Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD

Miles Hassell, MD
  • 4.9 (31)
  • ALTERNATIVE HEALTH
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD is an evidence-based lifestyle tool for clinicians and the general public. In this podcast, we will discuss questions and topics related to: Is type 2 diabetes reversible? What lifestyle choices result in better health outcomes? Amidst the numerous health claims available, which approaches actually work? How can I live a long, healthy life and prevent disease and disability? I am a doctor/clinician and need a reliable resource to share with my patients. Practicing internal medicine physician, Miles Hassell MD, discusses evidence-based lifestyle tools for disease prevention, reversal, and remission. In 2024, Miles Hassell MD launched Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor, the first crowd-funded podcast dedicated to sharing the current evidence on lifestyle. This podcast is an outreach effort of GreatMed.org, a non-profit 501(c)(3) foundation that provides evidence-based lifestyle disease prevention and treatment tools within the medical community and for the general public. We aim to release new content every Friday. GreatMed.org is an educational foundation made of doctors, nurses, and other practicing clinicians who aim to provide the tools and resources clinicians need to more effectively help patients take control of their health, minimize medications, and reduce their risk factors. We offer educational material on lifestyle choices and a whole food Mediterranean diet model based on the best evidence from current medical literature. For more information, visit www.GreatMed.org To support this podcast, visit https://GreatMed.org/donate/

  1. FEB 13

    53. Calcium Conundrum

    Calcium supplements are everywhere—but do they actually help your bones? In this episode, we unpack the "calcium conundrum" and challenge the common belief that more supplements automatically mean stronger bones. You'll learn why food-based calcium behaves very differently in the body than pharmaceutical calcium supplements, why most studies show little to no benefit of supplements for adult bone health, and how supplements may even carry unexpected health risks. We focus especially on bone health in adults and postmenopausal women, while emphasizing practical, food-first strategies that actually support long-term health. If you're concerned about osteoporosis, fractures, or bone density—and want to make informed, evidence-based choices—this episode will help you rethink calcium from the ground up. Learn why food, not pills, should be your foundation for bone health. Subscribe for more conversations on nutrition, disease prevention, and putting the power of health back in your hands. Key Takeaways Calcium supplements ≠ food calcium Pharmaceutical calcium is metabolized differently and does not offer the same benefits as calcium from whole foods. Most adult studies show supplements don't prevent fractures In typical adult populations, calcium supplements generally fail to improve bone density or reduce fracture risk. Food sources of calcium are safer and more effective Calcium-rich foods support bone health without the cardiovascular, kidney stone, or other risks linked to supplements. Absorption matters more than intake Only 10–50% of dietary calcium is absorbed, depending on diet quality, gut health, medications, activity level, and overall lifestyle. Postmenopausal bone loss isn't just about calcium Bone loss during this stage appears to be largely unrelated to calcium intake alone. Dairy and non-dairy options make adequacy achievable It's not hard to reach ~800–1200 mg/day from food alone, even without supplements. Cultured dairy is preferred Yogurt, kefir, and aged cheeses provide calcium plus beneficial cofactors like protein, vitamin K, and healthy fats. Fortified foods aren't the same as real food Calcium-fortified products still deliver industrial calcium, not naturally integrated nutrients. Supplements can distract from better nutrition Relying on pills may pull focus (and money) away from improving overall diet quality. Bottom line: think food first Your body knows how to handle real food—bone health starts there. This episode is a call to lead your own healthcare journey with humility, curiosity, and intention—so you can make decisions that truly align with your values and goals. Get your copy of Good Food Great Medicine, 4th ed.: https://a.co/d/1D6hIYM   More references can be found at www.GreatMed.org   Would you like Dr. Hassell to answer your question on the air? Contact us! Write us a letter, We love to hear from you! Send questions, comments, and support to:   Phone/text: 503-773-0770 e-mail: info@GreatMed.org   EIN: 88-326-7056   GreatMed.org 4804 NW Bethany Blvd., Suite I-2, #273 Portland OR 97229   This podcast is sponsored by our generous listeners. #wellness #podcast #wellnessforlife #lifestyle #healthandwellnessgoals

    16 min
  2. You Might Also Like: Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang

    FEB 13 · BONUS

    You Might Also Like: Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang

    Introducing "ChuckleHut 3000 On The Corner Of Butt And Ass" (w/ Sarah Sherman) from Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang. Follow the show: Las Culturistas with Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang There's a tonnage of laughter on this one as Sarah Sherman is back! Her special, Live + In The Flesh is streaming on HBO Max, so the child has popped by a get blackout drunk on about four sips of Martini and get through almost a whole a hand of topics. You will have several Big Osaka Laughs and be Sent Boots as a result of your listening experience.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

