Podcast
Wellness Musketeers
Hosted by David Liss · EN
"Empowering Health, One Episode at a Time"
Unlock the secrets to a healthier, more balanced life with Wellness Musketeers. Join our dynamic team—a medical doctor, wellness expert, and economist and a fitness expert with over 120 years of combined experience—as they delve into the latest health and wellness trends that impact you and your loved ones. From physical and mental health to overcoming drug addiction and loneliness, each episode offers diverse perspectives from leading experts in health and business. Whether you're looking to enhance your personal wellness journey or stay informed about the broader implications of health trends, Wellness Musketeers is your go-to source for insightful discussions and actionable advice.
Subscribe to Wellness Musketeers for more episodes that empower you with the knowledge to live your best life. Share with friends and family to spread the wellness revolution!
For questions and to suggest topics and speakers for future episodes, please contact Dave at davidmliss@gmail.com.
20episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
ADHD at Work and Home: Friction, Focus & Finding Your Rhythm
Feb 2400:47:56Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWe bring clinical insights, workplace tactics, and personal stories to make sense of adult ADHD, from screening and treatment to meetings that won’t stay on track. The talk blends compassion with structure so you can lead better, think clearer, and show up with more ease.• ADHD as a spectrum across childhood and adulthood• Adult screening and what it reveals• Overlap with anxiety, depression, and sleep loss• Medication timing, side effects, and controlled status• Therapy, coaching, routines, and sleep hygiene• Meeting design: agendas, action items, and time boxes• The “lion suit” method for steering conversations• Managing distraction from technology and noise• Relationships, punctuality, and shared expectations• Gender patterns and help-seeking behavior• Practical takeaways: structure, compassion, and honest self-auditHit subscribe so you don’t miss upcoming episodesWe also share bonus clips, expert tips, and behind the scenes insights in our free Wellness Musketeers newsletterNow, if you found this episode valuable, folks, hit follow on your podcast app so you never miss what’s nextAnd if someone in your life could benefit from this, share it with themSupport the showContact Wellness Musketeers:Email Dave at davidmliss@gmail.com with comments, questions, and suggestions for future guests.Follow us on our social media:InstagramFacebook YouTubeSupport our Sponsor:Elite Sports: https://www.elitesports.comSubscribe to our newsletter: Contact our co-host "Aussie" Mike James and sign up for our newsletter: Wellness Musketeers Newsletter Follow "Aussie" Mike James on Substack:Subscribe to Mike's Substack HereAI as a Tool for Better Fitness Coaching
Transcribe →Why Smart Founders Bake Compliance Into Day One
Dec 1400:54:51Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailA bright idea in healthcare can change lives—and still fail if you miss the rules that run the system. We pull back the curtain on the legal landscape that shapes startups in healthcare and life sciences, from federal reimbursement to data privacy, and show how founders can turn compliance from a cost center into a competitive edge. With Dennis Sapien Panjindian, an attorney with deep experience at HHS OIG and in private practice, we map the landmines and the shortcuts that keep you moving.We break down the core statutes every founder should know: the Anti-Kickback Statute, Stark Law, EKRA, the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and the False Claims Act with its whistleblower bounties and treble damages. You’ll hear why “normal” referral bonuses can be criminal in healthcare, how strict liability works like a tripwire, and what real-world enforcement looks like when deals, valuations, and even personal freedom are on the line. More importantly, we share the seven elements of a strong compliance program—leadership ownership, clear policies, role-based training, auditing and monitoring, open reporting channels, rapid investigations, and consistent discipline—and how to build them in phases that fit early-stage realities.From using FDA approval as a moat to designing clean reimbursement pathways, we explore how compliance strategy drives product-market fit, speeds institutional adoption, and signals maturity to investors. We dig into AI’s collision with HIPAA and evolving FDA guidance, and what it takes to scale globally when the same clinical evidence yields different indications