Using a surprising year-end analytics insight from his recording platform, he explores why the word “athlete” became one of the most frequently used terms on the show, and what that reveals about how healthcare, high performance, parenting, and recovery intersect. He also shares a candid and self-aware resolution for 2026, including how small environmental changes can shape better habits both personally and professionally.

Looking ahead, Dr. Bonta outlines meaningful shifts for the podcast in 2026. Expect fewer episodes, greater depth, clearer thematic focus, and more intentional preparation to better honor guests and their work. He also highlights future areas of exploration, including neuroplastic and invisible illnesses, long COVID, chronic fatigue, high-performance mindsets, and the role of technology and AI in improving care.

The episode closes with a deeply personal reflection on caregiving. A simple moment at home caring for his daughter leads to a broader meditation on touch, nursing, administrative burden, burnout, and why “caring” remains the most essential and fragile element of modern healthcare.

This episode is both a thank-you to listeners and a statement of purpose for the year ahead.

Mark Bonta's Links : https://ditchthelabcoat.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-bonta-/

1. Healthcare as Performance: Why the Athlete Mindset Keeps Appearing — Recovery, sleep, nutrition, and training principles apply far beyond elite sports.

2. Filler Words Reveal Thinking: What “So” Says About Deep Conversation — Pauses often signal reflection, curiosity, and cognitive processing, not incompetence.

3. Behavior Change Starts at Home: Environment Shapes Outcomes — The easiest habits are the ones your surroundings make unavoidable.

4. Longevity Is Not Biohacking: It’s Consistency Over Intensity — Sustainable routines outperform extreme interventions every time.

5. Quality Over Quantity: Fewer Episodes, Deeper Impact — Better preparation and focus create more meaningful learning for listeners.

6. Invisible Illnesses Are Real: When Scans Don’t Explain Suffering — Neuroplastic symptoms demand credibility, nuance, and evidence-based care.

7. Administrative Burden Erodes Care: Documentation Steals Time From Healing — Systems often pull clinicians away from the bedside.

8. Burnout’s Red Flag: When Caring Disappears — Loss of empathy is a warning sign that support and reflection are urgently needed.

05:08 – Why “Athlete” Became One of the Most Used Words on the Show
07:27 – The Most Commonly Used Word on Ditch the Labcoat (And Why It Matters)
09:44 – Setting Yourself Up for Success: Habits, Environment, and Behavior Change
11:39 – Longevity Lessons from Athletes and Everyday Life
14:02 – Quality Over Quantity: How the Podcast Evolves in 2026
17:25 – Neuroplastic and Invisible Illnesses: What Medicine Still Misses
19:25 – Caregiving, Touch, and the Administrative Burden of Modern Medicine
24:15 – Burnout, Red Flags, and the Importance of Never Stopping Caring

Drawing on his frontline pediatric experience, Dr. Patel breaks down practical red flags for parents to watch for, like increased work of breathing or changes in mental status, and explains why ER waits feel so brutal yet often reflect deeper system issues like staffing and bed shortages. He shares behind the scenes stories from “The Pitt” and his work on the official HBO companion podcast, highlighting how accurately the show captures social determinants of health and the emotional reality of modern emergency care.

From there, the conversation moves into vaccines, flu season, and the very human fact that even doctors sometimes struggle to follow all their own advice. Mark and Alok talk candidly about phones, social media, Roblox, and why today’s kids are essentially part of a live experiment in screen exposure. They close with a focus on what actually protects kids long term: safe, nonjudgmental adults, honest conversations about mental health, limits around screens, and a home environment that values connection over perfection.

Dr. Alok Patel's https://www.alokpatelmd.com/

1. Parent First, Patient Second: Kids borrow their reaction from you, so the first step in any injury or illness is to calm your own emotions before you decide what to do.

2. ER vs Clinic: Not every vomit, bump, or fever is life threatening, and learning when to use urgent care or outpatient clinics can spare families long, stressful ER waits.

3. Triage Reality Check: Emergency departments prioritize the sickest patients first, which means long waits for minor issues are frustrating but often a sign the system is doing its job.

4. Medicine Behind the Camera: The Pit shows how accurate medical details can sit in the background while stories focus on the real emotional chaos of patients, families, and staff.

5. Social Determinants in Real Time: Two kids with the same diagnosis can have completely different outcomes depending on housing, income, family support, and access to care.

6. Doctors Are Human Too: Even physicians miss flu shots, struggle with habits, or feel guilty, which can actually make their public health messages more relatable, not less credible.

7. Screens and Social Media: The real risk is not one device but a constant digital environment that shapes brain development, sleep, self esteem, and social skills in ways we are only starting to understand.

8. Safe Adults Save Lives: The most powerful protection for teens is a nonjudgmental adult who listens, normalizes hard conversations, and gives kids a place to bring their worst thoughts without fear.

02:06 – Hockey Rink Medicine: How Doctors Triage Their Own Kids
04:07 – Parents First: Calming Yourself Before You React to Injury
06:50 – ER, Urgent Care, or Clinic: How to Decide Where Your Child Belongs
09:37 – Waiting Room Reality: Triage, Delays, and Why Sickest Kids Go First
12:34 – Inside “The Pit”: TV Emergency Medicine, Accuracy, and Chaos
24:50 – Flu Shots, Doctor Guilt, and Why Practice Often Lags Advice
31:06 – Kids, Phones, and Social Media: The Live Experiment on Their Brains
37:08 – Teen Mental Health Red Flags: Subtle Signs and Safe Adult Spaces

Leah introduces practical indicators that boundaries are slipping, including resentment and repetitive conversations where nothing changes. She breaks down what serial fixing looks like in real time, how quickly we jump into problem solving to relieve our own discomfort, and why validation is the missing skill that keeps ownership where it belongs.

She also explains her framework of support not solve, a mindset that helps clinicians, caregivers, and families shift away from codependency and toward healthier relational dynamics. Through relatable examples, Leah teaches how to use I statements, strengthen self trust, and approach hard conversations with clarity rather than guilt.

This episode gives listeners concrete tools to stop taking responsibility for what is not theirs, communicate boundaries with confidence, and build more sustainable, compassionate relationships in their personal lives and in healthcare.

