The entire medical and scientific team at Humarian share a commitment to the science of digestive health. Humarian Health is a podcast dedicated to digesting gut health research and passing practical insights on to you and your family.
On this episode of the Humarian Health Podcast, Amy and Dr. Benzinger are joined by stroke specialist Dr. Amytis Towfighi, MD, to discuss strokes and talk about her book, “What You Must Know About Strokes: How to Recover from a Stroke and Prevent another Stroke”. Dr. Towfighi talks about her reasoning for wanting to write a book about stroke and points out how little attention it receives compared to its prevalence and severity. Stroke is the leading cause of disability in the world and the fifth leading cause of death in the United States, yet few people know what to do when they’re having stroke symptoms.
They discuss the difference between ischemic strokes and a hemorrhagic strokes, how FAST (Face, Arm, Speech, Time) can be used as an effective pneumonic device to look for stroke symptoms, and the relationship between stroke, blood pressure, and blood pressure medications. Dr. Towfighi talks about thrombolytics (clot busting drugs) and clot retrieval procedures, the most common treatment options for stroke. Dr. Towfighi also addresses stroke concerns in relation to COVID-19 and why the Mediterranean diet has been shown to be most effective in reducing the chances of stroke.
You can find Dr. Towfighi’s book on amazon.com, squareonepublishers.com, and wherever books are sold.
On this episode of the Humarian Health Podcast, Amy and Dr. Benzinger are joined by Dr. Clifton Meador, MD, to discuss his book, The Little Book of Doctors’ Rules: A Practical Guide to the Art of Healing. Dr. Meador is a retired physician and professor of medicine emeritus at Vanderbilt Medical School.
He shares his background in medicine and explains what events in his career led to his desire to write a book on rules for doctors. They discuss Dr. Meador’s four major categories of patients that exhibit symptoms but no disease and discuss why he uses patient diaries to determine the causes of symptoms and rule out diseases. Amy asks specifically about rule #186, “All patients will lie about something, some patients will lie about everything”. They finish out the podcast by discussing how and why patients are ending up with so many different doctors and why doctors are often not able to devote the amount of time necessary for more thorough and accurate diagnoses.
You can find Dr. Meador’s book, The Little Book of Doctors’ Rules: A Practical Guide to the Art of Healing, at Amazon, Square One Publishers, and wherever books are sold.
On this week’s show, Amy and Dr. B are joined by Dr. Donald S. Teig, author of High Performance Vision, to talk about visual performance in sports and in life. Dr. Teig starts by talking about his background in psychology and how that shaped his interest in all aspects of visual performance. Dr. Teig explains how depth perception, peripheral awareness, eye-hand coordination, visual acuity, contrast sensitivity, and many other visual parameters all factor into vision performance. They discuss the impact of stress on vision and why athletes often report improved visual performance when they’re “in the zone”. Dr. Teig talks about the phrase, “keep your eye on the ball” and how he teaches baseball players to put it to practical use. They also discuss the impact of dominant vs. non-dominant eyes in sports performance, non-sport applications like reading, and how to tell which of your eyes is dominant. They end by talking about the visual impact of concussions in sports. You can find Dr. Teig’s book, High Performance Vision, on Amazon.com, Squareonepublishers.com, and wherever books are sold. You can find out more about Dr. Teig at highperformancevisionassociates.com.
On this week’s show, Amy and Dr. B are joined by Dr. Mandip S. Kang, MD, FASN, to discuss food, kidney health, kidney disease, and how they all tie together with his book, The Doctor’s Kidney Diets: A Nutritional Guide to Managing and Slowing the Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease. Dr. Kang starts by discussing what he learned during his training in nephrology that led him to write his book. He gives a brief rundown of kidney functions in the body before describing the three most common kinds of kidney disorders: congenital kidney disease, acute kidney injury, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). The gang discuss some of the ways that CKD can arise, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, as well as other kidney conditions like glomerulonephritis. Next, as per usual, Dr. B shifts the conversation to food, as they discuss the ways in which food and obesity can affect kidney health. They discuss dietary tips, nutrient deficiencies, and the impact of water filtration on the kidneys. Also, why is starfruit a big no-no for those with kidney disease? Dr. Kang closes out the show with a couple kidney-conscious food options.
You can find Dr. Kang’s book, The Doctor’s Kidney Diets: A Nutritional Guide to Managing and Slowing the Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease, on Amazon, Square One Publishers, and wherever books are sold.
This week, we're bringing you the final part of Dr. B’s series on stress. Amy sits down with Dr. B for a discussion on how your mindset can affect the way you deal with stress. They start off by giving examples of how their mindsets have changed in their own lives recently and the effects those changes have had on their personal stress levels. Dr. B. outlines some problematic tendencies that can arise with fixed mindsets compared to growth mindsets, like gravitating towards known quantities instead of seeking out new experiences, declaring relationships as broken before first trying to work on them, or relying on natural talent above putting in hard work to succeed. Then he and Amy go over some of the ways that we can recognize fixed mindsets and work to develop growth mindsets in our own lives.
Join us this week for part 2 of Dr. B’s series on stress. Amy sits down with Dr. B for a discussion on the physiological effects of stress. They talk about major stressful events and what they mean for individual stress levels. Dr. B and Amy each mention some of the major symptoms they experience when they feel stressed. They talk about some of the most common stress symptoms cited after major stressful events, and then Dr. B breaks down some of these symptoms by going into detail about the physiological effects that stress can have on the body. They also touch on stress in relation to mood and food, genetics, mental beating, bad bosses, and family. Check back next month for part 3!
We have all kinds of great guests lined up for 2020, but we’re kicking off the year guest-less as Amy joins Dr. Benzinger for the start of a three-episode series about stress. This first episode is all about how stress shows up in our bodies and what it can do. Topics covered include doctor visits due to stress, common symptoms of stress, technology, and social media, and how to approach stress management day-to-day versus long term. In the second half of the show, they discuss the increased pace of everyday life today compared to a decade ago, the connection of workplace satisfaction with overall happiness, how to differentiate between good and bad stress, and more. Stay tuned for part 2!
On this week’s show, Dr. B is joined by returning guest, Dr. Earl Mindell, RPH, MH, PhD, to discuss his book, What's in Your Blood and Why You Should Care: How to Cleanse and Detoxify Your Blood for Optimum Health, co-authored by Gene Bruno. They get right into it with some talk about what kinds of harmful chemicals are in our water supply and how the water quality compares to 50 years ago. Then they dive into Vitamin D deficiency, cholesterol, and what can happen when harmful chemicals make it into our bloodstreams. Dr. Mindell goes into some specifics on how blood functions and what we can do to improve the quality of our blood for greater health and longevity. Dr. Mindell also talks about the history of hemp, the nationwide sugar epidemic, and how the now-infamous “Twinkie, Ding-dong, Donut, Pizza, Prozac, Pepsi” diet affects our blood and our bodies. You can find What's in Your Blood and Why You Should Care: How to Cleanse and Detoxify Your Blood for Optimum Health on amazon.com and wherever books are sold.
On this week’s show, Dr. B is joined by James Templeton to discuss his book, I Used to Have Cancer: How I Found My Own Way Back to Health. James tells Dr. B about his background as a successful business and family man, his family’s history with cancer, and why that history led him to becoming a fitness fanatic. He talks about his stage 4 melanoma diagnosis, and his subsequent depression, job loss, divorce, and news that the cancer had spread to his lymphatic system. After learning that he’d have at best a 20% chance to live 3-5 more years with conventional therapies, James was ready to throw in the towel. He tells Dr. B how he found the will to push on and discovered the keys to his recovery: the macrobiotic diet, overloading on vitamin C, and visualizing recovery. It has now been 33 years since James’ initial cancer diagnosis. James tells us what he’s been up to since then, including starting his own nutritional supplement company, writing this book, and started a nonprofit organization called Templeton Wellness. You can find I Used to Have Cancer: How I Found My Own Way Back to Health on amazon.com, iusedtohavecancer.com, and wherever books are sold.
On this week’s show, Amy and Dr. B. are joined by Brittany Henderson, MD, to discuss her book, What You Must Know About Hashimoto’s Disease: Restoring Thyroid Health Through Traditional and Complementary Medicine. Dr. Henderson talks about her background as a board-certified endocrinologist and what led her to opening a thyroid specific practice and writing a book on Hashimoto’s disease. She discusses the overall the prevalence of hypothyroidism, how suffering from one autoimmune disease can make you more susceptible to other autoimmune issues, and outlines some of the major symptoms of thyroid issues, like fatigue, weight gain, reproductive health, constipation, and feelings of “brain fog”. They spend some time discussing how thyroid health is still massively under-diagnosed in relation to fertility issues and why we see so many instances of postpartum thyroiditis, a form of Hashimoto’s disease that arises after pregnancy. Dr. Henderson gives a thorough explanation of TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) and how it is currently used to evaluate thyroid hormone levels in the body, as well as the thyroid’s relationship to body temperature and birth control. The group then discusses dietary concerns, including what to eat and what to avoid. Dr. Henderson ends the show by offering three pieces of advice for those that may be suffering from thyroid conditions. You can find Dr. Henderson’s book at amazon.com and wherever books are sold.
