Finding Genius Podcast

Why is there still a massive diagnosis gap for endometriosis ? Since pain has been normalized in many women, it is often overlooked. Listen up to learn: The likelihood of experiencing endometriosis  How endometriosis is similar to acne What we need in the future of endometriosis treatment Dr. Dan Martin, the EndoFound Scientific and Medical Director, discusses the root causes and developments in endometriosis treatment and diagnosis.  Despite the severity of symptoms and the negative impacts of endometriosis on emotional stability, it has long been ignored. For several reasons, many women struggling with endometriosis have been ignored or misdiagnosed for decades. With the de-normalization of pain and advancements of treatment options, the diagnosis of endometriosis can happen much earlier. This accurate diagnosis is critical in adequately treating this often-debilitating condition.  To learn more, visit endofound.org . Episode also available on Apple Podc...

Can attempting to predict the future lead to more harm than good? Based on recent theory, transcending these uncertainties may lead to a healthier mental state. Press play to learn: How uncertainty can harm your mental health Solutions to limiting beliefs The best way to cope with challenging conversations Mel Schwartz, psychotherapist, marriage counselor, author, and two-time TEDx speaker, shares his work and knowledge surrounding the power beliefs hold over you. While fear and anxiety can often sprout from many external sources, one of the most significant sources may reside inside. The beliefs we hold about our situation may actually be the limiting factor in our happiness. Rather than living with these beliefs, it can be profoundly helpful to challenge them and attempt to shift our ways of thinking. Constructive change and conversation can build confidence and allow you to change direction to find the happiness you may not have previously thought possible.  To learn ...

Despite impeccable oral hygiene practices, some of us can’t seem to avoid getting cavities, while others who could brush and floss a little more never develop any. It seems backwards, but there might be a good answer for it…one that promises better preventive oral health for all. Tune in to discover: About how many species of bacteria are living in your mouth at any one time Clinical and behavioral risk factors for poor oral health How certain pre-existing medical conditions could predispose someone to tooth decay Rather than making that dreaded visit to the dentist and hearing that there’s more work to be done, Danny Grannick, CEO & Co-Founder of Bristle, proposes a new alternative: taking a simple at-home oral microbiome test that provides a clear and easy-to-understand picture of your oral health. By analyzing tons of complex genomic data and boiling it down to a few simple scores, consumers can better understand their oral health and receive personalized recom...

What can we learn about our mental health from rats? Since our brains are similar, the answer may surprise you. Listen up to discover: The difference between fear and anxiety The pathways to anxiety and fear What a panic attack actually signals Catherine Pittman, an author and Professor of Psychology at St. Mary's College, shares her career developing cognitive behavioral therapy techniques dealing with fear and anxiety. By looking at how our brain may be similar to a rat's, we can begin to understand our fear responses and the effects they have. However, since it still triggers the amygdala, it can be challenging to control your body's response to stimuli. Since the cortex and amygdala are two of the important response centers in anxiety disorders, we must attempt to change how they learn. By presenting stimuli in a controlled setting with the help of cognitive behavioral therapies, relief can be brought to those who struggle with anxiety-based disorders. To learn...

What makes soil health so vital across the country? From crops to the rest of the ecosystem, the soil can be considered the base of a healthy environment. Listen up to learn: The difference between prairie and plain Who manages crop production on land How crop rotation improves soil health Soil experts Mike Lehman, Kristen Veum, and Veronica Acosta Martinez weigh in to discuss the issues faced across their varying specialties regarding soil health and agricultural management practices. Much of the industry in our country relies on the health and sustainability of the soil found in varying environments and capacities in many regions. Unfortunately, the health of the soil has become damaged through many means, and new techniques and practices are being implemented in an attempt to curb the issue. Crop rotation and no-till practices have yielded promising results for many farmers and landowners across the country, but there is still a long way to go. As we advance, facing region...

Can Plants and the landscapes from which they come give us a clue into the human lineage? By looking at where apes lived and interacted with plants, history can be uncovered. Listen up to learn: The time periods which can offer the most significant clues Historical periods of temperature change and their impact How proxies can help research progress Dr. Daniel Peppe, associate professor at Baylor University, shares his research working with paleontology and how plants affect various periods of time. By examining generations' worth of time and the plants present during it, we can get a glimpse of what life may have been like during them. Whether through temperature, precipitation, or the ape and human impact, ancient ecology can reveal more than you may think. Since temperature varies over millennia, it has had a massive impact on plants and biological life. By examining weather and ecology in as many places in the world as possible, a complete picture can begin to be form...

