Voyage Clinics Podcast

Dr. John Sanders

Welcome to the Voyage Clinics Podcast, where curiosity meets medical expertise. Join your host, Dr. John Sanders, a compassionate family physician, as he embarks on a journey through the intricacies of healthcare and wellness. In each episode, lasting approximately one hour, Dr. Sanders delves into a myriad of medical and mental health topics, ranging from common ailments to complex conditions. Whether he's flying solo or engaging in enlightening conversations with fellow physicians across various specialties, Dr. Sanders brings clarity and understanding to the forefront. Through insightful discussions and thoughtful questioning, Dr. Sanders makes technical medical information accessible to all listeners. From deciphering diagnostic procedures to exploring treatment options, the Voyage Clinics Podcast serves as a beacon of knowledge and empowerment in the realm of healthcare. Join us as we navigate the seas of medicine, one episode at a time. Tune in, learn, and embark on your own journey to better health with the Voyage Clinics Podcast.

  1. 15h ago

    Surgery Preparation and Recovery | Tips From Dr. Jonathan Dell

    Preparing for surgery can feel overwhelming, especially when you don't know what to expect. But understanding the process can make a big difference in how you approach it. Dr. John Sanders welcomes his friend Dr. Jonathan Dell, a fellowship-trained surgeon, to discuss what patients should know before, during, and after surgery. Together, they break down the essentials of surgical preparation, from following pre-op instructions and discussing medications with your doctor to planning for recovery at home. Dr. Dell shares practical insights on anesthesia, pain management, and the importance of movement during recovery. He also explains what normal healing can look like, which symptoms may signal a complication, and when it's important to contact your surgical team. Along the way, Dr. Sanders and Dr. Dell share stories from their experiences as physicians and patients, exploring the emotional side of surgery and why having a strong support system matters. Whether you're preparing for an upcoming procedure or helping a loved one through recovery, this conversation offers practical information to help you feel more informed and prepared. Disclaimer: This episode is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Always follow your surgical team's instructions and consult your healthcare provider about your specific circumstances. Chapters [Start] Meet Dr. Jonathan Dell: Dr. Sanders introduces Dr. Dell, who shares his background, as well as some stories about patient experiences. 05:27 Preparing for Surgery: What to Know Before Your Procedure: A look at the different factors that play into surgery prep, as well as how stress, family support, and planning affect a patient’s recovery at home. 18:05 Surgery Day, Anesthesia, and Managing Post-Op Pain: What to expect with anesthesia and waking up in recovery, and why you should stay ahead of pain instead of toughing it out after surgery. 26:04 Why Movement Matters During Surgical Recovery: The importance of walking for a better surgery recovery and how it can help you come back stronger. 31:52 Normal Healing, Warning Signs, and Wound Care: What to expect in the first days after surgery, and when to call your doctor if something isn’t right. Dr. Dell gives his closing thoughts on trust and emotional recovery. Links & Resources https://voyageclinics.com/  Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

  2. Oct 21

    The Health Benefits of Creativity | How Making Things Supports Brain Health

    When was the last time you made something just because you wanted to? Dr. John Sanders explores the health benefits of creativity and why making something with your own hands can bring joy, satisfaction, and a sense of connection. From learning a musical instrument to writing poetry or working with wood, he encourages listeners to try something new, even when the beginning feels challenging. He also discusses how learning new skills engages the brain, the role of neuroplasticity in personal growth, and why finding a creative outlet can support emotional well-being. Drawing on his own experiences, Dr. Sanders shares how his creative hobbies have brought more peace and fulfillment to his life, along with a meaningful moment from his clinic that illustrates the impact of sharing something you've made. Whether you're naturally artistic or haven't explored a creative hobby in years, this episode offers a simple invitation to create, keep learning, and share what you make with others. Chapters [Start] Why Creativity Matters for Health and Wellness: Dr. Sanders introduces the importance of making things and explores the relationship between creative expression, logic, and personal satisfaction. 01:15 Learning New Skills and Neuroplasticity: Why trying something unfamiliar can challenge your brain and how Dr. Sanders connects creative activities with brain health. 02:16 The Joy of Creating for Yourself and Others: From music and poetry to woodworking, Dr. Sanders shares how creative hobbies can bring fulfillment and connection. 03:41 Finding Awe in Everyday Creativity: How Dr. Sanders experiences awe through woodworking and why he believes these moments contribute to emotional well-being. 04:57 Sharing What You Create: A meaningful story from Dr. Sanders' clinic and an invitation to explore your own creative interests. Links & Resources https://voyageclinics.com/  Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

