39 GEN - a Yo San University podcast
39 GEN is a podcast from Yo San University that explores Traditional Chinese Medicine and the healing wisdom taught at YSU. It covers topics such as acupuncture, herbal medicine, qi cultivation, and other healing modalities. The show is designed for both experienced practitioners and newcomers, offering accessible ways to learn more about TCM.
Episodes
A Lifetime Pursuit: The Evolution of TCM Education, Neuro-Acupuncture and Clinical Mastery with Dr. Ioannis Solos
In this episode, 39GEN host Emily Von Urff sits down with Dr. Ioannis Solos — acupuncturist, author, and Director of Clinical Medicine & Dean of YSU Phoenix. Doctor Solos shares his incredible 30-year journey through Traditional Chinese Medicine, tracing his path from an unexpected start studying medicine in London to spending 17 years in Beijing. He dives into his time training under renowned
Acupuncture at Sea: Expanding Access & Building Clinical Confidence with Stephanie Kimber
In this episode, host Emily Von Urff sits down with Stephanie Kimber, LAc, Director of Eastern Medical Programs at OneSpaWorld. Fresh out of acupuncture school zero cruise ship experience, Stephanie took a leap of faith on a two-week notice trial that transformed into a thriving 20-year career. Today, she oversees acupuncture operations across nearly 180 cruise ships worldwide, bringing Traditiona
The Spiral of Healing: Collaborative Care and the Psychedelic Renaissance with Dr. Eva Altobelli
In this episode of the Yo San University 39GEN podcast, host Emily Von Urff sits down with Dr. Eva Altobelli, an addiction psychiatrist with 30 years of experience and the founder of Home LA.Together, they dive deep into the limitations of the Western mental healthcare model and discuss why shifting toward a collaborative, integrative approach — combining psychiatry, psychotherapy, and Traditional
Adaptive Medicine: Systems Thinking, Feminism, and Midlife Women's Health with Dr. Lisa Taylor-Swanson
In this episode of the Yo San University 39GEN podcast, host Emily Von Urff sits down with clinician-scientist and acupuncturist Dr. Lisa Taylor-Swanson to explore the powerful intersection of systems thinking, feminism, and East Asian medicine in midlife women’s healthcare. As an "academic unicorn" with 17 years of private practice and a PhD from the University of Washington, Dr. Taylor
The Healing Art: Finding Power in Clinical Vulnerability with Dr. Andrea Thorpe
In this episode of the 39GEN podcast, host Emily sits down with Dr. Andrea Thorpe, acupuncturist, herbalist, and newly appointed faculty member at Yo San University. Andrea shares profound insights from her decades-long journey in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), explaining why it is fundamentally a healing art rather than just a set of clinical protocols.She dives deep into the clinical reali
From the CDC to the Clinic: Bridging Public Health and Chinese Medicine with Dr. Anisa Kassim
In this episode of the 39GEN Podcast, Emily sits down with Dr. Anisa Kassim, Chief Academic Officer at Yo San University, to explore her journey through the global healthcare landscape. From serving in Afghani refugee camps and working as a fellow at the CDC to becoming an acupuncturist with a specialty in pediatrics, Anisa shares her unique perspective on why every TCM practitioner is, at their c
The Policy Pivot: Loans, Legislation, and the Future of Acupuncture With CSOMA
In this special edition of the Yo San University 39GEN Podcast, Emily sits down with CSOMA board members Dr. Julie Tran, Dr. Ra Adcock, and Dr. Robert Hoffman for a deep dive into the ‘perfect storm’ hitting acupuncture schools in 2026. This episode explores the critical impact of the RISE Act and the impending end of Grad Plus loans on July 1st, alongside the controversial California bill AB 2668
Dual Cultivation: Dr Robert Hoffman on Integrating Identity + Profession in Times of Change
This episode features Dr. Robert Hoffman, President and CEO of Yo San University, in conversation with host 39GEN Emily. Dr. Hoffman shares his remarkable transition from a high-stakes, 30-year career in the music industry—where he worked as a producer and engineer for icons like Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, and Quincy Jones—to becoming a leader in the field of Chinese medicine.He discusses how
East Meets Evidence: Acupuncture and Modern Medicine for Fertility and Trauma with Nicole Lange
