In this episode, Dr. John sits down with Darrell Moon, a nationally recognized advocate for direct primary care (DPC), to explore the transformative potential of relationship-driven healthcare. Darrell shares his professional journey, from starting as a student helping run a small hospital in Utah to leading multiple hospitals and eventually focusing on healthcare reform. He emphasizes the importance of aligning healthcare delivery with the true customer—business leaders and patients—rather than the traditional system’s incentives, which often reward keeping hospitals full rather than improving patient outcomes. 

The conversation considers the innovative NUCA healthcare system in Alaska, which prioritizes trust, long-term relationships, and a holistic approach to patient care, focusing on individuals’ life goals rather than just treating disease. The NUCA healthcare system divides patients into manageable groups and embeds a dedicated care team within each group in its efforts to foster deep relationships and deliver better outcomes at lower cost. Dr. John parallels this model to his own direct primary care clinics, emphasizing trust-building, long-term relationships, and a patient-centered approach that improves both outcomes and satisfaction.

Finally, the podcast addresses the broader implications of DPC for employers and employees. By placing direct primary care at the center of self-funded insurance plans, companies can reduce costs, improve employee health, and foster loyalty. The conversation underscores how transparency, high-quality referrals, and data-driven decision-making can reshape healthcare delivery, offering accessible, affordable, and trustworthy care while enhancing overall workforce wellbeing.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Join Dr. Sanders with Zak Hazlett, a licensed marriage and family therapist and experienced river guide in their discussion of health and healing through nature. John and Zak begin the conversation discussing metaphorical “baggage” and the importance of unpacking it alongside others. The speakers stress that real growth and friendship come through vulnerability—sharing our struggles rather than hiding them behind a polished façade. The key message is that we can’t unpack someone else’s baggage for them, but we can unpack together, side by side.

The discussion then shifts into the role of self-awareness, accountability, and the small steps required for growth. Instead of waiting for a big breakthrough, showing up consistently for yourself—much like you would for a close friend—leads to progress. Parenting examples highlight the power of teaching children to own mistakes without shame, reinforcing the idea that accountability fosters resilience and healing. This ties into how relationships and safe environments provide the container we need to reprogram unhealthy patterns from the past.

Finally, the dialogue explores nature as both a reset and antidote to modern overstimulation. Phones and technology create addictive dopamine spikes, whereas spending time outdoors restores balance, helps reset circadian rhythms, and reduces stress. Practical “dopamine detox” tips are shared, such as grayscaling phones, moving apps, and setting intentional barriers. The speakers emphasize that meaningful social connection—hugs, time with friends, shared vulnerability—produces lasting neurochemical benefits like oxytocin. Taken together, the message is clear: unpack your baggage with others, be intentional about your environment, and lean into nature and authentic connection for lasting wellness.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

A Practical Guide to HRT for Women and Men

Dr. John is joined by nurse practitioner Marilyn to unpack the complexities of hormone use in both women and men, starting with the history of hormone therapy, the legacy of the Women’s Health Initiative, and the persistence of outdated black box warnings. They stress the importance of shared decision-making, noting that while risks like clotting, liver issues, and breast cancer must be considered, the potential benefits for mood, sleep, bone density, and quality of life can be significant when therapy is managed thoughtfully.

In the discussion of female hormone therapy, they review perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause, explaining when estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone may be appropriate. Marilyn shares practical guidance on lab testing, timing in the menstrual cycle, and tailoring treatment to symptoms. They also highlight the problem of inappropriate hormone use in younger women and caution against hormone “mills” that prescribe pellets or high doses without proper monitoring. Compounded formulations, oral progesterone, and topical or vaginal applications are all discussed as flexible tools when individualized to the patient’s needs.

The conversation then shifts to male hormone therapy. Dr. John highlights the American Urological Association’s clear guidance on hypogonadism, stressing the need for accurate diagnosis and lifestyle interventions before prescribing testosterone. They discuss causes of low testosterone, including obesity, poor sleep, stress, and environmental exposures like plastics and pesticides. Alternatives such as Clomiphene and HCG can support fertility while boosting testosterone in younger men. Both hosts agree that while inappropriate use is common, properly monitored therapy can improve energy, mood, libido, and overall well-being. The episode closes with a reminder that HRT is not about making people 20 again—it’s about improving quality of life and aging with vitality.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the a​​dvice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

This podcast explores the complex and evolving world of compounding pharmacies, with a focus on how they provide customized solutions that go beyond what is commercially available. The conversation begins with the growing interest in peptides like BPC-157 and the lack of clear FDA guidance on their regulation. Practitioners and patients are left navigating uncertain territory where products may be inconsistently sourced or labeled as “not for human use,” raising important safety and trust concerns. The discussion highlights how regulatory oversight, while designed to protect the public, often creates barriers for innovation and patient access to potentially beneficial therapies.

