The Wisepreneurs Podcast Michael Best on Career Reinvention, Cannabis Research, and Learning at 80
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At 74, a routine phone call during COVID changed everything for Dr. Michael Best. After 50 years practicing medicine, he discovered the endocannabinoid system—a biological network in every human body that he'd never learned about in medical school. Now 80, he's writing a scientific book on the topic while mastering AI tools, Obsidian, and Zotero, proving that intellectual challenge sustains cognitive vitality rather than diminishing it.
In this conversation, Michael reveals why mainstream medicine ignores what patients experience, how accumulated expertise transforms technology from threat to strategic advantage, and why serendipity combined with professional curiosity creates meaningful work beyond traditional retirement. This is essential listening for anyone questioning whether it's too late to learn something complex, pivot careers, or take on ambitious intellectual projects in later life.
Resources Mentioned
- Dr. Michael Best's upcoming book: The Science Beneath Medicinal Cannabis
- Obsidian note-taking app: https://obsidian.md
- Zotero reference manager: https://www.zotero.org
- Claude AI: https://claude.ai (AI research assistant Michael uses)
- ChatGPT: https://chat.openai.com (Initial AI tool Michael explored)
- Dr. Michael Best on LinkedIn: [would add link if provided]
Names Mentioned on This Podcast
Hazel Edwards (author, publisher, and Michael's mentor—Michael describes himself as one of her "Hazelnuts"), Luc P. Beaudoin (Canadian cognitive scientist on LinkedIn who discusses "cognitively potent tools")
Key Concepts Discussed
Endocannabinoid system, homeostasis, medicinal cannabis vs recreational cannabis, CBD and THC, pharmaceutical-grade cannabis, TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration - Australia), FDA (Food and Drug Administration - USA), telehealth, PTSD treatment, chronic pain management, anxiety and sleep disorders, ketamine therapy, epilepsy and seizure management, cancer treatment and chemotherapy-related nausea, ADHD, crystallized intelligence, extended mind theory, embodied cognition
Connect With Dr Michael Best on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-best-2b588133b/
Connect with Nigel Rawlins
website https://wisepreneurs.com.au/
Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/nigelrawlins/
Twitter https://twitter.com/wisepreneurs
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