On this week’s show, Amy and Dr. B. are joined by Tony Kantzavelos, a pharmacist and owner of Nora Apothecary to talk about compounding, specialized pharmaceutical preparations, and his business. Tony tells us a little about Nora Apothecary and what separates a compounding pharmacy from a typical one. He describes the process of compounding and the many different forms that compound pharmaceutical products can take. Tony goes over the numerous scenarios in which compounding drugs offers benefits over traditionally produced big pharma drugs. He then talks about the growth of big pharmaceutical companies, how that has impacted the role of the modern pharmacist, and why compounding pharmacists are so important because of this reality. They also discuss the level of awareness of compounding pharmacists in the medical community and whether it is a rising or fading profession. Tony closes out the show by telling us why he has almost all of his patients on probiotics. You can find more information about Nora Apothecary and Tony at noraapothecary.com.
This week, we welcome Dr. Ryan Bentley back to the show. He joins Amy and Dr. B. to talk about probiotics in everyday products. You can now find orange juice, milk, lotion, makeup, and many other products that claim to be loaded with probiotics. Are they effective? Can they act as substitutes for probiotic supplements or fermented foods? Do the sugars in some of these products activate probiotics prematurely? How much do we really know about the effects of the probiotics in these products with current research? Dr. Bentley dives into all of this and more, so stay tuned!
In part 2 of our dietary discussion with Jodi Smith, Amy and Dr. B. join Jodi to discuss nutrients, dietary trends, and how to form long-term healthy eating habits. Topics discussed include: · Why a keto diet can reduce the likelihood of heart disease for some people and increase it for others, and why the idea that keto is a good diet for everyone that’s obese is probably not true. · Best practices and tools for making sure your diet is giving you essential nutrients that you need to function. · Why Jodi won’t even see clients until they complete a written 3-day diet diary. · Why certain body types do better on some diets and exercises than others. · Why many of the current dietary trends are shaped by vilification of grains. · Why it’s important to be mindful of overindulgence when you give yourself a chance to eat not so healthy things once in a while.
You can find recipes, videos, dietary education, and more about Jodi on her website, plateology.com.
We have a 2-parter for you this time! In part one, Jodi Smith returns to the show to talk with Amy and Dr. B. about losing weight, keeping it off, and where diets like Whole 30, paleo, and keto fit into the mix. Jodi is a medical nutritionist and the creator of Plateology.com. Topics discussed include: · Major reasons people go on diets · Why we need to be better about considering the bigger picture regarding our weight · A deep dive into some shocking statistics on the current obesity epidemic · Why making the right food choices is not enough to maintain a healthy weight. · Why macro management on its own is not enough if you don’t also factor in calorie intake · Why certain diets are better suited for different people · How areas of your body that are most prone to weight gain can be indicative of predisposition to certain health conditions. · General indicators that certain types of food aren’t settling well with your body, like diarrhea, constipation, stomachaches, headaches, spaciness, and general lack of focus or clarity of thought. · Why you don’t have to eat like everybody else, and why figuring out what foods work for you and building your eating habits around them is usually the best course of action.
Stay tuned for part 2!
This week’s show is a good one, folks! Dr. B. is joined by nutritional biochemist and leading expert in women’s medicine, Dr. Jolene Brighten, to discuss hormonal birth control and her book, Beyond the Pill: A 30-Day Program to Balance Your Hormones, Reclaim Your Body and Reverse the Dangerous Side Effects of the Birth Control Pill. After some talk about general hormonal birth control statistics, Dr. Brighten talks about potential short-term and long-term side effects of prolonged birth control pill use, her personal history with birth control, and how her personal experience with patients drove her to explore this topic in depth. She spends some time diving into the prevalence of medical gender bias, where women are statistically more like to have chronic pain dismissed, be told that their symptoms are in their head, or receive inadequate medical care. Dr. Brighten explains how hormonal changes can lead to thyroid issues, leaky gut, autoimmune conditions, and nutrient depletion. Dr. Brighten stresses that the primary goal of her book is to make sure that women have the full story about hormonal birth control so they can make educated decisions about their own bodies. You can find Dr. Brighten’s book on amazon.com and wherever books are sold.
On this week’s show, Amy and Dr. B. are joined by Laura Stevens, author of Solving the Puzzle of your ADD/ADHD Child: Natural Alternatives for Hard-to-Raise Children. Laura tells Amy and Dr. B. how she became interested in the topic of ADD/ADHD and how this led her to write her first book, How to Feed Your Hyperactive Child. Laura describes the importance of clean diets when dealing with hyperactive children and why it’s especially important for parents to be on the lookout for dyes on ingredients labels. She talks about the impact of sugars, whether organic and non-GMO are terms we should be paying attention to for hyperactive children, and some of the most important nutrients to keep an eye out for. Laura also talks about good sleep hygiene and the importance of physical activity. You can find Solving the Puzzle of your ADD/ADHD Child: Natural Alternatives for Hard-to-Raise Children on amazon.com and wherever books are sold.
On this week’s show, Dr. B. is joined by Swathi Rao, owner and CEO of local Indiana practice, Be Well Family Care. Be Well Family Care is a family practice with a focus on integrated care, or what Swathi calls “smart medicine.” This means that the practice tries to utilize everything that research brings to them, whether it be traditional, alternative, or functional medicine. Swathi talks about her background in traditional medicine and the catalyst that caused her to favor integrated care over purely traditional medicine. Dr. B. asks about Swathi why the kitchen takes up a third of their total office space. Swathi describes the importance of diet, nutrition, and basic cooking skills for staying healthy. When Dr. B. asks about the role of traditional medicine in her practice, Swathi responds, “You don’t do aromatherapy in the middle of a car accident.” She then elaborates on why traditional medicine is so important in the practice of smart medicine and why you don’t see many family practices that stress integrated care. You can find out more about Swathi and her practice at bewellfamilycare.com.
On this week’s show, Amy and Dr. B. are joined by Amy Medling to talk about polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and her book, Healing PCOS: A 21-Day Plan for Reclaiming Your Health and Life with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. Amy talks about her personal struggles as a woman growing up with undiagnosed PCOS and why 50-70% of women with PCOS remain undiagnosed. She talks about how her PCOS symptoms led to gaslighting from doctors. There is no magic pill to cure PCOS, so Amy explains why changing your mindset about your body is the first and most important step in fighting back. The gang then discusses the importance of diet and exercise in relation to mood, self-confidence, and PCOS symptoms. Amy also explains why intensity is not necessarily the most important consideration in exercise for helping with weight loss and other PCOS issues and why it’s important to heal in ways that make you feel good along the way. You can find more about Amy Medling and her 21-day plan at pcosdiva.com. You can find Healing PCOS: A 21-Day Plan for Reclaiming Your Health and Life with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome at pcosdiva.com, Amazon, and wherever books are sold.
On this week’s show, Amy and Dr. B. are joined by Sandra Kaufmann to discuss her new book, The Kaufmann Protocol: Why We Age and How to Stop It. Amy and Dr. B. ask Dr. Kaufmann about her background as a tropical ecologist and plant physiologist, why she decided to become an anesthesiologist, and how she used her diverse scientific background to unravel the mysteries of aging. She explains why the Kaufmann Protocol is the first ever comprehensive scientific system to explain why we age and what we can do to decelerate that process. Dr. Kaufmann outlines her protocol by detailing the seven core tenents of aging in and describing how she categorizes them. She then explains the Kaufmann 1-7 rating system she uses to quantify the effectiveness of molecular agents on each category and how using these systems in tandem can help to determine which molecular agents to use to help your biggest aging issues. You can find The Kaufmann Protocol: Why We Age and How to Stop It on amazon.com and wherever books are sold. You can find the Kaufmann Protocol app on iOS and the Google Play Store.
Dr. Ryan Bentley returns to the show this week to have another fun chat with Amy and Dr. B. about probiotics. The big question of the day: how long does it take to see the effects of probiotics? According to Dr. Bentley, it depends. The trio delves into why there isn’t one definitive answer to this question. They discuss some of the different factors that can cause variability in this time-frame and talk about some easy ways to tell that a probiotic is having an effect. Dr. Bentley talks about why the initial response to probiotic effects can sometimes appear negative and why that’s not necessarily the case. Dr. Bentley also discuses psychobiotics, the gut-brain axis, and some of the conditions that he has personally seen probiotics help with in his practice. Oh, and as usual, Dr. B. interrupts with story time at some point in the podcast. This time it’s about a patient that used probiotics to combat spousal flatulence. Enjoy!
Today, we welcome back board-certified gastroenterologist Dr. Rajiv K. Sharma, MD. Amy sits down with Dr. Sharma to discuss the new edition of his book, Pursuit of Gut Happiness. Dr. Sharma talks about the new edition’s updates to spices and herbs and its increased emphasis on turmeric. Then he dives into some more specific benefits, like how mint affects smooth muscle spasms and stomach pain and how ginger can affect joint pain and aches. Dr. Sharma then disappoints Amy by dispelling the myth that ginger ale has any actual ginger in it to provide benefits. It doesn’t. Amy then asks Dr. Sharma to talk about the symbiotic relationship between probiotics and prebiotics and why they work better together than individually. Dr. Sharma closes the show by highlighting his saag recipe and explaining why it’s one of the healthiest dishes you can eat. You can purchase Pursuit of Gut Happiness on Amazon, Kindle, and at drguthappiness.com.
