Evolution of Medicine Podcast

In this solo episode, I'm diving into a concept that's been coming up again and again—in my work, in the data, and in conversations with practitioners around the world: network insufficiency. Put simply, when connections break down—whether in the body, in our communities, or in our healthcare systems—things stop working. I share highlights from my recent talk at the Bevan Commission, where I explored why chronic disease is rising, why healthcare systems are under pressure, and what we can actually do about it. This is also the foundation of my upcoming book, The Great Reconnection. - - - - - About the Host: James Maskell is the founder of the Evolution of Medicine and has spent the last decade helping practitioners build scalable, root-cause healthcare practices. His work focuses on community-based care, functional medicine, and creating systems that actually reverse chronic disease.strategies. - - - - - Register for the Reversing Alzheimer's 2.0 Summit, running from April 11, 2026 – April 15, 2026. Join us at https://drtalks.com/summits/alzheimers - - - - - Social Handles: Website: https://www.jamesmaskell.com/ X: https://x.com/mrjamesmaskell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjamesmaskell Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesedwardmaskell/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesmaskell Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FreedomPracticeCoaching - - - - - PODCAST Thank you for listening. Please subscribe and share. This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

Host James Maskell interviews Dr. Izabella Wentz, a leader in thyroid health and functional medicine, about her new work on IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). The conversation explores how IBS is often misunderstood as a standalone diagnosis when it is actually an umbrella term with multiple root causes. Dr. Wentz shares her personal journey from IBS to Hashimoto's, explains the connection between gut health and autoimmunity, and outlines the many drivers of IBS—from medications and food sensitivities to infections and stress. The episode highlights how functional medicine practitioners can achieve high success rates by identifying and addressing root causes, using targeted diagnostics, personalized interventions, and lifestyle strategies to restore gut health and prevent chronic disease progression. - - - - - About the Guest: Dr. Izabella Wentz is a pharmacist, functional medicine expert, and bestselling author known for her work on thyroid health and Hashimoto's disease. After overcoming her own autoimmune condition, she has dedicated her career to helping patients identify and address the root causes of chronic illness, with a strong focus on gut health, autoimmunity, and personalized healing strategies. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/izabellawentzpharmd/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ThyroidLifestyle/?ref=NONE_xav_ig_profile_page_web# Website: https://thyroidpharmacist.com/ Thyroid Pharmacist Podcast: https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/podcast/ - - - - - James Maskell Website: https://www.jamesmaskell.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjamesmaskell Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesedwardmaskell/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesmaskell - - - - - PODCAST Thank you for listening. Please subscribe and share. This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

In this episode of The Evolution of Medicine, host James Maskell interviews Seth Conger, COO of Freedom Practice Coaching and long-time functional medicine practitioner and mentor. The conversation explores the structural burnout many practitioners experience when running their own clinics, wearing multiple hats as clinician, CEO, marketer, and manager. Seth shares practical strategies for avoiding burnout, including proactive business management, deliberate reconnection with patient outcomes, effective hiring and delegation, and schedule design. The episode also dives into how coaching, mentorship, and technology—including AI—can help functional medicine practices scale while maintaining practitioner freedom, team efficiency, and patient impact. - - - - - Seth Conger is the Chief Operating Officer of Freedom Practice Coaching, where he mentors functional medicine practitioners on building scalable, sustainable practices. He has built, scaled, and sold a functional medicine clinic and now shares his expertise in operations, hiring, delegation, and schedule design to help other practitioners avoid burnout and achieve long-term success. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sethconger/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/conger.seth/ - - - - - James Maskell Website: https://www.jamesmaskell.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjamesmaskell Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesedwardmaskell/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesmaskell - - - - - Thank you for listening. Please subscribe and share. This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

In this episode of The Evolution of Medicine, host James Maskell interviews Dr. Ryan Arnold, founder of Clava Health and a former emergency and critical care physician who transitioned into functional medicine. The conversation explores Dr. Arnold's journey from hospital-based medicine to building a scalable functional medicine clinic focused on root-cause care, longevity, and brain health. He shares how frustration with traditional disease-focused medicine pushed him to pursue functional medicine training and eventually launch a cash-based practice. Dr. Arnold explains why brain health is emerging as the central pillar of longevity medicine and how cognitive decline can often be reversed through comprehensive functional medicine protocols that address metabolism, sleep, inflammation, and lifestyle factors. The episode also dives into the importance of program-based care models, multidisciplinary teams, practitioner collaboration, and how new technologies like relational AI can help clinics scale patient education and engagement. - - - - - About the Guest: Dr. Ryan Arnold, MD is the founder of Clava Health, a functional medicine clinic focused on longevity, metabolic health, and cognitive optimization. Originally trained in emergency and critical care medicine, Dr. Arnold transitioned to functional medicine after recognizing the limitations of traditional disease management. He now leads a program-based practice that integrates personalized medicine, lifestyle interventions, multidisciplinary care teams, and emerging technologies to help patients prevent and reverse chronic disease—particularly cognitive decline. Website: https://clavahealth.com/about-us Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/ryanarnoldmd Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ryan.arnold.925/ - - - - - James Maskell Website: https://www.jamesmaskell.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjamesmaskell Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesedwardmaskell/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesmaskell - - - - - Thank you for listening. Please subscribe and share. This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

In this episode of The Evolution of Medicine, host James Maskell interviews Debbie Silber, PhD, founder of the Post Betrayal Transformation Institute and author of Unstuck. The conversation explores why betrayal is a distinct and often overlooked root cause of chronic physical and mental health conditions. Dr. Silber shares her groundbreaking research on Post-Betrayal Syndrome (PBS), the predictable 5 stages of healing, and why so many patients remain "stuck" despite functional or conventional care. This episode reframes betrayal not as an emotional inconvenience—but as a physiological event that reshapes the brain, nervous system, immune function, and digestive health. About the Guest: Debbie Silber, PhD is the founder of the Post Betrayal Transformation Institute and creator of the PBT® (Post-Betrayal Transformation) Certification Program. After experiencing multiple betrayals herself, she completed a PhD study on how betrayal impacts health, work, and relationships. Her research identified Post-Betrayal Syndrome and the 5 stages of healing. She is the author of Unstuck and works with both individuals and healthcare practitioners worldwide. Website: https://thepbtinstitute.com/about-debi-6/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/debisilber/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/InspireEmpowerTransform/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/debisilber/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DebiSilber James Maskell Website: https://www.jamesmaskell.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjamesmaskell Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesedwardmaskell/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesmaskell Thank you for listening. Please subscribe and share. This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

