Back to Human

James Andriella

Sometimes moving forward requires us to take a step back.

  1. Reactions Aren't "Rare": Real Stories of Vaccine Injuries - Ep: 1 Sonja Osborne-Figueroa

    4D AGO

    Reactions Aren't "Rare": Real Stories of Vaccine Injuries - Ep: 1 Sonja Osborne-Figueroa

    On this episode of the Back to Human Podcast we dive into a sensitive and controversial topic: vaccine injuries. I’m joined by Sonja Osborne-Figueroa, a mother of two boys, one of whom became nonverbal after receiving the MMR vaccine. Sonja shares how she began noticing developmental regressions in both of her sons following wellness visits, and how those early signs raised concerns when her younger son was required to receive the MMR shot in order to attend school. Despite strong hesitation, she moved forward. After the MMR vaccination, her son Austin became nonverbal, withdrawing into his own world. Once aware of his surroundings and able to communicate, Austin can no longer function independently and now requires constant supervision. Her story is emotional, raw, and difficult to hear. Unfortunately, it is not uncommon. This episode marks the first installment in an ongoing vaccine series. If you are a parent or know someone who would like to share their lived experience with vaccine injury, please fill out the contact form at BacktoHuman.us. In this episode we discuss: ​What life was like before becoming a parent​Early developmental regressions in her first son and how they raised concerns for her second​Her hesitation around the MMR vaccine and the pressure she felt to vaccinate her son so he could attend school ​Realizing afterward that an exemption may have been an option​The moment they felt they “lost him” after the shot​Being gaslit, talked down to, and losing trust in Western medicine​How a disappointing neurology appointment that fueled her search for alternatives​How to approach the topic of vaccines with others​Accountability and how taking responsibility helped her move forward​Interventions Sonja found helpful: diet changes, chelation therapy, and supplements​The financial reality of raising a special-needs child​The emotional impact of witnessing other children his age thrive​Sonja’s greatest daily fear: dying without proper care in place for her son​Why she does not support mainstream autism campaigns like Light It Up Blue​Why this experience has not come with “blessings” or “gifts”​The role of genetics, including MTHFR, and predisposition​Thoughts on delayed vaccine schedules or selective vaccination​Why boys—particularly African American boys—appear disproportionately affected​MAPS Doctors (Medical Academy of Pediatric Special Needs)​ABLE Accounts for special-needs children​TACA (The Autism Community in Action)​Recovering Kids: Biomedical Healing (Facebook group)​Vaxxed documentaries​Advice for parents newly facing this reality​What the future looks like for her son and how she’s preparing him for adulthood

    1h 10m
  2. Uncut Truths: What They Don't Tell You About Circumcision with John Geisheker

    12/14/2025

    Uncut Truths: What They Don't Tell You About Circumcision with John Geisheker

    On this episode of the Back to Human Podcast, I sit down with John Geisheker to expose the barbaric and unnecessary practice of infant circumcision. John is the pro bono Director and General Counsel of Doctors Opposing Circumcision (DOC), an international nonprofit dedicated to protecting genital integrity, autonomy, and ethical pediatric care. For over 30 years, John has litigated and mediated medical disputes involving unwanted circumcisions and premature, forcible foreskin retraction — which he calls the “gateway drug” to circumcision. This conversation is packed with history, ethics, psychology, and eye-opening realities most parents have never been told. In this episode we cover: 00:00 – Intro 01:20 – John’s early deep-dive into the research 03:55 – Attitudes and beliefs regarding circumcision in New Zealand 04:35 – What DOC actually does 08:45 – The obsessive epiphany adult men are confronted with 10:52 – If there’s no medical purpose, why is it still practiced? 13:00 The anatomical design of the penis 16:47 Circumcision was intended as a form of punishment 19:10 Informed consent 28:00 – No regulation & no anesthesia 31:00 – What happens to the foreskin afterward (medical waste, cosmetics, industry ties) 32:40 – Jewish context: humiliation ritual, bris, Bruchim, Beyond the Bris 35:47 – Cognitive dissonance, conformity & the illusion of choice 41:15 – “It’s not a medical system, it’s a marketplace” 43:18 – Why parents avoid acknowledging loss 45:05 – Adamant Father Syndrome 48:47 – Justifications for circumcision (circulation myths, necrotic tissue, cancer claims) 51:39 – How to properly care for an intact penis 55:42 – Forcible retraction 58:19 – Foreskin restoration & reported benefits 1:02:05 – Demonstration of sensitivity & the science of touch 1:08:25 – How many adults are electing circumcision today 1:09:37 – Sign-off & resources 1:13:11 – Jewish support: Bruchim & Bris Shalom 1:15:18 – Your Whole Baby If you’d like to explore this topic further, here are some helpful resources: https://www.bruchim.online/ https://www.beyondthebris.com/ https://www.yourwholebaby.org/ https://www.restoringforeskin.org/ https://www.doctorsopposingcircumcision.org/ I hope you find value in this episode — even if the subject is uncomfortable — and that you share it with any parent who’s unsure or questioning this practice.Subscribe to stay in the loop for future content.

