Optimization Academy with Dr. Greg Jones

Dr. Greg Jones

Welcome to the Optimization Academy Podcast! Here I will be interviewing some of my favorite innovators in the health care industry and beyond. We will be sharing tips and information on how to become the most powerful version of yourself using naturopathic and integrative medicine, fitness, nutrition, and more. Together we will give you the tools to be informed and empowered! Dr. Greg Jones is Naturopathic Physician, Navy Vet, Reformed Engineer, and Grumpy Dog Dad. His mission in medicine is to shift the conversation away from "sick" care to true healthiness and wellness.

  1. 3d ago

    92. Hormone Optimization: Why Testosterone, Estrogen & Labs Don’t Tell the Full Story

    Hormone optimization goes beyond testosterone and estrogen. In this episode of the Optimization Academy Podcast, Dr. Greg Jones talks with Ashley Madsen, PA-C, about why symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, low libido, weight changes, poor recovery, and perimenopause concerns often need a deeper, more personalized approach. They discuss why testosterone levels are dropping in younger men, why many women’s hormone symptoms are dismissed or misunderstood, and how stress, sleep, toxins, lifestyle, body composition, and metabolic health can affect hormone balance. Ashley also breaks down common misconceptions around testosterone therapy, estrogen, progesterone, peptide therapy, genomics, and longevity medicine. If you’ve been searching for answers around low testosterone, perimenopause, fatigue, brain fog, weight resistance, hormone therapy, or recovery, this episode offers a practical look at what may actually be driving those changes, and why symptoms, labs, lifestyle, and personalized care all matter. 📌 About Ashley Madsen, PA-CAshley Madsen, PA-C, is a board-certified physician assistant specializing in hormone optimization, longevity medicine, peptide therapy, genomics, and performance health. She has advanced training through Stanford University, the Institute for Functional Medicine, and the American Board of Anti-Aging Medicine. She is also the co-founder of Lamarra Collective. Get 10% off your first order at Dr. Jones Supplement Store when you join the email list. https://drjonessupplements.com/ 🔗 Learn more about Ashley Madsen, PA-C Website: https://ashleymadsen.com, https://lumara-collective.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleymadsen-lumara Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleymadsenofficial/ 📌 Connect with Dr. Greg JonesInstagram: @doctorjones_doctorjonesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/gregjonesnmd Enovative Wellness Center: https://enovativewellness.com/ Book Dr. Jones to speak at your next event: https://www.drjonesnmd.com/  📣 Subscribe + FollowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrGregJonesNMD Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2QrMGwCIGo1kjdezfCyYDK  🔬 TimestampsWhy Hormone Health Is So Confusing Today (00:00 - 07:23) Stress, Toxins & Lifestyle Factors Affecting Hormones (07:23 - 13:57) Estrogen, Progesterone & Hormone Myths (13:57 - 18:59) Symptoms Many Women Get Told to Ignore (18:59 - 25:22) What Women Experience During Perimenopause (25:22 - 32:23) Common Myths About Testosterone Therapy (32:23 - 36:42) Testosterone Levels Are Dropping in Younger Men (36:42 - 38:37) Sleep, Recovery & Metabolic Health (38:37 - 42:29) Why Body Composition Matters More Than Weight (42:29 - 48:42) Genomics & Personalized Longevity Medicine (48:42 - 51:34) Peptide Therapy Explained Simply (51:34 - 01:12:11) The Future of Hormone Optimization (01:12:11 - 01:17:52) 🔍 Want to Learn More? Here is the science discussed in today's episode: PMID: 17062768 Testosterone concentrations in young adult men have declined over time PMID: 37326322 Menopause hormone therapy and women’s health research PMID: 31474158 Environmental and lifestyle factors linked to testosterone decline PMID: 31599840 Testosterone deficiency and metabolic health PMID: 36735255 Hormone optimization and longevity medicine research

