Manna with Dr. Turner

by Michael Turner M.D.
  • 4.9 (11)
  • ALTERNATIVE HEALTH
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Are you looking for world-class health and wellness advice, combined with a dose of inspiration and spiritual encouragement? You’ve come to the right place. This is nourishment for body and soul. This is the MannaLife podcast. drturner.substack.com

Episodes

  1. 10/20/2025

    Core Strength, Resilience, and Redefining Aging

    In this inspiring episode of Manna Life, Dr. Turner is joined by Dr. Ryan Nordell and Dr. John King for a deep dive into one of the most overlooked foundations of lifelong health—core strength. Together, they unpack why your spine, posture, and stability determine so much of your vitality as you age, and how to train smarter, not harder, for lasting mobility, strength, and resilience. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or simply looking to “age well,” this episode will challenge what you believe about getting older and empower you to take ownership of your health span—not just your lifespan. Rethinking Back Pain and “Getting Older” * Low back pain is one of the most common physical ailments—but it’s not an inevitable part of aging. * Dr. Nordell challenges the myth that pain and stiffness are “just getting older,” emphasizing that core stability is trainable at any age. * Most back issues stem from muscle imbalance and inactivity, not irreversible structural damage. The Foundation of True Core Strength * The transverse abdominis and multifidus muscles act as a corset, stabilizing the spine from the front and back. * Most people never train these deeper muscles; instead, they overemphasize the “six-pack” rectus abdominis and obliques. * Without activating your stabilizers, traditional core workouts can actually make your back weaker over time. Dr. Turner’s Personal Journey: From Injury to Resilience * Dr. Turner recounts his experience suffering a severe gym injury—a ruptured lumbar disc from heavy deadlifts—that led to surgery and forced him to rebuild from the ground up. * Recovery became a test of humility, patience, and self-applied functional medicine, rebuilding with swimming, light resistance, and consistent movement. * His story illustrates how the right rehab approach—anchored in mindset and consistency—can restore full function, even after surgery. Health Span vs. Life Span: The Longevity Connection * As Dr. Nordell explains, “I care less about living to 110 if the last 40 years are decrepit.” * Longevity isn’t just about time—it’s about quality: mobility, independence, and balance. * Prioritize flexibility, stability, and endurance training over maximal strength to extend your health span. Practical Core Training You Can Do Anywhere * You don’t need a gym membership to train effectively—bodyweight exercises and a few simple tools can maintain your fitness for life. * Key activation drill: * Find your hip bones and move your fingers slightly inward. * Draw your belly button gently toward your spine. * Hold for three seconds, release, and repeat 20–30 times. * Focus on isometric contractions and endurance-based reps to build stability that lasts all day. The Mindset of Proactive Health * America’s healthcare model is reactive, not proactive. * Instead of waiting for pain or illness, train your body and mind to stay strong, adaptable, and balanced. * Build resilience through movement you enjoy—play spike ball, lift with friends, or go for walks with your kids. Quick Tips for Building a Resilient Body * Train your transverse abdominis and multifidus before doing heavy lifts. * Incorporate balance and flexibility training as you age. * Listen to your body—know when to push and when to rest. * Consult a professional before starting a new program, especially if you already have back pain or injury. About Dr. Nordell: Dr. Ryan Nordell, DPT, LPC, is a globally recognized concierge doctor and longevity strategist with over 20 years of experience helping the world’s top performers—CEOs, athletes, celebrities, and UHNW families—optimize their energy, extend their lifespan, and live with purpose. He has been featured on Fox News and other leading media outlets for his expertise in functional medicine, non-surgical pain management, and high-performance health, positioning him as a trusted authority in today’s evolving health landscape. As co-founder of Elite Care Concierge (ECC). Dr. Nordell helped establish one of the most advanced concierge healthcare platforms in existence—delivering highly personalized, white-glove medical care built around advanced diagnostics, functional medicine, and precision performance strategies. Dr. Nordell is also founder and CEO of Orthopedic & Fitness Solutions, a concierge rehabilitation and pain optimization practice. His background in treating complex injuries has shaped his distinctive approach—fusing biomechanics, regenerative medicine, biohacking, and performance protocols into a customized path to healing and vitality. Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Nordell has been a behind-the-scenes advisor and growth architect for multiple high-growth wellness ventures, from 8- to 10-figure scale. His leadership blends clinical innovation, business strategy, and financial acumen—helping organizations clarify vision, elevate offerings, and thrive in competitive luxury markets. A sought-after speaker and thought leader, Dr. Nordell regularly appears on podcasts, interviews, and live platforms to share insights on high-performance living, longevity science, and the future of personalized medicine. His leadership is anchored in faith, integrity, and service—guiding his mission to help others live with energy, purpose, and eternal significance. About Dr. King: Dr. John A. King, TH.D, is a survivor of over a decade of childhood trafficking and abuse, Dr. King rebuilt his life around one core principle: performance begins in the mind. His recovery journey became the foundation for a high-impact framework that helps individuals rewire their thinking, sharpen focus, and build the mental resilience needed to thrive under pressure. He has spent years coaching military veterans, first responders, executives, and entrepreneurs to break free from survival mode and develop a performance mindset—one that fuels clarity, consistency, and long-term wellbeing. At MannaLife, he brings that same field-tested, no-fluff approach to transforming healthcare. By integrating biohacking tools with performance psychology and faith-rooted values, Dr. King helps people shift from reactive living to intentional, results-driven health. His mission is simple: Stop coping. Start performing. His motto: You weren’t born to cope. You were born to rise. About Dr. Turner: Michael K. Turner, M.D., is a graduate of Stanford University, Harvard Medical School, and The Mayo Clinic. He practices Integrative Medicine in his own national concierge practice, providing personalized approaches (including hormones, sleep, recovery, nutrition, supplements, and exercise) to help people achieve their optimal state of health. Called “genuine”, “caring”, and “the best doctor in the world” by patients, he brings a high degree of empathy, trademark optimism, and a holistic approach to patient care. He brings a passion for excellence to everything he does. He believes in living and modeling a healthy, balanced lifestyle.   What would it feel like to be as healthy as you could possibly be? I would love to connect with you at www.MichaelTurnerMD.com This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drturner.substack.com/subscribe

