The Dr. Hoeflinger Podcast
The Dr. Hoeflinger Podcast helps you make smarter decisions in everyday life, without the jargon, fear, or hype, so you can live healthier and more intentionally. Hosted by Dr. Brian Hoeflinger, a board-certified neurosurgeon with 26+ years of experience, and his son, Kevin, the show breaks down complex topics in plain English: longevity, memory, sleep, back and neck pain, injury prevention, alcohol’s impact, exercise, and more. Kevin keeps things practical and relatable, asking the questions you’d ask at the dinner table and turning insights into simple steps you can use right away. Expect evidence-based education, powerful personal stories, and behind-the-scenes perspective from medicine, plus thoughtful conversations about resilience, meaning, and what adversity can teach us about living well, both one-on-one and with incredible guests.
Episodes
#51: The Plastic Surgeon Who Did Residency Twice | Dr. Alex De Souza
Dr. Alex De Souza is a plastic surgeon and anatomy professor with over three decades of experience. He was already a fully trained in Brazil, but to practice in the U.S. he had to start over as a first-year surgery resident. So he ended up completing 14 years of residency in total.In this episode, he explains why he's "not a magician," why he believes 80% of a surgical result depends on the patien
#50: Training for Your First Triathlon | Swim Panic, Fueling & Race Day
Dr. Hoeflinger and his son Kevin are training for the Michigan Half Ironman. In this episode they break down what a 70.3 and shorter triathlon distances actually involve, how to handle the swim if open water makes you nervous, how to fuel so the run doesn't fall apart, and why these challenges are worth doing at any age. Dr. Hoeflinger did his first triathlon at 52 while working full time in neuro
#49: Why Cigarettes and Vaping Are So Addictive
Try Nuropod for 5% off with a 30 day money back guarantee 👉 https://nuropod.com/hoeflingerNicotine reaches your brain in 10 to 15 seconds, and that speed is most of the reason it's so hard to quit.Dr. Brian Hoeflinger, a board-certified neurosurgeon, and his son Kevin get into what nicotine actually does in the brain, why the body builds more receptors the more you use, and why that makes toleranc
#48: The 4 Stages of Sleep & What Happens in Each One
Try Nuropod for 5% off with a 30 day money back guarantee 👉 nuropod.com/hoeflingerMost of us spend a third of our lives asleep with no idea what's actually happening. This episode walks through all four stages of sleep, what the brain is doing in each one, and why the order matters. How light hitting the back of your eye starts the whole process, why stage two works like a librarian shelving the d
#47: NBA Team Doctor for the Chicago Bulls | Dr. Jeremy Alland
Dr. Jeremy Alland is the head primary care team physician for the Chicago Bulls and also works with the White Sox and Chicago Fire, but he never planned on being a doctor at all. He was doing lab research in college and assumed he'd end up in pharmaceuticals, until he realized he got his energy from people instead of petri dishes. He talks about finding non-operative sports medicine almost by acci
#46: Are Doctors Being Asked to Do More With Less? | Dr. Furhan Qureshi
Try Nuropod for 5% off with a 30 day money back guarantee 👉 nuropod.com/hoeflingerCheck out Dr. Qureshi on social media 👉 https://www.instagram.com/furhanqureshimd/Dr. Furhan Qureshi is a board-certified internist, U.S. Air Force reservist, and one of the early pioneers of telehealth medicine. In this episode, he and Dr. Hoeflinger get into what's really pushing doctors out of medicine, how the bu
#45: Engineering Student to Brain Surgeon | Dr. Jay Jagannathan
Try Nuropod for 5% off with a 30 day money back guarantee 👉 nuropod.com/hoeflingerCheck out Dr. Jagannathan on social media 👉 https://mi-neurosurgery.comDr. Jay Jagannathan was an electrical engineering student with no doctors in his family when he decided he was going to become a neurosurgeon. Today he runs a multi-location private practice in Michigan and has built one of the larger neurosurgery
#44: What It Really Takes to Become a Heart Surgeon | Dr. Bobby Yanagawa:
Check out Dr. Yanagawa on social media 👉 https://linktr.ee/dryanagawaDr. Bobby Yanagawa was rejected from medical school twice. He almost didn't take his own father to the hospital during a heart attack when he was younger. Today he's a cardiac surgeon, Division Head at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, and he thinks about his surgical failures and how he can improve every single day.In this epis
#43: A Pediatric Doctor's Rule for Medicine & Life | Dr. Paul Tran