Acupuncturist Nicole Lange joins Sean to dive deep into trauma, fertility, and what real whole-person care looks like in practice. Nicole shares her early path into TCM, how personal experiences led her to specialize in reproductive health and trauma, and why she structures care around a 25 percent troubleshoot, 75 percent cultivate-wellness ratio. The two unpack somatic healing, Stephen Porges’s
Dr. Jake Fratkin: Building Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine in America
Your 39GEN host Sean sits down with veteran clinician and teacher Dr. Jake Fratkin, who has spent 45 years in East Asian medicine. Jake traces his path from 1970s apprenticeships in Chicago with Dr. In-yeon Moon and herbal pharmacy work with fellow YSU colleague Dr. Lau, to translating and co-teaching with Dr. Guo Zhengong, and a life-changing year of hospital training in Beijing. He explains the
Quantum Physics, Acupuncture, and AI for Integrative Healthcare with Dr. Aram Akopyan
In this episode of the Yo San University 39Gen Podcast, host Sean Trace sits down with Dr. Aram Akopyan, a medical doctor, licensed acupuncturist, and global advocate for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Dr. Akopyan shares his unique journey from computer science executive to Yo San graduate, TCM practitioner, and eventually MD, offering a rare perspective on how Eastern and Western medicine ca
Inhale Courage, Exhale Fear: Ed Sullivan’s Lessons from 25 Years at YSU
In this episode of the Yo San University 39 Gen Podcast, Sean Trace sits down with Edward Sullivan, Dean of the InfiniChi Medical Qigong Institute and longtime faculty member at Yo San University. Drawing from over 25 years of teaching and decades of clinical practice, Edward shares his journey into Qigong and the profound lessons he has learned about cultivating and working with Qi. From understa
From Shaolin to Psychosomatics: Taoist Wisdom for the Clinic & Life
In this episode of the Yo San University 39 Gen Podcast, Sean Trace sits down with Johan Hausen, co-founder of Purple Cloud Institute and founder of Purple Cloud Press. A TCM practitioner, martial artist, Taoist, and publisher, Johan shares his fascinating journey from training with the German national Taekwondo team to studying Shaolin Kung Fu and Daoist philosophy in China.The conversation explo
Hope, Healing, and High-Tech: Inside the World of Fertility with Dr. Joe Sanfilippo
In this heartfelt and insightful episode of the Yo San University 39Gen Podcast, host Sean Trace sits down with Dr. Joe Sanfilippo, a renowned reproductive endocrinologist from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Together, they explore the evolution of fertility treatment, from home births in the 1970s to today's advanced IVF technologies and AI-driven lab work. Dr. Sanfilippo sh
Rooted in the Dao: Reviving Classical Chinese Medicine for the Future
In this profound episode of the 39Gen Podcast, we sit down with Elisabeth Rochat de la Vallée, visiting faculty at Yo San University and recipient of the 2019 Blount Distinguished Speaker Award at YSU. Elisabeth is a scholar and practitioner immersed in the classical Chinese medical and philosophical traditions for over 50 years. She shares her journey from Western academia into the heart of ancie
Why Acupuncture Works: Research, Public Health, and Complexity Science with Dr. Lisa Conboy
In this thought-provoking episode of the 39Gen Podcast from Yo San University, Dr. Lisa Conboy, medical sociologist, epidemiologist, and instructor at both Harvard Medical School and Yo San University, joins host Sean Trace to explore the intersection of East Asian medicine, research, and complex systems thinking. With over 30 years of experience studying integrative health approaches, Dr. Conboy
Healing Begins Within: Dr. Laura Erlich on Fertility, Trauma, and Integrative Medicine
In this powerful episode of the 39Gen Podcast, Sean Trace sits down with Dr. Laura Erlich, Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine, fertility specialist, doula, and teacher at Yo San University. Dr. Erlich shares her moving journey from theater to bodywork to Chinese medicine, driven by personal loss and a deep calling to heal. They explore the emotional toll of infertility, the importance of nervo
From Film Sets to Fertility: Dr. Beck Hoehn’s Journey Into Acupuncture and Innovation
In this episode of the 39Gen Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Beck Hoehn, a board-certified reproductive health acupuncturist, medical advisor for UVA, and a leading voice in fertility innovation. We explore her journey from underwater photographer to holistic healer, and how she blends Traditional Chinese Medicine with cutting-edge hormone tracking technology. Dr. Hoehn shares powerful insights on pa