    23 min

  2. 12/23/2023

    Doctor Turner and Del Bigtree Discuss on 'The Highwire' - Revitalizing the Doctor-Patient Relationship

    Dear Friends, Many of you joined our Substack community since I appeared on The Highwire with Del Bigtree, so we thought to make it available as a Substack post, in keeping with our recent COVID theme.  With Best Wishes for Your Health and Wellness, Featured on this episode of The Highwire: * Doctor-Patient Relationship and Insurance Influence * Importance of Trust in Healthcare * Patient-Driven Change in Healthcare * Medical Professional Responsibility * Rebuilding the doctor patient relationship Watch the full episode which includes a mini-documentary on Dr. Turner HERE: About Dr. Turner: Michael K. Turner, M.D., is a graduate of Stanford University, Harvard Medical School and The Mayo Clinic. He practices Integrative Medicine in his own national concierge practice, providing personalized approaches (including hormones, sleep, recovery, nutrition, supplements and exercise) to help people achieve their optimal state of health. Called “genuine”, “caring”, and “the best doctor in the world” by patients, he brings a high degree of empathy, trademark optimism, and a holistic approach to patient care. He brings a passion for excellence to everything he does. He believes in living and modeling a healthy, balanced lifestyle.   What would it feel like to be as healthy as you could possibly be? I hope you all connect with me at www.MichaelTurnerMD.com Learn How To Remove the Spike Protein from your body! Find more episodes of The Highwire and help support verified truth! https://thehighwire.com/ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drturner.substack.com/subscribe

