, Episode 396 on breast cancer screening: peterattiamd.com/breastcancerscreeningDr. Robin Berzin, founder of Parsley HealthMiller AB, et al. Twenty five year follow-up of the Canadian National Breast Screening Study. BMJ. 2014;348:g366.Gøtzsche PC, Jørgensen KJ. Screening for breast cancer with mammography. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2013;(6):CD001877.Zahl PH, et al. Results of the Two-County trial are not compatible with official Swedish breast cancer statistics. Danish Medical Bulletin. 2006;53(4):438–440.Nyström L, et al. Long-term effects of mammography screening: updated overview of the Swedish randomised trials. Lancet. 2002;359:909–19.Esserman LJ, et al. Risk-Based vs Annual Breast Cancer Screening: The WISDOM Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2026;335(9):763–774.FDA gadolinium-based contrast agent safety communications (2015, 2017, 2018), summarized in Fotenos A, FDA Pediatric Advisory Committee, Sept 2018.Kanda T, et al. High signal intensity in the dentate nucleus and globus pallidus and cumulative gadolinium dose. Radiology. 2014;270(3):834–841.Veenhuizen SGA, et al. Supplemental breast MRI for women with extremely dense breasts: DENSE trial. Radiology. 2021;299(2):278–286.Tabar L, et al. Reduction in mortality from breast cancer after mass screening with mammography. Lancet. 1985;325:829–32.To talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with Dr. Jenn visit: https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/clarity-callTo get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuideTo purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off.Connect with Dr. Jenn:Website: https://www.jennsimmonsmd.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

In this episode of Keeping Abreast Dr. Jenn Simmons sits down with keynote speaker, author, and 2025 Dynamic Woman of the Year Erika Rothenberger for a conversation about what happens when life forces you to stop playing small. Erika had a day in 2022 that changed everything. What she did on the other side of it is what this conversation is about. Dr. Jenn and Erika get into the trauma we avoid, the life we keep deferring, and why the hardest moments tend to be the most clarifying ones. If you have ever survived something hard and wondered what you are supposed to do with it, this episode will give you your answer.In this episode, you'll learn:What Erika survived in 2022 and why she considers it the greatest turning point of her lifeWhy playing it safe is the most dangerous thing a woman can doWhy Dr. Jenn believes a breast cancer diagnosis can be an opportunity and what that actually looks like in practiceThe real reason most women never go after the life they want and why it has nothing to do with time, money, or circumstancesWhy the trauma you have been avoiding is not behind you. It is driving you.A simple daily method that takes 36 minutes and rebuilds your entire mindset from the ground upThe science behind why the people you surround yourself with are either quietly lifting you or quietly costing youThe gap in Pennsylvania law that leaves women unprotected and the legislation Erika is fighting to changeWhy the most powerful thing a woman can do for her health right now has nothing to do with her bodyEpisode Timeline01:07 Introducing Erika Rothenberger03:09 Energy, seasons, and the permission to give 60%06:56 Erika's story and the morning that changed everything12:41 Playing small vs. playing large16:36 Fear, inertia, and the life you keep putting off19:45 Writing the book and going public with her story27:32 Why healing is a choice you make every day32:27 How to protect your time and fuel yourself first35:35 Why no is a complete sentence38:01 Finding the good in every setback40:02 Why a breast cancer diagnosis can be its own kind of punch43:00 Why your circle determines your ceiling45:22 What Erika took away from watching Mel Robbins50:57 The Audacious Summit, October 202552:45 Money, legacy, and what you are building59:22 Finding your thing and going after it1:05:44 Where to find Erika and closing thoughtsWhere to Find Find Erika Rothenberger:Website: erikarothenberger.comInstagram: @erikalearothenbergerBook: Audacious ExpansionTo talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with Dr. Jenn visit: https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/clarity-callTo get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuideTo purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off.Connect with Dr. Jenn:Website: https://www.jennsimmonsmd.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

In this episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons sits down with James Maskell, health economist, founder of the Evolution of Medicine, and the architect of a movement to reverse cognitive decline, to make the case that Alzheimer's is not a death sentence. It is a solvable problem that medicine has been approaching the wrong way for 40 years.James flew to South Africa when his father collapsed and was expected to die. Every doctor in the room was preparing the family for the end. James walked into his father's house and saw black mold on the wall. Days after moving his father out of that environment, he was opening his eyes. Two weeks later, the doctor declared he had no terminal illness at all.This is the episode to send to anyone who's been told a declining mind is the only end of the story.In This Episode, You'll LearnWhy there is no effective drug for Alzheimer's and why 40 years of pharmaceutical research has been chasing the wrong targetWhat the 6 root cause categories driving cognitive decline actually are and why they are the same ones driving breast cancerWhat the first randomized controlled trial on reversing Alzheimer's showed and why 91% of participants got better without a drugWhy catching even a single point drop on a cognitive test can prevent full decline if you act on it immediatelyHow biotoxins like mold can trigger what looks exactly like end stage Alzheimer's and how removing the cause reverses itWhy loneliness and loss of purpose are not soft factors but measurable root causes of cognitive decline and breast cancerWhat the Blue Zones actually have in common and why it has nothing to do with supplements or technologyWhy community is one of the most powerful clinical interventions we have and how to start building it todayEpisode Timeline00:00 Why Community Is the Most Powerful Clinical Intervention We Have07:15 40 Years of Alzheimer's Drugs and Nothing to Show for It12:57 Why Neurologists Are the Last Doctors to Accept This Science18:23 The Myth That You Were Healthy Right Up Until Your Diagnosis26:03 Catching Cognitive Decline Before It Becomes Alzheimer's30:41 The 6 Root Cause Categories Driving Cognitive Decline and Breast Cancer33:21 The Science Behind Why Your Social Circle Shapes Your Health Outcomes37:41 How Retirement, Isolation, and Lost Purpose Are Fueling Chronic Disease41:20 Trying to Change the System Is the Wrong Goal45:51 Why the Chronic Disease Crisis Will Force the System to Collapse53:10 How Real Health Change Starts at the Grassroots Level59:08 Final Thoughts on Taking Your Health BackWhere to Find James Maskell:Instagram: @mrjamesmaskellWebsite: jamesmaskell.comTo talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with Dr. Jenn visit: https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/clarity-callTo get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuideTo purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off.Connect with Dr. Jenn:Website: https://www.jennsimmonsmd.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

In this episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons sits down with Broadway star, bestselling author, and master communicator Renee Marino to make the case that self-advocacy is not a career skill, it is a health act. Renee went from five Broadway shows and a Clint Eastwood film to co-hosting Tony Robbins's global summits, and every door she walked through opened because she asked.She was the only actress in the entire Jersey Boys Broadway cast not called in to audition for the film because a middleman dropped the ball, and if she had not looked the casting director in the eye and asked for the role she was already playing eight shows a week, she would have watched herself be replaced on screen while Clint Eastwood waited for her to walk through a door she never knew was open. This is the episode for any woman who has ever left an interaction in work, the doctors office, or in their personal life feeling dismissed and said nothing.In This Episode, You'll LearnWhy losing your voice shifts your body chemistry toward defeat and stress, and why Dr. Jenn calls speaking up a health tool, not just a mindset Why no agent, manager, or doctor will ever advocate for you as powerfully as you can advocate for yourself in the roomWhat keyboard confidence is costing women in their health relationships and why a text is almost always the wrong tool for an important conversationThe two questions to ask before hitting send on any message, post, or reply that actually changes how you communicateWhat breast cancer screening looks like when the technology is built to actually show you what is there, not flatten and irradiate youEpisode Timeline:00:00 Introduction to Renee Marino04:10 The power of asking for what you want06:50 Navigating Rejection09:53 The Importance of Hard Work and Integrity12:41 The Role of Communication in Success15:15 The Journey to Becoming Mary Delgado18:14 The Impact of Speaking Up25:47 Speaking up as self-advocacy31:39 Lessons from the kitchen table37:37 Why she wrote Becoming a Master Communicator40:05 The three communication homes44:44 Balancing technology with real connection47:47 Women, voice, and the difficult label1:06:35 Experiencing breast screening that treats you like a person1:12:08 Glam and Grit: an event built for real connection1:14:45 Final thoughts and takeawaysWhere to Find Renee Marino:Instagram: @iamreneemarinoBook: Becoming a Master CommunicatorTo talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with Dr. Jenn visit: https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/clarity-callTo get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuideTo purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off.Connect with Dr. Jenn:Website: https://www.jennsimmonsmd.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

In this episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons sits down with Dr. Betsy Greenleaf, the first board-certified female urogynecologist in the world, to dismantle the lie that estrogen causes breast cancer, expose the hormone training gap hiding inside every OB/GYN office in the country, and explain why the online HRT explosion isn't liberation; it's the setup for the next Women's Health Initiative.At 41, Dr. Greenleaf was surgically menopausal, prescribed antidepressants for symptoms her doctors blamed on hormones, and living with a lupus diagnosis she'd carried since age 18. When she stopped treating the symptoms and started treating her gut microbiome, the mood swings resolved, the immune dysfunction cleared, and the lupus markers that had defined her health for decades simply disappeared. The conventional medical system had no framework for what happened to her so she went looking for one.If you've ever been handed a hormone prescription with no questions asked, or been told your labs look "normal" while you feel anything but, this episode will give language to what you've already suspected.In this episode, you'll learn:Why your gynecologist, urologist, and endocrinologist almost certainly received zero formal training in sex hormonesWhy only 23% of residents finishing training today feel prepared to treat midlife womenHow chronic stress hijacks your sex hormones and converts them straight to cortisolWhy when tens of millions of women stopped HRT after the Women's Health Initiative, breast cancer rates went up, not downWhy estrogen is not cancerous and why progestins are a different story entirelyHow 90% of your serotonin and 80% of your immune system live in your gutWhy putting a 20-something on testosterone is masking the real problemThe five lactobacillus strains that actually rebalance the vaginal microbiome and why most probiotics don't contain themWhy no probiotic will work until the tissue itself is healthy and the full menu of options that can fix itHow the brain-gut-vagina connection drives libido, and why testosterone is rarely the answer for low sex driveEpisode Timeline00:00 Introduction to Urogynecology and Dr. Betsy Greenleaf03:48 Awakening to Functional Medicine06:34 The Importance of Gut Health08:14 Training Gaps in Hormonal Health11:09 The Dangers of Hormone Mismanagement14:00 Stress and Hormonal Balance16:46 The Role of Lifestyle in Hormonal Health19:21 The Fear of Hormones and Cancer21:55 Understanding Estrogen and Cancer Risks24:01 The Holistic Approach to Health28:38 Integrative Medicine and Continuous Learning31:30 The Role of Tools in Health Management34:19 The Shift from Conventional to Holistic Medicine37:15 Understanding Microbiomes: Gut and Vaginal Health40:05 The Interconnection of Health Systems43:58 Intimacy and Libido: The Psychological and Physical Connection50:38 Navigating Midlife Symptoms and Hormonal Health53:33 Innovations in Health Tracking and Patient EmpowermentWhere to find Dr. Betsy Greenleaf:Website: pauseinstitute.comInstagram: instagram.com/drbetsygreenleafTo talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with Dr. Jenn visit: https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/clarity-callTo get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuideTo purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off.Connect with Dr. Jenn:Website: https://www.jennsimmonsmd.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

In this solo episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons takes on one of the most accepted messages in women's health and dismantles it with decades of evidence. Routine yearly mammography screening does not hold up when you actually read the trials. Dr. Jenn walks through the WISDOM trial, the Cochrane Review, the Canadian Breast Cancer Screening Study, and the brand new 2026 American College of Physicians guidelines to make the case that one-size-fits-all screening is not just outdated, it is causing real harm.She also takes on the estrogen myth that has left millions of women suffering through hot flashes, bone loss, brain fog, and lost quality of life for decades. A 1.8 million woman study and the Women's Health Initiative say estrogen is not the villain. The real culprit may be something millions of women are still being prescribed today.If you have ever been told to just get your mammogram every year without a single conversation about the risks or what the data actually shows, this is the episode you have been waiting for.What You'll LearnWhat the 2026 American College of Physicians guidelines say about annual mammography and why radiology groups do not want you to hear itWhat the WISDOM trial found when women received fewer mammograms  and why the results challenge everything we have been toldWhat the Cochrane Review and Canadian Breast Cancer Screening Study concluded after studying hundreds of thousands of women over decadesWhy up to 50 percent of screen-detected cancers may have never grown, spread, or threatened a woman's life and what that means for how we treat themWhy estrogen alone has never been shown to cause breast cancer and what the data actually implicates insteadThe difference between synthetic progestins and bioidentical progesterone and why that distinction could change every conversation about hormones and breast cancerWhat BRCA mutation carriers need to know about hormone replacement therapy after risk-reducing surgeryWhat smarter, safer, individualized breast cancer screening actually looks likeEpisode Timeline00:00 Introduction01:08 This Is an Informed Consent Episode04:00 The WISDOM Trial and the End of One-Size-Fits-All Screening08:30 Fewer Mammograms, No More Advanced Cancers11:41 Why Adding MRI Led to More Biopsies and Zero Benefit15:00 The Only Endpoint That Actually Matters17:30 What the Cochrane Review Actually Found19:30 The Number Every Woman Deserves to Hear23:00 The Canadian Breast Cancer Screening Study27:00 What Overdiagnosis Really Means31:00 The 2026 American College of Physicians Guidelines36:03 The Estrogen Myth41:00 The Women's Health Initiative Unpacked49:00 Birth Control, Progestins, and Breast Cancer Risk53:00 Progestins Are Not Progesterone57:00 BRCA Mutation Carriers and HRT: What the 2026 JAMA Data Shows01:03:00 The Future of Breast Cancer ScreeningStudies Mentioned in This EpisodeThe WISDOM Trial — JAMAThe Cochrane Mammography Review — CochraneThe Canadian National Breast Screening Study: 25 Year Follow-up — BMJ 2014ACP Breast Cancer Screening Guidance Statement — Annals of Internal Medicine 2026Cracks in the Estrogen Carcinogenesis of Breast Cancer — Journal of Clinical Oncology 2026Hormonal Contraception and Breast Cancer Risk — NEJM 2017Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer: Women's Health Initiative — JAMA Oncology 2020HRT After Oophorectomy and Breast Cancer Risk in BRCA Carriers — JAMA Network Open 2026To talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with Dr. Jenn visit: https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/clarity-callTo get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuideTo purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off.Connect with Dr. Jenn:Website: https://www.jennsimmonsmd.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

In this episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons sits down with thyroid and hormone specialist Dr. Amie Hornaman to dismantle the standard of care that is leaving millions of women dismissed, misdiagnosed, and under treated. They cover what the full thyroid panel actually looks like, why T4-only therapy fails the vast majority of patients, and how the thyroid is connected to every other hormone system in a woman's body.What happens when a competitive athlete starts gaining weight, losing hair, and can't get a single doctor to take her seriously? Dr. Amie found out in her 20s with 40 pounds of unexplained weight gain, six doctors, six dismissals, and one mentor who finally ran the right tests and changed the course of her life and career. If you've ever been told your thyroid is fine while your body is telling you otherwise, this is the episode you've been waiting for.What You'll LearnWhy testing TSH alone is not a thyroid workup and what the five markers are that actually tell the full storyWhat free T3, free T4, and reverse T3 mean and why reverse T3 is the most dismissed marker in the panelWhat thyroid antibodies TPO and TGA reveal about Hashimoto's and why your doctor's normal range is meaninglessWhy 95% of hypothyroid cases are Hashimoto's and why your antibodies may already be elevated even if your doctor says they are notWhy your GLP-1 will stop working if your thyroid is not optimized firstHow estrogen dominance low progesterone high cortisol insulin resistance and low ferritin all interfere with thyroid functionWhy your insurance-based doctor cannot give you proper thyroid care even if they want toWhat the FDA's move against natural desiccated thyroid is really about and who benefitsWhy testosterone is protective against breast cancer and why women are being denied access to itWhat it actually feels like when your thyroid is optimized and how Dr. Amie gets patients thereEpisode Timeline:00:00 Show Intro01:08 How Dr. Amie Became Dr. Jenn's North Star05:02 Pain to Purpose: 40 Pounds and Six Dismissals08:37 Where Conventional Medicine Gets It Wrong16:58 Why Thyroid Disease Is at Epidemic Levels19:14 The Full Thyroid Panel You Actually Need36:43 Why T4-Only Therapy Fails Almost Everyone40:27 The Hormonal Web Nobody Is Addressing45:32 What Thyroid Optimization Actually Looks Like52:22 The FDA Threat to Natural Desiccated Thyroid59:42 Dr. Jenn's Testosterone Gatekeeping Story01:05:22 The Importance of Prevention in HealthcareFind Dr. Amie Hornaman Website: dramie.com | Book: thyroidfixbook.comTo talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with Dr. Jenn visit: https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/clarity-callTo get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuideTo purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off.Connect with Dr. Jenn:Website: https://www.jennsimmonsmd.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

In this solo episode, Dr. Jenn Simmons delivers a five-alarm wake-up call on breast cancer screening. The American College of Physicians just dropped new guidelines and the radiology world is furious, not because the science is wrong, but because it isn't on their side. Dr. Jenn breaks down what the data actually shows, why mammography's survival benefit has been a statistical illusion for decades, and what real preventive screening looks like.She also takes on DCIS, collagen fears, and the question every woman with a breast cancer history is afraid to ask about hormones. Every woman deserves this information before she makes a decision, not after.What You'll LearnWhy DCIS is not breast cancer and what the data says about over treating itWhat the new ACP mammography screening guidelines say and why the radiology world responded with opinion instead of evidenceHow lead time bias and over diagnosis have made mammography look like a lifesaver when it isn'tWhat the Wisdom Trial revealed about personalized breast cancer screening and why the results make annual mammogram guidelines indefensibleWhat preventive breast cancer screening actually looks like without radiation, compression, or harmWhy collagen supplementation has no association with breast cancer risk or recurrenceWhy bioidentical hormone replacement therapy is not off the table after a breast cancer diagnosis.Why you need to tread the root cause and treat the tumorTo talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with Dr. Jenn visit: https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/clarity-callTo get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuideTo purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off.Connect with Dr. Jenn:Website: https://www.jennsimmonsmd.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

