Evolution of Medicine Podcast

Kirkland Newman is the founder of MindHealth360, host of the London Functional Forum Community, and is organizing the Integrative Medicine for Mental Health Conference, occurring October 10-13, 2024 just outside of  Washington, DC. The conference aims to bring together various practitioners and professionals in the mental health field to discuss concrete solutions and advancements in mental health care. The conference will address topics such as brain health, technology addiction, gut-brain connection, trauma therapy, genomics, and more. The goal is to bridge the gap between research and clinical practice and provide practitioners with a wider toolbox to address mental health issues. The conference is open to medical and mental health professionals, as well as passionate individuals interested in mental health transformation. This episode offers a preview of cutting-edge perspectives on mental health, including cognitive decline. When you listen, you’ll learn about: Kirkland’s vision to integrate functional medicine into mainstream mental health practices. The epidemic of mental health issues, especially among young people, is a concern, and conventional medical practices seem ill-equipped to address the problem. An introduction to some IMMH speakers, including Dr. Daniel Amen, who focuses on brain health rather than mental health; Dr. Robert Lustig, who discusses technology addiction and the impact of the amygdala on mental health; Dr. Georgia Ede, Dr. Dale Bredesen, and more.  The gut-brain connection, trauma's impact on biochemistry and the gut, and the importance of safe connection and social engagement in healing are also highlighted in the conversation. And much more!

In this Business of Functional Medicine episode, Kristen Brokaw hosts a conversation with Dr. Jarrod Spencer, a sports psychologist who also works with corporations and high net-worth professionals. In this episode, Dr. Spencer discusses the importance for clinicans to manage emotional energy and mental fatigue. Given that healthcare is usually a high-stress role, individuals must prioritize their emotional health and well-being. Getting enough sleep, counseling and developing a mental toolbox to effectively manage emotional energy are examples of strategies healthcare providers should be employing. He also highlights the significance of creating a positive and supportive culture in the workplace, including practices like fist bumping and high fiving to foster camaraderie among staff members. This episode validates physician burnout and offers helpful tools for managing emotional energy and mental fatigue. If you listen to the full episode, you’ll hear about: 1.       Dr. Spencer’s scoring system, for measuring emotional energy, or one’s psychological capacity to effectively deal with immediate stressors in their life. 2.       Mental fatigue significantly impacts a person's perception of effort. When mentally fatigued, individuals are more likely to perceive tasks as requiring more effort, which can decrease their endurance and motivation. 3.       Emotional and mental fatigue can lead to negative thinking, decreased performance, and burnout. 4.       Compassion fatigue and neglecting one's own emotional well-being can have negative consequences on both personal and professional life. 5.       And more!

On this episode, our guest is Mastin Kipp, a best-selling author and creator of Functional Life CoachingTM. Mastin joined the podcast to talk about his recent book titled, Reclaim Your Nervous System, which discusses the importance of prioritizing the nervous system in healing and overall well-being. Mastin asserts that befriending and addressing resistant parts of ourselves can promote healing and improve our relationship with our nervous system. Mastin highlights the power of group care and co-regulation in creating a safe space for emotional expression and healing. This podcast release coincides with Evolution of Medicine’s launch of VagusFest, which is a participatory nervous system healing event that practitioners can organize to promote healing in their communities. If you’re interested in hosting your own event, please contact support@goevomed.com.  Check out the full podcast episode to hear about: Mastin Kipp’s journey into coaching and the study of the nervous system. The power of group settings for facilitating behavior change and creating a sense of safety. Co-regulating groups can drive the adoption of functional medicine as a standard of care, with clinicians providing support and addressing root causes when necessary. Challenges of expressing emotions and the societal conditioning that often discourages emotional expression. And more!

Robert Lustig, MD joins James for this information-packed episode that unifies mental and metabolic healthcare. Dr. Lustig is a pediatric endocrinologist and food educator, who focuses on spreading awareness about the topic of this podcast. During this episode he walks through the connection between nutrition, brain health, and mental health. They touch on topics such as the impact of ultra-processed food on metabolic health, the role of the amygdala in fear conditioning and chronic toxic stress, and the importance of the vagus nerve in regulating the nervous system. Dr. Lustig also highlights the need for public education and policy change to address the systemic health crisis and mental health crisis. Dr. Lustig will be speaking at the Integrative Medicine for Mental Health Conference in October 2024. Check out this informative, empowering episode to hear about: Dr. Lusting’s new book on the amygdala and its connection to food. The importance of understanding the difference between food science, nutrition and metabolic health. The role of mitochondrial dysfunction in systemic and mental health disorders. The potential for a cultural shift toward prioritizing metabolic health and the challenges facing it. 

In this episode, Darrell Moon, founder of Aspirational Healthcare, discusses the Nuka System of Care in Anchorage, Alaska, which has been called “the best healthcare system in the world.” The system is built around the needs and aspirations of the customers, focusing on building relationships and providing support to help individuals achieve their goals in life.  Moon encourages healthcare providers to consider offering direct primary care memberships and aligning with employers who are willing to fund this type of healthcare. He also advises business leaders to take control of their healthcare purchasing power and align with benefit consultants who work in their best interest. Nuka System of Care has achieved high levels of patient satisfaction, improved health outcomes and reduced costs. Moon invites individuals to attend the Nuka System of Care June conference and a conference for business leaders in September to learn more about the system and how to implement an aspirational model of healthcare. Tune in to the full episode to hear more about: ·       How hospital admissions can be reduced by focusing on preventive care and early intervention ·       How CEOs can influence healthcare systems, through their purchasing power and by practicing problem solving abilities they regularly use to lead their businesses ·       How employers can align objectives with healthcare brokers, so that the benefits consultant gets incentivized to be paid for meeting the employers’ objectives (reduced healthcare expenses through direct primary care that emphasizes prevention and customer-centric care)   ·       Nuka System of Care provides healthcare at half the cost of other systems in the US, due to their focus on providing care that is aligned with the goals and needs of the customer, rather than focusing on profit ·       Growing demand for direct primary care (DPC) membership Check out these upcoming conferences held by Nuka System of Care: ·       June 24-28, 2024: Nuka System of Care Conference ·       September 10-12, 2024: CEO Summit in Anchorage, AK with Aspirational Healthcare

