The Medicine and Money Show

J. Ryan Smolarz, M.D., M.B.A.

A podcast for high-performing doctors who want to escape financial dependency and build lasting wealth. Join Dr. Joseph Ryan Smolarz as he shares practical strategies for shifting from consumer to investor, without needing a finance degree. 

  1. 4D AGO

    Living Beyond Pain - Unlocking the Power of Your ECS

    Send us Fan Mail Unlocking the Power of Your Endocannabinoid System with Debbie Wimberley | The Medicine and Money Show In this episode of 'Back to the Medicine and Money Show,' Dr. Ryan Smolar interviews Debbie Wimberley, an advocate for healthcare education and the use of cannabinoid therapies. Debbie shares her personal story of overcoming chronic pain and improving her health by engaging with the endocannabinoid system (ECS). She discusses the importance of educating both the public and medical professionals about the ECS, its role in the body, and the benefits of cannabinoid therapies. Debbie also provides resources for those interested in learning more, including her monthly Effective Cannabis newsletter. Tune in to learn how understanding and regulating your ECS can transform your quality of life. 00:00 Living Beyond Pain: Unlocking the Power of Your ECS 00:24 Introduction and Guest Welcome 00:24 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:02 Debbie Wimberley's Mission and Work 01:02 Understanding the Endocannabinoid System 02:00 Cannabis Newsletter and Its Audience 02:51 Understanding the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) 03:39 Listening to Your Body's Signals 03:57 Listening to Your Body's Signals 04:47 Cannabinoid Therapies for Pain Management 05:20 Steps to Regulate the ECS 05:20 Steps to Regulate the Endocannabinoid System 06:36 Debbie's Personal Journey with ECS 06:44 Debbie's Personal Journey with Chronic Pain 07:35 Resources for Chronic Pain Management 07:45 Resources and Support for ECS Education 13:17 Cannabinoid Therapies for Sleep Issues 17:26 Advocacy and Education 18:00 Challenges and Advocacy in Cannabis Education 22:16 Legal and Access Issues 22:16 Challenges and Legal Issues 26:05 The Importance of Education and Advocacy 29:49 Debbie's Transformative Experience 33:17 Closing Thoughts and Resources 33:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    43 min
  2. MAR 19

    Doctors: AI Is About to Change Your Practice Forever (Here’s How to Stay Ahead)

    Send us Fan Mail What happens when artificial intelligence meets the real-world complexity of running a medical practice—and how should physicians think about adopting it without losing the human side of care? In this episode of The Medicine and Money Show, Ryan Smolarz sits down with Rahul Desai to explore how AI is transforming healthcare operations, patient interactions, and the future of private practice. They break down why entrepreneurship is no longer optional for physicians and how those who embrace technology early will have a significant edge. Rahul shares practical insights on how to identify the right problems to solve before implementing AI—highlighting that most failures in healthcare tech don’t come from bad tools, but from solving the wrong problems. The conversation dives into how automation can streamline workflows, reduce friction in patient communication, and eliminate bottlenecks—especially at critical handoff points in care delivery. They also discuss how practices can leverage government grants to fund AI training, the role of consulting in accelerating implementation, and why AI isn’t just replacing jobs—but creating entirely new roles within healthcare. At the core of the discussion is a powerful reminder: while AI can dramatically increase efficiency, the human connection between doctor and patient remains the most valuable asset in medicine. Topics Covered: • Why entrepreneurship is becoming essential for modern physicians  • How AI can improve efficiency and patient experience in medical practices  • The importance of identifying the right problems before implementing technology  • Where bottlenecks occur in healthcare systems—and how to fix them  • How automation can enhance (not replace) patient interactions  • Government grants and funding opportunities for AI training  • The role of consulting services in successful AI integration  • How AI is creating new job opportunities in healthcare  • Why maintaining human connection is critical in an AI-driven world  • Practical steps to begin integrating AI into your practice today This episode is for physicians, practice owners, and healthcare professionals who want to understand how to leverage AI strategically—without losing the essence of what makes great medicine. Learn More: Visit MedMoneyShow.com for resources on entrepreneurship, investing, and building a future-proof medical career.

    52 min
  3. MAR 12

    Multifamily Real Estate Investing Explained

    Send a text What happens when a real estate deal goes wrong—and how should investors think about risk before they ever invest? In this episode of The Medicine and Money Show, Ryan Smolarz sits down with multifamily investor Jason Kenney to discuss real estate syndications, investor due diligence, and the mindset shift professionals—especially doctors—must make to think like investors. Jason shares his journey from a 20-year corporate career to real estate investing after realizing that a high income alone did not provide the freedom he and his family expected. That realization led him into single-family rentals, then ultimately into multifamily syndications and large-scale real estate investing. The conversation explores how investors should evaluate deals, how sponsors should communicate when investments face challenges, and why understanding the assumptions behind projected returns is critical. They also discuss the current multifamily market cycle, opportunities emerging from distressed deals, and why the next phase of the market may begin as early as 2026. Topics Covered: • Why communication and transparency matter when deals go wrong  • How Jason transitioned from corporate America to real estate investing  • What passive investors should ask before investing in a syndication  • The SEC rules behind real estate syndications (506B vs 506C)  • How doctors should think differently about risk as investors  • Why projected returns are just models based on assumptions  • The current multifamily market cycle and potential opportunities ahead  • Why relationships and trust are the “currency of the future” This episode is for physicians, professionals, and investors who want to better understand passive real estate investing and how to evaluate opportunities with a disciplined mindset. Resources Mentioned: Jason Kenney’s Smart Investor Checklist – 30 questions to ask before making a passive investment. Connect with Jason Kenney: Novo Capital Management – novocapitalmgmt.com Learn More: Visit MedMoneyShow.com for educational resources on investing, entrepreneurship, and building financial freedom outside traditional systems.

