Evolution of Medicine Podcast

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 katie@handsonperu.org 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.