In this episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons sits down with hormone specialist Karen Martel to talk about what's really driving the metabolic chaos of perimenopause and menopause and why the solution most women need is the one they've been told to fear. They also tackle one of the most misunderstood topics in women's health: the relationship between estrogen, metabolic health, and breast cancer.What happens when a nutrition expert who helps women lose weight suddenly can't lose weight herself? Karen found out the hard way at 42, gaining 15 pounds in six months, losing her period, battling depression, and watching her skin age before her eyes. Despite eating clean, exercising, and doing everything "right," her body had other plans.This is the episode you'll want to send to every woman in your life who's been told her labs look "fine."What You'll LearnWhy you can gain weight in perimenopause without changing your diet or exercise routineThe biological aging study that found perimenopausal women are aging faster on the inside and what stops itWhy estrogen is the metabolic master hormone and what happens to your hunger signals, blood sugar, cholesterol, and muscle when it dropsWhy being asymptomatic in perimenopause does not mean nothing is happening to your heart, brain, and bonesWhy it is never too late to start hormone replacement therapyWhy insulin and insulin-like growth factor may be driving estrogen receptor positive breast cancer more than anyone is talking aboutWhy women with a history of breast cancer are not automatically disqualified from hormone replacement therapy and why most doctors have it wrongHow GLP-1s are changing the game for menopausal womenThe truth about breast cancer, estrogen receptors, and why insulin may be a bigger driver than anyone is talking aboutEpisode Timeline:01:07 Meet Karen Martel04:10 Karen's Personal Perimenopause Wake-Up Call09:09 Why You Cannot Out-Diet or Out-Exercise Hormone Loss17:21 What Estrogen Actually Does in the Body25:12 HRT Delivery Methods and Why Form Matters26:28 Breast Cancer, Estrogen Receptors, and the Insulin Connection33:48 The Vaginal Estrogen Contradiction37:08 Estrogen as the Most Powerful Anti-Aging Tool38:56 The Pharmaceutical Incentive Behind the Anti-Hormone Narrative44:35 Menopausal Weight Gain and Where GLP-1s Fit In53:13 Is It Ever Too Late to Start Hormone Replacement59:39 Women Deserve Better Standards of Care1:02:06 The Statistics That Should End the Debate1:05:38 Topical Estrogen and Why Ingredients MatterFind Karen MartelWebsite: karenmartel.comTo talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with Dr. Jenn visit: https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/clarity-callTo get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuideTo purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off.Connect with Dr. Jenn:Website: https://www.jennsimmonsmd.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

In this episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn takes on one of the biggest questions in breast health: why are more women being diagnosed with breast cancer? In this solo episode, she challenges the long-standing belief that estrogen is the main driver and argues instead that metabolic dysfunction, not estrogen itself, is the deeper issue we should be paying attention to.Dr. Jenn explores how insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, obesity, and hormone depletion may shape breast cancer risk, progression, and recurrence. She also explains why she believes conventional screening is too focused on finding disease after it has developed, and why women need a more proactive approach that looks at metabolic health, prevention, and long-term support after menopause and breast cancer treatment.What you will learnWhy Dr. Jenn believes the “estrogen causes breast cancer” narrative is incompleteHow metabolic dysfunction, insulin resistance, and inflammation may shape breast cancer risk and outcomesWhat metabolic syndrome is and which markers she believes women should be trackingWhy she argues conventional screening often misses the bigger pictureHow she thinks about hormone replacement in menopause, including for some high-risk women and survivorsWhy foundational health habits are presented as the basis for prevention and recoveryEpisode Timeline:00:00 Introduction to Breast Cancer Concerns03:27 Dispelling the Estrogen Myth06:34 Understanding Hormone Deficiency and Breast Cancer09:13 The Role of Metabolic Health12:02 High-Risk Populations and Hormone Replacement14:49 Foundational Health for Breast Cancer Survivors17:55 The Metabolic Crisis and Breast Cancer20:14 Screening for Metabolic Dysfunction25:08 The Flaws of Mammography27:48 Innovative Screening Approaches30:35 Conclusion and Call to Action52:51 Introduction to Breast Health AwarenessTo talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with Dr. Jenn visit: https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/clarity-callTo get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuideTo purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off.Connect with Dr. Jenn:Website: https://www.jennsimmonsmd.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

In this episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons sits down with Del Bigtree for a conversation that pushes straight into one of the most uncomfortable questions in modern medicine: what if some of the things we have been taught to never question were never fully questioned to begin with?Together, they explore vaccines, informed consent, chronic disease, media influence, hospital incentives, and why so many people are starting to feel like the system was built to protect itself, not patients. This is not a light conversation, but it is a gripping one. If you have ever felt like the story you were given about health was incomplete, this episode will give language to that feeling and challenge you to think far more deeply about who decides what counts as truth.In this episode, you'll learn:Why so many people are losing trust in the medical system What informed consent should look like and why it matters How certain ideas in medicine become protected from scrutiny Why chronic disease is forcing bigger questions about what is making us sick How money, power, and institutional pressure shape medical decision making Why questioning the standard of care can come at a cost What is really at stake when patients are discouraged from asking questions Why this conversation matters even if you have never questioned the system before Episode Timeline:01:04 Dr. Jenn introduces Del Bigtree05:39 The Journey of a Contrarian: Del Bigtree's Background08:49 Challenging the Vaccine Narrative11:40 The Science Behind Vaccines: What We Know14:44 The Impact of Vaccines on Health17:37 The Role of the Pharmaceutical Industry20:26 The Decline of Children's Health23:41 The Debate on Vaccines and Natural Immunity26:27 The Influence of Media and Funding29:43 The Shift from Conventional Medicine32:29 The Inconvenient Truth About Vaccines35:40 The Future of Health and Safety Regulations48:33 Dinner with Dr. Zervos: A Turning Point57:14 The Shocking Study: Vaccinated vs. Unvaccinated01:05:59 The Medical System: A Crisis of Trust01:15:36 Informed Consent: The Right to Choose01:23:24 The Risks of Vaccination: A Parent's Dilemma01:29:45 Introduction to Breast Health AwarenessGuest: Del BigtreeWhere to find him: www.instagram.com/delbigtree/To talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with Dr. Jenn visit: https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/clarity-callTo get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuideTo purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off.Connect with Dr. Jenn:Website: https://www.jennsimmonsmd.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

In this episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons sits down with cancer researcher and author Mark Lintern for a provocative conversation that challenges one of the most deeply rooted assumptions in modern oncology: that cancer is primarily a genetic disease.Drawing from his book The Cancer Resolution?, Mark introduces his Cell Suppression Theory, a framework that argues cancer may be driven less by random mutation and more by chronic inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, immune suppression, and a possible infectious component involving fungal pathogens.Together, Dr. Jenn and Mark explore why the current model of cancer leaves so many unanswered questions, how the metabolic theory shifted the conversation, and why terrain, mitochondria, immune health, toxins, stress, and chronic inflammation may all matter more than most patients have been told.If you are looking for a conversation that challenges conventional thinking and opens the door to a broader view of breast cancer and whole-body health, this episode is a must-listen.What You'll Learn:Why the dominant genetic model of cancer does not fully explain the diseaseWhat the Warburg effect is and why it matters in cancer researchHow the metabolic theory of cancer changed the conversation around treatmentHow chronic inflammation, toxins, immune dysfunction, and tissue damage may create the conditions for cancerWhy mitochondria play a much bigger role in cancer than most people realizeHow fungal pathogens fit into cancer developmentWhy microbiome health, detoxification, and stress regulation matter in prevention and healingWhat makes breast tissue uniquely vulnerable in this conversation around estrogen, immunity, and inflammationEpisode Timeline:00:00 Introduction to a Different Conversation About Cancer04:45 Mark Lintern's Journey Into Cancer Research07:34 Why the Somatic Mutation Theory Falls Short10:41 The Metabolic Theory and the Warburg Effect13:40 The Possible Role of Pathogens in Cancer16:32 The Hallmarks That Define Cancer19:19 Cancer Diagnosis Versus Active Disease22:08 The Cell Suppression Theory Explained27:06 Practical Solutions for Prevention and Healing30:02 Foundations of a More Holistic Cancer Approach33:49 Cortisol, Stress, and the Healing Environment41:49 Why Antifungal Treatments Are So Challenging43:45 Can We Identify the Pathogens Inside Tumors?46:30 Why the System Resists New Cancer Models51:04 Breast Cancer, Estrogen, and Tissue Vulnerability55:21 Estrogen, Inflammation, and Fungal Overgrowth58:55 Final Thoughts on Prevention and Whole-Body HealthLearn more about Mark Lintern and get his book here: https://www.celTo talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with Dr. Jenn visit: https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/clarity-callTo get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuideTo purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off.Connect with Dr. Jenn:Website: https://www.jennsimmonsmd.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

PART TWO - In this episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons continues her conversation with Dr. Nasha Winters, a renowned integrative oncology expert and metabolic health pioneer, for a deeper look at what cancer care is missing and what true individualized healing actually requires.Together, Dr. Jenn and Dr. Nasha challenge the protocol-driven mindset that dominates both conventional and alternative medicine, making the case that cancer treatment must begin with the foundations: metabolic health, nervous system regulation, immune resilience, and an honest understanding of why a particular body became vulnerable in the first place.They explore why so many practitioners feel unequipped to care for cancer patients, how fear and institutional limitations keep better tools out of reach, and why therapies like mistletoe continue to be dismissed in the United States despite decades of research and widespread use around the world.If you want an empowering perspective on integrative cancer care, this episode is a must-listen.What You'll Learn: Why foundations matter more than any single “magic bullet” therapy How Dr. Nasha thinks about mistletoe as terrain support, not a standalone cure Why mistletoe is so widely used in Europe and still resisted in the United States How integrative therapies can work with conventional cancer treatment, not against it Why individual biochemistry matters when deciding whether a treatment will actually work How fear, burnout, and cognitive dissonance affect doctors as much as patients What it looks like to build a true “board of directors” for healing Why safer, more thoughtful screening and treatment options are urgently neededEpisode Timeline:02:02 What pets can teach us about healing and foundational health 05:57 Dr. Nasha on being dismissed by conventional medicine 12:01 Why doctors stay stuck in broken systems of care 16:01 How The Metabolic Approach to Cancer became a roadmap for healing 20:13 Why foundations matter more than any magic bullet 25:32 The problem with protocol culture in cancer care 27:29 Mistletoe, terrain, and the future of integrative oncology35:54 Why effective therapies are still dismissed in mainstream medicine40:09 Why patients need a collaborative team approach43:56 Safer screening, better tools, and moving beyond outdated technology48:27 Why we need to treat the person, not just the diagnosis 51:34 Where to find Dr. Nasha and what's nextGuest: Nasha Winters Where to find her: https://drnasha.com/ To talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with Dr. Jenn visit: https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/clarity-callTo get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuideTo purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off.Connect with Dr. Jenn:Website: https://www.jennsimmonsmd.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