Leah C Marone, LCSW Website : https://www.serial-fixer.com/

TedTalk : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qVBjI4tNv3s

1. Self Care Is Not a Spa Day- Real self care is a series of small resets throughout the day that regulate your nervous system.
2. Fixing Others Creates More Chaos- Trying to solve someone’s problems for them often fuels dependency and resentment.
3. Resentment Signals a Boundary Problem- When irritation grows, it usually means you have taken on work that is not yours.
4. Validation Beats Problem Solving- People calm down when they feel understood, not when they receive rapid fire solutions.
5. I Statements Keep Conversations Safe- Replacing “you always” with “I feel” prevents defensiveness and keeps dialogue open.
6. Urgency Is Often Self Imposed- Feeling responsible for everyone’s comfort pushes you into overfunctioning and emotional burnout.
7. Self Trust Requires Reps- Boundaries get easier through practice, not perfection, and discomfort is part of the growth curve.
8. Micro Transitions Change Your Day- Short pauses between tasks help reset your focus and reduce the compounding stress that builds across a busy day.

03:58 – Meeting the Inner Critic: Why We Judge Ourselves So Harshly
05:16 – Realizing People Are Not Thinking About You as Much as You Think
24:18 – Why Fixing Others Fails and How to Shift the Pattern
25:50 – Boundaries Require Reps: Getting Comfortable With Discomfort
28:28 – The Danger of “You” Statements and How They Trigger Defensiveness
32:19 – The Hidden Crisis in Medicine: Shell Culture and Silent Burnout
33:23 – What Self Care Really Means: Internal Conflict and Rigid Beliefs
35:40 – Micro Transitions: How Small Daily Moments Can Reset Your Nervous System

In this episode he explains how the brain generates real physical symptoms under stress, trauma, and emotional overload. He walks through clinical red flags that differentiate structural disease from functional conditions. He shares stories of patients who suffered for years before receiving the right diagnosis. Dr. Bonta and Dr. Clarke explore why invisible illnesses are often missed in rushed systems. They dig into tools clinicians can use to validate symptoms without over pathologizing them. They highlight communication strategies that restore trust. They also discuss prevention, early detection, and the growing evidence supporting mind-body approaches.

The conversation is practical. Evidence based. Deeply human. Dr. Clarke shows how clinicians can uncover hidden drivers of symptoms and give patients a path to recovery even when imaging and lab work are normal. This episode is designed for anyone who wants to understand the science and psychology behind medically unexplained symptoms and how to improve care for this underserved population.

David Clarke, MD's Website : https://www.symptomatic.me/

1. Neuroplastic Symptoms: Real physical sensations created by the brain that can improve with the right approach.
2. Invisible Illnesses: Often missed because standard training focuses on structural disease, not functional mechanisms.
3. Brain Body Pathways: Stress and trauma can activate neural circuits that generate chronic pain and gut symptoms.
4. Diagnostic Clarity: Red flags help distinguish functional illness from conditions that need imaging or procedures.
5. Validation Matters: Patients recover faster when clinicians acknowledge symptoms without dismissing them.
6. Communication Skills: Asking the right questions uncovers hidden emotional drivers behind persistent symptoms.
7. Prevention Tools: Early recognition of neuroplastic patterns reduces unnecessary testing and specialist referrals.
8. Hope in Recovery: Most patients improve once they learn how the nervous system produces their symptoms.

02:46 – Why invisible illnesses elude standard medical training
06:13 – How the nervous system produces real physical symptoms
10:34 – Red flags that separate structural disease from functional illness
14:51 – Communication strategies that validate patient symptoms
19:30 – Trauma, stress and the hidden drivers of chronic symptoms
24:42 – Clinical cases that shifted Dr. Clarke’s diagnostic approach
30:04 – Tools clinicians can use to reduce unnecessary testing
35:57 – Preventing invisible illness through early recognition and education

Drawing from years as Professor at the University of Calgary and Director of the Libin Cardiovascular Institute, he unpacks why perfectionism is so common in medical training, how surgeons learn to mask pain behind composure, and why emotional detachment has long been mistaken for professionalism. Together they explore the unseen burden clinicians carry, the pressure to perform without pause, and the moments when the mask finally cracks.

Dr. Fedak speaks candidly about ego death, vulnerability, and rebuilding a life after losing the work that once defined him. He describes the colleagues who opened up only after he shared his own story, highlighting how connection and honesty can transform a profession built on quiet endurance.

This episode examines the human side of medicine that rarely makes it into textbooks. Identity. Injury. Recovery. Presence. What it means to care for others while trying to stay whole yourself.

A moving conversation for anyone in healthcare or anyone who has ever struggled with the weight of impossible expectations.

Paul Fedak, MD, PhD's website : paulfedak.com

1. Surgeons are trained to push through pain, not acknowledge it.
Medical culture rewards resilience and persistence, but that same conditioning prevents clinicians from recognizing and responding to their own injuries.

2. Perfectionism is wired into medical training.
Traits like list making, obsessive task completion, and performance under observation are common in medicine and often go unexamined despite their psychological cost.

3. The mask of competence becomes automatic.
Clinicians become so skilled at hiding distress that even close colleagues fail to notice warning signs. This silence leaves suffering invisible.

4. Vulnerability creates connection and protects lives.
When Dr. Fedak shared his story, dozens of peers came forward with their own hidden experiences. Openness is not weakness. It is safety.

5. Ergonomic injuries in surgery are far more common than most people realize.
The physical demands of operating are intense, yet surgeons lack the protections that other healthcare workers receive.

6. Leadership shows the true burden physicians carry.
Once in leadership roles, clinicians see the depth of burnout, fear, and quiet endurance happening behind the scenes.

7. Losing the identity of “surgeon” creates an existential crisis.
Stepping out of the operating room forced a complete reevaluation of purpose, ego, and self worth.

8. Technical excellence is not the full measure of a doctor.
Relational skill, empathy, presence, and human connection matter just as much as procedural skill.

9. Medicine needs protected space for reflection.
Without pause and presence, clinicians lose touch with themselves and the people they care for. Healing requires time, community, and grounding.

10. System structures shape clinician wellbeing.
The fee for service model rewards quantity over recovery, creating pressures that make self care feel impossible.

