Healthcare Insights

Accomplished romance author Cara Lockwood joins us to share her story and insights from her battle with breast cancer. From diagnosis, to contemplating esacpe, through treatment, and now thriving, Cara brings levity and motivational pep talks to help those who are affected by this cancer that effects 1 in 8 women in the US. Her new book There's No Good Book for This (But I Wrote One Anyway) - The Irreverent Guide to Crushing Breast Cancer is now available where you buy books. Learn more about Cara Lockwood here: https://caratheauthor.com/

Dr. Teresa Lyons, a scientist, educator, and autism advocate, to discusses the evolving landscape of autism care. Drawing from personal experience and professional expertise, Dr. Lyons explores the intersection of science, intuition, and advocacy, emphasizing the importance of functional medicine and parental insight in navigating autism’s complexities. The conversation covers recent breakthroughs in autism research, the role of biomarkers like cerebral folate deficiency, and the impact of holistic approaches — including diet, mindset, and community support — on optimal outcomes for children. Listeners gain practical advice for partnering with healthcare providers, leveraging data-driven decision-making, and fostering resilience throughout the autism journey, all while celebrating the unique strengths and determination of every child. Ream more about Dr. Lyons here: https://awetism.net/

Dr. Kate Lund, clinical psychologist, TEDx speaker, and author shares her personal journey of overcoming childhood medical challenges and explores how resilience is more than just bouncing back—it’s a lifestyle built on self-awareness, supportive networks, and intentional habits. Dr. Lund offers practical strategies for managing stress, fostering agency, and finding joy, while discussing the impact of social media, the importance of asking for help, and the seven pillars of resilience from her acclaimed parenting course. Packed with real-life stories and actionable insights, this episode will inspire listeners to embrace possibility and thrive through adversity. Read more about Dr. Lund here: https://www.katelundspeaks.com/

Water quality expert Cydian Kauffman explores the critical connections between water safety and health. Drawing on real-world experience and technical knowledge, Cydian unpacks the complexities of municipal and well water systems, revealing hidden risks from contaminants like arsenic, chlorine byproducts, pharmaceuticals, and “forever chemicals.” The conversation highlights the limitations of current testing standards, the impact of water quality on health outcomes, and practical solutions. Gain actionable insights into how water issues affect everything from chronic disease to acute care, and why proactive engagement is essential for safeguarding patient and community health. Read more about Pure Water Northwest here: https://purewaternorthwest.com/

Discover the urgent realities and innovative solutions at the intersection of healthcare, insurance, and technology in this compelling episode of Healthcare Insights at Northwest North Carolina. Host Andrew Brewer welcomes Neil K. Shah—CEO, author, and founder of Counterforce Health—to unpack the growing crisis of health insurance claim denials and their profound impact on patients, providers, and the entire healthcare system. Drawing from personal caregiving experiences and professional expertise, Neil K. Shah reveals how AI-powered tools are empowering clinicians, hospitals, and patients to successfully appeal denied claims, reduce administrative burnout, and restore the integrity of care. The conversation highlights the financial and moral challenges faced by healthcare teams, the threat to independent and rural practices, and the urgent need for advocacy and systemic reform. This episode offers actionable insights and hope for a more equitable future in healthcare. Tune in to learn how technology and grassroots collaboration are shifting the balance of power back to those who need it most. Find out more about Neal and Counterforce Health at https://www.counterforcehealth.org/

Dr. George Ibrahim, founder of Biltmore Restorative Medicine and Aesthetics challenges conventional wisdom about hormones, aging, and wellness. Drawing on decades of experience as a surgeon and urologist, Dr. Ibrahim explores the science and misconceptions behind hormone replacement therapy, the impact of aging on hormone levels, and the critical role of individualized care for both men and women. Gain valuable insights into evidence-based approaches for optimizing patient health, addressing menopause and andropause, and integrating restorative medicine into multidisciplinary practice. This conversation is a must-listen for clinicians seeking to deepen their understanding of hormonal health, debunk outdated myths, and empower patients to thrive at every stage of life. Leanr more about Dr. Ibrahim here: https://www.biltmorerestorativemedicine.com/

