Modern Thyroid and Wellness

What if true longevity isn’t about treating disease after it appears, but about tracking the right data early and becoming the CEO of your own health?In this episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, McCall McPherson sits down with Dr. Darshan Shah, MD, board-certified surgeon, published author, and co-founder of NEXT|HEALTH, the fastest-growing health optimization and longevity clinic network. Together, they explore why the current medical system is built to manage illness rather than create health, and what it truly means to take a proactive, data-driven approach to longevity.Dr. Shah shares his personal journey from burnout, autoimmune disease, and multiple medications to reclaiming his health through nutrition, movement, functional medicine, and biomarker tracking. This conversation is a powerful reminder that prevention, early intervention, and personal accountability are the foundations of long-term vitality.In This Episode, You Will Learn• Why traditional medicine excels at emergency care but falls short in creating long-term health • How Dr. Shah reversed autoimmune disease and reduced his medications through lifestyle and data • What it means to be the CEO of your own health • Why most routine lab work misses early warning signs of chronic disease • The difference between “normal” lab ranges and optimal health markers • Which biomarkers matter most for preventing chronic illness • Why hemoglobin A1C is one of the most important indicators of long-term health • How metabolic dysfunction develops years before symptoms appear • Why quarterly data tracking is more powerful than annual lab testing • How wearables, grip strength, and body composition predict longevity • When people should start monitoring biomarkers for healthspan and lifespan • The three non-negotiable habits Dr. Shah credits for his health transformationKey Topics Discussed• Reactive medicine vs proactive health optimization • Early detection of chronic disease through biomarkers • Metabolic health and insulin resistance • Inflammation as a root cause of disease • Healthspan vs lifespan • Patient empowerment and data literacy • Strength training and muscle mass as longevity markers • Sleep, stress, and nervous system regulation • Building sustainable habits that compound over timeDr. Shah’s Three Non-Negotiables for Longevity• A protected morning routine that includes movement, mental wellness, and reflection • Strength training as a priority over cardio when time is limited • Creating distance from phones at night to reduce stress and improve sleep qualityAbout Dr. Darshan Shah, MDDr. Darshan Shah is a board-certified surgeon, health optimization expert, and co-founder of NEXT|HEALTH, a nationwide network of longevity and wellness clinics focused on prevention, performance, and personalized care. After experiencing severe health decline himself, Dr. Shah pursued advanced training in nutrition, exercise physiology, and functional medicine, leading to a complete transformation of his health and clinical approach.Resources & Links🌐 NEXT|HEALTHhttps://www.next-health.com📱 Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/💼 LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/darshanshahmd/📲 Follow McCall McPherson & Modern Thyroid and Wellness💻 Website: modernthyroidclinic.com🐦 X / Twitter: @thyroidexpert🌐 Host Website: mccallmcpherson.com📺 YouTube: McCall McPherson Channel📘 Facebook: McCall McPherson PAC📸 Instagram: @mccallmcphersonpa

