Body of Wonder

What is the vagus nerve, and what role does it play in our body?
In this episode, we explore the "wandering nerve" and its profound impact our physical and emotional wellbeing. With research demonstrating its connection to many of our organs, impacting gut health and regulating emotional states, the vagus nerve is emerging as a central player in our overall health.
We are joined by Stefan Chmelik. Traditional Chinese medicine physician and founder of the company that produces Sensate, a vagal toning device. He discusses how advances in neuroscience and biofeedback have paved the way for innovative solutions to influence our nervous system, promoting relaxation, stress reduction, and emotional balance.
This conversation with Drs. Andrew Weil and Victoria Maizes and Stefan Chmelik offers listeners a fascinating look into the current understanding of the vagus nerve and the transformative potential of well-being technology.

In this episode, we are joined by renowned grief expert and author, Dr David Kessler. David delves into the intricacies of grief, drawing upon his extensive experience and the wisdom gained from years of working with clients in the field and alongside the pioneering psychiatrist Dr Elizabeth Kübler-Ross. Throughout this compassionate conversation with hosts Dr. Andrew Weil and Dr. Victoria Maizes, David describes how grief shapes individuals and communities, offering invaluable guidance on how to navigate the complex nature of loss and finding meaning. He shares practical advice on what to say to someone experiencing grief and provides listeners with essential tools to support themselves and others during times of profound loss.

Dr Shauna Shapiro is a clinical psychologist and an internationally recognized expert in mindfulness and self-compassion. Her TEDx talk, The Power of Mindfulness, has been viewed almost 4 million times. In this episode, Drs. Andrew Weil, Victoria Maizes, and Shauna Shapiro explore mindfulness, its profound impact on our well-being, and practical techniques to cultivate daily practice. We discuss how it can help us manage emotions, foster healthy relationships, reduce stress, and enhance our overall quality of life. As a special treat for our listeners, Dr. Shapiro offers a brief, guided meditation within the episode. Tune in as we explore the mind and meditative states with Dr. Shapiro.

In this episode, we are joined by Harvard-trained physician, integrative medicine expert and graduate of our Fellowship, Dr. Akil Palanisamy.
Dr. Palanisamy is the creator of the T.I.G.E.R protocol, a guide to address and heal autoimmune diseases.
Combining modern science and traditional medicine approaches, Dr. Palanisamy discusses the five elements of the T.I.G.E.R protocol (which stands for Toxin, Infection, Gut Health, Eating Right, and Rest) and how it can combat autoimmune conditions.
Join Dr. Andrew Weil, Dr. Victoria Maizes, and Dr. Palanisamy as they discuss the underlying triggers of autoimmune disease.
 

Dr. Andrew Weil and Dr. Victoria Maizes are joined by Seth Viddal, entrepreneur and leading voice in the word of green burials, as we explore conscious alternatives to common day burial practices.
Viddal, who leads a green burial funeral home, sheds light on the growing popularity of green burials, the ecological benefits, and the cultural shift towards embracing this practice. He describes how "reverent body care" and a mindful approach to the end of life can contribute to a gentle passing and meaningful final resting place.
Viddal guides listeners through the considerations and decision-making process when choosing green burials for oneself or a loved one, emphasizing the significance of this choice.
 

Discover ways to extend your pet's lifespan through diet, exercise, and essential lifestyle choices. On this episode, Drs. Andrew Weil and Victoria Maizes sit down with integrative veterinarian, Dr. Randy Aronson to discuss the world of integrative pet care.
In this interview, Dr. Aronson offers listeners insights from his decades of experience improving the health of animals. He sheds light on the importance of a balanced, nutrient-rich diet and tailored exercise routines for pets, to ensure they live long and well.
We discuss harmful food fillers, environmental toxins, medications, vaccinations, acupuncture, and other hot topics in the pet care community. Whether you're a longtime pet owner or a new pet parent, this conversation will leave you with a wealth of knowledge and actionable insights to enhance your pet’s quality of life.
 

Dr. Elizabeth Raskin is a trailblazing integrative surgeon who is combining nutritional guidance, mind-body techniques, and cutting-edge robotics to change surgical care.
Dr. Raskin’s journey into medicine was marked by a deep curiosity about the interconnectedness of the human body, mind, and spirit. As a result, she has become a pioneer in the field of integrative surgery, a discipline that embraces a holistic approach to healing.
In this conversation, Drs. Weil, Maizes, and Raskin discuss how inexpensive and widely-available mind-body techniques, such as breathwork and meditation, are being used to prepare patients mentally and emotionally for surgery, leading to faster recoveries.
Dr. Raskin discusses how the foods we eat can play a pivotal role in both preventing and recovering from illness and surgery.
We also delve into integrative medicine’s philosophy of patient-centered care, where the individual is seen as a whole, unique person rather than a collection of symptoms.
You won't want to miss this insightful look at the future of surgical care.
 

Join us as we discuss the intricate connections between two seemingly opposing aspects of human experience, joy, and trauma. Dr. Tanmeet Sethi, an expert in integrative medicine and mental health, guides us through this complex terrain of our emotions.
On this episode, Dr. Sethi shares insights on how to cultivate joy in our daily lives. As Dr. Sethi says, “Joy is the ability to sit with all that life has given us.”
The conversation elicits thoughts from Drs. Weil, Maizes, and Sethi on why we should not aim to be happy all the time, and instead embrace the full range of the human experience.  
Dr. Sethi expands on the potential for therapeutic psychedelics to facilitate deep emotional healing and transformation, which may offer hope to those who have struggled with treatment resistant depression.
Finally, this episode includes skills to infuse more joy into your life.
 

Join us for an enlightening conversation with the esteemed Tibetan Medicine expert, Dr. Leslie Blackhall. Currently the Section Head for Palliative Care at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, Dr. Blackhall is a nationally recognized expert with pioneering work in bioethics, spirituality and medicine, and palliative care.
Tibetan Medicine is an intricate practice that blends herbalism, spirituality, and holistic well-being. This ancient system was developed in Tibet and is based on Buddhist philosophy.
On this episode, Dr. Blackhall sheds light on its core principles and their significance in the modern world including the interplay between mind, body, and spirit.
Drs. Weil, Maizes, and Blackhall discuss how Tibetan Medicine practices align with the whole-person view of health and how they can contribute to a more harmonious life.
This conversation promises to broaden your perspectives on what it means to live well.  

In this episode, hosts Dr. Andrew Weil and Dr. Victoria Maizes dive into the world of culinary medicine with physician and food advocate, Dr. Geeta Maker-Clark.

Dr. Maker-Clark shares insights on transforming the food landscape in hospitals and schools, revolutionizing nutrition education in medical schools across the United States, and empowering patients and healthcare providers with the knowledge and skills to prioritize their health through culinary practices.

With her expertise in nutritional sciences, she discusses innovative strategies for introducing fresh, plant-based foods to enhance well-being.

Dr. Maker-Clark also shares her experience teaching cooking classes to young adults and how they cultivate a sense of empowerment and ownership over their health journey. The episode wraps up with a focus on the importance of fostering positive relationships with food from an early age.

Join Body of Wonder as we discuss the transformative power of culinary medicine!