Podcast
Compound Wisdom Podcast
Hosted by Dante McClain · EN
Compound Wisdom is an interview series with leaders, operators, and changemakers across industries. We dig into judgment, execution, and the second-order effects behind durable wins—so ideas can stack, not just inspire. Expect clear thinking, candid stories, and playbooks you can use tomorrow, not someday.
12episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Why AI Should Help Doctors — Not Replace Them
Apr 2300:22:52Tap to summarize“Healthcare shouldn’t feel like a black box.” – Dr. Myra AhmadIn this week’s episode, Steve sits down with Dr. Myra Ahmad (Founder & CEO of Mochi Health) to break down how telehealth is evolving—and why most healthcare systems still fail patients.Dr. Myra explains how Mochi Health is building a marketplace model that connects providers, pharmacies, and patients into one seamless system—focused on long-term care, not just prescriptions. She shares why continuity with the same doctor matters, how transparent pricing is reshaping patient behavior, and why traditional healthcare often prioritizes systems over people.The conversation dives into the GLP-1 explosion, the rise of peptides, and what’s actually coming next in weight loss and preventative medicine. They also unpack the role of AI in healthcare, where it works best (operations, workflows, efficiency) and where it still falls short (patient trust and real care). The episode closes with a grounded look at the “wild west” of online medications, how to think about safety and regulation, and what the next 3–5 years of telemedicine will really look like.TakeawaysMost healthcare systems are built around operations—not patient experience.Continuity of care (seeing the same provider long-term) leads to better outcomes.GLP-1 drugs triggered massive demand—but they’re just the first wave.Future treatments will expand into more conditions beyond weight loss.Transparency in pricing is a major reason patients are shifting to telehealth.AI is powerful for backend tasks—but not ready to replace doctors.Patients still want human trust when it comes to medical decisions.The peptide market is growing fast—but lacks consistent oversight.Many online medications operate in a regulatory “gray zone.”Telehealth’s growth will be driven by convenience, cost clarity, and access.Chapters00:00 Intro: Why healthcare systems fail patients 00:49 What Mochi Health actually does 02:10 Dr. Myra’s background & why she built Mochi 03:30 The gap in care delivery most people don’t see 05:10 Marketplace vs. traditional telehealth models 07:20 Why continuity with one doctor matters 09:15 GLP-1 drugs: from skepticism to global demand 12:40 What’s next in weight loss & new medications 15:30 Oral vs injectable treatments: what actually works 18:20 Peptides: hype, risks, and future potential 21:10 The “wild west” of online medications 24:00 AI in healthcare: where it works vs. where it fails 27:30 How Mochi uses AI to improve provider workflows 30:10 Pharmacy partnerships & quality control 33:40 Women’s health, HRT, and telehealth expansion 36:20 Pricing transparency vs traditional healthcare 39:10 The future of telemedicine (next 3–5 years) 42:00 What’s next for Mochi Health
Transcribe →Why AI Should Help Doctors — Not Replace Them
Apr 800:22:52Tap to summarize“AI should power the system — not replace the doctor.” – Myra AhmedIn this episode of Compound Wisdom, Steve Sood sits down with Myra A., founder of Mochi Health, to break down where modern healthcare actually breaks — and why most solutions are solving the wrong layer of the problem.Myra’s entry into healthcare was driven by a single question: where do patients fall out of care? That question led her to build Mochi Health — not as another telehealth brand pushing prescriptions, but as a marketplace connecting providers and pharmacies under one system.Mochi’s model challenges the dominant telehealth approach. Instead of vertical integration and branding, it focuses on infrastructure — giving providers tools to operate, and patients the ability to choose, compare, and stay with the same doctor over time. Continuity, not transactions, becomes the core product.The conversation then moves into the GLP-1 surge. Myra explains how initial skepticism around injectables quickly flipped into one of the largest demand waves in healthcare. What started as a niche treatment has now triggered a broader shift toward proactive care — with more drugs and categories already in development.But with demand comes fragmentation. The discussion explores the rise of peptides and the “wild west” layer of the market — where consumers are increasingly ordering unregulated substances online. Myra highlights the gap between demand and oversight, and why testing infrastructure is still catching up.On AI, the stance is clear. Most companies are applying AI at the wrong interface. Mochi uses it to remove operational burden — documentation, scheduling, billing — while keeping the doctor-patient relationship fully human. Efficiency is the goal, not replacement.The episode closes with a broader view of where telehealth is heading — toward transparency, provider-led care, and systems that reduce friction rather than add layers. The next wave won’t be about more tools. It will be about better structure.This is a grounded conversation on healthcare infrastructure, emerging