You can eat clean, track your labs, take supplements, and still feel anxious, inflamed, tired, or flat. Why? Because the gut, brain, immune system, and hormones are in constant conversation, and most of us are only treating one side of that story.

In this episode of Extend, I sit down with Dr. Will Cole to uncover the science behind the gut-brain axis, and why nervous system dysregulation might be the reason your biomarkers won't budge. We unpack how microbiome imbalances, silent inflammation, low vagal tone, and stored trauma show up as anxiety, constipation, brain fog, and burnout… even when you're "doing everything right."

We also get practical: testing beyond standard blood work, HRV as a window into resilience, breathwork vs. meditation, EMDR, "ugly journaling," and when devices like Apollo Neuro and Sensate actually help.

Dr. Will Cole is a leading functional medicine expert, a pioneer in gut-brain health, neuroimmune disorders, and autoimmune healing. He is also the host of the top-ranked podcast The Art of Being Well and the New York Times bestselling author of books including Gut Feelings, The Inflammation Spectrum, and Ketotarian.

What's Discussed:

(00:00) From Functional Medicine to the Gut-Brain Revolution (13:14) How Trauma, Serotonin, and the Vagus Nerve Shape the Mind-Gut Connection (21:13) Healing the Nervous System: Journaling, EMDR, and Wearable Vagus Nerve Tech (30:15) Why Real Health Change Starts with Individuals, Not Institutions (35:07) Food Deserts, Misinformation, and Taking Your Health Back (43:04) Regenerative Supplements, Soil Health & The Future of Functional Medicine

Thank You for Our Sponsors:

IM8: Try IM8 today with a 30-day money back guarantee. You can get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at https://im8health.com/discount/DRSHAH. Vitaboom: For supplements you can trust and wellness solutions tailored to your health, visit https://vitaboom.com/

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://www.drshah.com/

Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/

Instagram:@darshanshahmd

Learn more about Dr. Will Cole: Instagram: @drwillcole Instagram: @theartofbeingwell_ 

Youtube: @DrWillCole

You have brain fog. You're gaining weight faster and losing it slower. You think it's stress, aging, or just life… But what if it's your liver screaming for help?

In this episode of Extend, I'm joined by Siggi Clavien, liver health expert and founder of The Liver Clinic, to uncover the silent epidemic destroying our health from the inside out.

We explore why 70% of liver disease today has nothing to do with alcohol, the actual damage done by Tylenol, and why your "normal" blood work might be hiding liver damage. We also dive into technology that can detect damage years before blood tests, and what might be your key to reversing chronic disease.

Siggi Clavien is a liver health specialist with 28 years in phytomedicine development and founder of The Liver Clinic. He combines ancient Eastern medicine wisdom with modern technology to help people detect and reverse liver damage.

We Also Discuss:

(00:00) Health and Liver Function Discussion

(07:12) Toxins, Diet, and Fatty Liver Impact

(17:13) Liver Damage Detection and Management

(28:27) Toxic Exposure and Health Protection

(37:28) Liver Health and Protection Strategies

(45:17) Understanding Liver Scan Technology and Risks

(56:20) Diet, Exercise, and Liver Health

(01:00:56) Detoxification, Liver Health, and Deliverance

(01:10:39) Liver Health Tracking and Advancements

(01:16:36) Health Care Access and Support

Thank you to our Sponsors:

Timeline: Go to timeline.com/drshah to get 20% off your order.

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://www.drshah.com/ 

Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/

Instagram: @darshanshahmd

Learn more about Siggi Clavien:

Website: https://us.loveyourliver.com/ https://theliverclinic.com/ 

Instagram: @deliverance.elixir @siggiclavien

We track our sleep, count our macros, optimize every supplement, yet most people's bodies are still stuck in survival mode. What if true longevity starts not with another biohack, but with safety? When your nervous system feels safe, inflammation drops, digestion normalizes, and recovery accelerates. 

In this episode of Extend, I sit down with Gabby Bernstein, #1 New York Times bestselling author and host of the Dear Gabby podcast, to explore how emotional regulation, breathwork, and Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy rewire the nervous system for resilience. Together, we break down how HRV reflects longevity, why "soft" tools like breath and meditation have hard science behind them, and how pairing spiritual practice with functional medicine creates lasting health transformation.

Gabby Bernstein is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, host of the Dear Gabby podcast, and a leading teacher in self-help and spiritual development. For 20 years she's democratized tools like meditation, trauma-informed healing, and IFS for everyday life. In this episode, she shows us how to make emotional safety a daily practice, and why that might be the most powerful longevity intervention we have.