    35 min

  3. 07/05/2022

    How to Prevent and Treat COVID-19

    Dear Friends, Like you, I am eager to see this whole pandemic come to an end and to do everything in my power to help myself, and those I love, stay healthy and strong. Like you, I know people – close friends – who have died from this dreadful disease. We have suffered way too many lives lost; and way too much social, educational, and economic damage. Perhaps differently from you, as a physician, I have been blessed with inside knowledge of physiology and medicine – and, if I don’t know something, I know where to look to educate myself on it. I can look behind the veil of media censorship to understand what truly does and does not work. I have used this knowledge, combined with practical expertise, to successfully provide prevention and early treatment for thousands of people. My desire is to make this critical information more widely known. Guess what? I just did a Google search for “How to treat COVID at home.” Here is what I found: Get vaccinated?.. What?… I am not “anti-vax” but we need to be honest – vaccination is not even a treatment, it’s a prevention strategy (with an increasingly questionable risk/benefit ratio). Not to mention, someone with COVID should never get the injection while he or she is actively sick. “Water. Rest. Tylenol and ibuprofen...Masks, isolation, and quarantine.” The #2 Google search result was from the Mayo Clinic… More of the same. Is that all we can do?... Seriously?  What about Vitamin D?... Zinc? .. Gargling with mouthwash to kill the virus? Nasal sprays? What about the fact that Dr. Brian Tyson and Dr. George Fareed (Harvard Medical graduate) gave early treatment to over 3,000 people with zero deaths, published a book about it, and even spoke on record at the US capitol over a year ago? (actions which promptly got them banned from Twitter and YouTube). This is a disgrace. This silence is deafening and is causing unnecessary suffering and loss of life. We can do better – and we will. It’s time to join with me, and many others, to get this message out. I am going to do my part and share with you the best of my expertise and insight; it’s up to you to do the rest. Let’s get started … Step 1: Strengthen Your Immune System Your best defense against COVID is a healthy, robust immune system (which is, for example, the goal of the vaccine). There are many ways to do this, but here is my personal list of the absolute most impactful suggestions: SLEEPThe strength of your immune system today is affected by the quality of sleep you had last night. And when you are sick, this becomes even more important: Your body fights COVID (or any infection) mainly when you are asleep, not when you are awake. This is why when you get sick you feel both sick and tired – your body is trying to send you a message: “Put me to sleep so I can get active fighting this infection.” EXERCISEBesides all the good exercise does for the heart, lungs, brain, muscles, etc. it also boosts your immune system. In fact, if I were to draw your blood immediately after doing cardio, it would show higher circulating levels of white blood cells (via a phenomenon called “demargination”).  MINIMIZING/AVOIDING SUGARYou already knew sugar wasn’t good for you...Enough said. MUSHROOMS OR MUSHROOM EXTRACTSMushrooms are great for the immune system. My personal favorite is the ABM mushroom. There’s a reason the natives call it “the mushroom of God.” AGED GARLICTake your garlic just like Grandma used to tell you. NAC (N-ACETYL CYSTEINE)NAC is a blockbuster natural supplement the FDA is trying to take away from us. (How do you spell “drug company influence”?) Read more of the science here.  SELENIUMSelenium is a trace mineral and a potent anti-cancer weapon.  PROBIOTICSTurns out healthy bacteria in your gut are good for your immune system – helping not only with infections but also allergies.  CHINESE HERBAL MEDICINEI can’t claim to understand it, but I have seen this product work miracles for family members.  Step 2: Supplements Specifically Active Against COVID The story gets even better: There are supplements known to have a specific role during a COVID infection. To make things simple and actionable, I created this chart: References: FLCCC website and this YouTube video *TUMERIC/CURCUMINHere are my recommendations for a savory tea or the highest-potency oral capsule (used at MD Anderson and UCLA Medical Center in their studies of turmeric and cancer).  *QUERCETINThe best source (price, quality, etc.) I have found is this formulation.  *MELATONINListed here not because it helps you sleep (which is great) but because it has direct activity against COVID. I prefer the extended-release formulation because it helps you stay asleep as well as fall asleep. One pill at bedtime of this formulation.  *NACNAC can be hard to obtain. The best source I have found is this formulation.  Step 3: Preventative Medications 1. Gargling and nasal irrigation twice a day (this nasal spray or mouthwash). The COVID virus first settles into your throat and nasal passages and from there multiplies and spreads. Why not knock it down at its source? 2. Ivermectin at 0.2 mg/kg twice a week (read all about it). The horse paste that happens to have won the Nobel Prize in medicine; launched a worldwide, DIY, COVID-treatment revolution; and antagonized pharmaceutical executives worldwide…You can’t make this stuff up… Power to the people!  Step 4: The Boy Scout Motto (“Be prepared”)  Buy a nebulizer. This is basically a humidifier with a mouthpiece and a reservoir to add medication. When I used to work in the ER, the first thing we would do for anyone having significant breathing problems (short of intubation) was to give them oxygen and breathing treatments through a nebulizer… This is the same thing that happens in a hospital if the doctor calls for the Respiratory Therapist.So get ahead of the game and have one ready – that way, if you end up with breathing problems and need urgent medication (Albuterol and/or Budesonide), you won’t have to scramble to get one. They are available without a prescription from pharmacies, medical device stores, or even online.                                                    Nebulizer Extra credit: A home oxygen machine and a facemask. Search online for “oxygen concentrator.” Step 5: Early Treatment 1. Aspirin 325 mg once a day (unless contraindicated). The COVID virus predisposes to blood clots and inflames the lining of the blood vessels ("endothelial damage"); aspirin is a potent blood-thinner and anti-inflammatory. 2. Start rescue doses of these medications to have on hand in the medicine cabinet:  * Paxlovid twice a day for 5 days. Very promising results when started within 5 days of symptoms. Good safety profile. Some intriguing examples that it may even help with Long COVID. The challenge is that it interacts with multiple medications, isn't recommended for people with kidney or liver disease, and some people experience "Paxlovid rebound" -- a resurgence of symptoms after their initial treatment stops. * Ivermectin at 0.4 mg/kg once a day. Binds spike protein, impairs viral entry into cells, interferes with viral replication (inhibits RNA polymerase), potent anti-inflammatory effects (suppresses IL-6, TNFα, and NF-kB).        * Hydroxychloroquine at 200 mg twice a day. Impairs viral entry into cells, helps prevent cytokine storm, enhances uptake of zinc into cells (“zinc ionophore”), anti-inflammatory. * Doxycycline at 100 mg twice a day or Azithromycin at 250 mg twice a day. Impairs viral entry into cells, potent anti-inflammatory effects (suppresses IL-6, TNFα, and NF-kB). Not Recommended: Molnupiravir -- Initial data looked promising but the more it was scrutinized, the less impressive the results. It also has serious safety concerns -- in fact, an independent panel of scientific advisors, convened by the FDA to offer their expert opinion on the risk/benefit ratio, barely passed it, with 13 in favor and 10 against. Read all about it here. Conclusion And there we have it, my friends. This is the very best information I can provide you at this time. If there are any other proven treatments out there, let me know – you will have my gratitude and appreciation; of course, I will continue my own diligent search. I want to leave you on a note of positivity and optimism: This disease is preventable. It is treatable. It is not Ebola. You can prepare ahead of time and be successful in staying out of the hospital. You do not have to live your life in fear. These precautions can relieve your anxiety and help you reclaim your quality of life. Amen? Amen! Best Wishes, P.S. Learn How To Remove the Spike Protein from your body About Dr. Turner: Michael K. Turner, M.D., is a graduate of Stanford University, Harvard Medical School and The Mayo Clinic. He practices Integrative Medicine in his own national concierge practice, providing personalized approaches (including hormones, sleep, recovery, nutrition, supplements and exercise) to help people achieve their optimal state of health. Called “genuine”, “caring”, and “the best doctor in the world” by patients, he brings a high degree of empathy, trademark optimism, and a holistic approach to patient care. He brings a passion for excellence to everything he does. He believes in living and modeling a healthy, balanced lifestyle.   What would it feel like to be as healthy as you could possibly be? I hope you all connect with me at www.MichaelTurnerMD.com Learn How To Remove the Spike Protein from your body! If you liked this post, why not share it? This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drturner.substack.com/subscribe