  3. JAN 30

    52. When to Question Your Doctor (and Why It Matters)

    In this episode of Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor, Miles Hassell MD challenges a deeply ingrained assumption: that you should fully trust your doctor without question. While physicians often care deeply about their patients, they are also human—limited by time, bias, systems, and expertise. This conversation is about reclaiming agency in your healthcare, learning how to ask better questions, and becoming an active participant in decisions that affect your long-term health and healthspan. Dr. Hassell explores common pitfalls in modern medicine—like "anchoring" on one diagnosis, algorithm-driven care, and one-size-fits-all treatments—and explains why patients who understand their own bodies and conditions are often best positioned to advocate for themselves. Key Takeaways: You know your body and history better than any doctor—your input matters Niceness and good intentions don't replace competence or careful thinking Doctors (and patients) are vulnerable to bias, assumptions, and blind spots Ask better questions: How effective is this treatment for me? What are the risks? Be cautious of algorithm-driven, one-size-fits-all medical decisions Lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, weight loss, sunlight) can reverse or improve many chronic conditions Use multiple sources of evidence—don't rely on one study, one expert, or one website Build long-term relationships with competent, caring healthcare professionals Prioritize your health now—healthspan matters more than lifespan This episode is a call to lead your own healthcare journey with humility, curiosity, and intention—so you can make decisions that give you a better way to get better. Get your copy of Good Food Great Medicine, 4th ed.: https://a.co/d/1D6hIYM   More references can be found at www.GreatMed.org   Would you like Dr. Hassell to answer your question on the air? Contact us! Write us a letter, We love to hear from you! Send questions, comments, and support to:   Phone/text: 503-773-0770 e-mail: info@GreatMed.org   EIN: 88-326-7056   GreatMed.org 4804 NW Bethany Blvd., Suite I-2, #273 Portland OR 97229   This podcast is sponsored by our generous listeners. #wellness #podcast #wellnessforlife #lifestyle #healthandwellnessgoals

    15 min

  4. JAN 16

    51. Go Outside and Play: How Movement, Purpose, and Faith Can Heal the Body

    What does health, purpose, faith, and play all have in common? In this episode of Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor, we dive into why movement, community, and purpose are essential to lifelong health—especially for kids and families. Miles Hassell MD sits down with Tyler LaRoche, pastor and founder of Legacy Sports, to talk about reclaiming play as a tool for discipleship, physical health, and community building. From the dangers of sedentary lifestyles and overreliance on pain medications to the role of purpose in disease prevention, this conversation challenges modern assumptions about health and healing. This episode explores how getting outside, staying active, and living with intention can reduce disease, improve recovery, and help people of all ages thrive—physically, mentally, and spiritually. Key Takeaways: Why "go outside and play" may be one of the most powerful health prescriptions How sports and community build character, purpose, and faith The connection between purpose, longevity, and reduced disease risk Why pain is not always the enemy—and how overusing pain meds can slow healing The truth about supplements, "fat burners," and fitness shortcuts Simple, sustainable habits that support lifelong health (even just 1 minute at a time) How movement, nutrition, and purpose create a "health retirement account"   More on Legacy Sports Foundation: https://www.legacysportsfoundation.net/   Get your copy of Good Food Great Medicine, 4th ed.: https://a.co/d/1D6hIYM   More references can be found at www.GreatMed.org   Would you like Dr. Hassell to answer your question on the air? Contact us! Write us a letter, We love to hear from you! Send questions, comments, and support to:   Phone/text: 503-773-0770 e-mail: info@GreatMed.org   EIN: 88-326-7056   GreatMed.org 4804 NW Bethany Blvd., Suite I-2, #273 Portland OR 97229   This podcast is sponsored by our generous listeners. #wellness #podcast #wellnessforlife #lifestyle #healthandwellnessgoals

    30 min

  5. JAN 2

    50. 8 Longevity Secrets (That Won't Cost a Dime)