drug markets, and the role of AI in rebuilding trust at scale.TakeawaysMochi Health is built as a marketplace, not a prescription-first platform Continuity of care is a core differentiator in their model Patients can choose and stay with providers long term GLP-1 demand reshaped consumer expectations in healthcare Future drug pipelines extend beyond weight loss into broader conditions Oral alternatives currently lack strong efficacy compared to injectables Peptides represent a growing but fragmented market Unregulated demand is rising due to lack of access and transparency Testing and compliance infrastructure is still developing AI is most effective in back-office workflows Documentation, billing, and scheduling are key AI use cases Patient-facing AI still lacks trust and reliability Provider efficiency directly improves patient outcomes Telehealth growth is driven by pricing transparency gaps Insurance systems often lack clarity for patients Mochi integrates providers, pharmacies, and workflows into one system Pharmacy onboarding includes testing and compliance validation Women’s health and HRT demand is increasing on platforms Future growth includes partnerships and device integrations Healthcare is shifting toward system-level redesign, not surface fixesChapters00:00 – Building provider and pharmacy infrastructure 02:00 – Why Mochi Health was created 05:30 – Marketplace vs traditional telehealth models 10:00 – Continuity of care and provider relationships 15:30 – The GLP-1 demand shift 21:00 – Future of weight loss and drug pipelines 26:00 – Oral vs injectable treatment limitations 30:30 – Peptides and emerging categories 35:30 – Risks of unregulated drug markets 40:00 – AI in healthcare systems 45:00 – Back-office automation vs patient interaction 50:00 – Provider tools and workflow optimization 55:00 – Pharmacy vetting and compliance 01:00:00 – Women’s health and HRT expansion 01:05:00 – Telehealth vs traditional care models 01:10:00 – Insurance and pricing transparency 01:15:00 – Future roadmap for Mochi Health 01:20:00 – Closing insightsTags#CompoundWisdom #MyraAhmed #MochiHealth #Telehealth #GLP1 #Peptides #HealthcareInnovation #DigitalHealth #AIinHealthcare #HealthcareSystems #PharmaTrends #ProviderLedCare #PatientExperience #HealthTech #FutureOfHealthcare
Transcribe →The Problem With One-Prescription Weight Loss Clinics
Feb 2700:27:43Tap to summarize“Medication is a tool — not a shortcut.” – Jason JacobsonIn this episode of Compound Wisdom, Steve Sood sits down with Jason Jacobson, emergency-trained nurse practitioner and founder of Slim Wellness, to break down what most telehealth companies get wrong about weight loss, hormones, and long-term metabolic care.Jason’s path into medicine wasn’t linear. A high school dropout who rebuilt his life through tech, sales, and eventually emergency medicine, he now splits his time between the ER, academia, and a brick-and-mortar clinic designed to counter the “prescription-first” telehealth model.Slim Wellness was sparked by a personal catalyst. After watching his bonus daughter gain significant weight following birth control and struggle to find real answers, Jason saw firsthand how mainstream clinics default to surface-level solutions — especially once GLP-1s entered the spotlight. His response was to build a provider-led, high-touch platform centered on root-cause analysis rather than transactional prescribing.The conversation moves beyond generic weight loss talk and into structural care gaps: why “eat less, move more” is often clinical laziness, how PCOS is frequently mishandled, and why hormones sit at the center of metabolic dysfunction.Jason outlines the four pillars he prioritizes in PCOS treatment — inflammation, hormones, nutrition, and movement — and explains why most women are cycled through algorithms without meaningful personalization . His model begins with full metabolic labs, narrative-driven intake conversations, and expectation setting that emphasizes time horizon over 30-day transformations.They also unpack peptides. Jason clarifies what peptides actually are — short amino acid chains that signal native biological processes — and why misunderstanding their mechanism fuels regulatory tension. The discussion touches on insulin as the earliest peptide example, evolving FDA positions, compounding scrutiny, Ryan Haight Act implications, and the uncertain reclassification environment.The episode closes with a sober look at telehealth’s future: political volatility, DEA oversight, testosterone regulation, concierge-style differentiation, and the risk of large marketing-driven platforms commoditizing care.This is a grounded conversation about metabolic medicine, regulatory reality, and what it takes to scale care without sacrificing clinical integrity.TakeawaysJason transitioned from tech and sales into emergency medicine before launching Slim WellnessSlim Wellness was inspired by a personal PCOS and weight-loss journeyMost telehealth platforms prioritize medication over metabolic strategyPCOS treatment requires addressing inflammation, hormones, nutrition, and movement “Eat less, move more” without guidance is not a treatment planPeptides are signaling molecules, not synthetic tricks Insulin was one of the earliest peptide therapies Regulatory shifts around peptides and testosterone could reshape telehealthConcierge-style access may become a competitive moatProvider-led continuity of care differentiates from marketing-driven telemedicineChapters00:00 – From high school dropout to emergency medicine 03:00 – Why Slim Wellness was built differently 06:30 – PCOS, hormones, and metabolic root causes 11:00 – The four pillars of PCOS treatment 15:00 – Peptides explained simply 19:00 – Regulatory scrutiny and telehealth uncertainty 23:00 – Concierge care vs scale-first models 27:00 – Hims vs Ro and competitive positioning 29:30 – Blind question and closingTags#CompoundWisdom #JasonJacobson #SlimWellness #PCOS #Telehealth #Peptides #HormoneOptimization #GLP1 #MetabolicHealth #ConciergeMedicine #HealthcareRegulation #Longevity #ProviderLedCare #WeightLossMedicine
