At the Helm

What happens when communities lose access to their traditional foods, lands, and cultural practices? And how can reconnecting with these traditions help build healthier futures? 

In the first episode of Season 2 of At the Helm, host Dr. Charles Helm welcomes Karen Aird, Executive Director of Programs at the First Peoples' Cultural Council, for a thoughtful conversation exploring the deep connections between Indigenous food sovereignty, cultural identity, and health. 

Drawing on her personal experiences and decades of work alongside First Nations communities in British Columbia, Karen discusses how colonial policies, residential schools, and the disruption of traditional food systems have contributed to lasting health inequities, including increased risks of chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes. 

Together, Charles and Karen explore the importance of traditional foods, intergenerational knowledge sharing, and community-led initiatives that are helping Indigenous peoples reconnect with their cultural practices and strengthen their relationships with the land. 

Their conversation offers an important reminder that food is about much more than nutrition. It is also about culture, community, identity, and the right to determine one's own future. 

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With gratitude to the Elders, community leaders, food growers and health professionals who shared their knowledge with us. 

Host: Dr. Charles Helm 
Production Manager: Graeme Wheeler 
Coordination: T2D Network / IHSTS
Advisory Support: Sarah Canning and Karen Aird 

Funded by the Rural Coordination Centre of BC (RGHPI) with matched funding support from the Institute for Health System Transformation and Sustainability (IHSTS), and the Type 2 Diabetes Network.

For more type 2 diabetes resources and information, visit https://www.t2dnetwork.ca
For information related to type 2 diabetes remission, visit: www.diabetesremission.ca and/or www.reversingprediabetes.ca

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Some of the information about dietary changes can alter your metabolic processes and could lead to serious side effects if you are already on specific medications. If you are on any prescription medications, please consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet.

Subscribe so you don't miss an episode and follow the Institute for Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition on social media!

Institute for Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition:
https://linktr.ee/IPTN

The Institute for Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition is a Canadian-based non profit aimed at helping individuals plagued by chronic disease change their lives through food and lifestyle. Our resources are free, non-partisan and backed by scientific, peer-reviewed research. If you enjoy this podcast series please consider a donation to IPTN to ensure we continue our important mission of helping people transform their lives through a food-first approach.

https://donorbox.org/social-media-contributions 

We're back for Season 2 of At the Helm!

In this introductory episode, host Dr. Charles Helm welcomes viewers to a new season dedicated to exploring Indigenous health, the connections between food, culture, and well-being, and the historical and systemic factors that continue to shape health outcomes in Indigenous communities.

Join us as we embark on a new series of thoughtful conversations with Indigenous leaders, healthcare professionals, and community advocates, exploring how a deeper understanding of culture, history, and traditional knowledge can help chart a course towards healthier futures.

With gratitude to the Elders, community leaders, food growers and health professionals who shared their knowledge with us. 

Host: Dr. Charles Helm 
Production Manager: Graeme Wheeler 
Coordination: T2D Network / IHSTS
Advisory Support: Sarah Canning and Karen Aird 

Funded by the Rural Coordination Centre of BC (RGHPI) with matched funding support from the Institute for Health System Transformation and Sustainability (IHSTS), and the Type 2 Diabetes Network.

For more type 2 diabetes resources and information, visit https://www.t2dnetwork.ca
For information related to type 2 diabetes remission, visit: www.diabetesremission.ca and/or www.reversingprediabetes.ca

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Some of the information about dietary changes can alter your metabolic processes and could lead to serious side effects if you are already on specific medications. If you are on any prescription medications, please consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet.

Subscribe so you don't miss an episode and follow the Institute for Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition on social media!

Institute for Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition:
https://linktr.ee/IPTN

The Institute for Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition is a Canadian-based non profit aimed at helping individuals plagued by chronic disease change their lives through food and lifestyle. Our resources are free, non-partisan and backed by scientific, peer-reviewed research. If you enjoy this podcast series please consider a donation to IPTN to ensure we continue our important mission of helping people transform their lives through a food-first approach.

https://donorbox.org/social-media-contributions 

In this deeply personal and eye-opening episode of At the Helm, Dr. Charles Helm sits down with Craig Cameron, a regenerative cattle farmer from Alberta, Canada, whose journey into sustainable agriculture began with a life-changing event: his daughter’s birth and her unique health needs.

Craig shares how his quest to provide the most nourishing food for his daughter led him to question everything he knew about conventional farming. From soil health and plant diversity to omega-3s and ethical meat production, Craig walks us through the science and soul of regenerative agriculture.

Discover how Peony Farm is producing “precision-crafted regenerative beef” that’s optimized for human health—and why not all beef is created equal. We also explore the environmental impact of cattle, the role of microbes in soil and nutrition, and how farming practices can be both ancient and cutting-edge.

Whether you're a health professional, a conscious consumer, or just curious about the future of food, this episode will challenge your assumptions and inspire new ways of thinking about what’s on your plate.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of food, health, and sustainability.

The At the Helm podcast will return in Fall 2025! 
Have a happy and healthy summer!

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Some of the information about dietary changes can alter your metabolic processes and could lead to serious side effects if you are already on specific medications. If you are on any prescription medications, please consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet.

Subscribe so you don't miss an episode and follow the Institute for Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition on social media!

Institute for Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition:
https://linktr.ee/IPTN

The Institute for Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition is a Canadian-based non profit aimed at helping individuals plagued by chronic disease change their lives through food and lifestyle. Our resources are free, non-partisan and backed by scientific, peer-reviewed research. If you enjoy this podcast series please consider a donation to IPTN to ensure we continue our important mission of helping people transform their lives through a food-first approach.

https://donorbox.org/social-media-contributions 

In this compelling episode of At the Helm, Dr. Charles Helm sits down with Beth McNally & Amy Rush; two of the co-authors behind the groundbreaking guide on Therapeutic Carbohydrate Reduction (TCR) for people living with Type 1 Diabetes.

Amy and Beth share the story behind the creation of this evidence-based, practical, and safe guide designed for dietitians and nutritionists. 

They discuss:
💬 The motivation and global collaboration behind the guide,
💬 How TCR can empower patients and improve blood glucose stability,
💬 The challenges and misconceptions around insulin, ketosis, and ketoacidosis,
💬 Real-life success stories from patients and families,
💬 The importance of community, education, and support in diabetes care.

Whether you're a healthcare professional, a person living with T1D, or a caregiver, this episode offers valuable insights into a transformative approach to diabetes management.

For more information on the TCR Type 1 Diabetes Guide please visit:
https://www.therapeuticnutrition.org/tcr-type-1-diabetes-guide 

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Some of the information about dietary changes can alter your metabolic processes and could lead to serious side effects if you are already on specific medications. If you are on any prescription medications, please consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet.

Subscribe so you don't miss an episode and follow the Institute for Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition on social media!

Institute for Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition:
https://linktr.ee/IPTN

The Institute for Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition is a Canadian-based non profit aimed at helping individuals plagued by chronic disease change their lives through food and lifestyle. Our resources are free, non-partisan and backed by scientific, peer-reviewed research. If you enjoy this podcast series please consider a donation to IPTN to ensure we continue our important mission of helping people transform their lives through a food-first approach.

https://donorbox.org/social-media-contributions 

In this engaging episode of At the Helm, Dr. Charles Helm sits down with Dr. Jasdeep Saluja, a leading internal medicine specialist and co-founder of Aroga Lifestyle Medicine. Together, they explore the transformative power of lifestyle medicine in preventing and reversing chronic disease. From personal stories of family health crises to the founding of a multidisciplinary clinic model, Dr. Saluja shares how compassion, purpose, and evidence-based care can help patients not just survive—but thrive. Tune in to learn about the six pillars of lifestyle medicine, the importance of self-kindness, and how personalized care is reshaping the future of health.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Some of the information about dietary changes can alter your metabolic processes and could lead to serious side effects if you are already on specific medications. If you are on any prescription medications, please consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet.

Subscribe so you don't miss an episode and follow the Institute for Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition on social media!

Institute for Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition:
https://linktr.ee/IPTN

The Institute for Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition is a Canadian-based non profit aimed at helping individuals plagued by chronic disease change their lives through food and lifestyle. Our resources are free, non-partisan and backed by scientific, peer-reviewed research. If you enjoy this podcast series please consider a donation to IPTN to ensure we continue our important mission of helping people transform their lives through a food-first approach.

https://donorbox.org/social-media-contributions 

In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Charles Helm is joined by Dr. Ana Andreazza, professor of pharmacology, toxicology, and psychiatry at the University of Toronto, for a deep dive into the world of mitochondria — the tiny but mighty engines of our cells.

Dr. Andreazza shares how mitochondrial dysfunction is linked to chronic diseases including mood disorders, neurodegeneration, and type 2 diabetes — and how nutritional therapies and lifestyle changes can restore mitochondrial health and transform patient outcomes. From the science of ketones and fasting to groundbreaking developments like mitochondrial transplantation, this conversation sheds light on the root causes of disease and the power of prevention.

Whether you're a healthcare practitioner, patient, or simply curious about how food and metabolism influence health, this episode will leave you inspired and informed.

#Mitochondria #ChronicDisease #MentalHealth #Nutrition #Type2Diabetes #Podcast #AtTheHelm #DrAnaAndreazza

Mitochondrial Innovation Initiative:
https://mito2i.ca

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Some of the information about dietary changes can alter your metabolic processes and could lead to serious side effects if you are already on specific medications. If you are on any prescription medications, please consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet.

Subscribe so you don't miss an episode and follow the Institute for Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition on social media!

Institute for Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition:
https://linktr.ee/IPTN

The Institute for Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition is a Canadian-based non profit aimed at helping individuals plagued by chronic disease change their lives through food and lifestyle. Our resources are free, non-partisan and backed by scientific, peer-reviewed research. If you enjoy this podcast series please consider a donation to IPTN to ensure we continue our important mission of helping people transform their lives through a food-first approach.

https://donorbox.org/social-media-contributions 

In this episode of At the Helm, Dr. Charles Helm explores the intersection of food, sociology, and chronic disease with Dr. Don Wilson, an obstetrician and gynaecologist from the Heiltsuk First Nation. 

