Causes or Cures

Dr. Eeks

"For the Nerds and the Nerd Nots"Causes or Cures is a health podcast hosted by Dr. Eeks—an independent, offbeat, grassroots show driven by curiosity and a passion for breaking down complex health topics into bite-sized, easy-to-understand insights.  Dr. Eeks (ErinKate Star, MD, MPH) is a public health professional specializing in applied epidemiology and health communication. She works on complex and timely public health issues and is all about making science relatable, often using a blue-collar sense of humor to drive the message home. . On this podcast, Dr. Eeks talks with experts from around the world (doctors, researchers, public health pros, and more) to dive into the latest hot topics in health and research, all in a down-to-earth kind of way. She also includes people with compelling stories of healing and "characters" because life is too boring and short to leave out characters and not embrace the weird. ;) DISCLAIMER: Some topics are more controversial than others, so keep in mind that this is information only and not health advice. If you are battling an individual health issue, always check in with your doctor & don't run with anything on podcast as advice. Dr. Eeks doesn't endorse any of her guests' views, and despite a strict health routine, nor does she endorse any products, supplements, oils, magic socks or potions. (If an episode is sponsored by a company she likes, she will say so in the show notes.) While she has a MD, she does not practice medicine (she's a full-time public health nerd) so she does not give out medical advice nor should you treat anything on this podcast as medical advice.  Causes or Cures is not a "news site." It's about having conversations, and Dr. Eeks is confident that she can have a respectful conversation with anyone, even people who think far differently than she does. (At least that's been her experience at hole-in-the-walls & on the NYC sidewalks.) The point is to not take anything here as Gospel. Sometimes Dr. Eeks' dog Barnaby makes his opinion known, but the good news is that he's a smart dog. Most importantly, she hopes this podcast encourages folks to stay curious, empathic, hopeful, compassionate, honest, open-minded, and engaged. Freedom of discussion is a beautiful thing, delightfully messy, and one that many take for granted. *The views on this podcast do not reflect the views of anyone she contracts with or consults for on various public health projects.  You can help keep Causes or Cure independent and ad-free by hitting the "Support" button in the upper corner. You can contact Dr. Eeks through her website, bloomingwellness.com. SIGN UP for her Newsletter HERE: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/xnqmy06

  1. Is Sugar the Most Misused Word in Health? With Dr. John Lewis

    3 DAYS AGO

    Is Sugar the Most Misused Word in Health? With Dr. John Lewis

    Send us Fan Mail Can a plant-derived polysaccharide formula affect Alzheimer’s symptoms? A researcher explains his study, and its limits.   In this episode of Causes or Cures, Dr. Eeks speaks with researcher Dr. John Lewis about his study investigating an aloe polymannose multinutrient supplement in Alzheimer’s disease. We discuss what polymannose is, why he feels mainstream wellness gets sugar wrong, why the intervention combines multiple nutrients rather than a single compound, and the biological theories behind how it might influence inflammation and immune signaling. Dr. Lewis also walks through the study design, including the open-label approach, the cognitive and functional outcomes measured, his thoughts on testing against a placebo, and how to interpret mixed results across different tests. We also talk about the bigger question: what early nutrition studies can suggest — and what they cannot yet prove.  John E. Lewis, Ph.D., is Founder and President of Dr Lewis Nutrition® and a Voluntary Associate Professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. His research focuses on nutrition, dietary supplementation, and exercise in human health and disease, and he has led or contributed to over 30 studies and more than 180 peer reviewed publications. Dr. Lewis has presented his work nationally and internationally, mentored students across all levels of training, and delivered a TEDx talk on nutrition and brain health. He is also a Diplomate and Faculty Member of the Medical Wellness Association and continues to promote evidence based approaches to health and wellness.  Work with me? Perhaps we are a good match.  Keep Causes or Cures Ad-Free with Listener Support You can contact Dr. Eeks at bloomingwellness.com. Follow Eeks on Instagram here. Follow Public Health is Weird Or Facebook here. On Youtube. Or TikTok. SUBSCRIBE to her Newsletter here! Support the show

    1hr 2min
  2. Can You Really Age-Proof Your Brain or Is It More Complicated than That? With Dr. Majid Fotuhi

    28 MAR

    Can You Really Age-Proof Your Brain or Is It More Complicated than That? With Dr. Majid Fotuhi

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Causes or Cures, Dr. Eeks speaks with neurologist and neuroscientist Dr. Majid Fotuhi about brain aging, memory, intelligence, Alzheimer’s disease, and his new book: The Invincible Brain: The Clinically-Proven Way to Age-Proof Your Brain and Stay Sharp for Life We explore whether Alzheimer’s is being overdiagnosed and the idea that what we call Alzheimer’s may actually be a mix of different conditions.  Dr. Fotuhi breaks down intelligence beyond IQ, including why IQ tests were originally designed to detect deficits, and how environment can shape cognitive potential. We talk about memory, why we forget names but remember certain details, and he shares fun exercises anyone can do to significantly improve their memory. We also examine how technology may be affecting the brain, the concept of use it or lose it, and the role of neuroplasticity in shaping brain function over time. The conversation then turns to prevention. We cover genetics, including the APOE gene, and what you can do to lower your risk, even if you have the high-risk gene. We discuss lifestyle factors such as exercise, sleep, diet, and what having a sense of purpose means for your brain health. We also talk about current treatments, including antibody therapies targeting plaques, and why reducing plaques does not always improve function. Finally, Dr. Fotuhi shares his approach to building brain reserve and maintaining cognitive health through his Brain Fitness Program. Dr. Majid Fotuhi is a neurologist and neuroscientist trained at Johns Hopkins University and Harvard Medical School. He serves as an adjunct professor at the Mind Brain Institute at Johns Hopkins and also teaches at George Washington University and Harvard. With nearly four decades of experience in clinical care, research, and teaching, Dr. Fotuhi has developed a multidisciplinary approach to  improving brain health and cognitive performance. His Brain Fitness Program combines personalized assessment with targeted lifestyle and cognitive interventions, with results published in peer reviewed journals. He is the author of several books, including Boost Your Brain, and is widely recognized for his work on memory, neuroplasticity, and successful aging, with lectures and media appearances around the world. Work with me? Perhaps we are a good match.  Keep Causes or Cures Ad-Free with Listener Support You can contact Dr. Eeks at bloomingwellness.com. Follow Eeks on Instagram here. Follow Public Health is Weird Or Facebook here. On Youtube. Or TikTok. SUBSCRIBE to her Newsletter here! Support the show Support the show

    1hr 18min
  3. Exploring the Spiritual Realm: From Gigolo to Guru, The Transformation of Master Nick Eagle

    27 MAR

    Exploring the Spiritual Realm: From Gigolo to Guru, The Transformation of Master Nick Eagle

    Send us Fan Mail Exploring the Spiritual Realm Where spiritual belief meets health, culture, and skepticism  Disclaimer: This episode discusses spiritual and metaphysical beliefs that are not evidence-based medical treatments. Nothing in this conversation is medical or public health advice. If you have a health concern, please seek care from a licensed clinician. This is entertainment only.  In this episode, Dr. Eeks sits down with Master Nick Eagle, a man whose life has taken a dramatic and unexpected turn. Before becoming a spiritual teacher, Nick Eagle was Nick Hawk, best known as the star of Gigolos, the Showtime series that followed male escorts in Las Vegas. He built a larger-than-life persona—muscular, confident, and unapologetically masculine. Along the way, he became a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt, ran a stripper booking agency, wrote for Penthouse, and appeared in outlets like Cosmopolitan and TMZ. Today, he goes by Master Nick Eagle. He now leads a very different life...teaching meditation, studying philosophy, practicing yoga, and guiding others through what he describes as spiritual awakening. He runs retreats in Arizona and is the author of The Golden Laws of Enlightenment, a book centered on transcending suffering and connecting to a deeper sense of self. In this conversation, we explore: His transition from nightlife and performance to spirituality and teachingHow he defines masculinity...then vs. nowWhat prompted his personal transformationHis approach to meditation, Reiki, and Kundalini practicesThe philosophy behind his teachings and retreatsWhat it means to “reinvent” your identityThis episode touches on spiritual perspectives that may not align with conventional medical or scientific views. Listeners are encouraged to approach these ideas thoughtfully and seek qualified medical advice when needed. At its core, this is a conversation about identity, reinvention, and what happens when the life you’ve built no longer feels like your own. Work with me? Perhaps we are a good match.  Keep Causes or Cures Ad-Free with Listener Support You can contact Dr. Eeks at bloomingwellness.com. Follow Eeks on Instagram here. Follow Public Health is Weird Or Facebook here. On Youtube. Or TikTok. SUBSCRIBE to her WEEKLY newsletter here! Support the show