In this episode James Maskell is joined by returning guest, Dr. Shilpa Saxena, MD to continue exploring the use of GLP-1 agonists, specifically Semaglutide, for weight loss and cardiometabolic diseases. The conversation reinforces the importance of using GLP-1s responsibly and in conjunction with lifestyle medicine coaching to address underlying behavioral issues and promote sustainable weight loss. Dr. Saxena emphasizes the need to address metabolic dysfunction comprehensively, considering factors such as fatty liver disease and insulin resistance, and using a combination of interventions, including herbs, botanicals, and lifestyle modifications. They also discuss the potential side effects of GLP-1 agonists and strategies for minimizing them. Additionally, they touch on the role of group visits and community support in facilitating behavior change and long-term success in weight management. Check out the full episode to hear their thoughts on:        Normalizing discussions around weight without enabling poor health.       The role of supportive communities to support behavior change       Stigma around Semaglutide use        Patient personas who functional medicine providers are best able to help, and those personas that are not a good fit for the functional medicine approach to weight loss. Learn about Group Visit Toolkits

Discover the upcoming VagusFest event focusing on toning the vagus nerve and advancing health-promoting medicine. Learn about winning new patients, empowering communities through parasympathetic state management, and implementing VagusFest events locally.

Dr. James Carter, the director of the Center for Functional Medicine at Cleveland Clinic, discusses his journey to functional medicine and his role at Cleveland Clinic. Dr. Carter is also a vascular medicine specialist and is interested in vascular health from a functional medicine perspective. He talks about the vision and growth of functional medicine at Cleveland Clinic, including the development of specialized programs for women's health, oncology, pediatrics, and cardiovascular health. Dr. Carter also discusses the importance of group visits and shared medical appointments in functional medicine practice. He shares his excitement for the upcoming Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) Annual International Conference (AIC) and highlights topics he is looking forward to, such as bone health, mental health and pediatric nutrition. Finally, Dr. Carter reflects on his decision to join Cleveland Clinic and expresses his enthusiasm for the future of functional medicine at the institution. Check out this full conversation to learn more about: ·         A systems perspective that integrates biological systems with social context in patient care. ·         Educating medical students and integrating functional medicine into cardiology practice ·         Understanding and overcoming resistance to change with patients. ·         A preview of Dr. Carter’s upcoming IFM presentation, and what he’s looking forward to learning from other presenters. ·         And much, much more! Register here for IFM’s AIC event, occurring May 29-June 1, 2024. You can also register for VagusFest here, which is occurring on the evening of May 29.  Check out Lifestyle Matrix Resource Center’s new website to learn about their Group Visit Toolkits, tools to enhance patient compliance and more at lifestylematrix.com/membership.  

In this episode, we learn about anthroposophic medicine from James Maskell’s guest, Adam Blanning, MD. Anthroposophic medicine takes a holistic approach to humans, nature, illness, and healing by addressing the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of health. The principles and practices of this medicinal form incorporate elements of herbal medicine, homeopathy, movement therapies and more. Anthroposophic medicine was established in the early 1920s by Rudolf Steiner and Ita Wegman. Anthroposophic medicine can be especially beneficial for children working through chronic illnesses, such as asthma, allergies or behavioral issues. Dr. Blanning also highlights the importance of understanding developmental rhythms and providing support for children during key stages of growth. Dr. Blanning, in addition to founding the Denver Center for Anthroposophic Therapies, is also involved in consulting for Waldorf schools, which are rooted in Rudolf Steiner’s work. Check out this full conversation to learn more about: James Maskell’s personal experiences with anthroposophic medicine. Application of anthroposophic medicine in various settings, including hospitals and private practices. The importance of creating healing environments that consider the patient's comfort and well-being, such as reducing noise and promoting rest in hospital settings. An upcoming training week through the Physicians’ Association for Anthroposophic Medicine on April 27 - May 4, 2024 in Loveland, Colorado.

James Maskell’s guest on this episode is Dr. Elisa Song, a holistic pediatrician whose mission is to educate clinicians and parents alike about environmental toxicity in children and how to help children thrive by improving their health. She has written books, organized conferences and is passionate about addressing environmental toxicity.   In this episode, she discusses several sources of toxins in children and the importance of toning the vagus nerve as a strategy to improve children's well-being. Dr. Song’s upcoming book, Healthy Kids, Happy Kids: An Integrated Pediatrician's Guide to Whole Child Resilience, provides practical guidance to help promote health and resilience in children, including advice about how to read food labels and avoid harmful additives. Check out this empowering conversation to learn more about: Food additives that contribute to leaky gut and chronic illnesses. The importance of parasympathetic exercises for children with chronic symptoms or illnesses. How environmental toxins are contributing to chronic illness. Dr. Song’s book, Healthy Kids, Happy Kids: An Integrated Pediatrician's Guide to Whole Child Resilience, available on May 14, 2024.