Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MD

Allergies, chronic inflammation, and constant exposure to environmental toxins are reshaping how our immune system functions, often in ways that go unnoticed until symptoms appear. What many people see as isolated issues like gut problems, skin reactions, or fatigue may actually reflect a deeper immune imbalance.
In this episode of Extend, I sit down with Dr. Tania Elliott, double board-certified physician in internal medicine and allergy and immunology, to unpack how the immune system operates across infection defense, hypersensitivity, and autoimmunity, and how modern exposures like microplastics, synthetic chemicals, and ultra-processed products are disrupting this balance. We break down how chronic inflammation begins, why gut health is central to immune regulation, and how everyday products in your home may be silently driving immune dysfunction.
We also explore how simple, high-impact changes like reducing toxin exposure, improving indoor air quality, and retraining the immune system through targeted therapies can restore balance and reduce long-term disease risk.
Dr. Tania Elliott is a double board-certified physician in internal medicine and allergy and immunology, focused on helping patients understand immune health, reduce toxic exposures, and apply practical, science-backed strategies to improve resilience, longevity, and overall well-being.
What We Discuss:
(09:07) Immune system explained in three core functions

(10:42) How chronic inflammation begins

(11:13) Gut health and microbiome disruption

(12:50) Signs your immune system is out of balance

(15:39) Environmental toxins and ultra-processed foods

(17:39) Skincare, sunscreen, and endocrine disruptors

(21:33) Microplastics and hidden daily exposure

(24:00) Teflon, PFAS, and long-term health risks

(30:01) Building a healthier home environment

(40:07) Why allergies are increasing

(41:40) Hygiene hypothesis and early exposure

(45:10) Peanut allergy and early introduction

(50:01) Recurrent infections and immune deficiency

(51:21) Immune testing and biomarkers

(52:30) IVIG therapy and immune support

(57:11) Allergy immunotherapy and long-term solutions


 
Thank You to Our Sponsors:
Function Health: Learn more and join using my link. Visit www.functionhealth.com/drshah and use gift code DRSHAH25 for a $25 credit toward your membership. 
Momentous: Head to www.livemomentous.com/fiber and use code DRSHAH for up to 35% off your first order. 
 
Learn more about Dr. Shah:
Website: drshah.com
Clinic: next-health.com
Instagram: darshanshahmd 
 
Learn more about Dr. Tania Elliott:
Website: Dr. Tania Elliott
Instagram: drtaniaelliott
LinkedIn: Tania Elliott, MD

High-performing individuals often appear successful on the outside while quietly experiencing a loss of joy, emotional numbness, and chronic internal stress. This disconnect, often overlooked in traditional diagnostics, may signal a form of depression that goes unrecognized for years.
In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Dr. Judith Joseph, psychiatrist, researcher, and author of High Functioning, to unpack the science of high-functioning depression and how anhedonia can manifest even in highly productive individuals. We break down why traditional mental health models often miss these patients, how pathological productivity masks deeper issues, and how the biopsychosocial model helps identify where joy is being lost across biological, psychological, and social domains.
We also explore Dr. Judith Joseph's 5 Vs framework and how tools like validation, venting, values, vitals, and vision can help systematically restore daily points of joy and long-term emotional resilience.
Dr. Judith Joseph is a board-certified psychiatrist, researcher, and media educator specializing in high-functioning depression and the science of happiness, known for translating complex psychiatric concepts into practical, evidence-based tools that help individuals reclaim joy and optimize mental well-being.
 
What We Discuss:
(06:03) High-functioning depression explained

(08:50) Pathological productivity and busyness

(10:07) Limits of traditional diagnosis

(12:28) Anhedonia and loss of joy

(14:00) Happiness vs joy

(16:45) Biopsychosocial model

(19:57) Biological drivers of mood

(21:56) Metabolic health and inflammation

(24:00) Social factors and relationships

(26:09) Validation and venting

(29:07) Values and meaning

(31:39) Vitals and lifestyle factors

(35:29) Technology and disconnection

(37:18) Vision and planning joy

(42:02) Psychoeducation and awareness





Thank You to Our Sponsors:
IM8: Try IM8 today with a 30-day money back guarantee. You can get 10% off your first order with code DRSHAH at https://im8health.com/discount/DRSHAH. 
Momentous: Head to livemomentous.com/fiber and use code DRSHAH for up to 35% off your first order.
Learn more about Dr. Shah:
Website: drshah.com
Clinic: next-health.com
Instagram: darshanshahmd 



Learn more about Dr. Judith Joseph: 
Website : Dr. Judith   
Instagram: drjudithjoseph 
LinkedIn: Dr. Judith Joseph MD MBA

Cognitive decline, mood disorders, and persistent neurological symptoms are often treated in isolation, even as underlying drivers like inflammation, infections, and blood flow dysfunction continue to go unaddressed. Emerging research suggests that brain health requires a root cause approach that integrates physiology, environment, and lifestyle over time.
In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Dr. Eboni Cornish, Associate Medical Director at Amen Clinics and President Elect of ILADS, to unpack the science of neural longevity and how brain imaging can reveal hidden drivers of mental health symptoms. We break down how SPECT scans uncover patterns of neuroinflammation, why conditions like ADHD and depression may stem from infections, toxins, or hormonal shifts, and how blood flow and cerebellar function play a central role in cognitive performance and emotional regulation.
We also explore how factors like sleep apnea, perimenopause, chronic infections, and metabolic dysfunction quietly reshape brain activity and how targeted interventions can restore function over time.
Dr. Eboni Cornish is a nationally recognized expert in neuroinflammation and complex chronic illness, integrating advanced biomarker testing with brain imaging to uncover root causes and translate cutting edge science into practical strategies for long term brain and body resilience.
What We Discuss:
04:17) Neural longevity and why brain health is missing from longevity conversations.

