The Deep Six

Structural Health Matters: How Your Spine Shapes Your Life | The Deep Six | Episode 33

On this episode of The Deep Six Podcast, Dr. James Lewerenz welcomes world-renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Daniel Fahim for an in-depth discussion on spine health, chronic pain, and the latest surgical advances. Dr. Fahim, recognized among the nation’s top neurosurgeons, shares his journey from early fascination with the brain to performing over 700 surgeries a year. He explains how minimally invasive spine techniques and disc replacements are transforming patient recovery, reducing pain, and preserving mobility compared to traditional fusions.The conversation also highlights warning signs of spinal cord injury, the importance of timely care to prevent chronic pain, and why patient expectations play a critical role in recovery. Dr. Fahim emphasizes fitness, motion preservation, and trust between doctor and patient as keys to lasting outcomes. This episode offers both education and reassurance for anyone facing structural challenges that impact quality of life.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Daniel Fahim02:47 Dr. Fahim’s Background and Reputation05:38 Passion for Neurosurgery and Spine Health08:40 Transformative Cancer Cases11:24 Advances in Spine Surgery: Fusion vs. Replacement15:50 Choosing a Spine Surgeon & First Surgery19:27 International Missionary Work & Post-Surgery Recovery22:12 Warning Signs of Spinal Cord Injury27:08 Surgeon’s Fitness and Patient Expectations30:08 Personal Spine Journey and MRI Review37:53 Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery Benefits40:23 Patient Empowerment and Trust43:00 Conclusion and Contact Information
Guest Links:Website: drdanielfahim.com
About:Dr. James Lewerenz takes a multifaceted approach to impact the lives of his patients. Using functional medicine, he looks at every patient on an individual, case-by-case basis, asks lots of questions, and works diligently to find the root cause of the individual's chronic pain or illness. Dr. Lewerenz is passionate and dedicated to bringing his personal experience, knowledge, and training to enhance one’s quality of life, at any age. Be well!
Longevity Health Institute633 E South Blvd. Ste 2200Rochester Hills, MI 48307 (248) 289-6643https://www.longevityhealthinstituteinc.com/

Ask Me Anything: Real Answers for Building Wellness | The Deep Six | Episode 32

Dr. James Lewerenz hosts his first Q&A, tackling listener questions with clear, science-based answers. From probiotics and hormone balance to EMF safety, immune support, and emerging therapies, he explains how targeted actions can create lasting health improvements. He highlights the foundational role of gut health, why probiotics belong in most supplement plans, and how daily habits influence long-term vitality.The conversation also addresses health myths, environmental toxins, GLP-1 medications, and strategies for lowering inflammation, boosting immunity, and protecting against chronic disease. Every answer reinforces the goal of living with quality, purpose, and strength, using personalized approaches that help people thrive at every stage of life.
Chapters00:01 – Welcome and Introduction to the First AMA03:06 – Should Everyone Take a Probiotic?09:40 – What Is the Most Important Point of the Six-Point Model?12:32 – What Are Your Thoughts on AirPods and the Brain?18:03 – What Are the Most Common Health Myths and Misconceptions?23:14 – What Common Toxins Are We Exposed to Daily Without Realizing?26:33 – Aside from Exercise, What Is One Non-Negotiable You Do Daily for Your Health?30:21 – If You Could Tell Your Younger Self One Health Tip, What Would It Be?33:13 – How Do Estrogen Levels, Detox Pathways, and Inflammation Relate to Cancer Prevention?39:26 – What Are the Best Strategies to Boost Immunity Before a Cold or Flu?44:44 – What Is the Best Approach Once Through Perimenopause? (And Andropause for Men)52:20 – Between Exercise, Diet, and Genetics, Where’s the Most Bang for the Buck?54:14 – Besides Phlebotomies, How Can You Reduce Ferritin Without Dropping Hemoglobin Too Low?57:37 – What Is the Most Effective Treatment for Exercise-Related Hip and Back Pain?1:02:15 – What Are the Pros, Cons, and Side Effects of GLP-1 Medications and How Do You Prevent Them?
About:Dr. James Lewerenz takes a multifaceted approach to impact the lives of his patients. Using functional medicine, he looks at every patient on an individual, case-by-case basis, asks lots of questions, and works diligently to find the root cause of the individual's chronic pain or illness. Dr. Lewerenz is passionate and dedicated to bringing his personal experience, knowledge, and training to enhance one’s quality of life, at any age. Be well!
Longevity Health Institute633 E South Blvd. Ste 2200Rochester Hills, MI 48307 (248) 289-6643https://www.longevityhealthinstituteinc.com/

