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In my first interview with Dr. Sahil Chopra, the Harvard-trained, quadruple board-certified founder of Empower Sleep, we explored how and why he takes a more comprehensive, individualized approach to sleep medicine than traditional providers.

In our second discussion, I wanted to find out more about what each of us can do personally to improve our sleep, especially with the rise of wearable technology and its readily available sleep data. Is that data truly helpful? How do we make sense of it? And which lifestyle adjustments have the biggest impact on our rest?

Dr. Chopra’s insights offer practical guidance for anyone looking to improve their sleep quality.

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Many victories in comprehensive, proactive medicine go unnoticed: good blood pressure, healthy cholesterol, clear arteries. It’s not because patients are unappreciative; it’s simply that they feel relatively the same (unless their metrics get really out of hand).

But sleep is different. When we help someone improve their sleep quality, the impact is immediate and profound. Better sleep translates to more energy, sharper focus, improved mood, and a tangible boost to daily quality of life. And patients notice.

As one of the three pillars of health, sleep matters immensely to me for my patients. That’s why I was thrilled to sit down with Dr. Sahil Chopra, the Harvard-trained, quadruple board-certified founder of Empower Sleep. His approach to sleep care represents a significant departure from traditional sleep medicine, and it’s producing remarkable results for patients throughout the country.

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In my new podcast series, “The Cost of Success,” I’m taking a look behind the curtain at the lives of people who build, lead, and create the most interesting things at the highest levels. We talk about what they’ve made, but more importantly, what it cost them: the pace, the pressure, the tradeoffs, the sacrifices, the scars.

My first guest is Pastor Darren Whitehead, who founded Church of the City in Nashville and grew it to 10,000 people across four locations.

It’s easy to look at an outcome like this and believe it was part of a person’s grand plan all along. But Darren readily admits he’s not a long-term-plan kind of guy. Rather, his story is one of recognizing open doors and having the courage, flexibility, and faith to take risks and walk through them.

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In this episode, I continue my conversation with colleague Dr. Jennifer Ker, a board-certified allergist-immunologist with Heritage Medical Associates in Nashville. We dive deeper into important topics that concern millions of families in the U.S. — like severe asthma and food allergies at school — and discuss some of the current management options available for these and other immunological issues.

Join us for insights from the forefront of modern medicine, including some recent research that might surprise you!

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If you’ve found yourself sneezing through spring or wondering whether certain foods are causing mysterious symptoms, you’re not alone. Allergies affect millions of Americans, yet many people struggle to understand what’s triggering their symptoms or how to find real relief.

I recently sat down with my colleague Dr. Jennifer Ker, a board-certified allergist-immunologist with Heritage Medical Associates in Nashville, to discuss some of the most common questions members bring to me about allergies.

Dr. Ker brings impressive credentials to this conversation, earning her medical degree from the Medical College of Ohio and completing both her pediatrics residency and allergy and immunology fellowship at Vanderbilt University. She also holds a Master of Science in Neurobiology and Physiology from Northwestern University and is a fellow of both the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology and the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology.

That combination of intellectual challenge and immediate patient impact drew Dr. Ker to allergy care, and I was eager to get her insights into a topic I felt less equipped to address.

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What we call “healthcare” in America isn’t really healthcare at all.

Does that surprise you, coming from a doctor? Let me tell you how I got there.

Early in my career, I left family practice because of a deep frustration that still haunts many physicians today. Despite my best efforts and genuine desire to help people, I rarely saw patients get better. With 5,000-person patient panels and tight restrictions on time, I never seemed to have the time or the resources to make a real difference for the people coming to me for help.

Today, I call our modern medical system “sick care” vs. healthcare — not as some childish epithet but as a recognition that while we’ve optimized the system to manage illnesses, we’ve almost entirely ignored promoting and sustaining health.

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I recently had the privilege of sitting down with Brooke Faught, a Doctor of Nursing Practice who has dedicated her career to women’s sexual and pelvic health.

