#129: 60% of Adults Fear Needles—Why Medicine Still Ignores It | Manju Dawkins, MD

#130: Why Men Are Losing Their Edge And Calling It Aging with Dr. Zak Zafrani

Low testosterone is not just a lab number. It can affect energy, mood, motivation, libido, sleep, metabolic health, and the way a man feels in his own life. In this episode of Beyond the Pills, Josh Rimany sits down with Dr. Zak Zafrani for a grounded conversation about men's health, testosterone deficiency, restoration, TRT, lifestyle medicine, and the connection between hormones and metabolic health. Dr. Zafrani explains why some men are dismissed or treated for other issues before anyone checks their hormone markers, how sleep and stress shape testosterone production, what symptoms men should not ignore, and why lifestyle still matters even when using tools like TRT or GLP-1 medications. This conversation is for anyone who wants a deeper, whole-person look at men's vitality beyond quick fixes, bodybuilding myths, or symptom chasing. Listen to this episode of Beyond the Pills: Why Men Are Losing Their Edge And Calling It Aging with Dr. Zak Zafrani Dr. Zak Zafrani is a General Practitioner specialising in testosterone deficiency, with interests in hormonal health, metabolic health, sports medicine, regenerative medicine, and personalised treatment plans designed to support quality of life and performance. Connect with Dr. Zak Zafrani: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-zak-zafrani/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-zak-zafrani/] Dr. Zafrani also shares research, insights, and updates on men's health, hormones, metabolic health, and longevity on LinkedIn, and offers private consultations for those who reach out directly. Josh Rimany is the host of Beyond the Pills, a show exploring where ancient wisdom meets modern science for true healing. As a pharmacist turned healer, Josh leads conversations that help people look beyond symptom chasing and into root-cause health, lifestyle, and whole-person wellness. Connect with Josh Rimany and Beyond the Pills: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/josh.rimany [https://www.facebook.com/josh.rimany] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/beyond-the-pills-7302339856762843137/ [https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/beyond-the-pills-7302339856762843137/] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondThePills [https://www.youtube.com/@BeyondThePills] Podcast: https://beyond-the-pills.captivate.fm/ [https://beyond-the-pills.captivate.fm/] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/03e9VWSHqEpQSFLFADckMl [https://open.spotify.com/show/03e9VWSHqEpQSFLFADckMl] Join Our Community & Global Movement: https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3BKV28zZklzbkpNOXBqeVFUdXZXMXdMZmVpd3xBQ3Jtc0tuZXczaFFXckZwRHQwRVZGZXdvWlRpVnpNaGtFZHRyMk01NjU4ZkFieUJ6WHdNbjE1N1BLWUItU0JVb0xJeWl3RGJwTVJKSGVKR3c5dW5qNmpKRjJHY3hsT0FZN01XNkc1ZDAtQThhUWhPcm95OF90WQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fcommunity.gobeyondthepills.com%2F&v=Oijzn9gZyC0https://community.gobeyondthepills.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3BKV28zZklzbkpNOXBqeVFUdXZXMXdMZmVpd3xBQ3Jtc0tuZXczaFFXckZwRHQwRVZGZXdvWlRpVnpNaGtFZHRyMk01NjU4ZkFieUJ6WHdNbjE1N1BLWUItU0JVb0xJeWl3RGJwTVJKSGVKR3c5dW5qNmpKRjJHY3hsT0FZN01XNkc1ZDAtQThhUWhPcm95OF90WQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fcommunity.gobeyondthepills.com%2F&v=Oijzn9gZyC0] Want to subscribe to Beyond The Pills? Have some feedback you’d like to share? Connect with us on iTunes : https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-pills/id1680035572 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-pills/id1680035572]

#129: 60% of Adults Fear Needles—Why Medicine Still Ignores It | Manju Dawkins, MD