Transcribe →The Dark Side of “Easy Telehealth” (And the Fix)
Feb 2300:37:21Tap to summarize“Anybody who thinks AI can’t replace part of their job is mistaken.” – Dr. Jonathan KaplanIn this episode of Compound Wisdom, Steve Sood sits down with Dr. Jonathan Kaplan, board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Dr. Well, to break down the collision between telehealth, GLP-1s, peptides, AI, and the future of provider-owned healthcare platforms.Jonathan walks through his path from scrubbing into surgeries at age 11 in Louisiana to launching a price-transparency tool for cosmetic procedures, which eventually evolved into a national provider-to-consumer telehealth infrastructure serving 200+ practices. What started as solving a simple pricing problem turned into subscriptions, weight management programs, and ultimately a scalable compounding-backed medication platform.The conversation moves beyond surface-level GLP hype and into structural realities: continuity of care vs independent contractor telehealth models, 503A pharmacy strategy, regulatory risk around research-use peptides, and why most operators misunderstand compounding economics. Jonathan explains the development of GLP-1 Squared (a semaglutide + tirzepatide combination), why differentiation matters in a tightening regulatory environment, and how serious players are preparing for FDA scrutiny rather than avoiding it.They also go deep on AI — not just as a buzzword, but as infrastructure. From asynchronous smart consults to autonomous surgical robotics, Jonathan argues that AI will penetrate every layer of medicine faster than most expect. The real question isn’t whether it happens — it’s who adapts responsibly.The episode closes with insights on longevity demand, peptide reclassification, Big Pharma acquisition behavior, and how social media — when done strategically — can drive real patient acquisition instead of vanity metrics.This is a grounded conversation about operator leverage, regulatory positioning, and building healthcare models that can survive the next 24 months.TakeawaysDr. Kaplan began observing surgeries at age 11 and chose plastic surgery at 16.Early frustration with cosmetic price opacity led him to build a pricing automation tool.That tool evolved into BuildMyHealth and later Dr. Well.Dr. Well operates as a provider-to-consumer (PTC) platform, not DTC.Continuity of care is the structural weakness in many telehealth models.GLP-1 subscriptions created infrastructure for scaling compounded meds.GLP-1 Squared combines semaglutide + tirzepatide in a differentiated formulation.Patent filings and IND pathways signal long-term positioning, not short-term arbitrage.Research-use-only peptides carry legal and liability exposure.503A pharmacies will likely replace gray-market labs over time.AI is being used internally for platform acceleration, not autonomous prescribing (yet).Autonomous robotic surgery is likely closer than most assume.Longevity demand is expanding the total addressable market, not shrinking it.Big Pharma will likely acquire longevity-focused startups rather than build internally.Social media growth requires algorithm fluency and constant adaptation.MiniChat-style automation improves patient conversion workflows.Head-banging persistence preceded viral growth.GLP-1 adoption acts as a gateway into broader longevity experimentation.Compliance-first models will outlast Shopify-style gray sellers.Infrastructure ownership > trend chasing.Chapters00:00 – Early exposure to surgery and choosing plastic surgery 02:30 – Cosmetic pricing frustration and tech origins 04:20 – From price estimator to telehealth infrastructure 06:00 – Provider-to-consumer vs direct-to-consumer models 08:40 – GLP-1 growth and subscription mechanics 10:30 – Building GLP-1 Squared and regulatory differentiation 13:00 – Compounding, 503A strategy, and risk tolerance 15:20 – AI in platform development 17:00 – Autonomous surgery and timeline predictions 19:30 – Peptides, Category 2 status, and reclassification outlook 22:00 – Longevity demand and market expansion 24:10 – Big Pharma acquisition behavior 26:00 – Personal stack: GLP-1 Squared + NAD 28:30 – Social media growth strategy and viral moments 31:00 – Automation, MiniChat, and conversion systems 33:30 – Blind question and closing thoughtsTags#CompoundWisdom #DrJonathanKaplan #DrWell #GLP1 #Longevity #Telehealth #Peptides #CompoundingPharmacy #AIinHealthcare #PlasticSurgery #HealthcareInnovation #ProviderEconomics #WeightLossMedicine #HealthTech #MedicalEntrepreneurship
Transcribe →The Fastest Way to Expose a Bad Deal