PART ONE - In this episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons sits down with Dr. Nasha Winters, a renowned integrative oncology expert and metabolic health pioneer, for a deeply personal and eye-opening conversation about cancer, resilience, and why so many people are getting diagnosed younger than ever before.Dr. Nasha shares the story of her own terminal ovarian cancer diagnosis at age 19 and how being forced outside the conventional system led her to ask a different question, not just how to treat cancer, but why the body became vulnerable to it in the first place. What followed became the foundation of her life's work.Together, Dr. Jenn and Dr. Nasha explore the root causes driving modern cancer risk, from mitochondrial dysfunction and immune suppression to environmental toxins, vitamin D deficiency, chronic stress, trauma, and the cumulative burden of modern life.This is part-one of a two-part conversation. If you have ever wondered why cancer is rising, why it is showing up earlier, or why true healing has to go beyond standard treatment, this episode is a must-listen.What You'll Learn:Why cancer is becoming more common in younger peopleThe difference between chronological age and biological ageHow mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to cancer and accelerated agingWhy immune suppression and vitamin D deficiency matter more than most people realizeThe role of environmental exposures, plastics, hormones, and EMFs in modern diseaseHow trauma, chronic stress, and nervous system dysregulation affect healingWhy looking inward may be one of the most important steps after a diagnosisWhat it means when someone says, “I did everything right and still got cancer”Why prevention has to start long before disease appearsEpisode Timeline:01:04 Meet Dr. Nasha Winters05:15 Dr. Nasha's cancer diagnosis at 19 and how it changed everything11:22 Cancer, aging, and the mitochondria connection18:22 Environmental overload and the rise of early-onset disease23:28 Immune suppression, vitamin D, and cancer risk26:03 The growing cancer burden and why prevention matters30:49 Trauma, stress, and the psychoneuroimmunology of healing34:40 Can someone heal if they are not ready to look inward?38:26 Readiness, resistance, and the patient's role in healing40:36 Alcohol, lifestyle patterns, and difficult truths in cancer care45:40 “I did everything right” — what that really means48:47 Toxic exposures, hidden patterns, and what we normalize49:25 Stress, uncertainty, and building the tools to adapt51:21 Pets, pesticides, and what our environment is telling us52:35 Why you won't want to miss Part TwoGuest: Nasha WintershttpsTo talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with Dr. Jenn visit: https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/clarity-callTo get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuideTo purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off.Connect with Dr. Jenn:Website: https://www.jennsimmonsmd.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

In this episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons is joined by Jen Nolan and Sara Stratton of Remission Nutrition for a conversation that cuts through the noise around “healthy living” after a breast cancer diagnosis.Jen explains how nutrigenomics (genetic-based nutrition + lifestyle guidance) helps women understand what their body actually needs, from detox capacity to fat metabolism to exercise tolerance. Dr. Jenn shares her own example: years of high-intensity endurance workouts that she thought were helping until genetic testing revealed they were doing real harm.Sara shares her story of being diagnosed with stage 3C triple positive breast cancer at 37, and how she supported her body through chemotherapy and recovery using a metabolic approach, including fasting around treatment, strength training, mindfulness, and carefully chosen supplements. Together, they talk about how to make changes without overwhelm, avoid fear-based restriction and orthorexia, navigate resistance from conventional providers, and build a lifestyle that's sustainable long-term - with joy included.In This Episode, You'll Learn:What nutrigenomics can tell you about food, detox, sleep, stress, and exerciseSara's approach to supporting her body during chemo: fasting, movement, mindfulness, and recoveryWhat to know about supplements during chemotherapy including why antioxidants can be trickyWhy people get overwhelmed after diagnosis, and how to start with small, realistic stepsThe “crowding out” method: what to add first so healthy habits stickCommon non-negotiables that move the needle fast (Diet soda + processed snack foods)How to avoid orthorexia and stop turning food into fearHow to advocate for yourself when your oncologist dismisses integrative toolsEpisode Timeline: 01:06 Introducing Jen Nolan + Sara Stratton 04:10 Nutrigenomics and personalized healing 10:56 Sara's diagnosis at 37 + what life looked like before 13:55 Metabolic approach during treatment (fasting, keto, movement) 24:14 Fasting around chemo + how she trained through treatment 28:47 Supplements + what to avoid during chemotherapy 32:11 Fat metabolism genes + why keto doesn't work the same for everyone 35:59 How to start without overwhelm (3 changes at a time) 44:44 Treatment phase vs. long-term lifestyle (graduating from strictness) 49:55 Why conventional providers resist integrative support 51:43 What to do when your oncologist dismisses fasting/nutrition 54:34 Why breast cancer is usually not an emergency (and time matters) 58:48 Joy, purpose, and living while healingTo talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with Dr. Jenn visit: https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/clarity-callTo get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuideTo purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off.Connect with Dr. Jenn:Website: https://www.jennsimmonsmd.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

In this episode of Keeping Your Breast, Dr. Jenn Simmons talks with Loren Lockman, a longtime health coach and water-only fasting expert who has supervised fasts since 1996. Loren shares how fasting helped him recover from years of chronic illness and explains what the body is doing during a properly supported water fast - especially autophagy, fasting ketosis, and deep cellular repair.They also dig into why Loren believes most people are chronically dehydrated, why he does not recommend juicing (even at home), how fasting can support healing across many conditions (including breast cancer support), and why the real key is not doing more - it is getting out of the body's way with rest, simplicity, and a structured refeed.What You'll LearnWhat water-only fasting is, how it works, and why proper supervision mattersHow fasting activates autophagy and supports deep cellular cleanupThe difference between fasting ketosis and the ketogenic dietHow detoxification and immune function are connected to chronic diseaseThe influence of the pharmaceutical industry on modern nutrition and health narrativesNatural diet and lifestyle strategies that support longevityPlant-based nutrition, protein myths, and whole-food sourcingWhy hydration, electrolyte balance, and water intake are critical during fastingWho should not fast (and who typically can)Episode Timeline:01:03 Meet Loren Lockman: 38-Year Vegan & Water-Only Fasting Expert03:13 From Chronic Illness to Radical Healing09:22 Why Conventional Medicine Failed Him16:00 Healing Is a Biological Process (Not a Prescription)21:30 What Happens in the Body During a Water Fast26:30 Fasting & Cancer: Autophagy, Immunity, and Detox31:00 Processed Foods, Pharma Influence & Modern Disease33:45 Protein Myths, Juicing, and Nutritional Controversy46:45 The Science of Autophagy & Fasting Ketosis55:45 Chronic Dehydration, Intestinal Health & Aging58:45 Can Everyone Fast? Who Should (and Shouldn't)01:04:30 Supplements: Helpful or Harmful?01:08:00 Real Client Transformations (Blood Pressure, Diabetes, Cancer)01:11:00 What It's Like to Work with Loren (Structure, Data, Refeeding)01:14:30 Why Rest Is Essential During Fasting01:23:30 Final Takeaways: Doing Less to Heal MoreTo talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with Dr. Jenn visit: https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/clarity-callTo get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuideTo purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off.Connect with Dr. Jenn:Website: https://www.jennsimmonsmd.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

In this episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons sits down with Dr. Vassily Eliopoulous, MD a former ER physician turned regenerative and longevity medicine expert for a bold conversation about what is broken in modern healthcare and what is quietly replacing it.After years inside emergency medicine, Dr. Vass hit a moment that forced him to confront a hard truth: the system is built to manage crises, not create health. From hospital incentive structures to medical education shaped by patentable therapies, they expose why prevention, metabolic health, peptides, stem cells, and bioidentical hormones remain on the margins.This episode dives into regenerative medicine, stem cell therapy, GLP-1s beyond weight loss, immune resilience, the energetic drivers of disease, and why AI may amplify the need for true human connection in medicine.If you have ever felt like “standard of care” is missing something, this conversation explains why and what comes next.What You'll Learn:The ER moment that made Dr. Vass walk away from conventional medicineWhy hospitals are financially rewarded for procedures, not preventionThe hidden reason non-patentable therapies rarely get taughtWhat peptides (BPC-157, thymosin, GHK-Cu) actually do in the bodyHow stem cells heal tissue and whether they increase cancer riskWhy metabolic dysfunction drives cancer and chronic diseaseThe overlooked role of stress and immune suppression in illnessEpisode Timeline:01:00 Meet Dr. Vass: From ER Physician to Regenerative Medicine Pioneer02:00 Risk, flow state, and longevity07:30 The dark truth about ER medicine10:26 Dr. Jenn's “this system is broken” moment14:07 Dr. Vass' breaking point (and why he left)20:21 Why doctors are not trained in prevention23:13 Patentable medicine and the education pipeline42:15 Patients are forcing the shift47:56 AI, the future of doctors, and the art of medicine57:40 Stress, immunity, and the energetic side of disease01:00:36 Peptides, explained simply01:17:38 Stem cells: what they do and what the data suggests01:29:04 Where to find Dr. Vass + closingWhere to find Dr. Vassily Eliopoulous, MD:Website: longevityhealth.clinic/Instagram: www.instagram.com/dr.vassily/To talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with Dr. Jenn visit: https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/clarity-callTo get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuideTo purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off.Connect with Dr. Jenn:Website: https://www.jennsimmonsmd.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