    1hr 19min
  4. Why the American Healthcare System Feels So Transactional, with Gil Bashe

    25 MAR

    Why the American Healthcare System Feels So Transactional, with Gil Bashe

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Causes or Cures, Dr. Eeks speaks with Gil Bashe, author of Healing the Sick Care System, about why the US healthcare system is failing the very people it is meant to serve. Bashe argues that the problem isn’t a lack of innovation or investment, but a system that has drifted away from empathy, human connection and patient-centered care. We discuss the growing disconnect between physicians, insurers, hospitals, and patients, the pressures that turn medical encounters into brief transactions, and how this fragmentation contributes to rising costs, declining trust, doctor burnout and patients who feel left behind.  The conversation also explores medical debt, the prevention gap in U.S. healthcare spending, the impact of poverty on health outcomes, and the unintended consequences of overspecialization. Bashe shares why he believes the future of healthcare must focus on empathy, collaboration, prevention, and measurable patient outcomes.  Gil Bashe is Chair Global Health and Purpose at FINN Partners.  Keep Causes or Cures Ad-Free with Listener Support You can contact Dr. Eeks at bloomingwellness.com. Follow Eeks on Instagram here. Follow Public Health is Weird Or Facebook here. Or X. On Youtube. Or TikTok. SUBSCRIBE to her WEEKLY newsletter here! Support the show

    54 min
  5. What Happens After You Stop GLP-1 Weight Loss Medication? With Dr. Sam West

    25 FEB

    What Happens After You Stop GLP-1 Weight Loss Medication? With Dr. Sam West

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Causes or Cures Podcast, Dr Eeks speaks with Dr. Sam West, a researcher at the University of Oxford, about his study on what happens after people stop taking GLP 1 weight loss medications. While much of the attention has focused on how these drugs work while people are taking them, this conversation looks at what happens when people stop. Dr West discusses how quickly weight tends to return (and how much), what happens to cardiometabolic markers after stopping treatment, and how these outcomes compare with weight regain after behavior-based interventions. They also explore what these findings mean in practice, including long-term weight maintenance, patient expectations, and how insurers may weigh coverage for these medications.  This episode offers important real world context for one of the most widely discussed drug classes in medicine today. Dr. Sam West is a postdoctoral researcher with the Health Behaviours team based in the Department of Primary Care Health Sciences at the University of Oxford. He completed his PhD with the Nutritional Physiology Research Group at the University of Exeter, where his research centred around assessing how modulating dietary protein form influences postprandial skeletal muscle metabolism. His current research focuses on understanding how lifestyle (diet and exercise) and pharmaceutical interventions can be used in the treatment and management of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Work with me? Perhaps we are a good match. Keep Causes or Cures Ad-Free with Listener Support You can contact Dr. Eeks at bloomingwellness.com. Follow Eeks on Instagram here. Follow Public Health is Weird Or Facebook here. Or X. On Youtube. Or TikTok. SUBSCRIBE to her WEEKLY newsletter here! Support the show

    42 min
  6. A Collection of Bizarre Deaths, Including Rasputin’s, with Forensic Pathologist Dr. Roger Byard