From there, the conversation shifts into the practical and creative role compounding pharmacies play in patient care. Unlike traditional prescriptions, compounding allows for individualized formulations—whether that’s tailoring dermatology creams to reduce side effects, creating specialized GI or ENT preparations, or offering unique dosing options for children, pets, or patients with rare conditions. The art of compounding comes through in solving problems such as ensuring accurate dosing, removing air pockets from creams, or flavoring medications to improve compliance. Collaboration between pharmacists, clinicians, and patients is emphasized as the key to designing effective, “made-to-fit” therapies.

The episode also delves into bioidentical hormone replacement and GLP-1 therapies, both of which demonstrate the flexibility and value of compounding. Bioidentical hormones, though historically controversial, are shown to be chemically identical to natural hormones, offering tailored options that can improve quality of life for both men and women when used responsibly. Similarly, compounded GLP-1 medications provide more dosing flexibility, lower cost, and opportunities to address side effects with supportive add-ins like B12 or glycine. The conversation closes with a call to action for providers to learn more about compounding, embrace its potential, and collaborate with trusted pharmacists to expand patient options and improve outcomes.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the a​​dvice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

This podcast episode features Dr. John Sanders in conversation with Dr. Jeremy Gardner, a neurodevelopmental optometrist at Achieve Family Vision. Dr. Gardner explains that vision is far more than just achieving 20/20 eyesight—it's a crucial driver of attention, learning, and development from infancy through adulthood. He highlights how vision therapy, or what he calls “brain therapy through the eyes,” helps children and adults overcome challenges linked to conditions such as ADHD, dyslexia, autism, and even post-concussion recovery. He emphasizes the role of movement, outdoor play, and three-dimensional visual experiences in building strong visual and attentional skills.

The discussion moves into how current medical and educational systems tend to overlook these deeper aspects of vision. Pediatricians and schools typically screen only for clarity of sight, missing vision processing, tracking, and coordination issues that can mimic ADHD or dyslexia. Dr. Gardner explains that many children who struggle with reading, attention, or headaches are actually experiencing vision-related challenges, which can be identified through specialized testing. He also points out that vision difficulties can contribute to behavioral frustration, avoidance of reading, and overreliance on screens, as these require less visual effort than traditional learning.

Dr. Gardner shares that his practice uses comprehensive evaluations to uncover underlying causes of learning difficulties, pulling together insights from vision specialists, auditory experts, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and mental health professionals. Their collaborative goal is to eliminate preventable learning barriers for Utah students by 2035. Importantly, he stresses that dyslexia and attention difficulties are not permanent roadblocks but challenges that can often be retrained and improved with proper intervention. The episode closes with a call for greater awareness among parents, teachers, and medical providers—highlighting that early recognition and a holistic, team-based approach can dramatically improve children’s confidence, learning, and lifelong potential.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the a​​dvice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Dr. Sanders brings on Shaunna and good friend, Chrizelle Ransom, to discuss the challenges of navigating medical information in the age of social media and algorithms. The discussion covers how attention-driven platforms reward controversy and “rage bait,” leading to viral misinformation that hooks people emotionally rather than logically. Dr. John and guests share personal experiences, such as how simple searches about household problems led to algorithmic spirals, and caution that seemingly harmless engagement can quickly expose users to harmful or misleading medical content.

The conversation also unpacks the psychological forces that make misinformation persuasive, including rhetoric, emotional appeals, and the phenomenon of “anti-expert bias,” where trained professionals are dismissed while influencers with little expertise gain trust simply by being relatable. Shaunna and Chrizelle note how historic failures within medicine and the healthcare system’s time constraints have eroded public trust, making people more vulnerable to misinformation and bias. But John counters that building trust through humility, time, and genuine listening emerges as a critical counterbalance.

