Health Optimization Medicine Podcast

Health Optimization Medicine and Practice

The Health Optimization Medicine Podcast is dedicated to offering one-cent solutions to life's $64,000 questions across health optimization, decision-making, consciousness, performance, and human potential. Produced by Health Optimization Medicine & Practice (HOMeHOPe) and Smarter Not Harder, Inc., the makers of Troscriptions, this podcast bridges rigorous science with real-world clinical application. Each episode features in-depth conversations with leading researchers, clinicians, and original thinkers, including Karl Friston, Donald Hoffman, Anna Lembke, Adam Robinson, and Dominic D'Agostino. Together, they explore how small, precise interventions can create meaningful and lasting impact. Hosted by: + Dr. Ted Achacoso, founding pioneer of HOMeHOPe and Smarter Not Harder, Inc. + Dr. Scott Sherr, COO of HOMeHOPe and Smarter Not Harder, Inc. + Boomer Anderson, CEO of HOMeHOPe and Smarter Not Harder, Inc. + Jodi Duval, principal naturopath, formulator at Revital Health in Perth, Australia, and CEO of HOMeHOPe Australia New episodes every Wednesday. Previously published as the Smarter Not Harder Podcast (SNH Podcast).

  1. 1 day ago

    Bypass the Fiber Trend & Optimize Your Gut Health

    In this episode of the Health Optimization Medicine Podcast, the core faculty (Dr. Scott Sherr, Dr. Ted Achacoso, Dr. Jup Kuipers, and Dr. Allen Bookatz) tackles one of the most misunderstood topics in modern nutrition: fiber. Moving past the mainstream trend of "fiber-maxing," the team breaks down the actual biochemical realities of how different forms of fiber interact with your unique gut microbiome. From the surprising hormonal impacts of over-consuming fiber to the rise of localized conditions, this roundtable shifts the conversation from generic dietary rules to precise, measurable, cellular data. Join us as we delve into: The Classification of Fiber: Understanding the biological differences between soluble fiber (which breaks down into calories) and insoluble fiber (which adds bulk to stool). The Fiber Maxing Trap: Why forcing massive amounts of psyllium husk, acacia powder, and green drinks can aggravate conditions like Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth (SIBO) and IBS. The Estrogen Heist: The hidden clinical correlation between high-fiber diets (60g+ per day) and the cessation of menstruation (amenorrhea) in female athletes. Short-Chain Fatty Acids (SCFAs): The crucial roles of propionate, acetate, and butyrate as genetic signalers and the primary fuel source for your large intestine. The Gut as an Immune Organ: Why managing the "gut-associated lymphoid tissue" (GALT) forms the basis of roughly 80% of human immune system function. This episode is for you if: You are experiencing worsening gas, bloating, and discomfort despite eating a "clean, high-fiber" vegetarian or whole-food diet. You want to learn how to test your stool for real-time butyrate levels instead of relying on generic probiotic protocols. You want to understand how your unique gut ecosystem mirrors a complex, balancing rainforest. You can also find this episode on… YouTube: https://youtu.be/L5StNtmDrdg Find more from Health Optimization Medicine and Practice (HOMeHOPe): Website: https://homehope.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homehopeorg/ HOMeHOPe Conference 2026: https://homehope.org/homehope-conference-2026 Use PODCAST10 to get 10% OFF your purchase of the Clinical Metabolomics Module at https://homehope.org/products/clinical-metabolomics Find more from Troscriptions: Website: https://troscriptions.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/troscriptions/ Use POD10 to get 10% OFF your Troscriptions purchase at https://troscriptions.com/collections/our-products

