I am delighted to have Dr. Aaron Hartman, the founder of Richmond Integrative and Functional Medicine, joining me today as my very first guest in my podcast studio! 

In our conversation, we dive into the common mood issues women experience during perimenopause and menopause. We explore the immune and inflammatory impact of hormonal changes, the role of protein and key supplements, and the importance of comprehensive nutritional support in preventing chronic disease. Dr. Hartman also highlights the effects of hormone fluctuations, stress, and nutrient deficiencies, as well as the importance of gut health, hormone optimization, and personalized treatment plans in addressing chronic inflammation, trauma, and environmental factors such as mold. 

This conversation with Dr. Aaron Hartman is full of insight, wisdom, and practical guidance that every middle-aged woman deserves to hear.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

How societal expectations exacerbate women’s stress and mood issues

Dr. Hartman shares his foundational approach to hormone optimization.

The value of breath work for managing dysautonomia and trauma

Environmental mold and mycotoxins, and their impact on our health

The link between Lyme disease and autoimmune disorders 

Immune system changes menopausal women experience and the protective benefits of estrogen 

How protein is essential for proper immune functioning, and the benefits of supplementing with whey protein and collagen

Addressing inflammation to help women avoid heart disease and cancer

Trace minerals in bone broth and benefits to menopausal women maintaining optimal health

Potential impact of long-term fasting and low-calorie diets on appetite and overall health

Bio:

Dr. Hartman's journey with functional medicine started when he & his wife adopted their first daughter from foster care. She has cerebral palsy & countless dietary issues. They went from specialist to specialist and, even as a physician, he felt let down & confused. His daughter's health struggles forced him to confront an uncomfortable realization: Our current healthcare system doesn't have all the answers. His wife, however, refused to give up hope. She ultimately pointed him to functional medicine. His daughter & other two kids began to thrive. After years in family practice, he felt called to make a dramatic shift.

He now helps patients identify leverage points in key areas of their lifestyle & health that harness their body's remarkable power to heal and begin living the vibrant life they deserve. He has become the go-to doctor for difficult and complex cases in central Virginia.

As a clinical researcher, Dr. Hartman has been involved with over 70 clinical studies. He is the founder of the Virginia Research Center and currently serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor of Family Medicine at the VCU School of Medicine.

In 2016, he founded Richmond Integrative and Functional Medicine.

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn

Check out Cynthia’s website

Submit your questions to [email protected]

Connect with Dr. Aaron Hartman

Richmond Integrative and Functional Medicine

Made for Health Podcast

YouTube Channel

I’m delighted to reconnect with Dr. Eric Balcavage today! He is the owner and founder of Rejuvagen, a functional medicine clinic in Pennsylvania. He is also a nationally recognized speaker and educator on various health-related topics, including thyroid physiology, detoxification, methylation, and chronic illness.

Dr. Eric Balcavage joins me for the third time today to discuss his new book, The Thyroid Debacle, co-authored with Dr. Kelly Halderman. We dive into his motivation for writing his book, discuss cellular hypothyroidism and its triggers, and get into the impact of chronic low-grade inflammation on our mitochondrial health. We go into why hypothyroidism is a spectrum, the role of bile in thyroid functioning, and the impact of hypothyroidism on our sex hormones. We also discuss the incidence of Hashimoto’s, why iodine is so controversial, labs we want to look at more closely with thyroid issues, and supplements and nutrition.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

Dr. Eric explains why clinicians are failing their patients concerning thyroid management and diagnosis.

A better clinical approach to thyroid issues.

Dr. Eric unpacks cellular hypothyroidism.

Why weight loss is a lot more complicated than simply counting calories and fasting.

The function of bile, apart from breaking down and emulsifying fat

Problems that might occur after having the gallbladder removed.

The impact of hypothyroidism on the sex hormones.

How a broader approach could ultimately result in more effective treatment strategies.

