Celebrate our 200th episode as Dr. Dana Cohen turns the tables and interviews host Dr. Dean Mitchell about his new book on Candida and what it really takes to heal. They trace the evolution from Dr. William Crook’s classic work to today’s microbiome science, explain why Candida overgrowth is still misunderstood, and lay out a clear clinical approach that actually helps patients feel better fast.

Listen for practical guidance on recognizing symptoms beyond vaginal yeast infections, the link between Candida and issues like chronic sinusitis, brain fog, and fatigue, and why diversity in the microbiome matters. Dr. Mitchell walks through his step-by-step protocol, including the role of diet, when antifungals like nystatin and fluconazole are appropriate, why certain herbs require caution, and how mast cell activation may overlap with Candida symptoms. You will also learn why testing is tricky, how his 15 question checklist guides diagnosis, and how to expand your diet after the first four to six weeks without backsliding.

If you or someone you love is dealing with persistent, unexplained symptoms and wondering about Candida, this conversation offers science, strategy, and real-world experience from two leaders in functional medicine.

Order your copy of Conquering Candida here

When you or someone you love lands in the ER, every choice matters. Dr. Dean Mitchell sits down with Dr. Tony Dajer, a recently retired emergency physician with four decades on the front lines, to share clear, practical steps that help you get the care you need when minutes count.

They cover how to prepare before you go, what to say at triage, and why bringing your medications and a concise medical history can speed decision making. You will hear when calling an ambulance is the smartest move, how to choose between urgent care and the ER, and why having a calm advocate at your side can change outcomes. Dr. Dajer explains the system challenges behind long waits, the pros and cons of teaching hospitals and community hospitals, and how leadership, scribes, and new AI tools can give doctors more time at the bedside. Real cases underscore crucial lessons, including pediatric and young adult pitfalls, missed appendicitis, stroke warning signs, and why not getting worse is not the same as getting better.

Listen for takeaways you can use today. Know what to bring. Know what to ask. Know when to push for imaging and when to return if symptoms are not fully resolved. This conversation turns ER chaos into a plan.

In this episode of The Smartest Doctor in the Room, Dr. Dean Mitchell sits down with headache specialist Dr. Robert Kaniecki from the University of Pittsburgh Medical School to break down everything you need to know about chronic headaches and migraines. Together they explore the different types of headaches, how to properly evaluate and diagnose them, and the latest treatments - from classic medications to cutting-edge options like CGRP inhibitors and Botox therapy. They also discuss common triggers such as stress, sleep, diet, and screen time, and when imaging tests like MRIs are actually necessary. Whether you experience tension headaches or debilitating migraines, this conversation offers clear, practical guidance for understanding symptoms, avoiding medication overuse, and finding real relief.

Can food allergies be treated safely without lifelong maintenance doses? In this episode of The Smartest Doctor in the Room, Dr. Dean Mitchell sits down with Dr. Moshe Ben Shoshan, Associate Professor at McGill University Health Centre, to explore the latest breakthroughs in food allergy treatment. Together they discuss low dose oral immunotherapy, the science behind desensitization, and how early exposure to allergenic foods like peanuts may actually reduce allergy risk. They also unpack real world challenges with treatment adherence, why milk allergies can be more dangerous than peanuts, and what new research is revealing about prevention, immunotherapy, and environmental factors.

In this wide ranging conversation, Dr. Dean Mitchell sits down with Professor Edward Quadros of SUNY Downstate to explore the critical roles of folate vitamin B9 and vitamin B12 in brain development and lifelong health. We unpack why some children show low cerebrospinal fluid folate despite a normal diet, how autoantibodies to the folate receptor can block folate from reaching the brain, and what the folate receptor antibody test FRAT reveals. Professor Quadros explains the research behind folinic acid leucovorin as a folate enhancer, what clinical studies show in children on the spectrum, and why earlier treatment tends to yield better outcomes. We also look at prenatal folate fortification, the potential value of screening parents, the milk and autoimmunity connection in susceptible kids, and clear up myths around the common MTHFR polymorphism. Finally, we connect B12 status, homocysteine, and the different B12 forms used in practice. If you care about evidence based insights on autism research, neurodevelopment, and smart supplementation, this episode is a must listen.

