Treatment Room Secrets Podcast: What Your Skin Says About Your Immune System | Featuring Dr. Ebru KarpuzogluIn this episode of the Treatment Room Secrets Podcast, host Dani Marks is joined by immunologist and molecular medicine expert Dr. Ebru Karpuzoglu—known affectionately in the episode as Dr. Ebru—for an eye-opening conversation about the surprising links between inflammation, stress, the immune system, and skin health.Dr. Ebru shares her personal journey from the lab bench to launching her own skincare brand, Aveseena, after struggling with stress-induced cystic acne during her PhD years. With a background in immunology and a passion for translating scientific research into real-world solutions, she explains how our immune system works like a private army, how inflammation plays a vital role in both healing and harm, and why chronic stress can wreak havoc on both our internal systems and our skin.Throughout the episode, the conversation explores why inflammation isn’t always a bad thing, how the skin acts as a dynamic immune organ, and how many of today’s mainstream skincare products fail to address the root causes of irritation. Dr. Ebru also discusses how most people unknowingly overload their skin with too many products, and why simplified, multifunctional formulations—built on science—can often achieve better, longer-lasting results.With clarity, humor, and deep knowledge, Dr. Ebru breaks down complex concepts like inflammaging, cytokine signaling, and the skin microbiome in a way that’s easy to understand and immediately useful. She also touches on the widespread fear-mongering and misinformation in the beauty industry and why choosing skincare products should be based on facts, not marketing.Whether you're a therapist, a skincare professional, or simply curious about the science behind your skin’s behavior, this episode offers valuable insights and plenty of “aha” moments.To learn more about Dr. Ebru’s work and her science-based skincare products, visit www.aveseena.com.Chapters:(Timestamps are approximate and should be adjusted once the episode is uploaded)01:42 – Understanding the immune system as your body’s defense force05:30 – Estrogen, inflammation, and the female immune response09:00 – The Braveheart analogy: Visualizing immune cells in action12:15 – Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic on immunity15:00 – Dr. Abru’s battle with cystic acne and skincare frustration18:20 – Why skin is more than just a barrier—it’s an immune organ22:40 – How chronic stress drives “inflammaging”27:10 – Acute vs. chronic inflammation explained31:05 – Why most skincare is designed to look good, not do good34:40 – How Dr. Abru began formulating her own products39:55 – Are we healing or suppressing symptoms?44:20 – The truth about preservatives and skincare myths49:00 – How stress undermines immunity (and how to stop it)52:30 – Skin as a mirror for internal imbalance57:10 – Rethinking skincare in the indie beauty space1:01:00 – What Dr. Abru changed her mind about over the years1:03:20 – Where to find Aveseena and connect with Dr. Abru

In this episode, we sit down with Josh Williams, LMT, a practitioner whose unique journey bridges the worlds of human and equine therapy. Based in Oregon, Josh has spent decades refining his work—first as a massage therapist for people, and later extending his practice to horses, blending intuition with biomechanics.

Josh shares how his early years in a rural farm town eventually led him to massage school in Hawaii, and how a chance encounter with a meditation retreat center helped shape the depth and presence he brings into every treatment session.

We also discuss his podcast, My Horse Journey, where he explores the incredible connection between people and horses—and what these animals can teach us about healing, patience, and presence.

Whether you’re a manual therapist, animal lover, or just someone curious about alternative healing paths, this episode offers a truly unique perspective.

This episode of the Treatment Room Secrets Podcast features a captivating conversation with David Lobenstine LMT, a renowned massage therapist and educator based in Burlington, Vermont. Host and David bridge the geographical distance to dive deep into the nuances of a sustainable and impactful career in massage therapy.

David introduces his new continuing education course, "Give a Great Massage Again," addressing the core challenge faced by many therapists: maintaining passion and physical well-being in a profession defined by repetition. He candidly shares how easy it is for therapists to mentally check out during sessions, even after years of practice, leading to diminished quality of work and ultimately, burnout. This "good enough" approach, while sometimes undetected by clients, takes a heavy toll on the therapist, both physically and mentally, often shortening careers prematurely.

