Health Optimization Medicine Podcast

Health Optimization Medicine and Practice
  • 4.9 (194)
  • Life Sciences
  • Updated Weekly

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. 10h ago

    The Gut-Brain-Microbiome Axis: Understanding Depression, Serotonin, & Probiotics | HOMe Podcast #019

    In this episode of the Health Optimization Medicine Podcast, Dr. Ted Achacoso, Dr. Scott Sherr, Dr. Allen Bookatz, Dr. Jup Kuipers, and Jodi Duval take a deep dive into the gut-brain-microbiota axis. Moving past the simplistic, pathogenic "pill-for-an-ill" approach of conventional psychiatry and the mainstream hype around over-the-counter probiotics, the faculty breaks down why establishing enteric safety must always precede biochemical optimization. Join us as we delve into: The Tripartite Axis: How the enteric microbiota, gut barrier, and central nervous system communicate at a molecular and metabolomic level to dictate brain state and mood. Epigenetic Signaling: How gut microbes act as active metabolic factories, fermenting dietary fibers into short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) like butyrate that cross the blood-brain barrier to upregulate BDNF and support synaptic plasticity. The IDO Serotonin Hijack: How gut-driven inflammation activates indolamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), shunting tryptophan down the kynurenine pathway to produce neurotoxic quinolinic acid instead of serotonin and melatonin. The Microglial Fire: How circulating cytokines cross the blood-brain barrier at the circumventricular organs, placing the brain's microglia into an active defense state that triggers cognitive fatigue and brain fog. The 3-Phase Gut-Brain Protocol: Why seeding probiotics into inflamed soil fails, and how to logically sequence clearing overgrowth, rebuilding mucosal integrity with L-glutamine, and seeding validated strains. This episode is for you if: You are running on high-dose over-the-counter probiotics for mood issues but feeling no relief or worsening symptoms. You want to understand the exact cellular and biochemical mechanisms connecting leaky gut to leaky brain and psychiatric distress. You want a practical, clinically sequenced blueprint to restore gut barrier safety before attempting to optimize your neurochemistry. You can also find this episode on… YouTube: https://youtu.be/A43LDN6FgvA  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

  2. Jul 15

    Why You Can't Out-Supplement a Dysregulated Nervous System | HOMe Podcast #018

    In this episode of the Health Optimization Medicine Podcast, Dr. Allen Bookatz, Dr. Ted Achacoso, and Jodi Duval tackle the widespread trend of supplement fatigue. As biohacking becomes a mindset of treating symptoms with heavy stimulants and endless pills, the faculty breaks down why forcing adaptation on an exhausted system only drives the body deeper into a chronic state of inflammatory defense. From the biophysics of the Cell Danger Response (CDR1) to practical parasympathetic upregulation, this roundtable shifts the focus from treating disease to establishing true autonomic safety. Join us as we delve into: The Cell Danger Response (CDR1): How a sympathetic fight-or-flight state physically stiffens cell membranes and halts aerobic respiration. The Vagal Superhighway: How sympathetic dominance halts gut motility, triggers dysbiosis, and blocks neurotransmitter synthesis. The Autonomic Safety Protocol: The critical importance of chronobiology, early morning sunlight, and circadian anchors. Vagal Upregulation & GABA Support: Utilizing transcutaneous auricular vagus stimulation (taVNS), L-theanine, and Kava to quiet the central alarm and exit CDR1. The Myth of Extreme Hormesis: Why intense stressors like ice baths and strict fasts act as active threats, not adaptation triggers, when your cells are already depleted. This episode is for you if: You are running on a continuous cycle of intense workouts, strict fasts, and multiple wearables, yet feel more exhausted. You want to understand why your cells cannot use nutrients for energy production when they perceive an active attack. You want to learn how to pulse carefully calibrated hermetic stressors only after restoring baseline energy reserves. You can also find this episode on… YouTube: https://youtu.be/uE3LhioxwZQ 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

  3. Jul 8

    Cellular Safety and the Dangers of Mechanical Blood Microplastic Detox | HOMe Podcast #017

