Brain & Body Things

In this episode of the Brain and Body Things podcast, host Dr. Natasha Mehta is joined by Dr. Veda Giri and Dr. Nancy Borstelmann from Yale Cancer Center to discuss early onset cancer. Dr. Giri, a medical oncologist specializing in clinical cancer genetics, and Dr. Borstelmann, an expert in chronic disease epidemiology and social work, both co-lead Yale's Early Onset Cancer Program. They delve into the unique needs and challenges faced by young cancer patients, insights into genetic testing, the importance of tailored cancer screening, and the multifactorial nature of rising cancer rates in younger populations. The episode also highlights novel approaches in patient care, support systems, and the roles of lifestyle and mental health in managing cancer.

00:00 Introduction to the Brain and Body Things Podcast
00:41 Season Four Kickoff: Early Onset Cancer
01:18 Meet the Experts: Dr. Giri and Dr. Borstmann
02:51 Understanding Early Onset Cancer
09:07 Genetic Testing and Cancer Screening
18:27 Rising Rates of Early Onset Cancer
22:16 Holistic Care for Cancer Patients
29:18 Yale's Early Onset Cancer Program
33:26 Patient Engagement and Awareness
34:14 Personalized Patient Navigation
35:48 Addressing Clinical Trials and Support Needs
37:29 Psychosocial Focus in Healthcare
38:50 Cancer Screening and Risk Assessment
41:15 Healthy Lifestyle and Mental Health
47:49 Rising Cancer Rates and Prevention
49:13 Self-Care Practices of Healthcare Professionals
58:18 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The podcast episodes drop weekly on Monday's in seasonal chunks. Subscribe to stay up to date, and tune in when you can! Be sure to rate, review, and follow on your favorite podcast app and let me know what other brain & body things you'd like to hear about. 

For more information about me, check out my website.

Follow me on Instagram or Tik Tok @drnatashamehta.

This episode is not sponsored.

In this episode of the Brain and Body Things podcast, host Dr. Natasha Mehta welcomes back neurosurgeon Dr. Ali Mesiwala for an in-depth discussion on brain health, particularly focusing on injuries and their management. Dr. Mesiwala shares his rich experience from his practice and fellowship training, highlighting the intricacies of different brain injuries, from concussions in athletes to traumatic injuries from accidents. They explore diagnostic approaches, including advanced MRI techniques and the evolution of treatments like cognitive rehabilitation, medications, light therapy, and emerging stem cell and exosome therapies. The episode offers actionable insights for individuals looking to optimize brain health through both advanced medical interventions and fundamental lifestyle changes.

01:42 Guest Introduction and Background
02:18 Neurosurgery Training and Experience
05:06 Specialization in Skull Base and Vascular Surgery
06:49 Cedars Sinai and Complex Cases
08:59 Understanding Brain Injuries
14:59 Concussions in Sports
24:37 Mechanisms of Brain Injury
29:53 Emergency Room Protocols and Initial Assessments
35:30 Understanding Primary and Secondary Brain Injuries
36:00 The Importance of Rest and Re-engagement
36:29 Temperature Control and Sleep Post-Injury
37:00 Re-engaging with Life and Specialist Consultations
37:33 Advanced Imaging Options for Brain Injuries
38:09 Comparing MRI and CAT Scans
39:32 The Role of Neuropsychology Testing
44:13 Broad Therapies for Brain Injury Symptoms
45:09 Insurance vs. Cash-Based Therapies
46:21 Medications and Advanced Therapies
47:43 Exploring Stem Cells and Exosomes
54:28 Ethical Considerations and Sources of Stem Cells
58:07 Lifestyle Choices for Brain Health
01:03:11 Concluding Thoughts on Brain Health

The podcast episodes drop weekly on Monday's in seasonal chunks. Subscribe to stay up to date, and tune in when you can! Be sure to rate, review, and follow on your favorite podcast app and let me know what other brain & body things you'd like to hear about. 

For more information about me, check out my website.

Follow me on Instagram or Tik Tok @drnatashamehta.

Follow Dr. Ali Mesiwala on Instagram. Here is his practice website.

This episode is not sponsored.