00:01 Introduction to David Lobenstine

02:19 Challenges in Massage Therapy

08:55 Understanding Burnout in the Profession

12:51 The Need for Structural Change in Massage Therapy

14:21 Reflections on the Evolution of Massage Therapy

18:17 Advice for Aspiring Massage Therapists

20:49 The Importance of Communication in Massage Therapy

24:18 Integrating Breath Work into Practice

25:50 Understanding the Mechanics of Breathing

31:13 The Impact of Breath on the Nervous System

37:45 Client Engagement and Self-Awareness in Massage

41:31 The Importance of Client Engagement

43:41 Observations on Client Transformations

49:18 The Power of Breath Work

56:49 Philosophical Insights from Therapy

59:52 Shifting Perspectives on Change

1:02:47 Balancing Self-Care and Care for Others

1:04:44 Sharing Knowledge and Resources

1:06:47 Valuable Insights for Massage Therapists

Full episodes are available on all podcast platforms. https://nielasher.com/podcast

For more information about NAT online courses, please visit https://nielasher.com/

Dr. Carl Rothschild is the founder, researcher, and owner of Trifecta Light™ Technologies, Inc., the industry leader in the LED Infrared/Red Light therapeutic heating light lamp modality. Beginning in 1979, Carl Rothschild, DC applied his deep desire to help his patients find their path to health in his successful chiropractic practice. A true lover of learning, ‘Dr. Carl’ continually researched many healing therapies and initially landed on LED. He developed numerous LED products for various companies. Further research led him to find ways to harness the power that lies in LED Infrared/Red Light.

Dr. Carl recounts the “aha” moment that pulled him out of traditional practice and into decades of bench research, then breaks down the newest hardware breakthroughs, the three distinct infrared wavelengths (and why they matter), and the cellular cascade that lets light jump-start tissue healing, fat metabolism, and skin regeneration. We explore how the pandemic accelerated at-home adoption, hear case studies ranging from post-surgical recovery to mental-health support, and tackle the economics: why preventive, light-based care could slash long-term costs for patients and healthcare systems alike.

00:00 Introduction05:43 Discovery of Red Light Therapy 10:04 Advancements in Red Light Therapy11:48 Impact of COVID-19 on Therapy Practices15:45 Mainstream Healthcare and Red Light Therapy 17:37 Red Light Accessibility 28:07 Understanding Infrared Light Types33:12 Benefits of Red Light Therapy38:42 The Healing Mechanism of Red Light Therapy44:42 Real Life Case Studies49:44 Mental Health Care53:09 The Cost-Effectiveness of Preventative Healthcare 54:40 Skin Conditions 57:10 The Economics of Healthcare1:01:32 Resources for Red Light Therapy 1:03:38 Conclusion Full episodes are available on all podcast platforms. https://nielasher.com/podcastFor more information about NAT online courses, please visit https://nielasher.com/

Dr. Mark Olson, Ph.D., LMT is that rare bridge between the treatment table and the neuroscience lab. With an M.A. in Education and a Ph.D. in Cognitive & Behavioral Neuroscience from the University of Illinois, he has spent two decades studying how memory, attention, eye movements—and even our sense of beauty—are wired into the brain. Outside the lab, Mark is an aquatic therapist, a certified NARM® practitioner, and a licensed massage therapist who translates cutting-edge research into hands-on, trauma-informed care. His recent publications on chronic pain and nervous-system regulation have become go-to resources for clinicians, and the multidisciplinary courses he teaches attract helping professionals—and curious laypeople—who want the “why” behind the “how” of healing.

In this episode, Dr. Mark Olson reframes massage therapy through a modern neuroscience lens, moving beyond the old “muscle-knot” narrative to explain pain as a brain-generated protective signal that can be recalibrated through skillful touch, sensory-rich inputs, and trauma-informed communication. We unpack how stress heightens nociception, why “deep-tissue” requests are often a search for safer sensory data—not brute force—and how breath work, tempo, and therapist presence modulate the autonomic loop. Mark also explores posture as “stored story,” the psychological impact of chronic pain, and practical ways manual therapists can employ theory-of-mind skills, graded exposure, and narrative reframing to help clients rewrite their pain experience and foster true healing.

00:00 Introduction

02:15 The Psychology Behind Massage

10:36 Debunking Massage Therapy Myths

15:37 Rethinking Pain and Its Relationship to Tissue

18:15 Communicating the True Nature of Massage Therapy

20:39 Exploring the Connection Between Stress and Pain

26:08 Engaging with the Nervous System

30:19 The Power of Sensory Activation in Therapy

34:01 Navigating Pain Requests in Therapy

38:37 The Complexity of Pain Perception

42:38 The Importance of Pain as a Signal

44:34 The Psychological Impact of Chronic Pain

47:51 The Role of Massage Therapy in Healing

49:52 Understanding Emotional Responses in Massage Therapy

51:54 Posture as a Psychological Expression

54:54 Trauma and Its Impact 1:00:55 Changing Perspectives

1:07:09 Exploring Chronic Pain and Its Causes

1:09:43 Expanding the Role of Massage Therapy

1:11:32 Theory of Mind

Full episodes are available on all podcast platforms and on https://nielasher.com/podcast

For more information about NAT online courses, please visit https://nielasher.com/

Nazar Yasin, a multifaceted individual, shares his journey of embracing his 'weirdness' and the cathartic power of music, which he uses to process emotions, especially after the loss of his father. As a successful CEO and investor, he emphasizes the importance of spirituality in modern life, advocating for its role in personal growth and emotional well-being. Through his app, Sol, he aims to make spirituality accessible and engaging, encouraging users to reflect, connect, and find inspiration. Nazar believes that spirituality, akin to physical exercise, is essential for navigating contemporary distractions and fostering genuine connections. His reflections on vulnerability and compassion highlight the profound impact of sharing personal stories in building deeper relationships.

