Vital Stuff Podcast

About Vital Stuff Podcast

🎙️ Vital Stuff is your go-to podcast for practical health tips, expert insights, and inspiring stories to help you feel better and live well. Hosted by award-winning surgeon and innovator Dr. Gail Lebovic, each episode covers topics like nasal care, sleep, gut health, immunity, stress, and resilience - all with a holistic, empowering approach. Real advice. Real stories. Vital Stuff to help you love life.

Publisher

VitalStuff

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

4 Sept 2025

Latest episode

30 Jun 2026

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   30 Jun 2026

   Medicine, Innovation & the Fight for Patient Care

   Dr. Keith Matheny, ENT surgeon and innovator, joins Dr. Gail Lebovic to discuss the evolution of sinus surgery, the growing administrative burden blocking physicians from doing their jobs, and how the best doctors are fighting to keep patient care at the center of medicine.

2. 

   30 Jun 2026

   Nosebleeds to Innovation: One Physician's Journey from the ER to Entrepreneurship

   Dr. Liz Clayborne went from designing her own major in medical ethics at Duke, to authoring vent triage protocols during COVID, to pitching investors 70 times just to hear one yes — and she did most of it while managing personal and family challenges and breastfeeding a newborn. In this conversation, she and host Dr. Gail unpack the human side of medicine, why the U.S. healthcare system is failing patients and physicians alike, and how NasalClip — born out of ER frustration — is now expanding into a promising new frontier. Equal parts inspiring and honest, this one's for anyone who's ever been told their path doesn't fit the mold.

3. 

   22 Jan 2026

   Inside the Process: The Truth About Building a Career That Actually Fits

   Most careers don’t come with a clear plan. They’re shaped through uncertainty, trial and error, and learning to listen when something no longer feels right. In this episode of Vital Stuff, Dr. Gail Lebovic sits down with Ryan Bonner to talk honestly about the long game of building a career that fits, not perfectly, but meaningfully. They explore not knowing what you want early on, the value of starting in corporate environments, recognizing the signals that it’s time to change, and why discipline, routine, and self-awareness often matter more than certainty. This isn’t career advice built on shortcuts. DISLAIMER: The views expressed are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect the views of Grey Fox Wealth. This discussion is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as investment advice.

4. 

   13 Jan 2026

   Inside Leadership’s Quiet Reality: From Loneliness to Purpose

   In this episode of Vital Stuff, Dr. Gail Lebovic sits down with Andy Morris for a thoughtful conversation about the parts of leadership and success that are rarely spoken about out loud. Andy’s career has taken him across New York, Sydney, London and beyond - not through rigid plans or titles, but by following people, curiosity, and a deep interest in human connection. Together, Gail and Andy explore what it really feels like to lead, to grow, and to carry responsibility over time. Their conversation moves beyond surface-level success into quieter territory: loneliness at every level, the energy we bring into rooms, the power of asking good questions, and what it means to see yourself not as the center of success, but as a vehicle for something larger. They also reflect on purpose, health, and awareness - and how feeling good about life often comes from small, conscious choices rather than extreme measures. Together, they explore: • Why leadership can feel lonely at every stage • The difference between transactions and real relationships • Curiosity as a discipline, not a tactic • Being interested rather than impressive • Presence, energy & what’s often lost in modern conversations • Stewardship over ego - being a vehicle, not the centre • Purpose over money and long-term thinking • Health, awareness & what it really means to feel well This conversation is calm, honest, and deeply human. A reminder that leadership isn’t always loud - and that purpose, presence, and connection are often what sustain us most over time.

5. 

   24 Dec 2025

   Inside the Inventor’s Mind: Simplicity, Innovation & the Power of Great Mentorship

   In this episode of Vital Stuff, Dr. Gail Lebovic sits down with legendary medical device innovator George Hermann to explore the untold story behind one of the most influential eras in modern medical engineering. From stumbling into a job posting at Stanford to becoming the operational force behind Dr. Tom Fogarty’s world-changing incubator, George’s journey is a rare look into how iconic medical technologies are actually born - through curiosity, collaboration, and a deep respect for simplicity. Together, they explore: • How George accidentally entered the world of medical devices • What he learned working shoulder-to-shoulder with Dr. Fogarty • Why simplicity, not complexity, drives the best innovations • The role mentorship plays in shaping entire careers and industries • The importance of autonomy, trust & responsibility in early innovation teams • How athletics and personal discipline translate into engineering excellence • The collaborative mindset that turns ideas into world-changing products This conversation is honest, inspiring, and filled with the kind of wisdom you can only get from someone who has quietly shaped a generation of medical innovation. It’s a reminder that breakthrough ideas don’t come from doing things the “expected” way-they come from curiosity, courage, and teams built on mutual respect.

6. 