In this episode of The Evolution of Medicine, host James Maskell interviews registered dietitian Ashley Koff about her new book Your Best Shot. The conversation explores the seismic impact of GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy—and how functional medicine can pivot from a "weight loss" mindset to a "weight health" approach. Koff reframes these medications not as magic bullets, but as biosimilar hormone replacement tools that "switch on" receptor sites—without repairing the underlying ecosystem. She outlines a five-part Weight Health Hormone assessment and introduces a Physician–Dietitian–Health Coach triad to ensure sustainable outcomes. The episode challenges practitioners to stay "agnostic about the agonist" and instead focus on metabolic repair, patient education, and structured team-based care. About the Guest: Ashley Koff, RD is a registered dietitian and functional nutrition expert focused on metabolic health, personalized nutrition, and hormone signaling. She is the author of Your Best Shot and advocates for a "Weight Health" approach that integrates assessment, repair, and team-based implementation. Ashley Koff, RD Website: https://thebetternutritionprogram.com/your-best-shot/#Order?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGn0Q9_BL_AVS4TE9ropSLtTkwP2y5sIOqKsbxZaaKPv3nNMm0Tq8QuWidcGUk_aem_U9Z5knW9eqsiMjw19fzflA Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleykoffapproved/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashleykoffapproved/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-koff/ James MaskellWebsite: https://www.jamesmaskell.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjamesmaskell Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesedwardmaskell/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesmaskell Thank you for listening. Please subscribe and share. This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

In this episode of The Evolution of Medicine, host James Maskell outlines a pivotal shift for functional medicine practitioners. He argues that the era of the "artisan" solo practitioner is ending—and that survival in 2026 and beyond requires building scalable clinical infrastructure. Maskell explains how AI-powered platforms, venture-backed telehealth companies, and direct-to-consumer lab brands are redefining patient expectations around speed, convenience, and affordability. To compete, functional medicine clinics must evolve into "full stack" models—combining objective data, team-based care, defined outcomes, and recurring membership structures. This episode also launches a new initiative designed to help clinics operationalize that shift. James Maskell is a healthcare entrepreneur and founder of The Evolution of Medicine. For over 20 years, he has worked to scale functional medicine through community-driven models, group visits, and practitioner infrastructure. His work focuses on moving medicine upstream—toward prevention, lifestyle intervention, and systems-based care. Website: https://www.jamesmaskell.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjamesmaskell Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesedwardmaskell/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesmaskell Thank you for listening. Please subscribe and share. This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

In this episode of The Evolution of Medicine podcast, host James Maskell speaks with health educator and researcher Ari Whitten about why modern medicine has failed to meaningfully prevent or reverse Alzheimer's disease—and how an evolutionary and lifestyle-based framework offers a far more effective path forward. The conversation reframes Alzheimer's not as an inevitable consequence of aging, but as a disease of evolutionary mismatch—the result of modern lifestyles that conflict with our ancient biological design. Drawing on anthropological data, long-term population studies, and emerging research on physiological resilience, Whitten explains why building "reserve capacity" may be the most powerful strategy for long-term brain health. Ari Whitten is a health educator, researcher, and expert in energy metabolism and human performance. His work focuses on evolutionary health, mitochondrial function, and physiological resilience as foundations for preventing chronic disease. Ari is widely known for translating complex research into actionable lifestyle strategies that help people build robust health in the modern world. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theenergyblueprint/?hl=en Shop Supplements: https://theenergyblueprint.com/bf-sale-2025/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/38flatRKyeocmKUmEkVqrR Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-energy-blueprint-podcast/id1226660198 Thank you for listening. Please subscribe and share. This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

In this episode of The Evolution of Medicine podcast, host James Maskell speaks with Dr. Matthew Bernstein about the emerging field of metabolic psychiatry. They explore how addressing metabolic health—particularly through ketogenic diets—can treat and, in some cases, reverse serious mental health conditions that conventional psychiatric medications often fail to resolve. Through personal stories, clinical insights, and a forward-looking discussion on research and policy, the episode challenges the long-standing "chemical imbalance" narrative and reframes mental illness as a systemic, energy-based disorder rooted in metabolic dysfunction. James Maskell interviews Dr. Matthew Bernstein on metabolic psychiatry, ketogenic diets, and the future of mental health care, exploring how metabolic health can reverse depression, bipolar disorder, and psychosis on The Evolution of Medicine Podcast. Dr. Matthew Bernstein is a psychiatrist and pioneer in metabolic psychiatry. After a family health crisis involving his sons' diagnosis of PANS (Pediatric Acute Neuropsychiatric Syndrome), he shifted away from medication-centric psychiatry toward addressing root causes such as metabolic dysfunction, inflammation, and immune dysregulation. He is the founder of Accord, an immersive metabolic health program near Boston. Website: https://www.jamesmaskell.com/ X: https://x.com/mrjamesmaskell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjamesmaskell Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesedwardmaskell/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesmaskell Thank you for listening. Please subscribe and share. This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

In this solo episode of The Evolution of Medicine, host James Maskell explores emerging conversations in healthcare, focusing on low-level toxicity, electromagnetic fields (EMFs), and practical ways clinicians can support patients in reversing chronic illness. The episode highlights personal experiences, clinical observations, and actionable strategies for reducing "electrosmog" or electromagnetic fog exposure in everyday life, alongside broader insights into optimizing environmental health for longevity and functional medicine. James Maskell explores EMFs, low-level toxicity, and "electrosmog" in functional medicine, sharing practical strategies to reduce exposure, optimize patient health, and support longevity on The Evolution of Medicine Podcast. James Maskell is the founder and host of The Evolution of Medicine Podcast, focused on functional, integrative, and longevity medicine. He explores innovations in healthcare, chronic illness reversal, and strategies for building thriving practices and healthy communities. Website: https://www.jamesmaskell.com/ X: https://x.com/mrjamesmaskell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjamesmaskell Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jamesedwardmaskell/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesmaskell Thank you for listening. Please subscribe and share. This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