  2. Jul 12

    Methylene Blue for Energy and Focus

    In this episode, Dr. Jones provides valuable clinical insights into methylene blue, a compelling tool for biohacking. He explains how it addresses mitochondrial dysfunction and supports overall mitochondrial health, which is essential to boost energy levels and improve brain function. CHAPTERS00:00 What Methylene Blue Is and Why It’s Trending00:29 How Methylene Blue Works in the Body01:49 Mitochondrial Energy and Fatigue Support02:22 Cognitive, Memory, and Brain Health Benefits03:04 Why Product Quality and Source MatterConnect with Dr. Greg JonesInstagram: @doctorjones_doctorjones 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrGregJonesNMD____________________________The information provided in this video is solely for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to diagnose, treat, cure, or manage any health condition. Viewing this content does not establish or imply a doctor–patient relationship. You should not rely on this content as a substitute for consultation with a licensed healthcare professional regarding your own specific medical questions or health concerns. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, treatment, or lifestyle program. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have seen in this video. If you believe you may be experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

  3. Jul 1

    91. Gabapentin for Neuropathy: Why It Doesn’t Work and What Heals Nerve Pain

    Neuropathy treatment often falls short—and this episode explains why nerve pain persists even when tests appear normal and medications don’t deliver real relief. In this in-depth conversation, Dr. Greg Jones sits down with Dr. Stephen Matta, a triple board-certified physician specializing in regenerative medicine, to uncover what’s often missed in the diagnosis and treatment of neuropathy. In this episode, you’ll learn what neuropathy really is, why standard tools like EMGs can miss underlying nerve dysfunction, and how chronic inflammation, poor blood flow, and structural issues contribute to ongoing nerve pain. Dr. Matta breaks down why medications like Gabapentin may only mask symptoms instead of addressing root causes—and what a more comprehensive, functional approach looks like. We also explore advanced treatment strategies, including ultrasound-guided hydrodissection, peptide therapy, regenerative injections, and full-body assessments designed to restore nerve function. Through real patient cases, Dr. Matta explains how identifying the true source of nerve irritation can lead to meaningful improvements in pain, mobility, and quality of life.If you’re dealing with neuropathy, nerve pain, tingling, or unexplained symptoms—or you’re a practitioner looking for a more effective framework—this episode provides a practical, science-informed roadmap to approaching nerve health differently.📌 Dr. Stephen Matta Dr. Matta is a triple board-certified physician in Primary Care, Non-Surgical Orthopedics, and Stem Cell Therapy. He is a master diagnostician who specializes in anti-aging, orthopedic pain, and functional medicine, using cutting-edge holistic therapies such as ultrasound-guided regenerative injections, osteopathic manipulation, acupuncture, IV nutrient therapy, and ozone therapy. His integrative approach draws on your story and exam to uncover root causes, whether musculoskeletal, neural, hormonal, or pathogenic.🔗 Learn more about Dr. Stephen MattaWebsite: https://www.meetingpointhealth.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/meetingpointphilly📌 Connect with Dr. Greg Jones:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctorjones_doctorjonesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJonesNMDBook Dr. Jones: https://www.drjonesnmd.com/Enovative Wellness Center: https://enovativewellness.com/📣 Subscribe + Follow:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrGregJonesNMDSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2QrMGwCIGo1kjdezfCyYDK🔗 Want to Learn More? Here is the science discussed in today's episode:PMID 19903499: BPC-157 and the acceleration of nerve repair and fiber density.PMID 23168581: The power of ARA-290 for small fiber neuropathy symptoms.PMID 25945352: How Thymosin Beta-4 counteracts demyelination and improves nerve conduction.PMID 26981106: Cerebrolysin’s role in restoring myelinated nerve fibers.PMID 39841081: New research into cellular modification efficiency.🔬 TimestampsNeuropathy and Limits of Medication (00:00 - 01:12)Dr. Matta’s Background (01:12 - 05:24)Discovery of Regenerative Medicine (05:24 - 11:17)Root Cause vs Symptom-Based Care (11:17 - 12:32)What Neuropathy Really Is (12:32 - 13:50)Case Study: Post-Surgical Nerve Damage (13:50 - 16:21)Case Study: Runner with Nerve Entrapment (16:21 - 20:29)Why EMGs Miss Nerve Issues (20:29 - 26:48)Chronic Inflammation and Nerve Damage (26:48 - 31:10)Blood Flow and Nerve Healing (31:10 - 31:51)Why Medications Fall Short (31:51 - 40:51)Full-Body Assessment Approach (40:51 - 46:38)Athlete Case Study (46:38 - 47:22)Hydrodissection Explained (47:22 - 52:21)Peptides for Nerve Healing (52:21 - 57:51)Expectations and Recovery Limits (57:51 - 01:03:41)