across regions. If your product touches diagnosis, treatment, or patient data—or seeks Medicare or Medicaid dollars—this roadmap helps you launch smarter, avoid costly pivots, and earn trust where it matters most.If this conversation helps your roadmap, subscribe, leave a quick rating, and share it with a founder who’s building in a regulated space. What compliance move will you prioritize this week?Support the showContact Wellness Musketeers:Email Dave at davidmliss@gmail.com with comments, questions, and suggestions for future guests.Follow us on our social media:InstagramFacebook YouTubeSupport our Sponsor:Elite Sports: https://www.elitesports.comSubscribe to our newsletter: Contact our co-host "Aussie" Mike James and sign up for our newsletter: Wellness Musketeers Newsletter Follow "Aussie" Mike James on Substack:Subscribe to Mike's Substack HereAI as a Tool for Better Fitness Coaching
Transcribe →Sleep, The Ultimate Performance Hack
Nov 400:57:14Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailSleep is the quiet engine of health and performance, yet most of us treat it like a luxury. We dive into what the body actually does at night—how melatonin sets the stage, why deep sleep restores tissues and immunity, and how REM stitches learning and creativity together—then translate the science into tools you can use tonight.With our physician co-host Dr. Richard Kennedy, we map the markers of poor sleep you’ll notice during the day: mental fog, irritability, focus lapses, and the creeping reliance on more caffeine. We break down smart napping rules (10–30 minutes, before 3 p.m.), the real half-life of caffeine, and why alcohol and heavy meals can derail your sleep architecture. We also explore how exercise timing affects cortisol and glucose, and why cool, dark bedrooms help your brain downshift.Traveling or working nights? We compare jet lag strategies, explain how light anchors your circadian clock, and share practical fixes for shift workers—eye masks, blackout curtains, and consistent sleep windows. We cover how much sleep different ages need, why many women may need a touch more sleep across hormonal stages, and how to think about “catching up” when life gets messy. Snoring versus sleep apnea gets a clear explanation, along with accessible diagnostics from home sleep studies to treatments like CPAP and mandibular devices. You’ll also hear simple resets for 3 a.m. wakeups, from reading something dull to the 4-7-8 breathing pattern and screen-free wind downs.You’ll leave with three science-backed habits: protect a consistent sleep-wake schedule, finish workouts and stimulants early, and build a soothing pre-bed routine that signals lights-out. Ready to sleep smarter and feel sharper tomorrow? Follow the show, share this with a friend who needs better rest, and leave a review to tell us your biggest sleep win.💤 Resources Mentioned in This EpisodeLearn more from the medical organizations Dr. Kennedy referenced:Johns Hopkins Medicine – Sleep Center Sleep basics, expert videos, and guides on insomnia, apnea, and circadian rhythm. 👉 https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/sleepMayo Clinic – “Sleep Tips: 6 Steps to Better Sleep” Evidence-based checklist for timing meals, caffeine, alcohol, and screens. 👉 https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifesSupport the showContact Wellness Musketeers:Email Dave at davidmliss@gmail.com with comments, questions, and suggestions for future guests.Follow us on our social media:InstagramFacebook YouTubeSupport our Sponsor:Elite Sports: https://www.elitesports.comSubscribe to our newsletter: Contact our co-host "Aussie" Mike James and sign up for our newsletter: Wellness Musketeers Newsletter Follow "Aussie" Mike James on Substack:Subscribe to Mike's Substack HereAI as a Tool for Better Fitness Coaching
Transcribe →Mayo Clinic Lead Dietitian on Weight Loss Truths & Nutrition Hype
Aug 2700:56:22Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailEver wondered why some diets work while others fail? Why nutrition advice seems to constantly contradict itself? Or why those GLP-1 medications everyone's talking about are causing such a stir in the wellness world?In this enlightening conversation with Mayo Clinic nutrition expert Tara Schmidt, we dive deep into the complex realities of weight management, exploring everything from persistent nutrition myths to revolutionary medication approaches. Tara brings refreshing clarity to topics often clouded by misinformation, sharing insights that challenge conventional thinking while remaining grounded in evidence.The discussion tackles head-on the uncomfortable truth about weight stigma in healthcare