Lifers with Christina Farr

By Christina Farr, Luba Greenwood, Ash Zenooz

Veteran journalist, investor, and Second Opinion Media founder Chrissy Farr talks with the CEOs and founders who've been in the trenches long enough to know that healthcare doesn't move at startup spe... more

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FAQs about Lifers with Christina Farr:

How many episodes does Lifers with Christina Farr have?

The podcast currently has 39 episodes available.

Lifers with Christina Farr episodes:

April 09, 2025Dr. Jeff Wessler on longevity: heart attacks aren't random
In this episode, Christina Farr sits down with Dr. Jeff Wessler, cardiologist and CEO of Heartbeat Health, about the challenges of behavior change in cardiology, the role of technology in health, the importance of preventative measures, and the emerging trend of longevity-focused health interventions.

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SPONSORS:
🏋🏻‍♀️ Strengthen your cells from the inside-out with Fatty15, a pure C15 supplement proven to boost energy, improve sleep, and support metabolic, heart, and liver health – without the downsides of fish oil. Ready to restore your long-term health? Get 15% off your 90-day subscription Starter Kit at https://fatty15.com/secondopinion using code SECONDOPINION at checkout.

👩‍⚕️ Hot flashes, insomnia, brain fog? You don't have to accept these as just another part of aging. Midi Health is the virtual care clinic for women navigating midlife hormonal transition, offering FDA-approved medications, supplements and lifestyle coaching - all covered by insurance. Visit https://joinmidi.com to book your virtual visit today.

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LINKS:
Heartbeat Health: https://www.heartbeathealth.com/
Why is longevity suddenly so hot?: https://secondopinion.media/p/why-is-longevity-suddenly-so-hot

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FOLLOW:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-wessler/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinafarr/

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HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE:
Heartbeat Health is a large medical group with cardiologists and other practitioners providing telehealth and remote diagnostics across the US.
Jeff is skeptical about technology's role in behavior change for cardiovascular health, noting that despite more tech, outcomes in cardiovascular disease have worsened.
Jeff explains that heart attacks are largely predictable, contrary to popular belief that they are random events.
Modern diagnostic technology can identify risk factors and provide feedback loops that show whether interventions like diet and exercise are working.
The longevity trend represents a shift from the traditional model where doctors simply tell patients to improve their lifestyle to one where patients can test interventions and see measurable results.
Jeff identifies different types of prevention: primordial (preventing risk factors), primary (preventing heart attacks in those with risk factors), secondary (preventing subsequent heart attacks), and tertiary (reducing complications).
Current longevity programs reach thousands when they need to reach millions to make a meaningful impact on cardiovascular outcomes.
...more
42min
April 02, 2025Why 25% of Gen Z might need a different type of healthcare, with Liana Guzmán, CEO of FOLX
This week on Second Opinion, Christina Farr interviews Liana Douillet Guzmán, CEO of FOLX, about the healthcare challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. They discuss systemic discrimination, the growing demand for inclusive care, and the importance of patient-centered, community-based healthcare solutions tailored to the unique needs of LGBTQ+ individuals.

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SPONSORS:
🏥 Thatch makes it easy to give your team great healthcare. Save ~$1620 per employee yearly while giving them customizable plans. Visit https://thatch.ai/HR for a demo and receive a $100 gift card.

🏋🏻‍♀️ Strengthen your cells from the inside-out with Fatty15, a pure C15 supplement proven to boost energy, improve sleep, and support metabolic, heart, and liver health – without the downsides of fish oil. Ready to restore your long-term health? Get 15% off your 90-day subscription Starter Kit at https://fatty15.com/secondopinion using code SECONDOPINION at checkout.

👩‍⚕️ Hot flashes, insomnia, brain fog? You don't have to accept these as just another part of aging. Midi Health is the virtual care clinic for women navigating midlife hormonal transition, offering FDA-approved medications, supplements and lifestyle coaching - all covered by insurance. Visit https://joinmidi.com to book your virtual visit today.

