Podcast
Health Optimization Medicine Podcast
Hosted by Health Optimization Medicine and Practice · EN
The Health Optimization Medicine Podcast is dedicated to offering one-cent solutions to life's $64,000 questions across health optimization, decision-making, consciousness, performance, and human potential.
Produced by Health Optimization Medicine & Practice (HOMeHOPe) and Smarter Not Harder, Inc., the makers of Troscriptions, this podcast bridges rigorous science with real-world clinical application.
Each episode features in-depth conversations with leading researchers, clinicians, and original thinkers, including Karl Friston, Donald Hoffman, Anna Lembke, Adam Robinson, and Dominic D'Agostino. Together, they explore how small, precise interventions can create meaningful and lasting impact.
Hosted by:
+ Dr. Ted Achacoso, founding pioneer of HOMeHOPe and Smarter Not Harder, Inc.
+ Dr. Scott Sherr, COO of HOMeHOPe and Smarter Not Harder, Inc.
+ Boomer Anderson, CEO of HOMeHOPe and Smarter Not Harder, Inc.
+ Jodi Duval, principal naturopath, formulator at Revital Health in Perth, Australia, and CEO of HOMeHOPe Australia
New episodes every Wednesday.
Previously published as the Smarter Not Harder Podcast (SNH Podcast).
18episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
What Nobody Told You About Your Gut | HOMe Podcast #012
1w ago00:32:38Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Health Optimization Medicine Podcast, the HOMeHOPe Faculty (Dr. Scott Sherr, Dr. Allen Bookatz, Dr. Ted Achacoso, and Dr. Jup Kuipers) dive deep into the unseen world inside your stomach. Moving beyond simple probiotics, they discuss the gut as a "post-natal organ" and explore how the trillions of microbes inside you actually dictate your cravings, your mood, and your immune system. 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘂𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝘄𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼: •The "tripartite axis" (Gut-Brain-Enteric Microbiota) and how it links directly to treatment-resistant depression and anxiety. •Why the vagus nerve is the master switch for your rest-and-digest parasympathetic nervous system. •The concept of the "Holobiont": Why your microbial DNA is 100 times larger than your human DNA. •How a single weekend of bad eating or a disrupted sleep schedule can completely derail your microbiome in just 72 hours. •Why vegetarians sometimes struggle with massive bloating and methane gas production due to bacterial overgrowth. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗶𝗳: •You struggle with brain fog, anxiety, or treatment-resistant mood changes. •You want to understand the actual mechanics behind "gut feelings" and sudden sugar cravings. •You are tired of standard GI advice and want to learn how clinical metabolomics maps your microbiome. •You want actionable steps to rebuild your gut ecosystem over the next 3 to 6 months. 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗻… YouTube: https://youtu.be/2zhBdAHwuEU 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 (𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗲𝗛𝗢𝗣𝗲): Website: https://homehope.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homehopeorg/ HOMeHOPe Conference 2026: https://homehope.org/homehope-conference-2026 Use PODCAST10 to get 10% OFF your purchase of the Clinical Metabolomics Module at https://homehope.org/products/clinical-metabolomics 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Website: https://troscriptions.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/troscriptions/ Use POD10 to get 10% OFF your Troscriptions purchase at https://troscriptions.com/collections/our-products
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The Problem with Over-Optimization in Modern Health | HOMe Podcast #011
2w ago00:25:22Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Health Optimization Medicine Podcast, Dr. Scott Sherr, Dr. Allen Bookatz, and Dr. Jup Kuipers come together live in studio in Washington, D.C. to discuss the dangers of over-optimization and the "more is better" mentality. They explore real clinical case studies of patients who inadvertently damaged their health by blindly following supplement trends. Join us as we delve into: The dangers of over-supplementing with high-dose Fish Oil and Vitamin B6. How shifting to an "Omega-3 dominant" ratio can actually hinder your immune system's ability to heal injuries. Why you should treat metabolomic testing like the dashboard of a car to prevent the "check engine light" of chronic disease. How clinical metabolomics allows you to stop guessing and start subtracting unnecessary pills from your daily routine. This episode is for you if: You are experiencing wellness burnout and taking a massive handful of supplements every day without knowing if they are working. You want to understand the difference between being "fit" (e.g., running a marathon) and being truly cellularly "healthy." You are curious about functional testing and how it differs from the standard disease-focused bloodwork at a primary care clinic. You want a clear strategy to cut through social media influencer noise and build a foundational, personalized health protocol. You can also find this episode on… YouTube: https://youtu.be/WSNOBi1e7WY Find more from Health Optimization Medicine and Practice (HOMeHOPe):Website: https://homehope.