What if the key to fertility isn't about trying harder, but about understanding your body's fundamental needs first? Sleep might matter more than your hormone levels when it comes to conception.

Kirsten Karchmer has spent 25 years working in women's health and fertility after her own health crisis led her to Chinese medicine. She shares her journey from competitive gymnast with MS to fertility expert who has helped thousands of couples conceive. She explores why IVF might be starting backwards, how the menstrual cycle serves as a monthly health report card, and why energy levels are the most important metric she tracks. Kirsten explains her approach to precision medicine for fertility, the five key categories she evaluates, and how she created an AI app that actually outperformed her clinic results. She covers the fertility stress paradox, why "doing everything" often backfires, and how to focus on the right interventions at the right time.

Whether you're trying to conceive or simply want better hormonal health, Kirsten's insights will change how you think about your body's signals.

Episode Highlights:

• How sleep impacts fertility more than hormone levels like AMH
• The connection between energy levels and reproductive health
• Why exhaustion from over-exercise can harm fertility through cortisol pathways
• Why starting with IVF might be backwards
• The difference between getting pregnant and staying pregnant
• How to build a "conceivable cycle" before attempting conception
• Using monthly cycles to diagnose underlying health issues
• How Chinese medicine principles apply to modern fertility treatment
• The five categories that predict conception success: energy, blood, temperature, stress, and hormones
• How "trying too hard" can prevent pregnancy through stress responses
• Why focusing on pregnancy instead of healthy babies misses the point
• The importance of preparing the body for a successful pregnancy, not just conception

About Our Guest:

Kirsten Karchmer, MS, M.Ed, is a health tech pioneer and women’s health expert and is the founder and CEO of Conceivable Technologies, which developed, patented, and validated the use of use patent-pending assessment and prescriptive AI techniques to help identify the underlying factors impacting their ability to get and stay pregnant – then curate a multi-disciplinary intervention to fix them while improving long-term health outcomes at the same time.

As one of the first board-certified reproductive acupuncturists in North America, and the former President of the American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine, Kirsten spent 20 years in her clinical practice and has helped more than 10,000 infertile women. In 2013, Kirsten translated her successful clinical programs into technology-enabled platforms that provide an affordable and scalable fertility solution. Conceivable was named one of the most innovative health tech startups by MedTech in 2015 and Best Fertility App by Healthline in 2016 and has been featured in TechCrunch, Fox News, The New York Observer, PSFK, The Daily Dot, and Huffington Post.

She also has more than 300,000 devoted Tiktok followers.

A highly sought-after speaker, Kirsten has presented at SXSW, Health 2.0, Fertility PlanIt, and lectures internationally on infertility, PCOS, endometriosis, women’s health, the future of integrative medicine, and using technology better to serve patients, providers, and healthcare systems. Kirsten has been recognized as one of the top female start-up founders to watch, the recipient of the Texas Trailblazer award for innovation in health care, and is a contributor to Huffington Post, MindBodyGreen, and Goop Magazine. Follow Kirsten on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Connect with Dr. Avi Charlton

• Website | www.kirstenkarchmer.com
• X | @Baby_Makers
• LinkedIn | www.linkedin.com/in/kirsten-karchmer-0139808
• Facebook | www.facebook.com/KirstenKarchmerOfficial
• Tik Tok | @yourfertilityexpert

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

True healing begins not with medicine, but with food, breath, and daily habits. 

In this episode, Dr. Avi Charlton, a Melbourne-based General Practitioner with over 20 years of experience shares her inspiring journey from being a traditional GP to becoming a passionate advocate for therapeutic carbohydrate reduction and holistic lifestyle medicine. Prompted by a personal wake-up call about her own health, she explored low-carb nutrition, which not only transformed her own body but significantly improved outcomes for her patients, including those with obesity, diabetes, and even mental health conditions. Dr. Arvi discusses the six pillars of her lifestyle approach—nutrition, movement, stress management, sleep and sunlight, community support, and addiction awareness and highlights the profound benefits of prioritizing protein, managing stress through breathwork, and reconnecting with natural circadian rhythms. Through her clinics, courses, and breathwork workshops, she empowers others to heal, thrive, and pursue longevity through practical, sustainable changes.

