In this episode of the Yo San University 39 Gen Podcast, Sean Trace sits down with Edward Sullivan, Dean of the InfiniChi Medical Qigong Institute and longtime faculty member at Yo San University. Drawing from over 25 years of teaching and decades of clinical practice, Edward shares his journey into Qigong and the profound lessons he has learned about cultivating and working with Qi. From understanding the “whisper of life” that flows through all things to harnessing nature’s yin and yang for healing, Edward offers insights into medical Qigong, the importance of practitioner self-cultivation, and how intention, poise, and presence can transform the healing process. Through personal stories, practical techniques, and timeless wisdom, this conversation invites listeners to explore what it truly means to Become the Medicine.

In this episode of the Yo San University 39 Gen Podcast, Sean Trace sits down with Johan Hausen, co-founder of Purple Cloud Institute and founder of Purple Cloud Press. A TCM practitioner, martial artist, Taoist, and publisher, Johan shares his fascinating journey from training with the German national Taekwondo team to studying Shaolin Kung Fu and Daoist philosophy in China.The conversation explores the connection between martial arts and healing, the integration of Taoist principles in clinical practice, and Johan’s work translating and publishing classical Chinese medical texts for Western audiences. They dive into the value of presence in medicine, the challenge of emptying one’s “cup,” and the legacy Johan hopes to leave through both his clinical work and publishing endeavors.Whether you're a practitioner, student, or simply curious about the intersection of philosophy, healing, and tradition, this episode offers a thoughtful and inspiring look into the Taoist approach to medicine and life.

In this heartfelt and insightful episode of the Yo San University 39Gen Podcast, host Sean Trace sits down with Dr. Joe Sanfilippo, a renowned reproductive endocrinologist from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Together, they explore the evolution of fertility treatment, from home births in the 1970s to today's advanced IVF technologies and AI-driven lab work. Dr. Sanfilippo shares powerful stories from his decades of experience in the field, touching on the emotional weight of infertility, the critical importance of early intervention, and the rise of holistic, team-based approaches to reproductive care. The conversation highlights how acupuncture and Eastern medicine can play a meaningful role in reducing stress and improving outcomes in fertility treatment. Dr. Sanfilippo also offers valuable advice to acupuncturists on how to connect with fertility clinics and become part of a truly integrative care model. Along the way, he shares moving stories from his books The Expert Guide to Fertility and Everyday Medical Miracles, offering listeners both practical insights and a reminder of the hope that exists even in the most difficult moments. Whether you're a healthcare provider, a patient, or simply someone interested in the future of integrative medicine, this episode offers a powerful look at how connection, compassion, and collaboration are transforming lives.

In this profound episode of the 39Gen Podcast, we sit down with Elisabeth Rochat de la Vallée, visiting faculty at Yo San University and recipient of the 2019 Blount Distinguished Speaker Award at YSU. Elisabeth is a scholar and practitioner immersed in the classical Chinese medical and philosophical traditions for over 50 years. 
She shares her journey from Western academia into the heart of ancient Chinese thought, exploring how texts like the Huangdi Neijing and Dao De Jing inform a holistic understanding of life, health, and healing. We discuss the importance of balance, the integration of thought and action, and how true healing comes not only from diagnosis or treatment but from the inner transformation of both patient and practitioner. 
This is a conversation about medicine, yes—but also about what it means to be human.

In this thought-provoking episode of the 39Gen Podcast from Yo San University, Dr. Lisa Conboy, medical sociologist, epidemiologist, and instructor at both Harvard Medical School and Yo San University, joins host Sean Trace to explore the intersection of East Asian medicine, research, and complex systems thinking. With over 30 years of experience studying integrative health approaches, Dr. Conboy shares her deeply personal journey into Chinese medicine, sparked by a transformative encounter with a traditional practitioner in Palo Alto.

Together, they examine how acupuncture and herbal medicine can play a powerful role in public health, the challenges of designing respectful and meaningful clinical research, and how complex systems thinking can help bridge biomedical and traditional healing models. Dr. Conboy offers actionable advice for students designing capstones, insights into the value of case reports and observational research, and her vision for the next generation of integrative medicine practitioners.

