Top Minds

Alvy Ray Smith is an American computer scientist, a Co-founder of the Lucasfilm Computer Graphics Division, Pixar, and Altamira Software. Alvy was part of the 1980s and 1990s expansion of computer animation into feature films. He created his first computer graphic in 1965 at New Mexico State and by 1970, earned a PhD in computer science from Stanford University. 

Altamira Software was eventually purchased by Microsoft, where Alvy was the first Graphics Fellow. He was also the first Director of Computer Graphics at Lucasfilm. More recently, he is the Author of the book, A Biography of the Pixel.

Pixar is one of the largest animated film companies in the world, valued at over $7 billion. They’ve released 24 full-length animated feature films since Toy Story was released in 1995. Pixar is now a household name, with children and adults alike falling in love with their movies for the last half-century. But how did it get started?

Alvy Ray Smith was there from the very beginning. Through a serendipitous turn of events, he met Ed Catmull and George Lucas and made the move for California to work at the Lucasfilms Computer Division as the Director of Computer Graphics. From there, he went on to work with the best talent in the world and turn the dream of fully animated feature films into reality. The result? Pixar Animation Studios.

In this episode of Top Minds, Dr. Scot Gray and co-host Dr. Jeremy Weisz are joined by Pixar Co-founder, Alvy Ray Smith, to discuss the roots of one of the largest animated film companies in the world. Alvy talks about the milestones of Pixar’s journey, how they became an independent company, his tumultuous relationship with the man who invested in the company’s rise, and his business ventures after Pixar.

Dr. Pierluigi Mancini is one of the most sought-after national and international consultants and speakers on the subject of mental health and addiction. He has over 30 years of experience in culturally and linguistically appropriate behavioral health treatment and prevention. He recently led a project to train clinicians in Latin America who are taking care of the over 4 million displaced Venezuelans suffering from trauma, PTSD, and other conditions.

He is the Chair of the Georgia Behavioral Health Planning and Advisory Council, and has been recently appointed to the Mental Health America National Board of Directors. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Wellstar Hospital, the Georgia Council on Substance Abuse, and the National Association of Mental Health Planning and Advisory Councils.

Dr. Mancini’s public service announcement and documentaries addressing underage drinking, suicide, and prescription drugs have won a combined six Emmy awards. He has been honored with the National Latina/o Psychological Association Star Vega Distinguished Service Award, the National Council of La Raza - Helen Rodríguez-Trías Award for Health, and the Mental Health America “Heroes in the Fight” Award, among others.

This isn’t the first opioid crisis that the US has experienced. When the crisis hit the country in the 70s and 80s, people who stopped using heroin ended up hooked on methadone. But, according to Dr. Pierluigi Mancini, the approach to rehabilitation and treatment has come a long way — so much so that they have started using an opiate antagonist drug in the short term for successfully treating patients.

Dr. Mancini is an expert at cultural and linguistic competence, immigrant behavioral health, and health disparities — and he says that the key to making headway in the fight against the abuse of any substance is prevention and promotion. He explains that by turning conversations into informative discussions on addiction, we can start answering the questions around why people become addicted and why they are unable to get the help they need.

Tune in to this episode of Top Minds, as Dr. Scot Gray talks with the renowned consultant on mental health and addiction, Dr. Pierluigi Mancini, about the opioid epidemic. They discuss the negative effect of prescribing opioids for pain medication, the economic burden of the opioid epidemic, the importance of open and honest conversations in preventing alcohol and substance abuse. Plus, Dr. Mancini explains the effect of the COVID-19 isolation on people who are struggling and more.

Don Miguel Ruiz is a spiritual teacher and the internationally best-selling author of the Toltec Wisdom Series. The Toltec Wisdom Series has sold more than 12 million copies and has been published in 46 different languages. His most famous book from the Toltec Wisdom Series, The Four Agreements, has sold more than seven million copies worldwide, was on The New York Times’ best-seller list for almost a decade, and was titled the 36th best-selling book of the decade. 

Over the years, don Miguel has received many unique honors, including a U.S. Air Force Challenge coin engraved with “The Four Agreements,” an Honorary Degree in Cultural and Social Education from the American Cultural Institute of Mexico, and the moniker a “national treasure” in his native country, Mexico. Don Miguel Ruiz is a spiritual teacher and the internationally best-selling author of the Toltec Wisdom Series. The Toltec Wisdom Series has sold more than 12 million copies and has been published in 46 different languages. His most famous book from the Toltec Wisdom Series, The Four Agreements, has sold more than seven million copies worldwide, was on the The New York Times’ best-seller list for almost a decade, and was titled the 36th best-selling book of the decade.

Do you find yourself caring a bit too much about what others think of you? Are you trying to take concrete steps towards understanding yourself and living an unapologetic, freedom-filled life?

We all live our own stories. More than that, we are all the main characters in our narratives — protagonists who navigate the ups, downs, and everything in-between that life has to offer. According to don Miguel Ruiz, this is an innate tendency: all humans are born with an impulse to perform. Unfortunately, constant acting with ourselves and others leads to a life that lacks authenticity, belonging, and freedom — or, in other words, a less-than-ideal existence. Thankfully, there is an antidote to this performance-oriented lifestyle: awareness. Only by prioritizing and practicing awareness can you start to live a liberated, original life. Want to learn more?

