Shows
The Urban Monk podcast with Dr. Pedram ShojaiSleep patterns with Dr. Pedram ShojaiThe Urban Monk podcast with Dr Pedram Shojai. https://www.theurbanmonk.com/ Health, wellness, and personal development media in a new steaming service that's designed to help you live your best life. Pedram Shojai is the Urban Monk. He is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, a Taoist Priest, a Qi Gong Master, film maker, author, and Kung Fu world traveler. He invites you to join in the conversation exploring what it means to live with balance in the 21st century. In this episode, Pedram discusses his thoughts on sleep patterns and r...2023-03-1532 min
The Urban Monk Podcast"Plants Tell You What They're For" with Wildcrafter Evan Cohen"Plants often look like what they're for," Evan Cohen tells Pedram Shojai. For many of us who have lived in urban environments all of our lives, this can be a difficult concept to grasp. This week's guest to The Urban Monk Podcast discusses the benefits of how plants in certain cases can have obvious benefits just based on what they look. How can we determine the energetic signature of plants and how can we harness their essence to benefit our health?2020-11-1324 min
The Urban Monk PodcastEnding 2020 with FocusWe don't need to tell you, but 2020 has been quite the wild ride! With so much going on from the US Presidential election to the pandemic to wild weather events such as wildfires and hurricanes, it's hard to just focus! Attention is being pulled in every direction. Social media is even monetizing attention! So how do we get our focus back to ourselves? Pedram Shojai here on The Urban Monk Podcast wanted to take a moment to discuss the importance of drawing attention back to yourself. With how media can divert our attention to things that may not be...2020-11-1121 min
The Urban Monk PodcastCOVID-19 and Kawasaki Disease Concerns for Children with Guest Pejman Katiraei Kawasaki Disease is a condition that causes inflammation in the walls of some blood vessels in the body. It's most common in infants and young children. Recently there have been cases of a Kawasaki-like disease associated with COVID-19 appearing. What does the early research show? Pedram Shojai invites pediatrician Dr. Pejman Katiraei back to give a ground-level view of what he's currently seeing. Is this emergence of Kawasaki Disease a concern for parents? On top of everything else to worry about during the pandemic, how can we best protect children from this potential illness? This video is part of our n...2020-06-2354 min
The Urban Monk PodcastHealthy Gut for Healthy Immunity with Guests Dr. Elroy Vojdani and Dr. Pejman KatiraeiAs the COVID-19 pandemic continues many people are looking to whatever they can to take preventative measures against the coronavirus risk. Washing hands and sanitizing surfaces are great steps, surely, but what about other over the counter remedies? Dr. Elroy Vojdani and Dr. Pejman Katiraei join Pedram Shojai on this episode of The Urban Monk Podcast to discuss how certain measures might actually be more damaging to the gut and the gastrointestinal tract that might work against the immune system. What is happening in the gut and the immune system when we are infected with COVID-19 or other viruses...2020-04-1441 min
The Urban Monk PodcastThe Great Heist with Guest Robert KiyosakiThe pandemic of COVID-19 has changed the world and how we all interact with one another. But for many of us this pandemic has also affected our jobs, our schools, our livelihoods. While it is important to remain safe and follow social distancing guidelines, how must we change our mindsets on how we earn an income? Pedram Shojai invites Robert Kiyosaki to The Urban Monk Podcast. Robert is the author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad. He discusses how we must think about cashflow and the system many of us find ourselves trapped in. That is the system that has...2020-04-0959 min
The Urban Monk PodcastCBD: Healing Without The High with Guest Leonard LeinowMarijuana and its various forms are getting a second look from both the general public and the medical community. The scientific community is diving deep into research of CBD and its potential various medical applications to heal but without the psychoactive effects. What is the new research on the healing properties of CBD? Pedram Shojai welcomes guest Leonard Leinow to discuss how CBD can help patients heal.2020-01-1347 min
The Urban Monk PodcastBrain Wash with guest Dr. David PerlmutterContemporary life provides us with infinite opportunities. We can immerse ourselves in the vast, enticing world of digital media. But living in this 24/7 hyper-reality comes at a steep cost: left unchecked, it poses serious risks to our physical and mental health, relationships, and even the ability to control our thoughts. David Perlmutter, MD joins Pedram Shojai on The Urban Monk Podcast to discuss how the culture around us can affect us. Based on the latest science, Dr. Perlmutter reveals the mental hijacking that undermines each and every one of us, and presents the tools necessary to think more clearly...2019-12-131h 02
The Urban Monk PodcastHealing Injuries with Stem Cells with Guest Harry AdelsonStem cells were once controversial due to their method of acquisition but the research has advanced and there are new ways to gather stem cells. The benefits of using stem cells to heal are great and Pedram Shojai himself has been using stem cells to help heal a previous hip injury of his under the supervision of this week's guest, Dr. Harry Adelson! How do stem cells work and where are doctors now getting them from? What is the success rate and what can someone using stem cells reasonably expect?2019-11-2638 min
The Urban Monk PodcastTroubled Water with Guest Seth M. SiegelFlint, Michigan was only the tip of the iceberg. From big cities and suburbs to the rural heartland, chemicals linked to cancer, heart disease, obesity, birth defects, and lowered IQ routinely spill from our taps. Many are to blame: the EPA, Congress, a bipartisan coalition of powerful governors and mayors, chemical companies, and drinking water utilities—even NASA and the Pentagon. Meanwhile, the bottled water industry has been fanning our fears about tap water, but bottled water is often no safer. So then what is the solution? Pedram Shojai welcomes author Seth M. Siegel back onto The Urban Monk Po...2019-10-2153 min
The Urban Monk PodcastInvesting for a Better Tomorrow with Guest Martin WhittakerWhen you invest your money in either the banks or on Wall St. have you ever considered what your money is actually doing? What impact does your money have when you put it into a savings account or a retirement fund? Is your money going towards companies that you would want to do business with? And how can you tell if a company is actually doing good, not just on a financial sheet, but for the world and its environment? Martin Whittaker, founding CEO of JUST Capital, takes out the guesswork when trying to find ethical places to invest...2019-10-1845 min
The Urban Monk PodcastThe Toxic Invasion with Guest Tom MalterreToxins are everywhere and they're difficult to avoid. Even when we try our best we may still be exposed to harmful toxics that affect our health and wellbeing. What sort of toxins are we being exposed to regularly and how do they affect us? Pedram Shojai welcomes Urban Monk Podcast regular Tom Malterre back to the show to discuss the ongoing research into endocrine disrupters that mess with our lives.2019-10-1143 min
The Urban Monk PodcastWhat's In Your Wine? with Guest Todd WhiteMany people enjoy a glass of wine whether it be with dinner or just a way to unwind after a long day at work, but have you ever thought about what's actually in your wine? Wine doesn't actually list the ingredients on the bottle. Well Todd White of Dry Farm Wines joins Pedram Shojai on The Urban Monk Podcast to discuss exactly why that is. Todd also talks about the process in which wine is mass produced and the troubling toxins that may actually be the cause of some headaches associated with wine. What does it take to remove...2019-05-2247 min
The Urban Monk PodcastPedram's Microbiome Deep DiveThe Urban Monk is back after a hiatus from the podcast. Pedram Shojai has been busy all year filming a new docu-series on the microbiome titled Interconnected! Here he takes some time to sit and just talk about the experience of filming the series and what he learned and the many experts he was able to interview. No guest in this episode, just Pedram at the wheel driving solo.2018-11-1915 min
The Urban Monk PodcastMy Morning Routine with Guest Benjamin SpallHow important is a morning routine? How can what we do in the morning affect the rest of our day? Benjamin Spall has written about this very topic and joins Pedram Shojai to deeply examine the common habits people get into when they wake up. Think about what you do when you wake up. The very first thing. Do you take a moment to appreciate perhaps your spouse? Or are you reaching for the phone to see who's emailed you in the last 8 hours? What affect could this have on our day to day lives? How do we break...2018-05-2829 min
The Urban Monk PodcastWhat the Heck Should I Eat with Guest Dr. Mark HymanDiets are hard. Not even in the weight loss sense, but just in the general idea of the general foods a person should eat to be generally healthy. We're told that fats make us fat, but then someone else comes along to say that fats actually help to lose weight. Salt is bad, but someone else says it's fine. Gluten will mess you up, but someone else says, "Maybe in moderation you'll survive." What is it?? Dr. Mark Hyman joins Pedram Shojai on The Urban Monk to discuss the confusing, confounding, conflicting messages regarding what to eat. Who should...2018-02-2633 min
The Urban Monk PodcastWhere's My Driverless Car? with Guest Eric NobleAutonomous cars hold a lot of promise. Imagine if we could reduce or even fully eliminate automobile accidents due to road rage, drunk driving, or distracted drivers. Imagine if rush hour traffic was no more! Imagine the time you could get back to nap, read, or talk more intently with someone on the phone if you didn't have to drive! These are some of the various promises made by the concept of a self-driving car, but how realistic are these promises? On this episode Pedram Shojai welcomes Eric Noble from The Car Lab to discuss the advancements auto-makers have...2018-02-1537 min
The Urban Monk PodcastBig Love with Guest Scott StabileAfter a little hiatus The Urban Monk podcast is back with new episodes! Starting off 2018, we have Scott Stabile joining Pedram Shojai. Scott is the author of Big Love: The Power of Living with a Wide-Open Heart. It's really easy to focus on the negative aspects of our lives and the world at large, but what happens if we choose to focus exclusively on the kindness and love? Scott insists that change can lead to endless good. Scott didn't have it easy either. His parents were murdered when he was fourteen. His brother later died of a heroin overdose...2018-02-0138 min
The Urban Monk PodcastThe Compassionate Achiever with Guest Chris KukkFor decades, we’ve been told the key to prosperity is to look out for number one. But recent science shows that to achieve durable success, we need to be more than just achievers; we need to be compassionate achievers. Compassion seems to be a big missing ingredient in a lot of human interactions. How can one be a better compassionate person and understand and connect with other people? Pedram Shojai welcomes author Chris Kukk to The Urban Monk to discuss why compassion can create more productive workplaces along with healthier, less violent communities. Subscribe to our Yo...2017-05-1343 min
The Urban Monk PodcastEyes Wide Open – How Losing His Sight Allowed Guest Isaac Lidsky to See The World More ClearlyFear has a tendency to give us tunnel vision—we fill the unknown with our worst imaginings and cling to what’s familiar. But when confronted with new challenges, we need to think more broadly and adapt. When Isaac Lidsky learned that he was beginning to go blind at age thirteen, eventually losing his sight entirely by the time he was twenty-five, he initially thought that blindness would mean an end to his early success and his hopes for the future. After such a major setback, he didn't let being blind keep him down. He took responsibility over his real...2017-05-1135 min
The Urban Monk PodcastGarden for Wildlife with Guest David MizejewskiFor many, spring time is the time we finally get to leave the house and enjoy the outdoors after a cold and bitter winter. Spring is also the time we get to get our hands dirty with our garden. A garden is a great way to introduce some plant life right in our own front yards. Some people might just pick some plants and flowers to plant based on how they look or how they smell, but what thought do people put into how the plant might interact with the wildlife of the area? To talk about how to...2017-05-0839 min
The Urban Monk PodcastThe Way of the Gun with Guest Iain OvertonSecond Amendment rights in the United States is an extremely contentious issue. There are compelling arguments from every viewpoint and everyone has an opinion. Coming from a background of journalism, author Iain Overton explored the lifecycle of the gun, from those who make firearms, to those who sell them, use them, and die by them. In a conversation with Pedram Shojai, Overton talks about his time and travels around the world as he spoke to ER doctors dealing with gun trauma, SWAT team leaders, gang members, and weapons smugglers. He talks about the fear that can paralyze a person...2017-03-3042 min
The Health BridgeThe Health Bridge is now on The Urban Monk!We are moving all episodes of The Health Bridge to the Urban Monk! If you're a fan of Pedram Shojai, you might already know he has another podcast titled The Urban Monk! If you're already subscribed to both shows, you don't have to do anything. But if you aren't subscribed to The Urban Monk, just search for the show in iTunes! It will be the same Health Bridge show, still released on Mondays, but with the added bonus of Urban Monk episodes on Thursdays! We were having trouble trying to separate Pedram across two separate shows and...2016-09-0502 minThe Health BridgeEnding Heart Disease with Guest Dr. Joel FuhrmanHeart disease is one of the leading causes of death with an estimated 600,000 deaths annually in the U.S. alone. That means every 60 seconds someone in the U.S. dies from heart disease. To talk about these staggering numbers, Pedram Shojai welcomes Dr. Joel Fuhrman to The Health Bridge. Dr. Fuhrman is here to discuss the ways in which heart disease can actually be reversed and how it is not just a natural consequence of aging. Dr. Fuhrman is a board-certified family physician, a New York Times best-selling author, and an internationally recognized expert on nutrition and natural healing...2016-06-2738 minThe Health BridgeThe Age Fix with Guest Dr. Anthony YounThe human body's largest organ, our skin, covers an area of about 20 square feet and weighs about 8 pounds on its own. It protects us from the elements, from microbes, helps control body temperature and transmits the sensations of touch and temperature. It's also the first thing most people see of us. It also plays a significant role in how we see ourselves. This week Pedram Shojai welcomes Dr. Anthony Youn. He's the rare plastic surgeon who strongly believes in doing everything he possibly can to keep people OUT of the operating room. He's spent the last 16 years researching the...2016-06-2132 minThe Health BridgeThe Allergy Solution with Guest Dr. Leo GallandYou might know someone with an allergy if you don't suffer from one yourself. It's estimated that 30 percent of adults suffer from an allergy ranging from asthma to hay fever to eczema and food allergies. What's more alarming however is research that is revealing the rise of hidden allergies, that is, allergies that lead to weight gain, fatigue, brain fog, depression, ADHD and much more. To talk about the latest research in allergies, Pedram Shojai welcomes guest Dr. Leo Galland to The Health Bridge. He's a board-certified internist and leader in integrated medicine. He's here to help Pedram understand...2016-06-1338 minThe Health BridgeI Am A Food Addict with Guest Susan Peirce ThompsonIt takes a lot of courage to admit to an addiction. But sometimes we can overlook the idea of being addicted to food. Some of us might just think we're chronic overeaters before we admit to ourselves that we're just plain addicted. For some it might just be a case of overeating from time to time, but for other people it's a serious addiction that needs to be controlled. Today Pedram Shojai welcomes Susan Peirce Thompson back to The Health Bridge. She's the founder and CEO of Bright Line Eating Solutions, a company offering a road map to success...2016-06-0641 minThe Health BridgeEnzyme Essentials with Guest Wade LightheartChances are if you follow our podcast, you know the importance of nutrition, but what can easily be overlooked is the importance enzymes play in our digestion and absorption of nutrients. Today Pedram Shojai welcomes Wade Lightheart to The Health Bridge to talk about enzymes helped rebuild his body from the inside out. He's a 3-time All Natural National Bodybuilding Champion, advisor to the American Anti-Cancer Institute, and director of Education at BiOptimizers. He has also authored a best-selling book, "Staying Alive in a Toxic World." Wade combines the principles of high performance training and nutrition, eastern philosophy, and...2016-05-1748 minThe Health BridgeFreedom From High-Cost Healthcare with Guest Tom BlueHealth insurance is now mandated by federal law. We all have to have it. But what are all the options out there? Are we all forced into high-cost plans with little actual benefits? What alternatives are out there? Well this week on The Health Bridge Pedram Shojai welcomes guest Tom Blue to talk about Medical Cost Sharing. Tom is the program director for Liberty Direct, which is leading the launch of a new program offering health conscious people freedom from the burden of high cost healthcare. To start, why is healthcare so expensive to begin with? And what is...2016-05-1139 minThe Health BridgeOpioid Epidemic with Guest Dr. Debra HouryThe United States is in the midst of a prescription drug overdose epidemic. Prescriptions and sales of opioids like Vicodin and Percocet have quadrupled since 1999. According to the CDC, more than 40 people die every day from prescription opioid overdoses. Joining Pedram Shojai today to talk about this epidemic and the new federal guidelines issued to primary care doctors treating adult patients for chronic pain is Dr. Debra Houry. She is the director of the CDC's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. She is also a practicing ER doctor. What is the CDC's role in this epidemic? Under what...2016-04-2531 minThe Health BridgeGoing Vegan with Guest Donovan GreenVeganism is the practice abstaining from using animal products, from meats to fish to eggs and milk, and living only on plant-based foods. Recently on The Health Bridge, Pedram welcomed Kevin Gianni who was a former vegan but had to re-introduce animal food products back into his diet, but this week Pedram Shojai welcomes Donovan Green to the program. Donovan is an integrative nutritionist, a certified ACE and IFA personal trainer, a black belt martial artist, author of the book, No Excuses Fitness, Dr. Oz's personal trainer, and happens to be a full vegan. Pedram asks Donovan about his...2016-03-3034 minThe Health BridgeIs Surgery The Best Option? Functional Orthopedics with Guest Dr. Ben RubinIt's not uncommon, even at a young age, to have injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system, that is, the system involving joints, muscles, and ligaments. Orthopedic complaints are among the most common reasons people seek medical care. Often, when someone goes to a doctor with an issue regarding their knees, shoulders, hips, or lower back, there's a tendency to push for surgery. Well this week on The Health Bridge Pedram Shojai welcomes an orthopedic surgeon who doesn't think surgery is always the best option. Dr. Ben Rubin specializes in sports medicine along with arthroscopic and reconstructive shoulder and...2016-03-2242 minThe Health BridgeBrain Health with Guest Daniel AmenToday kicks off Brain Awareness Week! It's an annual global campaign to increase awareness on the progress and benefits of brain research. To help us better understand the brain, Pedram Shojai invited to The Health Bridge a man the Washington Post called "the most popular psychiatrist in America," Dr. Daniel Amen. He's a double board-certified psychiatrist and a ten-time best-selling author. If there are questions to be asked of the brain, Dr. Amen is definitely the one to ask. Is it possible to change your brain? Is it harder to change as we age? Is it possible to teach...2016-03-1438 minThe Health BridgeConfessions of a Former Vegan with Guest Kevin GianniMaybe you've thought about it, becoming a vegan. Removing all animal products from your diet may be okay depending on your nutritional needs. We of course would recommend you double check with a health professional on your specific case. On this episode of The Health Bridge, however, Pedram Shojai speaks with Kevin Gianni who tried his hand at being a vegan. What benefits did Kevin see when he became a vegan? How difficult was the transition from carnivore to herbivore? What role does diet play into identity as well? But for Kevin, being a vegan was also met with...2016-02-2239 minThe Health BridgeIV Nutrient Therapy with Guest Dr. Katherine ZagoneWe all know of the importance of getting the right nutrients. Often we might think of nutrients as coming from the foods we eat or the supplements we take, but did you know that you can also get nutrients delivered to your body intravenously? Dr. Katherine Zagone returns to The Health Bridge to discuss her practice of administering nutrients through an IV. What are the benefits of taking in nutrients through an IV rather than orally? Who should be treated in this manner? And what sorts of conditions and illnesses can IV nutrient therapy help? As a bonus, Dr...2016-02-1529 minThe Health BridgeBattling Migraines with Guest Dr. Steven Graff-RadfordMigraines affect about 38 million men, women, and children in the United States. They can last anywhere between 4 to 72 hours. What differentiates a migraine from a run-of-the-mill headache? To help explain how migraines affect the mind and body Dr. Tami and Dr. Pedram Shojai welcome Dr. Steven Graff-Radford to The Health Bridge! He's actually a doctor of dental surgery, so how is it that he is focused on the diagnosing and treatment of migraines? Who can be affected by migraines? Do they tend to affect certain types of people over another? What's causing them? Are there external factors and triggers...2016-02-0932 minThe Health BridgeHow to Get Medical Insurance with Guest James MaskellHealth insurance in the United States is still a point of confusion for some people despite the passage of the Affordable Care Act. Thankfully, Dr. Pedram Shojai and Dr. Tami have invited James Maskell of Revive Primary Care to help make some sense of it. What is medical insurance? What is it for? How does it work? What are the limitations of medical insurance? And how does one choose between private, corporate, or Obamacare insurance?
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: http://well.org/subscribe
Subscribe to the Health Bridge Podcast on iTunes: http://well.org...2016-02-0137 minThe Health BridgeWake Up To Sleep with Guest Dr. Raj DasguptaSleep is a favorite topic of ours to cover here at the Health Bridge as it seems we have trouble taking our own advice! About 62% of American adults experience some sort of problem a few nights a week and 30% suffer from some sort of insomnia in the course of a year. What is causing this? Is it diet? Lifestyle? Genetics? Age? Stress? How do we fix it? To help answer these questions Pedram Shojai welcomes board-certified sleep specialist Dr. Raj Dasgupta to the show. Dr. Dasgupta helps to explain what sleep apnea is and how that differs from generic...2016-01-2543 minThe Health BridgeWhy Are You So Tired?! With Tom MalterreIt seems these days everyone is tired all the time! Trust us, you're not the only one looking to gain some extra energy every day. On this week's episode of The Health Bridge one of our favorite guests, Tom Malterre, joins Pedram Shojai to discuss the topic that seems to affect so many of us: being tired. In this episode they discuss the factors that are draining our energy and keeping us tired. They provide tips on how to overcome those issues and find our energy again.
Let us know how your life will be different with a...2016-01-0447 minThe Health BridgeWhy Your Medical Bill Costs So Much With Dr. TamiDr. Tami joins Pedram Shojai on this weeks episode of The Health Bridge to discuss why our medical bills can cost so much. When we experience such inflated costs at the doctor are they accurate? Why can it be so pricey? Is insurance to blame?
Tune in to find out why those medical bills can cost so much and how you can cut them down2015-11-2326 minThe Health BridgeFertility in the Modern World with Guest Katherine ZagoneIn this week's episode of The Health Bridge, the wonderful Katherine Zagone joins hosts Pedram Shojai and Dr. Tami to discuss fertility. Katherine is a naturopathic doctor with a practice focuses on women's health, but she does see patients of both genders. Katherine comes on the show and talks about various factors that are contributing to a recent decrease in fertility. Could it be the added stress levels that is leading to a decrease in fertility? Could it be an unbalanced modern diet as well? She talks about how we can make adjustments in our own lives to better increase...2015-11-1239 minThe Health BridgeMache Seibel: The Wild Effects of Changing HormonesTrying to get back to the East Meets West format that The Health Bridge was founded upon, Pedram Shojai welcomes back Dr. Tami as a guest co-host for this show! Together they chat with Dr. Mache Seibel who specializes in hormones and women's health. The three of them discuss the wild ways hormones can change our bodies in both short-term and long-term cycles. How can hormones affects a person's health, body weight, and even stress levels? Is there a way to regulate hormones during menopause? What kind of symptoms might a woman look for as they approach the age...2015-10-2338 minThe Health BridgeWendy Myers: Metal Toxicity in Our BodiesWendy Myers joins Pedram Shojai on this week's episode of The Health Bridge. They discuss the factors that contribute to the build up of heavy metals in our bodies, the effects they can have on us, and how to detox them. Are you being affected by heavy metals? Are you taking the right steps to rid them from your body? Tune in and find out!2015-10-0939 minThe Health BridgeTrevor Cates: Healthy Skin From WithinTrevor Cates joins Pedram Shojai in this weeks episode of the Health Bridge.
As a naturopathic doctor, Trevor discusses in everyday life, what we ingest and apply externally has a profound effect on our overall health. Does the food we eat really affect our skin? Does different foods affect our skin differently? What outside factors influence our skin and how?
Tune in and find out!2015-10-0239 minThe Health BridgeThe Truth About Cholesterol with Tami MeragliaWe've all heard about the dangers of having high cholesterol, but what does that really mean? If having too much cholesterol is dangerous, why does our body have trouble clearing it out? On this episode of the Health Bridge, Pedram Shojai welcomes Dr. Tami Meraglia. She still runs a practice and deals with this issue quote often. She helps clarify what cholesterol does for the body and what happens when you have too much. They also discuss the importance of the liver and how it works to help clear out cholesterol. Dr. Tami also evaluates the pros and cons...2015-09-2500 minThe Health BridgeHome Tricks for Probiotic Health with Guest Summer BockSummer Bock returns to the Health Bridge! In this discussion, naturally formed probiotics take center stage. She and Pedram Shojai discuss helpful tricks to try in the comfort of your home to acquire heightened health.2015-09-0549 minThe Health BridgeControlling the Addictive Mind with Susan Peirce ThompsonCan food be an addiction? On this episode of The Health Bridge, Pedram Shojai invites Susan Peirce Thompson as they discuss the psychology behind food cravings and how the mind can have trouble controlling them. Susan opens up to Pedram about the struggles she had with her own weight and addiction to other substances besides food. Are some people susceptible to becoming addicted to things in general more than other people? Is there a way to break a cycle of addiction?2015-08-2150 minThe Health BridgeAn Annoying Obsession with Healthy Food, A Look at Orthorexia with Guest Marc DavidFor some of us, when we set a goal to become healthy by introducing exercise and exorcising bad foods, we REALLY stick to that goal. We might really stick to not eating excess fats and avoid gluten or dairy or both completely. Of course this might make living in the real world a little difficult. Choosing a place to meet a friend for lunch suddenly became much more tedious, but stick to it! You want to be healthy, right? But when does this become an obsession that affects us beyond our physical health? On this episode of The Health B...2015-08-0336 minThe Health BridgeIs Gluten Sensitivity Real? with Guest Tom O'BryanIt's one of the more recent trend words when it comes to diets: gluten. You may know someone who is avoiding gluten. You yourself might be trying to avoid gluten. You've read about it and you've heard your friends and co-workers all talk about it, but what is gluten and why can it be harmful? On this episode of The Health Bridge, Pedram Shojai (still flying solo) welcomes Tom O'Bryan to the podcast. Tom explains to Pedram exactly what gluten is and how it may affect people that eat large amounts. How can you tell if it's affecting you...2015-06-1153 minThe Health BridgeMaking Healthy Food Fun with Guest Robyn YoukilisAfter a long break we're back with a new episode of The Health Bridge. Sara Gottfried wasn't able to attend this recording, but Robyn Youkilis visited Pedram Shojai at his offices in Orange County and of course we had to break out the equipment to record an episode for the podcast! Pedram and Robyn discuss the different ways food can help or hurt health. Robyn discusses ways she has found to keep food not only healthy but tasty. She talks in depth about her relationship to food. She talks about ways to keep healthy even when she's not in...2015-05-1537 minThe Health BridgeGoing Off The Grid with Guest Abel JamesAbel James returns to The Health Bridge! Recently Abel and his wife sold their house and a large amount of their possessions, downsized to an RV and traveled the country. He shares with Sara Gottfried and Pedram Shojai the story of his experience cutting strong ties to email and other technology. What effects does declaring technology bankruptcy form? What sort of rejuvenation can be gained by declaring time wealth? So often we're looking to please others but do we stop to do something good for ourselves? The trio also move to the topic of food and they discuss the l...2015-03-3048 minThe Health BridgeCreating Positive Connections to Food with Guest Rebecca KatzHow strong are our connections to food? For some people, food is just a necessity but for many others, food is an experience. For those without a strong connection to food, how can food be transformed to be enjoyed rather than just a thing we shovel into our mouths? This week on The Health Bridge, Sara Gottfried and Pedram Shojai welcome guest Rebecca Katz. She's a chef with formal training from the Natural Culinary Institute. To her food can be a transformative experience. She tells the story of cooking for her father who was fighting cancer and how food do...2015-03-2330 minThe Health BridgeBecoming an Ageless Goddess with Guest Christiane Northrup"We're destined to be old," says guest Christiane Northrup. But does that mean we actually have to be old in spirit? Sara Gottfried and Pedram Shojai welcome Christiane Northrup as they discuss what it means to age and why a chronological age does NOT have to indicate our biological age. They also discuss the different mindsets people may have at different ages and ways we can derive pleasure from mindfulness. Why is it difficult for some people to love their own company? Why must we all try to conform to a herd? When we begin acting like an old...2015-02-2343 minThe Health BridgeVaccinations Revisited with Guests Louise Habakus and Jeff HaysThe topic of vaccines is one that garnered a big reaction from our audience when The Health Bridge covered the measles outbreak at Disneyland. The response was so strong that Pedram Shojai and Sara Gottfried wanted to continue the conversation. Unfortunately, Sara fell sick right before this recording, so Pedram runs this one solo as he welcomed guests Jeff Hays and Louise Habakus. Jeff Hays is a filmmaker whose upcoming film, "Bought," deals with the topic of vaccine manufacturers and their practices. Louise Habakus appears in the film and is the founding director of Center for Personal Rights and lea...2015-02-1258 minThe Health BridgeThe Problem of Pelvic Pain with Guest Michael YangIt's an issue that many people have, but might feel somewhat embarrassed to talk about: Pelvic pain. This week on The Health Bridge, Sara Gottfried and Pedram Shojai welcome their friend Michael Yang. He dives into the topic of pelvic pain, discussing how chronic the pain can be as well as how underdiagnosed it can be. What sort of pain can be experienced in the pelvic region? How does pain affect women and men differently? Michael also dives into the connection between pain and the brain. How much of pain is psychological? How does a psychological mindset also affect ot...2015-02-0925 minThe Health BridgeToxic Spouse in the HouseWith a full month having come and gone in January, many of us may have already fallen off of sticking with our New Year's Resolutions. What if the problem of sticking with a new diet or exercise regime isn't that we're having problems commiting, but that we have a spouse that is just completely unsupportive? This week on the Health Bridge Sara Gottfried and Pedram Shojai discuss the topic of toxic spouses. How can we overcome a spouse that won't adjust their diet to match one we're going on? Is it required that the spouse go on a diet...2015-02-0529 minThe Health BridgeThe Biology of Depression with Guest Jay Lombard100th episode! And boy do we have a good one! This week Sara Gottfried and Pedram Shojai welcome Jay Lombard to The Health Bridge. Jay co-founded Genomind which specializes in psychiatry and neurology. The three focus in on the biology of depression. What kind of genetic predispositions might lead to depression? What role does external factors play in determining mental health? Are there any ways to modulate the risk of depression? And what role does physical exercise have in the risk of depression?2015-02-0251 minThe Health BridgeStaying Healthy at WorkWe spend eight hours of our days, five days a week, week in and week out at work. It's a significant part of our lives. But while at work are we keeping the same strict standards on ourselves that we may keep at home? On this episode of The Health Bridge, Pedram Shojai and Sara Gottfried discuss different ways to stay healthy while at work. For some, we may be sitting at a desk all day in an office environment. How can we create new habits and make them stick in an environment that might be filled with lots...2015-01-2922 minThe Health BridgeFastingOver the holiday break, Sara Gottfried and her husband heard a story on NPR regarding fasting and she was enthusiastic about talking about the topic on The Health Bridge with Pedram Shojai. Are there benefits to fasting? How often should someone fast? What are the possible positive outcomes for fasting? If you're thinking about fasting, what is a healthy way to fast? Just as important as fasting in a healthy manner is how you come out of a fast and Pedram and Sara discuss how to come out of a fast as well.2015-01-2632 minThe Health BridgeMeasles Outbreak at DisneylandMore than four dozen people have been diagnosed with measles in conjunction with recent trips to Disneyland or the adjacent Disneyland California Adventure Park. As Pedram lives in Orange County where the parks are located, this is a story that certainly hits close to home. This week on The Health Bridge, Sara Gottfried and Pedram Shojai discuss the measles virus, how it can spread, and how a virus that has been declared eradicated can suddenly have another outbreak. Does the rising number of parents wary of vaccinating their children have any correlation to this recent outbreak? How can parents l...2015-01-2214 minThe Health BridgeThe Hormone ResetSara Gottfried has been hard at work on a book and it's finally ready to be presented! Sara's new book, "The Hormone Reset," has led Sara on quite the journey of discovery. Pedram Shojai discusses with her the process of writing a book while working full time and managing the kids. Sara mentions how the book made her more aware of the different approaches that can exist to becoming a fitter person. Sara reflects on the changes she saw in her own body in her thirties and the importance of managing estrogen. How important is it to be proactive...2015-01-1226 minThe Health BridgeSticking to Your New Year's ResolutionsHappy New Year! The beginning of a new year can signify new beginnings. It's a chance to make changes in our lives and begin anew. But for some we make resolutions that are basically dropped and forgotten by January 2nd. How can we make 2015 different? Sara Gottfried and Pedram Shojai welcome 2015 on The Health Bridge and talk about how to lock in those goals and achieve them. How can the people around us affect the success rate of our goals? How can we turn a new action into a long-lasting habit? Let's make 2015 the best year yet!2015-01-0515 minThe Health BridgeConnecting Fashion and Health with Guest Melissa KathrynClothing and fashion holds different meaning and importance for everyone. For some, it's very important to put together a wardrobe while some others might not care one bit if a certain shirt goes with a certain pair of jeans. What we wear can convey a lot of information to others. In this episode of The Health Bridge, Sara Gottfried and Pedram Shojai welcome Melissa Kathryn and she discusses the connection between fashion and body image. Melissa comes from a fashion design background and discusses how the fashion industry fuels body image and how it can negatively affect younger children...2014-12-2920 minThe Health BridgeHaving Fun Without Alcohol with Guest James SwanwickIn this holiday release of The Health Bridge, Sara Gottfried and Pedram Shojai welcome James Swanwick. James used to be a drinker of alcohol, though he wasn't a down and out alcoholic. However, a few years back he made the decision to avoid alcohol completely. How did that affect his social life going out? In many societies and cultures, drinking is almost a rite of passage signifying the change from a child to becoming an adult. For some it's a way to cut loose on a Friday night after a long work week. For some it's liquid courage and t...2014-12-2534 minThe Health BridgeEnjoying The HolidaysThe holidays are meant to be a time to relax with the ones we love. The kids are on winter break and other family you may not have seen for a while are flying in. Why then, between shopping for gifts and attending various holiday parties, can the holiday season be such a stressful time? Sara Gottfried and Pedram Shojai take a look at the original intentions of the holiday season, what it has become, and how we can take the time to relax during the winter season. From both Sara's and Pedram's team and everyone at The Health...2014-12-2222 minThe Health BridgeUnclogging ConstipationFor some, pooping can be an issue. Of course we all do it, but how frequently do you go? In this episode, Sara Gottfried and Pedram Shojai talk all about constipation. It's important to pay attention to what we deposit into the toilet. Also important is noting the amount of time it takes between eating food and passing it in the restroom. What's considered normal? What if we don't have daily bowel movements? What if we pass food too quickly? And if we don't have movements often what can we do to become more regular?2014-12-1823 minThe Health BridgeThe 100-Day Gong: ResultsPedram Shojai and Sara Gottfried officially complete their 100-day gongs! They recently spoke about this as they were nearing the finish line but now they speak from the other side. What changes have occurred in 100 days? What challenges did they face? And now that the 100 days are done, what actions are taken now? How are the habits built up during the gong carried out into normal every day life out of a gong? They recorded this episode a few weeks ago, but plan to start another gong on Sunday, December 21st so there's plenty of time to prepare and j...2014-12-1517 minThe Health BridgeMaking Sense of GrainsVarious health experts and nutrition experts have written frequently over the past few years that grains are terribly unhealthy. Are grains really that bad? Humans have been eating grains for thousands of years. Why then suddenly should we try to avoid them? Sara Gottfried and Pedram Shojai try to make sense of all the grain data. They look at grains from a nutritional standpoint and compare its nutritional value to that of vegetables. They also discuss ways grains may affect a person even if they're not gluten sensitive. What is the role of grains in the standard diet and...2014-12-1116 minThe Health BridgeReclaiming the Power Over Your Body ImageWe live in a media and image driven world. We're often bombarded with images of men and women in top physical form and deride ourselves over the fact that we don't look like Ryan Gosling or have the body shape of Charlize Theron. Though we may not be in top physical shape, how can we still be satisfied with our own bodies? Sara Gottfried and Pedram Shojai this week take on the troubling issue of body image. For some people it's agony comparing themselves to others. It might lead to issues both physical and psychological. How can we accept...2014-12-0816 minThe Health BridgeAdapting to the OverwhelmWe've all been overwhelmed by life at some point. Whether it's trying to handle the kids or the work or the chores that need to be done or a combination of all of it, sometimes things just get out of hand. Pedram Shojai and Sara Gottfried in this episode talk all about the effects of being overwhelmed. In what ways can we be overwhelmed? How could we change our view on time and time management that could help alleviate some of the overwhelm? In what ways might we be contributing to our own feeling of overwhelm? And if the...2014-12-0421 minThe Health BridgeConnecting the Mind and Digestion with Guest Marc DavidFor many, eating is just a thing one does when hungry. But this week, Sara Gottfried and Pedram Shojai welcome guest Marc David who discusses our mentality and how it affects the way we eat. Marc goes even further to discuss how mentality can shape the perception of ourselves, how it can alter the perception of time, and how it can change our relationship with food. How can we fully nourish the body to give it what it wants? How can digestion be altered by our moods? When we eat too fast, what information are we missing by not ta...2014-12-0151 minThe Health BridgeCompleting GongsFor those of you in the US, Happy Thanksgiving! If you've been listening to The Health Bridge for a while, you'll know that Pedram Shojai and Sara Gottfried have been on a Gong for the last 100 days. Well the 100 days means the gong is complete. Sara and Pedram discuss how their gongs went and what improvements they can see after 100 days. Sara is open and admits some of the difficulties she faced when the gong first began. Now that the gong is over, what are the next steps? How soon should one wait before starting the next gong?2014-11-2717 minThe Health BridgeThe Launch of "Origins"Previously, Sara Gottfried asked Pedram Shojai about the process of making his new movie, "Origins." Now some time has passed and the movie has actually been released. Sara asks Pedram on the response to the movie and they discuss a few points made in the movie. Sara and Pedram discuss a point made in the movie of how bad fats should be avoided but how sugar is also just as bad. For more info on how to see "Origins," visit Facebook.com/TheHealthBridge.2014-11-2420 minThe Health BridgeThe Role of Nurses in Functional MedicineThis week on The Health Bridge, Sara Gottfried and Pedram Shojai answer a question that was posted on the Facebook page! We do actually read those! Lisa posted, "I'm wondering what role you see the nursing profession playing in the Functional Medicine movement." A very interesting question. As health care becomes more specialized and segmented, will the models that work in one area carry over into others? How important is it that everyone behind the pharmacy counter know as much as the doctor that prescribed the medication in the first place? Pedram and Sara explore the changing medical system...2014-11-2011 minThe Health BridgeAugmenting Care for ADDIn the last decade there has been a rise in the diagnosis of ADD and ADHD in both children and adults. Often, the remedy to this is to take prescription medicine. This week Pedram Shojai and Sara Gottfried discuss if there are any other ways to try and treat ADD and ADHD. Of course, if a physician recommends medicine, it's definitely recommended to listen to them, but what other factors could be contributing to the diagnosis? Could it be the food we eat? Could it be factors in the environment that contribute to ADD and ADHD?2014-11-1721 minThe Health BridgeThe Different Biology of Women and MenThere's no denying that women and men are biologically different from one another. How does that impact the health care a person receives? When a person is being examined by a health care professional is the gender of the person being taken into account? Sara Gottfried and Pedram Shojai discuss the different ways men and womens' bodies respond to stress. What differences can be seen in the microbiome between the two genders? It's important to note the differences so not to treat the genders differently but rather to better understand each gender.2014-11-1320 minThe Health BridgeFood AddictionFoods have a strong power. We might be aware of it, but all the same we might not fully understand the power. For some of us, it goes beyond a simple craving for pizza and brownies. For some of us, as hard as we may try, we must have the pizza. Sara Gottfried and Pedram Shojai in this episode of The Health Bridge discuss the power of food addictions. Food addiction could potentially be the barrier keeping some from reaching their full healthy potential. Is it real? What causes it? Why does our body crave certain foods? And how...2014-11-1021 minThe Health BridgeReconnecting to the Earth With a Home GardenMany of us have lost touch with nature. Maybe at most we'll go on a short walk and look at the trees, but we're still quite surrounded by urban structures. Pedram Shojai recently removed the lawn from his backyard and turned it into a home garden with six raised beds. Sara Gottfried asks him about the troubles of starting a home garden. Pedram immediately realized that for trying to be as natural as he can, he doesn't know a thing about growing food in his backyard. And so with the home garden, it is his chance to reconnect to...2014-11-0614 minThe Health BridgeLiver DetoxificationWhen Pedram Shojai got his check-up before starting the 100-day gong he got some surprising news from Dr. Alan Christianson, his liver wasn't looking so great. This was a bit of a surprise as Pedram keeps alcohol and junk food consumption at minimum and there's little reason for his liver to have any issues. But the tests were very clear, Pedram needed to clean his liver. This week on The Health Bridge, he and Sara Gottfried talk about the importance of the liver and what happens when it's loaded with toxins. What can be done to detoxify the liver...2014-11-0317 minThe Health BridgeThe Power of Negative Thinking with Guest Michael LovitchMind over matter. We've heard it all before. But what does that really entail? This week Sara Gottfried and Pedram Shojai welcome Michael Lovitch to The Health Bridge. They get into the topic of negative thinking and its effects. Is negative thinking something we should avoid? Could negative thinking lead us to try harder to avoid negative outcomes? Lovitch also brings up the concept of trying to live a full life and have fun even if it means not being so strict with the health stuff. This one's explicit for some language.2014-10-3048 minThe Health BridgeCalcium ChannelsContinuing with the talk of genetics, Pedram Shojai and Sara Gottfried discuss calcium channels. What are calcium channels and how do they affect different systems of the body? How does the genetics we're given affect the calcium channels in our body? What can we do about that? How does Omega-3 affect the systems in our body? Who should and who should not take Omega-3 supplements? Pedram and Sara dive right in!2014-10-2717 minThe Health BridgeTaking Control Over GeneticsThis week Sara Gottfried and Pedram Shojai take a look at genetics. It's important to know the genetic factors that may affect our personal health and make adjustments to our behaviors to fit. Sara and Pedram recently had their genetics charted before starting their gongs and they were surprised at what they found. How much control do we have over our genetics? What factors can genetics affect? What tests can be taken to discover exactly how our genetics may affect different factiors? And even if genetics have a hold over major factors, what can be done to offset the...2014-10-2309 minThe Health BridgeThe Full System Check Up with Guest Alan ChristiansonSara Gottfried's and Pedram Shojai's actual personal physician is the guest this week on the Health Bridge. Dr. Alan Christianson joins in this week to talk in depth about the charts and lab results he saw from Pedram and Sara. The hosts talk about starting their gong and what Dr. Alan saw when they first started. They get into some pretty deep details about the different things Dr. Alan saw when they first were checked before starting the gongs.2014-10-2033 minThe Health BridgeMore on the GMO Right to Know Measure in Oregon with Guest Sandeep KaushikWe've got a bonus episode of The Health Bridge! We had a quick response from the last episode with David Bronner and so Pedram Shojai was able to speak with spokesperson Sandeep Kaushik of the OregonRightToKnow.org. Because we scheduled it so quickly, Sara Gottfried wasn't able to join in. But due to the time-sensitive nature of the subject, we figured we'd just present this as a bonus rather than wait until Monday. Pedram asked Sandeep more about Measure 92 in Oregon. What exactly would it do? How would labeling foods affect manufacturing? Would it affect production at all?2014-10-1811 minThe Health BridgeGMO Right to Know in Oregon with Guest David BronnerComing up in these midterm elections, Oregon is set to vote on a GMO Right to Know Bill that if passed would require manufacturers, retailers and suppliers to label raw and packaged foods produced entirely or partially by genetic engineering. Sara Gottfried and Pedram Shojai wanted to know more about what is going on in Oregon and how this could affect the rest of the country. David Bronner reached out to our team and was happy to inform us about the bill and what affect it could have. He also mentions the tough opposition the bill faces. Would food...2014-10-1613 minThe Health BridgeFunctional Medicine with Guest Dr. Mark HymanWe all know how important the food we eat is to our overall health. When we become ill do we look at what we eat rather than trying to find a pill to cure us? This week Sara Gottfried and Pedram Shojai welcome Dr. Mark Hyman. He's big on functional medicine. What is functional medicine? And now in medical schools, are future practictioners being taught about nutrition and its importance? The three also dive into the importance of avoiding sugar.2014-10-1330 minThe Health BridgeThe Origins of "Origins"Pedram Shojai actually completed a second movie! It took four years but it's finally a real movie! Pedram could not be more excited to see four years of filming turn into an actual tangible movie. So Sara Gottfried asked Pedram about the process of filming "Origins." What did it take to make a movie with a very small team of filmmakers? The film explores the link between planetary health and personal health. What is this link and how does one affect the other?2014-10-0917 minThe Health BridgeConnecting to the Here and Now with Guest Jen Landa"Be mindful of the future, but never at the expense of the present." Star Wars fans will remember this quote. How can we truly connect to the present moment? This week Pedram Shojai and Sara Gottfried welcome Dr. Jen Landa to the Health Bridge. They discuss the problem of energy deficits and what can be done to regain some energy. They also dive into how energy deficits can affect sex drive (and for that I'm throwing up an explicit tag). How can we better balance work life and home life so that we're not always falling behind on energy...2014-10-0626 minThe Health BridgeVaccinationsDefinitely a topic of dispute, Pedram Shojai and Sara Gottfried dive into the subject of vaccinations. There are claims that vaccinations are correlated to the rise in autism. But other data shows that diseases that have been dormant for the better part of a century are returning as people avoid vaccinations. What's the right answer? Pedram is a new father so these questions have been weighing heavy on him. He and Sara try their best to make sense of this complicated issue.2014-10-0223 minThe Health BridgeThe 100-Day Gong: Meditation PracticesIn this episode Sara Gottfried and Pedram Shojai catch up and discuss meditation practices they've incorporated into their gong. With our daily lives, how feasible is it to incorporate meditation into it? How long must we meditate to consider it effective? Sara brings up an app that can help clear your mind and Pedram mentions the effectiveness of changing your environment to help with that. They both discuss the importance of moving in new and different ways to work different parts of our body.2014-09-2513 minThe Health BridgePlanetary Health and Food Choices with Guest Ocean RobbinsHow is planetary health affected by the food choices we make? This week Pedram Shojai and Sara Gottfried welcome Ocean Robbins to the podcast! Ocean discusses the ways eating meat not only affects our bodies and our health, but the health of the environment. How does eating grass-fed beef from corn-fed beef? Is grass-fed beef sustainable on a global level? How can we change our relationship to the things we eat and make health a priority?2014-09-1826 minThe Health BridgeTantraSara Gottfried and Pedram Shojai in this episode give updates on how the gong is going. Sara noticed that for Pedram's gong he wasn't going to ejaculate for the duration of the gong and asks him questions about that. What are the benefits of going on a self-imposed dry spell? Is there a difference between orgasms and ejaculations? Or is Pedram just crazy? The subject matter of this episode of course makes it explicit.2014-09-1115 minThe Health BridgeBecoming the Ultimate Predator with Guest Bo EasonThis week Sara Gottfried and Pedram Shojai welcome Bo Eason to the Health Bridge. Bo is a former NFL player, an actor, and a playwright. How was he able to transfer his NFL skills to the real world? Bo talks about humans as the ultimate predator and how we should be able to accept who we are. The three discuss connecting with our inner nature and the implications that could have. The three also get on a discussion of sexuality and being open about accepting sexuality as a human instinct. For that reason, even though the conversation never gets...2014-09-0842 minThe Health BridgeTrusting Your Instincts with Guest Jordan HarbingerSome of us may suffer from slight social anxiety when in a group of people. Some of us prefer conversing through text messages that allow us time to gather our thoughts before we respond. This week, Pedram Shojai and Sara Gottfried welcome Jordan Harbinger of the podcast The Art of Charm. Jordan discusses reasons why we should sharpen our skills at in-person social interactions. He tells a couple of stories on how he was kidnapped (twice!) and how knowing how to talk to people got him out of those situations. How can spotting non-verbal cues help make us better...2014-09-0422 minThe Health BridgeMaking Your Body Better Between Workouts with Guest Ben GreenfieldHappy Labor Day for our US listeners! This week Pedram Shojai and Sara Gottfried welcome Ben Greenfield to The Health Bridge! They discuss the No Pain No Gain mentality in fitness. Is pain really required to become fitter? What level of challenge is required to see results? And what about between workouts? Are we treating our bodies properly during rest and recovery cycles? Ben Greenfield lists other ways to improve our bodies that don't require raising our heart rates. How can we get out of the comfort zone and challenge ourselves to grow?2014-09-0127 minThe Health BridgeFurther on the Topic of Robin WilliamsPedram Shojai and Sara Gottfried this week give updates on the gongs they recently started. They then dive into a further discussion on Robin Williams which started in the episode with Shawn Stevenson. We received some messages that took concern with Shawn's statement that suicide is a "selfish" act. Pedram and Sara continue the conversation on this sensitive subject. Pedram discusses his experiences knowing people to have taken their own lives. Sara discusses how the news of Robin Williams affected her family. Most importantly, if you are suffering from depression and thinking of taking your own life, please seek...2014-08-2824 minThe Health BridgeAn Army for Change with Guest Cynthia PasquellaHow can we create an army for change? Both for ourselves and the community in which we live? This week Sara Gottfried and Pedram Shojai welcome celebrity nutritionist Cynthia Pasquella to the Health Bridge. They discuss the idea that everyone should practice what they preach. Pedram and Sara talk about their 100-day gongs and Cynthia describes the 10-day challenge she has. They discuss the difficulties of diets and how to work them rather than having them work you.2014-08-2524 minThe Health BridgeAsking Empowering Questions with Guest Shawn StevensonThis week Pedram Shojai and Sara Gottfried welcome Shawn Stevenson to The Health Bridge. Shawn as a youth had a very weak body. He broke a hip while running track and was told that he had the spine of an 80-year-old. He was told there wasn't anything to be done about it but the doctors went ahead and prescribed him pills to take. Shawn took it upon himself to make changes in his life. What changes did Shawn notice when he cut out fast food? What sort of improvements occurred? How did his overall quality of life change?2014-08-2140 minThe Health BridgeNeeds vs. Wants with Guest Cliff HodgesSome of us think we need that cup of coffee in the morning or the newest gadget, but is that really a need? This week Pedram Shojai and Sara Gottfried welcome Cliff Hodges of Adventure Out to The Health Bridge. Cliff runs a program of survival training that aims to re-acclimate the 21st century human back to our primal instincts. When we're worried about actual survival, how does the list of needs vs. wants shift? Is that coffee still a need to stay awake? Or does it become a need to sustain ourselves. Is the smartphone still important? Or...2014-08-1830 minThe Health BridgeRebranding the Gut with Guest Steve WrightThis week Sara Gottfried and Pedram Shojai welcome gut expert Steve Wright to The Health Bridge. Steve was an electrical engineer that had so many problems with his gut that his family nicknamed him, "The Gas Man." He was even told be co-workers that he was "stinking up the cube farm." Steve tried a few different diets to varying effects for his leaky gut. He was then introduced to the Carbohydrate Diet. What is the Carbohydrate Diet and how did it affect the way Steve felt? How can we rebuild the gut through diet?2014-08-1425 min