This week’s show is all about bras! Or rather, the lack thereof. Amy is joined by Humarian’s Community Manager, Christina Conlon, to talk to Sydney Ross Singer and Soma Grismaijer about their book, "Dressed to Kill: The Link between Breast Cancer and Bras”. Syd and Soma work in the field of “applied medical anthropology” with a focus on how culture and lifestyle can make us sick. Soma begins by sharing her story of finding a lump in her breast and how a prior experience in Fiji led to the idea that constriction from bras could be a potential cause of breast problems. Syd shares new research regarding lymph stasis and how the constriction of bras can exacerbate this issue. They discuss some of the research indicating that women get breast cancer 100 times more than men, but bra-free women have about the same breast cancer rate as men. Soma shares her own experience with transitioning away from wearing a bra and tips for other women to do the same. Syd and Soma also dish about bra companies that have contacted them to consult on newer, less constrictive bra designs based on “Dressed to Kill” and the rise in prominence of less constrictive bras, like wire-free and sports bras. You can find “Dressed to Kill” on amazon.com and wherever books are sold, and you can find more about Syd and Soma’s research at brasandbreastcancer.org.
Our guest this week is Dr. Jeffrey Anshel, optometrist and author of Smart Medicine for Your Eyes. Amy and Dr. B chat with Dr. Ansel about eye exams, carrots, and eye diseases. Dr. Ansel explains the three “O’s” and how overall nutrition can affect our eyes. He also spends some time discussing the effect of continued electronic use on our ocular health. Tune in to find out why the windows to the soul are also the mirrors for the body! You can find Smart Medicine for Your Eyes on amazon.com and wherever books are sold.
On this week’s show, Amy and Dr. B. are joined by Becca Coffin, an intentional living coach, to discuss living intentionally, the importance of identifying core values, and the dangers of fear-based decision making. Becca talks about how her background with her local church and project management led her down the path to become an intentional living coach. They discuss why so many people are living on autopilot, living in survival mode, or just aren’t feeling fulfilled by life. Becca describes the process of intentional living coaching, starting by identifying core values, then trying to establish a “why”. She describes how her approach differs between individuals and families and why children are often the catalyst for many of these issues to rise to the surface. They talk about why the “we’re too busy” excuse often does not hold up when activities filling that time are brought to light. Becca also talks about fear and guilt-based decision making, the some of the most common core values people define for themselves, and why it’s often okay to say no. You can find more about Becca and intentional living coaching at beccacoffin.com.
Our guest this week is Reiki master Denise Dilworth. Denise joins Amy to discuss the art of Reiki healing and the benefits it can provide. She talks to Amy about the three levels of Reiki masters, the way that Reiki works to heal the body, the nature of attunements, the difference between Reiki and other healing arts, why someone might want to consider seeing a Reiki master, what a typical Reiki session looks like, and how to find a good Reiki master.
Our guest this week is spiritual director Beth Booram. Beth is also an author, retreat leader, and co-founder and director of Sustainable Faith Indy. She joins Amy and Dr. B to outline the purpose of a spiritual director and the concept of a ministry of listening. Beth talks about what drew her to spiritual direction, what to expect from a session with a spiritual director, and explains the difference between spiritual direction and therapy.
On this week’s show, psychotherapist Dr. Pilar Jennings, PhD, joins Amy and Dr. B. to talk about Buddhism, psychotherapy, trauma, and to discuss her book, To Heal A Wounded Heart: The Transformative Power of Buddhism and Psychotherapy in Action. She describes her history with Buddhism, psychotherapy, and meditation, and how this background led her to bring them all together in her career. Pilar discusses how this unconventional version of therapy focused on being with and accepting silence can help children to open up that are not willing to with more conventional therapies. Sometimes, people don’t have the words to express their feelings, and that’s ok. She spends some time talking about trauma. Where can it originate from, what different forms can it take, and why isn’t it as simple to identify as people tend to think? They discuss the common ground between psychoanalysis and Buddhism, namely equality of listening, or fair attention, and how the integration of Buddhism is accepted within the psychotherapy community. They end by talking about how she chose the name for her book, and what she really wanted to call it. You can find Dr. Jenning’s book on amazon.com and wherever books are sold.
On this week’s show, family counselor Liz Howerth joins Amy and Dr. B. to discuss counseling, self-motivation, and the importance of being honest with ourselves. Liz tells us how she got started and why she decided to become a family counselor. The gang discusses the nature of counseling and where it fits within the paradigm of therapy, psychology, and psychiatry, and they touch on recent shifts of acceptance in the public perception of counseling being a normal part of good mental health maintenance. Liz talks about EMDR and other modalities that are common in therapy today and discusses the applications of leading with advice vs. acting as a mirror and leading patients to come to their own realizations. She also discusses the importance of self-motivation in patients, the impact it can have on growth and general progress in counseling, and why Liz goes to counseling too!
Amy asks Liz about how to begin seeking counseling, how to measure progress, how to set goals, what to expect of your counselor and yourself, and why counseling might be worth a shot for those that haven’t tried it. Liz ends the show with a word of encouragement about being honest with ourselves.
On this week’s show, we welcome Gila Kurtz for National Walk Your Dog Week. Gila joins Amy and Dr. B. to talk about her website, Dog is Good, and her book, Fur Covered Wisdom: A Dog Can Change the Way You See the World. Gila discusses her background as a professional dog trainer and what inspired her to create Dog is Good. They talk about why Dog is Good is more focused on the messages than the products themselves, and Gila shares some of her favorite messages that customers have latched onto. She also explains how she is able to incorporate fitness into her pet’s life as well as her own and why it is NOT selfish to prioritize your own health so highly. Gila wraps up by talking about one of the most important lessons her dog has taught her. Gila’s book can be purchased at dogisgood.com and wherever books are sold. You can find more about Gila at dogisgood.com.
Our guest this week is fitness trainer and author, Nick Nilsson. Nick joins Amy and Dr. B to talk about intense weight training and exercise. Tune in to find out why Nick ate 8-9,000 calories a day in college, what he has done to get kicked out of gyms, and why he’s known as the “Mad Scientist of Muscle”. Nick also talks about some more traditional exercises and tips for helping someone that wants to add more weight to their lifts. You can find more information about Nick and his weightlifting knowledge on his website, fitstep.com.
Our guest this week is Joan Pagano, personal trainer and author of Strength Training: Exercises for Women. Joan joins Amy and Dr. B. to talk about how our bodies change as we get older and how our fitness routines should be changing as we do. She discusses why cardiovascular is only part of the fitness equation, what else we should be doing to have a well-rounded workout, and why strength training, flexibility, and balance are all important components of a well-rounded fitness routine. She also touches on workouts for men vs. women, some common myths of strength training, common stretching mistakes, and how to train for balance. You can find more on Joan and her fitness knowledge on her website https://www.joanpaganofitness.com. You can buy Strength Training: Exercises for Women on her website, amazon.com, and wherever books are sold.
Our guest this week is Megan Gilmore, executive director of Lark’s Song. Megan is a professional coach with a focus on positive psychology. Megan sits down with Amy and Dr. B. to chat about how she got into professional coaching and what led to the creation of Lark’s Song. She talks about the mission of Lark’s Song and how it helps clients to overcome obstacles and challenges on the way to wellbeing that they might not be able to overcome by themselves. Megan also describes the benefits of positive psychology, why habit formation is such an important component of professional coaching, some of the major differences between coaching and counseling, and why clients are the best experts on themselves.
On this week’s show, Dr B. is joined by author and veterinarian Dr. Jessica Vogelsang with Pawcurious to discuss pain related to Animal Pain Awareness Month. They discuss how to recognize when an animal is in pain, acute pain vs. chronic pain, why certain breeds of animals are better at enduring pain than others, and why the stoic animals are the ones we need to keep the closest eye on. Dr Vogelsang discusses how the pet’s role in the family has changed family dynamics and priorities over time, and how this has helped raise awareness for chronic and acute pain in pets. She talks about some common signs that a pet might be in pain, like cats that stop using the litter box, large dogs that seem to be slowing down, or animals with decreased appetites. She also talks about current treatments to manage chronic pain in animals, why opioids are typically used only as a last resort, and why the best preventative measure is making sure your pet is at a healthy weight. Dr. B. asks about the CBD oil craze and if the veterinary community has found it to be a valuable tool for animals. Dr. Vogelsang discusses the ethical conundrum of euthanasia in animals and the importance of finding a veterinarian trained in palliative care for animals facing end-of-life scenarios. They end by discussing the exciting prospects of telemedicine and why it could prove to be important in the future of hospice care. You can find more from Dr. Vogelsang at pawcurious.com.