Tune in to discover how simple lifestyle changes—like breathwork, better sleep, and a low-carb diet—can radically transform your health and well-being.

Episode Highlights:

• How Dr. Avi Charlton’s personal weight loss journey led her to discover low-carb nutrition
• Why she shifted from traditional medicine to a holistic, lifestyle-focused approach
• How therapeutic carbohydrate reduction can reverse diabetes and reduce medication
• The six lifestyle pillars Dr. Avi uses 
• Insights into low-carb eating
• The truth about calorie counting and why it often does more harm than good
• The critical role of sleep, stress, and sunlight in weight loss and mental health
• Simple tools for breathwork and why it’s key to managing stress and inflammation
• How mouth taping and nose breathing improve sleep quality and reduce snoring
• The connection between adverse childhood experiences and chronic disease
• Dr. Avi’s passion for teaching breathwork and her new business
• Practical tips for staying nourished and organized in a busy modern lifestyle
• Why protein-first is essential for everyone
• Her vision for preventive care, longevity, and empowering patients to take charge of their health

About Our Guest:

Dr. Avi Charlton is a Melbourne-based General Practitioner with over 20 years of experience. Her passion for lifestyle medicine stems from her personal journey. A few years ago, feeling overweight, tired, and juggling life with young kids, a patient mistakenly asked if she was pregnant. Determined to make a change, she joined an 8-week body transformation challenge, following a diet prescribed by her personal trainer and incorporating running. This sparked a transformation—she lost weight, regained energy, and embraced a healthier lifestyle.

Inspired by her success, Dr. Charlton founded the Melbourne Low Carb Clinic, where she helps patients lose weight, reverse type 2 diabetes, and reduce medications through sustainable nutrition and lifestyle changes. She has seen remarkable improvements in her patients’ health, proving that natural solutions can lead to lasting results.

Her interest in breathing techniques led her to become a certified Functional Breathing Instructor with The Oxygen Advantage. She now integrates breathwork into her clinical practice to help patients manage anxiety, stress, and overall well-being. In 2024, she launched Breathe In Health, offering coaching, workshops, and retreats to promote functional breathing.

Dr. Charlton also hosts Prescribing Lifestyle, a podcast educating listeners about the importance of lifestyle changes and featuring inspiring interviews. Passionate about empowering others, she is dedicated to helping patients thrive through holistic, practical approaches to health.

Connect with Dr. Avi Charlton

• Website | breatheinhealth.com.au
• Facebook | www.facebook.com/people/Breathe-In-Health
• Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/avi-charlton
• Instagram | @breathe.in.health
• Youtube | www.youtube.com/@avicharlton

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know that endometriosis affects an estimated 1 in 7 Australian women by age 49, yet diagnosis can still take over six years on average?

In this episode, Donna Ciccia, a health advocate and co-founder of Endometriosis Australia shares her powerful journey in founding the organisation and fighting for better outcomes for people with endometriosis. She opens up about the personal challenges that led her to take action, from living with chronic pain to juggling motherhood and managing her health. Donna discusses how a small online community of just 20 people has grown into a nationwide movement that helped launch the National Action Plan for Endometriosis, significantly improving awareness, research funding, and diagnosis timelines. She highlights the urgent need for personalised, interdisciplinary care, greater investment in research including into the microbiome, nutrition, and environmental triggers and improved access to diagnosis and treatment options. With honesty, warmth, and grit, Donna underscores the physical, emotional and financial toll of endo, while offering hope and practical pathways for others to advocate for themselves and build supportive networks.

Don’t miss this eye-opening episode where Donna Ciccia shares hard-earned lessons on advocacy, resilience, and how collective action is transforming the future for Australians living with endometriosis.

