Never Been Sicker

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Heart disease kills someone every 34 seconds in the U.S.—but why is it still our #1 killer? In this episode of Never Been Sicker, Michael Rubino speaks with world-renowned preventive cardiologist Dr. Joel Kahn about the hidden drivers of today’s health crisis.

From the food industry’s manipulation of our diets to toxins in our water, air, and homes, Dr. Kahn explains why we’re sicker than ever—and what we can do about it. They cover:

✅ How food, water, and air quality drive heart disease
✅ The overlooked role of heavy metals and microplastics
✅ Why exercise (even small movements) extends life
✅ Detox strategies: sauna, plants, and lifestyle shifts
✅ The $100 test that could save your life (Coronary Artery Calcium CT Scan)

📍 Learn more about Dr. Joel Kahn: https://www.drjoelkahn.com

Short Timestamp Highlights
00:40 – Why heart disease is still #1 cause of death
03:30 – Prevention vs. treatment in modern medicine
07:00 – Food industry manipulation & “mouth bliss”
10:50 – Water toxins (lead, mercury, fluoride)
13:10 – 8,800 studies on air quality & heart health
19:20 – Exercise, incidental activity, and longevity
23:30 – Heavy metals & microplastics in our bodies
29:40 – Sauna therapy and detox benefits
32:00 – Wearables and the missing blood pressure monitor
37:20 – The $100 “Heart’s Colonoscopy” test you’ve never heard of

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In this episode, Michael Rubino sits down with Brantley May, a Building Scientist and Council-Certified Indoor Environmental Consultant with a specialty in Mycology. Certified by the McCrone Research Institute and the Oshner Medical Center, Brantley is trained in the examination and identification of fungal spores and pollen via microscopy.

Brantley holds certifications from the Building Performance Institute as a Building Analyst, Building Envelope Professional, and Infiltration and Duct Leakage Expert. He also has extensive credentials in mycotoxin identification, water damage, odor control, structural drying, infectious disease control, and energy efficiency issues, and is currently a student of Mechanical Engineering.

As a state-licensed mold assessor, Brantley carries the credentials to teach and proctor exams for other professionals seeking state accreditations in mold and environmental services. His expertise bridges the gap between building performance and occupant health — uncovering root causes of moisture, ventilation, and contamination issues that often go undetected.

In this episode, we cover:
The role of building science in indoor environmental health
Common construction flaws that lead to hidden mold growth
The dangers of moisture intrusion and poor ventilation
Why testing and building forensics matter for long-term health
Brantley’s top recommendations for homeowners and contractors

Whether you’re building, renovating, or troubleshooting, this conversation will change how you think about your home’s health.

📌 Resources & Links:
Guest: Brantley May — @brantley.iaq
EnviroHealth: https://www.envirohealth.co

Notable Timestamp Highlights
00:00 — Intro to Brantley May & building forensics
01:20 — Common moisture issues in different climates
03:44 — Hidden mold in “clean” homes
07:14 — Spray foam attic pros & cons explained
12:44 — Why most spray foam attics fail in humid climates
15:44 — Chemical off-gassing & ROI concerns
17:50 — Tight homes & ventilation needs
22:34 — Ideal ACH & fresh air intake strategies
28:31 — Why ERVs don’t work well in humid climates
31:33 — Vented attic pros
36:07 — Vented attic cons & condensation risks
40:19 — Retrofits vs. new builds: where to start
43:24 — The soffit-blocking insulation mistake
47:17 — Common HVAC system failures
49:39 — Why proper sizing is critical for humidity control
53:04 — Duct balancing & pressure issues
55:14 — Why most HVAC techs don’t address air quality
57:45 — How to work with Brantley

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After 40 years unknowingly living with hidden mold in his NYC apartment, Lance Evans was finally diagnosed—after decades of chronic illness, failed treatments, and unanswered questions. In this episode, Lance shares how mold derailed his life, the breakthrough that finally brought healing, and how he’s now helping others avoid the same fate.

💊 He developed Lipid Magic, a fresh phospholipid product to support detox and cellular repair.
📘 He’s also the author of "Beat Toxic Mold on the Cheap", a 300-page DIY survival guide available in a free abridged version.

