Wellness, Rewired - HealthHippieMD Podcast

About Wellness, Rewired - HealthHippieMD Podcast

HealthHippieMD is a grounded, science-backed wellness podcast for curious people tired of one-size-fits-all advice. Hosted by Dr. Jeff Taekman, M.D.—Professor Emeritus at Duke University and a graduate of the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine—it blends evidence-based research, real-life insight, and a dash of hippie wisdom. Want to go deeper? Subscribe to the HealthHippieMD newsletter and explore wellness challenges, free assessments, and member-only resources. HealthHippieMD. Wellness, Rewired. healthhippiemd.substack.com (https://healthhippiemd.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast)

Publisher

Jeff Taekman, M.D.

Category

health & fitness · technology

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

20 Jul 2025

Latest episode

17 Feb 2026

Latest episodes

13 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   17 Feb 2026

   Ask Me Anything Ep. 1 - Gut Health, Unproven vs. Untrue, and Meditation

   Show Notes Jeff Taekman, M.D. (Professor Emeritus at Duke University and a graduate of the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine) introduces the first HealthHippieMD “Ask Me Anything” episode: a periodic, no-guest, no-agenda format where he responds to listener questions, clarifies what evidence does and doesn’t support, and emphasizes this is not individualized medical advice. Question 1, Probiotics: “I keep hearing that gut health is connected basically to everything. Mood, immunity, skin. How much of that is real and how much is just marketing dressed up as science?” Question 2, Unproven vs. Untrue: “What’s the difference between something being unproven and something being disproven? Because my doctor talks about both, like they’re the same thing.” Question 3, Meditation Practice: “I want to start a meditation practice, but I can’t sit still for five minutes. At what point should I just accept it’s not for me?” 00:00 Gut Health, Evidence, and Meditation AMA01:11 Question One: Probiotics03:30 Question Two: Unproven vs. Untrue06:10 Question Three: Meditation Practice Links * Unproven ≠ Untrue (https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/p/unproven-untrue) * Why Trying Tai Chi Felt Like Learning to Walk Again (https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/p/why-trying-tai-chi-felt-like-learning) Submit Questions * Record it — https://www.speakpipe.com/HealthHippieMD (https://www.speakpipe.com/HealthHippieMD) (just hit record and talk — no need to polish) * Write it — https://forms.gle/8uGLXwWq8YBkc7vr5 (https://forms.gle/8uGLXwWq8YBkc7vr5) (takes about 30 seconds) Please comment, like, and/or share if you enjoyed this episode. A recommendation or restack helps new readers find HealthHippieMD. Get full access to HealthHippieMD at healthhippiemd.substack.com/subscribe (https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

2. 

   24 Oct 2025

   The Art of Being Alive: Creative Wellness with Dr. Jeff Taekman (Dimension 9)

   This episode is dedicated to Charisse, the artist who helped me see that creativity isn’t something we do, it’s how we live. You didn’t just change the way I make things. You changed the way I move through the world. Show Notes In this final episode of the Nine Dimensions of Wellness Series, Jeff Taekman, a physician and Professor Emeritus at Duke University, explores the often-overlooked yet vital concept of creative wellness. Through personal anecdotes, expert insights, and practical microdoses, Dr. Taekman explains how creativity isn’t just about art but about adaptation, meaning-making, and personal growth. Emphasizing that the value of creativity lies in the process rather than the product, Dr. Taekman encourages listeners to embrace curiosity and presence as pathways to actual wellbeing. Discover how integrating creativity into your life can make you feel fully alive and why imagination is essential medicine for both mind and body. Don’t miss this thought-provoking and empowering conclusion to his special series on the Nine Dimensions of Wellness. Show Notes 00:12 OPENING SCENE – THE HOME STUDIO (SINGING) 01:28 CONTEXT – THE FINAL DIMENSION 02:39 FRAME + CREDENTIALS 03:13 DEFINING CREATIVE WELLNESS 04:08 THE SCIENCE OF FLOW — AND WHY TIME STOPS THERE 06:12 EXPERIMENT – THE TWO-MINUTE IMPROV 06:37 PERSONAL REFLECTION – RECONNECTING THROUGH SOUND 07:12 INTERCONNECTION – HOW CREATIVITY TOUCHES EVERYTHING 07:57 MICRODOSES FOR CREATIVE WELLNESS 08:57 PERSONAL REFLECTION – PERFECTIONISM AND THE ART OF “ENOUGH” 10:11 CLOSING 11:39 OUTRO References * American Psychological Association. APA Dictionary of Psychology. Definition of Creativity. APA; 2022. * Jung RE. The neurobiology of creativity. Curr Opin Behav Sci. 2015;3:108–114. * Csikszentmihalyi M. Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience. Harper & Row; 1990. * Ulrich M, Keller J, Grön G. Neural correlates of flow experience: A combination of fMRI and psychological data. NeuroImage. 2016;142:507–516. * Kaimal G et al. Reduction of cortisol levels after art making. Art Therapy. 2016;33(2):74–80. * Thayer JF, Lane RD. A model of neurovisceral integration in emotion regulation and health. J Affect Disord. 2000;61(3):201–216. * Gruber MJ et al. States of curiosity modulate hippocampus-dependent learning. Neuron. 2014;84(2):486–496. * Cameron J. The Artist’s Way. Tarcher Perigee; 1992. * Rubin R. The Creative Act: A Way of Being. Penguin Press; 2023. Links Flow States and Brain Health - by Jeff Taekman, M.D. (https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/p/flow-states-and-brain-health?utm_source=publication-search) The Elastic Mind - by Jeff Taekman, M.D. (https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/p/the-elastic-mind?utm_source=publication-search) The Creative Act: A Way of Being (https://amzn.to/4ql3nSt) - Rick Rubin The Artist’s Way: 30th Anniversary Edition (https://amzn.to/4oEztXV) - Julia Cameron Send a voicemail to HealthHippieMD (https://www.speakpipe.com/HealthHippieMD) Overview of the Nine Dimensions (article (https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/p/a-map-a-compass-and-a-creative-spark) | podcast (https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/p/nine-dimensions-and-beyond-mapping)) Comprehensive Nine-Dimension Wellness Assessment (https://healthhippiemd.com/9-pillar-full-assessment) HealthHippieMD Ecosystem (https://events.healthhippiemd.com/hhmdlinktree) -- Get full access to HealthHippieMD at healthhippiemd.substack.com/subscribe (https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

