

The Dr. Joy Kong Podcast
Dr. Joy Kong
Join the world's leading stem cell expert to reverse aging with cutting-edge longevity medicine and comprehensive lifestyle optimization strategies. Learn more at: drjoykong.com. Explore beyond the popular diet and fitness obsessions, to witness the explosion of a new type of medicine that focuses on root causes and health optimization. Dr. Joy Kong welcomes leading health and medical experts and dispenses crisp and informative episodes to get you up to speed on exciting emerging health practices.Dr. Joy Kong is a triple board-certified physician in the fields of psychiatry, addiction medicine, and anti-aging & regenerative medicine. Growing up in Beijing, China, Dr. Kong was imbued with a more holistic view of the body, and it was such holistic approach that helped save her mother’s life at age 43. She sees the human body as a complex and interconnected web, where every organ impacts every other organ, via countless chemical interactions and energetic exchanges. Dr. Kong brings together her love of science and respect for ancient wisdom in her clinical practice. She incorporates stem cell therapy, peptide therapy, ketamine therapy, and other innovative modalities to address both the body and the mind. She was named Empowered Woman of the Year in 2019 and Stem Cell Doctor of the Decade in 2021. Her candid memoir “Tiger of Beijing,” was named “Book of the Year” in 2020.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 13, 2025 • 1h 5min
Biohacker Must-Do’s for Maximum Health Optimization and Longevity w/ Siim Land
In this episode, I welcome back longevity expert and biohacker Siim Land for an enlightening discussion on health testing, optimization, and cutting through the noise of the biohacking world.Siim is an educator and a seasoned practitioner in health longevity, and also an accomplished author. He shares data-backed strategies to track and improve your health without going overboard.We also talk about the biomarkers that matter, why over-testing can backfire, and how to interpret results with the goal of actual behavior change. From simple at-home tests to advanced scans, they lay out a framework for making smarter, individualized health decisions.You’ll hear Siim Land share his wisdom on the essential tests and imaging a biohacker should not miss, and why he included them in his upcoming retreat. To register for the retreat, go to https://www.siimland.co/retreat, and use the coupon code DRJOY to get $100 off.🎧 Tune in to learn what really works and what’s just hype.Key TakeawaysIntroduction (00:00)Discussion on longevity clinics and testing (2:15)Essential health tests and biomarkers (6:08)Improving VO2 Max and cardiovascular health (11:51)Blood tests and metabolic health (17:05)Hormone tests and longevity (21:58)Microbiome tests and toxicity (27:18)Microplastics and environmental toxicity (32:37)Food sensitivity testing (39:24)NAD testing and energy metabolism (42:13)Comprehensive health retreat (49:52)Additional Resources:✨ Cutting-Edge longevity Retreat: https://www.siimland.co/retreat✨ Learn more about how to live a long and pain-free life: https://joykongmd.com/ ✨ Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stemcelldrjoy/ ✨ Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_joy_kong/ —Dr. Joy Kong is a regenerative medicine and anti-aging expert. Her podcast is part of her mission to reduce suffering and elevate happiness. Join us every week for the latest holistic health insights that will help you live a long and pain-free life.