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LINKS:
FOLX Health: https://www.folxhealth.com/

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FOLLOW:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lianaguzman
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinafarr/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lubagreenwood/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashzenooz/

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HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE:
FOLX is a virtual clinic providing healthcare specifically for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
The current healthcare system was not built for LGBTQIA+ individuals and is often openly discriminatory.
40% of LGBTQIA+ community avoids seeking medical care due to fear of discrimination.
10% of US adult population identifies as queer, while 25%+ of Gen Z identifies as queer.
LGBTQIA+ community has higher rates of mental health challenges due to societal stress.
Most clinicians graduate with only five hours of LGBTQIA+ training.
FOLX started as a direct-to-consumer service for gender-affirming care and expanded to serve the broader LGBTQIA+ community.
The company added insurance acceptance and employer partnerships to increase accessibility.
The current political climate has created increased demand for FOLX's services.
Patient-centered care should value the patient's expertise about their own experience.
Liana believes "you can do good and do well at the same time."
FOLX positions itself as a smart business decision rather than just a DEI initiative.
...more
35min
March 26, 2025The fertility conversation we're not having (but should) with Carrot's Dr. Asima Ahmad
In this episode of Second Opinion, Christina Farr interviews Dr. Asima Ahmad MD, MPH, FACOG, Co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Carrot, discussing her journey as a fertility specialist and entrepreneur. They explore the challenges and advancements in fertility treatment, the importance of early fertility education, and the impact of new technologies on making fertility care more accessible and affordable.

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📰 Be notified early when Turpentine drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess
🙏 Help shape our show by taking our quick listener survey at https://bit.ly/TurpentinePulse

—
SPONSORS:
🏋🏻‍♀️Strengthen your cells from the inside-out with Fatty15, a pure C15 supplement proven to boost energy, improve sleep, and support metabolic, heart, and liver health – without the downsides of fish oil. Ready to restore your long-term health? Get 15% off your 90-day subscription Starter Kit at fatty15.com/SECONDOPINION using code SECONDOPINION at checkout.

👩‍⚕️ Hot flashes, insomnia, brain fog? You don't have to accept these as just another part of aging. Midi Health is the virtual care clinic for women navigating midlife hormonal transition, offering FDA-approved medications, supplements and lifestyle coaching - all covered by insurance. Visit https://www.joinmidi.com/ to book your virtual visit today.

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LINKS:
Carrot: https://www.get-carrot.com/
Dr. Marcelel Cedars: https://www.ucsfhealth.org/providers/dr-marcelle-cedars
The End of Sex by Hank Greely: https://www.amazon.com/End-Sex-Future-Human-Reproduction/dp/0674728963
Pilot Study Evaluates Weekly Pill to Slow Ovarian Aging, Delay Menopause: https://www.nyp.org/advances-womenshealth/pilot-study-evaluates-weekly-pill-to-slow-ovarian-aging-delay-menopause
@doctor_asima on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor_asima/

Leslie Schrock episode on Second Opinion: https://youtu.be/LmZAoLqMSmc?si=djwXFJ0KhgZV-_ia

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FOLLOW:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/asima-ahmad-md/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinafarr/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lubagreenwood/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashzenooz/

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HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE:
Asima Ahmad is co-founder and Chief Medical Officer of Carrot and practices as a fertility specialist at Reproductive Medicine Institute in Chicago.
Only about 40-50 reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) specialists graduate per year in the US.
OB-GYNs often handle initial fertility workups in rural areas and some countries before referring to specialists.
Virtual care has significantly improved access to fertility treatment since the pandemic.
"Revenge egg freezing" is a trend where employees use fertility benefits right before leaving companies.
Asima considers egg freezing safe and supports access to fertility preservation options.
Both Asima and host Chrissy experienced delayed PCOS diagnoses, highlighting the importance of early detection.
PCOS diagnosis requires two of three criteria: irregular cycles, polycystic ovaries, or signs of elevated androgens. PCOS has implications beyond fertility including increased risks for diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome.
Fertility education should be taught alongside contraception education in schools.
Women experience ovarian aging and declining egg quality with age, which impacts family planning.
In vitro maturation (IVM) allows eggs to be retrieved earlier with fewer medications, reducing physical and financial burden.
Research is being conducted on delaying ovarian aging to extend the fertility window.
...more
37min
March 19, 2025Are there better alternatives to Ozempic with Sami Inkinen, CEO of Virta Health
This week on Second Opinion, we're featuring Christina Farr, Ash Zenooz, and Luba Greenwood's conversation with Sami Inkinen, CEO of Virta Health. They discuss the company's mission to reverse type 2 diabetes and obesity through personalized nutrition and intensive telemedicine.

