Podcasts about Medicine

Welcome to another wide-ranging "Random Show" episode that I recorded with my close friend Kevin Rose (digg.com)!This episode is brought to you by:Qlosi prescription eye drop used to treat age-related blurry near vision (presbyopia) in adults: https://Qlosi.com/TimDavid Protein Bars with 28g of protein, 150 calories, and 0g of sugar: https://davidprotein.com/Tim (Buy 4 cartons, get the 5th free.)Eight Sleep Pod Cover 5 sleeping solution for dynamic cooling and heating: EightSleep.com/Tim (use code TIM to get $400 off your very own Pod 5 Ultra)Coyote the card game​, which I co-created with Exploding Kittens: https://coyotegame.com*For show notes and past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast.For deals from sponsors of The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast-sponsorsSign up for Tim's email newsletter (5-Bullet Friday) at tim.blog/friday.For transcripts of episodes, go to tim.blog/transcripts.Discover Tim's books: tim.blog/books.Follow Tim:Twitter: twitter.com/tferriss Instagram: instagram.com/timferrissYouTube: youtube.com/timferrissFacebook: facebook.com/timferriss LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timferrissSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Join My Newsletter For My Book & Updates on my Anxiety Freedom Course: https://learntruehealth.com/free Get The Free Course & Learn More: https://chehomeopathy.com BOOK: Homeopathy at Home: Everyday Treatments for Common Complaints https://amzn.to/3KEoNdj learntruehealth.com/structuredwater, to check out the science, studies, and new devices. Remember your coupon code LTH during checkout!

How can one tree be said to bless, protect, seduce… and curse?In this episode, I'm joined by herbalist and writer Ruthie Kølle for a deep dive into one of my all-time favorite plants: hawthorn (Crataegus spp.). Together, we explore hawthorn's rich folklore, its potent heart-centered gifts, and the magic woven into its thorns, blossoms, and berries. Drawing from her Celtic heritage, Ruthie shares how hawthorn is not just a medicine, but a living bridge to old-world traditions and ancestral ways of healing.Ruthie brought us her recipe for Anam Cara Heart Opening Cordial, a delightful blend of hawthorn and other rose-family plants. I love how this recipe can be so easily adapted to reflect the region you live in! You can download a beautifully illustrated recipe card here. By the end of this episode, you'll know:► Three different body systems that benefit from hawthorn's gifts► What makes hawthorn so nourishing and protective, both for the ecosystem and for the human body► Why most people could benefit from working with hawthorn on a daily basis► Five different ways to include hawthorn in food► Why hawthorn is called the "trysting tree" in Irish lore—and what that has to do with the putrid smell of its flowers► and so much more…For those of you who don't know her, Ruthie Kølle lives in a cabin situated on the northern hem of her family's 9th generation farm, which occupies unceded Lenape land. She is deeply rooted to her place there and has apprenticed herself to reconnecting to her own Celtic ancestral ways, weaving them into the stories of the land where she is currently planted. It's her passion to reconnect with and integrate these traditional and ritual methods of healing into our modern lives.Ruthie has been studying folk and clinical herbalism since 2012, has been practicing intuitive bodywork since 2005, and creating ceramic art for 30 years.This conversation is so full of wonder, story, and heartfelt herbal wisdom. If you've ever felt drawn to hawthorn—or are curious why so many people fall in love with this tree—you won't want to miss this episode!----Get full show notes, transcript, and more information at: herbswithrosaleepodcast.comWould you prefer watching this episode? If so, click here for the video.You can find Ruthie at MotherHylde.com.For more behind-the-scenes of this podcast, follow @rosaleedelaforet on Instagram!Working successfully with herbs requires three essential skills. Get introduced to them by taking my free herbal jumpstart course when you sign up for my newsletter.If you enjoy the Herbs with Rosalee podcast, we could use your support! Please consider leaving a 5-star rating and review and sharing the show with someone who needs to hear it!On the podcast, we explore the many ways plants heal, as food, as medicine, and through nature connection. Each week, I focus on a single seasonal plant and share trusted herbal knowledge so that you can get the best results when using herbs for your health.Learn more about Herbs with Rosalee at herbswithrosalee.com.----Rosalee is an herbalist and author of...

The Counter Momentum of Spin, with Dr. Franco Musio – Mass media and technology have infiltrated all sectors of our lives, including exercise: wearable technology (smartwatches, fitness trackers, and rings monitor our physiological parameters, giving real-time feedback); smart equipment and apps (AI-powered apps for personalized workouts and data analysis); virtual and...

Dr. Marc Siegel, Clinical Professor of Medicine & Fox News Contributor, joins Sid to touch upon his book The Miracles Among Us: How God's Grace Plays a Role in Healing. The conversation spans various topics, including recent sports events, personal health anecdotes, and the interplay between faith and medical advancements. Siegel emphasizes the importance of integrating spirituality with technological advancements in medicine. He recounts stories from his book about miraculous recoveries and the power of prayer in healing, underscoring the role of faith and community support in medical outcomes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

(December 03, 2025) Costco is poking the Trump Bear. Cash strapped shoppers opt for essentials and buy-now-pay-later services. Dr. Jim Keany, Chief Medical Officer at Dignity Health St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach, joins The Bill Handel Show for 'Medical News'! Dr. Keany talks with Bill about tattoo ink moving through the body, killing immune cells and weakening vaccine response, and men with ‘beer bellies’ may face serious heart damage even if they aren’t overweight.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vascular and inflammatory diseases after COVID-19 infection and vaccination in children and young people in England: a retrospective, population-based cohort study using linked electronic health recordsComparison of an Initial Risk-Based Testing Strategy vs Usual Testing in Stable Symptomatic Patients With Suspected Coronary Artery Disease: The PRECISE Randomized Clinical Trial This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sensible-med.com/subscribe

Send us a textIn this episode, Dr. Andrew Beverstock discusses his research on urinary sodium and its relationship with growth in preterm neonates. He shares insights into the importance of sodium for neonatal growth, the methodology of his study, and the unexpected results that challenge existing literature. The conversation also touches on his diverse medical training, mentorship experiences, and his involvement in medical education and point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS). Dr. Beverstock emphasizes the significance of careful population selection in research and outlines his future research directions. Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

This week, we look at new trials on glucocorticoids for pneumonia in Africa, shunting for normal-pressure hydrocephalus, and pegcetacoplan for two rare kidney diseases. We review updated vaccine evidence for Covid-19, RSV, and influenza, and present a case of respiratory decline and muscle weakness. Perspectives explore health care incentives, U.S. global health strategy, and bringing AI-enabled care to rural America.

The Revolutionary Role of the Vagus Nerve in Bioelectronic Medicine: Dr. Kevin J. Tracey, president and CEO at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and author of "The Great Nerve: The New Science of the Vagus Nerve and How to Harness Its Healing Reflexes,” details the historical context and recent advancements in harnessing the power of the vagus nerve to control inflammation without causing immunosuppression. The conversation explores the journey from early experimental stages to the recent FDA approval for treating rheumatoid arthritis through vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) devices. He also delves into the potential applications of VNS in treating other inflammatory conditions, mood disorders, and the science behind non-invasive lifestyle techniques and commercially available devices. The episode provides valuable insights into the future of bioelectronic medicine and its potential to revolutionize medical treatments.

Dr. Hoffman continues his conversation with Dr. Kevin J. Tracey, president and CEO at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research and author of "The Great Nerve: The New Science of the Vagus Nerve and How to Harness Its Healing Reflexes.”

Welcome to Resiliency Radio with Dr. Jill Carnahan, where today's powerful episode explores what it truly means to reclaim medicine through aligned leadership, personal transformation, and a return to root-cause, patient-centered care. Dr. Jill is joined by the inspiring Lundquist brothers - Dr. Erik Lundquist and Dr. Davin Lundquist—two nationally respected leaders in integrative, functional, and holistic medicine. In this episode, we dive deep into the emotional and professional challenges facing today's healthcare professionals, including burnout, chronic stress, and system-driven limitations that leave both clinicians and patients overwhelmed. Together, the Lundquist brothers break down what real leadership looks like in medicine—revealing the difference between simply managing and truly inspiring transformation in others. You'll learn how personal growth begins with small, courageous steps; how functional and holistic medicine empowers individuals to reclaim their health; and how hope, mindset, and aligned leadership can reshape the future of healthcare. Whether you're a clinician seeking renewed purpose or a patient longing for a more compassionate, whole-person medical approach, this conversation offers deep wisdom, practical insight, and a renewed sense of possibility.

In this deeply human episode, Dr. Mark Bonta sits down with cardiac surgeon, scientist, and writer Dr. Paul Fedak for an honest look at the hidden cost of excellence in medicine. Dr. Fedak shares the story of the injury that forced him out of the operating room and into a profound reckoning with identity, purpose, and the culture of silence that surrounds clinician suffering.Drawing from years as Professor at the University of Calgary and Director of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute, he unpacks why perfectionism is so common in medical training, how surgeons learn to mask pain behind composure, and why emotional detachment has long been mistaken for professionalism. Together they explore the unseen burden clinicians carry, the pressure to perform without pause, and the moments when the mask finally cracks.Dr. Fedak speaks candidly about ego death, vulnerability, and rebuilding a life after losing the work that once defined him. He describes the colleagues who opened up only after he shared his own story, highlighting how connection and honesty can transform a profession built on quiet endurance.This episode examines the human side of medicine that rarely makes it into textbooks. Identity. Injury. Recovery. Presence. What it means to care for others while trying to stay whole yourself.A moving conversation for anyone in healthcare or anyone who has ever struggled with the weight of impossible expectations.Paul Fedak, MD, PhD's website : paulfedak.comEpisode Takeaways1. Surgeons are trained to push through pain, not acknowledge it.Medical culture rewards resilience and persistence, but that same conditioning prevents clinicians from recognizing and responding to their own injuries.2. Perfectionism is wired into medical training.Traits like list making, obsessive task completion, and performance under observation are common in medicine and often go unexamined despite their psychological cost.3. The mask of competence becomes automatic.Clinicians become so skilled at hiding distress that even close colleagues fail to notice warning signs. This silence leaves suffering invisible.4. Vulnerability creates connection and protects lives.When Dr. Fedak shared his story, dozens of peers came forward with their own hidden experiences. Openness is not weakness. It is safety.5. Ergonomic injuries in surgery are far more common than most people realize.The physical demands of operating are intense, yet surgeons lack the protections that other healthcare workers receive.6. Leadership shows the true burden physicians carry.Once in leadership roles, clinicians see the depth of burnout, fear, and quiet endurance happening behind the scenes.7. Losing the identity of “surgeon” creates an existential crisis.Stepping out of the operating room forced a complete reevaluation of purpose, ego, and self worth.8. Technical excellence is not the full measure of a doctor.Relational skill, empathy, presence, and human connection matter just as much as procedural skill.9. Medicine needs protected space for reflection.Without pause and presence, clinicians lose touch with themselves and the people they care for. Healing requires time, community, and grounding.10. System structures shape clinician wellbeing.The fee for service model rewards quantity over recovery, creating pressures that make self care feel impossible.11. Paying clinicians to care for themselves could change outcomes.If mental health visits, ergonomic care, and recovery time were compensated, more clinicians would seek help early.Episode Timestamps07:10 How one surgeon's work related injury forced a career pivot and a deeper conversation about wellbeing.08:25 The secret stories colleagues shared only after Paul opened up about his own suffering.10:30 Independent contractor status and why doctors lack the ergonomic protections nurses receive.13:00 The unseen emotional toll behind surgical careers and what leadership reveals about clinician suffering.16:00 Training teaches perseverance, but injury demands honesty. The conflict surgeons are never taught to navigate.17:28 Medical trainees and perfectionism. Why obsessive traits are six times more common in medicine.19:10 When the mask becomes permanent. How clinicians hide distress even from each other.20:00 Two tragic losses and the lessons Paul learned about checking in with colleagues.22:00 Vulnerability as leadership. Why sharing your story opens the door for others to heal.28:57 Did speaking out come with professional risks. What changed when Paul stopped protecting his own ego.31:55 Losing the identity of “surgeon.” The ego death that followed leaving the operating room.33:40 Beyond technical mastery. Why excellence must include human connection, empathy, and presence.34:46 How medicine can “create space” for reflection, grounding, and real conversations.37:50 The hidden financial pressures behind surgical work and how billing shapes clinician behavior.DISCLAMER >>>>>>    The Ditch Lab Coat podcast serves solely for general informational purposes and does not serve as a substitute for professional medical services such as medicine or nursing. It does not establish a doctor/patient relationship, and the use of information from the podcast or linked materials is at the user's own risk. The content does not aim to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and users should promptly seek guidance from healthcare professionals for any medical conditions.   >>>>>> The expressed opinions belong solely to the hosts and guests, and they do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the Hospitals, Clinics, Universities, or any other organization associated with the host or guests.    Disclosures: Ditch The Lab Coat podcast is produced by (Podkind.co) and is independent of Dr. Bonta's teaching and research roles at McMaster University, Temerty Faculty of Medicine and Queens University. 

