The Real Health Podcast

“It’s easy to think of melatonin as only a sleep supplement, but its story is much bigger.” —Dr. Ron HunninghakeMelatonin has been in the spotlight recently after a press release raised concerns about long-term use. In this episode of the Real Health Podcast, Dr. Ron Hunninghake and Dr. Stacy Dunn bring clarity to the conversation by offering a perspective grounded in research, long-standing clinical experience, and thoughtful evaluation.Drawing on decades of integrative practice, Dr. Ron and Dr. Dunn walk through what the recent study did and didn’t demonstrate, and outline how clinicians approach natural compounds in individualized care. They discuss the broader history of melatonin research, its well-known antioxidant activity, and the practical considerations that guide its use in an oncology setting. Their discussion highlights how dosage, product quality, clinical context, and patient history shape responsible decision-making.Their conversation reflects Riordan Clinic’s long-held commitment to education and co-learning to help individuals make sense of complex information, understand the origins of health questions, and feel equipped to move forward with clarity.About Dr. Stacy DunnDr. Stacy Dunn, ND, LAc, FABNO, FABORM, is a member of the integrative oncology team at Riordan Clinic and practices at the Overland Park, Kansas, clinic location. She brings more than 25 years of experience in integrative cancer care, women’s health, and acupuncture. Her work centers on collaboration, education, and helping individuals navigate complex health concerns with steadiness and informed guidance. 📄 Learn more about Dr. DunnAbout Dr. Ron HunninghakeDr. Ron Hunninghake is the Chief Medical Officer at Riordan Clinic and has shaped the organization’s educational and clinical direction since 1989. Over the course of his career, he has become a nationally recognized voice in nutrition-focused, laboratory-informed approaches to health. Dr. Ron has delivered hundreds of lectures on foundational wellness, metabolic patterns, and the deeper drivers of human functioning, earning a reputation for making complex ideas accessible and meaningful. His long-standing dedication to inquiry, clarity, and practical wisdom continues to influence practitioners and co-learners seeking a more thoughtful path to better health. 📄 Learn more about Dr. RonEpisode Links and ResourcesExplore integrative services at Riordan ClinicBecome a Riordan Clinic co-learnerListen to more episodesEpisode Chapters00:00 Welcome00:37 Why melatonin is in the news02:05 Understanding what the recent study showed04:22 How long-standing melatonin research informs perspective06:58 Antioxidant activity and clinical context09:45 Dosage, quality, and individual considerations12:05 How clinicians evaluate natural compounds15:00 Co-learning and clear communication in oncology care17:40 Lifestyle patterns that support overall wellbeing20:12 Closing reflectionsDisclaimerThe information contained on the Real Health Podcast and the resources mentioned are for educational purposes only. They are not intended as and shall not be understood or construed as medical or health advice. The information contained on this podcast is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Information provided by hosts and guests on the Real Health Podcast or the use of any products or services mentioned does not create a practitioner-patient relationship between you and any persons affiliated with this podcast.Topics covered in this episodemelatonin research, integrative oncology discussion, antioxidant activity, clinician perspective, supportive care considerations, oxidative stress, individualized evaluation, co-learning, health education, Riordan Clinic

“Every case represents a new pathway to better health.” —Dr. Ron HunninghakeThis episode of the Real Health Podcast looks ahead to the future of integrative care at Riordan Clinic. Dr. Drew Rose and Dr. Ron Hunninghake explore how the clinic is building on 50 years of learning, research, and co-learning to guide the next era of patient support.Dr. Ron reflects on the turning points he has witnessed over his 34 years at the clinic, including early RECNAC research, the evolution of integrative oncology, and the clinic’s long-standing emphasis on laboratory investigation to help individuals understand their own health story. They highlight the importance of curiosity, education, metabolic health awareness, support for chronic illness, and the intentionality that have shaped Riordan Clinic from the beginning.They also discuss the emergence of a new generation of providers and how this team will carry the clinic’s vision forward. Their conversation centers on what sustainable, whole-person care can look like in the future and how Riordan Clinic continues to evolve while remaining grounded in its core principles.Ron Hunninghake, MDDr. Ron Hunninghake is the Chief Medical Officer of Riordan Clinic and has been part of the organization since 1989. Throughout his career, he has championed a patient-centered approach rooted in nutritional science, biochemical individuality, and thoughtful inquiry. Dr. Hunninghake has lectured nationally and internationally on integrative health, the importance of laboratory testing, and the role of education in long-term wellness. His work reflects Riordan Clinic’s commitment to co-learning and whole-person care. Learn more about Dr. RonDrew Rose, DODr. Drew Rose is a physician at Riordan Clinic who brings a background in internal medicine and Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) to his work with co-learners. His approach integrates structural assessment, lifestyle guidance, and preventive thinking to support individualized care. Dr. Drew is committed to helping individuals understand their health patterns, build resilience, and participate actively in their healing journey. His work reflects the clinic’s emphasis on partnership, education, and whole-person wellness. Learn more about Dr. DrewEpisode Links and ResourcesExplore integrative health services at Riordan ClinicBegin your journey as a new co-learnerListen to more episodes of the Real Health PodcastEpisode Chapters00:00 Welcome00:57 Introducing the conversation02:05 Highlights from 34 years at Riordan Clinic03:02 Early RECNAC research and growing visibility05:10 How lab testing supports individualized care08:44 The evolution of integrative oncology10:30 The next generation of Riordan Clinic providers12:23 The importance of co-learning and connection15:35 Emerging needs in metabolic and chronic illness support17:24 Understanding the long-term impact of prolonged illness19:15 Imagining the next 50 years of integrative health21:56 The role of preventive and whole-person perspectives24:04 Closing reflectionsDisclaimerThe information contained on the Real Health Podcast and the resources mentioned are for educational purposes only. They are not intended as and shall not be understood or construed as medical or health advice. The information contained on this podcast is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Information provided by hosts and guests on the Real Health Podcast or the use of any products or services mentioned does not create a practitioner-patient relationship between you and any persons affiliated with this podcast.Topics covered in this episode:integrative health, co-learning, Riordan Clinic future, RECNAC research, integrative oncology, metabolic health, chronic illness, long COVID, laboratory investigation, preventive care, patient partnership, Kansas integrative medicine, Wichita health community, whole-person perspectives, root-cause inquiry, provider education

