We talk about mental health more than ever—but are we actually getting better at taking care of it?

In this episode of The Doctor Next Door, Dr. George Korede sits down with clinical psychologist Dr. Monica Johnson for an honest conversation about anxiety, depression, stress, therapy, social media, and the habits that actually support our mental health.

Dr. Johnson explains how to recognize when normal stress becomes something more, why depression doesn’t always look like sadness, and why therapy is about much more than simply talking about your problems. We also discuss doomscrolling, sleep, exercise, routines, loneliness, and why real human connection may be one of the most important investments we can make in our mental health.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed, burned out, anxious—or simply wondered how to take better care of yourself and the people around you—this conversation is for you.

Real people. Real doctors. Honest conversations.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information discussed should not replace care from your physician, mental health professional, or other qualified healthcare provider. If you are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, please seek immediate professional help.

What actually helps you live a longer, healthier life—and what’s just hype?

In this episode of The Doctor Next Door, Dr. George Korede sits down with Dr. Ayana Herbert, a physician specializing in lifestyle medicine, metabolic health, hormone health, and healthy aging.

We break down the habits that matter most for longevity, including sleep, strength training, nutrition, metabolic health, and maintaining muscle as we age. Dr. Herbert also discusses fasting insulin, cholesterol, waist circumference and other metabolic markers, as well as the increasingly popular conversation around hormone replacement therapy for men and women.

We also tackle the booming longevity industry: supplements, peptides, hormone optimization, and the difference between promising science and claims that may be getting ahead of the evidence.

Finally, Dr. Herbert shares what she actually does in her own life to stay healthy—and why the fundamentals still matter more than most “biohacks.”

In this episode:
• The most overlooked habits for longevity
• Why muscle may be one of your best investments in healthy aging
• What metabolic health actually means
• Fasting insulin, A1C, cholesterol, and waist circumference
• Hormone replacement therapy in men and women
• Testosterone and estrogen: benefits, risks, and monitoring
• Mediterranean and plant-forward nutrition
• Supplements and the peptide craze
• Dr. Herbert’s personal longevity routine

The Doctor Next Door — Real People. Real Doctors. Honest Conversations.

This podcast is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice.

Can changing what you eat actually change your health?

In this episode of The Doctor Next Door, Dr. George Korede sits down with Dr. Shayla Nettey, a physician, board-certified obesity medicine specialist, and chef who combines medicine with her passion for food.

Dr. Nettey shares the personal story that led her from traditional medicine into lifestyle medicine and cooking, and explains why “food as medicine” doesn’t mean choosing nutrition instead of medical care—it means recognizing how much power our everyday choices can have.

They discuss:

• What “food as medicine” really means
• The health benefits of eating more plant-based foods
• Why “vegan” or “plant-based” doesn’t automatically mean healthy
• How to read beyond marketing claims on food labels
• Why extreme diet changes often fail
• Simple ways to make healthy food actually taste good
• Using spices, frozen vegetables, and easy cooking techniques to save time and money
• How to make healthier eating realistic for busy families
• Why progress—not perfection—is the key to lasting change

Dr. Nettey also gives practical cooking advice you can start using immediately—including her go-to seasoning trio of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Healthy eating doesn’t have to be bland, expensive, restrictive, or perfect. The goal is to find changes you can actually sustain.

The Doctor Next Door
Real People. Real Doctors. Honest Conversations.

Emergency room or urgent care? What symptoms should you never ignore? And what can you do to potentially save someone’s life?

In this episode of The Doctor Next Door, Dr. George Korede sits down with emergency medicine physician Dr. Maxine Owusu (“Dr. Maxo”) for a practical conversation about what really happens in the emergency department.

We discuss:

• When to choose urgent care vs. the emergency room
• Warning signs like chest pain, stroke symptoms, and severe abdominal pain
• Why ER patients aren’t always seen in the order they arrive
• Some of the most serious emergencies Dr. Maxo has encountered
• Simple habits that may help keep you out of the ER
• Why everyone should learn CPR
• How alcohol, drugs, and risky decisions contribute to preventable emergencies

Dr. Maxo also walks through the basics of bystander CPR and explains why acting quickly can make the difference between life and death.

Big takeaway: Learn CPR. You may save someone’s life one day.

This podcast is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911.

The Doctor Next Door
Real People. Real Doctors. Honest Conversations.

Why do anxiety and depression seem so common today—and how do we know when everyday stress has become something more?

In this episode of The Doctor Next Door, Dr. George Korede sits down with psychiatrist Dr. Shantale Jules for an approachable conversation about mental health and the pressures affecting us today. They discuss the impact of social media, comparison, isolation, stress, and constant stimulation on our mental well-being.

Dr. Jules also explains how to recognize when depression may require professional help, what to expect from therapy, how medications can fit into treatment, and why finding the right therapist matters.

We also explore practical ways to support mental health—including exercise, sleep, nutrition, time outdoors, human connection, and stepping away from constant digital stimulation.

The big takeaway: Mental health shouldn't be treated as separate from physical health. Taking care of your mind is part of taking care of your overall health.

