The Curious Cardiologist

Sanjay Bhojraj MD
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Medicine

Rethinking heart health, one question at a time. I’m Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj—interventional cardiologist, functional medicine expert, and lifelong student of what really keeps us well. In this podcast, we go beyond prescriptions and procedures to explore the deeper drivers of health, disease, and healing. From inflammation to intuition, cholesterol to consciousness, I sit down with doctors, researchers, and changemakers who are reshaping how we think about the heart—and the whole human behind it. Whether you're a fellow clinician, a health seeker, or someone navigating your own transformation, this show will challenge what you thought you knew—and invite you to stay curious.

  1. 6d ago

    Perimenopause & Heart Health: The Hormone Connection Every Woman Should Know

    Perimenopause is about more than hot flashes and changes in your menstrual cycle. It can also be an important time to pay closer attention to cardiovascular and metabolic health. On this episode of The Curious Cardiologist, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj sits down with Dr. Mariza Snyder, author of The Perimenopause Revolution, to explore the connections between hormones, heart health, blood sugar, sleep, movement, and stress. They discuss why women’s cardiovascular health has historically received less attention, how hormonal changes during midlife can coincide with shifts in metabolic and cardiovascular markers, and why a broader approach to women’s health matters. In this episode, we cover: Why cardiovascular disease deserves more attention in conversations about women’s healthHow perimenopause can affect sleep, energy, and metabolic healthWhy everyday movement may matter more than a perfect workout routineWhat “exercise snacks” are and how to incorporate short bursts of movement into your dayThe relationship between sleep consistency and cardiometabolic healthHow community, connection, and nervous system regulation fit into a healthy lifestyleWhy tracking glucose trends can offer useful information—and why individual readings need contextProtein, fiber, healthy fats, and the role of minimally processed foodsMeal timing, circadian rhythms, and late-night eatingHow changing hormones can coincide with shifts in lipids, inflammation, and blood pressureThe role of symptoms, health history, and laboratory trends in conversations about perimenopauseDr. Snyder’s perspective on hormone therapy and the importance of looking at the bigger health pictureDr. Snyder’s central message is that women’s health should be about more than managing individual symptoms. Movement, sleep, nutrition, connection, and stress management all deserve a place in the conversation about long-term health. About Dr. Mariza Snyder Dr. Mariza Snyder is a women’s health educator and author of The Perimenopause Revolution. In this conversation, she shares her approach to supporting women through midlife and connecting hormone health with broader lifestyle and metabolic considerations. About The Curious Cardiologist Hosted by Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj, The Curious Cardiologist explores health and longevity through new perspectives on familiar medical questions. Subscribe for more conversations about cardiovascular health, prevention, and whole-person approaches to wellness. Connect with Dr. Mariza Snyder: Website: https://drmariza.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmariza/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drmarizasnyder/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/drmarizasnyder/Book, The Perimenopause Revolution: https://peri-revolution.com/