What's Discussed:

(00:00) From Burnout to Breakthrough: A Spiritual Path to Sobriety (03:39) What Safety Really Feels Like, and How to Create It (12:14) Turning Pain Into Peace: Healing Trauma Through Spiritual Practice (18:20) Meeting Your Protector Parts Instead of Fighting Them (30:42) Radical Self-Compassion as the Fastest Way to Heal (33:59) How to Reprogram Your Inner Protectors for Real Wellness (46:30) When Doctors Need Healing Too: Trauma Inside Medicine (51:22) Where Science Meets Spirit: The Biology of Belief (57:55) Faith, Energy, and the New Language of Healing (01:08:44) Manifestation as Medicine: How Your Mind Shapes Biology (01:14:49) The App That's Redefining Daily Spiritual Practice

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

IM8: Try IM8 today with a 30-day money back guarantee. You can get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at https://im8health.com/discount/DRSHAH.

Function Health: Learn more and join using functionhealth.com/drshah . The first 1000 get a $100 credit toward their membership. Visit www.functionhealth.com/drshah or use gift code DRSHAH100 at sign-up to own your health.

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://www.drshah.com/

Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/

Instagram:@darshanshahmd

Learn more about Gabby Bernstein:

Instagram: @gabbybernstein Website: https://gabbybernstein.com/

Book: 7 Habits of a Super Attractor: Effortlessly Attract Your Desires

What if your immune system could actually age backwards? For decades, we've accepted that inflammation, fatigue, and slower recovery are inevitable with age, but new research proves otherwise. Your immune system isn't doomed to decline; it can be retrained to act younger, stronger, and more resilient.

In this episode of Extend, I sit down with Dr. Jeffrey Bland, the father of functional medicine, to explore the groundbreaking science of immune rejuvenation. We break down how chronic inflammation accelerates aging, why gut health holds the key to immune balance, and the nutrients that can literally reprogram gene expression. We also discuss how a 90-day nutrition protocol led to a 47% reduction in immune aging, and what that means for your longevity.

Dr. Jeffrey Bland is widely recognized as the father of functional medicine, a thought leader who's spent over 40 years redefining how we understand health and disease. He's the founder of the Institute for Functional Medicine and Big Bold Health, where he's pioneering new research on immune rejuvenation and personalized nutrition.

We Also Discuss:

(00:00) The birth of functional medicine and how it reshaped modern healthcare (08:45) Why traditional medicine overlooks the body's interconnected systems (18:22) How your immune system drives aging, resilience, and recovery (28:09) The gut-immunity connection and why inflammation accelerates aging (38:40) The science behind reversing immune aging and restoring balance (49:33) How diet and polyphenols influence immune gene expression (01:00:18) The epigenetic switch that controls healthy aging (01:11:42) Data, biomarkers, and the rise of personalized health (01:25:30) The future of collective health and community immunity (01:36:39) How to apply immune rejuvenation principles in your daily life

Thank You for Our Sponsors:

Pendulum: Use code DARSHAN or use the link https://pendulumlife.com/discount/DARSHAN to get 20% off Pendulum membership first orders.

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://www.drshah.com/

Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/

Instagram:@darshanshahmd

Learn more about Dr. Jeff Bland:

Instagram: @drjeffreyblandBig Bold Health: @bigboldhealth Website: https://bigboldhealth.com/

What if your brain's biggest limitation isn't its capacity, but your failure to train it? In this episode of Extend, Maya Raichoora joins me to share how visualization techniques helped her reverse debilitating ulcerative colitis. 

We explore the neuroscience behind visualization, from rewiring neural pathways to regulating the immune system through thought. We dive into five distinct types of visualization and why mental fitness deserves the same daily dedication as physical fitness.

Maya Raichoora is the UK's leading mental fitness and visualization expert, bestselling author of "Visualize," and a former international badminton player. After being told she'd need lifelong immunosuppressive medication or colon removal surgery for ulcerative colitis at age 17, Maya used visualization and mental training to achieve complete symptom remission. She now coaches elite athletes, C-suite executives, and teaches the science of training the brain.

We Also Discuss:

01:45 - How Visualization Reversed Severe Ulcerative Colitis Without Surgery

03:45 - The "Piranha Technique": Making Pain Playful Through Creative Imagery

11:48 - The Brain-Gut Connection: Why Your Colon Has as Many Neurons as Your Brain

18:06 - How Your Brain Directly Controls Immune Cell Production

21:15 - The Five Types of Visualization

26:07 - Why Your Brain's Stories Become Your Ceiling

29:55 - The Neuroscience of Mental Rehearsal: Why Imagined Reps Equal Real Ones

38:00 - The 90-Second Rule for Releasing Trapped Emotions

55:32 - The Language of Medicine: How "Incurable" Becomes a Self-Fulfilling Prophecy

1:04:15 - Mirror Neurons: Why You Become What You Watch

Thank You for Our Sponsors:

Try IM8 today with a 30-day money back guarantee. You can get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at https://im8health.com/discount/DRSHAH.