In this episode of the 'Brain and Body Things' podcast, host Dr. Natasha Mehta, a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist, sits down with Dr. Sandeep Palakodetti to explore the concept of longevity. Dr. Palakodetti, an internal medicine physician and co-founder of Rebel Health Alliance, shares his journey from traditional healthcare to focusing on longevity and wellness. They discuss the seven pillars of longevity: getting lean, getting strong, moving more, sleeping well, eating right, building community, and having purpose. The episode dives deep into each pillar, providing actionable insights and data-driven advice to enhance overall health and optimize lifespan.

00:00 Introduction to the Brain and Body Things Podcast
00:47 Meet Dr. Sandeep Palakodetti: A Journey in Medicine and Innovation
08:16 Understanding Longevity and Healthspan
11:21 The Seven Pillars of Longevity
12:26 Pillar 1: Get Lean
22:21 Pillar 2: Get Strong
28:13 Pillar 3: Move More
34:30 Setting Long-Term Fitness Goals
35:16 Effective VO2 Max Training Methods
36:12 Balancing High-Intensity and Base Training
37:23 Genetic Factors and Long-Term Improvements
39:53 The Importance of Balance and Proprioception
42:20 The Critical Role of Sleep
43:50 Sleep Hygiene and Tracking
52:02 Nutritional Challenges and Approaches
55:48 Personalized Nutrition and Tracking
59:44 Building Community and Finding Purpose
01:05:06 Living the Pillars: A Personal Journey
01:07:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The podcast episodes drop weekly on Monday's in seasonal chunks. Subscribe to stay up to date, and tune in when you can! Be sure to rate, review, and follow on your favorite podcast app and let me know what other brain & body things you'd like to hear about. 

For more information about me, check out my website.

Follow me on Instagram or Tik Tok @drnatashamehta.

Follow Dr. Sandeep Palakodetti on LinkedIn or X, . Here is the Rebel Health Alliance website.

This episode is not sponsored.

In this episode of the 'Brain and Body Things' podcast, hosted by physiatrist Dr. Natasha Mehta, guests Dr. Ali Mesiwala, a neurosurgeon, and Dr. Leia Rispoli, a pain medicine specialist, join for an enriching roundtable discussion. They delve into the collaborative nature of their fields, share personal experiences and challenges in balancing professional and personal lives, and discuss the impact of their work on patient care. The conversation covers a wide range of topics including the stereotypes and misconceptions of their professions, the importance of lifestyle modifications in patient care, and the complexities of making difficult medical decisions. They also touch upon the emotional aspects of dealing with life-threatening conditions, the necessity of a collaborative approach in healthcare, and the personal coping mechanisms they've developed through their experiences in the medical field. This podcast provides valuable insights into the interconnectedness of physical and mental health, the dedication of healthcare professionals, and the unpredictable nature of life and health.

00:37 Introducing the Experts: A Roundtable Discussion
00:50 Exploring the Intersections of Physiatry, Pain Medicine, and Neurosurgery
03:28 The Power of Collaboration in Healthcare
07:08 Navigating Life and Death Decisions in Medicine
12:10 Quality of Life and Returning to Normal Activities
15:43 The Aging Athlete: Balancing Activity and Health
21:00 Reflections on Retirement and Continuing to Make a Difference
23:01 Exploring the Future of Medicine and Personal Fulfillment
24:07 Navigating the Uncertainties of Medical Practice
28:37 The Realities of Maintaining Personal Health as a Doctor
34:12 Balancing Career and Family: A Modern Woman's Challenge
37:05 Addressing Common Health Concerns and Myths
39:25 Coping with the Emotional Toll of Medicine
44:40 Reflecting on Personal and Professional Growth

The podcast episodes drop weekly on Monday's in seasonal chunks. Subscribe to stay up to date, and tune in when you can! Be sure to rate, review, and follow on your favorite podcast app and let me know what other brain & body things you'd like to hear about. 

For more information about me, check out my website.

Follow me on Instagram or Tik Tok @drnatashamehta.

Follow Dr. Ali Mesiwala on Instagram. Here is his practice website.

Follow Dr. Leia Rispoli on Instagram. Here is her practice website.

This episode is not sponsored.

Invited lecture at Kessler Grand Rounds (October 6, 2023).