Our guest this week is Dr. Elizabeth Shaw, a local veterinarian who specializes in cats. Dr. Shaw sits down with Amy and Dr. B to discuss feline enrichment, which is finding ways to provide cats with a sense of engagement, decrease boredom, and keep them mentally stimulated. Dr. Shaw covers a wide range of topics, such as importance of moisture rich diets, putting distance between food bowls and water bowls, walking cats with harnesses, fresh sunshine, cat cafes, cat tunnels and free floating shelves, laser pointers, music, declawing vs. trimming, cardboard boxes, scratching pads, plants for olfactory enrichment, and how micro-chipping can keep your cat safe and healthier. To learn more about feline enrichment, Dr. Shaw suggests consulting the Winn Feline Foundation. She also recommends checking out the Ohio State University indoor pet campaign at indoorpet.osu.edu/cats.
On this week’s show, Amy and Dr. B. are joined by Sara Hemmick, athletic trainer and owner of Myo-Fit. Sara joins the cast to talk about athletic training and how Myo-Fit differs from normal athletic training by specializing in manual therapy, or manipulative therapy. She educates us on the difference between manual therapy and physical therapy, why it’s so important to properly distinguish between the two, why manual therapy is so much more important in today’s world than it was 30 years ago and why her catch phrase is “soften, lengthen, strengthen.” Sara also talks about some of the instrument-assisted treatments she uses, like cupping and scraping. She outlines the benefits of these treatments and explains why controlled inflammation can be beneficial.
Our guest this week is Patty Pavey, a local hypnotist. Patty joins Amy and Dr. B to talk about how she got into hypnosis, what exactly hypnosis is, who can and should look to hypnosis, what hypnosis actually feels like, how hypnosis differs from meditation, what kinds of issues hypnosis can help with, and what a typical hypnosis session looks like. Also, what in the world is a golf hypnotist?
Our guest this week is Vijaya Nair, MD, and author of Prevent Cancer, Strokes, Heart Attacks & Other Deadly Killers. Dr. Nair joins Amy and Dr. B to discuss her education in Eastern and Western medicines and how it affects the way she practices medicine today. The gang talks about pharmaceuticals and natural alternatives, inflammation and oxidation, and what diseases like cancer, Alzheimer’s, and arthritis have in common. They also cover how diet affects disease, anti-inflammatory foods, and non-dietary ways to stay healthier and free of inflammation. You can find Prevent Cancer, Strokes, Heart Attacks & Other Deadly Killers on amazon.com and wherever books are sold.
On this week’s episode, Dr. B is joined by Dani Landolt, the chief marketing officer for Leader Dogs for the Blind. Dani and Dr. B talk about how she moved from sports marketing to sales to the pet industry and spend some time discussing the background and mission behind Leader Dogs for the Blind. Dani describes the three main services offered by Leader Dogs for the Blind, namely guide dog training (including a dedicated deaf/blind Leader Dog training program), accelerated orientation and mobility training (white cane training), and a week long leadership camp for teenagers that are blind or visually impaired. She talks about the breeds and dispositions of dogs that have been successfully bred as leader dogs and why Leader Dogs for the Blind primarily focuses on Golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, and German shepherds. She also describes the difference between guide dogs and service dogs, and she explains the importance of intelligent disobedience for guide dogs. You can find more on Dani and Leader Dogs for the Blind at leaderdog.org.
Our guest this week is Dr. Jeffrey Anshel, optometrist and author of Smart Medicine for Your Eyes. Amy and Dr. B chat with Dr. Ansel about eye exams, carrots, and eye diseases. Dr. Ansel explains the three “O’s” and how overall nutrition can affect our eyes. He also spends some time discussing the effect of continued electronic use on our ocular health. Tune in to find out why the windows to the soul are also the mirrors for the body! You can find Smart Medicine for Your Eyes on amazon.com and wherever books are sold.
Our guest this week is Dr. Deva Khalsa, a pioneer in holistic veterinary medicine and author of Dr. Khalsa’s Natural Dog: Holistic Therapies, Nutrition, and Recipes for Healthier Dogs. Dr. Khalsa joins Amy and Dr. B. to outline how holistic medicine can make your animal’s body smarter, wiser, and more able to stay healthy and fight diseases. She discusses the importance of vetting your vet, differences between traditional medicine and holistic medicine, why veterinarian medicine has become a largely corporate-influenced field, and how this reality inspired her to write a book to help people become smarter pet owners. Dr. Khalsa details the rising prevalence of cancer in animals, the dangers of commercial flea and tick treatments, and other ways that pets can be harmed through traditional treatments. She also discusses merits of healthy animal foods, prepared foods, and why she is not a fan of the raw food craze that has recently surged in popularity. Later on in the show, Dr. B. and Dr. Khalsa get into the pitfalls of choosing natural supplements for both humans and animals. You can find Dr. Khalsa at doctordeva.com, her curated list of pet products at deservingpets.com, and her book, Dr. Khalsa’s Natural Dog: Holistic Therapies, Nutrition, and Recipes for Healthier Dogs, at amazon.com and wherever books are sold.
Our guest this week is Bryant Johnson, author of The RBG Workout. RBG, as in Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg! Bryant is the Supreme Court Justice’s personal trainer, and his book outlines the workout that he designed and guides her through twice a week. Bryant tells Amy and Dr. B all about his day job as a paratrooper in the Army Reserve and how he ended up as Justice Ginsberg’s personal trainer. He describes how he designed a customized workout for Justice Ginsburg to rebuild her strength after her bout with cancer, and how he uses this experience to help other recovering cancer patients. Bryant also shares some details on the origins of “Super Diva”, “Body Justice”, and why he often describes Justice Ginsburg as a cyborg. You can find The RBG Workout on rbgworkout.com, amazon.com, and wherever books are sold.
Our guest this week is Lorien Clemens with PetHub. Lorien joins Amy and Dr. B. to discuss all the things PetHub is doing to help protect, share, and nurture animals’ lives for pet parents. Lorien discusses why PetHub created Lost Pet Prevention Month in 2014 and how it has been used to provide resources for preventing lost pets and tools for finding them if they go AWOL (absent without a leash). She also discusses the importance of cat collars, external identification tags, pet licenses, rabies tags, pet tattoos, and why microchips alone are not reliable for finding lost pets. You can find more about PetHub and Lorien at pethub.com or lostpetprevention.com.
Our guest this week is holistic cardiologist, Dr. Joel Kahn. Dr. Kahn joins the show to talk about the ins and outs of heart health, heart disease, and plant-based diets. Dr. Kahn describes his path to becoming a cardiologist and why he decided to switch to a plant-based diet early on in his life. He explains his integrated approach to cardiology, the benefits of plant-based diets, steps you can take to ensure healthier heart health now and later in life, how quickly the body responds to major changes in lifestyle, the impact of fatigue and sleep fatigue on the body, the benefits of cold rooms, plant-based fasting diets, and some of his thoughts on the animal ketogenic diet vs. the plant-based ketogenic diet. Dr. Kahn has five books that you can find on his website, drjoelkahn.com, as well as amazon.com and wherever books are sold.
Our guest this week is Larry Kay with Positively Woof. Larry joins Amy and Dr. B. to talk about how his history in TV, music, media, and writing for Pink Panther and the Muppets led him to the pet industry, the creation of Positively Woof, and writing a book on dog training with President Obama’s dog trainer, Training the Best Dog Ever. Larry explains how “Positively Woof” went from his sign-off, to his motto, to his whole professional life and why Positively Woof is all about A.R.F. (Advocacy, Readiness, Fun). They also discuss misconceptions surrounding shelter dogs and how to turn perceived liabilities into hidden assets. You can find Larry on positivelywoof.com, and you can find Larry’s books, Training the Best Dog Everand Life’s a Bark, on amazon.com and wherever books are sold.
Amy and Dr. B. are joined by pet blogger and Instagrammer, Hannah Zulueta after Blogpaws 2018 to talk about Boston terriers, Instagram, home cooking for pets, and her blog, Maggie Loves Orbit.
Dr. B. is joined by blogger Jessica Rhae Williams after Blogpaws 2018 to talk about miniature doxens, why it’s unwise to make assumptions about the physical capabilities of a dog based on its size, hiking with small dogs, precautions to take when hiking with dogs, and her website, youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com.
Amy and Dr. B. are joined by cat blogger Paula Gregg after Blogpaws 2018 to talk about her blog, Sweet Purrfections. Paula talks about how she started cat blogging, her love for Persian cats and why they are so good for type A personalities, how she managed to go 2500 consecutive days with a post on her cat blog, and all about her future plans for her website. You can find more on Paula and her Persians at sweetpurrfections.blogspot.com.
Amy and Dr. B. are joined by radio personality Sam Ratcliffe after Blogpaws 2018 to talk about Vegas Rock Dog Radio. Sam talks about how she became involved in radio for dogs, her upcoming pet-focused TV program, the wide range of topics her program covers (such as training and nutrition), issues with pet shampoos, and her work with underserved animals and the five freedoms. You can find Sam and her radio show on every social media channel and at vegasrockdogradio.com.
Amy and Dr. B. are joined by blogger Bryn Nowell after Blogpaws 2018 to talk about her blog, A Dog Walks into a Bar. Bryn talks about how she decided to merge dogs and beer into a blog, her experience as a dog photographer, and all about her two Boston terriers. You can find booze info, cute dog pics, and more about Bryn and her dogs at adogwalksintoabar.com.
