Dennis welcomes Dr. Jeffrey Long, radiation oncologist, founder of the Near Death Experience Research Foundation, and author of “Evidence of the Afterlife,” to discuss near-death experiences (NDEs). Long describes how he began researching NDEs after reading a JAMA article during residency and says he has reviewed over 4,000 accounts, concluding NDEs are real and not explainable by physical brain function. He outlines common NDE elements (out-of-body perception, tunnel, light, “heavenly” realm, life review, encounters with deceased loved ones/pets, choice to return) and reports major aftereffects such as decreased fear of death, increased belief in an afterlife, compassion, and life changes. They discuss evidence against hypoxia, medication effects, and hallucination explanations, including NDEs under anesthesia and in blind individuals, plus cross-cultural and young-child similarity. The episode also covers news on GLP-1 drugs and substance use, a Lyme vaccine, AI safety concerns, easing licensure for foreign-trained doctors, nursing home antipsychotic use, plus cover-song favorites and brief Boston sports talk.

Topics

00:53 Meet Dr Jeffrey Long

02:07 How NDE Research Began

04:16 Science Versus Materialism

08:24 Core NDE Elements

11:05 Aftereffects and Life Changes

14:56 Hyperlucid Memories

16:16 Why Not Hallucinations

16:51 Anesthesia Blindness and Culture

22:43 Time and Nonlinear Reality

24:59 Takeaway We Are More

27:33 Hosts Reflect After Interview

30:11 In the News Segment Begins

30:38 GLP1s and Addiction

32:25 Lyme Vaccine Update

35:15 AI Medical Safety Concerns

37:04 AI Misses Heart Pause

38:04 Chatbots and Mental Health Risks

38:56 Licensing Foreign Doctors

41:16 Antipsychotics in Nursing Homes

44:14 Greatest Cover Songs Debate

50:46 Boston Sports Minute Drama

55:25 Red Sox Early Season Check

57:55 Celtics and Bruins Outlook

59:27 Final Thanks and Sign Off

Dennis dedicates the episode to his late father Dennis J. Teehan Sr., who died of cancer, featuring his oncologist Dr. Erin DeRose from Beth Israel Needham Cancer Center. DeRose shares her path into oncology, her experience in community practice, and the “best of both worlds” model: intimate, accessible suburban care with strong links to Boston specialists, tumor boards, clinical trials, and second opinions. They discuss rising lung cancer in never-smokers, screening debates and risks of incidental findings, risk factors like secondhand smoke, occupational exposures, family history, and radon, and advances from targeted therapies (including EGFR) and immunotherapy, plus emerging approaches like CAR-T, bispecifics, and antibody-drug conjugates alongside concerns about cost and access. They critique direct-to-consumer cancer blood tests, discuss prognosis conversations, then cover news on rising US life expectancy, GLP-1 benefits versus insurer losses, AI in diagnosis, and ultra-processed carbs, ending with March Madness, St. Patrick’s Day, and Boston sports.

