Friends of Franz

How far are people willing to go for glass skin and a clear face? For years, we have witnessed adventurous — and sometimes extreme — pursuits within skincare and cosmetic treatments in the quest for ageless beauty. We’ve heard it all: the Vampire Facial, human placenta for collagen, snail slime, and, in recent years, salmon sperm DNA. From celebrities like Jennifer Aniston to Kim Kardashian, salmon sperm facials have become the latest craze promising skin regeneration, brightening, and that coveted youthful glow. But what exactly is salmon sperm DNA therapy, and does it actually work — or is it just another viral beauty trend swimming through social media?In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Lanna Cheuck, DO, FACS. Dr. Cheuck is a board-certified urologic surgeon specializing in aesthetics and sexual health and is the CEO and Medical Director of LC Medical Aesthetics, a medical spa empire with multiple locations specializing in cosmetic surgery, injectables, sexual health.Dr. Cheuck received her DO from the NYIT College of Osteopathic Medicine, completed her Urology Residency at Brown University, and pursued a Minimally Invasive Urologic Surgery Fellowship at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Currently, Dr. Cheuck is an Assistant Professor of Head and Neck Facial Anatomy at Montefiore Hospital, National Trainer for Galderma Aesthetics (a center of education for GAIN training), Owner and National Trainer for FACE Med-Spa Training, Co-Founder of FACE Med Store, and the Host and Co-Founder of Future of Aesthetics Global Summit (an inclusive network for virtual aesthetics). Dr. Cheuck has been featured on Forbes, Cosmopolitan, New York Post, Well+Good, RealSelf News, Global Woman Magazine, Asian Hustle Network, and NewBeauty.Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube

Korean skincare and cosmetics have truly become a global phenomenon, taking the beauty world by storm. Rooted in the preventive philosophies of Hanbang (한방), or Traditional Korean Medicine, Korean beauty has introduced a cultural mindset of proactive skincare, consistent routines, and understanding your skin’s needs before issues arise. Now, as it intersects with Western aesthetic methodologies and AI-powered formulations, one question remains: do these ancient theories of beauty still hold their value today?In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Young Ho Park, L.Ac. Dr. Park is a board-certified acupuncturist and herbalist from the esteemed National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) and the founder and owner of RAUM, a medical aesthetics and wellness spa in New York City.Receiving certification from the Korean Facial Rejuvenation Association in both Korea and Taiwan, Dr. Park is a renowned specialist in facial rejuvenation. Dr. Park is also well-versed in sports medicine, having completed his team doctor program and working alongside athletes on and off the court, including as part of the medical team at the U.S. Open.Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube

In many East Asian cultures, childbirth marks not just a beginning, but a sacred period of recovery known as Zuò Yuè Zi, or “sitting the month.” Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, this postnatal confinement practice emphasizes rest, warmth, and nourishment to restore balance and vitality after delivery, which is said to deplete the mother's qi, or vital life force. In the modern and busy world of working mothers with unpaid maternity leave, is it possible to incorporate facets of an ancient rejuvenating practice into the home?In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Kristal Lau, MBBS, MPH, BMedSc. Dr. Lau is a board-certified physician with over a decade of experience, the leading postpartum wellness consultant, author of 'Postpartum 30' (double winner at the NYC Big Book Award), and the founder of Bridges in Health and Mama's Wing Woman, a consulting company that creates wellness experiences for individuals and families and provides postpartum planning, coaching, and wellness programs to new parents and their families.Dr. Lau received her MBBS from the University of Queensland in Brisbane, MPH in Health Care Organization and Policy from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and General Medicine residency in Australia. Dr. Lau has then become an expert in postpartum practice, having served as an Advisor and the Co-Chair of the Women’s Health Lifestyle Medicine Initiative at European Lifestyle Medicine Organization, Postnatal Retreat Development Consultant at Sanu, Family Resiliency Expert at the United States Army, and Director of Education at the Military Birth Resource Network & Postpartum Coalition. Dr. Lau has been featured on Goop, Medium, CEO Weekly, KTLA, Exeleon Magazine, EIN Presswire, and ABNewswire.Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube

Originally developed as an anesthetic in the 1960s, ketamine has reemerged as one of modern psychiatry’s most promising tools for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Its superpower lies in working with your brain's glutamate receptors to create antidepressant effects. What does the future of psychedelic-assisted mental health care hold? Could this once-stigmatized molecule represent the future of mental health care and healing the mind from within?In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Mai Shimada, M.D., MBA, FAAEM. Dr. Shimada is a board-certified emergency medicine physician with over a decade of experience and is the founder and CEO of Isha Health, an online at-home ketamine clinic dedicated to providing safe and effective treatments for depression and anxiety.Dr. Shimada received her MD from the University of Tokyo, Emergency Medicine residency in the United States, and later on, completed the Psychedelic Facilitation Certification Program at the UC Berkeley Center for the Science of Psychedelics in two areas and the Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy Training Program at Polaris Insight Center. Currently, alongside Isha Health, Dr. Shimada is a study physician for psychedelic medicine clinical trials at Open Mind Collective, a Fellow of the American Academy of Emergency Medicine (FAAEM), a member of The American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM), and a visiting professor of Medicine at Tohoku University in Japan. Dr. Shimada has been featured on Forbes Japan.Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube

Ayurveda, often referred to as the “science of life,” is one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems, with origins dating back over 5,000 years to ancient India. From understanding the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—that govern our physical and emotional states, to the powerful cleansing and rejuvenating process known as Panchakarma. Ayurveda is rooted in harmony between mind, body, and spirit, and it views health as a dynamic balance rather than the mere absence of disease. Can this ancient system continue to offer profound guidance for holistic wellness in the modern world?In this episode, we are joined by Nisha Saini, CHHP. Nisha is the Founder and Director of the award-winning New York Ayurveda & Panchakarma Center in 2006, and is a Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, Ayurvedic Health Counselor, Panchakarma Specialist, and licensed holistic esthetician. Nisha and New York Ayurveda have been featured on Vogue and NPR.Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube

For thousands of years, humans have sought healing from within — through breath, movement, and energy. Practices like Qigong, yoga, and, more contemporarily, Reiki have emerged from traditions as powerful ways to restore balance, vitality, and inner peace. Qigong uses slow, intentional movement and breath to cultivate life force energy, while yoga unites body and mind through postures and controlled breathing. Reiki, rooted in Japanese energy medicine, offers gentle, hands-on healing by channeling universal energy. In our current world of constant changes, stressors, and stimulations, are these ancient grounding practices for healing and harmony still viable?In this episode, we are joined by three expert guests within the tenets of Qigong, yoga, and Reiki. Firstly, Lisa Li is the founder of The Qi (a flowering tea wellness company) and a certified Qigong instructor, having trained in the traditional Chinese practice for 7 years. Lisa and The Qi have been featured on New York Magazine, Bon Appétit, Architectural Digest, Food & Wine, and Good Housekeeping.Melissa Jeng is a decade-long yoga and mindfulness teacher based in New York City. Trained through Yogamaya and with Jules Mitchell, Melissa pursued advanced training in biomechanics, meditation, trauma-informed yoga, and breath work.Margaret Wang is a Usui/Tibetan Reiki practitioner, having completed her training at The International Center for Reiki Training.Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube

For centuries, acupuncture has been a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine, offering a powerful lens into the body’s natural healing intelligence using the precise placement of ultra-fine needles. Rooted in the concept of meridians—an intricate network of energy pathways—this ancient practice seeks to restore balance and harmony, thereby proposing relief from chronic pain, inflammation, and even stress. Can these invisible channels and their said connections to our organs really unlock profound pathways to healing and tangible pain relief?In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Lauren Kuei, DACM, L.Ac, RYT. Dr. Kuei is a licensed and board-certified acupuncturist, registered yoga teacher, and clinical herbalist at Nava Wellness, an acupuncture and Eastern Asian Medicine Practice in New York City. She received her Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM) from the Pacific College of Health and Sciences in San Diego. Dr. Kuei has been featured on The Strategist by New York Magazine.Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is often called the world’s oldest and longest continuously practiced medical system, with roots reaching back nearly 5,000 years. Born from the philosophies of Qi, yin and yang, and the Five Elements, it blends ancient wisdom with healing practices like acupuncture, herbal medicine, and qigong. For millennia, TCM has centered on restoring balance and harmony within the body and mind. But in an era defined by modern science and technology, can an ancient system still hold its power? In this episode, we are joined by Nina Cheng, BA. Nina is the founder of The Eastern Philosophy (homemade and curated TCM company), author of 'Chinese Medicine for the Mind,' and serves as the Council and Communications Officer of the International Association for the Study of Traditional Asian Medicine (IASTAM), the world’s leading academic organization for the study of traditional Asian medicine. Part-time, she is also a graduate student in the History of Medicine at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. The Eastern Philosophy has been featured on the New York Post, Daily Mail, and Coveteur.Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube

The fourth installment of the Friends of Franz Podcast now journeys from ancient and Eastern healing traditions to cutting-edge conversations surrounding modern science and medicine, featuring expert clinicians, practitioners, and scientists from both domains and schools of thought.Thank you to Season 4's Asian-founded brand partners: Reprise, Uka Beauty, The Qi, Remsen Skincare, SHY Binu, Sanzo, DAYGUARD, EMME, JOYN, Dae Tea, and Wild Mannered.Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube

According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer remains to be the most common cancer, excluding skin cancers, and accounts for the second leading cause of cancer death, following lung cancer, in women across the nation. Yet, despite these staggering statistics, a Current Oncology commentary from Harvard Medical School states that misinformation believed by the general population within the domain of breast health remains at large, especially when it comes to breast cancer screening. In this episode, we seek to tackle these questions that surround breast cancer screening and detection: What is the BRCA gene, and how does it relate to breast cancer? What are the risk factors for breast cancer? At what age should a woman start getting a mammogram? Can men also get breast cancer? What is the BI-RADS score? How does one perform a monthly breast self-examination? What are the next steps for the patient after a breast cancer diagnosis?We are joined today by Dr. Robyn Roth, a board-certified diagnostic radiologist and breast & abdominal imaging specialist based in Camden, NJ. She received her BS at the University of Florida, MD from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and Diagnostic Radiology residency and Women's Imaging fellowship at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. For the past decade, Dr. Roth has been an attending Breast Radiologist, Women's Imaging Fellowship Director, and Assistant Professor of Radiology in New Jersey. Dr. Roth is the founder of "The Boobie Docs," a renowned social media platform and podcast where she discusses breast cancer and breast health in an educational and fun way. Dr. Roth has been featured on The TODAY Show, USA Today, AOL.com, Health.com, Katie Couric Media, and Good Day Philadelphia.Livestream Air Date: August 22, 2023Follow Robyn Gartner Roth, MD: Instagram, YouTube, TikTokFollow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTubeThankful to the season's brand partners: Covry, House of M Beauty, Nguyen Coffee Supply, V Coterie, Skin By Anthos, Halmi, By Dr Mom, LOUPN, Baisun Candle Co., RĒJINS, Twrl Milk Tea, 1587 Sneakers

According to the World Health Organization, around 3.6 billion diagnostic radiologic medical examinations are performed worldwide yearly. Diagnostic imaging exams — including X-rays, MRIs, Ultrasounds, CT scans, and PET scans — can truly save lives and change the trajectory of a patient's care plan by potentially preventing the necessity of surgery and more invasive procedures. Yet, despite the integral work of diagnostic radiologists and radiologic technologists, they remain to be the unsung heroes of medicine. What does the medical education and training for radiology look like? When is an X-ray needed to rule out a medical condition versus an MRI or a CT scan? Is the radiation emitted from the imaging machines safe? What are the scaled effects of radiation exposure on the body?We are joined today by diagnostic radiology resident physician Dr. Sally Choi (also known online as Drsallymanderchoi). She received her MD from McGovern Medical School at UTHealth and is currently completing her Diagnostic Radiology residency at UTHealth San Antonio Long School of Medicine, with an interest in furthering her training in Neuroradiology fellowship. Through social media, Dr. Choi has garnered over 300,000 followers, having shared her journey within medicine, the field of radiology, and mental health.Livestream Air Date: November 10, 2022Follow Sally Choi, MD: Instagram, TikTok, YouTubeFollow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz Bulacan (Host): Instagram, YouTubeThankful to the season's brand partners: Covry, House of M Beauty, Nguyen Coffee Supply, V Coterie, Skin By Anthos, Halmi, By Dr Mom, LOUPN, Baisun Candle Co., RĒJINS, Twrl Milk Tea, 1587 Sneakers

