In this episode of The Functional Edge, Dr. Julia Ward sits down with Dr. Maria DeFranco, a holistic chiropractor specializing in the pelvic bowl, embodiment practices, and musculoskeletal health. Together, they explore the intersection of shame, sexual health, and intimacy, and how our bodies hold both connection and disconnection.
Dr. DeFranco shares how shame and childhood conditioning impact the pelvic floor, posture, and the ability to feel present in intimacy. They discuss practical ways to cultivate authentic connection, including presence exercises, non-sexual touch, intention-setting, and communication strategies that deepen safety and pleasure.
Listeners will gain insights into addressing sexual pain, low desire, and the broader experience of intimacy beyond performance or orgasm—redefining success as a shared, energizing, and life-giving exchange.
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Dr. Julia Ward and Dr. Maria DeFranco explore pelvic health, intimacy, shame, and sexual well-being—offering tools for presence, communication, and redefining connection beyond performance.
Dr. Maria DeFranco is a holistic chiropractor specializing in the pelvic bowl, embodiment practices, and musculoskeletal health. She supports individuals and couples in cultivating presence, safety, and authentic intimacy, helping them move beyond shame, trauma, and performance-focused sexual experiences.
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Maria DeFranco, DC
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmariadefranco/
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In this episode of The Functional Edge, Dr. Julia Ward sits down with Daniel Chille, a functional medicine practitioner, to explore the principles of root cause medicine, the gut-brain connection, and the transformative potential of peptide therapy.
Daniel shares his "Foundation Five" pillars—Eat Right, Sleep Right, Move Right, Talk Right, and Poop Right—which form the basis of his patient-centered approach. He emphasizes that chronic disease often begins in the gut, affecting mental health, immunity, and overall wellness.
You’ll learn how stress and trauma impair digestion through the vagus nerve, why elimination is critical for health, and how advanced testing like GI-Map and Gut Zoomer can reveal hidden issues. Daniel also dives into peptide therapy for gut healing, cognitive support, and inflammation—but stresses that foundational health must come first.
Daniel Chille explains root cause medicine, the gut-brain connection, and peptide therapy—revealing how foundational lifestyle choices and advanced diagnostics support optimal health.
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Daniel Chille is a functional medicine practitioner focused on root cause medicine, gut-brain health, and peptide therapy. He emphasizes lifestyle foundations—nutrition, sleep, movement, mindset, and proper elimination—as essential for chronic disease prevention and healing. He uses advanced diagnostics and peptide protocols to restore gut and cognitive health.
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Dr. Daniel Chille
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tbdfit/
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In this episode of The Functional Edge, Dr. Julia Ward sits down with John Bohde, founder of MoldPros, to explore how his company helps families detect, prevent, and remediate mold in their homes. With over 15 years of experience and eight nationwide locations, MoldPros combines advanced technology, scientific testing, and a deep understanding of environmental illness to protect health—especially for patients with mold-related conditions like Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS).
You’ll learn how mold inspections really work, what the most accurate testing methods are, and how MoldPros’ patented remediation process removes both mold and mycotoxins. John also shares simple prevention tips for protecting your home, such as managing humidity, using the right filters, and proper storage.
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John Bohde, founder of MoldPros, explains advanced mold inspection, testing, and remediation strategies—and how his team helps families protect health from mold and mycotoxins.
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John Bohde is the founder of MoldPros, a nationwide leader in mold inspection, testing, and remediation with over 15 years of experience. His company stands out for its science-driven approach, integration with medical providers, and patented process for removing both mold and mycotoxins. MoldPros is committed to helping families safeguard their homes and health, especially those dealing with mold-related illnesses like CIRS.
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John Bohde
Website: www.themoldpros.com
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In this episode of The Functional Edge, Dr. Julia Ward sits down with Dr. Clint Carter to discuss the Direct Primary Care (DPC) model—a revolutionary approach to healthcare that prioritizes patient-doctor relationships over insurance bureaucracy.
