What the Health is Happening? with Dr. V
Hosted by Dr. Valda Crowder, an experienced emergency physician and healthcare leader, this podcast offers calm, evidence-based guidance on a range of health topics. Each episode addresses the underlying question of what's really going on with your health, covering issues like aging, parenting, chronic conditions, and surgical decisions. Dr. V aims to help listeners cut through confusing medical advice and think clearly in high-stress moments. The show promises no hype and no panic, just practical, physician-led clarity.
Episodes
Vaccines Beyond Childhood: What Adults Need to Know for Health and Longevity
Welcome to another episode of What The Health Is Happening? With Dr. V. In today’s show, the conversation focused on the vital role vaccines play in protecting our health at every stage of life, not just in childhood. A key theme that emerged was the ongoing development of new immunizations and the importance of staying up to date with current recommendations, especially in a time filled with conf
Recognizing and Responding to Narcissism: Red Flags, Boundaries, and Real-Life Strategies
Welcome back to "What The Health Is Happening? With Dr. V." In this episode, host Dr. Valda Crowder, a board-certified emergency medicine physician, dives into part two of our series on narcissism. Building on last week’s foundation, Dr. V breaks down the practical side of dealing with narcissists, from spotting the red flags and understanding common manipulation tactics like love bombin
When Does Self-Confidence Become Narcissism
Welcome to "What The Health Is Happening? With Dr. V." In today's episode, Dr. Valda Crowder dives into a topic that's everywhere these days: narcissism. The term gets thrown around in pop culture and everyday life, but what does it really mean from a clinical perspective? Dr. V breaks down the difference between narcissistic traits and the actual diagnosis of narcissistic pers
What Really Happens During an Asthma Attack
Welcome back to "What The Health Is Happening? With Dr. V." In today’s episode, Dr. Valda Crowder dives into the world of asthma, an often misunderstood but potentially deadly chronic disease that affects millions of Americans. Despite its prevalence, asthma still sends hundreds of thousands to the ER every year and claims lives, with many patients struggling to manage it correctly.This
Why Your Brain Keeps Saying One More Bet
Welcome to "What The Health Is Happening? With Dr. V." In this episode, board-certified emergency medicine physician Dr. Valda Crowder dives into a crisis that's often hidden in plain sight: gambling addiction. With alarming stories in the news about insider trading, betting on confidential information, and the rise of sports betting and online gambling, Dr. V reframes what many see
How Chronic Stress Quietly Damages Health and Ways to Cope
The conversation focused on the hidden epidemic of chronic stress and its profound effects on health, both physically and mentally. A key theme that emerged was the distinction between normal, short-lived stress and chronic stress that lingers for months or even years, often becoming an unnoticed "new normal" in people’s lives. The discussion explored the biological impacts of persistent
Recognizing the Early Signs of Cognitive Decline
Welcome to "What The Health Is Happening? With Dr. V," where your host, Dr. Valda Crowder, a board-certified emergency medicine physician and passionate health advocate, dives deep into the vital issues impacting your well-being. In this episode, Dr. Valda Crowder explores a topic that touches every family: brain and cognitive health. From the everyday memory lapses we all experience to
Beat the Heat Before It Becomes an Emergency
The conversation focused on the dangers of heat and how many people underestimate its impact, especially as temperatures rise in the summer. A key theme that emerged was that heat kills more people each year than any other weather event, often without dramatic warning signs. The discussion explored how heat affects the body on a cellular level, why certain groups like infants, the elderly, athlete
How Adverse Childhood Experiences Shape Your Brain, Body, and Future
Welcome to another episode of What The Health Is Happening? With Dr. V, where board-certified emergency room physician Dr. Valda Crowder is dedicated to empowering you with life-saving health information. Today, we delve into a deeply important and sensitive topic: How Adverse Childhood Experiences Shape Your Brain, Body, and Future.From childhood trauma and neglect to the ripple effects that last
When Half Your Face Stops Working: Bell's Palsy Early Treatment and Recovery
Welcome to another episode of What The Health Is Happening?, hosted by board-certified emergency physician Dr. Valda Crowder aka Dr. V. Today’s episode shines a spotlight on Bell’s palsy, a sudden, frightening condition where part of your face stops cooperating, often leaving people worried they’re experiencing a stroke. Recently thrust into the headlines after NBA All-Star Joel Embiid’s diagnosis
Essential Advice on Heat Stroke and Summer Safety
Welcome back to What The Health Is Happening? With Dr. V. Today's conversation focused on the dangers of extreme summer heat, highlighting the record-breaking temperatures and widespread heat advisories affecting millions across the United States. One concept discussed was heat-related illness as a spectrum, from mild heat rash and cramps to the life-threatening emergency of heat stroke. A ke