According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), nearly one-fourth of older adults aged 65 and older are at increased risk for loneliness and are considered to be socially isolated, with risk factors being attributed to hearing loss, losing family or friends, role changes such as retirement, living alone, and chronic disease. Geriatric syndromes — such as polypharmacy, falls, cognitive impairment like dementia and Alzheimer's disease, malnutrition, and incontinence — are clinical conditions and multifactorial impairments that are more commonly identified in older adults. Aging is definitely the normal trajectory of human life, but how can one age in a way that is considered healthy and with an optimal quality of life? How can an older adult look forward to the remaining years of life despite chronic illness? How can we help safeguard a geriatric's mental health despite feelings of abandonment, loneliness, and fear of being a burden to their caregiver/s?We are joined today by Dr. Christina Chen, a double board-certified geriatrician and internist at Mayo Clinic. She received her BS in Biology and Psychology from Michigan State University, MD from St George's University School Of Medicine, Internal Medicine residency at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, and Geriatric Medicine fellowship at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. She further achieved certificates in Acupuncture for Physicians from Helms Medical Institute and Executive Women in Leadership from Cornell University. Dr. Chen currently stands as an Attending Geriatrician and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Mayo Clinic Rochester, the Host of the Aging Forward Podcast, the Course Director of the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine Senior Sages Curriculum. the Editor of the Mayo Clinic on Healthy Aging book, and the Medical Advisory Board of GrandPad, a customizable platform that delivers virtual care to seniors at home while keeping seniors connected to reduce social isolation and improve the telehealth experience.Livestream Air Date: August 17, 2023Follow Ying Ying (Christina) Chen, MD: InstagramFollow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz Bulacan (Host): Instagram, YouTubeThankful to the season's brand partners: Covry, House of M Beauty, Nguyen Coffee Supply, V Coterie, Skin By Anthos, Halmi, By Dr Mom, LOUPN, Baisun Candle Co., RĒJINS, Twrl Milk Tea, 1587 Sneakers

Did you know that, according to the National Institute of Aging, if we stretched out our arteries, veins, and capillaries as adults, they would measure around 100,000 miles? This means that our blood vessels could circle the globe four times, given that the earth's circumference is about 25,000 miles! The human vasculature is truly an intricate system that literally supplies us with blood (with veins circulating around 2,000 gallons to all body organs every day) - with life. It is no surprise that pathologies and disease processes that involve our vasculature can result in life-threatening effects, like heart attacks and strokes from coronary vascular and cerebrovascular disease, respectively. However, diseases of the vasculature can also result in effects that can simply alter one's quality of life, such as limb loss from critical limb ischemia due to peripheral arterial disease, varicose veins from peripheral venous insufficiency, lymphedema from lymphatic diseases, the need for hemodialysis due to chronic kidney disease secondary to renal artery stenosis, erectile dysfunction from genitourinary vascular diseases, and much more. We are joined today by fifth-year Integrated Vascular Surgery resident physician Dr. Yang Yang. She received her BS in Biochemistry and Neuroscience from Drew University, MD from Drexel University College Of Medicine, and is currently completing her Vascular Surgery residency at MedStar Washington Hospital Center/Georgetown University Hospital. Livestream Air Date: April 16, 2023Follow Yang Yang, MD: Instagram, YouTube, Twitter/XFollow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz Bulacan (Host): Instagram, YouTubeThankful to the season's brand partners: Covry, House of M Beauty, Nguyen Coffee Supply, V Coterie, Skin By Anthos, Halmi, By Dr Mom, LOUPN, Baisun Candle Co., RĒJINS, Twrl Milk Tea, 1587 Sneakers