Timestamp Highlights
00:00 – Intro: Meet Lance Evans, toxic mold survivor
01:30 – Chronic illness starts at 18 despite being a fitness trainer
06:00 – Years of experimental treatments: Atkins clinic, IVs, gamma globulin
07:45 – Lipid-based formula (similar to Lorenzo’s Oil) brings temporary recovery
13:30 – Court-mandated remediation reveals black mold behind walls
15:00 – Symptoms return; son also affected
17:00 – Lance begins working on Lipid Magic
19:00 – "Mold makes us poor": the financial + health toll
22:00 – Why fresh phospholipids matter (vs. shelf pills)
26:00 – Mold damages fat, nerves, and mitochondria
30:00 – Book release: Beat Toxic Mold on the Cheap
33:00 – Natural, low-cost solutions for mold victims
37:00 – Pharma industry perspective: root cause vs. quick fixes
41:00 – Kale vs. binders for detox
45:00 – Mold disparities: rich families vs. moldy RVs
52:00 – Mold stigma and the hidden epidemic
56:00 – DIY filters, petri dish testing, and affordable remediation hacks
1:00:00 – Lance’s earlier book: Outrunning Cancer—now tied to mold
1:02:00 – Final message: “No survivor gets left behind”

If you’ve been affected by mold and don’t know where to turn—this episode is for you.
🔗 Get the book + resources: https://toxicmoldsurvivors.com
📦 Lipid Magic: https://lipidmagic.com
🧠 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/toxicmoldsurvivors
🖥️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWli6JMy6ts 
📧 Contact Lance: [email protected]

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Dr. Steven Gundry joins Michael Rubino to reveal why America has never been sicker—and how three major changes from the 1970s triggered a wave of chronic illness we’re still battling today. From microbiome damage and leaky gut to mold exposure, glyphosate, and indoor air quality, this episode breaks down what’s really driving today’s health epidemic.

Learn more from Dr. Gundry:
▪️ Website: https://drgundry.com
▪️ Products: https://gundrymd.com
▪️ Telemedicine: https://gundryhealth.com

Takeaways
We've never been sicker than we are today.
The best medical system doesn't equate to better health.
The microbiome is crucial for our immune system.
Leaky gut is a significant health issue.
Antibiotics have harmed our gut health.
Glyphosate is an antibiotic that affects bacteria.
Mold exposure can lead to serious health problems.
Restoring the microbiome takes time and effort.
Fermentation can help detoxify harmful plant compounds.
Hydrogen gas from the microbiome is vital for health.

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Steven Gundry
01:13 Why we’ve “never been sicker”
02:17 How the 1970s created a health crisis
04:36 Mold vs. bacteria: a natural war
05:38 Microbiome strength in centenarians
06:07 The microbiome destruction from antibiotics
08:05 NSAIDs and gut lining damage
10:30 Glyphosate’s hidden antibiotic role
13:28 How crops are sprayed with glyphosate pre-harvest
18:33 Leaky gut, autoimmune disease, and inflammation
24:23 Traditional food prep that detoxifies plants
27:50 How long it actually takes to heal leaky gut
31:30 Gundry’s mold case study in a patient home
34:59 Best spot to place your air purifier
36:04 Mold, indoor air, and gut health
38:27 Microplastics and hydrogen gas production
39:26 Dr. Gundry’s hydrogen product and why it matters
41:20 Where to find Dr. Gundry and his work

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In this episode of Never Been Sicker, Dr. Jen, DO, ABOIM shares her personal journey from emergency medicine to a root-cause, integrative approach that addresses why so many people feel unwell—even when their labs are "normal." She and Michael Rubino explore how environmental toxins, mold, and stress disrupt the body long before conventional labs detect an issue.

They also dive into perimenopause, discussing why it's so often overlooked in traditional care, how hormonal shifts can trigger inflammation and chronic symptoms, and what real support looks like during this phase of life. Dr. Jen explains how integrative medicine helps patients feel seen, heard, and truly better by addressing the whole person—not just the labs.

Timestamps
00:00 – Intro
01:45 – Dr. Jen’s journey: From ER burnout to integrative medicine
05:12 – What is integrative medicine, really?
09:38 – How conventional medicine overlooks root causes
12:27 – Lifestyle, environment, and inflammation
17:15 – The power of patient stories and listening
21:50 – Environmental triggers: Mold, toxins, stress
25:30 – Why the system is broken and patients are gaslit
30:44 – Functional testing vs. standard testing
34:19 – Dr. Jen’s approach to chronic illness
38:00 – The role of mindset and validation in healing
43:45 – Examples of real patient transformations
49:20 – Advice for patients who feel unheard
53:02 – What the future of medicine should look like
56:12 – Final thoughts: Your symptoms are not in your head

📲 Follow Dr. Jen: 
https://www.youtube.com/@integrativedrmom
https://www.instagram.com/integrativedrmom/
https://www.healthybydrjen.com/

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In this emotional episode of Never Been Sicker, Michael Rubino sits down with Dave and Sandi, a couple whose lives were completely upended by mold exposure and the systemic failures that followed. What began as hope for healing three years ago has spiraled into continued housing instability, financial devastation, worsening health, and deep emotional loss.

Dave and Sandi share their harrowing journey—three failed mold remediations, being gaslit by professionals, forced to sell their home for a loss, and experiencing homelessness not once, but twice. Their children have suffered lasting health issues, and the family has struggled to recover physically, emotionally, and financially.

