In this 176th episode, I sit down with Paul Austin to discuss the exciting, controversial, and promising topic of psychedelics.

Paul is the CEO and founder of The Third Wave, which is a company focused on providing information and resources on the safe use of psychedelic therapies. He also trains and coaches upcoming facilitators, and offers retreats around the world for people to come together for this very important work.

In this episode, we discuss many topics ranging from legality, microdosing vs. macrodosing, different types of psychedelic medicines, psychedelic research, and the subtle yet important difference in the description of these medicines as "psychedelics" vs. "entheogens."

Join us in this dynamic conversation as we enter into a literal renaissance in psychedelic therapies going forward. This is no longer fringe stuff here. It is real medicine, recognized by the FDA, that can offer an individual deep insights not readily available in normal everyday life. I even share some of my personal experiences with psychedelic journeys. They have been game-changers in my life. And I put them squarely in the "A Functional Approach" category of health and wellness interventions for my personal wellness journey.

You can find Paul at:

https://thethirdwave.co

https://www.paulaustin.co/

Instagram:@thirdwaveishere
@psychedeliccoachinginstitute
@microdosingcollective

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-f-austin/

In this 175th episode, I get a bit vulnerable and share some personal experiences of loss. Why? Because we all experience similar loss. And we are all in this together. And sharing our experience with each other has the potential to heal. Communication, connection, and reflection are all so important for our health and wellbeing. It is truly a Functional Approach...

In this 174th episode, I revisit the topic of mold but in much more detail. Today I sit down with a true expert in the field, Jason Earl, who is the founder and CEO of the at-home mold testing company, Got Mold?

Our conversation covers a broad spectrum of topics from differences in mold testing, medical conditions typical of chronic mold exposure, the difference between mold spores, mycotoxins, and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Jason is a master as challenging myths around mold and offering a sober reality of mold exposures and testing.

Jason's expertice on the topic is immediately apparent, and I trust this man completely to tell it like it is.

You can find him by clicking the following link:https://gotmold.docsend.com/view/a5wvz2dh9cakehyu

Or at:

www.gotmold.com

[email protected]

Facebook: /gotmold

LinkedIn: in/jearl

And if you would like to get your home or office tested, you can click this link for a 10% off discount!

https://www.gotmold.com/afunctionalapproach/

In this 137 episode, I showcase the peptide Epitalon. This amazing peptide has been shown to improve wellness and longevity by promoiting better sleep, improving immune function, improving endocrine function, improving immune function, and lowering cardiovascular and neurovascular risk.

And... It works even better when combined with Thymulin-Zinc, which I discussed in my last episode!

But don't just take my word for it! Here are some literature citations that are worth a read:

References:

1. Al-Dulaimi S, Thomas R, Matta S, Roberts T. Epitalon increases telomere length in human cell lines through telomerase upregulation or ALT activity. Biogerontology. 2025;26:178. doi:10.1007/s10522-025-10315-x.
2. Anisimov VN, Arutjunyan AV, Khavinson VK. Effects of epithalamin on free-radical processes in humans and animals. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2001;22(1):9–18.
3. Anisimov VN, Khavinson VK, Alimova IN, Semchenko AV, Yashin AI. Epithalon decelerates aging and suppresses breast adenocarcinoma development in transgenic HER-2/neu mice. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2002;134(2):187–190. doi:10.1023/A:1021104819170. PMID:12459848.
4. Anisimov VN, Khavinson VK, Mikhailova EG, Yashin AI. Effect of epitalon on the incidence and age of spontaneous mammary carcinomas in female C3H mice. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2002;133(4):391–395. doi:10.1023/A:1017676104877.
5. Anisimov VN, Khavinson VK, Popovich IG, Zabezhinski MA, Alimova IN, Rosenfeld SV, et al. Effect of epitalon on biomarkers of aging, lifespan, and spontaneous tumor incidence in female SHR mice. Biogerontology. 2003;4(4):193–202. doi:10.1023/A:1025114230714. PMID:14501183.
6. Anisimov VN, Khavinson VK, Provinciali M, Alimova IN, Baturin DA, Popovich IG, et al. Inhibitory effect of epitalon on spontaneous mammary tumors in HER-2/neu transgenic mice. Int J Cancer. 2002;101(1):7–10. doi:10.1002/ijc.10570. PMID:12209581.
7. Araj SK, Brzezik J, Mądra-Gackowska K, Szeleszczuk Ł. Overview of epitalon—highly bioactive pineal tetrapeptide with promising properties. Int J Mol Sci. 2025;26(6):2691. doi:10.3390/ijms26062691.
8. Gatta M, Dovizio M, Milillo C, Ruggieri AG, Sallese M, Antonucci I, Trofimov A, Khavinson V, Trofimova S, Bruno A, Ballerini P. The antioxidant tetrapeptide Epitalon enhances delayed wound healing in an in vitro model of diabetic retinopathy. Stem Cell Rev Rep. 2025;21(6):1822–1834. doi:10.1007/s12015-025-10911-x.
9. Goncharova ND, Vengerina AA, Shmalii AV, Khavinson VK. Peptide correction of age-related pineal dysfunction in monkeys. Adv Gerontol. 2003;12:121–127. [Russian]
10. Goncharova ND, Vengerina AA, Khavinson VK, Lapin BA. Peptide correction of pancreatic hormonal dysfunction in aging monkeys. Bull Exp Biol Med. 2004;138(1):80–83. doi:10.1023/B:BEBM.0000046946.25425.f5.

