Shows
Friends of FranzA Sound Advice from Dr. Stacey Lim — On Deafness, Hearing Aids, and Cochlear ImplantsThe sense of hearing is a finely tuned collaboration between physics and biology, transforming invisible sound waves into meaning, memory, and emotion. From the delicate mechanics of the middle ear to the neural pathways that help us localize danger, recognize voices, and enjoy music, hearing quietly shapes how we connect with the world. Yet it’s also one of our most vulnerable senses—affected by aging, noise exposure, infection, and even cardiovascular health. How benign are ear pain and ringing? Is there a limit to how loud we should listen to music? And what can we do to protect this...
2026-02-1041 min
Friends of FranzI'm All Ears...Nose and Throat with Dr. Chris Park — On Earwax, Nosebleeds, and Sore ThroatsOur ears, nose, and throat (ENT) work quietly together to shape how we hear, breathe, taste, and even defend ourselves against the outside world. From the often-misunderstood role of earwax to why dry air and seasonal changes make nosebleeds more common—and how inflammation and mucosal irritation contribute to sore throats—many everyday ENT issues are actually signs of smart protective design. But with such a complex system, how simple can effective treatments really be? Can warm tea with honey actually soothe throat irritation? Are cotton swabs really bad for our ears? Can spicy foods truly clear sinus infections?
2026-02-0350 min
Friends of FranzFact or Vision with Dr. Jennifer Chinn — On Digital Eye Strain, Carrots, and Blue Light GlassesVision is often described as our most dominant sense, but how often do we actually think about how it works? The sense of sight is a complex collaboration between the eyes, optic nerves, and brain, translating light into perception, depth, color, and meaning. It allows us to view the world around us and form images of our deepest memories. But what does it really mean to “see well,” and how can we protect one of our most powerful connections to the world? What does 20/20 vision mean? Do blue light glasses work, or are they just a marketing ploy? And the...
2026-01-2038 min
Friends of FranzStress and the City with Dr. Priya Jaisinghani — On Cortisol, "Adrenal Fatigue," and Endocrine DisruptorsThe endocrine system consists of eight major organs that produce and regulate hormones, the chemical messengers that keep the body in balance. Hormones quietly orchestrate everything from our energy and metabolism to mood, sleep, and resilience, acting as an internal communication network that responds to stress, environment, and lifestyle. From cold plunges and saunas to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, even small daily inputs are said to shift this delicate signaling. How does stress really affect our bodies? Does “adrenal fatigue” exist? Is it actually possible to “biohack” our hormones?In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Priya Jaisinghani, MD, ABIM...
2026-01-1340 min
Friends of FranzMy Big Fat Greek Salad with Dietitian Stephanie Chen — On Intuitive Eating, Seed Oils, and Celery Juice CleanseFood is such an integral part of not just culture, but of life in itself. It is the fuel that allows our hearts to beat, our lungs to breathe, and our cells to metabolize—powering every physiological process that sustains us. But with so much conversation surrounding food, from restrictive diet culture to viral wellness trends, nourishment can become clouded by confusion, fear, and misinformation. How many meals should we actually eat per day? What are seed oils, and should we really avoid them? Are artificial sweeteners truly a better choice than sugar? Do green juice cleanses actually work?...
2026-01-0644 min
Friends of FranzStatin the Obvious with Dr. Diala Steitieh — On "Bad" Cholesterol, Calcium Score, and The Heart-Healthy DietThe human heart is a tireless biomechanical marvel—an exquisitely engineered pump powered by both mechanical precision and an intrinsic electrical system, beating over 100,000 times a day to sustain life. But like any machine, despite having an electrical mind of its own, it is not infallible—when its rhythm drifts or its mechanics strain, the impact is felt far beyond the chest. From more complex cases like heart failure and detrimental arrhythmias to the more-known feared heart attack caused by high cholesterol, it leads to questions — What can we do to safeguard the health of our heart? What should one do...
2025-12-3040 min
Friends of FranzNonstick and Nervous with Dr. Tim Tiutan — On Cancer Risk, Microplastics, and Kimchi (?!) From microplastics and “forever chemicals” in household items—from our kitchens to our bathrooms—to the charred bits of meat on a barbecue grill, to the smoke and fumes we inhale simply by walking through a city, and recently even kimchi (?!), concern about cancer risk seems to be everywhere. Like cancer metastasis itself, the conversation is rapidly spreading across social media and online forums. But how many of these so-called “carcinogens” are truly worth our time, apprehension, and caution?In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Timothy Tiutan, MD (known online as Dr. Tim), a board-certified internal med...
2025-12-2342 min
Friends of FranzFace the Facts with Dr. Michelle Wong (Lab Muffin Beauty Science) — On Collagen, Parabens, and Benzene in Sunscreen“Paraben-free,” “non-comedogenic,” “medical-grade skincare,” "collagen-boosting," "benzene-free," “fragrance-free,” and “dermatologist-tested” are among the most commonly used terms in cosmetic and skincare marketing worldwide. These familiar labels are often treated as shortcuts for trust, quality, and clinical legitimacy—yet without consistent regulation, their meanings can be surprisingly fluid. Do they carry meaningful weight from a scientific and dermatologic standpoint, or are they simply marketing buzzwords that blur the line between evidence and persuasion?In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Michelle Wong, PhD. Dr. Wong is a Chemistry PhD, beauty and cosmetic science communicator, and author based in Sydney, Australia. She...
2025-12-1651 min
Friends of FranzPore Decisions with Dr. Connie Yang — On "Clean Beauty," Beef Tallow, and NAD+ for Cellular AgingIn today's skin-obsessed world, we are met with ever-emerging beauty trends, viral products, and buzzy cosmetic treatments that aim to do one thing: delay and reverse the dermal signs of aging, while preserving and nourishing the skin barrier. From beef tallow to NAD+ IV therapy to rosemary oil for hair loss and even what seems to be more benign marketing like "clean beauty" claims, how can we determine what truly keeps skin healthy versus what’s simply trending?In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Connie Yang, MD, FAAD. Dr. Yang is a board-certified dermatologist and cl...
2025-12-0934 min
Friends of Franz"Fishy" Beauty Secrets from Dr. Lanna Cheuck — On PDRN (Salmon Sperm DNA) and Achieving Glass SkinHow far are people willing to go for glass skin and a clear face? For years, we have witnessed adventurous — and sometimes extreme — pursuits within skincare and cosmetic treatments in the quest for ageless beauty. We’ve heard it all: the Vampire Facial, human placenta for collagen, snail slime, and, in recent years, salmon sperm DNA. From celebrities like Jennifer Aniston to Kim Kardashian, salmon sperm facials have become the latest craze promising skin regeneration, brightening, and that coveted youthful glow. But what exactly is salmon sperm DNA therapy, and does it actually work — or is it just another viral be...
2025-12-0246 min
Friends of FranzSeoul Searching for That Glow with Dr. Young Ho Park (RAUM) — On Hanbang (한방), Traditional K-Beauty, and Facial AcupunctureKorean skincare and cosmetics have truly become a global phenomenon, taking the beauty world by storm. Rooted in the preventive philosophies of Hanbang (한방), or Traditional Korean Medicine, Korean beauty has introduced a cultural mindset of proactive skincare, consistent routines, and understanding your skin’s needs before issues arise. Now, as it intersects with Western aesthetic methodologies and AI-powered formulations, one question remains: do these ancient theories of beauty still hold their value today?In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Young Ho Park, L.Ac. Dr. Park is a board-certified acupuncturist and herbalist from the esteemed Nation...
