Fx Medicine Podcast Central

Join the fx Medicine by BioCeuticals ambassadors, Emma Sutherland, Lisa Costa-Bir and Mick Alexander, hosted by Dr Adrian Lopresti, face-to-face, for an intimate discussion. Hosted by Dr Adrian Lopresti, clinical psychologist and researcher, this panel will explore the key elements of optimal brain health - going beyond theory into practical insights you can apply in clinic straight away. Our ambassadors bring decades of front-line experience and will share their top clinical pearls on brain health from multiple, integrative perspectives: - Lisa Costa-Bir (naturopath, nutritionist & women’s health expert) explores movement as “brain medicine” to slow cognitive decline, while referring to Dr Helena Popovic's work on "Adventure prevents dementia". - Mick Alexander (integrative pharmacist & naturopath) breaks down the gut-brain and HPA axis plus overlooked medication nutrient depletions. - Emma Sutherland (naturopath & women’s health expert) discusses hormones, “meno brain” and her top therapeutics. Enj

Menopause is far more than a hormonal shift; it is a complex biopsychosocial transition that impacts every aspect of a woman’s life. In this episode, Dr Adrian Lopresti speaks with UK clinical psychologist Dr Melanie Smith, a leading researcher in cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for menopause. Together, they explore how CBT, an evidence-based lifestyle intervention, can help women better manage stress and significantly reduce menopausal symptoms, including vasomotor symptoms. Dr Smith explains the science behind the narrowed thermoneutral zone and how educating women about this physiology can reduce anxiety and improve day-to-day function. Listeners will gain insights into stress management, paced breathing, cognitive reframing, and sleep strategies that enhance wellbeing and quality of life. Evidence-based and endorsed by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and featured in the International Menopause Society 2025 white paper, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) offers practit

This high-energy conversation features renowned preventative cardiologist Dr Ross Walker and fx Medicine by BioCeuticals ambassador Dr Michelle Woolhouse. Drawing on 45 years of clinical experience, Dr Walker makes the specialist field of preventative cardiology accessible through clear explanations and practical analogies. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and its active form ubiquinol take centre stage as the pair explore emerging evidence and clinical observations on their potential role in supporting cardiovascular function, their relationship with statin therapy, and studies investigating associations with health outcomes. The discussion also delves into the importance of calcium coronary artery scoring in cardiovascular risk assessment, lipoprotein(a) protocols, the growing challenge of diabesity and insulin resistance, and Dr Walker’s five key strategies for optimising heart health through lifestyle and nutrition. Listeners will gain valuable clinical insights into assessment approaches, lifestyle modificatio

Dr Christabelle Yeoh, integrative medicine physician, joins Lisa Costa-Bir for a deep dive into mitochondria — the organelles influencing nearly every tissue and process in the body. Moving beyond the outdated “powerhouse of the cell” view, Dr Yeoh explains how mitochondria act as processors of energy and evolutionary sentinels of immunity, redox balance, and cellular plasticity. This episode explores how dysfunction manifests clinically — from fatigue and brain fog to autonomic dysregulation, poor vitamin D supplementation uptake, and maternal-line inheritance patterns. Dr Yeoh also shares practical “biophysics prescriptions”: exposure to sunrise and sunset, blocking blue light, eating only in daylight hours, grounding in nature, and regular movement to support mitochondrial quality control. Warm, engaging, and invested in her subject, Dr Yeoh empowers practitioners with insights that place mitochondrial health as the foundation for patient care — and shows why aligning with natural rhythms is essentia

Dr Douglas Jones is an internationally recognised expert in the field of adverse food reactions. He is the founder and director of the Immunity Group Australia, where he supports families in navigating the challenges of food allergies. In this episode, Douglas and Emma discuss the evolving understanding of food allergies — from what has been learnt historically to emerging approaches in management. Their conversation explores how strategies may extend beyond immune system support to include considerations of the gut microbiome. Douglas outlines key aspects of this complex area, including the pathophysiology of food allergies, testing methods, and a range of management options. He highlights the importance of tailoring approaches to each individual to support effective long-term outcomes. Recognising the impact of food allergies on both individuals and families, Douglas emphasises the value of education and holistic perspectives in supporting patient care. Covered in this episode: (00:25) Welcoming Dr