Topics

01:00 Episode Dedication

02:06 Dr. Erin DeRose Background

05:59 Needham Cancer Center

07:04 Best of Both Worlds

12:52 Lung Cancer Screening

17:21 Non Smoking Risk Factors

19:40 Targeted Therapy Breakthroughs

23:34 Future of Cancer Care

26:23 Access and Cost Questions

28:03 Blood Tests for Screening

30:59 Talking Prognosis Compassionately

34:43 Closing Thanks and Advocacy

35:14 Post Interview Reflections

35:44 Cancer Care Shoutout

36:42 Life Expectancy Rebound

40:18 GLP One Benefits Debate

41:09 Insurance Coverage Crunch

42:09 Ozempic Safety Reality

43:50 AI In The Clinic

46:25 Good Carbs Vs Bad

49:34 March Madness Talk

52:00 St Patricks Day Bits

53:33 Boston Sports Minute

57:44 Wrap Up And Thanks

Dennis welcomes fitness director Guy Caracciolo from Dedham Health and Athletic Complex to discuss New Year's fitness resolutions. They delve into the importance of gradually starting an exercise regimen, especially for those new to fitness, and highlight the 60-60 program designed to help individuals integrate exercise into their lives safely. The episode also examines recent health news, including the correlation between CRP levels and heart disease, the ineffectiveness of cannabis-based medicines for pain relief, and the financial hardship associated with surgical procedures. Additionally, the show covers the impact of daylight savings on health and the importance of kidney disease awareness. To close, Dennis and producer Dave engage in a spirited discussion about the upcoming AFC Championship game, snowstorm etiquette, and the role of ownership in the success of Boston sports franchises.

Topics

00:40 Introducing Fitness Expert Guy Caracciolo

02:25 Gym Anecdotes and Safety Tips

04:14 Guy Karachi's Fitness Journey

06:15 Overview of Dedham Health and Athletic Complex

09:09 The 60/60 Medical Wellness Program

11:06 Exercise Benefits and Barriers

27:04 Doctors and Exercise Prescriptions

31:48 In the News Segment

32:04 CRP Levels and Heart Disease

33:37 Daylight Savings Time and Health

35:58 Cannabis and Chronic Pain

38:52 Financial Hardship After Surgery

40:12 Chronic Kidney Disease Awareness

42:29 Patriots and Altitude Sickness

46:20 Snowstorm Etiquette

51:21 Boston Sports Minute

01:00:45 Conclusion and Sign-Off

The episode features a compelling discussion with Dr. Michael Hamrock, an expert in addiction medicine from Boston Medical Center, Brighton. Dr. Hamrock shares his insights on addiction, its impact on families, and effective treatment strategies. The conversation covers public health perspectives, the opioid crisis, the role of physicians in pain management, and mental health dual diagnoses. The episode also touches upon the challenge of helping loved ones with substance abuse issues and offers practical advice for families. Additionally, the hosts delve into current health news, such as the impact of commercialization of cannabis on teen mental health and new cancer detection tests. The episode concludes with a spirited debate on the worst Christmas songs, a reflection on the Patriots' recent game, and well-wishes for the holiday season.

Topics

12:02 The Impact of Addiction on Families

18:10 Challenges in Treating Substance Abuse

21:57 Cannabis and Mental Health

29:06 In the News: Cannabis and Psychosis

33:37 In the News: Early Cancer Detection

35:25 In the News: Pre-Diabetes and Cardiovascular Risk

38:53 In the News: Ozempic and Cardiovascular Benefits

40:12 The Impact of Losing Medication Coverage

40:37 The Cost and Challenges of Weight Loss Medications

42:28 Insurance Companies and the Healthcare Tug of War

43:10 Anxiety, Insomnia, and Immune Function

44:35 The Importance of Sleep and Exercise

47:34 Listener Mailbag: Measles Booster Shots

50:20 Non-Medical Topic: Worst Christmas Songs

54:39 Sports Talk: DK Metcalf Incident and Boston Sports

01:05:03 Wrapping Up: Holiday Wishes and Final Thoughts

Dennis welcomes Dr. Smita Das, a clinical associate professor from Stanford, to discuss the health effects of marijuana, a topic that's gaining importance. They delve into marijuana legalization, its impact on public health, misinformation surrounding it, and the neuropsychiatric effects of high-potency cannabis, especially in young and frequent users. They also touch on public policy, addiction, and the lack of effective science-based messaging. Additionally, the episode covers other healthcare news, including the impact of supplements on cardiovascular health and the latest findings in flu season predictions.