11. Paying clinicians to care for themselves could change outcomes.
If mental health visits, ergonomic care, and recovery time were compensated, more clinicians would seek help early.

07:10 How one surgeon’s work related injury forced a career pivot and a deeper conversation about wellbeing.

08:25 The secret stories colleagues shared only after Paul opened up about his own suffering.

10:30 Independent contractor status and why doctors lack the ergonomic protections nurses receive.

13:00 The unseen emotional toll behind surgical careers and what leadership reveals about clinician suffering.

16:00 Training teaches perseverance, but injury demands honesty. The conflict surgeons are never taught to navigate.

17:28 Medical trainees and perfectionism. Why obsessive traits are six times more common in medicine.

19:10 When the mask becomes permanent. How clinicians hide distress even from each other.

20:00 Two tragic losses and the lessons Paul learned about checking in with colleagues.

22:00 Vulnerability as leadership. Why sharing your story opens the door for others to heal.

28:57 Did speaking out come with professional risks. What changed when Paul stopped protecting his own ego.

31:55 Losing the identity of “surgeon.” The ego death that followed leaving the operating room.

33:40 Beyond technical mastery. Why excellence must include human connection, empathy, and presence.

34:46 How medicine can “create space” for reflection, grounding, and real conversations.

37:50 The hidden financial pressures behind surgical work and how billing shapes clinician behavior.

The episode explores how naming emotions reduces amygdala activity, how repressing thoughts can lead to acting out, and why honest conversation promotes neural coupling and lowers cortisol. Together they examine bullying, victimhood, groupthink, and how language can unintentionally shut down dialogue instead of inviting clarity and connection.

Listeners will learn practical tools for navigating political disagreements, managing emotional overload during difficult conversations, and practicing reflective listening to stay grounded and curious rather than reactive.

Dr. Carmichael’s message is simple and powerful. Dialogue matters. Open conversation strengthens emotional regulation, builds healthier relationships, and supports mental clarity. Her invitation to the audience is to have more honest disagreements and to rediscover the psychological value of speaking freely.

Dr. Chloe Carmichael Link : https://www.drchloe.com/

1. Free Speech Supports Mental Health: Speaking openly improves emotional regulation, strengthens relationships, and reduces anxiety.
2. Suppressing Thoughts Has Consequences:Bottling emotions disrupts emotional processing and can lead to acting out, stress, and internal tension.
3. Labeling Emotions Lowers Fear Response: Simply naming what we feel reduces amygdala activation and increases clarity and control.
4. Self Censorship Takes a Psychological Toll: Avoiding truthful expression to fit social expectations erodes authenticity and increases distress.
5. Groupthink Is Dangerous: Institutions that suppress debate become vulnerable to poor decisions and intellectual stagnation.
6. Open Disagreement Is Healthy: Learning to disagree politely strengthens community bonds rather than damaging them.
7. Authoritarian Environments Harm Wellbeing: Chronic suppression of speech leads to anxiety, helplessness, and depressive patterns across populations.
8. Language Can Shut Down Dialogue: Words like bullying or victim can be used as shields, stopping rational discussion and reflection.
9. Listening Does Not Mean Agreeing: Separating listening from endorsement allows conversations to stay civil and productive.

01:23 – Dr. Carmichael’s clinical background and early media experience
03:40 – Moving from New York to Florida over masking policies
04:38 – Mark on masking, speech development, and emotional suppression
06:32 – Why naming emotions lowers amygdala activity
07:00 – Emotional suppression and how bottling feelings leads to acting out
10:00 – Media censorship and limiting acceptable viewpoints
13:00 – Listening versus agreeing and the psychology of disagreement
17:00 – Thought replacement as a tool for staying grounded
20:00 – Why political conversations feel dangerous and how to navigate them
24:00 – Groupthink in institutions and intellectual environments
26:32 – How suppressing discussion harms innovation and clarity
27:10 – Authoritarian environments and mental health consequences
28:16 – Living with hidden thoughts and long term anxiety
30:24 – The power of labels like bullying to shut down dialogue
32:00 – Victimhood culture and the upside down bully victim dynamic
35:45 – Why shutting down dialogue creates conflict rather than reducing it
40:16 – Dr. Carmichael’s call for more open, happy disagreements
42:21 – Closing reflections and holiday dinner table dynamics
42:52 – Invitation to join discussion groups with her book purchase

Mark and Matteo explore the difficult reality of dual diagnosis, the limits of our current system, and the lived experience behind manic episodes, depression, and the pull of addiction. Matteo explains how suffering, time, and honest acceptance led him to recovery, and why connection is often stronger than willpower alone.

They discuss the gaps in psychiatry, the trial and error of medications, the danger of self-medication, the unpredictable nature of relapse, and the emotional toll on families who walk beside a loved one in crisis. Matteo also opens up about rebuilding his life, repairing relationships, and using his lived experience to support others who are still trying to find their footing.

This is an honest and deeply human look at mental illness, addiction, and what it truly takes to heal.

1. Invisible illnesses are often dismissed because they do not show up on scans, yet they can be as disabling as any physical condition.
2. Dual diagnosis is complex. Treating bipolar disorder and addiction separately does not work. Both must be addressed together.
3. Self medication hides deeper problems. Many people use alcohol or cannabis to manage anxiety, insomnia, or early psychiatric symptoms.
4. Mania has clear warning signs. Loss of sleep, high energy, pressured speech, and risky decisions are red flags that should never be ignored.
5. Addiction is a brain illness. It is not a moral failure, not a weakness, and not a lack of willpower.
6. Suffering often precedes change. For many people, the turning point comes only after repeated lows and accumulated exhaustion.
7. Connection is protective. Recovery becomes possible when someone is surrounded by people who understand the journey.
8. Professional guidance matters. Matteo credits his progress to finally following recommendations from clinicians instead of relying on his own judgment.
9. Peer support accelerates healing. Helping others in recovery strengthens sobriety and reduces the risk of relapse.
10. Families carry their own burden. Loving someone with addiction or mental illness is heavy, complex, and often painful.
11. Recovery is a daily commitment. Even years later, it is maintained one decision and one day at a time.
12. Hope is a vital tool. Matteo reminds anyone struggling that change is possible, suffering is not permanent, and no one is alone in the process.