    50 min
  4. MAR 5

    The Doctor’s Financial Playbook: Building Wealth Through Practice Ownership and Entrepreneurship

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The Medicine and Money Show, Dr. Joseph Ryan Smolarz sits down with Dr. Michael Jerkins, physician and co-founder of Panacea Financial, a nationwide fintech built specifically for doctors. Dr. Jerkins shares the story behind Panacea Financial—how a frustrating experience during residency, when banks refused to lend to a physician caring for critically ill patients, sparked the idea to create a financial platform designed around the realities of medical careers. The conversation dives deep into topics most physicians were never taught in training, including: Why traditional banks misunderstand doctors’ financial profilesHow physicians can access capital to start or buy medical practicesThe growing role of ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) and physician ownershipPractical steps residents and young doctors should take to prepare for entrepreneurshipThe biggest financial mistakes new physicians make after trainingWhy doctors may actually be uniquely suited to become entrepreneurs and investorsDr. Smolarz and Dr. Jerkins also explore the mindset shift from consumer to investor, the risks and rewards of building a company while practicing medicine, and why solving real problems—not buying status symbols—is the path to long-term financial freedom. If you’re a physician who has ever wondered whether you should own your practice, invest in healthcare ventures, or build something bigger than yourself, this conversation provides a roadmap. Key Themes: Physician entrepreneurshipPractice ownership and financingFinancial literacy for doctorsBuilding businesses in healthcareThe future of physician-led innovationLearn more at medmoneyshow.com and discover resources designed to help physicians think—and act—like investors.

    54 min
  5. FEB 26

    Family Constitution: How to Build Generational Wealth That Lasts

    Send us Fan Mail Most families talk about building generational wealth—but very few talk about how to preserve it. In this episode of The Medicine and Money Show, Dr. Joseph Ryan Smolarz sits down with Dr. Julia Myers, PharmD and founder of Generational Wisdom, to explore a powerful concept most high-income families overlook: the Family Constitution. While many physicians focus on retirement accounts, 457 plans, and investment returns, Julia explains why financial knowledge alone isn’t enough. Without shared principles, aligned decision-making, and intentional conversations, even significant wealth can disappear within one or two generations. Together, they unpack the behavioral side of money—how values shape spending, how expectations create entitlement, and why clarity around family principles can prevent conflict, confusion, and wealth erosion. Julia introduces her 3-P framework—Principles, Practices, and Preservation—to help families align their time, money, and attention with what truly matters. This conversation goes beyond retirement planning. It’s about identity, legacy, and building wealth with wisdom—not just math. Through practical examples and real-world applications, this episode offers a clear roadmap for physicians and high performers who want their success to outlive them. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why 70% of generational wealth disappears—and how to avoid becoming a statisticWhat a Family Constitution is and how to create oneHow to identify the core principles that guide your financial decisionsWhy shared values reduce conflict around moneyHow to align your spending, schedule, and attention with your long-term visionThe difference between building wealth and building lasting legacyWhy money is not just math—it’s meaningIf you’re a physician or high performer who wants to protect your wealth, strengthen your family, and build something that lasts beyond income, this episode will challenge how you think about legacy, leadership, and financial freedom.

    48 min
  6. FEB 22

    Building Value in Medical Practices Insights from Mark Leary

    Send us Fan Mail Solving Hyper Dependency in Medical Practices with Mark Leary - Visionary Leadership and EOS In this episode, we dive into business growth and leadership with Mark Leary, an expert EOS implementer and the host of the Practice Freedom Podcast. Mark shares his journey from running a frustrating business to becoming a successful coach who helps business owners achieve vision, traction, and a healthy culture. The discussion focuses on reducing hyper dependency in medical practices, allowing physicians to regain their time and create a self-sustaining practice. Key topics include defining roles within a business, implementing a business operating system like EOS, and shifting from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance. This episode is packed with actionable insights for physicians looking to transform their practice. 00:00 Building Value in Medical Practices: Insights from Mark Leary 00:31 Introduction to Business Growth and Leadership 01:51 Mark Leary's Journey to Success 05:07 Implementing EOS in Healthcare 08:08 Addressing Hyper Dependency in Practices 15:46 Leadership and Delegation in Medical Practices 20:56 Visionary vs. Integrator Roles 26:10 Client Dependency and Role Modeling in Healthcare 27:11 Journey of Delegation and Culture Building 28:30 Leadership and Accountability in Practice 33:19 Understanding EOS: Vision, Traction, and Health 36:31 Mindset Shifts for Successful Practice Management 41:24 Measuring Progress: The Gap and the Gain 43:57 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

    51 min

About

A podcast for high-performing doctors who want to escape financial dependency and build lasting wealth. Join Dr. Joseph Ryan Smolarz as he shares practical strategies for shifting from consumer to investor, without needing a finance degree.