When you think of medieval people and practices, what comes to mind? Whatever your answer, this episode may very well change it. Tune in to discover: The main differences between medieval and modern Christianity How modern technologies and communication methods might impact prayer practices, and how the printing press already has How writing Christian poetry compels engagement with the world through imagination As an associate professor of history at the University of Chicago, Rachel Fulton Brown's teachings are based on questions revolving around historical and present-day civilization and creativity, with special emphasis on J.R.R. Tolkien. Since 2006 she’s offered a class that examines how Tolkien, as a Catholic, drew on medieval understandings of the imagination and creativity in order to touch the modern world, which he certainly did. Brown also offers a class on writing Christian poetry, and she explains the art and value of this practice. Brown discusses obvious and ...

Are you inadvertently shortening your pet's lifespan? Without providing your fluffy friend with the proper diet, you may very well be. Listen up to learn: The impact of pet obesity Which pet diet makes most evolutionary sense Which components of your pet's body composition matter most Daniel Schulof, CEO of KetoNatural Pet Foods, shares his journey to spread the word and the importance of a healthy pet diet and change how your dog eats. While you may believe the food you give your pet is wholesome and nutritious, it may be doing more harm than good. Unfortunately, since dietary carbohydrates are so cheap and marketing has become more effective, we have been fooled into thinking about what is healthy for your pet. By focusing on protein and cutting carbohydrates out of your dog's diet, it may actually be improved relatively quickly. However, you must keep in mind the other components of health to ensure the complete picture of health.  Visit ketonaturalpetfoods.co...

Listen to your gut! It’s a saying we all resonate with on some level, but is there any merit to it? As research on the connection between gut and overall human health grows, it seems there is.  Prebiotic and probiotic products boast the ability to improve gut health, but most of them have virtually no beneficial effect. Learn why, and discover: Why 95% + of probiotics on the market die before reaching the target (the intestines) The risk of taking prebiotics that feed bad bacteria in the gut What percentage of the immune system relies on gut health The connection between the gut microbiome and mental health issues like anxiety and depression The NIH Human Microbiome Project revolutionized what it means to have a “healthy gut.” As a consequence, it shed light on the serious shortcomings of most probiotics and prebiotics on the market. In essence, most of these products are either doing more harm than good, or not much at all. When Tina Anderson made this discovery, she de...

A combination of factors led Nick Bracks to a place he never expected to be: in a deep and dark depression, mixed with anxiety, obsessive thoughts, a dependence on alcohol, low self-esteem, and an overall feeling of hopelessness about life. But had it not been for that time in his life, Bracks may have never found his true passion: raising mental health awareness and creating easily-accessible tools for those who struggle with theirs. Tune in the learn: Why more emphasis needs to be placed on preventative services as opposed to reactive services in mental health  The different ways in which anxiety can manifest and negatively impact people’s lives The importance of understanding there is no one-size-fits-all approach to addressing mental illness  Nick Bracks is an actor, advocate for mental health, and author of  Move Your Mind: How to Build a Healthy Mindset for Life.  In today’s episode, he shares key aspects of his youth ...

How do our crop production systems work in tandem with plant pathology to form the best farming techniques? By focusing on disease control and sustainable farming techniques, better production techniques can be developed. Press play to learn: Why crop rotation is vital in sustainable farming How non-tillage techniques can benefit soil nutrients What the future of farming may look like Don M. Huber, a Professor Emeritus at Purdue University, shares his life of work and research on plant pathology and crop production techniques. Farming at every level requires an understanding of techniques that allows food production to work in concert with nature to optimize the processes. While not all techniques are sustainable, crop rotation is one of the most prevalent and significantly beneficial techniques available to producers. Recognizing the dynamic between all aspects of production is vital since everything from pathogens to nutrition can drastically alter the efficacy of farming. Na...

Can aging be curbed in order to improve the longevity of the body? With certain advancements, humans may be able to find a way to "cure" aging. Listen up to learn: The seven components of aging Where the most mitochondria can be found If aging can be truly reversed Dr. Sandra Kaufmann, the founder of The Kaufmann Anti-aging Institute, shares her work in the fight to curb aging. While science is still far from curing aging, there are many factors and actions to help fight the process. Epigenetic factors are some of the most important, and the fewer negative epigenetic impacts we can introduce to our body, the better. By focusing on the seven major aging factors, we can begin to understand what can speed or slow the process most. Thankfully, practitioners like Dr. Kaufmann have developed systems to curb the negative impacts of aging. Visit https://kaufmannprotocol.com to learn more. Episode also available on Apple Podcast:  http://apple.co/30PvU9C Check out this ...

