Episode 103: Conscious Eldering with Ron Pevny

These days, getting older seems to be more like a war rather than a rite of passage. "Take this pill or this potion to reverse aging and stay young," they say. But is that really how we should view aging? We question this and more in this episode, where I welcome Ron Pevny, the director of the Center for Conscious Eldering and author of Conscious Living, Conscious Aging: Capturing The Gifts of Elderhood.

In our conversation, we discuss the following:

• What is 'conscious eldering,' an approach to aging with purpose, passion, and well-being, and how it contrasts with societal norms that often lack an empowering vision for aging.
• Ron shares his journey, starting in 1979 with a calling to help people during life transitions, evolving into leading rites of passage and founding the Center for Conscious Eldering in 2010.
• The concept emphasizes intentionality, personal growth, and community, offering retreats and workshops to prepare people for a fulfilled elderhood.
• Ron highlights the loss of meaningful roles for elders in industrialized societies and the importance of life review to let go of past baggage.
• Ron underscores the significance of having purpose in maintaining physical and mental health as one ages.

This was a heartwarming conversation and made me think deeply about my own desires for later life and those for my loved ones.

About Ron Pevny

🌟 Ron Pevny has dedicated 45 years to assisting people in navigating life transitions, emphasizing purpose and passion in their journey.
📚 As a published author and founding director of the Center for Conscious Eldering, Ron has been instrumental in supporting individuals in creating meaningful elder years.
🌎 For two decades, Ron has conducted workshops and retreats across North America, fostering purpose, growth, and commitment to service in the later stages of life.
🌿 Ron's work focuses on helping individuals bring purpose, growth, and a commitment to service to their elder years, encouraging a fulfilling and impactful life stage.
🔮 Ron is a Certified Sage-ing® Leader, further validating his expertise in guiding individuals towards a purposeful and passionate elderhood.
🎙️ Ron's role as a host for Transforming Aging Summits and Turning Points interview series showcases his commitment to promoting positive aging and inspiring others to embrace this stage of life.
💻 To learn more about Ron Pevny's work and the Center for Conscious Eldering, visit centerforconsciouseldering.com.

Welcome episode to 102! featuring Geoff Lecovin, a naturopathic doctor, chiropractor, acupuncturist, and expert in breathwork.

Dr. Lecovin provides an in-depth explanation of breathwork, its history, physiological effects, and benefits. He discusses how breathwork can induce altered states of consciousness and access the body's innate healing abilities by manipulating chemicals like anandamide, dopamine, and serotonin.

Dr. Lecovin explains the science behind breathwork, including how overbreathing and breath holds increase carbon dioxide levels, triggering hormetic effects and stem cell release. He describes the concept of transient hypofrontality, where breathwork decreases blood flow to the brain's default mode network, quieting the ego.

The episode covers contraindications and precautions for breathwork, as well as the importance of working with a guide. Lecovin outlines a typical breathwork session, incorporating various breathing patterns, music, meditation, and integration practices. He emphasizes breathworks' potential for emotional healing, neuroplasticity, manifestation, and tapping into one's "inner healer."

Dr. Lecovin shares how he incorporates breathwork into his clinical practice and offers a simple 4-7-8 breathing exercise for listeners to try at home.

Overall, the episode provides a comprehensive overview of breathwork's theory, practice, and therapeutic applications.

About Dr. Lecovin:

Dr. Lecovin is a Kirkland, Washington based chiropractor, naturopathic physician and acupuncturist. He graduated from the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology and Doctor of Chiropractic, earned a Masters in Nutrition from the University of Bridgeport in 1992, and then went on to complete the Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine and Masters in Acupuncture programs at Bastyr University in 1994. Dr. Lecovin completed another Masters in Exercise Science from California University of Pennsylvania in 2015. He holds additional certifications in exercise and nutrition from the National Strength and Conditioning Association (CSCS), International Society of Sports Nutrition (CISSN), Institute of Performance Nutrition (ISSN Diploma and Performance Nutrition Diploma), International Olympic Committee (Sports Nutrition Diploma), Precision Nutrition (Nutrition Coach) and National Academy of Sports Medicine (CPT CES PES Nutrition Coach), where he is also a Master instructor.

