Evolution Of Medicine Podcast

What if one of the most powerful healing tools isn't a supplement or medication—but a simple movement practice rooted in breath, awareness, and human connection? In this live Evolution of Medicine Podcast episode from the Institute for Functional Medicine Annual Conference, James Maskell speaks with Dr. Carol Penn about the role of Qigong in functional medicine and why it may be one of the most important foundational practices for modern health. Drawing on her background as a professional dancer, osteopathic physician, and educator, Dr. Penn explains how movement can transform physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. She shares how her experiences working with people with disabilities first revealed the healing potential of creativity and embodied movement. The conversation explores how Qigong maps onto the Functional Medicine Matrix, supporting structural integrity, nervous system regulation, breath function, and overall systems health. James and Dr. Penn also discuss the growing crisis of social d

What if chronic disease isn't a single problem—but a breakdown across multiple biological networks? In this live Evolution of Medicine Podcast episode from the IFM conference, James Maskell speaks with Dr. Kristine Burke about the rapid transformation of functional medicine and its growing integration into mainstream healthcare systems. They explore why inflammatory markers like CRP took decades to enter standard practice, and how this reflects a broader challenge in translating research into real-world medicine. Dr. Burke shares her journey from conventional family medicine into functional medicine after seeing patients experience major cardiovascular events despite guideline-based care. This led her to focus on residual risk, root causes, and systems biology. The conversation also covers emerging biomarkers such as SII, SIRI, and suPAR, which may help detect systemic chronic inflammation and disease risk earlier than traditional approaches. A major theme is the shift toward network-based care—where clinicia

What if chronic disease, cognitive decline, and even trauma were not fixed conditions—but modifiable biological states? In this Functional Forum episode, James Maskell and Matt Wiggins bring together leading clinicians and researchers to explore the frontiers of precision and functional medicine. They discuss SUPAR, a powerful biomarker for systemic inflammation that could reshape early disease detection. The conversation then turns to a groundbreaking cognitive decline trial showing major improvements in patients treated with functional medicine protocols compared to standard care. The episode also explores the biology of loneliness and the "cell danger response," the reversibility of trauma through epigenetic mechanisms and psychedelic-assisted therapy, and emerging ideas about measuring masculinity as a clinical health indicator. Together, these insights point toward a future where chronic disease may be detected earlier, treated systemically, and in some cases reversed. - - - - - About the Guests: This ep

What if the fastest way to grow your medical practice isn't advertising—but conversation? In this episode of The Evolution of Medicine, James Maskell speaks with Bret Gregory, founder of DrTalks, about how podcasting is transforming the way doctors build authority, attract patients, and share medical knowledge. They explore how DrTalks is creating a creator economy for physicians, making it easy to become a podcast guest or host while removing technical and logistical barriers. Bret breaks down a "crawl, walk, run" strategy where doctors start as guests before launching their own shows. The conversation highlights practical tools like "signature talks," which use AI to generate compelling podcast pitches, and explains how consistency—not production scale—is what drives long-term success. A major focus is the power of local podcasting, where doctors interview referral partners and community members to build trust, visibility, and direct patient flow. Ultimately, this episode reframes podcasting as a foundation

What if health is shaped less by individual optimization—and more by our relationships? In this episode of The Evolution of Medicine, James Maskell speaks with Michael Trainer, author of Resonance, about how relationships influence biology, behavior, and long-term health. They explore "resonance" as a state of nervous system alignment between people, and how loneliness and weak social networks contribute to chronic disease, dementia, and mental health issues. Trainer shares personal experiences from caring for his father, overcoming OCD, and finding healing through cultural immersion in Sri Lanka. The conversation also examines "network sufficiency," community as medicine, and why AI cannot replace human relational intelligence in healthcare. Ultimately, this episode reframes health as something co-created through connection, trust, and community. - - - - - About the Guest: Michael Trainer is an author, speaker, and founder focused on relational intelligence, social health, and the role of human connection in