    In this episode of the Health Optimization Medicine Podcast, our faculty, Dr. Scott Sherr, Dr. Ted Achacoso, Boomer Anderson, Dr. Allen Bookatz, and Jodi Duval, tackle the recent trend of therapeutic plasma exchange and "blood washing". Moving past the mainstream marketing of plasmapheresis as a longevity cure-all, the team breaks down why mechanical filtering is only a surface-level fix for microplastic toxicity. From the autonomic anxiety caused by biological lockdown to the clinical application of precision metabolomics, this roundtable shifts the conversation from invasive procedures to measurable, cellular safety signals.   Join us as we delve into: The Protein Corona: How circulating microplastics masquerade as pathogens, triggering localized purinergic signaling and the release of extracellular ATP. The Cell Danger Response (CDR1): Why the body halts oxidative phosphorylation and locks down the cell membrane when invaded, and why blood washing can't touch toxins stuck inside tissue matrices. The Problem with Plasmapheresis: The clinical realities and physiological costs of invasive vascular filtering, including the removal of essential immunoglobulins and clotting factors. The True Detox Protocol: Utilizing organic carbon binders (humic and fulvic acids), phase two liver conjugation (glucuronidation/sulfation), and barrier integrity support to properly excrete microplastics. Pulsed Antioxidant Support: When and why to use targeted NAD, alpha-lipoic acid, NAC, and ubiquinol to transition cells out of a defensive lockdown.   This episode is for you if: You are considering expensive therapies like plasmapheresis to clear environmental toxins. You want to learn how to test your cellular metabolomics for organic acids and brain inflammation. You want to understand how your unique exposome interacts with your cellular safety mechanisms.   You can also find this episode on… YouTube: https://youtu.be/5b4jWqByRAU   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

  4. Jul 1

    The HRV Paradox: Why Tracking Your Sleep Makes It Worse | HOMe Podcast #016

    In this episode of the Health Optimization Medicine Podcast, the HOMeHOPe faculty (Dr. Scott Sherr, Dr. Ted Achacoso, Boomer Anderson, and Jodi Duval) tackles one of the most paradoxical trends in modern biohacking: sleep tracking. Moving past the mainstream obsession with daily device scores, the team breaks down the biochemical realities of how tracking your HRV might actually be sabotaging your sleep architecture. From the autonomic anxiety caused by digital wearables to the clinical application of precision chronobiology, this roundtable shifts the conversation from algorithmic scores to measurable, cellular safety signals. Join us as we delve into: The Orthosomnia Epidemic: Why waking up to a red recovery score immediately triggers your prefrontal cortex, activates your HPA axis, and flattens your diurnal cortisol curve. The HRV Paradox: Understanding the actual biological markers of Heart Rate Variability and why an algorithmic score doesn't dictate your physical reality. The Cell Danger Response: How the body is only able to sleep when it feels safe, and why the ultimate "detox" might just be a sleep divorce. Your "Do This on Monday" Protocol: Dr. Ted's clinical sleep anchoring technique, and why prioritizing sleep as the first activity of your day changes your entire circadian rhythm. Precision Cellular Nutrients: The clinical difference between taking generic sedatives and utilizing precision magnesium, glycine, and even strategic carbohydrates (like honey) to optimize GABA and melatonin. This episode is for you if: You are experiencing worsening sleep anxiety and chronic insomnia despite meticulously tracking your data every night. You want to learn how to test your cellular metabolomics for brain inflammation instead of relying on a generic smartwatch algorithm. You want to understand how your unique chronobiology dictates your sympathetic and parasympathetic balance. You can also find this episode on… YouTube: https://youtu.be/n71oG96M1Ek 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

  5. Jun 24

    Decoding the Holobiont: The Ecosystem of Ecosystems | HOMe Podcast Special Episode

    In this special in-person roundtable recorded in Washington, D.C., the HOMeHOPe faculty sit down to decode one of the most important perspective shifts in modern health: the Holobiont. Moving away from the traditional, siloed medical model of "organology" (treating the heart, gut, and brain as isolated systems managed by different specialists), the faculty discusses why true health optimization requires viewing the human body as a complex, interconnected ecosystem of ecosystems. Join us as we delve into: The Holobiont Paradigm: Why you are not just a single organism, but a super-ecosystem made up of human cells and trillions of cooperating microbiota (including in your cornea, ureters, and gut). The Danger of "Organ" Medicine: How specializing solely in individual organs leads to clinical blind spots, and why common prescriptions like statins and PPIs can quietly disrupt cellular energy (CoQ10) and nutrient absorption system-wide. Metabolomics vs. Genetics: Why your DNA only tells you what might happen, while clinical metabolomics tells you exactly what is happening right now. The Cell Danger Response (CDR): How your metabolites act as powerful epigenetic signalers, turning genes on and off to regulate systemic health and recovery. The N-of-1 Future: Why large randomized controlled trials (RCTs) often fail by completely ignoring the gut microbiome, and why personalized, N-of-1 medicine is the only true path forward. This episode is for you if: You are tired of being bounced between specialists for interconnected symptoms like mood disturbances, fatigue, and chronic bloating. You want to understand the limitations of DNA testing and why measuring real-time metabolites is the gold standard for biohacking. You are a clinician looking to shift your practice from illness management to foundational cellular optimization. You can also find this episode on… YouTube: https://youtu.be/ILwab838zVM Find more from Health Optimization Medicine and Practice (HOMeHOPe): Website: https://homehope.org/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homehopeorg/ HOMeHOPe Conference: https://homehope.org/ 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

  6. Jun 17

    Bypass the Fiber Trend & Optimize Your Gut Health | HOMe Podcast #015

    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

  7. Jun 10

    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

  8. Jun 3

    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

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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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