  4. Jun 25

    7 POWERFUL Benefits of NAD+ on Cell Energy, DNA, and Brain Fog

    Dr. Greg Jones discusses NAD, a favorite molecule in functional medicine for its role in anti-aging. He explains how NAD contributes to DNA repair, boosts mitochondria, and provides energy, while also supporting deeper sleep. With age, energy levels naturally decline, but oral NAD supplements can help to increase NAD levels.CHAPTERS00:00 What NAD Is & Why It Matters for Longevity00:59 NAD and Cellular Energy (Mitochondria)01:41 DNA Repair and Aging Protection02:20 Sirtuins, Longevity Genes, and Stress Resistance02:46 Brain Fog, Focus, and Cognitive Energy03:18 Sleep, Circadian Rhythm, and NAD Timing03:48 Inflammation Control and Immune Balance04:17 Metabolic Health and Insulin Sensitivity04:50 Best Ways to Boost NAD: IV, Injections, or Supplements05:26 Who Should Consider NAD TherapyConnect with Dr. Greg JonesInstagram: @doctorjones_doctorjones Enovative Wellness Center: https://enovativewellness.com/ 📣 Subscribe + Follow: Don’t miss an episode! Subscribe and leave a review. 📺 YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@DrGregJonesNMD🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2QrMGwCIGo1kjdezfCyYDK?si=WhH4DW3oQw2k9qkfCtHZdQ ____________________________The information provided in this video is solely for educational and informational purposes. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to diagnose, treat, cure, or manage any health condition. Viewing this content does not establish or imply a doctor–patient relationship. You should not rely on this content as a substitute for consultation with a licensed healthcare professional regarding your own specific medical questions or health concerns. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication, supplement, treatment, or lifestyle program. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have seen in this video. If you believe you may be experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

  5. Jun 16

    90. Endurance Training: How to Push Past Fatigue and Reach Peak Performance

    Brain Endurance Training and mental fatigue may be the missing link limiting your physical performance, and this episode reveals how your brain, not your body, could be the true bottleneck. In this high-impact conversation, Dr. Greg Jones sits down with Dr. Christopher Ring, Professor of Psychology at the University of Birmingham, to explore how cognitive load, stress, and perception of effort directly influence endurance, recovery, and overall performance. In this episode, you’ll learn how mental fatigue can reduce physical output, why your brain acts as a “governor” on performance, and how Brain Endurance Training (BET) can help increase resilience, delay fatigue, and improve both cognitive and physical capacity. Dr. Ring explains the science behind perceived exertion (RPE), how stress impacts the nervous system, and why traditional training has overlooked one of the most critical components of performance. We also explore how modern lifestyles—especially screen time and cognitive overload—may be silently reducing exercise capacity, and how targeted brain training protocols can reverse these effects. Whether you’re an elite athlete, a high-performing professional, or someone looking to improve focus and endurance, this episode provides a science-backed framework for building a more resilient brain and body. If you’re looking to break through plateaus in performance, reduce fatigue, and train smarter, this episode offers a powerful and practical blueprint grounded in cutting-edge research. 📌 About Dr. Christopher Ring: Christopher studied psychology at the University of Hull, graduating with a first-class degree in 1987. He then studied psychology at the State University of New York at Stony Brook under the supervision of Jasper Brener, completing his doctorate in cardiac psychophysics in 1993. This was followed by a post-doctoral fellowship in respiratory psychophysiology at Ohio University. In 1995, he joined the School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Birmingham. 🔗 Learn more about Dr. Christopher Ring: https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/staff/profiles/sportex/ring-christopher 📌 Connect with Dr. Greg Jones: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctorjones_doctorjonesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJonesNMDBook Dr. Jones at your next event: https://www.drjonesnmd.com/Enovative Wellness Center: https://enovativewellness.com/ 📣 Subscribe + Follow: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrGregJonesNMDSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2QrMGwCIGo1kjdezfCyYDK 🔗 Want to Learn More? Check these resources: Mental fatigue impairs physical performance (foundational study): https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19131473/ Brain endurance training improves performance: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36370703/ Stress physiology and systemic health: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33218873/ American Physiological Society Journal: Mental fatigue impairs physical performance in humanshttps://journals.physiology.org/doi/abs/10.1152/japplphysiol.91324.2008  🔬 Timestamps Introduction to Brain vs Physical Performance (00:00 - 01:12) The Stress Paradox and Immune Priming (01:12 - 02:09) Acute vs Chronic Stress (02:09 - 05:02) Heart Rate Awareness vs Performance (05:02 - 09:27) Why Office Work Increases Fatigue (09:27 - 10:26) Why Science Ignored the Brain (10:26 - 13:43) The Brain as a Performance Governor (13:43 - 15:48) RPE and Performance Limits (15:48 - 17:50) Are Elite Athletes Protected? (17:50 - 22:37) What is Brain Endurance Training (BET)? (22:37 - 25:34) Measurable Brain Adaptations (25:34 - 28:35) When to Apply BET (28:35 - 33:39) BET for Busy Professionals (33:39 - 35:10) Progressive Overload for the Brain (35:10 - 44:20) BET vs Puzzles (44:20 - 48:45) Clinical Applications (MCI, Diabetes) (48:45 - 54:18) Reducing Mental Noise (54:18 - 56:33) Adding Cognitive Load to Training (56:33 - 01:03:30)