Dr. Carter shares how DPC offers longer visits, transparent pricing, and 24/7 access to your physician, while freeing doctors from the administrative burdens of insurance. He explains how this model restores joy to medical practice, empowers patients, and opens the door to integrating functional medicine, peptides, bioidentical hormones, and more.
You’ll also hear how technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), is helping doctors better serve patients and proactively manage care. Dr. Carter shares his own journey from burnout in the ER to finding renewed purpose in Direct Primary Care—and why he believes this model is the future of medicine.
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Dr. Clint Carter explains how Direct Primary Care (DPC) transforms healthcare with longer visits, transparent pricing, and stronger patient relationships—restoring passion to medicine.
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Dr. Clint Carter is a physician, entrepreneur, and co-owner of My MD Select, a Direct Primary Care network based in Texas. After leaving traditional medicine due to burnout, he pioneered a model that restores the doctor-patient relationship through affordable memberships, transparent pricing, and functional health solutions. His work reflects a mission to bring back purpose to doctors while empowering patients with accessible, personalized care.
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Clint Carter, MD
Website: https://mymdselect.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tylertxmymdselect
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mymdselect/
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In this episode of The Functional Edge, Dr. Julia Ward sits down with Rosemary McKenzie, fertility awareness educator and clinical manager at Mira, to explore how at-home hormone tracking is changing functional and preventative medicine.
McKenzie shares her journey from working in emergency medicine to focusing on patient education and proactive hormone health. Together, they discuss how Mira empowers women to understand their cycles, see how lifestyle affects their hormones, and advocate for themselves in medical settings.
You’ll learn how Mira compares to traditional tracking, the “light bulb” moments patients experience, and how this technology supports unique situations like postpartum recovery, cancer survivorship, and irregular cycles. McKenzie also explains the science behind Mira’s accuracy, its role alongside advanced functional tests, and the future of personalized hormone health.
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Hormone health is often overlooked until problems arise. In this episode, Dr. Julia Ward interviews Rosemary McKenzie from Mira to explore how at-home hormone tracking empowers patients to understand their cycles, see how lifestyle impacts hormones, and work proactively with their providers. Learn how Mira compares to traditional methods, why patients experience powerful “light bulb moments,” and how this tool is shaping the future of functional medicine.
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Rosemary McKenzie is a fertility awareness educator and clinical manager at Mira. With a background in patient education and a passion for preventative health, she helps women understand what their hormones are telling them and empowers them to take charge of their wellbeing.
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Rosemary McKenzie
Website: https://shop.miracare.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mirafertility/?hl=en
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In this episode of The Functional Edge, Dr. Julia Ward sits down with Taylor Barnes, founder of Canine Mold Guide, to explore how specially trained mold-sniffing dogs can detect hidden mold that traditional testing often misses. After overcoming her own mold illness, Barnes shares how her dogs help families uncover hidden sources of mold, protect their health, and guide effective remediation.
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You’ll learn how mold-detection dogs work, why they complement traditional testing, and how subtle health symptoms may point to hidden mold exposure. Barnes also opens up about the emotional side of her work and her mission to bring hope to those starting their mold-healing journey.
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Hidden mold can be the missing link in unexplained health struggles. In this episode, Dr. Julia Ward interviews Taylor Barnes, founder of Canine Mold Guide, who explains how specially trained dogs detect hidden mold that standard tests miss. Learn where mold hides, the symptoms to watch for, and why addressing mold is not just physical but also deeply emotional.
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Taylor Barnes is the founder of Canine Mold Guide, a nationwide service using trained dogs to detect hidden mold in homes. Inspired by her personal journey with mold illness, Barnes now helps others uncover hidden mold, take charge of their health, and find hope in recovery.