    2 min
  4. 4. It’s Time To Bring Courage and Kindness to a World In Need

    06/07/2022

    4. It’s Time To Bring Courage and Kindness to a World In Need

    “Behind every challenge is an opportunity.” The last two years of the COVID pandemic have been a difficult time for everyone, but like all other challenges we go through, they are also an opportunity to act in courage and faith to lift others up. Dr. Turner concludes his candid reminisces about hardships from his past, including adopting four children, two marriages that ended in divorce, taking the biggest risk of his career, and losing close friends to COVID. But most importantly, he shares lessons learned from these adversities.    Join Dr. Turner on today’s episode of Manna as he shares a message of hope and encouragement. Key Takeaways We all face challenges in life, some more difficult than others. For Dr. Turner, these included: Adopting four young childrenTwo marriages that ended in divorceGiving up a well-paying, comfortable jobLosing two dear friends to COVIDBut what ultimately matters is how we respond to those challenges. “The man who thinks he can and the man who thinks he can’t are both right. Which one are you?” Henry Ford. Resources Website  Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Google Business Page About Dr. Turner Michael K. Turner, M.D., is a graduate of Stanford University, Harvard Medical School and The Mayo Clinic. He practices Integrative Medicine in his own national concierge practice, providing personalized approaches (including hormones, sleep, recovery, nutrition, supplements and exercise) to help people achieve their optimal state of health. Called “genuine”, “caring”, and “the best doctor in the world” by patients, he brings a high degree of empathy, trademark optimism, and a holistic approach to patient care. He brings a passion for excellence to everything he does. He believes in living and modeling a healthy, balanced lifestyle.   What would it feel like to be as healthy as you could possibly be? Let’s begin the journey… This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drturner.substack.com/subscribe

    16 min
  5. 3. Who Shrunk My Jeans? Confronting Life’s Challenges With Honesty and Hope

