Voyage Clinics Podcast

In this episode, Dr. John sits down with Darrell Moon, a nationally recognized advocate for direct primary care (DPC), to explore the transformative potential of relationship-driven healthcare. Darrell shares his professional journey, from starting as a student helping run a small hospital in Utah to leading multiple hospitals and eventually focusing on healthcare reform. He emphasizes the importance of aligning healthcare delivery with the true customer—business leaders and patients—rather than the traditional system’s incentives, which often reward keeping hospitals full rather than improving patient outcomes. 

The conversation considers the innovative NUCA healthcare system in Alaska, which prioritizes trust, long-term relationships, and a holistic approach to patient care, focusing on individuals’ life goals rather than just treating disease. The NUCA healthcare system divides patients into manageable groups and embeds a dedicated care team within each group in its efforts to foster deep relationships and deliver better outcomes at lower cost. Dr. John parallels this model to his own direct primary care clinics, emphasizing trust-building, long-term relationships, and a patient-centered approach that improves both outcomes and satisfaction.

Finally, the podcast addresses the broader implications of DPC for employers and employees. By placing direct primary care at the center of self-funded insurance plans, companies can reduce costs, improve employee health, and foster loyalty. The conversation underscores how transparency, high-quality referrals, and data-driven decision-making can reshape healthcare delivery, offering accessible, affordable, and trustworthy care while enhancing overall workforce wellbeing.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Join Dr. Sanders with Zak Hazlett, a licensed marriage and family therapist and experienced river guide in their discussion of health and healing through nature. John and Zak begin the conversation discussing metaphorical “baggage” and the importance of unpacking it alongside others. The speakers stress that real growth and friendship come through vulnerability—sharing our struggles rather than hiding them behind a polished façade. The key message is that we can’t unpack someone else’s baggage for them, but we can unpack together, side by side.

The discussion then shifts into the role of self-awareness, accountability, and the small steps required for growth. Instead of waiting for a big breakthrough, showing up consistently for yourself—much like you would for a close friend—leads to progress. Parenting examples highlight the power of teaching children to own mistakes without shame, reinforcing the idea that accountability fosters resilience and healing. This ties into how relationships and safe environments provide the container we need to reprogram unhealthy patterns from the past.

Finally, the dialogue explores nature as both a reset and antidote to modern overstimulation. Phones and technology create addictive dopamine spikes, whereas spending time outdoors restores balance, helps reset circadian rhythms, and reduces stress. Practical “dopamine detox” tips are shared, such as grayscaling phones, moving apps, and setting intentional barriers. The speakers emphasize that meaningful social connection—hugs, time with friends, shared vulnerability—produces lasting neurochemical benefits like oxytocin. Taken together, the message is clear: unpack your baggage with others, be intentional about your environment, and lean into nature and authentic connection for lasting wellness.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

A Practical Guide to HRT for Women and Men

Dr. John is joined by nurse practitioner Marilyn to unpack the complexities of hormone use in both women and men, starting with the history of hormone therapy, the legacy of the Women’s Health Initiative, and the persistence of outdated black box warnings. They stress the importance of shared decision-making, noting that while risks like clotting, liver issues, and breast cancer must be considered, the potential benefits for mood, sleep, bone density, and quality of life can be significant when therapy is managed thoughtfully.

In the discussion of female hormone therapy, they review perimenopause, menopause, and post-menopause, explaining when estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone may be appropriate. Marilyn shares practical guidance on lab testing, timing in the menstrual cycle, and tailoring treatment to symptoms. They also highlight the problem of inappropriate hormone use in younger women and caution against hormone “mills” that prescribe pellets or high doses without proper monitoring. Compounded formulations, oral progesterone, and topical or vaginal applications are all discussed as flexible tools when individualized to the patient’s needs.

The conversation then shifts to male hormone therapy. Dr. John highlights the American Urological Association’s clear guidance on hypogonadism, stressing the need for accurate diagnosis and lifestyle interventions before prescribing testosterone. They discuss causes of low testosterone, including obesity, poor sleep, stress, and environmental exposures like plastics and pesticides. Alternatives such as Clomiphene and HCG can support fertility while boosting testosterone in younger men. Both hosts agree that while inappropriate use is common, properly monitored therapy can improve energy, mood, libido, and overall well-being. The episode closes with a reminder that HRT is not about making people 20 again—it’s about improving quality of life and aging with vitality.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the a​​dvice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

This podcast explores the complex and evolving world of compounding pharmacies, with a focus on how they provide customized solutions that go beyond what is commercially available. The conversation begins with the growing interest in peptides like BPC-157 and the lack of clear FDA guidance on their regulation. Practitioners and patients are left navigating uncertain territory where products may be inconsistently sourced or labeled as “not for human use,” raising important safety and trust concerns. The discussion highlights how regulatory oversight, while designed to protect the public, often creates barriers for innovation and patient access to potentially beneficial therapies.

From there, the conversation shifts into the practical and creative role compounding pharmacies play in patient care. Unlike traditional prescriptions, compounding allows for individualized formulations—whether that’s tailoring dermatology creams to reduce side effects, creating specialized GI or ENT preparations, or offering unique dosing options for children, pets, or patients with rare conditions. The art of compounding comes through in solving problems such as ensuring accurate dosing, removing air pockets from creams, or flavoring medications to improve compliance. Collaboration between pharmacists, clinicians, and patients is emphasized as the key to designing effective, “made-to-fit” therapies.

The episode also delves into bioidentical hormone replacement and GLP-1 therapies, both of which demonstrate the flexibility and value of compounding. Bioidentical hormones, though historically controversial, are shown to be chemically identical to natural hormones, offering tailored options that can improve quality of life for both men and women when used responsibly. Similarly, compounded GLP-1 medications provide more dosing flexibility, lower cost, and opportunities to address side effects with supportive add-ins like B12 or glycine. The conversation closes with a call to action for providers to learn more about compounding, embrace its potential, and collaborate with trusted pharmacists to expand patient options and improve outcomes.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the a​​dvice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.