In this 172nd episode I continue with my mini-series on peptide therapy with a focus on Thymulin-Zinc.

We will cover what the thymus gland is/does, how it changes with age, the mechanisms by which Thymulin‑Zinc supports immune‑endocrine communication and neuroimmune health, practical clinical uses and dosing, and safety considerations for integrating this peptide into longevity‑focused care.

If you’re curious about restoring immune coordination rather than just boosting immunity, or if you struggle with ongoing immune challenges including things like Post-COVID syndrome, chronic Epstein-Barr infection, etc., this episode is for you.

References: 

1. Bach JF, Dardenne M. Thymulin, a zinc-dependent hormone. Med Oncol Tumor Pharmacother. 1989;6:25–29. doi:10.1007/BF02985220.
2. Chandratilleke D, Marsh JA. The effect of thymulin on avian IL-2 receptor expression. Int J Immunopharmacol. 2000;22(11):887–896. doi:10.1016/S0192-0561(00)00051-5.
3. Chrousos GP, Kino T. Glucocorticoid signaling in the cell: expanding clinical implications to complex human behavioral and somatic disorders. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab. 2007;292(1):E9–E18. doi:10.1152/ajpendo.00085.2007.
4. Goya RG, Scapagnini G, Veldhuis JD. Growth hormone-releasing activity of thymulin on rat pituitary cells in vitro. Neuroendocrinology. 1999;69(1):20–27. doi:10.1159/000054395.
5. Goya RG, Scapagnini G, Veldhuis JD. Effects of growth hormone and thyroxine on thymulin secretion in aged rats. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 2000;55(4):B170–B176. doi:10.1093/gerona/55.4.B170.
6. Haddad JJ. Thymulin and zinc-mediated inhibition of endotoxin-induced proinflammatory cytokines and NF-κB activation. Mol Immunol. 2009;47(2–3):205–214. doi:10.1016/j.molimm.2009.09.034.
7. Khavinson VK, Kuznik BI, Linkova NS. Peptide regulation of immune system aging. Russ J Immunol. 2019;13(1):23–32. Available from: https://rusimmun.ru/jour/article/view/1209/en_US
8. Khavinson VK, Malinin VV, Loginov VI, Nikitina AA. Effect of pineal peptide preparations on thymus-dependent immune reactions. Bull Exp Biol Med. 1989;108(2):204–206. doi:10.1007/BF00839241.
9. Khavinson VK, Morozov VG. Peptides of the pineal gland and thymus: their role in aging and age-associated diseases. Expert Opin Biol Ther. 2009;9(12):1549–1560. doi:10.1517/14728220903512991.
10. Lunin SM, Khrenov MO, Glushkova OV, et al. Extrathymic production of thymulin induced by oxidative stress and cell death. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2017;30(1):58–69. doi:10.1177/0394632017694625.

In this 171st episode, I discuss a messy, though fascinating paradox: Infections can trigger autoimmune disease, they can worsen existing autoimmunity, and—surprisingly—some infections can actually protect against it.

We’ll unpack the science, from molecular culprits and autoantibodies to the surprising role of helminths (parasitic worms) and peptides like tuftsin, and explore how clinicians decide when to treat an infection and when to let biology do its balancing act.

Citations:

Infections and autoimmunity--friends or foes?

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19643667/

Infections: a double-edged sword in autoimmunity

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29847440/

Parasitic worms and inflammatory diseases

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16965287/

Helminth-Related Tuftsin-Phosphorylcholine Compound andits Interplay with Autoimmune Diseases

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30905098/

In this 170th episode, I continue with my mini-series on Peptide Therapy with a product called Lipotone which contains the peptide DNF-10.

This particular peptide can be a nice safe alternative to the Ozempic class of medications for things like weight loss. But it can also be a helpful player in reducing inflammation, improving blood sugar and insulin signaling, and more.

I will admit that I have avoided working directly with weight loss cases in my practice, and like to think of supporting weight loss as more of a positive side-effect of an otherwise successful wellness effort. But there are some real reasons to lose that extra weight, if it is something you are carrying around.

if you are struggling with those evening munchies, needing some assistance while on a dietary modification program, or just want to shed a few poinds, this episode may be for you!

In this 169th episode, I speak with Chase Zittrauer, my rep for Cyrex Labs.

We spent some time diving into one of the fastest-growing health crises of our time — Alzheimer’s and related dementias — and what cutting‑edge testing can reveal long before symptoms show up.

We unpack the rising global and U.S. burden ofAlzheimer’s: the financial, emotional, and caregiving toll it takes on families. Then we’ll explore a provocative link many clinicians are watching — how COVID-19, long COVID, and immune dysregulation might influence brain health.