In this episode of Top Minds, Dr. Scot Gray sits down with don Miguel Ruiz, a spiritual teacher and the internationally best-selling author of the Toltec Wisdom Series, to discuss the secrets to living a full and cognizant life. Listen in as don Miguel talks about the terrifying incident that changed his life and career, his motivations behind writing The Four Agreements, and how to reject “acting” and lean into authenticity and independence today. Stay tuned!

Dr. Fab Mancini is a renowned chiropractor, global executive and consultant, and Founder of The Fab Life Academy. Dr. Mancini has been named the #1 Healthy Living Media Expert in America and has served as the President Emeritus of Parker University. He is the author of the best-selling books, The Power of Self-Healing and Chicken Soup for the Chiropractic Soul. Dr. Mancini has won several honors and awards for his dedication to healing and his patients, including Humanitarian of the Year, CEO of the Year, and an induction into the Wellness Revolutionaries Hall of Fame.

Dr. Mancini is a graduate of the Institute for Educational Management in the Graduate School of Education at Harvard University and earned his Doctorate of Chiropractic from Parker University. With his expertise, he continues to serve his community with one principle: "we all have an opportunity to serve those that are in greater need than we are."

If you could change anything about your life right now, what would it be? Would you want to start your own business or switch careers? Maybe you want to learn a new skill? Guess what: there is no time like the present to make a shift in your life to help your future. 

Dr. Fab Mancini knows a thing or two about pivoting in your career and taking the risk to create a better life. His shift from chiropractic medicine to a healthy living media expert has allowed him the opportunity to touch and enhance so many lives in a way that he may not have been able to before. He understands that by learning to say “yes” to the risks of failure, he is also saying “yes” to the possibility of success. 

In this week's episode of Top Minds, host Dr. Scot Gray sits down with long-time friend and renowned healthy living media expert, Dr. Fab Mancini. They discuss how to seize your opportunities, the importance of mentors, and what it means to let go of perfection. Dr. Mancini also shares the mantra that has kept him going, what it means to have a service mentality, and the power of believing in yourself and taking risks. If you want to learn more about living a fabulous life, stay tuned.

Dr. Mark Dennis is a chiropractic physician at Renew Health, a regenerative medicine clinic. Dr. Dennis began his career in advertising and marketing but quickly switched over to chiropractic medicine after having a close call with surgery for herniated discs in his lower back. After learning about the wonders of chiropractic medicine, he has devoted his life to helping his patients relieve their chronic pain and return balance to their lives.

You probably already know: stem cell treatment is the new wave in holistic medicine since it pays greater attention to the patient's health and regenerative ability. Say goodbye to narcotics that cause brain fog, accidental overdose, and a growing dependency for relief. Now, those who suffer from chronic pain can have relief with affordable treatments that avoid heavy medications—just like Dr. Mark Dennis discovered when he first went to a chiropractor more than 20 years ago. 

In this episode of Top Minds, host Dr. Scot Gray is joined by Dr. Mark Dennis, a chiropractic physician at Renew Health. Together, they discuss his transition from marketing and advertising to chiropractic medicine and his greatest career failure. Dr. Dennis reveals warning signs every patient should look for when contemplating regenerative medicine and how to get the best results from any stem cell treatment. Stay tuned.

Dr. Christopher Gaunder, is an orthopedic surgery specialist who is currently serving at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. After graduating with honors from Mercer University Medical School in 2012, Dr. Gaunder has gone on to do fantastic work with procedures to help his patients recover from joint and chronic pain. He has also worked with autologous stem cells and regenerative medicine and is considered one of the top minds in his field. 

What do you do when your joint or chronic pain flares up? Do you take a combination of Tylenol and ibuprofen? Maybe you opt for a hot compress instead? Regardless of what you do, your main goal is to get relief—even if it is only momentary. 

Dr. Christopher Gaunder is an orthopedic surgery specialist focusing on joint replacement and sports medicine. He has worked with countless patients to provide options for knee replacement surgery that are both holistic and beneficial to their overall health. 

In this week's Top Minds episode, host Dr. Scot Gray sits down with orthopedic surgery specialist, Dr. Christopher Gaunder. They discuss one of the best college football teams, regenerative medicine, and the causes of most knee and joint replacement in military personnel. Dr. Gaunder shares the best practices for recovering from a knee injury or operation and how to alleviate joint or chronic pain in the early stages.

Dr. Vernon Williams is an author, trained and certified ER Physician, and Owner of The Wellness & Aesthetics Medical Center. Despite being only “29”, Dr. Williams has been practicing medicine and helping patients look and feel younger for over 30 years. His work in the emergency room has also allowed him to work with patients of all ages and ailments.