Finally, the podcast emphasizes both patient and provider humility. Patients must recognize their own biases and stay open to trustworthy guidance, while providers should communicate transparently and admit uncertainty where it exists. The episode closes by highlighting practical tools, such as examine.com for supplement evidence and Open Evidence AI for accessing peer-reviewed medical data, which can help both providers and patients sift through the noise of online health information to make better, evidence-based decisions.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the a​​dvice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

This podcast episode explores the financial and practical considerations of bariatric (weight loss) surgery, emphasizing the need for transparent pricing in the U.S. healthcare system. Dr. Rasmussen discusses the disparity between what surgeons earn and what surgical facilities charge, pointing out that many components—such as disposable equipment and facility overhead—contribute to the high costs. The conversation also touches on medical tourism, particularly the risks involved when patients seek cheaper surgery abroad, where critical postoperative support and education may be lacking.

Dr. Rasmussen highlights the importance of comprehensive care in surgical weight loss programs. His clinic, Utah Surgical Associates, offers pre- and post-operative support, including consultations with dietitians, psychologists, and social workers, as well as lab monitoring and educational resources. He stresses that surgical weight loss is a tool, not a cure, requiring lasting lifestyle changes and long-term follow-up for success. Medication can also supplement surgery in certain cases to enhance outcomes.

The discussion concludes with insights into specialized procedures. Dr. Rasmussen also covers nutritional needs following surgery, including the use of bariatric-specific multivitamins and alternative supplementation options like patches. The episode wraps with a broader reflection on cultural habits and the need for grassroots health movements to combat the epidemic of processed food consumption and restore healthier living practices.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the a​​dvice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

In this episode of the Voyage Clinics podcast, Dr. John Sanders, a family physician, offers practical first aid guidance tailored for families. He discusses real-life experiences and provides actionable tips on managing common emergencies such as choking, fever, febrile seizures, and allergic reactions. Dr. Sanders underscores the importance of prevention, like cutting food into small pieces for children to avoid choking and recognizing early signs of serious issues such as persistent high fevers or febrile seizures in young kids.

The podcast covers an array of topics including nosebleeds, cuts, burns, and environmental injuries. Dr. Sanders explains how to manage bleeding effectively with proper pressure placement, the importance of cleaning wounds thoroughly using tap water, and ways to handle both minor and more complex lacerations using Steri-Strips or professional care. He advises against outdated methods like hydrogen peroxide, advocating for gentler, more effective treatments. For burns, he recommends quick cooling and outlines the degrees of burns and when professional care is necessary.

Finally, Dr. Sanders delves into respiratory issues like croup and asthma, insect bites, and tick-borne illnesses. He highlights how to recognize breathing distress in children, how to react to different severities of allergic reactions, and how to safely remove ticks. The episode is a valuable resource for parents, offering both reassurance and empowerment by teaching when home care is appropriate and when to seek medical help. His approach balances medical expertise with accessible, family-oriented advice.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the a​​dvice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

In this podcast episode from Voyage Clinics, Dr. John welcomes breathwork specialist Josh Perry for a deep conversation about emotional health, masculinity, and healing. Josh shares his background in psychology and web development and how his personal healing journey led him to breathwork and somatic practices. Both Dr. John and Josh reflect on how societal norms, particularly those taught to boys and men, discourage emotional expression and vulnerability, creating disconnection from one’s own emotions and from others.

Their conversation explores the emotional conditioning men experience, such as suppressing tears or defaulting to sarcasm as a defense mechanism. Dr. John shares personal stories of growth in self-awareness and emotional regulation, particularly in his relationships and parenting. Josh explains how breathwork helped him bypass the thinking mind to connect with buried emotions like shame and grief, which were previously masked by years of internalized beliefs and coping behaviors. They highlight the value of creating safe, supportive spaces for men to reconnect with themselves and others emotionally.

The discussion also touches on the healing power of music, the role of the voice in emotional release, and the need for culturally relevant tools to support men’s mental health. Josh shares stories of guiding breathwork sessions for youth and adults alike and emphasizes the importance of slow, compassionate entry into emotional work—especially for those who’ve never been invited to feel deeply. The episode closes with encouragement for men to know they are not broken, but rather conditioned—and that with the right tools and community, they can heal, connect, and live more wholehearted lives.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the a​​dvice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

In this episode of the Voyage Clinic podcast, Dr. John Sanders sits down with Amy Walker—business coach, entrepreneur, and founder of Exit School—to discuss how entrepreneurship can be a powerful vehicle for personal growth, wellness, and community impact. Amy shares her story of building businesses while raising five children, the turning point that led her to focus on creating companies that could thrive without her, and her mission to help others build transferable, scalable businesses. She explains how owning a business forces deep self-awareness, emotional maturity, and spiritual alignment, often accelerating personal development far beyond what a traditional career offers.