Feb 1300:30:21Tap to summarize“If you’re gonna hire a consultant, hire the consultant — not the pitch.” – Heath WolfsonIn this episode of Compound Wisdom, Steve Sood sits down with Heath Wolfson, founder of FrontCare, to break down what it actually takes to build and scale businesses in regulated, fast-moving categories like GLP-1 clinics, compounding, and creator-led health platforms. Heath walks through his path from nightlife and event marketing to defense contracting after 9/11, scaling a safety retrofit company into a nine-figure exit, then building one of Facebook’s largest publishing engines before shifting into longevity and metabolic health operations.The conversation focuses on operator reality vs sales hype: how to vet opportunities, spot compliance risks, avoid conflicted vendor ecosystems, and design clinic models that are capital-efficient and fast to launch. Heath explains why many GLP-1 and peptide ventures are structured wrong, how consulting should transfer real operational leverage (not dependency), and how FrontCare gives creators and small businesses a compliant path into telehealth-style wellness monetization. The episode closes with tactical advice on hiring, scaling teams, and why a few high-impact players outperform large mediocre teams.TakeawaysHeath Wolfson built a $100M+ safety retrofit business within 18 months post-9/11.His background is operator-led, not theory-led or purely financial.He later scaled a Facebook publishing network to ~25M monthly users.Many GLP-1 clinic offers are sales-driven, not compliance-driven.Vendor kickbacks often distort physician, pharmacy, and insurance referrals.Due diligence must go beyond spreadsheets into real operations.Consulting should deliver execution frameworks, not just strategy decks.“Hire the consultant, not the pitch” is his core rule.Franchise-style models often lock owners into conflicted distribution.His clinic model targets low build-out cost and fast launch timelines.Simpler clinic formats can open in ~4–6 weeks with limited capital.Transparency in vendors prevents operator lock-in.FrontCare enables creators to monetize wellness compliantly.Creators can use white-label telehealth-style storefronts.Influencer wellness monetization is shifting from apparel to health.GLP-1 adoption accelerated interest in broader longevity tools.Research-only peptide markets are likely to face tighter regulation.Compliance structure will outlast gray-market Shopify sellers.Scaling teams too fast reduces efficiency and profitability.A few key operators outperform many average hires.Chapters00:00 – Welcome and Heath’s background setup00:29 – College, nightlife, and early career direction01:30 – Defense contracting and post-9/11 retrofit opportunity03:10 – Building and exiting a nine-figure safety business04:05 – Tattoo industry roll-up attempt and 2008 disruption05:00 – Taking over a publishing group as CEO06:10 – Early Facebook monetization and ad stack testing07:30 – Scaling to massive Facebook distribution08:40 – Exit from media and move to Florida09:15 – First exposure to GLP-1 and compounding reality10:30 – Spotting fraud signals in clinic pitches11:40 – Learning the clinic model by doing13:10 – Rebuilding the GLP-1 clinic model correctly14:20 – What real consulting should provide16:00 – Vendor neutrality and operator advantage17:05 – Why most med-spa assumptions are wrong18:30 – Designing low-cost, fast-launch clinics20:10 – Consulting economics and break-even timelines22:00 – From consulting to platform: FrontCare23:40 – Creator monetization and white-label health25:10 – Influencer commerce vs wellness commerce27:00 – GLP-1 as gateway to longevity demand28:20 – Peptides, regulation, and risk30:10 – Compliance vs gray-market sellers31:00 – Scaling teams: key players vs many hires33:00 – Efficiency lessons from downsizing34:10 – Blind question: building teams that scale35:40 – Closing thoughts and next-guest questionTags#CompoundWisdom #HeathWolfson #FrontCare #GLP1 #LongevityBusiness #Telehealth #ClinicOperations #HealthStartups #CreatorEconomy #WellnessCommerce #Peptides #Compounding #Consulting #OperatorMindset #TeamScaling
Transcribe →Why Side Effects Often Start Weeks Later
Feb 901:02:28Tap to summarize“It takes five or six doses to reach equilibrium.” — Dr. Ian EllisIn this episode of Compound Wisdom, Steve Suen sits down with Dr. Ian Ellis — former ER physician, fitness specialist, and founder of a multi-state telehealth clinic — to break down what most people misunderstand about GLP-1 medications and why standard dosing protocols often lead to unnecessary side effects, muscle loss, and early drop-off. Instead of fixed weekly dose ladders, Dr. Ellis argues for a pharmacokinetic, level-based model that targets the exact drug concentration where a patient feels and functions best.Dr. Ellis shares his personal journey from obsessive fitness and disordered eating patterns through emergency medicine burnout and significant weight gain, to discovering GLP-1 therapy firsthand. His early experience with semaglutide produced dramatic appetite control — but also severe side effects and unexpected muscle loss under standard dosing. That failure pushed him to study the drug’s half-life and accumulation curves, leading to a key insight: each weekly dose stacks on top of what’s already in the body, meaning patients are often escalating into overdose