A PROBLEM WE’VE BEEN TRAINED TO IGNORE Needle pain is often dismissed as “no big deal.” Something to push through. Something to “suck up.” But what if that belief is wrong? In this powerful episode of Beyond The Pills, Manju Dawkins, MD challenges one of the most overlooked issues in modern healthcare: > “Over sixty percent of adults have needle fear… and yet we’ve been conditioned to believe it’s not a real problem.” This isn’t just about discomfort—it’s about fear, trust, and how the healthcare system conditions us to disconnect from our own experience. THE MOMENT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING For Dr. Dawkins, this wasn’t theoretical; it was deeply personal. As both a physician and a mother, everything shifted during a routine moment: > “She looked straight up at me with this piercing look of like, ‘How could you let that happen to me?’” That single moment sparked a realization that would change the trajectory of her career: > “What are we doing? This is insane… as a physician, my job was to do better—and I didn’t.” What followed wasn’t just innovation; it was a mission to restore humanity to medicine. WHAT’S REALLY HAPPENING IN THE BODY Most people think needle pain is minor. Temporary. Insignificant. But biologically, that’s not what’s happening at all. > “It’s a stranger holding a sharp metal object and piercing you… our biology perceives it as a threat.” Your body doesn’t differentiate between a medical procedure and danger. It responds the same way—with a fight-or-flight reaction. And when that response is ignored or dismissed, it doesn’t just create fear… it erodes trust. THE REAL ISSUE: A SYSTEM WITHOUT TIME FOR COMPASSION This episode uncovers a deeper truth about modern healthcare: It’s not that providers don’t care. It’s that the system doesn’t allow them to show it. > “Healthcare has become more transactional… the system is not designed to offer empathy.” Shorter appointments. Higher pressure. Less connection. The result? Patients feel rushed. Providers feel burned out. And meaningful care gets lost in the process. TANGIBLE COMPASSION: THE MISSING LINK IN HEALING Dr. Dawkins introduces a simple yet transformative idea: > “Healing begins with tangible compassion.” This doesn’t require more time or complexity. Sometimes, it’s as simple as asking: > “What can we do to make it better?” A pause. A breath. A moment of acknowledgment. These small shifts can completely change how a patient experiences care—and whether they come back at all. RECLAIMING WHAT HEALTHCARE WAS MEANT TO BE At its core, this conversation is about something bigger than needles. It’s about redefining what care actually means. As Josh reflects: > “Care means healing… to love, quite frankly.” Somewhere along the way, that meaning was lost. But conversations like this are bringing it back. WHY THIS EPISODE MATTERS If you’ve ever: * Felt dismissed in a medical setting * Avoided care because of fear * Or sensed that something is missing in healthcare today This episode will resonate deeply. It’s not just about solving pain. It’s about restoring trust. Rebuilding connection. And creating a future where healthcare feels human again. 🎧 Listen now and discover how small moments of compassion can transform the entire patient experience—one interaction at a time. Connect With Dr. Dawkins on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/manju-dawkins-md/] Thimblehealth.com [https://www.linkedin.com/safety/go/?url=Thimblehealth%2Ecom&urlhash=a5fh&isSdui=true] Join Our Community & Global Movement: https://community.gobeyondthepills.com [https://community.gobeyondthepills.com/]

#128: A Cellular Approach to Health: Measuring What Drives Longevity and Performance

What if the future of healthcare isn’t centered on symptoms—but on the measurable intelligence of your cells? In this episode of Beyond the Pills, Josh sits down with Sean Fetcho, Co-Founder and CEO of Verséa Health, and Dr. Hemal Patel, a leading researcher in cellular energetics, to explore a fundamental shift in how we define, measure, and optimize human health. At the center of this conversation is mescreen™, a next-generation technology designed to assess cellular and mitochondrial health—offering a more precise, data-driven approach to personalized wellness. As Sean shares, the mission is clear: to bring cellular-level insights into everyday decision-making and transform how individuals engage with their health. > “The future of healthcare is not reactive—it’s measured, personalized, and rooted at the cellular level.” Dr. Patel, a tenured professor and scientist whose work spans cardiovascular disease, aging, and neurodegeneration, brings depth to the discussion by unpacking the role of mitochondrial function as a control point for human resilience and performance. > “Cellular energetics is not just a piece of the puzzle—it’s the foundation of how the body adapts, heals, and performs.” Together, they challenge the limitations of symptom-based care and introduce a new paradigm—one where health is understood, tracked, and optimized at its most fundamental level. > “If we’re not measuring what’s happening inside the cell, we’re only seeing part of the picture.” Sean’s background in scaling healthcare media and innovation-driven companies, combined with Dr. Patel’s decades of scientific research, creates a powerful intersection of vision and validation—bridging cutting-edge science with real-world application. This episode represents more than a conversation—it marks a shift toward a new standard of care, where energy, data, and personalization redefine what it means to be truly healthy. ABOUT THE GUESTS SEAN FETCHO Co-Founder & CEO, Verséa Health Sean Fetcho leads Verséa Health with a bold vision to transform preventive care by placing mitochondrial and cellular science at the center of personalized health optimization. His work with mescreen™ is helping bring advanced health insights into practical, scalable use—empowering individuals to take a proactive role in their longevity and performance. 🔗 Learn more: https://versea.com DR. HEMAL PATEL Professor, Research Scientist, Cellular Energetics Expert Dr. Hemal Patel is a tenured professor and Vice-Chair in the Department of Anesthesiology at UC San Diego, with extensive research in cellular energetics and mitochondrial function. His work has contributed to major advancements in understanding how energy production at the cellular level impacts aging, cardiovascular health, and disease resilience. 🔗 Learn more: https://health.ucsd.edu [https://health.ucsd.edu] KEY TOPICS COVERED * Why cellular health is the foundation of human performance and longevity * The role of mitochondrial function in resilience, aging, and disease * How mescreen™ is advancing precision, data-driven wellness * The shift from reactive medicine to proactive, personalized health * What the future of healthcare looks like at the cellular level Follow Beyond the Pills on Apple and Spotify to stay at the forefront of conversations redefining health, performance, and human potential.