Together, they expose the deep cracks in the system: mold remediation gone wrong, a lack of regulation and oversight, rental properties with persistent mold issues, doctors who dismiss mold illness, and insurance policies that deny support. They also speak candidly about the stigma, shame, and isolation that come with mold illness—and the desperate need for change.

Through their vulnerability, Dave and Sandi offer not only a powerful warning but a call to action: better education, industry accountability, legislation, and community support for those affected by mold-related illness.

👉 GoFundMe link to support Dave and Sandi: https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-the-kyles?attribution_id=sl:16f99f75-e9ce-459e-bbde-aca225f51bd1&lang=en_US&utm_campaign=man_ss_icons&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link

Key Highlights:
Forced to sell their mold-infested home at a major loss
Multiple failed remediations worsened their health and finances
Ongoing symptoms in their children from long-term exposure
Struggled with unemployment, homelessness, and stigma
Urgent call for reform in remediation, healthcare, and housing

Episode Timestamps
00:00 – Intro + Catching up after 3 years
01:00 – Initial hope after moving into a mold-free rental
03:30 – Legal battle and first signs of long-term effects
05:50 – Selling their home & emotional/financial fallout
08:40 – Ongoing rental struggles & recurring mold exposure
11:55 – Lessons learned + standing firm in their truth
14:10 – Do they regret leaving the home? Reflections
16:25 – Lasting impact on their children’s health
18:50 – Lack of awareness in community and government
22:15 – Contractor failures & lack of regulation
24:50 – Link between mold, inflammation & chronic illness
27:30 – Economic cost vs. public mold support programs
30:45 – Mold in military housing & schools
34:40 – Why the U.S. is uniquely vulnerable to mold
36:05 – Mold stigma, gaslighting, and growing sensitivity
39:45 – The need for education, policy change, and support
44:30 – Impact on career and social life due to mold
50:30 – How the community can help + GoFundMe discussion
54:50 – Living on the edge: lease ending, no safety net
58:45 – Dave’s professional background & job search challenges
1:03:15 – Final reflections + staying hopeful through hardship
1:06:30 – Parenting through mold trauma & lost milestones
1:10:30 – Looking ahead: turning pain into purpose
1:12:30 – Closing remarks + GoFundMe reminder

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What does it actually look like to go through a mold remediation—start to finish? In this episode of Never Been Sicker, Michael sits down with Kathleen LeGrys, a HomeCleanse client, to share her firsthand experience navigating chronic illness, discovering hidden mold in her home, and going through the full inspection and remediation process with HomeCleanse.

After struggling for years with Lyme, Bartonella, and Myasthenia Gravis, Kathleen was still not improving as expected. Eventually, high mycotoxin levels led her functional medicine doctor to suspect mold exposure—and that kicked off a journey most people never expect to take.

Kathleen walks us through:
- The early overwhelm of discovering mold and deciding where to start
- Why she chose to remediate her home in phases (and how she budgeted for it)
- What she did before remediation to reduce exposure (including air purifiers and open windows)
- How her lab markers improved just from lowering dust and airborne toxins
- What she replaced in her home—and how she tested items like bedding and furniture to decide what to toss
- The emotional, physical, and financial toll of the process—and why she has zero regrets

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by mold, toxins, or chronic symptoms—this is a must-listen success story.

00:00 Introduction to Mold and Health Challenges
02:50 Kathleen's Journey with Mold and Health
06:00 Testing for Mold: Dust Tests vs. Mold Dogs
09:11 Understanding Mycotoxins and Health Correlation
11:45 The Cost of Mold Inspection and Remediation
14:50 Mental Challenges in Addressing Mold Issues
17:54 The Remediation Process: Logistics and Challenges
21:08 Post-Remediation: Rebuilding and Testing
23:58 Living with Mold: Interim Solutions
27:06 The Importance of Replacing Contaminated Items
30:00 Addressing Misconceptions About Mold
33:56 Historical Perspectives on Mold Remediation
35:51 Insurance Challenges and Mold Coverage
37:32 Societal Perceptions of Mold and Health
39:58 Understanding Mold Exposure and Symptoms
46:12 The Prevalence of Mold in Homes
49:57 Personal Experiences with Mold Remediation
54:46 Advice for Those Facing Mold Issues

🎙 Guest: Kathleen LeGrys (@kathleenlegrys)
📍 Learn more: https://www.instagram.com/kathleenlegrys/

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Brendan Vermeire, FMHP opens with a powerful assessment: Americans are sicker than ever, weighed down by lifestyle-related illness, toxic overload, and chronic stress. He stresses mindset—victim vs. victor mentality—as the pivotal factor in healing, followed closely by consistent exercise. We then explore the hidden burden of environmental toxins (glyphosate, EMFs, mold, VOCs, microplastics, PFAS) that erode hormonal balance, metabolism, and immunity. Brendan argues that while pharmaceuticals like Ozempic have a role, they must be used within the context of proper nutrition, movement, and psychological resilience. Finally, he pitches his new “Mastering Mold Illness” course and textbook—designed to train practitioners and help more people reclaim their lives.