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📰 Be notified early when Turpentine drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess
🙏 Help shape our show by taking our quick listener survey at https://bit.ly/TurpentinePulse

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SPONSOR:
👩‍⚕️ Hot flashes, insomnia, brain fog? You don't have to accept these as just another part of aging. Midi Health is the virtual care clinic for women navigating midlife hormonal transition, offering FDA-approved medications, supplements and lifestyle coaching - all covered by insurance. Visit https://www.joinmidi.com/ to book your virtual visit today.

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LINKS:
Virta Health: https://www.virtahealth.com/
PHTI: https://phti.org/

Caroline Pearson on Second Opinion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbo3T654g6c

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FOLLOW:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/samiinkinen/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinafarr/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lubagreenwood/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashzenooz/

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HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE:
Sami Inkinen is an "accidental healthcare entrepreneur" who founded Virta Health after discovering he was pre-diabetic despite being a world championship triathlete.
Sami's key insight was that "you cannot outrun a bad diet" – excessive processed carbohydrates lead to insulin resistance regardless of exercise level.
Virta Health's mission is to reverse type 2 diabetes and obesity in 1 billion people through nutrition, lifestyle changes, and telemedicine support.
Virta spent five years running clinical trials that demonstrated they could reverse type 2 diabetes and deliver sustained weight loss (13% at one and two years).
They highly individualize treatment plans based on each person's circumstances, whether they're eating from a casino, a 7-Eleven, or McDonald's.
Unlike traditional quarterly doctor visits, Virta provides 2-3 interactions daily, monitoring biomarkers and adjusting in near real-time.
Their approach doesn't rely on willpower – patients eat to satiety, which is key to long-term success.
Patients typically get free access to Virta, with employers or health plans paying because Virta saves them about $600/month per patient.
The Peterson Health Technology Institute found Virta was the only digital diabetes program that actually worked.
Sami believes the ideal obesity treatment combines nutrition (as first-line defense) with GLP-1 drugs when necessary, not an either/or approach.
Virta employs full-time doctors and coaches who form long-term relationships with patients, empowered by software and AI.
The company is focusing on scaling their current services, becoming profitable in 2025, and potentially becoming a public company.
...more
40min
March 12, 2025Why health care entrepreneurs need to be missionaries, not mercenaries — with angel investor Zen Chu
This week on Second Opinion, Christina Farr sits down with healthcare investing legend Zen Chu, who shares his framework for backing resilient entrepreneurs and insights from early investments in companies like Abridge and PillPack.

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📰 Be notified early when Turpentine drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess
🙏 Help shape our show by taking our quick listener survey at https://bit.ly/TurpentinePulse

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SPONSOR:
👩‍⚕️ Hot flashes, insomnia, brain fog? You don't have to accept these as just another part of aging. Midi Health is the virtual care clinic for women navigating midlife hormonal transition, offering FDA-approved medications, supplements and lifestyle coaching - all covered by insurance. Visit https://www.joinmidi.com/ to book your virtual visit today.