From Engineer to Healer: Allen Tsaur on Translating Chinese Medical Wisdom
In this compelling episode of the 39Gen Podcast, Sean Trace interviews Allen Tsaur, acupuncturist, translator, and lecturer in the YSU doctoral program, for an in-depth exploration of classical Chinese medicine. Allen shares his journey from engineering to acupuncture, how the ancient texts like the Nei Jing and Shang Han Lun shaped his clinical approach, and why real healing often means letting g
Fertility Roadmaps: Acupuncturists & MDs Working Together
In this episode of the Yo San University 39Gen Podcast, Sean Trace sits down with Coleen Smith and Whitney Fessler—two leaders in the field of reproductive acupuncture and current board members of ABORM (The American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine). They explore how integrative fertility care is evolving, the role of ABORM in raising standards for acupuncture practitioners, and why collab
As Within, So Without: Rediscovering Balance in an Unbalanced World with Michael Berletich
In this profound episode of the 39Gen Podcast, Sean Trace speaks with Dr. Michael Berletich, faculty member at Yo San University, longtime teacher, and accomplished musician. Dr. Berletich shares his unique path from environmental science and Native American healing traditions into the world of Chinese medicine. The conversation explores themes of internal cultivation, symbolic patient language, a
The Alchemy of Healing: Acupuncture, Taoism, and Herbal Medicine with Daniel Schrier
In this episode of the Yo San University 39 Gen Podcast, host Sean Trace sits down with acupuncturist and Yo San faculty member Daniel Schrier to explore the profound intersections between cultural anthropology, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and Taoist philosophy. Daniel shares his early exposure to alternative healing, his global studies of traditional medicine in China, Niger, and Fiji, an
The Art of Herbal Medicine: Vigilance, Observation, & Mastery with Kerri Westhauser
In this episode of the Yo San University 39Gen Podcast, host Sean Trace welcomes acupuncturist, herbalist, and Yo San faculty member Kerri Westhauser to discuss the depth and complexity of Chinese herbal medicine. Kerri shares her journey into the world of herbalism, emphasizing the importance of vigilance in diagnosis and treatment. She explores how herbs interact, the necessity of constantly adj
Transforming Eczema, Skin Disorders, and Autoimmune Diseases with Herbs - Dr. Mazin Al-Khafaji
In this insightful episode of the Yo San University 39 Gen Podcast, host Sean Trace sits down with Dr. Mazin Al-Khafaji, a world-renowned doctor of Chinese medicine specializing in dermatology and autoimmune diseases. Dr. Al-Khafaji shares his journey into Chinese medicine, his education in China, and his pioneering work in treating inflammatory skin disorders. Dr. Al-Khafaji has taught in the Yo
The Heartbeat of Healing: Shen, Qi, and the Art of Medicine with Brandt Stickley
In this enlightening episode of the 39Gen Podcast, host Sean Trace welcomes Brandt Stickley, associate professor at the National University of Natural Medicine and a student of the late Dr. Leon Hammer. Brandt also teaches in the YSU DAOM program. Here they dive into the profound depths of Chinese medicine, discussing Shen Hammer pulse diagnosis, classical acupuncture, and the Shang Han Lun's
Building Community and Healing | Creating a Thriving Integrative Practice with Dr. Natalie Kilheeney
In this episode of the Yo San University 39Gen Podcast, Sean Trace welcomes Dr. Natalie Kilheeney, a Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine based in South Bend, Indiana. They delve into Dr. Kilheeney’s inspiring journey from an unfulfilling career to becoming a trailblazer in integrative wellness. She shares her experiences of building a thriving practice with two clinic locations, a 10-acre r
Cass Naumann: From Music to Medicine – A Journey Through Chinese Healing Arts
In this episode of the Yo San University 39Gen Podcast, Sean Trace is joined by Chinese Medicine Doctor Cass Naumann for an insightful discussion on the transformative potential of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Medical Qigong. Cass has taught in the Yo San University doctoral program, and was a featured speaker at the 2022 Yo San University Integrative Reproductive Medicine Symposium. In
Unlocking the Flow: Insights from the Tao of Wellness with Albert Vaca
