Body of Wonder

How do dogs think, and why do humans share such a powerful bond with them? In this conversation, Dr. Victoria Maizes and Dr. Andrew Weil sit down with Dr. Evan MacLean, director of the Arizona Canine Cognition Center at the University of Arizona, to explore the science behind the canine mind. From how dogs understand verbal language and read human emotions to the role of oxytocin in strengthening...

In this special episode of Body of Wonder, Dr. Andrew Weil and Dr. Ann Marie Chiasson turn the tables and interview their longtime colleague and co-host, Dr. Victoria Maizes, about her upcoming book Heal Faster: Unlock Your Body’s Rapid Recovery System. They explore the body’s innate capacity to heal, practical strategies for reducing anxiety, the hidden impact of environmental toxins, personalize...

Dr. Victoria Maizes and Dr. Andrew Weil sit down with Dr. Talal Moukabary, an expert in cardiac electrophysiology, for a look at POTS, long COVID, and the autonomic nervous system. They discuss why symptoms are often misunderstood, explore how the autonomic nervous system works, how POTS overlaps with long COVID, and how simple strategies, ranging from hydration to breathing exercises can help.

Back pain is one of the most common—and most misunderstood—health challenges, affecting 8 out of 10 people in their lifetime. In this episode of Body of Wonder, Dr. Victoria Maizes and Dr. Andrew Weil welcome Dr. Sanjiv Lakhia, a double board-certified physiatrist and integrative medicine physician, to explore why back pain is so prevalent and what we can do about it. Dr. Lakhia shares insights fr...

What does your gut say about your health? In this episode, Dr. Suzanne Devkota, gut health researcher and microbiome expert and hosts Dr. Andrew Weil and Dr. Victoria Maizes, explore how our modern lifestyles and highly processed diets impact the gut microbiome, the powerful role of microbial metabolites on health, and the real story behind antibiotics—do they ruin your gut for good? You&rsq...

In this episode, ground-breaking regenerative medicine researcher Dr. Doris Taylor joins Dr. Victoria Maizes and Dr. Andrew Weil to explore the science, promise, and pitfalls of stem cell therapy. Dr. Taylor, who bioengineered the first beating human heart, explains how stem cells work, why they often fail to regenerate heart and brain tissue, and what needs to change in clinical trials to unlock...

In this episode of Body of Wonder, hosts Dr. Andrew Weil and Dr. Victoria Maizes are joined by integrative rheumatologist, Dr. Olga Kromo, to discuss practical strategies for enhancing bone health as well as ways to address osteopenia and osteoporosis. Dr. Kromo shares insights on the role of nutrition, exercise, and environmental factors in bone health, and emphasizes the importance of preventive...

Dr. Victoria Maizes and Dr. Andrew Weil delve into physiological and mental health benefits of sauna therapy with Dr. Joy Hussain, MD, PhD. An expert in sauna research, Dr. Hussain reveals the unique effects of various heat therapies—from traditional Finnish saunas to infrared and steam saunas. Explore how sauna activates the body’s natural stress responses, boosting cardiovascular hea...

In this episode, Dr. Victoria Maizes and Dr. Andrew Weil explore the revolutionary work of Dr. David Berceli, creator of Tension and Trauma Releasing Exercises (TRE). Dr. Berceli shares his insights on neurogenic tremors, explaining how this natural, self-regulating mechanism helps the body release deep stress and trauma.  Drawing on his extensive professional experience in war zones and trau...

Episode #54 Asthma with Dr. Randy Horwitz In this episode, Dr. Andrew Weil and Dr. Victoria Maizes sit down with Dr. Randy Horwitz, an expert on asthma and immunology. Together, they dive deep into the topic of asthma including the reasons for its rising prevalence and advances in treatment. Dr. Horwitz provides a comprehensive overview of how integrative medicine can aid in managing this chronic...

Join Dr. Andrew Weil and Dr. Victoria Maizes as they dive into a fascinating conversation with Dr. Georgia Ede, a pioneering expert in metabolic psychiatry. In this episode, they tackle questions about the relationship between diet and mental health: How does inflammation impact mental health disorders like depression and anxiety? What role do carbohydrates play in brain function. Can a keto diet...

In this episode, Dr. Andrew Weil and Dr. Victoria Maizes sit down with Dr. Scott Shannon, a pioneer in integrative psychiatry, to discuss the factors attributed to the growing mental health crisis among adolescents. Dr. Shannon, discusses the role of poor nutrition, reduced physical activity, and the influence of smartphones and social media contributing to rising distress in young people. He exam...