Memory, Aging, and Dementia: Separating Myths, Facts, and Steps You Can Take
Are you worried about memory loss as you age, or are you caring for someone who's starting to show signs of cognitive decline? This episode of "What The Health Is Happening?" dives deep into what really happens to our brains as we grow older, from normal forgetfulness to more serious concerns like mild cognitive impairment and dementia. Dr. Valda Crowder breaks down the different ty
Michael Jackson: Fame, Fatigue and Fatal Suggestion
Have you ever woken up after a medical procedure, feeling groggy and with no memory of what happened, wondering, "What exactly did they give me?" In this episode of "What the Health is Happening?" emergency physician Dr. Valda Crowder pull back the curtain on propofol, a sedative used every day in emergency rooms, operating rooms, and intensive care units across America. You mi
The Hidden Crisis of Gambling Addiction and Its Impact on Brain Health and Society
Welcome to "What The Health Is Happening? With Dr. V," hosted by board-certified emergency medicine physician Dr. Valda Crowder. In this powerful episode, she tackles the hidden but urgent crisis of gambling addiction. From startling national headlines involving insider trading and military operations to the devastating personal consequences faced by millions of Americans, gambling disor
Understanding Panic Attacks and Anxiety Disorders: How Your Body Sounds the Alarm
Welcome to another episode of "What The Health Is Happening? With Dr. V," hosted by Dr. Valda Crowder, a board-certified emergency medicine physician passionate about empowering your health and wellness. In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, today's episode dives deep into a topic that touches millions: panic attacks and anxiety disorders. Whether you're struggling i
Understanding Memory Loss and Cognitive Decline: Signs, Risk Factors, and Prevention
Welcome to What The Health Is Happening With Dr. V podcast, where your host - board-certified emergency medicine physician Dr. Valda Crowder - empowers listeners with life-saving information for you and your family. In today’s episode, Dr. V dives deep into brain health, exploring the crucial topics of memory, cognition, and the difference between normal aging and early signs of dementia. With per
The Lasting Impact of Childhood Trauma and How to Heal from ACEs
Welcome to Ehat The Health Is Happening with Dr. V, hosted by board-certified emergency room physician Dr. Valda Crowder, also known as Dr. V. In this powerful episode, we confront a topic that impacts millions but is often hidden in plain sight: childhood wounds that last a lifetime. Today, we’re diving into Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), traumatic events ranging from abuse and neglect to
When Home Isn’t Safe: Addressing Domestic Violence, Suicide, and the Mental Health Crisis
Welcome to "What the Health is Happening?" with your host, Dr. Valda Crowder, a board-certified emergency medicine physician dedicated to sharing life-saving health information. In today’s episode, Dr. Valda Crowder confronts the difficult but crucial topics of domestic violence, suicide, and the growing mental health crisis challenges that impact families, neighborhoods, and communities
GLP1s Explained: Separating Hype from Reality in Weight Loss and Health
In this episode of "What the Health is Happening with Dr. V," Dr. V dives deep into the world of GLP1, one of today's most talked-about topics in health and weight management. Whether you've been bombarded by headlines about Ozempic, Wegovy, and other injectables, or you're simply curious about the science behind these drugs, this episode separates fact from hype. Dr. V ex
Sex Trafficking Hidden in Plain Sight: Understanding the Crisis in Our Communities
Welcome to the podcast, hosted by Dr. Valda Crowder , board-certified emergency medicine physician dedicated to empowering you with life-saving health information. In this episode, Dr. Valda Crowder tackles the urgent and often hidden issue of sex trafficking in plain sight. From high-profile media cases like Jeffrey Epstein and R. Kelly, to the tragic reality affecting millions, especially childr
Separating Fact from Fiction: Marijuana, CBD, and Their Impact on Health
Marijuana and CBD are everywhere these days, from dispensaries on every corner to gummies, drinks, and oils marketed for everything from sleep to stress relief. But as these products become increasingly normalized, what’s really happening behind the scenes in healthcare? In this episode of "What The Health Is Happening" with Dr. V, we’re joined by Dr. Valda Crowder, an emergency room phy
Understanding Broken Heart Syndrome: What You Need to Know About Stress Induced Cardiomyopathy
Welcome to "What the Health is Happening?" where Dr. Valda Crowder , a board-certified emergency medicine physician, brings you life-saving health information every week. In this episode, Dr. Valda Crowder shines a light on Broken Heart Syndrome, also known as stress-induced cardiomyopathy or Takotsubu cardiomyopathy. This real and sometimes dangerous condition can occur in response to i
Chronic Stress Unmasked: Understanding Its Impact and Strategies for Healthier Living
Welcome to "What the Health Is Happening?", the podcast where Dr. Valda Crowder, also known as Dr. V, is committed to empowering you with life-saving information. Dr. V is a board-certified emergency medicine physician with decades of frontline experience. In today’s episode, we’re diving deep into a silent epidemic quietly eroding the health of millions: chronic stress.We’ll explore how
