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Rejuvenaging with Dr. Ron Kaiser
Making a Difference with Dr. Ruth Backstrom
We live in a period of intense polarization. It seems like everyone has an opinion about something and there’s no room for it to be swayed. Times like these can be tough and confusing to understand. The lines between right and wrong start to blur and fighting for our convictions can seem like a never-ending, uphill battle.
Dr. Ruth Backstrom is an author and speaker who started fighting for what she believed in at a young age. At just 13 years old, she was arrested at a civil rights rally, and ever since then, she’s been fighting to build a new world and a new democracy. Dr. Ruth’s book, Igniting a Bold New Democracy - Empowering Citizens Through Game-Changing Reforms, is a guide to creating a pro-democracy movement and was inspired by broken politics and diminished quality of life in America.
Dr, Ruth joins me on the show today to talk about making change and the ways in which we can do it. She breaks down some great examples of democracy working well around the world and shares what can be done in America to move in the right direction. She also gives us a synopsis of what to expect from her book.
Tune in to Episode 180 of REJUVENAGING® and let’s change the world with Dr. Ruth Backstrom.
Some Questions I Ask:
- How did you get to be who you are? (14:47)
- Can you give us a cliff notes version of your book? (17:45)
In This Episode, You Will Learn:
- How Dr. Ruth explains the environment of increasing polarization between individuals in societies today (4:40)
- How to become engaged in your local communities (9:38)
- About the idea of collective intelligence (13:12)
- How Dr. Ruth believes we need to adjust to the current period of transition that we’re in (20:17)
Resources
- Dr. Ruth’s book: Igniting a Bold New Democracy - Empowering Citizens Through Game-Changing Reforms
- Center for New Democratic Processes - Citizens' Jury
- Center for Wise Democracy
Connect with Dr. Ruth Backstrom
Useful REJUVENAGING® Resources
- Website: https://www.thementalhealthgym.com/
- Book: Dr. Ron Kaiser -Rejuvenaging: The Art and Science of Growing Older with Enthusiasm
- Email: ron.kaiser@thementalhealthgym.com
- TEDx Talk: Aging Enthusiastically to Make the World a Better Place
More episodes
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264. Encore Presentation of REJUVENAGING Muscle-Centric Medicine: Age Better, Live Stronger with Gabrielle Lyon
44:46||Ep. 264This is a special replay of an episode of the REJUVENAGING with Dr. Ron Kaiser podcast that was first posted on September 19, 2023.In this podcast episode of the REJUVENAGING® with Dr. Ron Kaiser podcast, Dr. Gabrielle Lyon discusses her unique approach to optimizing muscle health and aging well through a strategy that combines nutrition, fitness, and self-help principles. The concept Dr. Lyon introduces is "muscle-centric medicine," emphasizing the critical role of skeletal muscle in overall health and well-being. She highlights that muscle is often overlooked in preventative medicine and explains how it functions as an organ system within the body. Dr. Lyon believes that healthy skeletal muscle is essential for aging gracefully and maintaining mobility.Dr. Lyon’s background includes training in nutritional sciences, board certification in family medicine, and fellowship training in nutritional sciences, making her extraordinarily well-equipped to address the topic of aging and muscle health. She shares her journey of discovery during her fellowship in geriatrics and nutritional sciences, where she observed a common thread among her patients—their health issues were often linked to inadequate skeletal muscle mass rather than obesity. This insight led to the development of her unique perspective on muscle-centric medicine.Dr. Lyon acknowledges the absence of a standardized measurement for optimal skeletal muscle mass, making it challenging for individuals to determine their own muscle health accurately. She emphasizes the importance of strength, mobility, and metabolic markers in assessing muscle health.The conversation underscores the importance of resistance training and strength-building exercises in aging well, as these activities contribute to maintaining metabolic health and functional independence.Overall, the interview with Dr. Gabrielle Lyon provides valuable insights into the often-overlooked role of skeletal muscle in healthy aging and offers guidance on how individuals can improve their muscle health for a more vibrant and energetic life.Connect withhttps://www.facebook.com/doctorgabriellelyon/https://twitter.com/drgabriellelyonhttps://www.instagram.com/drgabriellelyon/https://drgabriellelyon.comVisit Dr. Ron athttp://www.drron-kaiser.com263. Deprogramming Diet Culture with Dr. Supatra Tovar
