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In this episode of BioInventors, we sit down with Dr. Kevin Smith, medical practitioner and founder of the Chronic Condition Center in Pittsburgh, to explore a different way of thinking about health and disease.

Dr. Smith introduces functional medicine, an approach that focuses on identifying and fixing the root causes of chronic illness rather than simply managing symptoms with medication. We discuss how nutrition, gut health, metabolic balance, and lifestyle choices play a central role in long-term health — and why many chronic conditions fail to improve under traditional, drug-centered care.

The conversation also dives into:

• The difference between acute vs. chronic care
• Common nutrient deficiencies and absorption issues
• Why no single diet works for everyone
• The hidden risks of polypharmacy (taking multiple drugs)
• When medications and surgery are truly necessary — and when they aren’t
• How patients can become better advocates for their own health

This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about preventive medicine, holistic health, or understanding how everyday habits shape long-term well-being.

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Mark's Website and supplements: mybrainrestore.com

In this second episode with returning guest Mark Burnett, founder of MyBrainRestore, we dive deeper into his personal recovery journey from stage 3 Parkinson’s disease and the science behind the supplement protocol he developed.

Mark explains:

• The key ingredients in his formulation and why sourcing and species specificity matter

• How the supplement is designed to support the glymphatic system, the brain’s waste-clearing pathway

• His self-experiment protocol, including dosing, timing, and why nighttime use may matter

• What changes (and didn’t change) in his diet, exercise, and lifestyle during recovery

• How he tracked progress both clinically and biologically, including amyloid beta blood markers

• Considerations for people with heart disease, high blood pressure, or on neurological medications

• The difference between preventive vs therapeutic use, especially for those with a family history of neurodegenerative disease

• Thoughts on creatine, muscle strength, and neurological conditions

Mark also speaks directly to patients and caregivers, sharing why accessibility, simplicity, and real-world usability were central to how the product was designed.

This episode is a deep, candid discussion at the intersection of personal experimentation, neuroscience, supplements, and patient-driven innovation—offering insights for patients, caregivers, students, and anyone interested in unconventional paths to biomedical discovery.

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In this episode of BioInventors, we sit down with Dr. Eugene Manley Jr., biomedical engineer, cancer biologist, and founder of the SCHEQ Foundation, to unpack one of the most urgent issues in modern medicine: health equity.

Dr. Manley breaks down why cancer care, especially lung cancer, continues to fail underserved communities, how stigma and misinformation delay diagnosis, and why representation and health literacy are just as critical as cutting-edge technology. We also dive into the hidden risks of vaping, the importance of early screening, and how intentional mentorship can reshape the future of the STEM workforce.

This conversation is for students, future clinicians, biotech innovators, and anyone who believes healthcare should work for everyone—not just a few.

 What You’ll Learn

• Why lung cancer is still widely misunderstood and stigmatized
• How health inequities form—and how they can be dismantled
• The real health risks of vaping and environmental exposure
• Why diversity in STEM and medicine directly impacts patient outcomes
• How mentorship and community education change lives

Get involved

• Learn more about health equity & community education:
  🔗 SCHEQ Foundation: https://scheq.org/

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Keywords

CTE, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, mental health, veterans, wellness center, treatment access, concussion, suicide prevention, athlete health, neurological conditions


Summary

In this episode of the BioInventors Podcast, host Paeto Wangweera interviews William Person, a former Team USA bobsledder who has struggled with CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy). William shares his personal journey of discovering hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a non-invasive treatment that has significantly improved his condition. He discusses the alarming rates of suicide among athletes and veterans suffering from CTE and emphasizes the need for accessible treatment options. William is in the process of establishing a wellness center to provide free hyperbaric oxygen therapy to veterans and athletes, aiming to raise awareness and funds for this cause. He also highlights the importance of support from loved ones for those affected by CTE and encourages open discussions about mental health and treatment options.


Takeaways

William Person struggled with CTE after his bobsledding career.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy has helped him significantly.
Many athletes and veterans suffer from CTE-related issues.
Suicide rates among veterans and athletes are alarmingly high.
William is opening a wellness center for free treatments.
Access to hyperbaric oxygen therapy is often limited due to cost.
Support from loved ones is crucial for those affected by CTE.
There are alternative treatments being explored beyond traditional medicine.
William emphasizes the importance of awareness and education about CTE.
He encourages those affected to seek help and explore treatment options.


Chapters

00:00 Introduction to William Person and CTE
02:57 Understanding CTE and Its Impact
05:55 Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: A Personal Journey
08:51 Challenges in Accessing Treatment
11:52 Establishing a Wellness Center for Veterans
14:52 Future Technologies and Holistic Approaches
17:43 Advice for Loved Ones and Final Thoughts

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In this episode, we sit down with Karestan, Professor of Psychiatric Epidemiology at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and leader of the Broad Trauma Initiative. She shares how unexpected challenges in academia, like being forced to pivot projects after her PI was fired, became defining moments that led her to pioneer work bridging genetics and trauma. Our conversation explores how making the most of every opportunity, even those outside your original interests, can shape an entire career. We also dive into the deeper question of initiative in academia: is doing what’s asked enough, or is growth driven by wanting and creating more? 

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In this episode of the BioInventors Podcast, Dr. Monique Nugent, a hospitalist and author, discusses the intricacies of hospital care, patient advocacy, and the importance of preparing for hospital stays. She shares insights from her book, 'Prescription for Admission,' which serves as a guide for patients and caregivers navigating the hospital experience. Dr. Nugent reflects on her journey to becoming a physician, the challenges faced in medical school, and the significance of understanding social determinants of health. She emphasizes the need for open conversations about end-of-life care and offers valuable advice for aspiring medical professionals.


Takeaways

You can prepare for a hospital stay even if it's unexpected.
Having a support system is crucial during a hospital stay.
It's important to think about your health care preferences in advance.
Many people don't consider hospital stays until it's too late.
The journey to becoming a physician can be non-linear and filled with doubts.
Social determinants of health significantly impact patient care.
Conversations about end-of-life care should be normalized.
You have time to explore your path in medicine.
It's essential to design your medical career for longevity and fulfillment.
Uncomfortable conversations can lead to better understanding and support.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hospital Care
03:00 Navigating Hospital Stays
05:55 The Journey to Becoming a Physician
11:54 Overcoming Doubts in Medical School
17:59 Social Determinants of Health
20:50 Conversations About End-of-Life Care
23:59 Final Advice for Aspiring Physicians

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Mark Burnett shares his personal health journey, detailing his battle with stage three Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. He discusses his proactive approach to finding a solution, which led him to a Japanese university study that successfully cured mice of these neurological diseases. Mark reveals how he sourced the key ingredient from the study and began manufacturing it for his own use, resulting in significant improvements in his health.

Takeaways

- Mark Burnett experienced stage three Parkinson's and Alzheimer's.
- He sought alternative solutions when traditional medicine failed.
- A Japanese study inspired him to find a cure for his conditions.
- He discovered a specific ingredient that showed promise in curing neurological diseases.
- Mark began manufacturing the ingredient for personal use.
- His health improved dramatically, going from stage three Parkinson's to stage one.
- The Alzheimer's symptoms were nearly eliminated.
- Proactive health management can lead to significant improvements.
- Research and innovation in medicine can provide new hope.
- Personal determination can drive health recovery efforts.

See Mark's Website:

https://mybrainrestore.com/

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In this episode of BioInventors, Paeto sits down with Dr. Paul Barattiero, founder of Echo Water, the world’s largest hydrogen water device manufacturer. Dr. Paul shares how helping his wife heal inspired him to create Echo Water and dives deep into the science behind hydrogen water—how it supports gut health, reduces inflammation, and boosts energy. He also offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs on building purpose-driven startups and finding mentors.

• Origin story of Echo Water and Dr. Barattiero’s personal motivation
• Science behind hydrogen water and its health benefits
• How hydrogen affects gut health and inflammation
• Demonstration of Echo’s hydrogen-generating technology
• Common misconceptions about alkaline vs. hydrogen water
• Building and scaling a purpose-driven startup
• Lessons from launching multiple companies
• Advice for young entrepreneurs and innovators

1500+ Studies on Echo Water

www.hydrogenstudies.com,

Learn how hydrogen water could change the way we think about health, wellness, and innovation.

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In this inspiring episode of BioInventures, we dive into the intersection of neuroscience, technology, and personal transformation with Dr. Ayla Wolf, founder of Healing Response and Acupuncture and author of The Concussion Breakthrough. Dr. Wolf shares her 20-year journey from martial arts injuries and post-concussion syndrome to becoming a leader in functional neurology and neurological rehabilitation.

We discuss:

• How advanced tech like pupillary light reflex analysis and computerized balance testing are reshaping concussion recovery.
• The challenges of neuroscience research and how politics and patience play into scientific progress.
• Her deeply personal story of resilience—how she turned crisis into a mission to heal others.
• The future of individualized brain health through AI-enhanced imaging and blood biomarkers.

Whether you’re a student curious about neuroscience, an aspiring founder in healthtech, or simply fascinated by the power of recovery, this episode shows how science, persistence, and purpose can rebuild both lives and brains.

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In this episode of Biotech LifeStream, I sit down with Johanna Faigelman, anthropologist, visionary entrepreneur, and CEO & Founder of Human Branding. Johanna has pioneered the use of anthropology in business strategy, helping global companies like Nestlé, Logitech, and top pharmaceutical firms better understand human behavior to drive decision-making.

Johanna shares her journey, her unique approach called Applied Anthropology Thinking, and how deep human insights, not just data, can transform industries from chocolate to oncology drugs.

What we cover in this episode:

• 🌍 What makes anthropology different from psychology when studying human behavior?
• 💊 How pharma companies are shifting focus from doctors to patients as decision-makers.
• 📊 Why relying on data alone is not enough without human context.
• 🍫 A surprising case study: how understanding women’s relationship with chocolate transformed Nestlé’s brand strategy.
• 🚀 Johanna’s best advice for young entrepreneurs and scientists on building purpose-driven companies.
• 💡 The biggest challenges pharma companies face in 2025 and how to overcome them.

Key Takeaways:

• Anthropology offers a holistic lens for decoding decision-making across various industries.
• Success in the life sciences today requires empathy, storytelling, and a deep understanding of stakeholders.
• The most powerful strategic advantage in 2025 isn’t speed or scale—it’s deep human understanding.

👉 If you’re a young entrepreneur, scientist, or simply curious about how human behavior drives business and biotech, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

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