

Finding Genius Podcast
Richard Jacobs
Podcast interviews with genius-level (top .1%) practitioners, scientists, researchers, clinicians and professionals in Cancer, 3D Bio Printing, CRISPR-CAS9, Ketogenic Diets, the Microbiome, Extracellular Vesicles, and more.
Subscribe today for the latest medical, health and bioscience insights from geniuses in their field(s).
Subscribe today for the latest medical, health and bioscience insights from geniuses in their field(s).
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 28, 2026 • 33min
The Silent Killer: Dr. John Osborne On Detecting & Preventing Heart Disease Before It Strikes
What is the real killer when it comes to heart disease? Can the right cardiac testing truly mean the difference between life and death? In today's episode, we are joined by Dr. John Osborne, a Harvard-trained, triple board-certified cardiologist and Co-Founder of ClearCardio, to break it all down… Dr. Osborne earned his B.S. with honors from Penn State University, his M.D. magna cum laude from Jefferson Medical College, and a Ph.D. in cardiovascular physiology from Thomas Jefferson University. His postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital helped shape his expertise in non-invasive cardiology. Board-certified across multiple disciplines, his work focuses on preventive cardiology, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular genetics. Recognized as the American Heart Association's Cardiac Care Provider of the Year and named a Top Doctor multiple times, Dr. Osborne has authored original research papers, book chapters, and delivered hundreds of international presentations. Through ClearCardio, he is advancing proactive cardiac care by integrating AI-powered imaging to detect plaque earlier, quantify risk more precisely, and empower patients before symptoms appear. In this episode, we dive into: What actually causes heart attacks and sudden cardiac death. The role of soft plaque vs calcified plaque in coronary artery disease. Why many heart attacks happen after a "normal" stress test. The limits of stents and why they do not necessarily extend longevity. To learn more about Dr. Osborne and his work with ClearCardio, connect with him on LinkedIn! 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C 🛍️ Recommended Books from this Episode 📖 Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease: The Revolutionary, Scientifically Proven, Nutrition-Based Cure – A groundbreaking look at how plant-based nutrition can dramatically improve heart health and even reverse cardiovascular disease. 👉 Get it here 📘 The End of Heart Disease: The Eat to Live Plan to Prevent and Reverse Heart Disease – A research-backed plan focused on nutrition and lifestyle changes to prevent and reverse heart conditions. 👉 Check it out 📙 Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity – A modern, data-driven approach to extending lifespan and improving healthspan through proactive, preventative strategies. 👉 Explore it here 📕 Why We Get Sick: The Hidden Epidemic at the Root of Most Chronic Disease—and How to Fight It – An insightful deep dive into metabolic health and its role in chronic illness, with practical guidance for long-term wellness. 👉 Discover it here Note: These are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps support the podcast. Thank you!

Feb 27, 2026 • 38min
Rebel Medicine: John Goldman On Data-Driven Longevity & Precision Performance
In today's episode, we are joined by John Goldman, Founder and CEO of Rebel Health Alliance (RHA), a forward-thinking medical practice focused on optimization and longevity, using each individual's unique biology and long-term health goals as the guiding force. John launched RHA in 2023 to bridge the gap between traditional medicine and proactive, data-driven health optimization. After experiencing personal health challenges like chronic fatigue and brain fog, he became determined to address the root causes that conventional, reactive medicine often overlooks. Today, John and his team at Rebel Health Alliance provide a highly personalized approach, leveraging advanced diagnostics, biomarker tracking, and customized medical guidance. This is designed to help busy business owners, executives, and elite athletes enhance performance, extend healthspan, and take control of their long-term well-being. Hit play to discover: Why traditional healthcare often fails high performers. The shift from reactive, disease-focused medicine to proactive health optimization. How long it takes to get into shape from no conditioning. Advanced diagnostics and biomarker tracking for precision care. How to build a long-term plan for peak performance and extended healthspan. Want to learn how Rebel Health Alliance is redefining healthcare standards in the United States through technology, personalization, and performance-driven care? Join the conversation now! Follow John on Instagram: @johngoldman__ Follow RHA on Instagram: @rebelhealth 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "63c44d62-529f-4e14-b968-36cfc662529e" data-testid= "conversation-turn-170" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> 🛍️ Recommended Books from this Episode 📖 Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity – A deep dive into the science of living longer and better, combining cutting-edge research with practical strategies for optimizing healthspan. 👉 Get it here 📘 The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work, and Team with Positive Energy – A powerful, story-driven guide to cultivating positivity, leadership, and purpose in both business and life. 👉 Check it out 📙 Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones – A practical framework for building lasting habits through small, consistent changes that compound over time. 👉 Explore it here 📕 Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams – A fascinating look at the science of sleep and how it impacts performance, health, memory, and longevity. 👉 Discover it here 📗 The Obesity Code: Unlocking the Secrets of Weight Loss – A science-backed approach to understanding metabolism, hormones, and why intermittent fasting may play a key role in weight management. 👉 See it here Note: These are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps support the podcast. Thank you!