Nov 4, 2025 • 54min
Why These Reformed Pharmacists Ditched Meds for Hormones
Shawn and Janet Needham are “reformed pharmacists” who curiously try to stay away from medications.They made the switch from conventional medicine that views medications as the destination for any ailment to offering something that is much more effective at solving the problem.The Needhams share how they became disillusioned with the “pill for every ill” system after seeing countless patients grow sicker despite following medication protocols.They now focus on empowering people to reverse chronic diseases through lifestyle, nutrition, and carefully tailored hormone therapy.We dove into why and how they made such a drastic shift, and discussed hormone replacement therapy, including thyroid hormone and testosterone.We got into the science behind hormone imbalance, why it's often ignored in mainstream medicine, and how simple changes like getting sunlight and improving sleep can transform health.They also share firsthand stories from their patients, dispelling myths around sun exposure, iodine, and hormone-related surgeries.If you're ready to ditch the meds and take back control of your health, this episode is a must-listen.Key TakeawaysIntroduction (00:00)The Needhams' journey from retail pharmacy to holistic health (02:27)Challenges and reflections on traditional medical practices (05:53)The role of hormone replacement therapy in health and wellness (08:08)Natural methods vs. Hormone replacement therapy (16:20)The importance of balancing hormones (19:36)Concerns about hormone replacement therapy (38:18)The role of progesterone in health and wellness (43:43)The impact of synthetic hormones on women's health (48:47)Additional Resources:✨ Learn more about how to live a long and pain-free life: https://joykongmd.com/ ✨ Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stemcelldrjoy/ ✨ Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_joy_kong/ —Dr. Joy Kong is a regenerative medicine and anti-aging expert. Her podcast is part of her mission to reduce suffering and elevate happiness. Join us every week for the latest holistic health insights that will help you live a long and pain-free life.

Oct 28, 2025 • 25min
Why Most Anti-Aging Tests Are Total Nonsense (And What Actually Works) | Dr. David Furman
I’ve always been fascinated by the idea of biological age, how “old” your body really is versus what your passport says. When I first heard about DNA methylation tests that claim to measure that, I was hooked. Could we really peek into our own cellular aging?In this episode, I am joined by Dr. David Furman, a leading scientist at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging and the Director of the Stanford 1000 Immunomes Project. Dr. Furman shares his extensive knowledge on biological age and breaks down the latest technologies in aging science. With decades of expertise, he explains why current biological age tests, especially epigenetic clocks, aren’t as reliable as they may seem, and what advancements are on the horizon.He explains why inflammation is at the center of age-related diseases and how targeting it could improve our health span, thus helping us not just live longer, but better.We also touch on some fascinating new technologies, including microgravity-based aging tests, which simulate the effects of aging on cells, revealing how specific organs may age differently.Plus, we get a glimpse into a smartphone app that can measure inflammation with just a selfie!Want to learn more about the future of aging and how you can take control of your biological age? Tune in now to hear from one of the leading experts in the field!Key TakeawaysIntroduction (00:00)Epigenetic tests and their limitations (01:04)Technical variability and alternative tests (02:28)Inflammation and aging (05:07)Trustworthiness and commercial interests (07:53)Challenges in biological age testing (12:52)Democratizing aging tests (15:41)Advanced aging tests (17:17)Final thoughts and future directions (22:04)Additional Resources:✨ Learn more about how to live a long and pain-free life: https://joykongmd.com/ ✨ Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stemcelldrjoy/ ✨ Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_joy_kong/ —Dr. Joy Kong is a regenerative medicine and anti-aging expert. Her podcast is part of her mission to reduce suffering and elevate happiness. Join us every week for the latest holistic health insights that will help you live a long and pain-free life.

Oct 21, 2025 • 43min
Debunking Myths About Stem Cell Ethics
Stem cell therapy is at the forefront of providing groundbreaking treatments for conditions ranging from joint pain to autoimmune disorders.However, with its vast potential, it also raises important ethical questions, especially around sourcing and regulation.In this episode, Dr. Joy Kong breaks down the ethical considerations in stem cell therapy. She explains how stem cells are sourced ethically, specifically from umbilical cords, and dispels common misconceptions around the ethics of using stem cells for treatment.She describes how the process works, including the rigorous screening protocols for both donors and tissue collection.Dr. Kong also shares her thoughts on the controversial use of embryonic stem cells and contrasts that with the use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that are derived from umbilical cords.Unlike embryonic stem cells, umbilical-derived MSCs do not involve ethical dilemmas as they come from healthy, living births, and the collection process is entirely voluntary, with strict guidelines in place to avoid exploitation.If you’ve ever questioned the ethics behind stem cell treatments or want to understand the reality of stem cell sourcing and use, this episode is a must-listen.Key TakeawaysIntroduction (00:00)Historical context of stem cells (00:52)Types of stem cells and their functions (03:49)Safety and efficacy of stem cell therapy (06:51)Ethical considerations and stem cell sources (07:38)Case studies and practical applications (17:44)Combining stem cell therapy with light therapy (30:23)Holistic approach to stem cell therapy (35:07)Challenges and successes in stem cell treatment (37:36)Final thoughts (43:04)Additional Resources:✨ Learn more about how to live a long and pain-free life: https://joykongmd.com/ ✨ Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stemcelldrjoy/ ✨ Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_joy_kong/ —Dr. Joy Kong is a regenerative medicine and anti-aging expert. Her podcast is part of her mission to reduce suffering and elevate happiness. Join us every week for the latest holistic health insights that will help you live a long and pain-free life.

8 snips
Oct 14, 2025 • 54min
He’s Treated Heart Disease for 36 Years. Here’s What He Wants You to Know | Dr. Joel Kahn
Did you know that every 34 seconds, someone in the U.S. dies from heart disease? Or that over 1 million Americans will suffer a heart attack each year? These startling statistics highlight the undeniable reality that heart disease remains the number one cause of death in both men and women. And yet, despite its prevalence, many individuals unknowingly have heart disease, often without presenting any obvious symptoms.In this episode, Dr. Joy Kong is joined by Dr. Joel Kahn, a leading cardiologist with over three decades of experience, to discuss the often-missed aspects of heart health and preventative care.Dr. Kahn, a pioneer in integrative cardiology, emphasizes the importance of early detection and preventive measures to manage heart disease before it becomes life-threatening.Dr. Kahn also provides insights into his own heart health regimen and offers practical advice on how to keep your heart young and strong, regardless of age. With heart disease being a leading cause of death, understanding how to proactively manage and monitor your heart health is more important than ever.If you’re looking for ways to optimize your cardiovascular health and ensure you're doing everything you can to prevent heart disease, this episode provides essential knowledge you can start applying today.Key TakeawaysIntroduction (00:00)State of heart health in America (3:20)Risk factors and preventive measures (06:35)Advanced cholesterol testing and lipoprotein(a) (09:22)Sudden cardiac death and preventive strategies (15:25)Impact of diet and lifestyle on heart health (19:35)Stress management and its impact on heart health (26:38)Statin use and alternative treatments (30:57)Vaccine and heart health (33:57)Dr. Kahn's personal regimen and final thoughts (44:03)Additional Resources:✨ Connect with Dr. Khan here: https://www.drjoelkahn.com/✨ Learn more about how to live a long and pain-free life: https://joykongmd.com/ ✨ Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stemcelldrjoy/ ✨ Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_joy_kong/ —Dr. Joy Kong is a regenerative medicine and anti-aging expert. Her podcast is part of her mission to reduce suffering and elevate happiness. Join us every week for the latest holistic health insights that will help you live a long and pain-free life.