Don’t Wait for Symptoms: Why Preventive Imaging Matters | The Deep Six | Episode 31

Dr. James Lewerenz welcomes Bionicc Body Screening’s Ryan Ringold to share the personal story behind their full-body MRI screening mission, inspired by his father’s late-stage cancer diagnosis. They explore how early detection through imaging can uncover life-threatening conditions like cancer, aneurysms, and liver disease before symptoms ever appear.You’ll learn what full-body MRI can and cannot detect, how it differs from diagnostic scans, and why even healthy, asymptomatic people should consider it. Dr. Lewerenz highlights real patient cases, connects the insights to his structural health pillar, and explains how a screening like this can not only save your life but also protect your lifestyle.You’ll leave with a sharper lens on your health and a strong case for choosing proactive screening over reactive care.
Guest Links:https://www.bioniccbodyscreening.com/https://www.facebook.com/bioniccbodyscreeninghttps://www.instagram.com/bioniccbodyscreening/
Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Deep Six Podcast01:02 Ryan Ringold’s Inspiring Journey05:03 Understanding Symptoms and Hindsight08:01 The Importance of Early Detection09:31 What to Expect from a Full Body MRI13:00 Identifying Health Risks through Screening19:00 Addressing Digestive Health Concerns23:35 The Power of Information in Health29:07 Navigating Results and Follow-Up Care30:07 Facing Health Fears: A Personal Story31:10 Understanding Medical Findings: Incidental vs. Concerning34:01 The Life-Saving Impact of Early Detection36:01 Navigating Results: What to Expect39:00 The Cost of Preventive Health: Is It Worth It?41:00 A New Generation of Health Awareness43:02 Closing Thoughts: Embracing a Proactive Health Approach
About:Dr. James Lewerenz takes a multifaceted approach to impact the lives of his patients. Using functional medicine, he looks at every patient on an individual, case-by-case basis, asks lots of questions, and works diligently to find the root cause of the individual's chronic pain or illness. Dr. Lewerenz is passionate and dedicated to bringing his personal experience, knowledge, and training to enhance one’s quality of life, at any age. Be well!
Longevity Health Institute633 E South Blvd. Ste 2200Rochester Hills, MI 48307 (248) 289-6643https://www.longevityhealthinstituteinc.com/

Peptides, Protein, and the Right Way to Lose Weight | The Deep Six | Episode 30

Dr. Lewerenz welcomes James LaValle for a deep dive into recovery, wearables, and metabolic health. They discuss the importance of balancing training with recovery by focusing on sleep, nutrition, and breathing techniques. James shares how to use fitness trackers without becoming overly fixated on the numbers. They cover GLP-1 medications for weight loss and the need to preserve lean muscle through protein intake and strength training. Peptide therapies like BPC-157 and sermorelin offer support for inflammation and circadian rhythm. If you're chasing peak performance without burning out, this episode might be the reset your body has been waiting for.
Chapters00:00 Welcome to the Deep Six Podcast02:05 Current Endeavors in Medicine04:04 Working with Special Forces06:27 The Arctic Challenge08:16 The Importance of Recovery10:21 The Role of Education in Health11:38 Advancements in Medical Education12:56 Wearable Health Devices14:56 Understanding Heart Rate Recovery17:01 Managing Stress and Recovery21:15 The Challenge of Overtraining24:06 The Science of Cold Plunges27:34 Emerging Trends in Peptides30:02 The Epidemic of Metabolic Disorders32:04 The Slippery Slope of Weight Loss Solutions34:50 Innovative Approaches to Gut Health36:00 Peptides and Aging: A New Frontier39:40 The Future of Liposomal Delivery Systems41:34 The Metabolic Code: A Systems Approach45:01 Navigating Biohacking and Personalized Medicine51:44 Closing Thoughts and Future Directions
About:Dr. James Lewerenz takes a multifaceted approach to impact the lives of his patients. Using functional medicine, he looks at every patient on an individual, case-by-case basis, asks lots of questions, and works diligently to find the root cause of the individual's chronic pain or illness. Dr. Lewerenz is passionate and dedicated to bringing his personal experience, knowledge, and training to enhance one’s quality of life, at any age. Be well!
Longevity Health Institute633 E South Blvd. Ste 2200Rochester Hills, MI 48307 (248) 289-6643https://www.longevityhealthinstituteinc.com/

