Friends of Franz

por Christian Franz

Temporada 4

A Paw-sitive Ending with Veterinarian Dr. Jesse Tong — On Caring For Puppies, Kittens, and Pet Owners

What better way to end the podcast season than with the creatures that make life a little softer, messier, and infinitely more lovable? Truly, there is both an overt and an unspoken deep emotional bond between humans and animals, especially pets like dogs and cats. From first-time pet parent mistakes to the realities of caring for aging pets, the episode explores the joy, grief, chaos, and companionship that come with opening your home to an animal. Because sometimes the best medicine, comfort, and unconditional love come with four legs and fur. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jesse Tong, DVM, a board-certified Emergency and General Practice Veterinarian based in New York City. Dr. Tong received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the University of Calgary - Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and then completed a Small Animal Rotating Internship at BluePearl Specialty and Emergency Pet Hospital in New York City. Dr. Tong is Fear Free-Certified and United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)-Certified. Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, Facebook Follow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube

T4 · E23

26 may 2026

52:17

No One Mourns the Wounded with Dr. François DeAsis (Medicine for Musicians) — On Performing Arts, Overuse Injury, and Musculoskeletal Recovery

Behind every standing ovation is a body quietly keeping score. From Broadway stages to rehearsal studios, performing artists push physical limits in ways that blur the line between discipline and injury. This episode explores the often-hidden world of performing arts medicine—where physiatrists care for musicians, dancers, and artists navigating overuse injuries, recovery, and longevity in their craft. How do you treat a body that can’t simply “take time off”? And what does it mean to heal when performance itself is part of identity? In this episode, we are joined by Dr. François DeAsis, DO, a physiatrist, performing arts medicine specialist, violinist and pianist (since the age of 4-years-old), and the founder of Medicine for Musicians, which that seeks to empower and support performing artists at every stage of their career, from education and outreach to personalized medical care. Dr. DeAsis received his DO (Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine) from Midwestern University, completed his Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation Residency at Nova Southeastern University, and is currently completing his Performing Arts Medicine Fellowship at the University of North Texas Health Science Center. Dr. DeAsis has worked with artists from all over the world, including those at The Juilliard School, Minnesota Orchestra, Lyric Opera of Chicago, and many other ensembles and universities. Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, Facebook Follow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube

T4 · E22

7 abr 2026

44:54

Weapons of Mass Discussion with Dr. Andaleeb Raja — On Poison Control, Venom, and Bioterrorism

Toxicology lives at the intersection of chemistry, medicine, and survival—where everyday exposures and rare threats alike can shape human health in profound ways. From the silent danger of carbon monoxide to the rapid lethality of cyanide, and the complex line between poison and remedy, this conversation unpacks how toxins move through and impact the body. We explore the ongoing opioid crisis, the life-saving role of naloxone, and how clinicians respond in moments where minutes matter most. Along the way, the lens widens to include venom, environmental exposures, and even the realities of bioterrorism—revealing just how much of our world is defined by what we can’t see. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Andaleeb Hamid Raja, MD, a double board-certified emergency medicine physician and medical toxicologist and assistant professor of medicine based in New York City. Dr. Raja received her MD from Saba University School of Medicine and completed her Emergency Medicine Residency at Lincoln Medical Center and Medical Toxicology Fellowship at the University of Pittsburgh. Currently, Dr. Raja is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College and is the Assistant Program Director of Emergency Medicine Residency at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln. Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, Facebook Follow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube

T4 · E21

31 mar 2026

40:43

Below the Belt with Dr. Willy Quach and Kimmy Wu — On Pelvic Floor Health, Stigma, and Pleasure

Deep within the body lies a group of muscles we rarely think about, yet they hold so much of our daily lives—our continence, our stability, our pleasure, and sometimes our pain. The pelvic floor is both an anatomical and emotional terrain, where physiology meets intimacy and where silence has long replaced education. Yet despite its importance, pelvic health remains surrounded by silence and stigma, even though pelvic floor disorders affect nearly one in three women and millions of men worldwide. Why do so many people live with pelvic pain, incontinence, or painful intimacy without ever seeking help? How much of sexual pleasure and dysfunction is rooted in the body—and how much in the mind? And what might change if we finally started talking openly about pelvic health, intimacy, and the muscles that quietly support them both? In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Willy Quach, DPT, PT (known online as Dr. Q / Pelvic Floor Galore), a California-based Doctor of Physical Therapy and a pelvic health specialist, particularly in rehabilitation for men and the queer and underserved communities. Dr. Quach received his BS in Kinesiology and Exercise Science and DPT from California State University, Northridge. We are also joined by Kimmy Wu, MHC, MA (known online as the Asian Sex Therapist), a New York-based relational and sex psychotherapist, seeking to tear down the taboos surrounding the topics of sex and pleasure. Kimmy received her MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Northwestern University. Currently, she is the founder of Thirdspace, a startup that helps create authentic connections in a disconnected world, and the mental health writer behind 'Between Living & Dreaming,' a Substack that explores the tensions of being human & cultural critiques of modern society. Previously, Kimmy was the Director of the WAVES program of Asian Mental Health Collective, a community-driven initiative focused on reducing stigma and promoting mental wellness within the Asian diaspora. Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, Facebook Follow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube

T4 · E20

24 mar 2026

52:51

Fiber and Brimstone with Dr. Albert Chung (Your Friendly Proctologist) — On Constipation, Colonoscopy, and Hemorrhoids

Colorectal health is one of the most overlooked—and most quietly essential—parts of our wellbeing. From common concerns like constipation, hemorrhoids, and anal fissures to lifesaving screenings like colonoscopies, the colon tells an important story about our overall health. Yet embarrassment and stigma often keep people from talking openly about symptoms that are incredibly common and treatable. Why do so many of us feel shame around a system that everybody relies on? When should we stop ignoring discomfort and start paying closer attention to what our gut may be trying to tell us? Do at-home remedies, like daily fiber supplements, Sitz baths, and hemorrhoidal creams, actually work? In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Albert Chung, MD, FACS, MBA, FASCRS (known online as Your Friendly Proctologist with over 200,000 subscribers on YouTube), a double board-certified general and colorectal surgeon, and sees patients in his clinic based in Rancho Santa Margarita. Dr. Chung received his MD from the University of Illinois at Chicago, where he also completed his 5-year General Surgery residency. He then completed his Colon and Rectal Surgery fellowship at Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, Michigan. Dr. Chung has been featured in TIME Magazine. Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, Facebook Follow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube

T4 · E19

10 mar 2026

44:26

A Bite-Sized Discussion with Dr. Connie Wang — On Charcoal Toothpastes, Fluoride, and Oil Pulling

Someone’s smile is often the first thing we notice in another person, but it reflects far more than appearance alone. Dentistry and oral health sit at the intersection of daily ritual and long-term disease prevention, shaping far more than just a smile. From the chemistry of fluoride strengthening enamel to the mechanics of toothbrushing and flossing that disrupt plaque before it hardens, small habits carry outsized impact. But with trends like oil pulling, activated charcoal, and “natural” oral care flooding social media, where does evidence end and myth begin? Do these alternatives actually protect our teeth and gums—or could they quietly do more harm than good? In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Connie Wang, DMD, PharmD, a board-certified pharmacist turned dentist based in Boston, MA. Dr. Wang received her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from the University of Rhode Island and Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) from Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Now, Dr. Wang is a board-certified general dentist and the host of Just a Quick Pinch Podcast, a lifestyle and communications podcast for young women in healthcare. Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, Facebook Follow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube

T4 · E18

3 mar 2026

47:51

A Sound Advice from Dr. Stacey Lim — On Deafness, Hearing Aids, and Cochlear Implants

The sense of hearing is a finely tuned collaboration between physics and biology, transforming invisible sound waves into meaning, memory, and emotion. From the delicate mechanics of the middle ear to the neural pathways that help us localize danger, recognize voices, and enjoy music, hearing quietly shapes how we connect with the world. Yet it’s also one of our most vulnerable senses—affected by aging, noise exposure, infection, and even cardiovascular health. How benign are ear pain and ringing? Is there a limit to how loud we should listen to music? And what can we do to protect this sense before silence becomes noticeable? In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Stacey Lim, AuD, PhD, CCC-A, an American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)-certified audiologist and Professor of Audiology. Dr. Lim received her BA in Communication Sciences and Disorders and German Language and Literature from Wooster College, her AuD (Doctor of Audiology) from the Northeast Ohio Au.D. Consortium at the University of Akron, and her PhD in Audiology from Kent State University. Currently, Dr. Lim is a Professor of Audiology at Central Michigan University, holds a Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) from ASHA, and is a researcher focused on cochlear implants and aural rehabilitation, informed by her personal experience of bilateral, profound sensorineural hearing loss since birth. Previously, Dr. Lim was a Fulbright Scholar at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, studying hearing loss in Germany, a co-Principal Investigator in March of Dimes research on cognitive and linguistic skills related to hearing loss, and the Chapter President at the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Dr. Lim is also a co-curator of (dis)ABLED BEAUTY, a museum exhibition featuring creatively designed adaptive devices, assistive devices, and apparel for people with disabilities. Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, Facebook Follow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube

T4 · E17

10 feb 2026

41:56

I'm All Ears...Nose and Throat with Dr. Chris Park — On Earwax, Nosebleeds, and Sore Throats

Our ears, nose, and throat (ENT) work quietly together to shape how we hear, breathe, taste, and even defend ourselves against the outside world. From the often-misunderstood role of earwax to why dry air and seasonal changes make nosebleeds more common—and how inflammation and mucosal irritation contribute to sore throats—many everyday ENT issues are actually signs of smart protective design. But with such a complex system, how simple can effective treatments really be? Can warm tea with honey actually soothe throat irritation? Are cotton swabs really bad for our ears? Can spicy foods truly clear sinus infections? In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Chris Park, MD (known online as ChrisP.MD), an Otolaryngology (ENT) - Head & Neck Surgery Chief Resident Physician. Dr. Park received his B.A. in Biology and Computer Science from Dartmouth College and his M.D. with Distinction in Research from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, where he was a Researcher at the Laryngology Lab. Dr. Park is currently completing his ENT residency at the Indiana University Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and recently matched into the Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Online, Dr. Park has amassed over 350,000 followers, beginning his journey on TikTok, sharing his life surrounding medicine. Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, Facebook Follow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube

T4 · E16

3 feb 2026

50:47

Fact or Vision with Dr. Jennifer Chinn — On Digital Eye Strain, Carrots, and Blue Light Glasses

Vision is often described as our most dominant sense, but how often do we actually think about how it works? The sense of sight is a complex collaboration between the eyes, optic nerves, and brain, translating light into perception, depth, color, and meaning. It allows us to view the world around us and form images of our deepest memories. But what does it really mean to “see well,” and how can we protect one of our most powerful connections to the world? What does 20/20 vision mean? Do blue light glasses work, or are they just a marketing ploy? And the age-old question: Do carrots actually improve our eyesight? In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jennifer Chinn, OD, a board-certified optometrist and Glaucoma Certified Optometric Physician, and the second-generation and co-owner of Dr. Chinn's Vision Care in San Diego, California. Dr. Chinn received her OD from the University of Missouri St. Louis College of Optometry. Currently, Dr. Chinn serves as a Professional Affairs Consultant at Johnson & Johnson Vision, serves on the Board of the San Diego County Optometric Society, and is the Leader of the San Diego Chapter of the Young Optometrists of America. Dr. Chinn has been featured on New York Post, Well+Good, Women in Optometry Magazine, and Vision Monday Magazine. Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, Facebook Follow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube

T4 · E15

20 ene 2026

38:48

Stress and the City with Dr. Priya Jaisinghani — On Cortisol, "Adrenal Fatigue," and Endocrine Disruptors

The endocrine system consists of eight major organs that produce and regulate hormones, the chemical messengers that keep the body in balance. Hormones quietly orchestrate everything from our energy and metabolism to mood, sleep, and resilience, acting as an internal communication network that responds to stress, environment, and lifestyle. From cold plunges and saunas to endocrine-disrupting chemicals, even small daily inputs are said to shift this delicate signaling. How does stress really affect our bodies? Does “adrenal fatigue” exist? Is it actually possible to “biohack” our hormones? In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Priya Jaisinghani, MD, ABIM, DABOM, a triple board-certified Endocrinology, Obesity Medicine, and Internal Medicine physician from New York City. Dr. Jaisinghani received her MD from Rutgers/Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, where she also completed her Internal Medicine Residency, Endocrinology and Obesity Medicine Fellowships at Weill Cornell Medicine. Currently, Dr. Jaisinghani is a Diabetes, Metabolism, and Obesity Medicine attending physician at NYU Langone Health, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at NYU Grossman School of Medicine, and a Medical Unit Contributor at ABC News. Dr. Jaisinghani has been featured on CNN, Rolling Stone, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Men's Health, FOX 5 News, and Medscape, Follow Friends of Franz Podcast: Website, Instagram, Facebook Follow Christian Franz (Host): Instagram, YouTube

T4 · E14

13 ene 2026

40:36

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