The Urban Monk Podcast

When Stephen Ezell's newborn son broke out in a horrific rash from toxic laundry detergent, it set him on an 18-year mission that would transform him from a restaurant owner into one of America's leading non-toxic product manufacturers. In this eye-opening conversation with Dr. Pedram Shojai, Ezell reveals the shocking truth about household chemicals lurking in our homes - from the 200+ toxic compounds found in newborn umbilical cord blood to the disturbing reality that 82% of consumers equate "clean" with artificial scent rather than actual cleanliness. Ezell shares the wild journey of building Truly Free from three people mixing soap with a concrete mixer to serving over 500,000 families, while exposing the unregulated chemical industry that prioritizes profits over public health. He breaks down the most dangerous household products (hint: it's not what you think), debunks greenwashing tactics, and explains why the EU bans over 12,000 chemicals while the US only bans 14. This conversation is a wake-up call

What happens when a successful surgeon realizes the medical system that made him wealthy is slowly killing him? Dr. Darshan Shah was living the American dream—performing hundreds of surgeries, owning multiple surgical centers, and earning top dollar. But at 42, he was 50 pounds overweight, battling six different diseases, and taking 15 pharmaceutical drugs daily. Then came the moment that changed everything: holding a donut in a hospital lounge while reading about his 50% chance of dying before his newborn son turned 20. In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Shah reveals how he completely transformed his health in just 8 months using functional medicine principles, lost 40 pounds, got off nearly all medications, and discovered what he calls "vitality"—the energy to wake up ready to attack each day. But this isn't just a personal transformation story. Dr. Shah went on to create Next Health, reimagining what healthcare could look like by building what he calls "the Apple Store of health"—beautiful, inspiring sp

Join Dr. Pedram Shojai as he interviews Mark, a former NASA rocket scientist, about the fascinating world of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy. This eye-opening conversation explores how a small, affordable device is helping people with chronic health issues when traditional medicine falls short. Mark shares his journey from skeptic to advocate after witnessing remarkable results with PTSD, anxiety, Lyme disease, and more. Learn about the science behind electromagnetic frequencies, how they influence cellular health, and why this technology—once suppressed by pharmaceutical interests—is experiencing a renaissance. This episode bridges the gap between ancient healing practices and modern science, offering hope for those seeking alternative approaches to wellness without the hyperbolic claims common in the energy medicine space.

In this enlightening podcast, the host speaks with Dr. Rob Silverman, a chiropractor who expanded into functional medicine after discovering the profound connection between gut health and overall wellness. Dr. Silverman shares how he initially focused on musculoskeletal issues but found that many patients' chronic pain and inflammation stemmed from gut problems. The conversation explores several key topics: The critical importance of gut health as "the epicenter of health" with 80% of immune cells located there How leaky gut (increased intestinal permeability) allows undigested food particles and pathogens to enter the bloodstream The role of zonulin and occludin proteins in regulating gut barrier function Why food sensitivities can cause symptoms up to 72 hours after consumption, making them difficult to identify The benefits of modern testing over traditional elimination diets for identifying food triggers How common substances like glyphosate, processed seed oils, and NSAIDs damage gut barrier integrity P

In this insightful episode of the Urban Monk Podcast, Dr. Pedram Shojai explores the critical concept of neuroception—our nervous system's automatic detection of safety and threat—and how it fundamentally impacts our health, happiness, and ability to thrive. Dr. Shojai breaks down the science behind Dr. Stephen Porges' polyvagal theory, explaining how our subconscious continuously scans for environmental cues of safety or danger, triggering different responses in our autonomic nervous system. When we don't feel safe, our body can't properly heal, digest, or function optimally—regardless of how many supplements, green smoothies, or wellness practices we incorporate. Learn how to recognize safety signals in your environment, relationships, and within yourself, while discovering practical techniques to counteract stress responses: peripheral vision exercises, diaphragmatic breathing, calf stretching, and tongue positioning. Dr. Shojai also offers valuable advice on creating sanctuary spaces, minimizing exposure

At 30 years old, former Marine Kevin Ellis received shocking news: he had osteoporosis, a condition most associate with elderly women. Facing a medical system offering only medication and the grim prediction of inevitable fractures, Kevin refused to accept this fate. In this eye-opening conversation, Kevin reveals how he transformed his diagnosis by uncovering the true causes of bone loss and building a protocol that not only reversed his own osteoporosis but has now helped thousands reclaim their skeletal health. Discover why the standard medical approach to bone health is dangerously incomplete, how your gut health directly impacts your bone strength, and why the exercises you're doing might be completely ineffective for building bone density. Kevin shares the specific nutrients, movements, and testing protocols that can dramatically change your bone health trajectory—regardless of your age or current diagnosis. Whether you're in your 30s or your 70s, this episode provides actionable strategies to build a s

Bob Rountree is a legend in the functional medicine space and it's important to hear how he's living.

Why do we self sabotage? Why do we avoid pain so readily?   How can we change the way we go about things to be less avoidant and come back to life?

Nick Pineault is known as the EMF Guy. I brought him to have a sane and sober discussion aroudn a topic that has a lot of sillyness around it. Listen to this!

It's a process but do you know how?   You have to feel it to heal it but there are ways to make it flow better.   Let's discuss.

We were all excited about the microbiome and remain so but my thining around testing the gut has changed and I'm seeing better results doing it this way...

Is the flouride in the water really killing our spiritual awareness? Is it numbing our senses. I dug into the research and here's what I found out about the pineal gland.

Good health starts in your kitchen and it needs to be taught to the kids NOW...they won't have any good habits if they don't start at home with you and then they're doomed to a life of drugs and disease.    Katie teaches us how to turn this around.

Science and the woo- a marriage at last. My guest is a smart doctor who's been following the science on quantum biology and she shares how cool it's all become!

Dr Jeff Bland started this revolution and he's a sane, sober voice in a world that's increasingly filled with unqualified health "experts." It's important to hear what he has to say and how he see health and the wellness inductry.    Let's go.

Dr Nicole Beurkens saw the limits of talk therapy so she went and learned nutriton. The place where they meet is a powerful junction of health and healing for us.

Forget about trying to fix a broken medical model, let's build a new health one that has clean foundations and thinks about life in a more meaningful way. Ari Whitten joins Dr Shojai in a powerful discussion about healthcare and how we may be doing things differently. Check out www.theurbanmonk.com for more goodness.

It turns out we need each-other. Coming together for meals is the single most powerful health and longevity practice you can add to your life according to my guest Shawn Stevenson.

The science is here. We can now acurately track biological age with specific testing and are learning about the interventions that can actually REVERSE AGE. Ryan smith is the founder of the lab that's in the trenches doing the work. They just finished a huge study with Harvard and Yale and, after crunching the data, he visited with Dr Shojai.

Alexander Linn is saving lives by helping people keep their homes safe. Are you at risk of losing your health or your wealth?  Dr Pedram Shojai explores the world of wellness in one's home with an innovator and founder of Shipshape.ai.