In this episode of The Evolution of Medicine, host James Maskell sits down with researcher and author Dawson Church to explore the powerful intersection of mindset, spiritual intelligence, and brain health. The conversation challenges the idea that Alzheimer's is an inevitable genetic destiny, highlighting how lifestyle, thought patterns, and emotional practices can influence disease progression. You'll learn about the latest research showing how positive thinking, meditation, and relational spirituality can suppress Alzheimer's gene expression, stimulate neuroplasticity, and improve memory and learning centers. Church also shares practical strategies for caregivers, emphasizing compassion, shared meditation, and building supportive connections to reduce stress and protect longevity. Dawson Church and James Maskell explore mindset, spiritual intelligence, meditation, and lifestyle strategies to prevent Alzheimer's, boost brain health, and support caregivers on The Evolution of Medicine Podcast. Dawson Church is a researcher and author specializing in the interplay of mindset, spirituality, and brain health. He is known for exploring how meditation, relational spirituality, and positive emotional practices influence gene expression, neuroplasticity, and Alzheimer's prevention. Website: https://dawsonchurch.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dawsonchurch/ James Maskell: Website: https://www.jamesmaskell.com/ X: https://x.com/mrjamesmaskell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mrjamesmaskell Thank you for listening. Please subscribe and share. This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://drtalks.com/podcast-service/

This week on the podcast, we welcome Patti Lemer who last year gave me the opportunity to do something I've never done before, write the foreword to her new book. Patti is an OG in the autism space and a true pioneer in understanding the environmental drivers impacting children's health. The book is Total Load Theory. Many people know Patti from her earlier work, Outsmarting Autism, which drew from decades of hands-on experience working with kids on the spectrum. Long before environmental illness entered mainstream conversation, Patti was already mapping the terrain, looking at toxic burden, immune stress, and the cumulative impact of modern life on developing nervous systems. As the cultural conversation shifted and the term "Outsmarting Autism" began to feel limiting, Patti revisited the work with fresh eyes. The result is Total Load Theory – a reframing grounded in functional medicine's understanding of total allostatic load: the combined environmental, biochemical, infectious, emotional, and physiological burdens our children are carrying.

To start the year, I would love it if you could find 10 minutes today to read what I believe is the most important blog I've written. It contextualizes the importance of both my first book, The Evolution of Medicine and my second, The Community Cure, to now what I believe is the most important moment and mission of our time… I also reviewed the incredible recent Lyme Disease Roundtable that probably should have been 30 years ago, but it is exciting to see something come into light that has been hidden to health seekers and clinicians alike. It sets up our community for leadership on this topic for the next decade.

This week on the Evolution of Medicine podcast, we're exploring what may be the most natural, and most underutilized, home for precision brain health: senior living. Earlier this year, I was introduced to Doug Motter, President of Homestead Village in Pennsylvania. For the past 27 years, Doug has been guiding a 600-resident senior living community with a clear north star: health, dignity, and longevity. He joins me on the podcast alongside Hal Cranmer, CEO of A Paradise for Parents, a five-location senior living organization in Arizona. While their communities are different, Doug and Hal share one powerful thing in common: They are innovating at the intersection of senior living and precision brain health. In this conversation, we explore how both leaders were influenced by the work of Dr. Dale Bredesen, and how they've each taken meaningful steps to bring proactive, root-cause brain health approaches into senior living environments—places traditionally designed for management of decline, not reversal. This topic is close to my heart. It's personal, not just as someone building in this space, but as someone thinking about where our parents, and eventually we ourselves, might want to live in our later years. What makes this conversation so exciting is that it clearly shows why senior living may be the ideal setting for precision brain health: You have people who need this level of care You have built-in community and connection And you have the opportunity to deliver group-based, proactive brain health at scale On the podcast, we also announce an exciting new partnership between Homestead Village and TruNeura, where we'll be deploying a group-focused precision brain health program, in collaboration with Turnpaugh Health & Wellness, a six-location, 20-provider functional medicine clinic serving Central Pennsylvania. This episode is a glimpse into what's possible when senior living shifts from custodial care to cognitive optimization, community, and purpose. Listen in if you're: In senior living and curious about the future of brain health A functional or integrative clinic interested in partnering with senior communities Or simply thinking about what "aging well" could really look like If you're interested in exploring a partnership with a senior living center or bringing precision brain health into this setting get in touch with us and book a concierge call to learn more. This is the future. And it's already beginning.

This week on the podcast we feature Dr. Kirstie Lawton, Founder of Food for the Brain Foundation and a virtual brain health clinic in the UK focused on ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) which in the UK is called "Motor Neurone Disease" (MND) This is a hot topic in the UK as there has been a flurry of cases and concern about MND in the professional rugby players community. In this podcast you will learn: Is there hope for MND / ALS and what role for nutrition? Lessons from delivering a completely virtual brain clinic How science and survival of MND / ALS is evolving Listen wherever you listen to your podcast or watch the full interview on our YouTube channel.