Guest: Tashina In this episode, hosts Maddy and Josie speak with Tashina Emery, a member of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. Tashina introduces herself in her language, sharing her spirit name, Clearing of the Sky Cloud Woman, and her Turtle Clan identity. She reflects on her mental health journey through motherhood, describing how her cultural roots, family, and connection to her ancestors have guided and grounded her. The conversation touches on the healing power of community and tradition, emphasizing the importance of reclaiming identity, balance, and self-compassion during major life transitions like becoming a parent. Throughout the episode, Tashina offers thoughtful insights into what it means to heal generationally and maintain mental wellness through cultural connection and storytelling. To learn more about the Increasing Health Literacy Project, or to access resources visit https://www.itcmi.org/home/departments/maternal-and-early-childhood-services/home-visiting-network/increasing-health-literacy/

Dr. Marc Siegel, Clinical Professor of Medicine & Fox News Contributor, joins Sid to touch upon his book The Miracles Among Us: How God's Grace Plays a Role in Healing. The conversation spans various topics, including recent sports events, personal health anecdotes, and the interplay between faith and medical advancements. Siegel emphasizes the importance of integrating spirituality with technological advancements in medicine. He recounts stories from his book about miraculous recoveries and the power of prayer in healing, underscoring the role of faith and community support in medical outcomes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can your cholesterol drop more than 150 points in just 15 days without medication?   Dr. Ted Barnett joins Chuck Carroll at the International Conference on Nutrition and Medicine to reveal the stunning results he's seeing with patients who adopt a whole food plant-based diet.   Inside Lifestyle Medicine Grand Rounds, Dr. Barnett has witnessed cholesterol levels fall by 150–200 points in two weeks, average drops of 64 points, and dramatic improvements in blood sugar, inflammation, and energy — often outperforming the results of statins.   This episode dives deep into why lifestyle changes can be more powerful than prescriptions, what's holding back the medical system from using these tools, and how simple foods like arugula, broccoli, sweet potatoes, mushrooms, and black-eyed peas can transform your health quickly.   What You'll Learn:  - How patients are lowering cholesterol 150+ points naturally - Why whole food plant-based diets outperform many medications - The 15-Day Jumpstart program and its life-changing results - Why the medical system overlooks lifestyle solutions - The top foods Dr. Barnett "prescribes" to every patient - How doctors collaborate in Lifestyle Medicine Grand Rounds - How you can experience similar results at home   Please support PCRM and The Exam Room Podcast on Giving Tuesday. Your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar to fuel the content you love, like this podcast, while keeping all of PCRM's lifesaving work moving full steam ahead. Please donate today: https://pcrm.org/examroommatch  

I'M IN EVERYBODY'S BUSINESS TODAY! JOIN ME, WON'T YOU?!   Listen… I could have minded my business today, but aren't you glad I chose NOT to do so? Porsha Williams, come to the front of the class (and bring your strap-on with you)! In this hot topics filled episodes: I gotta make sure Porsha knows how to be a proper lesbian, congratulate Whitney from Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, tell you why Todd Tucker has LOST HIS MIND (Kandi… count your blessings), give my thoughts about Quad vs. Simone on Married to Medicine premiere, and tell you which Real Housewives do NOT receive the episodes early anymore! Hint hint: it's Salt Lake City. Download and listen today!     *** HEY! Some of you have asked how you can show your appreciation for all the content provided by your mama's favorite Black geek. How about you buy me a beer/coffee? CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT! ***   New episodes of “I Ken Not with Kendrick Tucker” are released weekly!   DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE, RATE, AND REVIEW! I LOVE 5 STARS! EMAIL ME AT IKENNOTPODCAST@GMAIL.COM! FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM! FOLLOW ME ON THREADS! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Childhood obesity management has evolved far beyond the traditional advice of "eat healthier and move more." Today's clinical toolbox includes GLP-1 medications, behavioral health interventions, multidisciplinary lifestyle programs and bariatric surgery. These evidence-based tools can be complex, nuanced, and sometimes controversial, but they share a common goal: supporting young people in achieving healthier lives. In this episode, we explore how modern treatment strategies come together to meet the needs of individual patients and families. Our guests discuss when and how to use these tools, the importance of coordinated care and what pediatricians should consider as this field continues to rapidly expand. Jonathan Hills-Dunlap, MD, is the Director of Robotics Surgery as well as the Surgical Director of the Bariatric Surgery Program at Children's Colorado. Megan Kelsey is the Medical Director of both Lifestyle Medicine and the Adolescent Bariatric Surgery Program. Both are on faculty at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Some highlights from this episode include: The steps for being a bariatric surgery candidate How to best support obese patients and their journeys  Why a multidisciplinary approach is necessary For more information on Children's Colorado, visit: childrenscolorado.org. 

Danielle and Whitney sit down with Dr. Elizabeth Sharp, a board-certified Internal and Obesity Medicine physician, functional medicine practitioner, and founder of Health Meets Wellness and The TouchCare Method. Together, they explore how dramatically the GLP-1 landscape has evolved—from early use in diabetes and clinical obesity to widespread microdosing, off-label protocols, emerging oral versions, and new research on inflammation, dementia risk, PCOS, and IBD. Dr. Sharp breaks down what the science actually says, who these medications can help, and the real considerations we all should be talking about. Dr. Sharp shares:  What GLP-1 medications actually do in the body Why food noise is different from food addiction The critical role of diet, protein, fiber, and movement on GLP-1s How to protect muscle mass and metabolic health GLP-1 use during perimenopause and menopause She also dives into the importance of resistance training, daily strength “snacks,” and the rising role of creatine for women, cognition, and anyone on GLP-1s. Dr. Sharp leaves us with a powerful piece of lightwork you can integrate immediately—wherever you are in your health journey. Check out the video version on the Sakara Life YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/ZA3Knfq7NCY  Elizabeth Sharp Edens, M.D., DABOM, IFMCP is a board-certified Internal Medicine and Obesity Medicine physician, an Institute for Functional Medicine Certified Practitioner, and the founder of Health Meets Wellness and The TouchCare Method. She created Health Meets Wellness to make functional, root-cause medicine more accessible — blending evidence-based clinical care with movement, nutrition, and lifestyle medicine to help patients achieve lasting wellness. A certified yoga instructor, she weaves daily movement practices into treatment plans, believing medicine works best when paired with mindful physical activity. Building on her clinical work, Dr. Sharp launched The TouchCare Method, an innovative digital obesity medicine and weight-management platform offering high-touch, wrap-around care both in-person and online. The platform integrates medical treatment, nutrition, exercise, behavioral health, and data-driven insights into one comprehensive program — providing patients with continuous support through virtual coaching, AI-enhanced engagement, and remote monitoring. Dr. Sharp developed the Health Meets Wellness Method in collaboration with Troy Flanagan, Ph.D., and Susie Parker-Simmons, RDN, to address metabolic health through a multifaceted, personalized approach. Her work focuses on treating obesity as a chronic disease—combining medication management with individualized nutrition, physical activity, and behavioral strategies for sustainable results. She also serves as an Assistant Professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from St. George's University School of Medicine and completed her internal medicine residency at Lenox Hill Hospital. She went on to practice with Mount Sinai Doctors, where she received the Cullman Family Award for Excellence in Physician Communication, and later worked at One Medical.

Beta-glucans might be one of the most overlooked levers in immune resilience, and that has major implications for longevity. Talking with my long-time friends and colleagues Drs. Bob Rountree and Chris D'Adamo reminded me just how powerful this molecule truly is. The clinical reach here is stunning, from immune aging and cancer support to vaccine response, gut–brain effects, and overall resilience. What struck me most is how beta-glucans help the innate immune system respond more effectively over time, from overtraining and chronic infections to vaccine responsiveness. Clinicians really need this on their radar. I think you're going to find this conversation eye-opening. ~DrKF Check out the show notes at https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ for the full list of links and resources. GUEST DETAILS Bob Rountree, MD, is a leading figure in integrative and functional medicine with more than 40 years of clinical experience. Medical Director of Boulder Wellcare and long-time IFM faculty, he is widely published and a respected educator in personalized medicine, botanical therapies, and immune health. Chris D'Adamo, PhD, is a research scientist and epidemiologist focused on how nutrition, lifestyle, and environmental factors influence health. An Assistant Professor at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, he has led numerous clinical studies, published widely, and is a trusted advisor and educator in integrative and lifestyle medicine. THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR BetterWay Health (Consumers) BWHLabs (Practitioners) WEBSITE: http://bwhlabs.com/kara EXCLUSIVE OFFER FOR NEW FRONTIERS LISTENERS Book a practitioner call and receive a complimentary bottle of beta-glucan to try personally or with a patient at http://bwhlabs.com/kara CONNECT with DrKF Want more? Join our newsletter here: https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/newsletter/ Or take our pop quiz and test your BioAge! https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/bioagequiz YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/hjpc8daz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkarafitzgerald/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrKaraFitzgerald/ DrKF Clinic: Patient consults with DrKF physicians including Younger You Concierge: https://tinyurl.com/yx4fjhkb Younger You Practitioner Training Program: www.drkarafitzgerald.com/trainingyyi/ Younger You book: https://tinyurl.com/mr4d9tym Better Broths and Healing Tonics book: https://tinyurl.com/3644mrfw

Geo Espinosa, ND, LAc, CNS, a well-known naturopathic doctor specializing in urological health at NYU Langone Hospital, licensed acupuncturist, and certified Functional Medicine practitioner, discusses prostate health, including the latest advances in prostate cancer treatment and the importance of a balanced approach between natural and conventional medicine. Dr. Espinosa also highlights the upcoming Prostate Cancer Summit 2.0, scheduled for December 13th-17th, a free online event designed to provide comprehensive information on prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment, and management. The conversation covers PSA testing, new diagnostic tools, advanced treatment options like androgen deprivation therapy, and the benefits of exercise and diet in managing prostate health.

Geo Espinosa, ND, LAc, CNS, a well-known naturopathic doctor specializing in urological health at NYU Langone Hospital, and host of the upcoming Prostate Cancer Summit 2.0, scheduled for December 13th-17th, a free online event designed to provide comprehensive information on prostate cancer diagnosis, treatment, and management. 

The Joe Piscopo Show 12-2-25 24:23- Col. Patrick Callahan, New Jersey State Police Superintendent and State Director of Emergency Management Topic: Preparations for impending Nor'Easter, road conditions 37:07- Joseph diGenova, former U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Topic: Appeals court upholds ruling disqualifying Alina Habba 52:21- John Solomon, award-winning investigative journalist, founder of "Just The News," and the host of “Just the News, No Noise” on the Real America’s Voice network Topic: White House confirming Pete Hegseth authorized second strike on drug boat, Homeland Security 1:13:41- Matt Rooney, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of SaveJersey.com Topic: Alina Habba 1:27:36- David Fischer, CEO of Landmark Capital Topic: Possibility of a looming bear market, U.S. Treasury reporting October budget, Federal Reserve 2% inflation target and the impact on gold and silver prices 1:38:04- K.T. McFarland, Former Trump Deputy National Security Advisor and the author of "Revolution: Trump, Washington and 'We The People'” Topic: U.S. relations with Venezuela, second strike on drug boat, latest with Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations 1:49:49- Dr. Marc Siegel, physician, Professor of Medicine at the NYU Langone Medical Center, author of "The Miracles Among Us," and contributor to Fox News Topic: President Trump's MRI, his new book 2:03:59- Arthur Aidala, former Brooklyn Prosecutor, star criminal defense attorney, and host of "The Arthur Aidala Power Hour" weeknights at 6 p.m. on AM 970 The Answer Topic: Luigi Mangione pretrial hearings on evidence in the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian ThompsonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A patient arrives at shock trauma with flesh-eating bacteria, limbs appearing unsalvageable. Hours later, after treatment in a massive submarine-like chamber, those same limbs show signs of recovery. This pivotal moment launched Dr. Scott Sherr's journey into the world of hyperbaric oxygen therapy and its untapped potential for metabolic healing.Victoria Field welcomes Dr. Scott Sherr, a board certified internal medicine physician who transformed his practice after witnessing HBOT's dramatic effects during his medical training at University of Maryland's trauma center. Now Director of Integrative Hyperbaric Medicine at Hyperbaric Medical Solutions, Dr. Sherr has pioneered protocols that marry hyperbaric therapy with nutritional optimization and metabolic health strategies.Questions Answered in This Episode: What sparked his interest in branching out into hyperbaric oxygen therapy? Why does he recommend waiting three months before intensive protocols? What is the "sympathetic spiral of doom"? What excites him most about the future of hyperbaric medicine? What's his vision for creating integrated healing ecosystems?This conversation reframes hyperbaric medicine not as a standalone treatment, but as a powerful tool within a comprehensive metabolic optimization framework - one that could fundamentally change how we approach healing and human performance.Learn about Dr. Scherr's work with Troscriptions here.Special thanks to the sponsors of this episode:✅Genova Connect – Get 15% off any test kit with code METABOLICLINK here.✅Cowboy Colostrum - Get 25% off when you use code METABOLICLINK at checkout here.✅ Branch Basics - Get 15% off your Premium Starter Kit here.In every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!You can find us on all your major podcast players here and full episodes are also up on our Metabolic Health Summit YouTube channel!Find us on social: Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.