3. 

   15 Oct 2025

   When the World Around You Becomes the Medicine - Environmental Wellness with Dr. Jeff Taekman (Dimension 8)

   In this episode, Dr. Jeff Taekman explores the concept of environmental wellness, illustrating how our surroundings profoundly affect our mental and physical health. Sharing personal experiences and scientific research, Taekman highlights the subtle impacts of environmental cues on our nervous system and stress levels. He offers practical ‘microdoses’ to enhance environmental wellness, such as attention resets, awe pauses, and incorporating greenery into living spaces. Taekman invites listeners to reflect on how their environments shape their wellbeing and encourages participation in a broader wellness community. 00:11 OPENING SCENE -DILLON BEACH 00:49 TRANSITION – MUIR WOODS 01:41 FRAMING 02:22 DEFINING ENVIRONMENTAL WELLNESS 03:07 THE SCIENCE OF NATURE AND NERVOUS SYSTEMS 04:25 PERSONAL REFLECTION – THE CLUTTERED OFFICE 05:04 INTERCONNECTION – HOW ENVIRONMENTAL WELLNESS TOUCHES THE OTHER DIMENSIONS 05:35 THE PARADOX OF MODERN COMFORT 06:15 MICRODOSES FOR ENVIRONMENTAL WELLNESS 08:23 REFLECTION – RECONNECTING TO PLACE 08:54 CLOSING 09:35 OUTRO References * National Institutes of Health. Environmental Wellness Overview. NIH Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion. 2023. * Li Q et al. Forest bathing enhances human natural killer activity and expression of anti-cancer proteins. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2007;20(2):3–8. * Bratman GN et al. Nature experience reduces rumination and subgenual prefrontal cortex activation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2015;112(28):8567–8572. * Lederbogen F et al. City living and urban upbringing affect neural social stress processing in humans. Nature. 2011;474(7352):498–501. * Stothard ER, McHill AW et al. Circadian entrainment to the natural light-dark cycle across seasons. Curr Biol. 2023;33(2):295–304. * Pessoa L, Adolphs R. Emotion and the brain: multiple levels of processing. Nat Rev Neurosci. 2010;11(9):773–783. * van Elk M, et al. Neural correlates of awe: reduced self-focus and increased salience network coupling. Hum Brain Mapp. 2021;42(13):4144–4156. * Piff PK, et al. Awe, the small self, and prosocial behavior. J Pers Soc Psychol. 2015;108(6):883–899. * Shiota MN, et al. Beyond happiness: Building a science of awe. Perspect Psychol Sci. 2017;12(1):27–53. * Bringslimark T, Hartig T, Patil GG. Psychological benefits of indoor plants in workplaces: a review. J Environ Psychol. 2009;29(4):422–433. Links Overview of the Nine Dimensions (article (https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/p/a-map-a-compass-and-a-creative-spark) | podcast (https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/p/nine-dimensions-and-beyond-mapping)) Comprehensive Nine-Dimension Wellness Assessment (https://healthhippiemd.com/9-pillar-full-assessment) HealthHippieMD Ecosystem (https://events.healthhippiemd.com/hhmdlinktree) Get full access to HealthHippieMD at healthhippiemd.substack.com/subscribe (https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

4. 

