Field Notes: An Exploration of Functional Medicine
By Rob Downey, MD, IFMCP
Bringing you the leaders in Functional and Integrative Medicine, Dr. Rob Downey explores the cutting
edge protocols and strategies to reclaim health and create a better life, from the inside out.
Why You Should Know About Mast Cell Activation | Beth O’Hara
“IF THERE IS INFLAMMATION, THERE IS MAST CELL INVOLVEMENT.”
If you’re dealing with any chronic health conditions like fatigue, brain fog, pain, inflammation, or autoimmunity, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome might be a root cause no one is talking about. Beth O’Hara joins the podcast to discuss why this topic is monumentally important.
The Surprising True Root Causes of Heart Disease | Dr. Sandra Fleming
“Anything that can cause an imbalance in your gut can cause inflammation and can affect your heart.”
In this episode, Dr. Sandra Fleming joins Dr. Rob Downey to discuss some of the true and sometimes surprising root causes of heart disease.
Chronic Pain Relief + Posture Correction | Dr. Ryan Wohlfert
“When people ask ‘why do I have this pain, I haven’t done anything differently’ – It may be because you HAVEN’T done anything different.”
From peripheral neuropathy to migraines, chronic fatigue, and arthritis, chronic pain is plaguing our world. Reliance on pain medications, from opioids to even NSAIDs, can cripple the body’s natural resilience- but how do we address the root cause of this pain? Rob Downey, MD, IFMCP, speaks with pain expert Dr. Ryan Wohlfert about chronic pain and posture correction for optimal healing.
Steps to a Successful Health Program | Heidi Cox, CPT/Nutrition Coach
“Achieve those tiny, little goals that will eventually walk you towards that final overall goal.”
Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Heidi Cox, CPT/Nutrition Coach, answering all your questions about starting the journey towards a personal goal. They talk about shaping positive relationships with health and food, handling setbacks to your plan, and how a health coach helps you throughout the process. Working on your mindset is just as important to your plan as fitness and nutrition.
Choosing the Right Foods for Cardiac Health | Steven Masley, MD
“The right food, key nutrients, staying active, and stress management are the key pillars to see transformation.”
Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Steven Masley, MD, about the preventative steps you can take to prevent heart disease. Food and nutrients play a critical role in shaping your health, and they discuss which areas to target that will transform your lifestyle. The focus is on preventing and reversing heart disease while enhancing one’s overall health to feel fantastic!
How to Create A Body In Which Cancer Cannot Thrive | Nalini Chilkov, ND
“Because more cancer patients become cancer survivors, we must include a health model, not just a disease model.”
Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Dr. Nalini Chilkov, creator of the OutSmart Cancer System and Founder of Integrative Cancer Answers, an online resource for patients and families whose lives have been touched by cancer. Today we discuss integrative cancer care, essential vitamins and minerals, and protecting your health amidst the chaos of cancer.
Treating Overuse Injuries with Physical Therapy | Holly McClure, PT
“The power is all in the body.”
Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Holly McClure, PT, an expert specializing in practicing BioSynchronistics with patients. She defines the process and techniques behind BioSynchronistics, discussing the types of patients that would benefit from this practice. The healing process requires the restoration of the body and mind; listening to yourself is the best way to guide you.
The True Art of Healing | Carla Cope, Artist
As an artist, I think we need relationships, not just with other people, but with art and the spaces in our environments.
Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Carla Cope, a local artist who has created the well-known video background for the Field Notes podcast. They discuss the importance of art on the journey to healing and recovery, and how it can be implemented into hospitals to brighten the mindset of patients.
Lyme Disease and Chronic Infections | Dr. Darin Ingels
Diet is everything. Use food as medicine.
Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Dr. Darin Ingels, about his personal battle with Lyme disease and how his experience developed his expertise. He continues to help patients stray from conventional medicine and treatment for a faster road to recovery. Learn more about his upcoming masterclass, Overcoming Chronic Illness to guide you through understanding sickness and strategies to help you regain your health.
Hidden Factors of Good Health | Dr. Tim Jackson
What goes into your nervous system is just as important as what goes in your mouth.
Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Dr. Tim Jackson, creator of “The Heal Your Hormones” bootcamp. Together they talk about improving your health for free, or practically free. They also dive into all things mitochondria, lymphatics, and reducing general wear-and-tear on the body. Go to healyourbody.org and get 10% percent off an initial 1-hour consultation- use code DrRob10.
Healing Powers of Kombucha | Hannah Crum
We are healing the world, one gut at a time!
Today, Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Hannah Crum, “The Kombucha Mamma” about the wonderful benefits of kombucha and living foods. Kombucha is a fermented tea, transformed by sugar and brewing techniques to enhance the nutritional value of the beverage, and today they discuss all the benefits of the drink and help you decide if it’s right for YOU. Buy your first starter kit here.
Castor Oil for Better Health | Marisol Teijeiro, ND
Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Marisol Teijeiro, ND, Queen of the Thrones® about the unknown benefits of castor oil. Castor oil is a multi-purpose vegetable oil that people have used for thousands of years- for medicinal, industrial and pharmaceutical uses. Today, learn how to use castor oil to your advantage- and order a pack here!
How to Fix Your Fatigue | Evan Hirsch, MD
If you’re overturning every single stone, you’re going to be successful.
Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Evan Hirsch, MD, world renowned fatigue expert and founder & CEO of the International Center for Fatigue. Through his best-selling book, podcast and online programs, he has helped thousands of people around the world optimize their energy naturally, and he is on a mission to help 1 million more. Fix your Fatigue with Dr. Evan’s program here.
Vital Choice Salmon | Randy Hartnell, CEO
One of the most beneficial, health enhancing things people can do is to balance their omega-3 and 6 dietary fats.
Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Randy Hartnell, CEO of VitalChoice.com, the leading online seafood company he and his wife Carla founded in 2001. Today, they talk about how Randy helps his customers live healthier lives by providing reliable access to safe, sustainable seafood, and educating them about the far-reaching impact of their seafood choices on our health, society, and the environment.
Reversing Autoimmune Diseases | Natasha Fallahi, DC
Those of us who are highly sensitive people, or empaths, we tend to pick up on a lot in our environment… It’s going to put you into flight or flight a little bit more.
Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Dr. Natasha Fallahi, The Sensitive Doctor. She is a MindBodyHealth expert, functional medicine practitioner, and Certified Autoimmune Coach specializing in an intuitive approach to living and healing. Download her free ebook: Too Sensitive – 5 Things I Did to Heal from Depression, Anxiety and Hashimoto’s Autoimmunity.
Food Revolution with Ocean Robbins, CEO of Food Revolution Network
Eat more vegetables and less processed junk!
Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Ocean Robbins, CEO, Food Revolution Network. Ocean reveals the secrets the industrialized food industry doesn’t want people to know, how specific ingredients and methods could be making people sick, and what they can do about it.
Minimalism Life with Heather Aardema, Health Coach
Get to the root of your clutter (in your head, heart, and home) so that you can go light!
Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Heather Aardema, National Board Certified and Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach. She’s the founder of Root of Wellbeing—a wellness and weight loss coaching boutique and she’s the creator of The Live Light Method—a novel approach to weight loss rooted in simplicity, functional nutrition, and positive psychology.
Stoked Beekeeping with Jacob Werner, Beekeeper
One day, I decided I was done working inside. It started to weigh on me.
Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Jacob Werner, the head beekeeper at Stoked Beekeeping Co. in Homer, Alaska. Stoked is a family run beekeeping company, which started in 2015 with just a single beehive. They now operate close to 150 beehives among south central Alaska’s pristine subalpine meadows. Today they talk about the health benefits of bee products- not limited to honey.
Kasandrinos Olive Oil with Tony Kasandrinos
Because olive oil has been around for thousands of years, studies have been done on olive oil since they’ve been doing studies!
Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Tony Kasandrinos of Kasandrinos Olive Oil to hear about the genesis of his family olive oil company and how it has become not just a cooking staple, but a health benefit. Click here to get 50% off on the first order of your olive oil subscription, 15% off thereafter.
Psychology of Eating with Marc David
Learning to manage stress, fear, anxiety, unwanted emotions- all starts with eating.
Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Marc David, the Founder of the Institute for the Psychology of Eating, a leading visionary and teacher in Eating Psychology, and the author of the classic and best-selling books Nourishing Wisdom and The Slow Down Diet. We talk all about how stress ties to the psychology of eating, and approaching weight loss holistically.
Quitting Sugar for Good with Michael Collins
If you’ve made it to sugaraddiction.com, you don’t even need to take the [Am I Addicted to Sugar?] quiz.
Today, Dr. Rob Downey talks to Michael Collins, who has been completely sugar-free for over 30 years. He is Chairman of the Board of a Food Addiction Institute that helps raise awareness about processed food and sugar worldwide. Do Michael’s 30-Day Sugar Detox today!
Public Health Culture in the Pandemic with Lorne Carroll, RN, BSN
All variables within one’s life up and down the timeline are connective and impactful to current health and outcomes moving forward.
Today, Dr. Rob Downey talks to Lorne Carroll, RN, BSN, and public health expert about his goals working as a Public Health Nurse and Team Leader for the Public Health Nursing section in Alaska. They speak up about how the pandemic has brought forth the need for change in the global health field.
The Healthy Immune Reset with Dr. Sally LaMont
When you learn to cook, you will never go hungry or be board.
Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Sally LaMont, ND, LAc, for a discussion all about the immune system. They touch on everything from the types of immunity, diet and nutrients, and what you can do starting today to help improve your immunity.
Visit www.drsallyskitchen.com for recipes and vital health information.
The Business of Functional Medicine with Tom Blue
We have to close the translational gap by acelerating the application of emerging science and research in the day- to-day practice of primary care and personal health management.
Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Tom Blue, Partner at OvationLab, They discuss why functional medicine is a good idea and why the business aspect is important to the viability of functional medicine being an option for everyone.
Functional Medicine Coaching with Dr. Sandra Scheinbaum
Understand that we have so much control over our health and that small changes in diet and lifestyle can make a huge difference.
Dr. Rob Downey and Dr. Sandra Scheinbaum cover the wonders of functional medicine health coaching, why it’s so effective, and where it is going in the future.
Flipping Fifty with Debra Atkinson
The mindset of surrounding yourself with people that you want to be like, doing the things you want to do, is hard when you’re in an area where people aren’t doing the same.
Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Debra Atkinson, Wellness Coach and Hormone Balancing Fitness Expert, who has helped over 150,000 women “flip” their second half with the vitality and energy they want.
IBS and SIBO SOS with Shivan Sarna
I want to bring a message of hope, connect people with experts, and bust some myths.
Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Shivan Sarna, who was set out on a mission to heal her gut and get her life back. She spent a year traveling around the country for appointments with the leading SIBO experts, reading everything she could find online and becoming a “patient expert” herself.
Lower Chronic Inflammation for the Whole Family with Madiha Saeed, MD
We have to do the best we can, but we have to start with ourselves.
Dr. Rob Downey speaks the Holistic Mom, MD, Dr. Madiha Saeed, board certified family physician, best-selling author of The Holistic Rx: Your Guide to Healing Chronic Inflammation and Disease and Adam’s Healing Adventures.
Finding Comfort with a Health Coach With Carol Comfort, FMCHC
Make lasting behavior changes with consciously selected new habits, supported by your health coach.
Dr. Rob Downey and health coach Carol Comfort discuss the ins and outs of health coaching, food being information for our bodies, and taking it slow.
Rock Bottom Thyroid Treatment With Tiffany Flaten, CNS, LN
My book is for those with irregular thyroid function that don’t just wan’t to survive, but also thrive.
Dr. Rob Downey speaks with thyroid expert in nutrition, Tiffany Flaten, CNS, LN. Rock Bottom Thyroid Treatment: An 8-Week Thyroid Diet for People with “Normal” Thyroid Test Results to Thrive, Not Just Survive is Tiffany’s first book now available on Amazon.
You Can Fix Your Brain with Tom O’Bryan, DC, CCN, DACBN
This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one.
Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Dr. Tom O’Bryan, the ‘Sherlock Holmes’ for chronic disease and teaches that recognizing and addressing the underlying mechanisms that activate an immune response is the map to the highway towards better health. Listen today as we discuss all things brain health.
You Can Fix Your Brain too, here!
Treating and Beating Fibromyalgia with Rodger Murphree, DC, CNS
Fibromyalgia is just a name, once you get the label you do not have to be stuck with it.
Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Dr. Rodger Murphree is a board certified chiropractic physician and board certified nutritional specialist. He is an internationally recognized fibromyalgia expert. His “Murphree Method,” a combination of functional and orthomolecular medicine, has helped thousands of patients get healthy and feel good again.
Terrain Theory with Catherine Clinton, ND
We are really dependent on the microbes in our ecosystem for information.
Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Catherine Clinton, ND, a licensed naturopathic physician with a focus on gut health, autoimmunity and psychoneuroimmunology. Author, speaker, pediatric health advocate, today they talk about terrain theory.
Happy Bones, Happy Life with Margie Bissinger, PT
We can changes ourselves to be resilient to life’s ups and downs.
Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Margie Bissinger, PT, about utilizing a physical therapist to improve bone health, regardless of injury. They also dive into happiness, and how it CAN affect your bone health.
Happy Hormones with Dr. Deb Matthew
We are putting you in control of your own wellness, so you can stay out of the doctor’s office.
Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Dr. Deb Matthew, The Happy Hormones Doctor, and discuss hormones, how they can affect us, and how to find someone to accurately assess your hormonal imbalance.
Improving Functional Medicine with Dr. Dan Kalish
I think part of functional medicine is about being flexible and resilient.
Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Dr. Dan Kalish as two functional medicine physicians to talk about telemedicine, what they are doing to improve their practices, forming long term relationships with patients, and looking towards longevity in functional medicine.
Yoga and Mindful Movement with Elise Spofford
When we have found what makes our heart beat, we have a duty to share it.
Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Elise Spofford about the benefits of yoga and developing mindful awareness of our internal landscape and our external propensities can best move us in the directions that we seek.
Blood Sweat and Food with Aryn Young and Beau Burgess
We try to source as close to home as possible.
Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Aryn Young and Beau Burgess of Blood, Sweat, and Food in Homer, AK, to learn what about their farm is so special and how it compares to “Organic” food or food you buy at the grocery store. We also learn about agrarian and economic sovereignty for land and small communities.
Regenerative Medicine with Dr. Jordanna Quinn
A pill isn’t going to change your life, you are going to change your life.
Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Dr. Jordanna Quinn, a board certified Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation physician and has specialty training in Regenerative medicine, Functional medicine, Anti Aging Medicine and Medical Aesthetics
Kicking Chronic Illness with Dr. Christine Schaffner
Functional Medicine and Naturopathic Medicine are part of a paradigm shift in medicine.
Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Dr. Christine Schaffner, a naturopathic physician and expert in lymphatics.
The Power of Presence with Cory Muscara
Try to listen to understand, not to respond. Have trust!
Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Cory Muscara, and discusses topics like mindfulness. meditation, peace, and engagement.
Functional Medicine Insights with Jeff Bland
Changing lives through functional medicine.
Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Jeff Bland about Functional Medicine and its impact on the medical community and health.
Advocating for Your Health with Misty Williams
Be ready to move on if you’re working with someone who is judgemental or not aligned with your goals.
Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Misty Williams, and discusses topics like advocacy in your health treatments and getting your best sleep ever. Misty is the founder of Healing Rosie, which provides high-performing women with the resources and community to successfully confront the unexpected chronic health issues that women often experience as they age. She is the host of the Best Sleep Ever summit, sign up here: https://bestsleepsummit.com
Mastering Stress for Positive Change with Dr. Heidi Hanna
Stress is the reaction that happens in the gap between demand and capacity.
Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Dr. Heidi Hanna, the Chief Energy Officer at Synergy Brain Fitness, a Harvard University instructor, and a NYT bestselling author. Together we talk about stress, and what we should do to remedy it. Learn more about her Global Stress Summit here.
Anxiety and Depression with Dr. Achina Stein
We look for the root causes of problems to eliminate the symptoms, as opposed to a diagnosis that would only seek to “match a pill to an ill.”
Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Dr. Achina Stein, a functional medicine psychiatrist. We cover topics such as antidepressants, root causes of depression and anxiety, and the functional psychiatric applications to treating this. Visit her website at www.achinasteindo.com to sign up for her book for free and sign up for a free 30 minute consultation.
The Astonishing Power Of Love In Healing with Dr. Shiroko Sokitch
People often think love should come to them, but if you put love out, it will come back to you like a boomerang.
Dr. Rob Downey speaks with Dr. Shiroko Sokitch about the power of both love and healing. Learn how you can always love more, and you can always give love to someone, somewhere. Listen as Dr. Sokitch discusses her book –Healing When It Seems Impossible – 7 Keys to Defy the Odds about her unique and comprehensive healing.
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