territory without realizing it.From there, the conversation turns practical and technical. Dr. Ellis explains his “My Level” dosing approach — a calculator-driven system that models drug levels in the body and adjusts each dose to return patients to their personal sweet spot instead of blindly increasing amounts. He describes how this method helps patients use significantly less medication, experience fewer side effects, retain more muscle mass, and stay on therapy longer — while still matching or exceeding expected weight-loss outcomes.They also cover real-world scenarios most protocols don’t handle well: travel timing, missed doses, running out of medication, and plateau phases. Dr. Ellis explains why standard instructions fail in these cases and how level-targeted dosing provides precise catch-up and adjustment strategies. The broader theme is that GLP-1 drugs are powerful but narrow-window tools — and without precision, the industry risks creating a thinner but weaker, less functional population instead of a healthier one.The throughline of the episode is straightforward: GLP-1s are potentially transformative, but only if dosing becomes individualized, data-driven, and physiology-aware rather than schedule-based.TakeawaysDr. Ian Ellis is a former ER physician who left emergency medicine to focus on metabolic and longevity care.He founded a telehealth clinic focused on GLP-1s, peptides, and regenerative health.His interest in weight and fitness began in his teens and evolved into extreme dieting patterns.He describes a long period of obsessive training, restriction, and rebound weight gain.Medical school, residency, and family pressures led to major weight gain and burnout.He first used semaglutide under a standard dosing ladder without tight supervision.Early GLP-1 use reduced appetite dramatically but triggered escalating side effects.Weekly GLP-1 dosing stacks because half the drug is still present at the next dose.Patients reach higher drug levels each week even if the dose number is unchanged. Sequence 01Standard dose escalation can push patients into intolerance and GI distress.He recorded severe nausea, GI symptoms, and functional impairment at higher levels.A body composition scan showed large muscle loss during rapid GLP-1 weight loss.He argues muscle loss + frailty risk is under-discussed in GLP-1 protocols.He studied GLP-1 pharmacokinetics and built spreadsheet models of blood levels.This led to his “My Level” concept — target the best-feeling drug level, not a fixed dose.The method asks: how much do I take today to get back to my target level? Sequence 01He built a dosing engine and app to automate these calculations at scale. Sequence 01Patients identify their “sweet spot” based on hunger, energy, and side-effect profile.Doses are then adjusted dynamically to maintain that level.Micro-adjustments are preferred over large dose jumps.Small level increases often restart weight loss after plateaus.Many patients never need to reach manufacturer max doses.Clinic patients often use roughly ¼–½ of labeled max dosing. Sequence 01Reported outcomes match or exceed expected weight-loss averages.Lower dosing reduces cost burden and dropout risk.Industry attrition rates approach ~50% in the first year.He attributes most dropouts to side effects and expense. Sequence 01Level-based dosing aims to reduce both drivers.The system also handles travel timing and missed doses precisely.Catch-up dosing is calculated instead of guessed. Sequence 01He believes GLP-1s can be population-level game changers if dosed correctly.Poor dosing could instead produce a thinner but weaker population.His stated mission is expanding access to precision GLP-1 dosing.Chapters00:00 – Opening hook: the idea of a “best level” of medicine00:58 – Guest intro: ER physician, fitness background, telehealth founder02:00 – Early life, sports, and fear of science04:10 – Injury, rehab, and path into medicine07:30 – Emergency medicine reality vs prevention10:30 – Frustration with chronic disease management model12:00 – Extreme fitness and dieting behaviors15:00 – Binge–restrict cycles and metabolic fallout18:00 – Weight gain during medical training and burnout21:40 – Discovering semaglutide23:00 – First GLP-1 appetite suppression experience27:00 – Side effects begin under fixed dosing29:30 – Severe reaction after dose escalation30:30 – Body comp scan shows major muscle loss32:30 – Pharmacokinetics deep dive34:00 – Drug accumulation and steady state explained36:00 – The “sweet spot” level insight37:30 – From fixed dose to target level model38:15 – Building the My Level calculator40:45 – Travel, missed doses, and catch-up logic42:30 – Plateaus and micro-level increases44:00 – Why lower long-term doses win45:20 – Clinic outcomes vs manufacturer dosing48:00 – App development and scaling the model49:00 – Dropout rates and adherence problem50:00 – Vision for the future of GLP-1 dosingClosing – Precision over protocol
Transcribe →Longevity Isn’t a Treatment—It’s a Strategy