Lisa welcomes Dr. Tina Ipe (MD, MPH), a transfusion-medicine hematologist and longevity expert, for a fascinating deep dive into therapeutic apheresis, autoimmune healing, telomere health, gut-driven immunity, GLP-1s, and why real prevention—not pills—creates lasting wellness. A must-listen for anyone seeking root-cause medicine, evidence-based longevity, and a fresh look at modern healthcare.     WEBSITE: https://www.regenmed.vip/     INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/drtinaipe_regenmedvip     FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556297771199     YOUTUBE:  https://www.youtube.com/@regenmedvip     EPISODE SPONSOR:  https://www.davidsburgers.com/     EPISODE SPONSOR:  https://marlsgate.com     LISA'S LINKS:     Lisa Fischer Said Academy:  https://lisafischersaid.com/academy/     Website:  lisafischersaid.com     For more information on group intermittent fasting  coaching with Lisa, email fasting@lisafischersaid.com     For more information on one-on-one or group health coaching with Lisa, email healthcoaching@lisafischersaid.com     Podcast produced by clantoncreative.com    

Send us a textMethods & challenges of establishing causal relationships in health research, emphasizing epidemiology, randomized trials, and genetic approaches.Topics:Epidemiology: Studies disease influences using observational designs like case-control and prospective cohorts, plus trials, to identify patterns and test hypotheses.Hierarchy of evidence critique: Rejects rigid pyramids favoring RCTs, as all studies can be biased; advocates triangulation integrating varied data types for robust conclusions.RCT strengths & weaknesses: Randomization balances confounders, but issues like poor blinding, attrition, or subversion can undermine results; large samples may yield spurious precision if biased.Confounding & reverse causation: Examples include yellow fingers and lung cancer (both from smoking) or early atherosclerosis inflating CRP-disease links; hard to fully control statistically.Nutrition epidemiology: Observational studies often overstate benefits (e.g., vitamin E for heart disease), leading to failed trials; incentives favor new findings over revisiting errors.Mendelian randomization: Uses genetic variants as proxies for exposures (e.g., ALDH2 for alcohol metabolism) to mimic randomization; reveals no heart benefits from alcohol, unlike observational data.Negative controls: Tests implausible outcomes (e.g., smoking and murder) or exposures (e.g., paternal smoking in pregnancy) to check for confounding artifacts.Evidence triangulation: Combines diverse studies with different biases (e.g., cross-cultural comparisons) for causality; applied to dismiss HDL-raising drugs despite initial promise.Practical Takeaways:Scrutinize health claims by checking for negative controls or variety in evidence sources to avoid mistaking correlation for causation.For personal decisions like alcohol intake, consider genetic studies showing risks at all levels, and aim for moderation or abstinence based on overall evidence.When evaluating supplements or diets, prioritize trials over observational data, and question media hype that ignores confounding factors.About the guest: Dr. George Davey Smith, MD, DSc is a professor of clinical epidemiology at the University of Bristol and director of the MRC Integrative Epidemiology Unit.*Not medical advice.Support the showAffiliates: Lumen device to optimize your metabolism for weight loss or athletic performance. MINDMATTER gets you 15% off. AquaTru: Water filtration devices that remove microplastics, metals, bacteria, and more from your drinking water. Through link, $100 off AquaTru Carafe, Classic & Under Sink Units; $300 off Freestanding models. Seed Oil Scout: Find restaurants with seed oil-free options, scan food products to see what they're hiding, with this easy-to-use mobile app. KetoCitra—Ketone body BHB + electrolytes formulated for kidney health. Use code MIND20 for 20% off any subscription (cancel anytime) For all the ways you can support my efforts

In this episode of The Healthspan Podcast, Dr. Robert Todd Hurst, MD, FACC, FASE, explores the powerful intersection between sleep, heart health, and medical innovation.   Joining him is Dr. Ruchir Sehra, a physician, cardiologist, and medical device entrepreneur whose career spans electrophysiology, venture capital, and health technology. Together, they discuss how better sleep can prevent heart disease, why modern healthcare must evolve beyond reactive care, and how technology and AI are reshaping medicine for the age of longevity.   They discuss the connection between sleep apnea and atrial fibrillation (AFib), the importance of lifestyle medicine, and how future healthcare models can extend both lifespan and healthspan.   About the Guest:   Dr. Ruchir Sehra is a cardiologist, electrophysiologist, and healthcare innovator with decades of experience at the intersection of medicine, business, and technology. He has led and advised multiple medical device startups and continues to champion innovation that advances preventive and personalized healthcare. His work spans arrhythmia treatment, sleep health, and AI-driven patient solutions.

We kick off constipation awareness month with today's episode with Dr. Darren Brenner who is Professor of Medicine at Northwestern University. The discussion focuses on the prevalence of constipation, risk factors, and symptoms of one of the most common gastrointestinal conditions worldwide. This episode was sponsored by Vibrant Gastro, makers of the drug-free Vibrant System. It is the first of three episodes in a constipation mini-series. 

In episode 62 of Going anti-Viral, Dr Rochelle Walensky joins host Dr Michael Saag on World AIDS Day 2025 to discuss her experience as the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) during the COVID-19 pandemic and the current state of public health in the United States. Dr Walensky is a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and has published over 300 research articles that have motivated changes to US HIV testing and immigration policy and promoted expanded funding for HIV-related research, treatment, and the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR). Dr Walensky reflects on her experience during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic in Massachusetts where she was the Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at Massachusetts General Hospital. Dr Saag and Dr Walensky then discuss her transition to the Director of the CDC and her management of the agency during the pandemic. Dr Walensky and Dr Saag emphasize the dedication of public health professionals and the need for continued support and understanding of the challenges they face. They discuss the risk of proposed budget cuts to the CDC and the impacts this will have on the agency as well as state and local public health departments. Finally, they discuss the future of public health and their shared optimism for public health over the long-term.0:00 – Introduction1:41 – Management of the early outbreak of COVID-19 in Massachusetts and reflections on the Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) in March of 202011:50 – Transition to lead the CDC and reflections on the difficult job of management of the CDC during a pandemic24:00 – Navigating COVID-19 variants and the challenge of public health recommendations for wearing masks and vaccination28:24 – Outlook on the future of public health and the CDC and the risks of proposed budget cuts on state and local public health agencies __________________________________________________Produced by IAS-USA, Going anti–Viral is a podcast for clinicians involved in research and care in HIV, its complications, and other viral infections. This podcast is intended as a technical source of information for specialists in this field, but anyone listening will enjoy learning more about the state of modern medicine around viral infections. Going anti-Viral's host is Dr Michael Saag, a physician, prominent HIV researcher at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and volunteer IAS–USA board member. In most episodes, Dr Saag interviews an expert in infectious diseases or emerging pandemics about their area of specialty and current developments in the field. Other episodes are drawn from the IAS–USA vast catalogue of panel discussions, Dialogues, and other audio from various meetings and conferences. Email podcast@iasusa.org to send feedback, show suggestions, or questions to be answered on a later episode.Follow Going anti-Viral on: Apple Podcasts YouTubeXFacebookInstagram...

What happens when your childhood calling collides with a system that limits your capacity to live it out?In this Echo Episode, Dr. Maria Sturchler shares her extraordinary journey from first-generation college student to educator to medical student, years after being told she “wouldn't make it” in medicine. Now double board-certified in Emergency Medicine and Palliative Care, Maria reveals how serendipity, mentorship, and resilience brought her back to her original dream on her own terms.She and Andrea unpack the realities pushing talented clinicians out of traditional EM practice: night shifts, moral injury, violence in the ED, corporate interference, loss of autonomy, and the identity crisis that comes with stepping away. Maria gives voice to the hidden grief, burnout, and shame physicians carry when “the path” no longer fits.But this is not a story of defeat. Maria now leads an innovative palliative care model embedded inside the emergency department, freeing EM physicians from burdens that don't belong to them, reducing patient suffering, and restoring meaning to clinical work. Her message is equal parts invitation and disruption: medicine is not a prison. It's a “choose-your-own-adventure” and there are more off-ramps, pivots, and second chances than most physicians believe.You'll Hear How They:Reframe imposter syndrome and harmful feedback that derails dreamsNavigate grief when an identity built on EM no longer aligns with personal well-beingDescribe the hidden toll of EM: disrupted circadian rhythm, motherhood challenges, pandemic trauma, and corporate shiftsIntegrate palliative care inside the ED, reducing length of stay, improving communication, and radically supporting EM physiciansUse mentorship, self-inquiry, and values alignment to identify career pivots About the Guest“Medicine is choose-your-own-adventure.” — Dr. Maria SturchlerDr. Maria Sturchler is a dual board-certified physician in Emergency Medicine and Palliative Care, a three-time Ironman competitor, and a former mathematics educator whose doctoral work examined gender disparities in STEM. After being discouraged from medicine early on, serendipity and mentorship led her back to her calling. Today, she helps patients, families, and clinici'hat integrate palliative medicine directly into emergency care.LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/mariasturchlerWebsite: sturchlermd.comResources + MentionsUnlocking Us podcast — Brené BrownBring 'Em All In (referenced EM mantra)Multidisciplinary collaboration models in palliative and acute careTop 3 Key TakeawaysCareer paths are not linear—nor should they be: Your training is a foundation, not a life sentence. EM skills travel well into palliative care, leadership roles, education, coaching, and hybrid models that better honor your values.Boundaries are not betrayal—they are survival: Choosing your health, family, sleep, identity, and emotional bandwidth is not weakness. It is wisdom. Physicians cannot sustain compassion without protecting their humanity.The future belongs to systems that humanize care: Embedded palliative programs, interdisciplinary partnerships, and values-based innovations reduce burnout, shorten ED holds, and restore dignity to medicine—one conversation at a time.

In this uplifting, research-rich conversation, Dr. Dori Mintzer talks with gerontologist Dr. Kerry Burnight, author of JoySpan: The Art and Science of Thriving in Life's Second Half. Together they explore how to move beyond fear and decline-based views of aging and instead cultivate dignity, health, and joy throughout a longer life.Dr. Kerry explains “JoySpan” as enduring well-being and contentment, an inside-out joy that can coexist with grief, illness, and real-life challenges, distinct from both lifespan and healthspan. She introduces the JoySpan Matrix of four internal strengths: Grow, Connect, Adapt, and Give, sharing practical, everyday ways listeners can keep learning, build nourishing relationships, enhance coping skills, and create meaning and legacy in later life.Through stories from her decades of work in gerontology and powerful research findings on mindset and aging, Dr. Kerry shows how internalized ageism and a “decline aging mindset” can limit both length and quality of life, and what it looks like to replace fear with agency, curiosity, community, and conscious preparation for our future selves. Listeners come away with simple, doable practices, like gratitude, reaching out to others, and starting or joining circles and book groups, to expand their own JoySpan at any age.About the guestDr. Kerry Burnight (“Dr. Kerry”) is a gerontologist on a mission to “make older better.” She taught geriatric medicine and gerontology for 18 years at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, co‑founded the nation's first Elder Abuse Forensic Center, and founded TheGerontologist.com.Recognized as “America's gerontologist,” she has been an invited speaker at the White House Elder Justice Summit and the U.S. Department of Justice, and has appeared on CBS News, NBC News, The Doctors, Money Matters, and The Dr. Phil Show. She is a sought‑after keynote speaker and shares research-based strategies for optimizing dignity, health, and joy in longevity through her book JoySpan, her podcast, blog, and active presence online.Connect with Kerry: LinkedInWebsiteJoySpanWhat to do next: Click to grab our free guide, 10 Key Issues to Consider as You Explore Your Retirement Transition Please leave a review at Apple Podcasts. Join our Revolutionize Your Retirement group on Facebook.

In this conversation, David Bryan interviews Sharri Foos, a marriage and family therapist and founder of the Narrative Method.  Shari shares insights on the importance of creative writing in healing and personal growth, emphasizing the non-therapeutic, supportive nature of her workshops. The discussion also covers the core concepts of the Narrative Method.      Shari  and David explore the importance of creating a safe space for individuals to connect and share their stories. They discuss the role of humor and creativity in facilitating meaningful conversations, the challenges of navigating vulnerability, and the significance of self-compassion.       Shari emphasizes the need for understanding and empathy in human interactions, while also addressing the promotion and accessibility of the Narrative Method, which aims to foster connection and healing through storytelling.Shari Foos is the founder of The Narrative Method, an award-winning 501C3 that addresses the crisis of loneliness by connecting people through their stories and creative expression. Now in its 12th year, TNM offers numerous online groups open to all as well as programs for underserved communities including veterans, youth in crises and mature adults.Ms. Foos is a Marriage and Family Therapist licensed in California and New York. She earned an MS in Narrative Medicine from Columbia University (2012) and her MA in Clinical Psychology from Antioch University Los Angeles (1997), where she founded BRIDGE in 1999, a free humanities program for low-income adults, and where she is also an adjunct professor. She is the recipient of the New Directions for Veterans Community Hero Award (2015) and The Antioch University Los Angeles Lifetime Achievement Award (2016). Ms. Foos serves on the board of the City Kids Foundation and has served as a judge for Gold Humanism in Medicine since 2014. Prior to becoming a psychotherapist, Shari was a television writer, punk-rock singer and the creator of cutting-edge salons and events.As a sought-after expert on the subjects of relationships, loneliness and meaningful connection, Foos' writing and commentary have appeared in a range of online and print publications and podcasts, including Real Simple, Huffington Post, Women's Health, KBLA, Fatherly, Thrive Global, Shondaland, The LA Weekly, Sparks & Honey Culture Briefings, Body Green, Sondership and Bustle. https://www.thenarrativemethod.org/https://www.instagram.com/thenarrativ...

