Stay Off My Operating Table

Dr. Thomas Weims, Professor at UC Santa Barbara, shares his revolutionary findings on treating polycystic kidney disease through ketogenic interventions. After 25 years of research, his lab accidentally discovered that ketosis dramatically halts and even reverses PKD progression—something previously thought impossible. The medical establishment had long maintained that PKD, a genetic disease affecting 600,000 Americans, was untreatable through dietary means. Yet Weims' research demonstrates that beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), the primary ketone produced during ketosis, shows more potent effects than any pharmacological intervention his team tested. In a groundbreaking clinical trial, patients on a ketogenic diet experienced improved kidney function and reduced ki...

Dr. Ben Bocchcchio, a pioneer of slow resistance training since 1974, shares his revolutionary approach that delivers remarkable results in just 15 minutes, twice weekly. With over 50 years in exercise physiology, Dr. Bocchcchio explains how his method stimulates muscle fibers in ways conventional workouts can't match, leading to enhanced fat oxidation, increased insulin sensitivity, and improved metabolic health. Host Jack Heald, who experienced the program firsthand, describes the surprising intensity of these brief workouts and the visible body changes he's already witnessing. Dr. Bocchcchio challenges common fitness myths, explaining why most people misunderstand high-intensity exercise and how muscle tissue serves as...

In this groundbreaking conversation, "The Conscious Gynecologist" Dr. Andrea Salcedo joins Dr. Philip Ovadia to uncover the profound connection between women's reproductive health and metabolic health. Dr. Salcedo shares startling research showing how insulin resistance impacts everything from PCOS and gestational diabetes to uterine fibroids and gynecologic cancers.

You'll learn why the same inflammatory processes that cause heart disease also create uterine fibroids, how pregnancy naturally induces a state of insulin resistance to protect the developing fetus, and why morning sickness serves an important biological function. Dr. Salcedo explains how traditional gynecological approaches often miss the metabolic...

Sugar addiction is a legitimate biochemical addiction that affects about one-third of the population, is often rooted in childhood emotional self-soothing behaviors, and can be more challenging to overcome than alcohol or drug addiction because it's socially acceptable and starts at a very young age.

KISMET

When individuals successfully overcome sugar addiction, their most valued improvement isn't weight loss but rather enhanced cognitive function - including better focus, improved memory, and reduced anxiety - as their "brain comes back online" after healing from the neurological impacts of chronic sugar consumption.

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The primary cause of metabolic dysfunction is not carbohydrates themselves but rather the combination of processed "naked" sugars and high linoleic acid seed oils that damage mitochondrial function at a cellular level.

KISMET

While most people focus on limiting carbohydrates to improve metabolic health, the research actually shows that fruit juice and honey can improve insulin sensitivity in some diabetics due to their complex chemical structures that positively influence gut bacteria – completely contradicting conventional wisdom about sugar.

EPISODE SUMMARY

Dr. Paul Saladino shares his evidence-based pe...

In this landmark 200th episode of "Stay Off My Operating Table," Dr. Philip Ovadia and Jack Heald sit down with investigative journalist Gary Taubes, whose work fundamentally changed Dr. Ovadia's approach to medicine and personal health. Taubes recounts his journey from physics journalism to nutrition science, where he discovered a field plagued by confirmation bias and reluctance to challenge established beliefs. He explains the profound difference between observational studies that merely suggest correlations and clinical trials that can prove causation, highlighting how the conventional wisdom on nutrition persists despite mounting contradictory evidence. The conversation explores why nutritional science has...

Mycotoxins (mold toxins) are frequently overlooked causes of numerous chronic health conditions including autoimmune disorders, neurological diseases, and heart problems, and proper testing and treatment can lead to remarkable recovery for patients who have suffered for years with no answers.

KISMET

The World Health Organization refers to mycotoxins as "the great masquerader of this century" because they mimic so many other diseases, leading doctors to frequently misdiagnose patients and treat symptoms rather than addressing the root cause.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode, Dr. Philip Ovadia...

The main idea is that a carnivore diet can resolve chronic inflammation and health issues that conventional approaches like calorie restriction cannot, as demonstrated by JT's personal experience and experiments.

KISMET

JT discovered that while on a carnivore diet, he could consume up to 4,500 calories daily without gaining weight, contradicting conventional weight management theories that focus primarily on calorie counts rather than food quality.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode, Dr. Philip Ovadia interviews Carnivore JT, a former sports medicine professional and fitness trainer who once...

The primary idea is that changing your nutrition can heal both physical and mental health issues by removing interferences that block the body's natural ability to heal itself.

KISMET

While many people associate obesity with visible weight gain, Ben shares that although he was clinically obese at 34% body fat, most people wouldn't have recognized him as such due to his height and body type—suggesting that "hidden obesity" may be more common than we realize.

EPISODE SUMMARY

Ben Azadi shares his journey from being obese, de...

The healthcare system is complex and challenging to navigate, especially for seniors and their caregivers, but preparation and knowledge can help you maintain control, advocate effectively, and achieve better outcomes during healthcare transitions.

KISMET

While most assume senior care facilities and nursing homes operate based on modern nutritional science, many still follow outdated dietary guidelines based on the food pyramid, which may negatively impact metabolic health when seniors need more protein and healthy fats for optimal recovery and function.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode, master's...

Courtney Luna's personal transformation from a lifelong yo-yo dieter to a healthier person through a carnivore diet has not only helped her lose 55 pounds but also significantly improved her mental health, allowing her to discontinue anxiety medication.

KISMET

Despite facing intense criticism online only after removing vegetables from her diet (not when sharing her previous diets), Courtney's carnivore cookbook has found unexpected success among non-carnivore households, where picky eaters are enjoying her meat-centric recipes.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this episode, Dr. Philip Ovadia and Jack Heald...

Roxana Soetebeer, once considered a "hopeless" type 2 diabetic on 50 units of insulin, completely reversed her condition through a ketogenic diet, demonstrating that type 2 diabetes is not the "chronic progressive disease" her doctors claimed it to be.

KISMET

When Roxana's blood sugar levels dangerously spiked to the 400s, her desperate late-night call to a friend led to a life-changing recommendation to watch Dr. Stephen Phinney's lecture on the ketogenic diet – a coincidence that completely transformed her health trajectory and sparked her mission to help others.

EPISODE SUMMARY

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Environmental toxins cause epigenetic changes that make fat cells malfunction, leading to obesity that is difficult to reverse through diet alone.

KISMET

The average newborn baby has over 200 toxic chemicals in their placental blood before they take their first breath, and laboratory animals on strictly controlled diets are getting fatter despite no changes to their food intake.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this compelling episode, pulmonologist Dr. Stewart Lonky shares groundbreaking insights about why traditional approaches to weight loss often fail. Drawing from his book "Outsmarting Obesity,"...

CrowdHealth is revolutionizing healthcare by creating a community-funded alternative to traditional insurance, where members pay cash for medical services at significantly lower rates while maintaining high-quality care.

KISMET

While most would assume large insurance companies like UnitedHealthcare (the 7th largest company by revenue globally) would negotiate the best rates, CrowdHealth members are actually securing medical procedures at about 50% of what insurance companies pay - typically around 130-140% of Medicare rates compared to insurance companies' 250-300%.

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this compelling interview, Andy Schoonover, founder of...

EPISODE SUMMARY

After a successful career in clinical practice, Dr. Chris Knobbe's personal experience with dietary changes led him to investigate the root causes of AMD, the leading cause of irreversible vision loss in people over 50. His research revealed a startling pattern: age-related chronic disease was extremely rare before the widespread introduction of processed vegetable oils into the food supply. Through analysis of data from 25 nations, he found that as vegetable oil consumption increased, all age-related chronic disease rates rates rose in parallel. 

NOTABLE QUOTE

"Between 1851 and about 1930, there w...

Living in a constant state of stress and unworthiness triggered genetic changes that led to disease, while conscious lifestyle choices and emotional healing reversed those conditions.