Understanding GLP-1: Natural Solutions for Weight Loss Without Harsh Medications
Welcome to another episode of "What the Health is Happening?" with your host, Dr. V, board-certified emergency room physician. In today’s show, she dives deep into the science behind GLP-1 medications, the revolutionary treatments that have transformed the world of weight loss, but not without controversy and complications. Dr. V breaks down what GLP-1 actually is, who should consider th
Understanding What the Health is Happening: Everyday Health Questions Answered by Dr. V
Welcome to "What the Health is Happening?" with Dr. V! In this episode, everyday emergency physician, Dr. Valda Crowder, helps you make sense of the health questions that matter most in real life: when symptoms arise, diagnoses get confusing, and medical advice feels overwhelming.Drawing on years of experience from the front lines of emergency medicine, Dr. V shares insights on what insp
Gut Health 2
Join Dr. Valda Crowder as she breaks down everything you need to know about your gallbladder, liver, and pancreas: what they do, what goes wrong, and how to protect them. From fatty liver disease and gallbladder attacks to pancreatitis and elevated enzymes, Dr. V answers real listener questions with the straight talk and practical advice you need to stay informed and empowered about your gut healt
Gut Health Impacts the Whole Body
Your gut does more than digest food—it plays a critical role in immunity, energy levels, mood, and overall wellness. In Part 1 of our Gastrointestinal Health series, we lay the foundation for understanding how your digestive system works and why gut health is essential to whole-body health.In this episode, Dr. V explores:The basics of gastrointestinal anatomy and functionCommon signs and symptoms
Psychological Safety for Consumers in Today's Climate
In an era of relentless news cycles, political divisiveness, and constant digital overwhelm, how do we protect our mental health while staying informed and engaged? Join Dr. Valda Crowder (Dr. V), a board-certified emergency medicine physician with 30 years of experience, as she explores the critical topic of psychological safety in today's challenging climate.This episode tackles the phenome
Sleep Apnea and Your Health
Dr. V explains sleep apnea, and how it impacts overall health, increasing the risk of cardiovascular problems, type 2 diabetes, and other health issues. These effects are primarily due to the lack of oxygen and the stress hormones released in response to these pauses. Dr. Valda Crowder - https://www.askdrv.us/Podcast Website - https://whatthehealthishappeningshow.com/Podcast Producer - https://top
Why is Healthcare so Expensive?
Ever wonder why healthcare is so costly and if there is anything that you can do about it? Get the inside scoop about healthcare costs, and direct answers to listener questions from Dr. V, a 30-year emergency room doc.In this episode you'll learn more about the business of health and how you can get financial assistance when you need it. Plus, enjoy a little laughter for your pain with Come
"Unmasking Diabetes: From Diagnosis to Lifestyle Transition"
This week's episode dives deep into the world of diabetes, a silent public health challenge affecting millions of people. With insights into the various types of diabetes, we explore the critical importance of getting your hemoglobin A1c checked to prevent serious complications. Our host, Dr. V, shares valuable tips on how dietary changes and lifestyle choices can significantly impact your he
The Moral Crisis of Healthcare in America
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Dr. Valda Crowder examines Dr. King's unfinished work in healthcare equity. Drawing from his 1966 declaration that "injustice in health is the most shocking and inhumane," this episode explores how inequality, access, and systemic bias continue to shape American healthcare. Through listener calls, Dr. V addresses maternal mortality disparities, medical
How to Decrease Your Healthcare Costs in the Upcoming Year
How to Decrease Your Healthcare Costs in the Upcoming YearJoin Dr. Valda Crowder, a board-certified emergency medicine physician with 30 years of experience, as she tackles one of the most pressing issues facing Americans today: rising healthcare costs. In this episode, Dr. V answers listener questions about navigating emergency room visits, understanding hospital billing, avoiding surprise medica
Explore Careers in Medicine - Part 2
During a high time of job loss, and economic downturn, career opportunities in healthcare are still thriving. There is such a vast world in healthcare careers beyond being a doctor!Dr. Valda Crowder (Dr. V) is back with part two of guiding listeners through the diverse opportunities in healthcare—from medical billing and nursing to phlebotomy, mental health therapy, and pharmaceutical sales.Discov
Your Mouth Matters: The Hidden Links Between Teeth and Total Health
Your mouth reveals more about your health than you think. Join Dr. Valda Crowder (Dr. V) and her dental expert guests as they explore the critical links between dental health and major health conditions like sleep apnea and more. Discover why bleeding gums aren't just a dental issue—they're a warning sign your whole body needs attention. Dr. V and guests answer listener questions about e
Does the Winter Make You S.A.D.?