What does it take to bring functional medicine into mainstream insurance systems? In this episode of The Evolution of Medicine, James Maskell speaks with Dr. Robin Berzin about Parsley Health's landmark achievement: becoming the first functional medicine clinic in-network with insurance coverage for 150 million lives. They explore how a decade of building standardized protocols, training systems, and outcomes data led to proof of both clinical results and cost savings in chronic disease care. The conversation also unpacks what this shift means for independent functional medicine practitioners, and how AI, wearables, and direct-to-consumer testing are reshaping patient expectations and expanding the market for personalized medicine. - - - - - About the Guest: Dr. Robin Berzin is a physician and the founder and CEO of Parsley Health, a functional medicine and longevity clinic focused on treating chronic disease through a systems-based, root-cause approach. She has built Parsley Health into a nationally scaled c

What if the future of maternal healthcare began before conception? In this episode of The Evolution of Medicine , James Maskell and Emily Rydbom explore how nutrition, systems biology, and integrated care models are transforming pregnancy outcomes. You'll learn how a "standard of care plus" approach—combining trimester-specific nutrition, biomarker testing, and virtual care models—has improved outcomes across multiple cohorts, including Medicaid populations. This conversation explores how early nutritional intervention may reduce preterm birth, gestational diabetes, and other complications, while also reshaping how we think about prevention in medicine. - - - - - About the Guest: Emily Rydbom is a board-certified holistic nutritionist and clinical researcher working within the Grow Baby initiative, a 13–15 year program focused on improving maternal and infant health through nutrition-first, systems-based care models. She has worked extensively on integrating nutrition into obstetric care across clinical, virt

What does the future of psychiatry look like when psychedelics, functional medicine, and trauma therapy converge? In this episode of The Evolution of Medicine, James Maskell and Will Van Derveer, MD explore how psychedelic-assisted therapy is reshaping mental health care. You'll learn how MDMA, psilocybin, ketamine, and emerging compounds may be used for different clinical needs, why integration is essential for lasting change, and how functional medicine can support deeper healing of both body and mind. This conversation goes beyond treatment—it explores meaning, trauma, and the future of human transformation in medicine. - - - - - About the Guest: Will Van Derveer, MD is a psychiatrist and co-founder of the Integrative Psychiatry Institute. He is a leading educator in integrative and psychedelic-assisted therapy, training thousands of clinicians worldwide in functional medicine and psychedelic treatment approaches. - - - - - Social Handles: Website: https://www.jamesmaskell.com/ X: https://x.com/mrjamesmask

What if cannabis could support brain health and cognitive function? In this episode of The Evolution of Medicine, James Maskell and Dr. Bonni Goldstein explore how medical cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid system to reduce neuroinflammation and support neurological health. You'll learn how compounds like THC, CBD, and CBG may protect the brain, the benefits of full-spectrum cannabis, and how proper dosing and medical guidance can improve outcomes safely. This conversation offers a new perspective on cannabis as part of a holistic approach to aging, brain health, and dementia care. - - - - - About the Guest: Dr. Bonni Goldstein is a physician specializing in medical cannabis and its therapeutic applications. Based in California, she has treated thousands of patients using cannabinoid-based therapies and is a leading advocate for integrating cannabis into modern medical practice through education, research, and clinical care. - - - - - Social Handles: Website: https://www.jamesmaskell.com/ X: https://

What if cognitive decline and Alzheimer's could be reversed? In this episode of The Evolution of Medicine , James Maskell and Dr. Kristine Burke discuss the 2026 summit's advances in precision medicine and team-based approaches to brain health. You'll learn about a first-of-its-kind randomized trial showing measurable cognitive improvement, the importance of addressing multiple root causes, and strategies for making these interventions accessible to clinicians and patients alike. This is a conversation about science, hope, and creating a new standard of care for cognitive decline. - - - - - About the Guest: Dr. Kristine Burke is a physician specializing in functional and precision medicine, focused on reversing chronic diseases including Alzheimer's and cognitive decline. She applies a systems-based approach to address root causes, helping patients achieve measurable recovery through coordinated, personalized care. - - - - - Register for the Reversing Alzheimer's 2.0 Summit, running from April 11, 2026 – Apri