This week on Season 2, Episode 7 of the Evolution of Medicine, we take a deeper and more personal dive into immune resilience and the COVID vaccines, a topic that, five years later, continues to shape our work, our patients, and our health system. In the News: A UK Decision That Should Concern Everyone A recent report from the UK announced that public health authorities will not be releasing records that could clarify whether the COVID vaccines were associated with the rise in excess deaths. Their stated reason: It might create privacy issues and emotional distress for grieving families. As someone who lost my mother three months after her COVID vaccination in the UK in June 2021, I want to be extremely clear: There is nothing more important to bereaved families than the truth. Understanding what happened is not traumatic, it is healing, clarifying, and necessary for public trust. I share a brief personal reflection in the episode, not to stoke controversy, but to highlight the human cost of opacity and why functional medicine practitioners must continue to be leaders in evidence-based immune resilience. Clinical Deep Dive: The Most Important COVID Talk You've Never Seen In the clinical corner, we pivot to what I believe was a critical education session made early in the pandemic: Dr. Ari Vodjii's April 16, 2020 lecture on immune resilience. It outlined, early and brilliantly, the patterns of immune dysregulation that would go on to shape the entire COVID era. And yet… we didn't listen. In the episode, we break down one pivotal slide that every practitioner needs to know cold—a framework that explains: how host resilience determines patient outcomes how metabolic fragility and chronic inflammation amplify viral severity This alone is worth the listen.

This week on the Evolution of Medicine podcast, we dive into a topic that weaves together many of the threads we've been exploring over the last few weeks. We've talked about AI and its rapid rise. We've talked about cognitive decline and the extraordinary possibility of reversing it. And we've talked about what it will take to get there on an individual practice level. But this week's episode brings those themes together in a way I didn't expect. A friend recently sent me what looked like a legitimate video commercial, featuring credible, household-name figures like Dr. Sanjay Gupta and Anderson Cooper. At first glance, it looked polished, believable, even authoritative. But as you'll see in the episode, not everything is as it appears. In fact, almost nothing is. And that's the point. We are moving into a world where AI blurs the boundaries between truth, reality, and persuasion. Where advertising looks like journalism. Where journalism looks like entertainment. And where the only thing we can count on is that we need better tools, better communities, and better critical thinking to navigate what comes next. This episode unpacks what that means for medicine, for cognitive decline, for health creation – and for the evolution of our entire ecosystem. I think you'll find it interesting… hopefully funny… and definitely insightful.

This week on the Evolution of Medicine podcast, we dive into one of the most exciting developments in healthcare – the Primary Care Renaissance. Starting January 1st, new legislation makes it easier than ever for both patients and employers to participate in Direct Primary Care (DPC). This shift could finally deliver on many of the promises we've been talking about for years – cutting out the middleman, reducing costs, lowering friction, and restoring the sacred doctor-patient relationship. We explore what this means for the future of medicine, and share insights from a powerful article written by a physician on the pride of ownership – and how reclaiming that sense of purpose and autonomy could be the spark that transforms primary care for good. In our Worst Pharma Ad of the Week segment, we break down another unforgettable SkyRizi commercial – and what it reveals about the state of modern healthcare marketing. Finally, we revisit a timeless conversation from our archives – a segment of James's 2017 interview with Prof. Raphael Mechoulam, the "Godfather of Medical Cannabis," whose pioneering work laid the foundation for today's cannabinoid revolution. It's a jam-packed episode that connects the dots between economics, empowerment, and evolution in medicine. Tune in, share it with your DPC colleagues, and let's continue building the future together.

Last week, I shared the differences in entries between Wikipedia and Grokipedia and why that shift represents a turning point for functional medicine. This week on The Evolution of Medicine Podcast, we take a deeper dive into Grokipedia: what it is, how it's changing the landscape for practitioners, and why it might finally put to rest the old "pseudoscience" critiques. We also lighten things up with my favorite pharmaceutical commercial of all time – a hilarious rip-off that prescribes nature instead of pills. And in the Clinical Corner, we explore a fascinating new tool I found online: the Functional Medicine Capability Maturity Matrix. It's a quick self-assessment that helps you see exactly where your practice is on the journey from early adoption to full system mastery.

This week on the Evolution of Medicine Podcast, we dive into primary prevention – and why it's the future of health. Dr. Eric Topol recently published an article lamenting medicine's lack of progress in the big three killers: cardiovascular disease, cancer, and neurodegeneration. He's right about the problem, but I'd argue he's been going to the wrong conferences. If he had joined us at the Personalized Lifestyle Medicine Institute (PLMI) conference, he would have seen what real prevention looks like: clinicians reversing chronic disease through root-cause, systems-based care. And if he comes next year, he'll see why I'm calling 2026 "The Year of the Brain." In this episode, we explore: What Topol gets right (and what he's missing) How practitioners like you are proving primary prevention works Why improving everyone's neurobiology, as Dr. Austin Perlmutter says, is our highest work

The Evolution of Medicine podcast returns with a deep dive into the seismic shifts reshaping healthcare – from the explosion of direct-to-consumer lab testing to the most disingenuous pharmaceutical commercial ever made. Host James Maskell unpacks how companies like Function Health, Superpower, Whoop, and Aura are democratizing health data, while practitioners must evolve or risk becoming obsolete in an increasingly consumer-driven landscape. This episode exposes the uncomfortable truth: patients can now access comprehensive lab panels for under $200 annually, complete with longitudinal tracking and AI interpretation. Meanwhile, wearable giants are integrating lab testing to create powerful health ecosystems that compete directly with traditional practice models. The message is clear – practitioners who rely on static PDFs and sporadic appointments are heading toward irrelevance. The episode also features the most-watched video in Functional Forum history: Dr. Izabella Wentz's groundbreaking presentation on how thyroid dysfunction masquerades as mental illness, affecting up to 27% of the population. Her personal journey from misdiagnosis to recovery illustrates the power of root-cause medicine and why functional practitioners remain essential in an automated world. 🎙️ Tune in to learn: The direct-to-consumer lab revolution: How Function Health's 200,000+ customers and Superpower's $17/month pricing are reshaping patient expectations—and what this means for your practice model. Why wearable companies are your new competition: Whoop and Aura's integration of lab testing with biometric data creates comprehensive health platforms that threaten traditional practitioner relationships. The data integration imperative: Why practices relying on static lab reports and infrequent check-ins will become uncompetitive against real-time, longitudinal health monitoring systems. If you're ready to future-proof your practice against the consumerization of healthcare while maintaining the irreplaceable human element of functional medicine, this episode provides both the wake-up call and the roadmap you need. 👉 Listen now or wherever you get your podcasts.