In our previous discussion, we explored women’s sexual wellness and the complexities of low libido. This time, I wanted to dive deeper into another of Brooke’s areas of expertise: safe hormone management for women navigating perimenopause and menopause.

Brooke brings over two decades of experience to these conversations. As the founder of the Women’s Institute for Sexual Health and current Director of Women’s Health at Pazona MD, she’s witnessed firsthand how the medical community’s approach to hormones has evolved — for better and worse. Her expertise as a certified menopause practitioner through the Menopause Society and her fellowship with the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health give her a unique perspective on critical issues.

Beyond her credentials, Brooke’s passionate advocacy for women’s health has led to significant impact in the field through her research, publications, lectures, and even lobbying efforts.

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Recently, I had the privilege of speaking to a room full of entrepreneurs, creators, and business leaders — people who are relentlessly driven to maximize their potential.

They wanted to know how to live longer while living better.

We talked about my book, 90 Is the New 60, and I shared my thesis: We’ve entered an age where living into your 90s with the vitality of a 60-year-old is no longer science fiction.

If you take ownership of your health.

For most of my career, I didn’t believe that was possible. Like many of my colleagues, I was trained in a sick care model — a system designed to prevent quick death, not to optimize for long life. But once I left that system and began working with highly motivated individuals who wanted to invest in their quality of life, I realized I hadn’t been seeing the whole picture.

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As a physician, I’ve witnessed firsthand how certain aspects of women’s health remain shrouded in silence.

Too often, I’ve sat across from a patient struggling to voice concerns about sexual health, libido, or menopause-related symptoms. And for years, I felt woefully unprepared to address these conversations with the depth and expertise they deserved.

That’s precisely why I was thrilled to sit down with Brooke Faught, a Doctor of Nursing Practice who has dedicated over two decades to transforming women’s sexual and pelvic health.

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We’ve reached the end of sitting back and waiting for a doctor to tell us how to be healthy.

If you want a shot at a long and vibrant life, you have to take ownership of your health now — not when something breaks. The patients I see making the most meaningful progress are those who are loudest about their own goals, values, and ambitions. They don’t outsource responsibility. They show up with intention and curiosity, and they build a team that’s aligned with where they’re going.

That kind of alignment matters. When you and your doctor are working in sync — thinking ahead, chasing the right targets, checking the right markers — you get a frictionless partnership with a high likelihood of great outcomes.

Because here’s the truth: Passive, reactionary medicine is no longer good enough.

You need an offensive mindset. You need a team that’s on board. And, in a system that’s more sick care than health care, you need to self-advocate.

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I’ve spent nearly two decades as a physician observing patterns, gathering insights, and developing convictions about what’s truly possible for human health and longevity. This journey culminated in my new book, 90 Is the New 60: A Physician’s Guide to Feeling Great and Living a Long Time.

What if we could add not just years to our lives, but decades of vibrant, purposeful living? What if the decline we commonly associate with aging isn’t inevitable but optional?

These are the questions that drove me to write 90 Is the New 60 — because after all my experience, I truly believe that with the right knowledge, adding decades of vibrant living to the back half of life is a legitimate option for many, many people.

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As we age, our skin begins to reflect more than just our years. It often tells a story of our lifestyle, sun exposure, and even internal imbalances.

At Brentwood MD, we often hear from members who want to know how to care for their skin as they get older. But they want more than just a list of creams; they want to understand what actually works, what’s worth their time and money, and what aligns with a more comprehensive view of health.

I sat down with Dr. Brooke Eastham, a respected dermatologist at Nashville Skin, to get her take. After discussing skin cancer prevention, our talk turned to skin aging and what we can do about it. I appreciated both Dr. Eastham’s depth of knowledge and her ability to cut through the noise to simplify skincare in a way that truly empowers patients.

