Next Level Health with Dr. Melinda Ring

Can you really slow the aging process? In this episode of Next Level Health, Dr. Melinda Ring talks with functional medicine physician and researcher Dr. Kara Fitzgerald about the science of biological aging and what actually influences it. They unpack DNA methylation in simple terms, discuss why it's never too late to improve your health, explore the evidence behind biological age testing, and explain how a diet rich in polyphenols, protein, and key nutrients may support healthier gene expression. Dr. Fitzgerald also shares practical strategies for healthy aging, women's health, and building habits that promote vitality for years to come.

00:00 Why it's never too late to improve how you age
00:00:25 Welcome to Next Level Health
00:00:54 Healthy aging: separating science from hype
00:02:10 How much control do we really have over aging?
00:03:37 Why exercise becomes even more powerful as we get older
00:05:28 Biological age vs. chronological age explained
00:06:21 What is DNA methylation? (In plain English)
00:09:40 Should you test your biological age?
00:10:55 The pros and cons of longevity testing
00:13:09 Inside the Younger You protocol
00:14:00 The foods that support healthy gene expression
00:15:45 Why eggs, liver, and protein matter for methylation
00:20:44 Healthy aging for women and ovarian health
00:22:44 Can diet support menopause and hormonal health?
00:23:52 One daily habit to slow biological aging
00:25:35 Final takeaways: Your biology is listening
 
https://youtu.be/KpVsySPtBeY

Despite our efforts, many of us stay stuck in the same emotional patterns, old stories, and unhelpful habits. In this episode of Next Level Health, Dr. Melinda Ring sits down with retired clinical psychologist, Jungian analyst, shamanic practitioner, philanthropist, and bestselling author Carl Greer to explore the inner work that can unlock lasting transformation. Drawing from Jungian psychology, shamanic traditions, and decades of clinical experience, Greer explains how our unconscious beliefs, patterns, and personal stories can influence everything from our relationships and life choices to our physical health.
https://youtu.be/9wVQQpMtuZ0
00:00 Why inner work matters for lasting change
00:00:52 Meet Carl Greer and the concept of hidden wisdom
00:02:48 Why we struggle to change even when we want to
00:04:12 What it really means to "go within"
00:05:42 Fear, resistance, and avoiding self-discovery
00:07:31 How health, relationships, purpose, and spirituality connect
00:10:40 Dialoguing with emotions, symptoms, and inner parts
00:12:33 Practical exercises for accessing inner wisdom
00:15:01 When to seek professional support for inner work
00:16:03 The role of the inner guardian in healing work
00:17:52 Shamanic journeys and accessing deeper insight
00:19:17 Changing the past to transform present choices
00:21:56 Archetypes, symbols, dreams, and personal meaning
00:24:50 Breaking free from limiting roles and identities
00:26:28 Rewriting your health story
00:29:41 Using illness as a catalyst for reflection and growth
00:32:06 Carl Greer's advice for a healthier, more meaningful life
00:33:46 Final thoughts and resources for going deeper

Longevity medicine is having a moment—but what actually works? In this episode of "Next Level Health," Dr. Melinda Ring sits down with Dr. Myles Spar to cut through the hype around peptides, wearables, and "biohacking," and focus on what truly improves healthspan. From personalized data to foundational habits, this conversation brings clarity to a rapidly evolving space.
https://youtu.be/c_q601V1whc
00:00 – The Problem with Longevity Influencers
TikTok trends, unverified "experts," and the dangers of self-experimentation
00:00:57 – What Is Longevity Medicine, Really?
Why the field is booming—and what's driving the hype
00:02:29 – Why This Moment Feels Different
From integrative medicine to mainstream understanding
00:05:29 – Longevity vs. Anti-Aging vs. Biohacking
Why language—and intention—matters
00:08:36 – Why Health Advice Feels So Confusing
Zone 2 vs. HIIT, keto vs. balance—what actually works?
00:11:20 – Wearables, Data & Health Anxiety
When tracking helps—and when it backfires
00:15:55 – Are Advanced Tests Worth It?
Biomarkers, personalization, and the need for interpretation
00:20:13 – The "Big Five" That Actually Drive Longevity
Why sleep, nutrition, movement, brain health, and purpose still win
00:23:33 – Real Patient Transformations
How personalized care moves the needle—even for high performers
00:25:24 – Men, Women & Longevity Trends
Who's engaging—and why the landscape is shifting
00:29:54 – Peptides, NAD, Stem Cells: What's Legit?
Separating promising science from expensive hype
00:33:54 – How Peptides Actually Work
Supporting the body vs. replacing its systems
00:35:12 – Can Longevity Medicine Be Accessible?
The future of scalable, equitable health optimization
00:37:41 – One Simple Habit for Better Healthspan
A practical takeaway anyone can start today



