Is a "forest fire" of inflammation destroying your health from the inside out? Today on Eyes Wide Open, we sit down with Dr. Shivani Gupta to decode the "Inflammation Code" and reveal how ancient Ayurvedic wisdom can put out the fire of chronic disease.

In this deep dive, we bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and modern science to uncover the "Inflammation Code."

We discuss how childhood experiences shape our health journeys, the physiological impact of being out of sync with nature's clock, and the importance of advocating for root-cause medicine in a world dominated by quick-fix pharmaceuticals.

Dr. Shivani shares practical, daily Ayurvedic rituals, from tongue scraping to seasonal eating, that empower you to take control of your vitality and navigate the complex supplement industry with transparency and confidence.

Key Takeaways & Revelations

• The Circadian Clock: Why aligning your meal timing and sleep rituals with your circadian rhythm is the foundation of metabolic health.

• Inflammation as a "Forest Fire": How to identify the silent signs of systemic inflammation and use natural anti-inflammatories like turmeric to prevent chronic disease.

• Patient Advocacy: Why moving away from "pill-based" medicine requires a cultural shift toward preventative lifestyle strategies and personalized care.

• Supplement Transparency: How to identify medical-grade supplements and avoid the fillers and misinformation common in big-box retail brands.

• Ayurvedic Rituals: Practical steps for daily detoxification, including the benefits of oil pulling and tongue scraping.

Our Mission

Eyes Wide Open is a space for honest communication. Our goal is to remove the stigmas around mental health, holistic lifestyles, culture, and free speech so you can show up as your authentic self with your eyes wide open. By having real conversations about difficult truths, we move toward collective healing.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Shivani Gupta and her holistic health philosophy

03:05 - Childhood stories that inspired a passion for healing

08:49 - The significance of the circadian rhythm in maintaining health

12:41 - Best practices for supporting your circadian clock through diet and routines

18:28 - Balancing the "hustle" with seasonal rhythms and off-seasons

20:22 - Ayurveda's approach to detox: Tongue scraping and oil pulling

24:32 - Researching inflammation and her new book, The Inflammation Code

28:48 - Debunking myths around processed foods and the influence of big corporations

33:53 - Conventional medicine vs. patient advocacy

45:33 - Building trust in the supplement industry with quality controls

50:24 - Personal stories about gluten-free living and body signals

55:12 - The science of turmeric and the launch of Fusionary Formulas

64:36 - From childhood health struggles to holistic advocacy

65:24 - Resources to connect with Dr. Shivani Gupta

Resources & Links

Get the Book:

• The Inflammation Code by Dr. Shivani Gupta

Connect with Dr. Shivani Gupta:

• Instagram: @dr.shivanigupta

• Fusionary RX: @fusionaryformulasrx

• YouTube: @dr.shivanigupta

• Website: shivanigupta.com | fusionaryformulas.com

Connect with Nick Thompson:

• Instagram: @nthompson513

• UCAN Foundation: theucanfoundation.org

• YouTube: @EyesWideOpenContent

LinkedIn: Nick Thompson

In this episode, Nick shares his favorite clips from 2025 covering the world of reality TV and unscripted content.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Best of 2025 Reality TV Edition

01:28 Reality TV's Dark Side: A Married at First Sight Contract Exposé w/ Ben Walters

• FULL EP: https://youtu.be/lyxwJNfc3aA

23:24 Another Love is Blind Lawsuit: What you Need to Know & Reality TV is Facing a Labor Dilemma w/ Jasmine Weg

• FULL EP: https://youtu.be/5AC5NujHfas

43:43 Reality TV's Hidden Truths: Author Reviews New Qualitative Study w/ Dr. Christine Chapais

• FULL EP: https://youtu.be/NiPW0igDPvg

01:01:09 Reality Bites: A UK Theatrical Play Commentating on Reality TV Takes Center Stage w/ Laura Shipler Chico & Andy McLeod

• FULL EP: https://youtu.be/0VgAr7CuhyE

01:09: 35 Dirty John Survivor Talks Public Life and Turning Her Experience into Helping Others w/ Terra Newell

• FULL EP: https://youtu.be/UaX0W3Se8oM

Find Nick Thompson here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/ | https://www.instagram.com/the_ucan_foundation/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/

UCAN Foundation: https://theucanfoundation.org/

Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com/

In this episode, we will check out some of my favorite clips from this year!