According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), approximately 2.9 million annual injuries occur in sports, athletic, and recreational settings, with sprains and strains accounting for the largest portion of injuries at 41.4 per 1,000. Truly, the universal recommendation is that we all engage in physical activity and exercise due to its evidence-based benefits on our cardiopulmonary health and general wellness. However, how do we do so safely in order to avoid injury? How can professional athletes engage in training that assures safety while achieving desired progress? How can one with chronic pain still increase stamina and endurance during workouts? And in cases of pain and injury, how can one rehabilitate properly without needing surgery?We are joined today by Doctor of Physical Therapy and board-certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, Dr. Harris Choe. He received his BS in Psychobiology from UCLA and DPT from the University of Southern California Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, where he also completed his residency as an Orthopedic Clinical Specialist. Dr. Choe was previously an Adjunct Faculty Member at USC for physical therapy clinical reasoning and interventional skills. Since 2022, he has stood as the Founder and Owner of HYC Physio Physical Therapy and Sports Performance in Santa Monica, California, where individualized physical therapy services are provided to professional athletes to help rehabilitate from injury, eliminate chronic pain, and return to high performance.Livestream Air Date: August 3, 2023Follow Dr. Harris Choe, PT, DPT, OCS: Instagram, YouTubeFollow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz Bulacan (Host): Instagram, YouTubeThankful to the season's brand partners: Covry, House of M Beauty, Nguyen Coffee Supply, V Coterie, Skin By Anthos, Halmi, By Dr Mom, LOUPN, Baisun Candle Co., RĒJINS, Twrl Milk Tea, 1587 Sneakers

"Life in plastic, it's fantastic." This iconic line from the 1997 hit song "Barbie Girl" by Europop band Aqua alludes to the Barbie doll that debuted in 1959. Barbie has long been the paradigm of societal attractiveness through physical features, as confirmed by a survey report by Fairmont State College professor Albert M. Magro. In the same year as the song was released, Magro published the paper "Why Barbie is Perceived as Beautiful" with reasons such as a thinner body frame, longer limbs, elongated neck, square shoulders, and larger eyes. Research studies throughout the decades have shown Barbie's mixed influences on body image and the rise of cosmetic-altering procedures to achieve these physical ideals that have been pushed as societal norms, such as liposuction, breast augmentation, and rhytidectomy (or a facelift). This has placed the medical domains of plastic and cosmetic surgery in a narrowed and misconstrued light of mere vanity and the pursuit of physical "perfection."However, there is more to the field of plastic surgery than cosmesis - with power and necessity in its own right by bestowing self-confidence and resulting quality of life. The field of plastic and reconstructive surgery daily changes, improves, and saves lives through surgeries such as cleft lip and palate repair, breast reconstruction secondary to breast cancer mastectomy, reduction mammoplasty to relieve Intertrigo, facial reconstruction after physical trauma, skin grafting to treat burn wounds, and much more.Today, we are joined by plastic surgeon Dr. Alexander Sun to speak about the often misunderstood beauty of the field. He received his BS in Biomedical Engineering from Duke University, where he was a Research Fellow at Duke University Orthopaedic Bioengineering Laboratory, and MD/MHS from Yale University School of Medicine, where he was an NIH-CTSA-funded Plastic Surgery Research Fellow. Dr. Sun is currently completing his Plastic Surgery Residency at the Johns Hopkins Hospital Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He has also served as the Senior Staff Fellow and Medical Officer of the FDA Division of General Surgery Devices and the Division of Infection Control and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.Livestream Air Date: July 27, 2023Follow Alex Sun, MD, MHS: Website, InstagramFollow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz Bulacan (Host): Instagram, YouTubeThankful to the season's brand partners: Covry, House of M Beauty, Nguyen Coffee Supply, V Coterie, Skin By Anthos, Halmi, By Dr Mom, LOUPN, Baisun Candle Co., RĒJINS, Twrl Milk Tea, 1587 Sneakers

