The Checkup with Doctor Mike
DM Operations Inc.
In The Checkup, board-certified family medicine physician, Dr. Mike, interviews the biggest names in Hollywood, Washington, sports, music, digital, and everywhere else about their physical, mental, and emotional health, so we can all learn to live happy and healthy together.
Watch full video episodes: https://go.doctormikemedia.com/youtube/playlist/CheckupPodcastPlaylist
IG: https://go.doctormikemedia.com/instagram/CheckupPod
Twitter: https://go.doctormikemedia.com/twitter/DMTwitter
Facebook: https://go.doctormikemedia.com/facebook/DMFacebook
Contact Email: DoctorMikeMedia@Gmail.com
Host and Executive Producer: Doctor Mike
Produced by Dan Owens and Sam Bowers
Art by Caroline Weigum
** The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional **
Watch full video episodes: https://go.doctormikemedia.com/youtube/playlist/CheckupPodcastPlaylist
IG: https://go.doctormikemedia.com/instagram/CheckupPod
Twitter: https://go.doctormikemedia.com/twitter/DMTwitter
Facebook: https://go.doctormikemedia.com/facebook/DMFacebook
Contact Email: DoctorMikeMedia@Gmail.com
Host and Executive Producer: Doctor Mike
Produced by Dan Owens and Sam Bowers
Art by Caroline Weigum
** The information in this video is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in this video is for general information purposes only and does not replace a consultation with your own doctor/health professional **
Episodes
Mentioned books
6 snips
Oct 26, 2025 • 2h 6min
Confronting CNN's Doctor | Dr. Sanjay Gupta
Dr. Sanjay Gupta, a board-certified neurosurgeon and CNN's chief medical correspondent, dives deep into the intersection of medicine and media. He shares his journey into health journalism, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, balancing transparency and public trust. Gupta discusses chronic pain, revealing the gaps in treatment and the opioid crisis's impact. He emphasizes nonpharmacologic approaches and the promising insights from new gene discoveries. Lastly, he reflects on the challenges of combating misinformation in today's media landscape.
51 snips
Oct 19, 2025 • 49min
The Truth About The Government Shutdown | Senator Chuck Schumer
Senator Chuck Schumer, Senior U.S. Senator from New York and Senate Democratic leader, dives deep into the ramifications of the government shutdown. He explains how budget expirations lead to furloughs and essential service disruptions. Schumer highlights proposed cuts threatening hospitals and nursing homes, alongside the political dynamics preventing negotiations. He emphasizes the urgent need to protect healthcare funding and calls for direct talks with Trump to resolve the crisis. Schumer’s insights reveal a complex interplay of politics and public health.
Oct 12, 2025 • 1h 42min
She Doesn't Want To Cure Her Blindness | Molly Burke
Molly Burke, a blind creator and motivational speaker, opens up about her journey with vision loss and her new book, *Unseen*. She shares insights on the emotional impact of her condition, highlighting why many disabled individuals reject the idea of a cure. Molly passionately critiques pity-based charity campaigns and emphasizes the importance of inclusive design. She also discusses her experiences with bullying, the significance of support from her family, and her mission to educate others about disability, identity, and representation.
14 snips
Oct 1, 2025 • 2h 3min
What Hollywood Gets Wrong About Mental Illness | Dr. Eric Bender
Dr. Eric Bender, a psychiatrist and media consultant, dives deep into Hollywood's portrayal of mental illness. He discusses how media shapes public perception and the trend toward more nuanced depictions since 2008. Bender critiques films like Silver Linings Playbook for their romanticized cures while valuing their stigma-reducing effects. He emphasizes the importance of accurate therapy portrayals and the ethical concerns behind diagnosing public figures. Bender also explores the role of therapy modalities, medication, and the impact of trauma on mental health.
Sep 17, 2025 • 1h 17min
Why Rainn Wilson Loves Paramedics & Thinks Dwight Schrute Is MAHA
Rainn Wilson, the beloved actor behind Dwight Schrute from The Office and host of the Soul Boom podcast, dives into the realities of frontline healthcare and his new film, Code 3. He candidly discusses the mistreatment of EMS workers and the shocking costs of medical billing. Rainn also shares personal stories of wildfire evacuations and his mental health journey. Plus, he humorously imagines Dwight's outrageous political influence and remedies, all while reflecting on youth mental health and spirituality.
Sep 7, 2025 • 2h 10min
The Doctor Who Cured His Own Disease | Dr. David Fajgenbaum
Dr. David Fajgenbaum, a physician and Castleman's disease survivor, shares his remarkable journey from a Division One quarterback to a medical advocate. He discusses how personal tragedy, including his mother's battle with cancer, inspired his fight for medical innovation. David explains his groundbreaking work in drug repurposing, emphasizes the importance of the 'right to try' legislation, and highlights how AI could transform cancer treatments. His journey showcases resilience, hope, and the profound impact of patient-centered care.
74 snips
Aug 31, 2025 • 2h 41min
How RFK Jr. Manipulates Nutrition Research | Kevin Hall
Kevin Hall, a leading metabolism researcher, delves into the intricate power dynamics of nutritional research. He unpacks the impact of ultra-processed foods on appetite and weight, revealing their ties to obesity. The conversation navigates misconceptions around calorie intake, diet types, and metabolic responses. Hall also shares his battle against misinformation and censorship in the field, emphasizing the importance of integrity in nutritional studies for public health. Tune in for a captivating exploration of diet, science, and integrity!
73 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 3h 22min
The Science Of Attractiveness | Dr. Mike Israetel
Dr. Mike Israetel, a bodybuilder and PhD in sports physiology, discusses the complexities of attractiveness and societal beauty standards. He delves into the psychological impacts of these perceptions on self-worth, especially among adolescents, and critiques the role of cosmetic surgery. The conversation touches on the evolving landscape of fitness, the implications of height in dating, and the significance of emotional healing in the pursuit of beauty. Israetel's insights encourage a balanced view of aesthetics, highlighting the importance of health and self-acceptance.
27 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 17min
The Truth About My Anti-Vax Debate
The discussion kicks off with reflections on a challenging series about vaccine hesitancy and the importance of critical thinking in medical interventions. It dives into the safety of COVID-19 vaccinations for children, debunking myths like the discredited autism link. Trust in medical experts is another hot topic, highlighting skepticism during the pandemic and the need for credible information. Finally, the science behind vaccines is explored, emphasizing their role in disease prevention and the rigorous research backing their efficacy.
Aug 6, 2025 • 1h 54min
How A Quadriplegic Man Became A Pro Racecar Driver | Torsten Gross
Torsten Gross, a professional race car driver and quadriplegic, shares his inspiring journey of overcoming adversity through motorsports. He discusses his life-changing accident in the Bahamas, the challenge of navigating medical insurance, and the emotional complexities of family support. Torsten emphasizes the importance of empowerment in racing, challenges stereotypes of individuals with disabilities, and highlights his Just Hands Foundation's mission to support others. His anecdotes blend humor with profound insights about resilience, relationships, and redefining the narrative around disability.