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Taylor Barnes
Website: https://www.k9moldguide.com/
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In this episode of The Functional Edge, Dr. Julia Ward sits down with Dr. Arland Hill, a former functional medicine doctor and owner of Harvest Hills Ranch. Dr. Hill shares his journey from a 20-year clinical practice to becoming a rancher, driven by the challenge of finding high-quality, clean food for his patients. He discusses deceptive practices in the food industry, the importance of regenerative agriculture, and how transparency and quality can transform both health and the food system.
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“Not all ‘healthy’ labels tell the whole story. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Arland Hill, who left a 20-year medical practice to start Harvest Hills Ranch. We dive into how regenerative farming, pasture-raised animals, and full transparency in food production can give your family truly nutrient-dense, flavorful options—and why building a direct connection with the people who produce your food matters more than ever.”
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Dr. Arland Hill is a former functional medicine doctor and owner of Harvest Hills Ranch. Combining his clinical experience with a background in conventional agriculture, he advocates for regenerative farming, pasture-raised animals, and food transparency. Dr. Hill focuses on producing high-quality, nutrient-dense food to improve health and promote transgenerational nutrition.
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Arland Hill, DC, MPH, DACBN
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-arland-hill-603a1426/
Website: https://harvesthillsranch.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harvesthillsranch/
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In this episode of The Functional Edge, Dr. Julia Ward sits down with Dr. James Roach, MD, to explore the integration of science, spirituality, and deep healing beyond conventional medicine. Dr. Roach shares how quantum physics, botanical medicine, and the power of positive intention transform patient outcomes in chronic illness and cancer care.
Conventional medicine can fall short in chronic illness and cancer care. In this episode, Dr. Julia Ward interviews Dr. James Roach, MD, who explains how combining quantum physics, botanical medicine, and spiritual intention can dramatically improve patient outcomes. Learn practical strategies for healing the mind, body, and spirit.
Dr. James Roach, MD, is an integrative medicine physician with over 20 years of clinical experience. Trained in family medicine and botanical healing, he incorporates energy medicine, quantum physics, and spirituality into his practice. Dr. Roach specializes in chronic disease and cancer care, emphasizing personalized genetics, hormone balance, and the power of consciousness in healing.
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In this episode of The Functional Edge, Dr. Julia Ward sits down with Dr. Dian Ginsberg, MD, a board-certified OBGYN and functional medicine pioneer, to explore a root cause approach to PCOS and endometriosis. Dr. Ginsberg explains why conventional treatments often fail to resolve symptoms and how diet, circadian rhythm, detoxification, and hormone balance create the foundation for lasting relief and hormonal health.
In this episode of The Functional Edge, Dr. Julia Ward talks with Dr. Dian Ginsberg, MD, about why PCOS and endometriosis require more than pills to manage. Learn how insulin resistance, environmental toxins, and circadian rhythm play critical roles—and discover practical steps to reclaim your hormonal health.
Dr. Dian Ginsberg, MD, is a board-certified OBGYN and faculty professor at the American Academy of Anti-Aging and Metabolic Medical Institute. After her own experience navigating gaps in conventional care, she dedicated her practice to functional medicine and women’s health, focusing on menopause management, hormonal optimization, and root cause solutions for PCOS and endometriosis.
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In this enlightening episode of The Functional Edge, Dr. Julia Ward sits down with Dr. Terri DeNeui, a nurse practitioner, hormone optimization expert, and founder of Avexapel. Together, they demystify bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), particularly the use of hormone pellets, and discuss why so many people are unknowingly suffering from hormone deficiencies that impact every aspect of health.
Discover how hormone pellets deliver consistent, natural hormone levels, who they’re right for, and why gut health, diet, and inflammation must be addressed alongside therapy. Dr. DeNeui also exposes common myths—like the belief that hormones are only for reproductive health—and shares how hormone optimization can protect against chronic diseases, improve mood, and restore vitality.