What if the path to healing after deep loss begins with understanding exactly what your body needs to feel steady, supported, and whole again?In this deeply personal first episode back, McCall opens up about the recent loss of her brother and how grief has affected her health, energy, sleep, and daily rhythms. She answers one of the most requested questions from her community by walking listeners through her full supplement and medication routine, sharing exactly what she takes, why she takes it, and how each product supports different aspects of her health.From thyroid medication and mitochondrial support to hair repair, gut health, sleep aids, and antioxidants, McCall explains the purpose behind every item in her morning and evening stacks. She offers practical insight into how she is supporting her body through grief, fatigue, inflammation, and stress.She closes the episode with gratitude for the immense support she has received and a reminder to cherish loved ones and prioritize self care during life’s hardest moments.Key Topics Covered• How grief impacts energy, sleep, cognition, and metabolic health • McCall’s complete morning supplement stack and medication routine • Thyroid medications and why she takes desiccated thyroid and micro dose lithium • The role of mitochondrial support in chronic fatigue and long term energy • Hair repair strategies including supplements, minoxidil, and nutrient support • Gut health tools including probiotics, digestive enzymes, and glutathione • Evening supplements for sleep, anxiety relief, and nervous system regulation • How and when she uses targeted supplements like stem cell support, NAD precursors, antioxidants, and focus gummies • Practical tips for choosing quality supplements and dosing wisely • Emotional reflections on loss, gratitude, and community supportIn This Episode, You Will Learn• What McCall takes daily for thyroid function and energy • How she layers mitochondrial support, from methylene blue to Timeline Nutrition • Her personal experience with hair loss, bleaching damage, and repair protocols • Why probiotic choice matters and which brands she trusts • How grief and stress shape supplement needs • Her full nighttime routine including progesterone, glutathione, sleep supports, and trazodone • Supplements she uses only as needed and why • How she sequences her routine to maximize absorption and function📲 Follow McCall McPherson & Modern Thyroid and Wellness💻 Website: modernthyroidclinic.com🐦 X / Twitter: @thyroidexpert🌐 Host Website: mccallmcpherson.com📺 YouTube: McCall McPherson Channel📘 Facebook: McCall McPherson PAC📸 Instagram: @mccallmcphersonpa

What if a few simple shifts in how you eat, move, and rest could completely change the way your body handles the holidays?In this solo episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, host McCall McPherson shares ten science backed holiday hacks to help you enjoy the festive season without sacrificing your health or energy. From reducing inflammation and stabilizing blood sugar to improving sleep, alcohol choices, and recovery habits, these simple strategies are especially valuable for anyone navigating thyroid issues, autoimmune conditions, or metabolic challenges. Instead of entering the new year feeling depleted, inflamed, and exhausted, McCall offers practical tools to help you stay vibrant, grounded, and well all season long.Key Topics Covered• How holidays trigger inflammation and antibody spikes • Antioxidants and glutathione support for immune balance • The Food Flow Formula for optimal blood sugar control • Post meal walking and metabolic impacts • Magnesium and glycine for improved sleep and insulin sensitivity • Strength training as a metabolic and inflammatory buffer • Using polyphenols to slow glucose absorption • How to choose clean alcohol sources that minimize inflammation • Meal timing and why stopping three hours before bed matters • The power of light management and circadian support • Why intentional rest is critical for thyroid and adrenal recoveryIn This Episode, You Will Learn• How to reduce post meal glucose spikes by up to 75 percent • Why hypothyroid bodies gain weight more easily during the holidays • The science behind sleep timing, growth hormone, and recovery • Why walking after meals functions like natural insulin • What alcohol choices are least inflammatory and why wine sourcing matters • How to prevent fatigue, brain fog, and metabolic crashesPractical Hacks Shared in the Episode• Eat protein and fiber first, save carbs for last • Walk 20 minutes within 30 minutes after meals • Take 200 mg magnesium and 3 g glycine before bed • Strength train 30 to 60 minutes before big meals • Pair meals with polyphenols like green tea or red wine • Avoid California wines and choose Italian Piedmont wines or Blanco tequila • Stop eating three hours before bed to improve insulin and sleep • Dim lights before bedtime and avoid screens • Plan downtime after busy events to reset inflammation and adrenal functionEpisode Takeaways• Small choices compounded over time radically change holiday health outcomes • Thyroid and metabolic health require proactive strategies • Enjoy the holidays and indulge intentionally without paying the price • Protecting your blood sugar protects your energy, mood, and immunityListen Now and ShareIf this episode supports you, share it with a friend or loved one who wants to enjoy the holidays without inflammation, weight gain, or exhaustion. Subscribe and leave a review to help others discover life changing thyroid support.📲 Follow McCall McPherson & Modern Thyroid and Wellness💻 Website: modernthyroidclinic.com🐦 X / Twitter: @thyroidexpert🌐 Host Website: mccallmcpherson.com📺 YouTube: McCall McPherson Channel📘 Facebook: McCall McPherson PAC📸 Instagram: @mccallmcphersonpa