00:00 – 01:00 | Brendan agrees: “The American collective has never been more compromised.”
01:00 – 03:00 | Lifestyle-induced illness: 88% metabolically ill, 70% overweight—“It's staggering.”
03:11 – 05:00 | Mindset matters: “Victim or Victor, it’s your choice.”
05:15 – 06:30 | Power of resilience: “Placebo‑nocebo... do I believe I can heal?”
09:36 – 10:07 | Exercise wins: “What type of movement do you enjoy?”
14:19 – 16:31 | Toxic environment: “We ingest, breathe, drink… this toxic soup.”
20:05 – 21:03 | Hormones + peptides: “Can move the needle fastest with quality of life.”
32:34 – 35:02 | Blood chemistry: “People who apply themselves in the gym get better results.”
36:14 – 38:36 | Ozempic nuance: “Minimum effective dose is always a good way to go.”
40:06 – 41:35 | Course launch: “Mastering Mold Illness” and accompanying textbook.

🔵 Connect with Brendan
Website: https://www.metabolicsolutionsllc.com
Holistic Savage Podcast: https://www.open.spotify.com/show/0iTb2u2SLja7PM2gtB9OmX?si=6008abc5dd914fbc
Instagram: @the_holistic_savage
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendan-vermeire-23754693/
Book: https://www.go.metabolicsolutionsllc.com/mast-cell-activation-syndrome-ebook

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In this powerful episode of Never Been Sicker, Michael Rubino sits down with Dr. Suzanne Gilberg, Chief Clinical Officer of MonarchMD and author of Menopause Bootcamp, for a wide-ranging and eye-opening conversation about how environmental toxins—from mold to microplastics—are silently impacting our health, especially women’s health.

Dr. Gilberg is conventionally trained (board-certified in OBGYN and formerly in Integrative and Holistic Medicine), but her experience and curiosity led her to explore the deeper, often-overlooked environmental factors behind the rise in chronic illness—particularly among women going through perimenopause and menopause.

Dr. Gilberg also shares why she founded Menopause Bootcamp, the movement she started to create safe, supportive spaces where women can learn, connect, and take control of their health—without shame or gaslighting.

This conversation is a must-watch for anyone feeling dismissed, frustrated, or unsupported in their health journey. It’s also a wake-up call for how little our environment is being factored into mainstream healthcare—and why that needs to change.

00:00 Introduction to Environmental Toxins and Health
02:56 The Impact of Microplastics and Wildfires
05:49 Understanding the Connection Between Environment and Health
08:49 Air Quality and Public Health Initiatives
11:50 Mold Exposure and Women's Health
15:07 The Relationship Between Environmental Toxins and Menopause
23:37 The State of Women's Health Research
24:34 Inflammation and Women's Health
28:12 Challenges in the Medical System
32:49 Transitioning to a New Practice Model
37:45 Menopause Bootcamp: Empowering Women
42:32 Connecting with Dr. Suzanne Gilberg

🌐 Learn more about Dr. Gilberg:
https://www.thedrsuzanne.com
📖 Book: Menopause Bootcamp
📍 Based in Los Angeles, CA – accepting new patients (limited availability)

https://www.facebook.com/askdrsuzanne/
https://twitter.com/askdrsuzanne
https://www.linkedin.com/in/askdrsuzanne/
https://www.instagram.com/askdrsuzanne/?hl=en
https://www.tiktok.com/@askdrsuzanne
https://www.youtube.com/user/askdrsuzanne/videos

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In this episode of Never Been Sicker, Michael Rubino sits down with Denisse to share the devastating ripple effects of a botched HVAC installation that led to mold contamination, health decline, and years of legal and financial hardship.

Denisse describes how, despite carefully vetting contractors due to her past mold sensitivity, she was exposed again—this time while pregnant. The exposure led to a long list of debilitating symptoms, forced her to discard everything in her home, and resulted in her living in a garage with her baby and senior dogs. Two of her dogs have since passed.

To this day, she’s still waiting on legal resolution. With $286,000 in damages and no clear path forward, she’s doing everything she can to survive and protect what’s left of her home—including sharing her story, raising awareness, and offering ways for others to support her journey.

💙 Support Denisse: Use code INNATE7 when purchasing from BioOptimizers to help her and her daughter during this time.
📲 Follow her on Instagram: @intuitive_esthetician