    In this episode, Miles Hassell MD breaks down the no-gimmick fundamentals of living free of preventable disease and feeling better. No expensive tests. No complicated biohacking. Just simple habits that actually work. You'll learn why home-cooked whole foods beat anything factory-made, why getting short of breath during exercise daily is essential, how waistline control reverses chronic disease, and why purpose, generosity, and play keep your brain young. Key Takeaways: Eat real whole foods cooked at home; avoid ultra-processed foods. Follow a simple Mediterranean-style diet with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, eggs, dairy, meat, and olive oil. Exercise daily until you're short of breath (even 1 minute, 3x/day). Keep your waistline in check to reduce chronic disease. Bring your own lunch to avoid unhealthy meals. Maintain purpose, help others, and stay socially engaged. Play games (ping pong, pickleball, tennis) to protect your brain. Don't obsess over micronutrient tests—focus on the basics. Get your copy of Good Food Great Medicine, 4th ed.: https://a.co/d/1D6hIYM More references can be found at www.GreatMed.org Would you like Dr. Hassell to answer your question on the air?  Contact us! Phone/text: 503-773-0770 e-mail: info@GreatMed.org EIN: 88-326-7056   Write us a letter.  We love to hear from you.  This podcast is sponsored by our generous listeners.    Send questions, comments, and support to: GreatMed.org 4804 NW Bethany Blvd., Suite I-2, #273 Portland OR 97229

    18 min

  6. 12/19/2025

    49. Holiday Eating Without Sabotaging Your Health

    The holidays don't have to mean weight gain, regret, or a health reset in January. In this Christmas special, Miles Hassell MD breaks down how to fully enjoy the season while protecting your long-term health. Learn why ultra-processed foods, excess sugar, and alcohol hit harder than you think—and how simple planning can help you celebrate without self-sabotage. You can enjoy treats, stay active, and feel great heading into the new year. Key Takeaways: You can enjoy the holidays without gaining weight or wrecking your health Ultra-processed foods, sugar, and excess alcohol have real short- and long-term consequences Never go to holiday events hungry—protein, fat, and fiber are your secret weapons Plan ahead so self-control isn't your only defense Treats are okay in moderation—but ask: is it worth the calories? Stay active, even in small ways, throughout the holiday season Help friends and family make better choices by setting the example Don't let food marketing define what the holidays are really about The Christmas season is about relationships, purpose, and setting yourself up for a healthier year ahead—not just brownies and peppermint mochas. [00:02] Focus on helping people gain health freedom [00:33] Two holiday groups: What group are you in?  [01:36] Bad lifestyle choices have long-term health consequences; enjoy holidays without compromising health. [02:33] Challenges the norm of holiday weight gain; temporary indulgences have lasting impacts.  [03:02] Holiday foods are problematic: ultra-processed, high in sugar/carbs, low in nutrients. Get your copy of Good Food Great Medicine, 4th ed.: https://a.co/d/1D6hIYM More references can be found at www.GreatMed.org Would you like Dr. Hassell to answer your question on the air?  Contact us! Phone/text: 503-773-0770 e-mail: info@GreatMed.org EIN: 88-326-7056   Write us a letter.  We love to hear from you.  This podcast is sponsored by our generous listeners.    Send questions, comments, and support to: GreatMed.org 4804 NW Bethany Blvd., Suite I-2, #273 Portland OR 97229

    16 min

  7. 12/05/2025

    48. Vitamin D Supplements: Do They Work?

    Most people take vitamin D pills because their doctor, a commercial, or a supplement aisle told them to.  But do vitamin D supplements actually improve your health? In this episode, Miles Hassell MD breaks down what the evidence really shows — and why vitamin D sources found in nature may be far more powerful. We dive into the massive gap between blood levels of vitamin D and whether supplements actually work, the risks of "false confidence" in pills, and the often-overlooked benefits of sunlight, food, weight management, and real lifestyle habits. Key Takeaways Supplements rarely improve outcomes. Large, well-designed studies show vitamin D pills generally do not reduce cancer, heart disease, fractures, falls, or total mortality. Natural sources matter. People with naturally higher vitamin D levels (sunlight, diet, activity) live longer and healthier — but synthetic vitamin D doesn't recreate that benefit. The "healthy user effect." Higher vitamin D often reflects healthier habits, not pills. Sunlight is the #1 source. Just 10–15 minutes of midday sun can significantly boost levels and also increases nitric oxide, improves metabolism, and supports cardiovascular health. Supplement benefits are limited. Possible small improvements for respiratory infections and progression from prediabetes to diabetes — but usually too small to be clinically meaningful. Toxicity exists. Over-supplementation or manufacturing errors can cause dangerously high levels and hypercalcemia. Food sources are powerful. Oily fish, cod liver oil, free-range eggs, and sunlight-exposed mushrooms all meaningfully improve vitamin D status. Lifestyle > pills. Exercise, weight management, and whole-food nutrition remain far more impactful than supplements. Get your copy of Good Food Great Medicine, 4th ed.: https://a.co/d/1D6hIYM More references can be found at www.GreatMed.org Would you like Dr. Hassell to answer your question on the air?  Contact us! Phone/text: 503-773-0770 e-mail: info@GreatMed.org EIN: 88-326-7056   Write us a letter.  We love to hear from you.  This podcast is sponsored by our generous listeners.    Send questions, comments, and support to: GreatMed.org 4804 NW Bethany Blvd., Suite I-2, #273 Portland OR 97229