Dr. Lecovin specializes in treating musculoskeletal pain and sports injuries by integrating trigger point acupuncture/dry needling, soft tissue release, joint manipulation, corrective exercise and nutrition. In addition, he combines exercise and nutrition for weight loss, weight gain, performance enhancement and wellness.

Socials:

https://www.drgeofflecovin.com

Episode 100 of the One Thing Podcast with Dr. Adam Rinde did not disappoint First, some goodies to mention. To order the Jona test we talk about this episode... go to https://jona.health and enter ONETHING100 to receive $100 off the test In this episode I welcome on the CEO of Jona, Leo Grady, PhD and the Director of Business Development and GTM strategy , Jaclyn Kawwas. We are discussing a revolutionary stool microbiome test called Jona that uses AI to analyze gut microbiome data and connect it to health outcomes:

Jona, developed an AI system to analyze microbiome data obtained through shotgun metagenomic sequencing.

The AI system is able to: 1. Read and interpret existing research on the microbiome 2. Match patterns in an individual's microbiome data to relevant studies. 3. Generate personalized recommendations for dietary changes, lifestyle modifications, and supplements based on an individual's health goals The gut microbiome is highly individualized and influenced by various factors: We highlight how the gut microbiome is highly personalized, with limited overlap between individuals. Factors contributing to microbiome variability include: Diet: Processed foods, artificial sweeteners, emulsifiers, preservatives, fiber intake Lifestyle: Exercise, travel, pet ownership Medications: Antibiotics, chemotherapy, opioids Infections: Salmonella poisoning, C. difficile infection, long COVID, PANDAS/PANS

Some highlights to our discussion:

• We discuss hwo stool testing technology has evolved
• We discuss metabolomics and how it provides additional insight into gut health:
• We discuss how the field of microbiome research is rapidly evolving:
• We discuss personalized recommendations that Jona makes.

About our guests: Leo Grady, PhD Leo is internationally recognized for his work to deliver AI in healthcare for 20 years at pioneering bay area startups (HeartFlow), multinational medical companies (Siemens) and, most recently, as CEO of Paige.ai. As CEO of Paige, Leo led the company to become an industry leader, internationally launching groundbreaking products and receiving the first-ever FDA approval for an AI product in pathology. Leo authored two books on AI, over 100 peer-reviewed scientific papers and is an inventor on over 300 patents. Winner of the Edison Patent Award, he was inducted as Fellow in the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering. Leo earned a Ph.D. in Cognitive and Neural Systems from BU. Leo is CEO in Residence with Breyer Capital and the Founder and CEO of Jona. Jaclyn Kawwas, MBA Jaclyn has dedicated her career to advancing medical and health technology, striving to combat the growing challenges of chronic illness. During her tenure at Medtronic, she contributed to the design and development of cutting-edge cardiovascular devices, including one that garnered FDA approval for hypertension treatment. Her solutions have earned her multiple patents in cardiovascular disease management. Currently serving as the Head of Business Development and GTM Strategy at Jona, a health tech AI company specializing in the gut microbiome, Jaclyn continues to sit at the intersection of technology and healthcare. Prior to her role at Jona, she held positions in business development and growth strategy at Viz.ai and Thirty Madison which focus on chronic conditions from both a provider and consumer lens. Jaclyn received her B.S.E. in biomedical engineering from the University of Michigan and an MBA in Healthcare Management from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. She remains committed to leveraging technology to make a positive impact on preventive health and patient care.

