Finding Genius Podcast

In this episode, Dr. Amani Ballour sits down to discuss her upcoming book, The Cave: A Secret Underground Hospital and One Woman's Story of Survival in Syria, set to be released on March 5th, 2024. This intriguing memoir walks readers through the life of a young doctor and activist who ran an underground hospital in Damascus during the Syrian civil war – humanizing the enduring crisis. As the only woman to have ever run a wartime hospital, Dr.  Ballour saved many people from the horrors of war while simultaneously contending with the patriarchal conservatism around her… Dr. Ballour is an internationally acclaimed pediatrician and humanitarian who advocates for women and children across the globe. Her story is unlike any other person in Syria, and her impact on the world will be remembered for generations. She is a recipient of the Raoul Wallenberg Prize and currently lives in New Jersey, USA. We recently discovered the Biohacker Babes Podcast, which is a sister duo on a mission to help empower others to become their own biohacker and upgrade your life. They cover a wide variety of health topics with everything from fasting for women to using different wearables to track your health to peptides and biological age testing. If you're ready to take control of your well-being and optimize your health, you have to check out their show - The Biohacker Babes!. Tune in now to learn about: How the conflict in Syria began, and how Dr. Ballour was involved. Who and what the Syrian regime targeted. How Dr. Ballour’s wartime hospital was started, maintained, and protected. The hardships Dr. Ballour faced as a woman working in medicine. To follow along with Dr. Ballour’s work, follow her on Twitter now! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C

Clément Decrop joins us in this episode to discuss his latest book, The Idea Space: The Science of Awakening Your Non-Self. In this fascinating book, Clément offers a groundbreaking, scientific approach to understanding the mind. The Idea Space invites readers to view their thoughts objectively and identify their impact –  thus uncovering a happier existence and a deeper understanding of life’s purpose.  Clément is a Belgian-born author and inventor who moved to the United States with his family at the age of six. Since then, he has led wellness events for thousands of participants across the globe. He is knowledgeable on the topics of mindfulness, sleep, exercise, and nutrition. He has also submitted more than 130 patent disclosures in one year, of which 50-plus are filed and 12-plus are issued. Join us now to explore: What inspired The Idea Space, and how to experience it for yourself.  The three major subjects that have stood the test of time, and how they’ve impacted human consciousness.  How the human mind fits into the rest of the universe around us.  What the “science of the first-person" is, and the tools we need to study it.  The key to finding valuable thoughts.  Click here to learn more about Clément and his intriguing work! Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C

Dr. Carolyn Kurle, a returning guest from long ago, joins us to discuss her latest book, The Guidance Groove: Escape Unproductive Habits, Trust Your Intuition, and Be True. Dr. Kurle is a tenured Professor of Conservation Ecology at the University of California San Diego and holds degrees in Zoology, German Literature, Wildlife Science and Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior.  Written as a passion project, The Guidance Groove provides readers with a roadmap for navigating life's flow while in continual communication with their own authentic, intuitive selves. It was written for people who want to live life from a place of wholeness – and Dr. Kurle is determined to show people how beneficial trusting your instincts really is… In this episode, we discuss: How and why Dr. Kurle wrote The Guidance Groove. Why trying to do the “right thing” by society’s standards can be unfulfilling.  How to differentiate between our logical brains and other vital parts of our beings.  Examples of “unproductive grooves” and how to recognize them. Are you interested in recognizing and dismantling the false stories you tell yourself? If so, this interview is certainly for you. Jump in now to learn how to find your groove! To find out more about Dr. Kurle and her work, click here now. Take advantage of a 5% discount on Ekster accessories by using the code FINDINGGENIUS. Enhance your style and functionality with premium accessories. Visit bit.ly/3uiVX9R to explore latest collection. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C

Botox is a routine tool used in the cosmetic industry that has become increasingly popular. Is it a healthy medical procedure? What was it initially discovered for, and how has it developed over time? Dr. Eugene M. Helveston, a medical professional with many years of experience, sits down to enlighten us…   Dr. Helveston is an emeritus professor of ophthalmology, the founder of the section of Pediatric Ophthalmology, and the former Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at Indiana University School of Medicine. In January of 2024, he released Death to Beauty: The Transformative History of Botox, a book that walks readers through the intricate history of how the world's deadliest toxin (starting as a treatment for crossed eyes) became a routine tool for the cosmetic industry. In this discussion, we cover: How botox was used during its initial treatments.  What the primary toxin in botox is, and how it interacts with human cells.  How the cosmetic applications for botox were discovered and utilized. If you are ready to rethink success, beauty, and deadly bacteria, this podcast is certainly for you. Tune in now to broaden your perspective! You can find out more about Dr. Helveston and his other work here. Take advantage of a 5% discount on Ekster accessories by using the code FINDINGGENIUS. Enhance your style and functionality with premium accessories. Visit bit.ly/3uiVX9R to explore latest collection. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C

Dr. David D. Clarke joins the podcast once again to discuss a fascinating topic: psychophysiological disorders. Also known as chronic functional syndromes or psychosocial factors linked to chronic pain, this is a vastly underexplored area of medicine. Dr. Clarke is a professional at the forefront of this field, and he is passionate about educating others on the importance of maintaining both physical and mental health…  Dr. Clarke is the President of the Psychophysiologic Disorders Association, Assistant Director at the Center for Ethics, and Clinical Assistant Professor of Gastroenterology Emeritus both at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland, Oregon. He has also received many awards for patient care – including the Distinguished Physician Award from Kaiser Permanente and the Outstanding Commitment to Physician Assistant Education Award from Pacific University. Click play now to find out: How the brain can generate physiological pain. The importance of combining the tools of psychology and physiology when treating patients.  How medical professionals diagnose and treat mental and physical symptoms in their patients. The ways that stress can impact the body. You can find more on Dr. Clarke and his work by visiting endchronicpain.org! Take advantage of a 5% discount on Ekster accessories by using the code FINDINGGENIUS. Enhance your style and functionality with premium accessories. Visit bit.ly/3uiVX9R to explore latest collection. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C