Feb 21, 2026 • 16min
The Lovesac Story: Shawn D. Nelson On Endurance, Failure, & Growth
In today's episode, we sit down with Shawn D. Nelson, inventor, entrepreneur, and Founder & CEO of Lovesac. He joins us to share his journey and the hard-earned insights behind his best-selling book, Let Me Save You 25 Years: Mistakes, Miracles, and Lessons from the Lovesac Story. Shawn is the visionary behind Lovesac, a NASDAQ-traded furniture company known for its modular "Sactionals" and iconic sac beanbags — a brand that reimagined how people think about furniture, longevity, and design… Part memoir and part business playbook, Let Me Save You 25 Years is an unfiltered account of a 25-year entrepreneurial rollercoaster. With unapologetic honesty, Shawn shares the wins, the failures, the near-collapses, and the unlikely breakthroughs that shaped Lovesac's evolution. Told through 25 fast-moving micro-chapters, each paired with a sharp, hard-won lesson, the book captures what building a lasting company really looks like behind the scenes. Jump in to discover: The origins of Lovesac. How to approach and survive long-term entrepreneurship. What it actually takes to turn a bold idea into a durable brand Invaluable lessons from Shawn's fascinating journey. Want to learn more about Shawn and his impactful wisdom? Listen to his Let Me Save You 25 Years podcast now! 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Keep up with Shawn D. Nelson socials here: X: https://x.com/ShawnOfLovesac Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShawnOfLovesac/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnoflovesac/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shawnydlovesac Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@shawnoflovesac 🛍️ Recommended Books from this Episode 📖 Let Me Save You 25 Years: Mistakes, Miracles, and Lessons from the Lovesac Story – A candid entrepreneurial journey filled with hard-earned lessons, failures, breakthroughs, and real-world business insight. 👉 Get it here 📘 Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike – Phil Knight's gripping story of building Nike from the ground up, packed with risk, resilience, and bold decision-making. 👉 Check it out 📙 The Hard Thing About Hard Things: Building a Business When There Are No Easy Answers – A brutally honest guide to leadership and entrepreneurship when things get messy, uncertain, and tough. 👉 Explore it here 📕 Zero to One: Notes on Startups, or How to Build the Future – A thought-provoking look at innovation and how to create businesses that go from nothing to something truly groundbreaking. 👉 Discover it here Note: These are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps support the podcast. Thank you!

