The Med List

Insurance jargon makes most people run the other way—until they need it. In this episode of The MedList, Kevin and Donna sit down with Kristen Rivers, JD (SVP of Sales, Pareto Health) to break down employer-sponsored insurance in plain English. They explore why costs keep rising, what “ownership vs. policyholder” really means, how transparency changes everything, and practical ways employers and employees can work together to build better benefits—without sacrificing care.

What if technology could make healthcare feel more personal instead of more complicated? In this episode of The Med List, Kevin and Donna talk with Percipio Health CEO and co-founder Eric Rock about how artificial intelligence and smartphones can support patients and clinicians without replacing the human connection at the heart of care.Eric shares how his work has evolved from improving efficiency in emergency departments to building tools that help people stay healthier at home—using technology that’s already in their hands. Together, they explore how AI can help patients feel more supported between visits, how care teams can stay connected to what really matters in a person’s daily life, and why trust must come before innovation.From scanning vitals with a simple selfie to helping clinicians better understand medication use and mental well-being, this conversation shows how AI can be used thoughtfully—to listen, to guide, and to bring patients and providers closer together.This episode isn’t about machines taking over healthcare.It’s about using technology to make care more compassionate, more accessible, and more centered on the people who need it most.

Dr. Brad Anderson—AT&T Endowed Professor of Telemedicine at Oklahoma State University (OSU)—joins The Med List to show what virtual care looks like when it’s built for real-world rural medicine. We unpack how OSU places remote clinicians throughout rural communities to reduce costs and keep care close to home. You’ll also hear how school-based telehealth is improving attendance and speeding up treatment, why “shared visits” allow family members to join from anywhere, and how wearables + AI tools could reshape workflow without losing the human touch.

After a personal hormone “wake-up call” that led to 10 medications and ultimately surgery, Melinda Fowler — The Hormonal Pharmacist — set out to change how women understand hormones, preimentopause and menopause. If you’ve ever been told “your labs are normal” but you feel anything but normal, know this episode is for you. Women are often dismissed during perimenopause and menopause because of a perfect storm of historical, educational, and systemic failures — not because their symptoms aren’t real. We unpack the fallout of the WHI study, how to test hormones correctly, and how to make informed decisions about HRT—without fear, hype, or guesswork.

 This is the last week to review and enroll in Medicare Open Enrollment for 2026! Learn about changes and important items to consider when picking a plan. And while you have your med list in front of you, it’s a great time to have a medication review.

Learn how an entire telehealth team is Impacting patient care through better access and health outcomes

In this episode, we talk with Dr. Jennifer Mondillo, Clinical Associate Professor and Track Coordinator for the Adult Geriatric Nurse Practitioner program at Villanova University. With expertise spanning geriatrics, neurology, and healthcare leadership, Dr. Mondillo shares how emotional intelligence and effective leadership can transform the quality of care for aging populations. From her years of teaching and research to her hands-on clinical experience, Dr. Mondillo offers wisdom on bridging the gap between knowledge and compassionate practice.

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Brian Freeman, Foot and Ankle Surgeon and founder of a new platform transforming access to specialized foot care. After more than a decade in surgery, Dr. Freeman saw a hidden crisis: vulnerable and elderly individuals suffering from preventable foot issues due to lack of access. His solution? Empowering nurses with the tools, training, and support to bring compassionate care directly to patients. We talk about dignity, innovation, and what it means to take the right step toward better care.

On The Med List, we’ve had the privilege of interviewing incredible guests from across the medical field — but today, we’re turning the mic around. In this light-hearted episode, you’ll get to know the voices behind the show: our hosts Kevin and Donna, and our producer, Tim.We’re pulling back the curtain to share our stories, passions, and what drives us both personally and professionally. You’ll also hear the heart behind why we started The Med List — and our hope for how this podcast will impact healthcare professionals and patients alike.

Women experience profound shifts across every stage of life—from the perinatal period to perimenopause—that deeply affect mental health. Hormones, stress, shifting priorities, and the demands of modern life all play a role. In this episode of The MedList Podcast, we’re joined by Erin Tanner, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, PMH-C, a dual board-certified Family and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and one of the nation’s leading experts in women’s mental health.With nearly 30 years of clinical experience, Erin specializes in integrated care that blends traditional medicine with holistic well-being. She shares insights on managing depression, anxiety, trauma, and burnout, and offers practical strategies to help women find balance and purpose through life’s transitions.Listen in for a compassionate, expert-level conversation that empowers women—and those who support Women experience profound shifts across every stage of life—from the perinatal period to perimenopause—that deeply affect mental health. Hormones, stress, shifting priorities, and the demands of modern life all play a role. In this episode of The MedList Podcast, we’re joined by Erin Tanner, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, PMH-C, a dual board-certified Family and Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and one of the nation’s leading experts in women’s mental health.With nearly 30 years of clinical experience, Erin specializes in integrated care that blends traditional medicine with holistic well-being. She shares insights on managing depression, anxiety, trauma, and burnout, and offers practical strategies to help women find balance and purpose through life’s transitions.Listen in for a compassionate, expert-level conversation that empowers women—and those who support them - with tools for resilience, healing, and hope.