Dr. Eric shares his view on what triggers the development of goiters. 

Is iodine supplementation necessary?

Dr. Eric shares his thoughts on nutrition for thyroid health.

The best supplements for reducing inflammation.

Bio

Dr. Eric Balcavage is the owner and founder of Rejuvagen, a functional medicine clinic in Chadds Ford, PA. He is a nationally recognized speaker and educator on various health-related topics, including thyroid physiology, bile physiology, detoxification, oxidative stress, methylation, and chronic illness. 

Dr. Balcavage is a Certified Nutrition Specialist (C.N.S.), a Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, Board Certified in Integrative Medicine, along with being a licensed Chiropractor in Pennsylvania. 

Dr. Balcavage is the co-host of the Thyroid Answers Podcast. The podcast focuses on answering the pressing questions that those suffering from chronic hypothyroid symptoms can’t get answered elsewhere. You can find his educational Thyroid Thursday videos on Vimeo and YouTube.

Dr. Balcavage has made it his mission to change the way medicine looks at hypothyroidism. He is the co-author of the book The Thyroid Debacle. The book, co-written by Dr. Kelly Halderman, addresses the problems with current allopathic and functional medicine approaches to hypothyroidism as well as the solutions to restoring thyroid physiology.

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow

Follow on X,

⁠Instagram

⁠LinkedIn⁠

Check out Cynthia’s ⁠website⁠ 

Connect with Dr. Eric Balcavage

On his ⁠website⁠

⁠Instagram⁠

Dr. Balcavage’s book, ⁠The Thyroid Debacle⁠, is available from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Balboa Press, or online.

Listen to episodes ⁠105⁠ and ⁠166⁠ with Dr. Eric Balcavage

I am thrilled to connect with Dr. Staci Whitman today. She is a leading authority in functional dentistry, on a mission to revolutionize oral healthcare with a unique blend of scientific expertise and compassionate care, dedicated to creating a knowledgeable and cavity-free world.

In our discussion, Dr. Staci explains how the oral microbiome functions as a gatekeeper for systemic health, and we examine the impact of chronic mouth breathing and the significance of nitric oxide production. We explore allergies, myofascial symmetry, physical therapy, sleep disorders, and breathing as a continuum, and discuss changes during menopause that impact the oral microbiome, affecting salivary flow, bacterial diversity, risk for gum disease, changes in taste, oral pain, and impaired immune defences. Dr. Staci shares her thoughts on how dentistry needs a reboot, whether fluoride should be in drinking water and toothpaste, and the impact of veneers, braces, and Invisalign. She also offers tips and tools for optimal oral health. 

This discussion with Dr. Staci Whitman offers powerful insights, and I look forward to having her join us again after her book comes out in 2027.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: 

Why is the oral microbiome so important?

Why chronic mouth breathing is not benign

The steps middle-aged women can take, from a dental perspective, to help navigate hormonal changes during menopause 

How oral dysbiosis affects various organ systems

How hormone replacement therapy can save the quality of your jawbone and teeth

Why women must optimize their diets to support midlife hormonal changes

How common dental advice can sometimes be more harmful than beneficial for the long-term health of your microbiome.

Ways to optimize your oral microbiome

The benefits of tongue scraping and oil pulling

Popular dental trends that concern Dr. Staci, as a dental expert

Bio:

Dr. Staci Whitman, a leading authority in functional dentistry, is on a mission to revolutionize oral healthcare. With a unique blend of scientific expertise and compassionate care, she's dedicated to creating a cavity-free world. Dr. Staci is board-certified in pediatrics, integrative dentistry, and naturopathic dentistry and is one of the only dentists in the world to have her Functional Medicine Certification from the Institute of Functional Medicine. She founded one of the leading Functional Pediatric Dental offices in the country, where she takes a whole-body and holistic approach to her care. She is the co-founder of the Institute for Functional Dentistry, launching in summer 2025, and lectures globally on Functional Dentistry and the Oral Systemic Connection. She is also the co-founder of Feed Your Good Guys (Fygg), a microbiome-friendly oral care.