   8 Oct 2025

   The Price of Peace: Rethinking Financial Wellness with Dr. Jeff Taekman

   Dr. Jeff Taekman, an integrative physician and professor emeritus at Duke University, explores the vital connection between financial wellness and overall health, emphasizing that wellness is multifaceted, including physical, emotional, social, and financial dimensions. In this episode, he shares a personal anecdote to highlight how financial stress can impact relationships and well-being. Dr. Taekman defines financial wellness as a state of financial security and confidence, and not merely a number on a spreadsheet. He delves into the psychological and physiological impacts of financial stress, citing various studies that link financial insecurity to cognitive reduction, chronic stress, and deteriorating health. The episode further elaborates on how financial wellness intersects and influences other dimensions of wellness. Dr. Taekman concludes with practical tips for improving financial wellness through aligned spending and mindfulness, reinforcing that true financial wellness is the alignment of one’s resources, goals, and values. He ends with a challenge for viewers to assess their financial wellness and make money serve what truly matters in their lives. 00:00 OPEN 00:40 OPENING SCENE – THE GROCERY LIST MOMENT 03:02 DEFINING FINANCIAL WELLNESS 04:02 THE SCIENCE OF FINANCIAL STRESS 05:26 THE HIDDEN EMOTIONS OF MONEY 06:36 HOW IT INTERCONNECTS 08:04 THE PARADOX OF MORE 09:04 MONEY AS ENERGY FLOW 09:45 MICRODOSES FOR FINANCIAL WELLNESS 11:12 REFLECTION – REDEFINING “ENOUGH” 11:54 CLOSING 12:34 OUTRO References * Dew J, Dakin J. Financial disagreements and marital conflict tactics. Fam Relat. 2011;60(5):644–656. * American Psychological Association. Stress in America 2022: Concerned for the Future, Beset by Inflation. Washington, DC: APA; 2022. * Steptoe A, Brydon L, Kunz-Ebrecht S. Changes in financial strain over three years, ambulatory blood pressure, and cortisol responses to waking in middle-aged men and women. Psychosom Med. 2005;67(2):281-287. * Mani A, Mullainathan S, Shafir E, Zhao J. Poverty impedes cognitive function. Science. 2013;341(6149):976-980. * Newcomb S. Loaded: Money, Psychology, and How to Get Ahead without Leaving Your Values Behind. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons; 2016. * Gallup. State of the Global Workplace 2021 Report. Washington, DC: Gallup; 2021. * Kahneman D, Deaton A. High income improves evaluation of life but not emotional well-being. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2010;107(38):16489-16493. * Killingsworth MA. Experienced well-being rises with income, even above $75,000 per year. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2021;118(4):e2016976118. * Dunn EW, Gilbert DT, Wilson TD. If money doesn’t make you happy, then you probably aren’t spending it right. J Consum Psychol. 2011;21(2):115-125. * University of British Columbia Sauder School of Business. Self-Control and Delayed Spending Decisions. Vancouver, BC: UBC; 2020. * National Endowment for Financial Education. Financial Wellness Defined. Denver, CO: NEFE; 2023. * World Health Organization. Social Determinants of Health: Stress and Inequality. Geneva: WHO; 2022. Links Overview of the Nine Dimensions (article (https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/p/a-map-a-compass-and-a-creative-spark) | podcast (https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/p/nine-dimensions-and-beyond-mapping)) Comprehensive Nine-Dimension Wellness Assessment (https://healthhippiemd.com/9-pillar-full-assessment) HealthHippieMD Substack (https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/) HealthHippieMD Ecosystem (https://events.healthhippiemd.com/hhmdlinktree) Get full access to HealthHippieMD at healthhippiemd.substack.com/subscribe (https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

5. 