Dr. Williams belongs to a variety of professional and medical associations, including the Texas Medical Association (TMA) and the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery (ASLMS). He graduated from Harvard University with his Bachelor’s Degree before going on to receive his Doctor of Medicine Degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Have you ever wished that you could turn back time and return to your more youthful days? What if you could still take those long walks on the beach without your back aching? Or maybe there’s a new technology for erasing those wrinkles from your skin?

Unfortunately, there is no time machine you can use to turn the clock on your health. But, Dr. Vernon Williams, an author, certified physician, and Owner of The Wellness & Aesthetics Medical Center, has made it his life's goal to help his patients feel and look younger through the careful lens of regenerative medicine. His work as an ER physician has also allowed him to better understand COVID-19 and the implications of general health and preventative care.

Join us as Dr. Scot Gray interviews Dr. Vernon Williams, a well-known physician with a focus on regenerative medicine and the Owner of The Wellness & Aesthetics Medical Center. They discuss the importance of preventative measures and the state of the ER in the wake of the current pandemic. Dr. Williams shares his medical journey, the benefits of regenerative medicine, and his tips on how to live a healthier life even with chronic pain.

Dr. Helen Powell-Stoddart is the Founder of Pain 2 Wellness Healthcare, a clinic based in Madison, Alabama that focuses on integrative treatment tools for inflammatory conditions. She is a Board-Certified Physician of Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine with over 20 years of experience in combining traditional and alternative medicine to foster new habits and help patients regain their health. Her practice has incorporated plant-based medicine to help patients recover to their peak performance. 

Dr. Helen Powell-Stoddart completed two residency programs simultaneously in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Internal Medicine at The Johns Hopkins/Mount Sinai Hospital Program has a Bachelor's Degree in Biology and Chemistry, and a Master's degree in Anatomy from Howard University. She later continued her studies at Howard University, School of Medicine, where she graduated at the top of her class. 

Got pain? Well, you're not alone. 

According to a study done in 2016 by the CDC, approximately 20% of the U.S. adult population suffers from high-impact chronic pain. Many of these chronic pain occurrences stem from previous injuries or surgeries that leave damaged nerves while the patient is recovering. Dr. Helen Powell-Stoddart, Founder of Pain 2 Wellness Healthcare, helps her patients transform their way to optimal health through regenerative medicine and integrative practices. 

In this week's episode of Top Minds, Dr. Scot Gray interviews Dr. Helen Powell-Stoddart, a Board-Certified Physician in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. They discuss the wonders of regenerative medicine while delving into the severity of chronic pain and the benefits of alternative medicine. Dr. Powell-Stoddart has worked with countless patients to provide solutions that once seemed impossible.

Dr. Gunwant Mallik is a neurosurgeon from Westerville, Ohio who is affiliated with various hospitals including Mount Carmel West Hospital and Mount Carmel St. Ann’s Hospital. He was the Director of Neuroscience and Neurological Trauma from 2001 to 2006 at Grant Medical Center in Ohio. Dr. Mallik is considered one of the neurosurgery leaders in the country, particularly because of the techniques that he uses.

Dr. Mallik graduated from the Indiana University School of Medicine with a specialization in neurosurgery in 1987.

Regenerative medicine offers patients a more holistic and effective way of treating their medical issues. And as more studies around its benefits are being conducted, medical specialists in different fields have become more confident about suggesting them to their patients as an alternative to more common, but not necessarily more effective, treatment options. One of them is Dr. Gunwant Mallik.

Dr. Mallik is a neurosurgeon from Ohio and has been incorporating regenerative medicine into his practice. He believes that patients need to know what all their options are so they can make an informed decision that will lead them to improved health.

 Join Dr. Scot Gray in this episode of Top Minds as he interviews Dr. Gunwant Mallik about how he has incorporated regenerative medicine in his practice as a neurosurgeon. Dr. Mallik also discusses the studies supporting the use of PRP as opposed to cortisone shots and the challenge posed by insurance companies for patients who might be considering the use of PRP as their preferred treatment option. Stay tuned.

Dr. Omar Pizano is an attending physician at CHIPSA Hospital, a member of the CHIPSA Tumor Board in Tijuana, Mexico, and a part of the stem cell program. CHIPSA Hospital is known for its incredible work using integrative and alternative medicine with late-stage cancer patients.

Dr. Pizano has helped countless patients with their battle against cancer and has even created an innovative medical device that aids the treatment of late-stage cancer patients. 

The health industry has rapidly started shifting its approach to alternative medicine in recent years. While many doctors have taken a more holistic approach to medicine, like stem cells, diet moderation, and light exercise such as yoga or walking, there are still many who doubt the benefits of alternative medicine. Dr. Omar Pizano hopes to change this skepticism with his work on stem cell research at CHIPSA Hospital. 

Stem cells could be the cure for autoimmune disease. In this week's episode of Top Minds, host Dr. Scot Gray sits down to talk with Dr. Omar Pizano, attending physician at CHIPSA Hospital. They discuss success stories with stem cell treatment, the hope for late-stage cancer, and changing the stigma about alternative medicine. Dr. Pizano also talks about what drew him to CHIPSA Hospital and his aspirations for treating other autoimmune diseases with the power of stem cells.