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homehopeorg/ HOMeHOPe Conference 2026: https://homehope.org/homehope-conference-2026 Use PODCAST10 to get 10% OFF your purchase of the Clinical Metabolomics Module at https://homehope.org/products/clinical-metabolomics Find more from Troscriptions:Website: https://troscriptions.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/troscriptions/ Use POD10 to get 10% OFF your Troscriptions purchase at https://troscriptions.com/collections/our-products
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Creatine, Cellular Energy, and the Modern Stress Epidemic | HOMe Podcast #010
3w ago00:26:11Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Health Optimization Medicine Podcast, the HOMeHOPe Faculty comes together for a roundtable conversation exploring the science and clinical application of creatine. Moving beyond its reputation as just a performance supplement for "gym bros," Boomer Anderson, Dr. Scott Sherr, Dr. Allen Bookatz, and Dr. Ted Achacoso break down how creatine functions as a critical cellular battery buffer. Join us as we delve into: How creatine bypasses the "methylation tax" by saving the body from depleting SAMe reserves to produce energy. Why muscle is a metabolic determinant of resilience and not just a cosmetic feature. The evolutionary mismatch that increases our cellular energy demands due to a highly sympathetic, stressed lifestyle. The role of creatine in brain health is particularly important for supporting working memory, mitigating cognitive fatigue, and protecting against excitotoxicity. This episode is for you if: You are curious about how to support your body's cellular energy and mitochondrial function. You follow a vegetarian or plant-based diet and want to understand your specific creatine supplementation needs. You want to understand the difference between maintaining muscle for aesthetic reasons versus metabolic health. You are looking for strategies to mitigate mental fatigue and sleep deprivation. You can also find this episode on... YouTube: https://youtu.be/R4x9tu56FXg Find more from Health Optimization Medicine and Practice (HOMeHOPe):Website: https://homehope.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homehopeorg/ HOMeHOPe Conference 2026: https://homehope.org/homehope-conference-2026 Use PODCAST10 to get 10% OFF your purchase of the Clinical Metabolomics Module at https://homehope.org/products/clinical-metabolomics Find more from Troscriptions:Website: https://troscriptions.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/troscriptions/ Use POD10 to get 10% OFF your Troscriptions purchase at https://troscriptions.com/collections/our-products
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Understanding Toxicity Through Health Optimization Medicine | HOMe Podcast #009
4w ago00:15:24Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the HOMe Podcast, Dr. Scott Sherr, Dr. Ted Achacoso, Dr. Jup Kuipers, and Dr. Allen Bookatz explore a foundational principle of Health Optimization Medicine: What's toxic to the cell is toxic to every organ. Through real clinical cases — including mercury toxicity, arsenic exposure, and environmental toxin accumulation — the team reveals how modern medicine often misses the root cause of disease by focusing on isolated organ systems instead of cellular function. From chronic low-level toxin exposure to acute breakdown events, this episode highlights how toxins disrupt mitochondrial energy production, leading to widespread dysfunction across the body. Most importantly, the conversation emphasizes the role of metabolomics in identifying these hidden stressors early — before they manifest as disease. Join us as we delve into: • Why toxins affect every organ through the cell • A real case of mercury toxicity missed by multiple specialists • How chronic exposure becomes acute illness • Why traditional medicine misses root causes • The role of mitochondria in energy production and health • How metabolomics detects early toxicity and dysfunction This episode is for you if: • You want to understand the root cause of chronic illness • You're exposed to environmental toxins (food, water, air) • You're interested in preventative and optimization-based medicine • You want to take a proactive approach to long-term health You can also find this episode on…Youtube: https://youtu.be/CMhFC5IUKl0 Find more from Health Optimization Medicine and Practice (HOMeHOPe): Website: https://homehope.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homehopeorg/ Use PODCAST10 to get 10% OFF your purchase of the Clinical Metabolomics Module at https://homehope.org/products/clinical-metabolomics Find more from Troscriptions: Website: https://troscriptions.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/troscriptions/ Use POD10 to get 10% OFF your Troscriptions purchase at https://troscriptions.com/collections/our-products