Dr. Terri DeNeui is a board-certified nurse practitioner, founder of Avexapel, and a pioneer in bioidentical hormone optimization. After years in emergency and hospitalist medicine, she shifted her focus to integrative and preventative care, dedicating her career to educating both patients and providers about the power of hormones to transform health. Dr. DeNeui is a passionate advocate for making hormone therapy accessible and helping patients overcome the stigma and misinformation surrounding BHRT.
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In this episode of The Functional Edge, Dr. Julia Ward interviews Dr. Alya Ahmad, MD, FAAP—Medical Director and Co-founder of Shamynds Healing Center in Sacramento—to explore the science and promise of ketamine therapy for mental health.
Dr. Ahmad explains how low-dose ketamine works as a rapid antidepressant and neuroplasticity enhancer, calming overactive brain circuits linked to trauma. She discusses why ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) is essential for lasting transformation and shares insights about how psychedelic medicine can help patients move beyond medication-resistant depression, anxiety, and chronic stress.
You’ll also hear practical advice on choosing safe treatment settings, preparing for sessions, and understanding why these therapies are redefining mental health care.
On this episode of The Functional Edge, Dr. Alya Ahmad, Medical Director of Shamynds Healing Center, shares why ketamine-assisted psychotherapy is revolutionizing mental health treatment. We explore how ketamine calms the brain’s default mode network, promotes neuroplasticity, and helps patients process trauma. Dr. Ahmad explains the difference between clinical and recreational use, and how safe, intentional therapy can bring hope to those with chronic depression and anxiety.
Dr. Alya Ahmad, MD, FAAP, is a board-certified physician, Medical Director, and Co-founder of Shamynds Healing Center in Sacramento. She specializes in integrative and psychedelic medicine, blending her background in pediatrics and psychiatry with a passion for trauma healing, narrative medicine, and consciousness research. Dr. Ahmad is dedicated to expanding access to evidence-based psychedelic therapies in safe, compassionate settings.
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Alya Ahmad, MD, FAAP
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toocuriousmds/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1U1Sjym2kWEkYx2YAaQVfm
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TooCuriousMDs
Website: https://shamynds.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alya-ahmad-md-0601b190/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ar/podcast/too-curious-mds/id1795735549?l=en-GB
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In this essential episode of The Functional Edge, I welcome Dr. Peterson Sangra, a child and adolescent psychiatrist at the Amen Clinic in Dallas, to share invaluable insights on brain health. Dr. Sangra offers expert guidance to help you navigate your health journey with the latest advancements in functional medicine, emphasizing a holistic and integrative approach.
Discover how Dr. Sangra's unique background in occupational therapy and Paralympic coaching shaped his philosophy, the transformative power of SPECT imaging in psychiatric care, and the role of innovative treatments like HBOT. He debunks common myths, discusses the integration of faith and family values in his practice, and highlights the crucial shift from "mental health" to "brain health." Tune in to empower your path to wellness and understand the profound connection between brain function and overall well-being.
I had a truly enlightening conversation with Dr. Peterson Sangra on The Functional Edge, where we dove deep into the transformative world of brain health and integrative psychiatry. We explored how SPECT imaging revolutionizes diagnosis and treatment, the power of holistic and faith-based care, and the exciting future of mental health—a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand the profound connection between brain function and overall well-being.
Dr. Peterson Sangra is a child and adolescent psychiatrist at the Amen Clinic in Dallas, known for his integrative approach to brain health. Before this, he served as medical director at Peak Behavioral Health in New Mexico, where he built a successful partial hospitalization program for teens. Dr. Sangra began his career as an occupational therapist and even coached Canada's Paralympic sledge hockey team. Deeply rooted in his Christian faith, he integrates spirituality into his clinical work, bringing compassion and care to his patients and mentorship.
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I had a fascinating talk with Dr. Maria DeFranco on The Functional Edge about her holistic approach that combines chiropractic care with fascia release, pelvic diaphragm balancing, and TMJ work. We dive into how these interconnected practices foster lasting pain relief, emotional release, and enhanced vitality. If you want to deepen your embodiment and self-care, this episode is for you.
