478 | Dr. Carl Seger | Atherosclerosis and Mental Health: Healthspan Series, Part 1

In the first episode of a three-part series on the key factors that limit healthspan, Dr. Erin Faules speaks with Wild Health CEO Dr. Carl Seger about two common but often under-addressed contributors: atherosclerosis and mental health disorders. This episode includes discussion of: Why atherosclerosis often progresses silently, and why calcium scores may miss early disease  The link between depression, chronic stress, and cardiovascular risk  The clinical relevance of advanced screening tools like coronary CTA, LP(a), and AI-driven risk assessment Treatment advances including GLP-1 receptor agonists and psychedelic-assisted therapy This is Part 1 of a 3-part series exploring the 7 most common blocks to healthspan. Over the next two weeks we will dive into atrophy, inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, neurodegenerative disease and cancer.

Nitric oxide is a vital molecule involved in nearly every aspect of human health, yet it often goes unrecognized in mainstream medicine. In this episode, Dr. Nathan Bryan—a leading researcher in the field with over two decades of work dedicated to nitric oxide science—explains how this molecule influences cardiovascular function, insulin sensitivity, mitochondrial health, cognitive performance, and longevity, and why its decline with age contributes to many chronic diseases. Dr. Bryan shares practical ways to support nitric oxide levels through specific foods and lifestyle habits, and explains how certain everyday routines can actually disrupt its production. He also offers a personal story of reversing chronic illness in his father by addressing nitric oxide deficiency.

Dr. Erin Faules sits down with renowned exercise physiologist Dr. Stacy Sims to explore why women need different strategies when it comes to nutrition, training, and recovery. From breaking down diet culture to optimizing fitness across life stages, Dr. Sims shares practical, research-backed insights on circadian eating, protein and carb needs, and how hormones shape health outcomes. A must-listen for anyone working with or living in a female body.

Dr. Erin Faules sits down with Dr. Mark Goodman to explore the evolving field of non-operative sports medicine. They dive into how metabolic health, inflammation, and lifestyle play critical roles in joint pain and injury recovery—far beyond what traditional orthopedic approaches consider. Dr. Goodman unpacks the promise of orthobiologics like PRP and stem cell therapies, shares insights on aging athletes, and explains why joint care must treat the whole system, not just the symptom.

Dr. Erin Faules interviews entrepreneur and health coach Alexandrea Eliman about her decades-long journey with autoimmune disease. Ali shares her personal experiences with ulcerative colitis, the power of trusting your intuition, and practical strategies to reduce inflammation, manage stress, and optimize daily habits for long-term wellness.

Dr. Jeff Graham talks with Matt Zemon, author and expert on psychedelic therapies, about the transformative potential of psychedelics for mental health conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Matt shares insights from his work with veterans and discusses safe practices, legal considerations, and how psychedelics may fundamentally shift our approach to emotional and psychological healing.

Steve Weatherholt talks with Emma Tekstra, a global health consultant, about the four key pillars of well-being: physical, mental, social, and spiritual health. Emma shares how she used natural approaches to improve her son’s health and why personalized, holistic care matters. Learn how diet, movement, community, and faith all play a role in helping us thrive.

In this eye-opening episode of the Wild Health Podcast, Dr. Carl Seger talks with Dr. Julie Siemers—a nurse leader, patient safety consultant, and bestselling author of Surviving Your Hospital Stay. Drawing on 40+ years in healthcare, Dr. Siemers discusses how communication breakdowns, misdiagnoses, medication errors, and lack of patient advocacy continue to threaten safety in hospitals. Listeners will learn crucial, actionable tips: from checking hospital safety scores to speaking up using her "Three P’s" (Be Present, Be Polite, Be Persistent) and “CUS” words (Concerned, Uncomfortable, Scared, Safety). Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or clinician, this conversation reveals how being informed and assertive can save lives.

In this episode of the Wild Health Podcast, Dr. Jeff Graham interviews Chris Burres, Chief Scientist at MyVitalC, about the revolutionary molecule ESS60. Chris shares the fascinating history behind ESS60, a Nobel Prize-winning carbon molecule, and its astonishing effects on longevity and health optimization. They dive deep into how ESS60 could combat oxidative stress, support mitochondrial health, reduce inflammation, and potentially extend lifespan dramatically. Chris also discusses his background in improv comedy and the mindset shifts needed for better health and longevity. This is a must-listen for anyone passionate about cutting-edge science, healthspan enhancement, and practical longevity hacks.

In this powerful episode, Dr. Erin Faules sits down with two inspiring Wild Health patients, Julie and Susan, to unpack their transformative journeys toward optimal health. Both busy professionals and mothers, they share how personalized data, wearable tech, and a relentless drive for better health have helped them take control of their well-being, even after life-altering diagnoses and family health tragedies. From overcoming chronic joint pain to battling MS, these women reveal how prioritizing health today—not tomorrow—creates a ripple effect of vitality, resilience, and longevity. If you're feeling overwhelmed or unsure where to start, this conversation offers actionable insights, relatable stories, and plenty of motivation to start building your health portfolio.