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The Trust Crisis in Healthcare (And How to Fix It) | HOMe Podcast #008
Apr 2900:47:09Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Health Optimization Medicine Podcast, Dr. Scott Sherr sits down with JJ Virgin — nutrition expert, bestselling author, and founder of the Health Business Growth Collective — to explore how healthcare practitioners can build trust, authority, and impact in today's rapidly evolving landscape. With the rise of AI and what JJ calls a "trust recession," the traditional ways of building a practice are no longer enough. Instead, practitioners must learn how to stand out as a trusted authority — combining credibility, authenticity, and real-world proof. JJ breaks down her powerful "Trusted Authority Framework," explaining how clinicians can differentiate themselves, connect with patients, and grow their influence without becoming influencers. This episode is a must-listen for practitioners looking to grow, scale, and future-proof their practice in the age of AI. Join us as we delve into: The "Trust Recession" and why it's reshaping healthcare The difference between being an influencer vs a trusted authority Why vulnerability and storytelling build trust faster than credentials How to develop a contrarian stance that defines your expertise The power of patient stories as proof (and why they outperform credentials) Why most practitioners struggle with imposter syndrome — and how to reframe it This episode is for you if: You're a practitioner looking to grow your practice You want to build authority without becoming a social media influencer You're navigating AI, personal branding, and patient trust You want to stand out in a crowded health and wellness space You can also find this episode on… YouTube: https://youtu.be/rmyDXStM_Dk Find more from JJ Virgin Website: https://jjvirgin.com Health Business Growth Collective: https://hbgc.co Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jj.virgin/ Find more from Health Optimization Medicine and Practice (HOMeHOPe): Website: https://homehope.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homehopeorg/ HOMeHOPe Conference 2026: https://homehope.org/homehope-conference-2026 Use PODCAST10 to get 10% OFF your purchase of the Clinical Metabolomics Module at https://homehope.org/products/clinical-metabolomics Find more from Troscriptions: Website: https://troscriptions.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/troscriptions/ Use POD10 to get 10% OFF your Troscriptions purchase at https://troscriptions.com/collections/our-products
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Mental Health Starts at the Cellular Level | HOMe Podcast #007
Apr 2200:27:59Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Health Optimization Medicine Podcast, Boomer Anderson, Dr. Ted Achacoso, Dr. Scott Sherr, and Jodi Duval explore mental health through the lens of health optimization medicine. Rather than viewing mental health as a set of diagnoses, the conversation reframes it as a function of cellular health — where brain function is driven by mitochondrial performance, inflammation, nutrient status, and environmental inputs. From neurotransmitter imbalances to brain inflammation and the gut-brain-microbiome axis, this episode breaks down how modern stressors, lifestyle, and environment impact mental health at the cellular level. Most importantly, the team explains why true mental health optimization must begin with optimizing the health of the cell. Join us as we delve into: • Why mental health should be viewed at the cellular level • The role of mitochondria in brain energy and signaling • Brain inflammation and its impact on mood and cognition • The gut-brain-microbiome axis and neurotransmitter production • Why stress, sleep, and environment drive mental health outcomes This episode is for you if: • You struggle with brain fog, anxiety, or low mood • You want a deeper, root-cause understanding of mental health • You're a practitioner looking beyond traditional psychiatry • You want to optimize cognitive performance and resilience You can also find this episode on…YouTube: https://youtu.be/5xqAzkMUpBs Find more from Health Optimization Medicine and Practice (HOMeHOPe): Website: https://homehope.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homehopeorg/ Virtual Symposium 2026: https://homehope.org/homehope-virtual-symposium-2026 Use PODCAST10 to get 10% OFF your purchase of the Clinical Metabolomics Module at https://homehope.org/products/clinical-metabolomics Find more from Troscriptions: Website: https://troscriptions.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/troscriptions/ Use POD10 to get 10% OFF your Troscriptions purchase at https://troscriptions.com/collections/our-products