KISMET

Research shows that emotional trauma can be passed down through generations via genetic markers, but positive lifestyle changes can create new neural pathways that override these inherited patterns - as demonstrated in mice studies where fear responses were inherited but could be rewired.

EPISODE SUMMARY

Dr. Kien Vuu, an interventional radiologist, shares his transformation from being overweight, diabetic...

Dr. Robert Kiltz, a renowned fertility specialist and founder of CNY Fertility Centers, reveals how our modern "healthy" diet may be triggering widespread inflammation and disease. In this compelling episode, Dr. Kiltz shares his personal journey of healing through a carnivore diet and explains the fascinating science behind why fatty meat might be the optimal human food.

KEY POINTS

Indoor air quality expert Michael Rubino reveals why the air in your home could be making you sick, even if you're doing everything else right for your health. Learn how modern energy-efficient buildings might be trapping harmful particles inside and what you can do about it.

KEY POINTS

Travis Statham, a nutritional science expert, joins Dr. Philip Ovadia to explore the carnivore diet, the harmful effects of seed oils, and the evolutionary logic behind human nutrition. His research on grass-fed versus grain-fed beef reveals how omega balance impacts health, while his critique of seed oils exposes their role in chronic disease. This episode challenges conventional dietary wisdom and offers a fresh perspective on eating for optimal health.

Contact Info: Travis Staham
Website: https://www.meatrition.com/
Omega Balance: https://press.jhu.edu/books/title/12823/omega-balance
Reddit: https://www.reddit.com...

Meet Benjamin Smith, an auto detailer turned health researcher who developed a groundbreaking visual framework for understanding chronic disease. His journey from experiencing unexplained health issues to creating the Ultimate Health Model demonstrates how the body's natural healing abilities can be activated through simple lifestyle changes. Smith's unique perspective as someone outside the medical field led him to ask fundamental questions about health that many practitioners overlook.

KEY POINTS

While most people assume divorce is the leading cause of wealth loss, unplanned health incidents are actually the number one destroyer of wealth worldwide. Financial expert Loral Langemeier highlights the critical connection between maintaining both health and wealth.

In this compelling conversation with Dr. Philip Ovadia, Loral draws powerful parallels between achieving physical and financial health. 

NOTABLE QUOTE

"Health and wealth are both by design and by intention, not just by casual behavior. It just doesn't casually happen."

Loral Langemeier contact info
Website: https://askloral.com/

S...

Meet Brendan Reid, author of "The Fat Ginger Nerd," who transformed his life by losing 110 pounds in just 15 months after decades of struggling with conventional dietary advice. In this episode, Brendan shares how he went from being a skeptical follower of traditional guidelines to finding success through a methodical approach to low-carb eating, ultimately maintaining his weight loss for over 8 years.

KEY POINTS

Dr. Christy Kesserling, a radiation oncologist, shares groundbreaking insights about the connection between metabolic health and cancer treatment. Her journey from conventional cancer treatment to incorporating metabolic health principles offers new hope for cancer patients.

In this compelling episode of Stay Off My Operating Table, Dr. Kesserling discusses how insulin resistance affects cancer development and treatment outcomes. She presents a revolutionary case study where a ketogenic diet resolved a challenging medical condition called chylothorax, contradicting traditional treatment approaches.

Dr. Kesserling explains her comprehensive approach to patient care, including detailed lab testing and metabolic health monitoring...

For women struggling with sudden onset depression, anxiety, or mood swings, this episode could be life-changing.

Danielle Stanton, a former school counselor with a master's in mental health, shares how her world turned upside down at age 39 when she began experiencing severe depression and anxiety. Despite multiple hospitalizations and numerous psychiatric medications, her condition only worsened.

The breakthrough came when a functional medicine doctor checked her hormone levels - something previous doctors had overlooked. Her progesterone and testosterone were at zero, indicating perimenopause was the root cause.

Through bioidentical hormone therapy, improved sleep...

