In this unscripted deep dive, Altamash and Darsh tackle the overlooked but increasingly relevant topic of microplastics—what they are, how they affect our bodies, and what practical steps we can take to reduce exposure. From water filtration and air quality to household hacks and consumer habits, they explore the intersection of environmental toxins, chronic disease, and health optimization. Plus, the conversation veers into everything from sauna myths and visceral fat to book abandonment and the art of communication. A curious, wide-ranging discussion grounded in evidence and everyday life.Podcasts mentioned in the showToxins on Medicine RedefinedRhonda Patrick on Modern WisdomPeter Attia on MicroplasticsStudiesAbdominal fat causing pain?

Dr. Sarah “Sassy” Weinstein—triple board-certified in family medicine, sports medicine, and lifestyle medicine. After finishing her family medicine residency, Dr. Weinstein headed to Colorado for a sports medicine fellowship, then expanded her expertise by becoming board-certified in lifestyle medicine. Now practicing in Princeton, New Jersey, she blends advanced sports medicine techniques with holistic, lifestyle-focused care—all within a direct specialty care model that cuts out needless insurance barriers.In this episode, you’ll discover:How she built a fulfilling practice by leaving draining environments behind and embracing direct specialty care.Smart strategies for marketing and community outreach, helping her connect authentically with patients who need her most.A blueprint for handling logistics in a cash-based model, from price transparency to collaboration with imaging centers.Practical lifestyle medicine tips to address inflammation, enhance recovery, and boost overall wellness.Advice for medical trainees and early-career physicians on finding autonomy and renewed passion in the evolving healthcare landscape.Core Sports Medicine

Dr. Robyn Tiger, a board-certified physician and founder of StressFreeMD, shares her transformative journey from burnout to well-being. She discusses the importance of identifying beyond labels like 'doctor' to enhance personal growth. Dr. Tiger explores the dual nature of stress, emphasizing healthy, motivating stress over chronic distress. She provides practical self-care strategies for busy professionals and advocates for a deeper connection to purpose, encouraging healthcare workers to prioritize mental health and resilience.

Today, we are honored to welcome Dr. Leonaura Rhodes, a physician, public health expert, neurotherapist, and certified brain health coach. With over three decades of experience, she has dedicated her career to helping individuals optimize brain function, manage stress, and design fulfilling lives. Dr. Rhodes combines her expertise in medicine, coaching, and neuroscience to empower people with actionable strategies for peak health and longevity.In this episode, we explore neurodegenerative diseases, the lifestyle factors that influence brain health, and practical steps to protect cognitive function as we age. Topics include:• Understanding neurodegenerative diseases: causes, progression, and common types like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and vascular dementia.• The role of genetics vs. lifestyle—can we prevent cognitive decline?• The 11 key factors that influence brain aging and cognitive function.• The power of exercise, sleep, and diet in maintaining long-term brain health.• How stress, inflammation, and gut health contribute to neurodegeneration.• The latest insights on supplements like creatine and their impact on brain performance.• How to build a resilient mind and optimize mental well-being through mindfulness and stress management.

In this episode, we revisit our 2024 health predictions to see what we got right—and what we completely missed. Then, we dive into the biggest winners and losers of 2025, the most overhyped health trends, and the breakthrough technologies that will actually make an impact. Plus, Altamash shares his personal experience with surgery and recovery, revealing the critical lessons he learned about muscle loss, nutrition, and what most people (and even doctors) overlook when it comes to post-surgical healing. Tune in to hear: The 2025 health trends that are here to stay—and the ones that need to go. AI’s growing role in healthcare and how it’s changing the game. The truth about wearables, biohacking, and ultra-optimized living. Why traditional insurance models are on the decline. A deep dive into surgical recovery: what helps, what hurts, and how to bounce back faster Resources mentioned in the show: ESPEN practical guideline: Clinical nutrition in surgery Study on Sleep Regularity & All-Cause Mortality Study on Muscle Atrophy Post-Surgery & Nutritional Strategies JAMA Open Access Paper on Nutrition Competencies for Medical Trainees