Episode Highlights:

• How Donna co-founded Endometriosis Australia from a grassroots idea
• The early challenges of building a community and raising awareness around endometriosis
• Shocking statistics on endo diagnosis 
• Why personalised, interdisciplinary care is essential for endo patients
• The impact of endometriosis on work, relationships, and mental health
• The importance of menstrual health literacy and breaking generational myths
• How Australia became a global leader in endometriosis research and data
• Donna’s insights on integrating natural therapies with conventional medicine
• The role of pelvic physiotherapy and nutrition in managing chronic pain
• Her advocacy for a subspecialty in complex gynaecology
• Exciting developments like the Charli app and AI-based ultrasound for endo
• Donna’s thoughts on future treatments, including GLP-1 medications and microbiome research
• Practical advice for self-advocacy and finding the right support as a patient
• Her mission is to empower women and lift up other not-for-profit founders

About Our Guest:

Donna Ciccia is a dedicated health advocate with over 15 years of experience in non-profit leadership, specialising in women's health and chronic illness. As Deputy Chair and Co-Founder of Endometriosis Australia, Director at Chronic Pain Australia, and Director at Long COVID Australia, she has spearheaded national awareness campaigns, influenced health policy, and secured significant research funding. Passionate about amplifying patient voices, Donna is committed to driving systemic change in healthcare.

Connect with Donna Ciccia

• Website | www.donnaciccia.com.au and endometriosisaustralia.org
• Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/donna-ciccia
• Facebook | www.facebook.com/donnaciccia
• Instagram | @donna_ciccia

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When you help, you see life as weak; when you fix, you see life as broken—but when you're in service, you see life as whole and beautiful.

 

In this episode, Nicole Lange, a fertility and trauma-focused acupuncturist and founder of Life Healing Life, discusses her holistic approach to women’s health. Drawing from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Nicole explains how she integrates acupuncture, herbal medicine, and lifestyle support to help women navigate fertility challenges, trauma, and obesity. She shares how her practice focuses on identifying and treating patterns of imbalance rather than just symptoms, emphasizing a collaborative, person-centered model of healing. Nicole discusses the profound mind-body connection, the significance of trauma in health outcomes, and how Eastern and Western approaches can complement each other. Her analogies, like the "fire under the kettle," illustrate how digestion, emotions, and trauma are interlinked. She also highlights the importance of self-awareness, seasonal eating, and patient empowerment in achieving sustainable health outcomes.

 

Tune in to hear Nicole Lange share powerful insights on healing fertility, trauma, and women's health through the lens of Chinese medicine and holistic care.

Episode Highlights:

• How Nicole Lange developed her holistic, service-based approach to healing
• The philosophy behind “Life Healing Life” and why healing isn't about fixing
• The connection between trauma, fertility struggles, and women’s health
• Integration of Traditional Chinese Medicine with evidence-based Western practices
• Explanation of how the “kettle” analogy represents digestion, stress, and imbalance
• The impact of chronic stress and complex trauma on fertility and weight
• Importance of addressing each patient’s unique constitution and pattern of imbalance
• How acupuncture supports fertility, digestion, emotional health, and trauma healing
• The role of seasonal eating and thought patterns in TCM dietary guidance
• Real-life outcomes from combining holistic treatment with IVF or weight loss journeys
• Why understanding and trusting your body is key to long-term healing
• Nicole’s online offerings to help patients understand and heal their own patterns

About Our Guest:

Nicole Lange is an acupuncturist, educator, and thought leader who has specialized exclusively in fertility, trauma, pregnancy, and post-infertility care in Minneapolis Minnesota. Through her personal healing journey and two decades of clinical practice, she has developed a groundbreaking approach that integrates cutting-edge science with Traditional Chinese Medicine principles.  

Her revolutionary clinical method emphasizes:

• Deep listening and personalized care
• Nuanced, science-backed education
• Trauma-informed practices that enhance nervous system regulation
• TCM techniques applied with modern understanding
• True integration of body, mind, and life circumstances

Show note links:

Nicole’s online education — programs, mini-courses, blog, youtube channel can all be found at:

https://www.lifehealinglife.com/online-fertility-education

 

Fertility Freebies!

https://www.lifehealinglife.com/fertility-freebies

 

Code for $10 off any of Nicole’s online program for podcast listeners: 

LHLPOD10

Connect with Nicole Lange

• Website | www.lifehealinglife.com
• Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-lange
• Instagram | @notafixer
• Youtube | www.youtube.com/@thebabyyouwant

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Did you know that declining oestrogen levels during perimenopause can significantly impact not just mood and memory, but also increase the risk of metabolic conditions like insulin resistance and cardiovascular disease?