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The skin tells a story. Every freckle, mole, and mark represents years of exposure to the elements, genetics at work, and the body’s remarkable ability to protect itself.

Yet for all its resilience, our skin remains vulnerable to conditions that can significantly impact our health and quality of life. Understanding how to protect and care for this vital organ is just as important as caring for our internal biological landscape.

Dr. Brooke Eastham, a respected colleague I’ve known since medical school, brings over a decade of dermatological expertise to this conversation.

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My North Star is helping people live a long time and feel great doing it.

The most useful approach I’ve found to accomplish this is to reverse-engineer the diseases most likely to take you off the planet. So when we talk about serious health threats here, it isn’t speculation. It’s data.

The good news? Of the top 10 killers of human beings, you can take steps toward delaying, preventing, or overcoming most of them.

My good friend Zane Griggs and I recently had the privilege of speaking to a group of movers and shakers in Nashville on this subject to illuminate the pathways we consider most valuable for disease prevention, detection, and longevity. I’d like to share my thoughts from that talk with you, too.

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In the world of health optimization, we’re bombarded with an overwhelming array of options: new supplements, trendy diets, cutting-edge devices, and wellness practices.

With so much information, it’s easy to get lost in the minutiae and miss the most basic factors that truly make a difference.

What I’ve discovered through years of working with patients is surprisingly simple: most health challenges are either avoidable or reversible if you focus on the right things.

You don’t need to perfect 27 new health habits. For most people, investing in three to four key health multipliers will send cascading benefits across their entire health landscape.

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As a concierge physician, part of my job is to think about my members’ health even when they don’t have time to think about it themselves.

People are busy with family, business, charity work — all the elements of life that are meaningful to them. And that’s a good thing. So, having an advocate who aligns with your goals, knows your values, and is incentivized to keep you healthy by watching your blind spots while you focus on living is incredibly powerful.

As part of Brentwood MD’s comprehensive health optimization plan, we take a proactive approach to ferreting out developing health threats that would eventually damage either your quality or quantity of life. Two of the largest health threats we help members watch for — and ideally prevent — are cancer and metabolic disease.

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Both now and in the past, I’ve dedicated my career to helping people achieve optimal health. Few areas of medicine have captured my attention and passion more than metabolic health.

Over the years, Jen (Brentwood’s nurse practitioner extraordinaire) and I have worked with hundreds of patients struggling with weight issues, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome. Addressing these is a deeply personal and often frustrating journey. And no two stories are exactly alike.

In this episode of the Future of Medicine podcast, I want to share three powerful weight loss case studies — including my own personal experience. Each is unique, but the lessons they offer are universal. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or just plain fed up with the weight loss roller coaster, these stories might provide the inspiration or insight you need.

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We all juggle countless worries every day. But when one of them is your health, you really only have one worry.

Optimal health is elusive when pursued within our current sick care system. Many experience a slow, reactive, and one-size-fits-all approach because the system’s incentives are misaligned. Its infrastructure and economic backing are built around disease management, not disease prevention.

Years ago, I left the conventional system to practice medicine in the concierge model, where my team and I answer only to our members — not insurance companies, big hospital systems, or anyone besides the person we’re serving. We aim to provide the structure and support for members to achieve health goals as ambitious as their professional and personal aspirations.

In this episode of the Future of Medicine podcast, I’ll cover some of the key areas that everyone should be thinking about and focus on a mental paradigm shift away from the current sick care model.

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The functionality of our upper extremities is essential for almost every aspect of daily life. From lifting a morning coffee cup to typing on a keyboard or enjoying a round of golf, our arms, hands, and shoulders are constantly in motion.

Yet many of us only truly appreciate this intricate system when pain or discomfort begins to interfere with our activities. That’s when expertise in upper extremity care becomes crucial for maintaining our quality of life.

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High-achieving individuals tend to struggle with perfectionism — with striving to achieve an ideal outcome in everything all the time. And what’s wrong with that? Shouldn’t perfection be the standard we aim for?