Dr Leah Hechtman, one of Australia’s most respected naturopathic educators, joins fx Medicine by BioCeuticals ambassador Emma Sutherland to discuss the often-overlooked stage of men’s health: andropause. More than simply “low testosterone,” andropause reflects age-related changes including Leydig cell decline, metabolic changes, vascular shifts, and neurological alterations that shape male wellbeing across the lifespan. Leah outlines how andropause may present in practice, from body composition changes and hair greying to mood shifts, sleep disruption, prostate dysfunction, and reduced cognitive performance. She highlights the importance of comprehensive testing — extending beyond testosterone — to include oestrogen, progesterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), insulin, leptin, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and DUTCH hormone analysis. These insights allow clinicians to identify early signs and develop a more complete picture of male ageing. The discussion also explor

Naturopath and nutritionist, Ananda Mahony and fx Medicine ambassador Emma Sutherland deep dive into the triggers and causes of rosacea, and the intricate connection of the gut-skin axis. Ananda helps to unravel the complex nature of this progressive inflammatory condition, the causes and risk factors of rosacea, and how the gut plays a pivotal role in symptom manifestation and progression. She stresses the importance of treating holistically, both internally and topically, and how as clinicians we can help our patients in down-regulating inflammation associated with rosacea through diet and lifestyle and targeted supplementation. This podcast is full of clinical pearls to support clinicians to identify, manage, and treat rosacea using a holistic approach. COVERED IN THIS EPISODE (00:33) Welcoming Ananda Mahony (03:24) Rosacea causes and presentation (06:06) Pathophysiology of rosacea (11:05) Rosacea as a comorbidity to autoimmune conditions (12:48) Key differentials between rosacea and other ski

In this episode podcast, Dr Michelle Woolhouse welcomes pioneering cell biologist and bestselling author Dr Bruce Lipton, whose work has brought the science of mind, energy, and healing into global consciousness for decades. Described as one of the “grandfathers of holistic medical understanding,” Dr Lipton delivers a masterclass in educational storytelling — weaving optimism, science, and practical wisdom. He explores how stress physiology, belief systems, and social isolation impact immunity, growth, and ageing, while highlighting the profound role practitioners play as generators of healing energy. With clarity, he explains why genes account for less than 1% of disease, why 90% is stress-driven, and why cooperation - not competition - underpins evolution and resilience. This is a paradigm-shifting conversation that invites practitioners to reflect deeply, listen again, and embrace the cultural, clinical, and global impact of integrating the power of the mind into medicine. Covered in this episode:

Join Dr Brad Leech and ambassador Lisa Costa-Bir on her inaugural podcast on all things gut inflammation. Brad breaks down the importance of functional testing for assessing inflammation, with a detailed discussion on interpreting the four major tests: calprotectin, lactoferrin, occult blood and secretory IgA. Learn about the importance of personalising treatment for patients with gut inflammation and how to effectively use (and dose) key anti-inflammatory herbs and nutrients for optimal efficacy. Clinical take-homes for use in your practice will also include dietary recommendations and an interesting discussion on colon cleansing. COVERED IN THIS EPISODE (00:50) Welcoming Dr Brad Leech (02:02) Intestinal inflammation vs intestinal permeability (03:29) Signs and symptoms of intestinal inflammation (06:43) Functional assessments for intestinal inflammation (23:41) How the microbiome influences intestinal inflammation (36:05) When should we test our patients? (42:07) Treatment options for combati

In this podcast, clinical herbalist Todd Mansfield joins naturopath Lisa Costa-Bir to explore the under-recognised role of small intestinal fungal overgrowth (SIFO) in chronic gut dysfunction - especially in cases where SIBO treatment has repeatedly failed. Together, they unpack the clinical presentation of SIFO, from systemic symptoms to stubborn digestive complaints, and discuss how to differentiate fungal overgrowth using tools like organic acids testing (OAT), fatty acid fractions, pancreatic elastase results, and bowel motility assessments. Todd shares his comprehensive herbal strategy - including horopito, galangal, and magnolia bark - as well as probiotic, prebiotic and postbiotic interventions, with detailed commentary on dosing, mechanisms, and synergistic effects. This episode is a must-listen for practitioners managing complex or treatment-resistant gut presentations, offering a new lens to evaluate and address chronic dysbiosis, inflammation, and relapse-prone cases. Covered in this episode:

In this week’s podcast Dr Arun Dhir, a gastroenterology surgeon, clinical researcher and author of Happy Gut, Healthy Weight, joins Dr Michelle Woolhouse as they delve into the crucial connection between gut health and various chronic conditions, including Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) and its links with obesity. 1 in 5 people experience GORD on a weekly basis and in this episode, Dr Arun discusses his algorithm for investigating an individual presenting with GORD. Dr Arun also talks to the challenges of diagnosing conditions like hiatus hernias and the importance of comprehensive investigations, while offering practical advice on improving gut health through diet, stress management, and complementary therapies.  Covered in this episode: (0:46) Welcome Dr Arun Dhir  (2:30) Dr Arun’s story  (7:25) “All diseases begin in the gut”  (12:16) Factors causing GORD  (18:17) Hiatus hernia  (21:39) Intra-abdominal pressure  (23:08) Helicobacter pylori  (25:35) Gut testing  (32:09) Gastrocolic re

In this podcast, Emma Sutherland is joined by psychophysiologist and Monash University researcher Dr Simone Peters - one of the world’s leading experts in gut-directed hypnotherapy - to explore the rise of this behavioural therapy as a first-line treatment for IBS and other gut disorders. From her landmark randomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing hypnotherapy to the low fermentable, oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols (FODMAP) diet, to the development of the Nerva app, Simone presents compelling data on how this therapy works, with 75–80% of patients responding within six weeks. The recommendation to use gut-directed hypnotherapy for IBS now forms international treatment guidelines and this episode empowers practitioners to integrate mind-body approaches into clinical care for IBS and beyond. Covered in this episode: (01:04) Welcome Simone Peters (06:04) Hypnotherapy and gut conditions (08:04) Nerva app (13:36) Patient experience (17:35) IBS, males vs females (20

Gastroenterologist Dr Will Bulseiwicz and our ambassador Emma Sutherland explore holistic methods of supporting a gut microbiome that reduces risk of developing chronic disease. Will takes into consideration that we’re uniquely bio-individual to the level of our gut microbiome and a person’s health is intrinsically connected to its own unique gut terrain a.k.a. gut microbiome. Emma and Will also discuss the benefits of maintaining a healthy gut lining by supporting mucus secretions such as secretory IgA, and the usefulness of probiotics. They also discuss the various natural sources of probiotics beyond pills and powders, and how to use them effectively in a clinical setting. Will makes recommendations on how to choose the “right” probiotic for you patients and how to support this use with natural sources along with prebiotics. The discussion then moves to an interesting area of fermented foods and spore forming probiotics (typically from Bacillus spp.) Covered in this episode (00:53) Welcoming Dr Will

In this podcast, Emma Sutherland teams up with gut naturopath Matt Douglas to unravel the clinical complexity of small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) - a condition that’s far more common and stubborn than many practitioners realise. Together they dive deep into the pathophysiology, testing methods, and diagnostic challenges of SIBO, exploring why it’s often misdiagnosed and misunderstood. Matt brings a clear, practical approach to treatment - covering herbal antimicrobials including oregano, berberine, and allicin, the well-researched and clinically supported pharmaceutical option Rifaximin and his thoughts on dietary therapies like the Elemental Diet. But the real value lies in his relapse prevention strategies, which emphasise the importance of motility agents and gut repair support — such as partially hydrolysed guar gum (PHGG), Saccharomyces boulardii, globe artichoke, and a proprietary six-herb combination — to help restore long-term digestive resilience. Whether you’re new to SIBO or ma

Dr Brad Leech, Clinical Nutritionist and Herbalist joins fx Medicine by Bioceuticals ambassador Lisa Costa-Bir to unpack the intricacies of autoimmunity and the connection to the gut microbiome. Brad shares a wealth of clinical pearls for practitioners with autoimmune patients by unpacking the clinical relevance and meaning of functional gut testing markers as he examines how practitioners can use testing as a tool to identify inflammatory risk factors associated with autoimmunity and individualise treatment protocols for patients using diet, lifestyle, and supplemental support. Brad describes the clinical significance of establishing balance and healthy diversity within the gut using food as medicine, rather than focusing on elimination. Together, they also explore lifestyle factors that impact the gut microbiome, and how managing stress and using targeted supplementation to achieve a balanced gut microbiome can contribute to lowering autoimmunity risk factors in our patients. COVERED IN THIS EPISODE