   1 Oct 2025

   From Paycheck to Purpose: Rethinking Work and Wellbeing - Occupational Wellness with Dr. Jeff Taekman

   Dr. Jeff Taekman recounts crucial moments in his career where simulation in clinical trials and game-based medical education revealed gaps and improved processes. Drawing on these experiences, he explores the importance of occupational wellness, emphasizing the need to align work with personal purpose to enhance overall well-being. Dr. Taekman continues this through line in his current work with HealthHippieMD, offering practical advice on making small changes to improve work life. Research insights on job strain and burnout highlight occupational wellness as a physiological and psychological necessity. He encourages listeners to find their own connections and alignments for a more meaningful career. 00:00 What is Occupational Wellness? 01:59 Why Occupational Wellness Matters 02:54 The Science of Work and Wellbeing 04:09 The Through Line in My Work 04:40 How Occupational Connects with Other Dimensions 05:21 Microdoses for Occupational Wellness 06:15 A Personal Reflection 07:04 Three Practices for the Week 07:29 Living the Occupational Dimension 08:06 Resources and Next Episode 09:04 Outro Links Comprehensive Nine-Dimension Wellness Assessment (https://healthhippiemd.com/9-pillar-full-assessment) Seven-Day Sleep Challenge (https://events.healthhippiemd.com/7day-sleep-challenge) Microdose+ Sleep Waitlist (https://events.healthhippiemd.com/microdose-plus-sleep) More HealthHippieMD (https://events.healthhippiemd.com/hhmdlinktree) Clinical Trials Simulation * The Hidden Hurdle - Video Overview - Notebook LM (https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/ca9d856a-fb16-4757-8a87-38bba6d6b432?artifactId=06585edd-3dfc-4d79-864c-a54f6447241a)* * Learning Curves in Clinical Trials - Studio - NotebookLM (https://notebooklm.google.com/notebook/ca9d856a-fb16-4757-8a87-38bba6d6b432) *Notebook LM has limited editing capabilities, so while the core ideas are accurate, this video should be seen as an early exploration rather than a definitive account of our work. In places, it goes further in its claims and projected impact than is appropriate. References * Marmot MG, Smith GD, Stansfeld S, Patel C, North F, Head J, White I, Brunner E, Feeney A. Health inequalities among British civil servants: the Whitehall II study. Lancet. 1991;337(8754):1387-1393. doi:10.1016/0140-6736(91)93068-k * World Health Organization. Burn-out an “occupational phenomenon”: International Classification of Diseases. World Health Organization. Published May 28, 2019. https://www.who.int/news/item/28-05-2019-burn-out-an-occupational-phenomenon-international-classification-of-diseases. (https://www.who.int/news/item/28-05-2019-burn-out-an-occupational-phenomenon-international-classification-of-diseases) * Salvagioni DAJ, Melanda FN, Mesas AE, et al. Physical, psychological and occupational consequences of job burnout: A systematic review of prospective studies. PLoS One. 2017;12(10):e0185781. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0185781 * Alimujiang A, Wiensch A, Boss J, et al. Association Between Life Purpose and Mortality Among US Adults Older Than 50 Years. JAMA Netw Open. 2019;2(5):e194270. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2019.4270 . * Hill PL, Turiano NA. Purpose in life as a predictor of mortality across adulthood. Psychol Sci. 2014;25(7):1482–1486. * Wright MC, Taekman JM, Barber L, Hobbs G, Newman MF, Stafford-Smith M. The use of high-fidelity human patient simulation as an evaluative tool in the development of clinical research protocols and procedures. Contemp Clin Trials. 2005;26(6):646–59. * Taekman JM, Stafford-Smith M, Velazquez EJ, Wright MC, Phillips-Bute BG, Pfeffer MA, Sellers MA, Pieper KS, Newman MF, Van de Werf F, Diaz R, Leimberger J, Califf RM. Departures from the protocol during conduct of a clinical trial: a pattern from the data record consistent with a learning curve. Qual Saf Health Care. 2010;19(5):405–410. HealthHippieMD. Wellness, Rewired. Get full access to HealthHippieMD at healthhippiemd.substack.com/subscribe (https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

6. 

   22 Sept 2025

   The Science of Coffee, Connection, and Living Longer: Exploring Social Wellness with Dr. Jeff Taekman (Special Series Dimension 5)

