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Next Level Health with Dr. Melinda Ring

Next Level Health with Dr. Melinda Ring

By: The Osher Center for Integrative Health at Northwestern University
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Next Level Health bridges the gap between traditional and integrative health through research-backed integrative approaches. Each episode comprehensively explores the latest scientific studies and expert opinions, offering practical insights and actionable advice for optimizing health and well-being. Hosted by Dr. Melinda Ring and featuring leading professionals in the field of integrative medicine, our podcast explores a wide range of topics ranging from nutrition to acupuncture to the latest mind-body therapies and herbal medicine. Whether you're a healthcare provider, a student, a wellness enthusiast, or someone seeking a deeper understanding of integrative practices, Next Level Health provides the knowledge and tools to help you make informed decisions. Join us as we uncover the synergy between conventional treatments and holistic therapies, empowering you to take a comprehensive approach to your wellness journey.2024 Alternative & Complementary Medicine Hygiene & Healthy Living Physical Illness & Disease
Episodes
  • Peptides, Performance & Personalized Health: The Future of Longevity Medicine with Myles Spar, MD

    Peptides, Performance & Personalized Health: The Future of Longevity Medicine with Myles Spar, MD
    May 18 2026

    Longevity medicine is having a moment—but what actually works? In this episode of "Next Level Health," Dr. Melinda Ring sits down with Dr. Myles Spar to cut through the hype around peptides, wearables, and "biohacking," and focus on what truly improves healthspan. From personalized data to foundational habits, this conversation brings clarity to a rapidly evolving space.

    https://youtu.be/c_q601V1whc

    00:00 – The Problem with Longevity Influencers
    TikTok trends, unverified "experts," and the dangers of self-experimentation

    00:00:57 – What Is Longevity Medicine, Really?
    Why the field is booming—and what's driving the hype

    00:02:29 – Why This Moment Feels Different
    From integrative medicine to mainstream understanding

    00:05:29 – Longevity vs. Anti-Aging vs. Biohacking
    Why language—and intention—matters

    00:08:36 – Why Health Advice Feels So Confusing
    Zone 2 vs. HIIT, keto vs. balance—what actually works?

    00:11:20 – Wearables, Data & Health Anxiety
    When tracking helps—and when it backfires

    00:15:55 – Are Advanced Tests Worth It?
    Biomarkers, personalization, and the need for interpretation

    00:20:13 – The "Big Five" That Actually Drive Longevity
    Why sleep, nutrition, movement, brain health, and purpose still win

    00:23:33 – Real Patient Transformations
    How personalized care moves the needle—even for high performers

    00:25:24 – Men, Women & Longevity Trends
    Who's engaging—and why the landscape is shifting

    00:29:54 – Peptides, NAD, Stem Cells: What's Legit?
    Separating promising science from expensive hype

    00:33:54 – How Peptides Actually Work
    Supporting the body vs. replacing its systems

    00:35:12 – Can Longevity Medicine Be Accessible?
    The future of scalable, equitable health optimization

    00:37:41 – One Simple Habit for Better Healthspan
    A practical takeaway anyone can start today



    Catch full episodes of Next Level Health with Dr. Melinda Ring here on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@OCIHNorthwestern/podcasts 📺

    Listen to Next Level Health with Dr. Melinda Ring on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-level-health-with-dr-melinda-ring/id1769262080 or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts.

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    Subscribe to the channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@OCIHNorthwestern?sub_confirmation=1

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    Follow the Osher Center for Integrative Health at Northwestern University here:

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nmoshercenter/

    Website: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/ocih/index.html

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    Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/ocih/about-us/newsletter.html
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    40 mins
  • Cannabis & the Body: The Hidden System That Could Change Medicine with Mikhail Kogan, MD

    Cannabis & the Body: The Hidden System That Could Change Medicine with Mikhail Kogan, MD
    Apr 27 2026
    Medical cannabis is more widely available than ever before, but most clinicians are not trained to guide patients on how to use it safely or effectively. In this episode of "Next Level Health," Dr. Melinda Ring sits down with Dr. Mikhai Kogan to unpack the science, misconceptions and clinical realities of cannabis in modern medicine. They also discuss the recent article published in JAMA Network Open: "Developing Medical Cannabis Competencies: A Consensus Statement," in which Kogan was a senior author and Ring was a co-author. https://youtu.be/cY96j3aBhTw 00:00 – Can cannabis be a tool for health? A nuanced perspective on using cannabis with intention and respect. 00:00:21 – Show intro: What is Next Level Health? Dr. Melinda Ring introduces the mission of the podcast. 00:00:50 – Why clinicians aren't trained in medical cannabis The gap between legalization and medical education. 00:02:10 – Cannabis through history: From ancient medicine to prohibition How cannabis went from a standard treatment to a Schedule I substance. 00:05:11 – What Schedule I really means for research and doctors Why cannabis research is limited—and what that means for patient care. 00:07:22 – The push for cannabis education in medical schools Inside the JAMA Network Open competencies initiative. 00:10:12 – Patients are learning—but are they learning the right things? The rise of public awareness (and misinformation). 00:11:13 – The endocannabinoid system explained How your body naturally regulates pain, sleep, and stress. 00:12:40 – Why cannabis may be more foundational than opioids Rethinking pain management and the opioid crisis. 00:14:53 – THC vs. CBD: What's the difference? Breaking down the most common cannabinoids. 00:19:34 – Beyond CBD: Emerging cannabinoids (CBG, CBN, and more) What's hype vs. what's clinically useful. 00:20:13 – The "entourage effect" and whole-plant medicine Why full-spectrum cannabis may work differently than isolates. 00:21:43 – Navigating dispensaries and product choices Why patients are often left figuring it out on their own. 00:24:57 – Cannabis coaches and the future of guidance Who can help patients when doctors can't prescribe? 00:27:36 – Is cannabis safe? Side effects, risks, and withdrawal What patients need to realistically understand. 00:30:16 – Long-term use and dependency: What's the truth? Distinguishing between physical and psychological effects. 00:30:52 – Final takeaway: A smarter approach to health Cannabis as one tool in a lifelong wellness strategy. 00:32:42 – Closing reflections and next steps Why education, nuance, and open conversation matter. Catch full episodes of Next Level Health with Dr. Melinda Ring here on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@OCIHNorthwestern/podcasts 📺 Listen to Next Level Health with Dr. Melinda Ring on Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/next-level-health-with-dr-melinda-ring/id1769262080 or wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts. Subscribe to the channel here: https://www.youtube.com/@OCIHNorthwestern?sub_confirmation=1 Follow the Osher Center for Integrative Health at Northwestern University here: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nmoshercenter/ Website: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/ocih/index.html Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.feinberg.northwestern.edu/sites/ocih/about-us/newsletter.html
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    34 mins
  • Stop Sabotaging Your Health: How to Rewire Your Brain for Success with Shirzad Chamine

    Stop Sabotaging Your Health: How to Rewire Your Brain for Success with Shirzad Chamine
    Apr 6 2026

    In this episode of Next Level Health, Dr. Melinda Ring sits down with Shirzad Chamine, New York Times bestselling author of Positive Intelligence, to explore why insight alone isn't enough to break bad habits that sabotage our health and well-being and what needs to happen to rewire your brain for lasting change. If you've ever struggled with consistency, motivation, or that critical inner voice holding you back, this conversation breaks down the science behind it, and gives you practical tools you can use right away. Take the quiz to assess your saboteurs: https://positiveintelligence.com/saboteurs/
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    43 mins
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