    Perimenopause & Heart Health: The Hormone Connection Every Woman Should Know

  2. Oct 17

    The Brain Health Blueprint: Sleep, Metabolism & Cognitive Decline

    Can Alzheimer’s disease be reversed—or is cognitive decline simply an inevitable part of aging? On this episode of The Curious Cardiologist, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj sits down with Dr. Josh Helman, an emergency medicine and lifestyle medicine physician focused on brain health and cognitive disease, to explore how sleep, metabolism, genetics, environmental exposures, and lifestyle may influence cognitive function. Dr. Helman shares how his grandmother’s experience with Alzheimer’s first shaped his interest in the disease, and how his clinical work led him to investigate the many factors that may contribute to cognitive decline. He describes his individualized approach to patients and explains why he believes there is reason to focus on brain health long before memory problems appear. In this episode, we discuss: Why Alzheimer’s risk may begin decades before symptoms appear The role of deep N3 sleep and why Dr. Helman emphasizes formal sleep evaluations Genetics, including APOE variants, and individual differences in risk Metabolic health, insulin resistance, and the brain’s use of energy Environmental exposures, including mold, heavy metals, and microplastics How exercise, strength, balance, social connection, and stress management support overall health Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the relationship between exercise and brain function Dr. Helman’s perspective on therapeutic plasma exchange and other interventions used in his practice Cognitive assessments and the importance of tracking objective changes over time The ongoing debate surrounding cholesterol, LDL, statins, and brain health Why hope, early action, and individualized medical care matter A key takeaway: Brain health is multifactorial. Genetics are only one part of the picture, and everyday habits—including sleep, physical activity, nutrition, and social connection—are important areas to discuss with your healthcare professional. About Dr. Josh Helman Dr. Josh Helman is a physician board-certified in emergency medicine and lifestyle medicine who focuses on cognitive health and Alzheimer’s disease. His work combines detailed assessment with individualized treatment strategies. Learn more: Website: https://drjosh.com Programs and supplement information: https://drjosh.com/program Social media: Green Brains MD If you found this conversation valuable, please like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments. What would you like us to explore in a future episode?

    The Brain Health Blueprint: Sleep, Metabolism & Cognitive Decline

  3. Oct 10

    Beyond Your Biological Age: The Future of Longevity Medicine

    What if aging didn't have to mean an inevitable decline in energy, strength, cognition, and performance? In this episode of The Curious Cardiologist, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj sits down with Dr. Jeffrey Gladden, an interventional cardiologist who transitioned into functional, integrative, and longevity medicine after experiencing his own health challenges. After approximately 25 years practicing interventional cardiology, Dr. Gladden began experiencing persistent fatigue, weight gain, loss of strength, brain fog, anxiety, and depression. When his initial medical evaluation suggested that his results were normal for his age, he decided to investigate further. That personal journey changed his approach to medicine and led him to explore a more individualized model of health—one that considers multiple biological systems, personal risk factors, physical performance, psychological well-being, and the environments that shape our habits. Together, Sanjay and Dr. Gladden discuss why treating disease is different from optimizing health, why one test cannot tell the whole story, and how emerging technologies could transform the future of personalized longevity care. In this episode, you'll learn about: Dr. Gladden's transition from interventional cardiology to longevity medicineHis personal health journey and the search for answers beyond “normal for your age”Why personalized medicine looks beyond population averagesThe role of genetic differences and individual responses in health decisionsThe relationship between stress, trauma, mental health, and physical healthThe five areas Dr. Gladden uses to organize his approach to longevityWhy physical fitness involves the nervous system, coordination, and balance—not just muscleResilience, robustness, and the idea of becoming stronger after challengesHormesis: the concept of beneficial adaptation to certain forms of stressWhy biological aging is more complex than a single numberHow AI, quantum computing, and digital twins might support personalized health optimizationThe emerging role of technology in understanding individual biologyWhy purpose, relationships, and psychological well-being belong in the longevity conversationThe five areas of Dr. Gladden's longevity framework During the conversation, Dr. Gladden describes five interconnected areas: Life energy: Psychological and spiritual well-being.Longevity: The biological processes associated with aging.Health: Understanding and addressing health issues.Performance: Strength, speed, agility, balance, flexibility, and cardiovascular capacity.Environments: Designing surroundings and routines that make healthy behaviors easier to maintain.The broader goal is to understand the individual more completely instead of relying on a single metric or a one-size-fits-all approach. About Dr. Jeffrey Gladden Dr. Jeffrey Gladden is a physician focused on longevity and personalized health. His work explores biological aging, health optimization, physical performance, and the relationship between psychological well-being and biology. He is the author of 100 Is the New 30 and host of the Gladden Longevity Podcast. Website: https://gladdenlongevity.com/ Book: 100 Is the New 30 Podcast: Gladden Longevity Podcast Join the conversation What do you think matters most for healthy aging: physical fitness, personalized testing, mental and emotional well-being, or the environment in which we live? Share your thoughts in the comments and subscribe to The Curious Cardiologist for more conversations about health, longevity, and the future of medicine.

    Beyond Your Biological Age: The Future of Longevity Medicine

  4. Oct 3

    Medical Gaslighting, Patient Advocacy & Rethinking Healthcare

    What happens when the healthcare system isn't designed for the kind of health problems we're facing today? In this episode of The Curious Cardiologist, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj sits down with Dr. Efrat LaMandre, a nurse practitioner with a PhD and a voice in the conversation around healthcare disruption, functional medicine, patient advocacy, and medical gaslighting. Together, they explore the tension between conventional medicine and emerging approaches to chronic disease—and why the goal shouldn't necessarily be to reject conventional medicine, but to understand where different approaches may be useful. They discuss what medical gaslighting can look like, why patients sometimes stop questioning their healthcare providers, and how patients can become more informed advocates for themselves and their families. Dr. Efrat also shares personal and professional experiences that shaped the way she thinks about diagnosis, chronic illness, nutrition, and the doctor-patient relationship, while Dr. Sanjay reflects on a patient experience that fundamentally changed how he approached symptoms in women. The conversation also moves beyond the exam room into the economics of healthcare, including insurance, prior authorization, and the financial pressures that can influence how care is delivered. In this episode, we discuss: • How medical training has shaped modern healthcare• Where conventional medicine works—and where patients may experience gaps• Acute care vs. chronic disease management• What medical gaslighting can look like in practice• Why patients sometimes struggle to advocate for themselves• The importance of asking questions and seeking second opinions• The difference between information and wisdom• Why clinicians need to keep learning and evolving• Dr. Efrat's personal experiences with diagnosis and nutrition• The patient stories that changed how both doctors practice• How healthcare hierarchy can affect patient behavior• Why trusting your instincts can matter when something doesn't feel right• How insurance and financial incentives can influence patient care• The importance of finding a healthcare professional you trust About Dr. Efrat LaMandre Dr. Efrat LaMandre is a nurse practitioner with a PhD who works at the intersection of healthcare, education, patient advocacy, and medical disruption. She is also the author of It's Not In Your Head, which she discusses during the episode. Learn more about Dr. Efrat LaMandre:https://www.drefratlamandre.com/

    Medical Gaslighting, Patient Advocacy & Rethinking Healthcare

  5. Sep 26

    From Chef to Functional Nutrition: Rethinking What We Eat

    In this episode of The Curious Cardiologist, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj sits down with professional chef and Pluck founder James Barry to explore the relationship between food, nutrition, and health. James shares how his journey from professional chef to nutrition entrepreneur began with a personal health experience and a growing curiosity about how food affects the body. The conversation explores what “real food” actually means, whether modern food is as nutrient-dense as it once was, the limitations of labels such as “organic” and “free range,” seasonal eating, food storage and preparation, and why cooking methods can matter. They also dive deep into organ meats, including why they disappeared from the modern American diet, their historical role in traditional diets, and why James believes they can be an accessible source of nutrients. James explains how he created Pluck, a seasoning made with powdered organ meats, designed to make incorporating organ meats into everyday meals easier. The episode also covers parenting, picky eaters, nutrient density, food cravings, consistency, and the four foundational lifestyle pillars James believes people can't escape: real food, movement, stress management, and sleep. Timestamps 06:30 — Why “Real Food” Beats Diet Trends08:20 — What Does “Organic” Really Mean?18:18 — Does Stress Change How We Digest Food?25:28 — How to Cook Vegetables Without Overcooking Them32:55 — Why Beef Liver Is So Nutrient Dense35:36 — Why Did We Stop Eating Organ Meats?42:16 — How to Start Eating Organ Meats46:12 — Nutrient Density, Satiety & Food Cravings48:39 — The 4 Lifestyle Pillars You Can't Escape49:46 — What Is Pluck?Connect with James Barry:🌐 Eat Pluck: eatpluck.com📱 Social: @ChefJamesBarry

    From Chef to Functional Nutrition: Rethinking What We Eat

  6. Sep 19

    Beyond Blood Pressure Medication: A Functional Approach to Cardiovascular Health

    High blood pressure is one of the most common cardiovascular problems in the world—but what if the number on the blood pressure cuff is only part of the story? In this episode of The Curious Cardiologist, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj sits down with Mark Young, a functional medicine practitioner, entrepreneur, and CEO of Zona Health, to explore a different way of thinking about cardiovascular wellness. Mark shares his journey from academia and health marketing into functional medicine and explains why he became interested in the relationship between endothelial function, circulation, nitric oxide, and blood pressure. The conversation dives into the concept of isometric exercise—static muscle contractions such as planks, wall sits, and grip exercises—and how Zona Health has developed a guided hand-grip device around this type of exercise. Dr. Sanjay and Mark also discuss the importance of lifestyle interventions, patient ownership, cardiovascular conditioning, medication conversations, and the challenge of separating evidence-based health information from online wellness noise. The episode ultimately asks listeners to remain curious, question assumptions, and understand cardiovascular health as a system rather than simply a number on a blood pressure monitor. The conversation explores: Why blood pressure may be viewed as part of a larger cardiovascular pictureWhat the endothelium is and why it mattersThe relationship between vascular function and blood pressureHow nitric oxide contributes to vasodilationWhat isometric exercise actually doesHow grip-based isometric training worksWhy Zona Health developed a guided isometric deviceCardiovascular conditioning and lifestyle interventionsThe importance of patient education and health ownershipHow to evaluate health information onlineWhy Mark believes people need to remain curious rather than blindly accepting health claims TIMESTAMPS 00:00 — Meet Mark Young: Functional Medicine & Cardiovascular Health 07:37 — Taking Ownership of Your Health 14:30 — The Problem With Treating High Blood Pressure as Just a Number 19:00 — “Question Everything”: Rethinking the Standard of Care 25:09 — What Is the Endothelium? 29:50 — What Is Isometric Exercise? 32:41 — How the Zona Hand-Grip Device Works 40:54 — Sanjay Tests the Zona Device Live 43:02 — What Does the Research Say About Zona? 53:10 — Why a 12-Minute Lifestyle Change Can Feel So Difficult Connect with Mark Young: 🌐 Website: themarkyoung.com 📸 Instagram: @themarkyoung 💼 LinkedIn: Mark Young Learn more about Zona Health: 🌐 zona.com 📸 @zonahealth

    Beyond Blood Pressure Medication: A Functional Approach to Cardiovascular Health

  7. Sep 12

    The Truth About Hormones: PCOS, Menopause, Testosterone & Longevity

    What if hormone health is about far more than fertility and menopause symptoms? In this episode of The Curious Cardiologist, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj sits down with double-boarded OB-GYN and integrative medicine physician Dr. Jennifer Roelands to explore the connection between hormones, metabolism, fertility, cardiovascular health and longevity. Dr. Jen shares her own experience discovering PCOS and thyroid disease after struggling to conceive her second child—and how being told she couldn't have PCOS because she was “skinny” ultimately changed the direction of her medical career. The conversation explores why PCOS should be viewed as more than a gynecological condition, why menstrual cycles can provide important clues about overall health, and how insulin resistance, inflammation and thyroid health fit into the picture. They then dive into perimenopause and menopause, including estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, and discuss hormone replacement therapy, healthspan, bone health, muscle, cardiovascular health and brain health. The conversation also covers testosterone and men's health, environmental endocrine disruptors, fertility, lifestyle, nutrition and why earlier intervention may matter when it comes to chronic disease prevention. In this episode, they explore: • Why PCOS is more than a gynecological condition • The connection between PCOS and metabolic health • Why menstrual cycles may provide important health information • Insulin resistance and inflammation • Fertility and mitochondrial health • Why women's health can be missed in conventional medicine • What happens during perimenopause • Estrogen, progesterone and testosterone • Symptoms associated with hormonal changes • Hormone replacement therapy and healthspan • Early menopause and long-term health considerations • Testosterone and men's health • TRT, fertility and endogenous testosterone production • Lifestyle factors that influence testosterone • Endocrine-disrupting chemicals • Consumer products and environmental exposures • Why prevention should begin earlier in life Dr. Jen also shares practical ways patients can become more informed about environmental exposures, including resources such as the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep database. Where to find Dr. Jen:Pivot Book: https://drjenniferroelands.com/pivotbook/Drs Guide: https://drjenniferroelands.com/guide/YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@drjenniferroelandsmdWebsite: https://drjenniferroelands.com/ Timestamps 00:00 — Introduction: Hormones and the Missing Piece of Women's Health 02:20 — Why Dr. Jen Left Conventional Medicine 02:48 — Her Personal PCOS and Fertility Story 04:08 — Discovering PCOS and Thyroid Disease 05:08 — “My Labs Look Normal, But I Don't Feel Normal” 06:30 — Treating PCOS Beyond Medication 08:26 — Why PCOS Is a Metabolic Problem 09:52 — Should Your Period Be a Vital Sign? 10:54 — Fertility, Mitochondria and Long-Term Health 12:47 — What Conventional Medicine Gets Wrong About Lifestyle 16:07 — Why PCOS Research Is Still Limited 16:39 — The Underfunding of Women's Health Research 17:35 — Birth Control vs. Hormone Replacement 18:29 — PCOS Meets Perimenopause 20:07 — Why Prevention Should Start Earlier 21:17 — Risk Stratifying Women for Long-Term Health 22:38 — Genetics, Epigenetics and PCOS 23:53 — Pregnancy as a Window Into Future Health 25:10 — Why OB-GYNs Often Become Primary Care 26:45 — What Does Longevity Medicine Really Mean? 27:36 — Menopause as Healthspan Therapy 28:17 — When Does Perimenopause Actually Start? 29:35 — The Symptoms of Perimenopause 31:10 — Palpitations, Progesterone and Hormonal Changes 32:25 — Estrogen, Memory, Skin, Bladder and More 33:14 — Why Testosterone Is the Undervalued Hormone 34:21 — Early Menopause and Cardiovascular Risk 35:26 — The Legacy of the Women's Health Initiative 36:29 — When Should Women Consider HRT? 37:33 — Why Timing May Matter 39:25 — Andropause and Testosterone in Men 40:29 — Insulin, SHBG and Testosterone 42:12 — Who Actually Needs Testosterone Therapy? 44:18 — Why HRT and TRT Can't Replace Lifestyle 45:30 — Testosterone, Fertility and Endogenous Production 46:44 — The Amazon Analogy for Free Testosterone 47:11 — Testosterone and Cardiovascular Health 48:41 — Testosterone Therapy in Younger Men 50:03 — Medical Optimization vs. Bodybuilding 50:32 — Testosterone Risks and Side Effects 51:30 — Endocrine Disruptors Are Everywhere 52:30 — Reducing Everyday Toxin Exposure 53:54 — Why “Natural” Doesn't Always Mean Safe 55:06 — Teaching the Next Generation to Be Savvy Consumers 55:59 — Menstrual Products and Environmental Exposures 56:53 — Endocrine Disruptors and Pregnancy 58:28 — Finding Hope in Prevention 59:34 — “Eat More Plants, Not What's Made in a Plant” 59:49 — Rapid Fire: Dr. Jen's Favorite Things