Can the FDA and current scientific medical establishment be trusted? Based on recent events, they may not be the pillar of honestly and health they have postured to be. Listen in to learn: Who is to blame for scientific misunderstandings Why the establishment does not discuss the immune system Why alternative treatments may have been censored John Droz, a Physicist and Environmental Advocate, shares what he has learned from research into the causes and bad actors in current scientific explanations.  While many of us think we understand and are active in the nature of science, it has really become political science rather than what it was created to do. Since we do not have a good understanding, it leaves the population vulnerable to misinformation and dangerous omissions. With the FDA being so tied into the current medical establishment, it leaves it vulnerable to falling victim to the same traps as the general population. Moreover, since the establishment controls the FD...

We are shaped by the social and physical environments in which we live. And by examining how this idea has played out in her own life, licensed psychologist Maria Schmid has come to a place where she is capable of helping others through the difficulties of life. Press play to discover: What it means to say that people see themselves in relation to other people Four things to recognize and focus on in order to gain a greater perspective in life The universal importance of feeling heard, seen, and recognized, especially as we change over time “I never liked the statement ‘everything happens for a reason,’ but I do believe that things happen with meaning,” says Schmid, explaining how and why living in the present moment is so key. Reflection, resilience, relational health, and ritual are the four “Rs” Schmid helps her clients focus on. She explains each in detail, and shares insight from her work with clients. Tune in to hear the full conversation, and learn more about Schmid’s w...

What secrets does the honeybee gut microbiome hold? By examining the bacteria and genomics of the bees, we can gain insight into the risks posed to the ecology of a hive. Listen up to learn: The unique bacteria found in every honeybee microbiome How glyphosate affects hives The bacteria specialized for aphids Nancy Moran, the Warren J. and Viola Mae, Raymer Chair and Professor of Integrative Biology, shares her research with honeybees and the clues they can give us into how microorganisms interact with insects. Colony collapse syndrome has plagued hives across the nation for some time now and prompted a search for the issue's root causes. Through this study, bee researchers have been led down a path that leads to studying the bacteria within the bee microbiome.  With such a delicate balance present uniquely inside bees and colonies, chemicals like glyphosate and others pose a tremendous risk. However, aphids can also offer clues, as they have a single unique bacterium tha...

“It was about reminding myself to get up and be aggressive in my own pursuit of wellness, cause no one’s going to do it for you…it takes a lot of courage and effort and strength to be an advocate for your own life,” says Matthew Gagne, a former professional skydiver and founder of Flock Goods. But it’s not solely the bravery of his career that makes such a comment particularly powerful, coming from him: In 2014, Gagne’s neck was broken in 10 different places during a car crash, leaving him in the hospital for nearly two months, and setting him up for years of physical therapy. Press play to hear his story, and how it’s led him to where he is today. You’ll discover: The experiential differences between vertical wind tunnel training and skydiving How skydiving helped Gagne adopt a fighting spirit and mentality during his recovery process How cannabinoids can help people enhance their life in a variety of ways Learn more about Flock Goods by visiting https://flockgoods.com/ Epis...

Is the standard of justice still innocent until proven guilty? Cancel culture does not seem to think this to be the case. Listen up to learn: How to protect your company from cancel culture Why companies may have their website shut down without cause Other parts of attack prevention Mark Jeftovic, the author of Unassailable, shares his first-hand experience with cancel culture and how to mitigate your risk. Cancel culture has begun to run rampant, allowing the mob mentality to run the information which may or may not be made available. Without proper cause, many hosting services have bent to online tantrums, de-platforming businesses without cause. It is critical to ensure you have a direct line to the consumers who interact with the business to avoid this. Without these second lines of contact, the mob may win, allowing cancel culture to prevail without proper due course.  To learn more, visit https://easydns.com Episode also available on Apple Podcast:  http://appl...

“I had a toolbox full of addiction—alcohol, drugs, food, sex, gambling, work, all of it—and basically what I’ve done is taken out the addiction and replaced it with holistic practices, like meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, EMDR, equine therapy…you name it,” says Theo Fleury. Press play to hear his personal story and learn: How emotional trauma affects the nervous system The importance of all three sides of health and wellness: emotional, physical, and spiritual The critical difference between trying a certain type of therapy, and  working  at it The value in remembering that adversity breeds resilience Theo Fleury discovered his love for ice hockey at a young age: In it he found refuge from a household where addiction and mental illness were primary themes. But when he was just an adolescent, a hockey coach would subject Fleury to years of trauma and sexual abuse. Serious mental illness and addiction would ensue. Eventually, this ex...

