New Frontiers In Functional Medicine

The continued release of the Epstein files has sparked difficult but necessary conversations across the medical, longevity, and wellness communities. In this candid and deeply reflective episode of New Frontiers in Functional Medicine, Dr. Kara Fitzgerald sits down with Dr. Sara Szal and Dr. Brad Jacobs to explore what this moment calls forward from clinicians — ethically, professionally, and personally. Together, they discuss: • Medical accountability and the responsibility that comes with influence • The ethical obligations of physicians and mandated reporters • How the medical system has failed vulnerable adolescents — especially young women • Power dynamics, patriarchy, and the culture of silence • Trauma, ACE scores, and measurable impacts on long-term health • What practitioners can do differently starting now This is a thoughtful, clinician-focused conversation about integrity, trauma-informed care, and the role healthcare providers play in protecting and supporting patients. If you care abou

What if obesity and metabolic dysfunction start in the muscle, not the fat tissue we usually measure? In this episode of New Frontiers in Functional Medicine, Dr. Kara Fitzgerald and Dr. Gabrielle Lyon unpack this emerging science, from intramuscular adipose tissue to protein needs, anabolic resistance, fatty liver disease, and the role of muscle in healthy aging. A compelling episode with immediate takeaways for clinical practice. Check out the show notes at https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ for the full list of links and resources. GUEST DETAILS Dr. Gabrielle Lyon is the physician behind Muscle-Centric Medicine®, a groundbreaking approach that reframes muscle as the key driver of metabolic health, aging, and resilience. She is the bestselling author of FOREVER STRONG and the forthcoming Forever Strong Playbook, which translates her science-backed principles into practical strategies for building lifelong strength and capacity. Website: https://drgabriellelyon.com/ Instagram: https://www.in

Exosomes are becoming one of the most talked-about tools in regenerative medicine, but not all exosomes are created equal. In this episode of New Frontiers, Dr. Kara Fitzgerald talks with Alisa Lask, CEO of Plated Skin, about the science behind platelet-derived exosomes and why their signaling pathways matter for repair, renewal, and changes in skin appearance. We explore how discoveries in cardiology led to this technology, what early clinical studies are showing, and why source and preparation are critical when evaluating any exosome-based approach. A clear, grounded look at a fast-moving field for clinicians who want to understand what’s real, what’s emerging, and what deserves attention next. Full show notes + references: https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ GUEST DETAILS Alisa Lask is the CEO of Rion Aesthetics, where she is driving innovation in regenerative aesthetics with platelet-derived exosomes and leading research in areas like hair restoration and skin appearance. She also oversee

Functional dentistry is emerging as a powerful missing link in systems-based care. In this episode of New Frontiers in Functional Medicine, Dr. Kara Fitzgerald sits down with Staci Whitman, DMD, IFMCP, a leading voice in functional pediatric dentistry and co-founder of the upcoming Institute for Functional Dentistry. Together, they explore how the oral microbiome, airway health, saliva, hormones, nutrition, and stress physiology shape systemic inflammation, chronic disease risk, and long-term health outcomes. You’ll learn how to recognize oral contributors to gut issues, autoimmunity, cardiometabolic disease, cognitive decline, sleep disorders, and more—plus practical tools you can use right away in a medical setting, including a simple five-question airway and breathing screener. If you’re looking to expand your longevity and whole-body health framework, this conversation offers clear, actionable insights you won’t want to miss. Full show notes + references: https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/

Beta-glucans might be one of the most overlooked levers in immune resilience, and that has major implications for longevity. Talking with my long-time friends and colleagues Drs. Bob Rountree and Chris D’Adamo reminded me just how powerful this molecule truly is. The clinical reach here is stunning, from immune aging and cancer support to vaccine response, gut–brain effects, and overall resilience. What struck me most is how beta-glucans help the innate immune system respond more effectively over time, from overtraining and chronic infections to vaccine responsiveness. Clinicians really need this on their radar. I think you’re going to find this conversation eye-opening. ~DrKF Check out the show notes at https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ for the full list of links and resources. GUEST DETAILS Bob Rountree, MD, is a leading figure in integrative and functional medicine with more than 40 years of clinical experience. Medical Director of Boulder Wellcare and long-time IFM faculty, he is widely