The Evolution of Medicine podcast is back – weekly, longer-form, and laser-focused on giving practitioners the news, tools, and frameworks to reverse chronic disease at scale. In this premiere of "season two," host James Maskell introduces the big idea shaping the next chapter: solving "network insufficiency" at three levels – inside the body, across communities, and through a nationwide network of high-functioning practices. Borrowing from Dr. Dale Bredesen's framing of Alzheimer's as a "network insufficiency," James maps the concept onto the functional medicine matrix (clinical networks), the social fabric that shapes health (community networks), and the operational capacity of clinics themselves (practice networks). It's a unifying lens—and a rallying cry for the next five years to build the capacity required to bend the chronic disease curve. Along the way, you'll meet this season's mission partners – Fullscript, TruNeura, Freedom Practice Coaching, and Big Boost Marketing – each spotlighted for the role they play in turning "network insufficiency" into "network sufficiency," from streamlined labs and cognitive-care platforms to scalable operations and patient pre-education. 🎙️ Tune in to learn: What "network insufficiency" means clinically (via the functional medicine matrix), socially (community and group visits), and operationally (clinic capacity)—and why solving it is the master key to reversing chronic disease. Why this really is "the moment": the podcast shifts to a weekly, studio-based format to track pivotal ideas, tools, and policy conversations shaping the movement. A practical playbook for capacity building: Fullscript's evolution toward turnkey lab logistics so any clinic can offer "Function-Health-style" testing. TruNeura's clinical implementation platform and why precision medicine for cognitive decline is poised to scale. Freedom Practice Coaching's Scalability Assessment and how to use it to grow from one provider to ten. Big Boost Marketing's education-first marketing to generate qualified discovery calls at the lowest possible cost. How broader public-health debates – and a widely discussed HHS-hosted conversation—signal a cultural inflection point for our field. If you're committed to systems-level change in integrative and functional medicine, this kickoff episode sets the agenda for the year – and equips you to start building true network sufficiency in your clinic and community.

When experienced integrative physician Dr. Robin Rose discovered she had a kidney tumor and early signs of kidney disease, she was shocked—but determined. What followed was a deep dive into an often-overlooked aspect of chronic disease care: kidney health. In this powerful episode, Dr. Rose shares how her personal health journey ignited a mission to bring kidney care into the spotlight within functional and integrative medicine. She highlights how kidney dysfunction is frequently underdiagnosed or misunderstood, even in root-cause-focused care models. Through her own research and collaboration with a naturopathic kidney specialist, Dr. Rose developed a holistic framework for supporting kidney health—incorporating nutrition, lifestyle, toxin reduction, and innovative therapies like bio-regulator peptides. Her new book, Ology Peptides: Kidney Success with Bio-Regulator Peptides, explores this approach in detail. Tune in to learn: Why kidney function is the "silent factor" in many chronic disease cases The key lifestyle and environmental factors impacting kidney health How peptides—especially bio-regulator peptides—are being used to support kidney repair and resilience Why a proactive, systems-based approach is critical to reversing kidney decline How practitioners can better support patients before dialysis becomes the only option If you're interested in whole-body health and emerging tools in functional medicine, this episode will shift the way you think about kidney care.

What if health plans could cover in-home chef services to improve patient outcomes? In this episode, James Maskell sits down with Renata Jenik, founder of Foodom.com, to explore how her company is pioneering a powerful new model of food as medicine—one that's already being covered by insurance. Renata shares her personal journey from overwhelmed working mom struggling with PCOS and insulin resistance to entrepreneur with a mission to redefine healthcare through culinary empowerment. What started as a personal solution—hiring a chef to prepare healthy meals for her family—evolved into a scalable program now contracted by health plans like Anthem to serve Medicaid patients in Sacramento County. Unlike traditional meal delivery, Foodom sends trained chefs into patients' homes every two weeks to cook nourishing meals and teach basic culinary skills. It's a powerful model rooted in sustainability and empowerment. Tune in to learn about: How a personal health crisis sparked a revolutionary business idea Why health plans like Anthem are paying for in-home chef services The key differences between meal delivery and chef-led culinary education The challenges and solutions of scaling food-as-medicine at the community level Why El Dorado County is emerging as a hub for healthspan innovation And so much more! If you're interested in the intersection of culinary care, health equity, and scalable functional medicine delivery, this is a must-listen.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Javier Galvis, the first Latin American physician certified by the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM), to explore the remarkable rise of functional medicine across Latin America. Dr. Galvis shares his journey from discovering the IFM Annual International Conference (AIC) in 2010 to completing his certification in 2013—and how the AIC has continued to inspire his practice. As the founder of the Functional Medicine Academy in Colombia, Dr. Galvis is at the forefront of a growing movement, with thousands of physicians across Latin America now embracing a functional approach to care. He also gives us an exciting preview of the 2025 AIC and its cutting-edge focus on the future of medicine. Tune in to learn more about: Why the AIC has been a game-changer for clinicians around the world How functional medicine is expanding rapidly across Latin America The role of the Functional Medicine Academy in training new practitioners Hot topics at the upcoming AIC, from psychedelic and peptide therapies to longevity and energy medicine How the conference bridges traditional wisdom with modern science Why this global movement is transforming the future of healthcare Don't miss this inspiring conversation! Be sure to listen, share, and help spread the word about the transformation happening in medicine today.

What does it take to build a thriving, scalable functional medicine practice in today's healthcare landscape? In this episode of the Evolution of Medicine podcast, we're joined by Seth Conger, a seasoned entrepreneur and innovator in the functional medicine space who's helped practices grow from startup to seven-figure exits. Seth shares his own journey, from event marketing into transforming his father-in-law's clinic with cutting-edge technology and a shift to a membership-based model. The episode explores three distinct stages of practice growth—startup, growth and scale—and the critical mindset and business shifts required at each level. Tune in to learn: Why the startup phase is all about finding product-market fit and acquiring patients How the growth phase requires systems, hiring and stepping back from direct care What the scale phase looks like when your vision leads and your practice grows independently Why choosing the right business model (and ditching fee-for-service) is non-negotiable for long-term success Common mistakes that keep practitioners stuck and the high opportunity cost of not evolving Whether you're just getting started or looking to scale beyond yourself, this episode offers a roadmap for sustainable growth in functional medicine. Download today to learn how to build a profitable practice that doesn't burn you out.