  3. Oct 7

    When Emotions Run High | How to Communicate Through Conflict

    Big feelings are part of being human, but most of us have never learned how to navigate them in conversations with others. Dr. John Sanders explores the importance of slowing down, getting out of your head, and making space to recognize and express what you're feeling. He shares some of the everyday practices that help him connect with his emotions and explains why talking about difficult feelings, as uncomfortable as it can be, beats holding everything in. He also walks through a simple send, receive, and restate pattern for navigating disagreements with a spouse, friend, coworker, or anyone else in your life. It might feel awkward at first, but the goal is to help both people slow down, listen, and feel understood. Through a real example from his own clinic, Dr. John reminds us that hard conversations aren't about proving who's right—they're an opportunity to understand each other and grow. Chapters [Start] Making Space for Big Emotions: Dr. John reflects on how we experience emotions and shares the daily practices that help him slow down and reconnect with what he's feeling. 03:48 Give Yourself Permission to Feel: Tools Dr. John learned from a psychologist who trained the Voyage Clinics team on navigating difficult emotions and conflict. 07:10 Send, Receive, Restate: A step-by-step communication pattern designed to help both people slow down, listen, and feel understood. 11:25 What’s Right vs. Who’s Right: Why conflict resolution doesn't have to be about winning and how empathy can help you find a way forward together. 16:45 Becoming Better Communicators: Dr. John recaps how emotional awareness, vulnerability, and communication can strengthen our relationships. Links & Resources https://voyageclinics.com/  Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

  4. Sep 23

    Ketamine Therapy Explained | Preparation, Integration, and Finding the Right Clinic

    Ketamine therapy is gaining attention as a mental health treatment, but what should you know before considering it? Is it a psychedelic? Who might benefit from it? And what does responsible treatment actually look like? Dr. John Sanders sits down with psychiatrist Dr. Reid Robison and clinical psychologist Dr. Steve Thayer to answer some of the biggest questions surrounding ketamine therapy. Together, they unpack how ketamine moved from anesthesia into mental health care, what makes its effects different from traditional antidepressants, and why it has generated so much interest.They discuss what to look for in a reputable clinic, the importance of screening and psychological support, and what the research does—and doesn't—tell us about ketamine treatment. They also walk through how to prepare for a session, what integration can look like afterward, and why expectations and support matter throughout the process. Dr. Robison and Dr. Thayer also address potential risks, including misuse and dependence, and the safeguards that can help keep treatment in a clinical context. Whether you’re considering ketamine with your healthcare provider or simply curious about how it works, this conversation offers a grounded introduction to the benefits, limitations, and unanswered questions surrounding ketamine therapy. Chapters [Start] What Is Ketamine Therapy?: How ketamine moved from anesthesia into mental health care and what makes the experience different. 12:28 Finding a Reputable Ketamine Clinic: What to look for in a provider and why screening, preparation, and mental health support matter. 19:21 What Does the Research Show?: Where the evidence is strongest, what remains unanswered, and how ketamine differs from Spravato. 32:02 Preparing for Ketamine Therapy: How education, expectations, intentions, and grounding techniques can help patients approach a session. 39:27 Integration and Aftercare: How rest, reflection, therapy, and everyday habits can help patients process the experience. 46:01 Addiction, Dependence, and Safety: Why ketamine can be misused and how screening and clinical safeguards can reduce risk. Links & Resources https://voyageclinics.com/  Connect with Dr. Robison: https://www.reidrobison.com/ Connect with Dr. Thayer: https://drstevethayer.com/  Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

  5. Sep 9

    How to Build Emotional Intelligence | Jarom Ball on Feeling, Healing, and Connection

    Dr. John Sanders sits down with Jarom Ball, a marriage and family therapist and the newest member of the Voyage Clinics team, for a conversation about emotional intelligence. Jarom shares his path into therapy and how becoming a father to a daughter with Down syndrome reshaped his sense of purpose in life. They unpack the difference between skills-based approaches to communication and the deeper work of understanding where our emotional triggers actually come from. Jarom also shares his perspective on emotional avoidance, particularly among men, and the importance he places on giving difficult emotions space to be felt and expressed.He also talks about his passion for dance and movement, and why he sees movement as an accessible outlet for emotional expression and play. This discussion is all about relationships, self-compassion, and what it really means to feel. Chapters [Start] Meet Jarom Ball: Dr. Sanders introduces Voyage Clinics' newest team member and Jarom shares his path into therapy. 07:45 Skills vs. Deeper Work: Two different ways of approaching communication and emotional challenges. 17:59 Making Room for Emotion: A conversation about emotional avoidance, masculinity, and learning to feel what's there. 28:35 Your Relationship With Yourself: Why the way we relate to ourselves matters for our emotional well-being. 35:12 Movement and Emotional Expression: Jarom shares why movement and play are an important part of his approach. Links & Resources https://voyageclinics.com/  Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