Catch full episodes of Next Level Health with Dr. Melinda Ring here on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@OCIHNorthwestern/podcasts 📺
 
Listen to Next Level Health with Dr. Melinda Ring on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-level-health-with-dr-melinda-ring/id1769262080 or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.
 
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Medical cannabis is more widely available than ever before, but most clinicians are not trained to guide patients on how to use it safely or effectively. In this episode of "Next Level Health," Dr. Melinda Ring sits down with Dr. Mikhai Kogan to unpack the science, misconceptions and clinical realities of cannabis in modern medicine. They also discuss the recent article published in JAMA Network Open: "Developing Medical Cannabis Competencies: A Consensus Statement," in which Kogan was a senior author and Ring was a co-author.
https://youtu.be/cY96j3aBhTw
00:00 – Can cannabis be a tool for health?
A nuanced perspective on using cannabis with intention and respect.
00:00:21 – Show intro: What is Next Level Health?
Dr. Melinda Ring introduces the mission of the podcast.
00:00:50 – Why clinicians aren't trained in medical cannabis
The gap between legalization and medical education.
00:02:10 – Cannabis through history: From ancient medicine to prohibition
How cannabis went from a standard treatment to a Schedule I substance.
00:05:11 – What Schedule I really means for research and doctors
Why cannabis research is limited—and what that means for patient care.
00:07:22 – The push for cannabis education in medical schools
Inside the JAMA Network Open competencies initiative.
00:10:12 – Patients are learning—but are they learning the right things?
The rise of public awareness (and misinformation).
00:11:13 – The endocannabinoid system explained
How your body naturally regulates pain, sleep, and stress.
00:12:40 – Why cannabis may be more foundational than opioids
Rethinking pain management and the opioid crisis.
00:14:53 – THC vs. CBD: What's the difference?
Breaking down the most common cannabinoids.
00:19:34 – Beyond CBD: Emerging cannabinoids (CBG, CBN, and more)
What's hype vs. what's clinically useful.
00:20:13 – The "entourage effect" and whole-plant medicine
Why full-spectrum cannabis may work differently than isolates.
00:21:43 – Navigating dispensaries and product choices
Why patients are often left figuring it out on their own.
00:24:57 – Cannabis coaches and the future of guidance
Who can help patients when doctors can't prescribe?
00:27:36 – Is cannabis safe? Side effects, risks, and withdrawal
What patients need to realistically understand.
00:30:16 – Long-term use and dependency: What's the truth?
Distinguishing between physical and psychological effects.
00:30:52 – Final takeaway: A smarter approach to health
Cannabis as one tool in a lifelong wellness strategy.
00:32:42 – Closing reflections and next steps
Why education, nuance, and open conversation matter.
Catch full episodes of Next Level Health with Dr. Melinda Ring here on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@OCIHNorthwestern/podcasts 📺
Listen to Next Level Health with Dr. Melinda Ring on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-level-health-with-dr-melinda-ring/id1769262080 or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.
Subscribe to the channel here:  https://www.youtube.com/@OCIHNorthwestern?sub_confirmation=1
Follow the Osher Center for Integrative Health at Northwestern University here:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nmoshercenter/
Website: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/ocih/index.html
Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/ocih/about-us/newsletter.html

In this episode of Next Level Health, Dr. Melinda Ring sits down with Shirzad Chamine, New York Times bestselling author of Positive Intelligence, to explore why insight alone isn't enough to break bad habits that sabotage our health and well-being and what needs to happen to rewire your brain for lasting change. If you've ever struggled with consistency, motivation, or that critical inner voice holding you back, this conversation breaks down the science behind it, and gives you practical tools you can use right away. Take the quiz to assess your saboteurs:  https://positiveintelligence.com/saboteurs/