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The Cell Danger Response Explained (Why You're Not Healing) | HOMe Podcast #006
Apr 1500:36:31Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Health Optimization Medicine Podcast, join Boomer Anderson, Dr. Ted Achacoso, and Jodi Duval as they break down one of the most important frameworks in Health Optimization Medicine — the Cell Danger Response (CDR). Originally developed by Dr. Robert Naviaux, the Cell Danger Response explains how cells respond to threat, adapt for survival, and either resolve or become "stuck" — leading to chronic disease. This episode walks through the three stages of the CDR, how mitochondria act as both sensors and signaling hubs, and why many modern conditions — from inflammation to chronic illness — are actually stalled healing processes. Most importantly, the team explains how clinicians and individuals can identify where the body is "stuck" and what to do (and NOT do) to support proper resolution. Join us as we delve into: What the Cell Danger Response (CDR) is and why it matters The 3 stages: defense, repair, and resolution How mitochondria act as sensors — not just energy producers Why inflammation is a protective response, not the problem How chronic disease reflects a "stalled" healing process This episode is for you if: You're dealing with chronic inflammation or unresolved health issues You want to understand the root cause of disease beyond symptoms You're a practitioner looking for a systems-based framework You want to optimize health by working with your biology, not against it You can also find this episode on… YouTube: https://youtu.be/NWEq32hlZrE Find more from Health Optimization Medicine and Practice (HOMeHOPe): Website: https://homehope.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homehopeorg/ Virtual Symposium 2026: https://homehope.org/homehope-virtual-symposium-2026 Use PODCAST10 to get 10% OFF your purchase of the Clinical Metabolomics Module at https://homehope.org/products/clinical-metabolomics Find more from Troscriptions: Website: https://troscriptions.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/troscriptions/ Use POD10 to get 10% OFF your Troscriptions purchase at https://troscriptions.com/collections/our-products
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Microglia, Metabolism & the Future of Brain Health | HOMe Podcast #005
Apr 800:59:00Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Health Optimization Medicine Podcast, Dr. Scott Sherr is joined by renowned neurologist and bestselling author Dr. David Perlmutter to explore one of the most important breakthroughs in brain health — the role of microglia. Often overlooked, microglial cells are the brain's immune system and play a central role in determining whether the brain thrives or degenerates over time. Dr. Perlmutter explains how these cells can shift between protective (M2) and destructive (M1) states — and how this shift underlies neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and more. Most importantly, this episode highlights how everyday lifestyle choices — from diet and exercise to metabolic health — directly influence brain function and long-term cognitive resilience. Join us as we delve into: What microglia are and why they control brain health The difference between M1 (destructive) and M2 (protective) states How metabolism shapes the brain's immune response Why conditions like Alzheimer's are rooted in immune dysfunction The connection between blood sugar, insulin, and brain degeneration This episode is for you if: You want to protect your brain and prevent cognitive decline You're interested in the science of Alzheimer's and neurodegeneration You want actionable strategies to improve brain health You're curious about the future of brain optimization and longevity You can also find this episode on… Youtube: https://youtu.be/EMrlchMOZKk Find more from Dr. David Perlmutter Website: https://www.drperlmutter.com Book: https://braindefenders.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-perlmutter-md/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidperlmutter/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DavidPerlmutterMd/ Find more from Health Optimization Medicine and Practice (HOMeHOPe): Website: https://homehope.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homehopeorg/ Virtual Symposium 2026: https://homehope.org/homehope-virtual-symposium-2026 Use PODCAST10 to get 10% OFF your purchase of the Clinical Metabolomics Module at https://homehope.org/products/clinical-metabolomics Find more from Troscriptions Website: https://troscriptions.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/troscriptions/ Use POD10 to get 10% OFF your Troscriptions purchase at https://troscriptions.com/collections/our-products