Amy and Dr. B. are joined by blogger Adriana Martin after Blogpaws 2018 to talk about her blogs, Tails Diary and Adriana’s Best Recipes. Adriana talks about her background as a chef, why she decided to start blogging about pet food, why simplicity is such a key component of her recipes, and why we need to be just as mindful about pet diets as we are our own. You can find more about Adriana and her food knowledge on tailsdiary.pet and adrianasbestrecipes.com.
Dr. B. is joined by the founder of PetsWeekly.com, Stacy Mantle after Blogpaws 2018 to talk about founding one of the longest running pet websites on the internet, the path Pets Weekly has taken over the last 12 years to get to where it is today, and the many ways that ideas about proper pet care have changed alongside it. You can find Stacy’s book, Conquering the Food Chain, on Amazon and wherever books are sold.
Amy and Dr. B. are joined by pet photographer Kat Ku after Blogpaws 2018 to talk about Modern Pet Photography. Kat talks about how she decided to become a pet photographer, why people are sometimes hesitant to have their pets photographed, and why untrained animals often take the best pictures. You can find Kat and her work at katkuphotography.com.
Amy and Dr. B. are joined by blogger JaneA Kelley after Blogpaws 2018 to talk about her blog, Paws and Effect. JaneA talks about how losing her previous job led to starting a cat health blog, her experience with feline diabetes, the benefits of raw diets and species appropriate diets, and how her cats have helped her with her own mental illness issues. You can find more about JaneA and her cat advice on paws-and-effect.com.
Amy and Dr. B. are joined by blogger Anita Aurit after Blogpaws 2018 to talk about her blog, Feline Opines: The World From a Feline Point of View. Anita talks about her history with pet radio and writing, how she came up with the idea to write fiction from the perspective of cats, her participation in finding animals better homes through Rehomed, and her journey to train her cat to ride a kayak. You can find more about Anita and her cats at felineopines.com.
Dr. B. is joined by the founder of Blogpaws, Yvonne DeVita after Blogpaws 2018 to talk about the history of Blogpaws, the importance of strong community resources for pet parents, and why she decided to help baby boomer women with her current role as the Big Idea Facilitator of lipsticking.com.
Amy and Dr. B. Are joined by blogger Carol Bryant after Blogpaws 2018 to talk about her website, Fidose of Reality. She talks about why it was important for her to start a website focused on dog health and wellness, why she loves cocker spaniels, what she’s doing to help dog parents get through the “noise” of the internet, and some quick tips for keeping your dog healthy. You can find Carol and her dog knowledge on fidoseofreality.com.
This week’s show is all about men’s health. Amy has questions, and Dr. Ryan Bentley is here to answer them. Dr. Bentley sits down with Amy and Dr. B. to talk about why men don’t like to go to the doctor and why men’s health is such an important topic today. They spend a lot of time talking about testosterone levels and how they can be connected to depression, fatigue, and suicide in men. Dr. Bentley shares his thoughts about testosterone screening, prostate exams, and other forms of testing that men are told to consider. He also talks about obesity, estrogen, endocrine disruptors, hormone replacement therapy, and how they can affect the male body and mind.
On this week’s show, Amy and Dr. B. are joined by pet living expert and Pet Industry Woman of the Year winner, Kristen Levine, to talk about how to live happier and healthier with pets. Kristen describes her history with animals, including volunteering for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and how that guided her into a pet-focused career. She talks about why she decided to become a pet living expert, why pets have gone from the backyard to the bedroom, and why pet insurance is so important. Kristen also shares the story that drove her to found Pet Anxiety Awareness Week in 2017. She outlines why pet anxiety is not a topic to be taken lightly and describes a number of methods that can be used to help deal with anxious pets, including thunder shirts, essential oils, and behavioral modification. You can find out more about Kristen and her thoughts on pet living at kristenlevine.com.
On this week’s show, Amy and Dr. B. have a chat about the three questions that we should be asking ourselves when we’re thinking about making positive wellness changes in our lives and why self-care needs to become a bigger priority. Am I worth it? Is it going to help? Can I afford it? They talk about why so many people take such great care of their loved ones but not themselves and what it’s going to take for self-care to become a priority. They also discuss how realistic positive steps can vary greatly from person to person, how can you know which steps are right you, and the bare minimum effort required to take a positive step in the right direction.
Our guest this week is lactation consultant and RN, Linda Goldberg. Linda joins Amy and Dr. B. to discuss her book, Pea in a Pod, as well as midwives, drug-free birth, and food restrictions during pregnancy. They talk about the importance of structure classes, birth facility research, and the growing presence of midwives in the United States. They also discuss the risks of relying on childcare apps, why a feeding schedule isn’t necessarily a great idea, lactation consultants, and why breastfeeding is still the best practice whenever possible. You can find Linda’s book, Pea in a Pod, on amazon.com and wherever books are sold.
Dr. B. is joined by Andy Downs of Only Natural Pets at BlogPaws 2018 to talk about raw foods, oral health in dogs, and all kinds of natural options for pet health.
Dr. B. is joined by Colin Brodie, VP of marketing at 21st Century Animal Healthcare, at BlogPaws 2018 to talk about his line of pet supplements aimed at helping pets with calming and recovery after surgery and other physically and emotionally stressful scenarios. They also discuss why when it comes to supplements, you get what you pay for.
Dr. B. is joined by the organizer and founder of SoCal Frenchies, Nikki Star at BlogPaws 2018 to talk about how she transitioned from makeup artist to lifestyle and pet blogger and why French bulldogs are more like babies than dogs.
Dr. B. is joined by Beth Miller at BlogPaws 2018 to talk about wagtown.org, how to determine if an area is dog-friendly, how dog-friendly areas can positively influence a community, and why dog-friendly areas can help to drive economic growth.
Dr. B. is joined by Aimee Jurenka at BlogPaws 2018 to talk about raw feeding, food allergies in dogs, her blog, thelazyrawfeeder.com.
Dr. B. is joined by Bernard Lima-Chavez at BlogPaws 2018 to talk about his blog at thegraffitidog.com, and how to communicate, train, and connect to deaf dogs.
Dr. B. is joined by Janiss Garza at BlogPaws 2018 to talk about being one of the first bloggers on the internet, transitioning from rock journalist to cat blogger, giving advice from the perspective of a cat, therapy cats, and her website: sparklecat.com.
Dr. B. is joined by Dawn Taylor at BlogPaws 2018 to talk about Pia Pia the pug, service dogs, her blog at piapiathepug.blogspot.com, and her books, Who Rescued Who?: Veteran Rescues Pug Who Rescues Veteran, and Pia Pia: A Service Dog Reporting for Duty.
Dr. B. is joined by cat blogger BJ Bangs at BlogPaws 2018 to talk all about her cat-focused blog, Paws for Reflection, and how cats can positively affect the lives of humans around them.
Dr. B. is joined by Irene McHugh at Blogpaws 2018 to talk about therapy dogs, labradoodles, and her website for therapy dog enthusiasts, mcsquaredoodles.com.
Dr. B. is joined by Tanya Diable at BlogPaws 2018 to talk about prosthetics in dogs and her website for prosthetics and wheelchairs for dogs, joeyspaw.com.
Dr. B. is joined by author and blogger, Kimberley Koz at BlogPaws 2018 to talk about cats and hilarious cat blogs on wonderpurr.com such as Tuesdays with Dori, A Wonderpur Life, Herm’s Luxury Cat, and Sherlock Herms Adventures.
Dr. B. is joined by Marika Meeks at BlogPaws 2018 to talk about her battle with cancer, her decision to reject traditional cancer treatments, and the role her Instagram-famous pit bull, the Incredibull Stella, played in her recovery.
Dr. B. is joined by mid-life fashion, lifestyle, and pet blogger, Joely Smith, at BlogPaws 2018 to talk about how her 20 years of experience as a life coach has helped her as a blog writer, how pets can save lives, and why she decided to cover such a broad spectrum of topics with her blog, fashionbeyondforty.com.
Dr. B. is joined by digital influencer, blogger, and movie maker, Marjorie Dawson, at BlogPaws 2018 to talk about DNA testing in animals, why anyone should be able to make their pet an internet video star, and all about her website, dashkitten.com.
Dr. B. is joined by Ann Marie Hoff, author of Animal Lover, and Jeanne Mohammadian at BlogPaws 2018 to talk about communicating with animals, traveling with animals, holistic healing, and their websites, annhoff.com and doggoneadventure.com.
Today, we are joined by Dr. Pamela Wartian Smith, MD, MPH. Amy and Dr. B. sit down with Dr. Smith to discuss the ins and outs of her book, What You Must Know About Women’s Hormones. The trio chats about some of the most common issues women face regarding their hormones, how diet affects hormone levels, how many hundreds of functions estrogen affects, and some steps to achieving a better hormonal balance. They also go over the differences between the body’s natural estrogens and discuss how to tell if hormone related symptoms are part of a bigger problem. You can find Dr. Smith’s book on Amazon.com or wherever books are sold.