Jan 2600:29:59Tap to summarize“PRP contains everything the body needs to regenerate.” – Giuseppe Calloni In this episode of Compound Wisdom, Steve Sood sits down with Giuseppe Calloni of RegenLab USA to break down what platelet-rich plasma (PRP) really is, how it’s made, and why Giuseppe believes the future of regenerative medicine is prevention—not just treatment.Giuseppe shares a non-linear career path that starts in Milan, moves through a PhD in atomic physics in the UK, and spans oil & gas, chemical R&D, and biotech before he ultimately lands in regenerative medicine and becomes CEO. That “career without a plan” theme becomes a key thread: curiosity, learning, and global experience across France, Switzerland, China, and the U.S. shaped how he thinks about science, products, and patients.From there, the conversation gets practical. Giuseppe explains RegenLab’s gel separation technology in simple terms: blood is drawn into a tube containing a specialized gel, spun in a centrifuge for about five minutes, and separated by density into layers—allowing clinicians to create platelet-rich plasma. He also highlights that PRP has existed for decades, expanding from early uses into sports medicine, injuries, hair restoration, aesthetics, gynecology, and orthopedics.The episode then shifts into what makes RegenLab different in Giuseppe’s view: a data-first approach (patents, clinical data, publications) and a long-term strategy to navigate global regulation. Giuseppe describes the reality of waiting years for approvals—including a 10-year FDA timeline that eventually led to a PRP-based kit for diabetic chronic wounds being released with nationwide reimbursement. He argues the delays are frustrating but necessary if the goal is safety, efficacy, and real patient outcomes.Finally, Steve and Giuseppe go wider: exosomes, stem cells, and the “hype cycle” in longevity. Giuseppe is candid about how exosomes became popular as a concept, but questions whether many products in the market are truly data-driven. He also explains why RegenLab stays focused on PRP and its next evolution—PRP plus tissue engineering approaches like hyaluronic acid scaffolds, and new minimally invasive implant ideas using electrospinning and 3D printing to help patients recover faster and avoid major surgeries. The throughline is clear: keep people moving, keep quality of life high, and prevent the decline before it becomes irreversible.Takeaways Giuseppe’s career path started in Milan and led to a PhD in atomic physics in the UK. Curiosity drove him across oil & gas, chemical R&D, and then biotech. He worked across Italy, France, Switzerland, China, and the U.S. before settling in America. He became CEO at RegenLab after a collaboration that began when RegenLab was a client. RegenLab is positioned as a science-based medical device company (patents, publications, clinical data). PRP is created by separating blood components by density using a specialized gel + centrifuge process. The gel transitions state under spinning, allowing clean layer separation in about five minutes. After separation, the platelet concentration can be increased by inverting the tube multiple times. PRP has been used in the market since the 1970s and expanded into many clinical applications. Use cases discussed include sports injuries, pain relief, hair loss, aesthetics, gynecology, and knee osteoarthritis. Giuseppe claims PRP can regenerate at the cellular level via growth factors in platelets. He says PRP is the only truly effective hair regeneration treatment currently. RegenLab’s PRP platform includes “PRP plus” approaches and tissue engineering directions. Combining PRP with hyaluronic acid can act as a scaffold and prolong time between treatments. Giuseppe emphasizes prevention as the core direction of regenerative medicine. RegenLab expanded manufacturing across Switzerland, France, and the U.S. to manage global regulation and supply chains. He says the company has treated roughly 2–3 million patients over 20+ years. A PRP-based kit for diabetic chronic wounds took about 10 years to clear the FDA, then launched with reimbursement. Regulatory pathways vary widely: US, China, and Europe have different standards and timelines. Giuseppe is skeptical of exosome trends that are more marketing-led than data-led. He sees stem cells as a different category with sourcing and ethical questions. He believes minimally invasive repair (electrospinning + 3D printing implants) is the next leap. He links public health challenges (aging population, diabetes, lifestyle) to the urgency of prevention-first solutions. His “make it stick” answer: stay curious, resilient, and future-focused.Chapters 00:00 – Welcome and Giuseppe’s background in Milan 00:15 – PhD in the UK, curiosity, and early career shifts 01:40 – Global travel and working across countries and cultures 02:44 – RegenLab’s origin story and science-first positioning 03:09 – Gel separation technology explained (blood → centrifuge → layers) 04:20 – What PRP is and how platelet-rich plasma is formed 05:13 – PRP’s long history and expanding use cases 06:16 – Patents, publications, and clinical data focus 06:48 – Why PRP is “blowing up” and where it’s used 07:01 – PRP’s role in healing, regeneration, and growth factors 08:59 – PRP + hyaluronic acid and the tissue engineering evolution 10:50 – Global reach: manufacturing strategy and distribution footprint 11:45 – Patient scale: 2–3 million treated over 20+ years 12:41 – 10-year FDA timeline for diabetic chronic wounds + reimbursement 14:24 – Differences between FDA, Europe, and China regulation 16:26 – PRP vs exosomes vs stem cells (ELI5 framing) 17:29 – Exosomes: sourcing, viability, and the marketing vs data debate 19:00 – Stem cells: source questions and why RegenLab stays PRP-focused 20:49 – RegenLab’s 3–5 year plan: PRP-plus pipeline and knee OA focus 22:39 – Tissue engineering + minimally invasive implants (electrospinning, 3D printing) 23:25 – Where regenerative medicine is going: prevention and quality of life 24:55 – Diabetes, lifestyle, and why the prevention conversation matters 26:44 – PRP in wound care and why it’s impactful in chronic wounds 27:44 – Wound care market size and faster healing vs alternatives 29:42 – Blind question: “How do you make it stick?” 30:45 – Giuseppe’s question for the next guest: globalization outlook 31:49 – Closing and thanks