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction to The Best of Eyes Wide Open with Nick Thompson

01:38 The Future of Stem Cells as Regenerative Treatment w/ Dr. Jeff Gross

• FULL EP: https://youtu.be/lsc4yaILBXw

11:26 What Actually is Gaslighting? The Answer WILL Surprise You w/ Dr. Isabelle Morley

• Full Ep: https://youtu.be/Z9ooiHzYMxs

22:35 THIS is How Your Environment Impacts Your Health and Wellness w/ Dr. Jaban Moore

• FULL EP: https://youtu.be/MgCeA5hd7ew

32:48 How P*rn Addiction DECREASES BRAIN FUNCTION & Physical Structure w/ Dr. Trish Leigh

• FULL EP: https://youtu.be/DdvSngeMiVo

42:22 Parasites are EVERYWHERE! What can you do? w/ Kim Rodgers "The Worm Queen"

• FULL EP: https://youtu.be/cITAnthU_7M

53:03 This is Why You Should Do Your Own Research Before Trusting a Doctor w/ Dr. Greg Burzynski

• FULL EP: https://youtu.be/RkLq1ubU5Z0

01:03:30 Why America is a Traumatized Nation Stuck in Response w/ Amber Trejo

• FULL EP: https://youtu.be/L1nDdx26FSw

01:14:06 Economics Impact Mental Health and Class-Conscious Counseling is Essential w/ Tyrone Powell

• FULL EP: https://youtu.be/XtqhreL_UVc

01:20:30 Why Public Agencies Have Lied About Health Recommendations for Decades w/ Dr. Angela Petersen

• FULL EP: https://youtu.be/P989RLnVbdU

Find Nick Thompson here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/ | https://www.instagram.com/the_ucan_foundation/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/

UCAN Foundation: https://theucanfoundation.org/

Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com/

In this conversation, Christian Rasmussen shares his journey from addiction to becoming an advocate for plant medicine, particularly Amanita Muscaria.

He discusses the transformative effects of microdosing, the science behind Amanita, and its potential benefits for mental health.

Nick explored Christian's story of addiction and the impact it was having on his mental health, relationships, and ability to be the person he wanted to be.

The conversation also touches on the legality of plant medicine and how the new research is showing the benefits of plant-based medicine for the treatment of many mental health conditions.

As the founder of Amantara, Christian shares the importance of spirituality and connection to nature in personal healing.

Christian emphasizes the need for education and community support in promoting the benefits of plant medicine.

Key Takeaways

• Christian Rasmussen's journey from addiction to plant medicine advocacy.
• Amanita muscaria's potential benefits for mental health and neuroplasticity.
• Microdosing can provide immediate and long-term benefits.
• The importance of personal experience and journaling in the healing process.
• Amanita muscaria is legal in most states, except Louisiana.
• The need for research and education on plant medicine.
• Christian's vision for Amantara includes community support and healing.
• Spirituality plays a significant role in personal growth and healing.
• The connection between nature and mental well-being.
• The potential for psychedelics to become more mainstream in mental health treatment.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Christian Rasmussen and Plant Medicine Advocacy

03:06 Christian's Journey: From Addiction to Plant Medicine

05:58 Discovering Amanita Muscaria: A Life-Changing Encounter

08:46 The Science Behind Amanita: GABA and Glutamate Systems

11:56 Microdosing Amanita: Experiences and Benefits

15:05 The Potential of Amanita in Mental Health Treatment

18:00 Challenges in Researching Plant Medicines

21:01 Dosing Amanita: Guidelines and Effects

24:03 The Heroic Dose: Deep Insights and Experiences

26:51 Connecting with the Higher Self through Amanita

34:42 Exploring Plant-Based Medicines and Microdosing

40:03 The Importance of Self-Awareness and Thought Monitoring

44:37 Connecting with the Universe and Spirituality

52:31 Legal Landscape of Psychedelics and Amanita

56:56 Vision for Amanita and Community Impact

Find Christian Rasmussen here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amentara.shop/

Website: https://www.amentara.com/

YouTube: ​​https://www.youtube.com/@Amentara

Find Nick Thompson here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/ | https://www.instagram.com/the_ucan_foundation/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/

UCAN Foundation: https://theucanfoundation.org/

Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com/

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Angela Petersen discusses her journey from traditional nursing to regenerative medicine, emphasizing the importance of hormone optimization and the challenges posed by the current healthcare system.