In this episode of New Frontiers in Functional Medicine, Dr. Kara Fitzgerald sits down with hormone and women’s health expert Dr. Carrie Jones to explore the powerful connection between mitochondrial health and women’s hormones. Together, they unpack how mitochondrial function influences hormone balance, metabolism, energy, mood, and resilience, especially during perimenopause and menopause. Dr. Jones shares practical, evidence-based strategies to support mitochondrial health for optimal hormonal balance, improved sleep, and emotional well-being. Listeners will gain actionable insights into functional medicine approaches to women’s hormone health, including how mitochondrial vitality can help ease hormonal transitions and enhance longevity. Check out the show notes at https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ for the full list of links and resources. GUEST DETAILS Dr. Carrie Jones, ND, FABNE, MPH, MSCP is an internationally recognized expert in women’s health and hormones. Known as the “Queen of Hor

Dr. Kara Fitzgerald sits down with Dr. Brooke Stubbs, an internal and lifestyle medicine physician who transitioned from hospital medicine to a concierge model focused on prevention and personalization. Together, they discuss how to design a practice that supports both patients and practitioners, from efficient systems and appropriate pricing to functional lab integration. Dr. Stubbs explains how Vibrant Wellness helps streamline diagnostics and ensure consistent, high-quality care, offering real-world insights for clinicians ready to evolve their model. Check out the show notes at https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ for the full list of links and resources. GUEST DETAILS Dr. Brooke Stubbs is a double board-certified physician in Internal and Lifestyle Medicine with a master’s in nutrition from Columbia University. As founder of Rooted Femme, a concierge practice in Austin, she helps women achieve better health through lifestyle-based care. She’s a national speaker, retreat creator, and advoca

Dr. Kara Fitzgerald talks with Sergey Young, founder of the Longevity Vision Fund and XPRIZE board member, about the future of aging medicine. Hear how AI, wearables, new diagnostics, and early screening are making longevity solutions more practical, affordable, and clinically relevant for functional medicine practitioners. Check out the show notes at https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ for the full list of links and resources. GUEST DETAILS Sergey Young is a longevity investor, author, and visionary committed to extending healthy lifespans for one billion people. He co-founded the BOLD Longevity Growth Fund, wrote the bestseller The Science and Technology of Growing Young, and serves on the boards of XPRIZE and AFAR. Website: https://sergeyyoung.com/ Follow Sergey: @sergeyyoung200 THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS DIAMOND DUTCH: https://dutchtest.com/for-providers GOLD Vibrant Wellness: https://www.vibrant-wellness.com/ TimeLine Nutrition: https://tinyurl.com/bdzx2xms EXCLUSIVE OFFERS FROM OUR

Hair loss is more than cosmetic. In this episode of New Frontiers in Functional Medicine, Dr. Kara Fitzgerald explores new research on the OS-01 peptide and its role in targeting senescent cells. Learn how peptide therapy compares to minoxidil, and how hormones, thyroid health, stress, UV exposure, and the scalp microbiome all play a role in thinning hair. Carolina Reis Oliveira, PhD, co-founder of OneSkin, shares insights on how polyphenols, prebiotics, and integrative strategies can support healthier growth. Check out the show notes at https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ for the full list of links and resources. GUEST DETAILS Carolina Reis Oliveira, PhD - OneSkin Co-Founder & CEO Carolina Reis Oliveira, PhD, is the CEO and co-founder of OneSkin and an advocate for healthy aging. With a doctorate in immunology, she moved from Brazil to Silicon Valley to pursue her vision of using science to prevent age-related diseases. At OneSkin, she leads pioneering research on aging biology, including the

Have you ever struggled to understand why some patients just don’t respond as expected, even when you’re following all the usual gut protocols? In this episode, I sat down with Dr. Tom Fabian, who breaks down the latest insights from StoolOMX and GI-MAP testing and shows us how to put them into practice for our most complex cases. We dive into how identifying specific types of inflammation, bile acid patterns, and microbial imbalances can guide more precise interventions, whether it’s introducing fiber, addressing biofilms, or supporting secondary bile acid production. Dr. Fabian makes the science practical, helping us see not just what’s happening in the gut, but what to do about it in real-world clinical settings. ~DrKF FOLLOW ALONG WITH THE CONVERSATION! Curious about the StoolOMX Add-On to GI-MAP? Head to http://tinyurl.com/StoolOMX to download the StoolOMX Reference Guide to better understand results and create effective, actionable protocols Listeners, join me and Dr. Tom Fabian for a free webinar o