Feb 20, 2026 • 35min
Exit-Ready Ecommerce: How Tax Compliance Impacts Business Valuation
Can proper compliance really add millions to your business valuation? In today's episode, we connect with Reuben Mattinson, Founder and CEO of RJM Tax Exemption, to explore what it means to build truly exit-ready operations in the world of ecommerce… Founded in 2019, RJM was born out of firsthand frustration. When Reuben and his team launched their own ecommerce business in the U.S., they quickly found themselves overwhelmed by IRS rules, registrations, state sales tax collection, and conflicting guidance from lawyers, accountants, banks, and revenue departments. After investing significant time untangling the complexity, they realized other sellers were facing the same challenges — and RJM began. What started with just 10 clients has since grown into a global consultancy serving over 5,000 businesses worldwide, helping ecommerce brands stay compliant, scalable, and acquisition-ready. Hit play to find out: How Reuben's unique background fuels RJM's mission. Examples of exit strategies done right and horribly wrong. How tax readiness impacts valuation and exits. Reuben's path to entrepreneurship is anything but conventional. After earning degrees in physiotherapy in 2012 and in science teaching in 2013, he began building RJM alongside his studies. In under three years, he scaled the company from infancy into a multi-million-dollar global ecommerce consultancy, achieving #1 Trustpilot ratings in the U.S. by age 30. Want to learn more about RJM's work? Visit their website now! 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C 🛍️ Recommended Books from this Episode 📖 Built To Sell: Creating A Business That Can Thrive Without You – A practical guide for entrepreneurs who want to build a company that runs smoothly without their constant involvement — and is attractive to buyers. 👉 Get it here 📘 Tax-Free Wealth: How to Build Massive Wealth by Permanently Lowering Your Taxes – A strategic breakdown of legal tax-saving principles that help business owners and investors grow and preserve wealth. 👉 Check it out 📙 Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits!: 4 Keys to Unlock Your Business Potential – A clear and direct guide to understanding the core financial drivers that increase profitability and business performance. 👉 Explore it here 📕 Exit Rich: The 6 P Method to Sell Your Business for Huge Profit – A step-by-step roadmap to increasing business value and preparing for a highly profitable exit. 👉 Discover it here 📗 Financial Intelligence for Entrepreneurs: What You Really Need to Know About the Numbers – An essential resource for understanding financial statements, cash flow, and the metrics that truly matter in business. 👉 See it here Note: These are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps support the podcast. Thank you!

Feb 15, 2026 • 30min
Hermetic Philosophy & Western Esotericism: A Conversation With Prof. Dr. Wouter J. Hanegraaff
In this discussion, we dive into the history of hermetic philosophy and other related topics with Prof. Dr. Wouter J. Hanegraaff. As a renowned scholar and Professor of History of Hermetic Philosophy and Related Currents at the University of Amsterdam, Dr. Hanegraaff is a leading expert in Western esotericism – focusing on topics such as the New Age movement, Hermeticism, Renaissance Platonism, and the history of rejected knowledge… This episode covers: How Western culture interprets esotericism. Why studying God is so difficult to do in the realm of academia. What hermetic literature is, and what they say about the true nature of reality. Dr. Wouter J. Hanegraaff was trained in cultural history and religious studies at the University of Utrecht, where he earned his Ph.D. cum laude in 1995 in New Age Religion and Western Culture. A former president of both the Dutch Society for the Study of Religion and the European Society for the Study of Western Esotericism, he has been a member of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences since 2006. To learn more about Dr. Hanegraaff and his writings, you can visit his website. 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Keep up with Dr. Wouter Hanegraaff socials here: X: https://x.com/WJHanegraaff Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wjhanegraaff/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wouterhanegraaff/?hl=en *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" tabindex="-1" data-turn-id= "167d2205-2744-4e93-a054-622014efc44b" data-testid= "conversation-turn-156" data-scroll-anchor="true" data-turn= "assistant"> 🛍️ Recommended Books from this Episode 📖 Esotericism in Western Culture: Counter-Normativity and Rejected Knowledge – An insightful exploration of how esoteric traditions developed in Western culture and why certain forms of knowledge were marginalized or rejected. 👉 Get it here 📘 Western Esotericism: A Guide for the Perplexed (Guides for the Perplexed Book 380) – A clear and structured introduction to the ideas, traditions, and thinkers that shaped Western esoteric philosophy. 👉 Check it out 📙 The Hermetica: The Lost Wisdom of the Pharaohs – A fascinating look into ancient Hermetic texts, revealing timeless spiritual and philosophical teachings rooted in Egyptian tradition. 👉 Explore it here 📕 Hermeticism and the Renaissance: Intellectual History and the Occult in Early Modern Europe – A deep historical study of how Hermetic thought influenced Renaissance philosophy, science, and culture. 👉 Discover it here Note: These are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps support the podcast. Thank you!

5 snips
Feb 14, 2026 • 19min
Turning Buildings Into Batteries: MIT's Breakthrough In Conductive Concrete
Damian Stefaniuk, an MIT research scientist focused on sustainable, electron-conductive cement materials. He explains how adding carbon nanomaterials turns concrete into an energy-storing, conductive material. Topics include scalable mixing methods, a bulk supercapacitor architecture, pairing conductive concrete with solar films, and real-world uses like heated slabs, de-icing, and grid-independent homes.