settings, where patients often face their most damaging experiences of bias. We explore the concept of "food noise"—that constant mental chatter about food that many experience—and how newer medications are helping some people quiet those thoughts for the first time. Throughout, Tara emphasizes the importance of individualized approaches, noting that adherence to any dietary pattern matters far more than which specific diet you choose.Perhaps most valuably, Tara offers practical guidance rooted in simplicity rather than sensation. She suggests focusing on what you can add to your diet rather than what to eliminate, considering how your environment shapes your choices, and recognizing the power of small, consistent changes over time. Her approach reminds us that sustainable wellness isn't about perfection but about finding patterns that work within your unique life circumstances.Whether you're curious about intermittent fasting, wondering about hydration guidelines, or simply trying to navigate contradictory nutrition headlines, this episode provides thoughtful perspective from someone who's dedicated her career to helping people build healthier relationships with food. Subscribe now and join our growing community of listeners seeking evidence-based approaches to wellness that acknowledge both science and lived experience.Tara Schmidt/Mayo Clinic Resources:Tara Schmidt - LinkedInMayo Clinic Diet’s homepage - Weight Loss Program – The Mayo Clinic Diet Tara Schmidt, Host - Mayo Clinic on Nutrition Podcast Series - Apple PodcastsA few of Tara's most listened-Support the showContact Wellness Musketeers:Email Dave at davidmliss@gmail.com with comments, questions, and suggestions for future guests.Follow us on our social media:InstagramFacebook YouTubeSupport our Sponsor:Elite Sports: https://www.elitesports.comSubscribe to our newsletter: Contact our co-host "Aussie" Mike James and sign up for our newsletter: Wellness Musketeers Newsletter Follow "Aussie" Mike James on Substack:Subscribe to Mike's Substack HereAI as a Tool for Better Fitness Coaching
Transcribe →Trauma: Seconds That Save Lives — with Dr. Babak Sarani & Dr. Marc Chodos
Jun 15, 202500:54:27Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailIn an instant, trauma changes everything.In this episode of Wellness Musketeers, co-hosts "Aussie" Mike James and interviewer David Liss is joined by two leading experts: trauma surgeon Dr. Babak Sarani and orthopedic surgeon Dr. Marc Chodos of George Washington University Hospital. Together, they take you inside the trauma care system — from emergency scenes to operating rooms — and reveal why trauma is often a preventable public health crisis, not just a random accident.🩺 What you’ll learn:What happens during the critical "golden hour" after serious injuryWhy most trauma is preventable — and how simple steps save livesHow battlefield medicine revolutionized modern trauma careWhat patients, caregivers, and families should know before an emergency ever happensThis episode is packed with real-world insights for anyone who drives, parents, cares for aging loved ones — or simply wants to understand how trauma medicine works when seconds matter most.🎧 Listen to more episodes of Wellness Musketeers:https://wellnessmusketeers.buzzsprout.com/Dr. Marc Chodos Orthopedic Surgeon, GW Medical Faculty Associateshttps://gwdocs.com/find-a-doctor/marc-j-chodos-mdDr. Babak Sarani Director, Center for Trauma and Critical Care, GW Hospitalhttps://gwdocs.com/find-a-doctor/babak-sarani-mdIf you would like to connect with the staff at The George Washington University Hospital for care, information, or appointments, you can:🌐 Visit: https://www.gwhospital.com 📞 Call Physician Referral: 1-888-4GW-DOCS (1-888-449-3627) 📍 The George Washington University Hospital 900 23rd Street, NW Washington, DC 20037 Main Hospital Line: 202-715-4000#trauma #traumacare #emergencymedicine #goldenhour #injuryprevention #publichealth #healthpodcast #wellnesspodcast #firstresponders #orthopedics #traumasurgery #firearminjuries #traumasystem #patienteducation #wellnessmusketeers #medicalpodcast #healthcarepodcastSupport the showContact Wellness Musketeers:Email Dave at davidmliss@gmail.com with comments, questions, and suggestions for future guests.Follow us on our social media:InstagramFacebook YouTubeSupport our Sponsor:Elite Sports: https://www.elitesports.comSubscribe to our newsletter: Contact our co-host "Aussie" Mike James and sign up for our newsletter: Wellness Musketeers Newsletter Follow "Aussie" Mike James on Substack:Subscribe to Mike's Substack HereAI as a Tool for Better Fitness Coaching
Transcribe →Beyond the Buzz - Alcohol: Friend or Foe?