In this episode, Dr. Lucy Burns, a GP with extensive experience in metabolic health, mental health, and menopause, discusses the intricate connections between hormonal changes, ADHD, binge eating, and metabolic dysfunction in midlife women. She explains how fluctuating oestrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause can exacerbate cognitive issues, emotional regulation, and insulin resistance, often triggering a cascade of physical and mental health challenges. Dr. Burns highlights the need for individualized, holistic care that considers the complex interplay of sleep, nutrition, stress, and strength training, emphasizing that weight management is about chemistry—not just calories. She shares insights from her work with Real Life Medicine and RLM Telehealth, offering wraparound care tailored to each woman’s unique needs, and encourages listeners to take proactive steps to support their long-term health and vitality.

Tune in to discover how understanding the connection between hormones, mental health, and metabolism can transform your midlife health journey.

 

Episode Highlights:

• How Lucy expanded from general practice into metabolic health, mental health, and menopause
• The impact of perimenopause and menopause on metabolic and emotional health
• The link between ADHD, binge eating disorder, and hormonal changes
• Why estrogen is critical for brain function, insulin sensitivity, and inflammation control
• The role of strength training and nutrition in managing midlife weight and metabolic health
• How sleep deprivation sabotages metabolic and emotional well-being
• Importance of individualized care and uncovering the root causes of health issues
• Lucy’s approach to wraparound care through her Real Life Medicine and RLM Telehealth clinics
• How lifestyle medicine and mindset shifts can reduce reliance on medication
• The value of proactive hormone therapy in managing menopause symptoms and long-term health

About Our Guest:

Dr Lucy Burns is passionate about health. She helps women who have tried every diet under the sun optimise their health and achieve long lasting weight loss by improving metabolism and managing mindset so they can reduce the effects of chronic disease, have more energy and confidence and stop living life on the sidelines. Her passion is lifestyle medicine and using it with traditional medicine to improve patient outcomes. Her mantra with medication is always to use the lowest effective dose and optimising lifestyle allows that to happen. 

She was an “expert dieter” and an “expert emotional eater”. During perimenopause, she developed obesity, fatty liver and pre-diabetes. As a medical doctor, this was mortifying.  She has completely abandoned traditional dieting and embraces a real food lifestyle. 

Dr Lucy is a medical doctor, an accredited mental health GP and a certified lifestyle medicine physician. She has additional training in various facets of medical care, including metabolic health, menopause care, psychological medicine, and hypnotherapy. 

She runs online holistic health and weight programs with her colleague Dr Mary Barson. They have now helped thousands of women reclaim their health. They are both very real and relatable and embody their company name - Real Life Medicine. www.rlmedicine.com 

She is also the founder of RLM telehealth and has a small team of doctors who are passionate about providing collaborative care Australia-wide www.rlmtelehealth.com

Connect with Lillian Dino

• Website | www.rlmedicine.com and www.rlmtelehealth.com
• Facebook | www.facebook.com/reallifemedicine
• Instagram | @real_life_medicine

Join their online programs!

The 4 week Body Rebalance - https://www.rlmedicine.com/4wbrThe 12 week program - www.rlmedicine.com/12WMBR

 

Click here for free resources!

The Real Health and Weight Loss Podcast

 

Free Ebook Weight Loss is all about Hormones 

👉 https://www.rlmedicine.com/weightloss-ebook

 

Menopause Checklist 

👉 https://www.rlmedicine.com/checklist

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over 80% of people regain weight within a year after stopping GLP-1 medications—yet few receive the guidance needed to prevent it.