    1h 16m
  3. Carnivore for Type 1 Diabetes & Gallbladder Issues with Dr. Anthony Chaffee

    12/05/2025

    Carnivore for Type 1 Diabetes & Gallbladder Issues with Dr. Anthony Chaffee

    In this episode, I sit down with returning guest and carnivore expert Dr. Anthony Chaffee to explore how a carnivore diet applies to two challenging situations: Type 1 diabetes and gallbladder issues. We break down common misconceptions, nutritional pitfalls, and practical strategies for people navigating these conditions while trying to optimize their health. Topics we cover include: 00:00 – Intro 01:21 – Primary Function of the Gallbladder 03:45 – How a lack of dietary fat contributes to gallstones 07:00 – Can gallstones be dissolved and passed? 14:00 – Carnivore without a gallbladder 18:00 – Should you supplement with ox bile? 21:13 – Fat-soluble vitamins and deficiency risks 24:00 – Age-related brain degeneration or malnutrition? 26:00 – Dr. Weston A. Price & dental health 30:13 – Low vitamin D and cancer risk 34:07 – Infant brain scans showing B12 deficiency 43:29 – Can a vegan diet provide enough fat? 47:10 – Why common nutritional references may be suboptimal 49:50 – Western diets are “hyper-vegetarian” 56:58 – What is type 1 diabetes? 59:10 – The real cause of autoimmune disorders 1:02:45 – Can Type 1 diabetes improve on carnivore? 1:08:24 – Type 2 diabetes is carbohydrate poisoning 1:10:21 – Ketogenic diets are the gold standard for treating both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes 1:13:42 – Humans aren’t designed to eat carbohydrates 1:18:03 – What is ketoacidosis? 1:20:40 – “Is everything diabetes?” 1:21:29 – PCOS is easy to fix 1:22:27 – Is cancer “Type 5 diabetes”? 1:27:14 – Autophagy on ketogenic diets 1:29:17 – Insulin, weight gain, and fat loss 1:31:00 – Building muscle is effortless on a carnivore diet 1:38:52 – Can Type 1 diabetes be improved even if not caught early? Learn more about Dr. Chaffee’s work on: • Youtube: https://youtube.com/@UCzoRyR_nlesKZuOlEjWRXQQ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonychaffeemd • Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cw/AnthonyChaffeeMD