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LINKS:
Zen Chu (MIT): https://mitsloan.mit.edu/faculty/directory/zen-chu
MIT Hacking Medicine: https://hackingmedicine.mit.edu/

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FOLLOW:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hackmed/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinafarr/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lubagreenwood/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashzenooz/

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HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE:
According to Zen, technology is essential to scale medicine and achieve the quadruple aim: better quality, lower cost, better access, and reduced burnout.
When investing, Zen looks for entrepreneurs who have weathered crises and shown adaptability and resilience.
He prefers "missionaries over mercenaries" - founders whose personal identity connects with their business mission.
Zen believes in "founder-market fit" where entrepreneurs deeply understand the problems they're solving.
Determined founders refuse to give up during challenging periods and find ways to pivot successfully.
Zen highlights examples of his successful investments, including Abridge and PillPack.
Zen recommends securing a personal "FU fund" that provides the financial security to take entrepreneurial risks.
Investing in friends can be effective but may alter the dynamics of personal relationships.
Zen advises investors to only put money in startups they're willing to lose entirely.
Health systems make challenging customers because they often "pilot things to death."
Most physicians aren't suited to be startup CEOs as they're typically trained for individual decision-making rather than collaborative leadership. The best physician entrepreneurs often come from resource-constrained healthcare settings.
"Algorithmic care" enables automated, guideline-based treatment for patients who know what they need.
The healthcare system frequently underestimates patients' understanding of their own health needs.
In his rapid assessment, Zen considers AI in medicine appropriately hyped with incredible potential.
He sees point solution care delivery businesses as likely overhyped with many failures ahead.
Consumerization of healthcare is "about right" though possibly receiving too much funding.
Medical devices are "under invested" with insufficient venture capital expertise in the sector.
Many healthcare technology tools struggle as standalone products, pushing startups to vertically integrate and deliver care directly.
...more
37min
February 26, 2025Distribution advantage: Are influencers the new moat in healthcare? with Headline VC's Georgina McMillan
The week on Second Opinion, Christina Farr and Luba Greenwood sit down with Georgina McMillan to discuss the impact of celebrities and influencers on the healthcare and longevity sectors, exploring how their endorsements and social media presence can both promote health awareness and lead to misinformation, and the need for authentic and scientifically-backed partnerships.

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🙏 Help shape our show by taking our quick listener survey at https://bit.ly/TurpentinePulse

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SPONSOR:
👩‍⚕️ Hot flashes, insomnia, brain fog? You don't have to accept these as just another part of aging. Midi Health is the virtual care clinic for women navigating midlife hormonal transition, offering FDA-approved medications, supplements and lifestyle coaching - all covered by insurance. Visit https://www.joinmidi.com/ to book your virtual visit today.

—
RECOMMENDED PODCAST:
Check out Modern Relationships, where Erik Torenberg interviews tech power couples and leading thinkers to explore how ambitious people actually make partnerships work. Founders Fund's Delian Asparouhov and researcher Nadia Asparouhova kick off the series with an unfiltered conversation about their relationship evolution.
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1786227593
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5hJzs0gDg6lRT6r10mdpVg
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ModernRelationshipsPod

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LINKS:
Headline: https://headline.com/
Apple Cider Vinegar (Netflix): https://www.netflix.com/title/81637595

Subscribe to Second Opinion Newsletter: https://secondopinion.media/

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FOLLOW:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgie-mcmillan/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinafarr/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lubagreenwood/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashzenooz/

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HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE:
There's a distinction between celebrity doctors starting their own businesses and traditional celebrities getting involved in health companies.
Social media has become crucial for healthcare distribution, allowing doctors to grow their practices by building online authority.
Celebrity partnerships may solve rising customer acquisition costs by offering startups access to built-in audiences.
Trust and authenticity are essential for effective celebrity involvement in healthcare.
The longevity trend raises concerns, particularly when physicians promote products without clinical evidence.
Social media rewards extreme content, which can lead to health misinformation.
Vanity and aesthetics can positively motivate health behaviors.
There's a trend shifting from artificial fillers toward natural-looking solutions based on real science.
The beauty industry draws healthcare resources away from traditional care into more lucrative aesthetic practices.
Celebrity motivations range from authentic interest to financial incentives.
Olivia Munn's breast cancer diagnosis post demonstrates the powerful positive impact celebrities can have on public health education.
Celebrity attention to rare diseases can be crucial for driving research and finding cures.
Celebrities and influencers can be powerful patient advocates when connected to scientifically-backed products and services.
...more
35min
February 05, 2025Let's talk about men's health: hormones, longevity, and cultural shifts, with Hone CEO Saad Alam
In this episode of Second Opinion, Christina Farr and Luba Greenwood discuss men's health with Saad Alam, co-founder and CEO of Hone Health. They cover the rapid cultural shift in attitudes toward men's wellness, Alam's personal journey with hormone imbalances, and the emerging trends in health treatments for men, including testosterone therapy and lifestyle changes.