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://www.drshah.com/

Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ https://www.instagram.com/nexthealth/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/

Learn more about Maya Raichoora:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-raichoora/ 

Website: https://mayaraichoora.com/

What if the biggest threat to your brain health isn't genetics, but the environment you're living in? In this episode of Extend, Max Lugavere joins me to share how environmental toxins, metabolic dysfunction, and dietary choices are driving the explosion of neurodegenerative diseases.

We dive into why Alzheimer's begins 30-40 years before diagnosis, and the specific lifestyle interventions that can dramatically reduce your risk. From the dangers of golf course proximity to the surprising role of mouthwash in hypertension, this conversation challenges everything you thought you knew about protecting your brain.

Max Lugavere is a health and science journalist, filmmaker, and bestselling author of "Genius Foods" and "The Genius Life." His documentary "Little Empty Boxes" chronicles his mother's battle with Lewy body dementia and explores the preventable nature of cognitive decline. Max has become one of the leading voices in brain health optimization.

We Also Discuss:

08:02 - Why Neurodegenerative Diseases Begin 30 Years Before Symptoms

12:53 - Different Types of Dementia and Movement Disorders Explained

14:24 - Environmental Toxins Linked to Parkinson's Disease

16:03 - How Living Near Golf Courses Doubles Parkinson's Risk

31:04 - How One Gram of Pancreatic Fat Loss Restores Insulin Sensitivity

35:21 - Fasting Insulin: The Biomarker That Predicts Alzheimer's Early

37:12 - The Role of Ketogenic Diets in Brain Energy Metabolism

51:19 - How 20 Grams of Creatine Improved Cognition in Alzheimer's Patients

57:38 - The Truth About Seed Oils vs. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1:09:04 - Omega-3s and the 50% Alzheimer's Risk Reduction

1:13:23 - Why Antiseptic Mouthwash May Raise Blood Pressure

Thank You for Our Sponsors:

Timeline: Go to timeline.com/drshah to get 20% off your order.

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://www.drshah.com/

Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ https://www.instagram.com/nexthealth/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/

Learn more about Max Lugavere:

Instagram: @maxlugavere

Website: https://www.maxlugavere.com/ 

Did you know, 80% of perimenopause symptoms are brain-related, but it takes 4-6 doctor visits to get a diagnosis? In this episode of Extend, Dr. Mariza Snyder reveals why perimenopause has been medicine's best-kept secret and how women can reclaim their health during this critical transition.

We discuss why perimenopause is called "the silent shift," the protective power of hormone replacement therapy, and why suffering through this transition is completely optional. Dr. Mariza also shares her personal hormone protocol and why she believes women deserve the gold standard of care during this pivotal decade.

Dr. Mariza Snyder is a hormone and metabolic health expert specializing in perimenopause and menopause care. She's the author of "The Perimenopause Revolution" and host of the "Energized with Dr. Mariza" podcast. With nearly 15 years of experience helping women navigate hormonal transitions, she advocates for preventative hormone replacement therapy and comprehensive biomarker tracking.

We Also Discuss:

04:54 - Why 80% of Perimenopause Symptoms Are Brain-Related

07:49 - The "Silent Shift" That Happens Years Before Missing Periods

11:21 - Why Standard Blood Work Keeps Women Suffering in Silence

12:57 - The Biomarkers Every Woman Should Track Starting at 35

30:49 - What Women Can Do to Start Managing Perimenopause

39:45 - How Hormone Replacement Therapy Acts as Your "Protective Shield"

55:21 - The Truth About Breast Cancer Risk and HRT

1:01:21 - Advanced Cancer Screening Strategies for Women

1:05:24 - Why Sleep Consistency Can Change Your Life in 10 Days

1:06:23 - The Mindset Shifts That Make Perimenopause Empowering

Thank You for Our Sponsors:

NextHealth: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization from IV therapy to hormone balancing. Explore at https://www.next-health.com/

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://www.drshah.com/

Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ https://www.instagram.com/nexthealth/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/

Learn more about Dr. Mariza Snyder:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmariza/ 

Website: https://drmariza.com/ 

What does it take to translate athletic excellence into mastery of life, relationships, and business? In this episode of Extend, legendary big wave surfer Laird Hamilton and pro volleyball champion Gabby Reece join me to share the mindsets and practices that have sustained their 30-year relationship and individual success.

We discuss why "getting tired" is essential for health and how they've built a thriving business around authentic products. We also discuss the simple daily rituals that matter more than complex optimization protocols.