Feb 13, 2026 • 31min
Mysticism, Meaning, & Belief Across Cultures A Conversation With Dr. Steven Engler
In this engaging conversation with Dr. Steven Engler, we explore esoteric traditions, mystical experiences, and how spiritual meaning shows up across cultures and belief systems. Dr. Engler is a Professor of Religious Studies in the Department of Humanities at Mount Royal University, whose work bridges scholarship, lived experience, and cross-cultural inquiry. His research spans fieldwork with Afro-Brazilian and esoteric spirit-incorporation traditions in Brazil, as well as methodological and theoretical approaches to understanding religion, spirituality, and meaning-making. Dr. Engler's work also examines how concepts like tradition, lived religion, and esotericism shape both personal experience and broader cultural narratives. Beyond his research and teaching, Dr. Engler is a co-editor of leading journals and book series in religious studies and has closely analyzed the academic landscape of religion and spirituality in Latin America. Click play to uncover: How people's stories reflect the beliefs of their respective traditions. The ways that belief makes a difference in experience. Experiences that have impacted Dr. Engler's perspective. You can find more about Dr. Engler here! and on his blog. 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C 🛍️ Recommended Books from this Episode 📖 The Book of Magic: From Antiquity to the Enlightenment – A fascinating exploration of the history, traditions, and cultural influence of magic from ancient civilizations through the Enlightenment era. 👉 Get it here 📘 Montesquieu: The Spirit of the Laws (Cambridge Texts in the History of Political Thought) – A foundational political philosophy text examining law, governance, and the principles that shaped modern democratic systems. 👉 Check it out 📕 When God Talks Back: Understanding the American Evangelical Relationship with God (Vintage) – An insightful look into modern faith practices and how believers experience and interpret spiritual communication. 👉 Discover it here 📗 The Varieties of Religious Experience (with Biographical Introduction) – A classic examination of spiritual experiences, belief systems, and the psychology of religion across cultures. 👉 See it here Note: These are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps support the podcast. Thank you!

Feb 7, 2026 • 35min
Rethinking Addiction And Mental Health With Dr. Adi Jaffe
In today's conversation, we connect with Dr. Adi Jaffe, a #1 best-selling author and nationally recognized expert on transformation and communication – especially in times of deep crisis. As the author of groundbreaking works like The Abstinence Myth and Unhooked: Free Yourself from Addiction Forever, Dr. Jaffe's mission is both simple and radical: to help people overcome addiction and life challenges without shame, judgment, or rigid rules… Dr. Jaffe's work spans mental health, addiction, relationships, and professional identity, supporting individuals navigating personal, career, and emotional crises. He spent nearly a decade as a lecturer in UCLA's Psychology Department and served as Executive Director and Co-Founder of one of the country's most progressive mental health treatment centers before founding IGNTD. Through IGNTD, Dr. Jaffe is reshaping how we understand and address mental health by helping people move beyond shame, reconnect with purpose and joy, and build lives rooted in fulfillment — for themselves and those around them. This discussion outlines: How anxiety and mental health challenges have evolved in recent years. The psychological impact of technology on modern life. How to navigate conflict in healthier, more constructive ways, and how substances can interfere with that process. The importance of reframing the conventional ideals of addiction. Want to follow along with Dr. Jaffe and his work? Click here now! 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Keep up with Dr. Adi Jaffe socials here: X: https://x.com/DrAdiJaffe Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dradijaffe/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dradijaffe/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dradijaffe 🛍️ Recommended Books from this Episode 📖 The Abstinence Myth: A New Approach for Overcoming Addiction Without Shame, Judgment, or Rules – A compassionate, modern perspective on recovery that focuses on healing and progress without rigid rules or guilt. 👉 Get it here 📘 Unhooked: Free Yourself from Addiction Forever – A powerful guide designed to help break addictive patterns, rebuild self-control, and create long-term change. 👉 Check it out 📙 In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction – A deeply human, insightful look at addiction, trauma, and the complex realities behind substance use and recovery. 👉 Explore it here 📕 The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma – A transformative resource on how trauma affects the body and brain — and how healing and resilience are possible. 👉 Discover it here 📗 The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business – A fascinating exploration of how habits are formed, how they shape behavior, and how to change them for better results. 👉 See it here Note: These are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps support the podcast. Thank you!

