The Dr. Virga Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Digital discipline is the practice of taking back control of your attention in a world flooded with alerts, algorithms, and constant noise. This episode breaks down what cognitive science, neuroscience, and environmental psychology reveal about how digital overload fragments focus—and why time outdoors rapidly restores clarity, perception, and stress regulation.  For research note...

Send us Fan Mail Holiday package theft is exploding, and most consumer cameras are failing homeowners when it counts. In this video, I break down the three image-quality factors that actually matter for catching porch pirates: low-light clarity, real sharpness, and correct placement. I also explain why “4K” labels don’t guarantee usable evidence and why mass-market cameras often fall apart at nigh...

Send us Fan Mail A science-backed exploration of how hydration, stress regulation, and energy management form the foundation of personal readiness. This episode examines preparedness as a holistic wellness discipline grounded in physiology, cognitive performance, and risk reduction. You can find the companion article here: thew3mag.com Welcome to Jessie Virga’s channel, where she shares insights o...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I explore Genesis chapters 1 through 10, covering creation, the fall, Cain and Abel, and the great flood. I break down key themes like responsibility, human nature, and divine justice while comparing Bible translations and highlighting what still resonates in modern times. Welcome to Jessie Virga’s channel, where she shares insights on her wide array of interests....

Send us Fan Mail Government contracts don't have to be confusing. If you're a small business owner or interested in contracts in general, this episode is for you. Welcome to Jessie Virga’s channel, where she shares insights on her wide array of interests. Jessie also hosts an audio podcast (link below).  Jessie Virga hails from the Bronx and has an extensive background in security and de...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I discuss my new series, Path to Faith —an academic and inclusive reading of sacred texts starting with the Bible. I explain how the group works, what to expect from each episode, and how to join the discussion online. Welcome to Jessie Virga’s channel, where she shares insights on her wide array of interests. Jessie also hosts an audio podcast (link below).  Jess...

Send us Fan Mail Southern California’s second wildfire season is here, fueled by Santa Ana winds and utility shut-offs. In this episode, I update my Emergency Preparedness Bag for winter 2025—what I’ve added, removed, and why. I cover evacuation lessons, prepping for multi-day outages, and how I pack for fast movement (including with my dog). Key Takeaways Build seasonally: match your kit to your...

Send us Fan Mail In this powerful continuation of our conversation, Marine Corps veteran and co-founder of Tiwaz Awakening, Luke Jensen, returns to take us deeper into the world of brain mapping, neurofeedback, and the science behind trauma healing. We go beyond plant medicine in this episode—exploring the cognitive and neurological impacts of PTSD, depression, and emotional trauma. Luke breaks do...

Send us Fan Mail From the battlefield to the sacred circle, Marine Corps veteran Luke Jensen shares his powerful journey of healing through ayahuasca, jiu jitsu, and deep spiritual work. In this episode, we explore the origins of Tiwaz Awakening, a retreat in the Peruvian Andes that blends plant medicine, martial arts, hiking, and neurofeedback to reconnect the soul with the body. Luke and I dive...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I break down the latest U.S. Intelligence Community assessment on Iran—and why the threat is more serious than ever. Following Iran’s successful attack on Israel and the U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites, we take a deeper look at Iran’s military ambitions, cyber warfare, proxy networks, and internal instability. This isn’t just about the Middle East—this is...

Send us Fan Mail Featured on Fox News and now on the Dr. Virga Podcast In this powerful new episode, Marine Corps veteran Joey Mac Dizon shares how he turned his love for cigars and camaraderie into The Mobile Cigar Lounge — a nationally recognized, veteran-owned business that delivers curated cigar experiences to weddings, private events, and corporate celebrations across the country. More than j...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I break down my full EDC backpack—what I call my "get-me-to-safety" bag. Built for real-world emergencies, this isn’t about flashy gear—it’s about medical essentials, survival tools, dual-use items, and smart packing that could save your life if home is compromised. From my Leatherman ARC and Nitecore power bank to my Grail water filter and MSR Pocket Ro...

Send us Fan Mail From full-size sidearms to a mission-ready Garmin Tactix 7 Pro watch — this is my everyday carry (EDC) setup built from years of real-world experience as a medic, veteran, and first responder. Every piece has a purpose. Stay agile. Stay ready. Let’s break it down. Welcome to Jessie Virga’s channel, where she shares insights on her wide array of interests. Jessie also hosts an audi...

