The Curious Cardiologist

Sanjay Bhojraj MD
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Medicine

Rethinking heart health, one question at a time. I’m Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj—interventional cardiologist, functional medicine expert, and lifelong student of what really keeps us well. In this podcast, we go beyond prescriptions and procedures to explore the deeper drivers of health, disease, and healing. From inflammation to intuition, cholesterol to consciousness, I sit down with doctors, researchers, and changemakers who are reshaping how we think about the heart—and the whole human behind it. Whether you're a fellow clinician, a health seeker, or someone navigating your own transformation, this show will challenge what you thought you knew—and invite you to stay curious.

  1. 13h ago

    Women’s Health: The Truth About Menopause, Heart Disease & GLP-1s

    Women account for nearly one in three cardiovascular deaths, yet many of the biggest risk factors are still overlooked. In this episode of The Curious Cardiologist, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj sits down with functional medicine expert Cynthia Thurlow to discuss why women's cardiovascular health deserves a completely different approach. Together they explore the relationship between menopause, metabolic health, hormone replacement therapy, intermittent fasting, advanced cholesterol testing, GLP-1 medications, and personalized medicine. They discuss why traditional lipid panels often fail to identify cardiovascular risk, how pregnancy can reveal future metabolic disease, and why markers like ApoB and Lp(a) are transforming preventive cardiology. You'll also learn how fasting differs between men and women, why muscle preservation becomes increasingly important during menopause, and how physicians can move beyond one-size-fits-all medicine toward truly individualized care. Whether you're interested in heart health, hormones, longevity, metabolic health, or evidence-based functional medicine, this conversation offers practical insights grounded in both clinical experience and emerging research. Topics include: • Why heart disease remains the #1 killer of women • Menopause and cardiovascular disease • Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) • ApoB vs LDL • Lipoprotein(a) Lp(a) • Advanced lipid testing • GLP-1 medications beyond weight loss • Intermittent fasting for women • Muscle preservation during menopause • Personalized preventive cardiology If you're interested in functional medicine, longevity, metabolic health, women's hormones, or preventive cardiology, this conversation is packed with practical insights.

    Women’s Health: The Truth About Menopause, Heart Disease & GLP-1s

  2. Aug 1

    Music as Medicine: The Science Behind Healing Through Sound

    Can music become medicine? In this fascinating episode of The Curious Cardiologist, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj speaks with Grammy-winning producer and author Barry Goldstein about the emerging science of Acousticeuticals™—the intentional use of music to influence brain function, heart health, stress physiology, sleep, and emotional wellbeing.  Barry explains how music affects the autonomic nervous system, heart rate variability, inflammation, cognition, and even our internal chemistry through dopamine, oxytocin, and cortisol. Together they explore ancient practices like chanting OM through the lens of modern neuroscience, discuss research on Alzheimer's disease and PTSD, and explain why certain tempos can literally entrain the heart and brain into healthier rhythms. The episode concludes with practical strategies anyone can use—including Barry's "Musical Nutrition" framework—to intentionally use music throughout the day for better health. Chapters / Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction: Can Music Become Medicine? 02:30 What are Acoustaceuticals? 05:20 Ancient Healing Meets Modern Science 09:00 The Neuroscience of Chanting OM 14:00 Alzheimer's Research & Memory Improvement 18:00 Drumming, PTSD & Inflammation 21:30 Heart Coherence Explained 26:00 Music, HRV & The Vagus Nerve 30:30 Why Noise Can Harm the Body 36:30 Ultrasound, Medicine & Future Therapies 41:00 Music's Effect on Hormones & Inflammation 45:00 How to Build a Daily Music Practice 51:00 Musical Nutrition: Morning, Midday & Evening 58:00 The Future of Acoustaceuticals 1:02:00 Rapid Fire Questions 1:07:00 Final Thoughts & Resources