Denzel Hill is an architectural designer with a unique perspective, aiming to connect the built world with nature to create healthier communities. He is the founder of Under One Sun Creative Consulting, an architectural design and visualization company. His company focuses on providing architectural drawings for custom residential builders and affordable home developers, emphasizing sustainability and communication. Denzel's vision focuses on designing healthy spaces with an emphasis on food security and a high quality of life. He is passionate about incorporating agriculture into the residential landscape, envisioning homes and communities that integrate elements for food production. Denzel is also committed to teaching and mentorship, believing it is key for progress. His journey is also informed by his background as a student-athlete at Columbia University, where he developed resilience, discipline, and perseverance Mentioned in the show: Tower Garden The Biggest Little Farm What The Health Social media: Substack Instagram Linkedin

Dr. Heather Hammerstedt is an emergency medicine physician, lifestyle medicine coach, and founder of Wholist Health. With over 20 years of experience in acute and chronic care, she has dedicated her career to addressing the root causes of illness through integrative approaches. Dr. Hammerstedt’s unique perspective combines her frontline emergency medicine work with her passion for coaching patients on nutrition, mindfulness, and movement. In this episode, we discuss: Lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and its ongoing impact on healthcare inefficiencies. The growing distrust between patients and providers and its implications for care. Alarmism in health messaging and the role of social media health experts. Who should lead public health conversations: clinicians, influencers, or multidisciplinary teams? Strategies for clinicians to navigate systemic barriers and moral injury. Simple lifestyle changes—nutrition, sleep, and movement—that can transform health. Resources mentioned in the show: JAMA Network Open: Proposed Nutrition Competencies for Medical Students and Physician Trainees Wholist Health Dr. Matt Ramsey’s Podcast: 43cc

Altamash and Darsh are back to discuss current events. Topics covered in the episode include: Current insurance industry issues - Brian Thompson, BCBS Therapy Culture "Health Experts" Resources mentioned in the show: Mark Manson episode Tangle News on CEO Shooting - Must Read

Dr. Lida Fatemi, DO, MPH is a board-certified internal medicine physician, educator, speaker, certified physician coach, and founder of the Conscious Physician Method. A best-selling author and leader in the integration of psychedelics into medicine, Dr. Fatemi has gained national recognition for her innovative approach to healing trauma, burnout, and mental health challenges. Her work combines evidence-based medicine with holistic practices, focusing on helping healthcare professionals and patients rediscover vitality, joy, and balance. Dr. Fatemi’s personal experiences, including growing up under a terrorist regime in Iran and surviving war, deeply inform her passion for alternative healing methods and her commitment to changing the healthcare landscape. As a trailblazer in the use of psilocybin and other integrative therapies, she has spent over a decade educating others on the potential of these treatments to transform lives and redefine care. In this episode, we explore Dr. Fatemi’s journey into medicine and psychedelics, the science and culture of psilocybin, and its applications in addressing mental health, addiction, and burnout. We’ll also discuss how these therapies can be integrated into mainstream healthcare, overcoming stigma, and the future of psychedelics in medicine. Mentioned in the show: Psilocybin MAPS Social Media: Instagram Conscious Physician Podcast

Dr. Melissa Sundermann (aka Doctor Outdoors) is a plant-based physician, double board certified in both Internal Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine and has been practicing medicine for over 20 years. She also has training in Integrative Medicine through the University of Michigan and has completed a Professional Training Program in Mind Body Medicine through the Center for Mind Body Medicine based in Washington, DC. She has been featured in several Lifestyle Medicine articles and podcasts as well as an invited speaker for health/medical events. Dr. Sundermann currently practices concierge medicine at LifeSpan Medicine. She does her best to practice what she preaches and enjoys running, biking, hiking, skiing and spending time outdoors and creating adventures with her husband, 2 college-age children and 2 dogs. She is a 10x Boston Marathon finisher, and 3x Full Ironman Triathlon finisher. Social Media: Instagram LinkedInMentioned in the show:Lifestyle Medicine PillarsNature as the 7th PillarForest BathingSun ExposureWater Exposure