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The Science of Chronobiology & Health Optimization | HOMe Podcast #004
Apr 100:23:30Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Health Optimization Medicine Podcast, join Boomer Anderson, Dr. Ted Achacoso, Dr. Allen Bookatz, and Jodi Duval as they explore chronobiology — and how modern life is disrupting the body's natural rhythms. From jet lag and shift work to late-night scrolling and irregular meals, the conversation dives into what Dr. Ted calls "circadian pollution" — the mismatch between our biology and the environments we've created. More importantly, the team breaks down simple, powerful tools to re-entrain your body clock using light, food timing, and movement — all foundational principles in Health Optimization Medicine. Join us as we delve into: What chronobiological re-entrainment actually means The difference between the brain clock and organ clocks How light, food, and movement act as biological time signals Why late-night eating creates "metabolic jet lag" How modern life creates circadian disruption This episode is for you if: You struggle with sleep, fatigue, or inconsistent energy You travel frequently or work irregular hours You want to optimize your circadian rhythm naturally You're looking for simple, zero-cost ways to improve health You can also find this episode on… YouTube: https://youtu.be/WcheAJNzq2k Find more from Health Optimization Medicine and Practice (HOMeHOPe): Website: https://homehope.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homehopeorg/ Virtual Symposium 2026: https://homehope.org/homehope-virtual-symposium-2026 Use PODCAST10 to get 10% OFF your purchase of the Clinical Metabolomics Module at https://homehope.org/products/clinical-metabolomics Find more from Troscriptions: Website: https://troscriptions.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/troscriptions/ Use POD10 to get 10% OFF your Troscriptions purchase at https://troscriptions.com/collections/our-products
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Health vs Disease Markers: What Doctors Miss | HOMe Podcast #003
Mar 2500:24:01Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Health Optimization Medicine Podcast, join Boomer Anderson, Jodi Duval, Dr. Allen Bookatz, and Dr. Ted Achacoso as they explore the future of clinical intelligence — and why medicine must move beyond single biomarkers to understanding networks within the body. Rather than chasing isolated lab values like glucose, cholesterol, or testosterone, the conversation shifts toward a systems-based approach — where every biomarker is part of a dynamic network of relationships. From metabolomics to hormone balance, this episode explains why optimizing health requires understanding how different systems interact, adapt, and influence each other in real time. Join us as we delve into: Why single biomarkers are only "nodes" in a larger biological network The concept of nodes and edges in human physiology How glucose, thyroid, and metabolic systems are interconnected Why cholesterol, inflammation, and B vitamins must be viewed together The risks of optimizing one biomarker (like testosterone) in isolation This episode is for you if: You've been told to "fix" a single lab value but still feel off You want to understand your lab results in a deeper, systems-based way You're a practitioner looking to move beyond reductionist medicine You're interested in metabolomics and the future of health optimization You can also find this episode on… Youtube: https://youtu.be/CMbdZEnnuGo Find more from Health Optimization Medicine and Practice (HOMeHOPe): Website: https://homehope.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homehopeorg/ Virtual Symposium 2026:https://homehope.org/homehope-virtual-symposium-2026 Use PODCAST10 to get 10% OFF your purchase of the Clinical Metabolomics Module at https://www.homehope.org/ Find more from Troscriptions: Website: https://troscriptions.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/troscriptions/ Use POD10 to get 10% OFF your Troscriptions purchase at https://www.troscriptions.com/
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