75. Dr. Grant Elliott: Still in Pain After the MRI, Meds, and PT? This Is How You Actually Fix Your Back
Back pain is one of the most common health issues—but it’s also one of the most misunderstood. In this episode of Extend, I’m joined by Dr. Grant Elliott, a physical therapist and founder of RehabFix, to unpack the real reasons people stay stuck in chronic pain and what it actually takes to recover. We break down why most diagnoses like sciatica or disc herniation are misleading, why MRIs often make things worse, and how the brain and body respond to fear-based treatment approaches. Dr. Elliott shares the daily habits and mindset shifts that move the needle most, plus how to bulletproof your spine with simple strength and mobility practices. We also dive into the problem with gabapentin and pain meds, how to get back to exercise safely, and what most people miss when trying to heal holistically. Dr. Grant Elliott is a physical therapist, creator of RehabFix, and expert in conservative, movement-based solutions for back pain. He’s helped thousands avoid surgery and reclaim their mobility through education, strength, and smarter recovery protocols. We also discuss: Your MRI says “herniated disc”—but you feel fine? How MRIs can make back pain worse Why movement is medicine for your spine 97% of disc herniations heal on their own The nervous system: the hidden driver of pain Weird symptoms? Your spine might be the reason (even ED) Thank You to Our Sponsors: Timeline: Upgrade your energy from within! MitoPure by Timeline helps power up your cells, supporting muscle strength, mental clarity, and overall vitality. Stay active, sharp, and strong at any age! Deliverance: Give your liver the care it deserves! Deliverance is a powerful plant-based formula designed to support and restore liver health. Get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at loveyourliver.com Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/ Learn more about Dr. Grant Elliott: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rehabfix/ Website: https://www.therehabfix.com/ Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/grant.elliott.39?_rdc=1&_rdr# YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEIuFir2D63x9a1FWWEGqZw
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74. Elissa Goodman: This is Why You Can’t Biohack Your Way Out of Burnout
You’re bloated. Tired. Anxious. Maybe even burnt out. You’ve tried the diets, the supplements, the meditation apps… But you’re still not healing. Why? In this episode of Extend, I’m joined by Elissa Goodman, a holistic health expert and cancer survivor, to explore the deep connection between gut health, inflammation, and overall well-being. We dive deep into the science behind food resets, the importance of eliminating inflammatory foods, and the role of personalized blood work in identifying hidden health imbalances. And also discuss practical strategies for improving digestion, boosting energy, and supporting long-term health through a balanced diet and stress management. By the end of this episode, you'll walk away with actionable insights to help your body reset, reduce inflammation, and improve both your mental and physical health, starting with your gut. Elissa Goodman is a holistic nutritionist specializing in gut health, personalized food resets, and functional nutrition. After overcoming cancer, she combines conventional and alternative therapies to restore health and reduce inflammation. We Also Discuss: (00:02) What Sparked a Lifelong Mission to Heal? (03:56) Wellness Trends: Game-Changers or Gimmicks? (14:36) Only Eating 3 Veggies? Here’s Why That’s a Problem (18:35) Struggling with Bloating? This Might Be Your Missing Link (25:20) Detox Myths Busted—Here’s What Actually Works (31:55) The Healing Strategy You’re Probably Overlooking (43:30) The Real Reason You’re Tired (It’s Not Just Sleep) (51:17) Mindset Over Medicine? A Radical Healing Shift (01:14:05) The Supplements Elissa Actually Recommends Thank You for Our Sponsors: TruNiagen: Whether you are looking to stay sharp, feel more energized or simple age better, go to https://www.truniagen.com/IFit:If you are looking to elevate your home gym fitness experience with the best in fitness tech, choose IFIT. Go to https://www.ifit.com/NextHealth: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization—from IV therapy to hormone balancing. Explore at https://www.next-health.com/Vitaboom: For supplements you can trust and wellness solutions tailored to your health, visit https://vitaboom.com/ Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/ Learn more about Elissa Goodman: Website: https://www.elissagoodman.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/elissagoodman
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73. Dr. Robin Berzin: Why “Normal” Labs Are Failing Women (and What to Ask For Instead)
What if your bloating, fatigue, or fertility struggles aren’t separate issues, but signs of a deeper imbalance no one’s connected yet? In this episode of Extend, I’m joined by Dr. Robin Berzin, founder of Parsley Health, and we dig into how functional medicine uncovers the why behind your symptoms and why conventional care keeps missing it. We talk about the most overlooked root causes of chronic illness, the truth about blood sugar and hormones, and why fertility issues are often metabolic in disguise. You’ll also learn how functional medicine works in real life, how to find the right provider, and why Dr. Berzin created her “brains, bones, and booty” framework for aging well—especially for women. Dr. Robin Berzin is a Columbia-trained MD, pioneer in reimagining primary care and author of State Change. She’s helped thousands of patients get off the prescription treadmill and finally feel like themselves again. We Also Discuss: The wake-up call that changed everything Why most functional medicine was failing How functional care actually works The blood sugar-hormone connection no one talks about Brains, bones, and booty: the new longevity framework for women The real reason your mental health symptoms won’t go away What no one tells women between pregnancy and menopause The hidden crisis in kids’ health—and what to do about it Thank You to Our Sponsors: TruNiagen: Whether you are looking to stay sharp, feel more energized or simple age better, go to https://www.truniagen.com/IFit: If you are looking to elevate your home gym fitness experience with the best in fitness tech, choose IFIT. Go to https://www.ifit.com/Vitaboom: For supplements you can trust and wellness solutions tailored to your health, visit https://vitaboom.com/ Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/ Learn more about Dr. Robin Berzin: Instagram: @robinberzinmd Instagram:@parsleyhealth Website: https://robinberzinmd.com