00:00 Introduction

01:36 Spiritual Connection to Music

05:20 Nazar's Background

07:02 Childhood Trauma and Life Questions

09:18 Investing in Global Emerging Markets

13:42 COVID Lockdown Reflections

15:30 What is Spirituality?

25:51 The Role of Connection and Inspiration

29:04 Personal Spiritual Journey

34:44 The Sol App

40:34 Building Spiritual Muscle

52:57 Navigating Distractions

57:39 Changing Perspectives

Full episodes are available on all podcast platforms. https://nielasher.com/podcast

For more information about NAT online courses, please visit https://nielasher.com/

In this episode, our guest is Dr. Nammy Patel, DDA — a trailblazing holistic and functional dentist, author, and advocate for eco-conscious healthcare. Originally from Dharotha, India, and now based in San Francisco, Dr. Patel is the founder of Green Dentistry, a high-tech, spa-like dental practice designed to prioritize patient comfort and total body wellness. As a leader in the field, she is deeply committed to redefining dentistry by bridging the gap between oral health and overall health.

Dr. Patel shares her journey from childhood immigration to becoming one of the most innovative voices in holistic dentistry. We explore her unique approach to oral health, the science behind functional dentistry, and how oral conditions can be early warning signs for systemic diseases—including neurological and cardiovascular issues. The conversation also covers surprising misconceptions around mouthwash, the long-term effects of braces and retainers, and the essential role of proper breathing in oral and whole-body health.

00:00 Intro

04:37 Proactive Dentistry

14:31 Evolving Role of Dentistry

21:16 Nasal Breathing

35:49 Holistic Approaches to Dental Health

39:32 Ugly Vs Unhealthy Teeth

43:44 Importance of Early Oral Health Practices

48:51 Mouthwash Misconceptions

52:17 Habits That Harm Oral Health

1:05:25 Personalized Dental Care

1:08:57 Impacts of Alcohol and Smoking on Oral Health

1:10:55 Fluoride

1:15:31 Understanding Toothpaste Options

1:18:39 A Call for Holistic Dentistry

1:24:10 The Importance of Lifelong Learning

Full episodes are available on all podcast platforms. https://nielasher.com/podcastFor more information about NAT online courses, please visit https://nielasher.com/

In this episode, our guest is Connie Brennan, NP -- a highly experienced aesthetic nurse specialist, educator, and industry leader with a passion for advancing the field of aesthetic medicine. Connie has trained thousands of healthcare professionals and is widely recognized for her expertise in injectables, regenerative treatments, and evidence-based aesthetic practices. Throughout her career, she has been dedicated to empowering practitioners with the knowledge and skills needed to provide safe and effective treatments.

Connie shares her journey in the evolving world of aesthetic medicine, offering insights into the importance of continuing education and staying ahead in this rapidly growing industry. We explore the intricacies of teaching aesthetics, common misconceptions about Botox, and the critical aspects of selecting the right practitioner. The conversation delves into the emotional and psychological impacts of aesthetic treatments, the evolving landscape of aesthetic medicine, and the influence of early life experiences on career choices. Additionally, Connie provides valuable perspectives on alternative skincare methods, the benefits of red light therapy, and the importance of lifelong learning in the field.

00:00 Intro 00:20 The Evolution of Continuing Education 03:38 Teaching Aesthetics 06:42 Debunking Myths About Botox 12:10 Potential Risks and Treatment Complications 14:48 Learning from Experience 16:24 Choosing the Right Practitioner 22:07 Impact of Aesthetic Treatment on Mood 27:48 Navigating the Aesthetic Medicine Landscape 30:25 Influence of Early Childhood on Career Choice 36:42 Botox Use Cases 41:02 Alternative Methods for Skin Care 44:22 Understanding Aesthetic and Regenerative Health 50:26 The Reality of Aesthetic Practices 53:50 Benefits of Red Light Therapy 57:49 Personal Evolution and Insights 59:41 Importance of Sleep 1:08:43 Educational Resources and Online Courses

Full episodes are available on all podcast platforms. https://nielasher.com/podcast For more information about NAT online courses, please visit https://nielasher.com/