Dragon Fire.Sides

This episode is different.It isn’t polished. It isn’t easy.It’s honest.After my recent Dragon Fire.Sides conversation with Dr. Gretchen Badami about school closures, federal pressure, and why so many acupuncturists are struggling, the comments section lit up.One of the strongest and most thoughtful responses came from today’s guest, Dr. Mary (Molly) Cooke — and this episode is a direct response to that discussion.Molly’s lived experience speaks directly to the silent crisis many practitioners face:Crushing student loan debtFew viable jobsProblematic work environmentsLack of support after graduationBurnout, invisibility, and emotional exhaustionTogether, we explore:Why acupuncturists are being gaslit by the very systems meant to support themThe brutal math of debt vs. actual practitioner incomeWhat’s really happening with school closures and institutional pressureWhy so many acupuncturists feel abandoned, betrayed, or deceivedIs medicine a calling or a business?What happens when a healer is forced to become an entrepreneur to survive?Why the public doesn’t understand acupunctureWhy practitioners don’t agree on what acupuncture isHow lack of standardization fuels confusion — and enables exploitationThis conversation builds on the themes from the episode with Dr. Gretchen Badami and pushes them further:Acupuncture must become more visible, more unified, more empowered — or risk being sidelined and replaced by lesser-trained providers.This episode is a call to action for practitioners who feel:UnderpaidUndervaluedUnseenOverwhelmedBurned outOr simply tired of pretending everything is fineYou are not alone.You are not crazy.And your voice matters.Disclaimer:This episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, legal, business, or financial advice. Always consult relevant professionals regarding your unique circumstances.🔥 The Crisis Behind the Curtain🔥 The Ethical Tension🔥 The Identity Crisis of the Profession🔥 The Path Forward

In this episode of Dragon Fire.Sides, David Bernard sits down with Ryan Encinas — former surgical first assist and hospital director turned cellular-health and nutrition strategist.Ryan has been inside the belly of the beast:Cancer research & surgeryPediatric spine & brain casesPrivate hospital administrationFront-row seats to how broken billing and “sick care” really areToday, he works with a Fortune 100–level nutraceutical company using Raman spectroscopy to measure cellular nutrition and antioxidant status in real time — and then uses that data to help providers:Improve patient outcomesAdd cash revenue streams to their practicesAnd build businesses rooted in authenticity, not gimmicksIn this conversation, David and Ryan explore:Why 95% of people are nutritionally under-fueled at the cellular levelHow a simple hand-scan can act like a “credit score” for your cellsThe difference between quoting science… and actually running clinicals on your productHow Ryan went from OR and hospital politics to nutrition, biochem & geneticsWhy “prevention is profitable” when you can measure what you’re talking aboutThe role of discipline, self-honesty, and mindset in entrepreneurshipAuthentic content vs. formulaic “fake authenticity” on social mediaHow he built a thriving business using organic content only (no paid ads)Why movement, fascia, and subtle energetics matter just as much as lab markersThis episode is for practitioners who:Feel trapped between broken insurance models and supplement guessworkWant objective tools to talk about lifestyle, nutrition, and risk with patientsAre curious how to build cash-based, values-aligned revenue into their practiceKnow they need to show up online, but want to do it in a way that still feels humanRyan and David also nerd out on how to become more like your own comic-book hero in real life.Disclaimer:This episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose, treat, or cure any condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding your personal health and any changes to your treatment plan.