We discuss a unique laboratory testing approach from Cyrex Labs - The Alzheimer's LINX panel - that looks for early immune signals of brain stress — antibodies to key brain proteins like amyloid beta and tau, as well as cross‑reactivity with pathogens, chemicals, and foods.

We’ll explain why plaques and tangles aren’t the wholestory, why single‑target drugs fall short, and how lifestyle andmetabolic factors — think insulin and blood sugar — matter in prevention.

Chase shares his own test results and what they revealed about pathogens, phthalates, and food triggers. We also cover the blood‑brain barrier, aluminum and other chemical neoantigens, oral pathogens, traumatic and emotional brain injury, and practical testing strategies, including Cyrex Array‑2, a fantastic leaky‑gut panel.

If you have a family history of dementia, genetic risks, past head injuries, or just want earlier clarity about brain health, this episode is for you. Stick around — we’ll break down what the tests can tell you and what to do next.

Check out Cyrex Labs Test Arrays Here!

https://www.cyrexlabs.com/CyrexTestsArrays/tabid/136/Default.aspx

And I am always available for an initial consultation. If you are feeling called... You can reach me here:

https://afunctionalapproach.net/schedule-an-appointment

In this 168th episode, I discuss connection...

I’ve always been a people person. I’m the one who smiles at a stranger in a lobby, who says hello without expecting anything back. Most mornings that greeting bounces off the world and keeps going — sometimes met with a smile, sometimes met with silence. I don’t take it personally; I don’t always know the story behind someone’s eyes. But I do feel compelled to notice people anyway. For me, that little act of connection is a spiritual practice. It’s how I show up in the world.

We’re built for each other. Long before cities and screens, humans lived in tight bands of twenty to a hundred-fifty — communities that met, traded, raised children, and made life together. Science backs up what our hearts already know: people with strong social ties live longer, recover better, think more clearly, and suffer less from anxiety, depression, and isolation. Yet today, surrounded by millions, many of us feel lonelier than ever — scrolling instead of speaking, commenting instead of sharing a meal, passing by without eye contact.

This episode is a gentle invitation. I’ll share a personal morning encounter, a recent gathering in Northern California that reminded me what true presence feels like, and simple, practical ways to rebuild community: volunteering, joining a hiking group, tending a community garden, or learning a new game with neighbors. These aren’t big, dramatic fixes — just small, mindful choices to lean toward people again.

If you’re craving connection or wondering how to start, stay with me. This conversation is less about data and more about heart — about the magic that happens when we choose, intentionally, to be present for one another. Connection is waiting. Let’s take a step toward it together.

In this 167th episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jordan Barber, Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine with over 20 years in clinical practice.

He is the co-author of "Thinking in Chinese Medicine: A Patient's Guide to Acupuncture" (2026) and "Realigning Medicine: Building an Authentic, Fulfilling, and Thriving Healthcare Practice" (2025).

Our focus today is on an important but often sidelined issue:erectile dysfunction. I hear about ED frequently from patients, usually as an aside to another medical concern — why is that?

We’ll define ED and its varying levels, separate myths from facts, and explore distinctions between performance anxiety, behavioral causes like problematic pornography use, and physical drivers. We’ll discuss whether ED always comes down to circulation, how Chinese Medicine frames theproblem (circulation, hormones, mood, metabolic disease, etc.), and what conventional medicine offers — including how PDE5 inhibitors (Viagra/Cialis) work by upregulating eNOS to improve blood flow, and where concerns about iNOSfit in.

We’ll also cover practical strategies: diet, lifestyle, TCMapproaches, and when a condition may be advanced enough that different interventions are needed. Dr. Barber will share insights from his books — including the idea that symptoms are expressions of the body’s adaptation within a network of relationships — and preview findings from his dry needling vs. TCM acupuncture research.

Stick around: the dry needling conversation deserves its own deep dive, and we’ll tee that up for a future episode.

Contact info:

Website:  https://drbarberclinic.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jbarberlac/

Thinking in Chinese Medicine Book:  https://www.thinkinginchinesemedicine.com/

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Thinking-Chinese-Medicine-Patients-Acupuncture/dp/B0GWMLPZ5Q/ref=sr_1_1?crid=39H4CP17T3JLP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.d0GaAFsPYlI-LqtZui6tnxzqwUF_QcVWpR5FcFbhJlpJ9msMfLdYXcM_AA2iCCH7xW7gcMMUhomoh3zwRLhQeWffiXkVbxfBJ4UN4kl0uJKOU3RM2IhKe1t7TwM2GEH7UD2JNt7R_8UtXy_02Q-4dckIEGBXwb8lGA0KLBaq_yHKl1J2uVuamuvrkW2OtgwZNO4W6WDM4TQj5hc7_oc_ZZ8ro6s2Rl_gaUdIEfFJ6Zo.uW67WYn2TjIw_fYu-NKytQVfntqhP0YTj-nyD876jjU&dib_tag=se&keywords=thinking+in+chinese+medicine&qid=1779389056&sprefix=Thinking+in+Chinese+%2Caps%2C151&sr=8-1