“You’ve got to have a really good imagination to see the bigger picture.” —Dr. Ron HunninghakeIn this episode of the Real Health Podcast, Dr. Ron Hunninghake and Dr. Michelle Niesley discuss how medical thinking has shifted over the decades and how those shifts have shaped the Riordan Clinic. They revisit the first, second, and third “medical revolutions,” what each one focused on, and how the clinic continues to blend scientific understanding with whole-person context.They share stories from the early years with Dr. Hugh Riordan and Mrs. Olive Garvey, and how their partnership set the tone for curiosity, education, and co-learning. Dr. Ron and Dr. Michelle also reflect on the next phase of the clinic’s work and what they hope to see as a new generation of providers steps forward.Throughout the conversation, they reflect on why context matters, why listening is essential, and how imagination helps widen our view of health, people, and the world around us.Ron Hunninghake, MDDr. Ron Hunninghake is the Chief Medical Officer of Riordan Clinic and has been with the clinic for more than 35 years. He earned his medical degree from the University of Kansas School of Medicine and has lectured internationally on nutrition, whole-person perspectives, and the history of orthomolecular thinking. His work centers on patient education and co-learning.Michelle Niesley, ND, MS, FABNODr. Michelle Niesley is the Chief Executive Officer of Riordan Clinic. She earned her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University and a Master of Science from Dartmouth College, with a focus on biostatistics and epidemiology. She brings more than two decades of experience in integrative medicine, clinical leadership, and evidence-informed patient care.Episode Links & ResourcesWatch the episode on YouTubeLearn more about Riordan ClinicBecome a new patient at Riordan ClinicListen to more episodes of the Real Health PodcastEpisode Chapters00:00 Welcome01:10 How medical thinking has shifted03:42 Whole-person perspectives05:25 Left brain, right brain, and seeing the whole picture08:28 Imagination and the wider view09:42 The three generations of Riordan Clinic12:48 Dr. Ron’s reflections on his years at the clinic14:38 Looking ahead15:59 Why co-learning remains importantDisclaimerThe information contained on the Real Health Podcast and the resources mentioned are for educational purposes only. They are not intended as and shall not be understood or construed as medical or health advice. The information contained on this podcast is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Information provided by hosts and guests on the Real Health Podcast or the use of any products or services mentioned does not create a practitioner-patient relationship between you and any persons affiliated with this podcast.Topics covered in this episode:integrative health, medical history, whole-person perspectives, co-learning, Riordan Clinic history, Dr. Hugh Riordan, Olive Garvey, sustained illness, patient context, provider communication, health education, Kansas health, Wichita community

