White Coat Black Sheep

Dr. Valerie Civelli
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Weekly

Hosted by Dr. Val Civelli, White Coat Black Sheep explores physiology, functional medicine, and the medical questions most people are told not to ask. This is where evidence meets curiosity, where dogma gets uncomfortable, and where real world medicine takes priority over headlines. From understanding your lab work to debunking hormone myths, medication misconceptions, and optimization strategies, this podcast helps you understand what is actually happening inside your body. If you care about health and think there might be a better way to practice medicine, you’re in the right place.

  1. 1h ago

    Selling Wellness to the World, Then Finding Her Own

    Intro In this episode of White Coat Black Sheep, Dr. Civelli sits down with Mary Rose Gutierrez, a healthcare business development professional, aspiring actress, and luxury wellness travel expert who has spent her career selling five star escapes to the Maldives while quietly working through a reset of her own. They cover everything from her surprise role in a new Filipino-American series to the fifteen pounds she has lost since an IVF process last year, and what a gut microbiome test taught her about the way she eats. Topics Covered Splitting her career between healthcare business development and luxury resort salesHer background role in the new Filipino-American series Nurse the DeadAn upcoming short film headed to the California Film FestivalA modeling blooper from a cigar commercial shoot during her med school years in ChicagoThe biggest luxury travel booking of her career, a $400,000 stay, six nightsBuilding a business around wellness travel, not just vacationsWhat actually happens once you land at a five star Maldives resortCultural rules she had to learn quickly doing business in Saudi Arabia and the UAEYears spent living and working in Malaysia, Singapore, Grand Cayman, and St. KittsWhy she stepped back from full time nursing to focus on the business side of healthcareHer current skincare and supplement routineWhy she believes Bakersfield is ready for its own medical grade wellness destinationHer IVF process and the fifteen pounds she has lost since through intermittent fastingWhat a Viome gut microbiome test revealed about her personal food listHer scuba certification story, including a scary boat diveMentioned in Episode Nurse the Dead (iWant series)California Film FestivalSun VenturesRecovering Co, a Bakersfield sauna and recovery studio (worth confirming exact spelling before this goes out)Viome gut microbiome testDior foundationA collagen supplement discovered through a Facebook ad (brand name not confirmed on air)Spoiled Child gummiesFlame and Skewers, a Bakersfield restaurantConnect with Dr. Civelli Trifecta Medical | trifectamedical.org 7702 Meany Ave #101, Bakersfield, CA 93308 (661) 677-2623 | info@trifectamedical.org Personal brand: www.houseofval.com Instagram: @drcivelli Services: HRT, Peptides, Health Optimization, Botox, IV Hydration, Functional Medicine, Dermatology, Aesthetics, Regenerative Medicine, Hair Loss Treatments, Psychiatry, Clinical Trials

