Common-Sense Wellness

Dr. Gary Martin

Welcome to Common-Sense Wellness with Dr. Gary Martin. After 20 years managing a Natural Wellness Clinic, and another 30 years of private practice, Dr. Martin is here to share practical ways for YOU to take control of your health — from blood, hair, saliva, and urine testing to a facial scan that reveals your body’s hidden markers. Each episode features real stories from clients and insights from leading practitioners to help you restore balance, boost energy, and thrive. This is Common Sense Wellness with Dr. Martin.

Episodes

  1. Episode 11: Teaching Herself to Heal: Biological Testing, Membrane Processing, and True Wellness

    1D AGO

    Episode 11: Teaching Herself to Heal: Biological Testing, Membrane Processing, and True Wellness

    Most people chase health advice their whole lives without ever measuring what is actually happening inside their bodies, and that is exactly where the real answers are. In this episode of Common-Sense Wellness, Dr. Gary Martin discusses the decades-long wellness journey of Freda Surace, a retired Los Angeles schoolteacher who spent years battling chronic illness and stress before discovering a truly holistic approach to health. Freda shares how biological immunity analysis, hair mineral analysis, and membrane processing worked together to reveal the hidden root causes of her struggles, including stress minerals off the chart and the surprising connection between her emotional life and her physical symptoms. She reflects on what it means to make truth your authority rather than blindly trusting the medical system, and how simple daily habits like proper hydration have made a profound and lasting difference in her wellbeing. Together, she and Dr. Martin offer practical wisdom for anyone who feels stuck in the conventional health system and is searching for a more common sense path forward. Key Takeaways: → Your body is your mind made visible, and lasting physical health requires addressing the emotional root causes behind your symptoms, not just the symptoms themselves. → Drinking half your body weight in ounces of water daily sounds simple but is one of the most powerful and most overlooked steps toward genuine wellness. → Hair mineral analysis can reveal the physical toll of chronic stress through elevated calcium and magnesium levels, giving you measurable proof of what your body is actually experiencing. → True wellness is not a temporary diet but a lifelong daily practice that combines physical testing, emotional awareness, and spiritual grounding. → Making truth your authority rather than authority your truth is the foundation of every informed and empowered health decision. Freda Surace is a retired educator. Born, raised, and educated in California, Freda spent 31 years as an elementary school teacher with the Los Angeles Unified School District. Like many teachers working with young children, she was often sick and frequently prescribed antibiotics, without much guidance on building long-term health. Wanting real answers, she began researching on her own—a journey that eventually led her to Dr. Martin, whose passion for helping people heal and enjoy lasting wellness made a lasting impact on her life.

    19 min
  2. Episode 10: From Nephrology to Holistic Healing: What Your Urine and Saliva Reveal About Your Health

    APR 1

    Episode 10: From Nephrology to Holistic Healing: What Your Urine and Saliva Reveal About Your Health

    Most people have no idea their body is quietly breaking down—and a simple urine and saliva test could tell them exactly why. In this episode of Common-Sense Wellness, Dr. Gary Martin discusses the transformative power of biological testing—urine, saliva, and hair mineral analysis—with Dr. Suzanne Humphries, a board-certified nephrologist and co-author of *Dissolving Illusions*. Dr. Humphries shares her remarkable journey from conventional hospital medicine to independent holistic practice, sparked by patients developing kidney failure after routine vaccinations. Together they explore how simple measurements of salt, sugar, and pH can uncover hidden health crises that mainstream medicine routinely overlooks. Dr. Humphries also reveals how therapeutic hydration, fasting, and stress reduction reversed her own fatty liver and restored her health from the inside out. Key Takeaways: Dr. Suzanne Humphries walked away from a thriving nephrology career after hospital administrators refused to stop vaccinating her kidney-failure patients before she could even evaluate them, setting her on a path of independent research and holistic healing.Nearly every patient who walks through the door has dangerously high salts and sugars—and even a single meal at a "healthy" organic restaurant can send those numbers into crisis territory, as one long-term cancer survivor discovered firsthand.Dehydration is far more widespread and dangerous than conventional medicine acknowledges, and a simple therapeutic water regimen—prescribed like a medication—can resolve issues that hospitals would have treated with anticoagulants and invasive procedures.Hair tissue mineral analysis routinely reveals toxic metals and mineral imbalances that standard blood tests miss entirely, providing a critical window into long-term health risk before symptoms become life-threatening.Dr. Humphries reversed her own non-alcoholic fatty liver—confirmed by ultrasound—purely through stress reduction, stopping late-night eating, and therapeutic hydration, demonstrating that the same tools she uses with patients work just as powerfully on herself. Dr. Suzanne Humphries is a private medical consultant with specialties in internal medicine, nephrology, and holistic medicine. She is co-author of Dissolving Illusions: Disease, Vaccines, and the Forgotten History, and has lectured throughout Scandinavia, the USA and New Zealand on vaccines, holistic health, infant immunity, and vitamin C. Many of her lectures are viewable on her Oddysee channel. Epigenetics, infectious diseases, and the human microbiome are other areas of interest. She is also a RBTI practitioner. Connect With Dr. Suzanne Humphries: Website: https://drsuzanne.net/

    38 min
  3. Episode 08: Hydration Is the First Domino

    MAR 18

    Episode 08: Hydration Is the First Domino

    Most people are walking around chronically dehydrated—and until that changes, almost every other health strategy will fall short. In this episode of Common-Sense Wellness, Dr. Martin explains why hydration is the “first domino” for nearly every aspect of health. He breaks down how ORP readings, hydrogen water, and bio-impedance analysis can reveal whether the body is properly hydrated or stuck in oxidative stress. The conversation explores how consistent, small amounts of water throughout the day help regulate salt, sugar, and acidity levels in the body. Dr. Martin’s message is simple: fix your hydration first, or almost every other health effort is working against the current. Key Takeaways: Proper hydration is the foundation of health, influencing everything from metabolism to cellular function.Drinking small amounts of water consistently throughout the day is more effective than consuming large amounts at once.Hydrogen-infused water may help improve the body’s oxidation-reduction balance and support cellular health.Bio-impedance analysis can reveal hydration status through key markers like salt, sugar, and ammonia nitrogen levels.Managing acidity in the body is essential, because everyday stress, activity, and metabolism constantly produce acid that must be eliminated. Connect With Dr. Gary Martin: Website: https://biri.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/commonsense.wellness/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584201081424 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-martin-962403397/

    23 min
  4. Episode 07: Empowering Wellness: Overcoming Health Challenges Through Practical Testing and Prevention

    MAR 11

    Episode 07: Empowering Wellness: Overcoming Health Challenges Through Practical Testing and Prevention

    Discover how simple health tests can unlock life-changing insights, helping you prevent illness and achieve lasting wellness – just like Barbara did for her son with autism. In this episode of Common Sense Wellness, Barbara Saker shares her journey toward holistic health, driven by her son’s autism and her desire to find natural alternatives to medication. She discusses the impact of mineral and biological immunity testing (HMA and BIA) in uncovering health issues and promoting prevention. Key takeaways include the importance of nutrition, hydration, and proactive health strategies. Barbara’s story highlights how testing can empower individuals to make informed decisions for lasting wellness, emphasizing prevention over disease management. Key Takeaways: Holistic Health Approaches: Barbara discusses her shift from traditional healthcare to holistic strategies, emphasizing natural, non-drug solutions to improve wellness, especially for her son with autism. Importance of Biological Immunity Testing (BIA): The episode highlights how the BIA test (urine and saliva) can provide valuable insights into the body’s health and help identify underlying issues before they become serious problems. Nutrition and Hydration: Barbara underscores the significance of maintaining proper hydration and consuming organic, whole foods, inspired by both personal experience and guidance from health professionals. Autism and Alternative Therapies: Barbara shares her experience of using natural therapies, including dietary changes and testing, to improve her son’s quality of life, moving away from medications. Prevention vs. Disease Management: The conversation explores the difference between managing disease and actively preventing health issues through testing, awareness, and lifestyle adjustments. Empowerment through Education: Barbara emphasizes how learning to read and understand test results (like the BIA) can empower individuals to take control of their health, helping them make informed choices and avoid unnecessary medications. Barbara J. Saker is a wife, mother, grandmother, and longtime small-business owner who brings both lived experience and practical know-how to her work with others. She has been married to her husband, John L. Saker, since May 28, 1976, and together they’ve built a large, close-knit family that includes four children, 12 grandchildren (step and biological), and 12 great-grandchildren. After meeting Dr. Martin in 2018, Barbara’s interest in health-based testing grew into hands-on service. In December 2021, she acquired a Client Lab Kit and soon began testing others, helping people gather clearer insights and take more informed next steps.

    28 min
  5. Episode 05: Why Energy, Not Symptoms, Defines Health

    FEB 25

    Episode 05: Why Energy, Not Symptoms, Defines Health

    Everything you thought about health is backward and the real key to wellness is the energy your body produces every day. In this episode of Common-Sense Wellness, Dr. Martin explains why energy—not symptoms—is the true measure of health. Walking through the BIA, he breaks down metabolism efficiency as your body’s “checking account” and immune energy as your “savings account,” showing how the energy you create from food fuels healing, resilience, and long-term vitality. He also explores biological age, dietary ranges, stress patterns, and ORP, illustrating how daily habits directly impact your internal balance. The message is clear: when you improve your body’s ability to generate energy, everything else begins to move in the right direction. Key Takeaways: Dr. Martin explains why energy is a more important measure of health than symptoms He describes metabolism efficiency as your body’s checking account and immune energy as your savings account The BIA helps reveal biological age, dietary ranges, and internal balance for personalized wellness ORP readings show how daily choices impact your body’s energy and overall health Improving energy production supports healing, resilience, and long-term vitality Understanding your energy patterns allows you to make informed choices about food, drink, and lifestyle Connect With Dr. Gary Martin: Website: https://biri.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/commonsense.wellness/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584201081424 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-martin-962403397/

    21 min
  6. Episode 04: Mastering Holistic Health: The Power of Self-Testing and Emotional Healing

    FEB 18

    Episode 04: Mastering Holistic Health: The Power of Self-Testing and Emotional Healing

    Discover how one woman's journey through holistic health and self-awareness transformed her life, revealing powerful tools for healing beyond diet and exercise. In this episode of Common-Sense Wellness, Sherry Dinsmoor shares her journey to holistic health after a life-changing injury. Through Dr. Gary Martin's approach, combining BIA testing, Ayurvedic practices, and stress management, Sherry learned to address emotional and mental health alongside physical wellness. Her story highlights the power of self-awareness, testing, and practical wellness strategies for achieving lasting health and resilience at any age. Key Takeaways: Holistic Health and Healing: Sherry emphasizes the need for a balanced approach to health, addressing physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. BIA Testing for Health Insights: The BIA test offers valuable feedback on stress, hydration, and metabolism, guiding personalized wellness plans. Emotional and Mental Health's Impact on Physical Wellness: Sherry explains how stress and mental patterns directly affect her physical health and healing process. Stress Management and Its Role in Healing: Managing stress through self-awareness has been key to improving Sherry's health and vitality. Ayurvedic Practices and Self-Care Tools: Sherry compares Ayurveda with Dr. Martin’s methods, appreciating the immediate feedback provided by tools like BIA testing. Personal Growth and Resilience Through Practical Wellness: Sherry’s journey shows how continuous learning and self-awareness support lasting health and resilience. Sherry Dinsmoor has spent her life studying natural and energetic healing—Ayurveda, Theta Healing, Kinesiology, Chinese Medicine, EFT, TFT—and also holds a degree in Health Science. After a serious fall at 60 injured her knee and shoulder, she began a deeper healing journey that led her to my practice. My common-sense, natural approach to wellness and Be Your Own Doctor courses brought together everything she’d learned. Now 72, Sherry continues to live with resilience and a passion for practical, holistic health.

    25 min
  7. Episode 03: The Science of Well-being

    FEB 13

    Episode 03: The Science of Well-being

    Discover why life’s toughest challenges are actually your greatest teachers and how resistance reveals who you truly are. In this episode of Common-Sense Wellness, Dr. Martin dives into how life is designed to teach us who we are not, using resistance and stress as tools for growth. He explains how early experiences shape stress patterns in the body, creating unconscious habits and conflicts between the mind’s desires and the body’s conditioning. Listeners learn how unresolved traumas replay through everyday triggers and how awareness of these patterns can transform challenges into opportunities for insight, healing, and authentic living. Key Takeaways: We are here to learn through contrast, experiencing what it feels like to be who we are not, and resistance is the mechanism that creates growth and understanding. Life brings specific people, places, circumstances, and events that resist our authentic nature, creating stress patterns that shape behavior and identity. The body can become conditioned to stress hormones, leading to unconscious addiction to familiar emotional states formed early in life. There is an ongoing conflict between the mind’s desire to live in alignment with the soul and the body’s addiction to opposing stress-based patterns. Unresolved experiences repeat across life through new situations and triggers until they are consciously understood and integrated. Connect With Dr. Gary Martin: Website: https://biri.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/commonsense.wellness/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584201081424 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-martin-962403397/