May 5, 202500:53:15Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailThe alcoholic beverage in your glass has shaped cultures, sparked celebrations, ruined lives, and sparked fierce debate for millennia. In this illuminating conversation, our panel of experts cuts through the noise to deliver evidence-based insights about alcohol's true impact on our bodies and society.Medical expert Dr. Richard Kennedy lays out the science with crystal clarity: "Probably the most important point is that alcohol in moderation is okay." He defines moderation precisely—one daily drink for women, two for men—while explaining the fascinating biological reasons behind these gender differences. The doctor doesn't shy away from alcohol's darker side either, linking excessive consumption to increased cancer risks while debunking common myths about alleged health benefits.Our economist Kettle Hviding quantifies what many fail to consider: alcohol abuse costs societies approximately 2.5% of GDP—billions upon billions in healthcare burden, lost productivity, and human suffering. Yet banning it outright, as Prohibition demonstrated, creates its own problems. The panel explores how different cultures develop healthier relationships with alcohol, contrasting France's integration of wine with meals against the weekend binge-drinking patterns common in Nordic countries and America.For fitness enthusiasts, fitness expert, "Aussie" Mike James delivers hard truths about alcohol's impact on physique goals and athletic performance. Beyond the obvious caloric content, he explains how alcohol compromises recovery and fine motor skills, noting elite athletes increasingly abstain entirely during competitive seasons.Perhaps most compelling are the psychological insights—how alcohol reduces inhibitions through an initial euphoric state, explaining both its appeal as a social lubricant and its role in disastrous decision-making. Dr. Kennedy's emergency room stories, including a 350-pound intoxicated man who jumped from a three-story building on a $10 bet, vividly illustrate the point.Whether you're reassessing your relationship with alcohol or simply curious about its true effects, this episode provides the balanced, evidence-based perspective you need to make informed choices. Subscribe now and join the conversation about one of humanity's most complex relationships.Support the showContact Wellness Musketeers:Email Dave at davidmliss@gmail.com with comments, questions, and suggestions for future guests.Follow us on our social media:InstagramFacebook YouTubeSupport our Sponsor:Elite Sports: https://www.elitesports.comSubscribe to our newsletter: Contact our co-host "Aussie" Mike James and sign up for our newsletter: Wellness Musketeers Newsletter Follow "Aussie" Mike James on Substack:Subscribe to Mike's Substack HereAI as a Tool for Better Fitness Coaching
Transcribe →Marijuana: Medicine, Money, and Modern Myths with Dr. Richard Kennedy
Mar 19, 202500:58:43Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhen Dr. Richard Kennedy took just three bites of a marijuana brownie years ago, he wasn't prepared for ceramic lions jumping across coffee tables and onto his lap. This vivid hallucination marked his first and last cannabis experience—but offers the perfect entry point into our comprehensive exploration of marijuana's complex role in modern society.The Wellness Musketeers gather medical expert Dr. Kennedy, fitness expert and host "Aussie" Mike James, economist Kettle Hviding and wellness consultant Dave Liss examine cannabis through multiple lenses, creating a 360-degree view that challenges both prohibitionist fearmongering and uncritical enthusiasm. Each contributor shares personal experiences (or lack thereof) with marijuana, setting a tone of honesty that carries throughout this nuanced discussion.We explore marijuana's medical applications, where evidence shows clear benefits for chemotherapy-induced nausea and specific pediatric seizure disorders, while other uses remain promising but less definitively proven. Dr. Kennedy explains the critical distinction between THC and CBD components and highlights how standardization issues complicate both research and patient experiences. The conversation doesn't shy away from concerns about youth marijuana use, cognitive effects, and the challenges of conducting rigorous scientific studies on a substance that remains federally prohibited.The economic dimensions prove equally fascinating, as our panel unpacks how legalization has affected state revenues, created banking complications, and established a competitive but still-evolving marketplace. From security guards at cash-only dispensaries to the complications of marijuana tourism, the