  2. Aug 12

    Banned or Not: The Real Truth About Peptides in 2026

    Intro In this special episode of White Coat Black Sheep, Dr. Civelli isn't hosting, she's the guest speaker. She joined Empire Medical Training's live peptide webinar alongside Dr. Chris Crowley, Empire's Chief Medical Officer, with founder Dr. Steven Cosentino opening the session. Together they break down what peptides actually are, which ones are FDA approved versus banned versus somewhere in between, and the legal, insurance, and advertising realities that come with offering peptide therapy in a practice. Topics Covered What a peptide is, structurally and functionallyThe four major peptide categories in demand right now: healing (BPC-157, TB-500), weight loss (GLP-1s), cognitive/longevity, and skinThe angiogenesis and undiagnosed cancer risk question with BPC-157Why her malpractice insurance premium doubled after disclosing peptide prescribingThe real meaning behind peptides being called banned, and the difference between FDA approved, removed from the prohibited list, and still prohibitedThe FDA's April 2026 removal of six peptides from the prohibited category and what still has to happen before they're fully approvedWhether compounded medications are still considered unsafe, and how to vet a compounding pharmacyTwo real legal cases involving unapproved peptide distribution and their consequencesBuilding effective, synergistic peptide stacks without overwhelming a patientHow to find and work with a healthcare attorney who helps you find compliant paths forward instead of just saying noFDA rules around advertising peptide therapy without making unsubstantiated claimsHow peptide regulation differs by state, with Florida cited as more peptide friendly than much of the SoutheastThe legal exposure of mid-level providers selling peptides without proper physician oversightMentioned in Episode BPC-157 and TB-500, together known as the Wolverine StackGLP-1 peptides: Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, RetatrutideCognitive and longevity peptides, including Semax, Selank, and EpithalonGHK-Cu, a copper peptide used for skinThe FDA's April 2026 removal of six peptides from its prohibited compounding categoryUSP 797, the federal compounding lawByrd Adatto, a healthcare and med spa focused law firmCompounding pharmacy partners referenced: Empower Pharmacy, Olympia, and Anazao HealthJournal of Peptide Science and Peptides as ongoing research resourcesEmpire Medical Training's peptide certification course pathwayConnect with Dr. Civelli Trifecta Medical | trifectamedical.org 7702 Meany Ave #101, Bakersfield, CA 93308 (661) 677-2623 | info@trifectamedical.org Personal brand: www.houseofval.com Instagram: @drcivelli Services: HRT, Peptides, Health Optimization, Botox, IV Hydration, Functional Medicine, Dermatology, Aesthetics, Regenerative Medicine, Hair Loss Treatments, Psychiatry, Clinical Trials

  3. Aug 5

    Annoyingly Happy: One Mom's Hashimoto's Comeback

    Intro In this episode of White Coat Black Sheep, Dr. Civelli sits down with Jen, a mom, grandmother, and someone who calls herself a mom CEO, to talk about her long journey through Hashimoto's disease, hypothyroidism, and a healthcare system that kept telling her she was fine when she didn't feel fine at all. Jen shares how she went from burnout and 185 pounds to bioidentical hormone therapy, peptides, and a level of energy she describes as annoyingly happy, and how that shift rippled out to her husband, her kids, and even her animals. Topics Covered Hashimoto's disease and hypothyroidism diagnosisBeing told repeatedly that lab work was normal despite ongoing symptomsInsurance denying a referral to an endocrinologistSwitching from synthetic to bioidentical thyroid medicationStarting hormone replacement therapy, including progesterone, and its impact on sleep and moodExploring peptides for recovery, inflammation, and overall functionGut microbiome testing and how it changed her approach to foodDNA Intellect genetic testingReassessing family history as genetics versus environment, using her mother's lung cancer diagnosis as an exampleHer husband's parallel transformation, including weight loss and coming off blood pressure medicationPeptides in pets, including BPC-157 for her dog and her cousin's Great DaneThe story of her rescue horse Boss, a survivor of the 2017 Cottonwood Fire, his recovery at UC Davis, and his recent ulcer treatmentThe importance of finding the right fit between doctor and patientPrioritizing sleep and realistic movement over rigid exercise routinesLongevity patterns in both her family and her husband's familyMentioned in Episode Hashimoto's disease and hypothyroidismBioidentical thyroid medicationProgesterone and hormone replacement therapyBPC-157, TB500, and KPV peptidesRetatrutide, mentioned as an unverified report about Eli Lilly pursuing biologic status for itGut microbiome testingDNA Intellect genetic testingReda TrueTide (name as transcribed, worth confirming spelling before this goes out)Ulcergard (omeprazole)UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital and Dr. MadiganThe 2017 Cottonwood FireConnect with Dr. Civelli Trifecta Medical | trifectamedical.org 7702 Meany Ave #101, Bakersfield, CA 93308 (661) 677-2623 | info@trifectamedical.org Personal brand: www.houseofval.com Instagram: @drcivelli

  4. Jul 29

    QB1 at 12: Marz Lopez on Football Dreams, Growing Pains, and Why Teen Steroid Use Is a Trap