Laird Hamilton is a pioneer of big wave surfing and hydrofoiling, while Gabby Reece dominated professional volleyball before becoming a wellness advocate. Together, they created XPT (Extreme Performance Training) and co-founded Laird Superfood, a publicly-traded company focused on functional nutrition.

We Also Discuss:

• Why "Getting Tired" Makes Food Taste Better and Improves Sleep Quality

• The Art of Comfortable Confrontation in Marriage and Business

• Why Observing Nature Is Medicine for Modern Stress

• The Decision Fatigue Trap That's Sabotaging Your Day Before 9 AM

• Why They Choose Their Suffering Instead of Letting Life Choose for Them

Thank You for Our Sponsors:

Vitaboom: For supplements you can trust and wellness solutions tailored to your health, visit https://vitaboom.com/

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://www.drshah.com/

Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ @nexthealth 

Instagram: @darshanshahmd

Learn more about Gabby Reece and Laird Hamilton:

Instagram: @airdhamilton @gabbyreece

What happens when a traditional doctor discovers that everything they were taught in medical school is keeping patients sick? In this episode of Extend, Dr. Jess Peatross joins me to discuss the hidden toxins that could be behind your symptoms.

We discuss why 95% of people don't get enough fiber, the "kill-bind-sweat" protocol that's gone viral for detoxification, and why your "normal" blood work might be missing the real problem. Dr. Jess also shares her shocking experience losing her medical license for questioning vaccine protocols.

Dr. Jess Peatross is a traditionally trained internal medicine physician who worked as a hospitalist for seven years before transitioning to functional medicine. She's the founder of Wellness Plus, an online platform helping people detox safely from environmental toxins, and Aegis Formulas supplement company. She specializes in treating complex chronic conditions involving mold toxicity, parasites, heavy metals, and environmental toxin exposure.

We Also Discuss:

• Why Traditional Blood Work Misses 95% of Chronic Disease Causes

• How the "Kill-Bind-Sweat" Protocol Detoxes Your Body Safely

• The Vibrant Total Tox Test That Reveals Hidden Environmental Toxins

• Why Parasites Are More Common in America Than You Think

• How Modern Energy-Efficient Homes Create Perfect Mold Conditions

• The MTHFR and COMT Genes That Determine Your Detox Ability

• Why 95% of People Are Fiber-Deficient and How It Drives Disease

• The Microscope Method vs. Modern Parasite Testing Limitations

• How to Test Your Home Environment for Hidden Toxin Exposure

• Why You Must Fix Your Nervous System Before Any Detox Protocol

Thank You for Our Sponsors:

NextHealth: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization from IV therapy to hormone balancing. Explore at https://www.next-health.com/

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://www.drshah.com/

Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ @nexthealth 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/

Learn more about Dr. Jess Peatross:

Instagram: @dr.jess.md 

Website: https://drjessmd.com/

What happens when a medical student gets diagnosed with stage 4 cancer and given three months to live? In this episode of Extend, Dr. Dawn Mussallem joins me to share her incredible journey from near-death to becoming a leading integrative oncologist at Mayo Clinic, proving that lifestyle interventions can dramatically improve cancer outcomes.

We discuss how 42% of cancers are preventable through lifestyle changes, why ultra-processed foods increase cancer risk by 16%, and the shocking truth about soy and breast cancer. We also share her evidence-based protocol combining conventional treatments with integrative modalities.

Dr. Dawn Mussallem is a double board-certified physician in Internal Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine at Mayo Clinic, where she designed the integrative breast oncology program. A cancer survivor who received a heart transplant in 2021, she combines personal experience with rigorous science to help patients optimize their health during and after cancer treatment.

We Also Discuss:

• Why 75% of Cancers Are Caused by Lifestyle Factors (Not Genetics)

• How Ultra-Processed Foods Increase Cancer Death Risk by 30%

• The Shocking Truth About Soy and Breast Cancer (It's Actually Protective)

• Why Half Your Plate Should Be Vegetables or Fruits at Every Meal

• The 30 Diverse Plant Foods Per Week Rule for Optimal Gut Health

• Low-Dose Naltrexone's Immune-Boosting Effects for Cancer Patients

• Why Exercise During Chemotherapy Actually Improves Outcomes

• How Fermented Foods Support Cancer Prevention and Treatment

• The Mayo Clinic Protocol for Maintaining Vitality During Treatment

• Why Skipping Breakfast Increases All-Cause Mortality Risk

Thank You for Our Sponsors:

Try IM8 today with a 30-day money back guarantee. You can get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at https://im8health.com/discount/DRSHAH.

Learn more about Dr. Shah:

Website: https://www.drshah.com/

Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ https://www.instagram.com/nexthealth/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/

Learn more about Dr. Dawn Mussallem:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdawnmussallem/?hl=en 

LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/dawn-mussallem-do-dipablm-2b360b57