With a passion for optimizing the oral microbiome, hormonal health, nutritional status, and sleep and airway health, she is a sought-after expert and educator with a heavy focus on preventative dentistry, cavity arrest, and remineralization, and the oral-gut-brain axis. Dr. Staci passionately shares her knowledge and insights on creating happy teeth and healthy lives.

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

Follow on Twitter

Instagram

LinkedIn

Check out Cynthia’s website

Submit your questions to [email protected]

Connect with Dr. Staci Whitman

On her website

Instagram

I am delighted to reconnect with Dr. Brooke Scheller today. She is a doctor of Clinical Nutrition, an author, and the founder of Functional Sobriety, a nutrition-based program for alcohol reduction.

In our discussion, we explore current trends and shifts in alcohol use and what it means to be sober-curious. Dr. Scheller shares insights on how to have conversations about alcohol use with teenagers and young adults, on recognizing the signs of blackouts and binge drinking, and on the brain changes and elevated cancer risks associated with alcohol use. She also offers her perspective on using GLP-1s to reduce or prevent alcohol cravings, highlights the physiological differences in how alcohol affects men and women, and clarifies how to support the natural detoxification pathways of the body when consuming alcohol or navigating a sober-curious lifestyle.

This valuable and insightful conversation with Dr. Brooke Scheller is essential listening for anyone seeking a healthier approach to alcohol use.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: 

How awareness and acceptance of sobriety and reduced alcohol consumption are growing

The value of approaching alcohol reduction as a proactive health decision

The long-term effects of alcohol on cortisol levels and overall health

The importance of addressing your relationship with alcohol before counseling teenagers or young adults on alcohol use  

The potential neurological risks and brain effects of long-term alcohol use

How alcohol use is linked to seven types of cancer

The potential benefits and limitations of GLP-1s for managing alcohol cravings

The different ways in which alcohol affects men and women

Some simple ways to support detoxification 

Bio:

Brooke Scheller, DCN, CNS

Dr. Brooke Scheller, Doctor of Clinical Nutrition, stands at the forefront of a transformative movement in health and wellness. As the esteemed founder of Functional Sobriety and the author of "How to Eat to Change How You Drink," Dr. Scheller has dedicated her career to revolutionizing the approach to alcohol recovery and holistic well-being.

Inspired by her journey to sobriety in 2021, Dr. Scheller embarked on a mission to empower others to reclaim their lives through nutrition and functional medicine. Drawing upon her extensive expertise, she crafted an innovative approach that not only liberates individuals from the grips of alcohol but also fosters profound improvements in brain health, mood regulation, energy levels, focus, gut health, and hormone balance.

In 2022, Dr. Scheller launched Functional Sobriety, a groundbreaking approach that has since garnered global recognition and acclaim. Serving as a beacon of hope for those seeking an alcohol-free lifestyle, Functional Sobriety provides a comprehensive platform encompassing a supportive wellness community, educational resources on alcohol recovery through nutrition, and pioneering custom supplement solutions tailored for both the sober and the sober-curious.

Beyond her role as a visionary entrepreneur, Dr. Scheller is a motivational speaker, captivating audiences with her passionate advocacy for functional nutrition, alcohol-free wellness, and the transformative power of sobriety.

For further insights and guidance on your journey to wellness, connect with Dr. Brooke Scheller on Instagram (@drbrookescheller) or visit her websites at brookescheller.com and functionalsobriety.com.

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

Follow on Twitter

Instagram

LinkedIn

Check out Cynthia’s website

Submit your questions to [email protected]

Connect with Dr. Brooke Scheller

On her website

Book website

Instagram

Substack

I am honored to reconnect with Dr. Tracy Gapin today. He is a board-certified urologist and men’s health expert. 