  6. Jun 2

    89. Long COVID and Sports Injuries: Why Athletes Are Breaking Down

    Long COVID and sports injuries are becoming impossible to ignore—and this episode explores why more athletes may be dealing with fatigue, soft tissue breakdown, and prolonged recovery after viral illness. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Greg Jones sits down with Dr. Muhammad Mansour, a naturopathic doctor and regenerative medicine specialist who treats elite athletes at the highest levels. In this episode, you’ll learn how long COVID may affect skeletal muscle, mitochondrial function, exercise tolerance, and systemic inflammation—and why these issues can persist even after the initial infection appears to resolve. Dr. Mansour explains how athletes can miss early warning signs, why “pushing through” fatigue may backfire, and how a more individualized recovery strategy may be critical in the post-pandemic era. If you’re an athlete, coach, practitioner, or health-conscious listener trying to understand the intersection of long COVID, inflammation, and injury risk, this episode offers a science-informed perspective on what recovery may require now. 📌 Dr. Muhammad Mansour Dr. Muhammad Mansour is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor based in Santa Rosa, California, who has earned a reputation as a trusted healthcare provider for top professional athletes across the NBA, NFL, and beyond. Bridging the gap between elite performance and functional medicine, he specializes in pain management without medication, using advanced diagnostic tools such as ultrasound to identify microvascular changes and systemic inflammation. 🔗 Learn more about Dr. Muhammad Mansour Website: https://health.mansourmedical.com  Clinic: https://nimcsr.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.mansour_nd  📌 Connect with Dr. Greg Jones: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctorjones_doctorjones  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJonesNMD Book Dr. Jones as a speaker: https://www.drjonesnmd.com/  Enovative Wellness Center: https://enovativewellness.com/  📣 Subscribe + Follow: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrGregJonesNMD  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2QrMGwCIGo1kjdezfCyYDK  🔗Want to Learn More? Check these resources: Long COVID overview (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/long-covid/about/index.html  Muscle abnormalities in long COVID (Nature): https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-44432-3  Mitochondrial dysfunction + fatigue (NIH): https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/sars-cov-2-can-cause-lasting-damage-cells-energy-production  The science discussed in today's episode: PMID: 35867593 – Skeletal muscle alterations and inflammation post-COVID. PMID: 38177128 – Mitochondrial dysfunction and its link to long-term fatigue. PMID: 35747600 – The rise in Achilles tendon ruptures in professional athletes post-pandemic. PMID: 39301475 – Connective tissue markers and viral persistence. PMID: 37844189 – Immune dysregulation and the musculoskeletal system. PMID: 35143536 – ACE2 receptor expression in human skeletal muscle. 🔬 Timestamps Introduction to Athlete Health Post-COVID (00:00 - 01:46) Injury Patterns and COVID-19 Impact (01:46 - 08:40) Muscle and Connective Tissue Damage (08:40 - 09:17) Inflammation and Recovery (09:17 - 13:44) Spike Proteins and Testing (13:44 - 15:14) Long COVID Symptoms Explained (15:14 - 18:30) The Athlete Mindset Problem (18:30 - 20:47) Mitochondrial Dysfunction (20:47 - 22:27) Peptides, Detox, Foundations (22:27 - 28:07) Genetic Risk Factors (28:07 - 29:21) Hypermobility and Injury Risk (29:21 - 31:35) Clinical Treatment Strategies (31:35 - 33:34) Sports Medicine Conversations (33:34 - 35:36) Resistance to Change in Sports (35:36 - 36:52) Need for Systemic Change (36:52 - 40:12) Risk Assessment in Athletes (40:12 - 43:25) Injury Prevention Strategies (43:25 - 46:21) Treatment Options (46:21 - 48:25) Old vs New Therapies (48:25 - 50:03) Final Insights (50:03 - 53:31)

