Skip to content
PodcastsAlternative HealthModern Thyroid and Wellness

Modern Thyroid and Wellness

McCall McPherson, PA-C
Modern Thyroid and Wellness
Latest episode

90 episodes

  • Modern Thyroid and Wellness

    90: Too Much Iron Can Be Just as Dangerous as Too Little – The Hidden Condition Behind Fatigue, Heart Disease, and Thyroid Problems with Dr. Christy Sutton

    16/07/2026 | 34 mins.
    What if one of the most overlooked causes of fatigue, joint pain, thyroid dysfunction, and even heart disease wasn't iron deficiency, but iron overload?
    In this episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, McCall McPherson welcomes Christy Sutton, chiropractor, functional medicine clinician, educator, and author of The Iron Curse. Inspired by her husband's diagnosis with hereditary hemochromatosis, Dr. Sutton has dedicated her work to helping patients recognize and address iron overload before it leads to serious long-term health complications.
    Together, McCall and Dr. Sutton explore why hereditary hemochromatosis is far more common than many people realize, why millions of people may unknowingly carry high-risk genes, and how excess iron can silently damage the liver, heart, pancreas, brain, thyroid, and other organs. McCall also shares her own personal experience with iron overload, walking through her lab work live during the episode while Dr. Sutton explains what the results reveal and why early detection can make all the difference.
    Whether you're experiencing unexplained fatigue, elevated ferritin, thyroid issues, or have a family history of iron overload, this episode offers practical guidance on testing, treatment, and understanding one of the most underdiagnosed conditions in modern medicine.

    🔑 Key Topics Covered
    What hereditary hemochromatosis is and why it's commonly missed
    Why iron overload can be just as dangerous as iron deficiency
    The three HFE gene variants associated with hereditary hemochromatosis
    Why being told you're "just a carrier" may not tell the full story
    How excess iron creates oxidative stress throughout the body
    The connection between iron overload and liver disease
    How excess iron may contribute to cardiovascular disease and plaque formation
    Iron overload and its relationship with thyroid dysfunction
    Why iron can accumulate in the brain, pancreas, pituitary gland, and joints
    The impact of iron overload on hormone production and fertility
    Why women often develop iron overload after menopause or uterine ablation
    McCall's personal lab review and genetic results
    Understanding ferritin, transferrin saturation, and inflammatory markers
    Why ferritin should always be interpreted alongside CRP
    The role of therapeutic blood removal in treatment
    Blood donation versus therapeutic phlebotomy
    Dietary strategies to help manage iron overload
    Why vitamin C supplementation may increase iron absorption
    Foods and beverages that influence iron absorption
    Supplements that may support healthy iron regulation
    The relationship between celiac disease genes and iron metabolism
    Why family history plays an important role in early detection


    🩸 Iron Overload Is More Common Than Most People Think
    When most people think about iron, they think about deficiency.
    But according to Dr. Sutton, hereditary hemochromatosis affects far more people than many realize, with a significant portion of the population carrying one or more HFE gene variants that can increase iron absorption.
    Because the body has very limited ways to eliminate excess iron, levels can gradually increase over decades, especially after menstruation ends or blood loss decreases.

    🧬 Why Excess Iron Can Damage the Entire Body
    Iron is essential for life, but too much can become harmful.
    Dr. Sutton explains that excess iron contributes to oxidative stress, allowing iron to accumulate within tissues where it may damage organs over time.
    Areas commonly affected include:
    Liver
    Heart
    Pancreas
    Brain
    Thyroid
    Pituitary gland
    Joints

    Because this process develops slowly, many people don't recognize the problem until significant health issues appear.

    👩 Why Women Often Don't Develop Symptoms Until Midlife
    Premenopausal women naturally lose iron through monthly menstrual cycles.
    As a result, many women remain protected from iron accumulation for years.
    However, after menopause, hysterectomy, uterine ablation, or other situations that reduce menstrual blood loss, iron levels may begin rising much more rapidly.
    McCall shares her own experience of seeing her iron markers increase after uterine ablation, creating an opportunity to discuss how these laboratory changes may appear before significant symptoms develop.

    🩺 Looking Beyond a Single Lab Value
    One of the most educational moments of the episode comes when Dr. Sutton reviews McCall's laboratory results in real time.
    She explains why evaluating multiple markers together provides a more complete picture, including:
    Ferritin
    Transferrin saturation
    Complete blood count
    Red blood cell markers
    C-reactive protein (CRP)

    Because ferritin can rise with both inflammation and excess iron, understanding the broader laboratory context becomes essential when determining the underlying cause.