Welcome to the Yo San University 39Gen Podcast! In this episode, Sean Trace interviews Albert Vaca, a Yo San University alumnus and principal practitioner at Tao of Wellness in Pasadena. Albert shares his inspiring journey from Tai Chi and Qi development to becoming a seasoned acupuncturist. Sean and Albert dive into the importance of mentorship, the philosophy of flow, and creating a healing spac
East Meets West: Proactive Health Beyond Sick Care with Todd Plymale-Mallory
Welcome to the 39GEN Podcast, presented by Yo San University! In this episode, host Sean Trace speaks with Todd Plymale-Mallory, Yo San University faculty member and wellness expert, with decades of experience in Eastern and integrative medicine. Todd shares his journey from Western medical aspirations to Chinese medicine and offers insights into proactive health care, holistic healing, and the he
Healing Through Change: Ming Men Fire & the Wisdom of Chinese Medicine with Z'ev Rosenberg
In this episode of the Yo San University 39 Gen Podcast, Sean Trace welcomes back a foundational figure in the field of Chinese Medicine in the United States, Z’ev Rosenberg. Together, they explore the profound concept of Ming Men Fire, a dynamic force in Chinese Medicine that sustains life and warmth within the body. Z'ev shares insights from his new book, Afterglow, revealing how this ancie
Mastering Balance: The Richness of Channel Theory and Acupuncture Mastery in Chinese Medicine with Dr. Sonia Tan
In this insightful episode of the Yo San University 39GEN Podcast, host Sean Trace welcomes back YSU alum and DAOM Faculty Dr. Sonia Tan, a renowned Doctor of Acupuncture and Chinese Metaphysician. Together, they dive deep into the realms of classical Chinese medicine, exploring the profound differences between traditional and modern practices. Dr. Tan sheds light on channel theory and how acupunc
In the Footsteps of Tradition: Yo San’s 39 Generations Legacy with Dr. Mao Shing Ni
Welcome to the Yo San University 39GEN Podcast, where centuries of wisdom meet modern healthcare. Join Sean Trace as he sits down with world-renowned practitioner, Dr. Mao Shing Ni, exploring the art of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), holistic health practices, and how ancient healing principles continue to evolve in today's world. Dr. Mao Shing Ni, popularly known as Dr. Mao, is the 38th
The Genius of Empathy: Healing Yourself and Others with Dr. Judith Orloff
In this episode of the Yo San University podcast, Sean Trace hosts Dr. Judith Orloff, a psychiatrist, empath, intuitive healer and a longtime supporter and friend of our founders, Drs. Mao and Dao. Dr. Orloff discusses her latest book, The Genius of Empathy, where she emphasizes the importance of empathy in the healing process. She shares insights on how empathy is a crucial medicine for both self
From Sagehood to Clinical Practice: Sabine Wims and Leo Lok on Sun Simiao's Teachings
In this insightful episode of the Yo San University 39 Gen podcast, we welcome doctoral program faculty member Sabine Wilms, a sinologist and medical historian, along with Leo Lok, a clinician scholar of Chinese medicine, to explore the teachings of the 7th-century medical sage, Sun Simiao. The discussion delves into the nuances of Sun Simiao's philosophy, particularly focusing on the concept
From Surfing to Science: Dr. Tim Ross's Journey in Martial Arts, Chinese Medicine, and Mind
In this enlightening episode of the Yo San University 39GEN Podcast, Sean Trace interviews Dr. Tim Ross, a seasoned practitioner of Chinese medicine with a rich background in martial arts and integrative oncology. Dr. Ross shares his unique journey from surfing in Orange County to studying neuroscience at UCSD, eventually delving into the intricate world of Chinese martial arts and medicine. The d
Integrating Traditions: Dr. Robert Hoffman's Deep Dive Exploration of Chinese Medicine and Taoism in Modern Times
In this episode of the Yo San University 39GEN Podcast, host Sean Trace welcomes a distinguished guest, Dr. Robert Hoffman, the President and CEO of Yo San University. Dr. Hoffman, also a doctoral program dean and alumni, shares his incredible journey and experiences, highlighting his recent transformative trip to China. Dr. Hoffman dives into his research on the use of Chinese herbs in cancer the
Healing from Within: The Power of Acupuncture with Erica Bowman | Yo San University 39GEN Podcast
In this episode of the 39GEN Podcast from Yo San University, host Sean Trace welcomes Erica Bowman, an acupuncturist from St. Helena, California in the beautiful Napa Valley. Erica shares her journey into acupuncture, starting as a massage therapist and transitioning into Chinese medicine after being inspired by her dog's healing experience. The episode delves into Sean's own personal st