 01:27 – Matteo describes entering the mental health system and navigating inconsistent levels of care.
02:21 – Mark breaks down substance use disorders and explains the limits of current treatments.
03:38 – Matteo discusses early experiences with psychiatrists and the difficulty of treating substance use and bipolar disorder together.
04:39 – Matteo explains when his mania first escalated and how substances intensified the symptoms.
05:49 – Matteo talks about the relationship between depression, self-medication, and worsening addiction.
06:11 – Mark explains why people self-medicate with alcohol or cannabis when their mind starts to unravel.
07:11 – Matteo shares how he gained partial stability with bipolar disorder before realizing his addiction was growing.
08:20 – Matteo describes the moment he recognized he had lost control over weed and alcohol.
09:57 – Mark explains the difference between mood disorders and personality disorders and why bipolar is often misunderstood.
10:23 – Matteo identifies the behavioral warning signs of mania, including loss of sleep, pressured speech, and risky decisions.
12:24 – Mark explains mood-stabilizing therapy and how medications level out extreme highs and lows.
12:47 – Matteo reflects on the importance of connection as the opposite of addiction.
14:30 – Matteo explains why suffering and time were the two forces that finally pushed him toward recovery.
15:54 – Mark outlines why addiction treatment has low success rates and why relapse is common.
17:24 – Matteo discusses peer support and how helping others helps him stay sober.
20:47 – Matteo describes how following professional guidance instead of his own instincts became a turning point.
23:13 – Matteo reflects on repairing relationships with family and how addiction strains loved ones.
25:08 – Matteo discusses how families struggle with the line between love and enabling.
27:29 – Matteo shares words of encouragement for people who feel hopeless in addiction or mental illness.
30:45 – Mark and Matteo discuss therapy, lived experience, and the need for ongoing self-awareness in recovery. 

They unpack the science behind this breakthrough, showing how subtle shifts in tone, rhythm, and cadence can reveal early signs of depression, anxiety, Parkinson’s, or cognitive decline long before symptoms appear.

Dr. Hsu shares the origin story of Canary Speech, the research that powers its models, and how voice-based screening is already being used in healthcare, from telehealth visits to smart devices.

It is a look into a future where a 40-second voice sample could help doctors detect disease, personalize treatment, and bring empathy back into digital medicine.

00:00:00 — Welcome and opening reflections
00:00:07 — A candid start: location, context, and conversation
00:01:32 — Meet Dr. Kang Hsu, Chief Medical Officer of Canary Speech
00:02:44 — How voice became medicine: the story behind Canary Speech
00:03:29 — Why this conversation matters to clinicians and patients alike
00:04:05 — Making science accessible: breaking down complex ideas
00:05:59 — Behind the mic: how each episode comes together
00:06:59 — Keeping it real: refining, revising, and staying authentic
00:08:00 — Can your voice reveal your health? The rise of vocal biomarkers
00:12:00 — From telehealth to wearables: real-world applications
00:18:00 — The uphill climb: innovation vs. healthcare resistance
00:24:00 — The road ahead: what the future of voice in medicine could look like
00:30:00 — Closing thoughts and a glimpse into what’s next

1. Voice as a Vital Sign
Your voice holds more data than you realize. Subtle changes in tone and rhythm can reveal early signs of depression, anxiety, or even cognitive decline.

2. Objectivity Through AI
Canary Speech uses vocal biomarkers to turn speech into measurable data, giving clinicians objective insight where surveys and self-reporting fall short.

3. New Frontiers in Telehealth
Voice analysis can run quietly in the background of virtual visits and smart devices, creating a noninvasive way to monitor mental and physical health between appointments.

4. The Challenge of Change
Healthcare moves slowly. Adoption depends on awareness, trust, and showing how accessible technology like this can ease strain on overburdened systems.

5. A Future Built on Listening
In time, voice may join heart rate and blood pressure as a standard vital sign. It can help detect disease earlier and make care more personal, not less.

Dr. Justin shares how a personal injury and a deep curiosity about human physiology led him to develop an unexpected form of wearable technology—an erection ring that can not only enhance sexual performance but also collect valuable health data. Beneath the humor and candor lies something revolutionary: nocturnal erections, it turns out, may be one of the most powerful predictors of cardiovascular health we’ve been overlooking.

In this episode, Dr. Bonta and Dr. Justin unpack what it means when men stop getting morning erections, how this can serve as an early warning sign for heart disease, and why the term “erectile dysfunction” might need to be retired altogether. They explore the complex interplay between vascular, neurological, and psychological factors that drive sexual performance; and how rebranding “dysfunction” into erectile fitness reframes the conversation around men’s health, confidence, and relationships.

From bedside humor to hard science, Dr. Justin reveals how FirmTech’s technology has already identified hidden cardiac disease in users, improved relationships, and empowered men to take charge of their health in a completely new way. The discussion ranges from cardiovascular physiology to the social stigma surrounding male sexual health—and how technology might just be the bridge that makes it easier to talk about.

If you’ve ever wondered what your body might be trying to tell you, why sex can be one of medicine’s most underused diagnostic tools, or how innovation can transform intimacy and health alike, this episode is for you.

Let’s ditch the lab coat and get real about the science—and future—of erections.

Dr. Elliot Justin, MD, FACeP, CEO of FirmTech
https://myfirmtech.com

01:00 Introduction to Health Metrics
02:56 The Journey to Sexual Health Technology
05:48 Understanding Nocturnal Erections
09:13 The Role of Vascular Health
11:57 Redefining Erectile Dysfunction
14:54 The Impact of Technology on Sexual Health
17:53 The Importance of Venous Return
21:06 Patient Experiences and Relationship Dynamics
24:02 The Power of Data in Sexual Health
26:56 Safety and Usage of the Technology
29:57 Future of Sexual Health Screening
32:54 Concluding Thoughts on Sexual Health