Our guest this week is Meera Patricia Kerr, author of Big Yoga: A Simple Guide for Bigger Bodies and Big Yoga for Less Stress. Meera tells Amy and Dr. B how she got into yoga and talks about why she decided to write a book about yoga for bigger people. They talk about the benefits of yoga, misconceptions about body size, special considerations for larger people interested in starting yoga, and what she would say to someone that thinks they are too big to practice yoga. Meera also does a bit of chanting for us and shares some other tips for reducing stress in our lives. You can find Meera’s yoga books on amazon.com, squareonepublishers.com, and wherever books are sold.
This week we welcome back fan-favorite veterinarian, Dr. Julie Towle, to give us the low-down on cancer in pets. One million dogs get cancer every year in the United States, and 50% of dogs over the age of 10 will die of cancer. Dr. Towle gives us the background on these sobering statistics and details some of the steps pet owners can take to reduce cancer risks for their pets. Amy and Dr. B. join Dr. Towle to discuss the importance of physical exams as a first step in checking for cancer, the hundreds of types of cancer and how each behaves and is contracted differently, and important cancer deterrents to consider in the absence of blanket solutions. They discuss possible treatment options, the importance of pet insurance, and why pet cancer treatments are often focused more on improving quality of life than full cures. Dr. Towle also talks about steps pet owners can take to help reduce cancer risks, like food choices, vaccine etiquette, and exercise.
This week we talk with Destiny Taylor as she shares her journey with her son Colton, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of 4. Colton struggled from the beginning with many things from breast feeding to sleeping (who doesn't like to go 3 days without sleep) to not wanting to be swaddled. His one peaceful place was floating in the bathtub - an experience Destiny had to figure out through trial and error. Destiny trusted her maternal instinct and became Colton's healthcare advocate driving to his diagnosis. Their journey is both remarkable and inspiring. Destiny also shares how Probonix helped Colton turn the corner on potty training and stabilizing him through medication changes. Hear their remarkable story.
During our podcast, Destiny shared an educational resource she found helpful in their journey. You can learn more about Conscious Discipline and Jenny Spencer at https://consciousdiscipline.com/professional-development/instructors/jenny-spencer/.
Our guest this week is Cyndi Wineinger, executive coach and founder of The Wineinger Company in Cincinnati, OH. Cyndi chats with Amy about the purpose of an executive coach and why she decided to become one. Cyndi talks about her own executive coaching philosophy as a listener and a guide that helps people identify and hone their own skills instead of trying to change who they are. They also discuss the importance of finding someone willing to listen, the number one reason people decide to leave their jobs, why we’re largely who we’re going to be by the time we’re pre-teens, why winning is so addictive, the difference between consulting and insulting, the main reasons someone would want to consider an executive coach, career coaching vs. executive coaching, and what the process of working with an executive coach looks like.
This week, we welcome back Dr. Earl Mindell to talk about his brand new book, Healing with Hemp Oil. Dr. Mindell joins Amy and Dr. B. to talk about the surging popularity of CBD, a natural oil that’s been around for over 3000 years. Dr. Mindell tells us why he thinks that CBD oil will be the most popular supplement of the 21st century, then he shares some fun historical facts about hemp and hemp oil before diving into the many benefits that CBD oil can provide. They also discuss why CBD oil is so controversial, what forms you can find it in, and how government regulation factors into its distribution and availability. You can find Healing with Hemp Oil and Dr. Mindell’s other books on Amazon and at squareonepublishers.com.
Our guest this week is Arden Moore, THE pet health and safety coach for Pet First Aid 4U. Arden joins Amy and Dr. B. to talk about being a master of pet first aid, cat rangling 101, how she transitioned from newspaper reporter to pet health and safety coach, and her four-legged teaching partners, Pet Safety Dog Kona and Pet Safety Cat Casey. They also discuss the role of pet professionals trained in first aid, safe ways to handle injured animals, her program called “Being a Muttgyver”, why every first aid kit should have a sharpie and a notepad, why it’s important to approach injured animals calmly and confidently, and a little bit about her podcast, “Oh Behave” on Pet Life Radio, where she has interviewed guests like Jennifer Aniston and Betty White. You can find more information about Arden and her mission on ardenmoore.com. Arden has written a number of books, including Fit Dog, Fit Cat, and What Dogs Want, that you can find on her website, Amazon, and wherever books are sold.
This week, we welcome back Dr. Earl Mindell to talk about his best-selling book, The Vitamin Bible. Dr. Mindell checks in to talk about why his book is the best source for information on vitamins, and the importance of supplements as a whole. He explains the difference between vitamins and minerals, and he gives some recommendations on vitamins that are beneficial for all. Dr. Mindell also talks about taking supplements in the winter, why he refers to minerals as “the Cinderellas of the nutrition world”, and the benefits of commonly recommended supplements like fish oil, turmeric, and probiotics.
Our guest this week is Kim Paciotti, owner of Training Canines and known by many as “the canine scientist”. Kim joins Amy and Dr. B. to discuss puppy training and essential oils. Kim tells us a bit about her history, including why she decided to transition away from her job as a professional chef, the extensive research she performed to learn how to properly train puppies, and how she became exposed to the joys of essential oils. She describes the relationship between a dog’s scent preferences, how those preferences correlate to their personality, how those preferences can be used to train and bond with a puppy as they mature, and the kinds of insights owners can gain from personality assessments for their puppies. Kim also goes into detail about how she developed the Empowered Puppy Personality Assessment and the Empowered Puppy Project to see how these same principals could be applied to older dogs.
Our guest this week is Dr. Ken Druck, author of Courageous Aging. Dr. Druck joins Amy and Dr. B to discuss the aging process and how to reduce our regrets later in life by living courageously throughout. Dr. Druck explains the difference between aging gracefully and aging audaciously, then he delves into topics like why it’s ok to grieve for our younger selves, the price we pay for holding grudges, how to ask someone for an apology, and why it’s important to have conversations rather than avoid them. Dr. Druck also outlines the virtues of psychospiritual estate planning, or as he likes to call it, leaving behind a legacy of love. You can find Dr. Druck’s book on kendruck.com, Amazon, and wherever books are sold.
This week, veterinarian Dr. Julie Towle returns to talk poison prevention in pets. Dr. Towle tells Amy and Dr. B. all about the most common ways pets can become poisoned around the house, the best resources to use in case of a pet poison emergency, and how to make your pet throw up if they have consumed hazardous materials. She also discusses a number of surprising toxins to be aware of, including avacados, macadamia nuts, Xylitol, and grapes. Yes, grapes!
Our guest this week is Brittany Miller, a registered dietitian nutritionist. Brittany joins Amy and Dr. B to discuss her passion for holistic and ancestral nutrition, how to incorporate those principals into a family setting, and how to use the ancestral diet to thrive, not just survive. They talk about some of the biggest myths surrounding healthy eating and nutrition for kids, advice for getting kids to eat healthier foods, how to help families move toward a more holistic diet, why gluten free does not always equal a healthy alternative, and some of the major hurdles people have when transitioning to a better diet.
Today, we are joined by Dr. David Hanscom, author of Back in Control: A Surgeon’s Roadmap Out of Chronic Pain. Dr. Hanscom joins Amy and Dr. B to talk about how he used his knowledge as a spinal surgeon and his own personal experience with chronic pain to develop a treatment paradigm that offers a road to full recovery with or without surgery. They also discuss how anger and stress are intrinsically linked to pain, why resolving conflicts and managing our mental health is important for recovery, why proper preparation for surgery on the patient side is so important to the success of the operation, how this preparation can often eliminate the need for surgery all together, and how this information has been received by the medical community. You can find Dr. Hanscom’s book on Amazon.com and wherever books are sold.
Did you know that 70% of dogs have gingivitis by the age of 3?! On this week’s show, we welcome back our favorite veterinarian, Dr. Julie Towle, to talk about the importance of dental health in animals and some things pet owners can do to help them. Dr. Towle joins Amy and Dr. B to discuss owner neglect, food quality now vs. 50 years ago, and how to tell if an animal has gingivitis. They also discuss the effects poor dental health can have on an animal’s overall health, how to establish good dental hygiene habits early on, and tips for keeping your pet’s teeth clean. Dr. B also talks about his pet raccoon for a while. You’re definitely going to want to hear all about that!
Today, we welcome Dr. Pamela Wartian Smith, MD, MPH. Amy and Dr. B. sit down to discuss Dr. Smith’s book, What You Must Know About Thyroid Disorders and What to Do About Them. Some of the topics discussed include: what the thyroid regulates in the body, common thyroid disorders and symptoms, how to identify a thyroid deficiency, the importance of iodine for thyroid health, why thyroid disorders are so much more prevalent in women, why good thyroid health begins before we’re born, the effect of thyroid health on mental health, some things you can do to improve your thyroid health, and how sugar matches up against cocaine in addictive properties. You can find Dr. Smith’s book on Amazon.com or wherever books are sold.
On this week’s show, we welcome back our favorite veterinarian, Dr. Julie Towle, to talk about some of things pet owners can do to help their pets stay healthier in 2018. Dr. Towle talks about wet food vs. dry food, core exercises for dogs, mental and environmental enrichment for dogs and cats, the importance of preventative medicine, and more. She even surprises Amy and Dr. B. with some facts about the importance of dog jobs!