Dr. Angela details her transition from traditional nursing to regenerative medicine due to her deep passion for helping people reclaim their health.

She critiques the influence of pharmaceutical advertising and the misconceptions surrounding health and healthcare treatments. Dr Angela and Nick also discuss the challenges of the healthcare system in the United States and how it prioritizes pharmaceutical profits over patient wellness.

They also explore the details of how the U.S. healthcare system often treats symptoms rather than addressing root causes, and the heavy influence of pharmaceutical advertising on public perception of health and wellness.

The discussion also touches on the role of influencers in health, the significance of nutrition, and how the political landscape misleads people about health and wellness products.

Getting back to the basics, Dr. Angela shares her expertise on key fundamentals in our health, such as the importance of nitric oxide for circulation, sodium for hydration and cellular function, and how processed foods and seed oils contribute to chronic health issues.

She also shares best practices and treatments for hormone regulation, optimal cellular function, and the significance of receiving personalized care from your physicians.

Dr. Angela introduces her book, 'The Wellness Glitch,' which aims to address the systemic issues in healthcare and promote better health practices.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Angela Peterson

02:46 The Evolution of Healthcare and Longevity

05:42 Challenges in Traditional Medicine

08:39 The Influence of Pharmaceutical Advertising

11:51 The Impact of SSRIs and Mental Health

14:43 The Role of Influencers in Health and Wellness

17:51 Understanding Erectile Dysfunction and Treatment Options

26:06 The Importance of Nitric Oxide

28:55 Cellular Activity and Peptides

30:23 The Role of Sodium in Health

33:18 Debunking Dietary Myths

38:08 The Politics of Food and Health

46:43 Vaccines and Public Health Concerns

52:55 The Complexity of COVID Vaccination

57:45 Fear and Compliance During the Pandemic

01:01:43 Exploring Health Glitches and Societal Issues

01:07:38 Angela's Book: The Wellness Glitch

01:15:52 Authenticity and Personal Experiences

Find Angela Peterson here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amplified_total_wellness/ | https://www.instagram.com/amplified1209/

Website: www.ampdhealth.net

The Wellness Glitch Book: https://tinyurl.com/ycy3stz9

Find Nick Thompson here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513 | https://www.instagram.com/the_ucan_foundation

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/

UCAN Foundation: https://theucanfoundation.org

Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com/

In this conversation, Nick Thompson interviews Ron Souers, an ADHD advocate and coach, who shares his personal journey with ADHD and addiction.

They discuss the importance of self-discovery, the challenges of navigating life with ADHD, and the significance of emotional expression and communication.

Ron emphasizes the concept of fierce kindness, advocating for genuine acts of kindness without expecting anything in return.

He also provides valuable advice for those diagnosed with ADHD, highlighting the need for continuous work and exploration in managing the condition.

The conversation wraps up with insights on the societal challenges surrounding mental health and the importance of fostering understanding and support.

NOTE: Ron shared his rap hobby and agreed to share his three tracks with our audience. You can check them out here:

• Worthless

• Water

• Change

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ron Souers and His Journey

01:58 Childhood Dreams and Aspirations

04:35 Exploring Creative Outlets: Rapping and Writing

11:42 The Challenges of Podcasting

12:55 Life Before and After ADHD Diagnosis

22:13 The Importance of Daily Work and Maintenance

26:41 Emotional Vulnerability and Communication

32:31 Understanding Intentions in Relationships

33:58 The Power of Listening and Understanding

37:11 Time vs. Money: The Value of Life

39:51 The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

43:46 Fierce Kindness: Redefining Compassion

46:35 Starting a Podcast: Purpose and Vision

01:00:58 Advice for Those with ADHD

Find Ron Souers here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ronnyreel/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ron.solo1

Website: https://www.youradhdguy.com

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dont-mind-me-i-just-have-adhd/id1782815978

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-souers-9162b1a0/

Find Nick Thompson here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nthompson513/ | https://www.instagram.com/the_ucan_foundation/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@EyesWideOpenContent

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickthompson13/

UCAN Foundation: https://theucanfoundation.org/

Website: https://www.engagewithnick.com/