1. Nocturnal erections can serve as a leading indicator of cardiovascular health, offering a non-invasive way to monitor heart health.
2. The technology developed by Elliot provides a dual-purpose solution: tracking nocturnal erections and serving as an erection ring to maintain sexual performance.
3. Elliot's personal journey from emergency medicine to developing this technology highlights the importance of addressing sexual health as a vital component of overall well-being.
4. The conversation challenges the stigma around erectile dysfunction, advocating for a shift towards discussing "erectile fitness" to promote a positive and proactive approach to sexual health.
5. The data collected from the wearable technology can help differentiate between psychogenic and physiological causes of erectile issues, providing valuable insights for personalized treatment.
6. Elliot emphasizes the need for a personalized approach to health, where individuals can use data to understand their unique health needs and make informed decisions.
7. The episode underscores the potential of wearable technology to disrupt traditional medical practices by providing actionable insights and empowering individuals to take control of their health.
8. Dr. Mark Bonta and Elliot discuss the broader implications of their work, suggesting that it could lead to new standards of care for men over 45 or those with specific health conditions.
9. The conversation highlights the importance of open dialogue about sexual health, encouraging listeners to consider the benefits of integrating sexual health monitoring into their wellness routines.
10. Elliot's innovative approach to sexual health technology is positioned as a tool for enhancing relationships and improving quality of life, beyond just addressing medical concerns.

In a world obsessed with biohacking, supplements, and quick fixes, Dr. Ongaro brings the conversation back to fundamentals; how to age strong, not just long. Drawing from his years working with astronauts exposed to the accelerated aging effects of space travel, he reveals how lessons from outer space can transform how we live here on Earth.

Together, Dr. Bonta and Dr. Ongaro unpack what it really means to live well into our later decades; why preserving muscle is the key to longevity, how sleep acts as free medicine, and why fitness, nutrition, and environment are the true “anti-aging” tools. They challenge the hype around lifespan extension and focus instead on the daily, unsexy habits: movement, connection, consistency - that have the biggest impact on well-being.

Dr. Ongaro also shares how his work has evolved to emphasize coaching, where he works to help people bridge the gap between knowing what to do and actually doing it. From setting up your home to promote healthy choices, to rethinking gratification, he offers practical, science-informed ways to turn small behavioral changes into lifelong transformation.

If you’ve ever wondered whether living to 100 is the goal; or if living well to 80 might be the better and more realistic one, this episode will reshape your understanding of aging, motivation, and what it truly means to thrive over time.

Let’s ditch the lab coat and get real about living longer AND stronger.

Check out Dr. Filippo Ongaro, MD Youtube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@DrFilippoOngaro

02:00 Exploring Biohacking and Longevity
03:08 The Importance of Healthspan vs. Lifespan
06:11 Principles of a Good Healthspan
09:06 Habit Change and Behavioral Science
11:49 Creating a Supportive Environment for Health
15:08 Lessons from Astronauts and Aging
20:00 Motivating Change in Health Behaviors
30:05 The Future of Longevity and Healthspan

1. Biohacking is about more than just extending lifespan; it's about enhancing healthspan and quality of life.
2. Fitness plays a crucial role in maintaining a high quality of life and can significantly impact healthspan.
3. Habit change is essential for long-term health benefits, and coaching can be a powerful tool in facilitating this change.
4. The lessons learned from astronauts about muscle preservation and stress management can be applied to everyday life.
5. Simple lifestyle changes, like improving sleep quality and home ergonomics, can have a profound impact on health.
6. The focus should be on applying existing knowledge about healthspan rather than seeking new, unproven methods.
7. Behavioral change is key to improving health outcomes and should be integrated into medical practices.
8. The concept of healthspan should become a common part of medical conversations to drive meaningful change.
9. Practical interventions, like having a home gym, can be accessible and effective for many people.
10. The future of longevity lies in making healthspan a universal focus, not just for biohackers or early adopters.

Together, they unpack the modern obsession with “gut health,” the hype around the microbiome, and why everyone from wellness influencers to scientists seems to think the key to longevity lies somewhere between our mouth and anus. But this conversation goes far deeper than digestion—it explores how what we eat, how we live, and even how we think shapes our gut and, in turn, our overall health.

Dr. Parikh blends science with relatable insights from his life as both a physician and a dad, sharing how early childhood experiences, diet, sleep, stress, and even how we talk about “tummy troubles” influence lifelong health. The discussion spans from the everyday nuisances of bloating and irritable bowel syndrome to the more serious red flags of inflammatory bowel disease—and the grey area in between that frustrates so many patients (and doctors).

You’ll hear about why our guts become more sensitive with age, why sugary drinks can wreak havoc on our internal ecosystem, and how something as simple as portion control—or a good night’s sleep—can dramatically improve digestive wellness. Along the way, Dr. Bonta and Dr. Parikh also challenge the commercialization of gut health, questioning whether expensive probiotic supplements or social media trends actually stand up to science.

If you’ve ever wondered what your microbiome is really doing, whether yogurt is worth the hype, or why your stomach isn’t as resilient as it used to be, this episode will give you the clarity you’ve been craving.

Time to get real about gut health and digest the science while crapping out the myth.

Listen to The Gut Doctor Podcast by Dr. Neil Parikh, MD
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-gut-doctor/id1605040922    

03:35 The Role of Gut Microbiome in Health
09:16 The Importance of Gut Flora and Its Functions
17:45 Dietary Choices and Their Impact on Gut Health
21:08 Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Spectrum of Symptoms
30:23 Distinguishing Between IBS and Inflammatory Bowel Disease
34:44 Current Understanding of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
37:09 Practical Dietary Advice for Gut Health

1. Gut health is a broad term that encompasses various aspects of digestive well-being, often misunderstood even by medical professionals.
2. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in digestion and overall health, but our understanding of it is still evolving.
3. Lifestyle factors such as diet, sleep, and mental health significantly impact gut health and can influence conditions like irritable bowel syndrome.
4. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to gut health; individual experiences and symptoms can vary widely.
5. Probiotics and fermented foods like yogurt can support gut health, but their effectiveness may vary depending on individual conditions.
6. Understanding the difference between normal digestive discomfort and symptoms that require medical attention is key to managing gut health effectively.
7. The conversation around gut health is becoming more open, allowing for better management and understanding of digestive issues.
8. Cultural and dietary habits, such as those observed in European "blue zones," may offer insights into maintaining a healthy gut.
9. The relationship between gut health and other conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, is an area of ongoing research and interest.
10. Personalized approaches to diet and lifestyle can help manage and improve gut health over time
4. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to gut health; individual experiences and symptoms can vary widely.
5. Probiotics and fermented foods like yogurt can support gut health, but their effectiveness may vary depending on individual conditions.
6. Understanding the difference between normal digestive discomfort and symptoms that require medical attention is key to managing gut health effectively.
7. The conversation around gut health is becoming more open, allowing for better management and understanding of digestive issues.
8. Cultural and dietary habits, such as those observed in European "blue zones," may offer insights into maintaining a healthy gut.
9. The relationship between gut health and other conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, is an area of ongoing research and interest.
10. Personalized approaches to diet and lifestyle can help manage and improve gut health over time.