    1h 45m
  4. Raising Lions: Taming Tantrums & Power Struggles with Joe Newman

    11/21/2025

    Raising Lions: Taming Tantrums & Power Struggles with Joe Newman

    In this episode, I sit down with Joe Newman, author of the bestselling book Raising Lions and creator of one of the most effective approaches for understanding and motivating difficult behavior in children. Joe was diagnosed with ADHD in the 1970s, and his own childhood challenges shaped a 30-year career working with the toughest kids and helping parents bring calm, clarity, and confidence back into their homes. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to respond when your child pushes your limits… this episode will change the way you see behavior. In this episode we discuss: How Joe developed the Raising Lions methodThe role environment plays in shaping a child’s behaviorWhy kids (and parents) are more capable than we assume — and how their responses guide us toward better solutionsHow conflict functions as a “question” children are askingEarly connectedness and the beginning of separation around 14–18 monthsJoe’s “Meet the Hand” philosophy explainedThe problem with overwhelming kids with too much informationWhy children follow what you do, not what you sayThe three behavior types (malignant, benign, impulsive) and how to respond to eachWhat a “break” is, why it works, and how to do it effectivelyHow Joe would tweak my breakHow kids naturally test the break and what that means for parentsCan you give too many breaks?Does Joe believe kids are overmedicated?Why praise can be detrimentalRapid fire: real-life scenariosIf you found this episode helpful please share it with a parent in need! To learn more about Joe's method, book a consultation, or purchase his book, visit RaisingLions.com

    1h 21m
  5. Jade’s Journey: Wild Pregnancy & Free Birth

    10/10/2025

    Jade’s Journey: Wild Pregnancy & Free Birth

    In this episode of the Back to Human Podcast, Jade shares her powerful and deeply transformative journey through a wild pregnancy and an ecstatic, orgasmic free birth. After experiencing a less-than-ideal first home birth that ended in a hospital transfer—a decision made by our midwife—Jade felt called to forego outside help, trust her intuition, and fully reclaim the sacredness of birth Through deep self-connection, surrender, and trust in her body, she navigated her pregnancy without medical management—ultimately birthing in complete freedom and bliss. We explore: ​What was Jade’s first home birth experience like​What gave her the confidence to pursue a wild pregnancy & free birth ​Why she trusted me through the process ​What Jade was experiencing physically and emotionally during labor​How her preparation for this pregnancy differed from her first​How the birth was… FREE! (Financially)​How women “testing” men can serve as an opportunity for masculine growth and deeper trust​What it was like to be at home after the birth—completely “normal,” peaceful, and so much more pleasant than a hospital experience​What testing did Jade do? ​The fears Jade faced during pregnancy and how she worked through them​The altered states of consciousness she experienced during labor​Her ecstatic, orgasmic experience of birth and what that truly felt like​Why even well-intentioned coaching or guidance during labor can become a distraction and stall progress If you’ve ever questioned the medicalization of birth or felt the call to reconnect with the primal, intuitive power of the feminine, this episode will open your heart to what’s possible when you trust your body, your partner, and the sacred design of birth itself.

    1h 46m
  6. Carnivore Cured Me: Gas, Bloating & Gut Pain Gone with Jennifer Linton

    09/05/2025

    Carnivore Cured Me: Gas, Bloating & Gut Pain Gone with Jennifer Linton

    In this episode of the Back to Human Podcast, Jennifer Linton shares her incredible journey from chronic gut pain, bloating, and years of digestive struggles to lasting freedom and vibrant health on a carnivore diet. After being diagnosed with SIBO and diverticulitis, Jennifer continued to suffer until discovering the carnivore diet. Within just a week, she experienced significant relief: her bloating was gone, her stomach was flat, and for the first time in years, she felt free. Two years later, she's symptom-free, off thyroid medication, and no longer dealing with bleeding gums, gut pain, gas, or food fermenting in her gut. We explore: ​ Why everyone’s baseline of health is likely lower than they realize​ The impact of your environment on your physical well-being​ Her thoughts as a coach on disordered eating​ Why challenges (like 30-day resets) may backfire without a long-term goal or proper preparation​ The obstacles Jenny faced early on with carnivore: not eating enough fat or electrolytes​ What oxalate dumping looked like for her​ How she supported her mom in trying carnivore briefly—and the surprising improvements in osteoporosis and arthritis symptoms during that time​ Raw vs. cooked meat​ Navigating social situations while following a carnivore lifestyle​ How carnivore gave her food freedom​ The Carnivore Community If you've struggled with digestive issues like SIBO, diverticulitis, or bloating, this episode will inspire you with what’s possible when you fuel your body the way it was designed to thrive.