    Music as Medicine: The Science Behind Healing Through Sound

  3. Jul 25

    Alopecia Explained: Root Causes, Gut Health & Hair Regrowth

    Hair loss is often dismissed as a cosmetic issue—but what if it's actually one of your body's earliest warning signs? In this episode of the Curious Cardiologist Podcast, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj sits down with Johanna Dahlman, founder of Alopecia Angel, to uncover the root causes of alopecia and why conventional medicine often falls short. After developing autoimmune alopecia in her early 30s, Johanna spent four years researching nutrition, functional medicine, lifestyle interventions, and autoimmune health before naturally restoring her hair. Today, she has helped thousands of people in more than 68 countries navigate hair loss by addressing the underlying drivers—not just the symptoms. Together, they discuss autoimmune disease, gut health, stress, genetics, medications, supplements, hormones, pregnancy, longevity, and why hair loss is often a sign that something deeper is happening inside the body. Whether you're experiencing hair loss yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply interested in preventative health, this conversation offers practical insights and a hopeful perspective. Topics discussed: ✔ What alopecia really is✔ Autoimmune hair loss✔ Functional medicine✔ Gut health and the microbiome✔ Stress and chronic inflammation✔ Hormones and women's health✔ DNA testing and personalized medicine✔ Hair loss medications✔ Supplements that may actually worsen hair loss✔ Why "aging" isn't the whole story✔ Hair regrowth through lifestyle changes Johanna also shares her personal journey of overcoming autoimmune alopecia naturally after being told there was no cure, and explains how that experience led her to help thousands of people worldwide. If you've ever wondered why you're losing your hair—or what your body might be trying to tell you—this episode is for you. 👍 Like, subscribe, and share if you found this conversation helpful. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction01:20 Meet Johanna Dahlman02:00 What Is Alopecia?04:45 Johanna's Personal Hair Loss Story08:00 Why Conventional Medicine Misses the Root Cause10:30 The Functional Medicine Approach to Hair Loss13:00 Healthcare Around the World16:00 Is It Ever Too Early to Prevent Hair Loss?18:30 DNA Testing & Personalized Medicine20:00 Hidden Causes of Hair Loss22:00 Breast Implants, Botox & Autoimmunity24:30 Is Hair Loss Just Aging?26:30 Can Exercise Improve Hair Growth?28:00 Stress, Cortisol & Hair Loss31:00 Diet, Nutrition & Protein34:00 Medications That Cause Hair Loss36:00 Supplements That May Be Making Things Worse39:00 Gut Health & Autoimmune Disease42:00 How Long Does Hair Regrowth Take?45:00 Why There Isn't One Cure for Alopecia47:30 Johanna's New Nonprofit Mission50:00 Final Advice for Anyone Losing Their Hair52:00 Rapid Fire Questions

    Alopecia Explained: Root Causes, Gut Health & Hair Regrowth

  4. May 28

    The Missing Foundation of Health: Minerals, Mitochondria & Energy

    What if the reason you feel tired, foggy, inflamed, or depleted isn’t stress, aging, or hormones… but something much more foundational? In this episode of The Curious Cardiologist Podcast, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj sits down with Carol Allen, CEO and co-founder of Beam Minerals, to explore one of the most overlooked topics in modern health: minerals. Together, they unpack why mineral deficiencies may be contributing to fatigue, poor sleep, muscle cramps, hormone imbalance, brain fog, gut issues, stress resilience, and even mitochondrial dysfunction. They also dive into the science of humic and fulvic minerals, why delivery matters more than simply taking supplements, and whether modern food systems are leaving us fundamentally depleted. Topics covered include: In this episode:  Why minerals are foundational to human health  The connection between electrolytes, heart health, and energy  Brain fog, fatigue, hormones, sleep & mineral depletion  Why modern soil and food may be less nutrient dense  The hidden problem with conventional electrolyte drinks  Humic vs. fulvic minerals explained simply  How minerals impact mitochondria and cellular energy  Detoxification, glyphosate, heavy metals & environmental exposures  Why some supplements don’t actually get into your cells  What mineral testing can (and can’t) tell you Key Takeaway: You can’t build health on depleted foundations. Minerals may be one of the most overlooked pieces of the wellness puzzle. Chapters / Timestamps 00:00 – Introduction: Why minerals matter 02:45 – Fatigue, brain fog & hidden deficiencies 08:30 – Why food may no longer be enough 14:00 – Soil depletion & modern agriculture 24:30 – What are humic & fulvic minerals? 35:00 – How minerals actually get into cells 42:00 – The truth about electrolyte drinks 48:30 – Mineral testing: blood vs hair vs tissue 55:00 – The future of mineral replenishment 1:00:00 – Rapid fire questions

    The Missing Foundation of Health: Minerals, Mitochondria & Energy

  5. Apr 1

    When Did Doctors Stop Being Doctors? | Apr 01, 2026

    In this episode, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj explores the decline of genuine doctor-patient connection, systemic issues in healthcare, and how a systems biology approach can transform medical practice. He shares personal experiences and insights on restoring empathy, curiosity, and holistic care in medicine. Interested in joining my U360 Membeship? Go to doctorsanjay.com to sign up! "When did doctors stop being doctors?""Connection is more important than ever""Inflammation drives most chronic diseases" Chapters 00:00 Welcome to Season Two00:58 The Shift from Provider to Consumer02:53 The Disconnection in Doctor-Patient Relationships09:03 The Challenges of Modern Medicine12:00 The Fragmentation of Care17:48 The Importance of Lifestyle in Health20:51 The Role of Curiosity and Listening in Medicine27:00 The Future of Medicine: Connecting with Patients