    16 FEB

    A Collection of Bizarre Deaths, Including Rasputin’s, with Forensic Pathologist Dr. Roger Byard

    Send us Fan Mail "So how'd that person die?" In this episode of Causes or Cures, I’m joined by forensic pathologist Dr. Roger Byard, an internationally recognized expert who has spent decades investigating deaths that are rare, misunderstood, and often deeply unsettling. We talk about what really happens at the edges of life and death, including: Fatal animal encounters involving kangaroos, roosters, cattle, and donkeysWhether pets truly consume their deceased owners, and what the evidence showsThe real story behind the death of Rasputin and why the myths refuse to dieCannibalism, including its different forms and the true cases that shaped how we understand itHistorical fears of being buried alive and the strange methods once used to confirm deathThe one case that has stayed with Dr. Byard long after the autopsy was finishedDr. Byard is a repeat guest on Causes or Cures. The topic of his first episode was the forensic elements of killer selfies.  Work with me? Perhaps we are a good match. Keep Causes or Cures Ad-Free with Listener Support You can contact Dr. Eeks at bloomingwellness.com. Follow Eeks on Instagram here. Follow Public Health is Weird Or Facebook here. Or X. On Youtube. Or TikTok. SUBSCRIBE to her WEEKLY newsletter here! Topics include forensic pathology, unusual causes of death, animal attacks, Rasputin’s death, cannibalism case studies, and historical death practices.  Support the show

    1hr 9min
  7. The Plant-Based Drug Being Tested for Autism, with CEO Joel Stanley

    2 FEB

    The Plant-Based Drug Being Tested for Autism, with CEO Joel Stanley

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Dr. Eeks talks with Joel Stanley, entrepreneur and biotech founder, about the long and often misunderstood road from plant based therapies to FDA approved medicines. Joel shares the personal story behind building Charlotte’s Web, the company named after a young girl whose experience with severe epilepsy helped spark a global conversation about medical cannabis. He reflects on what it was like to grow a family run operation into a major force that reshaped public perception, while navigating science, regulation, and skepticism. The conversation then turns to Joel’s current work at Ajna BioSciences, where he is pursuing FDA approval for botanical drugs, including a botanical-based drug being studied for autism, with trials to be conducted in 2 countries. Joel explains where this research currently sits in the regulatory process and why he has chosen the traditional drug approval route rather than supplements or wellness markets. We also dig into the key differences between botanical drug development and conventional pharmaceutical development, from standardization challenges to clinical trial design, and why plant based medicines are often held to a different and sometimes contradictory standard. Finally, Joel discusses his research into psychedelics, including psilocybin for depression, and why he believes these compounds represent more than a passing trend.  This episode is a grounded look at science, policy, and the tension between nature and modern medicine. Work with me? Perhaps we are a good match.  Keep Causes or Cures Ad-Free with Listener Support You can contact Dr. Eeks at bloomingwellness.com. Follow Eeks on Instagram here. Follow Public Health is Weird Or Facebook here. Or X. On Youtube. Or TikTok. SUBSCRIBE to her WEEKLY newsletter here! Support the show

    55 min
  8. How Bad is Healthcare Fraud and Corruption? With Professor Graham Brooks