The current state of metabolic health in the United States and most Westernized countries has sparked a great interest in a GLP1 agonist, AKA Semaglutide Ozempic. I wanted to speak with a clinician who actively uses this medication.

Dr. Gapin and I discuss what this drug class represents. (These are synthetic peptides.) We speak about Semaglutide, Ozempic, Wegovy, and oral Rybelsus. We get into current research, side effects, who should not take these medications, the mechanisms of action specific to the pancreas and beta cells, reductions, gastric emptying, and the upregulation of satiety. We discuss changes in the brain regarding leptin and how these drugs work. We also talk about weight loss resistance, and I answer questions from listeners. 

From my perspective, it all comes back to basics. I believe that if we are to prescribe these medications, we must help our patients understand how lifestyle impacts weight-loss resistance and metabolic health. I loved that Dr. Tracy spent some time talking about the specific ways he works with his patients, even before prescribing medications. He also explains how important he feels this drug has been for his patients.

I approached today’s conversation with an open mind, and I hope you will do the same.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

GLP1 agonists, and how they help Dr. Tracy motivate his patients to lose weight

What are GLP1 agonists, and how do they work?

Physical benefits of GLP1 agonists

Who is Semaglutide not appropriate for?

Common side-effects of GLP1 agonists

How those who fail to implement lifestyle changes when they stop using Semaglutide may regain all the weight they lost

Hydration while using Semaglutide

Protein intake when taking Semaglutide

How to follow the metrics that matter

Factors that could hinder successful weight loss

What Dr. Tracy does to ensure his patients do not regain the weight they lost after they stop using Semaglutide

Listener questions:

Why is a diabetic drug being used for non-diabetics?

Does this drug target muscle versus fat in terms of weight loss?

For how long do most patients take it?

Are there unique characteristics in perimenopausal and menopausal women that must be accounted for differently?

Bio:

Dr. Tracy Gapin is a board-certified urologist and a world-renowned expert in men’s health and performance, as well as the founder of the Gapin Institute, the global leader in High-Performance Health. 

He has over 20 years of experience focused on men’s health optimization, human performance, and longevity, providing executives & entrepreneurs a personalized path to fulfill their highest potential. He’s been featured in Entrepreneur, Dave Asprey’s Biohacking Conference, and as a TEDx speaker.

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow

Follow on⁠ Twitter⁠,⁠ Instagram⁠ &⁠ LinkedIn⁠

Check out Cynthia’s⁠ website⁠

Connect with Tracy Gapin

On his⁠ website⁠

⁠Gapin Institute⁠

I am thrilled to connect with Zora Benhamou today. She is a gerontologist and biohacker, dedicated to challenging stigmatized views of menopause and ageist stereotypes. She is also the host of the Hack My Age podcast, which focuses on empowering women navigating the menopause transition through biohacking techniques.

In our discussion, we cover various factors that influence menopausal timing and question whether it is possible to reverse menopause. We dive into midlife biohacks, such as blood-flow restriction bands, that deliver real results, and explore health optimization, how people become super agers, and the benefits of peptides, exosomes, and HRT. We also examine the issue of loneliness and clarify why mindset is crucial for aging with resilience.

This conversation is full of insights and takeaways, so you will likely return to it more than once. 

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: 

Factors that could influence the menopause transition

How stress and trauma can impact menopause timing

The necessity of cultivating positive relationships

How loneliness affects health

Importance of challenging the brain with new activities as we age

Zora explains where gadgets fit into her biohacking pyramid 

The value of training with blood flow restriction bands 

A closer look at the benefits of peptides

How a positive attitude toward aging can lead to a longer lifespan

Power of finding joy and humor in challenging times

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

Follow on X

Instagram

LinkedIn

Check out Cynthia’s website

Submit your questions to [email protected]

Connect with Zora Benhamou

On her website

We have a mashup episode today with Dr. Lindsey Berkson and Dr. Scott Sherr sharing their insights on the powerful role progesterone plays in overall health and its critical connection to the brain and nervous system.