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Charles Hillman, a Professor in the Department of Psychology and the Department of Physical Therapy, Movement, and Rehabilitation Sciences at Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. Dr. Hillman is also the co-director of the Center for Cognitive and Brain Health, which focuses on understanding how lifestyle choices and behaviors impact brain health and cognition. Throughout his career, Dr. Hillman has published over 300 articles and co-edited a text on Functional Neuroimaging in Exercise and Sport Sciences. He has also served on numerous committees, including the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies and the Health and Human Services Physical Activity Guidelines for American's Scientific Advisory Committee. In this conversation, we delve into Dr. Hillman's research on how lifestyle choices such as physical activity and diet impact brain health and cognitive function. We also discuss the mission of the Center for Cognitive and Brain Health and its research on how to maximize health and well-being and promote effective functioning for individuals across the lifespan. Join us as we explore the fascinating research of Dr. Charles Hillman and his team at the Center for Cognitive and Brain Health. -------- This podcast episode is sponsored by Fibion Inc. | Better Sleep, Sedentary Behaviour and Physical Activity Research with Less Hassle --- Collect, store and manage SB and PA data easily and remotely - Discover ground-breaking Fibion SENS --- SB and PA measurements, analysis, and feedback made easy.  Learn more about Fibion Research --- Learn more about Fibion Sleep and Fibion Circadian Rhythm Solutions. --- Fibion Kids - Activity tracking designed for children. --- Collect self-report physical activity data easily and cost-effectively with Mimove. --- Explore our Wearables,  Experience sampling method (ESM), Sleep,  Heart rate variability (HRV), Sedentary Behavior and Physical Activity article collections for insights on related articles. --- Refer to our article "Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior Measurements" for an exploration of active and sedentary lifestyle assessment methods. --- Learn about actigraphy in our guide: Exploring Actigraphy in Scientific Research: A Comprehensive Guide. --- Gain foundational ESM insights with "Introduction to Experience Sampling Method (ESM)" for a comprehensive overview. --- Explore accelerometer use in health research with our article "Measuring Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior with Accelerometers ". --- For an introduction to the fundamental aspects of HRV, consider revisiting our Ultimate Guide to Heart Rate Variability. --- Follow the podcast on Twitter https://twitter.com/PA_Researcher Follow host Dr Olli Tikkanen on Twitter https://twitter.com/ollitikkanen Follow Fibion on Twitter https://twitter.com/fibion https://www.youtube.com/@PA_Researcher

Dr. Samantha Green is currently a family physician at the St. Michael's Hospital Sumac Creek Health Centre in Regent Park and an Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto's Temerty Faculty of Medicine under the Department of Family and Community Medicine. She is also Board Member at the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment. Dr. Green completed medical school at the University of Ottawa in 2011 and residency in Family Medicine residency at McMaster University in 2013.We discuss her day-to-day with patients, her work with Canadian Family Physician on prioritizing sustainable primary care, the impact of hospital and food systems on the environment, and her advocacy work around climate and planetary health with the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment.ResourcesCanadian Association of Physicians for the Environment Dr. Green's work with Canadian Family Physician:“Sustainable Primary Care Toolkit”“Planetary health lens for primary care”“Reducing the environmental burden of unnecessary investigations”“Climate-conscious inhaler prescribing for family physicians”Bonus PromotionCheck out University of Guelph's online Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate. Each 4-week course will guide you through essential plant-based topics including nutritional benefits, disease prevention, and environmental impacts. You can also customize your learning with unique courses such as Plant-Based Diets for Athletes and Implementing a Plant-Based Diet at Home. As the first university-level plant-based certificate in Canada, you'll explore current research, learn from leading industry experts, and join a community of like-minded people. Use our exclusive discount code PBC2026 to save 10% on all Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate courses. uoguel.ph/pbn.Support the show

Imagine a tattoo that changes color to warn you of health issues, or a watch that knows you're getting sick before you do.In this fascinating episode, we explore breakthrough biosensor technology with Imperial College's Ali Yetisen and precision medicine pioneer Michael Snyder, who reveal how real-time health monitoring is transforming from science fiction to reality. Learn how new technologies like smart tattoos, wearable devices, and advanced blood testing are revolutionizing healthcare, shifting us from treating illness to preventing it entirely through continuous, personalized health tracking.Episode TranscriptYou can find Michael at: WebsiteYou can find Ali at: WebsiteIf you LOVED this episode, don't miss a single conversation in our Future of Medicine series, airing every Monday through December. Follow Good Life Project wherever you listen to podcasts to catch them all.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Roth of Las Vegas Plastic Surgery and co-host Darrell Craig Harris as they break down exactly what it takes to become a plastic surgeon. From the years of medical school and residency training to the intense commitment, discipline, and hands-on experience required, this episode gives a clear, insider look at the full journey. Perfect for future medical students, anyone considering a surgical specialty, or listeners curious about the path behind one of the most competitive fields in medicine. We invite you to contact us with your questions including suggestions for topics to cover on future episodes!  email: inquiry@darrellcraigharris.com Meet Dr. Jeffrey J. Roth from Las Vegas Plastic Surgery Drawn to medicine by his innate desire to help others, he received his medical degree from the University of Nevada School of Medicine. He completed his general surgery residency at the Medical College of Pennsylvania/Hahnemann University in Philadelphia and his plastic surgery residency at the University of California, San Francisco, serving as chief resident in both programs. He then furthered his training with a fellowship in microsurgery and hand surgery at USC, where he also served on the faculty. Having gathered the kind of expertise and experience that makes him a leader in his field, Dr. Roth returned to Las Vegas in 2003 and opened his practice, Las Vegas Plastic Surgery, Inc. Website www.JJRothMD.com  Social media www.Instagram.com/lasvegasplasticsurgery www.Instagram.com/lookinggoodfeelinggreatpodcast www.Facebook.com/lasvegasplasticsurgery www.Twitter.com/DrJeffreyRoth           

On World AIDS Day, a look at the impact of foreign aid cuts on HIV prevention programs, particularly in South Africa.On Today's Show:Pratik Pawar, Future Perfect fellow at Vox, talks about a new HIV prevention drug the U.S. is making available worldwide, except to South Africa, the country with the most people living with HIV.

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Dr. Michael Ryoshin Sapiro, a Zen Buddhist monk, psychologist, and psychedelic psychotherapist whose new book Truth Medicine explores how awakening and clinical science meet through the heart. Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-332/?ref=278  They discuss how Zen simplicity informs psychedelic work, the nuances between psychedelic-assisted and psychedelic psychotherapy, and how Dr. Sapiro tailors ketamine sessions for trauma recovery in first responders and veterans. Together they unpack the art of surrender, the role of spirituality in therapy, and why genuine healing begins with nervous-system regulation long before medicine is introduced. Dr. Sapiro is also offering a free live video event with The Shift Network, Find Your Truth Behind the Masks You Wear, where he'll guide experiential practices in futuremaking, compassion, and embodied awareness. During this session, he'll also introduce his new seven-week live course, a deeper journey into conscious living, authenticity, and the principles explored in Truth Medicine. Michael Ryoshin Sapiro, PsyD is an ordained Zen Buddhist monk, clinical and first-responder psychologist, psychedelic psychotherapist, author, and meditation teacher. He serves as integrative psychologist at Boise Ketamine Clinic, runs international transformational retreats, and appears in the documentary An Act of Service on ketamine treatment for first responders (featured by The New York Times). His work within the special-operations and first-responder communities centers on trauma recovery, ethical service, and awakened leadership. His book Truth Medicine: Healing and Living Authentically Through Psychedelic Psychotherapy is available now. Highlights: Zen Buddhist ordination and early training How Zen shapes psychedelic psychotherapy Assisted therapy vs. psychedelic psychotherapy Ketamine dosing nuance and "golden hour" Working with first responders and veterans Non-dual states and "I am love" experiences Spiritual ethics in psychedelic care Nervous-system preparation for medicine Community, retreats, and the sacred heart Episode Links: Dr. Sapiro's Website Dr. Sapiro's book, Truth Medicine Dr. Sapiro's free video event: Find Your Truth Behind the Mask You Wear Episode Sponsors: The Microdosing Practitioner Certification at Psychedelic Coaching Institute. The Practitioner Certification Program at Psychedelic Coaching Institute. Golden Rule Mushrooms - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout These show links may contain affiliate links. Third Wave receives a small percentage of the product price if you purchase through the above affiliate links. Disclaimer: Third Wave occasionally partners with or shares information about other people, companies, and/or providers. While we work hard to only share information about ethical and responsible third parties, we can't and don't control the behavior of, products and services offered by, or the statements made by people, companies, or providers other than Third Wave. Accordingly, we encourage you to research for yourself, and consult a medical, legal, or financial professional before making decisions in those areas. Third Wave isn't responsible for the statements, conduct, services, or products of third parties. If we share a coupon code, we may receive a commission from sales arising from customers who use our coupon code. No one is required to use our coupon codes. This content is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. We do not promote or encourage the illegal use of any controlled substances. Nothing said here is medical or legal advice. Always consult a qualified medical or mental health professional before making decisions related to your health. The views expressed herein belong to the speaker alone, and do not reflect the views of any other person, company, or organization.

The mental health system didn't start out fair — and in many ways, it still isn't. In this powerful episode, Dr. Nicole Washington sits down with fellow psychiatrist Dr. Leesha Ellis-Cox to unpack the long, painful history that continues to shape the experiences of Black Americans seeking mental health care. From the horrifying “diagnosis” of drapetomania in the 1800s to the Tuskegee Syphilis Study, they trace how mistrust, stigma, and systemic bias became woven into the Black community's relationship with psychiatry.But they don't stop there. Dr. Nicole and Dr. Leesha explore the research showing that Black and Hispanic people are 3 to 4 times more likely to be misdiagnosed with schizophrenia instead of bipolar disorder — a mistake that can derail treatment, worsen symptoms, and put lives at risk.Listener takeaways the historical roots of racial disparities in psychiatric diagnosis why Black Americans are more likely to be misdiagnosed with schizophrenia how stigma and generational trauma shape attitudes toward treatment practical steps to find culturally humble, affirming providers Most importantly, they offer real, actionable advice: how to find culturally affirming care, how to navigate bias in the system, and how Black and other communities of color can break generational silence around mental health. This conversation is validating, eye-opening, and deeply empowering. Listen now!   Our guest, Dr. Leesha Ellis-Cox, affectionately known as Dr. Leesha, is a double board certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist. She earned both her Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and completed her general psychiatry residency training, child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship, and community mental health/public psychiatry fellowship at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta. Since 2009, she has lived and worked in Alabama and is the medical director at Central Alabama Wellness, a community mental health center located in metro Birmingham. Our host, Dr. Nicole Washington, is a native of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where she attended Southern University and A&M College. After receiving her BS degree, she moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to enroll in the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed a residency in psychiatry at the University of Oklahoma in Tulsa. Since completing her residency training, Dr. Nicole has spent most of her career caring for and being an advocate for those who are not typically consumers of mental health services, namely underserved communities, those with severe mental health conditions, and high performing professionals. Through her private practice, podcast, speaking, and writing, she seeks to provide education to decrease the stigma associated with psychiatric conditions. Find out more at DrNicolePsych.com. Our host, ⁠Gabe Howard⁠, is an award-winning podcast host, author, and sought-after suicide prevention and mental health speaker, but he wouldn't be any of those things today if he hadn't been committed to a psychiatric hospital in 2003.Gabe also hosts Healthline's ⁠Inside Mental Health⁠ podcast has appeared in numerous publications, including Bipolar magazine, WebMD, Newsweek, and the Stanford Online Medical Journal. He has appeared on all four major TV networks, ABC, NBC, CBS, and FOX. Among his many awards, he is the recipient of Mental Health America's Norman Guitry Award, received two Webby Honoree acknowledgements, and received an official resolution from the Governor of Ohio naming him an “Everyday Hero.” Gabe wrote the popular book, "⁠Mental Illness is an Asshole and other Observations⁠," available from Amazon; signed copies are available ⁠directly from the author⁠ with free swag included! To learn more about Gabe, or to book him for your next event, please visit his website, ⁠gabehoward.com⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textIn this solo episode, Kara explores the fascinating research behind how daily reading may support a longer, healthier life. She breaks down the landmark Yale study showing that people who read books for just 30 minutes a day lived an average of 23 months longer than non-readers, examines why book-length reading provides unique cognitive benefits, and discusses what current science says about print books versus audiobooks.Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of how reading strengthens the brain, builds cognitive reserve, and may contribute to healthy aging - plus practical ideas for fitting more reading into everyday life.Episode Highlights:• Reading books for just 30 minutes a day was linked to 23 extra months of life, on average.• Frequent reading is associated with reduced cognitive decline across multiple long-term studies.• Print or visual reading tends to support stronger comprehension and memory - key components of brain reserve.• Audiobooks activate many of the same language and emotional brain networks, though the depth of processing may differ.• Regardless of format, regular engagement with stories supports cognitive health.Resources Mentioned:Episode 116: Do Audiobooks Count as Reading?Bavishi, Slade & Levy (2016). A Chapter a Day: Association of Book Reading With Longevity. Published in Social Science & Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2016.07.014Pan, Liu, Zhang, Chen & Chen (2021). Reading Activity Prevents Long-Term Decline in Cognitive Function in Older People. Published in BMC Geriatrics. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12877-021-02357-yBaranowska-Łyda, Białek & Gortych-Michalak (2019). The Impact of Presentation Mode on Reading Comprehension: Text vs. Audio. Published in Frontiers in Psychology. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00636Michael, Keller, Carpenter & Just (2001). fMRI Investigation of Sentence Comprehension by Eye and by Ear. Published in NeuroImage. https://doi.org/10.1006/nimg.2000.0662Join us for the BFF Book Club Holiday Party!

