Drop The Shades

In this episode of I'll Ask The Questions Around Here, Dr. Joseph Elisha speaks with Anyse Smith — educator, public interest attorney, and fierce advocate for the unhoused. Once in the throes of addiction and homelessness, Anyse recounts the turning point at a Riverside motel that launched her into recovery, community service, and ultimately law school. She shares hard-earned lessons on trust, shame, healing, and the underestimated humanity within addiction. With warmth and clarity, Anyse details how her experiences shape her legal work and her run for city council, offering a rare window into the complex realities of substance abuse, recovery, and redemption.

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[00:00:00] Intro

[00:02:59] Anyse describes her California upbringing and her move to the Coachella Valley.

[00:04:11] She outlines the progression of her addiction and how trauma and loss contributed to her substance use.

[00:08:54] Anyse explains how addiction led her to unemployment, couch-surfing, and ultimately being unhoused.

[00:12:44] She reflects on the deception, guilt, and family fallout common in addiction.

[00:17:50] Anyse recalls the moment she hit rock bottom in a Riverside motel.

[00:21:15] She discusses her early recovery, including two relapses before committing to sobriety.

[00:23:57] Her first night at the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission and the reality of shelter life.

[00:27:40] Why the Gateway Program at CVRM was transformative for her recovery.

[00:29:43] Anyse shares how faith slowly returned to her life and recovery journey.

[00:31:04] She reflects on initial judgments and how hearing others’ stories reshaped her outlook.

[00:34:22] Why sobriety remains her greatest and hardest-won accomplishment.

[00:35:29] How her relationship with her father evolved, including his own shift into addiction medicine.

[00:37:42] The societal perception of homelessness and the importance of hearing individual stories.

[00:40:49] How her law practice serves formerly incarcerated and unhoused clients.

[00:43:04] How her church and singing community supported her reintegration.

[00:44:45] The moment she’s most proud of — and the mindset she’s least proud of.

[00:46:15] Why she wouldn’t change her past, despite the pain.

[00:47:17] What she’d say to her late mother if given the chance.

[00:48:28] Her run for Palm Desert City Council and why she believes lived experience belongs in office.

In this episode of I'll Ask The Questions Around Here, Dr. Joseph Elisha talks with 17-year-old wheelchair tennis champion Charlie Cooper. From being born with spina bifida to ranking #1 in the U.S. and #3 globally in junior wheelchair tennis, Charlie shares the challenges and triumphs that shaped his path. They explore how a chance encounter at a guitar shop led to a life-changing discovery of tennis, the emotional and physical toll of early surgeries, his deep-rooted Christian faith, and his mission to inspire others. Charlie opens up about family dynamics, sacrifices, and his hopes beyond sports. 

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[00:00:00] Intro 

[00:01:14] Charlie’s background and diagnosis with spina bifida 

[00:02:55] Discovering tennis through a chance meeting at a guitar shop 

[00:04:36] The role of faith in Charlie’s mindset and resilience 

[00:06:05] Explanation of spina bifida and its effects on Charlie’s mobility 

[00:08:01] Impact of Charlie’s condition on his younger sister 

[00:12:24] Early surgeries and hospital experiences 

[00:17:23] First time trying wheelchair tennis and initial reluctance 

[00:21:03] Emotional freedom and equality found on the court 

[00:24:24] Charlie’s realization of his competitive potential 

[00:27:08] Winning the US Open and reflecting on his journey 

[00:31:16] Handling defeat with gratitude and maintaining faith 

[00:34:30] Goals for transitioning to professional play 

[00:37:12] Influence of Charlie’s faith on others and younger players 

[00:38:36] Charlie’s interfaith upbringing and grandfather’s conversion 

[00:41:15] Fear of future regrets and desire to inspire 

[00:45:13] Career aspirations beyond tennis, including sports agency 

[00:47:53] Dedication of Charlie’s father and family support 

[00:51:59] Sacrificing social life for professional aspirations 

[00:53:46] Mentorship from top wheelchair tennis players 

[00:56:49] Favorite opponents and tennis inspirations 

[00:58:00] Injury prevention and physical training routines 

In this episode of I'll Ask The Questions Around Here, Dr. Joseph Elisha welcomes Dr. Shaan Patel, founder and CEO of Prep Expert and Shark Tank entrepreneur. Shaan shares his inspiring story of overcoming an average SAT score to achieve perfection, launch a successful test-prep business, and become a board-certified dermatologist. The discussion traverses his childhood in a budget motel, his parents' immigrant sacrifices, and the resilience that propelled him through rejection to success with Mark Cuban on Shark Tank. Shaan also explores entrepreneurship, telemedicine, and why standardized tests matter more now than ever.