    ❤️ Iron Overload and Heart Health
    The discussion also explores the relationship between excess iron and cardiovascular health.
    According to Dr. Sutton, elevated iron may contribute to oxidative stress that damages blood vessels and promotes inflammation.
    Over time, this process may play a role in plaque formation and increase cardiovascular risk in susceptible individuals.
    McCall also shares the personal story of losing her brother unexpectedly to a heart attack, highlighting why this topic carries such deep personal significance for her family.

    💉 Treatment Starts by Reducing Iron
    The primary treatment for hereditary hemochromatosis involves removing excess iron through therapeutic phlebotomy or blood donation when medically appropriate.
    By removing blood, the body uses stored iron to produce new red blood cells, gradually lowering overall iron stores.
    Dr. Sutton explains that treatment plans should always be individualized and that blood removal is not appropriate for everyone.

    🥩 Everyday Habits That Influence Iron Levels
    In addition to therapeutic blood removal, lifestyle choices can influence iron absorption.
    Dr. Sutton discusses strategies such as:
    Moderating red meat intake when iron levels are elevated
    Pairing iron-rich meals with tea or coffee, which may reduce iron absorption
    Avoiding unnecessary vitamin C supplements with iron-rich meals
    Supporting overall health through individualized nutrition and supplementation

    She also discusses compounds such as curcumin, green tea extract, quercetin, and alpha-lipoic acid that are being studied for their role in supporting healthy iron regulation.

    🌟 Final Takeaway
    Iron deficiency deserves attention, but so does iron overload.
    Because hereditary hemochromatosis often develops silently over many years, understanding your genetics, reviewing your laboratory markers, and paying attention to family history may help identify problems before long-term complications develop.
    As Dr. Sutton explains throughout this conversation, awareness is one of the most powerful tools we have.
    Early testing, thoughtful interpretation of laboratory results, and individualized treatment can help protect long-term health while preventing unnecessary organ damage.

    👤 About the Guest
    Christy Sutton is a chiropractor, functional medicine clinician, educator, and author specializing in genetics, iron metabolism, and chronic disease prevention. Inspired by her husband's diagnosis with hereditary hemochromatosis, she developed educational resources to help patients and practitioners better understand iron overload, genetic risk factors, and root-cause approaches to long-term health.

    🔗 Resources & Links
    📖 The Iron Curse by Dr. Christy Sutton
    The Iron Curse Book
    🎓 The Iron Curse Educational Workshop
    The Iron Curse Workshop
    🌐 Website:
    Dr. Christy Sutton
    📸 Instagram:
    Dr. Christy Sutton Instagram
    🎵 TikTok:
    Dr. Christy Sutton TikTok
    💼 LinkedIn:
    Dr. Christy Sutton LinkedIn
    📲 Follow McCall McPherson & Modern Thyroid and Wellness
    💻 Website: modernthyroidclinic.com
    🐦 X / Twitter: @thyroidexpert
    🌐 Host Website: mccallmcpherson.com
    📺 YouTube:
  • Modern Thyroid and Wellness

    89: Autoimmune Disease Is Rising Faster Than Ever – The Root Causes Conventional Medicine Still Misses with Dr. Amy Myers

    09/07/2026 | 53 mins.
    What if autoimmune disease isn't something you're destined to live with forever, but a signal that your body needs help addressing deeper root causes?
    In this episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, McCall McPherson welcomes longtime mentor, friend, and functional medicine pioneer Amy Myers. A two-time New York Times bestselling author and internationally recognized functional medicine physician, Dr. Myers shares her personal journey from being diagnosed with Graves' disease during medical school to becoming one of the leading voices in autoimmune and thyroid health.
    Together, they explore why autoimmune diseases continue to rise, why women are disproportionately affected, and why many patients spend years searching for answers before receiving a diagnosis. Dr. Myers explains the role of gut health, environmental toxins, infections, stress, trauma, and nutrition in autoimmune disease while sharing practical strategies for supporting immune health and addressing root causes. She also introduces the newly revised edition of The Autoimmune Solution, featuring updated research and expanded guidance for today's changing health landscape.
    Whether you're living with Hashimoto's, Graves' disease, or another autoimmune condition, this conversation offers hope, practical tools, and a reminder that healing begins by understanding the "why" behind your symptoms.
    🔑 Key Topics Covered
    Dr. Amy Myers' personal journey with Graves' disease
    Why autoimmune diseases continue to rise worldwide
    The connection between environmental toxins and autoimmune disease
    Why women are disproportionately affected by autoimmune conditions
    Common reasons autoimmune diseases are missed for years
    The impact of medical gaslighting on thyroid and autoimmune patients
    How long autoimmune disease can develop before diagnosis
    Why antibodies should be checked even before symptoms become severe
    The autoimmune spectrum and recognizing early warning signs
    Genetics versus environment: what really drives autoimmune disease
    The four pillars of autoimmune healing
    Why gut health is foundational for immune regulation
    The role of leaky gut in autoimmune disease
    Candida, SIBO, parasites, and hidden gut infections
    Food triggers including gluten and processed foods
    Environmental toxins, plastics, mold, and chemical exposure
    Supporting the body's natural detoxification pathways
    The relationship between chronic infections, stress, trauma, and autoimmunity
    Why Hashimoto's remission looks different than stopping thyroid hormone
    Monitoring thyroid antibodies over time
    Hope for reversing autoimmune disease through root-cause medicine