Oct 7, 2025 • 45min
Plasma Exchange (Plasmapheresis) Explained With Dr. Dobri Kiprov
Dr. Dobri Kiprov is a towering figure in the field of Plasmapheresis, also known as Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE). When I had the chance to experience this treatment with him in San Francisco, I knew I had to ask all the questions that so many people want to.This procedure has been important for countless patients in helping with autoimmune diseases, reversing the effects of aging, and improving longevity.In this episode, Dr. Kiprov explains the science behind plasmapheresis and how it’s making waves in the medical community. We talk about how this therapy works, its powerful effects on inflammation, and the surprising connection between systemic inflammation and the aging process.Join us as we discuss:The origins and evolution of plasmapheresis.Plasmapheresis helps remove harmful substances in the plasma that accelerate aging.The stunning results from human clinical studies show the rejuvenating power of plasmapheresis.How this procedure is becoming a cornerstone in treating autoimmune conditions and more.Tune in to learn about all these and also hear about my personal experience with this procedure. Key TakeawaysIntroduction (00:00)Overview of plasmapheresis and its benefits (01:33)Differences between plasmapheresis and plasma exchange (08:34)Applications and effectiveness of plasma exchange (12:48)Measuring systemic inflammation and inflammaging (16:58)Longevity medicine and health span (19:12)Clinical study on plasmapheresis and longevity (21:57)Intravenous immunoglobulin and its role (26:07)Long COVID and plasmapheresis (31:24)Parabiosis and plasmapheresis (34:35)Conclusion and practical advice (42:27)Additional Resources:✨ Global Apheresis: https://www.globalapheresis.com/✨ Learn more about how to live a long and pain-free life: https://joykongmd.com/ ✨ Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stemcelldrjoy/ ✨ Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_joy_kong/ —Dr. Joy Kong is a regenerative medicine and anti-aging expert. Her podcast is part of her mission to reduce suffering and elevate happiness. Join us every week for the latest holistic health insights that will help you live a long and pain-free life.

Sep 30, 2025 • 32min
These Stem Cell Stories Will Change How You See Medicine
In this episode, I share some of the most transformative healing stories I’ve witnessed in my practice. Cases that conventional medicine had written off as hopeless.From a man who avoided double knee replacement and healed an old shoulder injury, to a woman who reversed her lupus and got off all medications, these are real people who discovered what happens when you support the body’s innate healing power.As a physician who began in psychiatry, I’ve spent years combining scientific rigor with holistic tools to create deeper, more lasting healing.That journey led me to regenerative medicine—specifically stem cell therapy—and the results I’ve seen continue to amaze me.I also explain why so many patients are stuck in cycles of prescriptions and diagnoses that don’t truly heal. You’ll hear what’s possible when we stop compartmentalizing the body and start treating it as the intelligent, interconnected system it is.If you or someone you love has been told “there’s nothing more we can do,” please listen. There is always a way forward. You just have to know where to look.🎧 Press play and let me show you what’s possible.Key TakeawaysIntroduction (00:00)Holistic health and enlightenment (00:49)Challenges and shifts in modern medicine (03:37)Case studies of stem cell therapy (04:12)Success stories and broader impact (09:19)The role of functional medicine and stem cells (21:23)Passion for healing and enlightenment (29:13)Additional Resources:✨ Learn more about how to live a long and pain-free life: https://joykongmd.com/ ✨ Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stemcelldrjoy/ ✨ Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_joy_kong/ —Dr. Joy Kong is a regenerative medicine and anti-aging expert. Her podcast is part of her mission to reduce suffering and elevate happiness. Join us every week for the latest holistic health insights that will help you live a long and pain-free life.

8 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 47min
The No.1 Reason Men's Testosterone Levels Are So Low Today | Dr. Sara Amirmehrabi
Feeling tired, foggy, and not quite like yourself? It might not just be stress; it could be low testosterone.In this eye-opening episode, hormone specialist Dr. Sara Amirmehrabi returns to dive deep into the critical topic of male hormones. Dr. Sara is renowned for her work in hormone therapy and longevity and brings a wealth of clinical experience to the discussion.Together, we unpack how testosterone influences every aspect of male health—from energy, mood, and libido to heart function and cognitive sharpness. You'll learn why so many men are suffering from low testosterone, even in their 20s, and what you can do about it.Dr. Sara also outlines various testosterone treatment options, the importance of proper lab testing, how to preserve fertility during therapy, and the surprising role of estrogen in male mood swings. From natural solutions to cutting-edge therapies, this episode is a must-listen for men (and those who care about them).Click play to learn how to reclaim your vitality and protect your health for the long haul.Key Takeaways:Introduction (00:00)Impact of low testosterone on men's health (6:04)Medical and lifestyle interventions for testosterone optimization (19:30)Side effects and management of testosterone therapy (30:44)Holistic approach to hormone replacement therapy (40:31)Conclusion and resources for testosterone optimization (43:20)Additional Resources:✨ Learn more about male hormones: https://chara-health.com/ ✨ Learn more about how to live a long and pain-free life: https://joykongmd.com/ ✨ Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stemcelldrjoy/ ✨ Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_joy_kong/ —Dr. Joy Kong is a regenerative medicine and anti-aging expert. Her podcast is part of her mission to reduce suffering and elevate happiness. Join us every week for the latest holistic health insights that will help you live a long and pain-free life.