47:45||Ep. 263In this episode of REJUVENAGING with Dr. Ron Kaiser, Dr. Ron welcomes Dr. Supatra Tovar, a clinical psychologist, registered dietitian, and fitness expert who specializes in helping individuals overcome the influences of diet culture and develop a healthier relationship with food. Dr. Supatra shares her personal journey, from her early exposure to eating disorders to her multifaceted career in health, fitness, and psychology. Her unique approach combines science and compassion to help clients recover from disordered eating through her book, Deprogram Diet Culture, and her innovative method that emphasizes tuning into the body’s natural cues and rejecting harmful societal messages around food and body image.Dr. Supatra dives into the origins of diet culture, the biological realities behind dieting's ineffectiveness, and why sustainable health isn’t found in restrictive eating habits. She explains how our current food environment promotes overeating and how diet culture capitalizes on our insecurities. Dr. Supatra also offers practical advice on limiting exposure to negative influences, building a healthy relationship with exercise, and fostering positive self-image—just in time for the holidays.Join Dr. Ron and Dr. Supatra as they unravel the myths and pressures around dieting and explore ways to reclaim a balanced, joyful approach to food and health.https://drsupatratovar.com/https://www.facebook.com/drsupatratovarhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/drsupatratovar/https://www.youtube.com/@my.anew.insighthttps://www.instagram.com/drsupatratovar/https://www.tiktok.com/@drsupatratovar262. Embracing Change: A Key to Health, Happiness, and Resilience
15:30||Ep. 262In this solo episode of REJUVENAGING with Dr. Ron Kaiser, Dr. Ron takes the opportunity to dive into the importance of embracing change. He reflects on how, as Charles Darwin observed, adaptability to change is more critical to survival and success than intelligence or strength. Dr. Ron encourages listeners to view change as an opportunity rather than a threat, exploring how an open attitude towards change can foster resilience, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. He emphasizes the power of change in enhancing both mental and physical health.Dr. Ron outlines the numerous benefits that come from accepting change, such as reduced stress, increased activity levels, and stronger social connections. He discusses the positive impact of change on relationships, personal growth, and even longevity, noting that people who embrace change tend to be more resilient and adaptable, often experiencing a greater sense of fulfillment and joy in life. Adaptability to change, he suggests, also encourages a growth mindset, which allows people to set flexible goals, learn from new experiences, and keep their minds active.Throughout the episode, Dr. Ron encourages listeners to practice stepping outside of their comfort zones as a way to strengthen adaptability. By regularly challenging themselves in small ways—whether by learning a new skill, meeting new people, or trying different activities—listeners can become more comfortable with change and discover its transformative power. He closes by reminding everyone that embracing the idea of change, while sometimes daunting, is not something to fear but a gateway to growth and opportunity.261. Decoding Talk Types with Amanda Kenderes How Our Communication Style Shapes Who We Are
35:59||Ep. 261In this episode of REJUVENAGING with Dr. Ron Kaiser, communication expert and author, Dr. Amanda Kenderes shares her insights into understanding communication styles through her groundbreaking "Talk Types" framework. Her book, Talk Types: How What We Say Reveals Who We Are, delves into the three core categories of communication and how these shape our interactions and relationships. Amanda explains the basis of these categories — objective understanding (A), subjective experience (B), and subjective understanding (C) — and how each combination, or "talk type," reflects unique motivations and conversational preferences. By recognizing our own talk type and others’, we can unlock the key to better personal and professional relationships.Amanda shares her personal journey of growing up internationally and learning the nuances of communication across cultures, which inspired her fascination with deep and meaningful conversations. Her experiences led to the creation of the "Talk Types" model. Whether it's connecting with loved ones, resolving conflicts, or building effective leadership skills, Amanda discusses how understanding and adapting to talk types can greatly enhance communication. She also provides practical examples, like navigating parent-child dynamics and professional meetings, where recognizing talk types fosters empathy and cooperation.Dr. Ron and Dr. Amanda also explore practical applications of the Talk Types model in everyday life. From decoding our children’s preferences to better understanding our partners, Amanda explains how we can apply this knowledge to strengthen relationships. Her insights on how to "translate" communication across different talk types to help listeners connect on a deeper level, even when styles differ. This conversation underscores how cultivating awareness of talk types is a powerful tool to enrich our lives, improve our interactions, and foster more fulfilling connections.For more information on Dr. Amandahttps://amandakenderes.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/amanda-kenderes/https://www.instagram.com/amandakenderes/https://www.amazon.com/Talk-Types-How-What-Reveals/dp/B0D12Z8QPJ260. Strength in Surrender: Matt Dawson's Journey from Investment Banker to World Record Adventure Athlete"