Check out Dr. Tran on social media 👉 @Alimentaryschool Link to our free webinar event on Navigating Difficult Conversations in Medicine: https://www.facebook.com/share/1DQmaM49f4/Dr. Paul Tran is a pediatric gastroenterologist, father of three, and a thoughtful voice in medical education. In this conversation, Paul opens up about a defining moment during his first year of fellowship that changed
#42: What Should You Do If You Have Back Pain? Neurosurgeon Explains
Subscribe to my free newsletter for practical insights on health, medicine, and living well ▶ https://pages.doctorhoeflinger.com/Back pain is incredibly common, and it can be scary when you don’t know what’s causing it or what to do next. If you’re dealing with back pain right now, you may be wondering what it means, what you should do first, and whether you need imaging, treatment, or surgery.In
#5: Navigating Grief & Loss
In this episode, Brian, Cindy, Kevin, and Christie Hoeflinger share their experience of their son and brother, Brian's, tragic death and its aftermath. They explore the complex and nuanced facets of grief, sharing candidly about the challenges they've faced, the strategies they've employed to cope, and the profound lesson they've learned along the way.Through their collective narratives, they aim
#30: The History of Brain Surgery
In this episode, Dr. Hoeflinger and Kevin discuss the history of brain surgery from 7,000 BCE to present day and what the future of surgery and medicine may bring.Check out My Free Newsletter: pages.doctorhoeflinger.comEach week, I simplify the world of health, medicine, and fitness using my 25 years of experience as a board-certified neurosurgeon. Tune in every week for new episodes of The Hoefl
#17: Bill Gstalder - Taking a Risk in Life
Bill Gstalder is Dr. Hoeflinger's best friend and a long time family friend of the Hoeflinger's. 22 years ago, Bill took a major risk and started his own business, Pride Gage Associates, after being let go from his job at 39 years old. Through hard work, determination, and a great team the business has been successful and the risk paid off. Nowadays, Bill runs the business with his wife and loves
#4: Christie Hoeflinger - The Truth about Being a Young Parent
In this episode, Christie Hoeflinger shares the struggles, joys, and unexpected twists of becoming a young mother, from the moment she discovered she was pregnant to the transformative journey of raising her son, Archer, who recently turned 9 months old. Throughout the episode, Christie emphasizes the significance of having a strong support system when raising a child, particularly when navigating
#15: Miracles & The Power of Belief
Do you believe in miracles? Dr. Hoeflinger, drawing from his extensive career as a neurosurgeon, shares how he has come to believe in miracles through the countless awe-inspiring stories of patients who have defied medical odds and experienced miraculous outcomes.In this episode, Dr. Hoeflinger gives a glimpse into the profound moments of hope he has experienced throughout his career as a surgeon.
#32: The Future of Healthcare & What It Means for You | Bo & Ford Holland
Learn more about Health Bank One! ▶ http://www.healthbankone.com/Download the Health Bank One app from the Apple App StoreUse code HOEFLINGER for 20% off your monthly subscription.Download the Health Bank One app from the Android App Store In this episode, Dr. Brian Hoeflinger and Kevin Hoeflinger sit down with Bo and Ford Holland, the father-son duo behind Health Bank One. They discuss the critic
#12: Our Social Media Journey
In this episode, Dr. Hoeflinger and Kevin Hoeflinger discuss getting started on social media, the rapid growth of Dr. Hoeflinger's social media channels, the power and reach of social media, creating meaningful content, being a lifelong learner, and more!Thank you all for watching and listening to our content and we hope you continue to follow along on our journey!Check out My Free Newsletter: pag
#31: Passion, Pressure, & Precision: The Journey of Brain Surgeons
In this episode, Dr. Brian Hoeflinger and Kevin Hoeflinger talk with three neurosurgery residents (Drs. Catherine Jay, Racquel Whyte, and Karolina Pellot) and one attending neurosurgeon (Dr. Melissa LoPresti) from the University of Rochester to discuss the challenges, rewards, and realities of neurosurgical training. They share firsthand experiences, from their first brain surgeries to the intense
#29: How I Became a Brain Surgeon | Dr. Brian Hoeflinger, MD
In this video, I share my journey of becoming a neurosurgeon - detailing how you become a neurosurgeon, how long it takes, and why I did it. Learn more about MotivateMD!Medical School Application Services Residency Application Services:Becca’s Contact Info For Any Questions: Text or call: 917-994-0765 | support@motivatemd.comCheck out My Free Newsletter: pages.doctorhoeflinger.comEach week, I simp