Send us Fan Mail From the front lines to figurines — in this episode of the Dr. Virga Podcast , I sit down with retired Army combat medic and owner of Tactics 2 Toys, Anthony Ciotti . We dive into his 30+ years of military service, how he turned a love for pop culture into a thriving collectibles business, and the ups and downs of veteran entrepreneurship. If you're a fan of horror, hip hop,...

Send us Fan Mail Special Guest: Anthony Ciotti, US ARMY Combat Medic, Retired Welcome to Jessie Virga’s channel, where she shares insights on her wide array of interests. Jessie also hosts an audio podcast (link below).  Jessie Virga hails from the Bronx and has an extensive background in security and defense, having spent 10 years in the military in various security roles. Following her military...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I sit down with Navy veteran and entrepreneur Jason McNamara, founder of the No More 9 to 5 Club & Foundation. From Guantanamo Bay to top-tier sales to building a life of purpose and peace, Jason shares powerful lessons on trusting your gut, building generational wealth, and creating businesses that serve people —not just profits. Whether you’re a veteran, asp...

Send us Fan Mail Think EDC is just a trend? Think again. In this episode, we uncover the real history of Everyday Carry—how humans have been carrying essential tools from the Stone Age to the digital age. From Roman satchels to modern pocket dumps, EDC has always been about survival, identity, and readiness. Whether you're minimalist or tactical, your gear tells a story. So what’s in your poc...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, I sit down with Jesse Cook, founder of Twin Screws Foundation, to talk about hunting as therapy, the veteran mental health crisis, and why doing hard things in nature might be the key to healing. From submarines to elk hunts, Jesse's story is raw, powerful, and deeply inspiring. Links: Website: https://www.jessievirga.com/episode29 Instagram: https://www.inst...

Send us Fan Mail Special Guest Jesse Cook 🎙️ 🔔 LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to stay updated on new episodes! Welcome to Jessie Virga’s channel, where she shares insights on her wide array of interests. Jessie also hosts an audio podcast (link below).  Jessie Virga hails from the Bronx and has an extensive background in security and defense, having spent 10 years in the military in...

Send us Fan Mail I’m dropping a bold theory in this episode: women invented EDC. From packed purses to park-day problem-solving, moms were doing everyday carry before it was cool. I’m also kicking off a new EDC category in the Warfare series and sharing my current favorites—the Leatherman Arc and Knipex wrench. Check out the gear: https://www.amazon.com/shop/drvirga Subscribe for more EDC breakdow...

Send us Fan Mail With a real estate portfolio of over 20 properties, Navy veteran Trevor Methena now runs a successful HomeSmiles franchise in Austin, Texas—all while balancing a full-time job and family life. In this episode, we dive into his journey from military service to entrepreneurship, how he built his rental empire, and why he chose franchising as his next big move. Welcome to Jessie Virg...

Send us Fan Mail Special Guest Trevor Methena 🎙️ 🔔 LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to stay updated on new episodes! Welcome to Jessie Virga’s channel, where she shares insights on her wide array of interests. Jessie also hosts an audio podcast (link below).  Jessie Virga hails from the Bronx and has an extensive background in security and defense, having spent 10 years in the military...

Send us Fan Mail With a background in training Navy Special Warfare, Cody Hajek shares his journey from the nuclear field to owning CrossFit Never Broken in Edmond, Oklahoma. In this episode, we discuss his time in the Navy, his unexpected path to special warfare recruiting, and how he transitioned into the fitness industry. Cody opens up about the challenges of starting a gym, the realities of tr...

Send us Fan Mail Special Guest Cody Hajek 🎙️ 🔔 LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS to stay updated on new episodes! Welcome to Jessie Virga’s channel, where she shares insights on her wide array of interests. Jessie also hosts an audio podcast (link below).  Jessie Virga hails from the Bronx and has an extensive background in security and defense, having spent 10 years in the military in...

Send us Fan Mail Nathan Wheeler’s journey is one of resilience, transformation, and purpose. Growing up in a challenging environment, he never imagined himself in the military—let alone becoming an Army Ranger. After years of service and overcoming personal and professional obstacles, he transitioned into financial services, where he now helps people across the country build financial security and...