    15 min
  2. 10 Jun

    Why Aging May Be the Root Cause of Chronic Disease | HOMe Podcast #014

    In this episode of the Health Optimization Medicine Podcast, the HOMeHOPe faculty, Dr. Scott Sherr, Dr. Ted Achacoso, Dr. Jup Kuipers, and Dr. Allen Bookatz reunite in person in Washington, D.C.. Moving away from traditional classifications of illness, the team breaks down a powerful paradigm shift: chronic disease and aging are not separate processes—chronic disease is aging. Drawing from the pioneering frameworks of biogerontologist Aubrey de Grey and the SENS Research Foundation, they discuss how flawed metabolism inherently accumulates structural damage long before a clinical diagnosis ever appears. Join us as we delve into: •The Metabolism Flaw: How the very process keeping us alive produces reactive oxygen species and damage that eventually leads to tissue breakdown and pathology. •Reclassifying Disease: Moving past the old congenital vs. infectious vs. chronic model to target metabolism directly. •The $30,000 Stem Cell Mistake: Why dropping thousands on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) or exosomes is a waste of money if your body is trapped in a cellular defense posture. •The Cell Danger Response (CDR): Understanding Robert Naviaux's work on how ancient defense mechanisms shut down growth and repair under stress. •Morbidity Compression: Shifting your biology back to your optimal 21-to-30-year-old baseline to maximize healthspan and ensure you live vibrant before a rapid, peaceful end. This episode is for you if: •You want to understand why biohacking shortcuts like stem cells require metabolic priming to actually work. •You are tired of "normal" lab ranges meant for a sick population and want true, age-optimized biomarkers. •You want to stop guessing what vitamins or antioxidants your body needs and start measuring your exact metabolomic fingerprint. You can also find this episode on… YouTube: https://youtu.be/DygsezbmZxM  Find more from Health Optimization Medicine and Practice (HOMeHOPe): Website: https://homehope.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homehopeorg/ HOMeHOPe Conference 2026: https://homehope.org/homehope-conference-2026 Use PODCAST10 to get 10% OFF your purchase of the Clinical Metabolomics Module at https://homehope.org/products/clinical-metabolomics Find more from Troscriptions: Website: https://troscriptions.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/troscriptions/ Use POD10 to get 10% OFF your Troscriptions purchase at https://troscriptions.com/collections/our-products

    14 min
  3. 3 Jun

    Health Optimization for Parenting, Pregnancy & Family Life | HOMe Podcast #013

    In this episode of the Health Optimization Medicine Podcast, hosts Dr. Scott Sherr and Jodi Duval come together for an intimate, parent-to-parent roundtable. As the only current parents on the HOMeHOPe faculty, they dive deep into the specific biology of preconception, pregnancy, and pediatric health optimization. Moving beyond typical disease management, they explore how to foster both psychological and cellular safety across the entire family unit. Join us as we delve into: The Masterclass Blueprint: Navigating the fastest period of human growth and biological wiring from preconception to age 12. The Energy Demands of Fertility: Why oocytes (eggs) and reproductive organs hold the highest mitochondrial density per cell in the body. Pediatric Shifts: Addressing modern rises in childhood insomnia, allergies, immune dysregulation, and pediatric autoimmunity through an exposomic lens. The Testing Trap: Why traditional adult lab testing templates aren't always required—or appropriate—for resilient, self-correcting children. Family Attunement & Nervous System Regulation: Understanding why adult parent optimization directly dictates child behavior, sleep quality, and home environment stressors. This episode is for you if: You are a parent looking to leverage practical bioenergetics, chronobiology, and clean exposomics for your household. You are preparing for pregnancy and want to optimize cellular health during the critical 90-day preconception timeline. Your child is struggling with modern issues like appetite dysregulation, blue-light toxicity, or environmental heavy metal burden. You want a sustainable template for family health that values parent self-care over self-sacrifice. You can also find this episode on… YouTube: https://youtu.be/WsvoFXcIuZ4 Find more from Health Optimization Medicine and Practice (HOMeHOPe): Website: https://homehope.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homehopeorg/ HOMeHOPe Conference 2026: https://homehope.org/homehope-conference-2026 Use PODCAST10 to get 10% OFF your purchase of the Clinical Metabolomics Module at https://homehope.org/products/clinical-metabolomics  Find more from Troscriptions: Website: https://troscriptions.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/troscriptions/ Use POD10 to get 10% OFF your Troscriptions purchase at https://troscriptions.com/collections/our-products

    25 min
  4. 27 May

    What Nobody Told You About Your Gut | HOMe Podcast #012

    In this episode of the Health Optimization Medicine Podcast, the HOMeHOPe Faculty (Dr. Scott Sherr, Dr. Allen Bookatz, Dr. Ted Achacoso, and Dr. Jup Kuipers) dive deep into the unseen world inside your stomach. Moving beyond simple probiotics, they discuss the gut as a "post-natal organ" and explore how the trillions of microbes inside you actually dictate your cravings, your mood, and your immune system. 𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝘂𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝘄𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝘃𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼: •The "tripartite axis" (Gut-Brain-Enteric Microbiota) and how it links directly to treatment-resistant depression and anxiety. •Why the vagus nerve is the master switch for your rest-and-digest parasympathetic nervous system. •The concept of the "Holobiont": Why your microbial DNA is 100 times larger than your human DNA. •How a single weekend of bad eating or a disrupted sleep schedule can completely derail your microbiome in just 72 hours. •Why vegetarians sometimes struggle with massive bloating and methane gas production due to bacterial overgrowth. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗶𝗳: •You struggle with brain fog, anxiety, or treatment-resistant mood changes. •You want to understand the actual mechanics behind "gut feelings" and sudden sugar cravings. •You are tired of standard GI advice and want to learn how clinical metabolomics maps your microbiome. •You want actionable steps to rebuild your gut ecosystem over the next 3 to 6 months. 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 𝗼𝗻…  YouTube: https://youtu.be/2zhBdAHwuEU  𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗢𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 (𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗲𝗛𝗢𝗣𝗲): Website: https://homehope.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homehopeorg/ HOMeHOPe Conference 2026: https://homehope.org/homehope-conference-2026 Use PODCAST10 to get 10% OFF your purchase of the Clinical Metabolomics Module at https://homehope.org/products/clinical-metabolomics 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: Website: https://troscriptions.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/troscriptions/ Use POD10 to get 10% OFF your Troscriptions purchase at https://troscriptions.com/collections/our-products

