Former surgeon, practicing physician , technologist, and author Sarah Matt discusses the evolving landscape of healthcare access, emphasizing the importance of her “five pillars”—geography, financial, digital, knowledge and trust, and cultural—as essential frameworks for understanding modern barriers to care. We explore the rapid growth of telemedicine, remote monitoring, AI, and robotics, particularly their impact on rural communities and overburdened clinicians. Dr. Matt reflects on the need for innovative partnerships, sustainable reimbursement models, and community‑centered approaches to bridge the “last mile” and support patients at home. The discussion ranges from personalized medicine to digital therapeutics, the future healthcare workforce, and the cultural myths surrounding rural America—all framed by Dr. Matt’s mission to make healthcare more accessible, equitable, and human-centered.

Learn more about Dr. Matt here: https://www.drsarahmatt.com/

Jada B. Charley, CEO of Crittenton of North Carolina, joins us for an in‑depth look at the organization’s long-standing mission to support pregnant women, young mothers, and youth in foster care. Charley shares her journey into nonprofit leadership, details Crittenton’s four core programs, and offers a vivid picture of daily life for residents navigating pregnancy, parenting, education, trauma support, and independence. Together, they explore the challenges of funding, partnerships, affordable housing, trauma‑informed care, and the importance of community support, while celebrating the resilience and success of the women and children whose lives are transformed by Crittenton’s work.

Read more at https://crittentonofnc.org/

Jodi Scott, Co-founder of Green Goo, shares insights from her journey from pre‑med and psychoneuroimmunology to founding a plant‑based first‑aid and body care company built on botanical science and sustainable practices. We explore the development of evidence‑informed herbal formulations, the challenges of scaling production, the impact of FDA regulation on natural products, and the ways skin health connects deeply to immunity, inflammation, and overall wellbeing.

Read more about Jodi and skin care at https://www.greengoo.com/

Dr. Chris Werness is a Chiropractic Physician, Author and Human Performance Consultant. He has been in practice over 27 years, helping patients recover from injuries, gain postural improvement and functional strength. He is the founder and chief of BioPeakHealth, a Raleigh, NC-based clinic helping patients improve health and overcome auto-immune conditions, brain fog, fatigue and chronic pain using a unique approach he calls "The Super Human Protocol."

For more information see https://biopeakhealth.com/

Galen Karlan-Mason, MBA is the CEO and founder of GreenChoice, a company with a mission to end the health epidemic, with food as the key to health and the wellbeing of our planet. Galen shares insights on how GreenChoice is providing product data that empowers consumers and healthcare systems to make better food purchasing choices that align with their nutrition and impact goals.

Find out more about GreenChoice here: https://about.greenchoicenow.com/

Accomplished romance author Cara Lockwood joins us to share her story and insights from her battle with breast cancer. From diagnosis, to contemplating esacpe, through treatment, and now thriving, Cara brings levity and motivational pep talks to help those who are affected by this cancer that effects 1 in 8 women in the US. Her new book There's No Good Book for This (But I Wrote One Anyway) - The Irreverent Guide to Crushing Breast Cancer is now available where you buy books.

Learn more about Cara Lockwood here: https://caratheauthor.com/

Dr. Teresa Lyons, a scientist, educator, and autism advocate, to discusses the evolving landscape of autism care. Drawing from personal experience and professional expertise, Dr. Lyons explores the intersection of science, intuition, and advocacy, emphasizing the importance of functional medicine and parental insight in navigating autism’s complexities. The conversation covers recent breakthroughs in autism research, the role of biomarkers like cerebral folate deficiency, and the impact of holistic approaches — including diet, mindset, and community support — on optimal outcomes for children. Listeners gain practical advice for partnering with healthcare providers, leveraging data-driven decision-making, and fostering resilience throughout the autism journey, all while celebrating the unique strengths and determination of every child.

Ream more about Dr. Lyons here: https://awetism.net/

Dr. Kate Lund, clinical psychologist, TEDx speaker, and author shares her personal journey of overcoming childhood medical challenges and explores how resilience is more than just bouncing back—it’s a lifestyle built on self-awareness, supportive networks, and intentional habits. Dr. Lund offers practical strategies for managing stress, fostering agency, and finding joy, while discussing the impact of social media, the importance of asking for help, and the seven pillars of resilience from her acclaimed parenting course. Packed with real-life stories and actionable insights, this episode will inspire listeners to embrace possibility and thrive through adversity.

Read more about Dr. Lund here: https://www.katelundspeaks.com/

Water quality expert Cydian Kauffman explores the critical connections between water safety and health. Drawing on real-world experience and technical knowledge, Cydian unpacks the complexities of municipal and well water systems, revealing hidden risks from contaminants like arsenic, chlorine byproducts, pharmaceuticals, and “forever chemicals.” The conversation highlights the limitations of current testing standards, the impact of water quality on health outcomes, and practical solutions. Gain actionable insights into how water issues affect everything from chronic disease to acute care, and why proactive engagement is essential for safeguarding patient and community health.

Read more about Pure Water Northwest here: https://purewaternorthwest.com/

Discover the urgent realities and innovative solutions at the intersection of healthcare, insurance, and technology in this compelling episode of Healthcare Insights at Northwest North Carolina. Host Andrew Brewer welcomes Neil K. Shah—CEO, author, and founder of Counterforce Health—to unpack the growing crisis of health insurance claim denials and their profound impact on patients, providers, and the entire healthcare system. Drawing from personal caregiving experiences and professional expertise, Neil K. Shah reveals how AI-powered tools are empowering clinicians, hospitals, and patients to successfully appeal denied claims, reduce administrative burnout, and restore the integrity of care. The conversation highlights the financial and moral challenges faced by healthcare teams, the threat to independent and rural practices, and the urgent need for advocacy and systemic reform. This episode offers actionable insights and hope for a more equitable future in healthcare. Tune in to learn how technology and grassroots collaboration are shifting the balance of power back to those who need it most.

Find out more about Neal and Counterforce Health at https://www.counterforcehealth.org/