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in 2021, 25% of Asian American adults with a mental illness reported receiving mental health services compared to 52% of White adults. Additionally, Asians were 2.25x more likely to report mental health treatment being ineffective. What is it about the Asian American community that their approachability to mental health and mental health care is lower than other demographics? Is it mistrust in the system? Is it disbelief in the concept of the services? Or can it be fear and shame to partake in these discussions and actually receive help? In this episode, we tackle the sensitive, often taboo, and stigmatized conversations that surround Asian communities and their mental well-being: the model minority myth, racism and microaggression, intergenerational trauma, guilt and shame within collectivist cultures, and the importance of culturally responsive mental health care.Carrie Zhang is the founder and executive director of the Asian Mental Health Project (AMHP), a non-profit organization that provides educational resources and community care initiatives to help de-stigmatize mental health and make it more accessible for the Pan-Asian community through social media, multimedia content creation, and community events. Carrie graduated from the University of Southern California with a BS in Public Relations and is a Policy and Research Associate at Rise Up Inc, focusing on civil rights.Alice Zhang, CEO and Nisha Desai, COO are the co-founders of Anise Health, an online holistic mental health service for the Asian community that incorporates cultural stressors into personalized treatments. Alice and Nisha were co-pupils at Harvard Business School for their MBA, where they saw and agreed on the importance of culturally-responsive providers and an integrated approach to executing data-driven treatment for Asian clients.Livestream Air Date: July 19, 2023Follow Asian Mental Health Project: InstagramFollow Anise Health: InstagramFollow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz Bulacan (Host): Instagram, YouTubeThankful to the season's brand partners: Covry, House of M Beauty, Nguyen Coffee Supply, V Coterie, Skin By Anthos, Halmi, By Dr Mom, LOUPN, Baisun Candle Co., RĒJINS, Twrl Milk Tea, 1587 Sneakers

According to the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA), approximately 65% of over 50 million anesthesia services in the United States are delivered by certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) each year, whether in collaboration with a physician or independently. In many rural and underserved areas in America, this percentage is significantly higher at over 90%. Despite this, the profession is still regarded as a “hidden gem” within the nursing domain, given that the general public and patients may not be fully knowledgeable about their scope and even their existence at all. Dating back to the American Civil War in the early 1860s, nurses have been providing anesthetics to wounded soldiers on the battlefield. Now, nurse anesthetists administer both surgical and procedural relief in and out of operating rooms across over 100 countries worldwide. How does the scope of practice of nurse anesthetists differ from physician anesthesiologists? What does the educational and training pathway of CRNAs look like? In what settings and specialties can CRNAs deliver anesthesia?In this episode, we are joined by the co-founders of Confident Care Academy, a comprehensive online educational resource that seeks to empower critical care nurses, nursing students, nurse educators, and future CRNAs through lecture video series and discussion boards. Chrissy Massaro is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist of five years, rooting her near-decade nursing career in the Cardiovascular ICU at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, where she later received her MSN in Nurse Anesthesia. Dr. Anna Jobe is a doctorally-prepared Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.Livestream Air Date: June 30, 2023Follow Christina Massaro, MSN, CRNA: InstagramFollow Anna Jobe, DNP, CRNA: InstagramFollow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz Bulacan (Host): Instagram, YouTubeThankful to the season's brand partners: Covry, House of M Beauty, Nguyen Coffee Supply, V Coterie, Skin By Anthos, Halmi, By Dr Mom, LOUPN, Baisun Candle Co., RĒJINS, Twrl Milk Tea, 1587 Sneakers

According to the Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), the Sleep Research Society (SRS), and the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), adults should regularly sleep at least 7 hours a night to promote optimal health. However, over one-quarter of adults do not meet this recommendation. (Oops, me included!) AASM states that about 30% of adults have insomnia symptoms, and about 10% of adults have insomnia that is severe enough to cause daytime repercussions. What is it about sleep that it’s so important to have? What is the parameter of good and quality sleep? What are the health risks of not sleeping enough? In this episode, we tackle it all: sleep, dreams, the sleep cycle, sleeping pills, sleep disorders, and so much more!We are joined today by Dr. Meredith Broderick, a triple-board certified sleep neurologist and the Founder of Sound Sleep Guru, a boutique sleep telehealth service focused on discovering the root of individualized sleep problems. She received her BA in Chemistry from The Ohio State University as Summa Cum Laude​, MD from The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Neurology Residency at the University Hospitals of Cleveland, and Sleep Disorders and Behavioral Sleep Medicine Fellowship at Stanford University. Dr. Broderick is on the Medical Advisory Board of Ozlo Sleepbuds®, wireless biometric sensors to help optimize the sleeping experience. She has been the Assistant Professor of Neurology at Case Western Reserve School of Medicine, the Sleep Lab Director at Alaska Neurology Center, and the Medical Director at several sleep centers in Seattle, Washington.Livestream Air Date: June 28, 2023Follow Meredith Broderick, MD: InstagramFollow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz Bulacan (Host): Instagram, YouTubeThankful to the season's brand partners: Covry, House of M Beauty, Nguyen Coffee Supply, V Coterie, Skin By Anthos, Halmi, By Dr Mom, LOUPN, Baisun Candle Co., RĒJINS, Twrl Milk Tea, 1587 Sneakers