   15 Dec 2025

   Inside the Attention Economy: From Rock Bottom to Real Influence

   In this episode of Vital Stuff, Dr. Gail Lebovic sits down with entrepreneur and Attention Seeker founder Stanley Henry to unpack what it really takes to grow a business - and stay human - inside today’s attention economy. From living out of a car during the GFC to becoming one of New Zealand’s most recognisable digital leaders, Stanley’s story is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention and learning to communicate in a world that doesn’t slow down. Together, they explore: • Overcoming the fear of going online • Why communication is now a non-negotiable business skill • How social platforms shape our mental state - and how to take control back • The power of “client intimacy” and building trust at scale • Why Kiwi companies need to think global • How AI is changing creativity, leadership & the future of work This conversation reveals how to build a modern business without losing the human touch - and why the next era of success belongs to the people who know how to communicate.

7. 

   27 Nov 2025

   Inside the Nose: Breathing, Airflow & the Hidden Science of Health

   We breathe more than 20,000 times a day - but most of us never think about how we breathe. Or how much our nose is actually doing to keep us alive. In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Gail Lebovic sits down with Dr. Karen Parker-Davidson - airway expert, clinician, author & the woman who’s seen over 8,000 ENT cases - to unpack the science, the myths, and the overlooked magic of the human nose. They explore: • Why the nose is the true “gatekeeper” of our health • The crucial difference between nasal congestion & nasal resistance • How airflow, pressure & humidity shape breathing, sleep & performance • Most viruses enter the body through the nose - and what that means for wellness • The “nasal renaissance” and why airway science is finally getting in the spotlight • How nasal cleansing can objectively improve airflow Candid, fascinating & surprisingly funny - this episode pulls back the curtain on one of the body’s most overlooked, underestimated and misunderstood organs. If you have a nose… this one matters. Listen to The Vital Stuff with Dr. Gail Lebovic on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube.

8. 

   13 Nov 2025

   Inside the Pharmacy: Pills, Profit & the Human Side of Medicine

   Medicine is changing - fast. Pharmacies are closing, AI is rewriting the rules, and profits often come before patients. But one independent pharmacist has managed to stay human through it all. In this revealing and often hilarious episode, Dr. Gail Lebovic explores the heart of modern medicine - from the realities of small-business survival to the future of AI and the billion-dollar weight-loss industry. They discuss: The vanishing world of independent pharmacies Why pharmacists are still the most trusted, accessible healthcare professionals How AI could both save and complicate modern medicine The truth behind GLP-1 weight-loss drugs and the hype that surrounds them Why humor, empathy & integrity are still medicine’s greatest tools Candid, curious & full of heart - this episode reminds us that behind every prescription is a story, and behind every counter, a human being. Listen to The Vital Stuff with Dr. Gail Lebovic on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube.

9. 

   29 Oct 2025

   From Heartbreak to Breakthrough: How Empathy Fuels Medical Innovation

   Dr. Gail Lebovic sits down with surgical oncologist & innovator Dr. Bolanle Asiyanbola, MD, whose compassion for others led her to design groundbreaking medical devices - including one aimed at protecting children during school shootings. Together, they explore how frustration becomes fuel for innovation, what it takes to break barriers as women in surgery, and why true progress in medicine begins with empathy. You’ll learn: • How Dr. Bolanle Asiyanbola, MD turned heartbreak into a call to action • Why empathy & frustration are powerful catalysts for change • The challenges of balancing medicine, ethics & entrepreneurship • How surgeons are reimagining care through innovation An inspiring look at courage, creativity & the heart behind modern medicine. Listen now on Vital Stuff with Dr. Gail Lebovic.

10. 

    15 Oct 2025

    Prostate Health & Modern Medicine: Why Brachytherapy Could Be a Game Changer

    What if the best treatment for prostate cancer isn’t the one most men receive? Dr. Gail Lebovic talks with leading radiation oncologist Dr. Steven Kurtzman - a pioneer in real-time prostate brachytherapy who’s treated thousands of men using innovative, minimally invasive techniques. Together, they explore how continued learning drives innovation, why certain treatments fall behind despite better outcomes, and what every man should know about prostate health, screening, and modern care options. You’ll learn: • What prostate brachytherapy is - and why it’s often overlooked • How fear, comfort zones & lifelong learning shape medical progress • Why financial incentives sometimes steer treatment choices • Practical insights for early detection & healthy aging A candid look at courage, innovation & the future of men’s health. Listen now on Vital Stuff with Dr. Gail Lebovic.

11. 

    7 Oct 2025

    Breathing, Sleep & Oral Health: Why Your Mouth Matters More Than You Think

    What if the secret to better health, longevity, and even brain function started with your mouth and nose? In this episode of Vital Stuff, Dr. Gail Lebovic sits down with Dr. Mariangela Verano, a dentist whose career journey led her beyond teeth into the world of sleep, breathing, and whole-body health. Together, they uncover the surprising ways oral health, nasal breathing, and even diet shape not just our smiles - but our entire well-being. Dr. Verano shares how the shift from ancestral diets to modern processed foods has altered our jaws, teeth, and airways, why nasal hygiene is as essential as brushing your teeth, and how inflammation in the gums can ripple through the body to impact the heart, brain, and beyond. You’ll learn: How oral health impacts systemic health and inflammation The link between nasal breathing, nitric oxide, and immune function Why fluoride remains controversial, and what alternatives exist How diet and chewing shape facial structure and airway health Practical tips for healthier teeth, gums, and breathing every day About Dr. Mariangela Verano Dr. Verano is a UCSF-trained dentist based in Reno, Nevada, specializing in a multidisciplinary approach that integrates dentistry, sleep medicine, and breathing health. With a passion sparked by her own family’s struggles, she advocates for individualized care that looks far beyond cavities- focusing on the root causes of oral and airway health challenges. 🎧 New episodes of Vital Stuff drop every other Thursday. Follow Dr. Gail on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gaillebovic (https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaillebovic)

12. 

