The JAFERD Cast

Episode 20: The Spectrum of Pregnancy Failure: From Threatened Miscarriage to Ectopic Realities (feat. Dr. Tieg Beazer) In this episode, Dr. Mark Pappadakis welcomes back Dr. Tieg Beazer , a Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM) OB-GYN, to unpack the complex, nuanced, and often misunderstood spectrum of early pregnancy loss. From asymptomatic "missed abortions" to the sharp pains of ectopic pregnancies, t...

Episode 19: The Legacy of Dr. Lorna Breen: Turning Medical Tragedy into a National Movement (feat. Dr. Stefanie Simmons) In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Stefanie Simmons , Emergency Medicine physician and Chief Medical Office r of the Dr. Lorna Breen Heroes’ Foundation . Dr. Simmons shares her raw, personal journey navigating trauma, peripartum depression, and the early-career fear of seekin...

Episode 18: Fentanyl Exposure Myths & The Reality of Modern Addiction (feat. Dr. Christopher Counts) The viral videos of responders collapsing after touching fentanyl have fueled national anxiety—but what does a toxicologist have to say? In this episode of The JAFERD Cast , Dr. Mark Pappadakis sits down with fellowship-trained toxicologist Dr. Christopher Counts to separate the medical facts f...

Episode 17: A Doctor's Journey - Surviving Colon Cancer (The No-BS Guide to Colon Cancer Part 2) (feat. Dr. Kristina Dhillon) What does a doctor learn when they become the patient? In this episode, Dr. Mark Pappadakis sits down with internal medicine physician and fellow classmate, Dr. Kristina Dhillon , to wrap up our colon cancer series. Kristina shares her journey from managing Ulcerative Colit...

Episode 16: The No-BS Guide to Colon Cancer (Part 1) (feat. Dr. Hannah Do) March is Colon Cancer Awareness Month, and we're getting straight to the bottom of it. Dr. Hannah Do (Penn Medicine/Doylestown Health) joins the show to explain why early-onset colorectal cancer is on the rise and why a high-fiber diet requires more than just a daily salad. We cover the crucial shift in screening guidelines...

Episode 15: Why "Root Cause" Medicine is Failing: Dismantling the Functional Medicine Trap (feat Dr. David Gorski) Functional medicine is the darling of the wellness-to-MAHA pipeline, promising "root cause" answers that your regular doctor supposedly ignores. But is it a revolutionary shift in care or just high-priced window dressing for old-school pseudoscience? This week, I’m joined by Dr. David...

Episode 14: Trust Me Bro": Why the Healthcare System Fails the Hesitant Patient (feat. Heather Simpson) Join Dr. Mark Pappadakis for a vital conversation with Heather Simpson , a former anti-vax influencer who has become a powerful pro-vaccine advocate. Heather’s story is a raw look at what happens when patients, armed with good-faith questions, are met with dismissal by the healthcare system. She...

Episode 13: Beyond The Diagnosis - A Patient's Perspective of Breast Cancer (feat. Kelly And Tammy) In this incredibly raw and important episode for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Dr. Mark Pappadakis moves beyond medical jargon to bring you the unfiltered human side of a breast cancer diagnosis. He speaks with two extraordinary women, Tammy and Kelly, who were both diagnosed in their 30s. They sha...

Episode 12: Demystifying Diet: Are Processed Foods Really Making Us Sick? (feat. Dr. Karolina Siniakowicz) Pain in your gut, but nothing is showing up on the tests? You’re not alone. Abdominal pain accounts for millions of ER visits annually, yet a clear diagnosis often remains elusive. In this episode of The Jaferd Cast, Dr. Mark Pappadakis welcomes Dr. Karolina Siniakowicz, a Gastroenterologist...

Episode 11: Why Do We Demonize Fruit? A Doctor And Dietitian Debunk Nutrition Myths (feat. April Ball, RD) Fad diets, mysterious supplements, and too much water – misinformation is everywhere in the online and social media space. In this eye-opening episode of The JAFERD Cast, Dr. Mark Pappadakis kicks off a two-part GI and nutrition series by welcoming our first non-physician guest: registered di...

Episode 10: Fed Is Best: Let's Talk Breastfeeding (feat. Dr. Maggie Gaughran) Another episode of The JAFERD Cast just in time for Breastfeeding Awareness Month! Whether you're a new mom or dad navigating the early stages of parenthood, this episode is for you. I'm honored to be joined by pediatrician Dr. Maggie Gaughran , and together, we're having a candid, and sometimes humorous, conversation ab...

Episode 9: Epilepsy & Seizures Explained (feat. Dr. Daniel Landau) Dive deep into the complex world of seizures with us on the 9th episode of The JAFERD Cast! I sit down with Neurologist Dr. Daniel Landau to demystify everything from the basics of epilepsy to the nuances of seizure treatment . This episode is packed with crucial information for anyone looking to understand seizures better. We'...

Help! I'm Pregnant and Bleeding - Part 1 (feat. Dr. Tieg Beaze r) In this crucial episode, I'm joined by OB/GYN and MFM Physician Dr. Tieg Beazer for part one of a two-part series on a topic that often causes a great deal of fear: first-trimester vaginal bleeding. We first deliver an important PSA regarding the updated COVID-19 booster guidelines for pregnant women. Then, we dive into the reality...

Episode 7: The Great Ozempic Debate (feat. Dr. Nina Shah) Ozempic has become a household name, but its rise as a weight loss medication is not without debate. In this episode, I'm joined by Internal Medicine Physician Dr. Nina Shah to dive deep into all things Ozempic. We break down how GLP-1 medications work, the science behind their use for both diabetes and off-label weight loss, and the side e...

Episode 6: The Dangers Of RFK Jr. And The ACIP In this episode, we address a major and concerning topic in public health: RFK Jr.'s controversial decision to fire all members of the Advisory Council on Immunization Practices (ACIP). I discuss the critical importance of the ACIP, the significant conflicts of interest of the new appointees, and the lack of scientific understanding among them. We exp...

Episode 5: The Blood Pressure Is Too Damn High! (feat. Dr. Michal Tracz) Have you ever worried about your blood pressure? In this episode, I'm joined by nephrologist Dr. Michal Tracz to demystify all things blood pressure. We answer common questions like "Is my blood pressure too high or too low?" and discuss the honest truth about the immediate risks. This episode is packed with vital information...

Episode 4: Generation Gap in Healthcare & The Measles Surge (feat. Dr. Kenneth Swanson) In this important episode, I sit down with infectious disease physician Dr. Kenneth Swanson to tackle some big questions facing modern medicine. With measles surging in 2025, we address the critical issue of vaccine hesitancy and how physicians are working to build trust with patients. But we don't stop the...

Episode 3: RSV, Vaccines, And Febrile Seizures (feat. Dr. Maggie Gaughran) This episode is packed with critical, up-to-the-minute information for parents! I spend the first part of the episode breaking down the latest data on the highly effective RSV vaccine and monoclonal antibody for infants and toddlers. I also share my thoughts on the updated recommendations for COVID-19 boosters in pregnant w...

Episode 2: Running On Vibes With Fevers In Kids (feat. Dr. Maggie Gaughran) Episode two tackles a common worry for parents: fevers in children . Join me as I welcome back pediatrician Dr. Maggie Gaughran for an informative and reassuring discussion about childhood fevers. We answer crucial questions like: When should you be concerned enough to consider blood tests or imaging? What fever temperatur...

Episode 1: I Think It's Broken (feat. Dr. Jared Paster) In the very first episode of the podcast, we're tackling a question we've all had: "Is it a sprain or a fracture?" I'm joined by Dr. Jared Paster , an experienced Emergency Medicine and Sports Medicine physician, to get a professional's perspective on common injuries. We talk about the key differences between sprains and fractures , and the s...

What is this show? Why am I speaking? Why are any of us here? 🔗 Connect with Dr. Mark Pappadakis Instagram: @dr.mpappa TikTok: @dr.mpappa Threads: @dr.mpappa X (formerly Twitter): @Valleus556 If you like this episode, please subscribe or follow The JAFERD Cast wherever you listen to podcasts, and consider leaving us a rating and review! It helps us reach more listeners like yourself. THIS PODCAST...