Though perfection feels like a reasonable and right goal, it simply doesn’t match what we find in reality. At best, perfection is a fantasy. At worst, it’s a delusion. And in either case, when we fail to reach that supreme standard, the result is shame and frustration.

In this podcast, I want to talk about the connection between perfectionism and shame, how it affects high-achievers in particular, and what you can do to free yourself from the cycle.

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Join Dr. Craig Wright as he welcomes Dr. Lauren King, a licensed psychologist from Southeast Psych Nashville. In this insightful episode, they tackle the mental health challenges of modern living.

Dr. King shares her expert insights on navigating the pressures we face in our professional and personal lives. From managing health anxiety to harnessing the power of mindfulness, this episode is packed with practical strategies to calm our busy minds.

Plus, enjoy Dr. King’s refreshing perspective on raising children and discover the psychological principle of “good enough” parenting, an approach that fosters resilience and independence in kids.

Finally, explore the complex world of food relationships and body image as Dr. King offers valuable guidance for cultivating healthier attitudes for ourselves and our families.

Tune in for an episode that’s not just thought-provoking but actionable!

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There’s a pattern I’ve observed over the years working with men — particularly high-achieving men who are deeply dedicated to their families, businesses, and communities. They’re the kind of guys who go all in on everything they do, except for one critical area: their health.

Somewhere along the way, men often let their physical and emotional health slide without even realizing it. And before they know it, they’re facing down serious consequences and wondering, how did I get here?

But it doesn’t have to be that way. Let’s explore why men tend to give up on their health and, just as importantly, how they can fight that tendency.

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Dr. Wright sits down with Dr. James Earls, a pioneer in advanced cardiovascular imaging, to explore the potential of Cleerly’s CT angiography technology in proactive heart health management.

Together, they discuss how Cleerly’s comprehensive plaque analysis provides a full picture of heart health, going beyond traditional screenings. Dr. Earls introduces us to the new Cleerly Ischemia test, a breakthrough in predicting blood flow issues with unprecedented accuracy.

But it’s not all about the tech! Hear stories of patients whose lives were transformed after seeing their own Cleerly scans. Whether you’re a Cleerly convert or just curious about innovative cardiac care, this episode has something for you. Tune in!

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The average life expectancy in our country is about 78 years, up from 70 years just a few decades ago. Modern advances in medicine, health education, and many other factors now make it possible for humans to live longer than ever before. We just need to take advantage of it!

That said, 78 doesn’t need to be the limit. It’s possible — even simple! — to add 30 productive and vibrant years to your life. Your grandfather might have been resigned to a lifespan of 60, but you don’t have to be.

With a strategic health and lifestyle approach, 90 can be the new 60.

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Get ready for a gut check! In this episode, Dr. Wright sits down with gastroenterologist Dr. Spiceland to dig into all things digestive health.

They tackle the rising rates of colon cancer in younger folks, break down the best screening options, and talk about when that nagging heartburn might be more than just a nuisance. Plus, learn how your diet impacts your gut (spoiler: those processed snacks aren’t doing you any favors) and get the scoop on exciting new developments in GI medicine, like using AI to boost colonoscopy accuracy.

Whether you’re due for a screening or just want to keep your digestive system happy, this episode serves up practical advice with a side of cutting-edge insights. Tune in for a conversation that’s sure to get your gears turning about gut health!

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Some quotes just have that ring of truth about them.

One that captures and conveys a reality so many high-achieving, driven individuals struggle with comes from Tony Robbins:

“Success without fulfillment is the ultimate failure.”

As a physician who’s witnessed countless lives unfold, I’ve come to realize that true success isn’t just about achieving goals — it’s about finding fulfillment as you do so.