In this episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons sits down with Reed Davis, founder of Functional Diagnostic Nutrition (FDN), for a no-comfort conversation about why so many women are told they're “fine” while they feel anything but.Together, they unpack the lie hiding inside “normal labs,” why diagnosis-chasing keeps you stuck in symptom management, and what Reed calls metabolic chaos - the slow breakdown that happens when chronic stress, inflammation, hormone disruption, digestion issues, and toxic burden stack up for years… until the body finally crashes. They also break down epigenetics (and why family history is not a life sentence), plus what it really means to “change the environment your breasts are living in.”This is a conversation about root cause, medical sovereignty, and the hard truth that health doesn't happen in a doctor's office, it happens at home.In this episode you'll learn:Why “normal labs” can still mean deep dysfunctionThe difference between treating a diagnosis and treating the personWhat “metabolic chaos” is and how it shows up as totally different symptoms in different peopleHow epigenetics works (and how to use it to break family patterns)The FDN framework: HIDDEN stressors + DRESS (Diet, Rest, Exercise, Stress reduction, Supplementation)Why exercise and nutrition have to be individualized (and how the wrong plan backfires)Dr. Jenn's perspective on prophylactic mastectomy and the underestimated cost of breast removal traumaEpisode Timeline:00:00 Why “Normal Lab Results” Don't Mean You're Healthy02:24 Reed Davis' Journey Into Functional Diagnostic Nutrition (FDN)10:12 Root Cause Healing vs Diagnosis-Based Medicine15:39 Why Conventional Medicine Stops at Symptom Management19:06 Metabolic Chaos: How Chronic Stress Disrupts Hormones and Health20:58 Epigenetics Explained: How Environment Overrides Genetics28:01 Prophylactic Mastectomy, Breast Health, and Medical Trauma32:48 The DRESS Protocol: Diet, Stress, and Lifestyle-Based Healing45:48 Medical Freedom, Screening Pressure, and Patient Autonomy54:13 The Future of Healthcare: Prevention, Wellness, and Self-Responsibility1:01:04 What Is a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner (FDN)?Learn more about Functional Diagnostic Nutrition (FDN): www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.comTo talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with RHMD, visit: https://jennsimmons.simplero.com/page/377266?kuid=327aca17-5135-44cf-9210-c0b77a56e26d&kref=vOKy0sAiorrKTo get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuideTo purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off.Connect with Dr. Jenn:Website: https://www.jennsimmonsmd.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

In this solo episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons answers the exact questions women ask her every day about breast cancer risk, hormone therapy, aromatase inhibitors, and screening. She breaks down the difference between bioidentical and non-bioidentical hormones, what “high risk” actually means, why fear-based medicine keeps women stuck, and how to build a screening and prevention plan you understand and trust. If you've felt dismissed, confused, or pressured into one-size-fits-all choices, this episode gives you language, clarity, and next steps to advocate for your body.In This Episode, You'll Learn:Bioidentical vs non-bioidentical hormones, and what matters after breast cancerThe truth about estrogen, recurrence risk, and the “have vs had breast cancer” distinctionWhy aromatase inhibitors feel brutal, what they're doing, and how to support your body on themWhat “high risk” really means, plus how breast density actually fits into riskSafer screening options like QT and ultrasound, and what to do when QT isn't availableHow the ARIA tear test works, what a positive result means, and your next stepsWhat calcifications can signal and how to think about DCIS without panicHow to combine integrative care with conventional oncology without losing supportWhy breast cancer is tied to inflammation and metabolic health, and what to trackEpisode Timeline:00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Episode 03:05 Why Women Aren't Getting Clear Answers About Breast Health 06:00 Bioidentical vs Non-Bioidentical Hormones 13:30 Estrogen, Hormone Therapy, and Breast Cancer Risk 20:10 Aromatase Inhibitors Explained 27:45 Supporting Quality of Life While on Aromatase Inhibitors 34:30 Understanding What “High Risk” Really Means 39:40 Breast Density Explained 45:30 Limitations of Mammograms and MRI 50:40 The ARIA Tear Test and Prevention-Based Screening 56:30 QT Scan, Ultrasound, and Safer Imaging Options 1:02:40 Screening After Breast Cancer Treatment 1:07:50 Breast Calcifications and DCIS 1:11:00 Integrative Care and Root Cause Healing 1:13:00 Closing Thoughts and Where to Find SupportTo talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with RHMD, visit: https://jennsimmons.simplero.com/page/377266?kuid=327aca17-5135-44cf-9210-c0b77a56e26d&kref=vOKy0sAiorrKTo get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuideTo purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off.Connect with Dr. Jenn:Website: https://www.jennsimmonsmd.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

In this episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons is joined by Dr. Erica Schwartz, a pioneer in hormone and integrative medicine, for a blunt conversation about menopause, hormone replacement therapy, and why women are still being denied care that protects their long-term health.Together, they get real about why modern medicine still runs on a “wait until you're sick” model, why hospitals can be the most dangerous place to heal, and how the system trains both doctors and patients to outsource responsibility. They break down the lasting damage of the Women's Health Initiative, the fear-based messaging around estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, and the real-world consequences of medical gatekeeping from pharmacies to hospitals. This is a conversation about truth, autonomy, and what it actually looks like to practice medicine from the whole-body, whole-life perspective.In this episode you'll learn:Why conventional medicine is built for acute care, not long-term healthHow the Women's Health Initiative changed hormone care for generations of womenWhy “just deal with it” menopause advice is harmful (and wildly outdated)What estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone actually do in the female bodyWhy testosterone for women is still restricted and why that mattersHow medical errors and hospital systems put patients at riskWhy taking responsibility for your health isn't optional anymoreEpisode Timeline:00:00 The Crisis in Conventional Medicine03:54 Dr. Schwartz's Journey to Holistic Health09:59 The Shift from Acute Care to Preventative Health17:47 The Importance of Hormonal Health25:29 The Impact of Alcohol on Health28:10 Nutrition and Cancer: A Misunderstood Connection30:55 The Role of Hormones in Health36:06 Understanding the Importance of Hormones40:24 The Truth About Cancer and Hormones44:38 Empowering Patients in Their Health Journey47:45 The Need for Compassionate Care in Medicine51:03 Introduction to Breast Health AwarenessDr. Erica SchwartzVisit her Website: www.eshealth.com/Follow her on Instagram: www.instagram.com/eshealth/To talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with RHMD, visit: https://jennsimmons.simplero.com/page/377266?kuid=327aca17-5135-44cf-9210-c0b77a56e26d&kref=vOKy0sAiorrKTo get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuideTo purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off.Connect with Dr. Jenn:Website: https://www.jennsimmonsmd.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

In this episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons is joined by Dr. Eugene Shippen, hormone specialist best known for his early work in bioidentical hormone therapy and for authoring The Testosterone Syndrome. Together, they explore the overlooked biology behind endometriosis, breast cancer, and persistent hormonal imbalance, focusing on how aromatase-driven inflammation links these conditions and why standard treatments often miss the root cause.The conversation covers individualized vitamin D dosing, iodine's role in thyroid and breast health, testosterone in women, and a clear, evidence-based approach to hormone replacement therapy, who it's right for, who should avoid it, and why many women are being denied care unnecessarily.In This Episode, You'll Learn:How estrogen and inflammation drive hormone-positive breast cancerWhy breast tumors produce their own estrogen and what treatment often overlooksWhat endometriosis reveals about aromatase activity and breast cancer biologyWhy vitamin D functions as a hormone and how deficiency impacts breast cancer risk and outcomesThe role of iodine in breast tissue, dense breasts, and fibrocystic diseaseWhen hormone replacement therapy may be appropriate after breast cancer and when it is notEpisode Timeline00:00 Introduction to Hormonal Health05:06 Understanding Endometriosis12:28 Endometriosis and Breast Cancer Connections17:33 The Coimbra Protocol and Vitamin D22:15 Vitamin D's Role in Disease Prevention27:55 Individualized Vitamin D Dosing35:39 Monitoring Health Conditions37:03 The Role of Testosterone in Women's Health42:46 Understanding Iodine and Its Importance50:50 Hormone Replacement Therapy: Current Perspectives01:00:18 Breast Cancer and Hormone Replacement01:03:39 Environmental Factors Influencing Breast Cancer RatesTo talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with RHMD, visit: https://jennsimmons.simplero.com/page/377266?kuid=327aca17-5135-44cf-9210-c0b77a56e26d&kref=vOKy0sAiorrKTo get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuideTo purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off.Connect with Dr. Jenn:Website: https://www.jennsimmonsmd.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