Today, we are joined by Dr. Peter Abaci, MD, one of the world’s leading experts on pain and the director of the Bay Area Pain Center. Amy and Dr. B. meet with Dr. Abaci to discuss his book, Conquer Your Chronic Pain, and his transformative model for a more holistic and personal approach to pain management. Dr. Abaci tells us why he decided to get into pain management, then moves on to topics like the politics of pain, why the structure and function of the brain is different for those with chronic pain and those without, why we should temper our expectations about using medicine alone to fully healing chronic pain, why common pain management practices contribute to issues like the opioid crisis, ways that patients can manage a system that’s set up to make them fail, how catastrophic thinking can increase our risk of chronic pain and disease, and Dr. Abaci’s personal experience with pain informed his views on pain management.
We're excited to welcome back Tom Monte, teacher, counselor, and author of "Unexpected Recoveries: Seven Steps to Healing Body, Mind and Soul When Serious Illness Strikes," for some listener Q&A. Dr. Benzinger sits down with Tom to chat about how he got into the field, how he helps people work through anxiety, how to help a depressed loved one that doesn't want to seek out help, and how to effectively wind down in the evenings to sleep well.
A New Year means it’s time for a new podcast! Today is all about goal setting. We all make promises for the New Year, but very few of us actually follow through on our resolutions. Amy tells Dr. B. all about the SMART system that she uses for goal setting, and Dr. B. fires back with some discussion about “guilt goals”. Our personal goals often seem so lofty we never actually start them. How do you fit goals that take genuine effort into a life that’s already too busy? What goals are realistic and attainable without transforming into overwhelming guilt when we fall off? Amy and Dr. B. work through these questions by sharing their own 2018 goals and how they hope to work them into their lives. As an added challenge, Amy asks Dr. B. to categorize each of his goals by where they fit into the dimensions of health.
We're back for the second part of our Q&A session with Geoff Bond, author of "Paleo in a Nutshell: Living and Eating the Way Nature Intended." Amy sits down with Geoff to discuss the correlation between what we eat and how that affects brain health in relation to the Paleo way of life. Geoff had so much valuable information to share on this topic that we decided to break this question off into its own show. Enjoy!
Today, we are joined by Tom Monte, a leading teacher, counselor, and author of over 35 books, including the focus of today’s discussion, "Unexpected Recoveries: Seven Steps to Healing Body, Mind and Soul When Serious Illness Strikes." Amy and Dr. Benzinger sit down with Tom to discuss dealing with serious illnesses and life-altering crises and how to pursue physical, emotional, and spiritual recovery. Tom dives deep on specifics of the healing process, including some riveting roleplaying with Amy and Dr. B. You can purchase Tom’s books on Amazon or at squareonepublishers.com.
We're excited to follow up with Geoff Bond, author of "Paleo in a Nutshell: Living and Eating the Way Nature Intended," for some listener Q&A! Amy sits down with Geoff to discuss his thoughts on the following questions:
What should we be looking for if we want a pasture-raised egg? What should the label say?
“You’ll feel better” is kind of a nebulous phrase. Can you describe some of the specific benefits people notice when following a paleo diet?
Personally curious how long it too for Geoff’s wife to move to a Paleo diet?
How does the “macro” diet compare with the paleo diet?
Do you have any tips on how to eat out without straying too far from a paleo diet?
We're excited to welcome back Sandra Woodruff, registered dietitian and co-author of "Dr. Vlassara's AGE-less Diet: How a Chemical in the Foods We Eat Promotes Disease, Obesity, and Aging and the Steps We Can Take to Stop It," for some listener Q&A!
Social connection is the final dimension of health. Everybody wants to feel a sense of inclusiveness, to feel like they belong. Whether with family, friends, or colleagues, community and social interaction is an integral aspect of personal well-being. Amy and Dr. B. sit down to talk about blue zones, the reality of loneliness in the elderly, and the power of compassion.
The fifth dimension of health, environment, is probably more important than you realize. Environmental health problems are plentiful, but not always obvious. New issues are surfacing each day as we learn about elements of our every day lives that are toxic to our health. Businesses and governments are struggling with how to balance commerce and safety, as a certain amount of harmful chemical substances falls well within safety regulations for many common household cleaning products, foods, and skincare products. Amy and Dr. B. sit down to discuss the effects of environmental factors on overall health.
The fourth dimension of health, spirituality, is one that is often dismissed due to beliefs (or lack thereof) and personal experiences. But spirituality is not limited to those that believe in a higher power. Spirituality can be staying true to one’s self. It can be confidence in a sense of purpose or self-worth. Amy and Dr. B. sit down to discuss spirituality and possible topics for the future.
Today our guest is Sandra Woodruff, registered dietitian and co-author of "Dr. Vlassara’s AGE-less Diet: How a Chemical in the Foods We Eat Promotes Disease, Obesity, and Aging and the Steps We Can Take to Stop It." Dr. Benzinger sits down with Sandra to discuss the AGE-less diet and why it is useful for fending off disease, obesity, and aging. Some topics covered include:
· What does AGE stand for? · Why are cooking methods like stewing, braising, and steaming generally healthier? · Which kinds of fats are more likely to form AGEs? · Are there any popular diets that follow the AGE-less cooking guidelines? · What kinds of kitchen tools are needed for AGE-less cooking?
You can purchase Dr. Vlassara’s AGE-less Diet: How a Chemical in the Foods We Eat Promotes Disease, Obesity, and Aging and the Steps We Can Take to Stop It on amazon.com and at squareonepublishers.com.
We’re excited to welcome back best-selling author, pharmacist, and health motivator, Dr. Earl Mindell, for some listener Q&A! Check out this quick follow-up to hear Dr. Mindell’s answers to these questions:
Our family avoids dairy, so we usually buy almond milk, but I hear there are certain things to avoid in milk substitutes. What should we look for when purchasing and what brands do you recommend that are the cleanest?
Our family struggles with seasonal allergies. You mentioned an air purifier, what else can we do to help naturally remedy these without medications? I don't think my kids are going to love those horseradish tablets!
You mentioned sea salt has great trace minerals. What are some other foods that contain trace minerals?
You talked about the importance of reading food labels and looking for particular ingredients. It seems like most of the time when I read an ingredients list, there are certain ingredients that I can’t even pronounce. How do you know what you’re supposed to be looking for? How can people educate themselves on what’s good and what isn’t?
Let’s revisit the Twinkie-Ding Dong-Donut-Pizza-Prozac-Pepsi diet for a moment. How did we get here?
On today’s cast, we chat about the third dimension of health, mental health. How often do doctors typically turn to drugs instead of counseling when treating common mental health issues? What’s the right language to use when dealing with people struggling with their mental health? Amy and Dr. B. sit down to discuss these questions and outline our mental health podcast plans for the future.
Amy and Dr. B. continue their discussion with the second dimension of health, exercise. Dr. B. explains why he likes to exercise by himself, while Amy describes why she likes to exercise in a group of people. They discuss why age shouldn’t be a limiter on exercise, why the importance of exercise is one thing all experts agree on, and what kinds of low-impact exercises are available for those that aren’t already in great shape.
Amy and Dr. B. kick off the six dimensions of health series with some talk about nutrition. What are the six most important nutritional elements for essential function? Where are you supposed to start learning about nutrition when there is so much information out there? What’s the difference between Atkins, Paleo, Mediterranean, and all of the other diets that claim they are they one true diet. How do you know which diet is right for you? If you aren’t interested in a specific diet, what are some good general guidelines for eating well? The gang talks about these questions and more on today’s episode!
Stevia has been receiving a lot of attention lately. Some say it’s a dangerous alternative to sugar. Others claim that it’s the safest and healthiest sweetening agent on the market. So which is it? Is it natural or artificial? Safe or toxic? Dr. Benzinger and Dr. Bentley sat down to discuss some of the science behind Stevia and separate fact from fiction.
Today, we are joined by Dr. Earl Mindell, co-author of What You Must Know About Allergy Relief: How to Overcome the Allergies You Have & Find the Hidden Allergies that Make You Sick. Amy and Dr. Benzinger sit down with Dr. Mindell to discuss allergens, allergy relief, and more! Here are just a few of the topics covered: · Common allergy misconceptions. · How do you know if you’re sick or having an allergic reaction. · Why reading food labels and looking at ingredients is so important for people with asthma. · Why are so many medical professionals misinformed about nutrition? · What is an elimination diet, and what benefits can it bring? · What is the Standard American Diet (aka the SAD) and where does it come from? Are food industry lobbyists having a negative impact on the kinds of foods most readily available to Americans? · Are most allergies indoor or outdoor? Why? · What are some things you can do in the home to reduce potential allergens?
We’ve gone into the nitty-gritty of health and wellness care, but what about the basics? On today’s episode, we learn about Humarian’s six dimensions of health: Nutrition, Exercise, Mental, Social, Spiritual, and Environmental. What are the basic tenants of each, and how can you start improving on them in your own life? What are some easy ways to start incorporating better nutrition into your life? How much exercise is enough? Why are support groups, counseling, and therapy considered taboo while anti-depressants are handed out like candy? Join Amy and Dr. Benzinger as they discuss these topics and more.
