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Join Cedric X. Bryant, PhD, FACSM, for a conversation about how he has championed the integration of fitness and healthcare, while emphasizing the vital role that qualified exercise professionals play in preventing chronic disease, reducing health disparities, and improving quality of life. Cedric X. Bryant, PhD, FACSM Biography Cedric X. Bryant, PhD, FACSM, is the Chief Executive Officer of the American Council on Exercise (ACE), one of the leading nonprofit organizations dedicated to health and fitness education and certification. Dr. Bryant is a nationally recognized educator, researcher, author, and leading voice in exercise science and public health. He has spent more than three decades advancing the science of exercise, elevating professional standards, and championing the role of physical activity in improving individual and community health. Dr. Bryant is widely respected for his contributions to exercise science, behavior change, healthy aging, and chronic disease prevention. He is the author or co-author of more than 400 published articles and 40 textbooks and has served in numerous advisory and leadership roles across public health, medical fitness, and research organizations. His work has supported major initiatives, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Active People, Healthy Nation program, the World Health Organization’s Global Action Plan on Physical Activity, and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Roundtable on Obesity Solutions. A Fellow of the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), Dr. Bryant earned both his master’s degree in exercise science and doctorate in physiology from The Pennsylvania State University. In recognition of his exceptional professional achievements and service, he received Penn State’s Distinguished Alumni Award, the university’s highest honor. The award recognizes graduates whose personal lives, professional accomplishments, and community service exemplify the ideals of the university. Throughout his career, Dr. Bryant has championed the integration of fitness and healthcare, emphasized the vital role that qualified exercise professionals play in preventing chronic disease, reducing health disparities, and improving quality of life. In recognition of his decades of leadership, innovation, and service to the health and fitness profession, he was selected for induction into the National Fitness Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2026, one of the professions highest honors. Support the show: http://www.cooleyfoundation.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Melissa Sundermann will discuss how health is shaped far beyond the walls of the medical office. Drawing from her work in Lifestyle Medicine, her “Doctor Outdoors” platform, and her leadership in Social Prescribing and Nature as Medicine, she will explore practical ways to help people live healthier, more connected, and more vibrant lives. Biography Melissa Sundermann, DO, DipABLM, FACLM, is a double board-certified physician in Internal Medicine and Lifestyle Medicine with more than 25 years of clinical experience. Known as “Doctor Outdoors,” she is a nationally recognized leader in Lifestyle Medicine, Nature as Medicine, and Social Prescribing and currently serves as Medical Director of Lifestyle Medicine at Corewell Health. Dr. Sundermann is the Chair of the Global Wellness Institute’s Lifestyle Medicine Initiative and the Founding Chair of the Nature as Medicine Subcommittee for the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. She also serves as an advisor to organizations advancing Social Prescribing and innovative approaches to whole-person health. She is the author of Doctor Outdoors’ Guide to Nature and Lifestyle Medicine and is passionate about helping people cultivate greater health, vitality, connection, and resilience through evidence-based lifestyle practices and time in nature. A lifelong endurance athlete, she has completed 13 Boston Marathons and three full Ironman triathlons. Linked In Profile Instagram Profile Revive! Lifestyle Medicine Well-Being Coaching Support the show: http://www.cooleyfoundation.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How we age is shaped by more than the passing years. This conversation explores how fear can limit our choices, how purpose gives us a reason to keep growing, and how the stories we tell ourselves influence what we believe is possible in later life.  