According to Harvard Medical School, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a long-hidden mystery of the human body - a complex network of chemical signals and cellular receptors that play a crucial role in regulating various essential functions in our body, such as sleep, temperature regulation, immune responses, learning and memory, and so much more. With the "cannabinoid" receptors in our brain, does this mean that our body is set to receive the cannabinoids that we know of? "Cannabidiol (CBD)," "cannabis," "hemp," "marijuana," "weed" - these are words that revolve around a green flowering plant that produces so many questions, discussions, and controversies. Often regarded as recreational therapy when it comes to parties in the form of gummies and brownies, the plant has been said and shown to provide so many more benefits than recreation. Whether tinctures to help with insomnia, facial oil to reduce acne, or capsules for pain, CBD seems to be a promising technology within the realm of plant medicine. But still, so many questions arise: What are cannabinoids? What are CBG and CBN? What are THC and THCv? What are terpenes? Can CBD give you the high? How can one consume CBD products safely?We are joined today by Amy Chin, a licensed cannabis coach and consultant and the founder of Calm Better Days (CBD). After over a decade of working in product management, Amy took her experiences of anxiety and depression to help others also find light in what she found an answer in: cannabis. In 2020, she founded Calm Better Days, a boutique that provides a curated CBD regimen suited to an individual's needs and lifestyle while providing educational services to new users of the phytochemical. CBD's boutique has a curated wide range of organic toxin-free, fungicide-, and pesticide-free products from carefully maintained farms in the United States.Livestream Air Date: June 23, 2023Follow Amy Chin: InstagramFollow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz Bulacan (Host): Instagram, YouTubeThankful to the season's brand partners: Covry, House of M Beauty, Nguyen Coffee Supply, V Coterie, Skin By Anthos, Halmi, By Dr Mom, LOUPN, Baisun Candle Co., RĒJINS, Twrl Milk Tea, 1587 Sneakers

There is a saying that goes, "The mind is the Devil's playground." Though this particularly refers to thoughts, mindsets, and emotions, the organ that houses the mind also seems to be an abode to nefarious diseases that have long been regarded as death sentences. Brain tumors and cancers, like meningioma and glioblastoma, are the most-feared adversaries of the nervous system, but there is an array of brain diseases that also creep up over time and claim their power over someone's life, its quality, and even the people around them. Memory loss has long been regarded as the hallmark presentation of Alzheimer's Disease and dementia. and it leads to the question of how possible it is to evade the malady that wipes the mental records of love and happiness clear. Can one surpass the ultimatum set by brain cancer? How can one ease their mind in the face of imminent demise? Can memory loss be prevented? What does "brain health" mean? Is social interaction really necessary to keep our brains safe?We are joined today by Joon Myung, a neuro-oncology nurse practitioner, Alzheimer's disease and dementia educator, and brain health and mental health advocate. She received her BS in Nursing from California State University in 2002 and MS in Family Practitioner Nursing from UCLA in 2005. Joon has been a nurse practitioner for almost two decades, spending the bulk of her advanced provider role in Internal Medicine and Urgent Care. Over the past six years, she has been diagnosing and treating brain cancers and providing treatment plans for post-surgical patients. Online, Joon generously shares her passion for brain health education, focused on brain-boosting, activities, meditation, mindsets, and supplements. She also shares her advocacy for Alzheimer's disease and dementia prevention, rooted in her own journey with her mother, who had the progressive brain disease.Livestream Air Date: May 25, 2023Follow Joon Myung, MS, FNP-C: InstagramFollow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz Bulacan (Host): Instagram, YouTubeThankful to the season's brand partners: Covry, House of M Beauty, Nguyen Coffee Supply, V Coterie, Skin By Anthos, Halmi, By Dr Mom, LOUPN, Baisun Candle Co., RĒJINS, Twrl Milk Tea, 1587 Sneakers