Family caregiving can be one of the most meaningful—and most overwhelming—roles a person will ever take on. In this episode, we’re joined by Barry J. Jacobs, PsyD, a nationally recognized clinical psychologist, family therapist, and longtime caregiver advocate. For the past 11 years, Barry has been the trusted family caregiving columnist for AARP.org, where he has guided millions with his compassionate expertise. He is also the author and coauthor of several influential caregiving books, including his newest release, The AARP Caregiver Answer Book (Guilford, 2025).Listen in as Barry shares both professional insights and personal experiences from his own journey caring for parents with Alzheimer’s and dementia. You’ll learn about the emotional realities caregivers face, strategies to maintain resilience, and resources that offer real help and hope.We also highlight Barry’s work with the Well Spouse Association, Health Management Associates, and his dedication to supporting caregivers nationwide. Whether you are caring for a loved one now, or want to better understand the challenges caregivers face, this episode provides compassionate, expert-level answers.

Between 2019 and 2025, a groundbreaking multi-year analysis uncovered just how much value is hidden in the medications that often go to waste—and how reclaiming them transforms lives. In this episode, we explore the ripple effect of medication recovery programs like RemediChain. From patients who gain access to costly treatments at no charge, to insurers who save when patients can stick to their regimens, to families relieved from the crushing financial weight of diseases like cancer—the impact is far-reaching. We also take a closer look at what kinds of drugs are most frequently wasted, revealing unique insights into cancer treatment trends and the hidden costs of our healthcare system.

In this episode, we sit down with Kellie Hamilton, BSN, RN, HN—surgical intensive care nurse and holistic nutrition coach—to explore how clinical expertise and plant-based nutrition can work together to improve health. Kellie shares how she helps busy individuals lower their BMI, improve lab values, and prevent or manage chronic disease through sustainable lifestyle changes. She also dives into practical strategies you can use in and out of the kitchen to make lasting improvements in your own health.

https://www.deerparkdiesel.com/preferred-customer-programIn this episode, Senior Living Advisor and educator Laurie Cashman shares her journey from leading an assisted living community to teaching gerontology and psychology in the classroom. With over 25 years of experience in senior care, education, and advocacy, Laurie offers practical insights on navigating senior living decisions, supporting loved ones with dementia, and finding compassionate ways to approach life’s later chapters.

Dr. John Hsu, an anesthesiologist and entrepreneur, will share with us his groundbreaking work on reducing the harm of opioids and pain treatment.  Learn more about innovative measures to reduce opioid addiction before it can become an addiction.

Hearing is an important part of your healthcare visits and how patients learn about their health conditions and instructions for best outcomes. What happens when there is difficulty in hearing? 

Dr. Dung Trinh is a nationally recognized leader in brain health and preventive medicine, but his work stretches far beyond the clinic. As founder of TongueOut and a champion for global medical missions, Dr. Trinh shares how he's combining science, service, and entrepreneurship to bring healing to underserved communities around the world. From treating Alzheimer’s locally to disaster zones abroad, this conversation is a reminder that healthcare is most powerful when it’s human, hopeful, and holistic.

Join us for a conversation with Jeff Harrell, PharmD — CEO of Cascadia Pharmacy Group and President of the NCPA — as we explore how community pharmacies are reshaping healthcare delivery. With over 40 locations across the Pacific Northwest, Jeff shares how independent pharmacies are expanding services, bridging rural care gaps, and driving innovation through collaboration. From sustainable reimbursement to creative partnerships, this episode unpacks the future of pharmacy at the frontlines of patient care.

In this episode, we sit down with Cynthia Austin, NBC-HWC, whose journey from debilitating chronic pain to healing and hope is nothing short of powerful. Once walking with a cane and unable to work for over 15 years, Cynthia found lasting relief by learning how the brain and nervous system create pain. Now a nationally board-certified health and wellness coach and founder of My Pain Coach, LLC, she helps others do what she once thought was impossible—change their experience with pain. If you're looking for real hope and practical insight, this conversation is for you.

Join us to discuss topics that have touched nearly every family. Dealing with pain and mental health while weighing the therapy choices can be hard enough, but add substance use disorder concerns and a lack of training for the healthcare world can compound the issues for both patients and clinicians. Our guest has a unique perspective to help clarify best steps for all of us.