As the days grow shorter and sunlight becomes scarce, many people experience more than just the winter blues. In this episode, we explore Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)—a form of depression that follows a seasonal pattern and can significantly impact mood, energy levels, sleep, and overall well-being. Join Dr. Valda Crowder aka Dr. V as she discuss:What Seasonal Affective Disorder is and how it
Explore Healthcare Careers
Explore the vast world of healthcare careers beyond being a doctor!Dr. Valda Crowder (Dr. V) guides listeners through the diverse opportunities in healthcare—from medical billing and nursing to phlebotomy, mental health therapy, and pharmaceutical sales.Discover training requirements, salary expectations, and career paths that offer meaningful work, job security, and the chance to make a real diff
Holiday Health Etiquette
In this episode, Dr. V tackles Holiday Health Etiquette, discussing how to keep seasonal gatherings safe while navigating respiratory illnesses like flu, COVID-19, RSV, and norovirus. She covers the latest health news, answers listener questions about managing sick guests, food safety at holiday potlucks, vaccination timing, and setting healthy boundaries during the festive season. The show provid
Heads Up: What You Need to Know About Brain Injuries
Dr. Valda Crowder (Dr. V) explores the serious issue of head trauma and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in this essential episode. Learn about the causes of head injuries—from sports and falls to vehicle accidents—and understand the symptoms that range from mild concussions to severe, life-altering injuries. Dr. V answers listener questions about concussions in children, recovery signs to watch for
Neuropathy Gets on My Nerves
Join Dr. Valda Crowder (Dr. V) for an in-depth discussion on peripheral neuropathy—a condition affecting over 35 million American adults.Learn about the causes, symptoms, and types of nerve damage that disrupt communication between your brain and body. Dr. V answers listener questions about pain management, lifestyle changes, diabetes connections, treatment options, and emerging therapies. Whether
Medical Discrimination Part 2
Join Dr. Valda Crowder, a board-certified emergency medicine physician with 30 years of experience, as she tackles one of healthcare's most pervasive yet overlooked issues: medical discrimination.In this episode of The Ask Dr. V Show, she interviews guests about their first-hand accounts of medical discrimination and how they advocated for themselves, literally saving their lives.Dr. V explor
Medical Discrimination: Understanding Bias in Healthcare
Medical Discrimination: Understanding Bias in HealthcareJoin Dr. Valda Crowder, a board-certified emergency medicine physician with 30 years of experience, as she tackles one of healthcare's most pervasive yet overlooked issues: medical discrimination. In this episode of The Ask Dr. V Show, discover how patients face bias and unequal care based on race, gender, weight, age, disability, sexual
Is Your Health Insurance at Risk?
Right now, as we speak, millions of Americans are facing a healthcare crisis that could hit your family next. Open enrollment is happening this month, but with the government shutdown and the so-called 'Big Beautiful Bill' making its way through Congress, the rules are changing faster than most people can keep up.If you have health insurance through Medicaid, Medicare, Medicare Advantage
The Truth About Autism
Join Dr. Valda Crowder, a 30-year board-certified emergency medicine physician, as she cuts through misinformation and delivers the facts about Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In this essential episode, Dr. V explains what autism really is, how it's detected and diagnosed, and what evidence-based treatments and therapies actually work.Dr. V tackles your most pressing questions: Does maternal
Urgent - Self-Care is Your Life Support
In a world where chronic stress has become the norm, Dr. Valda Crowder delivers a powerful wake-up call: self-care isn't selfish—it's strategic survival. Join board-certified emergency medicine physician Dr. V as she breaks down the science behind "headline stress disorder" and reveals how constant exposure to polarized news, global conflicts, and digital overwhelm is literally
Tech vs. Touch: Finding Balance in Modern Healthcare
Dr. V tackles the burning question on every patient's mind: Has technology made healthcare better or just more impersonal? From AI diagnostics to robotic surgery, listeners share their real concerns about rising costs, rushed appointments, and the disappearing human touch in medicine. Discover whether doctors are worried about being replaced by robots, why patients are doing more work themsel
Soldiers vs Solutions - Violence is a Public Health Issue
Dr. V tackles one of America's most pressing issues: inner city violence and community safety. In "Soldiers vs Solutions," she explores why militarized policing and federal interventions fail to address the root causes of violence—poverty, trauma, lack of opportunity, and systemic neglect.Joined by Dr. Stephanie Myers (President of Positive Change Foundation) and Sal Corbin (Board C