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📰 Be notified early when Turpentine drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess
🙏 Help shape our show by taking our quick listener survey at https://bit.ly/TurpentinePulse

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SPONSOR:
👩‍⚕️ Hot flashes, insomnia, brain fog? You don't have to accept these as just another part of aging. Midi Health is the virtual care clinic for women navigating midlife hormonal transition, offering FDA-approved medications, supplements and lifestyle coaching - all covered by insurance. Visit https://www.joinmidi.com/ to book your virtual visit today.

—
RECOMMENDED PODCAST:
Check out Modern Relationships, where Erik Torenberg interviews tech power couples and leading thinkers to explore how ambitious people actually make partnerships work. Founders Fund's Delian Asparouhov and researcher Nadia Asparouhova kick off the series with an unfiltered conversation about their relationship evolution.
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1786227593
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5hJzs0gDg6lRT6r10mdpVg
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ModernRelationshipsPod

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LINKS:

Hone Health: https://honehealth.com/
Subscribe to Second Opinion Newsletter: https://secondopinion.media/

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FOLLOW:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/saad-alam-a146b311/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinafarr/
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https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashzenooz/

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HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE:
Saad Alam started Hone Health after personally experiencing dismissive medical care when seeking help for his hormone-related health issues at age 35.
Modern men have 26% less testosterone and 50% fewer sperm compared to men 30 years ago.
Hone's treatment approach starts with lifestyle fundamentals (sleep, hydration, stress, movement) before considering medication.
The company performs comprehensive testing of 50 biomarkers and requires double testing before prescribing treatment.
Men's health stigma has decreased significantly in the past 4-5 years, partly due to influencers normalizing hormone discussions.
Men are increasingly open to wellness treatments like contrast therapy and Botox, with male Botox being the fastest-growing category.
The average Hone patient is 39 years old, significantly younger than the national average testosterone user age of 52.
Men strongly prefer testosterone treatment over weight loss medications, with 80% rejecting weight loss prescriptions.
Urban living is associated with a 30-40% higher likelihood of hormone imbalance due to environmental contaminants.
Hone conducts 45-minute consultations to create a safe space for men to discuss their health concerns openly.
Treatment monitoring includes regular checks for estrogen-related side effects and red blood cell counts.
Environmental factors like plastics, phthalates, and PCBs can significantly disturb hormone production.
The top concerns for male patients are energy, muscles, and libido, while women prioritize brain fog, night sweats, and mood.
The standard starting dose for testosterone treatment is 50-75mg per week, far lower than the 1000-2000mg used by bodybuilders.
...more
41min
January 29, 2025Dr. Dean Ornish proved heart disease Is reversible. Now he's doing it with Alzheimer's
Ash Zenooz and Luba Greenwood interview Dr. Dean Ornish, a cardiologist, researcher, and advocate for lifestyle medicine who notably treated Bill Clinton. They discuss his journey into preventative medicine, the development of the Ornish Diet, and his data showing reversal of chronic diseases and improving overall health and longevity.

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📰 Be notified early when Turpentine drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess
🙏 Help shape our show by taking our quick listener survey at https://bit.ly/TurpentinePulse

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SPONSOR:
👩‍⚕️ Hot flashes, insomnia, brain fog? You don't have to accept these as just another part of aging. Midi Health is the virtual care clinic for women navigating midlife hormonal transition, offering FDA-approved medications, supplements and lifestyle coaching - all covered by insurance. Visit https://www.joinmidi.com/ to book your virtual visit today.