Dr. Roshani Sanghani returns to discuss her groundbreaking book "Turnaround Diabetes" and her innovative approach to diabetes management. Drawing from her experience practicing in both India and the US, she introduces the "Four Wheels of the Lifestyle Car" concept that's transforming how we think about diabetes care.

KEY POINTS

Chris Cornell shares his remarkable journey from weighing 278 pounds at age 51 to becoming a certified health coach at 60, even overcoming cancer along the way. His story demonstrates that sustainable health transformation is possible at any age through the right approach and mindset.

KEY POINTS

Doug Reynolds, founder of Low Carb USA and the Society of Metabolic Health Practitioners, shares how his personal health transformation led to creating one of the most influential conferences in metabolic medicine. Join us for an inspiring conversation about community building, health advocacy, and the power of
unified voices in changing healthcare.

BIO

Doug Reynolds, an electrical engineer turned health advocate, founded Low Carb USA and the Society of Metabolic Health Practitioners. His journey from struggling with personal health issues to leading a global movement in metabolic health has positioned him as...

Tom Ziglar, CEO of Ziglar Inc. and son of legendary motivator Zig Ziglar, shares his personal health journey and the mindset principles that led to his success. After years of carrying extra weight, Tom made a simple commitment to 30 minutes of daily movement. While exercise alone didn't lead to weight loss, reading Dr. Ovadia's book helped him understand the missing piece - proper nutrition with adequate healthy fats. By applying the Ziglar performance formula of Attitude x Effort x Skill = Performance to his health journey, Tom lost 25 pounds and reduced his waist size from 47.5 to 39 inches. He emphasizes that...

While fish oil supplements are widely promoted for brain health, the brain only needs 2-6mg of DHA per day, and the typical fish oil capsule provides 600mg - a massive 40-100x overdose that can deplete crucial antioxidants.

EPISODE SUMMARY

Professor Brian Peskin, an MIT-trained engineer turned medical researcher, presents groundbreaking insights about essential fatty acids and cellular health. 

He explains that 25-33% of our cell membranes are made up of parent essential oils (PEOs) - primarily parent omega-6 and parent omega-3. When these essential building blocks are replaced with p...

The health of your gut microbiome, particularly the presence of beneficial bacteria and absence of harmful bacteria in the small intestine, plays a crucial role in heart disease prevention and treatment.

KISMET

Recent research shows that when beneficial gut bacteria produce oxytocin, it not only improves heart health but also helps reduce social isolation and increases empathy - suggesting that gut health could play a role in addressing societal division and mental health issues.

EPISODE SUMMARY

Dr. William Davis, a former cardiologist, explains how traditional heart disease...

While most assume leaving traditional practice means seeing fewer patients and making less money, Dr. Lenzkes revealed he was able to pay back all his loans in the first year of his new practice model - demonstrating that patient-centered care can be financially viable while improving doctor satisfaction and patient outcomes.

EPISODE SUMMARY

Dr. Brian Lenzkes shares his journey from a traditional insurance-based medical practice to a direct primary care model, highlighting the fundamental problems in today's healthcare system. In his previous practice, he struggled to provide quality care while seeing 20-22 patients...

While most meditation retreats and spiritual practices promote vegetarian or vegan diets, Rabbi Moffic discovered that a meat-based diet actually enhanced his meditation practice and mental clarity, offering a surprising counterpoint to traditional spiritual dietary wisdom.

EPISODE SUMMARY

Rabbi Evan Moffic shares his transformative journey from struggling with chronic stomach issues and brain fog to finding clarity and improved health through a carnivore diet. As a Reform Rabbi, he navigates the interesting intersection between traditional Jewish dietary laws and modern nutrition. The episode explores how eliminating plant foods helped him write more efficiently...

While organ meats are often thought of as "detox" organs that store toxins, they actually transform toxins into water-soluble compounds that the body can eliminate. Any excess toxins are stored in fat tissue, not in the organs themselves - making quality organ meats safe and incredibly nutritious.