In this episode, Ana Reisdorf, a seasoned registered dietitian from the U.S. and founder of RWS Content and Strategy, shares her personal and professional journey with GLP-1 medications like Ozempic for weight management. Drawing on her background in bariatrics and health writing, Ana reflects on the initial excitement and misconceptions she had about the medication, the rapid weight loss she experienced, and the challenges of maintaining that weight after stopping treatment. She discusses the critical need for nutritional education, muscle preservation, and holistic support for patients using these medications long-term. She also emphasizes the importance of proper medical guidance, the risk of misinformation, especially in online spaces and the evolving role of healthcare professionals, including dietitians, in the obesity and metabolic health landscape.

Tune in to hear a registered dietitian’s candid journey with GLP-1 medications—and the crucial insights every user needs but rarely gets.

 

Episode Highlights:

• How Ana first heard about and began using GLP-1 medications after struggling with post-pregnancy weight
• Her initial misconceptions about the medication's purpose and long-term use
• The shift from personal use to professional advocacy and education in the GLP-1 space
• Common pitfalls users face, including nutrient deficiencies and muscle loss due to inadequate dietary support
• The emotional and psychological impact of reduced “food noise” and self-talk while on GLP-1s
• Comparisons between GLP-1s and bariatric surgery in terms of responsibility, lifestyle changes, and long-term outcomes
• The dangers of misinformation online and the lack of regulation in accessing GLP-1s digitally
• Why resistance training, balanced nutrition, and realistic expectations are vital for sustainable success
• The stigma and secrecy surrounding GLP-1 use, and how that shapes patient behavior
• Ana’s creation of the GLP-1 Hub and her mission to bring evidence-based, empathetic guidance to this fast-evolving field

About Our Guest:

Ana Reisdorf, MS, RD is a registered dietitian with over 15 years of experience, specializing in nutrition, wellness content, and digital marketing. She is the founder of RWS: Content + Strategy, an agency dedicated to creating evidence-based SEO content for health and wellness brands. Ana also hosts the GLP-1 Hub podcast and manages thriving online communities, helping dietitians and consumers achieve their health and business goals through practical, engaging resources.

 

Connect with Ana Reisdorf

• Website | www.anareisdorf.com and www.glp-1hub.com
• Linked In | https://www.linkedin.com/in/ana-reisdorf-content-strategist
• Facebook | www.facebook.com/rws.content.strategy
• Instagram | @active_to_passive and @glp1hub
• Youtube | www.youtube.com/@GLP-1hub

 

You can also listen to her podcast here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2455627

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Obesity isn’t just about weight, it's about stigma, access to care, and the power of lived experience to drive real change.

In this episode, Andrew Wilson and Theresa Thompson from WIN (Weight Issues Network), an Australian organisation led by individuals with lived experience of obesity, share WIN's mission to challenge weight stigma, improve healthcare equity, and advocate for holistic and accessible treatment options. Andrew and Theresa share insights on the systemic issues surrounding obesity care, including the damaging effects of stigma, the lack of multidisciplinary support, and the eight-year average delay before people seek professional help. They also highlight WIN’s initiatives, such as peer support groups, leadership development, advocacy training, and digital outreach, all aimed at empowering individuals and shifting public and medical perceptions. This will emphasise the power of storytelling and community in creating change and fostering understanding in both healthcare and society at large.

Tune in to hear how real stories and advocacy from the Weight Issues Network are reshaping the conversation around obesity and healthcare in Australia.

Episode Highlights:

• Introduction to WIN (Weight Issues Network) and its origins
• The role of lived experience in combating weight stigma and misinformation
• Staggering average delay of 8 years before individuals seek professional help for obesity
• How stigma—both internal and external—is the biggest barrier to care
• The need for a holistic, multidisciplinary approach to obesity treatment
• Challenges accessing weight loss treatments like pharmacotherapy and surgery in public healthcare
• WIN’s advocacy work in policy, media representation, and health professional training
• The psychological toll of weight cycling and internalised shame
• Importance of storytelling and lived experience in healthcare reform
• Overview of WIN’s support programs, including monthly meetups and leadership groups
• Emphasis on safe spaces and empowering people to share their stories
• The impact of media and public perception on those living in larger bodies
• Discussion on the lack of funding and services tailored for people with obesity
• Call for systemic change and more inclusive, compassionate healthcare solutions
• How to join WIN and the supportive, cost-free community they provide