2025-11-2552 min
Friends of FranzBed, Bath, & Beyond the Baby with Dr. Kristal Lau — On Zuò Yuè Zi (Postnatal Confinement) and Postpartum DepressionIn many East Asian cultures, childbirth marks not just a beginning, but a sacred period of recovery known as Zuò Yuè Zi, or “sitting the month.” Rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, this postnatal confinement practice emphasizes rest, warmth, and nourishment to restore balance and vitality after delivery, which is said to deplete the mother's qi, or vital life force. In the modern and busy world of working mothers with unpaid maternity leave, is it possible to incorporate facets of an ancient rejuvenating practice into the home?In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Kristal Lau, MBBS, MPH, B...
2025-11-181h 02
Friends of FranzFrom Worry to Whoa with Dr. Mai Shimada (Isha Health) — On Ketamine Therapy for Depression, Anxiety, and PTSDOriginally developed as an anesthetic in the 1960s, ketamine has reemerged as one of modern psychiatry’s most promising tools for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Its superpower lies in working with your brain's glutamate receptors to create antidepressant effects. What does the future of psychedelic-assisted mental health care hold? Could this once-stigmatized molecule represent the future of mental health care and healing the mind from within?In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Mai Shimada, M.D., MBA, FAAEM. Dr. Shimada is a board-certified emergency medicine physician with over a decade of experience an...
2025-11-1138 min
Friends of FranzDosha and Don’ts with Nisha Saini (New York Ayurveda) — On Ayurvedic Medicine, Ashwagandha, and TurmericAyurveda, often referred to as the “science of life,” is one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems, with origins dating back over 5,000 years to ancient India. From understanding the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—that govern our physical and emotional states, to the powerful cleansing and rejuvenating process known as Panchakarma. Ayurveda is rooted in harmony between mind, body, and spirit, and it views health as a dynamic balance rather than the mere absence of disease. Can this ancient system continue to offer profound guidance for holistic wellness in the modern world?In this episode, w...
2025-11-0444 min
Friends of FranzThe Ancient Flows — On Qigong with Lisa Li, Yoga with Melissa Jeng, and Reiki with Margaret WangFor thousands of years, humans have sought healing from within — through breath, movement, and energy. Practices like Qigong, yoga, and, more contemporarily, Reiki have emerged from traditions as powerful ways to restore balance, vitality, and inner peace. Qigong uses slow, intentional movement and breath to cultivate life force energy, while yoga unites body and mind through postures and controlled breathing. Reiki, rooted in Japanese energy medicine, offers gentle, hands-on healing by channeling universal energy. In our current world of constant changes, stressors, and stimulations, are these ancient grounding practices for healing and harmony still viable?In this ep...
2025-10-281h 11
Friends of FranzNeedle Little Help from Dr. Lauren Kuei (Nava Wellness) — On Acupuncture, Qi, and Yin & Yang MeridiansFor centuries, acupuncture has been a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine, offering a powerful lens into the body’s natural healing intelligence using the precise placement of ultra-fine needles. Rooted in the concept of meridians—an intricate network of energy pathways—this ancient practice seeks to restore balance and harmony, thereby proposing relief from chronic pain, inflammation, and even stress. Can these invisible channels and their said connections to our organs really unlock profound pathways to healing and tangible pain relief?In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Lauren Kuei, DACM, L.Ac, RYT. Dr. Kuei is a l...
2025-10-2151 min
Friends of FranzA Root Awakening with Nina Cheng (The Eastern Philosophy) — On Traditional Chinese Medicine, Herbs, and CongeeTraditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is often called the world’s oldest and longest continuously practiced medical system, with roots reaching back nearly 5,000 years. Born from the philosophies of Qi, yin and yang, and the Five Elements, it blends ancient wisdom with healing practices like acupuncture, herbal medicine, and qigong. For millennia, TCM has centered on restoring balance and harmony within the body and mind. But in an era defined by modern science and technology, can an ancient system still hold its power? In this episode, we are joined by Nina Cheng, BA. Nina is the founder of Th...
2025-10-1453 min
Friends of FranzA New Genesis with Christian Franz — The Fourth SeasonThe fourth installment of the Friends of Franz Podcast now journeys from ancient and Eastern healing traditions to cutting-edge conversations surrounding modern science and medicine, featuring expert clinicians, practitioners, and scientists from both domains and schools of thought.Thank you to Season 4's Asian-founded brand partners: Reprise, Uka Beauty, The Qi, Remsen Skincare, SHY Binu, Sanzo, DAYGUARD, EMME, JOYN, Dae Tea, and Wild Mannered.Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, FacebookFollow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube
2025-10-1408 min
Behind the CEpisode 263 mit Christian Senger (Vorstand Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles und CEO von Volkswagen ADMT GmbH)Franz Kubbillum im Gespräch mit Christian Senger
„Autonomes Fahren wird unsere Städte lebenswerter machen.“
In dieser Episode von Behind the C spricht Franz Kubbillum mit Christian Senger, Vorstand bei Volkswagen Nutzfahrzeuge und CEO von Volkswagen Autonomous Mobility, über die Zukunft des autonomen Fahrens. Senger erklärt, warum autonomes Fahren und Elektromobilität eng verknüpft sind und wie Volkswagen den Technologievorsprung mit sozialen, regulatorischen sowie wirtschaftlichen Herausforderungen in Einklang bringt. Im Mittelpunkt steht dabei die schrittweise Implementierung autonomer Fahrzeugsysteme , wobei insbesondere die Kooperation mit öffentlichen Nahverkehrsbetreibern und die Etablierung von Mobilitätspartnerschaften als entscheidende Erfolgsfaktoren hervorgehobe...
2025-09-1553 min
Behind the CEpisode 186 mit Christian Thimm (Group CFO, PROBAT)Franz Kubbillum im Gespräch mit Christian Thimm
„Ich sehe mich als Impulsgeber,“ sagt Christian Thimm, Group CFO der PROBAT Gruppe, dem Weltmarktführer in den Bereichen Kaffee und Schokolade. Was genau er damit meint, diskutiert er in dieser Episode mit Franz Kubbillum.
Seine Karriere führte ihn von E.ON über ThyssenKrupp und schlussendlich zu PROBAT. In dieser Episode spricht er nicht nur über die Erfolge und Herausforderungen seiner Position, sondern auch über die Kunst des perfekten Kaffeeröstens und wie PROBAT Komplettlösungen für die Kaffeeindustrie liefert.
Thimm betont die immense Bedeutung des kontinuie...
2024-09-3027 min
Friends of FranzThe Breast Conversation on Mammograms with Dr. Robyn Roth (The Boobie Docs)According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer remains to be the most common cancer, excluding skin cancers, and accounts for the second leading cause of cancer death, following lung cancer, in women across the nation. Yet, despite these staggering statistics, a Current Oncology commentary from Harvard Medical School states that misinformation believed by the general population within the domain of breast health remains at large, especially when it comes to breast cancer screening. In this episode, we seek to tackle these questions that surround breast cancer screening and detection: What is the BRCA gene, and how does it...
2024-06-1454 min
Friends of FranzThe Dark Side of Medicine (Literally: Radiology) with Dr. Sally Choi (DrSallymanderChoi)According to the World Health Organization, around 3.6 billion diagnostic radiologic medical examinations are performed worldwide yearly. Diagnostic imaging exams — including X-rays, MRIs, Ultrasounds, CT scans, and PET scans — can truly save lives and change the trajectory of a patient's care plan by potentially preventing the necessity of surgery and more invasive procedures. Yet, despite the integral work of diagnostic radiologists and radiologic technologists, they remain to be the unsung heroes of medicine. What does the medical education and training for radiology look like? When is an X-ray needed to rule out a medical condition versus an MRI or a CT s...