In this powerful and vulnerable episode of Dragon Fire.Sides, David Bernard sits down with Dr. Chloe Weber, DACM, L.Ac. — herbalist, and founder of Radical Roots and Noxi Herbs, two companies redefining what modern herbal medicine can be.Chloe’s story is one of grit, heartbreak, innovation, and unwavering devotion. A single mother and practitioner, she entered the world of herbal entrepreneurship not because she wanted to, but because she had to — to support her son Remy, who lives with a rare genetic disorder.Out of necessity, Chloe developed a unique hemp-based botanical formula paired with traditional Chinese herbs (nicknamed “Remy’s Revenge”), which profoundly supported her son’s quality of life. What started as an act of love became a mission — and eventually, a company.In this episode, David and Chloe explore:Why practitioners must become advocates or the medicine won’t surviveThe urgent need for visibility, education, and public outreachHow Chloe built Radical Roots and Noxi Herbs from scratch without outside fundingWhy hemp-based formulations are powerful — yet brutally difficult to marketThe hidden reality of supplement margins, manufacturing, and retailThe challenge of maintaining integrity in an industry obsessed with profitsWhy more practitioners need to get uncomfortable, get loud, and get out thereThe identity crisis within TCM and why community mattersWhat new practitioners aren’t told but desperately need to knowHow to keep going when your calling meets a society that doesn’t understand your workChloe’s honesty, rawness, humor, and relentless commitment to the medicine make this one of the most inspiring Fireside conversations yet.This episode is for every practitioner who has ever doubted their path — and every parent, healer, or entrepreneur who knows they’re here to fight for something bigger than themselves.Disclaimer: This episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and does not promote, advertise, or endorse any specific herbal or hemp-derived products. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

In this Fireside episode, David Bernard sits down with John Jaarsveld, a Dutch acupuncturist, researcher, educator, Kiiko Matsumoto style practitioner, and former head of research for the European TCM Association.John brings three decades of personal study, 18 years of clinical experience, and a rare blend of critical thinking, philosophical depth, and practical insight. What unfolds is a profound dialogue on the true purpose of medicine, the business and ethics of practice, the gaps in modern healthcare systems, and the sacred exchange that happens between practitioner and patient.Together, David and John explore:The difference between nourishing life and fighting diseaseHow Chinese medicine fills the enormous gaps left by modern allopathic careWhy the infrastructure—not the science—is the real strength of Western medicineThe sobering reality that acupuncturists must navigate in business, money, and ethicsHow to practice integrity in a world where the patient is also a customerWhy pricing carries psychological and energetic significanceThe tension between service, integrity, and the need for financial survivalThe future of the profession across Europe, the U.S., and the worldThe role of community clinics and low-cost careWhy commodifying human relationships is a danger to both patients and practitionersHow to use money ethically, consciously, and as part of a healing relationshipThis conversation weaves together philosophy, clinical insight, economics, ethics, and the lived reality of being a practitioner in the modern world.If you're a clinician, student, or someone navigating the intersection of healing and business, this episode will challenge you, inspire you, and give you a deeper understanding of what it really means to practice medicine.

In this eye-opening episode, David Bernard sits down with Dr. Gretchen Badami, Doctor of Oriental Medicine, herbalist, professor, former associate dean, and host of the Elevated Practice Podcast.Together, they explore the real reasons why acupuncture schools are closing, why 80% of practitioners fail in the first five years, and what absolutely must change for the profession to survive.Gretchen brings nearly two decades of experience from every angle of the field — clinician, educator, administrator, philosopher — and offers a brutally honest but deeply compassionate look at the structural, financial, and cultural challenges facing new practitioners.In this conversation, they unpack:The true cost of becoming an acupuncturist (and why students are buried before they start)Why most graduates unknowingly sign up to be entrepreneurs, not employeesHow student loans, cost of living, and long program requirements create structural barriersWhere acupuncture schools are failing — and where their hands are tiedWhy business training is completely insufficient in most programsWhat new grads actually need to survive their first 1–3 yearsWhy society needs integrative medicine more than everHow to create a sustainable practice without burning outThe vital importance of marketing, mentorship, and outsourcingThe opportunity created by school closures and rising demandWhy the next generation of practitioners must rethink what “practice” looks likeThis is one of the most important Fireside conversations yet — a candid and nuanced discussion about the evolution, challenges, and urgent opportunities facing the acupuncture profession today.🔥 If you're a student, new practitioner, educator, or clinic owner, this episode is essential listening.