Show notes available at : https://onethingpod/jona

Much emphasis is being placed on the gut microbiome to look for therapeutic derivatives that provide health and medicinal benefit. And in addition, we have another natural source of compounds from human breast milk that provides a wide range of therapeutic and medicinal properties. Everybody knows about colostrum; however, this range of health constituents in breast milk goes much further. Properties of human breast milk have been linked to helping health conditions related to gut health, skin health, and musculoskeletal health. While researching a health solution for a patient of mine; I was introduced to Maya. Ashkenazi Otmazin, B.SC, M.E. and her company Maolac. Maya is an experienced entrepreneur in the field of R&D with a proven professional track record in the health and wellness industries and Israel’s Food Tech community. Maya has an M.E. and a B.Sc in Biomedical Engineering and Pharmaceutical Engineering. She was listed in the Forbes 30 under 30 Class of 2020 . Maya has an engineering background with a degree in pharmaceutical engineering and another one in biomedical engineering. Throughout her career, she has created new products for different industries and worked in a pharmaceutical company where she created products from concept through production and scale-up. She is the CEO and Co-founder of Maolac. Maolac is an Israeli food tech company that develops biofunctional proteins (BFPs) from animal and non-animal sources to make human milk proteins accessible to everyone. The company uses AI technology to identify proteins in bovine colostrum that are similar to those found in human milk. Maolac's first products, Maolactin for Gut Health and Maolactin for Anti-Inflammatory Activity, are bio-functional protein mixtures that are designed to have similar benefits to breast milk Here are some highlights from our discussion: 🥛 Breast milk is a complex matrix that contains over 1,500 proteins, many of which are essential for human health. Maolac focuses on analyzing the proteomic composition of breast milk and developing biosimilar proteins for use in nutraceuticals. – 🧪 Maolac utilizes AI technology and the Maolactin AI platform to predict the best combination of proteins for specific indications. This allows for a more precise approach to developing nutraceuticals and ensures high bio-similarity to human proteins. – 🌱 Maolactin's products are derived from natural sources such as colostrum, algae, fungi, and yeast. They undergo rigorous testing in ex-vivo, in-vivo, and clinical trials to validate their efficacy and safety. – 🏋️‍♀️ Maolac's products have potential applications in various areas, including leaky gut, muscle recovery, and healthy aging. By targeting specific biological needs, they offer a more effective and natural approach to improving health. – 🧠 The use of AI technology in the development of nutraceuticals allows for faster and more efficient analysis of scientific data. This enables researchers to identify new bioactive molecules and bring innovative solutions to market more quickly. – 💡 Maolac's approach to developing nutraceuticals demonstrates the potential of integrating AI technology with natural sources to create effective and safe products. By focusing on the proteomic composition of breast milk and other natural substances, they are able to harness the power of nature to improve human health. – 🌍 Maolac's mission is to bring innovative biological molecules to the nutraceutical space. By leveraging AI technology, they aim to revolutionize the industry and provide tailored solutions for various populations, including those with specific health conditions and athletes. Social Links: https://www.Maolac.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/maya-ashkenazi-otmazgin/

Nutritional therapy plays a significant role in managing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but it is often overlooked in traditional medical care.

Exclusive enteral nutrition is effective in inducing remission, while therapeutic diets like the IBD-Anti-Inflammatory Diet and the Specific Carbohydrate Diet have shown positive results.

Monitoring nutrient deficiencies and biometric measurements like grip strength are essential for optimal management of IBD.

To help develop a framework for this topic I welcomed on the Kim Beall, Pharm.D., who is the Cofounder and Managing Director of Nutritional Therapy for IBD, http://www.nutritionaltherapyforibd.org a non-profit dedicated to establishing evidence-based nutritional therapy as a foundational part of IBD care to improve the well-being and health outcomes of those living with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Kim and I met related to a mutual colleague the late Trina Seligman, ND who had a courageous life long battle with Crohns/Colitis . We share a strong bond with Trina.