Transcribe →The Biggest Problem in Health Isn’t Knowledge—It’s Consistency
Jan 2200:38:13Tap to summarize“Telehealth is not ideal for everything.” – Dr. Sajad ZalzalaIn this episode of Compound Wisdom, Steve Sood sits down with Dr. Sajad Zalzala of Root Causes Medical to unpack what longevity medicine actually looks like when you move beyond “wait until you’re sick, then treat.”Dr. Zalzala shares how he started in computer science, nearly left medical school, and ultimately moved toward functional, holistic, and integrative medicine after realizing traditional care often defaults to “cut it out” or “block it.” From there, a migraine patient became his telehealth “lightbulb moment,” leading him into the early telehealth world (2016–2017), where doctors were often building the protocols and infrastructure as they went.The conversation then goes deep on today’s longevity landscape: why peptides are misunderstood, why women’s HRT is being re-evaluated after years of fear-driven headlines, why TRT injections can become a long-term commitment for men, and why stem cells still feel like a gray-zone “Wild West” without consistent outcomes data. Dr. Zalzala also introduces his Optional Aging Academy and the “seven drivers of aging” framework—built to make aging science more actionable for real people.TakeawaysDr. Zalzala started in computer science before switching to medicine.He nearly dropped out of medical school early on.Traditional care can become “cut it out or block it” too often.Functional medicine focuses more on prevention and root causes.A migraine case triggered his telehealth lightbulb moment.Early telehealth had very little infrastructure in 2016–2017.Doctors helped build protocols, documentation, and EMR workflows.Telehealth isn’t for every case, but it can deliver focused, consistent care.Peptides are often misunderstood and not the same as “peptides” people mean online.The Women’s Health Initiative headlines shaped years of fear around HRT.HRT for women is gaining traction again, with emphasis on proper dosing.TRT injections can be hard to stop once started, especially for younger men.Stem cells show promise but need better standards and outcomes reporting.He believes telehealth’s next leap is shared data + outcomes registries.The long-term question: How do you make health changes stick?Chapters00:00 – Recording setup and welcome 00:29 – From computer science to medicine (the overseas “awakening”) 01:35 – Almost leaving medical school + early struggles 02:03 – Why “cut or block” medicine felt incomplete 03:01 – Ray Kurzweil influence + the path toward longevity thinking 03:44 – Finding doctors who practiced prevention and root-cause care 04:13 – Where allopathic medicine shines (and where it doesn’t) 04:56 – Migraines: the telehealth “lightbulb moment” 06:25 – Early telehealth: learning the space (2016–2017) 06:53 – Doctors building protocols, documentation, and systems 07:32 – The stepping-stone years and learning regulations 08:10 – Launching AgelessRx in 2019 (longevity accessibility) 09:26 – Telehealth vs in-person: what it can’t replace 10:53 – Telehealth as focused care (“super specialist” effect) 12:52 – Longevity products overview: peptides, HRT, TRT, stem cells 13:18 – Peptides: what they are and why they’re misunderstood 15:13 – Peptides vs HGH and the “guardrails” idea 16:37 – Women’s HRT: WHI fallout and what’s changing 18:56 – HRT dosing: why “back to 30-year-old levels” can be risky 22:24 – TRT for men: time/place, and why injections can trap patients 27:10 – “Superman” phase, why it fades, and the hard part of stopping 28:17 – Stem cells: types, gray zones, and missing standards 31:16 – Hallmarks of aging vs “seven drivers” framework 34:36 – Optional Aging Academy: assess, intervene, reassess 36:58 – One change for telehealth: shared outcomes + best practices 38:30 – Closing question: how do you make it stick? 39:25 – Wrap-up and thanksTags#CompoundWisdom #Telehealth #Longevity #FunctionalMedicine #IntegrativeMedicine #PreventiveHealth #Peptides #HRT #TRT #StemCells #DigitalHealth #PatientOutcomes
Transcribe →Why The Future of Care Looks More Like Coaching Than Clinic Visits