More on Dr. Das at https://med.stanford.edu/profiles/smita-das

Topics

00:51 Introducing Dr. Smita Das

02:52 The Health Effects of Marijuana

06:48 Cannabis and Mental Health

17:06 Cannabis Use Disorder and Addiction

32:22 In the News: Latest Healthcare Stories

43:27 Mind-Body Medicine and Stress

44:23 Peanut Allergies and Early Exposure

47:56 Flu Season Warnings

49:45 Fan Mailbag: Ozempic and Blood Pressure

52:23 Thanksgiving Traditions and Football

57:42 Boston Sports Minute

01:04:46 Conclusion and Thanksgiving Wishes

Dennis interviews Dr. Paul Offit, a renowned expert in virology, immunology, and vaccination, focusing on COVID-19 vaccines and the broader topic of vaccine skepticism. They discuss the importance of vaccines, debunk recent misleading studies linking COVID vaccines to cancer, and explore the impact of general vaccine skepticism. The conversation also touches on the rise in global cancer cases due to behavioral risk factors and inaccessible treatments. The show concludes with a fun segment on the Boston sports scene and a discussion on interstellar objects possibly linked to alien technology.

Topics

01:28 Introducing Dr. Paul Offit

03:00 COVID Vaccination Recommendations

05:19 Debunking the COVID Vaccine and Cancer Myth

19:32 General Vaccine Skepticism and Science Denialism

34:33 In the News: Medicare Payments and Cancer Trends

42:20 The Problem with Modern Diets

42:31 Quest Diagnostics' Alzheimer's Blood Test

45:18 Ethical Considerations of Alzheimer's Testing

47:46 Alcohol and Dementia Risk

51:47 Unexpected Benefits of Ozempic for Psoriasis

54:38 The Costco Craze

57:06 Interstellar Object 3I/Atlas

01:01:02 Boston Sports Minute

01:10:39 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Dennis welcomes guest Brian Kirby to delve into the controversial topic of the relationship between Tylenol (acetaminophen) and autism. Sparked by a recent press conference, the team discusses the scientific nuances, past and present research studies, the role of confounding factors, and the implications of misinterpreted data. They stress the importance of understanding context in scientific information and reject claims of a direct causal link between Tylenol use during pregnancy and autism. The episode aims to provide clarity and promote better-informed public discourse on the matter.

Topics

00:24 Introducing the Hot Topic: Tylenol and Autism

01:05 Brian Kirby Joins the Discussion

01:36 Media and Misinformation

03:46 Personal Stories and Reactions

06:35 Dissecting the Science

12:25 Bradford Hill Criteria Explained

16:51 Confounders in Epidemiological Studies

17:48 Sibling Pair Study in JAMA

19:53 Dose Response Relationship and Tylenol

22:09 Autism Causes: Genetic vs Environmental

25:16 Summarizing the Tylenol-Autism Debate

28:41 Conflict of Interest in Scientific Research

29:55 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

Special guest Dr. Eugenio Martinez, a renowned physiatrist, joins the conversation to delve into mind-body medicine, emphasizing its impact on chronic pain and wellness. The episode explores topics such as the role of emotions in physical health, the efficacy of narcotics for pain management, and the significance of physical therapy in treating musculoskeletal issues. The team also touches on medical studies, the misuse of imaging in diagnoses, and provides insights into AI's influence on cognitive function. Additionally, the podcast covers recent sports achievements and cultural events, adding a lighter note to the comprehensive medical discussions.

Topics

00:54 Introducing Dr. Eugenio Martinez: What is a Physiatrist?

01:15 Mind-Body Medicine: The Connection Between Emotions and Pain

02:31 In the News: Respiratory Disease Season Outlook

03:45 COVID-19 Vaccination: Who Should Get It?