    When Did Doctors Stop Being Doctors? | Apr 01, 2026

  6. Feb 1

    Ayurveda and Elemental Design: Ancient Healing for Modern Medicine

    In this episode of The Curious Cardiologist, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj sits down with Dr. Shivani Gupta, PhD in Ayurvedic medicine, founder of Fusionary Formulas, and author of The Inflammation Code. Together, they explore why Ayurveda — a 5,000-year-old system of medicine — may be more relevant than ever in a modern world defined by chronic inflammation, burnout, disrupted circadian rhythms, and one-size-fits-all wellness trends. This conversation bridges ancient wisdom and modern science, reframing inflammation, gut health, sleep, fasting, and metabolic health through the lens of personalized, lifestyle-based medicine. If you’ve ever felt like you’re “doing all the right things” but still feel off — this episode is for you. 👇 Watch until the end for practical, simple ways to apply Ayurveda to your daily life. ⏱️ Chapters / Timestamps 00:01 – Welcome & introduction to Dr. Shivani Gupta 01:44 – What Ayurveda really is (and why it aligns with functional medicine) 02:57 – Doshas as the original personalized medicine 04:14 – Elemental Design: air, fire, earth explained 06:15 – Vata (air): anxiety, gut issues, grounding strategies 08:53 – Pitta (fire): inflammation, burnout, cooling the system 10:21 – Kapha (earth): metabolism, weight, mood, movement 12:36 – How seasons & life events shift your constitution 15:06 – Ayurveda vs genomics: two paths to personalization 18:20 – Why intermittent fasting & trends don’t work for everyone 22:44 – Why Ayurveda matters more than ever today 26:14 – Micro-rituals to reset the nervous system 29:17 – Tongue scraping, oil pulling, dry brushing, self-massage 35:34 – Food timing & the Ayurvedic circadian diet 37:41 – Super spices & the science of turmeric 50:46 – Supplement quality & why formulation matters 54:33 – Dr. Gupta’s Top 5 Ayurveda “Start Here” moves 59:01 – Rapid-fire questions (nachos, Italy, race cars) 01:01:54 – Where to find Dr. Gupta + listener discount 01:02:38 – Final thoughts & outro 🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode Why Ayurveda is the original root-cause & lifestyle medicineThe three Ayurvedic constitutions (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) explained simplyHow circadian rhythm affects inflammation, digestion, and sleepWhy some people feel worse with fasting, cold exposure, or extreme wellness trendsSimple Ayurvedic rituals that support gut health, lymphatic flow, and nervous system regulationThe real science behind turmeric and Ayurvedic “super spices”Why healing starts when you stop fighting your naturePractical Takeaways Dr. Gupta shares her Top 5 Ayurveda Moves anyone can start today: Learn your Elemental Design (Ayurvedic constitution)Use a copper tongue scraper dailyAlign your day with circadian rhythm & sunlightProtect sleep — especially the 10pm–2am windowUse turmeric strategically to lower inflammation (with lifestyle support)🔗 Guest Links & Resources Dr. Shivani Gupta – Website & Elemental Design Quiz 👉 https://shivanigupta.comInstagram 👉 https://www.instagram.com/doctor.shivaniguptaBook: The Inflammation Code 👉 https://theinflammationcode.com (Also available on Amazon & Barnes & Noble)Supplements: Fusionary Formulas 👉 https://fusionaryformulas.com🎟 Listener Discount Code: CURIOUS15 👉 15% off at checkout (mentioned in the episode) 👍 Support the Show If you found this episode helpful: Like the videoSubscribe to The Curious CardiologistComment with topics or guests you’d like to see next

    Ayurveda and Elemental Design: Ancient Healing for Modern Medicine

  7. 12/18/2025

    Doctors Diagnose, Coaches Activate: The Future of Patient Care with Sandra Scheinbaum PhD