In this episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons is joined by Dr. Susan Brian, an Ivy League–trained endocrinologist, certified menopause specialist, and researcher, to discuss how GLP-1 medications are transforming the treatment of metabolic dysfunction.They explore how therapies like semaglutide and tirzepatide work beyond weight loss, why metabolic disease often goes undiagnosed for years, and how GLP-1s impact diabetes, fatty liver disease, cardiovascular risk, and body composition. The conversation addresses appropriate versus inappropriate use, real risks versus media-driven fear, and why resistance training is essential to protect muscle during weight loss.Dr. Brian also discusses emerging questions around GLP-1s in cancer outcomes and longevity, emphasizing the importance of individualized prescribing, proper screening, and patient education.In This Episode, You'll LearnWhy GLP-1 medications have fundamentally changed metabolic medicineHow GLP-1s compare to older treatments like metforminWho is an appropriate candidate for GLP-1 therapyHow GLP-1–related weight loss may impact breast cancerWhy early screening for metabolic dysfunction mattersHow to preserve muscle while losing weightWhen microdosing or maintenance dosing may make senseHow to avoid common side effects linked to rapid weight lossEpisode Timeline:00:00 Introduction to GLP-1 and Metabolic Health06:32 Appropriate vs. Inappropriate Use of GLP-112:29 Understanding Metabolic Dysfunction18:18 Menopause and Metabolic Health31:42 Understanding Cardiovascular Protection and Hormonal Treatments38:13 The Role of Newer Drugs in Weight Loss and Fatty Liver48:50 The Importance of Appetite Regulation in Weight Management53:26 Microdosing GLP-1s for Longevity: A New Frontier01:00:19 Safe dosing, rate of weight loss, and best practicesTo talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with RHMD, visit: https://jennsimmons.simplero.com/page/377266?kuid=327aca17-5135-44cf-9210-c0b77a56e26d&kref=vOKy0sAiorrKTo get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuideTo purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off.Connect with Dr. Jenn:Website: https://www.jennsimmonsmd.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

In this episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons sits down with Dr. Joseph Dituri, a biomedical engineer, hyperbaric medicine specialist, and former U.S. Navy saturation diver, to explore the science of healing, aging, and human resilience.Drawing from his clinical work in hyperbaric medicine and his recovery from a traumatic brain injury, Dr. Dituri explains how oxygen, pressure, and controlled physiological stress affect inflammation, sleep quality, immune function, and cellular repair. Together, they examine the evidence behind biological versus chronological age, the role of muscle and bone health in longevity, and the evolving, evidence-informed use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in healing and cancer support. In This Episode, You'll Learn:What happens to the human body when it lives under pressure for 100 days underwaterHow hyperbaric oxygen therapy impacts inflammation, immune function, sleep, and agingThe difference between biological age vs. chronological age and why it matters.Why muscle and bone health are critical pillars of longevityHow healthy stress can strengthen the brain, body, and immune systemThe science behind collagen synthesis, stem cells, and tissue repairWhat the research actually says about hyperbaric medicine and cancerHow to identify qualified, safe hyperbaric centers and avoid poorly run facilitiesEpisode Timeline Highlights:00:00 Introduction to Dr. Joe Dituri and His Mission03:08 What Hyperbaric Medicine Is and How It Works05:54 Why He Chose to Live Underwater for 100 Days08:54 Daily Life, Work, and Challenges Beneath the Ocean11:53 Sleep, Brain Function, and Cognitive Changes Under Pressure14:53 Inflammation, Telomeres, and Measuring Cellular Health18:05 The Core Science Behind Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy28:50 Isolation, Connection, and Human Biology33:49 Biological Age vs. Chronological Age50:35 Hyperbaric Therapy for Health Optimization53:17 Collagen, Tissue Healing, and Regeneration56:07 Hyperbaric Medicine and Cancer Support01:06:50 Treatment Frequency, Duration, and Expectations01:12:03 How to Find Safe and Qualified Hyperbaric Centers01:15:52 Longevity, Optimization, and What's NextWhere to Find Dr. Joseph Dituri (Dr. DeepSea)Website: https://drdeepsea.com/Instagram: www.instagram.com/drdeepseaTo talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with RHMD, visit: https://jennsimmons.simplero.com/page/377266?kuid=327aca17-5135-44cf-9210-c0b77a56e26d&kref=vOKy0sAiorrKTo get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuideTo purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off.Connect with Dr. Jenn:Website: https://www.realhealthmd.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

In this solo episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons delivers a clear, evidence-based breakdown of modern breast cancer screening and prevention. She explains why so many women are confused about breast health and how outdated screening practices, lack of informed consent, and drive fear rather than clarity.Dr. Jenn distinguishes between screening and diagnostic imaging, emphasizing that screening for healthy, asymptomatic women should be safe. She introduces innovative, non-radiation screening tools including the Auria Tears Test, which identifies inflammatory precursors to breast cancer, and the QT Scan, a pain-free, radiation-free 3D imaging technology.The episode addresses common concerns around mammograms, biopsies, dense breasts, estrogen, and hormone replacement therapy.In This Episode, You'll Learn:The difference between screening and diagnostic breast imagingWhat mammograms do - and don't - actually tell youHow inflammation shows up before breast cancer developsHow the  Auria Tears Test identifies early inflammatory riskHow the QT scan can be used for screeningWhether biopsies can cause cancer to spreadHow estrogen and hormone replacement fit into breast healthEpisode Timeline Highlights:00:00 Introduction to Breast Health Awareness01:57 Understanding Mammograms: Screening vs. Diagnostic09:11 Innovative Screening Methods: QT and  Auria Test16:20 The Importance of Breast Cancer Awareness17:55 The Future of Breast Cancer Screening23:07 Biopsy Safety and Dense Breasts28:13 Debunking Myths: Estrogen and Breast Cancer32:01 Hormone Replacement Therapy: A Health Plan PerspectiveTo talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with RHMD, visit:https://calendly.com/stephanie-1031/discovery-callTo get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuideTo purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off.Connect with Dr. Jenn:Website: https://www.realhealthmd.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmonsTo talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with RHMD, visit: https://jennsimmons.simplero.com/page/377266?kuid=327aca17-5135-44cf-9210-c0b77a56e26d&kref=vOKy0sAiorrKTo get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuideTo purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off.Connect with Dr. Jenn:Website: https://www.realhealthmd.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

In this compelling episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons is joined by Dr. Michael Greger, physician, author of How Not to Die, and founder of NutritionFacts.org, for a focused conversation on breast cancer screening, prevention, and informed decision making.Together, they challenge common assumptions about mammograms, unpacking what research shows about over diagnosis, false reassurance, and the lack of overall survival benefit. Dr. Greger explains why women and physicians often overestimate the life-saving power of mammography and why informed consent is missing from screening discussions.Beyond screening, Dr. Greger explores how lifestyle shapes breast cancer risk, including plant-forward nutrition and the dangers of alcohol. Together, they emphasize empowering women with evidence-based information.

In this powerful episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons sits down with Taylor Dukes, former ICU nurse, functional health advocate, and founder of Taylor Dukes Wellness, to explore what happens when conventional medicine stops asking deeper questions.Taylor shares her journey from the ICU to facing her own brain tumor diagnosis, an experience that reshaped her understanding of health, healing, and the healthcare system. Together, she and Dr. Jenn discuss the emotional and spiritual toll carried by front line providers, the limitations of modern medical education, and why chronic and childhood illness have become increasingly normalized.This conversation highlights the role of nutrition, detoxification, stress management, and faith in healing, while emphasizing personal responsibility and advocacy in a toxic world. Taylor also shares how her family became part of her mission, creating accessible wellness solutions rooted in foundational health.

In this powerful episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons sits down with Ryan Sternagel, founder of The Stern Method, to share the story that reshaped his life: his son's cancer diagnosis and the desperate search for answers that followed. What began as a parent's nightmare became a deep dive into integrative medicine, environmental toxicity, nutrition, and the healing power of community.Ryan opens up about navigating a rigid medical system, facing pressure from institutions, and refusing to ignore his intuition. He and Dr. Jenn explore what happens when families question conventional recommendations, how holistic therapies can support traditional treatment, and why creating a healing environment is essential.This is a conversation about resilience, advocacy, and the belief that healing requires more than protocols. It's about parents becoming empowered, finding the right team, and discovering hope in the darkest moments.In This Episode, You Will Learn:How Ryan's son's diagnosis launched his mission in integrative healthThe challenges families face when questioning conventional treatmentWhy intuition and research matter in medical decision makingHow nutrition and alternative therapies support cancer careThe emotional and practical realities of navigating the systemThe importance of community, mindset, and family supportWhy no single therapy is ever a silver bulletHow environment and lifestyle shape healingThe role of supplements within a comprehensive planWhat it means to build a truly healing home