   In this episode, Dr. Jeff Taekman, Professor Emeritus at Duke University, and a graduate of the Andrew Weil Fellowship in Integrative Medicine, takes listeners on a journey to Cafe Driade in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, to illustrate the essence of social wellness. The episode reflects on the power of deep, meaningful connections and their impact on overall health and wellbeing. Using both personal anecdotes and robust scientific research, Dr. Taekman emphasizes how quality relationships can significantly enhance life satisfaction, reduce stress, speed up healing, and even increase the likelihood of survival. Noting research findings from a landmark meta-analysis and the long-running Harvard Study of Adult Development, he makes a compelling case for prioritizing social connections as a critical component of health, akin to nutrition and exercise. Dr. Taekman offers practical strategies for improving social wellness, such as 'Wellness Microdoses'—simple, daily acts of recognition, communication, and shared activities to strengthen social ties. He encourages listeners to engage in small, consistent acts of connection and presents actionable practices like the 'Five-Minute Favor,' 'Old Friend Revival,' and 'Anchor Ritual' to build lasting, supportive relationships. Dr. Taekman’s episode challenges the common perception of wellness by integrating social ties into the concept and invites listeners to observe the emotional shifts that come with social interactions. By sharing this journey, he aims to build a wellness community grounded in real science and genuine human connections. Dr. Taekman ends with a compelling call to action, urging the audience to embrace social interactions, track their emotional shifts, and join a thoughtful wellness community for a more grounded and fulfilling life. 00:00 Intro 01:37 Why Social Wellness Matters 03:03 A Doctor’s View from the OR 03:43 The Intersection of Dimensions 04:30 The Science of Belonging 05:32 Microdoses of Connection 06:26 A Personal Reflection 07:06 Three Practices for the Week 07:47 Living the Social Dimension 08:37 Resources and Next Episode 09:42 Outro Links Why Friendship Might Be the Most Powerful Health Habit (https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/p/the-medicine-we-forget-to-count-connection) (companion essay) Comprehensive Nine-Dimension Wellness Assessment (https://healthhippiemd.com/9-pillar-full-assessment) Seven-Day Sleep Challenge (https://events.healthhippiemd.com/7day-sleep-challenge) Microdose+ Sleep Waitlist (https://events.healthhippiemd.com/microdose-plus-sleep) More HealthHippieMD (https://events.healthhippiemd.com/hhmdlinktree) Wellness Microdoses * Name RecognitionWhen you’re at a coffee shop or grocery store, call someone by name. Recognition is powerful medicine. * Micro Check-InSend one text a day to a friend or loved one. Not logistics, not a meme. Just, “Hey, I was thinking of you.” * Shared MovementTake a walk with someone you care about. Exercise plus conversation is one of the most effective health strategies we know. * Voice Note ConnectionInstead of typing, send a short voice note. Tone, warmth, and laughter travel better through sound than text. * Micro-GratitudeTell someone, out loud, one small thing you appreciate about them. It could be as simple as, “I always love how you make me laugh.” * Community Drop-InMake one intentional visit per week to a local space- library, farmers’ market, community center-and strike up a small conversation. Belonging often starts with “hello.” References * Holt-Lunstad J, Smith TB, Layton JB. Social relationships and mortality risk: a meta-analytic review. PLoS Med. 2010;7(7):e1000316. * Robles TF, Kiecolt-Glaser JK. The physiology of marriage: pathways to health. Physiol Behav. 2003;79(3):409–416. * Waldinger R, Schulz M. The Harvard Study of Adult Development. Harvard Gazette. 2017. * Hawkley LC, Cacioppo JT. Loneliness matters: a theoretical and empirical review. Ann Behav Med. 2010;40(2):218–227. * Eisenberger NI, Lieberman MD, Williams KD. Does rejection hurt? An fMRI study of social exclusion. Science. 2003;302(5643):290–292. Get full access to HealthHippieMD at healthhippiemd.substack.com/subscribe (https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

7. 

   15 Sept 2025

   Living With the Big Questions: Exploring Existential Wellness with Dr. Jeff Taekman (Special Series Dimension 4)

   In this episode, Dr. Jeff Taekman shares a profound moment atop the bluffs of Bodega Bay, California, that leads him to explore the concept of existential wellness. He delves into the importance of finding meaning and purpose in life beyond measurable metrics like sleep and diet. Highlighting the impact of existential wellness on overall health, he cites research showing that a strong sense of purpose can lead to measurable health benefits. Jeff offers practical ways to integrate existential wellness into daily life through 'microdoses of meaning,' and emphasizes that wellness involves living meaningfully within life's uncertainties. He sets the stage for the next episode on social wellness, connecting personal meaning to our relationships and community. Links Map Your Existential Wellness (and the other 8 dimensions) using the Comprehensive Nine Dimension Wellness Assessment (https://healthhippiemd.com/9-pillar-full-assessment) Other HealthHippieMD Stuff (https://events.healthhippiemd.com/hhmdlinktree) Citations * Alimujiang A, Wiensch A, Boss J, et al. Association Between Life Purpose and Mortality Among US Adults Older Than 50 Years. JAMA Netw Open. 2019;2(5):e194270. * Kim ES, Shiba K, Boehm JK, et al. Sense of Purpose in Life and Subsequent Physical, Behavioral, and Psychosocial Health: An Outcome-Wide Approach. Am J Health Promot. 2021;35(8):1042-1051. * Sutin AR, Stephan Y, Terracciano A. The Benefits of a Sense of Purpose in Life for Healthier Cognitive Aging. GeroScience. 2022;44(5):2383-2391. 00:00 Existential Wellness 00:11 Awe on the Bluffs of Bodega Bay 01:20 Why the Existential Dimension Matters 02:31 The Science of Purpose 03:40 A Doctor’s Turning Point 04:50 Microdoses of Meaning 06:07 A Compass for the Nine Dimensions 06:47 Bringing Purpose into Everyday Life 07:58 Three Practices for the Week 09:04 Living with Mystery 09:54 Next Up: Social Wellness 10:32 OUTRO Get full access to HealthHippieMD at healthhippiemd.substack.com/subscribe (https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

8. 

