Dragon Fire.Sides

David Bernard

Clinic Dragon ÀI Founder David Bernard discusses integrative medicine modalities and the challenges and alchemy required to running profitable clinics

  1. Dr. Rosanna de la Cruz, DACM, L.Ac.: The Perimenopause Symptoms Nobody Warned You About

    2d ago

    Dr. Rosanna de la Cruz, DACM, L.Ac.: The Perimenopause Symptoms Nobody Warned You About

    Dr. Rosanna de la Cruz is a Chinese medicine doctor, functional medicine practitioner, and owner of three women's health clinics in the New York area. She specializes in reproductive health and has spent her career helping women reclaim vitality, energy, and joy — particularly through perimenopause and beyond. She is also living proof that the second spring is real. In this conversation, David and Rosanna go deep on what women are being told is normal — and what isn't. What we cover: Why most doctors refuse to test hormones during perimenopause and what that's actually costing women. The symptoms nobody talks about — vagus nerve dysregulation that mimics fainting, and nighttime heart palpitations that look like anxiety but are driven entirely by cortisol. Why a ferritin level of 5 gets sent home with a clean bill of health — and what it's actually doing to your hair, energy, and quality of life. The troubling history of gynecology and how unconscious bias still shapes the care women of color receive today, from dismissed pain to disproportionate hysterectomy rates. Why the combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, functional medicine, and lifestyle change is not optional — it's the whole point. And what it actually means to determine your own normal and refuse to settle for anything less. This episode is for practitioners who want a sharper clinical lens on women's health, and for any woman who has ever sat in a doctor's office and been told to just deal with it.

    43 min
  2. Dr. Lisa Pool, LAc: The Debt Crisis Destroying the Acupuncture Profession

    May 15

    Dr. Lisa Pool, LAc: The Debt Crisis Destroying the Acupuncture Profession

    Podcast Description: Dr. Lisa Poole is an 18-year licensed acupuncturist, single parent, MBA graduate, and one of the most honest voices in the profession. After nearly two decades in practice, she's transitioning out of full-time clinical work — not because she wanted to, but because the financial reality of this profession simply doesn't add up for most practitioners. In this episode, David and Lisa have the conversation the acupuncture profession keeps avoiding. What we cover: The 2005–2006 removal of bankruptcy protections for student loans — and how it caused tuitions to immediately double and triple across the country. Why student loan attorneys consistently identify naturopaths and acupuncturists as the hardest-hit professions in the United States. What borrower's defense is and why Lisa believes every acupuncturist with federal student loans has a legitimate case. The debt-to-income data showing most acupuncture schools are charging 400–700% of what the career can actually support. Why schools bear direct responsibility for never building career pathways into hospitals and medical clinics. What real advocacy looks like — from getting acupuncture added as an essential benefit in Oregon to nearly two decades of federal student loan reform work. And where the real hope lives — because patient demand has never been higher, and the medicine isn't going anywhere. This one is honest, grounded, and worth your time whether you're in practice, considering school, or just trying to understand why such a powerful medicine is struggling to survive. Chapters 00:00 The Journey to Acupuncture15:00 Challenges in the Acupuncture Profession23:11 Advocacy and Legislative Efforts30:53 Community Engagement and Advocacy40:36 Hope and Resilience

    46 min
  3. The Bitter Pill: Debt, Burnout & The Future of Acupuncture with Dr. Mary Cooke

    12/09/2025

    The Bitter Pill: Debt, Burnout & The Future of Acupuncture with Dr. Mary Cooke

    This episode is different. It isn’t polished. It isn’t easy. It’s honest. After my recent Dragon Fire.Sides conversation with Dr. Gretchen Badami about school closures, federal pressure, and why so many acupuncturists are struggling, the comments section lit up. One of the strongest and most thoughtful responses came from today’s guest, Dr. Mary (Molly) Cooke — and this episode is a direct response to that discussion. Molly’s lived experience speaks directly to the silent crisis many practitioners face: Crushing student loan debtFew viable jobsProblematic work environmentsLack of support after graduationBurnout, invisibility, and emotional exhaustionTogether, we explore: Why acupuncturists are being gaslit by the very systems meant to support themThe brutal math of debt vs. actual practitioner incomeWhat’s really happening with school closures and institutional pressureWhy so many acupuncturists feel abandoned, betrayed, or deceivedIs medicine a calling or a business? What happens when a healer is forced to become an entrepreneur to survive? Why the public doesn’t understand acupunctureWhy practitioners don’t agree on what acupuncture isHow lack of standardization fuels confusion — and enables exploitationThis conversation builds on the themes from the episode with Dr. Gretchen Badami and pushes them further: Acupuncture must become more visible, more unified, more empowered — or risk being sidelined and replaced by lesser-trained providers. This episode is a call to action for practitioners who feel: UnderpaidUndervaluedUnseenOverwhelmedBurned outOr simply tired of pretending everything is fineYou are not alone. You are not crazy. And your voice matters. Disclaimer: This episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical, legal, business, or financial advice. Always consult relevant professionals regarding your unique circumstances. 🔥 The Crisis Behind the Curtain🔥 The Ethical Tension🔥 The Identity Crisis of the Profession🔥 The Path Forward