The conversation also explores practical strategies for building business value and planning for eventual exit, including why buying an existing business may be smarter than starting from scratch. Amy debunks common misconceptions about business acquisition and highlights how financial independence can unlock greater purpose—whether that’s more time with family or solving local problems like homelessness. She and Dr. Sanders ultimately emphasize that entrepreneurship, when done with clear intention and values, can lead to a healthier, more fulfilled life and a stronger community.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Voyage Clinics Podcast host Dr. John Sanders welcomes longtime friend and “pickleball bro” Jason Peery for a conversation about personal growth, coaching, and mental wellness. Jason introduces himself as a husband, father of six, grandfather of two, and someone with a strong passion for coaching, teaching, and supporting youth and families—especially in the mental health space. He shares that while he’s done a lot of business to pay the bills, his heart lies in helping young people grow through sports and mentoring.

The conversation touches on the value of human connection, vulnerability, and intentional living. Jason reflects on the cultural and generational barriers that often keep men from expressing their emotions and seeking support, and he emphasizes the power of simply being present and listening. He and Dr. Sanders explore how service, authenticity, and spiritual grounding contribute to a fulfilling life, especially for those navigating change or emotional difficulty. Jason also discusses his own efforts to keep growing and stay curious, even while supporting others.

Throughout the episode, both men underscore the importance of slowing down and making time for self-reflection, faith, and purpose. Jason encourages listeners to notice when they’re “operating from fear” and instead choose to lead with love and truth. Dr. Sanders ties these insights back to his clinical work, affirming how critical it is for people—especially men—to find spaces where they can speak openly and feel seen. The conversation closes with gratitude and a shared hope that listeners will be inspired to pause, connect, and live more fully.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

In this episode of the Voyage Clinics Podcast, host Dr. John Sanders interviews therapist Chantel Stratton Lund about her path into the mental health field and the importance of addressing men’s mental health. Chantel shares how her career trajectory shifted from an early interest in finance to therapy after realizing her deeper desire to help people on a personal level. Influenced by early exposure to mental health struggles and personal experiences, she pursued a Master’s in Social Work and began focusing on family dynamics and mental well-being. Her clinical work, particularly with ketamine-assisted therapy, has shown powerful results for patients with PTSD, depression, and suicidal ideation.

The conversation delves into the unique challenges men face in today’s social landscape, including emotional suppression, addiction to screens and video games, and lack of strong emotional support systems. Both Dr. Sanders and Chantel discuss how traditional masculinity and societal expectations discourage vulnerability, leading many men to feel isolated and emotionally stunted. They touch on the loneliness epidemic affecting men, with data showing a stark decline in male friendships over recent decades. Chantel explains how therapy can provide a safe space to explore emotional intelligence, challenge internalized shame, and learn to express vulnerability constructively.

The discussion also covers the benefits of ketamine therapy, particularly its impact on neuroplasticity, enabling patients to break entrenched mental patterns and form healthier ones. Dr. Sanders emphasizes the need for intention-setting and post-session therapeutic support to maximize ketamine’s transformative effects. The episode concludes with reflections on the power of genuine connection, the art of male friendship, and practical ways to cultivate vulnerability and emotional growth through small group interactions, service, and consistent outreach. Both speakers express a deep passion for supporting men’s mental health and highlight the importance of social connection, both inside and outside the therapy room.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

In this episode, Dr. Sanders is joined by Holly Hawkins for a reflective and personal conversation about the role of presence in healthcare. Dr. Sanders shares his thoughts on what it means to truly be present with patients—how slowing down, listening carefully, and being emotionally available can lead to deeper healing. He explains how the DPC model allows this kind of relationship-centered care by removing time-based billing and insurance barriers that typically interfere with connection.

Holly shares her own journey of rediscovering purpose through her roles in the clinic. With prior experience in clinical environments and a deep appreciation for people, she describes how working at the DPC practice has restored her sense of meaning. Holly talks about how greeting patients by name, forming real connections, and being part of a team that values intentional presence has transformed how she views both healthcare and her own life.