discussion highlights how policy decisions ripple through communities in unexpected ways.Whether you're considering marijuana for medical purposes, curious about its economic impact, or simply wanting to understand this evolving aspect of our culture, this episode delivers thoughtful analysis without agenda or oversimplification. Join us for this enlightening conversation that respects your intelligence while expanding your understanding of a plant that's simultaneously ancient and at the cutting edge of social change.Support the showContact Wellness Musketeers:Email Dave at davidmliss@gmail.com with comments, questions, and suggestions for future guests.Follow us on our social media:InstagramFacebook YouTubeSupport our Sponsor:Elite Sports: https://www.elitesports.comSubscribe to our newsletter: Contact our co-host "Aussie" Mike James and sign up for our newsletter: Wellness Musketeers Newsletter Follow "Aussie" Mike James on Substack:Subscribe to Mike's Substack HereAI as a Tool for Better Fitness Coaching
Transcribe →Revolutionizing Obesity Treatment: Dr. Richard Kennedy on the Impact of Weight Loss Medications
Feb 12, 202500:44:53Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailUnlock the mysteries of weight loss drugs with us, as we inform you about the groundbreaking GLP-1 medications transforming obesity treatment. Joined by Dr. Richard Kennedy, we explore how these diabetes drugs, like Ozempic, have taken center stage in the fight against obesity. From reducing cardiovascular risks to improving sugar metabolism, these injectables are more than just weight loss solutions—they're potential game-changers for health and wellness. Aussie Mike James adds a fitness perspective, while Kettle Hiding delves into the economic dimensions of this pharmaceutical trend.We tackle the gritty details, discussing potential side effects and the critical need for medical supervision when using these medications. Discover why maintaining muscle mass is crucial and how weight training serves as a powerful ally in preserving it. We question the conventional reliance on BMI as the sole measure of obesity and advocate for a more nuanced assessment of body composition. Our conversation also touches on the controversial idea of micro-dosing these drugs, weighing the pros and cons with a cautious lens.The broader implications of these medications stretch far beyond individual benefits, reaching into global health landscapes. We discuss the accessibility hurdles for low income people and less affluent nations and how the production of generics might offer solutions. With anecdotes and studies underlining the psychological and societal pressures of weight loss, we underscore the importance of lifestyle changes and a holistic approach to health. As we wrap up, we invite you, our listeners, to join this ongoing conversation, sharing your questions and insights as we navigate these complex issues together.Through expert insights and personal anecdotes, we explore the interplay between medication, lifestyle changes, and societal attitudes towards obesity.• Discussion on how GLP-1 medications work• The dual benefit of managing blood sugar and promoting weight loss• Importance of muscle preservation while using these drugs• Cost barriers and insurance implications for accessing weight loss medications• Societal views on the stigma of using weight loss drugs• The necessity of medical supervision when using these prescriptions• Long-term effects and sustainability of weight loss achieved through medicationSupport the showContact Wellness Musketeers:Email Dave at davidmliss@gmail.com with comments, questions, and suggestions for future guests.Follow us on our social media:InstagramFacebook YouTubeSupport our Sponsor:Elite Sports: https://www.elitesports.comSubscribe to our newsletter: Contact our co-host "Aussie" Mike James and sign up for our newsletter: Wellness Musketeers Newsletter Follow "Aussie" Mike James on Substack:Subscribe to Mike's Substack HereAI as a Tool for Better Fitness Coaching
Transcribe →Sheena Franklin's Vision for Equitable Skin Care for Women of Color