    18 Sept 2025

    Reimagining Mental Health: The Future of Psychedelic Medicine

    What if a tiny, non-hallucinogenic dose of LSD could transform the way we treat depression? In this episode of Vital Stuff, Dr. Gail Lebovic talks with entrepreneur and investor Justin Hanka about his pioneering work at MindBio, the first company in the world approved to run take-home clinical trials of microdosing LSD. Justin shares how microdosing is showing remarkable results in treating depression, why New Zealand is leading the global charge, and how unexpected discoveries - like using voice recognition to detect intoxication - could open up an entirely new frontier in health innovation. You’ll learn: Why antidepressants fail so many patients How microdosing LSD works (without hallucinations) The link between psychedelics, neurogenesis & brain health Potential applications for dementia, Alzheimer’s & longevity How AI voice analytics may change the way we measure health About Justin Hanka Justin is an Australian entrepreneur and co-founder of MindBio, a biotech company pushing the boundaries of mental health treatment through psychedelic research. With a career spanning wellness, finance, and biotech, Justin is building science-driven solutions to some of the world’s toughest health challenges. 🎧 New episodes of Vital Stuff drop every other Thursday. Follow Dr. Gail on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/gaillebovic (https://www.linkedin.com/in/gaillebovic/)

13. 

    4 Sept 2025

    Food Rehab: Detoxing the Body, Mind & Pantry

    In this powerful and eye-opening episode of Vital Stuff, Dr. Gail sits down with world-renowned herbalist and detox specialist Brett Elliott to uncover what detoxing really means - and why it matters more than ever. What begins as a conversation about herbs quickly unfolds into a deep and personal exploration of healing, chronic inflammation, food addiction, and the rising health crises affecting millions globally. Together, Dr. Gail and Brett share their own powerful stories, both having been told they needed spinal fusion surgeries and how their paths to alternative healing led them to challenge conventional medicine and reclaim their health. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why “detox” doesn’t just mean rehab - and how it affects your energy, sleep, mood, and immune system What ultra-processed foods are doing to your body (and how they’re linked to cancer and heart disease) The role sugar plays in inflammation, hormone imbalance, and addiction Why clean eating and detoxing are more effective when done together - and how to start The surprising connection between gut health, sleep quality, and mental clarity What natural killer cells are, and how to support them through diet and herbs Practical daily tips to remove hidden toxins from your home, pantry, and routine Why your dog might need a detox too (!) Dr. Gail and Brett also cover the science behind detoxification, from the immune reset that happens during fasting, to the overlooked impact of everyday exposures -like plastics, air pollution, and even scented candles. Brett’s practical, no-nonsense 3-step guide to starting your own detox: Audit your toxic load – Make a list of potential exposures in your food, home, and lifestyle Find your “why” – Identify symptoms or health conditions that might be linked to inflammation or toxicity Take action – Clean out your fridge and pantry, reduce processed food, and begin a gentle detox with herbs and whole foods Guest Bio Brett Elliott is an herbalist, author, and founder of the Ultimate Herbal Detox — a globally used program that has helped thousands of people naturally reset their health. After healing his own severe back injury without surgery, Brett began a lifelong journey of studying natural healing, gut health, and the powerful connection between detoxification and wellness. https://www.brettelliott.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21889932864&gbraid=0AAAAAD0psruqnTYVxSwbOi5iPIPjC3V95&gclid=CjwKCAjwtrXFBhBiEiwAEKen18NqylOoVIzBmIkmA5fpI7KHSmT7HEaSsKBszjv8HLAH2_ASqFnRzBoCxOEQAvD_BwE (https://www.brettelliott.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21889932864&gbraid=0AAAAAD0psruqnTYVxSwbOi5iPIPjC3V95&gclid=CjwKCAjwtrXFBhBiEiwAEKen18NqylOoVIzBmIkmA5fpI7KHSmT7HEaSsKBszjv8HLAH2_ASqFnRzBoCxOEQAvD_BwE) Vital Stuff is hosted by Dr. Gail Lebovic - award-winning surgeon, inventor, and wellness advocate - to help you feel better, live smarter, and love life. Each episode delivers empowering health tips, expert conversations, and uplifting stories you can actually use. New episodes drop every other Thursday. Follow us on LinkedIn for bonus clips, takeaways, and behind-the-scenes extras. Subscribe and share if this episode resonated with you - it’s the vital stuff we all need.

Contact Vital Stuff Podcast

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.