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[00:00:00] The impact of asking children, "What do you want to do when you grow up?"

[00:01:16] Dr. Elisha's personal story about identity and completing med school

[00:04:03] Shaan Patel's upbringing in a motel and the value his immigrant parents placed on education

[00:05:17] Shaan’s initial struggles with standardized testing and journey to a perfect SAT score

[00:07:28] From book rejections to launching Prep Expert

[00:09:31] Growing Prep Expert during medical school breaks

[00:10:01] Lessons on empathy and education from Shaan’s childhood environment

[00:13:17] Dealing with rejection and embracing the underdog mentality

[00:15:00] Parental influence and leading by example

[00:20:56] Shaan's Shark Tank audition and securing a deal with Mark Cuban

[00:26:57] Insights into working with Mark Cuban

[00:28:56] What Prep Expert offers and the value of test preparation beyond exams

[00:31:29] Entrepreneurship as freedom versus residency constraints

[00:33:35] The risks and uncertainties of entrepreneurship

[00:37:09] The importance of prioritizing helping others over making money

[00:40:18] Are standardized tests valid measures of intelligence?

[00:41:30] How test preparation builds essential life skills

[00:44:31] The most important advice Shaan plans to give his child

[00:46:30] Balancing career, entrepreneurship, and family life

[00:51:18] Advice for healthcare providers considering entrepreneurship

In this episode of I’ll Ask The Questions Around Here, Dr. Joseph Elisha sits down with Ron Cukier, whose life story spans survival, loss, and renewal. Born to Holocaust survivors, Ron opens up about the deep family traumas that shaped him and the decades-long battle with alcohol and drugs that nearly cost him everything. He recounts how a wrong number led him to his wife, how hitting rock bottom saved his life, and why sobriety remains the foundation of his success. From faith and family to honesty about addiction, Ron’s story is a testament to resilience and the power of never giving up.

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[00:00:00] Introduction to Ron Cukier’s family background and Holocaust legacy

[00:01:09] The impact of generational trauma and survival stories

[00:02:43] Early childhood, faith, and growing up in Boyle Heights

[00:06:14] How Ron’s mother’s hope and faith kept her alive

[00:10:31] College life, privilege, and the seeds of addiction

[00:14:27] First experience with alcohol and early drinking stories

[00:18:12] Short-lived marriages and escaping through Europe

[00:26:00] Meeting Danielle through a wrong number call

[00:29:59] Addiction deepens and Danielle leaves

[00:33:06] Hitting rock bottom and entering rehab

[00:35:32] Detox, rehab lessons, and the turning point

[00:38:05] Finding community and support in meetings

[00:40:02] Staying sober and giving back to others

[00:42:01] Faith, a higher power, and rebuilding life

[00:48:58] Mentors, his mother’s influence, and life lessons

[00:50:52] Reflections on antisemitism and generational strength

[00:53:10] Final thoughts on speaking up, hope, and resilience

Joseph Elisha on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-elisha-m-d-a9b7aab

In this episode of I'll Ask The Questions Around Here, Dr. Joseph Elisha sits down with Brandt Kuhn, Managing Director and Partner at Beacon Pointe. Brandt shares how his early career was shaped by the 2008 financial crisis and what ultimately brought him back to the Coachella Valley. They explore the realities of financial planning, addressing everything from risk and taxes to fatherhood and the role of money in our mental wellbeing. Brandt unpacks financial myths seen on social media, explains the real impact of debt, and shares how his nonprofit work and family values shape his approach to money. This wide-ranging conversation blends grounded advice with reflections on community, resilience, and what it means to live a rich life.

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[00:00:28] Introduction of Brandt Kuhn and overview of his professional and personal background.

[00:02:08] Why Brandt returned to the Coachella Valley and started his financial planning career.

[00:04:05] Early influences and how a meeting with a financial advisor shaped his path.

[00:06:12] How becoming a father changed his financial priorities and planning approach.

[00:08:22] Common misconceptions about financial planning and the complexity of the system.

[00:12:14] Joseph Elisha reflects on the lack of financial education in medical school.

[00:16:21] Brandt's perspective on the anxiety caused by money and the importance of building margin.

[00:18:57] Thoughts on economic shifts, job security, and the need for adaptable education.

[00:20:29] Distinction between knowledge and service economies and the impact of automation.

[00:23:44] Brandt's view on rising labor costs, automation, and the evolving workforce.

[00:26:30] Financial myths on social media and concerns over 'get rich quick' content.

[00:29:18] Risk management in financial planning and adapting to client life stages.

[00:30:59] Trends in how the wealthy spend—on homes, experiences, and modest living.

[00:34:31] The generational shift toward lifestyle balance over endless work.

