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#010 What would you do if the company you helped build was suddenly sold, leaving you out of a job? For Frank Tighe, that moment of uncertainty became the launchpad for an extraordinary entrepreneurial journey. In this episode of Healthcare Wayfinders, I sit down with my mentor and friend, Frank Tighe, a healthcare entrepreneur turned venture capitalist, who has navigated the highs and lows of building and scaling successful companies.

Frank shares how an unexpected company sale thrust him into the world of entrepreneurship, leading to the creation and eventual sale of his own healthcare startup. He dives into the pivotal lessons he learned along the way—from the importance of resilience and customer discovery to the power of innovation in delivering better patient outcomes. You’ll hear firsthand about his experiences building Retina Labs, working with Johns Hopkins on groundbreaking medical devices, and transitioning into venture capital to mentor and invest in the next generation of startups.

Whether you're a healthcare professional, entrepreneur, or simply curious about what it takes to succeed in the world of health tech, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom, candid stories, and timeless business principles.

Key Takeaways:

• The surprising question that changed Frank's career trajectory
• Why setbacks often lead to breakthrough opportunities
• How simple innovations, like a color change in surgical tools, can have massive impacts
• The importance of customer discovery and the right team structure when launching a startup
• Frank's perspective on the future of healthcare innovation and the role of competition

Join us as Frank unpacks his journey from startup to VC, offering invaluable lessons for anyone navigating the healthcare industry or the startup world.

Listen now on your favorite podcast platform!

Contact the Healthcare Wayfinders Podcast

• Email us at [email protected]

Special Thanks to:

• Seth Aten who produces the podcast.
• Grassroots Labs for sponsoring the show.

Review us on Apple Podcasts and wherever you listen.

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#009 Caring for a loved one with dementia, autism, or a brain injury can be overwhelming. How do you help them stay independent while easing the burden on caregivers?

In this episode of Healthcare Wayfinders, I sit down with Matt Golden, co-founder and CEO of MapHabit, to explore how this innovative visual mapping tool is transforming cognitive care. Inspired by personal experiences with Alzheimer’s and Down syndrome in his own family, Matt left a successful corporate career to create a better way for people facing cognitive challenges.

We dive into:
✅ How MapHabit helps individuals with memory and executive function challenges build independence
✅ The neuroscience behind visual mapping and habit formation
✅ How caregivers and healthcare providers can use MapHabit to provide better support
✅ The impact MapHabit is making for veterans, families, and individuals with neurodiverse conditions

Whether you're a caregiver, healthcare professional, or someone looking for solutions for a loved one, this episode is packed with valuable insights on empowering people to live fuller, more independent lives.

🔗 Resources & Links:
Check out MapHabit
Connect with Matt Golden

Contact the Healthcare Wayfinders Podcast

• Email us at [email protected]

Special Thanks to:

• Seth Aten who produces the podcast.
• Grassroots Labs for sponsoring the show.

Review us on Apple Podcasts and wherever you listen.

• Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3DEvJ6j
• Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PP9Owl
• YouTube: https://bit.ly/3DPhN9J

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Healthcare feels broken—but what if it's actually being rebuilt with you in mind? 💡

Welcome to Healthcare Wayfinders, the podcast dedicated to cash-paying healthcare consumers, employers, and anyone searching for affordable, accessible, and transparent healthcare solutions. I'm Zach Aten, CEO of Grassroots Labs, where we've helped tens of thousands of people save millions on lab testing.

Each episode, I sit down with innovators, leaders, and everyday heroes who are transforming healthcare from the ground up. We’ll explore:
✅ Patient-first healthcare models that prioritize your needs—not just what insurance will cover
✅ New solutions for accessible lab testing, including affordable diabetes screenings
✅ Demystifying GLP-1 medications for weight loss and their real impact
...and so much more.

🔔 Subscribe now to the Healthcare Wayfinders Podcast where we are routing you to more accessible and cost-effective healthcare solutions.

The Healthcare Wayfinders podcast is a production of Grassroots Labs.

Like and Subscribe to Grassroots Labs for more great content. Healthcare is Expensive. We fix that.