Fix Your Sleep, Fix Your Health: Dentistry That Changes Lives | The Deep Six | Episode 29

On this episode of "The Deep Six," Dr. Lewerenz sits down with Dr. Jeff Haddad, founder of Rochester Advanced Dentistry and the Michigan Center for TMJ and Sleep Wellness, to explore the powerful connection between oral health and full-body wellness. They uncover how jaw misalignment and sleep apnea often go undiagnosed, leading to symptoms like migraines, vertigo, fatigue, and even increased risk for heart disease and cognitive decline.
Dr. Haddad explains why traditional dental training falls short and how advanced techniques and modern oral appliances offer real solutions. They discuss the importance of sleep quality, the impact of lifestyle habits like alcohol, and simple strategies that can improve breathing and recovery overnight. For patients who are tired of being told nothing is wrong, this conversation offers clarity, insight, and hope through a functional, personalized approach to dentistry and whole-person health.
 
Chapters
00:00 Welcome to Deep Six Podcast
00:35 Introducing Jeff Haddad
01:09 The Overlooked Importance of Oral Health
03:05 Dr. Haddad’s Journey in Dentistry
05:04 Understanding TMJ Disorders
09:22 The Connection Between TMJ and Sleep Disorders
15:01 The Hidden Dangers of Sleep Apnea
19:16 Personal Insights on Sleep Health
24:04 Life-Changing Dentistry
26:41 The Gender Gap in TMJ Diagnosis
29:01 The Muscular Side of TMJ
30:01 Rethinking Sleep Apnea Treatments
34:26 Innovative Dental Appliances
36:35 The Impact of Alcohol on Sleep Health
39:06 Mouth Taping and Sleep Hygiene
41:05 The Convenience of Home Sleep Studies
42:40 Optimizing Health for Better Living
46:01 The Overlooked Disease of Bite Issues
49:04 The Importance of Quality Sleep
 
Guest Links:Rochester Advanced Dentistry: https://www.rochesteradvanceddentistry.com/cosmetic-dentist/Michigan TMJ and Sleep Wellness: https://www.michigantmjandsleep.com/about/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-haddad-7569311a/
 
About:Dr. James Lewerenz takes a multifaceted approach to impact the lives of his patients. Using functional medicine, he looks at every patient on an individual, case-by-case basis, asks lots of questions, and works diligently to find the root cause of the individual's chronic pain or illness. Dr. Lewerenz is passionate and dedicated to bringing his personal experience, knowledge, and training to enhance one’s quality of life, at any age. Be well!
Longevity Health Institute633 E South Blvd. Ste 2200Rochester Hills, MI 48307 (248) 289-6643https://www.longevityhealthinstituteinc.com/

Eat Plants, Live Longer: The Heart Connection | The Deep Six | Episode 28

On this episode of The Deep Six Podcast, Dr. James Lewerenz and Dr. Joel Kahn spotlight the often-overlooked importance of heart health, urging early screening as a vital step in prevention. They recommend a coronary artery calcium (CAC) score around age 45 for men and post-menopause for women, with advanced imaging like coronary CT angiograms offering even deeper insight.The conversation also explores the impact of lifestyle choices, highlighting plant-based diets, exercise, and targeted supplements like aged garlic extract. They caution against extreme diets like keto or carnivore, which can spike LDL cholesterol and accelerate plaque buildup. The doctors also address post-COVID cardiovascular concerns, including lingering symptoms like brain fog and heart palpitations, encouraging patients to pursue testing and individualized care with their physicians.
00:00 Welcome to Deep Six Podcast00:22 Meet Dr. Joel Kahn02:11 The Silent Killer: Heart Disease05:16 Understanding Heart Disease Statistics09:01 Screening for Heart Disease11:05 The Role of Advanced Testing16:03 Interventions for Heart Health25:09 Dietary Approaches to Heart Health30:04 The Niacin Revival31:00 Innovative Treatments on the Horizon32:36 Alternative Therapies for Heart Health35:00 The Carnivore Diet Controversy38:29 COVID-19 and Cardiovascular Impact43:12 A Heartfelt Conclusion
 