  7. May 19

    88. Chronic Inflammation Explained: Root Causes, Lab Testing & How to Heal

    Chronic inflammation explained—if you're dealing with fatigue, brain fog, or ongoing health issues, this episode uncovers the real root causes and how advanced lab testing can help you finally heal. In this powerful conversation, Dr. Greg Jones sits down with Dr. Clement Lee, a licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctor (NMD), to break down why so many people feel unwell despite “normal” lab results. In this episode, you’ll learn how chronic inflammation impacts aging, energy, and cognitive function—and why it’s often missed in standard healthcare. Dr. Lee also explains the importance of comprehensive lab testing, including deeper biomarkers and tools like the Metabolic Vulnerability Index (MVX), to assess long-term health risks and optimize recovery. We also explore cutting-edge therapies such as peptide therapy, ozone therapy, and regenerative injections, along with foundational strategies like sleep, hydration, and nutrition that are critical for reducing inflammation and restoring health. If you’ve been searching for answers to unresolved health issues, this episode provides a clear, science-backed roadmap to understanding chronic inflammation and taking actionable steps toward healing. 📌 Dr. Clement Lee Dr. Clement Lee is a licensed Naturopathic Medical Doctor (NMD) and the founder of Optimal Health & Wellness in Pasadena, California. Driven by a passion for finding the "missing pieces" in conventional healthcare, Dr. Lee built his practice on the principle of treating the root cause of illness rather than just managing symptoms. His journey into natural medicine began at the University of California, Irvine, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences. He then earned his Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine (SCNM) in 2009. During his medical training, Dr. Lee pursued specialized education in prolotherapy at the Hackett-Hemwall Foundation, which deepened his expertise in regenerative injection therapies. 🔗 Learn more about Dr. Clement Lee Website: https://www.opthealthwellness.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drclementlee 📌 Connect with Dr. Greg Jones: Instagram:   www.instagram.com/doctorjones_doctorjones  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJonesNMD  Book Dr. Jones to speak at your next event: https://www.drjonesnmd.com/  Enovative Wellness Center: https://enovativewellness.com/  📣 Subscribe + Follow: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrGregJonesNMD  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2QrMGwCIGo1kjdezfCyYDK  Want to learn more? Check these resources: Chronic inflammation and disease: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7147972/  Understanding Inflammation: https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthy-aging-and-longevity/understanding-acute-and-chronic-inflammation  Gut health and inflammation: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5641835/  🔬 Timestamps Chronic Inflammation & Hidden Health Issues (00:00 - 01:29) Dr. Clement Lee’s Background & Approach (01:29 - 05:08) Acute vs Chronic Inflammation Explained (05:08 - 06:23) Root Causes: Stress, Toxins & Infections (06:23 - 10:27) Gut Health & Dental Links to Inflammation (10:27 - 11:41) Fatigue, Brain Fog & Early Warning Signs (11:41 - 13:42) Inflammaging & Accelerated Aging (13:42 - 16:16) Advanced Lab Testing Beyond Standard Panels (16:16 - 17:22) Metabolic Vulnerability Index (MVX) Explained (17:22 - 20:48) Foundational Habits to Reduce Inflammation (20:48 - 22:42) Peptides, Ozone Therapy & Regenerative Treatments (22:42 - 45:50) Tracking Progress & Knowing What Works (45:50 - 53:42) Final Thoughts & Where to Find Dr. Lee (53:42 - 56:04)

4.7
out of 5
14 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Optimization Academy Podcast! Here I will be interviewing some of my favorite innovators in the health care industry and beyond. We will be sharing tips and information on how to become the most powerful version of yourself using naturopathic and integrative medicine, fitness, nutrition, and more. Together we will give you the tools to be informed and empowered! Dr. Greg Jones is Naturopathic Physician, Navy Vet, Reformed Engineer, and Grumpy Dog Dad. His mission in medicine is to shift the conversation away from "sick" care to true healthiness and wellness.

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