Grassroots Labs | Save 30-70% off lab testing you need when visiting the doctor or managing your health. https://bit.ly/4fIeazG

Follow Us:
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Contact the Healthcare Wayfinders Podcast

• Email us at [email protected]

Special Thanks to:

• Seth Aten who produces the podcast.
• Grassroots Labs for sponsoring the show.

Review us on Apple Podcasts and wherever you listen.

• Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3DEvJ6j
• Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PP9Owl
• YouTube: https://bit.ly/3DPhN9J

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#008 | What if the foods you thought were healthy were actually making you sick?

For years, Derek Ermatinger struggled with chronic illness, digestive issues, and autoimmune symptoms, bouncing between doctors with no clear answers. It wasn’t until he took his health into his own hands that he finally found relief—through the Carnivore Diet.

In this episode of Healthcare Wayfinders, Derek shares his incredible health transformation, from mystery symptoms and endless frustration to newfound energy, healing, and a completely different way of eating.

🔍 What You’ll Learn:
✅ The long journey to discovering he had celiac disease, Hashimoto’s, and multiple food sensitivities
✅ Why traditional medicine failed him and how functional medicine played a role in his healing
✅ What the Carnivore Diet is and why it worked when nothing else did
✅ Surprising lab test results and how they changed his approach to food and health
✅ How he navigates social situations, family meals, and long-term health goals on Carnivore
✅ Practical tips for anyone struggling with autoimmune issues, food sensitivities, or unexplained chronic symptoms

If you’ve ever felt like your health problems were dismissed or unsolvable, Derek’s story is one you won’t want to miss. Tune in now! 🎙️🔗

Contact the Healthcare Wayfinders Podcast

• Email us at [email protected]

Special Thanks to:

• Seth Aten who produces the podcast.
• Grassroots Labs for sponsoring the show.

Review us on Apple Podcasts and wherever you listen.

• Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3DEvJ6j
• Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PP9Owl
• YouTube: https://bit.ly/3DPhN9J

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#007 In this episode, we explore how collaboration between clinicians and healthcare innovators is transforming the tools we use every day. Our guests, Shelli Pavone, co-founder and president of Inlightened, and Dr. Andrew Cunningham, a family physician and healthcare consultant, share their insights on bridging expertise and innovation to create safer, more effective healthcare solutions.

We dive into the unseen work behind wearables, telemedicine platforms, and other tools, discussing how expert input ensures these technologies meet the needs of patients. Shelli and Dr. Cunningham also highlight the critical importance of price transparency and equitable access in making healthcare innovations truly impactful.

Join us for a powerful conversation about how partnerships and collaboration are driving the future of healthcare—and how we can all play a role in creating more accessible and cost-effective care.

Read more about this episode on the Grassroots Labs Blog.

About Inlightened
Inlightened was founded in 2019 to bridge the knowledge gap between healthcare's brightest minds and boldest innovators. The startup's tech-enabled platform connects client companies of all stages and sizes to a vetted network of healthcare professionals domestically and abroad.

Learn more at www.getinlightened.com.

Contact the Healthcare Wayfinders Podcast

• Email us at [email protected]

Special Thanks to:

• Seth Aten who produces the podcast.
• Grassroots Labs for sponsoring the show.

Review us on Apple Podcasts and wherever you listen.

• Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3DEvJ6j
• Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PP9Owl
• YouTube: https://bit.ly/3DPhN9J

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#006 In this episode of Healthcare Wayfinders, Michael Hennesey, founder of Diathrive, shares how his company is revolutionizing diabetes care with affordable diabetes testing supplies, personalized diabetes care programs, and a groundbreaking GLP-1 management solution. From tackling high costs to improving outcomes and patient engagement, Michael reveals innovative services that empower patients while saving their employers money on healthcare. Whether you’re managing diabetes, know someone who is, or are a self-insured employer seeking to improve employee health and cut costs, this conversation is a must-listen!