Today, our guest is Geoff Bond, author of Paleo in a Nutshell: Living and Eating the Way Nature Intended. Dr. Benzinger sits down with Geoff to discuss…
Welcome back to part 2 of our talk with Humarian’s newest team member, veterinarian Dr. Julie Towle. In today's discussion, Amy and Dr. Benzinger talk to Dr. Towle about probiotics and pets. Here are just a few of the topics discussed:
Today, we are joined by the newest member of the Humarian team, Dr. Julie Towle, DVM, CVA, CVC, CVCH, CVTP. As you can see, Dr. Towle is a veterinarian with more titles and certifications than she can fit after her name!
Amy and Dr. Benzinger chat with Dr. Towle about her journey to become a veterinarian and her continued education thereafter. Talking points include…
Today, our guest is Dr. Renee Default, the author of Unsafe at Any Meal: What the FDA Does Not Want You to know About the Foods You Eat. Amy and Dr. Benzinger sit down with Renee to discuss…
We're excited to follow up with Jodi Smith, medical nutritionist with some listener Q&A! Check out this quick "podcast-let" and hearJodi Smith's responses to your questions. She touches on everything from Popeye (who eats canned spinach?!), sneaky veggie uses and how much water we should be drinking each day.
Here are the questions that started it all:
Check out plateology.com for the recipes mentioned in this podcast and SO MUCH MORE!
Today, our guest is Jodi Smith, medical nutritionist and founder of plateology.com. Amy and Dr. Benzinger sit down with Jodi to discuss… - What exactly is a medical nutritionist? - How nutrition relates to cancer - Some of the largest risk factors for cancer - Why doctors talk about healthy lifestyles, but often don’t know how to define it. - Probiotics. This is one area where nearly all doctors are in agreement about the potential benefits. Jodi explains why. - Why the best avenue of treatment is often to take the load off the body and give it what it needs to heal itself. - Plateology.com, a website developed by Jodi Smith that provides access to individualized nutrition plan with specific, realistic goals aimed at transitioning to an improved lifestyle that will be able to be maintained. - Why being unable to eat healthily due to financial reasons is a myth, and why plateology.com is tailor-made to provide the education necessary to do so.
Today, our guest is Debra Lynn Dadd, leading researcher, writer, and consumer advocate for products that are free from toxic chemicals. Debra has spent her life learning about common toxins in the household, the dangers everyday toxins can pose, and the best ways to create a toxin-free home. Amy and Dr. Benzinger sit down with Debra to discuss…
We're excited to follow up with Dr. Rajiv Sharma, board-certified gastroenterologist with some listener Q&A! Check out this quick "podcast-let" and hear Dr. Sharma's responses to these questions:
Today, our guest is board-certified gastroenterologist Dr. Rajiv K. Sharma, MD. Amy and Dr. Benzinger sit down with Dr. Sharma to discuss his book, Pursuit of Gut Happiness, a guide for using probiotics to achieve optimal health including why Dr. Sharma decided to use half of his book for recipes.
Some of the topics they discuss include: • A broad overview of how gut flora benefits the gastrointestinal system • The biggest factors that contribute to gut dysbiosis (an imbalance of bacteria in the gut flora) • Why Dr. Sharma drinks a cup of kefir most mornings. • How Dr. Sharma came to the conclusion that Leaky Gut Syndrome is a real condition, and how it can affect the body • And finally, what does Dr. Sharma mean when he says, “you are what you eat, and you eat what you are”?
To close out our Frankenfoods journey, Amy and Dr. Benzinger take a trip to the grocery store. Ok, they don’t actually go to the the grocery store, but they do talk about why it’s best to shop around the edges of a grocery store, how to grocery shop for healthy food on a budget, and how to include your kids in the shopping process and teach them to make healthy choices.
Then they bring in Dr. Bentley to “gut check” their thoughts and pick his brain about how to make the best choices when grocery shopping, if there’s truth to the mentality that it's too expensive to eat healthily all the time, some of the most prevalent medical issues that people suffer from, and how someone could change how they look at grocery shopping to help address those issues.
On this episode of the HHP, we continue our Frankenfoods series with a discussion on fast food, fast casual food, and eating in restaurants.
Join Amy and Dr. Benzinger as they discuss topics like why restaurants have been afraid to make their food healthier and how you can make good choices when ordering at one of these restaurants. Then we "gut check" with Dr. Bentley so he can school us on how to be “food wise” when we eat out, foods that people think are healthy at restaurants that probably aren’t, and the kind of impact making smarter food and restaurant choices can have on our overall health.
This episode of the Humarian Health Podcast marks the first in a line of interviews we will be conducting with accomplished health writers and practitioners. We kick things off with Dr. Carolyn Dean, MD and ND (naturopathic doctor). She has written over 35 books on various health topics, including today’s topic of conversation, The Magnesium Miracle.
Join Dr. Dean, Dr. Benzinger, and Amy as they discuss medicine, naturopathy, and all things magnesium.
Here are just a few of the magnesium centric topics discussed: - Magnesium used in more bodily processes than any other mineral, including 700-800 different enzyme systems - Over 65 conditions that are treated as diseases can be caused by magnesium deficiency - Calcium requires sufficient magnesium levels in order to effectively strengthen bones. Why? - 80% of the population is magnesium deficient, yet serum magnesium tests employed by doctors almost always indicate that magnesium levels are fine. What causes this disconnect? - What are the best sources to give your body the dose of magnesium that it needs?
Soda has been around since the 18th century, but only in the past few decades has it been identified as one of the worst substances we can put in our bodies. So how did soda transform from a tasty afternoon treat to “the devil’s water”? Join Amy and the docs as they discuss this and more.
I know what you’re thinking…this episode must be about a long-lost recipe from Mary Shelly. That does sound fun, but no! It’s about Frankenfoods, a classification of food products that are highly refined, pre-packaged, low nutrient, and laden with chemicals.
Frankenfoods are everywhere in the world of food today. They’re in our restaurants, in our grocery stores, and in our homes. In today’s episode, Amy and the docs will discuss examples of frankenfoods, what kind of damage can they do, and how you avoid them.
Listen closely to Dr. Bentley's gut check (or fast forward to about 12:30) and you'll hear him a drop an "intesteresting" explanation of sugar highs!
The fun continues in part 2 of our Leaky Gut episode! Join Amy and the docs as they discuss what causes Leaky Gut, what you can do to prevent it, and what an unaddressed Leaky Gut can mean for you and your long-term health.
We're looking for likeminded professionals to share their perspectives on a variety of health and wellness topics. If there's a topic you're passionate about, we'd love to hear from you.
This episode is all about Leaky Gut Syndrome. What is it? Why don’t some doctors recognize it as a real condition? Why does Dr. Benzinger keep comparing the small intestine to a flour sifter? We discuss these questions and more, then we listen to Dr. Ryan Bentley ‘gut check’ Leaky Gut Syndrome and why it’s not something to be taken lightly.
Many moms have had first hand experience with thrush. It's not an 80s rock band, but a pesky infection that typically shows up as a white rash inside their baby's mouth. Dr. Bentley gut checks us and answers our pressing questions like do breast feeding and c-sections keep our children from getting thrush? Do mouthwash and toothpaste cause thrush? Does having cats and dogs keep you from getting thrush?
BONUS: Listen to the end and learn how Dr. Bentley uses probiotic to combat diaper rash!
During this episode you'll learn about eczema and how to treat it from the inside out.
Make sure you listen to the very end when we test our own Dr. Bentley in a new segment called "That's Intesteristing" where we spring a gut-health related topic on him and give him 60 seconds to respond. Our first topic? Coffee enema! His answer really hit the spot. Enjoy!
We're answering the call of the wild burrito during this episode where our very own Dr. Bentley gut checks - dare we say butt checks - what we know about the causes of gas and bloating, how to reduce it and even how to help your infant and toddler transition through their most windy seasons.
Everyone has taken an antibiotic or knows someone who has. But do you know what effects antibiotics can have and how probiotics may be a good option to restore your gut balance if you find yourself needing an antibiotic? Join us as we listen to Dr. Ryan Bentley 'gut check' how often, when and if you should consider a probiotic complement to your antibiotic.
Did you know that how your baby is delivered and whether you breastfeed or formula feed can affect your baby’s gut health? Listen in as our very own Dr. Ryan Bentley ‘gut checks’ the myths and realities of c-section births, breastfeeding and the impact they have on your baby’s immune system and gut health.
Join us as we explore what probiotics are, what they do and the role they play in our overall health. As it turns out, probiotics show up in loads of medical discussions from c-section births to autoimmune diseases. And Dr. Ryan Bentley shows up for the first time to 'gut check' our conversation bringing us an easily digestible, science-based perspective to our probiotic questions.
There is a lot of information on gut health these days. And yet the body of research available on gut health is relatively new. Humarian Health is a new podcast dedicated to digesting gut health research and passing practical insights on to you and your family. This season we'll talk about c-sections, antibiotics, bloating and many other bodily functions. It'll be a gas!