Friends of Franz

Christian Franz
  • 4.6 (11)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Hosted by Christian Franz, a New York City–based registered nurse and content creator, Friends of Franz is an exploration of health and wellness through intimate, myth-busting conversations with leading scientific and clinical experts. Its newest season journeys from ancient and Eastern healing traditions to cutting-edge conversations surrounding modern science and medicine. @franzpodcast @chrsfranz

  1. 4D AGO

    Dosha and Don’ts with Nisha Saini (New York Ayurveda) — On Ayurvedic Medicine, Ashwagandha, and Turmeric

    Ayurveda, often referred to as the “science of life,” is one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems, with origins dating back over 5,000 years to ancient India. From understanding the three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—that govern our physical and emotional states, to the powerful cleansing and rejuvenating process known as Panchakarma. Ayurveda is rooted in harmony between mind, body, and spirit, and it views health as a dynamic balance rather than the mere absence of disease. Can this ancient system continue to offer profound guidance for holistic wellness in the modern world? In this episode, we are joined by Nisha Saini, CHHP. Nisha is the Founder and Director of the award-winning New York Ayurveda & Panchakarma Center in 2006, and is a Certified Holistic Health Practitioner, Ayurvedic Health Counselor, Panchakarma Specialist, and licensed holistic esthetician. Nisha and New York Ayurveda have been featured on Vogue and NPR. Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, Facebook Follow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube

    45 min

  2. OCT 28

    The Ancient Flows — On Qigong with Lisa Li, Yoga with Melissa Jeng, and Reiki with Margaret Wang

    For thousands of years, humans have sought healing from within — through breath, movement, and energy. Practices like Qigong, yoga, and, more contemporarily, Reiki have emerged from traditions as powerful ways to restore balance, vitality, and inner peace. Qigong uses slow, intentional movement and breath to cultivate life force energy, while yoga unites body and mind through postures and controlled breathing. Reiki, rooted in Japanese energy medicine, offers gentle, hands-on healing by channeling universal energy. In our current world of constant changes, stressors, and stimulations, are these ancient grounding practices for healing and harmony still viable? In this episode, we are joined by three expert guests within the tenets of Qigong, yoga, and Reiki. Firstly, Lisa Li is the founder of The Qi (a flowering tea wellness company) and a certified Qigong instructor, having trained in the traditional Chinese practice for 7 years. Lisa and The Qi have been featured on New York Magazine, Bon Appétit, Architectural Digest, Food & Wine, and Good Housekeeping. Melissa Jeng is a decade-long yoga and mindfulness teacher based in New York City. Trained through Yogamaya and with Jules Mitchell, Melissa pursued advanced training in biomechanics, meditation, trauma-informed yoga, and breath work. Margaret Wang is a Usui/Tibetan Reiki practitioner, having completed her training at The International Center for Reiki Training. Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, Facebook Follow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube

    1h 11m

  3. OCT 21

    Needle Little Help from Dr. Lauren Kuei (Nava Wellness) — On Acupuncture, Qi, and Yin & Yang Meridians

    For centuries, acupuncture has been a cornerstone of Traditional Chinese Medicine, offering a powerful lens into the body’s natural healing intelligence using the precise placement of ultra-fine needles. Rooted in the concept of meridians—an intricate network of energy pathways—this ancient practice seeks to restore balance and harmony, thereby proposing relief from chronic pain, inflammation, and even stress. Can these invisible channels and their said connections to our organs really unlock profound pathways to healing and tangible pain relief? In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Lauren Kuei, DACM, L.Ac, RYT. Dr. Kuei is a licensed and board-certified acupuncturist, registered yoga teacher, and clinical herbalist at Nava Wellness, an acupuncture and Eastern Asian Medicine Practice in New York City. She received her Doctorate of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine (DACM) from the Pacific College of Health and Sciences in San Diego. Dr. Kuei has been featured on The Strategist by New York Magazine. Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, Facebook Follow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube

    52 min

  4. OCT 14

    A Root Awakening with Nina Cheng (The Eastern Philosophy) — On Traditional Chinese Medicine, Herbs, and Congee

    Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is often called the world’s oldest and longest continuously practiced medical system, with roots reaching back nearly 5,000 years. Born from the philosophies of Qi, yin and yang, and the Five Elements, it blends ancient wisdom with healing practices like acupuncture, herbal medicine, and qigong. For millennia, TCM has centered on restoring balance and harmony within the body and mind. But in an era defined by modern science and technology, can an ancient system still hold its power? In this episode, we are joined by Nina Cheng, BA. Nina is the founder of The Eastern Philosophy (homemade and curated TCM company), author of 'Chinese Medicine for the Mind,' and serves as the Council and Communications Officer of the International Association for the Study of Traditional Asian Medicine (IASTAM), the world’s leading academic organization for the study of traditional Asian medicine. Part-time, she is also a graduate student in the History of Medicine at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. The Eastern Philosophy has been featured on the New York Post, Daily Mail, and Coveteur. Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, Facebook Follow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube

    54 min
  5. A New Genesis with Christian Franz — The Fourth Season

    SEASON 4 TRAILER

    A New Genesis with Christian Franz — The Fourth Season

    The fourth installment of the Friends of Franz Podcast now journeys from ancient and Eastern healing traditions to cutting-edge conversations surrounding modern science and medicine, featuring expert clinicians, practitioners, and scientists from both domains and schools of thought. Thank you to Season 4's Asian-founded brand partners: Reprise, Uka Beauty, The Qi, Remsen Skincare, SHY Binu, Sanzo, DAYGUARD, EMME, JOYN, Dae Tea, and Wild Mannered. Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, Facebook Follow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube

    8 min
  6. The Breast Conversation on Mammograms with Dr. Robyn Roth (The Boobie Docs)

    06/14/2024

    The Breast Conversation on Mammograms with Dr. Robyn Roth (The Boobie Docs)

    According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer remains to be the most common cancer, excluding skin cancers, and accounts for the second leading cause of cancer death, following lung cancer, in women across the nation. Yet, despite these staggering statistics, a Current Oncology commentary from Harvard Medical School states that misinformation believed by the general population within the domain of breast health remains at large, especially when it comes to breast cancer screening. In this episode, we seek to tackle these questions that surround breast cancer screening and detection: What is the BRCA gene, and how does it relate to breast cancer? What are the risk factors for breast cancer? At what age should a woman start getting a mammogram? Can men also get breast cancer? What is the BI-RADS score? How does one perform a monthly breast self-examination? What are the next steps for the patient after a breast cancer diagnosis? We are joined today by Dr. Robyn Roth, a board-certified diagnostic radiologist and breast & abdominal imaging specialist based in Camden, NJ. She received her BS at the University of Florida, MD from Albert Einstein College of Medicine, and Diagnostic Radiology residency and Women's Imaging fellowship at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. For the past decade, Dr. Roth has been an attending Breast Radiologist, Women's Imaging Fellowship Director, and Assistant Professor of Radiology in New Jersey. Dr. Roth is the founder of "The Boobie Docs," a renowned social media platform and podcast where she discusses breast cancer and breast health in an educational and fun way. Dr. Roth has been featured on The TODAY Show, USA Today, AOL.com, Health.com, Katie Couric Media, and Good Day Philadelphia. Livestream Air Date: August 22, 2023 Follow Robyn Gartner Roth, MD: Instagram, YouTube, TikTok Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, Facebook Follow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube Thankful to the season's brand partners: Covry, House of M Beauty, Nguyen Coffee Supply, V Coterie, Skin By Anthos, Halmi, By Dr Mom, LOUPN, Baisun Candle Co., RĒJINS, Twrl Milk Tea, 1587 Sneakers

    54 min
  7. The Dark Side of Medicine (Literally: Radiology) with Dr. Sally Choi (DrSallymanderChoi)

    06/07/2024

    The Dark Side of Medicine (Literally: Radiology) with Dr. Sally Choi (DrSallymanderChoi)