In this powerful episode, we explore one of the most important—and least understood—medical challenges of our time: how brain injury and aging impact mental health, behavior, and society. Our host is joined by renowned neuropathologist Dr. John Crary, a leading expert on brain diseases at Mount Sinai, to unpack the science and lived reality behind concussions, CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy), dementia, and more.

Dr. Crary shares his early fascination with neuroanatomy, how pathology reveals the hidden stories inside every brain, and why repetitive mild head trauma—not just big hits—may be the true danger in contact sports and military service. He explains how CTE is diagnosed, why tau tangles are the “smoking gun,” and how the exact location of damage reveals the cause. The conversation digs into why certain brain regions drive memory loss, depression, and even aggression—and why some athletes and veterans develop devastating symptoms at a young age.

We also discuss:

• Sports like football, boxing, and soccer—how risky are they really?
• The biomechanical “Nestlé Crunch bar” model of brain injury
• Why CTE can only be definitively diagnosed after death (for now)
• Emerging tools: PET scans, blood tests, MRI biomarkers
• How studying athletes may help unlock treatments for Alzheimer’s
• New hope in RNA-based therapies and amyloid/tau-targeting drugs
• Whether recovery is possible after multiple concussions—and when it’s too late

This episode blends science, medicine, personal stories, and societal urgency. Whether you’re an athlete, parent, physician, or just curious about the brain, this is a must-listen conversation that could change how you think about brain health forever.

What should you do when water damage strikes—whether it’s a burst pipe, a flooded basement, or a slow leak you didn’t notice until it was too late? In this episode, Dr. Mitchell sits down with trusted mold inspector Joseph Reiss to unpack the essentials of mold prevention, testing, and remediation. They cover what to do in the first 24 hours after water damage, why carpets are mold magnets, how to safely contain and remove contaminated materials, and which testing methods actually help identify hidden mold.

Joseph also shares insights on flood-proof home design, how to avoid costly mistakes, and what to look for in professionals who truly understand water and mold management. Whether you’re a homeowner, renter, or health-conscious listener, this conversation offers practical steps to protect your home—and your health—from toxic mold.

Adverse drug reactions and allergic responses to medications and vaccines are no longer rare side effects—they’re a growing medical challenge. In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Mariana Castells, Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, Director of the Mastocytosis Center of Excellence, and Director of the Drug Hypersensitivity and Desensitization Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

We explore:

• Why newer medications and targeted therapies carry higher risks of severe reactions
• The difference between drug intolerance, adverse reactions, and true allergies
• The dangers of mislabeling penicillin allergy—and how it affects treatment choices
• Cutting-edge diagnostic tools like basophil and mast cell activation testing
• The role of mast cells, novel receptors, and genetics in multiple drug allergies
• Strategies for safer prescribing, testing, and desensitization

Whether you’re a clinician, researcher, or patient who’s experienced a “bad reaction” to medication, this conversation offers clarity on what we know today—and where the science of drug allergy is heading.

What’s it really like to be a medical student in 2025? Host Dr. Mitchell sits down with second-year students Nya Evans and Marco Halabi from Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine for a candid conversation about why they chose medicine, the challenges of medical school today, and how training has evolved since the 1980s. From simulation labs and self-directed learning to the psychological toll of training and the role of AI in the future of medicine, this episode offers a rare first-hand look at how tomorrow’s physicians are being shaped. Both insightful and personal, it’s a reminder that while technology changes, the heart of medicine is still human connection.

Brain fog—a term once absent from the medical lexicon—has become one of the most debilitating and puzzling symptoms of Long COVID. But what exactly is happening inside the body to cause this cognitive impairment? Is it just inflammation, or is there a more complex mechanism at play?

In this episode, we sit down with leading immunologist Dr. Terry Harville, Medical Director of the Special Immunology Laboratory at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. Dr. Harville takes us on a deep dive into the unique relationship between the SARS-CoV-2 virus and the human immune system, explaining why this zoonotic virus is so effective at causing long-term neurological issues. This isn't just about forgetfulness; it's a serious medical condition that could be a harbinger of something much worse.

If you or someone you know is struggling with the cognitive effects of Long COVID, this episode is an essential listen, packed with scientific insights and actionable treatment strategies from an expert on the front lines.


Visit apolloneuro.com and use code: smartmd at checkout to get your hands on the sleep wearable that Dr. Mitchell trusts.

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