In this episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons is joined by Dr. Austin Lake. Together, they explore how chronic disease became normalized, why the Flexner Report reshaped modern medical training, and what it really takes to take ownership of your health in today's world.Dr. Lake shares why environmental toxins, stress, and lifestyle choices are driving so much illness, and how personal responsibility and community support can radically change health outcomes. He and Dr. Jenn break down the vaccine debate, the future of medical autonomy, and why true healing requires questioning long-held assumptions.They also dive into the role of diet and detoxification, the nuances of hormone replacement therapy, why foundational lifestyle work must come before hormones, and how faith and spiritual grounding help guide healing. This conversation empowers listeners to understand their bodies, advocate for their choices, and take back control in a healthcare system that often overlooks the root cause of disease.In This Episode, You Will Learn: • How the Flexner Report reshaped modern medicine • Why chronic disease is not inevitable • How environmental toxins and stress fuel illness • Why personal responsibility is essential for healing • How community support strengthens health outcomes • Why vaccines remain a complex and evolving conversation • How diet and detoxification support metabolic health • Why hormones cannot replace foundational lifestyle changes • How elimination diets uncover hidden sensitivities • Why stress is a major driver of metabolic dysfunction • How women experience and carry stress differently • Why faith and mindset support physical healing • Why understanding your own body leads to better care • Why healing requires education, empowerment, and curiosityEpisode Timeline Highlights: 03:01 The evolution of medical education and practice 06:09 The Flexner Report and its impact on medicine 08:59 Challenging conventional wisdom in healthcare 11:58 The role of environmental factors in health 15:00 The importance of personal responsibility in health 18:06 The future of healthcare and community support 20:49 The vaccine debate and public health 27:06 Innovative approaches to breast cancer screening 33:00 The importance of diet and detoxification 35:51 Hormones as a tool, not a solution 42:52 The nuances of hormone replacement therapy 49:42 The role of diet in hormonal health 55:24 The connection between stress and metabolic health 01:00:05 The role of faith in health and healingWhere to find Dr. Austin Lake:Social: @dr.austin.lTo talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with RHMD, visit: https://jennsimmons.simplero.com/page/377266?kuid=327aca17-5135-44cf-9210-c0b77a56e26d&kref=vOKy0sAiorrKTo get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuideTo purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off.Connect with Dr. Jenn:Website: https://www.realhealthmd.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

In this episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons is joined by Emmie Keefe, also known as Healthy Emmie, a guiding voice in plant based nutrition. Together, they explore what it truly means to build a healthy relationship with food and why simplicity matters more than perfection.Emmie shares her personal journey into plant focused eating, how it transformed the health of her entire family, and why food addiction is one of the biggest unspoken challenges many people face. Dr. Jenn and Emmie break down the fears, resistance, and emotional attachments that keep people stuck, and why three weeks can be enough to create real, sustainable change.They also dive into intuitive eating, the pitfalls of calorie and macro counting, how to build a nourishing plate, and why weight training is essential for women at every age. This conversation empowers listeners to rethink their daily choices, understand the role of emotional and spiritual healing, and embrace the truth that health happens at home long before the doctor's office.In This Episode, You Will Learn: • Why everyone benefits from eating more plants • How food addiction shows up and why it is so hard to break • Why the brain can adapt quickly to new eating habits • How simplicity supports long term health • Why half your plate should be vegetables • How fear of losing comfort blocks change • Why three weeks can reset habits • The difference between weight loss and real disease prevention • Why intuitive eating reduces stress • How to build a nourishing plate with balance • Why weight training is critical for women • Why age should never stop you from lifting weights • How to simplify meal prep when overwhelmed • Why fasting is not right for everyone • How eating order impacts blood sugar • Why knowledge is empowerment • Why health is built daily in your homeEpisode Timeline Highlights: 00:00 Introduction to plant based nutrition and behavioral change 07:15 Emmie's journey into plant focused eating 17:06 Food addiction and convenience challenges 24:42 Resistance, comfort, and why change feels hard 32:30 Weight loss vs disease prevention 34:44 Intuitive eating vs counting macros 37:03 Building a simple, nourishing plate 40:12 The role of weight training for women 44:29 Knowledge, confidence, and empowerment 50:01 Simplifying healthy eating for real life 56:22 Fasting and metabolic considerations 01:02:55 Eating order and blood sugar controlWhere to find Healthy Emmie:Social: @healthyemmieTo talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with RHMD, visit: https://jennsimmons.simplero.com/page/377266?kuid=327aca17-5135-44cf-9210-c0b77a56e26d&kref=vOKy0sAiorrKTo get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuideTo purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off.Connect with Dr. Jenn:Website: https://www.realhealthmd.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

In this illuminating episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons sits down with Dr. Taz Bhatia, board-certified physician, integrative medicine pioneer, and champion for women's health, to explore the intricate world of hormones through every season of a woman's life.Dr. Taz shares her personal hormonal journey, the gaps she witnessed in conventional medicine, and why personalized, root-cause driven care is essential. Together, she and Dr. Jenn break down how birth control, stress, gut health, and generational patterns shape hormonal balance. They also dive into innovative diagnostic approaches, including the auria test, and discuss why hormones are often misunderstood, and mismanaged, in modern medical systems.This conversation empowers women to understand their physiology, challenge outdated narratives, and take an active role in their health across puberty, fertility, perimenopause, and beyond.In This Episode, You Will Learn:Why hormonal changes form a lifelong continuumHow birth control can mask deeper imbalancesThe role of gut health and liver detoxification in hormone balanceWhy progesterone deficiency is so common todayHow stress and cortisol impact young women's hormonesThe importance of personalized hormone therapyWhy patients must advocate for their own healthHow hormonal patterns can be passed through generationsWhy breast cancer is often linked to hormone deficiency, not excessHow innovative tools like the auria test may revolutionize screeningEpisode Timeline Highlights:00:00 Introduction & Dr. Taz's personal hormonal journey 02:45 Why traditional hormonal treatments fall short 06:02 How experience reshaped her integrative practice 09:06 Birth control concerns & long-term impacts 11:57 How hormonal suppression affects whole-body health 14:58 The value of holistic, root-cause approaches 17:53 Cultural resistance to new medical paradigms 20:57 Innovations in breast cancer screening (auria test) 23:50 Why change is so hard in established medicine 27:00 Understanding hormonal patterns & testing 29:51 The need for comprehensive hormone education 33:39 Hormonal shifts from puberty to menopause 43:53 Personalized hormone therapy done right 01:01:29 Gut health, the microbiome & hormonal balance 01:04:47 Empowering patients to own their health journeyWhere to find Dr. Taz Bhatia:Website: holplus.coSocial: @DrTazMDTo talk to a member of Dr. Jenn's team and learn more about working privately with RHMD, visit: https://jennsimmons.simplero.com/page/377266?kuid=327aca17-5135-44cf-9210-c0b77a56e26d&kref=vOKy0sAiorrKTo get your copy of Dr. Jenn's book, The Smart Woman's Guide to Breast Cancer, visit: https://tinyurl.com/SmartWomansBreastCancerGuideTo purchase the auria breast cancer screening test go here https://auria.care/ and use the code DRJENN20 for 20% Off.Connect with Dr. Jenn:Website: https://www.realhealthmd.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJennSimmonsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjennsimmons/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@dr.jennsimmons

In this deeply inspiring episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons welcomes Dr. Pete Sulack—chiropractor, functional medicine practitioner, and founder of Unhealthy Anonymous—for a powerful conversation about defying the odds after a terminal cancer diagnosis.Dr. Sulack shares how he turned a death sentence into a journey of hope, healing, and renewal. Through faith, nutrition, and lifestyle transformation, he reclaimed his health and now guides others to do the same. Together, he and Dr. Jenn challenge conventional cancer paradigms, exploring how mindset, personalized nutrition, and spiritual alignment can unlock the body's innate capacity to heal.This episode invites listeners to rethink what's possible in cancer recovery and beyond. It's a story of courage, resilience, and faith in both science and spirit—reminding us that health is not something we outsource but something we build from within.In This Episode, You Will Learn:How Dr. Sulack overcame a terminal brain cancer diagnosisWhy functional medicine focuses on healing the whole person, not just treating diseaseThe crucial role of personalized nutrition in recoveryHow food sensitivities and gut health shape overall wellnessWhy conventional medicine often overlooks the importance of dietThe link between faith, mindset, and the body's innate ability to healHow to take proactive responsibility for your healthWhy empowerment and education can change the cancer care paradigm

In this enlightening episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons sits down with Dr. Staci Whitman, founder of NoPo Kids Dentistry and a pioneer in functional and holistic oral health. Together they uncover how the mouth serves as the gateway to the body—and why what happens there reverberates through every system.Dr. Whitman explains how chronic disease begins long before symptoms appear and how functional dentistry offers a path toward true prevention. From the oral microbiome and nutrition to mercury fillings, x-ray exposure, and the ongoing fluoride debate, she brings clarity and compassion to topics often overlooked in conventional care.Listeners will gain an understanding of biocompatibility in dental materials, the emotional toll of traditional dentistry, and how early-life oral care can shape a lifetime of wellness. This is an empowering look at how modern medicine and dentistry can finally come together to support whole-body health.

In this empowering episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons welcomes Dr. Will Cole, a leading functional medicine expert, to explore what it truly means to find the root causes of disease and take back ownership of your health.Dr. Cole shares his path from conventional to functional medicine and how telehealth revolutionized his ability to connect with patients worldwide. Together, he and Dr. Jenn unpack the modern health landscape—from the rise of autoimmune conditions and hormonal imbalances to the challenges of medical politics and social media's influence on health narratives.The conversation highlights why empowerment, collaboration, and bioindividuality are the future of medicine—and how you can become an active participant in your own healing journey.