    Intro:Twelve-year-old quarterback Marz Lopez, aka "50 West Cowboy," sits down with Dr. Civelli to talk about life as a young athlete with NFL dreams — his training, his diet, his family, and his honest curiosity about how to grow taller and build muscle. The conversation turns into a real, protective breakdown of why performance-enhancing drugs are dangerous for a still-developing body, plus a detour into mitochondria and an attempted chess match. Topics covered: 00:00 – Meeting Marz: quarterback, "50 West Cowboy," seventh grader00:56 – A day in the life: routine, breakfast, school02:30 – Football, playing quarterback, and the NFL dream02:57 – Family life: twin sister Armani, younger brother, and good genes04:09 – A quick check on dad's health history06:04 – Working out, staying fit, and the weightlifting-and-height myth07:44 – Travel for football camps: San Diego, San Jose, LA09:14 – Wanting to gain weight and eat enough protein10:04 – Building a real nutrition plan: protein targets, greens, sleep12:32 – The big question: performance enhancement and testosterone13:06 – What actually happens to a teenage body on steroids14:46 – Marz's favorite topic: mitochondria, explained simply20:22 – An attempted chess lessonConnect with Trifecta Medical:trifectamedical.orgwww.houseofval.com(661) 677-2623info@trifectamedical.org7702 Meany Ave #101, Bakersfield CA 93308 Guest intake: justin@thebeaconstudios.com

  5. Jul 22

    From the OR to Money Healing: Dr. Susan Nichols on the Spiritual Roots of Financial Trauma

    Intro:Dr. Susan Nichols spent over a decade training to become a cardiothoracic surgeon — from the University of Iowa College of Medicine through a UCSF residency and a Stanford fellowship — only to have a profound spiritual awakening mid-fellowship that redirected her entire life. Today she holds an Executive MBA from Emory's Goizueta Business School and works as a financial advisor with MassMutual out of Atlanta, blending clinical training and behavioral finance to help clients confront generational patterns around money. She's also a TEDx speaker on The Frequency of Money®, a three-time author, a Reiki energy healer, and host of the Be Conscious® Podcast. In this episode, she joins Dr. Civelli to unpack what her awakening looked like, how it connects to generational trauma around money and worth, and a practical framework for transforming stuck emotional patterns. Topics covered: 00:00 – Dr. Nichols' path from chemist to surgeon to financial advisor10:00 – The "protracted adolescence" of long medical training13:00 – Tracing sadness back to generational wounds around security and money22:00 – The Map of Consciousness and living at the frequency of shame30:00 – Out-of-body experiences during her fellowship and what shifted after34:00 – Family shame around money and sexuality, and how it's carried forward45:00 – A 3-step exercise for transforming stuck emotional patterns53:00 – Applying energy work to modern financial planningMentioned in episode: Dr. David Hawkins, The Map of ConsciousnessMaslow's Hierarchy of NeedsReiki healing training (2013–2015)The Be Conscious® PodcastTEDx talk on The Frequency of Money®About Dr. Susan Nichols, MD, MBA:Dr. Nichols is a former physician-surgeon turned financial professional, medical intuitive, and energy healer. She practices out of The Piedmont Group in Atlanta, GA as a financial advisor and registered representative with MML Investors Services, LLC (MassMutual). She is Founder and CEO of the Human Consciousness Consortium Publishing and SusanNicholas.org, a three-time author, and host of the Be Conscious® Podcast. Connect:The Piedmont Group, 6 Concourse Parkway, Suite 2700, Atlanta, GA 30328(770) 551-3404 trifectamedical.orgwww.houseofval.com(661) 677-2623 info@trifectamedical.org7702 Meany Ave #101, Bakersfield CA 93308 Guest intake: justin@thebeaconstudios.com

  6. Jul 15

    The Cardiologist Who Biohacks: Heart Health, HRV, Cold Plunge, and the Medicine Nobody Is Teaching