“OMM helps us look beyond the place where pain shows up and understand what may be contributing to it.” —Dr. Drew RoseIn this episode of the Real Health Podcast, Ron Hunninghake, MD, sits down with Drew Rose, DO, to explore how Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) offers a hands-on way of understanding the body’s structure and movement patterns. Dr. Drew explains how structure and function are interconnected, why touch can offer insight that standard testing may not provide, and how OMM can be used as part of an individualized approach for people navigating chronic pain, headaches, fatigue, inflammatory conditions, COPD, fibromyalgia, and other complex concerns.He also shares lessons from his years practicing hospital and ICU medicine, including why one-size-fits-all care often falls short—and how osteopathic principles offer a deeper perspective on what the body may be signaling.Highlights include:→ What OMM is and how it differs from chiropractic care→ Why osteopathic medicine focuses on structure and function→ How foot and gait mechanics can influence low back pain→ What NASA research revealed about cranial motion→ How hands-on assessment can offer a different perspective than imaging alone→ Using OMM within individualized care for chronic and complex concerns→ The role of lymphatic flow, fascia, and subtle motion→ How OMM complements the Riordan Clinic approach to whole-person careAbout Drew Rose, DODrew Rose, DO, is an internal medicine physician with advanced training in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine. Before joining Riordan Clinic, he spent six years practicing hospital and ICU medicine in Kansas. He brings a whole-person, hands-on approach to patient care, integrating structural evaluation, osteopathic principles, and nutritional insights to support alignment, mobility, and overall well-being. Learn more about Dr. Drew or schedule a new patient appointment.Episode Links & ResourcesLearn more about the Riordan ClinicListen to more episodes of the Real Health PodcastEpisode Chapters00:00 Welcome + introducing OMM01:10 MD vs DO vs chiropractic training02:46 Structure, function, and whole-body evaluation04:18 Low back pain and the kinetic chain06:01 Foot mechanics and alignment07:34 Cranial motion, NASA research, and headaches10:14 OMM and migraines12:19 Foundational osteopathic principles14:11 OMM in chronic and complex experience17:22 Nervous system sensitization and subtle motion20:05 Individualized care in hospital medicine22:12 How OMM complements whole-person careDisclaimerThe information contained on the Real Health Podcast and the resources mentioned are for educational purposes only. They are not intended as and shall not be understood or construed as medical or health advice. The information contained on this podcast is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Information provided by hosts and guests on the Real Health Podcast or the use of any products or services mentioned does not create a practitioner-patient relationship between you and any persons affiliated with this podcast.Topics we explore in this episode:osteopathic medicine, OMM, osteopathic manipulative medicine, cranial motion, cranial rhythmic impulse, chronic pain, migraines, headaches, low back pain, gait mechanics, kinetic chain, lymphatic flow, fascia, COPD, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, integrative medicine, functional medicine, hands-on medicine, individualized care, whole-person health, Riordan Clinic providers, structural alignment, root-cause perspective

“When you bring care back to patients and providers, everyone heals faster.” —Shaun NoorianIn this episode of the Real Health Podcast, Dr. Ron Hunninghake is joined by Shaun Noorian, CEO and founder of Empower Pharmacy, for a conversation about how innovation and integrity are transforming the future of medicine.Shaun shares how a personal health journey led him to reimagine what pharmacy could be — one built around compassion, access, and individualized care. He and Dr. Ron explore how integrative medicine and personalized compounding can support patient well-being and advance the field of preventive pharmacology.Part of the Cancer Care Reimagined Speaker Series, leading up to Riordan Clinic’s 25th International Conference on Human Functioning: Cancer Care Reimagined, held in early November.Highlights include:→ How Shaun Noorian's own healing journey inspired Empower Pharmacy→ Why individualized compounding plays a vital role in patient care→ The evolving role of pharmacy in integrative and functional medicine→ How collaboration between providers and pharmacists improves patient care→ What the future of personalized and preventive medicine looks likeAbout Shaun NoorianShaun Noorian is the CEO and founder of Empower Pharmacy, the largest compounding pharmacy and 503B outsourcing facility in the United States. With a background in engineering and a mission to make high-quality, affordable, and personalized medications accessible to all, Shaun has built Empower into a national leader serving millions of patients.Empower Pharmacy operates with a simple but powerful belief: behind every order is a person in need. This philosophy drives their commitment to compassion, innovation, and excellence in every aspect of care.SponsorThis series is made possible by Empower Pharmacy, Platinum Sponsor of the Cancer Care Reimagined Conference. Empower is a national leader in compounding and 503B outsourcing, serving providers and patients in all 50 states with safe, affordable, personalized medications. Guided by the belief that behind every order is a person in need, they bring compassion and innovation to everything they do. Learn more at empowerpharmacy.com.Episode Links & ResourcesWatch this episode on YouTubeGain Access to the Cancer Care Reimagined ConferenceLearn more about Empower PharmacyExplore the Riordan ClinicListen to more episodes of the Real Health PodcastEpisode Chapters00:00 Welcome + Speaker Series intro01:24 Meet Shaun Noorian, founder of Empower Pharmacy02:28 From patient to pharmacist to pioneer05:05 The power of personalized medicine07:40 Integrative therapies in oncology and chronic illness10:50 Vitamin C and nutrient therapy in cancer care13:40 Why individualized treatment improves outcomes16:25 The role of compounding in preventive pharmacology19:10 Partnering with providers for better patient results21:00 How Empower Pharmacy supports integrative medicine23:30 Looking ahead: innovation, prevention, and collaborationTopics we explore in this episode include:compounding pharmacy, integrative medicine, functional medicine, individualized care, preventive pharmacology, IV nutrition therapy, vitamin C research, cancer care innovation, metabolic health, patient empowerment, provider partnerships, and the evolution of personalized medicineDisclaimerThe information contained on the Real Health Podcast and the resources mentioned are for educational purposes only. They are not intended as and shall not be understood or construed as medical or health advice. The information contained on this podcast is not a substitute for medical or health advice from a professional who is aware of the facts and circumstances of your individual situation. Information provided by hosts and guests on the Real Health Podcast or the use of any products or services mentioned does not create a practitioner-patient relationship between you and any persons affiliated with this podcast.