Youtube link for slides: https://youtu.be/grl_6vn0e6c

In this episode of the Brain and Body Things podcast, host Natasha Mehta, a physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor, delves into the concept of neuroplasticity and its implications for treating brain and body injuries. She discusses the various evidence-based and exploratory interventions, from rehabilitation exercises to brain stimulation, and the promising, yet still research-focused, avenues of supplementation and stem cell therapy. The episode aims to clarify myths surrounding neuroplasticity and offers actionable insights for patients and healthcare professionals alike. Recording during the middle of June 2024, Natasha shares recent experiences, professional journeys, and underscores the importance of critical periods for neuroplastic changes.

00:00 Introduction to the Brain and Body Things Podcast
00:43 Host's Personal Update and Podcast Plans
03:29 Understanding Neuroplasticity
04:27 Exploring Biohacking and Wellness Trends
20:41 The Role of Rehabilitation in Neuroplasticity
22:16 Neurotrophic Factors and Strength Training
22:39 Neuro Rehabilitation and Constraint Induced Movement Therapy
24:00 Cognitive Training and Brain Workouts
26:32 Brain Stimulation Techniques
28:31 Neuropharmacology: Prescription and Exploratory Approaches
31:37 Stem Cells and Neuroplasticity
34:12 Neurofeedback and Video Games
36:09 Virtual Reality and Neuroplasticity
37:47 Mind-Body Practices: Meditation and Yoga
38:49 Conclusions and Future Directions
40:13 Q&A Session
46:34 Podcast Outro and Disclaimer


The podcast episodes drop weekly on Mondays in seasonal chunks. Subscribe to stay up to date, and tune in when you can! Be sure to rate, review, and follow on your favorite podcast app and let me know what other brain & body things you'd like to hear about. 

For more information about me, check out my website.

Follow me on Instagram or Tik Tok @drnatashamehta. 

This episode is not sponsored.

Board-certified neurosurgeon Ali H. Mesiwala, MD, FAANS, takes a solution-based approach to determine anatomic and functional abnormalities and then treats them with leading-edge technologies and integrative medicine.  At his three offices in Newport Beach, Marina del Rey, and Rancho Cucamonga, California, he focuses on helping all of their patients return to their normal lives, getting back into motion as quickly as possible. His team treats a vast array of neurological conditions. After intensive neurological exams and diagnostic testing, they recommend the best nonsurgical treatments for each person's unique health care needs. They recommend surgery when symptoms are severe or persist despite conservative care. 

Patients seek Dr. Mesiwala for his expertise in brain and spine surgery, as well as peripheral nerve surgery and artificial disc replacement surgery.  He's an expert in complex brain and skull base surgeries, and he has the most experience in artificial disc replacements on the West Coast, including multi-level operations and all types of spinal decompressions. 


After earning a Bachelor of Science in biomedical engineering and electrical engineering from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, Dr. Mesiwala received his Doctor of Medicine from the University of California, San Francisco.  Then he finished his neurological surgery residency at the University of Washington in Seattle, Washington. He completed his skull base and cerebrovascular fellowships at the University of Washington, International Neuroscience Institute in Hannover, Germany, and the University of Pittsburgh in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 

As a respected researcher specializing in the development of novel technologies and minimally invasive techniques for brain and spine surgery, Dr. Mesiwala holds multiple patents for medical devices used in spinal surgery.  In addition to his private practice, Dr. Mesiwala is the faculty surgeon for various artificial disc operations and spinal fusion operations with innovative techniques. He's a fellow of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (FAANS).

In this episode, we discuss:

•  Concerns and fears when considering back surgery.
• The spectrum of spine treatments from the conservative to the invasive.
• Decompressions, disc resections, disc replacements, and neuromodulation.
• The future potential for spine treatments and surgery.

The podcast episodes drop weekly on Mondays in seasonal chunks. Subscribe to stay up to date, and tune in when you can! Be sure to rate, review, and follow on your favorite podcast app and let me know what other brain & body things you'd like to hear about. 

For more information about me, check out my website.

Follow me on Instagram, Twitter, or Tik Tok @drnatashamehta. 

Follow Dr. Ali Mesiwala on Instagram. Here is his practice website.

This episode is not sponsored.