#18: The Power of Habits to Transform Your Life
In this episode, Dr. Hoeflinger and Kevin Hoeflinger explore the remarkable potential of habits to transform your life. Discover how even small changes can lead to remarkable personal growth and success. Through personal anecdotes and insights, they each share their experiences with habit formation and how it has positively impacted their lives. Tune in for an engaging conversation that highlights
#2: The Story of Dr. Cindy Hoeflinger
In this episode, we dive into the inspiring life story of Dr. Cindy Hoeflinger and how she courageously navigated the intricate tapestry of motherhood, career ambitions, and societal expectations on her path to becoming a full time forensic pathologist. Join us as we explore what it was like for her as a woman navigating the male-dominated realm of medicine. Candidly, she shares the pressures, tri
#33: Dr. Z Neurosurgery - What It Really Takes to Become a Neurosurgeon
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Z, a spine surgery fellow and neurosurgeon in Los Angeles. Dr. Z discusses his journey through neurosurgery, including the grueling demands of residency, the mental and physical resilience required, and the lessons he’s learned along the way. He shares the pivotal moment that inspired him to pursue neurosurgery, his experiences delivering life-changing (and som
#40: What is Rucking, Why I Started Rucking, & Why You Should Walk More
Dr. Brian Hoeflinger and Kevin Hoeflinger explore the science and practice of rucking, walking with added weight, as a joint-friendly way to boost cardiovascular health, build strength, and increase resilience. They share how rucking compares to running and walking, practical steps to get started safely, and the surprising benefits for muscle, mood, and longevity. This episode provides actionable
#28: What Happens if you Have a Pinched Nerve in Your Neck | Dr. Brian Hoeflinger, MD
Have you ever experienced an episode of neck pain that is associated with pain radiating into your arm? If so, you may have been experiencing discomfort from a pinched nerve in your neck. The official term for pain radiating into your arm from a pinched nerve in your neck in called “radiculopathy”.In this episode, the Dr. Hoeflinger and Kevin discusses the symptoms, diagnoses, and potential treatm
#8: Healthy Living: Getting Started & Finding your Why
Ever struggled to find the motivation to begin a fitness journey? What if we told you that, with the right mindset, achievable goals and a supportive community, you can start and maintain an active lifestyle? Join us on an exciting journey to Chattanooga, Tennessee, where our co-host Kevin is participating in an Ironman race. We share our thoughts on the challenges of beginning a fitness regimen,
#9: Listener Q&A: Your Questions Answered
In this episode, Dr. Hoeflinger and Kevin Hoeflinger answer their viewers and listeners' questions. They discuss the typical day for a neurosurgeon, the tools of a neurosurgeon, various conditions, Kevin's recent Ironman finish, and much more!Please ask any questions you want them to answer on their social medias for them to answer in a future Q&A.Check out My Free Newsletter: pages.doctorhoef
#37: Andy Nguyen (ND MD) - Navigating Anesthesiology Residency
In this episode, we’re joined by Andy Nguyen, MD, a PGY1 anesthesiology resident at Yale and YouTube creator (ND MD - Dr. Nguyen's YouTube channel)Dr. Nguyen shares his journey from medical school to residency, offering insights into the structure of his intern year and the emotional and professional challenges that come with it. We also discuss how he uses photography, videography, and storytelli
#22: Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for a Cause
To learn more, you can view our GoFundMe Page here: https://gofund.me/ca80221fWhen my 18-year-old son Brian died in a car accident in 2013, a part of me died that night. However, a new part of me was born. A part of me to achieve great things in life that my son Brian would no longer have the chance to do. My son, Kevin, has felt much the same way as me since his brother died. We have spoken exten
#19: Hayden Grady: Conquering College & Parenthood
Hayden Grady is a 22 year old student at The University of Toledo working on his bachelor's in science on a pre-med track. Hayden shares his experience as a full time student and full time Dad, how he balances the two, and what has led to his success so far. Check out My Free Newsletter: pages.doctorhoeflinger.comEach week, I simplify the world of health, medicine, and fitness using my 25 years of
#11: What is Spinal Stenosis?