25:39||Ep. 260In this episode of Rejuvenaging with Dr. Ron Kaiser, we welcome Matt Dawson, known simply as Dawson, an accomplished investment banker turned six-time world record endurance athlete and sought-after public speaker. Dawson shares his incredible journey of transformation, from working 80-100 hour weeks in the corporate world to undertaking some of the world’s most extreme physical challenges, including climbing the highest peaks on each continent and trekking solo across Death Valley. His new book, Strength in Surrender, explores the powerful concept of embracing vulnerability and finding strength in letting go, and he offers insights into how we can apply his philosophies in our everyday lives regardless of whether we seek an extreme lifestyle.Dawson also opens up about the pivotal moment that led him to change his life path—an emotional trip to Everest Base Camp—and how it catalyzed his mission to live with purpose. He discusses the founding of the Dawson's Peak Foundation, a nonprofit committed to helping individuals discover their true potential and purpose. Working closely with veterans' charities like the Gary Sinise Foundation, Dawson and his team undertake ambitious expeditions to inspire others and raise funds, showing that life is about more than self-accomplishment; it’s about using our abilities to elevate those around us.In his discussion with Dr. Ron, Dawson emphasizes that it’s never too late to pursue a meaningful life and that small, intentional steps can make a huge difference, and those steps may be physical or in other areas of life. He shares practical strategies for finding purpose, building resilience, and contributing positively to the lives of others. Whether you’re an adventure enthusiast or simply looking for ways to live a more fulfilling life, Dawson’s inspiring message and actionable advice are sure to resonate.https://dawsonspeak.com/https://www.facebook.com/dawsonspeakcharityhttps://www.instagram.com/dawsonspeak/259. Embracing Nature, Adventure, and Resilience with Jo Giese
29:09||Ep. 259In this episode of Rejuvenaging with Dr. Ron Kaiser, Jo Giese, an award-winning journalist, author, and passionate hiker, joins Dr. Ron to discuss her lifelong love of nature and hiking as well as her inspiring journey overcoming a life-altering injury. Jo shares captivating stories from her adventures, including hiking to breathtaking waterfalls and her recovery from a severe Achilles injury that left her defying the odds to walk and hike again. Her upcoming book, Keep Chasing Waterfalls, weaves together these experiences with profound reflections on resilience and the healing power of nature. Jo also talks about her best-selling book Never Sit If You Can Dance, which celebrates life’s joyous moments and the wisdom of her mother.In her discussion with Dr. Ron, she offers practical advice for beginner hikers, emphasizing the importance of preparation, safety, and not hiking alone. With her vibrant spirit and zest for life, Jo reminds us of the rejuvenating power of nature and the importance of surrounding ourselves with positive, supportive people.Tune in to hear Jo’s incredible story of grit, adventure, and the unwavering determination to keep moving forward, no matter the challenges. Whether it’s hiking up mountains or embracing life's everyday joys, Jo’s philosophy encourages us all to embrace adventure, live fully, and continue to defy the odds, regardless of age or obstacles.More info on Jo:https://www.jogiese.com/https://www.instagram.com/giesejo/?hl=enhttps://www.facebook.com/authorjogiese/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfyb15IpEffg5FTek4Be2Lghttps://www.jogiese.com/books258. Unlocking Cellular Wellness: The Power of Herbs with Dr. Bill Rawls
46:02||Ep. 258In this enlightening episode of Rejuvenaging with Dr. Ron Kaiser, Dr. Bill Rawls joins us to dive deep into the world of cellular wellness, herbs, and holistic healing. Dr. Rawls, an OBGYN by training, shares his personal health journey and how a severe health crisis led him to explore alternative healing methods, focusing on herbs and cellular wellness. His book, The Cellular Wellness Solution, explores the science behind herbs and their ability to tap into our full health potential. Bill explains the fundamental role that cells play in maintaining our health and how herbs can be a vital tool in protecting these microscopic units of life.Dr. Rawls educates listeners on the importance of cellular health, distinction between herbs and vitamins, emphasizing the power of herbs to protect cells from environmental stressors, microbes, and free radicals. He highlights a range of herbs, such as turmeric, reishi mushrooms, and rhodiola, that have powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Drawing from his years of research and personal experiences, Dr. Rawls makes a compelling case for incorporating herbs