In this solo episode, I'm diving into a concept that's been coming up again and again—in my work, in the data, and in conversations with practitioners around the world: network insufficiency. Put simply, when connections break down—whether in the body, in our communities, or in our healthcare systems—things stop working. I share highlights from my recent talk at the Bevan Commission, where I explored why chronic disease is rising, why healthcare systems are under pressure, and what we can actually do about it. This is also the foundation of my upcoming book, The Great Reconnection. - - - - - About the Host: James Maskell is the founder of the Evolution of Medicine and has spent the last decade helping practitioners build scalable, root-cause healthcare practices. His work focuses on community-based care, functional medicine, and creating systems that actually reverse chronic disease.strategies. - - - - - Register for the Reversing Alzheimer's 2.0 Summit, running from April 11, 2026 – April 15, 2026. Join us a

Host James Maskell interviews Dr. Isabella Wentz, a leader in thyroid health and functional medicine, about her new work on IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). The conversation explores how IBS is often misunderstood as a standalone diagnosis when it is actually an umbrella term with multiple root causes. Dr. Wentz shares her personal journey from IBS to Hashimoto's, explains the connection between gut health and autoimmunity, and outlines the many drivers of IBS—from medications and food sensitivities to infections and stress. The episode highlights how functional medicine practitioners can achieve high success rates by identifying and addressing root causes, using targeted diagnostics, personalized interventions, and lifestyle strategies to restore gut health and prevent chronic disease progression. - - - - - About the Guest: Dr. Isabella Wentz is a pharmacist, functional medicine expert, and bestselling author known for her work on thyroid health and Hashimoto's disease. After overcoming her own autoimmune con

In this episode of The Evolution of Medicine, host James Maskell interviews Seth Conger, COO of Freedom Practice Coaching and long-time functional medicine practitioner and mentor. The conversation explores the structural burnout many practitioners experience when running their own clinics, wearing multiple hats as clinician, CEO, marketer, and manager. Seth shares practical strategies for avoiding burnout, including proactive business management, deliberate reconnection with patient outcomes, effective hiring and delegation, and schedule design. The episode also dives into how coaching, mentorship, and technology—including AI—can help functional medicine practices scale while maintaining practitioner freedom, team efficiency, and patient impact. - - - - - Seth Conger is the Chief Operating Officer of Freedom Practice Coaching, where he mentors functional medicine practitioners on building scalable, sustainable practices. He has built, scaled, and sold a functional medicine clinic and now shares his expertise

In this episode of The Evolution of Medicine, host James Maskell interviews Dr. Ryan Arnold, founder of Clava Health and a former emergency and critical care physician who transitioned into functional medicine. The conversation explores Dr. Arnold's journey from hospital-based medicine to building a scalable functional medicine clinic focused on root-cause care, longevity, and brain health. He shares how frustration with traditional disease-focused medicine pushed him to pursue functional medicine training and eventually launch a cash-based practice. Dr. Arnold explains why brain health is emerging as the central pillar of longevity medicine and how cognitive decline can often be reversed through comprehensive functional medicine protocols that address metabolism, sleep, inflammation, and lifestyle factors. The episode also dives into the importance of program-based care models, multidisciplinary teams, practitioner collaboration, and how new technologies like relational AI can help clinics scale patient educ

In this episode of The Evolution of Medicine, host James Maskell interviews Debbie Silber, PhD, founder of the Post Betrayal Transformation Institute and author of Unstuck. The conversation explores why betrayal is a distinct and often overlooked root cause of chronic physical and mental health conditions. Dr. Silber shares her groundbreaking research on Post-Betrayal Syndrome (PBS), the predictable 5 stages of healing, and why so many patients remain "stuck" despite functional or conventional care. This episode reframes betrayal not as an emotional inconvenience—but as a physiological event that reshapes the brain, nervous system, immune function, and digestive health.   About the Guest: Debbie Silber, PhD is the founder of the Post Betrayal Transformation Institute and creator of the PBT® (Post-Betrayal Transformation) Certification Program. After experiencing multiple betrayals herself, she completed a PhD study on how betrayal impacts health, work, and relationships. Her research identified Post-Betrayal