The Healing Path: Law, Martial Arts, and Medicine with Ross Rosen | Yo San University 39Gen Podcast
In this enlightening episode of the Yo San University 39Gen Podcast, host Sean Trace sits down with Ross Rosen, a seasoned practitioner of Chinese medicine whose intriguing journey from martial arts enthusiast to lawyer, and ultimately to a devoted healer, paints a vivid portrait of passion rediscovered. Rosen shares his initial fascination with martial arts and Eastern philosophy during his youth
From Chef to Healer: Blending Food & TCM with Deirdre Courtney | Yo San University 39GEN Podcast
Join host Sean Trace on the Yo San University 39GEN podcast exploring the transformative journey of Dr. Deirdre Courtney. Based in Ireland, Deirdre is not only a pioneering alumna of Yo San University but also a master of face reading and a seasoned practitioner of Chinese medicine. This episode delves into her unique transition from professional chef to highly respected licensed acupuncturist, hi
39 Gen Podcast | Beneath the Surface: Dr. Sonia Tan on Deep Healing and Heritage
In this insightful episode of the 39 Gen Podcast with Yo San University, hosted by Sean Trace, Dr. Sonia F. Tan shares her transformative journey from corporate banking to becoming a distinguished practitioner and educator in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Dr. Tan discusses her personal health struggles with severe allergies and asthma, which led her to discover the profound impact of acupuncture a
39 Gen Podcast | From Martial Arts to Medicine: The Taoist Path with Jack Schaefer
In this week's episode of the "39 Gen Podcast" from Yosan University, host Sean Trace speaks with Acupuncturist and Taoist Priest Jack Schaefer about his journey through Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, Martial Arts, and Taoist medicine. Jack discusses how his background as a martial artist and his experiences with a great teacher revealed an important lesson: learning to harm also re
Sabine Wilms and the Challenges of Translating Classical Chinese | The 39 Gen Podcast
Join us on the Yo San University 39Gen podcast where Sean Trace chats with Sabine Wilms, Ph.D., about her adventure in translating Classical Chinese texts into English. Sabine takes us through the highs and lows of translating across wildly different cultures, time periods, and languages, all while sharing her love for a good challenge. She’s not just about the words on the page; Sabine is passion
The 39Gen Podcast | The Power of Facial Acupuncture | Michelle Gellis
Tune in to this week's 39 Gen Podcast with Acupuncturist Michelle Gellis and hear about her journey in Acupuncture and how she found the medicine. Listen to her journey as she describes how the health challenges of her son allowed her to learn more about the medicine and pursue her journey as well. Listen as she talks about how she found herself learning more about facial Acupuncture and th
The Heart of Compassion in Medicine | Dr. Jamie Boyd | The 39Gen Podcast
Tune in to this week's episode of Yo San University's 39Gen Podcast with Dr. Jamie Boyd. Listen as she and host Sean Trace discuss her journey to finding acupuncture and how health challenges early in her life set her on a path to embrace not only Chinese Medicine but also the wisdom of Buddhism and a journey to discover more. Listen as she describes the importance of compassion in the
Z'ev Rosenberg LAc | A Journey in the Art of Classical Chinese Medicine
Z'ev Rosenberg, LAc., talks to Sean Trace from the Yo San University 39 Gen Podcast about his background in Chinese Medicine and how he came to the field. He shares what brought him to the practice of Chinese Medicine and his love for the classics, including concepts of Ministerial Fire and traditional texts of Shang Han Lun, Wen Bing, and Nan Jing. He describes the content of his own books,
Dr. Paul Magarelli MD and the Treatment of Fertility with Acupuncture and Western Medicine
Dr. Paul Magarelli talks to Sean Trace from the Yo San University 39 Gen Podcast about his background in Medicine and how he came to the field of Fertility, bridging Western and Eastern Medicine. Listen to him describe how he approaches treating patients and the advice he gives people seeking his help in the field of fertility. Most of all prepare to be inspired by his advice to future Acupunctur
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