   8 Sept 2025

   Small Steps, Big Shifts: The Science Behind Microdose+

   In this episode, Dr. Jeff Taekman explores the concept of Wellness Microdoses, emphasizing that small, repeatable actions can lead to significant health improvements. He discusses how human biology resists large changes, the science behind willpower and habit formation, and introduces strategies like habit stacking to integrate microdoses into daily life. Dr. Taekman also shares specific microdose techniques for better sleep and overall wellness across various dimensions. He highlights the importance of consistency over intensity and introduces his upcoming program, Microdose+ Sleep, aimed at improving sleep through small, evidence-based steps. 00:00 Science Behind Microdoses 00:11 INTRO / HOOK 01:48 THE SCIENCE BEHIND MICRODOSES 03:56 HABIT STACKING: HOW TO LOCK IN MICRODOSES 05:32 SLEEP EXAMPLES: MICRODOSE+ SLEEP 06:42 BEYOND SLEEP: THE NINE DIMENSIONS 07:58 PRACTICAL TAKEAWAY 08:42 SCIENCE SAYS: LIMITATIONS & NUANCE 09:01 CLOSING 10:18 OUTRO Mentioned in Podcast * Free Science of Microdose+ eBooklet (https://healthhippiemd.com/microdose-science-landing) * Microdose+ Sleep (https://events.healthhippiemd.com/microdose-plus-sleep) * 7-Day Sleep Challenge (http://events.healthhippiemd.com/7day-sleep-challenge) (try Microdose+, commitment free) * 9-Dimensions Wellness Assessment (https://healthhippiemd.com/9-pillar-full-assessment) * All the HealthHippieMD Stuff (http://events.healthhippiemd.com/hhmdlinktree) Citations * Baumeister RF, Bratslavsky E, Muraven M, Tice DM. Ego depletion: Is the active self a limited resource? J Pers Soc Psychol. 1998;74(5):1252-1265. * Carter, K., Kofler, L., Forster, D., & McCullough, M. (2015). “A Series of Meta-Analytic Tests of the Depletion Effect: Self-Control Does Not Seem to Rely on a Limited Resource.” * LeDoux JE. Emotion circuits in the brain. Annu Rev Neurosci. 2000;23:155-184. * Graybiel AM. Habits, rituals, and the evaluative brain. Annu Rev Neurosci. 2008;31:359-387. * Wood W, Rünger D. Psychology of habit. Annu Rev Psychol. 2016;67:289-314. * Gollwitzer PM, Sheeran P. Implementation intentions and goal achievement: A meta‐analysis of effects and processes. Adv Exp Soc Psychol. 2006;38:69-119. * Clear J. Atomic Habits. (https://amzn.to/4m3Ri0w) Avery; 2018. * Fogg BJ. Tiny Habits: The Small Changes That Change Everything. (https://amzn.to/3JQpLm4) Houghton Mifflin Harcourt; 2019. Get full access to HealthHippieMD at healthhippiemd.substack.com/subscribe (https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

9. 

   28 Aug 2025

   Unpacking Intellectual Wellness with Dr. Jeff Taekman: Curiosity, Brain Health, and Lifelong Learning (Special Series Dimension 3)

   In this episode of Wellness Rewired, the Health Hippie MD Podcast, physician and Professor Emeritus Dr. Jeff Taekman explores the Intellectual Dimension of Wellness. Discussing concepts such as curiosity, neuroplasticity, and the importance of lifelong learning, Taekman highlights the impact of mental engagement on overall well-being. He delves into the science behind how intellectual pursuits can bolster emotional regulation and buffer against cognitive decline. Taekman also emphasizes the importance of sleep in supporting intellectual well-being and provides practical advice for incorporating intellectual pursuits into daily life. The episode concludes with a challenge to listeners to learn something new within the next seven days. Episode 3 - Intellectual Wellness - Special Series on the Nine Dimensions 00:12 Intro 01:06 Framing Intellectual Wellness 02:16 The Science 04:20 Personal Story 07:26 How Intellectual Connects to the Other Dimensions 08:23 Microdose Ideas for Intellectual Wellness 09:07 Map Your Personal Nine Dimensions 09:49 Wrap-Up & Microdose Homework 10:42 Outro Links * Special Series Introductory Podcast to the Nin (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wellness-rewired-healthhippiemd-podcast/id1827829794?i=1000720909276)e Dimensions * Special Series Dimension 1 Podcast - Physical Dimension (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wellness-rewired-healthhippiemd-podcast/id1827829794?i=1000721810514) * Special Series Dimension 2 Podcast - Emotional Dimension (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wellness-rewired-healthhippiemd-podcast/id1827829794?i=1000722662564) * Seven-Day Sleep Challenge (https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/1562577/sites/163900718752728173/7day-sleep-challenge) * Comprehensive Wellness Assessment (https://healthhippiemd.com/9-pillar-full-assessment) * Substack newsletter (https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/) * Other HealthHippieMD Stuff (https://events.healthhippiemd.com/hhmdlinktree) Get full access to HealthHippieMD at healthhippiemd.substack.com/subscribe (https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