(05:23) SPECT scan imaging and how it reveals brain activity and blood flow.

(08:55) Neuroinflammation and root causes behind mental health symptoms.

(14:13) The cerebellum as a central regulator of brain function.

(17:06) Perimenopause, estrogen decline, and changes in brain perfusion.

(23:22) Depression and mood disorders as physiological and blood flow issues.

(25:56) Lyme disease, infections, and neuropsychiatric symptoms.

(32:21) Brain scan patterns of inflammation and diagnostic insights.

(36:05) Sleep apnea and its impact on brain function and cognition.

(40:00) A systems approach to brain and body longevity.

(45:43) What a healthy brain looks like on imaging.

(48:01) Dementia risk, progression, and early detection.

(52:09) Practical steps to assess and improve brain health.





Thank You to Our Sponsors:
Function Health: Learn more and join using my link. Visit www.functionhealth.com/drshah and use gift code DRSHAH25 for a $25 credit toward your membership. 
 
Learn more about Dr. Shah:
Website: drshah.com
Clinic: next-health.com
Instagram: darshanshahmd 



Learn more about Dr. Cornish: 
Website : Dr. Eboni Cornish Amen Clinics  
Dr. Cornish on Instagram: dr.ebonicornish 
Amen Clinics on Instagram: amen clinics 
Learn more about ILADS: ILADS

Mental health conditions like depression, PTSD, and trauma related disorders remain difficult to treat, especially when underlying cognitive and emotional patterns persist over time. Emerging research suggests psychedelic assisted therapies may work by temporarily changing how the brain processes information and the sense of self.
In this episode of Extend, we continue our conversation with Dr. Rick Doblin, founder of MAPS, to explore the mechanisms behind psychedelic therapy. We break down how compounds like LSD may reduce activity in the default mode network, how this shift affects perception and emotional processing, and why integration is essential for translating short term insights into lasting change.
We also explore how traditional practices like ayahuasca combine psychological and spiritual frameworks, and how these approaches are shaping new perspectives on trauma, behavior change, and mental health treatment.
Dr. Rick Doblin is the founder and executive director of MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies), the organization leading global research into psychedelic assisted therapies and working to develop evidence-based treatments for PTSD and other mental health conditions.
What We Discuss:
(1:01:22) LSD therapy for trauma and addiction

(1:10:10) Psilocybin, creativity, and cognition

(1:12:05) DMT, ego dissolution, and consciousness

(1:18:21) Ayahuasca traditions and addiction recovery

(1:26:39) MDMA therapy and intergenerational trauma

(1:31:36) Ketamine clinics and treatment resistant depression

Thank You to Our Sponsors:
Timeline: Go to timeline.com/drshah to get 20% off your order.
 
Learn more about Dr. Shah:
Website: drshah.com
Clinic: next-health.com
Instagram: darshanshahmd 



Learn more about Dr. Rick Doblin:
Website: maps.org 
Instagram: rickdoblinphd 
X: @RickDoblin

Depression, PTSD, and trauma related disorders continue to challenge modern medicine, even as our understanding of the brain and consciousness rapidly evolves. New research suggests that certain therapies may help unlock deeper healing by combining neuroscience, psychology, and carefully guided experiences.
In this episode of Extend, we sit down with Dr. Rick Doblin, founder of MAPS, to unpack the science and history behind psychedelic assisted therapy and its potential role in mental health treatment. We break down the research behind MDMA assisted therapy for PTSD, how psychedelics influence neuroplasticity and emotional processing, and why therapeutic context, preparation, and integration are essential for safe and meaningful outcomes.
We also explore how psychedelic research is reshaping conversations around trauma, healing, and the future of psychiatry.
Dr. Rick Doblin is the founder and executive director of MAPS (Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies), the organization leading global research into psychedelic assisted therapies and working to develop evidence-based treatments for PTSD and other mental health conditions.
 
What We Discuss:
(01:55) The political origins of psychedelic prohibition

(04:40) Ancient psychedelic traditions and the Eleusinian Mysteries

(08:01) Dr. Rick Doblin's path to founding MAPS

(10:34) Science, policy, and the future of psychedelic medicine

(11:00) Expanding research on MDMA therapy

(12:21) Psychedelic churches and religious freedom laws

(15:42) Why context and safety shape psychedelic outcomes

(16:20) Neuroplasticity and emotional processing

(17:36) Bromo-LSD and non-psychedelic therapeutic compounds

(20:39) Psychedelics and rewriting personal narratives

(23:22) The Good Friday Experiment and mystical experiences

(25:23) MDMA therapy and trauma processing

(27:47) Psychedelics and alternatives to alcohol

(30:30) Ketamine therapy and pharmaceutical incentives

(36:16) MAPS, MDMA development, and commercialization

(41:56) The FDA pathway for MDMA therapy

(47:00) Global psychedelic research initiatives

(56:51) Early LSD research in psychology

…to be continued

Thank You to Our Sponsors:
Timeline: Timeline powered by Mitopure just dropped the price. Check it out at timeline.com/drshah and get an additional 20% off your first month with code DRSHAH.
 
Learn more about Dr. Shah:
Website: drshah.com
Clinic: next-health.com
Instagram: darshanshahmd 

 
Learn more about Dr. Rick Doblin:
Website: maps.org 
Instagram: rickdoblinphd 
X: @RickDoblin