Discover the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, a 5,000-year-old practice designed to restore balance and harmony within the body. In this episode, we are joined by Amita Nathwani, MA (Ayur) - an author, culinary expert, and Ayurvedic practitioner. Amita has dedicated her career to bridging traditional and contemporary medical systems. Along with hosts, Drs. Andy Weil and Victoria Maizes, Amita introduce...

What is the vagus nerve, and what role does it play in our body? In this episode, we explore the "wandering nerve" and its profound impact our physical and emotional wellbeing. With research demonstrating its connection to many of our organs, impacting gut health and regulating emotional states, the vagus nerve is emerging as a central player in our overall health. We are joined by Stefan Chmelik....

In this episode, we are joined by renowned grief expert and author, Dr David Kessler. David delves into the intricacies of grief, drawing upon his extensive experience and the wisdom gained from years of working with clients in the field and alongside the pioneering psychiatrist Dr Elizabeth Kubler-Ross. Throughout this compassionate conversation with hosts Dr. Andrew Weil and Dr. Victoria Maizes,...

Dr Shauna Shapiro is a clinical psychologist and an internationally recognized expert in mindfulness and self-compassion. Her TEDx talk, The Power of Mindfulness, has been viewed almost 4 million times. In this episode, Drs. Andrew Weil, Victoria Maizes, and Shauna Shapiro explore mindfulness, its profound impact on our well-being, and practical techniques to cultivate daily practice. We discuss h...

In this episode, we are joined by Harvard-trained physician, integrative medicine expert and graduate of our Fellowship, Dr. Akil Palanisamy. Dr. Palanisamy is the creator of the T.I.G.E.R protocol, a guide to address and heal autoimmune diseases. Combining modern science and traditional medicine approaches, Dr. Palanisamy discusses the five elements of the T.I.G.E.R protocol (which stands for Tox...

Dr. Andrew Weil and Dr. Victoria Maizes are joined by Seth Viddal, entrepreneur and leading voice in the word of green burials, as we explore conscious alternatives to common day burial practices. Viddal, who leads a green burial funeral home, sheds light on the growing popularity of green burials, the ecological benefits, and the cultural shift towards embracing this practice. He describes how &q...

Discover ways to extend your pet's lifespan through diet, exercise, and essential lifestyle choices. On this episode, Drs. Andrew Weil and Victoria Maizes sit down with integrative veterinarian, Dr. Randy Aronson to discuss the world of integrative pet care. In this interview, Dr. Aronson offers listeners insights from his decades of experience improving the health of animals. He sheds light o...

Dr. Elizabeth Raskin is a trailblazing integrative surgeon who is combining nutritional guidance, mind-body techniques, and cutting-edge robotics to change surgical care. Dr. Raskin’s journey into medicine was marked by a deep curiosity about the interconnectedness of the human body, mind, and spirit. As a result, she has become a pioneer in the field of integrative surgery, a discipline tha...

Join us as we discuss the intricate connections between two seemingly opposing aspects of human experience, joy, and trauma. Dr. Tanmeet Sethi, an expert in integrative medicine and mental health, guides us through this complex terrain of our emotions. On this episode, Dr. Sethi shares insights on how to cultivate joy in our daily lives. As Dr. Sethi says, “Joy is the ability to sit with all...

Join us for an enlightening conversation with the esteemed Tibetan Medicine expert, Dr. Leslie Blackhall. Currently the Section Head for Palliative Care at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, Dr. Blackhall is a nationally recognized expert with pioneering work in bioethics, spirituality and medicine, and palliative care. Tibetan Medicine is an intricate practice that blends herbalism, s...

In this episode, hosts Dr. Andrew Weil and Dr. Victoria Maizes dive into the world of culinary medicine with physician and food advocate, Dr. Geeta Maker-Clark. Dr. Maker-Clark shares insights on transforming the food landscape in hospitals and schools, revolutionizing nutrition education in medical schools across the United States, and empowering patients and healthcare providers with the knowled...

In this thought-provoking conversation we explore the impact of compassion on health and spiritual wellbeing. Our guest today is Sensei Koshin Paley Ellison, Zen teacher, Jungian psychotherapist, and author, who brings a wealth of knowledge and personal experience to our discussion. Dr. Andrew Weil and Dr. Victoria Maizes discuss the impact of compassionate care with Sensei Ellison. Through Buddhi...

Caring for an individual with a serious medical diagnosis can be difficult for patients, their families, and caregivers. For some, a palliative care professional can make a big difference. On this episode, we welcome Dr. Delia Chiaramonte, an integrative, palliative care physician and medical educator, who helps seriously ill patients live their best life. By going beyond symptom management, forwa...