Dr. Maria DeFranco, founder of OM3 Body, is a holistic practitioner integrating chiropractic care with fascial release, nervous system regulation, and embodiment practices. Her work focuses on reconnecting people to their vitality by addressing the whole person—physically, emotionally, and energetically. She also offers virtual care and is pioneering ceremonial healing rituals that blend breath, fire, and water for community health.
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In this eye-opening episode of The Functional Edge, I welcome Dr. Mark DeBrincat, known as the Good News Doctor, who shares his inspiring personal healing journey and introduces the revolutionary GlycoCheck system. After surviving a heart attack and severe injury despite leading a healthy lifestyle, Dr. DeBrincat set out to uncover better ways to assess cardiovascular and metabolic risk beyond traditional testing.
Discover how the GlycoCheck scan provides unprecedented insights into your microvascular health, why the glycocalyx lining is crucial to preventing disease, and how early symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, erectile dysfunction, and hair loss are often linked to hidden microcirculation damage.
Dr. DeBrincat also shares natural interventions—from PEMF devices to powerful seaweed extracts—to help restore microvascular function and protect your health in today’s world. Tune in to learn how proactive testing and targeted care can change your future.
I had a fascinating conversation with Dr. Mark DeBrincat on The Functional Edge, where he shared his powerful story of overcoming severe injury and heart disease. We explored how hidden microvascular damage drives chronic illness, why GlycoCheck testing can reveal what standard labs miss, and which natural therapies can help restore your body’s vascular health. If you’re seeking a proactive approach to heart, brain, and metabolic wellness, this episode is a must-listen.
Dr. Mark DeBrincat
Website: https://www.thegoodnewsdr.com/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mark-debrincat-92349a128/
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In this vital episode of The Functional Edge, I welcome Dr. Nettie Jones, a licensed psychotherapist with over 25 years of experience specializing in women’s mental health. Nettie offers compassionate, expert guidance on understanding and managing chronic stress, anxiety, and depression—challenges that impact every facet of our well-being.
Discover how to recognize the often-overlooked symptoms of chronic stress, how your daily patterns and environment shape your mental health, and why self-awareness is the critical first step to change. Nettie shares practical lifestyle strategies, from sleep and nutrition to mindfulness and social support, that empower you to reclaim your health.
We also explore emerging treatments like ketamine therapy and genomic testing that are revolutionizing mental health care. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of overwhelm or worried about the stigma of seeking help, this conversation will bring you clarity, hope, and actionable tools to prioritize yourself and rediscover joy.
I had a powerful conversation with Dr.Nettie Jones on The Functional Edge, exploring how chronic stress and anxiety silently erode our health and what we can do to reclaim balance. Nettie shared actionable strategies—from lifestyle shifts and mindfulness to emerging treatments—that can help you recognize the warning signs, break the cycle, and prioritize self-care without shame. This episode is an essential listen for anyone who feels overwhelmed or stuck and wants a path forward grounded in hope and science.
Dr. Nettie Jones is a licensed psychotherapist with more than 25 years of experience supporting women through anxiety, depression, trauma, and chronic stress. Known for her compassionate, evidence-based approach, Nettie integrates traditional talk therapy with mindfulness practices and emerging treatments to help her clients heal and thrive. She is passionate about breaking the stigma around mental health and empowering individuals to embrace their whole selves.
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Dr.Nettie Jones
Website: https://www.nettiejones.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nettiejonestgt
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In this essential episode of The Functional Edge, I welcome Dr. Jen Pfleghaar, a board-certified integrative medicine physician specializing in women's hormonal health. Dr. Pfleghaar shares invaluable insights on perimenopause and menopause, offering expert guidance to help you understand and navigate your health journey with the latest advancements in functional medicine.