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72. Dr. Pedram Shojai: Why Your Physical Symptoms Are a Spiritual Wake-Up Call
What if the root cause of burnout, inflammation, and hormone dysfunction isn’t just physical—but energetic? In this episode of Extend, I sit down with Dr. Pedram Shojai—Taoist monk, doctor of Oriental medicine, and author of The Urban Monk—to explore how ancient wisdom meets modern health. We unpack why true healing requires addressing your qi (life force), how emotional stagnation leads to physical disease, and why regulating your energy is just as important as optimizing your bloodwork. From the microbiome to meditation, Dr. Pedram shares how restoring energetic flow can radically shift your metabolism, mood, and even your fertility. And we go deep on what most functional medicine still misses about the connection between spiritual vitality and long-term health. Dr. Pedram Shojai is a former Taoist monk, acclaimed filmmaker, and best-selling author who’s helped millions reconnect with their body, breath, and purpose. His work bridges ancient healing systems with today’s most pressing health challenges. We Also Discuss: How blocked energy leads to chronic illness The missing layer in functional medicine The ancient view of fertility and hormones Why energy management is the new stress management The true purpose of breathwork and meditation How to reclaim your life force in a modern world Why we can’t separate emotional and physical healing The nervous system patterns that keep you sick Thank You To Our Sponsors: Deliverance: Give your liver the care it deserves! Deliverance is a powerful plant-based formula designed to support and restore liver health. Get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at loveyourliver.com Timeline: Upgrade your energy from within! MitoPure by Timeline helps power up your cells, supporting muscle strength, mental clarity, and overall vitality. Stay active, sharp, and strong at any age! Claim 10% off your first order now at timeline.com/DrShah Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/ Learn more about Dr. Pedram Shojai Instagram: @drpedramshojaiWebsite: www.theurbanmonk.com
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71. Dr. Michael Breus: Why “Feeling Fine” Doesn’t Mean You’re Sleeping Well
What if your exhaustion, brain fog, or cravings aren’t a motivation problem—but a sleep problem no one’s diagnosed yet? In this episode of Extend, I’m joined by Dr. Michael Breuss, a sleep specialist, and we dig into why so many high performers are chronically under-recovered, why sleep disorders go undetected for years, and how wearables are both helping and hurting. We talk about why 8 hours might be the wrong goal, how your chronotype should determine your schedule, why snoring isn’t harmless, and the link between GLP-1s and sleep apnea. You’ll also learn how mouth tape works, the surprising truth about blue light, and why most hydration habits fail. Dr. Michael Breus is a clinical psychologist, board-certified sleep specialist, and the author of five books on sleep. He’s worked with Olympic athletes, celebrities, and CEOs—and in this conversation, he’s bringing you the same level of clarity and insight. We Also Discuss: Why Sleep Disorders Go Undiagnosed for Years The Truth About Sleep Trackers and Deep Sleep Scores Is Your Bedroom Air Ruining Your Sleep? Mouth Tape: Helpful or Harmful? GLP-1s for Sleep Apnea? Here’s What the Science Says Your Sleep Needs Change With Your Period Morning Breathwork That Replaces Coffee Sip vs Gulp: Are You Drinking Water Wrong? Thank You To Our Sponsors: TruNiagen: Whether you are looking to stay sharp, feel more energized or simple age better, go to https://www.truniagen.com/ IFit: If you are looking to elevate your home gym fitness experience with the best in fitness tech, choose IFIT. Go to https://www.ifit.com/NextHealth: Your destination for cutting-edge health optimization—from IV therapy to hormone balancing. Explore at https://www.next-health.com/Vitaboom: For supplements you can trust and wellness solutions tailored to your health, visit https://vitaboom.com/ Learn more about Dr. Shah: Website: https://www.drshah.com/ Clinic: https://www.next-health.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/ Learn more about Dr. Michael Breus Instagram: @thesleepdoctorWebsite: https://sleepdoctor.com
Extend with Darshan Shah, MD is a podcast dedicated to cutting-edge science, research, tools, and protocols designed to help you extend your healthspan.
Starting my medical journey at 16 and becoming one of the youngest doctors in the country, studying and training at the Mayo Clinic, Harvard Business School, Singularity University and other prestigious institutions, becoming a board certified surgeon and accumulating over two decades of practice, I have discovered that a mere 20% of health knowledge yields 80% of the results.
That's why this podcast is all about cutting through the noise on how to turn back the aging clock.
I interview world-renowned medical practitioners, doctors, experts, and thought leaders, offering you a step-by-step guide and actionable advice to proactively avoid disease and optimize your health.
Plus, I share weekly solo episodes giving you quick, digestible protocols for successfully extending your healthspan.
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