In this powerful and wide-ranging Fireside episode, David Bernard sits down with Dr. Andy Rosenfarb, one of the most influential voices in modern acupuncture and the global leader in Chinese Medical Ophthalmology.Over 50 minutes, they explore the pivotal crossroads facing the acupuncture profession — from failing schools and collapsing infrastructure to the unprecedented opportunity awaiting practitioners who are ready to evolve.Dr. Rosenfarb shares his origin story, how a single encounter with an acupuncturist changed the course of his life, and why he chose to pioneer an entirely new clinical specialty in ophthalmology when no formal training existed.Together, David and Andy unpack:Why the acupuncture profession is collapsing — and why that’s actually an opportunityHow to build a modern clinical practice using online programs, telemedicine, and digital marketingWhy practitioners must specialize to survive the next decadeAndy’s proven, high-success ophthalmology treatment model (in-office + home care)How he built one of the most successful integrative clinics in the U.S.The role of content, social media, and public visibility in saving the professionThe importance of practitioners learning funnels, messaging, marketing, and entrepreneurshipWhy the opportunity for acupuncturists in the next 20 years is larger than ever in historyThe call for unity, community, and a new era of professional stewardshipWhether you’re a student, a practitioner, an educator, or someone who cares about the future of integrative medicine, this is the episode you need to hear.This conversation is a rallying cry — a bell-ringer — for every practitioner who believes in this medicine and knows the world needs it now more than ever.🔥 The question is no longer “Can acupuncture survive?”🔥 The question is: “Are we willing to evolve?”

In this episode, David Bernard, co-founder of LeadBetterAI, sits down with Noa Lynne Sutherland, an acupuncturist and herbal medicine expert, who has defied the odds by thriving in a field where many have struggled. With a focus on integrative medicine and patient-centered care, Noa reveals her journey from zero clients to running a flourishing clinic, Zoi Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine. In this conversation, we uncover the secrets behind Noa's success, including the importance of authenticity, excellence in patient care, and the innovative integration of modern diagnostics with traditional Chinese medicine practices.This podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in health, wellness, and the transformative power of integrating traditional and modern medicine. Whether you're a clinical practitioner looking to enhance your practice, someone interested in exploring alternative medicine, or simply a listener in search of inspiration from a successful healthcare entrepreneur, this episode offers valuable insights into achieving success and sustainability in the competitive world of healthcare.#IntegrativeMedicine #AcupunctureSuccess #HerbalMedicine #PatientCareExcellence #HealthcareInnovation #ClinicProfitabilityVisit zoiwell.com to connect with Noa or schedule an in person or telemedicine conference.Visit leadbetter.app to find out how we help bring clinics to profitability while protecting and prioritizing the practitioners without compromising quality of care.

David Bernard, founder of LeadBetter AI, hosts a podcast with Chris Butler, the owner of Wellpath Center in Wellspring, New Jersey, an experienced practitioner in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).- **TCM and Modern Healthcare:** Chris Butler discusses his journey and specialization in TCM, particularly in women's reproductive health and acupuncture. He emphasizes the synergy between TCM and modern healthcare practices, arguing for a more holistic approach to treatment.- **Fertility and Gynecology:** Butler has dedicated a significant part of his career to helping women with fertility issues, leveraging his expertise in the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine.- **Acupuncture’s Versatility:** The conversation touches upon the public's limited understanding of acupuncture. It's more than pain relief; it's a comprehensive system addressing a wide array of health issues.- **Functional Medicine and Chinese Medicine:** Butler draws parallels between functional medicine and TCM, both focusing on individualized treatment and understanding the root causes of health issues rather than just treating symptoms.- **Dermatology and Herbal Medicine:** A significant portion of the discussion revolves around treating dermatological conditions like psoriasis and eczema with herbal medicine, highlighting the effectiveness of TCM over conventional treatments in certain cases.- **Educating Patients:** The role of a TCM practitioner, according to Butler, extends beyond treatment. It involves educating patients about their health, lifestyle, and the interconnections between various aspects of their lives and their wellbeing.- **Integration of Allopathic and TCM:** Butler advocates for the integration of allopathic (Western) medicine and TCM, stressing that each has its strengths and, when combined, can offer more effective treatment solutions.- **Chronic Illnesses and Lifestyle Changes:** The discussion underscores the importance of lifestyle changes in managing chronic illnesses, where TCM can play a vital role in guiding patients towards healthier living.- **Empirical Basis of TCM:** The conversation also sheds light on the empirical, trial-and-error basis of TCM, which has evolved over thousands of years, and its relevance in modern healthcare.