The Root of the Matter

What happens when dentistry meets ear, nose, and throat medicine? In this fascinating episode of The Root of the Matter, Dr. Rachaele Carver sits down with Dr. Jessica Lee, a double board-certified ENT and lifestyle medicine physician, to explore how integrative, cross-disciplinary care is transforming patient outcomes.

From the connection between jaw development and airway health to the truth about tonsil stones, sinus surprises on...

The healing power of light exists beyond what we can see with our eyes. Our cells communicate constantly with photons, those tiny molecules of light that surround us daily. But what if we could harness this communication system to trigger healing throughout the body?

Meet Victoria Ahrensdorf, a 70-year-old practitioner of the Feldenkrais Method who looks decades younger and credits much of her vitality to an innovative tec...

What if the key to preventing heart disease, dementia, and cancer was hiding in your mouth? In this eye-opening episode, we're joined by dental hygienist and consultant Tosha Kozloski RDH, who's revolutionizing periodontal care through advanced diagnostic techniques that reveal what traditional exams miss.

"All infections start subclinically," Tosha explains, sharing how microscopy has transformed her a...

In this episode, Dr. Rachaele Carver sits down with Tobias Siegel, Owner and CEO of Promo Life, to dig deep into the world of ozone therapy. Whether you’re a practitioner, a curious home user, or someone looking for holistic tools, this conversation lights up the path. Tobias shares his family’s story, the science behind ozone, clears up some myths, and gives us a real sense of how ozone can support the body’s natural healing.

This ...

Imagine discovering that a century of nutritional advice has been leading us astray, and that the true root of chronic disease might be hiding in plain sight. That's exactly what happened when I sat down with Morley Robbins, creator of the Root Cause Protocol and author of "Cure Your Fatigue."

Robbins's journey from hospital administrator to health researcher began with a personal health crisis, frozen ...

Dr. Carver and functional medicine certified health coach Irene Chang demystify the confusing world of nutrition by exploring evidence-based approaches to eating and lifestyle changes. They discuss how conventional nutrition advice has misled us while revealing practical strategies for making sustainable health improvements without feeling deprived.

• Health coaching bridges the gap between medical advice and patient imple...

What if your medicine cabinet could be condensed into a collection of tiny glass bottles? The world of essential oils offers powerful therapeutic options, but navigating their proper use requires guidance from true experts.

In this illuminating conversation, aromatherapy specialists Robert and Hana Tisserand from the Tisserand Institute take us beyond the aromatic experience into the science of these potent plant extracts....

What happens when a neonatologist applies the principles of neuroscience to everyday wellness? In this fascinating conversation with Dr. Edgar Vanderhorst, we explore the profound connections between brain science and self-care that are often overlooked in traditional medical education.

Dr. Vanderhorst shares his remarkable journey from international medical graduate to pediatrician and NICU specialist, revealing how his w...

Pain is not merely a nuisance to be silenced—it's your body's sophisticated alarm system calling for attention. In this illuminating conversation with Dr. Scott J. Vrzal, we uncover how the location of your headaches serves as a roadmap to understanding deeper health imbalances throughout your body.

Dr. Vrzal, a chiropractor specializing in applied kinesiology, shares his groundbreaking approach to decoding seven...

Nutrition forms the bedrock of our health, yet misconceptions about what constitutes "healthy eating" continue to proliferate. In this illuminating deep dive, I unravel the complex world of nutrition beyond conventional wisdom, challenging long-held beliefs about what truly nourishes our bodies.

The most surprising revelation might be the stark contrast between perceived and actual nutrient density in foods. When...

What happens when traditional counseling meets energy medicine? Katie Kitzing's a Mental Health Therapist, Substance Use Disorder Counselor & emotion/ body code practitioner's transformative journey from drug and alcohol counselor to Certified Emotion and Body Code practitioner reveals the fascinating intersection where trapped emotions manifest as physical symptoms—and how releasing these emotional imprints can lead ...

Dr. Rachaele Carver turns conventional wisdom about heart disease on its head with groundbreaking insights into how your mouth bacteria might be silently damaging your cardiovascular system. Drawing from her presentation on "Oral Pathogens as Causative Agents in Cardiovascular Disease," she reveals the missing link between oral health and the world's leading killer.

While most cardiologists focus on managing...

Dr. Casey Jones joins me to uncover the fascinating interplay between dentistry and sleep apnea. Her journey from a professional dancer to a devoted dentist is deeply influenced by personal experiences with obstructive sleep apnea, including witnessing her grandfather’s struggles. We promise that you’ll understand how snoring might be more than just nighttime noise and why dentists are crucial allies in identifying and managing sle...

Discover the transformative world of biologic dentistry with Dr. Sonia Chopra, a board-certified endodontist whose personal journey from misdiagnosis to advocacy provides a powerful perspective on holistic dental care. We unravel the prevalent misconceptions surrounding root canals, emphasizing their role as a viable option for tooth pain management while stressing the importance of preserving natural teeth. This episode illuminate...

Kickstart your 2025 with a fresh perspective on achieving health goals as we unravel the secrets to maintaining resolutions and embracing change. Through personal anecdotes, I reveal my ambitions for the year, including expanding my dental practice, teaching at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, and considering boarding school for my children. Discover the power of keeping your goals visible and how writing them down can fuel...

What if you could become your own best doctor? Discover groundbreaking insights from Dr. Christine Schaffner, a leader in holistic health who transformed her career from conventional medicine to naturopathic healing. In this captivating episode, Dr. Schaffner shares her profound journey and highlights the often-overlooked oral systemic connection, emphasizing the importance of dental histories in understanding the root causes of di...

Discover the unexpected ties between your dental health and overall wellness in an eye-opening conversation with Dr. Mark DiNola. This episode of The Root of the Matter promises to enlighten listeners on the transformative power of holistic and biologic dentistry. Dr. Mark shares his unique journey into this field, revealing how dental health can impact everything from chronic diseases to rising cancer rates among young people. Our...

Curious about the hidden link between your oral health and overall well-being? Join me, Dr. Rachaele Carver, as we welcome the insightful Dr. Lauralee Nygaard, a periodontist who champions a holistic approach to dental care. Dr. Nygaard shares her captivating journey into the world of periodontics, including a life-altering moment when she faced a possible stroke during surgery. Together, we unravel the connections between oral hea...

What if the key to optimal health lies not just in treating symptoms but in understanding the root causes of diseases? Join us as we uncover this intriguing perspective with Dr. Maria, a board-certified surgeon turned functional medicine expert. Dr. Maria shares her transformative journey from performing GI surgeries to embracing preventive care, illustrating how the integration of traditional surgery and functional medicine can le...