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LINKS:
Ornish Lifestyle Medicine: https://ornish.com/
Michael E. DeBakey, M.D.: https://www.bcm.edu/about-us/our-campus/debakey-museum/legacy-of-excellence

Books by Dr. Ornish (mentioned):
Love and Survival: https://www.amazon.com/Love-Survival-Scientific-Healing-Intimacy/dp/0060172134
Undo It: https://www.amazon.com/Undo-Lifestyle-Changes-Reverse-Diseases/dp/052547997X
The Spectrum: https://www.amazon.com/Spectrum-Scientifically-Proven-Program-Better/dp/0345496310
Eat More, Weigh Less: https://www.amazon.com/Eat-More-Weigh-Less-Abundantly/dp/006109627X

Subscribe to Second Opinion Newsletter: https://secondopinion.media/

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FOLLOW:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dean-ornish-m-d-1057167/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/preventive-medicine-research-institute/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinafarr/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lubagreenwood/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashzenooz/

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HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE:
Dr. Ornish took a year off medical school to conduct a pilot study, finding that 8 out of 10 patients showed improved blood flow to their hearts through lifestyle changes alone.
The landmark Lifestyle Heart Trial proved that arteries could become less clogged through lifestyle changes.
The program crystallized into four key elements: whole foods plant-based diet, moderate exercise, stress management through meditation/yoga, and social support groups.
It took 16 years of effort to get Medicare to cover the program, demonstrating that changing medical practice required changing reimbursement structures.
The program achieved a remarkable 93% completion rate because participants felt better quickly, compared to only one-third of people staying on statins after a few months.
Research with Nobel laureate Elizabeth Blackburn showed these lifestyle changes could lengthen telomeres, potentially reversing aging at a cellular level.
Recent studies demonstrated the same program could stop or reverse early-stage Alzheimer's progression in 71% of participants within 20 weeks.
Data from health insurers showed significant cost savings: 80% of cardiac patients avoided surgery, saving $30,000 per patient in the first year.
Studies of over 20,000 participants revealed a nearly 50% reduction in depression scores through the program.
President Clinton's adoption of the program helped demonstrate its effectiveness to a broader audience and influenced healthcare policy.
The program's core philosophy emphasizes joy and immediate benefits over fear of future consequences, making the changes more sustainable.
For disease reversal (versus prevention), patients need 80-100% adherence to the program's principles.
...more
47min
January 22, 2025Why healthcare needs more rule breakers with Jonathan Bush, CEO of Zus Health
Luba Greenwood and Ash Zenooz interview Jonathan Bush. Jonathan is the CEO of a16z-backed Zus Health, Executive Chairman of Firefly Health and a co-founder of Athena Health. They discuss how the real opportunity lies in using AI to tackle healthcare's mundane "shit work" - like automating administrative tasks and streamlining data entry - rather than pursuing moonshot goals like curing cancer.

—

📰 Be notified early when Turpentine drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess
🙏 Help shape our show by taking our quick listener survey at https://bit.ly/TurpentinePulse

—
SPONSOR:
👩‍⚕️ Hot flashes, insomnia, brain fog? You don't have to accept these as just another part of aging. Midi Health is the virtual care clinic for women navigating midlife hormonal transition, offering FDA-approved medications, supplements and lifestyle coaching - all covered by insurance. Visit https://www.joinmidi.com/ to book your virtual visit today.

—
RECOMMENDED PODCAST:
Check out Modern Relationships, where Erik Torenberg interviews tech power couples and leading thinkers to explore how ambitious people actually make partnerships work. Founders Fund's Delian Asparouhov and researcher Nadia Asparouhova kick off the series with an unfiltered conversation about their relationship evolution.
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1786227593
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5hJzs0gDg6lRT6r10mdpVg
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ModernRelationshipsPod

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LINKS:
Zus Health: https://zushealth.com/
Firefly Health: https://www.firefly.health/
Athena Health: https://www.athenahealth.com/