Ever wondered why your mind keeps racing when you just want a good night's sleep? In this episode of Seek Go Create, Dr. Benjamin Long, a board-certified sleep medicine physician, joins Tim Winders to dive into the spiritual and practical roots of our sleepless nights. They explore the connections between faith, behavior, and rest, discuss the myths and realities around sleep health, and reveal how your spiritual alignment might impact how well you sleep. If you're tired of restless nights or simply curious how theology and medicine intersect in the most practical way—rest—this episode is for you."Sleep is a gift from God—something we can receive, not just a problem to fix." - Dr. Benjamin Long Access all show and episode resources HEREAbout Our Guest:Dr. Benjamin Long is a board-certified sleep medicine physician who treats patients of all ages and specializes in the intersection of faith and medicine. With a background in pediatrics and a journey through both medical and theological training, he explores practical sleep habits, spiritual practices, and fatigue mitigation for everyone from medical professionals to everyday believers. As an author, Dr. Benjamin Long offers insights rooted in both clinical expertise and deep spiritual understanding, helping others find rest and purpose in the midst of today's sleep-deprived culture.Reasons to Listen: Discover the surprising connection between faith, medicine, and sleep—and why Dr. Benjamin Long believes spiritual practices can be as crucial as sleep hygiene for true rest.Hear practical, research-backed advice on optimizing your sleep (from wearable tracking to the truth about fancy mattresses) and why most sleep disruptions start with your own thoughts and behaviors.Unpack fresh insights into America's sleep deprivation crisis, including how our digital habits and culture might be quietly sabotaging rest—and what you can do differently tonight.Episode Resources & Action Steps:Resources Mentioned Sleep Habits Journal: Book by Dr. Benjamin Long. Release date is December 9th. Order your copy: sleephabitsjournal.comJordan Raynor's Books: Especially highlighted is The Sacredness of Secular Work, which explores faith and vocation integration.Action Steps You Can ImplementTrack Your Sleep Patterns: Use a sleep tracker or simply keep a pen-and-paper journal to monitor your average sleep, bedtime routines, and sleep quality over time.Experiment to Find Your Optimal Sleep Environment: Test sleep conditions—such as room temperature, mattress firmness, and bedtime routines—to see what works best for you, rather than focusing on “industry standards.”Use Sleepless Nights as Time to Connect with God: When you're unable to sleep, consider rising from bed and engaging in prayer, reflection, or peaceful spiritual practices as suggested by Dr. Benjamin Long instead of just tossing and turning.Key Lessons:Sleep Deprivation Is Widespread—And Deeper Than Just Biology: Dr. Benjamin Long explained that despite all our modern comforts, the U.S. remains a sleep-deprived culture. He emphasized that sleep issues often have roots in our behaviors and thoughts, not just physical factors, suggesting we look beyond gadgets and mattresses to address underlying causes.Faith and Spirituality Can Impact Sleep: Both Tim Winders and Dr. Benjamin...

How do we build a healthcare system where physicians and healthcare professionals can not only survive but truly thrive? In this illuminating episode of Life Changing Moments, host Dr. Dael Waxman sits down with a pioneer in the field, Dr. Jonathan Ripp, Chief Wellness Officer at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and co-founder of CHARM (the Collaborative for Healing and Renewal in Medicine). Dr. Ripp traces his 25-year journey from studying physician identity formation in residency to leading a national movement focused on structural well-being. He provides a masterclass on the evolution of the physician well-being movement, explaining why we've moved beyond individual "resilience" to address systemic issues like work design, clerical burden, and organizational culture. We dive deep into the genesis and mission of CHARM, the professional society for healthcare well-being leaders, and explore its foundational charter that has become a blueprint for institutions nationwide. Discover the most promising interventions today, from the explosive growth of physician coaching to the potential of AI and ambient scribes to reclaim time for meaningful work. In this episode, you'll learn: The story behind the CHARM collaborative and how it creates community for well-being leaders. Why the CHARM charter remains a critical document for defining the principles of systemic well-being. The four key domains of effective well-being programs: mental health, individual strategies, leadership culture, and work design. Why physician coaching and AI tools are among the most exciting advancements for reducing burnout. Practical advice for medical students and early-career physicians on how to choose a workplace that will support their well-being. Dr. Ripp's vision for a future where addressing healthcare worker well-being is a consistent, standardized priority across all health systems. If you are a physician, healthcare leader, medical student, or anyone passionate about healing the healers, this conversation is a source of grounded hope and a clear-eyed look at the path forward. Mentioned in this episode: CHARM: The Collaborative for Healing and Renewal in Medicine Connect with Us: Subscribe to Life Changing Moments for more conversations on finding purpose and success in medicine. What is the most pressing well-being challenge in your organization? Share your thoughts in the comments below! Chapters: 0:00 - Meet a Pioneer in Physician Well-Being 3:22 - Dr. Ripp's 25-Year Journey from Resident to CWO 7:10 - The "Transformation" of Physicians in Training 12:16 - The Birth of the CHARM Collaborative 15:08 - The CHARM Charter: A Blueprint for Well-Being 18:47 - The State of Physician Well-Being Today 25:05 - Most Promising Interventions: Coaching & AI 27:22 - The Future of Healthcare Well-Being in 5 Years 29:47 - Advice for the Next Generation of Physicians 33:58 - Final Thoughts: Perseverance and Community Keywords: Physician Well-Being, Doctor Burnout, CHARM, Collaborative for Healing and Renewal in Medicine, Dr. Jonathan Ripp, Chief Wellness Officer, Mount Sinai, Physician Coaching, Healthcare Leadership, Physician Identity, Medical Resident Burnout, Structural Change, Work Design, Clerical Burden, Electronic Health Record, EHR, AI in Medicine, Ambient Scribing, Physician Retention, Healthcare Culture, Organizational Culture, Mental Health, Resilience, Life Changing Moments, MD Coaches, Dr. Dael Waxman, Joy in Medicine, ACGME, AMA, Lorna Breen Foundation.   -+=-+=-+=-+= Join the Conversation! We want to hear from you! Do you have additional thoughts about today's topic? Do you have your own Prescription for Success? Record a message on Speakpipe   Unlock Bonus content and get the shows early on our Patreon Follow us or Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Amazon  | Spotify --- There's more at https://mymdcoaches.com/podcast Music by Ryan Jones. Find Ryan on Instagram at _ryjones_, Contact Ryan at ryjonesofficial@gmail.com Production assistance by Clawson Solutions Group, find them on the web at csolgroup.com

This Christmas season we are excited to partner with Samaritan’s Purse, our sponsor for today’s episode. This week’s guest on the Praying Christian Women podcast has seen God’s hand at work in some of the most desperate corners of the world. Kristy Graham, host of the On the Ground with Samaritan’s Purse podcast, invites us into a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to bring the hope of Christ to places marked by disaster, war, and deep need, and how you can be an integral part of this ministry through the Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Catalog. In our conversation, Kristy highlights one of the little-known gifts in the catalog: sponsoring a hospital chaplain. Kristy recently visited a partner hospital in Tenwek, Kenya and describes how she saw firsthand how desperately the staff and patients need chaplains. Through prayer, as well as practical and spiritual support, chaplains are making Kingdom difference as they meet people at their place of deepest need with the love of Jesus. You won’t want to miss Kristy’s moving testimonies, her contagious passion for the gospel, and some creative ways the Samaritan’s Purse Christmas Catalog can make gift-giving extra special this year. Visit samaritanspurse.org/praying to browse the catalog today! Discover More: Explore additional episodes of Praying Christian Women, Mindful Christian Prayers, and other Christian podcasts at Lifeaudio.com Check out our new podcast, Christian True-Crime Junkies!, on Apple, Spotify, or anywhere you listen to podcasts! Connect with Us: Stay updated and engage with our community: On Substack @PrayingChristianWomen On Facebook @PrayingChristianWomen On Instagram @PrayingChristianWomen On YouTube: @PrayingChristianWomen Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

In this episode of the NCS Podcast Masterclass series, hosts Jon Rosenberg, MD, and Stephan Mayer, MD, speak with Jamie Odell, MD, assistant professor of neurocritical care and emergency medicine at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. Together, they explore paroxysmal sympathetic hyperactivity – how it develops after brain injury, why symptoms differ among patients and what current research suggests about its underlying neural networks. Dr. Odell offers practical guidance on recognizing patterns, avoiding anchoring bias and distinguishing PSH from other causes of instability. The conversation also covers common treatment approaches, scoring tools used at the bedside and areas of ongoing study. The views expressed on the NCS Podcast are solely those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or official positions of the Neurocritical Care Society.

Did you know that a single crumb of bread is enough to cause an autoimmune response in children with celiac disease? Dr. Pankaj Vohra, Professor of Pediatrics and Board-Certified Pediatric Gastroenterologist, joins medical student Andrea Smith to discuss the evaluation and management of celiac disease, as well as essential guidance for following a gluten-free diet. Specifically, they will: Review the epidemiology of celiac disease and identify common symptoms and presentations of celiac disease Describe the pathophysiology of celiac disease including histopathological changes to the duodenum Identify diagnostic tests and criteria for diagnosing celiac disease in the pediatric population Identify common sources of gluten and the basics of identifying gluten on food labels Discuss typical management of celiac disease including appropriate screening tests and managing accidental gluten ingestion Special thanks to Dr. Rebecca Yang and Dr. Neeharika Bade for peer reviewing this episode. CME available free with sign up: Link coming soon! References: Bolia, R., & Thapar, N. (2023). Celiac Disease in Children: A 2023 Update. In Indian Journal of Pediatrics. Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-023-04659-w Gidrewicz, D., Potter, K., Trevenen, C. L., Lyon, M., & Butzner, J. D. (2015). Evaluation of the ESPGHAN celiac guidelines in a North American pediatric population. American Journal of Gastroenterology, 110(5), 760–767. https://doi.org/10.1038/ajg.2015.87 Hill, I. D., Fasano, A., Guandalini, S., Hoffenberg, E., Levy, J., Reilly, N., & Verma, R. (2016). NASPGHAN clinical report on the diagnosis and treatment of gluten-related disorders. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 63(1), 156–165. https://doi.org/10.1097/MPG.0000000000001216 Husby, S., Koletzko, S., Korponay-Szabó, I., Kurppa, K., Mearin, M. L., Ribes-Koninckx, C., Shamir, R., Troncone, R., Auricchio, R., Castillejo, G., Christensen, R., Dolinsek, J., Gillett, P., Hróbjartsson, A., Koltai, T., Maki, M., Nielsen, S. M., Popp, A., Størdal, K., … Wessels, M. (2020). European Society Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition Guidelines for Diagnosing Coeliac Disease 2020. In Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition (Vol. 70, Issue 1, pp. 141–156). Lippincott Williams and Wilkins. https://doi.org/10.1097/MPG.0000000000002497 Nenna, R., Tiberti, C., Petrarca, L., Lucantoni, F., Mennini, M., Luparia, R. P. L., Panimolle, F., Mastrogiorgio, G., Pietropaoli, N., Magliocca, F. M., & Bonamico, M. (2013). The celiac iceberg: Characterization of the disease in primary schoolchildren. Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 56(4), 416–421. https://doi.org/10.1097/MPG.0b013e31827b7f64 Sahin, Y. (2021). Celiac disease in children: A review of the literature. In World Journal of Clinical Pediatrics (Vol. 10, Issue 4, pp. 53–71). Baishideng Publishing Group Co. https://doi.org/10.5409/wjcp.v10.i4.53 Salden, B. N., Monserrat, V., Troost, F. J., Bruins, M. J., Edens, L., Bartholomé, R., Haenen, G. R., Winkens, B., Koning, F., & Masclee, A. A. (2015). Randomised clinical study: Aspergillus niger-derived enzyme digests gluten in the stomach of healthy volunteers. Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 42(3), 273–285. https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.13266 Schuppan, D., Mäki, M., Lundin, K. E. A., Isola, J., Friesing-Sosnik, T., Taavela, J., Popp, A., Koskenpato, J., Langhorst, J., Hovde, Ø., Lähdeaho, M.-L., Fusco, S., Schumann, M., Török, H. P., Kupcinskas, J., Zopf, Y., Lohse, A. W., Scheinin, M., Kull, K., … Greinwald, R. (2021). A Randomized Trial of a Transglutaminase 2 Inhibitor for Celiac Disease. New England Journal of Medicine, 385(1), 35–45. https://doi.org/10.1056/nejmoa2032441 Tack, G. J., van de Water, J. M. W., Bruins, M. J., Kooy-Winkelaar, E. M. C., van Bergen, J., Bonnet, P., Vreugdenhil, A. C. E., Korponay-Szabo, I., Edens, L., von Blomberg, B. M. E., Schreurs, M. W. J., Mulder, C. J., & Koning, F. (2013). Consumption of gluten with gluten-degrading enzyme by celiac patients: A pilot-study. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 19(35), 5837–5847. https://doi.org/10.3748/wjg.v19.i35.5837 Husby S, Koletzko S, Korponay-Szabó IR, et al. European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition guidelines for the diagnosis of coeliac disease. J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2012; 54: 136–160

Are your teeth starting to give you problems? Maybe they're clicking, chipping, hurting, or suddenly extra sensitive. Or maybe you've heard online that you should never use fluoride or get a root canal, but your dentist says the opposite, and now you're totally confused. Today I'm talking with Dr. Toni Engram, a biological dentist who helps us separate fact from fear when it comes to oral health. We dive into what biological dentistry really is, how it differs from conventional dentistry, and how your mouth can tell you everything about your overall health. We cover: What a biological dentist actually does (and why it matters) How your oral microbiome connects to your gut, hormones, and longevity What happens to your teeth, gums, and jaw during menopause How to care for receding gums and a clicking jaw The controversy around fluoride, root canals, and crowns The safer, more preventive approach to oral health Dr. Toni Engram is a biological dentist, integrative health coach, and owner of Flourish Dental Boutique in Richardson, Texas. After facing her own autoimmune health challenges, she shifted her practice philosophy toward whole-body prevention and safer, more holistic dental treatments. She holds degrees from Texas Christian University and Baylor College of Dentistry, and is a proud member of IAOMT (International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology) and IABDM (International Academy for Biological Dentistry and Medicine). She's also SMART-certified in safe amalgam removal and serves as a TBI Ambassador through The Breathe Institute.   https://flourish-education.mykajabi.com/remineralization-guide-1  https://flourish-education.mykajabi.com/fluoridefree  https://flourish-education.mykajabi.com/Tooth-Meridian-Chart    Contact Dr. Toni Engram: Website: https://www.flourish.dental/   Give thanks to our sponsors: Try Vitali skincare. 20% off with code ZORA here - https://vitaliskincare.com Get Primeadine spermidine by Oxford Healthspan. 15% discount with code ZORA ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - http://oxfordhealthspan.com/discount/ZORA Get Mitopure Urolithin A by Timeline. 20% discount with code ZORA at https://timeline.com/zora Try Suji to improve muscle 10% off with code ZORA at TrySuji.com - https://trysuji.com Try OneSkin skincare with code ZORA for 15% off https://oneskin.pxf.io/c/3974954/2885171/31050 Join ⁠⁠⁠Biohacking Menopause⁠⁠⁠ before January 1, 2025 to win Longevity Gummies by Timeline's Mitopure. Or go to timeline.com/zora for 20% off   Join the Hack My Age community on: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@hackmyage Facebook Page: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@⁠Hack My Age⁠     Facebook Group: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@⁠Biohacking Menopause⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠   Biohacking Menopause Private Women's Only Support Group: https://hackmyage.com/biohacking-menopause-membership/ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@⁠HackMyAge⁠    Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HackMyAge.com⁠    For partnership inquiries: https://www.category3.ca/  Some episodes of Hack My Age are supported by partners whose products or services may be discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation or earn a minor commission if you purchase through affiliate links at no extra cost to you. All opinions shared are those of the host and guests, based on personal experience and research, and do not necessarily represent the views of any sponsor. Sponsorships do not imply medical endorsement or approval by any healthcare provider featured on this podcast.

