Lillian McDermott

I have learned that some of our deepest beliefs are also the ones we may be least likely to question. Hell is one of them. Many of us grew up hearing certain teachings about eternity, judgment, and what happens after we die. But have we personally examined those teachings or have we simply accepted what we were told? My faith in God is important to me. I believe seeking truth means being willing to ask difficult questions. What does Scripture actually say about hell? How have our traditions shaped our understanding? And how do we reconcile what we believe with our understanding of God's love, justice, and mercy? I'm not asking you to abandon your faith, rather, to be curious. I want us to explore it more deeply, look at the teachings we may have taken for granted, and consider whether there is more to understand. I believe we should never be afraid to seek truth even when the questions challenge what we have always believed.

A new school year can bring excitement and opportunity. But it can also introduce stress, anxiety, changing routines, difficulty focusing, and emotional challenges for children and families. John Silva, DC, always helps us explore natural ways to support our brain health and overall well-being, especially for our children. Parents can become more intentional about creating an environment where their children can thrive by understanding how sleep, stress, nutrition, healthy routines, and brain function can influence focus and emotional resilience. Dr. Silva will share practical insights to help families support focus, confidence, emotional balance, and healthy brain development throughout the new school year, naturally.

For many years, I have watched my mother's cognitive decline. Today, although her body is still strong, she can no longer care for herself. As difficult as this journey has been, my mother has also been one of my greatest teachers. Her dementia has made cognitive health one of my highest priorities outside of my relationship with God. I know many of you have watched a parent, spouse, or someone you love decline and wondered if this could happen to you, especially when you hear that genetics or DNA may increase your risk. But I don't want you to live in fear of your future. I want to share the good news and the hope that we have more power than we realize to support our brain health. That is why I'm continuing this conversation with Ravi Kumar, MD, in our upcoming Alzheimer's & Brain Health Worldwide Webinar on October 26, 2026. I will share my experiences and why this webinar can empower us to make better choices for ourselves, so perhaps our children won't have to experience what we have experienced.

Light is something we experience every day. What if specific wavelengths of light could also support the body's natural ability to heal and recover? Founder of FlexBeam, Zulia Frost, MD, DCMAc, will help us explore the fascinating world of red and near-infrared light therapy, also known as photobiomodulation. Interest continues to grow in natural approaches to supporting cellular health, recovery, circulation, inflammation, energy, and overall wellness. Red and near-infrared light are becoming increasingly recognized for their potential biological effects. Dr. Frost will explain how these wavelengths interact with the body and share how FlexBeam, a portable light therapy device designed to deliver red and near-infrared light, may fit into a broader approach to supporting our body's natural healing processes.

What if some of the toxins affecting our health aren't coming from the environment, our food, or the chemicals we encounter every day. What if they are being produced inside our own bodies? Thomas Levy, MD, JD, has been exploring the connection between chronic pathogen colonization, the toxins produced by microorganisms, and their potential role in disease. When pathogens persist in the body, could the toxins they produce contribute to inflammation, cellular damage, and chronic illness? Dr. Levy will share what he believes we need to know about these hidden toxins and why addressing the source of illness may be more important than simply managing symptoms.

Have you ever wondered how often we simply go with the current? We follow what we've been taught, what everyone else is doing, and sometimes even what we know deep down isn't right for us. But what happens when we decide to swim upstream? For me, it means becoming willing to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and take responsibility for the direction of my own life. It doesn't mean I always have the answers. And it certainly doesn't mean going against everything just for the sake of being different. It means being willing to investigate, learn, and follow the truth wherever it leads. I'll share why I believe swimming upstream can sometimes be exactly what we need to do, to grow, heal, and live more intentionally.

Cancer metabolism is becoming an increasingly important part of the conversation around integrative oncology, nutrition, and whole-body health. We often hear that "sugar feeds cancer." But the relationship between glucose, insulin, growth signals, metabolism, and cancer is far more complex than a simple food-versus-cancer equation. Sean T Devlin, DO, HMD, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained physician with nearly 25 years of experience in integrative oncology and functional medicine. He looks beyond the diagnosis to explore how nutrition, blood sugar regulation, fasting, exercise, and the mind-body connection may influence the cancer journey. Dr. Devlin will share his perspective on what it really means to "starve cancer" without starving ourselves and why maintaining adequate nutrition, protein, calories, and strength is essential for people facing cancer and its treatment.

As I get older, I mean bolder, I find myself asking more questions about what it really means to age well. Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline can be frightening. But I don't want to simply accept them as an inevitable part of aging. I want to understand what may be driving these changes and, more importantly, what I can do about them. When I came across Ravi Kumar, MD, a board-certified neurosurgeon on his podcast The Dr. Kumar Discovery, I knew I wanted to learn with him. Dr. Kumar has been exploring the science behind brain health, including metabolic health, insulin resistance, sleep, hearing loss, APOE4, amyloid, and lifestyle factors that may influence cognitive decline. Dr. Kumar will help us look beyond the fear of Alzheimer's and focus on what we can learn, what we can change, and how we can become more proactive about protecting our brains.

Lately, I've been thinking about what it really means to age gracefully. Getting older can bring changes we never expect. But it can also bring something incredibly valuable: wisdom, perspective, deeper relationships, and a greater appreciation for the gift of life. I'm learning that aging with grace requires gratitude. It doesn't mean ignoring the challenges that come with getting older. It means choosing how I respond to them. It means letting go of regret, forgiving others and myself, continuing to grow, and appreciating where I am rather than constantly wishing I were somewhere else. There are lessons that have helped me embrace this season of life with more gratitude, faith, responsibility, and joy. I don't want to spend my time wishing I were younger. I will share how to make the most of the life we have today and age gratefully!

Throughout the Bible, we find references to oils used for anointing the sick, caring for wounds, and honoring God. How much do we really understand about these ancient healing traditions? Professor Gordon Pennington has dedicated years to researching the healing oils of the Bible and bringing ingredients such as frankincense, myrrh, and olive oil into a modern context. His work with biblical healing oils explores the historical, spiritual, and natural significance of these ancient ingredients. These include the biblical story of the Good Samaritan and the use of oil in caring for wounds. Personally, I love the Kure-it oils. I would like to learn more about what makes their oil better than most. Professor Gordon will share what he has learned about these ancient oils and why their story continues to capture the interest of people seeking natural approaches to wellness and a deeper connection between faith and health.