    27 JAN

    How Bad is Healthcare Fraud and Corruption? With Professor Graham Brooks

    Send us Fan Mail Healthcare corruption doesn’t just happen in broken systems or far away countries. It happens in hospitals with shiny floors. In billion dollar healthcare industries. In systems filled with rules, audits, and professionals sworn to protect patients. It happens quietly. And it happens everywhere. In this episode of Causes or Cures, Dr. Eeks speaks with Professor Graham Brooks, an international expert on healthcare corruption and criminal justice, to expose how fraud and corruption operate across healthcare systems around the world, from low resource settings to some of the most regulated and well funded systems on Earth. Rather than treating corruption as something that belongs “elsewhere,” this conversation reveals the shared vulnerabilities that allow it to thrive in plain sight. We explore: • The hidden ways corruption shows up in both poor and wealthy healthcare systems  • Real world schemes that drained millions while patients paid the price  • How much money vanishes globally each year and why the true cost is likely far higher  • Why rules, oversight, and trained professionals often fail to stop exploitation  • How financial incentives and conflicts of interest quietly shape care and clinical decisions  • Where today’s biggest corruption hotspots exist, from billing to drug pricing to procurement  • Whether AI and data could help uncover fraud or create new risks of surveillance  • What patients and clinicians can do when the system itself feels rigged This episode pulls back the curtain on a side of healthcare most people never see and shows why corruption isn’t a rare scandal. It’s a systemic threat hiding in plain sight. About the Guest Professor Graham Brooks is an international expert on corruption in healthcare and criminal justice. He has advised governments, law enforcement bodies, and international organizations on counter fraud and anti corruption efforts, and has been a keynote speaker at major conferences across Europe. He has participated in United Kingdom Cabinet Office round table discussions on anti corruption, worked with the Royal United Services Institute on money laundering and online business risks, and currently serves as a member of the Group of Experts for the European Healthcare Fraud and Corruption Network. Professor Brooks has published extensively with international collaborators and is the author of Healthcare Corruption: Causes, Costs, Consequences and Criminal Justice. Work with me? Perhaps we are a good match.  Keep Causes or Cures Ad-Free with Listener Support You can contact Dr. Eeks at bloomingwellness.com. Follow Eeks on Instagram here. Follow Public Health is Weird Or Facebook here. Or X. On Youtube. Or TikTok. SUBSCRIBE to her WEEKLY newsletter here! Support the show

    1hr 2min
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Ratings & Reviews

About

"For the Nerds and the Nerd Nots"Causes or Cures is a health podcast hosted by Dr. Eeks—an independent, offbeat, grassroots show driven by curiosity and a passion for breaking down complex health topics into bite-sized, easy-to-understand insights.  Dr. Eeks (ErinKate Star, MD, MPH) is a public health professional specializing in applied epidemiology and health communication. She works on complex and timely public health issues and is all about making science relatable, often using a blue-collar sense of humor to drive the message home. . On this podcast, Dr. Eeks talks with experts from around the world (doctors, researchers, public health pros, and more) to dive into the latest hot topics in health and research, all in a down-to-earth kind of way. She also includes people with compelling stories of healing and "characters" because life is too boring and short to leave out characters and not embrace the weird. ;) DISCLAIMER: Some topics are more controversial than others, so keep in mind that this is information only and not health advice. If you are battling an individual health issue, always check in with your doctor & don't run with anything on podcast as advice. Dr. Eeks doesn't endorse any of her guests' views, and despite a strict health routine, nor does she endorse any products, supplements, oils, magic socks or potions. (If an episode is sponsored by a company she likes, she will say so in the show notes.) While she has a MD, she does not practice medicine (she's a full-time public health nerd) so she does not give out medical advice nor should you treat anything on this podcast as medical advice.  Causes or Cures is not a "news site." It's about having conversations, and Dr. Eeks is confident that she can have a respectful conversation with anyone, even people who think far differently than she does. (At least that's been her experience at hole-in-the-walls & on the NYC sidewalks.) The point is to not take anything here as Gospel. Sometimes Dr. Eeks' dog Barnaby makes his opinion known, but the good news is that he's a smart dog. Most importantly, she hopes this podcast encourages folks to stay curious, empathic, hopeful, compassionate, honest, open-minded, and engaged. Freedom of discussion is a beautiful thing, delightfully messy, and one that many take for granted. *The views on this podcast do not reflect the views of anyone she contracts with or consults for on various public health projects.  You can help keep Causes or Cure independent and ad-free by hitting the "Support" button in the upper corner. You can contact Dr. Eeks through her website, bloomingwellness.com. SIGN UP for her Newsletter HERE: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/xnqmy06

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Eeks
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    248
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Causes or Cures
  • Show Website
    Causes or Cures

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