What if your “normal” thyroid labs are anything but normal—and the symptoms you’re told to ignore are actually warning signs to act now?In this solo episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, host McCall McPherson delivers a passionate and research-backed message on the overlooked dangers of subclinical hypothyroidism. Often labeled as “mild” due to its definition—elevated TSH with normal T4—this condition is far from benign for many patients. McCall dives into the flaws in conventional guidelines that delay treatment until symptoms worsen or labs change, ignoring the lived experience of countless individuals.Drawing on both clinical expertise and personal insights, McCall outlines the potential consequences of under-treatment, including mental health decline, metabolic issues, and autoimmune progression. She makes a compelling case for earlier, personalized intervention and combination therapies that include T3—not just the standard levothyroxine. This episode is a call to action for patients and providers alike to rethink what subclinical really means, and to prioritize outcomes over outdated lab thresholds.🔑 Key Topics CoveredWhy the term “subclinical” is misleading and often harmfulHow untreated or under-treated hypothyroidism can lead to serious long-term health problemsThe gap between lab values and symptom realityProblems with current treatment standards and TSH thresholdsThe limitations of levothyroxine as a standalone therapyThe role of combination therapy including T3Why early intervention matters, even with “normal” labsHow personalized treatment plans improve quality of lifeA call for a patient-centered, symptom-informed approach to thyroid care📣 Episode TakeawaysSubclinical doesn’t mean insignificant. It often is clinical for the person experiencing it.Waiting for TSH to rise or T4 to fall is a reactive, not proactive, medical strategy.Combination therapy with T3 can dramatically improve outcomes in the right patients.Treat the person, not just the paper.🎧 Listen Now & Share!If this episode resonated with you or someone you care about, please share it. Subscribe to Modern Thyroid and Wellness on your favorite podcast app and leave a review to help others discover this critical information.📲 Follow McCall McPherson & Modern Thyroid and Wellness💻 Website: modernthyroidclinic.com 🐦 X / Twitter: @thyroidexpert 🌐 Host Website: mccallmcpherson.com 📺 YouTube: McCall McPherson Channel 📘 Facebook: McCall McPherson PAC 📸 Instagram: @mccallmcphersonpa

In this insightful discussion, Taylor Dukes, a board-certified nurse practitioner and founder of Taylor Dukes Wellness, shares her transformative journey through health crises and brain tumor diagnosis. She delves into the links between thyroid health and hidden toxins while revealing the importance of gut function and emotional regulation. Taylor offers practical detox strategies, highlights the significance of nervous system healing, and emphasizes self-advocacy in a conventional healthcare system that often overlooks women's needs. A wealth of hope and actionable advice awaits!

Could your daily screen time be quietly disrupting your hormones, vision, and emotional balance without you realizing it?In this episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, McCall sits down with Dr. Meenal Agarwal, a board-certified optometrist, to explore the powerful connection between eye health, brain function, hormonal balance, and digital wellness. Drawing on her personal story and clinical insights, Dr. Agarwal explains how our modern, screen-filled lives are impacting everything from sleep to stress to spatial awareness.You'll learn how blue light exposure disrupts hormone cycles, why early presbyopia is on the rise, and how the eyes offer a window into systemic health—including thyroid disorders. Plus, Dr. Agarwal shares simple but transformative strategies like the 20-20-20 rule, visual breaks, and mindful movement to protect your eyes, brain, and emotional regulation.Whether you're a chronic screen scroller or noticing subtle shifts in your vision, this conversation will empower you to take better care of your whole self—starting with your eyes.👩‍⚕️ About Dr. Meenal AgarwalDr. Meenal Agarwal is a board-certified optometrist and the founder of Uncover Your Eye, a podcast and platform championing the role of vision in cognition, spatial awareness, and long-term health. Diagnosed with glaucoma at age 11, Dr. Agarwal brings both personal experience and deep clinical knowledge to her unique, holistic approach—blending optometry, mindfulness, and lifestyle medicine to improve lives in a screen-dominated world. 🔑 Key Topics CoveredHow digital screens affect sleep, hormones, and the brainThe 20-20-20 Rule: a simple yet powerful visual reset techniqueBlue light myths: what’s true and what’s overhypedThe underestimated importance of visual breaks and morning sunlightWhy early presbyopia and nearsightedness are spiking in younger generationsHow hormonal shifts during menopause and thyroid dysfunction impact the eyesSpatial awareness, balance, and the peripheral vision crisisHow screen time affects cognitive health and emotional regulationDr. Agarwal’s personal journey with eye strain, anxiety, and digital detoxingActionable tools to restore eye-brain-body balance ✅ Practical Tools & Advice20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 secondsDigital Detox at Night: Avoid screens 1–2 hours before bed to protect melatonin and sleep qualityGet Morning Sunlight: 10–20 minutes without sunglasses supports circadian rhythmSpatial Movement: Regular movement restores peripheral vision and balanceRethink Blue Light Glasses: Not all are created equal—look for 30–40% filtration with anti-reflective coating 🧠 Eye-Opening FactsBy 2050, 50% of the global population is projected to be nearsightedDry eyes are a leading symptom of hormonal changes and menopauseVision loss and balance issues may stem from peripheral vision neglectThe retina is the only place in the body where blood vessels can be seen non-invasively—making eye exams critical for early detection of systemic illness🔗 Links & Resources🌐 Dr. Minal Agarwal💻 Website / Clinic: drmeenal.com – Pickering Town Centre Optometric Clinic📸 Instagram: @dr.meenalagarwal💼 LinkedIn: Dr. Meenal Agarwal📘 Facebook: Dr. Meenal Agarwal & Associates🎙️ Podcast Host – McCall McPherson💻 Website: mccallmcpherson.com🌐 Clinic Website: modernthyroidclinic.com🐦 X / Twitter: @thyroidexpert📘 Facebook: McCall McPherson PAC📸 Instagram: @mccallmcphersonpa🎥 YouTube: McCall McPherson Channel

Can your thyroid and hormones really influence how your skin ages—or could your emotional health be part of the glow you’re missing?In this insightful episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, host McCall sits down with internationally renowned dermatologist Dr. Sabrina Fabi to explore the powerful intersection of thyroid health, skin aging, and emotional well-being.Drawing from both clinical expertise and her personal health journey, Dr. Fabi unpacks how hormonal imbalances—especially thyroid dysfunction—can deeply affect the skin, hair, and connective tissue. She also introduces us to the incredible science of oxytocin, the “love hormone,” and how it plays a surprising role in healing, emotional resilience, and even skin regeneration.As the founder of XOMD, a skincare line formulated with oxytocin, Dr. Fabi brings a fresh perspective on how beauty and medicine can work together to promote deep self-connection, healing, and confidence.Whether you’re facing thyroid-related skin issues or simply curious about the root causes of visible aging, this episode delivers science-backed, soul-nourishing insights for every listener.About Dr. Sabrina FabiDr. Sabrina Fabi is a board-certified dermatologist, international speaker, clinical researcher, and pioneer in laser and aesthetic dermatology. She’s globally recognized for her work in cosmetic skin rejuvenation and is the founder of XOMD, an oxytocin-based skincare line focused on supporting both emotional and physical well-being.Key Topics CoveredHow thyroid dysfunction impacts the skin, hair, and aging processThe emotional toll of visible aging in women with chronic illnessOxytocin as a healing hormone: beyond love and connectionDr. Fabi’s personal journey through thyroid health strugglesWhy she created XOMD skincare and what makes it differentHow to recognize real self-care versus wellness marketing noiseThe link between trauma, stress, hormones, and outward appearanceWhy beauty and medicine aren’t mutually exclusiveThe role of patient-centered care in dermatology and thyroid healthActionable tips for navigating skin and hormonal changes as a womanFeatured ResourceXOMD Skincare Dr. Fabi’s oxytocin-based skincare line designed to support both skin regeneration and emotional wellness. 👉 Get 10% off with code MCCALL10XO at xomdskin.comLinks and Resources: 💻 Website: modernthyroidclinic.com🐦 X / Twitter: @thyroidexpert🌐 Host Website: mccallmcpherson.com🎥 YouTube: McCall McPherson Channel📘 Facebook: McCall McPherson PAC📸 Instagram (Host): @mccallmcphersonpa💼 Connect with Dr. Sabrina Fabi on LinkedIn