About Our Guest:

Weight Issues Network (WIN) champions the lived experience voice of people who have experienced living in a larger body. They advocate for imperative, effective changes in all systems, particularly healthcare; to ensure obesity is stigma-free and treated appropriately. Andrew Wilson has been involved with WIN since its inception, and has been pivotal in its successes to date. He is a natural advocate and supporter of equality; who's story has influenced many important change-makers already. Theresa Thompson is a business-savvy advocate for equality who's lived experience and leadership skills are helping scale WIN to become an essential tool in not only policy-change, but for the community as a whole.

Connect with WIN

• Website | weightissuesnetwork.org
• Facebook | www.facebook.com/WeightIssuesNetwork
• Instagram | @weightissuesnetwork
• Linked In | www.linkedin.com/company/weight-issues-network

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What really happens when someone chooses weight loss surgery? Is it a quick fix or the result of years of trying everything else first?

In this episode, Jess Unsworth shares her honest journey through weight struggles, medical challenges, and finally, her decision to have bariatric surgery. Jess talks about her work in emergency services, the toll it took on her body, and the frustration of dealing with PCOS and insulin resistance. She opens up about the emotional weight of feeling like she had run out of options after years of trying diets and even experiencing severe side effects from Ozempic. With her husband having undergone the same surgery, Jess had a close-up look at both the benefits and difficulties. Jess breaks down common misconceptions about bariatric surgery, explores what recovery looks like, and talks about the ongoing emotional and physical work involved in healing, eating, and maintaining balance post-op. Jess also discusses the unexpected changes to taste, food tolerance, and her evolving relationship with food after surgery.

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to go through weight loss surgery or are considering it yourself, this episode will give you a real-world view—without sugarcoating it. 

 

Episode Highlights:

• Jess’s medical background and reasons for surgery
• The impact of PCOS and insulin resistance on weight
• Side effects and hospital stay after Ozempic
• Emotional journey to accepting surgery as a final option
• Public misconceptions about weight loss surgery
• Differences in post-op food tolerance and cravings
• Long-term mental and physical adjustments after surgery
• How Jess maintains her health and food mindset now
• The importance of community and shared patient stories
• How weight and conditions like PCOS and endometriosis affect fertility.
• Jess expressed the mixed emotions around receiving compliments post-surgery
• Setting boundaries around food, like stopping when full

 

About Our Guest:

Jess Unsworth is an experienced emergency management professional with over 13 years of service across prevention, preparedness, and response roles in the emergency services sector. She brings a deep sense of purpose to her work, finding meaning in supporting communities during crises and helping smooth the path back to normality after major events. As recognition of her contributions, she received the National Emergency Medal for her work during the 2019–2020 Bushfires.

She has a strong background in leadership and team management, with proven expertise in stakeholder engagement, policy and procedure development, and operational response. Among her notable achievements are training staff in the activation of Community Fire Refuges following the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission, and leading efforts to streamline processes within the State Control Centre to ensure timely delivery of critical information.

 

Connect with Jess Unsworth

• Instagram | @its_jessunsworth

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Obesity is one of the risk factors affecting fertility—and tackling it together as a couple can make all the difference.

In this episode, Dr Toby Angstmann, an experienced fertility specialist at Flinders Fertility, explores the intricate relationship between obesity and fertility. Dr. Angstmann discusses how factors like age, PCOS, and hormonal disruption linked to obesity can significantly impact reproductive health, with both female and male fertility facing notable challenges. He emphasises the importance of tailored medical advice, collaborative weight loss efforts among partners, and the critical role of nutrition and metabolic health in pregnancy preparation. Dr. Angstmann also highlights bariatric surgery's potential to reverse fertility complications, the importance of fertility preservation strategies, including egg freezing, and the collaborative approach involving various healthcare providers to support individuals on their fertility journeys.

Listen now to learn how to navigate the journey to parenthood with confidence and get the expert advice you need from Dr. Toby Angstmann, a leading fertility specialist.