🎙️ The Doctor Next Door
Real People. Real Doctors. Honest Conversations.

Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical or mental health condition. It is not a substitute for individualized care from a qualified healthcare professional.

Why is colon cancer increasing in younger adults—and what can you do to protect your digestive health?

In this episode of The Doctor Next Door, Dr. George Korede sits down with gastroenterologist Dr. David Fitch for a practical conversation about colon cancer screening, gut health, probiotics, gluten, acid reflux, fatty liver disease, alcohol, supplements, and nutrition.

We discuss:

• Why colon cancer is showing up more often in younger adults
• When you should start colon cancer screening
• Colonoscopy vs. Cologuard and other screening options
• Whether probiotics are actually worth taking
• Who really needs to avoid gluten
• How to manage acid reflux and when it needs further evaluation
• Fatty liver disease and its connection to metabolic health
• Alcohol and its effects on the liver
• “Liver detox” supplements and whether they actually work
• The importance of fiber, whole foods, and dietary diversity
• The surprising research around coffee and liver health

Dr. Fitch also shares one of his simplest recommendations for better long-term gut health: eat a diverse diet built around real food.

Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to provide personalized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual health needs.

Marcus Joyner went from 455 pounds to 335 pounds, losing 120 pounds without bariatric surgery or GLP-1 medications.

He joins The Doctor Next Door to share the real story behind the transformation: losing weight and gaining it back, changing his relationship with food, faith and fasting, intermittent fasting, meal prep, exercise, overcoming cravings, and the mindset that finally helped him stay consistent.

We also discuss the potential risks of prolonged fasting and why Marcus’s experience should not be interpreted as a recommendation for others.

An inspiring conversation about weight loss, discipline, faith, setbacks, and finding an approach you can actually stick with.

The Doctor Next Door

Real People. Real Doctors. Honest Conversations.

This episode is for general educational purposes and is not personalized medical advice. Please speak to your own pcp about a evidence based fasting regimen that works for your health situation.

Cancer rates are rising—especially in younger adults. But how much of your cancer risk can you actually control?

In this episode of The Doctor Next Door, hematologist and oncologist Dr. Parul Jandir joins Dr. George Corday to discuss the latest science behind cancer prevention, why more young people are developing cancer, the role of obesity, alcohol, smoking, and ultra-processed foods, and why routine screening may save your life.

We also break down anemia, common blood tests like the CBC, and the symptoms you should never ignore.

Whether you're looking to reduce your cancer risk or better understand your health, this episode is packed with practical, evidence-based advice.

Topics Covered

• Why cancer is increasing in younger adults
• Lifestyle habits that reduce cancer risk
• Alcohol, smoking, obesity & cancer
• Cancer screening guidelines everyone should know
• Colonoscopy vs. Cologuard
• What anemia really is
• Understanding your CBC blood test
• Early warning signs you shouldn't ignore

⚠️ This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider regarding your own health concerns.

Chris thought he was just tired—until he began experiencing blurred vision, frequent urination, and other warning signs that led to a life-changing diagnosis of type 2 diabetes. When his A1C came back at 12.4, he knew something had to change.

In this episode of The Doctor Next Door, Chris shares his journey from ignoring the symptoms to losing nearly 50 pounds, returning his A1C to the normal range, and reclaiming his health. We discuss the warning signs of diabetes, lifestyle changes that made the biggest impact, the role of medication, and why it's never too late to take control of your health.

Whether you're trying to prevent diabetes, support a loved one, or improve your own health, this episode offers practical advice and an inspiring reminder that meaningful change is possible.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone who could benefit from this conversation. Your support helps us reach more people with evidence-based health information and inspiring real-life stories. Thank you for being part of The Doctor Next Door community!

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to provide medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about your health or treatment.

Think you don't need sunscreen because you have darker skin? Do expensive skincare products actually work? Is hair loss reversible?

In this episode of The Doctor Next Door, Dr. George Korede sits down with board-certified dermatologist Dr. Ciara Robinson to separate skincare facts from fiction. Together, they discuss the science behind healthy skin, common skincare myths, hair loss, aging, sunscreen, and simple routines that actually work.

In this episode:

• Why everyone—including people with darker skin—should wear sunscreen
• The biggest skincare myths dermatologists hear every day
• A simple skincare routine that doesn't require 12 products
• Prescription retinoids vs. over-the-counter products
• Vitamin C, acids, and what actually improves your skin
• Hair loss: common causes and when to see a dermatologist
• Hairstyles that can damage your hair over time
• The truth about collagen, supplements, and "miracle" products
• Evidence behind red light therapy
• Dr. Robinson's personal skincare routine
• One habit everyone should start today for healthier skin

Whether you're looking to prevent skin cancer, improve your skincare routine, or simply age well, this episode offers practical, evidence-based advice you can use today.

👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Subscribe, and Share. It helps us bring more trusted health experts to the show.

Follow Dr. Ciara Robinson:
Instagram: @ciararobinson.md

Subscribe to The Doctor Next Door for honest conversations with real physicians and everyday people sharing evidence-based health advice.

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