  6. Aug 26

    What Does Your Skin Actually Need? | A Simple Guide to Skincare

    There’s a lot of information in the world of skincare: acne, sunscreen myths, moisturizer routines, etc. Today, we are bringing together two skincare pros to help you know what actually helps your skin.  Dr. John Sanders is joined by Scott Webster, nurse practitioner and co-owner of Clear Skin Utah, and Darcy Gonzalez, master esthetician at Clear Skin Utah, to break down everything related to skincare and skin health. Scott and Darcy built their practice around treating skin from both the medical and aesthetic sides, so you have everything you need to know about what is best for your skin. Scott and Darcy go over the basic fundamentals: how to build a simple skincare routine that works, why sunscreen matters, and how to tell the difference between good products and good packaging. This conversation is for anyone who's overwhelmed by their skincare choices, or is just looking for a routine that will actually work. Chapters [Start] Meet Scott and Darcy: Dr. Sanders introduces Scott and Darcy, their journeys into dermatology and esthetics, and how they ended up practicing together. 08:50 Inside Clear Skin Utah: A look inside Scott and Darcy’s company, combining clinical and esthetic skin care in one office. 20:24 The Sunscreen Deep Dive: The truth about sunscreen and how to find the right kind for your skin type. 32:43 Serums and Acids: Talking about specific ingredients, like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and peptides, to see how they actually work for your skin. 45:09 Ending Thoughts & Summary: Scott and Darcy’s last thoughts on their skincare hacks and a recap of this episode. Links & Resources https://voyageclinics.com/ Connect with Clear Skin Utah: Clear Skin Utah | Website Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

  7. Jul 29

    Understanding Your Emotions | Dr. Reid Robison’s Guide to Emotional Intelligence

    What actually are emotions? Why were so many of us never taught how to properly feel them? Dr. John Sanders welcomes back Dr. Reid Robison for a conversation about emotional intelligence. They go back and talk about what it takes to break generational patterns of emotional suppression. Dr. Sanders opens up about his own family history of wartime trauma passed down through generations, and his own process of learning emotional awareness. Dr. Robison walks through the building blocks of understanding emotional intelligence. He shares how emotions function as signals with bodily senses and an action tendency, and practical tools to help name emotions. He walks through a self-awareness exercise with Dr. Sanders, who shares two stories from his own life. They show how these tools actually work when applied to everyday life. This is an honest look at what it means to become more emotionally aware, and how validating emotions can change our relationships for good. Chapters [Start] Generational Emotional Patterns: Dr. Sanders introduces Dr. Robison, and they discuss emotional gaps across generations. 01:28 What Are Emotions?: A look at what emotions really are and how we can learn to better recognize them in ourselves. 12:02 A Self-Exploration Exercise: Dr. Robison guides Dr. Sanders through a self-exploration practice by examining recent emotional triggers. 26:47 Naming Our Emotions: A real father-son conflict resolved through naming and validating emotions. 36:39 Final Takeaways: Dr. Robison shares his parting words and why emotions are so important to understand and feel. Links & Resources https://voyageclinics.com/ Connect with Dr. Robison: https://www.reidrobison.com/ Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

  8. Jul 15

    7 Decades in Medicine | Lessons on Curiosity and Longevity from Dr. David Barnes

    Dr. John Sanders is joined by Dr. David Barnes, a family physician, decorated marathoner, and author whose career has stretched across seven decades and half the globe. Dr. Barnes recalls his childhood in wartime London and how it led to a career that carried him all around the world. He shares what it was like growing up during the London Blitz and how living among different cultures reshaped the animosities he was raised with. Dr. Barnes believes curiosity, observation, and a willingness to challenge convention are at the heart of good medicine. Dr. Barnes reflects on the human cost of World War II and what today's generation stands to lose as the living memory of that era fades. He shares how he built a life of running, including finishing his 21st marathon at age 85 alongside his daughter. He unpacks the science behind BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) and why he believes movement is one of the most powerful tools against depression and anxiety. Dr. Barnes' insights and personal history about medicine and resilience inspire all to stay curious at any age. Chapters [Start] Introductions Dr. David Barnes: Dr. Sanders introduces Dr. David Barnes, and he shares his global journey that brought him to medicine.  05:57 Growing Up in the London Blitz: Dr. Barnes recalls growing up in wartime London, and how living abroad later changed the views he was instilled with. 11:58 The Generational Difference: How life has changed from WWII to 2026 and how it affects our physical and mental health. 27:51 A COVID Observation: How a personal hygiene habit during the pandemic led to research on soap ingredients and viral capsules. 47:44 Closing Thoughts & Gifts: Dr. Sanders and Dr. Barnes exchange parting gifts and share their last thoughts for the end of the episode. Links & Resources https://voyageclinics.com/  Disclaimer: The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice nor as a substitute for professional medical consultation, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

Ratings & Reviews

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About

Welcome to the Voyage Clinics Podcast, where curiosity meets medical expertise. Join your host, Dr. John Sanders, a compassionate family physician, as he embarks on a journey through the intricacies of healthcare and wellness. In each episode, lasting approximately one hour, Dr. Sanders delves into a myriad of medical and mental health topics, ranging from common ailments to complex conditions. Whether he's flying solo or engaging in enlightening conversations with fellow physicians across various specialties, Dr. Sanders brings clarity and understanding to the forefront. Through insightful discussions and thoughtful questioning, Dr. Sanders makes technical medical information accessible to all listeners. From deciphering diagnostic procedures to exploring treatment options, the Voyage Clinics Podcast serves as a beacon of knowledge and empowerment in the realm of healthcare. Join us as we navigate the seas of medicine, one episode at a time. Tune in, learn, and embark on your own journey to better health with the Voyage Clinics Podcast.