In this powerful episode of the Evolution of Medicine podcast, James Maskell sits down with Tasha Blank—DJ, movement catalyst, and founder of Powerhouse DJ School—to explore how dance, music, and embodiment can be powerful tools for healing and nervous system regulation. For over a decade, Tasha has pioneered sober-conscious dance events that remove movement from the club scene and place it back into the realm of sacred, intentional expression. Her story is one of personal transformation, community leadership, and deep inquiry into how we heal—physically, emotionally and culturally. Tune in to learn about: How dance and embodiment shifted Tasha's relationship with her body and launched a decade-long journey of transformation. The health crisis in her late teens that forced her to look beyond conventional medicine and into nutrition, movement and energy work. A pandemic-fueled identity deconstruction that led to unexpected healing through metabolic, animal-based nutrition—and opened questions around gender, body image and healing. The launch of Powerhouse DJ School and teaching others to use music and dance as vehicles for transformation. The philosophy behind sober dance spaces and how reclaiming movement as medicine can heal individuals and communities. This episode is a must-listen for anyone exploring somatic healing, community-based transformation, and new paradigms for health that go far beyond prescriptions and protocols.

In this episode, Dr. Nasha Winters shares her powerful journey with cancer and the urgent need for a paradigm shift in oncology. She explores the limitations of the current cancer care model, the critical role of mitochondria in chronic illness, and why asking different questions is essential for improving patient outcomes. Dr. Winters also introduces MTOMICS, a cutting-edge data platform designed to revolutionize cancer treatment by integrating personalized, data-driven insights. Listen to the full episode to learn more: The standard cancer care model has seen little progress in outcomes since 1971. Cancer is affecting younger populations, signaling the need for new approaches. Mitochondrial health is a cornerstone of cancer and chronic disease management. Integrative medicine offers evidence-based strategies to enhance patient care. Community and collaboration are essential for driving meaningful change. Data-driven, decentralized healthcare models can empower both patients and practitioners. And much more! Tune in to discover how integrative oncology, cutting-edge research, and patient empowerment are reshaping the future of cancer care.

Summary In this episode, James welcomes back Dr. Bryce Appelbaum to the Evolution of Medicine podcast to continue their previous discussion about functional optometry. James and Dr. Appelbaum recently reconnected at an event tied to the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative. Dr. Appelbaum approaches vision health from a functional medicine perspective and considers how functional vision issues can be implicated in seemingly unrelated cognitive issues, such as learning disabilities and ADHD. Tune into this full conversation that explores: How practitioners are working to communicate the full scope of what is possible in terms of improving vision, cognition, and overall health for the benefit of public awareness Dr. Appelbaum has worked with Dave Asprey to demonstrate and document how targeted interventions can significantly improve vision Why early-life screen time damages children's health, harming learning and focus How undiagnosed vision problems can have major impacts on health and wellbeing Which patients benefit most from ScreenFit Use code EVOMED for $200 off on ScreenFit, the vision training program designed to minimize the negative effects of screens on vision and promote healthy visual habits. Dr. Bryce Appelbaum (12:59)- 13:35

This Business of Functional Medicine episode is the second part of podcast episode #349, hosted by Kristen Brokaw with guest and business coach, Ari Meisel. In this episode, Ari explains that practice owners can use AI to enhance productivity. He also discusses concepts that he teaches in business coaching, including "The 3 Levers of Success in Business" and "The 6 Levels of Delegation." He also revisits the importance of asynchronous communication, and shares techniques for capturing ideas effectively and for finding the right support to optimize personal and professional life. Tune into this episode to hear more about: Creating custom GPTs to streamline information processing and ideation Using tools like Trello to delegate or prioritize tasks Why work-life integration is more relevant than work-life balance And much more! Listen to Part I of this podcast, Business of Functional Medicine: Four Entrepreneurial Mindsets for Practice Owners, episode #349.

This week's podcast guest is Katie Baric, Executive Director at Hands on Peru—a nonprofit organization in Peru and the US, created as a response to the deep inequities in access to medical care among the rural poor of Peru. Hands on Peru is a medical center that provides a range of basic medical services, from dentistry to ultrasounds. The organization also has a mission to serve as an educational platform for students and medical practitioners from around the world. Katie invites listeners to reach out to her at [email protected] to learn about opportunities for visiting and working with the organization to learn about pioneering public health theory into practice. During the episode, Katie also highlights the launch of Chimuk, a social enterprise empowering local women through knitting, and the impact of these initiatives on the community's health and wellbeing. Download and listen to the episode to hear about: · How Katie came to co-found Hands on Peru. · Katie's and James' introduction at the Lifestyle Medicine Conference in Mexico City, and why they were inspired by the unique conference format that modeled the principles of lifestyle medicine. · Peru's practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. · And much more! Please tune in to learn about opportunities to travel to Peru to participate in this community development and healthcare initiative.

In this episode, James Maskell is joined by Dr. Jeffrey Morrison, the newly elected president of the American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM). Since its founding in the 1960s, AAEM has been at the forefront of understanding and addressing environmental causes of illness. Dr. Morrison shares how AAEM is experiencing a resurgence, fueled by a new generation of passionate practitioners dedicated to tackling chronic illnesses like chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and metabolic dysfunction through the lens of environmental health. Key topics include: The impact of mold exposure, heavy metal toxicity, EMFs, and other environmental toxins on chronic disease. How AAEM is training practitioners to integrate environmental factors into their care strategies. Building a community of practitioners to advocate for policy changes that improve public health. Highlights from the upcoming AAEM conference in San Antonio, featuring renowned speakers like Del Bigtree and Erin Brockovich. James also reflects on how Dr. Morrison's innovative clinic shaped his early thinking about lifestyle medicine and patient engagement. Tune in to explore how AAEM is leading the charge for a healthier future through environmental medicine.