2024-06-071h 00
Friends of FranzGray Hair and Silver Linings with Geriatrician Dr. Christina Chen (Aging Forward)According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), nearly one-fourth of older adults aged 65 and older are at increased risk for loneliness and are considered to be socially isolated, with risk factors being attributed to hearing loss, losing family or friends, role changes such as retirement, living alone, and chronic disease. Geriatric syndromes — such as polypharmacy, falls, cognitive impairment like dementia and Alzheimer's disease, malnutrition, and incontinence — are clinical conditions and multifactorial impairments that are more commonly identified in older adults. Aging is definitely the normal trajectory of human life, but how can one age in a wa...
2024-05-1753 min
Friends of FranzVascular Surgery is Not in Vein with Dr. Yang YangDid you know that, according to the National Institute of Aging, if we stretched out our arteries, veins, and capillaries as adults, they would measure around 100,000 miles? This means that our blood vessels could circle the globe four times, given that the Earth's circumference is about 25,000 miles! The human vasculature is truly an intricate system that literally supplies us with blood (with veins circulating around 2,000 gallons to all body organs every day) - with life. It is no surprise that pathologies and disease processes that involve our vasculature can result in life-threatening effects, like heart attacks and strokes from...
2024-05-1050 min
Friends of FranzMake Mobility Gait Again with Dr. Harris Choe (HYC Physio Physical Therapy & Sports Performance)According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), approximately 2.9 million annual injuries occur in sports, athletic, and recreational settings, with sprains and strains accounting for the largest portion of injuries at 41.4 per 1,000. Truly, the universal recommendation is that we all engage in physical activity and exercise due to its evidence-based benefits on our cardiopulmonary health and general wellness. However, how do we do so safely in order to avoid injury? How can professional athletes engage in training that assures safety while achieving desired progress? How can one with chronic pain still increase stamina and endurance during workouts? And in...
2024-04-2650 min
Friends of FranzLife in Plastic [Surgery], It's Fantastic with Dr. Alex Sun"Life in plastic, it's fantastic." This iconic line from the 1997 hit song "Barbie Girl" by Europop band Aqua alludes to the Barbie doll that debuted in 1959. Barbie has long been the paradigm of societal attractiveness through physical features, as confirmed by a survey report by Fairmont State College professor Albert M. Magro. In the same year as the song was released, Magro published the paper "Why Barbie is Perceived as Beautiful" with reasons such as a thinner body frame, longer limbs, elongated neck, square shoulders, and larger eyes. Research studies throughout the decades have shown Barbie's mixed influences on...
2024-04-1941 min
Friends of FranzCutting Up Fruits with Asian Mental Health Project and Anise HealthAccording to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, in 2021, 25% of Asian American adults with a mental illness reported receiving mental health services compared to 52% of White adults. Additionally, Asians were 2.25x more likely to report mental health treatment being ineffective. What is it about the Asian American community that their approachability to mental health and mental health care is lower than other demographics? Is it mistrust in the system? Is it disbelief in the concept of the services? Or can it be fear and shame to partake in these discussions and actually receive help? In this episode...
2024-04-121h 29
Friends of FranzSubreddits and Succinylcholine with CRNAs Chrissy Massaro and Dr. Anna Jobe (Confident Care Academy)According to the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA), approximately 65% of over 50 million anesthesia services in the United States are delivered by certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) each year, whether in collaboration with a physician or independently. In many rural and underserved areas in America, this percentage is significantly higher at over 90%. Despite this, the profession is still regarded as a “hidden gem” within the nursing domain, given that the general public and patients may not be fully knowledgeable about their scope and even their existence at all. Dating back to the American Civil War in the early 1860s, nurs...
2024-03-291h 13
Friends of FranzIs It Insomnia or Is It Just the Wi-Fi? with Sleep Neurologist Dr. Meredith Broderick (Sound Sleep Guru)According to the Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), the Sleep Research Society (SRS), and the National Sleep Foundation (NSF), adults should regularly sleep at least 7 hours a night to promote optimal health. However, over one-quarter of adults do not meet this recommendation. (Oops, me included!) AASM states that about 30% of adults have insomnia symptoms, and about 10% of adults have insomnia that is severe enough to cause daytime repercussions. What is it about sleep that it’s so important to have? What is the parameter of good and quality sleep? What are the health risks of not sleeping enough? In th...
2024-03-2239 min
Friends of FranzWeeding Out Myths with CBD Coach Amy Chin (Calm Better Days)According to Harvard Medical School, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a long-hidden mystery of the human body - a complex network of chemical signals and cellular receptors that play a crucial role in regulating various essential functions in our body, such as sleep, temperature regulation, immune responses, learning and memory, and so much more. With the "cannabinoid" receptors in our brain, does this mean that our body is set to receive the cannabinoids that we know of? "Cannabidiol (CBD)," "cannabis," "hemp," "marijuana," "weed" - these are words that revolve around a green flowering plant that produces so many questions...
2024-03-1553 min
Friends of FranzWeathering the Brain Storm with Neuro-Oncology NP Joon MyungThere is a saying that goes, "The mind is the Devil's playground." Though this particularly refers to thoughts, mindsets, and emotions, the organ that houses the mind also seems to be an abode to nefarious diseases that have long been regarded as death sentences. Brain tumors and cancers, like meningioma and glioblastoma, are the most-feared adversaries of the nervous system, but there is an array of brain diseases that also creep up over time and claim their power over someone's life, its quality, and even the people around them. Memory loss has long been regarded as the hallmark presentation...
2024-03-081h 03
Friends of FranzIt's More Sun in the Philippines with Dermatologists Dr. Mara, Dr. Chesca, and Dr. JajaDoes sunscreen really prevent skin cancer? The higher the SPF, the better? Do oral sunscreen and UPF clothing actually work? Does the sun cause melasma and hyperpigmentation? Does one still need to apply sunscreen during the winter or if staying inside the house? We are joined today, not by one, not two, but three expert board-certified dermatologists all the way from Manila, Philippines, to talk about all things sun exposure, damage, and protection, especially within equatorial regions, where UV exposure is known to be at highest risk.Dr. Mara Evangelista-Huber, also known as "Dermomtology," is a dermatopathologist...
2024-03-011h 09
Friends of FranzBeyond the Bedside with "NursePreneurs" Nurse.com, Adni, and The Nursing BeatThroughout nursing school, working in the hospital or at "the bedside" was definitely the encouraged career path after graduation and licensure. According to the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, 55% of registered nurses worked in hospitals in 2022. However, a beauty of the nursing profession is its versatility of where one could take a position: ambulatory services, home health, schools, politics, you name it. Over the recent years, we have also seen a new pavement in nursing entrepreneurship in collaboration with the rise of technology, social media, and artificial intelligence. We are joined in this episode by three "nursepreneurs" within...
2024-02-231h 34
Friends of FranzThe Most Correct Answer with Nurse Educators Stephanee Beggs and Meris ShuwargerHave you ever seen the meme that goes: "Nursing exams be like: 'Which one is the most orange?'" and goes on to provide four images of the same orange fruit? Having been a nursing student myself years ago who bore the burden of these tests that were often oblique and required specific tackling strategies, I understand the pressure and mental stress of the whole examination process. How should one, a nursing student alike or not, approach the test room? Are there helpful mindset preparations to ensure successful results? What are the strategies for effective studying, especially for online...
2024-02-161h 35
Friends of FranzThe Way to a Man's Brain Is Through His Stomach with Neuroscientist Dr. Aya OsmanOver the past few years, the health and wellness space has been flooded with the concept of the "gut microbiome," or the ecosystem of microorganisms in our stomachs. Probiotics, which have become prominent on social media, are said to strengthen this bacterial community and can result in benefits like improved nutrient absorption, skin inflammation, and even mental acuity. However, this connection of the gut to the mental sphere has actually been shown in research as the "gut-brain axis" (GBA). In fact, according to a 2015 journal from the Annals of Gastroenterology, a bidirectional relationship between our gut and our brain...