    06/06/2022

    3. Who Shrunk My Jeans? Confronting Life’s Challenges With Honesty and Hope

    Have you ever been fired from a job, resorted to stress-eating, or failed to achieve a dream? You’re not alone. Dr. Turner continues sharing candidly some of the challenges he has faced and his shortcomings in dealing with them. Join us on this episode of Manna as we explore some of Dr. Turner’s most formative experiences. Key Takeaways Dr. Turner can relate to you if you … Have been fired from a jobHave struggled to make ends meet on a tight budgetHave responded to stress in unhealthy waysHave experienced the death of a dream Resources Website  Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Google Business Page About Dr. Turner Michael K. Turner, M.D., is a graduate of Stanford University, Harvard Medical School and The Mayo Clinic. He practices Integrative Medicine in his own national concierge practice, providing personalized approaches (including hormones, sleep, recovery, nutrition, supplements and exercise) to help people achieve their optimal state of health. Called “genuine”, “caring”, and “the best doctor in the world” by patients, he brings a high degree of empathy, trademark optimism, and a holistic approach to patient care. He brings a passion for excellence to everything he does. He believes in living and modeling a healthy, balanced lifestyle.   What would it feel like to be as healthy as you could possibly be? Let’s begin the journey… This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drturner.substack.com/subscribe

    13 min
  6. 2. It's the Challenges We Choose to Face that Shape Us

    05/27/2022

    2. It's the Challenges We Choose to Face that Shape Us

    Dr. Turner discloses some of the challenges he experienced growing up and how you might be able to relate. Stepping into his past, he shares intimate insights from childhood through college that helped shape him to be the person he is today.  From a difficult relationship with his father, to struggling as an overweight kid among peers; from feeling out-of-place as a minority, to becoming an exchange student in a foreign country; Dr. Turner has a deep understanding of challenges and the important role they play in shaping who we are. Discover how these experiences informed who he is, and how that knowledge can inspire you today on Manna. Key Takeaways Dr. Turner can relate to you if you … Come from a divorced homeHave experienced “Daddy Issues” Have felt out-of-placeHave struggled with your weightHad to adapt to a different cultureFelt overwhelmed in school Resources Website  Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Google Business Page About Dr. Turner Michael K. Turner, M.D., is a graduate of Stanford University, Harvard Medical School and The Mayo Clinic. He practices Integrative Medicine in his own national concierge practice, providing personalized approaches (including hormones, sleep, recovery, nutrition, supplements and exercise) to help people achieve their optimal state of health. Called “genuine”, “caring”, and “the best doctor in the world” by patients, he brings a high degree of empathy, trademark optimism, and a holistic approach to patient care. He brings a passion for excellence to everything he does. He believes in living and modeling a healthy, balanced lifestyle.   What would it feel like to be as healthy as you could possibly be? Let’s begin the journey… This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drturner.substack.com/subscribe

    21 min
  7. Holistic Health and Hope: An Introduction to Dr. Michael Turner

    05/27/2022

    Holistic Health and Hope: An Introduction to Dr. Michael Turner

    What makes Manna different from other health-focused podcasts? In this inaugural episode Dr. Michael Turner shares his perspective about why you’ll find value here. Uninterested in marketing pitches disguised as educational advice or selling products you don’t need, he prizes honesty, efficiency, and directness. From holistic and integrative health advice drawn from multiple sources, to positive inspiration and spirituality, our host describes Manna as “world-class health and wellness advice, combined with a dose of inspiration and spiritual encouragement.” Join Dr. Turner as he explains three key reasons why you and your loved ones will want to listen.  Key Takeaways Holistic and integrative health advice, drawn from all streams of wellness.Inspiration: Dr. Turner speaks from a place of positivity, hope, and enthusiasm.Spirituality: Dr. Turner approaches everything he does from a spiritual framework, as a calling from God and not just a job.   Resources Website  Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Google Business Page About Dr. Turner Michael K. Turner, M.D., is a graduate of Stanford University, Harvard Medical School and The Mayo Clinic. He practices Integrative Medicine in his own national concierge practice, providing personalized approaches (including hormones, sleep, recovery, nutrition, supplements and exercise) to help people achieve their optimal state of health. Called “genuine”, “caring”, and “the best doctor in the world” by patients, he brings a high degree of empathy, trademark optimism, and a holistic approach to patient care. He brings a passion for excellence to everything he does. He believes in living and modeling a healthy, balanced lifestyle.   What would it feel like to be as healthy as you could possibly be? Let’s begin the journey… This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit drturner.substack.com/subscribe

    6 min
  • 7 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

Are you looking for world-class health and wellness advice, combined with a dose of inspiration and spiritual encouragement? You’ve come to the right place. This is nourishment for body and soul. This is the MannaLife podcast. drturner.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    by Michael Turner M.D.
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Michael Turner M.D.
  • Show Website
    Manna with Dr. Turner

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