Feb 6, 2026 • 31min
Profit First For Law Firms: Building Financial Clarity With Ben Hockema
In this episode, we dive into the unique financial challenges law firm owners face with Ben Hockema, CFP®, Founder and Lead Financial Advisor at Illuminate Wealth Management. As an award-winning Certified Financial Planner, Ben's work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, and other leading publications. Ben is on a mission to help law firm owners and other business professionals move past the shame-based marketing that dominates the financial industry and replace money stress with clarity, confidence, and control. Through thoughtful strategy and education, he helps his clients build financial systems that support both their firms and their personal lives. Hit play to discover: Why running a law firm according to strong financial principles is harder than it looks. What the "Profit First" system is and which law firms benefit most from it. How bookkeeping and accounting for law firms differ from other businesses. From cash flow management to long-term planning, Ben explains how to identify where to spend, where to save, and how to design a financial roadmap aligned with your goals, values, and vision for the future. To learn more about Ben and his work, visit Illuminate Wealth Management now! 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C 🛍️ Recommended Books from this Episode 📖 Profit First: Transform Your Business from a Cash-Eating Monster to a Money-Making Machine (Entrepreneurship Simplified) – A practical system for managing business finances that helps you prioritize profit, improve cash flow, and build a healthier company. 👉 Get it here 📘 Financial Intelligence for Entrepreneurs: What You Really Need to Know About the Numbers – A clear guide to understanding financial statements, cash flow, and the key numbers every entrepreneur must know. 👉 Check it out 📙 Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits!: 4 Keys to Unlock Your Business Potential – A no-fluff breakdown of the financial fundamentals that help business owners increase profit and make smarter decisions. 👉 Explore it here 📕 The E-Myth Revisited: Why Most Small Businesses Don't Work and What to Do About It – A classic business book that teaches entrepreneurs how to build systems, work on the business (not just in it), and grow sustainably. 👉 Discover it here Note: These are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps support the podcast. Thank you!

Feb 3, 2026 • 29min
Story, Structure, & The Creative Process: Brandon Violette On Writing Children's Television
In today's episode, we explore the mechanics of storytelling with Brandon Violette, an experienced screenwriter. Brandon has served as Head Writer for RoboGobo and Pupstruction at Disney Television Animation, and as Co-Creator and Head Writer of CoComelon Lane, one of Netflix's top-performing preschool series. His writing credits also include hit shows such as Dew Drop Diaries, Pupstruction, T.O.T.S., Thomas & Friends: All Engines Go!, and Stretch Armstrong & The Flex Fighters. Alongside his screenwriting work, Brandon is the host of The Story Series Podcast, where he interviews writers, showrunners, filmmakers, authors, and creators to break down story structure, character development, pitching, and the creative process. Join in to discover: How Brandon began his career as a screenwriter. The benefits of direct engagement for kids when watching television. The power of simplicity in storytelling. You can connect with Brandon by visiting his website and listening to his podcast! 🎧 Listen now on Apple Podcasts: http://apple.co/30PvU9C Keep up with Brandon Violette socials here: X: https://x.com/BrandonViolette Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@bviolette 🛍️ Recommended Books & Accessories from this Episode 📖 Writing for Animation, Comics, and Games – A practical guide to writing engaging stories and scripts across animation, comics, and interactive games. 👉 Get it here 📘 The Animation Bible: A Practical Guide to the Art of Animating from Flipbooks to Flash – A must-read for aspiring animators, packed with techniques, tools, and real-world animation fundamentals. 👉 Check it out 📙 How to Talk so Little Kids Will Listen: A Survival Guide to Life with Children Ages 2–7 (The How To Talk Series) – A life-saving parenting resource filled with practical communication strategies that actually work with young kids. 👉 Explore it here 👜 JOYIN 6Pcs Kids Hand Puppet Set with Working Mouth, Toddler Plush Toy – A fun, interactive puppet set perfect for imaginative play, storytelling, and helping kids express emotions through roleplay. 👉 Discover it here 🎁 100 Creative Storytelling Cards for Kids, Families & Classrooms – A powerful storytelling tool with illustrated prompts and blank cards—perfect for language learning, ESL, speech therapy, and creative play. 👉 See it here Note: These are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It helps support the podcast. Thank you!