2024-02-0949 min
Friends of FranzThe White Coat and the Apron with Chef Dr. Yoon Sung (Cooking with Yoon)Who here lives to eat good food? According to Nature Medicine and the American Society for Nutrition, food is undeniably essential to both our physical and mental health. Beyond the nutrients we acquire from food alongside their ability to prevent and fight disease, certain foods can improve mood and result in the reduction of depressive symptoms. As for me, I know that I get super excited and happy about eating good food! This is even made better when I share a great meal with loved ones. Truly, food and eating are healing for yourself and others. In this episode...
2024-02-0251 min
Friends of FranzCease and Disease with Dr. Katrine Wallace (Epidemiologist Kat)Disease. Sickness. Malady. These are words that can truly send a chill down the spine as they bring us to the reality of the fragility of life and our proximity to the brink of death. Greek physician Hippocrates, known as the "father of medicine" from the 4th century BC, was the first known person to investigate the reasoning behind disease and its relationship with environmental factors. What exactly is a disease? Is there a common denominator of why they happen? Is there a way to evade sickness and possibly attain everlasting life? In this episode, we investigate the science...
2024-01-261h 06
Friends of FranzIt's Going Tibia Good Day with Occupational Therapist Emily Longwell-Grice (That OT PhD Life)There are what seem to be rudimentary acts in our daily life that we do without a second thought, to the point that we refer to them as "second nature." Whether it's buttoning our shirts, turning a doorknob, or using a fork to eat, these are things that our body has already memorized, like taking a breath. However, what happens when we lose the ability and autonomy to perform the most mundane of skills due to sudden and unforeseen circumstances in life? According to a 2022 study by The Official Journal of the Japanese Association of Rehabilitation Medicine, only 25% of...
2024-01-1954 min
Friends of FranzNo Spoonful of Sugar-coating with Dr. Sheila Pérez-Colón (Elite Endocrine MD)According to the 1964 Mary Poppins children's film, "just a spoonful of sugar" is said to make the medicine go down. But what if we say that those daily spoons of sweetness may actually result in the need for kids to take medication? According to the American Diabetes Association, approximately 30 million people in the United States alone in 2021 were diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, Types I and II combined, with 352,000 of these being under the age of 20. Diabetes is a chronic condition influenced by the body's inability to either produce the insulin hormone or effectively utilize it. Truly, hormones and their...
2024-01-1251 min
Friends of FranzBrushes and Blades with Artist and Neurosurgeon Dr. Kathryn Ko (Doc Ambidexter)At first, the operating room and an art studio may seem to be the antithesis of settings and purposes. However, they could not be more alike and comparable: the stillness of focus of both operating on an organ and painting on a canvas, the vast array of sterile scalpels and paintbrushes, the richness of flowing bright red blood on the table and the maroon pigment dripping on the floor from the board, and the surge of adrenaline in the events of a crashing patient and a new creative idea in the spur of the moment. For our episode's expert...
2024-01-0553 min
Friends of FranzBrace Yourself for the World of Orthodontics with Dr. Vivian ChenSmiling is a universal symbol of happiness. However, there are instances when the ability to smile is taken away from a person, outside of mere saddening and heartbreaking life occurrences. There are situations when one chooses not to smile because of how it looks on them. In a 2019 survey of 2,000 Americans by Snow Teeth Whitening, 57% of people said they cover their mouths when they laugh because they were ashamed of their teeth' appearance, with 7 in 10 people admitting self-consciousness about their teeth due to lack of whiteness, crookedness, and gaps between teeth. However, beyond the sphere of dental aesthetics, there...
2023-12-2240 min
Friends of Franz[Power]lifting Up Science with Biomedical Engineer Emily HuIt is so fascinating to think of how much the body can take before breaking. However, there are people who definitely engage in activities and sports that seem to take the body's limits and potential to the most extreme of environments and conditions. In this episode, we hear from a professional athlete who is constantly vulnerable to both physical injury and mental strain due to competitive human performance. We hear their opinions on attaining physiques and body ideals amidst the world of social media, promoting healthy nutrition amidst a generation of fad diets, and balancing other arenas of human...
2023-12-1548 min
Friends of FranzServing Others and Serving Looks with Fashion Model Dr. Samantha TallOne shameless confession that I have is my love for watching the show "Hannah Montana" on Disney Channel as a kid. The concept of living two different personas as a normal student in the daytime and a rockstar at night spoke to my reality of wanting to be so many things as a child: an actor, a doctor, a dancer, a marine biologist (despite me not knowing how to swim), you name it. This is actually a running theme across our expert guests on the series, who are experts in medicine and science and, at the same time, creatives...
2023-12-0850 min
Friends of Franz16 Minutes and More with Dr. Michelle Rockwell (Doctor Mommy, MD)According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), medicine remains male-dominated, with women physicians making up only 37.1% of the workforce in 2021. However, a study that same year released by The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that women are 32% more likely to die post-operatively if their surgeon was a man, relaying better health outcomes for both male and female patients with female surgeons. This echoes a 2017 JAMA study outside the surgical domain that also showed lower mortality and hospital readmission rates with care by female physicians. Additionally, according to a 2002 JAMA systematic review, 50% of women physicians...
2023-12-0141 min
Friends of FranzThird Time's the Charm with Christian FranzAND WE'RE BACK! I am beyond excited to announce that the third season of the Friends of Franz Podcast is finally dropping every Friday morning at 5 AM EST starting this week on December 1st, on all streaming platforms worldwide!I am beyond grateful for the support you have granted this passion project I have produced and hosted for the past three years: streamed in 100+ countries, on 6 continents, and ranked Top 30% Most Followed and Top 5% Most Globally Shared on Spotify Podcasts. Thank you for joining me in fulfilling my visions for the series: to educate the public through...
2023-11-2709 min
Behind the CEpisode 75 - Alleingänge im C-Level sind zum Scheitern verurteilt – mit Christian Rummel (Siemens, FlixBus)Franz Kubbillum im Gespräch mit Christian Rummel
Christian Rummel ist selbständiger Executive Coach.
In dieser Episode spricht Franz Kubbillum mit Christian Rummel über Executive Coaching und den Wechsel vom etablierten Dax-Schwergewicht zu einem Grown-up.
Nach seiner Ausbildung zum Industriekaufmann blieb Rummel 30 Jahre beim Siemens-Konzern. Er arbeitete an verschiedenen Standorten in den USA, Indien und Deutschland. Ursprünglich ging er als Trainee nach Indien und 20 Jahre danach kehrte er als CFO dorthin zurück. Was hat ihn an Indien fasziniert und welche Erfahrungen hat er dort gemacht?
Nach Siemens dann in der Geschäftsführung b...
2023-08-0335 min
Friends of Franz Dr. Tiffany Moon: The Real Housewife of MedicineI made sure to end this season with a loud and shiny BANG! Diamonds...the most coveted gemstones in all of its beauty and radiance. Yet, their journey into brilliance is borne out of intense pressure and melting heat. This is true of our special guest today: primordial stories of pain and questions that have materialized with hard work and determination into a narrative of power and splendid success for the whole world to see.We are joined today by Dr. Tiffany Moon, board-certified anesthesiologist, associate medical professor, multi-business CEO, and TV personality. She received her BS...
