Digital Social Hour: The Entrepreneurial Journey Behind Stem Cell Breakthroughs with Dawne Russell

Episode: The Entrepreneurial Journey Behind Stem Cell Breakthroughs | Dawne Russell
Host: Sean Kelly
Release Date: May 25, 2025

Introduction

In episode #1783 of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly engages in an enlightening conversation with Dawne Russell, a trailblazing entrepreneur in the fields of stem cell therapy and psychedelics. This episode delves into Dawne's transformative journey from medical aesthetics to pioneering regenerative medicine and plant-based therapies, offering listeners a deep dive into innovative healing practices and the challenges faced along the way.

Dawne's Entrepreneurial Journey

Dawne begins by sharing her background in medical aesthetics, detailing how she built and operated a successful medical aesthetics clinic for over five years. Her relentless dedication led to burnout, prompting her to explore alternative healing methods.

Dawne [00:35]: "I built my clinic from the ground up and worked myself to the bone. There's really no shortcuts when starting a new business."

Burnout became a catalyst for her transition into the realm of stem cells and regenerative medicine.

Discovery of Stem Cells and Ayahuasca

Dawne recounts how interactions with clients undergoing umbilical cord stem cell therapy in Costa Rica sparked her interest in stem cells. Observing remarkable healing and vitality in her clients, she delved into extensive research despite initial roadblocks in Canada.

Dawne [01:50]: "These cells lay the foundation in your system, and exosomes act as messengers to upregulate your body's healing processes."

Seeking balance, Dawne embarked on an Ayahuasca retreat in Costa Rica, which not only provided personal transformation but also serendipitously introduced her to a stem cell therapy clinic. This pivotal experience led her to relocate and fully commit to the field of regenerative medicine.

Dawne [04:31]: "Working in the stem cell clinic every day for two years, I saw the benefits firsthand—chronic pain, autoimmune diseases, and more began to resolve."

Operating Stem Cell Clinics

Returning to Canada after two transformative years, Dawne partnered with Dr. Hills, an ER physician from Texas, to establish stem cell therapy clinics in the United States. Due to regulatory constraints in Canada, they focused on operating pop-up clinics in U.S. locations like Birches Bay, Washington, New York, and Las Vegas.

Dawne [08:20]: "In Canada, we're limited to localized injections, which are akin to cortisone shots. In the U.S., we operate under the research and development model, offering full-body umbilical cord stem cell therapy."

Their clinics offer treatments for a variety of conditions, emphasizing the profound and rapid benefits of stem cell therapy observed consistently over two years.

Dawne [04:56]: "People with bad arthritis, inflammation, and pain are generally gone the next day. It's been consistent week after week."

Integration of Physical and Spiritual Health

Beyond stem cell therapy, Dawne integrates spiritual practices like Ayahuasca ceremonies and emphasizes the importance of integrating these experiences into daily life. She discusses the necessity of integration to process the profound emotional and psychological insights gained during psychedelic sessions.

Dawne [12:42]: "Integration is really, really a big component. Without it, you can fall into ego inflation or struggle to reconcile the insights gained during ceremonies."

Dawne also highlights the critical role of safe and medically supervised retreats, cautioning against unregulated and potentially unsafe practices.

Dawne [14:54]: "Always ensure there's a medical team present. Avoid unqualified practitioners to safeguard your well-being."

Personal Experiences and Routines

Dawne shares her personal health and wellness routines, including daily meditation, cold plunging, sauna sessions, and microdosing mushrooms. These practices complement her professional work, promoting a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

Dawne [28:21]: "Cold plunging gives me a dopamine hit for hours, and microdosing helps me stay present and process things better."

Her commitment to these routines not only enhances her personal well-being but also fuels her passion for helping others achieve optimal health through her clinics.

Challenges in Canada and Transition to the U.S.

Dawne details her struggles with regulatory bodies in Canada, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she resisted enforcing mask mandates and other protocols she deemed ineffective. This resistance led to significant burnout and compelled her to relocate to the U.S. to continue her work without restrictive regulations.

Dawne [47:34]: "I pushed against regulations hard, even locking my clinic to preserve my practices. It was exhausting but ultimately proved the value of our approach when clients returned post-lockdown seeking our services."

Her unwavering stance on health practices, despite opposition, underscores her dedication to alternative medicine and regenerative therapies.

Future Plans and Conclusions

Looking ahead, Dawne plans to expand her stem cell therapies to include treatments for children with autism, inspired by the pioneering work of Dr. Neil Royden. She emphasizes the potential of stem cells in addressing a myriad of conditions, including autoimmune diseases and mental health issues.

Dawne [36:51]: "Inflammation is at the base of pretty much everything we treat—autoimmune diseases, IBS, and more are seeing remarkable improvements."

Dawne concludes by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share her story and invites listeners to explore her clinics for transformative healing experiences.

Dawne [50:39]: "Thank you for taking the time and sitting with me."

Notable Quotes

• Dawne [01:50]: "Stem cells lay the foundation in your system, and exosomes act as messengers to upregulate your body's healing processes."
• Dawne [04:56]: "People with bad arthritis, inflammation, and pain are generally gone the next day."
• Dawne [12:42]: "Integration is really, really a big component. Without it, you can fall into ego inflation or struggle to reconcile the insights gained during ceremonies."
• Dawne [28:21]: "Cold plunging gives me a dopamine hit for hours, and microdosing helps me stay present and process things better."
• Dawne [36:51]: "Inflammation is at the base of pretty much everything we treat—autoimmune diseases, IBS, and more are seeing remarkable improvements."

Conclusion

In this episode of Digital Social Hour, Dawne Russell offers a compelling narrative of resilience, innovation, and dedication to holistic healing. Her integration of stem cell therapy with spiritual practices like Ayahuasca ceremonies presents a unique approach to addressing both physical and emotional health challenges. Listeners gain valuable insights into the potential of regenerative medicine and the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle, all while navigating the complexities of regulatory environments. Dawne's story is a testament to the transformative power of alternative medicine and the human spirit's capacity to heal and thrive.

Connect with Dawne Russell:

• [Website/Clinic Information]
• [Social Media Links]
• [Contact Information]

Note: For full insights and a detailed understanding, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode.