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. 1d ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. Aug 29

    The Truth About Testosterone, Menopause & Healthy Aging

    Is fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, declining muscle, and loss of motivation simply part of getting older—or are your hormones trying to tell you something? In this episode of The Curious Cardiologist, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj sits down with functional medicine expert Joya Van Der Laan to discuss the science of testosterone, estrogen, menopause, metabolic health, and longevity. They explore why hormone levels are changing across modern populations, the difference between "normal" and "optimal" lab values, and why muscle may be one of the strongest predictors of healthy aging. The conversation also covers bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, sleep, nutrition, strength training, cardiovascular health, and how functional medicine approaches root causes rather than simply treating symptoms. Whether you're navigating menopause, low testosterone, or simply looking to improve your health-span, this episode provides practical, evidence-informed insights to help you feel stronger, think clearer, and age with greater vitality. In this episode you'll learn:  Why testosterone levels have declined over recent decades  The difference between "normal" and "optimal" hormone levels  Menopause, perimenopause, and andropause  Strength training as the #1 longevity strategy  Hormones and cardiovascular health  Functional medicine vs conventional medicine  Sleep apnea, snoring, and hormone health  Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT)  Pellets vs creams vs injections  Practical lifestyle strategies to optimize hormones naturallyTimestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:45 Joya's Journey into Functional Medicine 04:15 Why Root-Cause Medicine Matters 05:30 Understanding Low Testosterone 08:00 Symptoms Most Men Ignore 10:30 Natural Ways to Support Testosterone 15:00 Free vs Total Testosterone 17:00 Exercise, Muscle & Longevity 22:00 "Normal" vs "Optimal" Hormone Levels 24:00 Testosterone & Metabolic Health 26:30 Sleep, Snoring & Hormones 30:00 Testosterone Therapy Options 33:00 Pellets vs Creams vs Injections 35:30 Women's Hormones & Menopause 39:00 Hormone Testing & Functional Medicine Labs 43:00 Hormones After Cancer: What Does the Evidence Say? 49:00 The Future of Functional Medicine 53:00 Final Takeaways

    The Truth About Testosterone, Menopause & Healthy Aging

  4. Aug 22

    The Hidden Metabolic Crisis Affecting Millions of Southeast Asians

    South Asians develop heart disease, diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction at dramatically higher rates than almost any other population—but why? In this episode, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj is joined by functional medicine practitioner Shefaly Ravula to unpack the unique biology behind South Asian metabolic health. Together they explore the "thrifty gene" hypothesis, insulin resistance, muscle loss, continuous glucose monitoring (CGMs), gut health, personalized nutrition, cholesterol testing, and why traditional risk factors often miss the bigger picture. They also discuss practical strategies for improving metabolic health, including building muscle, optimizing protein intake, improving blood sugar regulation, interpreting advanced lipid testing, and adapting traditional Indian foods without abandoning cultural identity. Whether you're South Asian or simply interested in longevity, prevention, and precision medicine, this conversation offers actionable insights into one of today's biggest health challenges. Together they discuss:  Why South Asians have unique metabolic risks  The truth about insulin resistance  Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)  Muscle, longevity, and blood sugar  Advanced cholesterol testing  Functional medicine vs conventional medicine  Gut health and inflammation  Traditional Indian diets  Protein myths  Precision nutritionTimestamps00:00 Introduction 01:00 Meet Shefaly Ravula 02:15 From Gastroenterology to Functional Medicine 05:30 Why Lifestyle Medicine Comes First 07:00 Precision Medicine vs Traditional Medicine 08:20 Why South Asians Develop Heart Disease Earlier 10:30 The Thrifty Gene Hypothesis 13:00 Why "Skinny" Doesn't Mean Healthy 15:15 The Muscle Deficit in South Asians 17:00 Continuous Glucose Monitors Explained 21:00 Why HbA1c Isn't Enough 23:30 Should Healthy People Wear CGMs? 26:30 The Functional Medicine Lab Panel 31:00 The Indian Diet Problem 38:00 Protein, Muscle & Longevity 41:00 White Rice vs Brown Rice 45:00 Cooking Oils: Seed Oils, Ghee & Olive Oil 50:00 Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Science

    The Hidden Metabolic Crisis Affecting Millions of Southeast Asians

  5. Aug 15

    Functional Medicine vs Conventional Medicine: The Future of Hormone Health

    Millions of people struggle with fatigue, weight gain, thyroid issues, insulin resistance, menopause symptoms, and hormone imbalance—but are we treating the symptoms instead of the root cause? In this episode of The Curious Cardiologist, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj sits down with functional endocrinologist Dr. Saadia Mian to explore why conventional medicine often overlooks the deeper causes of hormone dysfunction and metabolic disease. Together they discuss:  Why insulin resistance starts years before diabetes  The connection between gut health and hormones  Hashimoto's disease and thyroid dysfunction  PCOS and metabolic health  Menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT)  GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy  Stress, cortisol and the hidden drivers of chronic illness  Functional medicine versus conventional medicine  Practical lifestyle changes that can dramatically improve hormone health Whether you're struggling with fatigue, stubborn weight gain, thyroid disease, menopause symptoms, or simply want to optimize your long-term health, this conversation provides a science-backed roadmap to understanding your body. Time Stamps00:00 Introduction01:15 Why Both Doctors Left Conventional Medicine04:10 Dr. Saadia's Functional Medicine Journey05:15 What Is Functional Endocrinology?07:00 Hashimoto's & Autoimmune Thyroid Disease09:00 Treating Root Causes Instead of Symptoms10:45 Insulin Resistance & PCOS13:15 Gut Health and Hormones15:10 Functional Hormone Testing18:25 Menopause & Hormone Replacement Therapy22:45 Why Endocrinologists Aren't Trained in HRT25:20 Hormone Therapy Safety26:00 GLP-1 Medications Explained30:00 Should Everyone Take Ozempic?33:00 Trauma, Stress & Weight Gain37:00 Functional Medicine vs Conventional Medicine40:15 The Earliest Signs of Insulin Resistance42:30 Three Lifestyle Changes That Improve Hormones47:45 Artificial Sweeteners vs Sugar51:00 Finding a Functional Endocrinologist53:00 Why Insulin Resistance Is the Root Cause54:30 Early Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore57:30 Rapid Fire Questions

    Functional Medicine vs Conventional Medicine: The Future of Hormone Health

  6. Aug 8

    Women’s Health: The Truth About Menopause, Heart Disease & GLP-1s

    Women account for nearly one in three cardiovascular deaths, yet many of the biggest risk factors are still overlooked. In this episode of The Curious Cardiologist, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj sits down with functional medicine expert Cynthia Thurlow to discuss why women's cardiovascular health deserves a completely different approach. Together they explore the relationship between menopause, metabolic health, hormone replacement therapy, intermittent fasting, advanced cholesterol testing, GLP-1 medications, and personalized medicine. They discuss why traditional lipid panels often fail to identify cardiovascular risk, how pregnancy can reveal future metabolic disease, and why markers like ApoB and Lp(a) are transforming preventive cardiology. You'll also learn how fasting differs between men and women, why muscle preservation becomes increasingly important during menopause, and how physicians can move beyond one-size-fits-all medicine toward truly individualized care. Whether you're interested in heart health, hormones, longevity, metabolic health, or evidence-based functional medicine, this conversation offers practical insights grounded in both clinical experience and emerging research. Topics include: • Why heart disease remains the #1 killer of women • Menopause and cardiovascular disease • Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) • ApoB vs LDL • Lipoprotein(a) Lp(a) • Advanced lipid testing • GLP-1 medications beyond weight loss • Intermittent fasting for women • Muscle preservation during menopause • Personalized preventive cardiology If you're interested in functional medicine, longevity, metabolic health, women's hormones, or preventive cardiology, this conversation is packed with practical insights.

    Women’s Health: The Truth About Menopause, Heart Disease & GLP-1s

  7. Aug 1

    Music as Medicine: The Science Behind Healing Through Sound

    Can music become medicine? In this fascinating episode of The Curious Cardiologist, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj speaks with Grammy-winning producer and author Barry Goldstein about the emerging science of Acousticeuticals™—the intentional use of music to influence brain function, heart health, stress physiology, sleep, and emotional wellbeing.  Barry explains how music affects the autonomic nervous system, heart rate variability, inflammation, cognition, and even our internal chemistry through dopamine, oxytocin, and cortisol. Together they explore ancient practices like chanting OM through the lens of modern neuroscience, discuss research on Alzheimer's disease and PTSD, and explain why certain tempos can literally entrain the heart and brain into healthier rhythms. The episode concludes with practical strategies anyone can use—including Barry's "Musical Nutrition" framework—to intentionally use music throughout the day for better health. Chapters / Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction: Can Music Become Medicine? 02:30 What are Acoustaceuticals? 05:20 Ancient Healing Meets Modern Science 09:00 The Neuroscience of Chanting OM 14:00 Alzheimer's Research & Memory Improvement 18:00 Drumming, PTSD & Inflammation 21:30 Heart Coherence Explained 26:00 Music, HRV & The Vagus Nerve 30:30 Why Noise Can Harm the Body 36:30 Ultrasound, Medicine & Future Therapies 41:00 Music's Effect on Hormones & Inflammation 45:00 How to Build a Daily Music Practice 51:00 Musical Nutrition: Morning, Midday & Evening 58:00 The Future of Acoustaceuticals 1:02:00 Rapid Fire Questions 1:07:00 Final Thoughts & Resources

    Music as Medicine: The Science Behind Healing Through Sound

  8. Jul 25

    Alopecia Explained: Root Causes, Gut Health & Hair Regrowth

    Hair loss is often dismissed as a cosmetic issue—but what if it's actually one of your body's earliest warning signs? In this episode of the Curious Cardiologist Podcast, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj sits down with Johanna Dahlman, founder of Alopecia Angel, to uncover the root causes of alopecia and why conventional medicine often falls short. After developing autoimmune alopecia in her early 30s, Johanna spent four years researching nutrition, functional medicine, lifestyle interventions, and autoimmune health before naturally restoring her hair. Today, she has helped thousands of people in more than 68 countries navigate hair loss by addressing the underlying drivers—not just the symptoms. Together, they discuss autoimmune disease, gut health, stress, genetics, medications, supplements, hormones, pregnancy, longevity, and why hair loss is often a sign that something deeper is happening inside the body. Whether you're experiencing hair loss yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply interested in preventative health, this conversation offers practical insights and a hopeful perspective. Topics discussed: ✔ What alopecia really is✔ Autoimmune hair loss✔ Functional medicine✔ Gut health and the microbiome✔ Stress and chronic inflammation✔ Hormones and women's health✔ DNA testing and personalized medicine✔ Hair loss medications✔ Supplements that may actually worsen hair loss✔ Why "aging" isn't the whole story✔ Hair regrowth through lifestyle changes Johanna also shares her personal journey of overcoming autoimmune alopecia naturally after being told there was no cure, and explains how that experience led her to help thousands of people worldwide. If you've ever wondered why you're losing your hair—or what your body might be trying to tell you—this episode is for you. 👍 Like, subscribe, and share if you found this conversation helpful. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction01:20 Meet Johanna Dahlman02:00 What Is Alopecia?04:45 Johanna's Personal Hair Loss Story08:00 Why Conventional Medicine Misses the Root Cause10:30 The Functional Medicine Approach to Hair Loss13:00 Healthcare Around the World16:00 Is It Ever Too Early to Prevent Hair Loss?18:30 DNA Testing & Personalized Medicine20:00 Hidden Causes of Hair Loss22:00 Breast Implants, Botox & Autoimmunity24:30 Is Hair Loss Just Aging?26:30 Can Exercise Improve Hair Growth?28:00 Stress, Cortisol & Hair Loss31:00 Diet, Nutrition & Protein34:00 Medications That Cause Hair Loss36:00 Supplements That May Be Making Things Worse39:00 Gut Health & Autoimmune Disease42:00 How Long Does Hair Regrowth Take?45:00 Why There Isn't One Cure for Alopecia47:30 Johanna's New Nonprofit Mission50:00 Final Advice for Anyone Losing Their Hair52:00 Rapid Fire Questions

    Alopecia Explained: Root Causes, Gut Health & Hair Regrowth
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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
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Laguna Institute of Functional Medicine
  • Show Website
    The Curious Cardiologist

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