The Eye-Q Podcast

In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast, I talk with functional nutritionist Laurie Hammer about amino acid therapy and how neurotransmitter imbalances affect mood, cravings, energy, and stress. Laurie shares her personal healing story, explains how she assesses serotonin, GABA, and other pathways, and walks us through her Calm Mom Method—a brain-first approach to restoring balance for overwhelmed women.

As a Functional Nutritional...

In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast, I talk with functional health coach and bestselling author Missy Chase Lapine about how food shapes our energy, focus, gut health, and mood. We break down blood sugar swings, simple fixes for morning crashes, and the surprising power of plant diversity. Missy also shares quick recipes, smart kitchen shortcuts, and how community helps turn health knowledge into lasting habits.

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Missy Chase Lap...

In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast, I speak with Dr. Pat McShane about women’s health and how to protect healthspan after menopause. We explore why women have been left out of research, the importance of protein, muscle, balanced nutrition, sleep, and social connection, and the practical steps women can take to stay strong, independent, and well for decades to come.

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Dr. McShane is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology a...

In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast, I talk with vision scientist Dr. Deshanie Rai about the macular carotenoids—lutein, zeaxanthin, and meso-zeaxanthin—and why they’re essential for lifelong eye health. We break down their role in filtering blue light, supporting retinal resilience, improving visual performance, and even boosting cognition. We also explore diet, supplementation, and new research in both adults and children.

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Dr...

In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast, Dr. Rani Banik sits down with Dr. Debbie Ozment—an integrative dentist with over 40 years of experience—to explore the mouth-body connection. They discuss how oral bacteria influence gut and brain health, why mouthwash may harm nitric oxide balance, and how small daily habits can transform your vitality, cognition, and overall wellness.

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Curiosity led Dr. Debbie Ozment down a unique path as a...

In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast, I speak with neurologist and headache specialist Dr. Huma Sheikh about what really causes migraine—and why it’s far more than “just a headache.” We unpack the difference between migraine and tension pain, common triggers like hormones and stress, and simple, effective lifestyle shifts that can help bring your body back into balance.

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Dr. Sheikh is a highly trained and well-experienced headach...

In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast, Dr. Rudrani Banik speaks with ophthalmologist Dr. Ravi Goel about how sunlight, UV rays, and blue light affect our eyes. They break down myths about sun gazing and blue blockers, explore conditions like cataracts and pterygium, and share three easy ways to safeguard your eyes daily—without giving up sunshine or screen time.

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Ravi Goel’s family has lived in Southern New Jersey for more than 50...

In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Jen Pfleghaar, DO, ABOIM, to explore what really happens to women’s hormones during perimenopause—and how to navigate it with grace. We talk about hormone imbalances, migraines, liver detox, cycle syncing, fasting, and how faith and integrative medicine can help restore balance, energy, and peace of mind.

Dr. Jen Pfleghaar is a double board-certified physician in Emergenc...

In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast, Dr. Rudrani Banik chats with physical therapist and ergonomics expert Margie Bissinger about how posture and workstation setup influence eye health. Learn the science behind digital eye strain, discover small adjustments that prevent fatigue and headaches, and find out how simple awareness can protect your vision and body during long hours at the computer.

Margie Bissinger is a physical ther...

In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Andrew Lee, one of the world’s leading neuro-ophthalmologists, to unravel the mysteries of the optic nerve. We cover conditions like optic neuritis, optic nerve strokes, papilledema, and optic atrophy—how they’re diagnosed, what treatments exist, and when to seek a neuro-ophthalmologist. Whether you’re a patient or practitioner, this episode will expand your understanding of...

In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Elise Brisco—an integrative optometrist, clinical homeopath, and international model. We explore natural strategies to keep your eyes vibrant, the role of homeopathy in everyday eye care, and the empowering lessons Dr. Brisco has learned blending health, beauty, and science.

Dr. Brisco is an integrative optometrist and certified clinical homeopath. She practices in a multi-di...

In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Kenneth Rosenthal, a world-renowned cataract surgeon, to demystify everything about cataracts. We explore who gets them, why they happen, and how to slow their progression. Dr. Rosenthal also reveals how cataract surgery has transformed into one of the safest, most effective procedures in medicine, with innovations like advanced intraocular lenses, lasers, and customized opt...

In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Christopher Lievens to dive deep into contact lenses—their evolution, safety, and future. We discuss how modern designs make lenses comfortable and effective even for older adults, and why habits like showering or swimming in them can be so dangerous. Whether you’ve worn contacts for years or are considering them for the first time, this episode is your guide to protecting a...

In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast, I speak with Dr. Kathleen Digre, one of the world’s leading neuro-ophthalmologists, about migraine and vision. We explore the most common visual symptoms—from aura and light sensitivity to dry eye and pupil changes—plus the myths around “ocular migraine.” Dr. Digre also shares practical lifestyle tips, treatment options, and why there is more hope than ever for people living with migraine.

Kathl...

In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Michael Chua to decode the many causes of red eyes. We cover dry eye, allergies, subconjunctival hemorrhage, infections, and eyelid mites—plus simple strategies for relief like eyelid hygiene, artificial tears, and antihistamine drops. If you’ve ever wondered why your eyes are red and irritated, this conversation will give you clarity.

Dr. Michael Chua is a board-certified ...

In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast, I speak with Dr. Rupa Wong about the essentials of pediatric eye health. We cover amblyopia (“lazy eye”), the myopia epidemic, and groundbreaking treatments like low-dose atropine drops, specialized contact lenses, and even VR headsets. We also dive into screen time rules every parent should know and why early diagnosis makes all the difference for lifelong vision.

Dr. Rupa Wong is a board-c...

In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast, I’m joined by Dr. Beverly Yates, a naturopathic doctor specializing in type 2 diabetes. We explore how high blood sugar damages the eyes, the organs most affected, and why vision loss is preventable. Dr. Yates shares her five-step Yates Protocol, including nutrition, strength training, stress management, and continuous glucose monitoring to reverse diabetes and protect your sight.

Dr. Beverly Ya...

In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast, I speak with retina specialist Dr. Krishna Mukkamala about the impact of diabetes on vision. We cover five major ways diabetes can silently damage your eyes, the most commonly overlooked symptom, and how early intervention can prevent permanent blindness. Whether you're managing diabetes or supporting someone who is, this episode offers vital insights to help protect long-term eye health.

Dr. Kr...

I sat down with Dr. Jennifer Lyerly to explore why so many of us start struggling to read up close after 40—and what we can do about it. From the science behind lens stiffening to smart tips like tech hacks, glasses, and even pharmaceutical drops, this conversation will reshape how you think about aging eyes.

In this episode of The Eye-Q Podcast, I speak with Dr. Jennifer Lyerly about everything you need to know about presbyopia—the...