Whether you're a student, clinician, or simply curious about the science behind holistic healing, this episode is a must-listen.

In this powerful episode of the 39Gen Podcast, Sean Trace sits down with Dr. Laura Erlich, Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, fertility specialist, doula, and teacher at Yo San University. Dr. Erlich shares her moving journey from theater to bodywork to Chinese medicine, driven by personal loss and a deep calling to heal. They explore the emotional toll of infertility, the importance of nervous system regulation, and how acupuncture can support individuals through every phase of the reproductive journey. Dr. Erlich also discusses the need for collaboration between Eastern and Western medicine and offers invaluable advice for new practitioners entering the field.

In this episode of the 39Gen Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Beck Hoehn, a board-certified reproductive health acupuncturist, medical advisor for UVA, and a leading voice in fertility innovation. We explore her journey from underwater photographer to holistic healer, and how she blends Traditional Chinese Medicine with cutting-edge hormone tracking technology. Dr. Hoehn shares powerful insights on pattern differentiation using urine metabolites, how to structure personalized fertility care, the role of mentorship and documentation in TCM, and why acupuncturists must embrace both medicine and business. A must-listen for anyone navigating fertility, integrative healthcare, or building a meaningful acupuncture practice.

In this compelling episode of the 39Gen Podcast, Sean Trace interviews Allen Tsaur, acupuncturist, translator, and lecturer in the YSU doctoral program, for an in-depth exploration of classical Chinese medicine. Allen shares his journey from engineering to acupuncture, how the ancient texts like the Nei Jing and Shang Han Lun shaped his clinical approach, and why real healing often means letting go of rigid ideology. They explore the art of translation, the beauty and limits of classical formulas, and what it really takes to help patients get better. From humbling clinical lessons to scholarly insights, this conversation bridges tradition and modern practice in a way that’s both grounded and inspiring.

In this episode of the Yo San University 39Gen Podcast, Sean Trace sits down with Coleen Smith and Whitney Fessler—two leaders in the field of reproductive acupuncture and current board members of ABORM (The American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine). They explore how integrative fertility care is evolving, the role of ABORM in raising standards for acupuncture practitioners, and why collaboration between Eastern and Western medicine is essential for helping patients conceive. From patient success stories to navigating clinical relationships with OB-GYNs and REIs, this is an inspiring conversation packed with insight, warmth, and wisdom for anyone passionate about fertility, healthcare, and holistic healing.
Whitney opened her first acupuncture clinic in Flagstaff, Arizona. After several successful years there, Whitney, a Wyoming native, returned to Jackson Hole to continue her practice, renaming it to Grand Teton Acupuncture. She is pleased to offer traditional Eastern Medicine therapies including acupuncture, herbal remedies, nutritional consultations, and much more to residents and visitors of Jackson Hole. While Whitney enjoys treating all types of conditions, her passion is treating fertility issues. After much studying and researching, she decided to take the Acupuncture & TCM Board of Reproductive Medicine (ABORM) exam in 2018 in order to further her knowledge of both Eastern & Western conditions that often lead to infertility.
Dr Coleen Smith established Point of Origin Acupuncture in Spokane Washington in 2004. Point of Origin provided the only specialized fertility acupuncture in eastern Washington. Women’s Health and IVF support became the focus of Coleen’s life. She receives referrals from reproductive endocrinologists, obstetrician gynecologists, lactation consultants and pelvic floor specialists to support women through various stages of pre and post-natal care. She is now a part of the executive branch of The Acupuncture and TCM Board of Reproductive Medicine, ABORM. She has been a fellow of the ABORM since its inception in 2008 and has been serving on the Board for 9 years.

In this profound episode of the 39Gen Podcast, Sean Trace speaks with Dr. Michael Berletich, faculty member at Yo San University, longtime teacher, and accomplished musician. Dr. Berletich shares his unique path from environmental science and Native American healing traditions into the world of Chinese medicine. The conversation explores themes of internal cultivation, symbolic patient language, and the deep alignment between human beings and nature. With reflections on teaching, healing, and the importance of Qigong, this episode is a rich tapestry of wisdom and inspiration for students, practitioners, and curious minds alike.