In this insightful episode, Dr. Mark Bonta, Dr. Sebastian Mafeld, and Dr. Cassidy Preston delve into the intersection of mindset and medicine. They explore how principles from sports psychology can enhance medical practice, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, presence, and continuous learning. Through personal anecdotes and professional experiences, they discuss the transformative power of coaching and the potential for integrating these strategies into medical education. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that challenges traditional paradigms and inspires a new approach to healthcare.

Our Guests :
Dr. Sebastian Mafeld, Vascular & Interventional Radiologist.
Cassidy Preston, PhD in Sport & Performance Psychology.
https://cepmindset.com/

 In this conversation, Cassidy Preston and Dr. Mark Bonta explore the concept of alter egos in performance psychology, emphasizing the playful and imaginative aspects of creating an alter ego to enhance confidence and performance. They discuss various unique alter egos adopted by athletes, the importance of confidence in high-pressure situations, and the necessity of reflection in personal and professional growth. Cassidy outlines a three-phase approach to performance mindset, focusing on preparation, execution, and reflection, while also introducing a powerful analogy of jumping off a cliff to illustrate the importance of letting go and trusting one's training.

Key Takeaways 

• Division one athletes receive more coaching on stress than doctors.
• Mindset is crucial for consistent performance in high-pressure situations.
• Practical and personalized mental training is essential for athletes.
• Challenging norms in sports and medicine can lead to better outcomes.
• Mental skills training has evolved significantly in the last few decades.
• Buy-in for mental development is increasing among athletes.
• Subjective measures of confidence and enjoyment are key indicators of success.
• The journey and personal growth are as important as the results.
• The alter ego effect can help athletes tap into their best selves.
• The narrative we tell ourselves shapes our performance and mindset. The playful imagination in performance can enhance creativity.
• Alter egos allow individuals to tap into their unique traits.
• Confidence is a common challenge faced by many performers.
• Preparation is key to reducing anxiety during performance.
• Letting go of control can lead to better performance outcomes.
• Reflection helps in recognizing progress and areas for improvement.
• Owning your wins builds momentum and confidence.
• An inside-out approach fosters a healthier mindset.
• Different situations require different traits and mindsets.
• Developing a mindset-based approach is essential for high performance.

Chapters:

03:11 From Athlete to Coach: A Personal Journey
06:04 The Evolution of Mental Skills Training in Sports
08:55 Measuring Success: The Mindset First Approach
11:51 The Alter Ego Effect: Transforming Performance
14:58 The Journey Over the Result: Finding Meaning in Performance
19:11 The Playful Imagination in Performance Psychology
22:16 Exploring Unique Alter Egos in Athletes
24:31 Confidence and Behavioral Change Through Alter Egos
26:00 An Inside-Out Approach to Performance
30:00 The Three Phases of Performance Mindset
32:55 The Cliff Jump Analogy for Letting Go
35:07 The Importance of Reflection in Performance
39:14 Developing a Mindset-Based Approach to Performance

This week's episode will be with Dr. Bijaj Patel a nephrologist who has done amazing work developing transitional dialysis centers.

Drawing on his unique experience in both military special operations and high performance coaching, Brian unpacks the surprising similarities between the worlds of medicine and the military: relentless stress, long hours, a drive to serve, and the ever-present risk of burnout. Together, Dr. Bonta and Brian dive into actionable, science-backed strategies for stress management, sleep recovery, and resilience—techniques inspired by elite athletes, fighter pilots, and creative professionals, but tailored to the real challenges healthcare workers face every day.

This isn’t just a conversation about burnout or self-care. It’s about honoring the trust society places in clinicians—and learning how to show up at our best for our patients, our teams, and our own families. Whether you’re a seasoned doctor, a new resident, or just someone chasing your own version of peak performance, today’s episode is packed with practical wisdom to help you thrive in high-pressure environments.

Plug in for a thought-provoking, entertaining, and genuinely useful discussion that just might change the way you approach your work—and your life.

1. Sleep Is Foundational Performance — Prioritizing sleep is essential for peak performance, decision-making, and longevity—especially in high-stress healthcare environments.
2. Shift Culture, Not Just Schedules — The outdated badge-of-honor mentality around sleep deprivation in healthcare must be replaced with a performance-focused narrative.
3. Embrace Science-backed Recovery — Active recovery—intentional downtime and enjoyable activities—significantly restores energy, resilience, and emotional health for clinicians.
4. Measure What Matters Regularly — Consistent tracking of sleep, stress, and recovery using wearables helps target and improve health and performance outcomes.
5. Performance Tools Are Transferrable — Techniques from elite athletics and military training can greatly benefit healthcare professionals facing similar high-pressure demands.
6. Early Adoption Builds Resilience — Learning and practicing high-performance skills early in medical training equips clinicians to handle future stress more effectively.
7. Community Strengthens Well-being — Strong teams and shared purpose provide essential support, prevent isolation, and buffer against the stresses of clinical practice.
8. Reframe Burnout for Growth — Focusing on human flourishing, not just preventing burnout, fosters a culture of aspiration and ongoing improvement in healthcare.
9. Healthcare Deserves Elite Support — Division 1 athletes have more performance resources than most clinicians; bridging this gap is vital to sustainable healthcare excellence.

