Strive: Exploring Mind, Medicine, and Motivation

Episode 39: Ed Gaines - Healthcare Reimbursement, Prior Authorization, and the No Surprises Act

In this episode of the Strive Podcast, we speak with Ed Gaines, a nationally recognized expert in healthcare reimbursement, medical coding, and physician payment policy, to unpack the economic infrastructure that shapes modern medicine. Together we discuss: • Why reimbursement education is largely absent from medical training • How documentation and coding directly influence physician payment • The real implications of the No Surprises Act for patients and providers • The growing burden of prior authorization and payer oversight • Why independent practices may be regaining leverage against health plans • What young physicians should know about contracts, negotiations, and advocacy This conversation offers a rare inside look at the policy, incentives, and payment systems that quietly determine how care is delivered in the United States, and why physicians must understand them to protect the future of the profession.

Episode 38: Elad Levy - Building Paradigm Shifts in Modern Neurosurgery

In this episode of the Strive Podcast, we speak with Dr. Elad Levy, Chair of Neurosurgery at the University at Buffalo and Distinguished Professor, to explore how paradigm shifts in medicine are built. A pioneer of mechanical thrombectomy and U.S. Interventional Principal Investigator of the landmark SWIFT PRIME trial, Dr. Levy reflects on the transformation of stroke care before and after 2015 and breaks down how bold ideas evolve from promising cases to national guidelines. We discuss the systems-level constraints that still shape outcomes today, the creation of Atlas, the nation’s first ambulatory neurovascular surgery center, and the operational philosophy behind the Jacobs Institute as an engine for scalable innovation. From leading a rapidly growing academic department to advancing endovascular brain–computer interfaces, this conversation is a masterclass in building teams, redesigning care delivery, and sustaining innovation at the highest levels of medicine.

Episode 37: Russell Lonser - Surgical Innovation, Translational Science, and Responsible Leadership

In this episode of the Strive Podcast, we host Dr. Russell Lonser, Chair of Neurological Surgery at The Ohio State University and a global leader in neurosurgery and physician-scientist training. Dr. Lonser reflects on the experiences that shaped his approach to risk, responsibility, and innovation; discusses how simplicity drives scalable impact in surgery and research, and shares insights from his groundbreaking work in von Hippel–Lindau disease and neurological gene therapy. A candid conversation on leading at the intersection of clinical care, discovery, and ethics.

Episode 36: Noah Kaufman - Decentralizing Healthcare

Join us on the Strive Podcast as we explore the fascinating journey of Dr. Noah Kaufman, an emergency medicine physician, entrepreneur, and Bitcoin philosopher. Known as the Ninja Doc from NBC's American Ninja Warrior, Dr. Kaufman shares insights on how his experiences in medicine, finance, and physical performance intersect. Discover how Bitcoin connects to self-actualization and morality, and hear his inspiring message for future physicians.

Episode 35: Scott Becker - Building Becker's Healthcare

Scott Becker shares insights on his dual career path, the evolution of Becker's Healthcare, and the mindset behind balancing law and media entrepreneurship. He discusses the legal mindset and entrepreneurial instincts, scalable and commercializable solutions, defining moments, and decision-making in business. Additionally, he provides valuable insights into the consolidation of healthcare systems and the impact of private equity and venture capital in the industry. The conversation delves into the importance of leadership and vision in health systems, the traits of great leaders across industries, and the trends and evolution of the healthcare industry. It emphasizes the need for scale, investment in technology, and the impact of leadership on the success of health systems. Takeaways * Dual career paths * Building a practice * Scaling a business Leadership and vision are crucial for the success of health systems. * The need for scale and investment in technology to build greatness in healthcare. * 00:00 Introduction to Scott Becker * 06:32 Balancing Dual Careers * 13:24 Scalable and Commercializable Solutions * 22:52 Consolidation in Healthcare * 29:02 Leadership and Vision in Health Systems * 36:31 Healthcare Industry Trends and Evolution