    In this episode of The Curious Cardiologist, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj sits down with Sandra Scheinbaum, PhD, founder and CEO of the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy (FMCA), to explore why health coaching may be the most underutilized—and most powerful—tool in modern healthcare. Together, they unpack the growing gap between what doctors say and what patients actually do, why behavior change is so difficult even when people know what’s “right,” and how trained health coaches dramatically improve outcomes for chronic disease, mental health, and lifestyle-related conditions. Dr. Scheinbaum shares her journey from psychology and mind‑body medicine to founding FMCA, explains the science behind health coaching, and outlines how coaches integrate seamlessly into medical teams without replacing physicians. The conversation also tackles physician burnout, patient non‑adherence, Medicare reimbursement, and the future of collaborative care. This episode is essential listening for clinicians, health system leaders, coaches, and anyone interested in sustainable health transformation. Key Topics Covered Why the U.S. healthcare system struggles with outcomes despite record spendingThe communication gap between doctors and patientsWhat health coaches actually do (and what they don’t)Why doctors are not trained to create behavior changeThe psychology of motivation, self‑efficacy, and lifestyle changeEvidence and randomized trials supporting health coachingHealth coaching for cardiometabolic disease, autoimmunity, mental health, and GLP‑1 usersHow health coaches reduce physician burnoutGroup coaching, community medicine, and peer support modelsScope, certification, and avoiding “bad actors” in coachingMedicare reimbursement and collaborative care modelsBecoming a health coach: training, certification, and career pathsEpisode Show Notes Guest: Sandra Scheinbaum, PhDFounder & CEO, Functional Medicine Coaching AcademyCertified through the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFM) What You’ll Learn Why knowledge alone doesn’t change behaviorHow health coaches increase adherence, outcomes, and patient satisfactionWhy patients are often more honest with coaches than doctorsThe role of self‑efficacy in healing and long‑term healthHow lifestyle interventions can improve anxiety, depression, and quality of lifeWhy community and accountability matter more than willpowerMemorable Quotes “Doctors diagnose. Coaches help people change when change is hard.”“Genes are not destiny—daily habits matter more than people realize.”“Health coaching doesn’t replace medicine; it completes it.”Resources Mentioned Functional Medicine Coaching Academy: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.orgNational Board for Health & Wellness Coaching (NBHWC)

    Doctors Diagnose, Coaches Activate: The Future of Patient Care with Sandra Scheinbaum PhD

  8. 12/03/2025

    The Perimenopause Reset: Anxiety, Brain Fog, and Hormones Explained with Dr. Jen

    In this episode, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj speaks with Dr. Jennifer Pfleghaar about her transition from emergency medicine to integrative medicine, focusing on the importance of lifestyle changes, the challenges of conventional medicine, and the need for personalized care, especially in women's health during perimenopause. They discuss the impact of pharmaceuticals, the role of hormones, and the significance of education in health. Dr. Jen also shares insights from her book, 'The Perimenopause Reset,' which aims to help women navigate this critical phase of life. Takeaways Dr. Jen transitioned to integrative medicine after seeing chronic disease in the ER.Conventional medicine often fails to address root causes of health issues.90% of ER visits are related to chronic diseases.Hashimoto's thyroiditis can be reversed with lifestyle changes.Preventive care is lacking in the current healthcare system.Hormonal imbalances can significantly affect women's health.Bioidentical hormones are safer than synthetic alternatives.Education is crucial for patients to understand their health.Environmental factors can impact hormonal health.The Perimenopause Reset book provides a holistic approach to women's health. Chapters 00:00 Transitioning to Integrative Medicine03:02 The Role of Nutrition in Emergency Medicine06:11 Chronic Diseases and Conventional Medicine08:46 The Disconnect in Patient Care12:04 The Importance of Prevention15:00 The Impact of Pharmaceuticals on Health17:58 Motivational Interviewing in Patient Care21:13 The Challenges of Hormone Replacement Therapy23:57 Bioidentical Hormones vs. Synthetic Hormones33:53 Understanding Hormonal Changes in Women34:51 The Importance of Hormone Replacement Therapy37:23 Navigating Hormone Testing and Medical Advice38:03 The Risks of Self-Medication with Hormones40:14 The Dangers of Hormone Pellets43:32 The Need for Proper Medical Oversight45:34 The Role of Continuous Learning in Medicine51:01 The Holistic Approach to Perimenopause54:11 The Impact of Environmental Factors on Hormones56:41 Finding the Right Practitioner for Hormonal Health

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Rethinking heart health, one question at a time. I’m Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj—interventional cardiologist, functional medicine expert, and lifelong student of what really keeps us well. In this podcast, we go beyond prescriptions and procedures to explore the deeper drivers of health, disease, and healing. From inflammation to intuition, cholesterol to consciousness, I sit down with doctors, researchers, and changemakers who are reshaping how we think about the heart—and the whole human behind it. Whether you're a fellow clinician, a health seeker, or someone navigating your own transformation, this show will challenge what you thought you knew—and invite you to stay curious.

Information

  • Creator
    Sanjay Bhojraj MD
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Laguna Institute of Functional Medicine
  • Show Website
    The Curious Cardiologist

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