In this episode, Dr. Hoeflinger gives a detail explanation of spinal stenosis, including symptoms, treatment options, and what surgery entails.Check out My Free Newsletter: pages.doctorhoeflinger.comEach week, I simplify the world of health, medicine, and fitness using my 25 years of experience as a board-certified neurosurgeon. Tune in every week for new episodes of The Hoeflinger Podcast with D
#16: Goal Setting & Our 2024 Goals
In this episode, Dr. Hoeflinger and Kevin discuss the importance of setting goals and share their goals for 2024!Thank you all for watching and listening to our content and we hope you continue to follow along on our journey!Check out My Free Newsletter: pages.doctorhoeflinger.comEach week, I simplify the world of health, medicine, and fitness using my 25 years of experience as a board-certified n
#41: What Residency Is Really Like | Dr. Kamran Tate
Residency is one of the most challenging, and defining, stages of becoming a doctor. In this episode, we talk with Dr. Kamran Tate, a second-year internal medicine resident, to hear what life is really like on the frontlines of medicine. From the steep learning curve of day one to balancing 12-hour shifts, navigating the ICU, and relying on the wisdom of nurses and mentors, Dr. Tate shares the unf
#14: Neurosurgeon's Advice to Aspiring Doctors
In this episode, Dr. Hoeflinger gives his advice on how to become a doctor: including, how to stand out during undergraduate, how to get into medical school and residency, how to do well at each stage, and his overall advice to all aspiring doctors.Thank you all for watching and listening to our content and we hope you continue to follow along on our journey!Check out My Free Newsletter: pages.doc
#38: How Tiny Experiments Can Change Your Life with Anne Laure Le Cunff
Check out Anne-Laure's book "Tiny Experiments" 👉 https://nesslabs.com/bookWhen a health scare forced Anne-Laure Le Cunff to confront her overworked life at Google, everything changed. In this episode, she shares the powerful moment that led her to walk away from her “dream job” and begin rethinking success through tiny experiments, intentional imperfection, and curiosity-driven living.In this epis
#39: Dr. Zain Hasan: Balancing Anesthesiology, Family, and Life
In this episode, we spoke with Dr. Zain Hasan, a board-certified anesthesiologist, husband, father, and rising medical voice on social media, for an honest conversation about what life is really like behind the curtain of modern medicine. Dr. Hasan opens up about the realities of anesthesiology, how he navigates raising a family with a wife who is also in medicine, and the pressures of being calm
#27: Kian Sadeghi - Preventative Medicine and the Power of DNA
In this episode, we spoke with Kian Sadeghi, the 25-year-old founder and CEO of Nucleus Genomics, a company empowering people with data-rich preventative healthcare that starts at the genetic level.When Kian was just six years old, his 16-year-old cousin died in her sleep of a rare — yet treatable — genetic disease. 15 years later, he set out to build a product that could have saved her life –– an
#6: Neurosurgeon Shares Triathlon Training & Fitness Journey
In this episode, Dr. Brian Hoeflinger and Kevin Hoeflinger share their triathlon training experiences and overall fitness journeys. We dive into the discipline, focus, and mental acuity necessary for Dr. Hoeflinger's role as a neurosurgeon and how that overlaps with fitness training.We explore our journeys to becoming triathletes, how we train, the exhilaration of race days, and the deep sense of
#34: Stacey Stewart - The Fight to End Drunk Driving & MADD's Mission
Visit https://madd.org/ to learn more and get involved. In this episode, we are joined by Stacey Stewart, CEO of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), to discuss the ongoing fight to end impaired driving. With over 13,000 lives lost each year due to drunk driving, this issue remains a national crisis and one that is deeply personal for our family.Stacey shares her journey from leading major org
#24: Bob Baxter, President of Mercy Health Toledo - Healthcare, AI, and the Future of Medicine
Bob is the President of the Toledo Market for Bon Secours Mercy Health, the largest health system in Ohio. As a leader in the Toledo, Baxter oversees strategy and operations for eight hospitals -- eight hospitals, including a children’s hospital and a Level 1 Trauma Center – one college, Life Flight critical care network and more than 100 sites of care across Northwest Ohio and Southeast Michigan
#23: How Anxiety Almost Ruined My Life
In this episode, Dr. Hoeflinger makes an explosive reveal about his past. We take anxiety head on by revealing Dr. Hoeflinger's past and how anxiety disorder almost ruined his life. He explains the life-altering effects of a panic attack and how someone trapped in this prison of fear might escape. It's an incredible journey of painful insight, self-awareness, and ultimate self-triumph that you won
#20: Remembering Brian Nicholas Hoeflinger