Arti Thangudu, MD, is a triple board-certified physician and endocrinology, diabetes, and thyroid specialist who provides high-level, well-rounded care at Complete Medicine in San Antonio, Texas. She takes an evidence-based approach to care, focusing on the whole patient, not their disease or symptoms. At her membership-based practice, Dr. Thangudu offers her patients direct access via phone, text and email, long and frequent visits, continuous glucose monitoring, access to diabetes technology and constant support to help her patients achieve their health goals. 

She received her Doctor of Medicine from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, internship in internal medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, and residency at Tulane University.  She completed a fellowship in endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, one of the busiest endocrinology training centers in the country. 

She has received nutritional training at Cornell University’s Center for Nutrition Studies as well as a 200-hour yoga training so she could coach her patients on using mindfulness to prevent, treat, and reverse chronic disease. 

Dr. Thangudu holds board certification in internal and lifestyle medicine, as well as endocrinology, diabetes, and metabolism. She’s also certified in plant-based nutrition.


In this episode, we discuss:

• How a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is used in medicine.
• How a CGM works.
• Pros and cons of CGMs.
• Glycemic index.
• Personal, daily, and lifestyle variations in blood sugars.

The podcast episodes drop weekly on Monday over the summer. Subscribe to stay up to date, and tune in when you can! Be sure to rate, review, and follow on your favorite podcast app and let me know what other brain & body things you'd like to hear about. 

For more information about me, check out my website.

Follow me on Instagram, Twitter, or Tik Tok @drnatashamehta. 

Follow Dr. Arti Thangudu on Instagram @drartithangudu. Here is her practice website.

This episode is not sponsored.

Shanika Esparaz M.D. is a board-certified Ophthalmologist who is currently in private practice at Northeast Ohio Eye Surgeons. She provides comprehensive care as well and performs cataract surgery. She serves as a clinical associate professor of surgery at NEOMED. She enjoys connecting with her patients in clinic as well as teaching and connecting with young professionals on social media platforms. She is also board certified in Lifestyle Medicine as well as a certified health coach. She enjoy coaching other women in healthcare in terms of their health and wellbeing.

Dr. Esparaz has launched two digital courses- Mindful Nutrition and Master Your Mindset. They are geared towards women in healthcare, especially early career physicians and physician moms who want to take a crash course in nutrition science and/or learn how to become more intentional and mindful to uplevel their mental well being. Here is the website to check out more!

In this episode we discuss:

• The path to ophthalmology.
• Ophthalmology versus other eye specialists.
• Eye anatomy.
• Red flag symptoms.
• Screen time.
• Healthy eye development in children.
• My silly questions: eye rubbing, cosmetics, and eye skincare.

The podcast episodes drop weekly on Mondays in seasonal chunks. 

Subscribe to stay up to date, and tune in when you can! Be sure to rate, review, and follow on your favorite podcast app and let me know what other brain & body things you'd like to hear about.

For more information about me, check out my website, www.natashamehtamd.com.

Follow me on Instagram, Twitter, or Tik Tok @drnatashamehta.

Follow Dr. Esparaz on Twitter and Instagram. Here is her private practice website.

This episode is not sponsored.

Dr. Andrew Hill is the founder of Peak Brain Institute and a leading neurofeedback practitioner and biohacking coach for clients worldwide. He has lectured on psychology, neuroscience, and gerontology at UCLA’s Department of Psychology where he received a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience.

At Peak Brain, Dr. Hill provides individualized training programs to help you optimize your brain across goals of stress, sleep, attention, brain fog, creativity, and athletic performance. He is the host of the Head First podcast and continues to do research on attention and cognitive performance. 

In this episode we discuss:

• Neurofeeback - what is it?
• Brain Mapping.
• QEEG.
• Specific disorders that neurofeedback may provide useful therapeutic potential.
• Limitations and considerations to pursuing neurofeedback.
• Opinions about the future of brain mapping with AI.

The podcast episodes drop weekly on Mondays in seasonal chunks. 

Subscribe to stay up to date, and tune in when you can! Be sure to rate, review, and follow on your favorite podcast app and let me know what other brain & body things you'd like to hear about.

For more information about me, check out my website, www.natashamehtamd.com.

Follow me on Instagram, Twitter, or Tik Tok @drnatashamehta.

Follow Dr. Hill on Twitter and Instagram. Here is the Peak Brain website.

This episode is not sponsored.

Just a quick thank you as I get my $tuff together.