Guest Links:Business Website: https://www.kahnlongevitycenter.com/Personal Website: https://www.drjoelkahn.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joel-kahn-md-facc-7a8153320
About:Dr. James Lewerenz takes a multifaceted approach to impact the lives of his patients. Using functional medicine, he looks at every patient on an individual, case-by-case basis, asks lots of questions, and works diligently to find the root cause of the individual's chronic pain or illness. Dr. Lewerenz is passionate and dedicated to bringing his personal experience, knowledge, and training to enhance one’s quality of life, at any age. Be well!
Longevity Health Institute633 E South Blvd. Ste 2200Rochester Hills, MI 48307 (248) 289-6643https://www.longevityhealthinstituteinc.com/

Strong Body, Grateful Heart: A Mother’s Day Special | The Deep Six | Episode 27

This special Mother’s Day episode of The Deep Six Podcast features Dr. James Lewerenz and his mom, Betty, in a heartfelt conversation about aging with strength, gratitude, and joy. Betty shares how daily gratitude, physical activity, and lifelong learning have helped her stay vibrant and independent. Her routine includes weightlifting, swimming, and reading - habits that support both body and mind.They discuss hormone replacement therapy, the role of social connection, and simple lifestyle shifts that can prevent disease and improve quality of life. With warmth and wisdom, Betty encourages listeners to savor each day, move with purpose, and stay mentally engaged. Her story is a powerful reminder that no matter your age, you can live with vitality, curiosity, and deep appreciation.
Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the Deep Six Podcast02:00 Celebrating Life and Gratitude05:00 Reflections on Childhood09:00 Teaching and Its Evolution12:00 Navigating Health Challenges19:00 The Journey to Wellness25:00 Maintaining Strength and Balance30:00 Dating Adventures and Laughter32:00 Health Journey and Gratitude35:00 Daily Routines for a Vibrant Life39:00 Reading and Lifelong Learning42:00 Embracing New Experiences46:00 Health, Happiness, and Gratitude
About:Dr. James Lewerenz takes a multifaceted approach to impact the lives of his patients. Using functional medicine, he looks at every patient on an individual, case-by-case basis, asks lots of questions, and works diligently to find the root cause of the individual's chronic pain or illness. Dr. Lewerenz is passionate and dedicated to bringing his personal experience, knowledge, and training to enhance one’s quality of life, at any age. Be well!
Longevity Health Institute633 E South Blvd. Ste 2200Rochester Hills, MI 48307 (248) 289-6643https://www.longevityhealthinstituteinc.com/

Prevention Is Power: Taking Control of Your Healthspan | The Deep Six | Episode 26

Dr. Lewerenz welcomes Lauren Zessin for a powerful breakdown of the top 10 causes of death—and how most are preventable. From heart disease to stroke, they unpack the risks, the science, and the real-life strategies to tip the odds in your favor.You’ll hear why cardiac calcium scores beat standard stress tests, how gut health and stress levels connect to cancer, and why balance training might save your life. They dive into kidney health, diabetes prevention, and the hidden dangers of polypharmacy. Mental health takes center stage, too, with a strong case for hormone testing to improve mood and resilience.
00:00 Welcome to Deep Six01:00 Exciting News: Baby on Board02:25 Health Awareness and Prevention10:10 Heart Health Insights24:03 Cancer and Mental Health30:00 Personal Health Journeys35:00 Preventing Unintentional Injuries42:00 Polypharmacy and Aging46:00 Stroke and Cardiovascular Health55:00 Diabetes and Hormonal Balance01:00:00 Vitamin D and Immune Health01:01:01 Kidney Disease Awareness01:03:01 Mental Health and Hormones01:08:01 Empowerment through Health Awareness