Human Optimization Podcast

Lisa sits down with ophthalmologist and refractive surgeon Dr. Amir Marvasti to explore why protecting your vision is an essential—and often overlooked—part of long-term health and performance. Dr. Marvasti explains why many serious eye conditions develop without obvious symptoms and shares practical insights on early screening, digital eye strain, sleep, UV protection, and the connection between eye health and whole-body wellness. Dr. Amir Marvasti is an ophthalmologist and refractive surgeon who specializes in modern vision correction —including LASIK, SMILE, EVO ICL, and advanced cataract surgery. At Coastal Vision Medical Group in Southern California, he works at the intersection of technology, surgical precision, and patient-centered decision-making. His clinical interests extend into broader areas that impact the general public: eye health and longevity, sleep and vision performance, and how modern lifestyle affects our sight. He brings clarity to misunderstood medical topics, honest perspective to the journey of young professionals, and thoughtful conversations about building a life that is both high-achieving and deeply grounded.

What if supporting your immune system means more than simply "boosting" it? In this episode of the Human Optimization Podcast, Lisa Pitel-Killah welcomes Dr. Jocelyn Strand, naturopathic doctor and Vice President of Clinical Education and Research at BWH Labs, to explore trained immunity—the emerging science of how the innate immune system can develop memory-like responses to previous encounters. Drawing on more than 20 years in integrative and functional medicine, Dr. Strand discusses the relationship between the microbiome and immune function, the immune system's everyday role in tissue repair and recovery, and why immune coordination deserves more attention than boosting alone. Together, Lisa and Dr. Strand explore the differences between innate and adaptive immunity and the discoveries that challenged long-held assumptions about immune memory. Whether you're a practitioner or simply curious about your health, this conversation offers an accessible introduction to trained immunity and a broader perspective on immune resilience.

Dr. Leland Stillman studied Biology and Environmental Health at Connecticut College and received his medical doctorate from the University of Virginia. He then trained in Internal Medicine at Maine Medical Center. He practiced as a Hospitalist for three years following his residency training. He went on to found his own practice just before COVID. He has a longstanding interest in alternative medicine, and now focuses on functional and integrative medicine in his practice. Get yours with this link! Use code LISAPITELKILLAH

Is it picky eating or a pediatric feeding disorder? Speech-language pathologist Ashlyn joins Lisa Pitel-Killah on the Human Optimization Podcast to discuss sensory feeding issues, autism, speech therapy, and how to better support children who struggle with food and communication. Drawing on more than 20 years of clinical experience, Ashlyn explains how she approaches food aversion, why textures can make mealtimes challenging, and how feeding therapy can help children explore unfamiliar foods. She introduces food chaining and her "yum scale"—tools she uses to build flexibility around eating. The conversation also explores neurodiversity-affirming autism support, meeting people where they are, and looking beyond standardized scores to recognize meaningful improvements in connection and quality of life. In this episode, we discuss: • Picky eating versus pediatric feeding disorders • Sensory processing, food textures, and food aversion • Feeding concerns such as gagging, food pocketing, and difficulty chewing • Food chaining and gradual changes to familiar foods • Connections between feeding and speech-language development • Autism, scripting, and meaningful communication • Mealtime routines and supporting families without adding parental guilt • Barriers to therapy access and the gap between research and clinical practice Whether you're a parent, caregiver, speech-language pathologist, or healthcare practitioner, this episode offers a thoughtful look at individualized support for feeding and communication across the lifespan. Ashlyn also shares a free speech and language screening offer during the episode and explains how screening differs from a full evaluation. Subscribe to the Human Optimization Podcast for more conversations about health, development, and well-being.