In this episode, James Maskell speaks with Dr. Staci Whitman, a holistic pediatric dentist who shares her transformative journey from advocating for fluoride use to opposing its inclusion in public water systems. Dr. Whitman integrates dental health with whole-body wellness. She is an IFM Certified Provider (IFMCP), Board Certified in Naturopathic Medical Dentistry and Integrative Biological Dental Medicine (NMD), and an active member of several professional dentistry organizations. The conversation explores recent studies and court rulings that highlight concerns about fluoride's neurotoxic effects, particularly its association with reduced IQ in children—even at the so-called "optimal" levels used in most water supplies. Dr. Whitman emphasizes the cumulative nature of fluoride exposure, from water and toothpaste to processed foods, complicating efforts to measure total intake—especially for vulnerable groups like infants and children. Key Topics Discussed: The alarming lack of safety data on fluoride and its potential neurotoxic effects. The need for a paradigm shift in dentistry toward a more holistic and preventive approach. Why Dr. Whitman supports topical fluoride application over systemic water fluoridation. How hygiene, nutrition, and education offer better alternatives to public water fluoridation. Counterarguments from proponents of public water fluoridation. Don't miss this insightful episode on one of 2024's most debated topics!

In this podcast episode, Dr. Alaina Gair delves into her approach to cancer care through group support, inspired by the transformative principles of The Community Cure and events by Dr. Meghan Walker. In this compelling conversation, Dr. Gair reveals how integrating community-based practices into her naturopathic care has redefined patient experiences by prioritizing emotional support, empowerment, and connection. We explore how the unpredictable journey of cancer can be positively transformed through shared experiences, group healing, and collaboration with oncologists. Discover why creating a space for empathy, education and solidarity is essential in navigating chronic illnesses like cancer. Download and listen to the full episode to learn more about: How community-based approaches can improve cancer care outcomes Groups can work well even when patients have different diagnosis Integrating naturopathic and conventional oncology for more comprehensive support. The value of shared experiences, grief support, and holistic collaboration. Dr. Gair's approach to dealing with loss and grief within the group when a member passes away And much more

Dr. Joel Warsh is an integrative pediatrician who has built a successful practice in Los Angeles. He discusses his journey into integrative medicine, initially being frustrated by the overuse of medications in traditional pediatric care and seeking out alternative approaches. He talks about the challenge of getting the necessary education in integrative pediatrics, as there was limited formal training available at the time. Dr. Warsh describes the experience of interacting with his more traditional pediatric colleagues, noting that he had to develop a thick skin but has seen the tide starting to shift as more doctors become interested in integrative approaches. He emphasizes the importance of open-minded communication and not being overtly contrarian. A key theme of the conversation is the concept of "doing nothing" as the best approach in many pediatric cases, allowing the body's natural healing processes to work. Dr. Warsh shares his dramatic reduction in antibiotic prescriptions by taking a more watchful, supportive approach. Tune into this conversation to learn more about How our healthcare system is evolving, and demand for integrative practices is growing Unity among practitioners can amplify the message of integrative health Dr. Warsh's new book, Parenting at Your Child's Pace, which offers health-focused perspectives on common parenting questions and challenges in the early years. How Dr. Warsh's book fills a gap left by therapy-focused parenting books And much more! https://parentingatyourchildspace.com/ Joel Warsh, MD:

In this episode, Dr. Achina Stein and Silvia Covelli share their experience leading the Healing Depression Project, a holistic approach to treating depression that integrates functional medicine, lifestyle changes, and community support. Drawing from their personal experiences with conventional psychiatry, they discuss the frustrations with traditional treatments and the need to address both physical and mental health simultaneously. The project challenges the conventional narrative around mental health treatment, offering a comprehensive recovery program built on evidence-based practices and a supportive community. Tune into this episode to learn: Why we need alternative approaches to traditional psychiatry How the project integrates functional medicine with metabolic psychiatry to enhance mental health outcomes. How a holistic approach may be especially helpful for those who don't benefit from medication. How community support is leveraged to support the recovery process. Future goals include expanding the program and making it accessible to a broader audience. And much more! This episode offers insight into how functional medicine and community-based support can reshape mental health care and foster long-term recovery. Please download and share with someone who would like to hear about this opportunity.

Business of Functional Medicine: Four Entrepreneurial Mindsets for Practice Owners [OM1] Guest: Ari Meisel Host: Kristen Brokaw Episode # 349 October 2, 2024 In this Business of Functional Medicine podcast episode hosted by Kristen Brokaw, Ari Meisel, a business coach, discusses the importance of productivity and scalability for healthcare providers. He emphasizes the need for providers to shift their mindset from being indispensable to creating systems that allow for growth and delegation. The discussion covers the impact of technology on business practices, the four entrepreneurial mindsets, and strategies for improving patient experiences and communication within practices. Ari also shares insights on effective delegation and the importance of overcoming overwhelm to find hope and success in practice management. Tune into this episode to learn about: How Ari's "Less Doing" system can help providers become more replaceable in their businesses How technology amplifies existing habits, good or bad Planning for an "exit strategy" to have an eventual option of selling one's business or stepping into less hands-on, time-intensive role Using delegation to empower team members, not just offload work Improving communication to improve your business and clinical practice

In this week's episode of the Evolution of Medicine Podcast, we dive deep into the groundbreaking work of Beth Lambert, executive director at Documenting Hope, and Dr. Heather Tallman Ruhm, medical director at Documenting Hope. This powerful conversation centers on reversing autism, addressing chronic pediatric illnesses, and how integrative medicine is playing a critical role in improving children's health. Lambert and Dr. Tallman Ruhm share their personal journeys and the transformative impact of their research on families dealing with autism. They discuss the importance of understanding autism as a spectrum and the various factors—from environmental toxins to total body load—that contribute to chronic illness in children. You'll also hear about their ongoing research studies and the vital role of community support in helping families navigate these complex challenges. Lambert and Dr. Tallman Ruhm emphasize the power of integrative medicine, and the growing network of practitioners dedicated to addressing autism and chronic illness in children through a holistic lens. Their work is pushing the boundaries of pediatric health and providing new hope for families. Tune in now to learn more about the future of pediatric health and the essential role of community support. When you listen to this episode, you'll learn: That in some cases, autism can be reversed Early intervention leads to better outcomes Each child's health journey is unique and care must be individualized Environmental factors play a key role in the development of autism Genetics are important but not the sole cause—understanding the total load on a child's system is crucial Community support is essential for families facing autism Documenting cases is critical for scientific validation and future treatment models And much more https://documentinghope.com/

In this inspiring episode, Erin and Gene share their powerful journey from the world of conventional medicine to founding their thriving functional medicine practice, Rising Tide Wellness, in Charleston, SC. Through personal health challenges and professional growth, they discovered the potential of functional medicine to provide the answers they were searching for—not just for themselves, but for their community. This conversation delves into how their partnership fueled their transition, the importance of accountability, and how the support of their local community has been integral to their success. From navigating the challenges of building a practice to embracing personal transformation, Erin and Gene offer a roadmap for practitioners looking to balance heart, structure, and innovation in the evolving world of healthcare. Tune in to learn about: Solutions that functional medicine offers where conventional approaches may fall short How to build a supportive partnership to drive personal and professional growth How a successful practice demands both community integration and personal development How workshops, group coaching, and virtual care can provide flexibility and deeper patient engagement How personal and professional transformations are continuous and impactful Tune in to hear how Erin and Gene are forging new paths in medicine and empowering their community to take charge of their wellness. Rising Tide Wellness The Business of Functional Medicine: Proactive Business Solutions for a Healthy Practice with Seth Conger

In this episode of the Evolution of Medicine podcast, James Maskell speaks with Emily Kaplan of the Broken Science Initiative. They dive deep into the flaws of modern science, particularly in the context of medicine, and discuss how these issues contribute to the chronic disease epidemic. Emily Kaplan and Greg Glassman of CrossFit co-founded the Broken Science Initiative to address these deep-rooted problems and promote true scientific inquiry. During this episode, you will hear an argument that the modern scientific method, especially in medicine, has become corrupted by political and financial interests, leading to a replication crisis and widespread statistical manipulation. Emily Kaplan also differentiates medicine and public health, criticizing the latter as being more about political consensus than clinical significance, leading to flawed public health policies. Tune in for a conversation that explores: Why there has been a decline in moral obligation to patients in hospital settings The loss of physician authority and how that impacts patients Flawed research and corruption in science Critiques of public health How CrossFit can help reverse the chronic disease epidemic. And much more! This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the deep issues within the scientific community and how they impact public health and medicine. Episode resources: The Broken Science Initiative and The Journal Club.

Rob Kress, with a background in pharmacy and herbology, joins James for a compelling discussion on the critical need for men's health-focused medical practices. This episode is meant to inspire practitioners to create successful, holistic men's health practices that can effectively address the current men's health crisis. The conversation stems from the recognition that many existing practices are primarily geared toward women, leaving a gap in addressing men's specific health needs. Rob Kress shares with listeners his program, Man Unmedicated, which is a 30+ hour training program designed to equip practitioners with both clinical knowledge and coaching skills. Man Unmedicated offers a dual approach to men's health: Functional Medicine Training: Focuses on labs, hormones, medications, and other clinical aspects related to men's health. Holistic Wellness Training: Covers the "seven peaks of wellness," including physical health, movement, exercise, and emotional/mental well-being, providing a more comprehensive approach to men's health. Listen to the episode to hear more about: Opportunities that come with building men's health-focused practices The importance of creating relatability and trust with male patients by sharing personal health journeys Strategies for building referral-based, community-centered practices around men's health groups and coaching Ongoing mentorship and support to help practitioners implement this model in their communities And much more The State of Men's Health Functional Forum, August 2024 Man Unmedicated

Julia Hotz is a journalist and author, who wrote a book called The Connection Cure: The Prescriptive Power of Movement, Nature, Art, Service and Belonging. James and Julia connected because her new book is strikingly synergistic in topic and title to James' second book, The Community Cure: Transforming Health Outcomes Together, which calls for readers to adopt group care principles to make lifestyle medicine more widely accessible and sustainable. This is an enlivening conversation, where you'll hear about the data backing social prescribing as an antidote to the most prevalent chronic health issues of this generation: illnesses exacerbated by the loneliness epidemic, such as attention and mood issues and a slew of chronic illnesses. Tune in to learn about: Financial benefits of social prescribing Business solutions for supporting community-based solutions to chronic health issues How science backs social prescribing as an effective solution to ailments like chronic pain, trauma, dementia, diabetes and loneliness Potential for insurance companies to incentivize social prescriptions The benefits of art and nature on health And much more

VagusFest launched in spring 2024, and Dr. Kelly Livingston took the concept and ran with it, creating a sucessful event that engaged her local community members. Dr. Livingston joins this podcast episode to share her experience applying James Maskell's VagusFest model in Darien, Connecticut. The VagusFest model enables local practitioners to host local community events that demonstrate to local attendees the power of vagal toning, and indirectly, the benefits of lifestyle, functional, or integrative medicine. Functioning as a promotional event for local clinics, VagusFest addresses a public relations issue for functional medicine, which is that the general perception that patients must invest significant time into their health journey before seeing results. VagusFest hosts can showcase how their approach to medicine offers immediate benefits through direct experience at the event. Download and listen to the episode to hear more about: Reasons for practitioners to prioritize nervous system regulation in their practices. Dr. Livingston's favorite resources on vagal toning, including books by Deb Dana and Stanley Rosenberg. Challenges and successes of previous VagusFest events. The value of group medicine and community engagement. This podcast episode is brought to you by Pulsetto. Pulsetto is a leader in the vagus nerve revolution. Their vagus nerve stimulator is extremely easy to use, great for addressing pain and sleep issues. Order your first one at goevomed.com/Pulsetto. If you like it and want to order for your patients, you can also order wholesale much like you would do with supplements. This is potentially a powerful tool to use in your practice.