03:58 – The Alchemist: Lessons for Medical Training
09:20 – Military Fiction's Team-Based Allure
12:23 – Healthcare and Military Similarities
15:24 – Trust and Nuance in Medicine
17:06 – Sleep: The Key to Performance
20:18 – Recovery Beyond Medicine
25:07 – Evolving Healthcare Performance Strategies
29:01 – Science-Based Human Performance Tools
30:36 – Real-Time Solutions to Burnout
33:13 – Clinician-Led Decisions vs. Wellness Trends
38:08 – Decline of Team Spirit in Healthcare
39:14 – Unlocking Personal Performance Tools
44:06 – Redefining Healthcare Performance Norms
47:30 – Fostering Sustainable Peak Performance

This week, we tackle a problem plaguing healthcare systems across Canada (and beyond): the painfully long wait times to see a dermatologist, especially when it comes to skin cancer. Our guest is Mike Druhan, President of Dermatology Services at MedX Health. Mike is on a mission to save lives by closing the gap between a suspicious mole and a potentially life-saving diagnosis.

Together, Dr. Bonta and Mike explore the bottlenecks of Canadian healthcare, the trust required for new technologies to be accepted, and the real-world journey of bringing evidence-based digital solutions—like secure skin imaging and teledermatology—to market. You'll hear the candid realities behind innovation in medicine, the hurdles of building clinician confidence, and why access—not just technology—can be the biggest lifesaver of all.

Plus, Mike shares eye-opening stories from the field, including how a routine golf outing and a sharp eye led to an early melanoma diagnosis that made all the difference for a patient. If you’ve ever wondered why game-changing ideas in medicine can take so long to become reality—or how technology can help us fight diseases hiding in plain sight—this conversation is for you.

Plug in, enjoy, and get ready for a deep dive into the art and science of making innovation practical, trustworthy, and patient-centered.

1. Trust Drives Healthcare Adoption — Healthcare innovation only moves as fast as stakeholders trust new systems and tech, making trust central to successful adoption.
2. Early Detection Saves Lives — Catching skin cancer at the earliest stage dramatically improves outcomes and reduces treatment costs and patient suffering.
3. Access Is a Critical Barrier — Long wait times to see specialists like dermatologists can be deadly; smart solutions must address these systemic access issues.
4. Tech Complements, Not Replaces — Innovative tools are designed to support, not substitute, specialists—helping prioritize urgent cases and manage the patient queue.
5. Design for Clinical Reality — Successful tools require clinician input, regulatory compliance, and clear workflow integration to earn real-world adoption.
6. Iterate with Frontline Feedback — Regular collaboration with diverse healthcare professionals refines questions, workflows, and builds essential clinical buy-in.
7. Evidence First, Hype Later — Robust evidence and pilot programs—rather than flashy promises—pave the path for credible healthcare innovation.
8. AI Is an Assistant, Not Judge — AI is best used as a double-check for clinicians, enhancing accuracy but not replacing expert human decision-making.
9. Economic Incentives Matter — Insurers and employers increasingly see the financial sense in proactive screening and early intervention for high-risk groups.
10. Human Factor Still Critical — Even with tech, “right place, right time” expert intervention can make the difference between early cure and late-stage tragedy.

03:59 – Canadian Healthcare Access Challenges
09:40 – Dermatology Digital Patient Platform Development
13:25 – Trust Barriers in Healthcare Innovation
15:57 – Dermatology Investment Collaboration Insights
19:05 – Prioritizing Urgent Pathology Reports
22:54 – Dermatology: Ownership and Patient Insights
24:19 – Dynamic Approach to Skin Cancer Tracking
28:38 – Early Detection through Stool Testing
32:56 – Canada's Dermatology Shortage and Insurance Solutions
33:38 – Predictive Analytics in Workplace Safety
37:07 – AI-Assisted Skin Cancer Detection
42:15 – Human Error vs. AI Expectations
45:47 – AI Enhancing Medical Diagnostics
46:46 – Trusting Emerging Healthcare Technologies 

Together, they challenge the misconceptions around virtual medicine, exploring how digital innovation is not just a convenient alternative but often a superior solution for patients who need fast, efficient, and ongoing medical attention. From navigating Canada’s complex healthcare policies to leveraging AI and Bluetooth-enabled devices, Dr. Cherniak shares his journey as a physician-entrepreneur working to make healthcare more accessible—whether you’re managing blood pressure from your living room or urgently treating poison ivy without a trip across town.

Tune in as we unravel the myths of hands-on-only healthcare, the future possibilities of remote diagnostics and procedures, and what it will take for medicine to truly enter the 21st century. If you’re curious about how virtual care is changing the patient-doctor relationship, cutting through red tape, and building a compassionate, tech-savvy future, this is an episode you can’t miss.

(https://www.linkedin.com)
(http://rocketdoctor.io/)

1 – Virtual Care Is Effective – Virtual healthcare can match or even surpass in-person care for many conditions, especially when accessibility is an issue.

2 – Breaking Down Healthcare Barriers – Virtual care improves access for patients struggling with long waits or limited transportation to clinics.

3 – Episodic vs. Chronic Care Needs – Healthcare isn’t just for chronic patients; episodic care can be efficiently managed through modern virtual models.

4 – Innovation Born From Necessity – Rocket Doctor’s creation was driven by gaps in primary care, especially for those without family doctors.

5 – Team-Based Medical Support – Virtual platforms enable teams of physicians to support each other, ensuring continuity even when one doctor is away.

6 – Navigating Bureaucracy and Policy – Different provinces and health systems determine how virtual care can be provided and reimbursed, affecting implementation.

7 – Seeing Beyond Clinic Walls – Virtual visits provide unique insights into patients’ home and social environments, revealing valuable context for care.

8 – Tech Empowers Doctors and Patients – Electronic records, AI tools, and Bluetooth devices streamline tasks, allowing more focus on patient care and faster follow-up.

9 – Busting Medical Tradition Myths – Not every visit needs physical examination; much required care can be accurately delivered without in-person touch.

10 – Envisioning Healthcare’s Future – Real integration of AI, seamless records sharing, and patient-driven portals will further revolutionize how care is delivered virtually.

Want me to bold all the lesson titles for consistency, or keep only the last one bold as the highlight?