This episode we look at many of the natural events and talk about those observing and writing things down, and why they may have wanted to do so. For more, check out our podcast blogpage:  https://sengokudaimyo.com/podcast/episode-139   Rough Transcript: Welcome to Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of Japan.  My name is Joshua and this is episode 139: Observing the "Natural" World. Members of the Onmyou-ryou, dressed in the official robes of their office, sat around in their observation tower, measuring the location of the stars.  They kept their light to a minimum, just enough so that they could write down their observations, but not so much that it would destroy their vision.  As they looked up, suddenly they saw a strange movement: a streak through the sky.  They waited, and observed, and then there was another, and another after that.  It was as if the stars themselves were falling from the heavens.  They watched as it seemed that the constellations themselves were melting and falling apart.  Quickly they scribbled down notes.  Tomorrow, with the light of day, they would consult various sources to see just what it could mean.  For now, their role was simply to observe and record.   Welcome back, everyone.  It is the height of holiday season in the US as I record this, and in our narrative we are in the middle of the reign of Ohoama, aka Temmu Tennou, who came to power in 672 and who has been shoring up the Ritsuryo state instigated by his late brother, Naka no Oe, aka Tenji Tennou.  We have talked in recent episodes about how Ohoama put a lot of the state under the control of members of the royal family, or at least those with claims to royal blood, and how he had also begun work on the Chronicles—the very works that we have been using to try and understand the history of this and earlier periods.   It seems clear that Ohoama and his cohorts were doing their best to solidify their control and, in the process, create what they felt was a modern state, leveraging the continental model, but not without their own local flavor.  After all, they were also investing in the kami based rituals of state and specifically in Ise shrine, which they claimed as an ancestral shrine for their lineage. This episode, let's dig into another thing that was getting reported around this time.  And that is… science!  Or at least observations of the world and indications of how people were interacting with it. Before going into the subject, I want to acknowledge that "science", or "Kagaku" in modern Japanese, may not look like what we think of as "science" today.  The word "Kagaku" itself appears to come about in the late Edo period, and became associated with the western idea of "Science" in the Meiji period.  Today we think of it as observations, yes, but also testing via the scientific method. I think it might be more appropriate to categorize a lot of earlier science under a term like "learning" or "study", and it seems to have encompassed a wide range of topics of study, some of which we would include as "science" and some which we might refer to more as "arts".  There is also a very fine line with religion and philosophy as well. From a modern perspective, I think one could fairly argue that "science"—particularly the so-called "hard" sciences—refers to something that can be empirically tested via the scientific method.  So you can see something, form a hypothesis, create a test, and then that test should produce the same results no matter who conducts it, assuming you account for the variables. And please don't @ me about this… I know I am simplifying things.  This isn't a podcast about science unless we are talking about the social sciences of history and archaeology. In contrast to our modern concept of science, much of what we see in the Asuka era is built around using our reasoning to arrive at the truth of something.  In cases where we are dealing with clearly physical phenomena that have observable causes and effects, this can lead to remarkably reliable results.  One example of this is calendrical science—it isn't that hard to observe the passing of days and seasons.  Even the rotation of the earth and the movements of stars and even something with as large a period as comets could be observed and tracked, especially if you had centuries of data to comb through.  In fact, they often would predict things that it turns out they couldn't, themselves, see.  They could predict that an eclipse would occur, for example, even when that eclipse was only visible somewhere else.  And they didn't have to calculate gravitational pull, mass, or distances between different heavenly bodies for that to occur. Similarly, in the agricultural sphere: you had so many people who observed the seasons and would figure out new ways of doing things.  It doesn't take an understanding of chlorophyl to know that plants generally do better when exposed to sunlight. I believe the leap happens when you get to things that go beyond purely observable means.  Sickness, for example—how do you explain viruses or germs without equipment like microscopes to see what our eyes alone cannot?  And if such "invisible" things could cause so much damage, then why could there not be other "invisible" elements, such as kami and boddhisatvas?  And as humans we are driven to make connections.  It is one of the things that has driven our technological innovation and rise, but it is also something that can easily go awry.  Like when you are sitting in a dark house, alone, and you hear a noise.  Rationally, you might know that houses settle and creak, but that doesn't necessarily stop your brain from connecting it with thoughts that someone must be in the house making that noise. Or even how we make judgments based on nothing more than how someone talks or what they look like, because our brains have made connections with those things, for good or ill. A large part of the rationalization that was accomplished in Asian thought had to do with concepts of Yin and Yang, the negative and the positive, the dark and the light.  This was thought of as a kind of energy—qi or ki—that was embedded in things.  We discussed this somewhat back in episode 127, because yin yang theory, along with the five element theory, known as Wuxing or Gogyou in Japanese, became embedded in the idea of the calendar.  Why was summer hot, except that it was connected with an excess of fire energy?  And the cold, dark days of winter would be associated with an excess of water, naturally. I should note that while this is one of the more comprehensive philosophical systems in use, it was not the only means by which various phenomena and effects were rationalized.  After all, it had to be imposed on a framework of how the world otherwise worked, and descriptions of the world came from a variety of places.  There was, for example, the Classic of Mountains and Seas, or Sanhaijing, which detailed the world as envisioned in the period before the Qin dynasty, although there were occasional updates.  The Sanhaijing  described regular plants and animals in the same breath as gods and monsters.  There were also various buddhist sutras, which brought their own cosmological view of the universe that had to be squared with other visions, including those passed down locally describing the archipelago as the "Reed Plain" and giving particular importance to eight of the islands—though which eight depends on which variant of the creation myth you are referencing. To categorize the study of the natural—and what we would consider the supernatural—world around them, the Ritsuryou set up specific bureaus.  One of these was the Onmyou-ryou, the Bureau of Yin-yang, also known as the Onyo no Tsukasa.  This Bureau oversaw divination, astronomy, time, and calendars.  At its head was the Onmyou-no-kami.  Below them were the various scholars studying the core subjects, as well as technical practitioners to carry out the rites and divination. On the continent, priority was generally given to astronomical and calendrical studies, and many of the more magical practices or rituals would fade away, likely because there were local Taoist institutions who could take up much of that work.  In Japan, however, it seems that the calendrical studies tended to ossify, instead, while onmyoji came to fill a role not just for the state but also among the population for divination and other such practices.  Even into the Edo period one could find private onmyoji, and the Bureau itself lasted until the very beginning of the Meiji period. Another important institution of the Ritsuryo government for learning was the Daigakuryou, the Bureau of Great Learning.  Students of Japanese may recognize the term "Daigaku" referring, today, to universities. The original concept for the Daigaku-ryou, or Daigaku no Tsukasa, was focused on the study of those things that were considered perhaps a bit more practical and necessary to anyone who might want a political career.  Since this was founded on concepts of Confucian government, it is little wonder that it was originally designed to focus on Confucian studies, among other things.  This fits into the idea of a supposed meritocracy, where one's education was part of the examination.  You may recall from Episode 115 we talked about the National University in Chang'an, which is likely something that the Daigaku Ryou could only ever dream of becoming. Early arts taught at the Daigaku Ryou included the Confucian classics, mathematics, writing, and Chinese pronunciation.  These were all things that you would need to know to become a part of the bureaucracy The idea of a school may have been born along with the early institution of the government, with mention as early as 671, in the last year of Naka no Oe's reign, but we don't have it clearly established in the code until later.  Full operations may have been somewhat delayed due to the tumultuous events of Ohoama's accession to power in 672, but we do see it explicitly mentioned in the year 675.  On the first day of the year we are told that Students from the Daigaku Ryou, along with students from the Onmyou-Ryou and from the Gaiyaku Ryou, the Bureau of External Medicine; along with the Woman of S'ravasti, the Woman of Tara, Prince Syeonkwang of Baekje, and Silla labourers offered presents of drugs and various rarities. We talked about the first two, the Daigaku-ryou and the Onmyou-ryou, but the Gaiyaku Ryou doesn't seem to have a lot of information out there beyond this mention.  Later there would a "Ten'yaku Ryou", or Bureau of Medicine, established in the code.  Since we don't have any extant codes from this period beyond what was written down in the Nihon Shoki, we don't know for certain what the Gaiyaku-ryou was , and it is possible that the Gaiyaku-Ryou was a precursor to the Ten'yaku Ryou.  "GAI" means "outside" or "external", leading me to wonder if this referred to external medicine in contrast to internal medicine, or if it meant medicine or drugs from outside teh archipeloago. I would point out that these students are found with the Woman of S'ravasti, or Shae; the Woman of Tara; a Baekje prince and Silla labourers.  In other words, they were all people from outside of the archipelago.  This is not entirely surprising as it was from outside that much of the learning was coming into the country. "Yaku" or "Kusuri", which can be translated as either "Drugs" or "medicine", could refer to a number of things.  How effective they were is somewhat questionable. Almost certainly some of them had confirmed medicinal efficacy, but others may have been thought to have been effective due to things like their connection to the five elements, or wuxing, theory. For example, something red might be assumed to have a warming effect because of the presumed presence of the fire element.  And the power of the placebo effect no doubt made them seem at least partially effective.  Consider, for example, how many people will swear by certain remedies for the common cold when all it really does is distract you, or perhaps make you a bit more comfortable, until the symptoms pass on their own. A more certain science was probably that of Astronomy, which we've mentioned a few times.  The passage of the stars through the sky was something that could be easily observed.  There is a theory that some of the first lines in the Yijing, or book of changes, may actually be a description of the changing of seasons as different aspects of a given constellation rise over the horizon, and the placement of certain stars would help in the adjustment of the lunar calendar, since the moon's orbit does not match up exactly with the solar year, and year the solar year was quite important to things like agriculture and even sailing to the mainland. This all makes 675 a seemingly banner year for science, as four days after the presentation of medicine to the throne, the government erected a platform by which to observe the stars.  This wouldn't need to be much—it could have been an earthen mound, or just a tower, from which one could get above the ground, presumably see over any buildings, to the horizon.  Granted, Asuka might not be the best place for such observations, with the nearby mountains meaning that the true horizon is often obstructed.  Nonetheless, it may have been enough to make calculations. Astronomy platforms, or Tenmondai, would continue to be used up until at least the Meiji period.  Without a telescope, observations were somewhat limited—though they also didn't have the same level of light pollution that we have today.  Remember, many woke just before dawn and went to sleep not too long after the sun went down, which only makes sense when you are living in a place where creating light, while doable, also ran the risk of burning your entire house to the ground. It is worth noting that the sky for the ancient Japanese was likely quite different than what most of us see when we look up, unless you are fortunate enough to live in a place with very little light pollution.  For many of those living today in the cities and suburban landscape, go outside at night and you might see the moon and some of the brightest stars, but for most of the ancient Japanese, they would look up and see the heavenly river, the Amakawa, or Milky Way.  They would have looked up at a sky glittering with myriad dots of light, as well as planets and more.  It was both familiar and strange—something one saw regularly and yet something that was also extremely inaccessible. Astronomical observations would have been important for several reasons, as I've mentioned.  They would have been used to keep the calendar in check, but they would also have likely been used to help calibrate the water clock, which helped to tell time.  Of course, going back to the five elements and yin yang theory, it is also believed that the energy, the qi or ki, changed with the seasons and the movements of the stars and planets—planets were not known as such, of course, but their seemingly erratic movements compared to bright lights in the sky meant they were noticed and assigned values within the elemental system. One of the things that came with the changing seasons, the heavenly movements, and the flow of ki was a concept of "kata-imi", literally directional taboos.  There were times when certain directions might be considered favorable or unfavorable for various actions.  This could be something as simple as traveling in a given direction.  In the centuries to come this would spawn an entire practice of kata-tagae, or changing direction.  Is the north blocked, but you need to travel there, anyway?  Well just go northwest to say hello to a friend or visit your local sake brewery, and then travel due east.  Ta-da!  You avoided going directly north!  There were also mantra-like incantations that one might say if they had to travel in an inauspicious direction to counteract the concept of bad influences. This also influenced various other things, and even today you will often see dates where a year and month might be followed by simply the character for "auspicious day" rather than an actual day of the month. So observing the heavens was important, and it was also important that they tostudy the works of those on the continent, whose records could help predict various astronomical phenomena.  Except that there was one tiny problem:  I don't know if you've noticed, but Japan and China are in two different locations.  Not all astronomical phenomena can be observed from all points of the globe.  The Northern Lights, for example, are rarely seen in more southerly latitudes, and while eclipses are not too rare, a total eclipse only impacts certain areas of the earth, along relatively narrow paths. I mention this because it isn't always clear if the records we get in the Nihon Shoki are about phenomena they directly observed or if they are taking reports from elsewhere and incorporating them into the narrative.  One such event is the comet of 676. The entry in the Nihon Shoki tells us that in the 7th lunar month of the 5th year of Temmu Tennou, aka 676 CE, a star appeared in the east that was 7 or 8 shaku in length.  It disappeared two months later. We've mentioned some of this before, but the sky was divided up into "shaku", or "feet", though how exactly it was measured I'm not entirely sure.  It appears to be that one foot was roughly 1.5 degrees of the sky, give or take about a quarter of a degree, with 180 degrees from horizon to horizon.  So it would have been about 10 to 12 degrees in the sky.  Another way to picture it is if you hold out your arm towards the object, and spread your index and little finger, it would probably fit between those two points.  This comet hung around for some time, and a great part about a comet like this is that it was viewable from multiple locations.  After all, as the earth turned, different areas were exposed to the comet as it passed through our part of the solar system.  Thus we have records of it from not just the Nihon Shoki:  We also find it in the Anglo-Saxon chronicles, where it was thought to have foretold the end of Bishop Wilfred's control of Northumbria.  We also see it in Tang, Silla, and Syrian sources. These sources aren't always in complete agreement.  For one thing, they noted when they first saw it, which might have been impacted by local conditions.  And then conversion between lunar and solar calendars can also sometimes get in the way.  Roughtly speaking, we have the Nihon Shoki providing dates of somewhere from about August or September of 676, on the Western calendar, to October or November. Tang sources put it from 4 September to 1 November.  Silla Chronicles claim that it first appeared in the 7th lunar month, so between August and September.  A Syrian Chronicle notes a comet from about 28 August to 26 October in the following year, 677, but this is thought to have been a mistake.  European sources generally seem to claim it was seen in August and lasted for three months.  All of these sightings put it at roughly the same time. Working with that and with known comets, we think we actually know which comet this is:  The Comet de Cheseaux also known as the Comet Klinkenberg-Cheseaux.  And I should mention this is all thanks to a research paper by M. Meyer and G. W. Kronk.  In that paper they propose that this is the comet with the designation of C/1743 X1, or the common names I just mentioned.  If so, based on its trajectory, this comet would have been visible in 336, 676, 1032, 1402, 1744, and is next predicted to show up in 2097.  And no, those aren't all exactly the same amount of time.  It is roughly every 350 years or so, but with the movements of the solar system, the planets, and various gravitational forces that likely slow or speed up its movement, it doesn't show up on exactly regular intervals.  Still, it is pretty incredible to think that we have a record of a comet that was seen the world over at this time, by people looking up from some very different places. Comets were something interesting for early astronomers.  They may have originally been seen as particularly ominous—after all, in the early eras, they were hardly predictable, and it would take years to get enough data to see that they were actually a somewhat regular occurrence.  In fact, it is likely that early astronomers were able to figure out eclipse schedules before comets.  Still, they seem to have come to the realization that comets were in fact another type of natural and reoccurring phenomenon.  That isn't to say that they didn't have any oracular meaning, but it did mean they were less of an obvious disturbance of the heavenly order. We have another comet mentioned in the 10th lunar month of 681, but that one seems to have had less attention focused on it, and we don't have the same details.  Then in the 8th lunar month of 682 we have an entry about a Great Star passing from East to West—which was probably a shooting star, rather than a comet.  Comets, for all that they appear to be streaking across the sky thanks to their long tails, are often relatively stable from an earthbound perspective, taking months to appear and then disappear again. Then, on the 23rd day of the 7th month of 684 we get another comet in the northwest.  This one was more than 10 shaku in length—about 15 degrees, total, give or take.  Given the date, we can be fairly confident about this one, as well: it was the famous Halley's comet.  Halley's comet is fascinating for several reasons.  For one, it has a relatively short period of about 72 to 80 years, though mostly closer to 75 to 77 years in between sightings.  The last time it visited the earth was in 1986, and it is expected back in 2061.  Halley's comet has been recorded since the 3rd century BCE, and, likely because of its short period, it was the first periodic comet to be recognized as such.  There are other periodic comets with short periods, but many of them are not visible with the naked eye.  Halley's comet is perhaps the most studied comet, given its regular and relatively short periodicity.  It is also connected to the famous writer, humorist, and essayist, Samuel Langhorne Clemens, aka Mark Twain.  He was born only a few days after the comet reached perihelion in 1835 and died a day after it reached the same point again in 1910, and while he may not have visited Japan in his lifetime, it was a period of great change both in his home country of America and in Japan.  America, of course, would undergo a Civil War over the issue of slavery in the early 1860s, and shortly after that Japan would have its own civil war in the form of the Meiji Revolution.  And while he never visited—and translation could only do so much to capture the art of his prose—Mark Twain's works were apparently quite influential in Japan in the early 20th century. Of course, comets were just one of the celestial phenomena to be observed.  The astronomers were interested in just about anything happening in the sky.  We have accounts of both solar and lunar eclipses, and not necessarily full eclipses either.  We even have notice of the movement of some planets, such as in 681, when they noted that the planet mars "entered" the moon. Obviously the astronomers weren't recording every raincloud that came through—at least not in the main chronicles—but they did capture a fair number of events.  They did record particularly memorable storms.  For instances, in the 8th lunar month of 675 there was a storm that is said to have caused sand to fly and which then damaged houses.  This sounds like a wind storm without rain—after all, if there was rain, you would expect that the sand would have been wet and tamped down.  It is possible to have hurricane level winds without the rain.  While typhoons typically bring rain, especially as they usually build up their strength at sea, it is possible to have the winds alone, as I've experienced, myself, in Tokyo.  This most likely happens in an isolated area—there is water and rain somewhere, but the typhoon can be large, so parts of it may only get the wind and little or no rain.  I wonder if something like that happened in this instance.  It is also possible that this record refers to actual sand being brought across from the continent.  In some instances, sand can be lifted up from as far away as Mongolia and carried all the way to Japan, though it is pretty rare. And it wasn't just wind and sand.  We get accounts of hail coming down as large as peaches, torrential rainstorms, and even ash, likely from a volcanic eruption that was otherwise unrecorded.  There are also accounts of snow, though typically recorded in times where you wouldn't expect to see it, such as the third lunar month, which would mean snow in late April or early May. Mostly these storms are mentioned in terms of how they affected the immediate fortunes of the living, but sometimes storms did even more damage.  In 682, for example, a hoar-frost was reported in both Shinano and Kibi in the 7th lunar month.  On its own, this probably wouldn't have been worth mentioning, but the chroniclers add that because of storms the "five grains had not formed".  So storms had diminished the crops and the hoar-frost was apparently the killing blow.  The harvest that year would be lean, and it would not be a happy time for many that winter. And then, just as important as what was happening was what was not.  There are several mentions of droughts, particularly towards the end of Spring, early Summer.  This is traditionally a drier period, and if it is too dry it could harm the harvest.  And so the government was expected to find a way to bring the rain—a tall order, the general resolution to which seems to be prayers and rituals designed to bring rain.  In a place like Japan, I suspect that it was usually just a matter of time before the prayers were "successful", thus reinforcing their presumed efficacy. Some of the things that they recorded were a bit more mysterious.  For example, in the second lunar month of 680 we are told that a sound like drums was heard from the East.  There are many things this could theoretically be, from rumbles of thunder to some other phenomenon, though the following year we have a note about thunder in the West, so theoretically they knew the difference between thunder and drums.  Later that same year, 680, we are told that there was a "brightness" in the East from the hour of the dog to the hour of the rat—about 8pm to midnight.  Was this some kind of aurora?  But wouldn't that have been in the north, rather than the east?    Could it have been some kind of lightning?  But that is a long time for a lightning storm to hang around.  And there are other strange things, some of which seem impossible and we have to doubt.  For example, in 684 they said that, at dusk, the seven stars of the Big Dipper drifted together to the northeast and sank.  Unless they are just recording the natural setting of the stars of the big dipper.  Certainly, over time the constellation appears to rotate around the north star, and it dips down to or below the horizon in the autumn months.  So were they just talking about the natural, yearly setting of the stars, or something else? There may be some clues in that the 11th lunar month, when that was recorded, we see several other heavenly phenomena recorded.  Two days after the Big Dipper set, at sunset, a star fell in the eastern quarter of the sky that we are told was as large as a jar.  Later, the constellations were wholly disordered and stars fell like rain.  That same month, a star shot up in the zenith and proceeded along with the Pleiades until the end of the month.  While this sounds like shooting stars and a possible meteor shower, a later commenter suggested that this was all a heavenly omen for the state of the court, showing the "disordered" state of the nobility at this time.  Of course, this was also a year and change before the sovereign's eventual passing, so there is also the possibility that the Chroniclers were looking at events later and ascribing meaning and importance after the fact. In another account of something seemingly wonderous: in 682 we are told that something shaped like a Buddhist flag, colored like flame, was seen by all of the provinces and then sank into the Japan sea north of Koshi.  A white mist is also said to have risen up from the Eastern mountains. There are various things that could be going on here.  It strikes me that the white mist could be a cloud, but could also be something volcanic.  And the flame colored prayer flag makes me think about how a high cloud can catch the light of the rising or setting sun.  That could look like a flag, and can seem extremely odd depending on the other conditions in the sky. Or maybe it was aliens. Okay, it is unlikely that it was aliens, but I think that these do give an idea of the kinds of records that were being made about the observed phenomena.  Obviously the Nihon Shoki is recording those things that were considered particularly significant for whatever reason.  This could just be because it was something odd and unexplained, or perhaps it was more well known but rare.  It may have even had religious connotations based on some aspect, like evoking the image of Buddhist flags.  And it is possible that it was thought to have had significant impact on events—perhaps even an impact that isn't clear to us today, many centuries removed from the events. Some things were clear, however.  Lightning strikes are often mentioned specifically when they strike something of note.  In 678, we are told that a pillar of the Western Hall of the New Palace was struck by lightning, though apparently the building itself survived.  Then, in 686, Lighting appeared in the southern sky with a large roar of thunder.  A fire broke out and caught the tax cloth storehouse of the Ministry of Popular affairs, which immediately exploded in flames.  After all, a thatched roofed, wooden building filled with kindling in the form of cloth—and likely a  fair amount of paper and writing supplies to keep track of it all—sounds like a bonfire waiting to happen.  There were reports that the fire had actually started in Prince Osakabe's palace and then spread to the Ministry of Popular Affairs from there. It is also worth noting that recording of such events was still somewhat new to the archipelago as a whole. They were learning from the continent, but also defining their own traditions. Observations of natural phenomena weren't just relegated to celestial occurrences or weather.  After all, there was something else that one could observe in the sky:  birds.  Now this wasn't your average bird-watching—though I'm not saying that there weren't casual birders in ancient Japan, and if we ever find someone's birding diary from that era I think that would be so cool.  But there were some things that were significant enough to be mentioned. For example, in 678 we get a report of "atori", or bramblings.  Bramblings are small songbirds which are found across Eurasia.  Notably they are migratory, and are known to migrate in huge flocks especially in the winter time, and sure enough on the 27th day of the 12th month we are told that the bramblings flew from the southwest to the northeast, covering the entire sky.  This makes me think about some of the other mass migrations that used to occur that have largely been reduced significantly due to habitat loss, disruption to traditional migratory routes, and other population pressures on various bird species.  Still, having so many birds that it blocked out the sky certainly seems a significant event to report on.  We later see a similar account in 680, with the flock moving from southeast to northwest.  Given the location of Asuka it sounds like they were flocking in the mountains and heading out over the Nara Basin, perhaps seeking food in another mountainous area. In 682, the birders were at it again.  This time, around midday on the 11th day of the 9th lunar month, several hundreds of cranes appeared around the Palace and soared up into the sky.  They were there for about two hours before they dispersed.  Once again, cranes are migratory and known to flock.  Cranes are also known as a symbol of long life and joy—and I can understand it.  Have you ever seen a flock of cranes?  They are not small birds, and they can be really an incredible sight.  Flocks of cranes themselves were probably not that rare, and it was no doubt more about so many gathering around the palace which made it particularly special. It wasn't just birds in the sky that were considered important symbols, though.  Birds often are noted as auspicious omens.  Usually strange birds, plants, or other such things are found in various provinces and presented to the throne.    So in 675, Yamato presented auspicious "barn-door fowl", likely meaning a fancy chicken.  Meanwhile, the Eastern provinces presented a white falcon and the province of Afumi presented a white kite.  Chickens are associated with the sun and thus with the sun goddess, Amaterasu, and albino versions of animals were always considered auspicious, often being mentioned in Buddhist sources.  Later, in 680, we see a small songbird, a "Shitodo", also described as white, and probably albino, sent to the court from nearby Settsu. Then, in 681 there is mention of a red sparrow.  Red coloration is not quite the same as albinism, though it is something that does occur at times, when the brownish coloration comes out more red than brown, and I suspect this is what we are talking about.  This is most likely just a recessed gene or genetic mutation, similar to causes for albinism, but just in a different place in the DNA.  As for why it was important:  I'd first and foremost note that anything out of the ordinary (and even some ordinary things) could be considered a sign.   Red was also seen as an auspicious color, so that may have had something to do with it as well.  And then there is the concept of Suzaku, the red bird of the south.  Suzaku is usually depicted as an exotic bird species of some kind, like how we might depict a phoenix.  But it was also just a "red bird", so there is that, and perhaps that was enough.  Not that this red sparrow was "Suzaku", but evoked the idea of the southern guardian animal.  A year prior, in 680, a red bird—we aren't told what kind—had perched on a southern gate, which even more clearly screams of the Suzaku aesthetic. It is probably worth noting here that in 686, towards the end of the reign, not that anyone knew it at the time, Ohoama decided to institute a new nengo, or regnal period.  It was called Shuuchou—red or vermillion bird—and it likely referred to Suzaku.  This nengo was cut short, however, with Ohoama's death that same year.  Nengo were often chosen with auspicious names as a kind of hope for the nation, so clearly "red bird" was considered a good thing. A month after the red sparrow, Ise sent a white owl, and then a month after that, the province of Suwou sent a red turtle, which they let loose in the pond at the Shima palace.  Again, these were probably just examples of animals seen as auspicious, though they would have likely been recorded by the Onmyou-ryou, who would have likely combed through various sources and precedents to determine what kind of meaning might be attached to them. Color wasn't the only thing that was important.  In 682, the Viceroy of Tsukushi reported that they had found a sparrow with three legs.  There are numerous reasons why this could be, but there is particular significance in Japan and Asia more generally.  A three legged bird is often associated with the sun Andusually depicted as a black outline of a three legged bird inside of a red sun.  In Japan this was often conflated with the Yata-garasu, the Great Crow, which is said to have led the first mythical sovereign, Iware Biko, to victory in his conquest of Yamato.  Thus we often see a three legged crow depicted in the sun, which was an object of particular veneration for the Wa people from centuries before.  And I suspect that the little three-legged sparrow from Tsukushi  I suspect that this had particular significance because of that image. Animals were not the only auspicious things presented to the throne.  In 678, Oshinomi no Miyatsuko no Yoshimaro presented the sovereign with five auspicious stalks of rice.  Each stalk, itself, had other branches.  Rice, of course, was extremely important in Japan, both from a ritual and economic sense, so presenting rice seems appropriate.  Five stalks recalls things like the five elemental theory—and in general five was consider a good number.  Three and five are both good, prime numbers, while four, pronounced "Shi", sounds like death and is considered inauspicious.  Three, or "San" is sometimes associated with life, and five is associated with the five elements, but also just the fact that it is half of ten, and we have five fingers on one hand and in so many other ways, five is regarded as a good number in much of Asia. That the stalks had multiple branches likely referred to them bearing more than the usual amount of rice on them, which seems particularly hopeful.  Certainly the court thought so.  In light of the auspicious gift, all sentences of penal servitude and lower were remitted.  In 680, Officials of the Department of Law gave tribute of auspicious stalks of grain, themselves.  I'm not sure, in this case, that it was all that they hoped, however, as that began three days straight of rain and flooding. A year earlier, in 679, we are told that the district of Ito, in Kii, immediately south of Yamato, sent as tribute the "herb of long life".  We are told that it "resembled" a mushroom—probably meaning it was a mushroom, or maybe something formed into a mushroom shape.  But the stem was about a foot long and the crown was two spans, about 6 feet in diameter.  This is pretty incredible, and I have to wonder if there is a bit of exaggeration going on here. Another tribute was a horn found on Mt. Katsuraki.  It branched into two at the base, was united at the end, and had some flesh and hair still attached, about an inch in length.  They claimed it must be horn or a Lin, or Kirin, sometimes referred to as an Asian unicorn—a mythical creature considered to be quite auspicious and benevolent.  This was on the 26th day in the 2nd lunar month of the year 680, probably around March or April.  I highly suspect that what they found was an oddly shaped bit of antler from  a buck whose antlers had begun to come in and which might have been taken out by wolves or bears or something else altogether.  The fact that the ends were said to be fused together could just be referring to some kind of malformation of the antlers.  The fur and flesh could mean that the antlers were still growing—antlers would probably just be coming in around early spring time.  Still, there is no telling how long it was there, so it could have been from the previous year as well.  Attributing it to a kirin seems a bit of a stretch, but it was clearly something unusual. Animals and plants were recorded in tribute, but also when something odd happened.  Fruiting out of season was one such occurrence, which we've seen elsewhere in the chronicles as well.  There was even a record when the famous Tsuki tree outside of Asukadera had a branch fall down.  Presumably it was a large and noticeable branch, and by now this appears to have been a tree with a bit of age to it that had seen a lot, so it makes sense it got a mention. Finally, we go from the heavens to the earth.    Perhaps the most numerous observations in the Chronicles were the earthquakes.  We've noted in the past that Japan is extremely active, volcanically speaking, so it makes sense that there are multiple accounts of earthquakes each year, especially if they were compiling reports from around the country.  Most of these are little more than just a note that there was an earthquake, but a few stand out. The first is the 12th lunar month of 678.  We are told that there was a large earthquake in Tsukushi—modern Kyushu. The ground split open to the width of about 20 feet for more than 30,000 feet.  Many of the commoners' houses in the area were torn down.  In one place there was a house atop a hill, and though the hill crumbled down the house somehow remained intact.  The inhabitants had apparently been home and must have been oblivious, as they didn't realize anything had happened until they woke up the next morning. Again, probably a bit of hyperbole in here, but if we think back to things like the 2016 Kumamoto earthquake, where large areas of land shifted noticeably along the fault lines, it is likely that this was a similar or even more catastrophic event.  And here I'll give a quick plug for Kumamoto, which is still working to rebuild from the earthquake, and if you ever get a chance, I recommend a visit to the Kumamoto Earthquake Memorial Museum or Kioku, where you can see for yourself just how powerful mother nature can be. Another powerful earthquake was mentioned in the 10th lunar month of 684.  If the earthquake in Tsukushi had hit mostly agricultural areas, based on the description, this seems to have hit more populated regions.  We are told that it started in the dark of night, the hour of the boar, so about 10pm, give or take an hour.  The shaking was so bad that throughout the country men and women cried out and were disoriented—they could not tell east from west, a condition no doubt further hindered by the dark night sky.  There were mountain slides and rivers changed course, breaking their banks and flooding nearby areas.  Official buildings of the provinces and districts, the barns and houses of the common people, and the temples, pagodas, and shrines were all destroyed in huge numbers.  Many people and domestic animals were killed or injured.  The hot springs of Iyo were dried up and ceased to flow.  In the province of Tosa, more than 500,000 shiro of cultivated land sank below sea level.  Old men said that they had never seen such an earthquake.  On that night there was a rumbling noise like that of drums heard in the east—possibly similar to what we had mentioned earlier.  Some say that the island of Idzu, aka Vries Island, the volcanic island at the entrance of Edo Bay, increased on the north side by more than 3,000 feet and that a new island had been formed.  The noise of the drums was attributed to the gods creating that island. So here we have a catastrophic quake that impacted from Iyo, on the western end of Shikoku, all the way to the head of Edo Bay, modern Tokyo.  This appears to be what seismologists have labelled a "Nankai Trough Megathrust Earthquake".  Similar quakes have occurred and are predicted to occur in the future., along a region of Japan from the east coast of Kyushu, through the Seto Inland Sea, including Shikoku, through the Kii peninsula and all the way to Mt. Fuji.  The Nankai Trough, or Southern Sea Trough, is the area where the continental shelf drops down, and where the Philippine tectonic plate slips underneath the Eurasian—or more specifically the Amuric—plate.  As these plates move it can cause multiple events all along the trough at the same time.  Since being regularly recorded, these quakes have been noted every 100 to 150 years, with the last one being the Showa Nankai quakes of 1944 and 1946. For all of the destruction that it brought, however, apparently it didn't stop the court.  Two days after this devastating quake we are told that Presents were made to the Princes and Ministers.  Either they weren't so affected in the capital, or perhaps the date given for one of the two records is not quite reliable.  Personally, I find it hard to believe that there would be presents given out two days later unless they were some form of financial aid.  But what do I know?  It is possible that the court itself was not as affected as other areas, and they may not have fully even grasped the epic scale of the destruction that would later be described in the Chronicles, given the length of time it took to communicate messages across the country. Which brings us back to the "science" of the time, or at least the observation, hoping to learn from precedence or piece out what messages the world might have for the sovereign and those who could read the signs.  While many of the court's and Chronicler's conclusions may give us pause, today, we should nonetheless be thankful that they at least decided to keep notes and jot down their observations.  That record keeping means that we don't have to only rely on modern records to see patterns that could take centuries to reveal themselves.  Sure, at this time, those records were  still a bit spotty, but it was the start of something that would be remarkably important, and even though these Chronicles may have been focused on propaganda, the fact that they include so many other references are an incalculable boon to us, today, if we can just see to make the connections.  And with that, I think I've rambled enough for this episode.  We still have a couple more to fully cover this period. Until then, if you like what we are doing, please tell your friends and feel free to rate us wherever you listen to podcasts.  If you feel the need to do more, and want to help us keep this going, we have information about how you can donate on Patreon or through our KoFi site, ko-fi.com/sengokudaimyo, or find the links over at our main website,  SengokuDaimyo.com/Podcast, where we will have some more discussion on topics from this episode. Also, feel free to reach out to our Sengoku Daimyo Facebook page.  You can also email us at the.sengoku.daimyo@gmail.com.  Thank you, also, to Ellen for their work editing the podcast. And that's all for now.  Thank you again, and I'll see you next episode on Sengoku Daimyo's Chronicles of Japan.  