    33 min
  5. 20 May

    The Problem with Over-Optimization in Modern Health | HOMe Podcast #011

    In this episode of the Health Optimization Medicine Podcast, Dr. Scott Sherr, Dr. Allen Bookatz, and Dr. Jup Kuipers come together live in studio in Washington, D.C. to discuss the dangers of over-optimization and the "more is better" mentality. They explore real clinical case studies of patients who inadvertently damaged their health by blindly following supplement trends. Join us as we delve into: The dangers of over-supplementing with high-dose Fish Oil and Vitamin B6. How shifting to an "Omega-3 dominant" ratio can actually hinder your immune system's ability to heal injuries. Why you should treat metabolomic testing like the dashboard of a car to prevent the "check engine light" of chronic disease. How clinical metabolomics allows you to stop guessing and start subtracting unnecessary pills from your daily routine. This episode is for you if: You are experiencing wellness burnout and taking a massive handful of supplements every day without knowing if they are working. You want to understand the difference between being "fit" (e.g., running a marathon) and being truly cellularly "healthy." You are curious about functional testing and how it differs from the standard disease-focused bloodwork at a primary care clinic. You want a clear strategy to cut through social media influencer noise and build a foundational, personalized health protocol. You can also find this episode on… YouTube: https://youtu.be/WSNOBi1e7WY  Find more from Health Optimization Medicine and Practice (HOMeHOPe): Website: https://homehope.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homehopeorg/ HOMeHOPe Conference 2026: https://homehope.org/homehope-conference-2026 Use PODCAST10 to get 10% OFF your purchase of the Clinical Metabolomics Module at https://homehope.org/products/clinical-metabolomics Find more from Troscriptions: Website: https://troscriptions.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/troscriptions/ Use POD10 to get 10% OFF your Troscriptions purchase at https://troscriptions.com/collections/our-products

    25 min
  6. 13 May

    Creatine, Cellular Energy, and the Modern Stress Epidemic | HOMe Podcast #010

    In this episode of the Health Optimization Medicine Podcast, the HOMeHOPe Faculty comes together for a roundtable conversation exploring the science and clinical application of creatine. Moving beyond its reputation as just a performance supplement for "gym bros," Boomer Anderson, Dr. Scott Sherr, Dr. Allen Bookatz, and Dr. Ted Achacoso break down how creatine functions as a critical cellular battery buffer. Join us as we delve into: How creatine bypasses the "methylation tax" by saving the body from depleting SAMe reserves to produce energy. Why muscle is a metabolic determinant of resilience and not just a cosmetic feature. The evolutionary mismatch that increases our cellular energy demands due to a highly sympathetic, stressed lifestyle. The role of creatine in brain health is particularly important for supporting working memory, mitigating cognitive fatigue, and protecting against excitotoxicity. This episode is for you if: You are curious about how to support your body's cellular energy and mitochondrial function. You follow a vegetarian or plant-based diet and want to understand your specific creatine supplementation needs. You want to understand the difference between maintaining muscle for aesthetic reasons versus metabolic health. You are looking for strategies to mitigate mental fatigue and sleep deprivation. You can also find this episode on... YouTube: https://youtu.be/R4x9tu56FXg  Find more from Health Optimization Medicine and Practice (HOMeHOPe): Website: https://homehope.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homehopeorg/ HOMeHOPe Conference 2026: https://homehope.org/homehope-conference-2026 Use PODCAST10 to get 10% OFF your purchase of the Clinical Metabolomics Module at https://homehope.org/products/clinical-metabolomics  Find more from Troscriptions: Website: https://troscriptions.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/troscriptions/  Use POD10 to get 10% OFF your Troscriptions purchase at https://troscriptions.com/collections/our-products