Subscribe to Second Opinion Newsletter: https://secondopinion.media/

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FOLLOW:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanbushjr/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinafarr/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lubagreenwood/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashzenooz/

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HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE:
Jonathan Bush cuts through the AI hype with characteristic candor. He argues that everyone's getting healthcare AI wrong: The industry is chasing moonshots when the real opportunity lies in automating the mundane administrative work plaguing the system.
The problem is painfully basic: patients still write their name and birthday hundreds of times because health data remains trapped in silos. Jonathan sees platforms like Zus, which can consolidate patient records in minutes, as the unglamorous but essential future of healthcare tech.
Following the digital health funding frenzy of 2021, Jonathan notes we're now in the "post-beach party" phase – companies are sobering up, focusing on gross margins, and accepting that those sky-high valuations weren't sustainable.
Healthcare's obsession with "A students" is stifling innovation. The industry needs both methodical executors and risk-taking "C students" who aren't afraid to push boundaries and hear "no" repeatedly.
To founders in the trenches, Jonathan offers sobering advice: get comfortable being "lonely and afraid for a very long time." Healthcare transformation isn't for the faint of heart – but for those willing to tackle unsexy problems, the opportunity remains massive.
As healthcare tech enters its next phase, Jonathan’s pragmatic approach to innovation feels particularly timely. Sometimes the biggest breakthroughs come not from chasing the next shiny object, but from solving the basic problems that have frustrated the industry for decades.
...more
45min
January 18, 2025The $1M patient keeping employers up at night w/ Lantern CEO John Zutter & Matt Harmon
In this episode of Second Opinion, Christina Farr is joined by John Zutter, CEO of Lantern, and Matt Harmon, a long time benefits executive who's worked at fortune 100 companies to discuss the rising costs of healthcare, focusing on how large employers are addressing the financial impacts of treatments like cell and gene therapies and medications such as GLP-1s while exploring the challenges, strategies, and ethical implications of providing affordable healthcare.

—
📰 Be notified early when Turpentine drops new publication: https://www.turpentine.co/exclusiveaccess
🙏 Help shape our show by taking our quick listener survey at https://bit.ly/TurpentinePulse

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SPONSOR:
👩‍⚕️ Hot flashes, insomnia, brain fog? You don't have to accept these as just another part of aging. Midi Health is the virtual care clinic for women navigating midlife hormonal transition, offering FDA-approved medications, supplements and lifestyle coaching - all covered by insurance. Visit https://www.joinmidi.com/ to book your virtual visit today.

—
RECOMMENDED PODCAST:
Check out Modern Relationships, where Erik Torenberg interviews tech power couples and leading thinkers to explore how ambitious people actually make partnerships work. Founders Fund's Delian Asparouhov and researcher Nadia Asparouhova kick off the series with an unfiltered conversation about their relationship evolution.
Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1786227593
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5hJzs0gDg6lRT6r10mdpVg
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ModernRelationshipsPod

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LINKS:
Lantern: https://lanterncare.com
Subscribe to Second Opinion Newsletter: https://secondopinion.media/

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FOLLOW:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-zutter-687000a/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattharmon/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinafarr/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lubagreenwood/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashzenooz/

—
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE EPISODE:
Healthcare costs for employers are rising dramatically, with some Fortune 100 companies seeing 18% increases in a single year, amounting to hundreds of millions in additional spending.
Million-dollar claims, once rare, are now common due to advanced cell and gene therapies (costing up to tens of millions per patient), new expensive medications like GLP-1s, complex surgeries and treatments, and rising rates of cancer and chronic conditions.
Smaller employers often can't afford high-cost treatments and may exclude coverage while large employers have more resources to implement specialized programs and networks.
About 60% of Americans get healthcare through employers.
High employee turnover at some companies (35% annually) makes long-term health investments difficult.
GLP-1 Medications Emerging Challenges: High member demand driven by marketing and physician recommendations, long-term ROI unclear due to medication newness, employers implementing prior authorization and step therapy requirements, and alternative access through compounding pharmacies and direct programs.
...more
30min

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The podcast currently has 39 episodes available.

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