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.
Publisher
The Osher Center for Integrative Health at Northwestern University
Can Dance Be Medicine? The Healing Power of Movement, Play & Connection with Dr. Geeta Maker-Clark
What if some of the most powerful medicines are things we already have access to every day? Dr. Geeta Maker-Clark, integrative medicine physician and author of Medicine for All People, joins Dr. Melinda Ring to explore how movement, play and connection can become powerful forms of medicine. From the brain benefits of dance to the healing effects of nature, community and joy, discover simple ways to reconnect with practices that can support a healthier, happier life.
7 Sept 2026
Bone to Be Strong: Rethinking Women's Health and Longevity with Dr. Vonda Wright
Our bones do far more than hold us up. They can influence metabolism, brain health and how independently we live as we age.
In this episode of Next Level Health, orthopedic surgeon and Unbreakable author Dr. Vonda Wright joins Dr. Melinda Ring to rethink the role of bone and muscle in women's health and longevity and explain why midlife is such a critical window for protecting both.
Dr. Wright breaks down what happens to bone, muscle, joints and connective tissue during perimenopause and menopause, including the cluster of symptoms she has termed the "musculoskeletal syndrome of menopause." She also shares practical strategies for staying strong and capable for decades to come, from lifting heavier weights and incorporating impact and balance training to prioritizing protein and getting proactive about bone health.
Plus, Dr. Wright discusses why aging doesn't have to mean inevitable decline, the major gaps that remain in research on women over 40, and the ambitious 79-mile mountain challenge she is using to help fund new women's health research.
https://youtu.be/B-A_XQd6z-4
In this episode:
00:00 Your Bones Tell Your Life Story
00:54 Why Aging Doesn't Have to Mean Decline
06:15 Strength, Independence and the Freedom to Age Well
07:11 Why Bone and Muscle Are Longevity Organs
10:45 When Should Women Get a Bone Density Test?
12:04 What Perimenopause Does to Muscle and Bone
16:02 The Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause
20:26 The Building Blocks of Stronger Bones
23:00 Strength, Impact, Balance and Nutrition
27:16 Do You Need a Calcium Supplement?
28:21 How Much Protein Do Women Need?
31:40 Closing the Gap in Women's Health Research
36:56 Dr. Wright's Advice for Aging With Power
Unbreakable: A Woman's Guide to Aging With Power by Dr. Vonda Wright is available now.
Find out more about Dr. Wright's work.
Check out "Moving the Mountain: 79 Miles. $79 Million. The future of women's health research one step at a time."
Subscribe to Next Level Health for science-backed, practical conversations about integrative health, longevity and well-being.
20 Jul 2026
How to Reduce Toxins in Your Everyday Life (Without Becoming Obsessed) with Dr. Aly Cohen
Environmental toxins may be part of modern life, but reducing your exposure doesn't have to be overwhelming. On this episode of "Next Level Health," Dr. Melinda Ring sits down with board-certified rheumatologist and environmental health expert Dr. Aly Cohen (https://alycohenmd.com/) to explore how everyday chemicals in our food, water, personal care products, and homes may influence our health. Dr. Cohen shares her practical "Four A's" framework for reducing toxic exposures, explains why detox isn't about cleanses or expensive supplements, and offers realistic, science-backed strategies that fit into everyday life. Learn where to focus your efforts, which changes offer the greatest impact, and why small, consistent habits matter more than perfection.
https://youtu.be/04a_OP8lNVw
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
1,202,315
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 56 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
47
Social presence
91
YouTube
86
Engagement
32
Contact Next Level Health with Dr. Melinda Ring
Guest appearances
Does not typically book guests
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