Dr. Wilson shares his personal journey and professional insights into the impact of diet on health, particularly within Indigenous communities. He discusses the prevalence of type 2 diabetes, the importance of traditional diets, and the challenges posed by modern, western, processed foods. Dr. Wilson emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive approaches to dietary counseling and the profound benefits of returning to ancestral eating practices. 

Join us for a compelling conversation on how traditional foods can be a powerful tool in combating chronic diseases and fostering community resilience.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Some of the information about dietary changes can alter your metabolic processes and could lead to serious side effects if you are already on specific medications. If you are on any prescription medications, please consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet.

Subscribe so you don't miss an episode and follow the Institute for Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition on social media!

Institute for Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition:
https://linktr.ee/IPTN

The Institute for Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition is a Canadian-based non profit aimed at helping individuals plagued by chronic disease change their lives through food and lifestyle. Our resources are free, non-partisan and backed by scientific, peer-reviewed research. If you enjoy this podcast series please consider a donation to IPTN to ensure we continue our important mission of helping people transform their lives through a food-first approach.

https://donorbox.org/social-media-contributions 

Join us this week for a very special surprise episode of At the Helm where we're showcasing the incredible story of Elisabeth Westlake; who has, as of this upload, hit the one year milestone of type 2 diabetes remission! 

Today Dr. Helm and Elisabeth discuss her journey to achieve remission, how her diagnosis changed her perspective on life and why it is so important to have a support network with you in the pursuit of recovery!

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Some of the information about dietary changes can alter your metabolic processes and could lead to serious side effects if you are already on specific medications. If you are on any prescription medications, please consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet.

Subscribe so you don't miss an episode and follow the Institute for Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition on social media!

Institute for Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition:
https://linktr.ee/IPTN

The Institute for Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition is a Canadian-based non profit aimed at helping individuals plagued by chronic disease change their lives through food and lifestyle. Our resources are free, non-partisan and backed by scientific, peer-reviewed research. If you enjoy this podcast series please consider a donation to IPTN to ensure we continue our important mission of helping people transform their lives through a food-first approach.

https://donorbox.org/social-media-contributions 

In this episode of the At the Helm podcast Dr. Charles Helm delves into the critical issue of non-healing diabetic wounds and their devastating consequences, including causing more than 125,000 limb amputations in the US annually. Joined by Dr. Ravi Kamepalli ( @Ridicvideo ) a renowned US wound specialist and infectious disease expert, they explore how low-carb and ketogenic diets can significantly improve wound healing and prevent amputations. 

Dr. Kamepalli shares his personal journey from institutional medicine to discovering the transformative power of dietary changes, emphasizing the importance of metabolic health and a patient-first approach in treating chronic diseases. Tune in to learn about the innovative approaches to combat infections and inspiring success stories that are changing lives.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Some of the information about dietary changes can alter your metabolic processes and could lead to serious side effects if you are already on specific medications. If you are on any prescription medications, please consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet.

Subscribe so you don't miss an episode and follow the Institute for Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition on social media!

Institute for Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition:
https://linktr.ee/IPTN

The Institute for Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition is a Canadian-based non profit aimed at helping individuals plagued by chronic disease change their lives through food and lifestyle. Our resources are free, non-partisan and backed by scientific, peer-reviewed research. If you enjoy this podcast series please consider a donation to IPTN to ensure we continue our important mission of helping people transform their lives through a food-first approach.

https://donorbox.org/social-media-contributions 

Welcome to another inspiring episode of At the Helm with Dr. Charles Helm. In this episode, we are very excited to have Dr. Tony Hampton joining us! Dr. Hampton is a board-certified family physician and obesity specialist who practises on Chicago's South Side. 

He passionately advocates for food-first approaches in treating chronic diseases like diabetes and obesity for all his patients, no matter what their social and economic circumstances. 

Dr. Hampton shares his journey from traditional nutritional practices to embracing low-carb and ketogenic diets, which have transformed the lives of his many patients. He discusses the importance of addressing social determinants of health, building trust within underserved communities, and the holistic approach needed for sustainable health improvements. 

Join us as Dr. Hampton reveals success stories, debunks common myths about nutrition, and explains his innovative "NEST and ROPE" acronyms for achieving metabolic health. This episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice for anyone interested in improving their health through dietary changes.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice. Listening to this podcast does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. Some of the information about dietary changes can alter your metabolic processes and could lead to serious side effects if you are already on specific medications. If you are on any prescription medications, please consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet.

Subscribe so you don't miss an episode and follow the Institute for Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition on social media!

Institute for Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition:
https://linktr.ee/IPTN

The Institute for Personalized Therapeutic Nutrition is a Canadian-based non profit aimed at helping individuals plagued by chronic disease change their lives through food and lifestyle. Our resources are free, non-partisan and backed by scientific, peer-reviewed research. If you enjoy this podcast series please consider a donation to IPTN to ensure we continue our important mission of helping people transform their lives through a food-first approach.

https://donorbox.org/social-media-contributions