EPISODE SUMMARY

Celebrity chef James Barry shares his journey from cooking for stars like Tom Cruise and George Clooney to creating Pluck, an innovative organ meat seasoning. After his daughter's serious illness, Barry wanted to find ways to add more nutrient-dense foods to his family's diet...

Former Biggest Loser contestant Adrian K. Gledhill shares her remarkable transformation from reality TV weight loss to finding true health through a carnivore lifestyle. After gaining back 100 pounds post-show, struggling with gastric bypass complications, and battling chronic inflammatory response syndrome, Adrian found unexpected healing through a meat-based diet.

In this compelling interview, Adrian details the harsh realities behind The Biggest Loser's extreme weight loss methods, including 13-hour workout days and dangerous calorie restriction. She describes her journey through multiple failed weight loss attempts, metabolic damage, and eventually finding sustainable health through carnivore eating.

Key Discussion...

While most people focus on cholesterol numbers, the real cardiovascular risk comes from hormone imbalances triggering inflammation. The body actually increases cholesterol production during menopause to try to make more hormones - but it's the underlying hormone deficiency, not the cholesterol, that raises heart disease risk.

EPISODE SUMMARY

Dr. Jay Wrigley, a functional medicine physician with 29 years of experience in hormonal biochemistry, shares groundbreaking insights about the connection between hormone balance, metabolic health, and heart disease risk. He explains how the dramatic hormonal changes during menopause can trigger inflammation and increase cardiovascular risk...

A professional chef's transformation from traditional fine dining to health-focused ketogenic cooking, demonstrating that healthy eating can be both simple and delicious without compromising on taste or quality.

NOTABLE QUOTE

"Take the worst piece of shit steak. It's still better than the sugar and processed food that we eat."

EPISODE SUMMARY

In this enlightening episode of Stay Off My Operating Table, host Dr. Philip Ovadia welcomes Chef Oded Talmor, known as the Keto Chef, who shares his remarkable journey from professional basketball player to Wolfgang Puck-trained chef...

While most physicians receive only two weeks of nutrition education focused mainly on vitamin deficiencies, Dr. Reller's early exposure to nutrition came from her mother's college nutrition background, which helped shape her eventual path toward metabolic health despite traditional medical training.

Dr. Kerry Reller, a board-certified family and obesity medicine physician, shares her transition from electrical engineering to medicine and her approach to incorporating metabolic health principles into a traditional insurance-based practice. She explains how she navigates insurance requirements while still providing comprehensive care, including longer appointment times and detailed lab work analysis. The discussion highlights the...

Dr. Ryan Cooley's journey from a heart attack survivor to a pioneer in metabolic health is nothing short of transformative. After following conventional medical advice and still suffering a heart attack, Dr. Cooley began questioning the lipid hypothesis and delving into how diet and lifestyle can influence genetic predispositions. With a special focus on insulin resistance and cardiac health, he shares his insights and personal experiences, challenging the prevailing norms and shedding light on new approaches to preventing heart disease.

In this episode, we dig into the complex relationship between insulin resistance, visceral fat, and cardiovascular diseases...

Two entrepreneurs created a preservative-free, clean meat snack company  -Joburg Meats - that produces traditional South African biltong using only beef, apple cider vinegar, salt, and spices - making it ideal for low-carb and health-conscious consumers.

Yuda Holzburg and Joseph Baumgargen of Joburg Meats are bringing traditional South African biltong to the American market with a focus on clean ingredients and quality sourcing.

Unlike conventional jerky, which is cooked with sugars and preservatives, their biltong is naturally cured for two weeks using only beef, apple cider vinegar, salt, and spices. The meat comes f...

Former pharmaceutical rep Mark Groves shares his journey from selling statins to becoming a relationship expert in this thought-provoking episode. Groves delves into the often-overlooked connection between our relationships and physical health, explaining how suppressing our authentic selves can lead to inflammation and various health issues.

Learn how making small choices in diet can empower us to make positive changes in other areas of life. Groves emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries, using our voice, and addressing resentment to improve both our relationships and physical wellbeing.

Discover why the quality of our relationships at age 50...