Discover the transformative power of empowerment in this episode as host Andrew Brewer sits down with John Boswell, Chief Operating Officer of Zoe Empowers. Learn how Zoe Empowers is revolutionizing charitable work by guiding orphaned and vulnerable youth in the poorest regions of Africa and India from dependency to self-sufficiency through a unique, locally-driven three-year program. Boswell shares inspiring stories of resilience, explains why true change comes from within communities, and reveals how a modest investment can yield life-changing returns. Whether you’re passionate about global health, sustainable development, or simply want to hear how hope and opportunity can break the cycle of poverty, this conversation will leave you inspired and informed. Learn more about John here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johngboswell/ Learn more about Zoe Empowers here: https://zoeempowers.org/

Discover the transformative power of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Join Amber Nelms, founder and CEO of Triangle ABA, as she shares her personal journey from parent to board-certified behavior analyst and business leader. Amber reveals how her mission—to catalyze people become the heroes of their own stories—shapes every aspect of Triangle ABA, from individualized autism therapy to empowering families and staff. The conversation dives into the science and heart behind ABA, the challenges of diagnosis and treatment, and the importance of agency, resilience, and self-belief. Whether you’re a parent, clinician, or simply seeking inspiration, this episode offers practical wisdom, moving stories, and a fresh perspective on what it means to catalyze change in yourself and others. Tune in to learn how Triangle ABA is redefining care and leadership in the autism community—and how you can unlock your own potential. Read more about Triangle ABA here: https://www.triangleaba.com/ Read more about Amber here: https://www.ambernelms.com/

Our guest is a dermatologists who sees patients and does research at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, one who is internationally recognized for his work in dermatology, particularly in psoriasis and on how well patients use recommended treatments. If you count publications, our guest may be the most productive researcher at Wake Forest. With over 1,500 Medline-referenced publications, his research spans clinical trials, behavioral economics, and public health policy. Today, we’ll dive into the risks and benefits of sun exposure, the amazing landscape of modern psoriasis treatment, and what we’ve learned about how poorly patients take their medication and whose fault it is. Welcome Dr. Steve Feldman, Professor of Dermatology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine. Learn more about Dr. Feldman's background and research at https://school.wakehealth.edu/faculty/f/steven-r-feldman

Dr. Kevin J. Tracey, President and CEO of the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research joins the podcasts to share his insights on the groundbreaking role of the vagus nerve in regulating inflammation and its implications for autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Dr. Tracey explains how inflammation, while essential for healing, becomes problematic when uncontrolled—leading to chronic conditions. He introduces the concept of the “inflammatory reflex,” a neural pathway through the vagus nerve that can be harnessed to modulate immune responses. The episode highlights the FDA-approved SetPoint Therapy System, a non-drug, implantable vagus nerve stimulator that offers targeted relief without immunosuppression. Dr. Tracey discusses its clinical success, safety profile, and future applications in conditions such as multiple sclerosis, PTSD, and stroke rehabilitation. The conversation emphasizes the promise of bioelectronic medicine in transforming treatment paradigms for chronic inflammatory diseases. In the podcast interview, Dr. Kevin J. Tracey disclosed that he is a co-founder of SetPoint Medical, the company behind the FDA-approved vagus nerve stimulation device for rheumatoid arthritis 1. He also stated that he serves as a consultant to the company, assisting with its development and research initiatives 1. While he clarified that he is not privy to all future plans of the company, his dual role as both a researcher and company consultant is a relevant professional disclosure for listeners, especially those considering the therapy discussed. Find out more here: Personal Twitter: https://x.com/KevinJTraceyMD Personal Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinjtraceymd/ Feinstein Institutes: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-feinstein-institutes-for-medical-research Company website: https://feinstein.northwell.edu/ Dr. Tracey’s research profile: https://feinstein.northwell.edu/institutes-researchers/our-researchers/kevin-j-tracey-md Center for Bioelectronic Medicine website: https://www.northwell.edu/center-for-bioelectronic-medicine The Great Nerve (Amazon): https://a.co/d/7UbRR6C