2023-07-2128 min
Friends of FranzWeighing in on Obesity with Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen (New York Endocrinology)Over the past year, the tabloids and social media feeds have been flooded with so much discourse and opinions on obesity and its entailed weight loss medications, specifically injectables, such as Ozempic, Mounjaro, and Wegovy. Known as incretin gut-derived hormones, GIP and GLP-1, that regulate secreted insulin levels after food consumption, these diabetes medications have come under hot fire regarding their use and safety. Are those using incretins to target obesity stealing lifesaving medications from diabetics? What exactly is obesity: is it a chronic disease, and is it purely based on the BMI quantity? Whose fault is obesity: the...
2023-07-1435 min
Friends of FranzSpilling the Pre-Shift Anxie-tea with Diana Page (Self-Care Catalyst)July 1st is known across the United States as the day when medical school graduates start their first day as resident physicians in hospitals nationwide. As with all new beginnings, anxiety and fear are common and expected emotions in assuming these new roles and responsibilities. However, this trepidation does not end after one’s first day of work. “Pre-shift anxiety” is a phenomenon seen in many new-graduate healthcare workers during their first few months, and even years, of starting in the workplace. This anxiety is usually an amalgamation of fear of making mistakes, imposter syndrome, comparison with others' improvements, "analys...
2023-07-0745 min
Friends of FranzCapsules and Capitalism with Dr. Arunima BeraAccording to Insider Intelligence, 1 in 5 adult Americans cannot afford the lifesaving prescription drugs they need. And according to the American Hospital Association, approximately 3.5 million patients in the U.S. cannot receive the medical care that they need due to the absence of transportation access to their providers. This statistic does not take into account the reality of the lack of medical providers in itself in given communities across the nation. "Underserved populations" are groups who are disenfranchised due to limited or lack of access to resources, especially within the medical sphere (health insurance, presence of healthcare providers, and treatment...
2023-06-3055 min
Friends of FranzDoctors Have Fillings Too with Dr. Hamza GajAccording to a 2022 Gallup World Poll, 60% of employees reported being emotionally detached from work, with 19% stating that they were miserable. Job dissatisfaction and unhappiness are truly multifactorial states brought about by several facets ranging from systemic-wide issues to extraneous phenomena that could occur in an employee's personal life. With the commencement of the pandemic, burnout and unhappiness in the workplace were evidently recognized within the medical sphere. In fact, in 2019, the National Academies of Medicine published "crisis" level burnout rates among healthcare professionals, specifically up to 54% of physicians and nurses. How can one tackle stress overload in the workplace...
2023-06-2347 min
Friends of FranzForever A Loan with Dr. Justin Jones (Simple Finance Community)According to Debt.org, the American household debt was calculated to be almost $17 trillion in 2022. Almost $2 trillion of this value is designated to be student loans, while approximately $1 trillion is due to credit card debt. Definitely, the accumulation of this debt, both on household and individual levels, can place such an emotional and psychological toll. It seems as if you are sinking in owed money while not being able to successfully swim up into financial freedom. In fact, a 2022 Capital One survey shows that 73% of Americans rank finances as their number-one cause of stress, preceding politics and even family...
2023-06-0250 min
Friends of FranzInto the Meta-stasis with Dr. Sanjay Juneja (TheOncDoc)The fingers on my hands are not enough to enumerate the number of television shows and films I have watched since childhood where cancer is made to be the death sentence and the divider of the families of either the main or supporting character. The protagonist feels a certain pain, is shown inside the doctor's office, and the physician somberly states, "You have cancer" or "You have six months to live." There is something so draconian about cancer that a book about the disease was titled "The Emperor of All Maladies." But is cancer truly a death sentence? What...
2023-05-1957 min
Friends of FranzGetting Cultured on Viruses with Immunologist Dr. Azza GadirAccording to National Geographic, about ten nonillion (10 to the 31st power) individual viruses are said to exist on our planet Earth. Of these, biologists estimate that 380 trillion live on and in our bodies at a given moment. The common thought when it comes to viruses is disease and sickness. In fact, a recent pandemic owes its ravaging existence and plague to a virus. What exactly are viruses that they can uproot lives and nations? Are they dead or alive? What makes them different from bacteria? What enables a virus to cause pandemics (e.g., SARS-CoV-2) versus a common cold...
2023-05-121h 00
Friends of FranzHow Do You Want Your Eggs? with Dr. Serena H. ChenIn 1973, through the U.S. Supreme Court decision of Roe v. Wade, women were given the right of access and privacy to abortion without federal or state-wide regulation. However, on June 24, 2022, the Supreme Court overturned this landmark ruling with the Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization case. Now, the right to abortion care and reproductive autonomy can be regulated at a state level. However, the resounding effect is not only fear for abortion rights but also reproductive care as a whole. "Personhood laws” that define life and humanity at conception and fertilization exist in certain states, creating an impl...
2023-04-2853 min
Friends of FranzHair We Are Today with Olaplex CEO JuE WongAccording to a report by Yale University, a person's hair and hairstyle impact not only our self-image but also the impression of others about us. Throughout the decades, society and media have inculcated the image of "perfect hair" as free-flowing, shiny, and tangle-free. However, this is definitely a false presentation of the realities of hair. The American Hair Research Society explains that an array of hair disorders and issues plague the nation, including hair loss (such as autoimmune alopecia areata and stress-derived telogen effluvium) and hair shaft defects (fragile hair, frizziness, coarseness, split ends).We are joined...
2023-04-2155 min
Friends of FranzPocketful of Sunscreen with Dermatology PA Jamie KimSkin cancer has been named the most common cancer in the United States. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, one in five American people is estimated to develop skin cancer in their lifetime, with almost 10,000 diagnoses every day. Of the three major types of skin cancer being basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma, the highest rates of death are attributed to melanoma. With the vast majority of melanoma being due to excess ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight exposure and indoor tanning, it is imperative that we protect ourselves from UV radiation. But beyond cancer...
2023-04-1443 min
Friends of FranzEye Clear Up LASIK and Cataract Surgery with Dr. Dagny ZhuThe beauty of the world can be appreciated with our eyes, but problems with our sense of vision can reduce the clarity and quality of this wonder, such as myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism, dry eye, cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and complete blindness. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, over 150 million Americans wear glasses and about 37 million wear contact lenses to correct daily eyesight issues. In hopes of long-term treatment of refractive errors and achieving 20/20 vision, laser eye surgeries, such as Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis (LASIK) and Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), are performed.We are...
2023-04-0746 min
Friends of FranzZit-ting Down with My Acne Big Cyster Cassandra BanksonAccording to the American Academy of Dermatology, up to 50 million Americans are affected by acne annually, making it the most common skin condition. Defined as the clogging of hair follicles with oil and dead skin cells, acne usually begins in adolescence though it can extend up to adulthood. Beyond the overt physical pain and struggle of breakouts and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, acne - and all of its forms, whether pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, or cysts - also bring about emotional and psychological effects that are beyond skin deep. A 2008 study showed that acne significantly brought more depressive symptoms, greater feelings of...
2023-03-3149 min
Friends of FranzLettuce Taco 'Bout Diet and Nutrition with Michelle Routhenstein (Entirely Nourished)According to the CDC, around 17% of American adults aged 20 and over were involved in a special diet on any given day between 2015-2018. Whether to lose weight, achieve a certain physical aesthetic, optimize health, or prevent chronic disease, the tricky world of food consumption (or the avoidance of it) plagues almost every community. From this arises an array of eating patterns and ideals that can sometimes cause more harm than good. The food and nutrition space is also one where a fountain of misinformation online usually arises. Is there an ideal diet for the American population? How harmful can...
2023-03-2454 min
Friends of FranzThe Most Trusted Profession with Nurse Clara JonesAccording to a 2015 national data qualitative study, a group of sourced reasons why people avoid medical care were interpersonal causes: communication issues, lack of trust, perception of discrimination, and the belief that healthcare professionals do not actually care about them. These are concrete concerns as we often hear of patients' experiences of dismissal and invalidation of their questions and feelings. Despite these, nurses are ranked to be the Most Trusted Profession for the past 21 years in a row, according to a Gallup poll. What is it about the nursing profession and its workers that the public persistently marks them...