Discover the key signs and symptoms of perimenopause, the intricate hormonal shifts that impact brain health, bone density, and metabolism, and how to differentiate between synthetic and bioidentical hormone therapies. Dr. Pfleghaar debunks common myths, discusses effective lifestyle interventions, and highlights the crucial role of advanced lab testing in truly individualized care. Tune in to empower your path to wellness and break the silence surrounding women's hormonal health.
I had a truly enlightening conversation with Dr. Jen Pfleghaar on The Functional Edge, where we dove deep into the often-misunderstood world of perimenopause and menopause. We explored how hormonal shifts impact everything from mood to metabolism, debunked common myths around HRT, and discussed the critical role of lifestyle changes and advanced lab testing in achieving balance. A must-listen for any woman navigating these life stages or seeking to understand the profound connection between hormones and overall well-being.
Dr. Jen Pfleghaar is a board-certified integrative medicine physician passionate about helping women optimize their health during perimenopause and menopause. After years in emergency medicine, she pursued a fellowship in integrative medicine to address chronic diseases and root causes. Dr. Pfleghaar specializes in hormonal balancing, advocating for bioidentical hormone therapy and empowering women through education and personalized care. She is also the author of an upcoming book on perimenopause.
Dr. Jen Pfleghaar
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/integrativedrmom/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjenpfleghaar/
Website: https://www.integrativedrmom.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3noyG8FGUirxkmpBpyAm2O?si=7df4a45f354d4d59
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-integrative-health-podcast-with-dr-jen/id1541507452
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In this insightful episode of The Functional Edge, Dr. Julia Ward welcomes Dr. Tom Larkin, a proactive and preventative dentistry pioneer. Moving beyond traditional reactive care, Dr. Larkin shares his unique "Larkin Protocol," which integrates advanced diagnostics and treatments to transform oral health.
Discover how imbalances in the oral microbiome contribute to systemic inflammation and chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and dementia. Dr. Larkin also sheds light on the often-overlooked connection between oral health, airway function, and overall well-being. Tune in to learn how a proactive approach to dental care can empower your journey to holistic wellness.
I had the distinct pleasure of sitting down with a true pioneer in his field, Dr. Tom Larkin, who's absolutely revolutionizing dentistry with his proactive approach. We delved deep into the critical oral-systemic connection, the incredible power of salivary diagnostics for unveiling systemic health insights, and how cutting-edge technologies are truly reshaping preventative dental care – a must-listen for anyone genuinely interested in the profound link between their oral health and their overall well-being.
Dr. Tom Larkin is a dentist with decades of focus on prevention, developing curriculum, and teaching advanced technology for dental hygienists. He strongly advocates for the oral-systemic health connection and has pioneered a proactive dental model. Dr. Larkin is dedicated to bridging the knowledge gap between functional medicine practitioners and dentists, fostering collaboration for comprehensive patient care.
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Dr.Tom Larkin
Website: https://www.powhygiene.com/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5p2APitfIM0OXDS7ZVHk6M?si=3b1b3766f09148bf
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ar/podcast/oral-systemic-connections-with-dr-tom-larkin/id1794380171?l=en-GB
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Connect with me:
Check out my website: https://drjuliaward.com/
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PODCAST
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This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com
In this cutting-edge episode of The Functional Edge, I’m thrilled to welcome Dr. Beth McDougall, functional medicine pioneer and co-founder of Jísen, a state-of-the-art bio-optimization center in Marin County, CA.
We explore the science and strategies behind reversing biological aging, from mitochondrial health to structured water, quantitative brain mapping, and NAD IVs. Dr. McDougall shares her powerful blend of foundational lifestyle medicine with leading-edge interventions like red light therapy, cryotherapy, and intermittent hypoxic training to help clients regenerate, rejuvenate, and truly thrive.
Whether you're new to functional medicine or deep into the biohacking world, this episode is packed with data-driven protocols and personal insights that may transform how you age.
What if aging isn’t something we have to accept?In this enlightening episode of The Functional Edge, I sit down with the brilliant Dr. Beth McDougall, an innovator in functional and integrative medicine. We explore what it really means to reverse biological aging and thrive at any stage of life.