    🌿 From Graves' Disease to Functional Medicine
    Dr. Myers' journey into functional medicine began with her own health crisis.
    While attending medical school, she developed severe anxiety, tremors, insomnia, weight loss, and other symptoms that were initially dismissed as stress.
    After insisting on additional testing, she was diagnosed with Graves' disease.
    Although conventional treatment successfully managed her thyroid, she realized no one had addressed why her immune system attacked her thyroid in the first place.
    That experience ultimately led her to discover functional medicine and dedicate her career to helping patients identify and address the root causes of autoimmune disease.
    🧬 Why Autoimmune Disease Is Becoming More Common
    According to Dr. Myers, autoimmune disease isn't simply being diagnosed more often.
    She believes multiple environmental factors are contributing to a true increase in autoimmune conditions.
    Among the biggest contributors discussed are:
    Environmental toxins
    Chronic infections
    Processed foods
    Plastic exposure
    Chronic stress
    Gut dysfunction
    Modern lifestyle changes

    She explains that while genetics influence susceptibility, environmental exposures often determine whether those genes become active.
    👩 Why Women Are More Commonly Affected
    Women account for the majority of autoimmune diagnoses.
    Dr. Myers explains that significant hormonal transitions often coincide with the development or worsening of autoimmune disease.
    Common life stages include:
    Pregnancy
    Postpartum
    Perimenopause
    Menopause

    These hormonal shifts can influence immune regulation and may contribute to the onset of autoimmune symptoms in genetically susceptible individuals.
    ⏳ Autoimmunity Often Begins Years Before Diagnosis
    One of the most important messages in this episode is that autoimmune disease develops long before many people receive a diagnosis.
    Dr. Myers explains that antibodies may be present for years before symptoms become severe enough to trigger additional testing.
    During this time, people often experience symptoms such as:
    Fatigue
    Brain fog
    Hair loss
    Joint pain
    Digestive problems
    Weight changes

    Unfortunately, these symptoms are frequently attributed to stress, aging, or hormonal changes rather than early autoimmune disease.
    🩺 The Four Pillars of Autoimmune Healing
    Dr. Myers describes a comprehensive approach that focuses on identifying and addressing the underlying drivers of immune dysfunction.
    Her four pillars include:
    Heal the Gut
    Supporting digestion and restoring the intestinal barrier through nutrition, digestive support, probiotics, and treatment of underlying gut infections.
    Improve Nutrition
    Removing inflammatory foods while emphasizing nutrient-dense whole foods that support immune balance.
    Reduce Toxic Burden
    Minimizing exposure to environmental toxins while supporting the body's natural detoxification pathways through hydration, sweating, regular bowel movements, and targeted nutritional support.
    Address Hidden Triggers
    Identifying chronic infections, reducing stress, and addressing unresolved trauma that may contribute to persistent immune activation.
    Together, these pillars form the foundation of her functional medicine approach to autoimmune health.
    🦠 Why Gut Health Comes First
    Dr. Myers refers to the gut as "the gateway to health."
    She explains that many people with autoimmune disease also experience:
    Leaky gut
    Candida overgrowth
    SIBO
    Parasites
    Poor digestion

    Before attempting to rebuild the microbiome, she emphasizes identifying and treating these underlying issues while also removing inflammatory foods that may continue to drive immune dysfunction.
    🧪 Monitoring Thyroid Antibodies
    For thyroid patients, Dr. Myers emphasizes that antibody testing provides valuable information beyond standard thyroid hormone levels.
    She recommends:
    Establishing baseline antibody levels
    Monitoring antibodies more frequently during active treatment
    Periodic long-term monitoring once antibodies remain stable

    She also notes that patients who have undergone thyroid ablation or thyroid surgery may still produce thyroid antibodies and should continue monitoring when appropriate.

