Advertise on podcast: 39 GEN - a Yo San University podcast

On this episode of the 39GEN podcast, host Emily Von Urff sits down with Dr. Wei-Na Yu, International Chinese Medicine Doctor, TCM lineage-based elder practitioner, and founder of the Yu Center for Lifestyle Excellence, and her daughter, Dominica Zhu-Pierre-Louis, founder of the Global Wisdom Collective, an organization dedicated to protecting Indigenous Knowledge Systems for and alongside Indigenous communities.  Dr. Yu reflects on her journey into Traditional Chinese Medicine during her youth in China, sharing stories of classical apprenticeship, learning herbal formulas through traditional Cantonese mnemonic songs, and the historical reality of adapting this ancient medicine into modern health contexts. Dominica shares her perspective growing up with Chinese medicine as a guiding presence, detailing her efforts to preserve and archive her mother’s lineage while working through the Global Wisdom Collective to protect Indigenous knowledge systems worldwide. Together, they discuss the evolution of Traditional Chinese Medicine across generations, bridging multi-generational lineage with modern clinical practice, and why Indigenous medicine and stories remain vital in today’s fast-paced world. The Yu Center for Lifestyle Excellence: https://www.theyucenter.com/ Yu Center IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.weinayu/ The Global Wisdom Collective: https://www.globalwisdomcollective.org/ Global Wisdom Collective IG: https://www.instagram.com/globalwisdomcollective/

In this episode, 39GEN host Emily Von Urff sits down with Dr. Ioannis Solos — acupuncturist, author, and Director of Clinical Medicine & Dean of YSU Phoenix. Doctor Solos shares his incredible 30-year journey through Traditional Chinese Medicine, tracing his path from an unexpected start studying medicine in London to spending 17 years in Beijing. He dives into his time training under renowned TCM masters, working in hospital neurology departments, co-authoring official TCM textbooks used in China, and honing surgical-precision scalp acupuncture. Together, they discuss the humbling reality of clinical hospital work, the importance of mastering foundational basics, his philosophy on open-knowledge teaching, and his specialized work in neuro-acupuncture and pediatric care in Arizona. Dr. Solos outlines his vision for the future of YSU Phoenix and offers inspiring advice for prospective acupuncture students joining the 39th generation. Learn more about Yo San University at yosan.edu

In this episode, host Emily Von Urff sits down with Stephanie Kimber, LAc, Director of Eastern Medical Programs at OneSpaWorld. Fresh out of acupuncture school zero cruise ship experience, Stephanie took a leap of faith on a two-week notice trial that transformed into a thriving 20-year career. Today, she oversees acupuncture operations across nearly 180 cruise ships worldwide, bringing Traditional Chinese Medicine to thousands of people who might never have tried it otherwise. This conversation is packed with practical wisdom on clinical confidence, patient education, treatment models, and the future of acupuncture at sea. Learn more about OneSpaWorld: https://onespaworld.com/ Learn more about Yo San University: https://yosan.edu/

In this episode of the Yo San University 39GEN podcast, host Emily Von Urff sits down with Dr. Eva Altobelli, an addiction psychiatrist with 30 years of experience and the founder of Home LA. Together, they dive deep into the limitations of the Western mental healthcare model and discuss why shifting toward a collaborative, integrative approach — combining psychiatry, psychotherapy, and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) — is essential for true mental wellness. Dr. Altobelli also opens up about the current psychedelic renaissance, sharing her insights on ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, the robust research behind psilocybin and MDMA, and the vital importance of proper preparation and community integration when working with these medicines.

In this episode of the Yo San University 39GEN podcast, host Emily Von Urff sits down with clinician-scientist and acupuncturist Dr. Lisa Taylor-Swanson to explore the powerful intersection of systems thinking, feminism, and East Asian medicine in midlife women’s healthcare. As an "academic unicorn" with 17 years of private practice and a PhD from the University of Washington, Dr. Taylor-Swanson discusses the systemic underfunding of women's health research and details her journey in creating MENOGAP — an innovative, group-visit intervention model designed to bridge the massive gaps in conventional menopausal care by combining evidence-based education, social support, and acupuncture.

In this episode of the 39GEN  podcast, host Emily sits down with Dr. Andrea Thorpe, acupuncturist, herbalist, and newly appointed faculty member at Yo San University. Andrea shares profound insights from her decades-long journey in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), explaining why it is fundamentally a healing art rather than just a set of clinical protocols. She dives deep into the clinical reality of female hormonal and menstrual health, contrasting the limitations of allopathic medicine with the root-cause, deeply validating approach of Chinese medicine. Ultimately, Andrea delivers a powerful message to students and seasoned practitioners alike: the most potent tool you have is your own vulnerability, curiosity, and authenticity.

In this episode of the 39GEN Podcast, Emily sits down with Dr. Anisa Kassim, Chief Academic Officer at Yo San University, to explore her journey through the global healthcare landscape. From serving in Afghani refugee camps and working as a fellow at the CDC to becoming an acupuncturist with a specialty in pediatrics, Anisa shares her unique perspective on why every TCM practitioner is, at their core, a public health advocate. The conversation dives into the intersection of global health sustainability, the fundamental pillars of public health like biostatistics and environmental health, and Anisa’s personal pivot from federal government work to clinical practice. She also discusses her deep passion for pediatric acupuncture and the rewarding challenge of treating the next generation, ultimately illustrating how individual wellness ripples out to improve society as a whole.

In this special edition of the Yo San University 39GEN Podcast, Emily sits down with CSOMA board members Dr. Julie Tran, Dr. Ra Adcock, and Dr. Robert Hoffman for a deep dive into the ‘perfect storm’ hitting acupuncture schools in 2026. This episode explores the critical impact of the RISE Act and the impending end of Grad Plus loans on July 1st, alongside the controversial California bill AB 2668, which threatens to drive up student debt by mandating a doctorate for entry-level licensure. Together, the panel discusses the urgent need for competency-based education, national exam standardization, and strategic advocacy to protect the future of integrative medicine and the next generation of practitioners.

This episode features Dr. Robert Hoffman, President and CEO of Yo San University, in conversation with host 39GEN Emily. Dr. Hoffman shares his remarkable transition from a high-stakes, 30-year career in the music industry—where he worked as a producer and engineer for icons like Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, and Quincy Jones—to becoming a leader in the field of Chinese medicine. He discusses how the lifestyle of the music business and a transformational relief trip to Sri Lanka following the 2004 tsunami led him to pursue acupuncture at age 40. Throughout the interview, Dr. Hoffman explores the parallels between being a music producer and a medical practitioner, the importance of surrounding oneself with a talented team, and how Daoist philosophy (specifically the concepts of Xing and Ming) guides his approach to leadership and personal destiny.

Acupuncturist Nicole Lange joins Sean to dive deep into trauma, fertility, and what real whole-person care looks like in practice. Nicole shares her early path into TCM, how personal experiences led her to specialize in reproductive health and trauma, and why she structures care around a 25 percent troubleshoot, 75 percent cultivate-wellness ratio. The two unpack somatic healing, Stephen Porges’s idea of neuroception, and why felt safety in the clinic, the vibe, the pacing, and touch, is foundational to any lasting result. They explore boundaries and burnout, the lighthouse metaphor for building a practice, and the power of patient education, not as marketing, but as the core of medicine. Nicole talks East-West integration for fertility, trauma-informed care, and the small, cumulative choices that change outcomes, from sleep and food to relationships and money stress. Sean shares personal stories on knots in the body, movement, and habit stacking, and the pair close on a simple mantra for life and healing, it’s like this now. If you are curious about TCM, fertility support, somatics, or how to build a sustainable, heart-centered clinic, this conversation is a blueprint.

Your 39GEN host Sean sits down with veteran clinician and teacher Dr. Jake Fratkin, who has spent 45 years in East Asian medicine. Jake traces his path from 1970s apprenticeships in Chicago with Dr. In-yeon Moon and herbal pharmacy work with fellow YSU colleague Dr. Lau, to translating and co-teaching with Dr. Guo Zhengong, and a life-changing year of hospital training in Beijing. He explains the split between classical Shang Han Lun approaches and the modern hospital style of Chinese herbal medicine, why Japanese meridian therapy shaped his acupuncture, and how specialization made him a go-to for respiratory cases and pediatrics. Jake shares how swine flu and later COVID pushed his research into antiviral herb categories and long haul patterns, which he describes as a mix of lingering pathogen and blood stasis. He argues that good history taking often beats pulse and tongue, and urges new practitioners to find what they love and what they do best, then go deep. He also offers practical Qigong, daily meridian circulation sets, and reflects on a single career regret, not holding an MD for institutional clout, while affirming that his heart is in Qi, channels, and herbs. Resources mentioned include his book Essential Chinese Formulas and his site drjakefratkin.com, plus his China photo archive.

In this episode of the Yo San University 39Gen Podcast, host Sean Trace sits down with Dr. Aram Akopyan, a medical doctor, licensed acupuncturist, and global advocate for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Dr. Akopyan shares his unique journey from computer science executive to Yo San graduate, TCM practitioner, and eventually MD, offering a rare perspective on how Eastern and Western medicine can integrate. Together, they explore how chi can be understood as ATP, how quantum physics parallels yin and yang, and how modern science is validating ancient TCM wisdom. They also dive into the future of acupuncture, including AI-powered diagnostic tools, hybrid education models, global collaborations, and the movement toward recognition of acupuncturists as primary care providers. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in integrative medicine, holistic healthcare, and the evolving role of acupuncture in modern practice.

In this episode of the Yo San University 39 Gen Podcast, Sean Trace sits down with Edward Sullivan, Dean of the InfiniChi Medical Qigong Institute and longtime faculty member at Yo San University. Drawing from over 25 years of teaching and decades of clinical practice, Edward shares his journey into Qigong and the profound lessons he has learned about cultivating and working with Qi. From understanding the “whisper of life” that flows through all things to harnessing nature’s yin and yang for healing, Edward offers insights into medical Qigong, the importance of practitioner self-cultivation, and how intention, poise, and presence can transform the healing process. Through personal stories, practical techniques, and timeless wisdom, this conversation invites listeners to explore what it truly means to Become the Medicine.

In this episode of the Yo San University 39 Gen Podcast, Sean Trace sits down with Johan Hausen, co-founder of Purple Cloud Institute and founder of Purple Cloud Press. A TCM practitioner, martial artist, Taoist, and publisher, Johan shares his fascinating journey from training with the German national Taekwondo team to studying Shaolin Kung Fu and Daoist philosophy in China.The conversation explores the connection between martial arts and healing, the integration of Taoist principles in clinical practice, and Johan’s work translating and publishing classical Chinese medical texts for Western audiences. They dive into the value of presence in medicine, the challenge of emptying one’s “cup,” and the legacy Johan hopes to leave through both his clinical work and publishing endeavors.Whether you're a practitioner, student, or simply curious about the intersection of philosophy, healing, and tradition, this episode offers a thoughtful and inspiring look into the Taoist approach to medicine and life.

In this heartfelt and insightful episode of the Yo San University 39Gen Podcast, host Sean Trace sits down with Dr. Joe Sanfilippo, a renowned reproductive endocrinologist from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Together, they explore the evolution of fertility treatment, from home births in the 1970s to today's advanced IVF technologies and AI-driven lab work. Dr. Sanfilippo shares powerful stories from his decades of experience in the field, touching on the emotional weight of infertility, the critical importance of early intervention, and the rise of holistic, team-based approaches to reproductive care. The conversation highlights how acupuncture and Eastern medicine can play a meaningful role in reducing stress and improving outcomes in fertility treatment. Dr. Sanfilippo also offers valuable advice to acupuncturists on how to connect with fertility clinics and become part of a truly integrative care model. Along the way, he shares moving stories from his books The Expert Guide to Fertility and Everyday Medical Miracles, offering listeners both practical insights and a reminder of the hope that exists even in the most difficult moments. Whether you're a healthcare provider, a patient, or simply someone interested in the future of integrative medicine, this episode offers a powerful look at how connection, compassion, and collaboration are transforming lives.