    Dr. Rasham Sandhu is an interventional cardiologist in private practice in Bakersfield, California, and the founder and host of the Next Phase Human podcast. His practice focuses on delivering high-quality cardiovascular care with a growing interest in wellness, metabolic health, and the intersection of traditional and functional medicine. He is the founder of California Cardiovascular Institute. Topics Covered 00:00 Opening and show intro00:23 Meet Dr. Rasham Sandhu01:00 A cardiologist's daily schedule: procedures, office, and evening training02:00 EAAs, taurine, and skipping traditional pre-workout03:00 Morning routine: Kriya Yoga, meditation, red light therapy, cold plunge, protein04:00 Cold plunge timing and why he keeps at least 12 hours between training and plunge05:00 11 minutes per week: the cold plunge sweet spot05:30 Lymphatic drainage, Hyperice boots, and Surya Namaskar06:00 Growing up in India, entering med school at 18, and the path to cardiology09:00 The CCU rotation that made everything click10:00 Functional medicine vs. traditional medicine: the false binary12:00 The biochemistry light bulb moment14:00 Thinking at the mechanism level: upstream vs. downstream disease15:00 Building CCI from scratch three years ago16:00 PET/CT: calcium scoring, stress testing, and myocardial blood flow in one scan17:00 When to start cardiovascular screening and why disease is moving younger18:00 How calcium builds up in your arteries explained simply19:00 Rotablator, shockwave lithotripsy, and the tools of interventional cardiology21:00 Vagal nerve stimulators: breathwork, Pulsetto, Sensate, and what works23:00 Dr. Sandhu's HRV in the 20s: what is driving it and what it means25:00 Why your body treats a hotel room as a threat27:00 Wind-down routines and why we are terrible at them28:00 The blue light iPad study and the effect that lasted days30:00 The guilt of being on call and putting the phone down32:00 Random questions from the bowl35:00 Three types of conversations: heard, helped, and hugged37:00 The 40s squeeze and the cost of ignoring it39:00 The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle41:00 Dandapani on awareness, focus, and distraction42:00 The squirrel that crashed a hormone lecture Mentioned in This Episode Dr. Rasham Sandhu | @nextphasehuman | California Cardiovascular Institute | cacvinst.comNext Phase Human Podcast | Spotify | Apple PodcastsEckhart Tolle — The Power of NowDandapani — awareness and focusHyperice compression bootsSensate vagal nerve stimulatorPulsetto vagal nerve stimulatorKriya Yoga / Surya NamaskarCold plunge science: 11 minutes per weekPET/CT cardiac imagingCalcium scoringEAAs and taurine as pre-workout Connect Dr. Valerie CivelliInstagram: @drcivelliTrifecta Medical | trifectamedical.org7702 Meany Ave #101, Bakersfield CA 93308(661) 677-2623 | info@trifectamedical.orgwww.houseofval.com Guest inquiries: justin@thebeaconstudios.com Dr. Rasham SandhuInstagram: @nextphasehumanNext Phase Human PodcastSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/033qZ46toArgzpRrRrlpvbApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/next-phase-human-w-dr-sandhu/id1896859526California Cardiovascular Institute | cacvinst.com8337 Brimhall Rd Building 1200, Bakersfield CA 93312