    23 min
  8. Episode 02: It’s Not Willpower — It’s Pattern

    FEB 4

    Episode 02: It’s Not Willpower — It’s Pattern

    It’s not willpower that holds you back—it’s the hidden patterns running your life. In this episode of Common-Sense Wellness, Dr. Gary Martin explores why lasting change isn’t about willpower—it’s about understanding the patterns that shape our lives. Drawing on decades of research with the BIA and insights from pioneers like Joseph Scognia Jr., he explains how our soul patterns, stress patterns, and invisible belief systems influence behavior, health, and personal growth. Listeners will discover why we hit plateaus, how resistance drives learning, and why recognizing your personal patterns is the key to unlocking the life you’re meant to live. Key Takeaways: • Change isn’t about trying harder—it’s about recognizing the patterns that shape your life. • Your body is your mind made visible, revealing how early experiences and beliefs influence behavior. • Soul patterns and stress patterns interact to create both challenges and opportunities for growth. • Invisible belief systems at the cellular level can hold you back, even when you think you’re doing everything right. • Resistance isn’t a roadblock—it’s the force that produces wisdom, learning, and life itself. • Understanding your personal “membrane chart” helps you see the recurring patterns that guide your choices. Connect With Dr. Gary Martin: Website: https://biri.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/commonsense.wellness/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61584201081424 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-martin-962403397/

    21 min
  9. JAN 28

    Episode 01: Inner Bonding for Emotional Wellness and Growth

    Struggling with stress and health issues? Discover how healing your emotions and reconnecting with your body can unlock vibrant energy, better relationships, and true wellbeing. In this episode of Common-Sense Wellness, Dr. Gary Martin speaks with Dr. Margaret Paul, co-creator of the Inner Bonding self-healing process, about the deep connection between emotional wellness, spiritual health, and physical vitality. Dr. Paul shares her personal journey of overcoming illness, despite decades of clean eating, by addressing the emotional stress and self-abandonment that were affecting her health. At 86, she now enjoys vibrant energy through Inner Bonding, which emphasizes three key pillars of health: nutritious food, daily movement, and emotional/spiritual work. Listeners will discover the six-step Inner Bonding process to help heal emotional wounds, challenge false beliefs, and cultivate long-term wellness through self-love and guidance. Key Takeaways:   Inner Bonding and Emotional Self-Healing – what Inner Bonding is, how it was created, and how it works as a six-step process. Self-Abandonment and Stress – how people-pleasing, self-judgment, and trying to control others create chronic stress and lead to illness. The Body–Mind–Spirit Connection – viewing health as an integrated system rather than separating physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing. Three Pillars of Health – Dr. Paul’s framework of clean nutrition, daily enjoyable movement, and consistent emotional/spiritual work. Healing Relationships Through Inner Work – how taking responsibility for one’s own feelings can revive long-term relationships and reduce conflict. Functional Medicine and Emotional Wellness – the need for functional medicine and holistic practitioners to integrate emotional and spiritual healing tools like Inner Bonding. Dr. Margaret Paul is a best-selling author, relationship expert, and co-creator of the Inner Bonding® self-healing process at InnerBonding.com. For over 50 years, she has focused on helping people heal emotionally and spiritually so they can improve their physical health, relationships, and overall wellbeing. Her work centers on the body–mind–spirit connection, teaching practical tools for reducing stress, ending self-abandonment, and creating true holistic health from the inside out. Connect with Dr. Margaret Paul Website: http://innerbonding.com/

    32 min

About

Welcome to Common-Sense Wellness with Dr. Gary Martin. After 20 years managing a Natural Wellness Clinic, and another 30 years of private practice, Dr. Martin is here to share practical ways for YOU to take control of your health — from blood, hair, saliva, and urine testing to a facial scan that reveals your body’s hidden markers. Each episode features real stories from clients and insights from leading practitioners to help you restore balance, boost energy, and thrive. This is Common Sense Wellness with Dr. Martin.