Mark Springer joins us today to discuss his latest book, Flesh Becomes Words. Mark is an author from San Mateo, California, who studied English and Cell Biology at UC Berkeley. He has been a science and technology writer and editor in the San Francisco Bay Area for more than 30 years, primarily in the biotechnology industry. Flesh Becomes Words is an action-packed story that explores the nature of science, soul, and spirit. Mark believes these are the three parts of our beings: DNA in our bodies, thoughts in our souls, and God’s Word in our spirit. In this dynamic novel, he invites readers to put themselves in the shoes of the characters in the book – an experience a world where belief in the Bible is against the law… In this conversation, we discuss: Where the inspiration for Flesh Becomes Words came from. What the Bible is for according to the book of Hebrews.  The role that human DNA plays in Mark’s book.  How science and faith interact with each other.  You can pick up a copy of Flesh Becomes Words for yourself here! Take advantage of a 5% discount on Ekster accessories by using the code FINDINGGENIUS. Enhance your style and functionality with premium accessories. Visit bit.ly/3uiVX9R to explore latest collection. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C

In this episode, we discuss fragmented focus, ADD, and how decreased attention impacts young learners in a technological world. We learn about this intriguing topic from a teacher on the front lines of this issue: John Kish. John is a teacher at St. Benedict’s Classical Academy, where he uses classical education to solve the deep cultural issues of our times. John believes that teaching is an art rather than a science. By developing strong relationships with his students, he is eager to share his ardent love for the True, Good, and Beautiful with the next generation.  Is technology standing in the way of increased focus and productivity in the classroom? John thinks so, and he’s here to share his unique solutions to this unprecedented problem… Jump in now to discover: How philosophical methods are applied to teaching. The #1 factor that explains the regression of attention in young learners.  The duty of parents and teachers when it comes to the advancement of technology. How to increase your attention and get the most out of life. To find out more about John and his work, click here now! Take advantage of a 5% discount on Ekster accessories by using the code FINDINGGENIUS. Enhance your style and functionality with premium accessories. Visit bit.ly/3uiVX9R to explore latest collection. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C

Have you ever taken a sip of water and immediately regretted it because it tasted awful? What about the water that tastes good but isn't good for you? What makes water drinkable? All your questions about water quality and contamination will be answered in this episode, where we’re joined by Peter J. Vikesland, professor of civil and environmental engineering at Virginia Tech. Over his decades-long career, his work has revolved primarily around drinking water treatment and contaminant remediation. Tune in to explore: The use of lasers and nanomaterials to detect antibiotic-resistant bacteria and pathogenic viruses in drinking water Whether most water facilities have the equipment necessary to detect low levels of PFAS ("forever chemicals") in drinking water  Common contaminants found in drinking water, including pharmaceuticals and nanoplastics The most ideal way to conduct water sampling and why the technology isn’t there yet   Interested in learning more? Press play and visit Peter J. Vikesland | Civil & Environmental Engineering | Virginia Tech (vt.edu). Take advantage of a 5% discount on Ekster accessories by using the code FINDINGGENIUS. Enhance your style and functionality with premium accessories. Visit bit.ly/3uiVX9R to explore latest collection. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C

In this episode, we discuss the importance of soil health with Michelle M. Wander, the Director of the Agroecology and Sustainable Agriculture Program and Associate Professor of Soil Fertility/Ecology at the University of Illinois. She also directs the Wander Soil Ecology Lab, where she works to encourage soil stewardship and management using cutting-edge research.  Michelle has been involved in soil science for over 30 years. Interested in agroecology and agricultural sustainability, she is on a mission to better understand biologically-based fertility – specifically how it impacts soil organic matter and soil biology…  Join us now to learn more about: The difference between conventional and regenerative farming practices.  How soil management methods can be developed to support various ecosystems.  What soil degradation is, and why it happens.  The ways that crop rotation can enhance soil fertility.  To learn more about Michelle and her work, visit the Wander Soil Ecology Lab here! Take advantage of a 5% discount on Ekster accessories by using the code FINDINGGENIUS. Enhance your style and functionality with premium accessories. Visit bit.ly/3uiVX9R to explore latest collection. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C

Is it possible to make any organism fully resistant to viral infections? According to new research using E. coli from the Harvard Medical School Department of Genetics, the answer seems to be yes…eventually! Today, we’re joined by one of the lead researchers in this study, Akos Nyerges. Among many fascinating developments in the fields of genetic engineering and synthetic biology, he discusses the ability to modify existing organisms to achieve desired changes, the use of new DNA building blocks to create synthetic organisms, the most challenging regions of DNA to engineer, and what to expect in the near future. Press play to discover: How an organism can be genetically engineered to have a genetic ‘firewall’ from natural viral infections The difference between synthetic genomics and genetic engineering Applications of CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology   The use of genetically engineered organisms in novel drug development Tune in for the full conversation, visit Home | Church Lab (harvard.edu) to learn more about Harvard’s Department of Genetics, and feel free to contact Nyerges via email: Akos_Nyerges@hms.harvard.edu. Take advantage of a 5% discount on Ekster accessories by using the code FINDINGGENIUS. Enhance your style and functionality with premium accessories. Visit bit.ly/3uiVX9R to explore latest collection. Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C