[00:38:28] How Brandt stays grounded amid managing hundreds of millions in assets.

[00:40:34] Brandt’s nonprofit work and its impact on his personal and professional values.

[00:42:51] Teaching kids about money and the realities of household budgeting.

[00:45:33] Financial myths and facts: markets, housing, and economic uncertainty.

[00:52:22] The role of hope and optimism in facing financial challenges.

[00:56:03] What defines a rich life for Brandt Kuhn—emphasis on time over wealth.

[00:57:27] Final insights on building real wealth and overcoming early investing fears.

Links:

Beacon Pointe Youtube channel - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1sYqRME1BlueSBz9BlG3eQ

Most recent Macro & Markets – May 2025 - https://youtu.be/GIGdwQc_EJk?si=ZoFT-FwEJkkcqdHW

Beacon Pointe Palm Desert Website - https://beaconpointe.com/contact-us/california-palm-desert/

In this episode of I’ll Ask The Questions Around Here, Dr. Joseph Elisha speaks with Dr. Joseph Scherger, a renowned authority in integrative medicine, on rethinking modern healthcare. Dr. Scherger shares why he believes extended time with patients and lifestyle-based interventions are key to reversing chronic diseases. They explore how processed food addictions formed, the role of gut flora, and how habits like nutrition, physical activity, and stress management form the six pillars of health. Dr. Scherger also shares his thoughts on supplements, the rise of GLP-1 medications, and his shift into a personalized care model—while touching on cognitive decline and the future of primary care.

[00:00:0] Dr. Scherger’s career and how the Marcus Welby model influenced him

[00:04:41] Time constraints in primary care and the importance of extended consultations

[00:06:33] The role of lifestyle and nutrition in reversing chronic illness

[00:07:46] Addictive nature of processed foods and historical development

[00:12:05] The impact of gut flora and microbiome on overall and mental health

[00:14:06] Antibiotics’ effect on gut health and strategies to restore microbiome

[00:20:17] Importance of vitamin D, magnesium, and B vitamins in aging

[00:25:17] Insights on prehistoric diets, microbiome diversity, and modern parallels

[00:29:26] Farm-to-table and whole food approaches to diet

[00:30:05] Rise in cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s, and the potential for reversal

[00:33:50] Dale Bredesen’s work and The Ageless Brain

[00:37:38] Impact of sugar on cognitive health and neurodegeneration

[00:38:48] GLP-1 medications (e.g., Ozempic) and their effects on appetite and addiction

[00:43:31] Dr. Scherger’s transition from Eisenhower to private concierge practice

[00:48:25] Shortages in primary care and systemic inefficiencies in healthcare

In this episode of I'll Ask The Questions Around Here, Dr. Joseph Elisha is joined by Lauren Del Sarto, founder of Desert Health and co-founder of Good Vibes Sound Bath. They explore Lauren’s remarkable journey from organizing Wall Street events to pioneering platforms for holistic wellness and integrative medicine. Lauren opens up about her battle with breast cancer, the alternative treatment path she chose, and how it reshaped her perspective on health. She also shares how fearlessness returned through equestrian pursuits and discusses the explosive popularity of floating sound baths. Join this warm and revealing conversation about resilience, purpose, and creating space for healing in a noisy world.

[00:00:00] Introduction to Lauren Del Sarto and her background

[00:04:13] Founding Desert Health and focusing on positive health journalism

[00:05:34] Career path from Wall Street to event marketing to wellness publishing

[00:09:44] Impact of childhood moves on adaptability and people skills

[00:12:50] Vision behind Desert Health as a bridge between medical and natural care

[00:14:49] Lauren's breast cancer diagnosis and decision to pursue cryoablation

[00:17:58] Effects of an anti-inflammatory diet on tumor size

[00:21:24] Advocating for cryoablation and clinical trials

[00:24:25] Importance of integrative care teams

[00:26:41] Overcoming fear to return to competitive horseback riding

[00:30:45] Views on mortality and the power of presence

[00:33:44] Founding Good Vibes Sound Bath and its viral growth

[00:36:32] Description of the floating sound bath experience

[00:40:51] Volunteering with Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine

[00:42:29] Receiving Trailblazer and Health Influencer Awards

[00:44:17] Regret around father’s end-of-life care

[00:47:00] Personal values: integrity and positivity

[00:48:41] Reflections on authenticity and staying true to oneself

[00:53:53] Mentoring youth through the Health Academy student column

[00:56:24] Where to find Desert Health and Good Vibes Sound Bath

Links:

Lauren Del Sarto on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-del-sarto-5b14b47

Connect with Lauren: [email protected]

Desert Heal News: http://www.deserthealthnews.com/

Good Vibe Sound Bath: https://www.goodvibessoundbath.com/

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, we explore the recent Palm Springs bombing—not just as a tragic local event, but as a lens into the silent conflicts so many carry within. Through reflections on childhood trauma, parental mental health, and the human need for control, we take an emotional journey from confusion to compassion, asking hard questions about violence, suicide, and the societal shame that surrounds mental illness.