Sep 16, 2025 • 38min
Stem Cells Are Your Path to Pain-Free Living - Here’s How
Struggling with chronic pain or healing from an injury? What if the solution is inside you, waiting to be unlocked by the right kind of healing energy?I’ve seen firsthand the incredible potential of stem cells to transform lives.In today’s episode, I was interviewed by Lisa Tahir. I discuss the profound benefits of stem cells—how they don’t just repair damaged tissues, but also communicate with your body, waking up your cells to regenerate and restore.We explore the vital importance of using high-quality stem cells—especially birth tissue-derived stem cells—for optimal healing. I explain why I chose these over older stem cells and the risks of unregulated stem cell treatments you might encounter overseas.You’ll also hear about real patient stories, including how stem cells helped an older man avoid knee surgery and a US veteran reclaim his vitality after severe lung damage.Listen to this episode and learn how stem cell therapy could be the transformative solution you’ve been searching for. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, recovering from injury, or seeking a non-invasive alternative to surgery, stem cells could be the key to your healing.Tune in now!Key Takeaways:Introduction (00:00)First successful patient case with knee therapy (05:59)The benefits of using younger stem cells from birth tissues (13:31)The importance of stem cell source and their regenerative capabilities (17:43)Using stem cells for spinal cord injury and paralysis (21:31)Risks of overseas stem cell treatments and unregulated cell expansion (25:50)Case study of a veteran's recovery with proper stem cell treatment (33:23)Additional Resources:✨ Connect with Lisa Tahir: https://www.nolatherapy.com/ ✨ Learn more about how to live a long and pain-free life: https://joykongmd.com/ ✨ Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stemcelldrjoy/ ✨ Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_joy_kong/ —Dr. Joy Kong is a regenerative medicine and anti-aging expert. Her podcast is part of her mission to reduce suffering and elevate happiness. Join us every week for the latest holistic health insights that will help you live a long and pain-free life.

Sep 9, 2025 • 7min
Is Your Doctor Misleading You About Stem Cell Treatment?
You might think you’ve had stem cell therapy—but did you really?As someone who works with stem cells every day, I hear this all the time: “Oh yeah, I had stem cell treatment.” But when I dig a little deeper, I often find out they had PRP, exosomes, or amniotic fluid injections—none of which actually contain living stem cells.In this episode, I break down exactly what these therapies are, how they work, and why they’re often mistaken for stem cell therapy. I explain what PRP really is, what exosomes do, and the truth about amniotic fluid treatments. These therapies have value, but it’s time to stop calling them something they’re not.I also share important insights into why true stem cell therapy is different and why it matters for your results. There’s a lot of confusion out there, and this episode will give you clarity on what cells are.So if you’ve ever received a so-called “stem cell” treatment, or you’re considering one, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.🎧 Listen now and learn how to ask the right questions.Key Takeaways:Introduction (00:00)PRP isn’t stem cells—here’s why (00:44)What exosomes do and what they don’t (02:31)Amniotic fluid treatments (04:33)Don’t give up on stem cells, you might not have had them (05:59)Additional Resources: ✨ Learn more about how to live a long and pain-free life: https://joykongmd.com/ ✨ Follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stemcelldrjoy/ ✨ Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_joy_kong/ —Dr. Joy Kong is a regenerative medicine and anti-aging expert. Her podcast is part of her mission to reduce suffering and elevate happiness. Join us every week for the latest holistic health insights that will help you live a long and pain-free life.