    1h 3m
  4. Authenticity, Algorithms & Antioxidants: Building a Modern Health Business with Ryan Encinas

    12/03/2025

    Authenticity, Algorithms & Antioxidants: Building a Modern Health Business with Ryan Encinas

    In this episode of Dragon Fire.Sides, David Bernard sits down with Ryan Encinas — former surgical first assist and hospital director turned cellular-health and nutrition strategist. Ryan has been inside the belly of the beast: Cancer research & surgery Pediatric spine & brain cases Private hospital administration Front-row seats to how broken billing and “sick care” really are Today, he works with a Fortune 100–level nutraceutical company using Raman spectroscopy to measure cellular nutrition and antioxidant status in real time — and then uses that data to help providers: Improve patient outcomes Add cash revenue streams to their practices And build businesses rooted in authenticity, not gimmicks In this conversation, David and Ryan explore: Why 95% of people are nutritionally under-fueled at the cellular level How a simple hand-scan can act like a “credit score” for your cells The difference between quoting science… and actually running clinicals on your product How Ryan went from OR and hospital politics to nutrition, biochem & genetics Why “prevention is profitable” when you can measure what you’re talking about The role of discipline, self-honesty, and mindset in entrepreneurship Authentic content vs. formulaic “fake authenticity” on social media How he built a thriving business using organic content only (no paid ads) Why movement, fascia, and subtle energetics matter just as much as lab markers This episode is for practitioners who: Feel trapped between broken insurance models and supplement guesswork Want objective tools to talk about lifestyle, nutrition, and risk with patients Are curious how to build cash-based, values-aligned revenue into their practice Know they need to show up online, but want to do it in a way that still feels human Ryan and David also nerd out on how to become more like your own comic-book hero in real life. Disclaimer: This episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice and does not diagnose, treat, or cure any condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding your personal health and any changes to your treatment plan.

    41 min
  5. Fighting for the Medicine: Dr. Chloe Weber on Entrepreneurship, Advocacy & Motherhood in TCM

    11/21/2025

    Fighting for the Medicine: Dr. Chloe Weber on Entrepreneurship, Advocacy & Motherhood in TCM

    In this powerful and vulnerable episode of Dragon Fire.Sides, David Bernard sits down with Dr. Chloe Weber, DACM, L.Ac. — herbalist, and founder of Radical Roots and Noxi Herbs, two companies redefining what modern herbal medicine can be. Chloe’s story is one of grit, heartbreak, innovation, and unwavering devotion. A single mother and practitioner, she entered the world of herbal entrepreneurship not because she wanted to, but because she had to — to support her son Remy, who lives with a rare genetic disorder. Out of necessity, Chloe developed a unique hemp-based botanical formula paired with traditional Chinese herbs (nicknamed “Remy’s Revenge”), which profoundly supported her son’s quality of life. What started as an act of love became a mission — and eventually, a company. In this episode, David and Chloe explore: Why practitioners must become advocates or the medicine won’t survive The urgent need for visibility, education, and public outreach How Chloe built Radical Roots and Noxi Herbs from scratch without outside funding Why hemp-based formulations are powerful — yet brutally difficult to market The hidden reality of supplement margins, manufacturing, and retail The challenge of maintaining integrity in an industry obsessed with profits Why more practitioners need to get uncomfortable, get loud, and get out there The identity crisis within TCM and why community matters What new practitioners aren’t told but desperately need to know How to keep going when your calling meets a society that doesn’t understand your work Chloe’s honesty, rawness, humor, and relentless commitment to the medicine make this one of the most inspiring Fireside conversations yet. This episode is for every practitioner who has ever doubted their path — and every parent, healer, or entrepreneur who knows they’re here to fight for something bigger than themselves. Disclaimer: This episode is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice and does not promote, advertise, or endorse any specific herbal or hemp-derived products. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for any medical concerns.

    45 min

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Clinic Dragon ÀI Founder David Bernard discusses integrative medicine modalities and the challenges and alchemy required to running profitable clinics

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