In this episode, I sit with Reed Davis — board-certified holistic health practitioner, certified nutritional therapist, and founder of Functional Diagnostic Nutrition — to unpack the modern health crisis and a different way forward.Reed shares his journey from environmental paralegal to leading educator in functional lab testing, why conventional bloodwork often misses the real causes, and how the DRESS framework (Diet, Rest, Exercise, Stress reduction, Supplementation) helps resolve what he calls “metabolic chaos.”We dive into real stories of transformation from clearing chronic hives and medication dependence to helping a child avoid stimulant meds through diet and lifestyle, and why running multiple, targeted labs is the “price of admission” for finding upstream healing opportunities.Reed also explains how FDN trains practitioners to interpret functional labs, design individualized protocols, and coach clients through lasting change.If you're curious about lab-led holistic care, personalized protocols, and practical steps to reclaim long-term health, this episode is for you.To learn more about FDN and connect with Reed: https://www.functionaldiagnosticnutrition.com♾ In a fast-paced world like the one we live in, time is one of our most important assets. For a few minutes every episode, I, Tannaz Hosseinpour, will be discussing topics that aim to enhance the quality of your life, by helping you feel empowered to take inspired action on your personal growth journey.Connect with me for daily insights:InstagramFacebookTikTokMore resources available on www.minutesongrowth.comThis podcast is for educational purposes only. The host claims no responsibility to any person or entity for any liability, loss, or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the use, application, or interpretation of the information presented herein.