Dec 31, 202400:41:19Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat if you could revolutionize skincare for women of color by addressing a glaring gap in medical education? On this episode of the Wellness Musketeers podcast, we welcome Sheena Franklin, the visionary founder of K'ept, as she tackles the monumental challenge of health disparities in dermatology. With a startling revelation that less than 3% of medical textbook images cover skin conditions on skin of color, Sheena shares how her company is taking bold steps with tele-dermatology to fill this void. We'll unpack the complexities of forming academic partnerships and crafting a comprehensive dataset that aids physicians at the crucial point of care, ultimately aiming to reduce the burden on dermatologists and enhance healthcare outcomes for women.As our conversation unfolds, we delve into the historical mistrust communities of color face in healthcare, rooted in injustices like the Tuskegee Study and the story of Henrietta Lacks. Sheena discusses how K'ept is leveraging technology to foster an environment of trust, enabling women to safely share skincare data in their own spaces. We also confront the systemic changes needed in the healthcare industry to genuinely engage with marginalized communities, examining how familiar methods like photo data collection can reduce misdiagnosis and improve health conditions that disproportionately affect women.Rounding out our discussion, we explore the promising yet challenging frontier of telemedicine and AI in skincare. Sheena envisions a future where these technologies are seamlessly integrated into places like pharmacies and retailers, bringing skincare solutions closer to those who need them most. We'll touch on the logistical hurdles of tele-dermatology, the critical role of dermatologists in initial assessments, and K'ept's ambitious goal of reaching a million women. Join us as we face the broader issues of trust, poverty, and accessibility in healthcare, and discover how slow but steady progress can lead to more inclusive solutions for everyone.Learn more about K'ept Health and Sheena Franklin's work:K'ept Health AppSheena D. Franklin WebsiteThe Velvet Lab Newsletter: Women's Health, Femtech, & Technology In HealthcareSupport the showContact Wellness Musketeers:Email Dave at davidmliss@gmail.com with comments, questions, and suggestions for future guests.Follow us on our social media:InstagramFacebook YouTubeSupport our Sponsor:Elite Sports: https://www.elitesports.comSubscribe to our newsletter: Contact our co-host "Aussie" Mike James and sign up for our newsletter: Wellness Musketeers Newsletter Follow "Aussie" Mike James on Substack:Subscribe to Mike's Substack HereAI as a Tool for Better Fitness Coaching
Transcribe →AI-Driven Wellness: Alex Roe on Personalized Coaching with Summit Technology
Dec 2, 202400:57:03Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailWhat if you had a coaching platform that understood your unique journey and motivations behind each action? On this episode of Wellness Musketeers, we bring you an insightful conversation with Alex Roe, the inspiring CEO and co-founder of Summit. This AI-powered coaching platform is transforming personal wellness by acting as your accountability partner, integrating fitness, mental health, and career development into a single cohesive experience. Listen to our very own Dave Liss as he shares his personal experience using Summit to enhance his daily routine and wellness journey, highlighting the profound impact of personalized support in reaching your goals.Embrace the future of wellness coaching as we uncover the critical role of personalized accountability in achieving health and wellness ambitions. Whether you're looking for empathetic encouragement or a no-nonsense drill sergeant style, Summit's adaptable coaching experience is designed to suit your motivational needs. Through discussions with Alex and Dr. Richard Kennedy, we explore the growing potential of AI-driven coaches in stress management, particularly for ADHD, and ponder the future implications of AI in the healthcare realm. Privacy and data security remain paramount as we assess the technological advancements enabling this supportive journey.Step into the exciting world of wearable tech integration with Summit, where devices like Apple Watch and Fitbit enhance your coaching experience. Discover how these technologies track your activities and provide real-time feedback for continuous improvement. Reflecting on the art of habit formation with AI, Dave shares his appreciation for the Summit coach's objective yet supportive nature. This episode paints a hopeful picture of how AI, when combined with personal commitment, can foster healthier lifestyles and improved well-being.Support the showContact Wellness Musketeers:Email Dave at davidmliss@gmail.com with comments, questions, and suggestions for future guests.Follow us on our social media:InstagramFacebook YouTubeSupport our Sponsor:Elite Sports: https://www.elitesports.comSubscribe to our newsletter: Contact our co-host "Aussie" Mike James and sign up for our newsletter: Wellness Musketeers Newsletter Follow "Aussie" Mike James on Substack:Subscribe to Mike's Substack HereAI as a Tool for Better Fitness Coaching
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