#127: The 3 Root Causes of Mental Illness No One Talks About | Aruna Nammi, MD

BEYOND THE PILLS: HEALING MENTAL HEALTH AT THE ROOT THE PROBLEM: ARE WE TREATING MENTAL HEALTH… OR JUST MANAGING IT? Anxiety, depression, and mental health challenges are at an all-time high—but what if the current system is missing the bigger picture? In this episode, Dr. Aruna Nammi challenges the conventional model of psychiatry and asks a bold question: > “There is no healing. It’s only management.” If mental health is being reduced to chemical imbalances and lifelong medication… are we actually solving the problem? THE SHIFT: FROM SYMPTOM MANAGEMENT TO ROOT CAUSE HEALING As a board-certified psychiatrist trained in traditional medicine, Dr. Nammi followed the system—until her own health journey forced her to question everything. > “What I was doing… was not really medicine. It was just managing.” What she discovered changed the trajectory of her career—and her patients’ lives. Instead of asking “What drug treats this symptom?” She began asking: “What is causing this in the first place?” THE FRAMEWORK: THE 3 ROOT CAUSES OF MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES Through years of clinical practice and personal healing, Dr. Nammi identified three core drivers behind most mental health conditions: * Diet & Lifestyle * Unresolved Trauma * Environmental Toxins > “There’s only three things I’m addressing… diet and lifestyle, trauma, and environmental toxins.” This simple—but powerful—framework is redefining how we approach healing from the inside out. THE INTEGRATION: WHERE ANCIENT WISDOM MEETS MODERN SCIENCE Dr. Nammi’s approach isn’t about rejecting modern medicine—it’s about expanding it. By integrating: * Functional medicine * Ayurveda * Neuroscience * Holistic psychiatry She’s bridging the gap between science and soul. > “We are shifting the paradigm from managing symptoms to healing the body first.” And in many cases, that means patients are able to reduce or even come off medications safely—under proper care. THE AWAKENING: WHEN INTUITION CHALLENGES THE SYSTEM One of the most powerful moments in this conversation comes from her experience as a mother—when instinct clashed with conventional medical advice. > “Everything in my being knew… that’s not how you raise a child.” That moment wasn’t just personal—it was a turning point. A reminder that true healing often begins when we start questioning what we’ve been told. THE OUTCOME: A NEW FUTURE FOR MENTAL HEALTH Today, Dr. Nammi is pioneering a new model of psychiatry—one that doesn’t just suppress symptoms, but restores balance, vitality, and alignment. > “People were getting better… just doing the bare minimum differently.” This isn’t just a conversation about mental health. It’s a conversation about redefining what healing actually means. LISTEN IF YOU’RE READY TO: * Rethink everything you’ve been told about mental health * Understand the root causes behind anxiety and depression * Explore a more holistic, integrated approach to healing * Step beyond symptom management into true transformation CONNECT WITH DR. ARUNA NAMMI [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aruna-md-holistic-psychiatrist1/]

#126: Reversing Diabetes & Reclaiming Masculine Vitality After 40 | Dr. Suren Naidoo

REVERSING DIABETES, RESTORING TESTOSTERONE & RECLAIMING MEN’S HEALTH AFTER 40 What if the fatigue, weight gain, low testosterone, and rising blood sugar you’ve been told is “just aging”… is actually a warning sign? Men over 40 are facing a silent health crisis—one that’s often ignored, downplayed, or treated with a prescription instead of a solution. And the truth is… too many men are suffering in silence. In this powerful episode of Beyond The Pills, we sit down with a leading Men’s Health, Metabolic Performance, and Longevity Specialist who is helping men aged 40–70 reverse type 2 diabetes, overcome insulin resistance, reduce cardiovascular risk, and restore vitality—without relying solely on medication. As the founder of Manstrong2 and co-founder of Vital-Health.ai, he’s on a mission to change the way men approach their health—moving from reaction to ownership. You’ll discover: * Why metabolic decline is not inevitable—and how to reverse it * The real root causes behind low testosterone, weight gain, and fatigue * How the 5R Method is helping men prevent heart attacks and reclaim their energy * Why ignoring your health isn’t strength—it’s risk * And how data, awareness, and action can completely transform your long-term health trajectory This episode isn’t just about health; it’s about identity. Because being a man doesn’t mean pushing through pain, avoiding conversations, or waiting until it’s too late. It means taking ownership. It means having the courage to face what’s really going on. And it means choosing strength; not silence. If you’ve ever thought… “I’ll deal with it later,” this conversation might be the wake-up call you didn’t know you needed. If this episode resonated with you, share it with a man in your life who needs to hear this message. Your health—and theirs—could depend on it. 👉 Follow Beyond The Pills on Apple & Spotify so you never miss an episode 👉 Leave a review with your biggest takeaway—it helps us reach more people 👉 Join the movement toward better health, stronger leadership, and a life beyond prescriptions CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST 🌐 Website: http://www.manstrong2.com [http://www.manstrong2.com/] 🌐 Platform: http://www.vital-health.ai [http://www.vital-health.ai/] 🔗 LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/surenaidoo [http://www.linkedin.com/in/surenaidoo]