Stage IV ovarian cancer with metastasis to the liver, peritoneal carcinomatosis, malignant ascites, pleural effusion, end-stage organ failure, and a bowel blockage: this was the list of diagnoses facing 19-year-old Nasha Winters after years of being dismissed as a hypochondriac.   But it wasn’t until she was actually diagnosed with a terminal disease that she finally wanted to live. Tune in to hear Dr. Winters’s incredible story and learn: Why people with Hashimoto’s autoimmune thyroiditis are often misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder The link between anxiety and fear, epigenetic expression, and cancer The impact of breathwork on the parasympathetic response, and how to use a simple breathing technique for reducing anxiety and depression The implication of the fact that 80% of neurotransmitters are made in the gut When and how psychedelics and other plant medicines can be used, and the powerfully positive impact they can have on the nervous system It’s been three decades s...

Reacting to a seizure can be difficult, but can it be made easier? With the introduction of new treatment options, a more straightforward way forward can be found. Listen up to learn: The previous options available for seizure patients How a nasal spray revolutionized treatment The availability of treatment Dr. Stuart Madden, CSO of Neurelis, shares his organization's goals for aiding those struggling with seizures and provides new hope for simpler and equally effective treatment for the future. Traditionally, once a seizure is upon the patient, the options to mitigate the effects are quite cumbersome and invasive. Fortunately, the nasal cavity may hold the solution long sought after by researchers and patients alike. With the introduction of a nasal spray that can be used prior to or during a seizure, more treatment options become available for patients and caregivers. However, there are far more missions to accomplish for Neurelis, and Dr. Stuart Madden hopes to guide th...

Can new technology better connect the brain and nervous system to help the body heal faster? Using neuronal networks, new human potential may be unlocked. Listen in to learn: How to recalibrate an overreaction from the body The benefits of Direct Current The qualities of the best NeuFit technicians Garrett Salpeter, the Founder and CEO of NeuFit, shares the potential for healing with the help of his revolutionary technology. Injuries may be catastrophic for those who suffer them, especially in cases where physical health is the cornerstone of life and livelihood. However, they may have been misunderstood, leading to unnecessarily long recovery times and further complications.   Using NeuFit technology, quicker recovery times for surgeries and injuries of all kinds can be possible. In addition, the body's reaction to injuries can be modified using neurological stimulus, altering the healing process in significantly beneficial ways.  To learn more and for additio...

Are all dogs made the same? No matter how much you love your furry friend, some dogs may be better suited to certain lifestyles than others. Listen up to learn: The range of jobs working dogs are capable of Why some dogs fail out of work training Which breeds are best at particular jobs Jenny Essler, a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Penn Vet Working Dog Center, shares her work developing the traits and finding the best working dogs science can discover.  Dogs are capable of much more than offering a best friend or emotional support animal, which most of us are familiar with. However, if we can identify specific traits, they are fantastic tools for a wide variety of work applications, from bomb-sniffing to cancer detection. Each breed of dog is proficient in different areas of work, but not every dog is cut out for the job another may be capable of. Since training a working dog can present such a tremendous cost, understanding the genetics of each breed and litter can be a sig...

Years ago, Stephanie Berg’s passion for law merged with a budding passion for naturopathic and alternative medicine. By combining the two, she has become a well-respected and sought-after resource for health practitioners across California. Press play to discover: The limits of scope for different naturopathic and alternative medicine doctors How the increased use of telehealth over the past couple of years has shaped naturopathic medicine What type of issues naturopathic doctors face that MDs generally don’t As both a lawyer and naturopathic doctor, one of Berg’s greatest assets is her ability to truly speak the language of her clients. She assists healthcare practitioners of all kinds with business, transactional, and regulatory work, whether that means drafting patient forms, helping form an LLC, or writing employee contract agreements. The ultimate goal, for Berg, is to prevent future issues of liability for her clients, and more importantly, help them grow their business w...

How can we ensure our coastlines remain around for the long haul? By paying attention to the wave climate, we can begin to take protective measures. Press play to learn: The meaning of wave climate The typical diurnal sand movement How artificial structures can become "natural" Dr. Will Bateman, CEO of CCell Renewables Ltd., shares his experience taking measures to protect our coasts and the diverse ecosystem they contain. While climate change has been recognized as a significant threat moving forward in human history, but coastal erosion may be a silent killer. However, by examining new factors and taking preventative and retroactive action, we may be able to hope to turn back the clocks and restore our coasts.  Through the restoration of coastlines through natural and manufactured means, very promising results have been recorded. For example, natural rock can form after implementing a structure into the coastline, and marine organisms will attach, only bolstering th...

