Evolution of Medicine Podcast

What does it take to build a thriving, scalable functional medicine practice in today’s healthcare landscape? In this episode of the Evolution of Medicine podcast, we’re joined by Seth Conger, a seasoned entrepreneur and innovator in the functional medicine space who’s helped practices grow from startup to seven-figure exits. Seth shares his own journey, from event marketing into transforming his father-in-law’s clinic with cutting-edge technology and a shift to a membership-based model. The episode explores three distinct stages of practice growth—startup, growth and scale—and the critical mindset and business shifts required at each level. Tune in to learn: Why the startup phase is all about finding product-market fit and acquiring patients How the growth phase requires systems, hiring and stepping back from direct care What the scale phase looks like when your vision leads and your practice grows independently Why choosing the right business model (and ditching fee-for-service) is non-negotiable for long-term success Common mistakes that keep practitioners stuck and the high opportunity cost of not evolving Whether you’re just getting started or looking to scale beyond yourself, this episode offers a roadmap for sustainable growth in functional medicine. Download today to learn how to build a profitable practice that doesn’t burn you out.

In this powerful episode of the Evolution of Medicine podcast, James Maskell sits down with Tasha Blank—DJ, movement catalyst, and founder of Powerhouse DJ School—to explore how dance, music, and embodiment can be powerful tools for healing and nervous system regulation. For over a decade, Tasha has pioneered sober-conscious dance events that remove movement from the club scene and place it back into the realm of sacred, intentional expression. Her story is one of personal transformation, community leadership, and deep inquiry into how we heal—physically, emotionally and culturally. Tune in to learn about: How dance and embodiment shifted Tasha’s relationship with her body and launched a decade-long journey of transformation. The health crisis in her late teens that forced her to look beyond conventional medicine and into nutrition, movement and energy work. A pandemic-fueled identity deconstruction that led to unexpected healing through metabolic, animal-based nutrition—and opened questions around gender, body image and healing. The launch of Powerhouse DJ School and teaching others to use music and dance as vehicles for transformation. The philosophy behind sober dance spaces and how reclaiming movement as medicine can heal individuals and communities. This episode is a must-listen for anyone exploring somatic healing, community-based transformation, and new paradigms for health that go far beyond prescriptions and protocols.

In this episode, Dr. Nasha Winters shares her powerful journey with cancer and the urgent need for a paradigm shift in oncology. She explores the limitations of the current cancer care model, the critical role of mitochondria in chronic illness, and why asking different questions is essential for improving patient outcomes. Dr. Winters also introduces MTOMICS, a cutting-edge data platform designed to revolutionize cancer treatment by integrating personalized, data-driven insights. Listen to the full episode to learn more:  The standard cancer care model has seen little progress in outcomes since 1971. Cancer is affecting younger populations, signaling the need for new approaches. Mitochondrial health is a cornerstone of cancer and chronic disease management. Integrative medicine offers evidence-based strategies to enhance patient care. Community and collaboration are essential for driving meaningful change. Data-driven, decentralized healthcare models can empower both patients and practitioners. And much more! Tune in to discover how integrative oncology, cutting-edge research, and patient empowerment are reshaping the future of cancer care.

Summary In this episode, James welcomes back Dr. Bryce Appelbaum to the Evolution of Medicine podcast to continue their previous discussion about functional optometry.  James and Dr. Appelbaum recently reconnected at an event tied to the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative. Dr. Appelbaum approaches vision health from a functional medicine perspective and considers how functional vision issues can be implicated in seemingly unrelated cognitive issues, such as learning disabilities and ADHD. Tune into this full conversation that explores: How practitioners are working to communicate the full scope of what is possible in terms of improving vision, cognition, and overall health for the benefit of public awareness Dr. Appelbaum has worked with Dave Asprey to demonstrate and document how targeted interventions can significantly improve vision Why early-life screen time damages children’s health, harming learning and focus   How undiagnosed vision problems can have major impacts on health and wellbeing Which patients benefit most from ScreenFit Use code EVOMED for $200 off on ScreenFit, the vision training program designed to minimize the negative effects of screens on vision and promote healthy visual habits. Dr. Bryce Appelbaum (12:59)- 13:35

This Business of Functional Medicine episode is the second part of podcast episode #349, hosted by Kristen Brokaw with guest and business coach, Ari Meisel. In this episode, Ari explains that practice owners can use AI to enhance productivity. He also discusses concepts that he teaches in business coaching, including “The 3 Levers of Success in Business” and “The 6 Levels of Delegation.” He also revisits the importance of asynchronous communication, and shares techniques for capturing ideas effectively and for finding the right support to optimize personal and professional life. Tune into this episode to hear more about: Creating custom GPTs to streamline information processing and ideation Using tools like Trello to delegate or prioritize tasks Why work-life integration is more relevant than work-life balance And much more! Listen to Part I of this podcast, Business of Functional Medicine: Four Entrepreneurial Mindsets for Practice Owners, episode #349.