  7. Jul 8

    It's Not In My Head

    David has spent nine years building a following of more than half a million subscribers for his police accountability work in the San Joaquin Valley. Off camera, he's spent almost as long trying to figure out what's actually wrong with his gut. GERD as a kid. An acid reflux diagnosis in his twenties. A diverticulitis flare up that led to antibiotics one doctor now says he never needed. A proton pump inhibitor that sent him into a middle of the night crisis. And a phone call with his primary care doctor that ended with an offer of antidepressants and the suggestion that he stop Googling his symptoms. In this episode, Dr. Civelli sits down with David to walk through his entire health history, symptom by symptom, and talk about what a real root cause workup actually looks like: stress, activity, food, and the testing most doctors never mention because insurance rarely covers it. Topics Covered 00:00 – Intro: where science gets curious and dogma gets uncomfortable 00:22 – Meet David: nine years of police accountability content, and how his approach changed 02:06 – Losing his mom to cancer in 2014, and the nutrition question that never left him 03:42 – Years of unexplained pain, and doctors with no answers 04:56 – Childhood GERD and growing up in Wasco, California 06:09 – A CT scan, a diverticulitis diagnosis, and antibiotics he didn't need 07:27 – A proton pump inhibitor sends him into a middle of the night crisis 08:18 – Turning to Dr. Berg and other online doctors for answers he wasn't getting 08:58 – A diverticulosis diagnosis, and learning to walk after every meal 10:20 – A slight fatty liver, and the fast to feel human again cycle 11:26 – New chest pain, clean scans, and a ChatGPT rabbit hole 12:16 – Losing 30 pounds in two weeks, and surprising his own doctor 13:53 – Ruling out parasites, H. pylori, and IBS one test at a time 14:24 – Meeting a functional medicine doctor who questions the good bacteria script 15:53 – The doctor who wouldn't let him speak, and his son's frustration 16:24 – Making peace with whatever happens, and the three hour walk that helped 19:02 – Dr. Civelli's framework: stress, then activity, then food 20:36 – DNA and RNA gut testing, and the insurance barrier nobody talks about 23:27 – Told to stop researching, then told the doctor needed to hurry because he was hungry 24:59 – Offered antidepressants instead of answers, and why he said no 27:04 – Feeling ready for whatever happens, and the friend who got him traveling again 30:52 – "I don't believe it's just in my head" 32:35 – Why chemistry with a doctor matters as much as credentials 35:53 – Told to fly to West Hollywood just to get properly tested 36:53 – How other countries approach the gut microbiome, including transplants 39:45 – Chicken, blueberries, and a diet narrowed down to almost nothing 40:08 – The vices he's given up easily, all except coffee 42:46 – Dr. Civelli's stepwise plan to safely reintroduce food 47:18 – Why he refuses to stop researching his own health 50:46 – The real science behind why walking after eating works 52:24 – Where to find David, and the work he does outside the doctor's office Mentioned in This Episode Dr. Berg, YouTube health educator David followsViome, gut microbiome testingThe FODMAP elimination dietRNA and DNA gut testingSan Joaquin Valley Transparency, David's YouTube channel@sanjoaquinvalleytransparency, David's InstagramConnect with David YouTube: San Joaquin Valley Transparency Instagram: @sanjoaquinvalleytransparency Email: sjbtkern@gmail.com Connect with the Show www.houseofval.com trifectamedical.org Want to be a guest on the show? Email justin@thebeaconstudios.com

  8. Jul 1

    Where Everybody Trains: Fitness, Gut Health, and the Business of Feeling Seen

    What if your gym was more than a place to lift weights? What if it actually knew your name, saw your struggle, and refused to let you disappear into the crowd? Dr. Civelli sits down to explore the intersection of fitness, functional medicine, entrepreneurship, and holistic wellness with Laurie Ovanessian, co-owner of Body Exchange Health Clubs, a Bakersfield-born, family-run operation now spanning five locations over 23 years. How Laurie and her family sold everything, bought a Honda Civic with 300,000 miles, and built a fitness empire from scratchWhy COVID forced Body Exchange to reimagine its entire model and actually come out strongerThe truth about GLP-1 medications like Retatrutide: why they are a tool, not a cheat code, and what happens when people use them without supportHow gut health, nervous system regulation, and even equine therapy connect to why people plateau despite doing all the right thingsWhy being seen at the gym might be the most underrated health intervention of allScience gets curious and dogma gets uncomfortable.

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Hosted by Dr. Val Civelli, White Coat Black Sheep explores physiology, functional medicine, and the medical questions most people are told not to ask. This is where evidence meets curiosity, where dogma gets uncomfortable, and where real world medicine takes priority over headlines. From understanding your lab work to debunking hormone myths, medication misconceptions, and optimization strategies, this podcast helps you understand what is actually happening inside your body. If you care about health and think there might be a better way to practice medicine, you’re in the right place.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Valerie Civelli
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    27
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Dr. Valerie Civelli
  • Show Website
    White Coat Black Sheep