Healthy Ageing isn't only about adding years to your life. It's about understanding what keeps us engaged with life- and recognizing when fear rather than ability, has begun to decide how we're going to live those years. Ken Baldwin Ken is the Co-Founder of the Healthy Ageing Institute, with over three decades of experience in the Fitness and Education Industry. He has played a pivotal role in bringing leading global education, equipment and certification programs to Australia, helping elevate industry standards for coaches, trainers and allied health professionals. Ken is passionate about bridging the gap between fitness and healthcare, particularly in supporting adults 45+. Through the Healthy Ageing Institute, he is focused on advancing a Whole-Person approach to health, integrating movement, nutrition, recovery and lifestyle factors to improve long-term outcomes. He is also a driving force behind the Healthy Ageing Summit, bringing together experts across disciplines to shape the future of healthy ageing in Australia. FB: Healthyageinginstitute Website www.healthyageinginstitue.com Support the show: http://www.cooleyfoundation.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Rachel Zoffness is a Pain Scientist, Author, and leading voice in pain science whose work helps people understand that pain is influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. In The Pain Management Workbook, she combines neuroscience, cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and practical self-management strategies to help individuals better understand their pain, calm the nervous system, reduce pain-related distress, and regain a greater sense of control, confidence, and quality of life. Dr. Rachel Zoffness Biography Dr. Rachel Zoffness is a pain scientist and thought-leader revolutionizing the way we understand and treat pain. She's an assistant clinical professor at UCSF, lectures at Stanford, and consults on the development of pain management programs around the world. Dr. Zoffness’s new book, Tell Me Where It Hurts, is being translated to 27 languages. Website: Zoffness.com Support the show: http://www.cooleyfoundation.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This timely conversation explores the growing interest in peptides—short chains of amino acids that act as natural messengers, helping cells communicate and supporting important functions such as muscle health, metabolism, sleep, recovery, and healthy aging. The discussion examines how peptides occur naturally in the body and certain foods, how oral peptides move through digestion, how they differ from synthetic or injectable forms, and why peptide science is attracting so much attention. It also highlights the future of peptide research and the passion that ultimately led to the development of MAKE Wellness. Mimi Allen Biography Mimi is a San Diego native with a background in pharmaceutical sales, plant-based wellness, and longevity science. She started her career in dermatological pharmaceutical sales, where she developed a strong foundation in skincare, health, and aging, which ultimately sparked her passion for optimizing wellness from the inside out. She went on to gain hands on experience in the emerging CBD industry, further strengthening her dedication to natural, plant-derived wellness solutions. Today, Mimi is focused on MAKE Wellness, a company transforming the way we think about healthy aging, performance, and vitality through bioactive precision peptides derived from plants and food, designed to work in harmony with the body’s natural systems. Attracted to MAKE’s science backed innovation and leadership in a fast-growing category, Mimi joined the company after recognizing both the strength of the research and the potential of this new frontier in wellness. MAKE Wellness achieved $117 million in revenue in its first year, highlighting the strong demand for its groundbreaking approach. As a single mother of two sons, Mimi is deeply committed to supporting health-conscious adults, especially those 40 and older, who want to age well while preserving their energy, strength, mental clarity, appearance, and overall quality of life. She is passionate about sharing natural, science driven solutions that nourish the body from within and help people stay active and thriving for years to come. It’s all about HEALTHSPAN and not lifespan. Website: https://makewellness.com/mimi/Shopping/Share?promo=give10 Support the show: http://www.cooleyfoundation.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This engaging discussion with Dr. Mark Faries explores how psychology and religion intersect with lifestyle medicine to influence health, behavior, and lasting personal change. Dr. Faries examines why people often struggle to adopt healthier habits, challenges common health and fitness myths, and discusses how faith—particularly through the lens of early Christianity—can provide meaning, motivation, discipline, and spiritual support for healthier living.  Dr. Mark Faries Biography Mark D. Faries, PhD is a Professor and Extension Health Specialist in Behavioral Medicine who examines why and how people initiate and maintain healthy behaviors—in short, medication adherence, when lifestyle is the medicine   Websites Markfaries.com fitnesspudding.com Support the show: http://www.cooleyfoundation.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This insightful conversation explores the school years as a critical period of neurodevelopment, changing academic expectations, and evolving emotional and social experiences. How a child’s inner world influences learning, relationships, and behavior, while highlighting how school becomes an extension of both the child’s development and the family’s parenting journey. Support the show: http://www.cooleyfoundation.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This inspiring conversation with Linda Roszak Burton, President of DRW Coaching, explores the concept of Human Flourishing and how gratitude can serve as a powerful foundation for living a more meaningful and fulfilling life. Linda examines four essential elements of flourishing—self-awareness, environmental stability, fundamental beliefs, and purpose and meaning—revealing how gratitude connects and strengthens each one. From helping us become more intentional about what we notice, to building stronger relationships, shaping healthier beliefs, and providing daily evidence of meaning and purpose, this conversation demonstrates how the intentional practice of gratitude can help us grow, connect, become more resilient, and ultimately flourish in both our personal and professional lives.   Linda Roszak Burton, NBC-HWC, ACC, BBC, BS, is President of DRW Coaching. Linda is an executive and a national board-certified health and well-being coach, an academic researcher, an author and a public speaker. As a coach, she is committed to bringing strength-based coaching methodologies to her clients—grounded in cutting-edge research and evidence-based practices in neuroscience, positive psychology, and gratitude—while enhancing a leader's capacity to sustain their skills in high-stakes environments.   As an academic researcher, her international studies include gratitude interventions to support stress management, mental health, employee engagement and meaningfulness of work. Linda is a credentialed executive coach through the International Coach Federation, a National Board Certified Health and Well-being Coach (NBC-HWC), a certified Brain-Based Coach through the NeuroLeadership Institute, a certified Positive Psychology-Based Health and Well-Being Coach through the College of Executive Coaching, and a Charter Member of A Loving Organization. A member of the Institute of Coaching at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School Affiliate, she holds a B.S. in Health Education from Virginia Tech and has completed coursework pursuing an M.S. in Conflict Management at the University of Baltimore. Linda is the author of Gratitude Heals®- A Journal for Inspiration and Guidance (Available on Amazon). Additionally, her Great Mills TEDx Talk on Gratitude- The Power to Heal the World was released in December 2022. Linda has been a regular contributor to the Wharton Healthcare Quarterly on the science of gratitude since 2017. Website www.drwcoaching.com LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindaroszakburton/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/_lroszakburton/   View recent videos , Is Gratitude Really Transformational?  Is Gratitude Enough?   Website www.drwcoaching.com LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindaroszakburton/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/_lroszakburton/ X https://x.com/lrburton https://www.facebook.com/Img4Lburton Medium https://medium.com/@lburton_32567 Support the show: http://www.cooleyfoundation.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This conversation takes an honest and personal look at how our bodies change as we get older and how those changes can affect nearly every aspect of our lives, including exercise, nutrition, sleep, energy, and mental and emotional well-being.  Adjusting physical activities, changing eating habits, managing aches and pains, recognizing new limitations, and dealing with injuries or health conditions that may take longer to heal. Ultimately, the discussion emphasizes the importance of listening to our bodies, adapting our lifestyles, taking preventive health seriously, and making thoughtful choices today that can help us remain active, independent, and healthy throughout every stage of life. Support the show: http://www.cooleyfoundation.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This conversation with Dr. David Lai explores the evolving future of healthcare by examining why modern medicine is highly effective at treating disease yet often falls short in measuring and promoting true health. Drawing on evidence-based functional medicine, global health experience, and advances in precision medicine, Dr. Lai discusses the early biological changes that precede chronic illness, the critical roles of mitochondria, metabolic health, inflammation, and the gut microbiome, and how chronic stress and burnout affect long-term well-being. He also shares insights into healthy aging, the promise of biomarkers and artificial intelligence in clinical practice, and why prevention and building resilience should begin decades before disease becomes clinically apparent. Dr. David Lai Biography Dr. David Lai is a Canadian Physician, former World Health Organization medical officer, and Founder of Tao Functional Health. Over the past two decades, he has worked across humanitarian emergencies, public health, and clinical medicine, serving communities in countries including Afghanistan, Palestine, and South Sudan. Today, his work focuses on bridging evidence-based medicine, systems biology, and personalized care to better understand why chronic diseases often develop long before symptoms appear. Through clinical practice, education, and writing, he advocates for a more proactive model of healthcare that emphasizes prevention, resilience, and healthy aging. Website & Social Media Website: https://www.taofunctionalhealth.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-lai-1467422ab/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@taofunctional Support the show: http://www.cooleyfoundation.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tina Bernard, founder of Badass Arts, joins us to explore "The Badass Path to Health: Emotional Honesty, Awe, and a More Fully Lived Life." In this inspiring conversation, she shares how embracing emotional honesty, cultivating moments of awe, and expressing ourselves through creativity can lead to deeper healing, resilience, and authentic well-being. Tina discusses how facing our emotions instead of avoiding them allows us to live with greater purpose, stronger relationships, and renewed joy, demonstrating that true health is about nurturing the mind, body, and spirit while courageously living a life that is both meaningful and fully alive. Tina Bernard Biography Tina Bernard is the founder of The Badass Arts, a platform helping women bridge the gap between what they know and how they live. Through speaking, curated salons, and transformational experiences, she explores emotional honesty, self-trust, purpose, and the patterns that keep women from living fully. Her work blends storytelling, practical insight, and original concepts such as Bigly Feels™ and Radical AWEpreciation. Tina is also an author, speaker, and 2026 Athena Leadership Award Nominee and a 2026 Global Recognition Award recipient. Website https://www.thebadassarts.com/ Support the show: http://www.cooleyfoundation.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Explore the disconnect between knowing what supports health and actually being able to do it. Discuss how the nervous system, rather than a lack of motivation, often determines whether healthy behaviors feel possible. Sharon Plaché Biography Sharon Plaché is a Doctoral Scholar in Lifestyle Medicine Education, health promotion, trauma-informed care, and behavioral change at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. With an MSc in Integrative Health and Lifestyle Medicine from Point Loma Nazarene, Sharon has provided quality, holistic somatic and trauma-informed health education coaching, and bodywork in San Diego since 1989. Sharon is a Diplomate of ACLM; Certified Health and Wellness Coach/NBC-HWC; SEP - Somatic Experiencing Practitioner; Amen Clinic Certified Brain Health Coach; Havening® & BrainSpotting® Practitioner; HeartMath® Trainer, Mentor & Intervention Practitioner; NARM and Neuro Affective Touch Practitioner and Instructor in NLP, MER® & Hypnosis. Coming from a background in ballet training and yoga practice, Sharon has a strong understanding of human anatomy and physiology. In addition, she can support the balance of the muscular system, mind/body integration, and energetic principles that govern health and well-being. Each session is unique and tailored to the individual's current needs. Each session focuses on creating the most beneficial outcome possible by using popular models of lifestyle medicine, health coaching, and somatic therapies. Her practice aims to continue providing quality therapeutic support to San Diego and its extended communities. Websites/Social Media www.SharonPlache.comwww.facebook.com/SharonPlache1 https://www.instagram.com/sharonplache/ www.linkedin.com/in/sharonplache http://members.nbhwc.org/member/SharonPlache https://certified.heartmath.com/user/sharon-plaché-1/www.lifecoachmatch.com/user/sharonplache/www.youtube.com/user/sharonplache https://certified.heartmath.com/user/sharon-plaché/www.sharonplache.yelp.com www.profiles.goggle.com/sharonplache Support the show: http://www.cooleyfoundation.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Summary Explore the disconnect between knowing what supports health and actually being able to do it. Discuss how the nervous system, rather than a lack of motivation, often determines whether healthy behaviors feel possible. Sharon Plaché Biography Sharon Plaché is a Doctoral Scholar in Lifestyle Medicine Education, health promotion, trauma-informed care, and behavioral change at Rocky Mountain University of Health Professions. With an MSc in Integrative Health and Lifestyle Medicine from Point Loma Nazarene, Sharon has provided quality, holistic somatic and trauma-informed health education coaching, and bodywork in San Diego since 1989. Sharon is a Diplomate of ACLM; Certified Health and Wellness Coach/NBC-HWC; SEP - Somatic Experiencing Practitioner; Amen Clinic Certified Brain Health Coach; Havening® & BrainSpotting® Practitioner; HeartMath® Trainer, Mentor & Intervention Practitioner; NARM and Neuro Affective Touch Practitioner and Instructor in NLP, MER® & Hypnosis. Coming from a background in ballet training and yoga practice, Sharon has a strong understanding of human anatomy and physiology. In addition, she can support the balance of the muscular system, mind/body integration, and energetic principles that govern health and well-being. Each session is unique and tailored to the individual's current needs. Each session focuses on creating the most beneficial outcome possible by using popular models of lifestyle medicine, health coaching, and somatic therapies. Her practice aims to continue providing quality therapeutic support to San Diego and its extended communities. Websites/Social Mediawww.SharonPlache.comwww.facebook.com/SharonPlache1 https://www.instagram.com/sharonplache/ www.linkedin.com/in/sharonplache http://members.nbhwc.org/member/SharonPlache https://certified.heartmath.com/user/sharon-plaché-1/www.lifecoachmatch.com/user/sharonplache/www.youtube.com/user/sharonplache https://certified.heartmath.com/user/sharon-plaché/www.sharonplache.yelp.com profiles.goggle.com/sharonplache Support the show: http://www.cooleyfoundation.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This discussion explores how new obesity medications are transforming the landscape of obesity care while highlighting the growing importance of understanding the science behind obesity as a complex, chronic condition. As medical treatments continue to advance, lived experiences remind us that medication alone is not the complete answer; lifestyle medicine, individualized care, and compassion remain essential. By examining the intersection of emerging treatments, scientific knowledge, healthy lifestyle practices, and the real-world experiences of people living with obesity, we can better understand how to create a more effective, supportive, and comprehensive approach to long-term health and well-being.         Ted Kyle   Biography Ted Kyle is a pharmacist and healthcare innovator living in Pittsburgh. He's also a tireless advocate for people living with obesity. His widely-read daily commentary, published at Conscienhealth.org, reaches a diverse audience of thought leaders in health and obesity. His peer-reviewed publications focus on obesity, weight bias, and health policy.   Websites & Social · conscienhealth.org/news · X: conscienhealth · Facebook: ConscienHealth · LinkedIn: ConscienHealth · Instagram: Conscienhealth · Bluesky: conscienhealth.bsky.social Support the show: http://www.cooleyfoundation.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This conversation explores a fundamental question: are we approaching mental health in the most effective way? It examines what mental health truly means beyond diagnostic labels, the distinction between normal human suffering and mental illness, the influence of life experiences, relationships, and environment on emotional well-being, and the evidence surrounding current treatment approaches. It also considers how cultural, institutional, and economic forces shape mental health care, while challenging listeners to think about resilience, recovery, personal responsibility, and the importance of helping people build meaningful, fulfilling lives—not simply reduce symptoms or acquire diagnoses. Dr. Roger McFillin Biography Dr. Roger McFillin is a Board-certified Clinical Psychologist and one of the most prominent independent voices challenging the psychiatric and mental-health industrial complex. As Executive Director of the Center for Integrated Behavioral Health and founder of the nonprofit Conscious Clinician Collective, he has spent two decades building the clinical credibility that makes his public challenge to the system impossible to dismiss. A spiritual awakening in 2020 transformed the way he worked with clients and drew him toward post-materialist science. One of only two psychologists selected as an expert panelist at an FDA forum on SSRIs during pregnancy, he has become a Substack bestseller in health politics and one of the fastest-growing independent voices in the space, trusted precisely because he speaks from inside the field he critiques. He is also the host of the Radically Genuine Podcast, which ranks in the top 0.5% of podcasts globally. Social Media https://www.instagram.com/radicallygenuine Support the show: http://www.cooleyfoundation.org/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.