2023-03-171h 08
Friends of FranzTeaching Kids to Talk Back with Joanne Cazeau (Koze Speech Therapy)The ability to communicate with others, in whatever mode or form, is truly such a gift. Whether it's through spoken words, written language, signs made by the hands, or through the use of devices, our thoughts, feelings, needs, and wants can be expressed to others. Unfortunately, this is not the truth for everybody. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, 5-10% of Americans may have difficulties in communication, ranging from speech disorders (the inability to correctly or fluently produce voice and sounds) and language disorders (impairments with understanding and sharing ideas with others). Additional statistics, such as about 5% of children...
2023-03-031h 03
Friends of FranzTaking Pride in LGBTQ+ Primary Care with Asia Sullivan (Couture in Clinic)According to a 2021 systematic review by the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, members of the LGBTQ+ community have higher rates of mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression, substance abuse, and suicide, compared to the cis-heterosexual population. Beyond mental health, physical health was also seen to be compromised through a higher prevalence of cancers, viral hepatitis, and sexually transmitted infections. Though multi-factorial, the nuances of these statistics definitely have a root in the diminished quality of and access to healthcare among the queer community. Persistent stigma and discrimination and the fear of being subject to...
2023-02-2453 min
Friends of FranzThe Absolute Tooth About Veneers with Dr. Joyce Kahng (Joyce The Dentist)According to the American Psychological Association, smiling - even if forced - can help boost one's mood. But what if you cannot seem to smile in public? The CDC states one-quarter of adults over 65 have severe tooth loss. Missing, misaligned, and discolored teeth can truly impact one's ability to freely smile and have self-confidence. We see the public's endeavor to combat these through the rise of utilizing the dental technologies of teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, braces, implants, and Invisalign®. But many myths online surround the world of dental health and oral hygiene. Are yellow teeth normal? Do whitening strips w...
2023-02-1757 min
Friends of FranzMedical School for Kids with Dr. Betty Nguyen and Dr. Brandon PhamAccording to the American Library Association, around 22,000 children's books were published in 2009 alone. A myriad of papers and storylines arrive in people's homes every day, ranging from magical worlds to scientific pamphlets. However, only a small fraction of these books are targeted at kids who have developed an interest in the sciences of the human body. Due to an extensive list of medical terms and organ systems, the pool of children's books that satiates the interest in learning about the inner workings of people's bodies is very poor and sometimes inaccessible. The newest Amazon book series, "The Medical School...
2023-02-1053 min
Friends of FranzUrine Good Hands with Dr. Fenwa Milhouse (Down There Urology)According to Mayo Clinic, about 50% of women suffer from urinary incontinence, the inability to control urination voluntarily. However, only 25-61% of affected women discuss this problem with their healthcare providers. The resistance to sharing these urologic issues, both men and women, stem from shame and fear of judgment. This also stands true for other medical issues confined within the intimate parts of our bodies, including sexual dysfunction (whether it be low libido and premature ejaculation) and anatomical conditions (like uterine prolapse). Today, with empathy and compassion, we bring to light the pertinent issues "down there" that one may usually...
2023-02-0352 min
Friends of FranzGetting Sheet-Faced with Jude Chao (Fiddy Snails)According to a 2015 cross-sectional research study, psychological burden was seen in many patients suffering from skin diseases. As someone who suffered from severe acne, I truly understand the anxiety of having to face the world. This is where skincare saved my and others' lives: ensuring skin health alongside mere peace as a ritual. But the skincare world is so complex and can be overwhelming, with hundreds of brands and products. Many opinions and tips also fly around the web from different experts and critics. Is there a universal basic routine that everyone needs? Are luxury names better than drugstore...
2023-01-2754 min
Friends of FranzDogtor Zonram Liao, Do Pets Go to Heaven?Pet animals and their human owners (or, as our expert guest likes to call them, "pet parents") truly share a special connection that transcends species and biology. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, over 80 households in the United States owned dogs, cats, birds, and horses back in 2017-2018. Why are we so inclined to consider animals as part of the family, so much so that it is a genuine heartbreak when they leave us? What are the most common diseases pet parents should look out for in their pet's breed and age? Are the anatomy and physiology of...
2023-01-2056 min
Friends of FranzThe Case of CVICU Nurses with Dr. Danielle LeVeck (Nurse Abnormalities)The American Heart Association relayed that the 1960s saw the first rise of coronary care units (CCU) in response to heart attacks. Today, cardiac ICUs, both medical and surgical, provide intensive care to a breadth of fatalities, ranging from arrest to post-open heart surgeries. The CVICU is seen to be a home for a "special breed" of nurses with its required list of complex skillsets, such as the titration of vasopressors drips and management of life support and assistive devices (e.g., ventilators, chest tubes, LVAD, ECMO, IABP, CVVH). How true is the "toxic" environment of surgical ICUs? What...
2023-01-131h 02
Friends of FranzHow to Avoid a Broken Heart with Dr. Ali Haider (YourHeartDoc)According to the CDC, cardiovascular disease remains to be the leading cause of death worldwide across all gender, race, and ethnic groups. In fact, one person in the United States dies from it every 34 seconds. Cardiac pathologies are sometimes seen to be “silent killers,” only recognized during the actual critical moment. Are there recommended diet and exercise levels to avoid a heart attack? How can one lower their blood pressure? Should we be scared of high cholesterol levels? Can extreme stress really "break" the heart?We are joined today by Dr. Ali Haider, a board-certified interventional and stru...
2023-01-0642 min
Friends of FranzTeeny-Weeny Preemies with Dr. Kate RubeyThe neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is the hospital ward where no new parents ever hope to be. Though a safe haven for babies, the NICU becomes a temporary home to those who require immediate medical care, such as preterm or premature babies (born before 37 weeks of pregnancy), congenital anomalies (i.e., birth defects), and infections. According to the March of Dimes, a non-profit organization championing the fight against preventable maternal, preterm, and infant death, around 19.5% of babies are collectively born preterm in a given week in the United States. Premature birth can result in developmental delays and impairments...
2022-12-3046 min
Friends of FranzDr. Shieva Ghofrany at Your CervixAccording to the American Cancer Society, about 14,000 cases of invasive cervical cancer in the United States are said to be diagnosed. This statistic can bring so much fear, which warrants education on screening and preventative modalities. Within the gynecologic realm, another root of wary comes from the terms sexually transmitted disease, STD, or STI. When uttered, the room usually goes quite silent. Behind these words, spells of stigma and prejudice remain, which can result in the avoidance of these topics. However, when pertinent things are unspoken, mayhem usually arises due to the lack of knowledge and necessary precaution. This...
2022-12-231h 12
Friends of FranzThe Second Season with Christian FranzHi friends! I am back for more, and I am thankful that you're back for me too! I began the podcast series as an Instagram live-stream video series entitled Friends of Franz back in February 2021 in response to the many myths, misinformation, and disinformation disseminated during the commencement of the 2019 pandemic. I realized that most of the erroneous information spread online stemmed from those who had no business sharing them: not educated or trained in the specific subject matter and did not really have an idea of what was truly going on in the field. So I told myself...
2022-12-2106 min
Friends of FranzEmotional Dentistry with Dr. Tate Masunaga and Dr. Kevin Thanh NguyenWhen I think of the dentist, all I can remember is my countless visits to the office as a child for my endless cavities and root canals. I feel like I can still feel every needle-pinch of anesthesia, the pressure of the drill, and the tantalizing ache of piercing my pulp. That said, I developed a fear of dentists growing up. I only recently realized the beauty behind dental care and the art behind individual practitioners' practice. Though this fear of dentists is a common sentiment amongst the general population, the field also brings another overpowering feeling: hope. Missing...
2022-07-1854 min
Friends of FranzThe World of Nursing with Katie DukeRanked as The Most Trusted Profession for the past 20 years according to the Gallup Poll, one can't really say that the Nursing field is one that is most appreciated. As a nurse myself who has gone through schooling and working within different aspects of the field (inpatient hospital, outpatient, skilled nursing facility, concierge), I can personally say that the profession is one filled with so many bittersweet sentiments (and definitely has changed even more with the commencement of the pandemic). I remember reciting my nursing oath during graduation and how my eyes were almost welling up with tears with...
2022-07-1148 min
Friends of FranzParents and Pediatricians with Dr. Krupa Playforth (The Pediatrician Mom)According to a 2022 salary report by Weatherby Healthcare, pediatricians are the second-lowest paid physicians in the United States, just earning a grand higher than public health. As our guest explains, the field of pediatrics is not as esteemed in America relative to other countries where pediatricians are fairly compensated and regarded as specialists. This is an astounding statistic, given the breadth of expertise pediatricians possess in caring for our little ones. From infancy vaccination series to developmental milestones, to schooling attitudes, to child abuse, and to ever-soaring rates of teenage depression, the field of pediatrics is one that is...
2022-07-0448 min
Friends of FranzPhysical Therapy with Dr. Veronica Velasquez (ThisPTLife)Movement is such a crucial part of life. From using our hands to brush our teeth, to using our legs to walk to the car, and even to using our fingertips to punch the digital pins of our credit cards to purchase our groceries, movement is a voluntary part of life that we often take for granted. However, certain undesirable incidents happen in life that remind us of how important movement can be, such as accidents, paralysis, morphological defects, and even moments of pain. The independence that we possess when we can move is indispensable, and the beautiful field...
2022-06-2741 min
Friends of FranzChildhood Asthma, Allergies, and Vaccines with Dr. Manisha RelanBeyond the cries, the toys, and the snot, some of the common conversations when it comes to children are asthma, allergies, and their vaccination series. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 8% (or over 6 million) of American children have asthma, a chronic inflammatory airway disease. According to the Food Allergy Research and Education, almost 6 million children under the age of 18 have food allergies; that's about one to two children in every thirteen-person classroom! Ever heard of the infamous peanut and shellfish allergies for children that they are taught to know and inform food servers about...
2022-06-2058 min
Friends of FranzPulmonary Medicine with Dr. Neena ChandrasekaranWhen it comes to the most well-known organs that the general public can name, the lungs would definitely be one of the first in line. As seen in a percentage of the population at a young age, almost everyone can recognize asthma, bronchitis, and pneumonia. As the population ages, more complex lung pathologies become common talk, like COPD and emphysema, cystic fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, and pleural effusion. But upon the arrival of the year 2020, a new respiratory predicament became universal knowledge: the novel coronavirus. With its initial spell of fear as manifested by nonproductive cough, shortness of breath, congestion...
2022-06-1353 min
Friends of FranzPediatric Critical Care with Dr. Anita PatelThere's a commonly-shared quote online that goes, "A wife who loses a husband is called a widow. A husband who loses a wife is called a widower. A child who loses his parents is called an orphan. But there is no word for a parent who loses a child." Sadly, this is a very true incident in such a grave setting as the intensive care unit for children where, though lives can be truly saved and recovery is many times accomplished, death can be a very imminent event. With a whole life and unfulfilled dreams ahead of children, one...
2022-06-0648 min
Friends of FranzPsychiatry and Psychotherapy with Dr. Cigdem GökMay is annually designated to be Mental Health Awareness Month, and this sphere of the mind and the psyche has long been assaulted by stigma, shame, and fear. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 280 million people worldwide have depression, with over 700,000 people dying due to suicide annually. Despite the medical and scientific advancements that have produced so many life-saving treatments, both pharmacological and psychosocial interventions, more than 75% of low-income and middle-income countries do not receive any treatment. So many questions arise in this often misunderstood and mislabeled field. There is no better source of information to close out...
2022-05-3040 min
Friends of FranzVaccines and Variants with Dr. Calvin Sun (Monsoon Diaries)What was hoped to be a unified public health initiative to end an ongoing medical crisis became a divisive and bipartisan issue nationwide. Vaccine mandates were instituted across many states to combat the rise of the novel coronavirus variants and hopefully cease the spread of preexisting viral forms. With the placement of mandates, especially within the spheres of healthcare professions, efforts to uphold this decision were met with degrees of resistance and hesitancy. According to the New York Times, a staggering 37,000 healthcare workers have left their jobs as a result of the vaccine mandates. How has this exodus affected...
2022-05-232h 25
Friends of FranzLife After Medicine with Dr. Chelsea TurgeonHave you ever felt like you were stuck in someplace that you did not want to be in? Have you ever thought that you needed to escape a situation that you were deep into but afraid of the unknown next steps? Have you ever envisioned a different life than what you are living now? Have you ever felt unhappy with the choices in life that you have made thus far and wanted to start all over again but were afraid of what others would say about you? And if not others...what would you feel about yourself? For so...
2022-05-0236 min
Friends of FranzEmergency Ultrasound with Dr. Siri Chamarti (Hey Siri MD)The world of emergency medicine is commonly known for its 2 AM chest pain visits, motor vehicle accidents and trauma admissions, and foreign objects that require removal from different orifices. However, there is actually so much more specialization within this specialty in itself! Through additional training from 1 to 2 years of fellowship, one can sub-specialize in realms that expand even beyond the four corners of the emergency room, such as Critical Care, EMS/Disaster, Wilderness Medicine, Pediatrics, Hyperbaric Medicine, Medical Toxicology, and even Ultrasound! The last is true for our episode guest today, Dr. Siri Chamarti ("Hey Siri MD"), an Ultrasound...
2022-04-2536 min
Friends of FranzSocial Media and Medicine with Dr. Vinh Vu (VinhzCastle)The past two years have seemed to bring about two "viral" contagions: the pandemic and social media. As the lockdowns allowed people to remain at home and brought cascades of popularity to phone applications like TikTok, workers within the medical field also seemed to join the tides. We have watched it all...new lingos created every day, people in scrubs dancing to the trending audios, and countless challenges on your "for you page." But this new image of healthcare professionals has been walking the hospital halls and providing care to countless patients for years before their limelight on social...
2022-04-041h 04
Friends of FranzAesthetic Medicine with Dr. Jacqueline Zhai (Sparrow MD)Victims of physical accidents are definitely subject to excruciating pain and injury. A variance of craniofacial deformities, differing degrees of burns, and both shallow and deep abrasions are usually what come to mind in events of trauma. Indeed, the human body does a great job of self-healing and regeneration of the harmed skin and tissue to an extent. However, many times, the sufferer is still left with two scars: physical and psychosocial. Lingering thoughts of threatened self-confidence as they see their now-altered physical presentations in front of the mirror can hinder them from living their life to the maximum...
2022-03-2842 min
Friends of FranzThe Nurse Practitioner Role in Dermatology with Vanna PadillaIn the mid-1960s, a shortage of physicians across the United States posed a great predicament to patient safety rooted in the decrease in primary healthcare access. In response to this detrimental period in medicine, pediatrician Dr. Henry Silver created the first formal graduate nursing program that would be the role now known as the nurse practitioner (NP). With the goal of scope expansion of the nursing practice to bridge the gaps in access to care posed by the physician shortage nationwide, NPs have become a vital part of the care team model with the clinical abilities to diagnose...
2022-03-2151 min
Friends of FranzOsteopathic Hospital Medicine with Dr. Stella ClavecillaThe "Western" world of medicine is said to be infamously known for its churning of prescriptions of pharmacologic modalities to target almost all of the conditions and pathologies that exist. When something is painful, just prop an ibuprofen. When you're having green phlegmatic coughs, you'll probably take an antibiotic. When something goes haywire with an organ, you will most likely require surgery. However, in many countries outside of the United States, this approach is not always the case. Manual manipulations of certain parts of the body and utilization of nature's products are their standards of bodily defense in times...
2022-03-0739 min
Friends of FranzFertility and Reproductive Medicine with Dr. Serena H. ChenHave you ever watched videos of cute babies online and then start getting "baby fever"? And I believe that one of the monumental moments in our elementary education years is when we start learning about the actual process of this baby fever: "sexy time." As our guest described: "romantic" and "between sheets." However, there are instances when this activity does not result in the baby that the intending people wanted. According to the NIH, in the United States alone, approximately 9% of men and 11% of women of their reproductive age have infertility problems that imbue difficulties in the conception of...
2022-02-2850 min
Friends of FranzThe Pandemic Solution with Dr. Stacy De-Lin and Dr. Purvi ParikhOn December 12, 2019, a group of patients in Wuhan, the capital city of the province of Hubei in China, began experiencing shortness of breath and fever. Little did the world know that these clandestine occurrences of "pneumonia of unknown etiology" in that 3,280 mi² area would affect the whole globe up to this day almost three years later. Having declared this novel coronavirus, "SARS-CoV-2," as a public health emergency back on January 31, 2020, and the formalized name "COVID-19" as a pandemic that March 11, the virus has a current global death toll of more than 5 million people.Though devastating the deaths t...
2022-02-2133 min
Friends of FranzFacial Cosmetic Surgery with Dr. Yirae OrtIn our current world of flashy social media and aesthetic ideals, fleeting physical alterations in pictures and videos exist in the presence of Photoshop, filters, and airbrushes. However, there exists a whole dominion in the sciences that seeks to help others achieve these physical ideals. Cosmetic and plastic surgery have successfully allowed people to look the way they want to...and sometimes not (Hi "Botched"). But our current generation also pursues a new movement that seems to oppose the intent of these photo-editing programs: self-love. The question is...does the medical field of "tweaking" surgeries defy this pursuit of...
2022-02-1439 min
Friends of FranzMedical Entrepreneurship with Dr. John ShufeldtIf "the man who did it all" truly existed, it would be in the form of this episode's guest. Emergency medicine physician, Juris doctor and consultant in health law, serial student, professional pilot, 11x author, keynote speaker, and multidisciplinary entrepreneur (founding and operating several multi-million-dollar businesses): Dr. John Shufeldt from Arizona. Stating that despite not having stellar grades and scores in his early academic career, his exhilarating achievements were byproducts of his curious hunger for learning, commitment to hard work, and persistence in pursuing his visions.Receiving his bachelor's degree in Sociology and Criminology from Drake University...
2022-02-0738 min
Friends of FranzFrom Music to Medicine with Dr. George Chaucer HwangOne of the most renowned statements of all time may just be to "follow your dreams." It truly is fantastical for one to do what they love for the rest of their lives. Sadly, this is untrue for many as they become shackled in careers that guarantee financial stability but at the expense of an emotional toll. We then land on another infamous discussion: "passion versus career." Coupled with personal ideals, cultural implications, and familial expectations, pursuing what one may love can become a very tricky road.This was true for our episode's guest, who shows both...
2022-02-0139 min
Friends of FranzAnesthesiology with Dr. Gelerie StenbakkenAt the height of the pandemic, anesthesiologists have stood on the front lines with the heightened need for intubations in response to deterioration in patients' oxygenation. What was once thought of as solely the behind-the-scene brain during surgeries to keep patients safely asleep in the operating room, they truly have shown the pertinence of the field in every corner of the hospital during the darkest of days. But still, so many questions from the public envelope the world of anesthesia. Is anesthesia safe? Can anesthesia cause memory loss? What if one wakes up during surgery? And better yet, what...
2022-01-2437 min
Friends of FranzThe Medical Journey with Dr. Benjamin TranUpcoming early Summertime is known to be medical school application season. Known to many, the journey to becoming a board-certified physician in the United States is the most rigorous educational and training process in the nation: four years of undergraduate college studies to fulfill pre-medicine science and math classes (along with the accumulation of clinical hours, volunteering, and shadowing), the one-year expanse of applications (taking the MCAT, primary and secondary applications, interviews, etc.), four years of medical school (two years of grueling didactics followed by two years of clerkship/varying medical specialty rotations) with three board exams (Step 1-3), 3...
2022-01-171h 01
Friends of FranzAllergy and Immunology with Dr. Purvi ParikhCOVID-19 has truly divided the nation into all aspects of society: physically, emotionally, politically, religiously...you name it! This was exacerbated by the roll-out of the mRNA vaccines by Pfizer BioNTech and Moderna at the end of 2020. The virus that was weakening the whole country seemed to become a bipartisan issue muddled by a myriad of misinformation and myths that flooded the internet. Because these erroneous information could cost someone's life, it was just right that we sought enlightenment and data from figures most reliable: evidence-based, up-to-date, and peer-reviewed science.There was no better expert to reach...
2022-01-1027 min
Friends of FranzEmergency Medicine with Dr. Calvin Sun (Monsoon Diaries)Do you believe in serendipity? That things in life just happen, whether for a concrete reason and, if not, just random but feel so mystically intentional? This is the case for our episode guest, whom I have admired for the longest time since I stumbled upon him in a YouTube video way back in nursing school. "The Monsoon Diaries" travel agency founder & CEO, choreographer, photographer, filmmaker, activist, public keynote speaker, medical contributor to national television's biggest news channels, circulating NYC Emergency Medicine physician, and now someone that I consider a great friend and mentor: Dr. Calvin Sun....
2022-01-031h 11
Friends of FranzDermatology and Skin Care with Dr. Daniel Sugai (Dr. SPF)The medical field of dermatology remains to be one of the most competitive specialties to match into for residency. Despite the common misconception that this field of the skin is solely all about the "glitz and glamour" world of botox, fillers, and cosmetic procedures, Dr. Daniel Sugai seeks to show that it is not at all true.Receiving his bachelor's degree in Biology and Art from the University of Hawaii at Manoa in 2008, attaining his medical degree from the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine in 2012, and further completing his Dermatology residency at Harvard...
2021-12-2754 min
Friends of FranzRegenerative Medicine with Dr. Alita Sikora (Sikora Integrative Medicine)The "Vampire Facial" has truly taken the world by storm with the concept of a literally bloody revival of one's skin, so much so that even Kim Kardashian got it. By drawing one's blood and extracting the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to be re-injected into its source, the hope is to force the body to re-heal its own scars and wounds. Interestingly, this aesthetic procedure falls underneath a new branch of medicine called Rehabilitation Medicine, where we harness the "regenerating" power of the human body to heal its own in conditions of inflammation and injury with modern healing modalities and...
2021-12-2044 min
Friends of FranzIntroduction with Christian FranzA FaceTime call just with others watching and listening. Back on February 24, 2021, I began "Friends of Franz" (thank you to my friend, Christina, for helping me brainstorm titles) as an Instagram live stream series with the hopes of both tackling misinformation spreading around the internet about COVID-19 and the vaccines as well as to encourage health students and professionals like myself in their academic and career journeys. And so I thought, why don't we give the actual educated and trained experts of the field a platform to tackle these misinformations while also relaying the journeys it took them to...
2021-12-1506 min