10. 

    19 Aug 2025

    The Emotional Dimension: Navigating Wellness with Dr. Jeff Taekman (Special Series Dimension 2)

    Show Notes In this episode of Wellness, Rewired, Dr. Jeff Taekman dives into the Emotional Dimension of Wellness. He outlines the importance of recognizing, regulating, and using emotions in building resilience and living well. Dr. Taekman discusses the impact of sleep on emotional health, the role of the brain in processing emotions, and provides practical strategies for emotional regulation. The episode emphasizes the interconnectedness of emotional wellness with social and physical health and includes actionable practices such as naming feelings, conscious breathing, movement, and reflection. 00:34 Series Framing and What's This Episode About 01:28 Defining Emotional Wellness 02:16 Personal Experience 02:48 The Neuroscience of Emotion 03:35 Sleep and Emotion 04:07 Emotional Wellness is Not a Solo Practice 04:49 Practices That Help 05:35 Episode Microdose 05:55 Wrap-up 06:49 Outro Links * Newsletter 153 -The Sit-Stand Test That Predicts Lifespan—And the Music That Rebuilds Your Brain (https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/p/newsletter-153-the-sit-stand-test) * Reduced Body Flexibility Is Associated With Poor Survival in Middle-Aged Men and Women: A Prospective Cohort Study (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/sms.14708) * Nine-Dimension Full Assessment — HealthHippieMD (https://healthhippiemd.com/9-pillar-full-assessment) * Seven-Day Sleep Challenge (https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/1562577/sites/163900718752728173/7day-sleep-challenge) * Special Series Episode 0: (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wellness-rewired-healthhippiemd-podcast/id1827829794?i=1000720909276)Nine Dimensions and Beyond: Mapping Your Wellness with Dr. Jeff Taekman (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wellness-rewired-healthhippiemd-podcast/id1827829794?i=1000720909276) * Special Series Episode 1: (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wellness-rewired-healthhippiemd-podcast/id1827829794?i=1000721810514)Nine Dimensions, One Foundation, Physical Wellness (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wellness-rewired-healthhippiemd-podcast/id1827829794?i=1000721810514) * Other Links and Resources (https://events.healthhippiemd.com/hhmdlinktree) If you enjoyed this episode, the best way to support the show is to rate it and leave a comment. Your feedback not only helps me improve—it also makes it easier for other listeners to discover the podcast. So please take a moment to share your thoughts, and help us grow this community. Get full access to HealthHippieMD at healthhippiemd.substack.com/subscribe (https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

11. 

    13 Aug 2025

    Nine Dimensions, One Foundation: Physical Wellness with Dr. Jeff Taekman (Special Series Dimension 1)