Unlock the truth about silver that health products companies keep hidden — and discover the science behind a product trusted by medical professionals worldwide. If you're skeptical about colloidal silver or worried about toxicity, this episode with Seth Quinto reveals how genuine bioactive silver hydrosol is redefining natural healing—safely, effectively, and without the blue skin side effect everyone fears. As the eldest of the four sons of Sovereign Silver and Argentyn 23 founders, Stephen and Ruth Quinto, nearing a 25-year history with Natural Immunogenics, the parent company, Seth learned the needs of the medical profession as it relates to their Argentyn 23 products early on. Seth spent more than 20 years learning the myriad roles of silver, copper, and gold, from Eric Rentz, DO, one of the earliest physician devotees to Argentyn 23 and Sovereign Silver, who spent prior decades employing different silver preparations in the practice of medicine, before he was introduced to the Quinto family in 2000.   While a salesman for the company, Seth excelled at building relationships across the medical community in the Americas. In 2010, Seth was named sales manager of the professional division, responsible for developing the business plan and market share of Argentyn 23.  Seth looks forward to meeting each of you and having the time to share ideas, answer questions, explore additional options for your practices, and find other novel solutions to your challenges while always being informed of the regulatory environment.  Natural Immunogenics will be evolving over the next few months into a lifestyle suite of products, further staking the Sovereign name. As a member of the founding family and as professional sales manager, Seth attends medical conferences year-round, sharing the magic of Argentyn 23, Sovereign Silver, and Sovereign Copper, and as they relate to the practice of the best natural and integrative medicine and biological dentistry. Argentyn 23, Sovereign Copper Professional, Sovereign Silver, and Sovereign Copper are the only metals widely used in biological dentistry, a market we have served for nearly 15 years, further expanding the integrative whole-body reach of these uniquely non-toxic products.  Sovereign Bio-Active Gold Hydrosol is expected to be introduced in Q2 of 2026, marking yet another extraordinary milestone for the company, who had always anticipated this addition, dating back to the company's inception, in 1998.

Unlock the secrets high performers use to sustain unstoppable energy, optimize recovery, and conquer daily stress — without burnout. If you've ever felt exhausted, irritable, or like sleep is a distant dream, this episode reveals the overlooked strategies you need now. Get ready to transform your health from the inside out with insights from holistic nutritionist Katie Hardy, who blends science, biohacking, and simple kitchen tips into a powerhouse formula for vitality. Katie Hardie is a Board-Certified Holistic Nutritionist and FDN Practitioner who helps high performers reclaim their energy, optimize nutrition, and achieve lasting results through bioindividual, science-driven programs. She combines her lived experience as an athlete, corporate professional, and mom with advanced training in nutrition, performance psychology, and functional health. Her programs integrate functional labs, personalized nutrition, and intentional recovery to restore gut and hormonal health, prevent burnout, and build resilience. Katie is recognized for creating sustainable, results-driven strategies that empower clients to thrive at their peak.

Discover how a mineral formed over hundreds of millions of years can support detoxification, brain health, gut health, and recovery from neurological trauma. In this episode, Dr. Stephen Clark shares the history and science behind zeolite, a natural volcanic mineral used worldwide for cleanup, wellness, and longevity. About Steven: Dr. Steven Clarke is an expert in holistic healthcare and mineral science, with a special focus on zeolite, molecular hydrogen, hydration, and cellular support. Known for making complex science easy to understand, he combines deep research with a practical, down-to-earth teaching style. In this episode, Dr. Clarke shares his insights on zeolite's history, structure, and wide range of potential applications for health and wellness.

Samuel Shepherd is an award winning physicist, inventor, and engineer with 42 patents and over 50 years of breakthroughs across biochemical, environmental, and medical engineering. His career has taken him from developing technologies for NASA and the Beijing Olympics to pioneering solutions in alternative energy and environmental remediation. But it was a deeply personal health challenge that led him to his most life-changing discovery. In 2003, Samuel was diagnosed with a rare, untreatable bone marrow cancer. Conventional medicine offered no viable path forward, so he turned to his lifelong expertise in science and innovation. After years of research, he developed ValAsta, the only patented glycosidic form of astaxanthin designed specifically to target inflammation, the root cause of most chronic disease. His unique delivery system makes astaxanthin far more bioavailable than typical supplements, producing remarkable results for energy, mobility, sleep, and overall vitality in both people and pets. Today, Samuel is on a mission to educate others about how inflammation accelerates disease and diminishes quality of life, and how targeted natural solutions can restore health. Beyond his formidable credentials, his personal story of overcoming terminal illness fuels his passion for helping others age with strength, energy, and resilience.

Dr. Scott Sherr is an Internal Medicine Physician certified in Health Optimization Medicine (HOMe), a hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) expert with over a decade of clinical experience, and the COO of Troscriptions, a company that creates precision-dosed buccal troches with cutting-edge ingredients, including methylene blue and GABA modulators.

Unlock the secrets to natural longevity by reconnecting with ancient wisdom and cutting-edge science. In this episode, Dr. Yi Song—holistic healer, stem cell pioneer, and granddaughter of 17 generations of Chinese medicine masters—reveals how blending traditional Chinese medicine with regenerative therapies can transform your health span. Discover how these holistic strategies empower you to prevent chronic diseases, optimize your vitality, and age gracefully—without relying solely on medications or invasive procedures. Follow Dr. Yi Song: Yi Song Facebook Regeneration Effect Instagram Regeneration Effect YouTube Regeneration Effect TikTok