Dr. Berkson highlights how progesterone supports brain function, immunity, cardiovascular health, nerve repair, and gut integrity and explains how chronic stress and environmental toxins contribute to widespread progesterone deficiency, even in young people. She also challenges outdated hormone practices and stresses the importance of maintaining optimal levels throughout life.

Dr. Sherr clarifies how progesterone enhances the calming neurotransmitter GABA, explaining that as progesterone declines, GABA activity drops, leading to anxiety, sleep issues, and mood changes. He recommends natural ways to support GABA and highlights the benefits of using safe, plant-based modulators instead of alcohol or sedatives that deplete GABA and can cause dependency.

Join us for expert advice on balancing hormones, calming the nervous system, and supporting your body through hormonal transitions.

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn

Check out Cynthia’s website

Submit your questions to [email protected]

Connect with Dr. Lindsey Berkson

On her website

Find Dr. Berkson’s books on Amazon

Connect with Dr. Scott Sherr

Hyperbaric Medical Solutions

Health Optimization Medicine and Practice

Dr. Scott Sherr on Instagram

Troscriptions

One Base Health

I’m excited to connect with Dr. Bill Schindler today! He is the author of Eat Like a Human: Nourishing Foods and Ancient Ways of Cooking to Revolutionize Your Health. He is also an internationally known archaeologist, primitive technologist, chef, and co-founder of Modern Stone Age Kitchen. 

Dr. Schindler is all about helping people understand ancestral approaches to maximizing safety, nutrient density, and bioavailability. In this episode, we delve into his background and explore topics such as what we should eat, milestones related to ancestral health perspectives, nutrient density, bioavailability, and how technology has influenced our eating habits today. We also discuss plant toxins, organ meats, dairy, bug protein, and more.

I loved Dr. Schindler’s book, Eat Like a Human: Nourishing Foods and Ancient Ways of Cooking to Revolutionize Your Health, and I highly recommend checking it out! I hope you enjoy listening to our fascinating conversation.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

From being a wrestler to having an evolutionary perspective on food, how we interact with it, and living a paleolithic lifestyle

How important evolutionary milestones have impacted the way most people eat.

Most of us have become severely disconnected from our food system.

What plant toxins do to our bodies, and what we can do to make them less toxic

The biggest problem with oxalates.

Changes that may contribute to people becoming intolerant to dairy

What is the difference between raw milk and pasteurized and homogenized milk?

How to safely get the maximum nutrition from dairy

Ways to prepare organ meats and offal to make them more appetizing.

We can benefit from including insects in our diet.

Dr. Schindler explains what he and his family are doing at the Modern Stone Age Kitchen.

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow

Follow on ⁠X⁠

⁠⁠Instagram⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠

Check out Cynthia’s⁠ ⁠website⁠⁠ 

Connect with Dr. Bill Schindler

On his websites:⁠ ⁠www.eatlikeahuman.com⁠⁠ or⁠ ⁠www.modernstoneagekitchen.com⁠⁠ 

⁠⁠The Eastern Shore Food Lab Non-profit⁠⁠

Follow Dr. Schindler online: @Dr. Bill Schindler and @Modern Stone Age Kitchen

Eat Like a Human: Nourishing Foods and Ancient Ways of Cooking to Revolutionize Your Health is available in print, audio, or digital from any major online book supplier. Or order a signed copy from⁠ ⁠Dr. Schindler’s website⁠⁠.

Today, I am thrilled to reconnect with McCall McPherson, the visionary behind Modern Thyroid Clinic, a thyroid-centered functional medicine practice, and the owner and Chief Hope Giver of Thyroid Nation. She is also a frequent guest on podcasts and summits and is the host of the Thyroid Nation Podcast.