What makes the secrets to raising money so complex? Not only must the business end be considered, but psychology and human motivation must also be regarded. Listen up to learn: What makes a good fundraiser How people can be compelled to donate The average length of time it takes to run a campaign Jim Lord, the author of  The Raising of Money , shares his experience in the philanthropic world and the reasons why his book has become the most successful guide to philanthropy.  Philanthropy is a cornerstone for organizations and nonprofit groups and their longevity when making a difference in the world. However, convincing others to donate to the cause can be more complicated than you may think. While it may initially seem that folks can be convinced simply on a financial or business basis, this is not always the case. In reality, many components like morality, psychology, and education are all integral components to a successful philanthropic effort. To learn more, visit...

How has the opioid epidemic exploded so quickly in the United States? Purdue Pharma may be behind one of the most prevalent causes of patient exploitation in world history. Listen up to learn: How the opioid epidemic began Ways in which non-addicts can become trapped through medical negligence The valid uses for opioid pain killers An expert speaker on the opioid crisis , Chris Johnson shares his experience making proactive steps forward to curb the opioid epidemic.  The introduction of OxyContin over two decades prior realistically marks the beginning of the opioid epidemic as it stands today. Sadly, with the degradation of medical morals and practices, increasing numbers of moderate pain patients have been led down the path to addiction.  The intertwining of big pharma and medical practices on all levels has caused over-prescribing of opioid pain management to skyrocket. With pills being harder to come by and increasingly expensive, many patients who were merely f...

How can being able to image tinnitus help patients who struggle with the chronic issue? Since it is not truly understood in its origins, treatment can be challenging to develop. Listen up to learn: Why brain imaging can lead to more clues What tinnitus sounds like to different people Where tinnitus may originate Mehrnaz Shoushtarian, a Project Leader in Tinnitus Imaging, shares her work attempting to image the brain regions that may lead to the origin or progression of tinnitus. Tinnitus is a chronic issue widely experienced worldwide, which leaves a lasting sound perceived constantly in those who suffer from it. However, since we do not yet completely understand the origins, a consistently effective treatment has not yet been identified.  With an increased focus on imaging the brain regions thought to be the source of tinnitus, new clues about possible treatments are being discovered. However, since the condition is so variable and can present differently for each indivi...

The debate of time immemorial surrounding science and Christianity continues to rage, but could they both be correct? When examining issues of life, taking diverse and sometimes contradictory stances can lead to new solutions. Listen up to learn: What Christian apologetics relates to  What is offered through Christianity How math plays into religion and Christianity John Lennox, Professor of Mathematics at Oxford University (emeritus), shares his view of the Christian faith and how it can intertwine with science and math to uncover some of the enduring mysteries of our species. Different from what it sounds, Christian apologetics offers an opportunity to add the science of spirituality to many debates. Specifically, approaching obstacles in life, especially catastrophic divides, can give new additional context to previously contentious issues surrounding faith. Despite the various opinions of theologians and philosophies worldwide, Christianity offers an opportunity for h...

“In psychiatry, the idea is that if you’re anxious or depressed, you’ve got some sort of brain disease that requires lifelong medication; in psychology…it’s a matter of unskillful behavior and unskillful choices that lead to anxiety and depression, and that brings about the brain changes we see,” says Brant Cortright. Which perspective would you side with? According to Cortright, you don’t need to pick a side. We are both physical and psychological beings, and neither side can be reduced to the other. Press play to discover: How exposure to glyphosate leads to leaky gut and leaky brain, and the possible connection between smog and Alzheimer’s disease The four pillars of the “healthy brain diet” and which exercises have positive neurogenic effects The definition of neurogenesis, neuroplasticity, neurogenic rate, and what they mean for mood and cognition Cortright is a psychologist, author, speaker, and former Professor Emeritus with the California Institute of Integral Studies....

“One of the reasons I named my book Mental Illness is an Asshole is because…it is…It’s so mean and cruel; not only does it make you hate yourself, but it makes all the people that you love hate you too.” Press play for powerful insight into bipolar and anxiety disorders, and learn: How memory is affected by the manic state of bipolar disorder How anxiety and depression encourages abusive and negative perceptions by the experiencer The similarities and differences in the way bipolar disorder manifests in different people When and how to seek help for someone who may be suicidal or in a mental health crisis Author, speaker, and award-winning podcast host, Gabe Howard, was diagnosed with bipolar and anxiety disorders in 2003. At the time, weighing the pros and cons of suicide was a daily activity, and life existed in a constant state of vacillation, from the highest highs to the lowest lows. Howard lost friends and jobs, and his family members were mad at him. On top of it all, ...