In this episode of The Evolution of Medicine, host James Maskell interviews registered dietitian Ashley Koff about her new book Your Best Shot. The conversation explores the seismic impact of GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and Wegovy—and how functional medicine can pivot from a "weight loss" mindset to a "weight health" approach. Koff reframes these medications not as magic bullets, but as biosimilar hormone replacement tools that "switch on" receptor sites—without repairing the underlying ecosystem. She outlines a five-part Weight Health Hormone assessment and introduces a Physician–Dietitian–Health Coach triad to ensure sustainable outcomes. The episode challenges practitioners to stay "agnostic about the agonist" and instead focus on metabolic repair, patient education, and structured team-based care.   About the Guest:Ashley Koff, RD is a registered dietitian and functional nutrition expert focused on metabolic health, personalized nutrition, and hormone signaling. She is the author of Your Best Shot and adv

In this episode of The Evolution of Medicine, host James Maskell outlines a pivotal shift for functional medicine practitioners. He argues that the era of the "artisan" solo practitioner is ending—and that survival in 2026 and beyond requires building scalable clinical infrastructure. Maskell explains how AI-powered platforms, venture-backed telehealth companies, and direct-to-consumer lab brands are redefining patient expectations around speed, convenience, and affordability. To compete, functional medicine clinics must evolve into "full stack" models—combining objective data, team-based care, defined outcomes, and recurring membership structures. This episode also launches a new initiative designed to help clinics operationalize that shift.   James Maskell is a healthcare entrepreneur and founder of The Evolution of Medicine. For over 20 years, he has worked to scale functional medicine through community-driven models, group visits, and practitioner infrastructure. His work focuses on moving medicine upstre

In this episode of The Evolution of Medicine podcast, host James Maskell speaks with health educator and researcher Ari Whitten about why modern medicine has failed to meaningfully prevent or reverse Alzheimer's disease—and how an evolutionary and lifestyle-based framework offers a far more effective path forward. The conversation reframes Alzheimer's not as an inevitable consequence of aging, but as a disease of evolutionary mismatch—the result of modern lifestyles that conflict with our ancient biological design. Drawing on anthropological data, long-term population studies, and emerging research on physiological resilience, Whitten explains why building "reserve capacity" may be the most powerful strategy for long-term brain health.   Ari Whitten is a health educator, researcher, and expert in energy metabolism and human performance. His work focuses on evolutionary health, mitochondrial function, and physiological resilience as foundations for preventing chronic disease. Ari is widely known for translatin

In this episode of The Evolution of Medicine podcast, host James Maskell speaks with Dr. Matthew Bernstein about the emerging field of metabolic psychiatry. They explore how addressing metabolic health—particularly through ketogenic diets—can treat and, in some cases, reverse serious mental health conditions that conventional psychiatric medications often fail to resolve. Through personal stories, clinical insights, and a forward-looking discussion on research and policy, the episode challenges the long-standing "chemical imbalance" narrative and reframes mental illness as a systemic, energy-based disorder rooted in metabolic dysfunction.   James Maskell interviews Dr. Matthew Bernstein on metabolic psychiatry, ketogenic diets, and the future of mental health care, exploring how metabolic health can reverse depression, bipolar disorder, and psychosis on The Evolution of Medicine Podcast.   Dr. Matthew Bernstein is a psychiatrist and pioneer in metabolic psychiatry. After a family health crisis involving his s

In this solo episode of The Evolution of Medicine, host James Maskell explores emerging conversations in healthcare, focusing on low-level toxicity, electromagnetic fields (EMFs), and practical ways clinicians can support patients in reversing chronic illness. The episode highlights personal experiences, clinical observations, and actionable strategies for reducing "electrosmog" or electromagnetic fog exposure in everyday life, alongside broader insights into optimizing environmental health for longevity and functional medicine.   James Maskell explores EMFs, low-level toxicity, and "electrosmog" in functional medicine, sharing practical strategies to reduce exposure, optimize patient health, and support longevity on The Evolution of Medicine Podcast.   James Maskell is the founder and host of The Evolution of Medicine Podcast, focused on functional, integrative, and longevity medicine. He explores innovations in healthcare, chronic illness reversal, and strategies for building thriving practices and healthy