00:00 – Medical Podcast Disclaimer
05:28 – Reimagining Virtual Care in Canada
08:04 – Canadian Tech-Driven Medical Practice
11:54 – Bureaucratic Challenges in Healthcare
13:39 – Embracing Virtual Healthcare
19:53 – Virtual Care: Beneficial vs. In-Person
20:54 – Canada's Acute vs. Preventative Care
26:14 – Virtual Care Evolution 2019
30:08 – Healthcare Innovation and Streamlining
32:59 – Home Ultrasound Study for Pneumonia
35:40 – Virtual Care: Medicine's Evolution
37:42 – Science Skepticism Podcast Promo 

Together, Dr. Bonta and Dr. Lobo break down the reality behind those flashy ads and glossy casino images, peeling back the curtain on the true costs of problem gambling. They explore not just the personal financial and mental fallout, but the ripple effects that devastate families, drive up debt, worsen mental health struggles, and even intersect with substance use disorders. As gambling apps, sports betting, and even crypto-trading continue to blur the lines between entertainment and addiction, the doctors unpack why so many young adults—and increasingly, teens—find themselves hooked.

Dr. Lobo shares practical insights for recognizing gambling problems, supporting loved ones, and opening honest conversations with kids. Most importantly, they question whether the billions gained in gambling revenue are truly worth the social and health costs we’re only beginning to acknowledge.

If you’ve ever wondered what really drives gambling addiction, how to spot it, or what responsible action looks like for individuals and society, you won’t want to miss this eye-opening, evidence-based conversation. Let’s ditch the lab coat and get real about gambling in our modern age.

1. Gambling Addiction: Not a Choice — A medical disorder with devastating consequences, not a weakness or bad habit.
2. Online Gambling’s Rapid Expansion — Pandemic and marketing fueled a surge, making betting more accessible than ever.
3. Marketing Drives Gambling Behaviors — Aggressive ads and sports integration normalize betting, increasing risks across all ages.
4. Health Impact Beyond Money — Gambling harms mental, emotional, and even physical health, adding layers of stress.
5. Younger Generations at Risk — Sports and digital platforms expose youth to gambling without proper safeguards.
6. Overlap With Other Addictions — Gambling often co-occurs with mental health and substance use disorders.
7. Paths to Treatment and Recovery — Counseling, family support, financial planning, and early intervention provide hope.
8. Financial Ruin and Family Toll — Hidden gambling devastates households, with debt triggering further destructive cycles.
9. Policy and Regulation Matter — Weak oversight allows profit-driven expansion while shifting costs to families.
10. Prevention Through Education — Open dialogue and awareness reduce risks, counter marketing, and build resilience.

03:21 – Addiction's Evolving Forms: Gambling Alert
07:08 – COVID-19's Impact on Gambling Behavior
11:56 – Gambling's Mental and Physical Toll
13:48 – Accessibility Fuels Gambling Issues
18:03 – Teens, Gambling, and Sports Obsession
22:25 – Problem Gambling's Significant Impact
25:36 – Gambling Disorders and Mental Health
29:18 – iGaming Self-Exclusion & Support
30:30 – Supporting Families with Addicted Loved Ones
36:00 – Modern Gambling: Signs and Challenges
39:02 – Gambling and Risk Awareness Conversation
42:33 – Understanding Moderation and Gambling Risks
45:23 – Ethics of Gambling Expansion
47:03 – Cautionary Insights on Gambling Apps

After her own sudden and life-altering health collapse, Dr. Driscoll found herself deep in the world of dysautonomia—a group of disorders affecting the autonomic nervous system, responsible for all those automatic functions in our bodies we don’t usually have to think about. Finding few answers from doctors, and confronted by a system that too often shuns “invisible illnesses,” Dr. Driscoll became her own medical detective, pioneering research into conditions like Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) and unlocking innovative approaches to treatment.

In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Driscoll and Dr. Bonta tackle the complex, often misunderstood world of autonomic dysfunction, the science behind “mystery illnesses,” and the frustrating gaps in our medical knowledge. From the lived experience of being a patient who was told “it’s all in your head,” to developing new therapeutics and advocating for others, Dr. Driscoll’s story is as inspiring as it is informative.

If you’ve ever struggled with unexplained symptoms, felt dismissed by the healthcare system, or just want to understand the evolving science behind these often-invisible disorders—this episode is for you. 

Plug in for a candid, practical, and hope-filled discussion that challenges the boundaries of what medicine knows today and explores the frontier where suffering finally meets science.

1. Invisible Illness Is Real — Validation for patients with unexplained symptoms is crucial; their suffering is genuine, not imagined or "all in their head."
2. Medicine’s Knowledge Blindspots — The medical establishment often lacks answers—and even language—for complex autonomic disorders like dysautonomia and POTS.
3. Patient-Led Discovery Matters — Dr. Driscoll's personal journey from patient to researcher demonstrates the power of self-advocacy in pushing knowledge forward.
4. Autonomic System Ignorance — Most clinicians receive minimal training about the autonomic nervous system, leading to missed diagnoses and inadequate care.
5. One Size Doesn't Fit All — There is no single solution for autonomic dysfunction—treatments must be individualized to each patient’s complex presentation.
6. Beyond Symptom Management — Suppressing symptoms (e.g., racing heart) without understanding the root cause can worsen patient outcomes or miss vital clues.
7. The Inflammatory Connection — Inflammation, triggered by infections or stress, can drive autonomic dysfunction—a framework for science to pursue targeted therapies.
8. Necessity of Clinical Innovation — When guidelines and therapies don’t exist, scientific curiosity and non-traditional research can inspire new approaches and hope.
9. The Power of Lived Experience — Practitioner-patients like Dr. Driscoll bridge gaps between science, clinical care, and compassion through firsthand understanding.
10. Hope Through Education — Educating both patients and practitioners fosters progress—there’s always hope, even if answers come step by step.

04:15 – Post-COVID Dysautonomia Insights
07:12 – Invisible Illnesses and Tech Misguidance
13:07 – Central Sensitization and Unexplained Symptoms
16:44 – Nicotine Patch Stimulates Vagus Nerve
20:01 – Navigating Illness and Predatory Healthcare
20:51 – Navigating Autonomic Dysfunction Treatments
26:03 – Bridging Medical Knowledge Gaps
29:38 – Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension Insights
31:25 – Inflammation's Impact on Heart and Vision
36:07 – Chronic Illness: The Domino Effect
41:18 – Questioning Symptom-Driven Treatments
44:22 – Unseen Illness: Recognition Grows
45:26 – Advancements in Autonomic Dysfunction Treatments
49:06 – Championing Long Covid Research