Here are some of the timestamps of the conversations. 00:00 - 🎙️ Introduction to the One Thing Podcast and the guest, Kim Beall, Pharm.D, who is a pharmacist and the co-founder of Nutritional Therapy for IBD, a nonprofit dedicated to incorporating evidence-based nutrition into IBD care. 02:45 - 💔 Discussion about the passing of Dr. Trina Seligman, a mentor and advocate for IBD patients, and her impact on the IBD community. 05:23 - 🏥 The importance of nutrition in managing IBD and the role of exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) in inducing remission and mucosal healing. 08:32 - 💡 Dr. Beall's personal journey with IBD and her son's diagnosis with Crohn's disease, which led her to advocate for nutrition as a foundational part of IBD care. 12:15 - 🤝 The need for earlier intervention and education on nutrition for IBD patients and the importance of collaboration between patients and healthcare providers. 16:10 - 🤔 The confusion surrounding dietary recommendations for IBD and the lack of official guidelines, leading to the need for ongoing research and evidence-based approaches. 19:05 - ⚖️ The importance of avoiding blame and shame when discussing the role of diet in IBD and the complexity of factors contributing to the development of the disease. 21:20 - 📊 The significance of biometric evaluations, such as grip strength and body mass, in assessing nutritional status and overall health in IBD patients. 24:20 - 🌱 The current evidence for routine nutrient monitoring in IBD patients, including the importance of micronutrients like zinc, magnesium, and vitamins. 27:10 - 🍽️ The different dietary strategies and therapeutic diets for IBD, including exclusive enteral nutrition, the anti-inflammatory diet, autoimmune protocol, and specific carbohydrate diet. 32:00 - 🔍 Ongoing research on the microbiome and its potential role in IBD management, along with the need for personalized nutrition approaches based on an individual's microbiome and metabolic profile. 35:05 - 💪 The potential benefits of partial enteral nutrition and its underutilization in IBD care, including its role in maintaining remission and reducing surgical recurrence. 38:40 - 🌟 The importance of raising awareness about the efficacy of nutritional therapy in IBD and advocating for insurance coverage of nutrition-related treatments. Here is the link to Nutritional Therapy For IBD Links : http://www.nutritionaltherapyforibd.org #IBD #crohns #colitis

Claire Hall, a researcher at Mindset Health, joins us on episode 96 discusses menopause and the effectiveness of hypnotherapy in treating hot flashes.

Summary of episode:

• Hypnotherapy is an effective non-drug alternative for managing hot flashes, as it has been shown to reduce their frequency and severity. It has shown in trials that hypnotherapy can reduce Hot flash severity by up to 70% . It also seems to be helpful in reducing anxiety and depression and sleep disturbances related to menopause.
• Mindset Health develops hypnotherapy-based apps to deliver evidence-based protocols for various conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (Nerva app), menopausal hot flashes (Evia app), and smoking cessation (Finito app).

• Menopause is often viewed negatively in society, but it is a natural life transition that involves hormonal changes leading to symptoms such as hot flashes.

• Hypnotherapy works by guiding patients into a deeply relaxed state and then providing therapeutic suggestions that reinforce coolness and control over body temperature.

• A study involving 10,000 Evia users found that 70% experienced a clinically significant improvement in vasomotor symptoms.

• Mindset Health prioritizes publishing both clinical trial data and real-world user data to provide a comprehensive understanding of the effectiveness of their digital therapeutics.

• Hypnotherapy may be more effective than traditional treatments for hot flashes. A study published in the journal Menopause found that women who used hypnotherapy to treat their hot flashes had a 70% reduction in symptoms, compared to a 20% reduction in women who used hormone therapy.

• Hypnotherapy may help to reduce anxiety and depression during menopause. A study published in the journal Maturitas found that women who used hypnotherapy to treat their hot flashes experienced a significant reduction in anxiety and depression symptoms.

• Hypnotherapy may help to improve sleep quality during menopause. A study published in the journal Sleep found that women who used hypnotherapy to treat their hot flashes experienced a significant improvement in their sleep quality.

• Hypnotherapy is a safe and effective treatment for hot flashes that has no side effects. Unlike hormone therapy, hypnotherapy has no known side effects, making it a safe and effective option for women who are looking to relieve their hot flashes.

about Claire Hall

Claire is the Research Lead at Mindset Health, a digital therapeutic company that uses hypnotherapy based protocols to help people manage their health. Claire was on the founding team at Mindset Health and has helped grow the company into a model for how health tech companies should prioritize strong clinical research in the digital therapeutic world.

Links of Interest:

www.mindsethealth.com

Evia App for Menopause care

Snyder M, Elkins GR. Characteristics of Users of a Digital Hypnotherapy Intervention for Hot Flashes: Retrospective Study. JMIR Form Res. 2024 Mar 14;8:e53555. doi: 10.2196/53555. PMID: 38483465; PMCID: PMC10979336.