This week Ivy Slater, host of Her Success Story, chats with her guest,Tara Chalakani. The two talk about the evolution and impact of Preferred Behavioral Health Group, the importance of authentic relationships in nonprofit leadership, and the powerful role of self-care and trauma-informed culture in supporting employees and clients. In this episode, we discuss: How a small local operation launched in 1978 turned into a $39 million organization with 500 team members—by chasing the right grants and growing programs that truly matter to the community. What sets Preferred apart is its culture—rooted in excellence, integrity, and compassion. You can see it in the way staff stick around and in the industry awards they've picked up, like being named one of New Jersey's "Best Places to Work. When conversations about women's leadership, self-care, and trauma-informed workplaces come up, both Tara Chalakani and Ivy Slater share what it really means to lead by example—and why you have to pour from a full cup to do it well. Why nonprofit leadership in mental health matters now more than ever—because the pandemic pushed mental health to the forefront, breaking down stigma and sparking a national conversation about the care people really need. How Tara Chalakani shifts the idea of nonprofits as competitors and instead focuses on working together, showing how collaboration can better serve the shared mission of improving mental health. Dr. Tara Chalakani is a national mental health expert and dynamic leader. As the CEO of Preferred Behavioral Health Group, Dr. Chalakani leads a team of 500 employees providing quality mental health care, substance use treatment, and prevention services to almost 30,000 individuals a year, across New Jersey. In addition, Dr. Chalakani maintains a private psychotherapy practice and is currently an appointed Associate Professor at the Hackensack University School of Medicine, Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health. She has also taught Psychology and Mental Health Counseling curricula at the undergraduate and graduate level. Dr. Chalakani holds a doctoral degree in psychology with a concentration in behavioral health leadership, a master's degree in mental health counseling, and undergraduate degrees in nursing and psychology. All of her advanced degrees were earned while raising her children and working full-time. Dr. Chalakani is a frequent guest on national and local media outlets, public speaker, and co-host of the Welloff Podcast through iHeart Media. Dr. Chalakani is a regular contributor to Forbes, and the inaugural leader of the Forbes Nonprofit Council Women Executives group. She is most proud of her Puerto Rican heritage and her humble beginnings in Newark, NJ. All of her successes were achieved despite all the odds being stacked against her. For this reason, she is a champion of women, the marginalized, and strives to be a person that offers others a fighting chance at being who they were destined to become. Social Media: Dr. Tara: www.thedrtara.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-tara-chalakani-943a4721/ Instagram & TikTok: @thedrtara PBHG: www.preferredbehavioral.org All Social Media: @preferredbehavioral Podcast: www.welloffpodcast.com Social: @thewelloffpodcast    

Bonus Episodes on patreon: https://patreon.com/veryreallygood Happy belated Thanksgiving to the Americans here! We're back at home in this episode where we catch up, talk about Aubrey Huff's Dating Advice tweet, AITA Funeral Drip, and the Medicine Glasses Tiktok. LISTEN IN!!! 0:00 intro 3:50 Tour Catch up 9:30 Aubrey Huff's gross tweet 21:00 AITA Funeral Drip 26:55 Medicine Glasses TikTok Follow Me: https://instagram.com/kurtisconner/ https://twitter.com/kurtisconner https://youtube.com/user/kurtisconner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices