Advertise on podcast: Rare Wellness Podcast (by Center for Regenerative and Performance Medicine)

Regenerative Medicine Explained: Platelets, Stem Cells & Avoiding Surgery Considering regenerative medicine but not sure how it works? In this episode, Dr. Jamie Lewis breaks down the roles of platelets and stem cells, what can influence treatment outcomes, and why regenerative medicine may be an option for patients looking to preserve function and potentially avoid or delay surgery.

What’s new in stem cell therapy in 2026? In this solo episode, Dr. Jamie Lewis breaks down the latest developments in bone marrow stem cells for knee arthritis, intraosseous BMAC for severe cases, and the critical differences between autologous and donor-derived stem cell products.

What’s new in PRP in 2026? In this solo episode, Dr. Lewis breaks down the latest developments in platelet-rich plasma, including why platelet dose matters and how growth factors, A2M, and autologous exosomes found in platelet-poor plasma may shape the next generation of PRP treatments.

Can cold laser therapy really help relieve pain? Dr. Jamie Lewis breaks down the science behind K-Laser therapy, explaining how it works, why different wavelengths matter, and what the latest research shows for common musculoskeletal conditions.

Focused shockwave therapy can help tendon injuries and joint arthritis heal instead of just numbing the pain. Subscribe for more from the Rare Wellness Podcast. In this episode, Dr. Lewis breaks down focused shockwave therapy: what it is, how it works, and where the research actually supports it. This isn't the same technology as radial shockwave, and knowing the difference matters if a past treatment didn't seem to help. In this video you'll learn: How focused shockwave differs from radial shockwave, and why that distinction changes outcomesThe three-part biological process shockwave triggers in the body (growth factors, new blood vessel formation, collagen production)What the current research shows for tennis elbow, rotator cuff tendinopathy, and knee osteoarthritisWhat a typical course of sessions looks like, and the safety profile

Struggling to hit your daily protein target? In this episode, Dr. Lewis and Becca break down why protein is the cornerstone of muscle preservation, metabolic health, and healthy aging — and share practical, real-world strategies to help you consistently meet your goal without turning every meal into a chore.

Inflammation is the silent driver behind everything from stubborn weight to poor healing. In this episode, Dr. Lewis and Becca walk through a practical five-step plan to cool the fire from the inside out.

Dr. Jamie Lewis and Becca Pabona, RN break down sermorelin — what it is, how it works, and why it's become one of the most talked-about peptides in longevity and performance medicine. They cover the science behind growth hormone decline, the clinical evidence on sleep and body composition, safety and sourcing, realistic timelines for results, and how sermorelin pairs with GLP-1 medications to preserve muscle during weight loss.

Vitamin D does way more than you think — and most people don't have enough. Dr. Lewis and Becca break down the science connecting vitamin D to pain, joint health, immunity, and autoimmune disease. Plus: injectable vitamin D, the Harvard VITAL trial, and why "normal" lab ranges aren't good enough. KEY SOURCES Wu Z, et al. Vitamin D concentration and pain: systematic review and meta-analysis (81 studies, 50,000+ participants). Public Health Nutr. 2018. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980018000551Hahn J, et al. Vitamin D and omega-3 supplementation and incident autoimmune disease: VITAL randomized controlled trial (25,871 participants). BMJ. 2022. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2021-066452Rexhepi-Kelmendi B, et al. Vitamin D supplementation on disease activity and pain in rheumatoid arthritis: randomized double-blinded controlled study. BMC Rheumatol. 2025. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41927-025-00543-6OA Initiative database analysis: vitamin D and knee osteoarthritis pain. Sci Rep. 2024. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-81845-6Oral vs. intramuscular vitamin D replacement in adults with deficiency. J Clin Diagn Res. 2016. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5240054/TARGET-D trial: tailored vitamin D dosing and recurrent heart attack risk. Presented at AHA Scientific Sessions 2025, New Orleans. https://newsroom.heart.org

Starting a GLP-1 medication like semaglutide or tirzepatide? Dr. Jamie Lewis and Becca Pabona, RN tackle the seven questions patients ask most — from side effects and "Ozempic face" to hair loss, fatigue, food noise, and what really happens when you stop. They break down the actual clinical trial data, explain why individualized microdosing produces better outcomes than one-size-fits-all protocols, and share the strategies their clinic uses to preserve muscle, prevent nutrient deficiencies, and build a foundation that lasts beyond the medication. Backed by 20 peer-reviewed references including data from the STEP trials, ENDO 2025, and the largest real-world GLP-1 cohort studies to date.

Dr Lewis and Becca explore what you need to look for when choosing a GLP-1 Clinic. REFERENCES Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021;384:989-1002. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa2032183 Ashraf AR, Mackey TK, Schmidt J, et al. Safety and risk assessment of no-prescription online semaglutide purchases. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(8):e2428280. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.28280 Brown A, et al. Bridging the nutrition guidance gap for GLP-1 receptor agonist therapy assisted weight loss: lessons from bariatric surgery. International Journal of Obesity (Nature). 2025. doi:10.1038/s41366-025-01952-w Wilding JPH, et al. Impact of semaglutide on body composition in adults with overweight or obesity: exploratory analysis of the STEP 1 study. J Endocr Soc. 2021;5(Suppl 1):A16-A17. doi:10.1210/jendso/bvab048.030 Eshima H, et al. Unexpected effects of semaglutide on skeletal muscle mass and force-generating capacity in mice. Cell Metabolism. 2025. doi:10.1016/j.cmet.2025.07.006 [Note: cited for STEP 1 lean mass data contextualization] Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Davies M, et al. Weight regain and cardiometabolic effects after withdrawal of semaglutide: the STEP 1 trial extension. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2022;24(8):1553-1564. doi:10.1111/dom.14725 Metabolic rebound after GLP-1 receptor agonist discontinuation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. eClinicalMedicine (The Lancet). 2025. doi:10.1016/S2589-5370(25)00614-5 GLP-1 agonists and exercise: the future of lifestyle prioritization. Frontiers in Clinical Diabetes and Healthcare. 2025. doi:10.3389/fcdhc.2025.1720794 Tinsley GM, et al. Preservation of lean soft tissue during weight loss induced by GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists: a case series. PMC. 2025. (Texas Tech University IRB2025-79) Peralta-Reich D, et al. Resistance training and protein intake may lower GLP-1 RA muscle loss. Presented at conference, 2025. Reported in Medscape Medical News, April 15, 2025. Muñoz-Garach A, et al. Role of Vitamin D in Insulin Resistance. PMC/Nutrients. 2019. doi:10.3390/nu11061550 Lei X, Zhou Q, Wang Y, et al. Serum and supplemental vitamin D levels and insulin resistance in T2DM populations: a meta-analysis and systematic review. Scientific Reports. 2023;13(1):12343. doi:10.1038/s41598-023-39469-9 Szymczak-Pajor I, Śliwińska A. Analysis of association between vitamin D deficiency and insulin resistance. Nutrients (PMC). 2019. doi:10.3390/nu11040794 Mulligan T, et al. Prevalence of hypogonadism in males aged at least 45 years: the HIM study. Int J Clin Pract. 2006;60(7):762-769. [Referenced in: Testosterone and weight loss: the evidence. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes. 2014;21(5):313-322. PMC4154787] Grossmann M. Lowered testosterone in male obesity: mechanisms, morbidity and management. Asian J Androl. 2014;16(2):223-231. PMC3955331 Corona G, et al. Body weight loss reverts obesity-associated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur J Endocrinol. 2013;168(6):829-843. doi:10.1530/EJE-12-0955

How to Choose a Regenerative Medicine Clinic If you’re struggling with chronic pain, limited mobility, or declining function—and you want to avoid surgery, long recoveries, and unnecessary risk—you’ve likely heard about regenerative medicine. But with so many clinics, ads, and bold promises flooding the market, how do you know who to trust? In this episode, Dr. Jamie Lewis breaks down a clear, practical framework to help you separate science-based regenerative medicine from marketing hype. What You’ll Learn in This Episode The Reality of the Market Why approximately 60% of regenerative medicine is snake oilWhy another 30% produces inconsistent or suboptimal resultsHow to identify the top 10% of providers practicing high-level, science-based care The 3-Step Elimination Process Dr. Lewis walks you through a simple framework to think like the CEO of your own body and hire the right medical leader. 1) Integrity The difference between the FDA 351 drug approval pathway and the 361 tissue registration pathwayWhy no regenerative medicine product is currently FDA-approved under the 351 pathwayWhat companies must legally attest when registering birth-tissue products under 361Why many “fetal stem cell” and birth-tissue products do not contain viable living stem cellsResearch showing patients in their 60s and 70s still have robust, viable stem cellsWhy the myth that “your stem cells are too old” is scientifically inaccurate Key takeaway: If a clinic is injecting birth-tissue or fetal-derived products and marketing them as live stem cells, integrity should be questioned. 2) Training Not all training paths are equal. Key takeaway: Look for a board-certified physician with formal specialty training in interventional and regenerative medicine. 3) The Lab: “Check the Kitchen” In regenerative medicine, dose matters. Dr. Lewis explains the difference between: A Full Regenerative Medicine Laboratory Sterile processing hoodHematology analyzerCell-counting and viability testingTrained laboratory staffAbility to tailor treatment based on measured cell dose Versus: “Lab-in-a-Box” Systems Push-button processingNo measured cell countsUnknown viabilityOne-size-fits-all product Without measuring cell count and viability, outcomes become unpredictable. Key takeaway: If a clinic cannot measure and verify your cell dose, you’re essentially guessing. Bottom Line To dramatically increase your odds of success: Choose autologous treatments (your own cells) Avoid birth-tissue and fetal-derived products Seek board-certified physicians with specialty training Look for clinics with a full regenerative medicine laboratory Learn More Visit us at: www.nwc4rm.com

In this episode of The Rare Wellness Podcast, Dr. Jamie Lewis is joined by Performance Medicine Nurse Jeralee Kidd to explore one of the most overlooked—but foundational—hormones in the body: DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone). Often referred to as a “precursor hormone,” DHEA plays a critical role in supporting testosterone and estrogen production in both men and women. Yet as we age, DHEA levels steadily decline—often beginning as early as our 30s—contributing to fatigue, low mood, reduced resilience to stress, loss of lean muscle mass, brain fog, inflammation, and decreased libido. Dr. Lewis and Jeralee break down: What DHEA is and how it functions in the bodyWhy both men and women should have their levels evaluatedThe connection between DHEA, adrenal health, and chronic stressHow low DHEA can impact metabolism, muscle mass, immune function, and longevityWhen replacement may be appropriate—and why proper testing and medical supervision matter They also explain how DHEA differs from testosterone therapy, why it’s commonly missed in routine labs, and how optimizing foundational hormones can dramatically improve quality of life and long-term health outcomes. If you’re in your 40s, 50s, or beyond—and feeling more tired, inflamed, or less resilient than you used to—this episode may connect some important dots. To learn more or schedule a comprehensive hormone evaluation, visit www.spokanehrt.com.

Progesterone: Why Optimization and Replacement Matters During Your 30s, 40s and Beyond With Becca Pabona & Jeralee Kidd, Performance Medicine Nurses In this episode of The Rare Wellness Podcast, Performance Medicine Nurses Becca Pabona and Jeralee Kidd explore an often-overlooked but critically important hormone in women’s health: progesterone. While estrogen typically gets the spotlight in midlife conversations—especially around hot flashes and night sweats—this discussion highlights how progesterone is often the first hormone to decline during perimenopause, sometimes years before menopause begins. Becca and Jeralee break down: Why progesterone plays a key role in sleep quality, anxiety regulation, mood stability, and brain healthHow declining progesterone can lead to symptoms like insomnia (especially waking at 2–3 AM), “wired but tired” anxiety, mood swings, heavier periods, migraines, and worsening PMSThe science behind progesterone’s calming effect on the brain through the GABA-A receptor pathwayWhy micronized (bioidentical) progesterone differs significantly from synthetic progestins used in earlier hormone studiesThe importance of symptom-guided optimization, not just lab-based decision-makingWhy progesterone therapy, when used appropriately, can be one of the safest and most impactful interventionsfor perimenopausal women Jeralee also shares her personal experience with progesterone and how addressing this hormone transformed her sleep and anxiety—insights she now sees reflected in many patients at the Center for Regenerative and Performance Medicine. If you’re in your late 30s, 40s, or early 50s and feel like “something is off,” this episode may help you understand why it may not be stress or aging alone—it could be progesterone. For more information, visit www.spokaneht.com.

Bhasin S, et al.Prostate Safety Events During Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Men With Hypogonadism: A Randomized Clinical Trial (TRAVERSE). JAMA Network Open. 2023;6(12):e2342583. Araujo AB, et al.Clinical review: Endogenous testosterone and mortality in men: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2011;96(10):3007–3019. Corona G, et al.Testosterone and metabolic syndrome: a meta-analysis study. Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2011;8(1):272–283. Davis SR, et al.Global Consensus Position Statement on the Use of Testosterone Therapy for Women. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2019;104(10):4660–4666. Finkelstein JS, et al.Gonadal steroids and body composition, strength, and sexual function in men. New England Journal of Medicine. 2013;369:1011–1022. Rosner W, et al.Utility, limitations, and pitfalls in measuring testosterone: an Endocrine Society position statement. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2007;92(2):405–413.