    Exploring Physical Wellness: The Foundation of Your Health In this episode of the Wellness, Rewired: HealthHippieMD Podcast, Dr. Jeff Taekman, Professor Emeritus of Anesthesiology at Duke University and fellow of the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine, takes a deep dive into the Physical Dimension of wellness. He explains how physical wellness encompasses more than just fitness—it includes movement, nutrition, sleep, and preventative health habits. Dr. Taekman emphasizes the importance of functional fitness and offers practical advice on maintaining a balanced diet and improving sleep quality. He also discusses how physical wellness interconnects with other aspects of health, such as Emotional, Social, and Environmental Dimensions. This episode introduces listeners to simple steps and actions, termed 'Wellness Microdoses,' to improve their physical wellness and overall health. Links to the Comprehensive Nine-Dimension Wellness Assessment (https://healthhippiemd.com/9-pillar-full-assessment) and a 7-Day Sleep Challenge (https://subscribepage.io/7day-sleep-challenge). Link to the accompanying blog post: Navigating the Physical Dimension of Wellness (https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/p/8d8b5460-323e-4b91-9b98-3a7089aa6d56) Nine Pillars, One Foundation: Physical Wellness with Dr. Taekman 00:11 OPENING 01:20 WHAT IS THE PHYSICAL DIMENSION? 02:01 MOVEMENT – MORE THAN JUST EXERCISE 02:54 NUTRITION – FUEL, NOT JUST CALORIES 03:48 REST AND SLEEP – THE SECRET PERFORMANCE ENHANCERS 05:04 PREVENTIVE HEALTH – KEEPING THE SYSTEM TUNED 05:38 HEALTHY CHOICES – WHAT YOU SAY “YES” AND “NO” TO 06:04 THE INTERCONNECTIONS – HOW PHYSICAL WELLNESS TOUCHES EVERYTHING ELSE 07:30 CLOSING 08:25 OUTRO Want to learn more? * Accompanying Substack Post: Navigating the Physical Dimension of Wellness (https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/p/8d8b5460-323e-4b91-9b98-3a7089aa6d56) * About (https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/about) * Substack (https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/) * Self-Assessment and Reflection Guide (http://healthhippiemd.com/9-pillar-selfassessment) * Comprehensive Nine-Dimension Wellness Assessment (https://healthhippiemd.com/9-pillar-full-assessment) * 7-Day Sleep Reset (https://preview.mailerlite.io/preview/1562577/sites/163900718752728173/7day-sleep-challenge) — 10 minutes a day to deeper, uninterrupted sleep Get full access to HealthHippieMD at healthhippiemd.substack.com/subscribe (https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

12. 

    6 Aug 2025

    Nine Dimensions and Beyond: Mapping Your Wellness with Dr. Jeff Taekman (Special Series Introduction)

    In the premiere episode of a special series of Wellness, Rewired, Dr. Jeff Taekman, founder of HealthHippieMD, a Professor Emeritus at Duke University, and a fellow of the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine, introduces the concept of the Nine Dimensions of Wellness. Sharing his wellness journey, Dr. Taekman emphasizes that wellness is a dynamic balance across physical, emotional, intellectual, social, existential, occupational, financial, environmental, and creative dimensions. He describes these dimensions as interconnected ingredients in the recipe for a good life. Dr. Taekman also announces upcoming episodes that will delve into each dimension in detail, providing practical advice for strengthening each area. Listeners are encouraged to engage in self-reflection and try free wellness tools available at HealthHippieMD.com. His goal is to build a wellness community focused on improving life through intentional, science-backed practices. 00:00 Opening 00:46 A Dynamic Framework 01:12 A Personal Reflection 02:15 The Nine Dimensions in a Nutshell 03:29 A Recipe for Living 04:30 Where This Model Comes From 05:13 Why It Matters Now 05:40 Your Next Step 06:33 Closing Reflection & Teaser 07:50 Outro Want more? * Article: A Map, a Compass, and a Creative Spark (https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/p/a-map-a-compass-and-a-creative-spark) * Nine Dimensions Self-Assessment and Reflection Guide (http://healthhippiemd.com/9-pillar-selfassessment) * Nine Dimensions Comprehensive Assessment (https://healthhippiemd.com/9-pillar-full-assessment) Get full access to HealthHippieMD at healthhippiemd.substack.com/subscribe (https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

13. 

    20 Jul 2025

    Wellness, Rewired - Launch Episode

    Welcome to HealthHippieMD: Wellness, Rewired. In the inaugural episode of HealthHippieMD, host Dr. Jeff Taekman, a professor emeritus of anesthesiology at Duke, shares his journey into the world of health and wellness. Jeff discusses his early fascination with longevity sparked by yogurt, his personal battle with inflammatory bowel disease, and how a deep dive into the science of the microbiome transformed his approach to medicine. This podcast aims to explore real, science-backed health practices through a Nine-Dimension Wellness framework, offering listeners weekly insights, stories, and actionable advice. Jeff also introduces his free newsletter, HealthHippieMD, as a deeper dive into these topics and more. 00:00 Intro 00:31 Interest Sparked 01:10 Who's This For? 01:39 Why Am I Doing This? 02:37 Training and Expertise 03:08 This Podcast 04:51 CTA 05:17 Wrap-Up 06:15 Outro Want more? * HealthHippieMD Newsletter (http://healthhippiemd.substack.com/) * Map your baseline and reflect using the Quick Self-Check (http://healthhippiemd.com/9-pillar-selfassessment) or Nine Dimension Wellness Assessment (https://healthhippiemd.com/9-pillar-full-assessment) * More about the HealthHippieMD Podcast (https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/p/001-healthhippiemd-wellness-rewired). Get full access to HealthHippieMD at healthhippiemd.substack.com/subscribe (https://healthhippiemd.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4)

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Contact Wellness, Rewired - HealthHippieMD Podcast

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

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