    According to the World Health Organization, around 3.6 billion diagnostic radiologic medical examinations are performed worldwide yearly. Diagnostic imaging exams — including X-rays, MRIs, Ultrasounds, CT scans, and PET scans — can truly save lives and change the trajectory of a patient's care plan by potentially preventing the necessity of surgery and more invasive procedures. Yet, despite the integral work of diagnostic radiologists and radiologic technologists, they remain to be the unsung heroes of medicine. What does the medical education and training for radiology look like? When is an X-ray needed to rule out a medical condition versus an MRI or a CT scan? Is the radiation emitted from the imaging machines safe? What are the scaled effects of radiation exposure on the body? We are joined today by diagnostic radiology resident physician Dr. Sally Choi (also known online as Drsallymanderchoi). She received her MD from McGovern Medical School at UTHealth and is currently completing her Diagnostic Radiology residency at UTHealth San Antonio Long School of Medicine, with an interest in furthering her training in Neuroradiology fellowship. Through social media, Dr. Choi has garnered over 300,000 followers, having shared her journey within medicine, the field of radiology, and mental health. Livestream Air Date: November 10, 2022 Follow Sally Choi, MD: Instagram, TikTok, YouTube Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, Facebook Follow Christian Franz Bulacan (Host): Instagram, YouTube Thankful to the season's brand partners: Covry, House of M Beauty, Nguyen Coffee Supply, V Coterie, Skin By Anthos, Halmi, By Dr Mom, LOUPN, Baisun Candle Co., RĒJINS, Twrl Milk Tea, 1587 Sneakers

    1h 1m
  8. Gray Hair and Silver Linings with Geriatrician Dr. Christina Chen (Aging Forward)

    05/17/2024

    Gray Hair and Silver Linings with Geriatrician Dr. Christina Chen (Aging Forward)

    According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), nearly one-fourth of older adults aged 65 and older are at increased risk for loneliness and are considered to be socially isolated, with risk factors being attributed to hearing loss, losing family or friends, role changes such as retirement, living alone, and chronic disease. Geriatric syndromes — such as polypharmacy, falls, cognitive impairment like dementia and Alzheimer's disease, malnutrition, and incontinence — are clinical conditions and multifactorial impairments that are more commonly identified in older adults. Aging is definitely the normal trajectory of human life, but how can one age in a way that is considered healthy and with an optimal quality of life? How can an older adult look forward to the remaining years of life despite chronic illness? How can we help safeguard a geriatric's mental health despite feelings of abandonment, loneliness, and fear of being a burden to their caregiver/s? We are joined today by Dr. Christina Chen, a double board-certified geriatrician and internist at Mayo Clinic. She received her BS in Biology and Psychology from Michigan State University, MD from St George's University School Of Medicine, Internal Medicine residency at the University of Illinois College of Medicine, and Geriatric Medicine fellowship at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. She further achieved certificates in Acupuncture for Physicians from Helms Medical Institute and Executive Women in Leadership from Cornell University. Dr. Chen currently stands as an Attending Geriatrician and Assistant Professor of Medicine at Mayo Clinic Rochester, the Host of the Aging Forward Podcast, the Course Director of the Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine Senior Sages Curriculum. the Editor of the Mayo Clinic on Healthy Aging book, and the Medical Advisory Board of GrandPad, a customizable platform that delivers virtual care to seniors at home while keeping seniors connected to reduce social isolation and improve the telehealth experience. Livestream Air Date: August 17, 2023 Follow Ying Ying (Christina) Chen, MD: Instagram Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, Facebook Follow Christian Franz Bulacan (Host): Instagram, YouTube Thankful to the season's brand partners: Covry, House of M Beauty, Nguyen Coffee Supply, V Coterie, Skin By Anthos, Halmi, By Dr Mom, LOUPN, Baisun Candle Co., RĒJINS, Twrl Milk Tea, 1587 Sneakers

    54 min
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4.6
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Hosted by Christian Franz, a New York City–based registered nurse and content creator, Friends of Franz is an exploration of health and wellness through intimate, myth-busting conversations with leading scientific and clinical experts. Its newest season journeys from ancient and Eastern healing traditions to cutting-edge conversations surrounding modern science and medicine. @franzpodcast @chrsfranz

Information

  • Creator
    Christian Franz
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2025
  • Episodes
    83
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Christian Franz
  • Show Website
    Friends of Franz

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