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In this eye-opening episode of Spotlight Edition, host Dr. Craig Wright sits down with cardiologist Dr. James Gentry for an engaging conversation about heart health. Prepare to be surprised as they discuss when you should really start thinking about heart disease prevention and explore cutting-edge tools for assessing risk.

Dr. Gentry shares valuable updates on aspirin use, blood thinners, and cholesterol management while offering practical advice on interpreting chest pain. Learn about the risk associated with even minimal calcium buildup in arteries and the unexpected cardiovascular benefits of a popular weight-loss medication.

Whether you’re aiming to maintain a healthy heart or reverse existing risk factors, this episode is packed with actionable information. Tune in for a discussion that’s both informative and potentially life-changing.

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The number one killer of humans is heart disease, and right behind it at number two is cancer. The latest data tells us that approximately one in four people will receive a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime.

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In our latest podcast, we revisited the herculean task of addressing how to parent yourself — or reparent yourself, as the case may be.

By examining the patterns in our lives with curiosity — not with judgment — we begin to discover where suboptimal aspects of our upbringing impact us in subtle yet important ways. And once we identify them, we can learn to reparent ourselves in those areas.

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Join me as I sit down with Dr. Tyler Brazelton, owner of Excel Health and Performance in Nashville, for an enlightening discussion on the transformative power of physical therapy.

We explore cutting-edge therapies like high-powered laser, radial pressure wave, and dry needling and how they complement traditional manual techniques to optimize recovery and prevent future injuries. Dr. Brazelton shares valuable insights on the importance of proactive physical therapy assessments to identify and address areas of weakness or suboptimal mobility, even in the absence of obvious pain or injury.

Whether you’re a performance athlete or simply looking to maintain an active, pain-free lifestyle as you age, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now and discover how physical therapy can be your secret weapon for lifelong health and well-being.

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In this “Spotlight Edition” of The Future of Medicine Podcast, our host, Dr. Craig Wright, is joined by Dr. Bijoy John, a renowned sleep specialist with over 25 years of experience. Dr. John shares his top seven sleep strategies proven to help you achieve better health and happiness.

So whether you’re struggling with sleep onset or maintenance or just simply fascinated by the topic, don’t miss this opportunity to prioritize your sleep and transform your life with Dr. Bijoy John’s expert guidance.

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We spend a lot of time talking about top killers like cancer, heart disease, and dementia on this blog. But what about osteoporosis?

Many people are aware that bone density loss poses an increasing risk as you age. But can osteoporosis kill you?

While you won’t find it on any official “top killers” list, that’s only because people aren’t talking about osteoporosis this way — yet.

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If your goal is to live a long time and feel great, then appropriately risk stratifying your cardiovascular future has to rank at the top of your to-do list.

Heart disease unfortunately remains the number one killer of humans in the U.S. and beyond, taking an estimated 17.9 million people off the planet each year. That’s a staggering statistic, and one we’re not okay with.

For this reason, we take a little time each year to review the state of cardiovascular care, what progress has been made, and how you can take advantage of any advances in screening or treatment.

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One topic that’s been generating a lot of buzz in the health and fitness realms lately is Zone 2 training. Maybe you’ve heard of it.

As a physician interested in health multipliers, I’m always on the lookout for more effective ways to help members optimize their health and longevity. So, I thought it was time to document some early thoughts on the subject.

What exactly is Zone 2 training, what are its benefits, and is it relevant to you?

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As a concierge doctor, I’m committed to helping my patients live their longest, healthiest lives. What that comes down to is taking every action possible to delay chronic disease, especially metabolic disease.

Why metabolic disease? Simple. This one disease leads to many of the top killers of humans today, such as heart disease, cancer, and dementia.

To prevent these chronic diseases, we need to take control of our metabolic health. One of the most important ways to do that is through our dietary habits.

Don’t worry; I’m not here to prescribe some new restrictive meal plan that takes all the joy out of life. Instead, I want to share three simple dietary habits you can implement this year to improve your metabolic health and keep chronic illness at bay.