In our discussion, we explore common thyroid misconceptions, the importance of lab timing, the impact of defensive ideologies and traditional allopathic medicine within endocrinology, and the connection between thyroid and adrenal health. McCall shares some of her favorite methods of support, highlighting the importance of resting your way out of adrenal health issues, and offers her take on various lifestyle measures and alcohol use. We also dive into appetite regulation, hunger, metabolic hibernation, and recent research on microdosing with GLP-1s.

This conversation with McCall McPherson is exceptionally valuable and worth revisiting more than once.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

Why thyroid testing must be done when levels peak 

Various challenges with the traditional endocrinology approach

How we need a broader understanding of thyroid health beyond TSH levels alone

Some common misconceptions surrounding thyroid health

How T3 and T4 impact thyroid health outcomes

McCall clarifies the concept of normal thyroid levels, highlighting the need for optimal thyroid function

The link between thyroid and adrenal health 

What happens when people in a prolonged hypothyroid state go into metabolic hibernation?

Some helpful strategies for supporting adrenal health

The benefits of microdosing with GLP-1s 

How alcohol affects thyroid and adrenal health

Bio:

McCall McPherson is the founder of Modern Thyroid Clinic, a thyroid-centered functional medicine practice in Austin, Texas, and the owner and Chief-Hope-Giver of Thyroid Nation. She is a physician assistant, TEDx speaker, and a thyroid expert, having been a thyroid patient herself.

Her passion is helping women rebuild their lives from the devastating effects of thyroid and hormonal disorders. Her philosophy is simple: There is no reason to still have thyroid symptoms.

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

Follow on X

Instagram

LinkedIn

Check out Cynthia’s website

Submit your questions to [email protected]

Connect with McCall McPherson

Modern Thyroid Clinic

On Instagram and TikTok

Modern Thyroid and Wellness Podcast

Thyroid Lab Guide

I am honored to connect with Eamon Dolan today. Eamon is a book editor and is currently the Vice President and Executive Editor at Simon and Schuster.

In our conversation, we discuss Eamon's book, The Power of Parting, where he explores the often-overlooked realities of abuse, shedding light on the lack of education and understanding of various types of abuse, including physical, sexual, psychological, and neglect. We explore the effects of shame, the silent conspiracy that surrounds abuse, and ways in which neuroplasticity and intentional parenting can help break generational cycles. We examine the effects of complex PTSD, adverse childhood experiences, and the connection between early trauma and physical ailments like autoimmune disorders, reproductive challenges, and digestive issues. We also reflect on our roles in childhood, how abuse shapes the developing brain, the dangers of gaslighting, and the traits of narcissistic personality disorder.

In this candid and personal conversation, I share my childhood and what I witnessed while growing up with Eamon, hoping to offer clarity, comfort, and a sense of connection to anyone facing similar challenges. The Power of Parting is an essential read, particularly for those of us navigating the lasting effects of childhood abuse.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

The culture of silence surrounding abuse has led to many cases going unheard and unreported 

Neurological and psychological effects of abuse

Humans are wired to form family bonds with strangers.

How abusive and chaotic environments often become normalized for those living within them

Why survivors of abuse need to reframe their family relationships

Statistics on abuse survivors and the likelihood of breaking abuse cycles

Traumatic stress disorder vs.PTSD?

Gaslighting is not benign.

How abused children tend to rationalize mistreatment, believing it comes from love

Holding family members to the same standards as friends

Breaking free from toxic relationships

Bio:

Eamon Dolan has worked as an editor at HarperCollins, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and Penguin Press. He is currently Vice President & Executive Editor at Simon & Schuster. He’s also a professional photographer whose work has been shown at the International Center of Photography and elsewhere. He lives in Brooklyn, New York. 

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn

Check out Cynthia’s website

Submit your questions to [email protected]

Connect with Eamon Dolan

On Instagram

Eamon’s book, The Power of Parting, can be bought from most good bookstores.