Brian Nicholas Hoeflinger was a beloved son, brother, and friend. He was a kind, intelligent, funny, and all around amazing human who was lost too soon. This episode is in memory of his life and who he was as a person.Rest in peace Brian. We all love and miss you dearly. 12/28/1994 - 2/2/2013Check out My Free Newsletter: pages.doctorhoeflinger.comEach week, I simplify the world of health, medicine
#13: Social Media in Healthcare & Neuroscience Summit
In this episode, Dr. Hoeflinger and Kevin Hoeflinger discuss the Medtronic Neuroscience Healthcare Executive Summit that they went to and Dr. Hoeflinger spoke on a panel at. Dr. Hoeflinger spoke on a panel about the expanding role of social media in healthcare with Dr. Langer and Chris Gade. Also, Dr. Hoeflinger and Kevin discuss their aim with social media, stroke awareness, and more!Thank you al
#3: Balancing Career and Family
In this episode, gain insights into how Drs. Cindy and Brian Hoeflinger's journeys in medicine have intersected with the responsibilities of parenthood. From long hours in the hospital to sharing quality time at home, they reveal the challenges they've faced and the rewards they've reaped in maintaining a harmonious equilibrium.The Hoeflinger trio explores the role of effective communication, the
#36: A&P Professor - Why Learning Shouldn’t Be Boring
A&P Professor's Course 👉 https://anpprofessor.com/vip-accessTim Reynolds, known online as A&P Professor, breaks down how he makes complex topics simple, engaging, and fun. From teaching hundreds of students at Ithaca College to building a massive online following with viral quizzes and short-form content, Tim shares the importance of meeting students where they are, leveraging platforms li
#35: Dr. Drew Ramsey - How to Improve Your Mental Health Through Diet & Lifestyle Changes
Dr. Ramsey's New Book 👉 Healing the Modern Brain In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Drew Ramsey, a board-certified psychiatrist, psychotherapist, author, and leading voice in nutritional psychiatry, to explore the connection between mental health, food, and lifestyle.Dr. Ramsey shares insights from his upcoming book, Healing the Modern Brain, including the core tenets of better mental health
#21: Trigeminal Neuralgia: Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment
In this episode, Dr. Hoeflinger, a board certified neurosurgeon, and Kevin Hoeflinger discuss Trigeminal Neuralgia. This is a rare but extremely painful condition causing lancinating facial pain. The pain of trigeminal neuralgia has been described as one of the worst pain a human can experience. They discuss a brief history of the condition, potential causes, common symptoms, and various treatment
#26: The Hoeflingers - What's New, Eating Healthy, and the 80/20 Rule
In this episode, the Hoeflingers discuss their week, eating healthy, and 80/20 rule.We hope you enjoy this episode!Check out My Free Newsletter: pages.doctorhoeflinger.comEach week, I simplify the world of health, medicine, and fitness using my 25 years of experience as a board-certified neurosurgeon. Tune in every week for new episodes of The Hoeflinger Podcast with Dr. Brian Hoeflinger and Kevi
#10: Finding Your Way: Julie Hoeflinger's Story
In this episode, Julie Hoeflinger, who recently graduated from Imperial College London with a Masters in Scientific Communication, candidly shares her journey of exploring her real passions, overcoming personal struggles, and finding and being confident in her true self. She recounts her high school days, her undergraduate study in neuroscience and creative writing at The Ohio State University, an
#25: Dr. Antonio Webb - Becoming a Board-Certified Orthopedic Spine Surgeon
Dr. Antonio Webb is a board certified and fellowship-trained Orthopedic Spine Surgeon located in San Antonia, TX.In today's episode, we discussed the difference between Orthopedic spine surgeons and Neurosurgeons, advancements in surgery, Dr. Webb's journey to becoming a surgeon, Dr. Webb's charitable foundation, social media in medicine, and much more!Make sure to check out everything we discusse
#1: The Story of Dr. Brian Hoeflinger
Welcome to The Hoeflinger Podcast! In this debut episode, we delve into the captivating life story of Doctor Hoeflinger. From his early life, to becoming a neurosurgeon, to tragically losing his son, to becoming a drunk driving advocate, and eventually informing and educating through social media.We also discuss why we started this podcast, what topics we will cover, and more. We strive to inspire
#7: What Every Patient Should Know
In this episode, Dr. Hoeflinger provides invaluable insights into the entire patient healthcare journey, from the initial medical office visit to post-surgical recovery and follow-up. He offers a transparent and compassionate look at the patient journey from the perspective of a surgeon. This episode serves as an indispensable guide for patients, demystifying the complex healthcare process and emp
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