into our daily routines to promote long-term health and wellness, especially for those in their later years.The episode wraps up with practical advice from Bill on diet and lifestyle, encouraging listeners to adopt whole foods, maintain an active lifestyle, and prioritize quality sleep. Throughout his discussion with Dr. Ron, Dr. Rawls's inspiring story of recovery and his continued pursuit of a physically active lifestyle at age 67 serves as a motivating example of how herbs and cellular wellness can help us all stay healthy and vital, no matter our age.More info on Dr. Rawls:https://www.facebook.com/VitalPlanhttps://www.instagram.com/vitalplan/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRv4ZKm24n7Ospxwo2OLiFwhttps://vitalplan.com/https://www.instagram.com/rawlsmd/?hl=enhttps://cellularwellness.com/257. Overcoming Burnout and Building Resilience in Healthcare with Dr. Svetlana Chamoun
38:42||Ep. 257In this episode of REJUVENAGING with Dr. Ron Kaiser , Dr. Svetlana Chamoun, a board-certified cardiologist and CEO of CardioSeeds, joins Dr. Ron to discuss the profound impact of burnout on healthcare professionals and her journey to combat it. Dr. Chamoun shares her personal experience with burnout while serving as Chief Cardiologist during the COVID-19 pandemic and how it motivated her to create CardioSeeds. This company focuses on reducing burnout and promoting stress management among healthcare providers by integrating lifestyle medicine principles, which aim to address the root causes of chronic diseases.Dr. Chamoun and Dr. Ron explore the broader effects of physician burnout on patient care, highlighting how clinician well-being is vital to improving health outcomes. Dr. Chamoun explains that when healthcare professionals are burned out, their ability to care for patients diminishes, ultimately affecting the entire healthcare system. They also dive into the importance of lifestyle medicine, which emphasizes prevention through six key pillars: nutrition, exercise, sleep hygiene, stress management, social connectedness, and avoiding harmful substances.In addition, Dr. Chamoun discusses her advocacy for women physicians, who often face unique challenges such as balancing family responsibilities and navigating male-dominated fields. She introduces her books, "Resilience in Scrubs" and her upcoming release "The Woman Physician's Survival Guide," which provide practical tools for women in healthcare to overcome burnout and thrive in their careers. This conversation offers valuable insights into how individuals in various high-stress professions can improve their well-being and longevity through holistic approaches to wellness. The discussion also highlights the importance to us as patients to have health care providers who are not highly stressed. More info herehttps://cardioseeds.com/homehttps://www.facebook.com/CardioSeedshttps://www.instagram.com/cardioseeds/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJz1_DC8TOYXjyCaf3Wo10AMore info herehttps://cardioseeds.com/homehttps://www.facebook.com/CardioSeedshttps://www.instagram.com/cardioseeds/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJz1_DC8TOYXjyCaf3Wo10A256. Fall Prevention and the Secrets to Staying Upright with Dr. Wayne Gradman
40:12||Ep. 256In this episode of REJUVENAGING with Dr. Ron Kaiser, Dr. Ron welcomes renowned vascular surgeon, Dr. Wayne Gradman, to discuss a critical yet often overlooked health issue: fall prevention. Dr. Gradman, author of, The Fall Guy: How to Keep Gravity from Ruining Your Day, shares his personal experiences with falls and provides expert insights on how adults can reduce their risk of injury. With falls accounting for a significant portion of emergency room visits, especially among those over 65, he underscores the importance of prevention at home, where 79% of falls occur.Throughout the episode, Dr. Gradman highlights key strategies for minimizing fall risks, from home modifications to the role of proper footwear and balance exercises. Listeners learn about the common areas where falls happen, such as bathrooms, stairs, and bedrooms, and the necessary precautions to take, including installing grab bars, using banisters, and improved lighting. Dr. Gradman also emphasizes the importance of strength training, flexibility, and maintaining good vision to stay balanced as we age, and he even shares simple, time-efficient exercises for listeners to incorporate into their routines.The conversation between Dr. Ron and Dr. Gradman also delves into other factors affecting falls, such as medications and medical conditions like neuropathy, providing a well-rounded view of the issue. Dr. Gradman offers practical, accessible advice that is relevant to not only seniors but also younger adults who might overlook the risks associated with falls. By the end of the episode, listeners will be equipped with valuable tools and insights to help themselves and their loved ones stay safe and healthy, with The Fall Guy serving as a key resource for ongoing fall prevention.More info on Dr. Gradman:https://wgradman.com/https://wgradman.com/the-fall-guy/https://www.linkedin.com/in/gradman-wayne-81b27a70/