    26 min
  7. 6 May

    Understanding Toxicity Through Health Optimization Medicine | HOMe Podcast #009

    In this episode of the HOMe Podcast, Dr. Scott Sherr, Dr. Ted Achacoso, Dr. Jup Kuipers, and Dr. Allen Bookatz explore a foundational principle of Health Optimization Medicine: What's toxic to the cell is toxic to every organ. Through real clinical cases — including mercury toxicity, arsenic exposure, and environmental toxin accumulation — the team reveals how modern medicine often misses the root cause of disease by focusing on isolated organ systems instead of cellular function. From chronic low-level toxin exposure to acute breakdown events, this episode highlights how toxins disrupt mitochondrial energy production, leading to widespread dysfunction across the body. Most importantly, the conversation emphasizes the role of metabolomics in identifying these hidden stressors early — before they manifest as disease. Join us as we delve into: • Why toxins affect every organ through the cell • A real case of mercury toxicity missed by multiple specialists • How chronic exposure becomes acute illness • Why traditional medicine misses root causes • The role of mitochondria in energy production and health • How metabolomics detects early toxicity and dysfunction This episode is for you if: • You want to understand the root cause of chronic illness • You're exposed to environmental toxins (food, water, air) • You're interested in preventative and optimization-based medicine • You want to take a proactive approach to long-term health You can also find this episode on… Youtube: https://youtu.be/CMhFC5IUKl0 Find more from Health Optimization Medicine and Practice (HOMeHOPe): Website: https://homehope.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homehopeorg/ Use PODCAST10 to get 10% OFF your purchase of the Clinical Metabolomics Module at https://homehope.org/products/clinical-metabolomics Find more from Troscriptions: Website: https://troscriptions.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/troscriptions/ Use POD10 to get 10% OFF your Troscriptions purchase at https://troscriptions.com/collections/our-products

    15 min
  8. 29 Apr

    The Trust Crisis in Healthcare (And How to Fix It) | HOMe Podcast #008

    In this episode of the Health Optimization Medicine Podcast, Dr. Scott Sherr sits down with JJ Virgin — nutrition expert, bestselling author, and founder of the Health Business Growth Collective — to explore how healthcare practitioners can build trust, authority, and impact in today's rapidly evolving landscape. With the rise of AI and what JJ calls a "trust recession," the traditional ways of building a practice are no longer enough. Instead, practitioners must learn how to stand out as a trusted authority — combining credibility, authenticity, and real-world proof. JJ breaks down her powerful "Trusted Authority Framework," explaining how clinicians can differentiate themselves, connect with patients, and grow their influence without becoming influencers. This episode is a must-listen for practitioners looking to grow, scale, and future-proof their practice in the age of AI. Join us as we delve into: The "Trust Recession" and why it's reshaping healthcare The difference between being an influencer vs a trusted authority Why vulnerability and storytelling build trust faster than credentials How to develop a contrarian stance that defines your expertise The power of patient stories as proof (and why they outperform credentials) Why most practitioners struggle with imposter syndrome — and how to reframe it This episode is for you if: You're a practitioner looking to grow your practice You want to build authority without becoming a social media influencer You're navigating AI, personal branding, and patient trust You want to stand out in a crowded health and wellness space You can also find this episode on… YouTube: https://youtu.be/rmyDXStM_Dk Find more from JJ Virgin Website: https://jjvirgin.com Health Business Growth Collective: https://hbgc.co Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jj.virgin/ Find more from Health Optimization Medicine and Practice (HOMeHOPe): Website: https://homehope.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homehopeorg/ HOMeHOPe Conference 2026: https://homehope.org/homehope-conference-2026 Use PODCAST10 to get 10% OFF your purchase of the Clinical Metabolomics Module at https://homehope.org/products/clinical-metabolomics Find more from Troscriptions: Website: https://troscriptions.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/troscriptions/ Use POD10 to get 10% OFF your Troscriptions purchase at https://troscriptions.com/collections/our-products

    47 min
4.9
out of 5
29 Ratings

About

The Health Optimization Medicine Podcast is dedicated to offering one-cent solutions to life's $64,000 questions across health optimization, decision-making, consciousness, performance, and human potential. Produced by Health Optimization Medicine & Practice (HOMeHOPe) and Smarter Not Harder, Inc., the makers of Troscriptions, this podcast bridges rigorous science with real-world clinical application. Each episode features in-depth conversations with leading researchers, clinicians, and original thinkers, including Karl Friston, Donald Hoffman, Anna Lembke, Adam Robinson, and Dominic D'Agostino. Together, they explore how small, precise interventions can create meaningful and lasting impact. Hosted by: + Dr. Ted Achacoso, founding pioneer of HOMeHOPe and Smarter Not Harder, Inc. + Dr. Scott Sherr, COO of HOMeHOPe and Smarter Not Harder, Inc. + Boomer Anderson, CEO of HOMeHOPe and Smarter Not Harder, Inc. + Jodi Duval, principal naturopath, formulator at Revital Health in Perth, Australia, and CEO of HOMeHOPe Australia New episodes every Wednesday. Previously published as the Smarter Not Harder Podcast (SNH Podcast).

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