    The Truth About Hormones: PCOS, Menopause, Testosterone & Longevity

  8. Sep 5

    The Science of Heart Coherence, Intuition & Heart-Centered Leadership

    What if the heart could do more than pump blood? In this episode of The Curious Cardiologist, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj sits down with entrepreneur, author and heart-centered leadership expert Mindie Kniss to explore the fascinating intersection of heart intelligence, heart coherence, intuition, spirituality, leadership and personal transformation. Mindie shares the remarkable story behind her work—from leaving a successful pharmaceutical career and moving into entrepreneurship, to experiencing bankruptcy, foreclosure and $100,000 of credit-card debt, and ultimately rebuilding her life and business. She also opens up about the devastating loss of her husband and how the practices she had spent years teaching helped her navigate grief and find a path forward. The conversation explores why we often live from the “head” instead of the heart, how stress can affect our ability to communicate clearly within ourselves, why gratitude may be more powerful when it is physically felt rather than simply thought, and how heart coherence can influence the people around us. They also discuss authentic leadership, radical ownership, intuition, purpose, Ikigai, and the importance of trusting yourself when life doesn't go according to plan. In this episode, you'll discover: • What “heart intelligence” means• Why the heart isn't simply a pump• The relationship between the heart and brain• What heart coherence is• How stress can affect internal communication• Why intuition may be more than pattern recognition• How gratitude can become a physiological experience• The difference between thinking gratitude and actually feeling it• How presence can help interrupt anxiety and overthinking• Why authentic leaders create stronger connections• What radical ownership looks like• How adversity can become part of your development• How Ikigai can help clarify purpose• Why trusting yourself is essential to meaningful leadership Mindie also discusses her books Heart of Consciousness and The Collective Heart, her Heart Path work, and her upcoming Heart Path book scheduled for publication through Hay House in March 2027. Timestamps 00:00 — Introduction: What Does It Mean to Lead With Your Heart? 00:58 — Meet Mindie Kniss 03:16 — From Traditional Career to Entrepreneurship 05:27 — The Golden Handcuffs of Corporate Success 06:55 — The “Slow Suicide to My Soul” 07:24 — A Life-Changing Fellowship in Kenya 10:53 — When the Universe Opened a Door 13:02 — The Entrepreneurial Crash 14:45 — $100,000 in Debt, Foreclosure and Rock Bottom 16:10 — Meeting Her Future Husband 18:08 — Rebuilding Her Business and Money Mindset 19:40 — The Tragedy That Changed Everything 20:05 — Grief, the Heart and Finding a Path Forward 21:50 — What Is Neurocardiology? 23:33 — Sedona, Nature and the Birth of Heart Path 25:57 — Why Personal Experience Makes a Better Coach 26:43 — Finding the Lesson in Your Worst Experiences 29:59 — The Science Behind Heart Intelligence 31:53 — The Heart-Brain Connection and Coherence 34:01 — Can One Person's Coherence Affect Another? 36:22 — Heart Coherence in Real Life 37:34 — How Calm People Change a Room 40:24 — The First Heart Key: Gratitude 42:14 — Why Thinking Gratitude Isn't Enough 44:04 — The Story of the Gifted Duck 45:59 — Emotional Resilience as a Muscle 49:41 — Moving Beyond the “Woo-Woo” 50:11 — Anxiety, Depression and Getting Out of Your Head 51:09 — The Fascinating Question of Heart Cancer 52:48 — Trust, Authenticity and Leadership 55:54 — Radical Ownership 57:10 — Why the Present Moment Matters 59:05 — The Only Way Through Is Through 1:00:18 — What Is Ikigai? 1:01:12 — Purpose, Dharma and Trust 1:01:44 — Mindie's Upcoming Hay House Book 1:02:12 — Rapid Fire: Favorite Place, Food and Curiosity 1:04:04 — Mindie's Books and Where to Find Her 1:05:21 — Final Thoughts: The Heart Is More Than a Muscle

    The Science of Heart Coherence, Intuition & Heart-Centered Leadership
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Rethinking heart health, one question at a time. I’m Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj—interventional cardiologist, functional medicine expert, and lifelong student of what really keeps us well. In this podcast, we go beyond prescriptions and procedures to explore the deeper drivers of health, disease, and healing. From inflammation to intuition, cholesterol to consciousness, I sit down with doctors, researchers, and changemakers who are reshaping how we think about the heart—and the whole human behind it. Whether you're a fellow clinician, a health seeker, or someone navigating your own transformation, this show will challenge what you thought you knew—and invite you to stay curious.

Information

  • Creator
    Sanjay Bhojraj MD
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    29
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Laguna Institute of Functional Medicine
  • Show Website
    The Curious Cardiologist

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