Can functional medicine unlock the secrets to healthy aging? In this special preview of the Functional Medicine is Longevity Medicine™ Masterclass happening on September 17- September 19, 2025, Dr. Kara Fitzgerald sits down with three leading voices in medicine and research: - Dr. Bob Rountree: functional medicine pioneer in integrative approaches to health - Dr. Dale Bredesen: internationally recognized expert on Alzheimer’s prevention and reversal - Dr. Charles Serhan: Harvard researcher on inflammation resolution and aging biology Together, they explore how functional medicine reframes longevity by addressing root causes, supporting cognitive health, and resolving chronic inflammation. Whether you’re a clinician, health professional, or simply passionate about living longer and healthier, this conversation offers a glimpse into the science and practical applications that are transforming longevity medicine. WATCH NOW TO LEARN: - Why functional medicine is central to extending healthspan - The lates

It was a pleasure to sit down with Dr. Nir Barzilai for a conversation that turned out to be both lively and thought-provoking. His decades of research on centenarians, biological age, and the hallmarks of aging have shaped how we think about longevity—and what’s possible when we start targeting aging itself, not just individual diseases. We get into the science behind why some people live 20–30 years longer and healthier, and what it means to measure the biological age of individual organs. But we also hit a few sparks—especially when it comes to nutraceuticals and the role of metformin in prevention. I don’t agree with everything you’ll hear, and I followed up with Dr. Barzilai afterward to unpack some of the more provocative claims. We may just need a second round for this one... stay tuned. Check out the show notes at www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ for all the relevant links and resources. ~DrKF Check out the show notes at https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ for the full list of l

I’ve been watching the science behind Calocurb evolve over the last year, and I have to say—this is one of the most exciting clinical tools I’ve seen emerge in the metabolic space in quite some time. A hops-derived compound that stimulates endogenous GLP-1, CCK, and PYY—without a prescription or injection? That’s a big deal, especially for patients struggling with appetite regulation, weight plateaus, or the aftermath of GLP-1 discontinuation. In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Kennedy, founder of New Zealand-based Calocurb, to talk about the years of government-funded research that led to this discovery, the remarkable clinical outcomes they’ve seen so far, and how I’ve personally used it in my practice with excellent results. If you’re looking for science-backed, natural strategies to support appetite control, fasting, or GLP-1 transitions—this one’s worth a listen. ~DrKF Check out the show notes at https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ for the full list of links and resources. GUEST DETAI

In this very special episode, I have the privilege of turning the tables on Dr. Kara Fitzgerald as we celebrate 10 years of the New Frontiers podcast. I’ve been honored to walk alongside Kara on much of this journey—as a colleague, a collaborator, a mentee, and a friend—and it’s been incredible to witness the evolution of both her work and the field itself. Together, we reflect on the stories, science, and people who have shaped this podcast—and the remarkable growth of epigenetics, personalized medicine, and functional medicine along the way. From early conversations around methylation and aging to hosting pioneers like Dr. Jeff Bland, Dr. Sidney Baker, and Dr. Charles Serhan, New Frontiers has become a living archive of how this field has moved forward. As we talked about during the conversation: “Everybody is a piece of this ecosystem, and everybody has their role... It’s really cool to be part of that community.” This episode is a celebration of that collective journey—and a look at where we’re headed n

This is a really exciting conversation with Dr. Davide D’Amico from Timeline, where we’re taking a closer look at Urolithin A and heart health. It should come as no surprise that this mitochondrial wonderkin of a nutrient is showing promise here—especially when you consider that 40% of the heart’s weight is mitochondria. That’s an extraordinary factoid, and one that really shifts how we think about aging in the cardiovascular system. What’s particularly compelling in this new preclinical research is that restoring mitochondrial function may do more than just improve ejection fraction. It may also have ripple effects on other hallmarks of aging—like chronic inflammation, cellular stress signaling, and impaired autophagy. I’m thrilled Timeline is continuing to invest in both preclinical and clinical research on this front—and yes, I’m totally nerding out over what they’re up to. ~DrK Check out the show notes at https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ for the full list of links and resources. GUEST D

This episode is a little different from what we usually cover on New Frontiers, but it’s one I couldn’t wait to bring to you. I’ve been thinking a lot about how we—as clinicians—are supposed to keep up in this era of high-throughput technology. We’re swimming in data: labs, multi-omics, diet logs… and an ever-growing stream from wearables. There’s just so much coming at us, and too often, we’re awash in a sea of information without adequate interpretive power. That’s why this conversation with Dr. Rana el Kaliouby felt so important. She’s not just an AI scientist—she’s a visionary and a total badass. She’s building technology that doesn’t just process data, but actually helps us become better clinicians and better humans. We get into the ethics, the potential, the parenting implications—and yes, a personal story about a tragedy in my own hometown that made this all hit very close to home. This one’s powerful, and I hope it sparks the same questions and inspiration for you as it did for me. ~DrKF TRIGGER WAR

In many ways, the legal side of functional medicine can feel like the Wild West—uncertain, unregulated, and full of risks. The reality is, we all want to have our practices legally buttoned up, but navigating the legal landscape can feel overwhelming—and expensive. What Scott Rattigan, creator of Functional Lawyer, shares in this episode is a real game-changer. He not only breaks down the complexities of the legal side of things but also offers real solutions for us—solutions that can make sure we're covered without the stress and uncertainty that often comes with it. Whether you're just starting out or growing your established practice, you're going to get actionable insights on how to avoid common legal pitfalls, protect your practice, and actually move forward with confidence. It’s a topic that’s been an unmet need for so long, and I'm so excited to bring this to you. ~DrKF Check out the show notes at https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ for the full list of links and resources. EXCLUSIVE OFF

I’ve been looking forward to sharing this conversation with you because it’s one I’m truly passionate about. Today, we’re diving into the DunedinPACE epigenetic clock with one of its creators, the brilliant Dan Belsky. It’s a tool I use regularly with my patients, and one that’s transforming how we approach aging and interventions. While this show is a bit more technical than usual, the science is fascinating, and the real-world applications are incredibly valuable. This isn’t just about theory—it’s about practical insights that can change how we measure aging and track the effectiveness of the treatments we offer. Stick with us, and you’ll walk away with actionable knowledge that can make a difference in your practice. ~DrKF Check out the show notes at https://www.drkarafitzgerald.com/fxmed-podcast/ for the full list of links and resources. GUEST DETAILS Daniel W Belsky, PhD Website: www.belskylab.com THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS DIAMOND DUTCH: https://dutchtest.com/for-providers Biotics Research: http

What if a human trial of over 1200 patients showed improved mobility and reduced pain in osteoarthritis (OA) patients using a natural combination of boswellia and celery seed extract? What if a second follow-up randomized, placebo-controlled human trial found that within 90 days, this same combination increased OA patients' ability to perform a walk test by over 50%, reduced markers of cartilage degeneration by half and increased markers of cartilage regeneration by half. This is what the research team at Calroy Health Sciences have discovered, putting a tremendous amount of work and financing into studying the effects of the uniquely-developed Cartigenix-HP. Not only that, increased joint space at the end of the trial was clearly visible via radiography, and 90% of the intervention group did not need any "rescue" pharmaceutical medication at the end of the 90 day period (compared with only 20% of the placebo group) and this effect was sustained beyond the end of the trial. I have to say, I am impressed and e

We’ve all had patients struggling with chronic conditions like long COVID, fibromyalgia, Lyme disease, and chronic fatigue. Despite all the tools in our functional medicine toolkit, there’s still something missing. How can we truly help them? I’m excited to have Ashok Gupta back on the New Frontiers podcast to offer a new take on healing from chronic illness. He explains that many chronic diseases stem from a malfunction in the brain's threat detection system, where the body overreacts to perceived threats, triggering immune, nervous system, or mood responses, creating a vicious cycle. Ashok shares how retraining the brain and calming the nervous system can reset the body’s response to chronic stress and presents the growing body of research supporting the Gupta Program, including new subjective measurements like CRP showing its impact. What excites me most is the potential for this approach to help some of my toughest-to-treat patients. With more studies emerging, I’m increasingly hopeful this could be a ga