Jan 900:27:40Tap to summarize“Doctors don’t have the training or the tools to help what she’s going through.” – Matthew SternIn this episode of Compound Wisdom, Steve Sood sits down with Matthew Stern, founder of MyStart Health, to break down what’s actually changing inside telehealth—and why GLP-1s are only the beginning.Matthew shares how he spent 20 years building businesses through digital marketing and full-funnel “customer journey” systems, then applied that same growth discipline to healthcare. He explains how MyStart scaled to 13,000 patients, why the business unexpectedly became 85% women (mostly 50+), and what he learned once he got deeper into the realities of doctors, pharmacies, and personalized medication protocols.The conversation turns personal as Matthew describes his mom’s menopause experience, his wife’s postpartum hormone journey, and the recurring pattern many patients face: “your labs look great” while they still don’t feel right. From HRT and women’s hormone care to microdosing GLP-1s, blood work-driven longevity, and the “Wild West” of research peptides, this episode maps where modern healthcare is failing—and where telehealth is quietly heading next.Takeaways Access and affordability are the real bottlenecks in healthcare MyStart scaled to 13,000 patients after launching last August GLP-1s are expanding beyond weight loss into broader health use cases Most of MyStart’s patients are women over 50 (about 85%) Hormone health demand is rising, but many doctors aren’t trained for it “Your bloodwork is fine” doesn’t always match how patients feel High-cost concierge protocols create a massive gap in access Microdosing GLP-1s is growing and isn’t only about losing weight Blood work is the entry point to personalized longevity care Some telehealth is “set it and forget it”—but follow-up changes outcomes Research peptide sites can be risky compared to compliant pharmacy partners Telehealth adoption is early—and Matthew sees 10–20x growth aheadChapters 00:01 Matthew’s 20-Year Growth Background (Digital Marketing + Customer Journey) 01:09 First Entry Into Telehealth (2015) and the “Lightbulb Moment” 02:20 Why He Went All-In and Acquired a Telehealth Platform 03:05 The GLP-1 Wave and Why the Industry Hasn’t “Evolved” Much 03:23 MyStart Growth: 13,000 Patients + What It Took to Get There 03:42 Early Startup Reality: Getting “Kicked” Until the Model Clicked 04:31 Why MyStart Became a Women-First Audience (85% Women, Mostly 50+) 05:56 HRT + Women’s Health: The Generational Impact of Past Medical Guidance 07:34 “Sorry, There’s Nothing We Can Do” — Mom’s Menopause Experience 08:04 Postpartum Reality: “Do I Get My Brain Back?” and the System Gap 09:24 The $6K–$8K Protocol Problem and Why Access Is Limited 10:34 Access + Affordability: $1,000–$1,400 vs $200–$300 per Month 12:10 GLP-1s Beyond BMI: Mental Health, Prevention, and Emerging Benefits 13:09 Microdosing GLP-1s: What People Miss (and Matthew’s Experience) 14:44 Blood Work + Longevity: Personalization as the Next Layer 16:30 Doctors Who “Check the Box” vs Doctors Who Actually Personalize Care 19:12 The Wild West: Research Peptides, Compliance, and Pharmacy Standards 22:19 Where Telehealth Is Heading in 2–5 Years (Cost Curves + New Meds) 25:12 Learning From Competitors: Pricing Models + Personalization Systems 26:35 The Question for the Next Guest: What Would You Change in Telehealth?
Transcribe →The Real Problem With Modern Healthcare
Dec 3100:36:39Tap to summarize“You don’t need to leave the U.S. to get real stem cell therapy.” – Seth BergeIn this episode of Compound Wisdom, Steve Sood sits down with Seth Berge, founder of Regenerative Revival, to unpack what’s really holding back regenerative medicine—and why the problem isn’t the science, but the system delivering it.Seth shares his unconventional path from high-ticket direct-to-consumer sales into the stem cell space, revealing how real demand and promising outcomes were being undermined by friction, poor communication, and broken follow-up models. Together, they explore how education-first selling, concierge care, and compliant systems can dramatically improve patient outcomes while still allowing the business to scale.The conversation dives deep into stem cell myths, why leaving the U.S. for treatment is often unnecessary, and how regulation—when done right—can actually become a competitive advantage. Seth also explains the growing role of IV stem cells and exosomes in wellness, longevity, and inflammation support, along with where the regenerative health industry is heading next.TakeawaysFriction in healthcare kills trust, outcomes, and conversionGreat medicine often fails because of broken delivery systemsEducation-first models outperform traditional clinic sellingStem cells can be explained without medical jargonYou don’t need to leave the U.S. for legitimate stem cell accessFDA “non-approval” does not mean illegal or ineffectiveCultured and expanded cells overseas carry unknown risksIV stem cells and exosomes are emerging wellness toolsConcierge, mobile care improves patient experience and scaleRegulation can eliminate bad actors and reward compliant operatorsChapters00:01 Friction Kills Conversion02:07 Seth’s Entry Into Stem Cells Through Sales04:13 Full Rooms, Zero Conversions05:42 Removing Friction From the Model06:22 Why Dinner Seminars Still Work09:12 Stem Cells Explained Simply11:14 The Overseas Stem Cell Myth13:47 Cultured Cells vs Non-Manipulated Tissue15:42 Marketing Limits in the U.S.17:01 IV Stem Cells and Exosomes19:31 How Often to Use Stem Cells for Optimization20:24 Pricing, Access, and Market Maturity22:30 Helping Med Spas Enter the Space25:16 Addressing Skepticism and Credibility28:07 Concierge, At-Home Treatment30:10 Regulation and the Future of Regenerative Medicine34:19 Biggest Risks in Telehealth35:59 Learning From Competitors
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