    1h 8m
  7. Fueling Fertility: How Keto & Carnivore Support Pregnancy & Motherhood with Rebekah Heishman

    08/22/2025

    Fueling Fertility: How Keto & Carnivore Support Pregnancy & Motherhood with Rebekah Heishman

    Welcome to Episode 54 of the Back to Human Podcast In this episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Rebekah Heishman, a health & life coach whose personal health journey—from debilitating illness to vibrant wellness—has shaped her powerful approach to healing through food. Once told she’d never live to see 30 or become pregnant, she defied the odds after struggling with osteoporosis, fibromyalgia, Hashimoto’s, mood disorders, and a life-threatening C. diff infection that left her severely underweight. Her recovery involved multiple rounds of antibiotics and three fecal transplants— ultimately leading her to adopt a ketogenic lifestyle. Now, she helps others reclaim their vitality through metabolic healing, nourishing foods, and hormone support. In this conversation, we explore: ​ Why she doesn’t rely on the scale to measure progress—and what markers she uses instead​ How dietary fat plays a vital role in hormone production and metabolic health​ The ideal balance of fat to protein in a healing diet—and how to gradually increase fat intake​ Why it often takes women longer to restore their menstrual cycles—and how nutrition plays a role​ The concept of metabolic flexibility​ How her nutrition impacted her breastmilk supply postpartum​ Whether she tracks her macros—and if she recommends it to her clients​ Her take on fasting​ Which foods she personally avoids and why​ Where people commonly go wrong with keto and how to avoid those pitfalls​ How she approached her birth plan going into the hospital​ How nourishing the body supports not only physical recovery, but also emotional resilience and hormonal balance This is a powerful episode for anyone interested in women’s health, healing chronic illness, or approaching food as a foundational tool for thriving. To learn more about Rebekah and her work, follow her on Instagram & Youtube @tailoredketohealth

    47 min
  8. 08/01/2025

    Beyond the Crack: Chiropractic for Peak Performance & Well-Being with Dr. Zev Mellman

    Welcome to Episode 53 of the Back to Human PodcastIn this episode, I had the honor of sitting down with Dr. Zev Mellman, a chiropractor based in South Florida who brings a radically holistic and human-centered approach to healing. Dr. Zev works with everyone from elite athletes and music artists to members of the general population—including underserved communities and even the homeless. His mission is simple: restore function, reduce suffering, and make quality care accessible to all. We dive deep into the philosophy, science, and controversies behind chiropractic care, and explore why Zev believes this work is about far more than just cracking backs. In this conversation, we explore: How Zev first discovered chiropractic and what drew him to this path The history of chiropractic—and how the Flexner Report nearly wiped it out What actually happens physiologically during an adjustment Why people return for care even when it "works" the first time Why chiropractic hasn’t been fully adopted by Western medicine despite its results Whether Zev has ever regretted an adjustment or unintentionally caused harm The difference between spinal adjustments and soft tissue/fascial work Why self-adjusting can do more harm than good How modern medicine often suppresses symptoms rather than resolving root issues Vitalism vs. Mechanism — the fundamental worldview shift between chiropractic and conventional medicine How research like the Manga Report highlights chiropractic's superiority for certain conditions The connection between posture, mood, stress hormones, and performance How spinal adjustments have both localized and systemic effects Why Zev adjusts barefoot—and what it says about his connection to the healing process Allostasis, allodynia, and the body’s burden of chronic stress The spine as a sensory organ—and how it constantly communicates with the brain Why chiropractic may help with emotional regulation, neurological resilience, and overall well-being—not just back pain How Zev responds to criticism and handles being labeled a “quack” The impact of diet, emotions, and lifestyle on pain and healing Why he built his pricing model around accessibility—with the single mother of three in mind To learn more about Zev and his work, follow him on all platforms @drzevtv.

    2h 24m
5
out of 5
8 Ratings

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Sometimes moving forward requires us to take a step back.

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