What unfolds is not just a recounting of a tragedy, but a call to listen more closely—to ourselves and to each other. If we hope to prevent future losses, we must begin by creating space for honesty, vulnerability, and healing. This is an episode about fragility, resilience, and the radical power of empathy in a world that often feels like it’s falling apart.

Welcome to this special episode of I’ll Ask The Question Around Here, where I talk about Mother’s Day; what it means to me, and to the world.

Motherhood, as seen through the lens of two remarkable women—my mother and my mother-in-law—is not a role defined by ease or perfection, but by resilience, complexity, and quiet determination. My mother’s stroke in 1980 reshaped our family forever, yet she refused to let it define her. Though she lost physical function, she never relinquished her role as the family’s emotional anchor. Her unwavering presence and commitment, even while married to a man grappling with depression, revealed a strength that surpassed physical ability. At first, I saw her constant giving as self-neglect, but I came to realize it was her way of asserting her completeness, of reclaiming her identity in the face of loss. Similarly, my mother-in-law, Patricia, lived a life marked by trauma, loss, and reinvention. Surviving domestic violence, the death of a child, and fractured family dynamics, she eventually found peace in a rural retreat and redefined herself. Though her earlier years as a mother were marked by hardship and absence, she later became a powerful presence in our children’s lives, showing that motherhood is not a fixed state but an evolving act of love and courage. Her decision to step away, once seen as abandonment, became an act of self-preservation that allowed her to heal and return stronger.

Mother’s Day, then, is far more than a celebration—it’s a reflection on the expectations, grief, gratitude, and quiet heroism that shape maternal relationships. It’s a day that carries both beauty and pain, honoring those who gave everything, those who couldn't, and those who are still figuring it out. For many, it’s not simple. There are unspoken hopes, disappointments, and the weight of societal expectations. But whether you're a mother, grieving one, estranged from one, or simply holding complex feelings—your experience matters. Today, let’s hold space for all forms of mothering and all the people doing their best to show up, with honesty, forgiveness, and grace.

In this episode of I'll Ask The Questions Around Here, Dr. Joseph Elisha sits down with Kim Meltzer, co-founder and CEO of Destination Esports, affectionately known in the gaming world as the "Esports Mom." From a childhood shaped by personal loss to trailblazing a hospitality-driven approach in the global gaming industry, Kim shares how nurturing others became her calling. They discuss the evolution of gaming culture, the mental health dynamics surrounding screen time, and how faith, motherhood, and perspective have guided her path. Kim also shares insights into planning major Esports events and her mission to reshape perceptions of the gaming community through her own podcast. 

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[00:02:47] Kim Meltzer introduces her gamer tag origins and entry into the gaming industry. 

[00:05:48] Her career pivot from hospitality to working with Activision’s Call of Duty launch. 

[00:07:49] Becoming the “COD Mom” and her growing role in the global gaming scene. 

[00:10:15] How grief and early life experiences shaped her nurturing nature and professional drive. 

[00:13:45] Faith’s quiet but central role in her journey and mentorship style. 

[00:18:06] Working at Focus on the Family and exploring spirituality across faith lines. 

[00:21:48] What goes into planning a major Esports event from a logistics and care perspective. 

[00:26:12] Addressing screen dependency and helping gamers find balance in real life. 

[00:29:36] Transferable skills from gaming to careers in surgery, military, and engineering. 

[00:31:02] How trust and communication play a critical role in mentoring gamers. 

[00:33:10] Rocket League’s role in building community between players and families. 

[00:35:37] The distinction between casual gaming and competitive Esports. 

[00:36:54] The utility of AI in gaming and broader industries, including Esports development. 

[00:40:19] The challenge of politics and profit-over-purpose in the gaming world. 

[00:43:25] Starting the Esports Mom podcast to share behind-the-scenes stories and life lessons. 

[00:45:50] Kim’s focus on shifting perspectives rather than changing the industry. 

[00:48:27] Her five-year vision rooted in family, travel, and continued growth. 

[00:52:23] Reflecting on life’s biggest lessons and learning from early struggles. 

[00:55:04] The legacy Kim hopes to leave rooted in love, impact, and authentic living. 

Links: 

Kim Meltzer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimmeltzer 

Destination Esports: https://destinationesports.com/ 

Joseph Elisha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-elisha-m-d-a9b7aab