In this solo episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons delivers an empowering and deeply personal message about what true health means—and why less than 10% of Americans are metabolically healthy.Drawing from her recent community webinar, Dr. Jenn unpacks the real roots of breast cancer, the systemic failures of modern medicine, and how personalized health plans can transform outcomes. She explains why breast cancer is not a random event, but a metabolic and environmental response—and how women can reverse that pattern through awareness, testing, and intentional lifestyle change. This episode also introduces the AURIA test, a revolutionary tear-based screening tool for early breast cancer detection, and features heartfelt testimonials from women who have rebuilt their health through Dr. Jenn's programs.If you've ever wondered how to move beyond diagnosis into true healing—or how to prevent breast cancer altogether—this conversation is your roadmap.In This Episode, You Will Learn:Why less than 10% of Americans are metabolically healthyThe link between metabolic dysfunction and breast cancerHow modern medicine treats symptoms instead of root causesWhy diet and lifestyle are the true drivers of recoveryHow alcohol, toxins, and environment shape disease riskThe importance of personalized health plans for healingWhy breast cancer is a normal response to an abnormal environmentHow the AURIA test is transforming early detectionWhat nutrigenomic testing reveals about your unique needs

In this empowering episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons welcomes bestselling author and women's-hormone expert Dr. Mariza Snyder for a candid conversation about perimenopause—the most misunderstood phase in women's health. Drawing on 17 years in practice and her own journey through postpartum, Hashimoto's, and perimenopause, Dr. Snyder unpacks what really happens when estrogen and progesterone begin to decline—and why this “zone of opportunity” is every woman's call to action.Together, she and Dr. Jenn break down the cultural myths, medical gaslighting, and scientific blind spots that leave millions of women unheard. They discuss brain fog, mood shifts, metabolic changes, and why bioidentical hormone therapy—when properly prescribed—can protect the brain, heart, and bones. It's an honest, hopeful roadmap for women to reclaim their vitality, advocate for better care, and navigate midlife with confidence and clarity.✨ Don't miss Dr. Mariza Snyder's new book, The Perimenopause Revolution, available now for pre-order at drmariza.com/book and officially releasing October 21, 2025.

In this powerful episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons welcomes advocate Donna Pinto to uncover the truth about DCIS (ductal carcinoma in situ), mammography, and the epidemic of overdiagnosis.Donna shares her personal journey from shock diagnosis to advocacy, exposing how fear, language, and profit drive women into unnecessary treatments. Together, she and Dr. Jenn highlight the emotional toll of mislabeling DCIS as cancer, the shortcomings of mammograms, and the need for safer, smarter approaches.

Episode Description In this thought-provoking episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons welcomes Dr. Pam Popper—author, educator, and tireless advocate for informed health. From her own personal health struggles to becoming a leading voice for medical reform, Dr. Popper shares why personal responsibility and lifestyle choices are at the heart of true wellness.Together, they challenge conventional ideas about weight, health, and overdiagnosis, while exposing how insurance companies and profit motives distort patient care. Dr. Popper also explores innovative approaches to breast cancer screening and highlights powerful stories of radical remission that prove the body's capacity to heal when supported.This is an empowering conversation for anyone ready to question the system, reclaim their health, and take ownership of their future.

In this powerful episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons sits down with cardiologist Dr. Jack Wolfson to challenge the conventional wisdom on heart health. Together, they unpack the failures of mainstream cardiology, the risks of statins, and why true healing comes from addressing root causes—not masking symptoms with pharmaceuticals.From nutrition and stress management to environmental toxins and community support, Dr. Wolfson and Dr. Jenn explore the real drivers of cardiovascular health. They also discuss how COVID-19 reshaped the landscape of heart disease and why women face unique risks too often ignored in conventional medicine.This conversation is essential listening for anyone questioning the pill-for-every-ill approach, seeking practical steps for prevention, or wanting to reclaim ownership of their heart health.In This Episode, You Will Learn:Why cardiovascular disease remains the #1 killer worldwideHow pharmaceuticals often miss the root causeThe truth about statins and their limited benefitsThe central role of nutrition in heart healthHow stress and emotional health impact the heartWhy toxins in food, water, and air can drive diseaseThe dangers of rigid medical guidelinesThe overlooked link between breast cancer and heart diseaseWhy community and relationships protect cardiovascular healthHow women's unique risks demand a new approach

In this episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons welcomes Dr. Ashley Lucas, a former professional ballerina turned PhD nutritionist and founder of PhD Weight Loss. Dr. Lucas shares her remarkable journey from struggling with under-eating and injury in the ballet world to helping over 11,000 people lose nearly 500,000 pounds by addressing the real root of weight issues: metabolic health.Together, Dr. Jenn and Dr. Ashley expose the myths of “eat less, move more,” unpack the dangers of visceral fat, and explain why true, lasting weight loss is more about hormones and mindset than willpower. They also dive into hot topics like GLP-1 weight loss drugs, protein and macro balance, over-exercise, sleep, and the misunderstood role of fat in our diets.Whether you've battled weight loss plateaus, wondered why BMI is misleading, or want to protect your long-term metabolic health, this conversation offers a science-backed roadmap for sustainable change.In This Episode, You Will Learn:How Dr. Ashley's ballet career and health collapse led her to study metabolismWhy “eat less, move more” fails most peopleThe unique dangers of visceral (belly) fat and how it drives diseaseWhy GLP-1 drugs may create more problems than they solveHow protein, fat, and carb balance impacts weight loss and metabolic healthWhy BMI is outdated—and better tools for measuring healthThe role of sleep, stress, and mindset in weight managementWhy over-exercising can sabotage fat lossPractical steps to reset metabolism and protect muscle mass

In this inspiring episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons welcomes Dr. Fabrizio “Fab” Mancini—internationally recognized chiropractor, educator, speaker, and author of Self-Health. Together, they unpack the failings of a profit-driven healthcare system and reveal how true healing begins with personal responsibility, lifestyle choices, and reconnecting to the body's innate ability to heal.From his transformative car accident in the 1980s to becoming the youngest university president in the U.S., Dr. Mancini shares why he chose chiropractic over surgery, how the medical establishment actively suppressed natural approaches, and why integrative medicine and biohacking are changing the conversation on chronic disease.This episode is a wake-up call for anyone navigating chronic illness, questioning conventional care, or seeking the tools to live with vitality into their 90s and beyond.In This Episode, You Will Learn:How a devastating car accident led Dr. Mancini to chiropractic careThe truth about medical education vs. chiropractic educationWhy pharmaceuticals fail in chronic disease—and what really worksThe three chiropractic principles that shaped Dr. Mancini's lifeHow government subsidies fuel chronic illnessWhy childhood obesity and infertility are on the rise—and what parents can doWhat “biohacking” really means and why it's not just for the wealthyHow Self-Health empowers anyone to prevent and reverse disease

In this episode of Keeping Abreast, Dr. Jenn Simmons welcomes Dr. Hania Bednarski, a breast surgeon pioneering cryoablation as an alternative to conventional breast cancer surgery.For decades, breast cancer treatment has changed little—yet Dr. Bednarski is forging a new path, reducing trauma while preserving women's wholeness. She shares her journey from trauma and hand surgery into breast care, and ultimately into cryoablation. Together, she and Dr. Jenn explore why this approach matters, how it's performed, and what it means for the future of breast cancer care.The conversation challenges assumptions about mammograms, chemotherapy, lymph node surgery, and hormones. Both physicians stress the importance of autonomy, personalized treatment, and a future where patient choice—not rigid protocols—guides care.This episode is essential for women navigating breast health, practitioners curious about new frontiers, and anyone passionate about transforming medicine from invasive to empowering.In This Episode, You Will Learn:How Dr. Bednarski's career led her to cryoablationWhy conventional surgery can cause lasting traumaWhat cryoablation is, how it works, and who it helpsWhy informed consent and patient choice matterThe pitfalls of mammograms and over-diagnosisHow cryoablation may engage the immune systemWhy lymph node surgery is diagnostic—not curativeThe truth about estrogen and breast cancer riskHow financial incentives block innovation

In the conclusion of this two-part conversation, Dr. Jenn Simmons and Dr. Jeffrey Dach go deeper on bioidentical hormones, long-term estrogen deprivation (LTED), and why “have” vs. “had” breast cancer matters when discussing HRT. They examine apoptosis after LTED, the role of estrogen in genomic stability, and how overdiagnosis from screening can drive unnecessary treatment. They also cover practical prevention pillars—iodine, DIM, selenium, and vitamin D—and what thoughtful, individualized care can look like for women navigating menopause and survivorship.In This Episode, You Will Learn:How reintroducing estrogen can trigger apoptosis in specific contextsWhy “have” vs. “had” breast cancer changes the HRT conversationHow screening, overdiagnosis, and rising mastectomy rates intersectThe difference between natural progesterone and synthetic progestinsHow iodine, DIM, selenium, and vitamin D factor into prevention programsWhat estrogen metabolites (2-hydroxy vs 4-hydroxy) and COMT mean for riskWhere integrative oncology and repurposed therapies fit into patient-centered careEpisode Timeline Highlights00:00:51 LTED explained: estrogen reintroduction & apoptosis 00:06:48 How long is “long-term” deprivation? What the studies suggest 00:10:29 “Have” vs. “had” breast cancer—why words matter for HRT decisions 00:12:48 Integrative oncology, repurposed drugs & fasting in cancer care context 00:17:41 Who may be a candidate for HRT after curative treatment? 00:20:11 Autopsy data, DCIS, and the problem of overdiagnosis 00:27:10 Why finding smaller tumors doesn't always change overall survival 00:29:29 The unintended rise in mastectomy rates with screening 00:47:33 Is it ever too late for HRT? Benefits into the 60s and 70s 00:50:02 Osteoarthritis, sleep, mood—systemic effects of estrogen deficiency 00:54:15 Metabolites & methylation (COMT) 00:58:22 Prevention stack: iodine, DIM, resveratrol, NAC 00:59:31 Selenium's role & vitamin D optimization 01:03:04 Risk-reduction strategies & individualized care 01:10:40 Closing reflections & resources