A Note from James:

So Dr. Oz—television personality turned government official—this is such an interesting thing. He's going to be the new administrator of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, CMS. He’s going to be in charge of all Medicare and Medicaid. What does he know or think about these parts of our government?

Medicare and Medicaid, combined with Social Security, make up the biggest part of government spending. So it'd be interesting to know what he thinks. On his show, he’d talk about everything from medicine to alternative medicine to other healing methods. I want to know how he's going to handle things in the government.

This is a republishing of a past podcast I did with Dr. Oz, but it still describes his approach to medicine. And I think, as a citizen, this is useful. That’s why I wanted to share it again. He’s going to be working closely with RFK Jr. and Marty Makary (who’s also been on this podcast and is now head of the FDA).

So here’s Dr. Oz.

Episode Description:

In this re-released conversation, James speaks with Dr. Mehmet Oz about his philosophy on medicine, self-care, and the critical role nutrition plays in overall well-being. As Dr. Oz steps into a major government role as the head of CMS, this episode offers valuable insight into the beliefs and strategies he may bring to one of the most powerful positions in U.S. healthcare.

Together, they cover the power of second opinions, why most people misunderstand sugar, how gut bacteria drive health, and what it means to choose yourself when it comes to well-being. They also unpack highlights from Dr. Oz’s book Food Can Fix It, including practical strategies for brain health, stress, and weight loss.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why second opinions can drastically change your medical outcomes.
• The connection between stress, sugar, and your brain's coping mechanisms.
• What to eat (and avoid) for long-term brain health and energy.
• How gut bacteria influence digestion, immunity, and mood.
• Dr. Oz’s personal routine for energy, sleep, and productivity.

Timestamped Chapters:

• [00:00] Dr. Oz’s New Role in Government
• [01:00] Dr. Oz’s Philosophy: Empowering Patients
• [02:45] The Power of Second Opinions
• [04:00] Behind the Book: Food Can Fix It
• [06:00] Parenting, Health, and Self-Sacrifice
• [07:30] Why We Stress Eat—and What to Do Instead
• [09:30] Fixing the Root Cause with Food
• [12:00] Brain Food and Omega-3 Fats
• [15:30] Antioxidants, Alcohol, and Wheat Brain
• [17:30] Why Sugar Without Fiber Is Dangerous
• [18:30] Juicing vs. Smoothies
• [19:30] Food Traditions, Rituals, and Healing
• [20:15] Using Food as Medicine for Pain
• [21:00] The Role of Gut Bacteria
• [23:30] Smart Weight Loss Strategies
• [26:30] Rethinking Dairy, Gluten, and Processed Foods
• [28:00] Eating for All-Day Energy
• [30:30] Daily Routine: Sleep Hygiene and Focus
• [33:00] Final Thoughts and Dr. Oz’s Upcoming Podcast

Additional Resources:

• 📘 Food Can Fix It by Dr. Mehmet Oz
• 🧠 Yuval Noah Harari's Sapiens (mentioned in the episode)
• 🥗 Harvard School of Public Health: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
• 💡 Dr. Oz's Website

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A Note from James:

Marty Makary is the new head of the FDA, but he is also an old friend of the podcast. He's been on several times, and it's really important to know how this is going to be a new and different FDA, and it's going to be molded by Marty's very specific opinions about healthcare and the medical industry—and here they are.

Episode Description:

In this episode, James reconnects with Dr. Marty Makary, now heading the FDA, to discuss what’s broken in the American healthcare system—and what can actually be done about it. Marty pulls back the curtain on the realities of medical pricing, why unnecessary surgeries happen more often than most suspect, and how medical education is failing future doctors and patients alike. They explore the origins of Marty’s bestselling books, the TV adaptation of Unaccountable, and why your hospital bill may have little to do with actual care. This conversation is a rare window into what’s really happening inside hospitals and policy rooms—and what the future of smarter, more humane healthcare could look like.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why 11% of surgeries and 21% of all medical care may be unnecessary—and what’s driving that trend.
• How hidden costs, out-of-network billing, and surprise charges are crippling Americans financially.
• What reforms are gaining traction in Congress and why hospitals may be resisting them.
• How nutrition, inflammation, and simple wellness practices are overlooked in modern medicine.
• What questions you should ask your doctor to avoid inappropriate or excessive care.

Timestamped Chapters:

• [00:00] Introduction to Marty Makary and the New FDA
• [01:17] From Book to TV Show: The Journey of Unaccountable
• [03:42] The Price We Pay: Unveiling Healthcare Costs
• [09:06] Medical Education and Its Flaws
• [15:01] The Hidden Costs of Healthcare
• [34:52] Inappropriate Care and Its Consequences
• [43:14] The Referral Business in Medicine
• [44:00] Unnecessary Surgeries: A National Concern
• [44:48] Malpractice Fears and Their Impact
• [47:33] The Overuse of Antibiotics
• [50:28] Inappropriate Medical Care: Real-Life Examples
• [53:45] The Role of Nutrition and Wellness in Healthcare
• [58:15] Innovative Medical Education and Training
• [01:00:36] The Importance of Experience in Medical Practice
• [01:18:32] The Future of Healthcare: Inflammation and Biome Health
• [01:20:53] Final Thoughts and Practical Health Tips

Additional Resources:

• Dr. Marty Makary’s website
• Unaccountable by Marty Makary
• The Price We Pay by Marty Makary
• The Resident (TV Series)
• Healthcare Bluebook
• Restoring Medicine

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.