 

Episode Highlights:

• About Dr Toby Angstmann
• Obesity and fertility challenges
• Medical consequences of obesity on fertility
• Treatment approaches and support on fertility in obesity
• Nutrition and pregnancy preparation
• About bariatric surgery and pregnancy
• Fertility preservation and future planning

 

About Our Guest:

Dr Toby Angstmann is an experienced fertility specialist at Flinders Fertility, Adelaide, SA. His interests are in metabolic fertility disorders, male factor subfertility, endometriosis and complex infertility. 

After time in the Defence Forces, he gained his medical degree at the University of Sydney and holds a Master's in Reproductive Medicine from the UNSW. Something of a polymath, he also has qualifications in forensic medicine and clinical ultrasound. In addition to his medical pursuits, he also set up an award-winning gin and vodka distillery!

Toby follows the latest science and techniques around IVF and firmly supports complementary therapies for wellbeing. 

Connect with Dr Toby Angstmann 

• Website | flindersfertility.com.au
• Instagram | @doctor.tobyangstmann
• Linked In | www.linkedin.com/in/tobias-angstmann

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Obesity is not a simple matter of willpower, it is a complex, multifactorial disease influenced by genetics, environment, and biology, requiring a shift in both perception and treatment.

In this episode, Dr. Alex Craven, a highly skilled general surgeon with a specialisation in obesity and upper gastrointestinal surgery discusses the evolving understanding of obesity and metabolic health, highlighting the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to the condition. He explains how new research is shifting perspectives on obesity from being a simple lifestyle issue to a complex medical condition requiring individualized treatment. He covers the role of medical and surgical interventions, the importance of including lived experiences in discussions, and the need for a more holistic and patient-centered approach to obesity care. Dr. Craven also emphasizes the necessity of proper long-term support for patients, whether through metabolic surgery or emerging medical therapies, and critiques the current healthcare system’s lack of accessibility and resources for individuals with obesity.

Listen in as Dr. Alex Craven unpacks the latest insights on obesity, metabolic health, and the future of treatment—breaking myths, sharing expert perspectives, and advocating for real change in patient care.

 

Episode Highlights:

• The evolving understanding of obesity as a complex disease rather than a lifestyle issue
• The significance of genetic and environmental factors in obesity development
• Importance of including people with lived experience in discussions on obesity care
• The role of metabolic and bariatric surgery in long-term obesity treatment
• Challenges in addressing obesity within the current healthcare system
• The growing impact of GLP-1 medications and concerns about long-term follow-up
• Why obesity should be treated with the same urgency as other chronic diseases
• How personalized treatment plans can improve patient outcomes
• The need for multidisciplinary care
• Future advancements in obesity treatment, including phenotyping and precision medicine
• The importance of shifting public perception and reducing obesity stigma

About Our Guest:

Dr Alex Craven is a highly skilled general surgeon with a specialisation in obesity and upper gastrointestinal surgery. He offers consultations and performs surgeries through Advanced Surgical and Darebin Weight Loss Surgery and also serves as an Obesity and Upper Gastrointestinal Surgeon at Austin Hospital.

Born and raised in the country, Dr Craven brings a down-to-earth and approachable style to his practice, making patients feel comfortable and supported throughout their journey. A devoted family man, he balances his professional life with raising his family alongside his wife, who is a paramedic.

Dr Craven earned his medical degree from the University of Queensland and completed his general surgery training at Austin and Northern Hospitals under the Royal Australian College of Surgeons (RACS). He further honed his expertise through post-fellowship training in obesity and upper gastrointestinal surgery. Dr Craven has been recognised as a leading contributor for his ongoing support of the Bariatric Surgery Registry.

Passionate about helping patients manage obesity and its associated health conditions, Dr Craven is dedicated to improving their quality of life. At Darebin Weight Loss, he provides comprehensive, multidisciplinary obesity care, which includes supervised lifestyle interventions, obesity medication, and surgical solutions.

 

Connect with Dr Alex Craven

• Website | dralexcraven.com.au
• Facebook | facebook.com/dralexcraven
• Instagram | @dralexcraven

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.