07:43 The Measles Tragedy: Importance of Vaccination

10:26 LSD for Anxiety: A Controversial Study

15:09 Artificial Sweeteners and Brain Aging

19:34 GLP-1 Agonists: A Breakthrough in Cancer Risk Reduction

21:20 Diabetes: The Hidden Epidemic

23:27 Guest Segment: Dr. Eugenio Martinez on Mind-Body Medicine

31:17 Understanding the Resilience of the Lumbar Spine

31:56 Personal Journey with Back Pain

32:31 Discovering Dr. Sarno's Healing Back Pain

34:22 Applying Mind-Body Medicine to Patients

34:35 The Controversy of Fibromyalgia

39:58 The Role of Secondary Gain in Chronic Pain

41:37 Challenges in Treating Chronic Pain

48:04 The Debate on Narcotics for Chronic Pain

54:54 The Impact of Over-Imaging in Back Pain Diagnosis

58:43 The Art of Surgery: Balancing Precision and Creativity

59:12 The Evolution and Efficacy of Spinal Fusion

01:00:50 The Development of the Spine Program at Dedham Health

01:03:42 The Importance of Physical Therapy and Biomechanics

01:05:38 Recommended Reading for Back Pain

01:07:03 Non-Medical Topics: Emmys and TV Shows

01:17:02 Boston Sports Minute: Patriots and Red Sox

01:22:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Dennis welcomes special guest Dr. Josh Helm from Pro Performance Care in Needham. They discuss the role and benefits of chiropractors, particularly in treating chronic back and neck pain, and delve into Dr. Helm' specialty in concussion rehab and neuro rehab. They also cover hot-button issues such as the impact of metabolic health on inflammation and the relationship between concussions and conditions like POTS. The episode wraps up with discussions on updated hypertension guidelines, the impact of mRNA vaccines, and Blue Cross Blue Shield's prepayment claims edits. In addition, the hosts touch on some light-hearted topics like the recent deaths of 80's icons, the new Tom Brady statue, and the latest updates in Boston sports, including the Red Sox and Patriots.

Topics

01:12 Meet Dr. Josh Helm: Chiropractor Extraordinaire

01:24 Understanding Chiropractic Care

03:01 The Science Behind Chiropractic Adjustments

09:12 Chronic Pain: Biomechanics and Psychological Factors

12:13 Inflammation and Metabolic Health

15:59 Neuro Rehab and Concussion Recovery

24:10 Viewer Question: POTS and Concussion Recovery

34:46 New Guidelines for Hypertension Treatment

40:05 RFK and mRNA Vaccines

41:40 Blue Cross Blue Shield Chart Audits

44:58 Mounjaro: A Game-Changer for Diabetes

47:11 Flesh-Eating Bacteria at Cape Cod Beach

49:55 Non-Medical Topic of the Week: 80s Celebrity Deaths

58:27 Boston Sports Minute

01:05:59 Conclusion and Social Media Call to Action

Dennis welcomes Dr. Stephen Rotman, a gastroenterologist from Beth Israel Needham. Dr. Rotman shares insights on his practice, the importance of colonoscopies, and the rising issue of fatty liver disease. The episode also delves into the problematic trends of increased GI cancers in younger populations and the role of nutrition in these conditions. Discussions extend to current healthcare policies and their impact, as well as the viral sensation of the Coldplay concert reaction. The episode wraps up with a lively discussion on Boston sports.

Topics

00:40 Introducing Dr. Stephen Rotman

01:08 The Importance of Accurate Health Information

01:32 Hot Topics in Gastroenterology

02:27 Dr. Rotman's Medical Journey

05:57 The Role of Colonoscopy in Preventative Health

07:39 Challenges and Alternatives to Colonoscopy

18:31 The Human Side of Medical Practice

20:42 Rising Rates of GI Cancers in Younger People

21:09 The Impact of Nutrition on Health

22:33 Understanding Fatty Liver Disease

25:06 The Role of GLP-1 Medications

28:20 Managing Fatty Liver Disease

32:47 Closing Thoughts and Community Questions

33:40 Introduction and Setup

33:45 In the News: Turmeric Overdose

36:35 Probiotics and Supplements

37:47 Alcohol Consumption Guidelines

42:12 Trump's Health and Venous Insufficiency

43:48 Impact of New Healthcare Legislation

50:19 Non-Medical Topic: Coldplay Concert Reaction