In this episode of podcast, Dr Michelle Woolhouse is joined by integrative GP Dr Nic Giummarra to explore the evolving science and clinical application of medicinal cannabis in Australia. From cannabinoid pharmacology and terpene profiles to chemovars and prescribing strategies, Dr Giummarra offers deep insights into how cannabis-based medicines can support patients with chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety, and insomnia. He explains the distinct roles of phytocannabinoids cannabinol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), how medicinal cannabis influences sleep, neuroplasticity and emotional regulation, and why the endocannabinoid system is so crucial - yet often overlooked - in conventional care. Dr Giummarra also unpacks the risks of closed-loop prescribing models and "tick-box" clinics, calling for more ethical, patient-centred approaches grounded in evidence, education and practitioner discernment. This is essential listening for healthcare professionals looking to engage with medicinal cannabis safe

Dr Kristin Neff is a pioneer in the field of self-compassion research and a passionate advocate for the inclusion of self-compassion for healthcare practitioners to both ensure optimal care for our patients while avoiding burnout. Kristin shares her definition of self-compassion, how it differs from self-esteem, her key findings around this important topic, and how we as healthcare practitioners can easily implement self-compassion into our own lives, and advocate for it with our patients. This podcast is a must listen for healthcare professionals and patients alike, who are looking to increase their patient care, resilience, reduce anxiety and stress, and adopt powerful lifestyle habits to increase self-compassion and love. COVERED IN THIS EPISODE (01:00) Welcoming Dr Kristin Neff (02:41) Kristin’s definition of compassion (13:16) Shame and its purpose (15:34) The difference between self compassion and self esteem (20:11) Self compassion as a powerful coping mechanism (24:24) Self protective

In this compelling episode, Dr Michelle Woolhouse speaks with Dr Jill Bolte Taylor, a Harvard-trained neuroanatomist whose left-brain stroke led to a profound journey of recovery, discovery, and transformation. Sharing insights from her bestselling book Whole Brain Living, Jill describes her eight-year path to rebuilding brain function one circuit at a time - revealing the distinct roles and personalities of the brain’s four key “characters.” Listeners will explore how the left and right hemispheres process experience, memory, identity, and emotion in dramatically different ways, and how this understanding can guide emotional resilience and mental wellbeing. With practical insights like “the 90-second rule”, “the brain huddle,” and the role of sleep in healing, this episode offers a deeply human yet scientifically grounded roadmap for self-awareness and recovery. An inspiring listen for healthcare practitioners, therapists, and anyone exploring the science of consciousness, emotion, and personal growth.

In this episode, Dr Adrian Lopresti speaks with cognitive neuroscientist and postdoctoral fellow Dr Diana Karamacoska to explore the evolving landscape of brain health and dementia prevention. With a personal connection to vascular dementia, Diana shares insights from Australia’s largest clinical trial investigating a novel herbal formulation combining panax ginseng, ginkgo, and saffron. The discussion covers the biological distinctions between vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s, the role of lifestyle factors, and the emerging use of digital assessments and blood biomarkers. Diana explains the cognitive and systemic benefits of physical activity, diet, social connection, and mind-body practices like yoga and tai chi. The conversation also highlights nutrients and herbs showing promise for memory and neuroprotection, including B vitamins, ginkgo, curcumin, lutein, and zeaxanthin. This episode offers practical, evidence-informed strategies for addressing cognitive ageing, vascular decline, and dementia ris

Dr Austin Perlmutter, neurobiology, mood and decision-making expert, joins our ambassador Dr Adrian Lopresti as they explore the biological basis of “stuckness” in the mind and how the brain is influenced by inflammatory/immune triggers which results is certain behaviours and health outcomes. Together they discuss the relationship between sickness behaviour, neuroinflammation and their effect on the brain leading to our inherent tendency to return to “default”. Nature vs nurture is discussed where exposures from foetal development, childhood trauma and genetic influences can impact our mental and cognitive flexibility much later in life. Austin explains “disconnection syndrome” a modern conundrum where our brains tend to latch onto impulsive behaviours leading to cognitive decline. It’s not all doom and gloom as Austin and Adrian bring practical solutions to the table in the form of simple lifestyle adjustments that promotes behavioural change and reduce neuroinflammation. COVERED IN THIS EPISODE