    27 min

  8. 11/21/2025

    47. Do You Need A Statin?

    In this episode of Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor, we take a deep dive into statins, their true benefits, their real risks, and the massive role lifestyle plays in shaping heart disease outcomes. Rather than accepting oversimplified medical advice, this episode empowers you to think critically, understand uncertainty in medicine, and make fully informed decisions about your own health. You'll learn how to interpret risk statistics (like relative vs absolute risk), why lifestyle may outperform medication for many people, and why statins are helpful for some—yet potentially unnecessary or harmful for others. If you've ever been told "your cholesterol is high, you need a statin," this episode will give you the tools to ask better questions and understand whether that advice truly applies to someone like you.   Key Takeaways: -Medical uncertainty is real — many "facts" are actually opinions without solid or applicable evidence. -Statins help some people more than others: -Strong evidence for people who already had a heart attack. -Much smaller benefit (sometimes minimal) for healthy, active people without prior heart disease. -Absolute vs. relative risk matters: -A "25% reduction in risk" may really mean only 1 fewer event per 100 people. -Lifestyle changes can reduce risk by 50–80%, often outperforming statin benefits—especially for people who exercise, eat whole foods, avoid smoking, keep weight down, and drink moderately. -Statin risks are real: Muscle pain: up to 1 in 10 Diabetes risk increased: about 1 in 200 Possible cognitive impairment (enough for an FDA warning) Polypharmacy (multiple medications) increases uncertainty and side-effect risks.   Get your copy of Good Food Great Medicine, 4th ed.: https://a.co/d/1D6hIYM More references can be found at www.GreatMed.org   Would you like Dr. Hassell to answer your question on the air? Contact us! Phone/text: 503-773-0770 e-mail: info@GreatMed.org EIN: 88-326-7056 Write us a letter. We love to hear from you. This podcast is sponsored by our generous listeners.   Send questions, comments, and support to: GreatMed.org 4804 NW Bethany Blvd., Suite I-2, #273 Portland OR 97229   Check out this video on Completely Rethinking the Link Between Statins, Cholesterol, & Heart Disease, w/ Dr. Aseem Malhotra: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RU3Ouxt1vs&t=251s   References from today's podcast: Ioannidis J. P. (2005). Why most published research findings are false. PLoS medicine, 2(8), e124. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmed.0020124 Luo, Y., Liu, J., Zeng, J., & Pan, H. (2024). Global burden of cardiovascular diseases attributed to low physical activity. American journal of preventive cardiology, 17, 100633. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajpc.2024.100633 Ye, Z., Det al.  (2025). Association of statins use and genetic susceptibility with incidence of Alzheimer's disease. The journal of prevention of Alzheimer's disease, 12(2), 100025. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tjpad.2024.100025

    25 min
See All (54)

4.9
out of 5
31 Ratings

About

Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor with Miles Hassell, MD is an evidence-based lifestyle tool for clinicians and the general public. In this podcast, we will discuss questions and topics related to: Is type 2 diabetes reversible? What lifestyle choices result in better health outcomes? Amidst the numerous health claims available, which approaches actually work? How can I live a long, healthy life and prevent disease and disability? I am a doctor/clinician and need a reliable resource to share with my patients. Practicing internal medicine physician, Miles Hassell MD, discusses evidence-based lifestyle tools for disease prevention, reversal, and remission. In 2024, Miles Hassell MD launched Walk, Don't Run to the Doctor, the first crowd-funded podcast dedicated to sharing the current evidence on lifestyle. This podcast is an outreach effort of GreatMed.org, a non-profit 501(c)(3) foundation that provides evidence-based lifestyle disease prevention and treatment tools within the medical community and for the general public. We aim to release new content every Friday. GreatMed.org is an educational foundation made of doctors, nurses, and other practicing clinicians who aim to provide the tools and resources clinicians need to more effectively help patients take control of their health, minimize medications, and reduce their risk factors. We offer educational material on lifestyle choices and a whole food Mediterranean diet model based on the best evidence from current medical literature. For more information, visit www.GreatMed.org To support this podcast, visit https://GreatMed.org/donate/

Information