Dr. Breanne Kallonen, a naturopathic doctor specializing in hormone and hair loss issues, joins to discuss the hidden causes of female hair loss. She reveals how low iron, vitamin D levels, hormonal shifts, and thyroid dysfunction can signal deeper health imbalances. Breanne emphasizes the importance of personalized lab work over standard tests and outlines tailored nutrition strategies to combat insulin resistance and inflammation. Practical advice includes lifestyle changes and targeted supplements for sustainable hair restoration.

Can thyroid issues increase your cancer risk—or could they hold the key to preventing it altogether?In this episode of the Modern Thyroid and Wellness Podcast, host McCall McPherson welcomes renowned integrative physician Dr. Leigh Erin Connealy, author of The Cancer Revolution. With a deeply personal connection to hormone health, Dr. Connealy shares her own thyroid journey and how it shaped her mission to transform cancer care. She advocates for a comprehensive, root-cause approach to both prevention and treatment, combining the best of conventional medicine with holistic lifestyle strategies.The conversation explores how thyroid dysfunction can influence cancer risk, why early detection and mindset are essential, and how patients can feel empowered to co-create their healing journey. Dr. Connealy offers practical steps to reduce risk, improve outcomes, and embrace health as a daily practice—not just a medical outcome.Key Topics Covered:Dr. Connealy’s personal thyroid story and early exposure to cancer risk.Why most patients are misdiagnosed or dismissed—especially women with thyroid symptoms.Her philosophy: “Create health first—then treat disease.”The importance of mindset, purpose, and affirmations in healing.How thyroid, toxins, and environmental stressors intersect with cancer risk.The critical role of early detection, blood work, and oral health in cancer prevention.How conventional and natural therapies can (and should) work together.What to know about low-dose chemotherapy and adjunctive treatments.Five foundational pillars of cancer prevention anyone can adopt today.How Dr. Connealy stays grounded, present, and resilient—even while treating complex cases.The updated edition of her book The Cancer Revolution—a must-read guide for both prevention and treatment.Take Action – Dr. Connealy’s Top 5 Prevention Tips:Prioritize Sleep – Aim for 8–9 hours of restorative, screen-free sleep.Drink Purified Water – Avoid tap and plastic; invest in a clean water source.Move Your Body Daily – Micro-movements count; avoid sedentary patterns.Watch What You Eat – Choose nutrient-dense, real foods that nourish and heal.Train Your Mindset – Affirm health, reset your thoughts, and lead with love.📲 Follow the Show💻 Website: https://modernthyroidclinic.com📸 Instagram: @modernthyroidclinic

Dr. Mariza Snyder, a functional practitioner and hormone expert focused on women's midlife health, shares powerful insights on perimenopause. She redefines this phase as an opportunity for a hormonal reset rather than a decline. Dr. Snyder highlights personal stories, including her mother's struggles and her own experiences with rage and dread during perimenopause. She discusses the impact of hormonal changes on metabolism, offers practical strategies for symptom management, and emphasizes the importance of community support and self-advocacy.