Dragon Fire.Sides

Dr. Cleo Amelia came up through chronic illness — Lyme disease, autoimmune struggles, the long road that eventually led her to a doctorate in acupuncture and Chinese medicine. She opened a clinic, added functional medicine, built something real. Then she found the online space and everything changed. In two and a half years she closed her in-person practice, built a functional medicine coaching co...

Dr. Jordan Barber is a Doctor of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, bestselling author, pelvic floor specialist, and owner of multiple practices in New York. He took his most recent cash-based practice from zero to full and high six figures in eight months. But none of that is why this conversation matters. What matters is that Jordan is one of the rare practitioners who has actually metabolized t...

Dr. Rosanna de la Cruz is a Chinese medicine doctor, functional medicine practitioner, and owner of three women's health clinics in the New York area. She specializes in reproductive health and has spent her career helping women reclaim vitality, energy, and joy — particularly through perimenopause and beyond. She is also living proof that the second spring is real. In this conversation, David and...

Dr. Jeff Rippey has been a martial artist, anthropologist, and is an acupuncturist with over 40 years in the arts, time studying in China, and a rural Missouri practice running 115–120 treatments a week on under $5,000 a month in overhead. He reached out after watching a previous Dragon Fireside episode — and he had some things to say. In this conversation, David and Jeff pull no punches on the re...

Podcast Description: Dr. Lisa Poole is an 18-year licensed acupuncturist, single parent, MBA graduate, and one of the most honest voices in the profession. After nearly two decades in practice, she's transitioning out of full-time clinical work — not because she wanted to, but because the financial reality of this profession simply doesn't add up for most practitioners. In this episode, David and...

The Esoteric Medicine of Acupuncture — What TCM Schools Don't Teach | Parallel Perception Podcast Is acupuncture losing its soul trying to earn a seat at Western medicine's table? In this episode, David Bernard sits down with spiritual teacher and author Lujan Matus and veteran acupuncturist Dr. Christopher Butler (35+ years in practice) to explore what gets stripped away when Traditional Chinese...

The conversation covers the integration of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with cannabis and CBD, emphasizing the need for education, regulation, and safety in the industry. The guests, Dr. Chloe Weber and Dr. Lauren Manuni, discuss the challenges and opportunities in the field, highlighting the importance of informed decision-making and responsible use of cannabis products. Takeaways TCM and c...

This episode is different. It isn’t polished. It isn’t easy. It’s honest. After my recent Dragon Fire. Sides conversation with Dr. Gretchen Badami about school closures, federal pressure, and why so many acupuncturists are struggling, the comments section lit up. One of the strongest and most thoughtful responses came from today’s guest, Dr. Mary (Molly) Cooke — and this episode is a direct respon...

In this episode of Dragon Fire. Sides, David Bernard sits down with Ryan Encinas — former surgical first assist and hospital director turned cellular-health and nutrition strategist. Ryan has been inside the belly of the beast: Cancer research & surgery Pediatric spine & brain cases Private hospital administration Front-row seats to how broken billing and “sick care” really are Today, he w...

In this powerful and vulnerable episode of Dragon Fire. Sides, David Bernard sits down with Dr. Chloe Weber, DACM, L.Ac. — herbalist, and founder of Radical Roots and Noxi Herbs, two companies redefining what modern herbal medicine can be. Chloe’s story is one of grit, heartbreak, innovation, and unwavering devotion. A single mother and practitioner, she entered the world of herbal entrepreneurshi...

In this Fireside episode, David Bernard sits down with John Jaarsveld , a Dutch acupuncturist, researcher, educator, Kiiko Matsumoto style practitioner, and former head of research for the European TCM Association. John brings three decades of personal study, 18 years of clinical experience, and a rare blend of critical thinking, philosophical depth, and practical insight. What unfolds is a profou...

In this eye-opening episode, David Bernard sits down with Dr. Gretchen Badami , Doctor of Oriental Medicine, herbalist, professor, former associate dean, and host of the Elevated Practice Podcast. Together, they explore the real reasons why acupuncture schools are closing, why 80% of practitioners fail in the first five years, and what absolutely must change for the profession to survive. Gretchen...

In this powerful and wide-ranging Fireside episode, David Bernard sits down with Dr. Andy Rosenfarb , one of the most influential voices in modern acupuncture and the global leader in Chinese Medical Ophthalmology. Over 50 minutes, they explore the pivotal crossroads facing the acupuncture profession — from failing schools and collapsing infrastructure to the unprecedented opportunity awaiting pra...

In this episode, David Bernard, co-founder of LeadBetterAI, sits down with Noa Lynne Sutherland, an acupuncturist and herbal medicine expert, who has defied the odds by thriving in a field where many have struggled. With a focus on integrative medicine and patient-centered care, Noa reveals her journey from zero clients to running a flourishing clinic, Zoi Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine. In this...

David Bernard, founder of LeadBetter AI, hosts a podcast with Chris Butler, the owner of Wellpath Center in Wellspring, New Jersey, an experienced practitioner in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). - **TCM and Modern Healthcare:** Chris Butler discusses his journey and specialization in TCM, particularly in women's reproductive health and acupuncture. He emphasizes the synergy between TCM and mod...