Brain Health and Understanding Your Child's Neurologic Development
Join Dr. V for an essential deep dive into one of parenting's most crucial topics—how children's brains develop from birth through adolescence. This episode tackles the complex interplay between biological maturation and environmental influences that shape our children's cognitive, emotional, social, and physical growth.What You'll Learn:The fundamentals of healthy brain develo
Heart Health
Join Dr. Valda Crowder (Dr. V) for a comprehensive heart health discussion. With over 30 years of medical experience treating patients through pandemics, natural disasters, and mass emergencies, Dr. V tackles your most pressing cardiovascular questions.In This Episode You'll Learn:Why heart disease disproportionately affects Black communitiesThe surprising connection between mental health and
Breast Cancer Conversations
Join Dr. Valda Crowder, a board-certified emergency medicine physician with over 30 years of experience, for a comprehensive discussion on breast cancer awareness.What You'll Learn:Essential facts about cancer: what it is, common symptoms, and prevalence statisticsCritical information about breast cancer, including the encouraging news that early detection leads to a 99% five-year survival ra
Everything You Need to Know about Prostate Cancer
Join Dr. V for a comprehensive discussion on prostate cancer, the second most common cancer among men. With approximately 268,000 American men diagnosed annually and one in eight men facing this diagnosis during their lifetime, understanding prostate health is crucial for every man and the people who care about them.What You'll Learn:Critical statistics and risk factors, including why African
Aging Well
Aging isn't just about adding years to your life—it's about adding life to your years. Join Dr. V as we explore the fascinating science behind healthy aging and discover evidence-based strategies to help you thrive at every stage of life.In this empowering episode, we'll dive deep into:The Reality of Aging in America: Understanding the difference between normal aging and age-related
Don't Sleep on Sleep Apnea
Sleep apnea isn't just about snoring—it's a potentially life-threatening condition that affects your heart, brain, and overall quality of life. Dr. V provides evidence-based information that could literally save your life or the life of someone you love.Join Dr. Valda Crowder, an emergency room physician with over 30 years of experience, as she tackles one of the most underdiagnosed heal
Mental Health and Addiction - Understanding Dual Diagnosis
Join Dr. V for an essential conversation about dual diagnosis - when mental health disorders and substance use disorders occur simultaneously. This comprehensive episode explores the complex intersection of addiction and mental health, providing evidence-based insights that could transform how you understand and approach these interconnected challenges.What You'll Learn:The critical importanc
Young Adult Mental Health Emergencies
Join Dr. V and her guest for a critical conversation about one of today's most pressing healthcare challenges: mental health emergencies in children and young adults. In this episode, Dr. V tackles the complex world of pediatric mental health crises, from first psychotic episodes to schizoaffective disorder, and everything families need to know when crisis strikes.What You'll Learn:How
Decoding Diabetes: Conquering the Silent Epidemic
This episode delves deep into the world of diabetes, a condition impacting millions in the United States. Dr. V. sheds light on the different types of diabetes, including Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes, highlighting their unique characteristics and the importance of regular testing, such as the hemoglobin A1c test, to detect the disease early.Listeners are guided through the significance
The Loneliness Epidemic
Being alone does not make you lonely. In fact Dr. V shares how you can be in a big family or a room full of people, married or single and still exprience loneliness. Not only is loneliness a health epidemic, but it can shorten your lifespan by decades.Discover many surprising facts about how loneliness can impact your overall wellbeing and what you can do about it.Dr. Valda Crowder - https://www.
INTRO: What the Health is Happening?
"What in the Health is Happening?" your weekly dose of medical reality.Hosted by Dr. Valda Crowder – or Dr. V as her patients know her – an emergency medicine physician who's spent decades on the frontlines of healthcare treating everything from common colds to major traumas, Dr. V brings you straight talk, real stories, and insights from a doctor who's seen it all.For evidence
Recommended
The Bread and Banter Podcast
The Church of What's Happening Now: The New Testament
Busted Open
Deadline: White House
Crickets Corner
History of the Earthquake and Fire in San Francisco
Fox news
K-Drama Obsessed Mamas | Beyond “Just One More Episode!”
True Crime Classics
The Healer Revolution
Becoming: HER with Nikki Spoelstra
Booked, Blonde & Busy w/ Olivia Ponton