This week’s podcast guest is Katie Baric, Executive Director at Hands on Peru—a nonprofit organization in Peru and the US, created as a response to the deep inequities in access to medical care among the rural poor of Peru. Hands on Peru is a medical center that provides a range of basic medical services, from dentistry to ultrasounds. The organization also has a mission to serve as an educational platform for students and medical practitioners from around the world. Katie invites listeners to reach out to her at katie@handsonperu.org to learn about opportunities for visiting and working with the organization to learn about pioneering public health theory into practice. During the episode, Katie also highlights the launch of Chimuk, a social enterprise empowering local women through knitting, and the impact of these initiatives on the community's health and wellbeing. Download and listen to the episode to hear about: ·       How Katie came to co-found Hands on Peru. ·       Katie’s and James’ introduction at the Lifestyle Medicine Conference in Mexico City, and why they were inspired by the unique conference format that modeled the principles of lifestyle medicine. ·       Peru’s practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. ·       And much more!   Please tune in to learn about opportunities to travel to Peru to participate in this community development and healthcare initiative.

In this episode, James Maskell is joined by Dr. Jeffrey Morrison, the newly elected president of the American Academy of Environmental Medicine (AAEM). Since its founding in the 1960s, AAEM has been at the forefront of understanding and addressing environmental causes of illness. Dr. Morrison shares how AAEM is experiencing a resurgence, fueled by a new generation of passionate practitioners dedicated to tackling chronic illnesses like chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and metabolic dysfunction through the lens of environmental health. Key topics include: The impact of mold exposure, heavy metal toxicity, EMFs, and other environmental toxins on chronic disease. How AAEM is training practitioners to integrate environmental factors into their care strategies. Building a community of practitioners to advocate for policy changes that improve public health. Highlights from the upcoming AAEM conference in San Antonio, featuring renowned speakers like Del Bigtree and Erin Brockovich. James also reflects on how Dr. Morrison’s innovative clinic shaped his early thinking about lifestyle medicine and patient engagement. Tune in to explore how AAEM is leading the charge for a healthier future through environmental medicine.

In this episode, James Maskell speaks with Dr. Staci Whitman, a holistic pediatric dentist who shares her transformative journey from advocating for fluoride use to opposing its inclusion in public water systems. Dr. Whitman integrates dental health with whole-body wellness. She is an IFM Certified Provider (IFMCP), Board Certified in Naturopathic Medical Dentistry and Integrative Biological Dental Medicine (NMD), and an active member of several professional dentistry organizations. The conversation explores recent studies and court rulings that highlight concerns about fluoride’s neurotoxic effects, particularly its association with reduced IQ in children—even at the so-called “optimal” levels used in most water supplies. Dr. Whitman emphasizes the cumulative nature of fluoride exposure, from water and toothpaste to processed foods, complicating efforts to measure total intake—especially for vulnerable groups like infants and children. Key Topics Discussed: The alarming lack of safety data on fluoride and its potential neurotoxic effects. The need for a paradigm shift in dentistry toward a more holistic and preventive approach. Why Dr. Whitman supports topical fluoride application over systemic water fluoridation. How hygiene, nutrition, and education offer better alternatives to public water fluoridation. Counterarguments from proponents of public water fluoridation. Don’t miss this insightful episode on one of 2024’s most debated topics!

In this podcast episode, Dr. Alaina Gair delves into her approach to cancer care through group support, inspired by the transformative principles of The Community Cure and events by Dr. Meghan Walker. In this compelling conversation, Dr. Gair reveals how integrating community-based practices into her naturopathic care has redefined patient experiences by prioritizing emotional support, empowerment, and connection. We explore how the unpredictable journey of cancer can be positively transformed through shared experiences, group healing, and collaboration with oncologists. Discover why creating a space for empathy, education and solidarity is essential in navigating chronic illnesses like cancer. Download and listen to the full episode to learn more about: How community-based approaches can improve cancer care outcomes Groups can work well even when patients have different diagnosis Integrating naturopathic and conventional oncology for more comprehensive support. The value of shared experiences, grief support, and holistic collaboration. Dr. Gair’s approach to dealing with loss and grief within the group when a member passes away And much more