We cover everything from mitochondrial health and hormone optimization to cutting-edge neurotechnology and NAD IV therapy. You'll also hear about the daily habits, science-backed biohacks, and advanced therapies helping people feel stronger, sharper, and more vibrant—inside and out.
Tune in and discover what’s possible when we support the body’s natural ability to heal and regenerate.
Dr. Beth McDougall, MD, is an integrative and functional medicine physician with over two decades of clinical experience. She is the visionary co-founder of Jísen, a bio-optimization facility combining lifestyle medicine with high-tech interventions to support human regeneration. Her unique approach draws from cutting-edge science, ancient healing principles, and personalized protocols designed to extend healthspan, prevent disease, and restore vitality.
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Beth McDougall, MD
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bethmcdougallmd/?hl=en
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beth-mcdougall-md/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drbethmcdougall/
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Connect with me:
Check out my website: https://drjuliaward.com/
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PODCAST
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In this episode of The Functional Edge, Dr. Julia Ward welcomes Dr. Monica Jauregui, MD, IFMCP, a leading voice in integrative medicine with a deep personal and clinical understanding of mold and mycotoxin illness. With roots in internal medicine and ICU care, Dr. Jauregui now focuses on helping patients navigate complex chronic conditions, particularly those caused by environmental toxins like mold.
Together, they uncover how mycotoxins—tiny, toxic substances produced by molds—can silently wreak havoc in the body. From fatigue and immune dysfunction to emotional dysregulation and gut issues, mold illness often flies under the radar of conventional testing.
Tune in to discover why your unexplained symptoms might be connected to your environment—and what you can do about it.
Dr. Monica Jauregui, MD, IFMCP, shares her powerful journey from ICU physician to integrative mold expert. She and Dr. Julia Ward unpack the science behind mycotoxins, how to properly test for exposure, and the often-overlooked gut and brain impacts of mold illness. This episode is a must-listen if you're navigating chronic, unexplained symptoms and want to explore root-cause healing.
Dr. Monica Jauregui is a board-certified internal medicine physician and certified functional medicine practitioner (IFMCP). After experiencing mold illness firsthand, she now specializes in helping patients uncover the hidden root causes of complex chronic illnesses, particularly those related to environmental exposures. She combines conventional knowledge with holistic treatments, focusing on detoxification, gut healing, nervous system support, and patient education.
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Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/dr.monicajauregui/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.MonicaJauregui/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/monica-jauregui-md/
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Connect with me:
Check out my website: https://drjuliaward.com/
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PODCAST
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In this episode of The Functional Edge, Dr. Julia Ward sits down with Saumil Manek, founder of Union is Creation, to explore the deep and transformative power of sound healing. Saumil opens up about his journey into wellness, from his early experiences with singing bowls to leading immersive wellness festivals that blend sound, breathwork, and conscious movement. Tune in to learn how vibrational sound therapy, cold exposure, and intentional living can help you release emotional tension, build resilience, and reconnect with your true self.
Saumil Manek, founder of Union is Creation, shares how sound healing, breathwork, and conscious movement have helped thousands reconnect with themselves and cultivate emotional resilience. Discover how his journey, from yoga studio co-founder to leading wellness festivals, shaped his vision of holistic healing. Learn how vibrational therapy, breathwork, and cold exposure can support presence, balance, and well-being in modern life.
Saumil Manek founded Union is Creation, a holistic wellness platform centered around sound healing, conscious movement, and breathwork. Saumil blends ancient practices with modern mindfulness to help individuals release emotional blockages and access deeper healing states. Known for his sound bath events, breathwork sessions, and immersive retreats, he is passionate about creating safe spaces where people can reconnect with themselves and live more intentionally.
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Saumil Manek
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unioniscreation/?hl=en
Connect with me:
Check out my website: https://drjuliaward.com/
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PODCAST
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This podcast is produced by DrTalks.com