What You Will Learn:

• How Diathrive is making diabetes testing supplies more affordable and accessible for individuals.
• The benefits of personalized diabetes care programs for patients and employers.
• The challenges and opportunities surrounding GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and how Diathrive is addressing them.
• Why high costs and side effects lead many to discontinue GLP-1 medications—and how to overcome these barriers.
• The importance of proactive diabetes management and how it saves money for self-insured employers.
• Diathrive’s vision for improving chronic care through innovation, education, and data-driven solutions.

Contact the Healthcare Wayfinders Podcast

• Email us at [email protected]

Special Thanks to:

• Seth Aten who produces the podcast.
• Grassroots Labs for sponsoring the show.

Review us on Apple Podcasts and wherever you listen.

• Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3DEvJ6j
• Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PP9Owl
• YouTube: https://bit.ly/3DPhN9J

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#005 In this special episode of the Healthcare Wayfinders Podcast, Zach Aten, CEO of Grassroots Labs, shares his journey of creating an online marketplace for affordable lab testing. Zach explains how Grassroots Labs helps tens of thousands of people access crucial health diagnostics at a fraction of the cost, even for those with insurance.

From tackling the challenges of high healthcare costs to providing transparency in pricing, this episode dives into the heart of a mission to make healthcare more accessible for everyone.

Don’t miss Zach’s insights on entrepreneurship, sustainability in business, and how Grassroots Labs is shaping the future of health diagnostics.

About Zach Aten
Zach has been working in the health care technology sector for over 8 years and is passionate about solving cost and access problems in health care. He graduated from Georgia Tech with a Bachelors of Science in Economics and a minor in German. He is a full-stack software developer and currently lives in Peachtree City, GA with his wife Stephanie and their two children.

About Grassroots Labs
Grassroots Labs is an online marketplace that makes lab testing more affordable and accessible for individuals across the U.S. By offering transparent pricing and easy access to lab tests, it helps people save 30-70% compared to traditional lab fees, even for those with insurance. The platform empowers users to take control of their health by providing the diagnostics they need without the financial burden. With convenient, local testing centers and a seamless process for purchasing tests, Grassroots Labs is transforming the way people access essential lab testing services.

Contact the Healthcare Wayfinders Podcast

• Email us at [email protected]

Special Thanks to:

• Seth Aten who produces the podcast.
• Grassroots Labs for sponsoring the show.

Review us on Apple Podcasts and wherever you listen.

• Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3DEvJ6j
• Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PP9Owl
• YouTube: https://bit.ly/3DPhN9J

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#004 Discover how Team Vivo’s online, live, small-group classes are transforming fitness and relationships for older adults. Join Eric Levitan to explore strength training that improves health, mobility, and connections with loved ones.

Promo (Jan 2025)
Team Vivo is currently offer a free month of membership including 2 classes per week!  Yes, free, with no obligation or requirement.  We know how hard it is to start a new exercise program and we want to make it as easy as possible.

https://teamvivo.com/join/

Use Promo: STRONGER25

About Eric Levitan
Eric Levitan is the founder and CEO of Vivo. Eric brings to Vivo more than 25 years of executive leadership in the technology and software sectors.  As he witnessed the decline of his parents’ quality of lives as they got older, he realized he wanted to better understand the aging process and help them. That’s why he started Vivo – to create awareness and a safe, engaging, and impactful program to guide older adults to a safer and healthier life. 

About Team Vivo
Team Vivo is a revolutionary virtual fitness program designed specifically for older adults! Featuring live, interactive classes led by certified trainers, Vivo sessions are small-group, personalized, super fun, and adaptable to all fitness levels. With Vivo, you will get 'personal trainer' level attention and directly interact with your instructor, all from the comfort of home.  Vivo classes also focus on cognitive health through the use of dual-tasked exercises, which also build a sense of community.  As a bonus, Vivo also tracks your progress with 1-on-1 assessments to keep you accountable and motivated.

Contact the Healthcare Wayfinders Podcast

• Email us at [email protected]

Special Thanks to:

• Seth Aten who produces the podcast.
• Grassroots Labs for sponsoring the show.

Review us on Apple Podcasts and wherever you listen.

• Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3DEvJ6j
• Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PP9Owl
• YouTube: https://bit.ly/3DPhN9J

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#003 In this episode of Healthcare Wayfinders, Dr. Brian Hill, co-founder of HIPnation, discusses how his innovative healthcare model is breaking free from the constraints of traditional insurance to provide better care at lower costs. Dr. Hill explains how HIPnation combines direct primary care and medical cost-sharing to create a patient-centered, transparent, and affordable healthcare ecosystem. Learn how this approach is empowering individuals, small businesses, and physicians while saving 50–60% on healthcare costs. If you’re ready to rethink healthcare for yourself or your business, this episode is a must-listen.

About Dr. Hill
Dr. Brian E. Hill is a founding partner and CEO of HIPnation, a physician-led company developed to provide high-quality, personalized, and affordable healthcare solutions to individuals and employers. Dr. Hill graduated with honors from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine and completed his residency in Urology at the University of Maryland Medical System. In addition to leading HIPnation, he currently practices as a partner with Urology Specialists of Atlanta. Dr. Hill has been engaged in the state and national conversation around healthcare, sits on the boards of the Medical Association of Atlanta and the Medical Association of Georgia, has worked with the Georgia Public Policy Foundation on state-based health policy, and has authored a book entitled Stop the Noise: A Physician’s Quest to Silence the Politics of Healthcare Reform. He is married with two daughters and is an active member at Mt Paran Church of God. 

About HIPnation
HIPnation is a healthcare solution delivering better care at lower costs. Built on personalized primary care, our providers leave the insurance-run system to focus on exceptional care for a small panel of patients. HIPnation includes primary care with no copays, offering direct access to providers through unlimited office visits, texting, telemedicine, and calls. We eliminate insurance intermediaries by directly contracting for services, reducing costs and complexity. Members are supported by the HIPnation Care Team to navigate healthcare and find affordable, high-quality providers. Embedded within medical cost-sharing or innovative self-funded plans, our model r

Contact the Healthcare Wayfinders Podcast

• Email us at [email protected]

Special Thanks to:

• Seth Aten who produces the podcast.
• Grassroots Labs for sponsoring the show.

Review us on Apple Podcasts and wherever you listen.

• Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3DEvJ6j
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#002 In this episode of Healthcare Wayfinders, we sit down with Chris Spears, founder and CEO of OrderlyMeds, to explore the transformative impact of GLP-1 medications on weight management and overall health. Chris shares his inspiring personal journey, which led him to create a company dedicated to providing affordable and accessible solutions for thousands of people. Learn how OrderlyMeds combines innovative healthcare delivery with supportive services to ensure lasting success for their patients. Whether you’re curious about GLP-1s or considering them as part of your healthcare journey, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

With the OrderlyMeds SimpleStart program, you can see how simple it is to start a lasting health journey in just 3 months! For just $99/month, our SimpleStart 3-month program for compounded Semaglutide is the easiest and most supported way to weigh less, for less. 

Take the first step towards a healthier you with OrderlyMeds. 

About OrderlyMeds

OrderlyMeds provides personalized support and comprehensive care for GLP-1 weight loss treatments. With OrderlyMeds, you’ll get transparent pricing and a hassle-free online experience so you can focus on your goals.

OrderlyMeds believes in a holistic approach to wellness, that’s why they offer mental health therapy, nutrition resources and fitness support to all customers. These end-to-end services make the weight loss journey more sustainable and more effective overall.

About the Founder

Chris Spears is a seasoned Marketing Technologist dedicated to revolutionizing the wellness industry by integrating Medication, HealthTech, Mental Health, Nutrition, and Fitness into a cohesive global brand. With a focus on leveraging cutting-edge technology and holistic health principles, he aims to create accessible, personalized wellness solutions that empower people to achieve their health goals and improve their quality of life.

Contact the Healthcare Wayfinders Podcast

• Email us at [email protected]

Special Thanks to:

• Seth Aten who produces the podcast.
• Grassroots Labs for sponsoring the show.

Review us on Apple Podcasts and wherever you listen.

• Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3DEvJ6j
• Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3PP9Owl
• YouTube: https://bit.ly/3DPhN9J