Together, John and Holly explore how the practice of presence doesn’t just apply to medical professionals—it’s a universal discipline that affects how we show up for one another. Their conversation is a gentle but powerful reminder that healing begins with being seen and heard, and that every person in a clinic—whether physician or receptionist—can be a vital part of that healing process.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Dr. John interviews Paige Moore, a third-year medical student, who shares her inspiring journey through medical education and how she became passionate about direct primary care (DPC). Initially drawn to medicine because of her interest in whole-person care and community health, Paige discovered DPC during her first year of medical school and was struck by its alignment with her values. She reflects on the shortcomings of the traditional insurance-based healthcare model, especially the rushed appointments and administrative overload that distance providers from their patients. Paige shares how shadowing in a DPC clinic helped her see what medicine could look like when it’s centered on relationships and true healing.

Paige also talks about the challenges and hopes of navigating medical school with a mindset that diverges from many of her peers. While many students are focused on specialties and financial incentives, Paige is committed to primary care and is vocal about her desire to build a practice that prioritizes people over productivity. She describes the tension between what she's learning in the classroom and what she sees modeled in innovative practices like DPC, and how important it is to find mentors and communities that support her vision.

Finally, Paige offers advice to other students who feel called to a more meaningful kind of medicine. She encourages them to ask hard questions, seek out nontraditional experiences, and trust that they can carve their own path even within a rigid system. Her story is one of conviction, clarity, and quiet rebellion — a reminder that the future of medicine is shaped by those willing to imagine and pursue something better.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

In this heartfelt episode of the Voyage Clinics Podcast, Dr. John interviews Dani Enkey, a doula and mother of five, about her personal journey and professional work in the birth and postpartum space. Dani shares how her own transformation—from feeling lost in motherhood to reclaiming her identity—led her to support other women navigating similar paths. She describes the internalized belief systems that kept her from prioritizing her own needs and how mentorship and intentional self-discovery helped her regain her voice and confidence.

The conversation dives deep into the sacred nature of birth, highlighting the unique emotional, physical, and spiritual experiences women undergo during labor and postpartum. Dani explains the important role a doula can play in that journey—providing consistent support, comfort measures, and emotional anchoring that helps birthing women stay centered. She and Dr. John discuss the doula’s role in bridging communication gaps with medical staff, helping families feel empowered, and easing the unpredictable transitions of labor. Dani likens doulas to a nurturing presence that fills the "cracks" left in sterile clinical environments with warmth, care, and feminine energy.

The episode ends with a look at postpartum support and community building. Dani introduces her initiative, Wise Women Collective, which aims to provide wraparound care for women throughout fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum through coaching, education, and group support. She emphasizes the importance of connection and care in reducing maternal isolation and mental health struggles, advocating for a model of care that is proactive, gentle, and deeply human. Dr. John praises her vision and work, noting its alignment with the values of his practice.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Dr. John meets with Aimee Hadfield, a board-certified practitioner of group therapy, sociometry, and psychodrama, as she shares her journey into mental health work. Although she initially didn’t believe in therapy, the loss of her brother and her drive to help others led her to co-found Hearten House, an experiential therapy center. Aimee recounts a pivotal moment during a psychodrama training that transformed her perspective, emphasizing the embodied, individualized nature of psychodrama and its unique ability to access deeper emotional healing beyond traditional talk therapy.

The episode explores how psychodrama—an action-based, person-centered therapeutic approach—uses embodiment, role reversal, and group dynamics to help individuals access inner wisdom and reshape their internal narratives. Aimee and Dr. John discuss how psychodrama supports healing through spontaneity, movement, and emotional engagement, often unlocking insights unavailable through conventional modalities. Aimee explains tools like spectrograms, sociometry, and role-playing with symbolic figures to access strength-based roles, reframe trauma, and foster transformation.

They also delve into psychodrama's applications for addiction recovery, grief, family roles, and self-perception, emphasizing its research-backed effectiveness in reducing anxiety, PTSD, and depression. Aimee speaks to the power of group therapy and how psychodrama allows clients to physically rehearse new behaviors, leading to neurologically reinforced change. The episode ends with a reflection on spontaneity as a remedy for the impulsivity epidemic fueled by digital overstimulation, and Aimee’s encouragement to seek therapists with rigorous psychodrama training.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.