    🌟 Final Takeaway
    Autoimmune disease is not simply a matter of bad luck or genetics.
    As Dr. Myers explains, our environment, nutrition, gut health, stress, infections, and daily habits all influence how our immune system functions.
    While every autoimmune journey is unique, understanding and addressing these root causes can create meaningful opportunities for healing and improved quality of life.
    Most importantly, a diagnosis doesn't have to mean giving up hope.
    With the right approach, many people can reduce inflammation, improve symptoms, and support long-term immune health.
    👤 About the Guest
    Amy Myers is a physician, certified functional medicine practitioner, founder of Amy Myers MD®, and a two-time New York Times bestselling author. After overcoming her own battle with Graves' disease, she became a leading voice in autoimmune and thyroid health, helping thousands of people address root causes through functional medicine. She is the author of The Autoimmune Solution, The Thyroid Connection, and The Autoimmune Solution Cookbook.
    🔗 Resources & Links
    🌐 Official Website:
    Amy Myers MD
    🌐 Personal Website:
    Dr. Amy Myers
    📺 YouTube:
    Amy Myers MD YouTube
    📚 Books:
    Dr. Amy Myers Amazon Author Page
    🎙️ Podcast: Take Back Your Health
    🎁 Free Gift for MTW Listeners:
    Amy Myers MD / McCall Resource Page
    📲 Follow McCall McPherson &...
  • Modern Thyroid and Wellness

    88: Your Home Could Be Affecting Your Health More Than You Realize – The Hidden Impact of Air, Water, and Everyday Toxins with Helen Christoni

    02/07/2026 | 34 mins.
    What if one of the most powerful ways to support your thyroid, hormones, gut, and long-term health isn't another supplement or medication, but improving the air you breathe and the water you use every day?
    In this episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, McCall McPherson welcomes Helen Christoni, Senior Vice President of Ideal Living, the parent company behind AirDoctor and AquaTru. Helen shares her personal health journey, including experiencing early menopause and severe osteoporosis in her early forties, and how that experience led her to become passionate about reducing environmental toxins in the home.
    Together, McCall and Helen explore why clean air and clean water are foundational to health, how everyday environmental exposures contribute to toxic burden, and practical, affordable steps families can take to create a healthier home without feeling overwhelmed.
    🔑 Key Topics Covered
    Helen's personal story of early menopause and severe osteoporosis
    How toxic burden can affect long-term health
    Why clean air and clean water are foundational to wellness
    How to check the quality of your local tap water
    Common contaminants found in municipal water
    Why boiling water can increase contaminant concentration
    Reverse osmosis vs. standard water filters
    Understanding chlorine and chloramine exposure
    Why shower water affects skin, lungs, and overall health
    The growing concern around microplastics and thyroid health
    Simple ways to reduce plastic exposure at home
    Why indoor air is often more polluted than outdoor air
    Wildfires, VOCs, mold, and hidden indoor air contaminants
    Why HEPA filtration alone isn't enough
    The importance of activated carbon in air purification
    How cooking, candles, and personal care products affect indoor air quality
    Creating a healthier bedroom for better sleep and recovery
    Practical healthy-home swaps anyone can start today

    🌿 Helen's Journey to Environmental Wellness
    Helen's passion for clean air and clean water grew out of her own health crisis.
    While working in the beauty industry, she developed severe osteoporosis and entered menopause unexpectedly in her early forties. After multiple fractures and searching for answers, she was encouraged to look beyond conventional health advice and consider the role environmental toxins might be playing in her overall health.
    That experience ultimately brought her back to Ideal Living, where she now focuses on educating families about simple, practical ways to reduce their everyday toxic burden.
    💧 Your Water May Contain More Than You Think
    Many people focus on eating organic foods but rarely consider the quality of the water they drink or cook with.
    Helen explains that municipal water supplies can contain numerous contaminants, including naturally occurring heavy metals and chemical byproducts.
    One of the biggest misconceptions is that boiling water makes it safer.
    Instead, many contaminants become more concentrated as water evaporates during cooking, meaning foods like pasta, rice, soups, and vegetables may contain even higher concentrations than the original tap water.
    She also explains why reverse osmosis filtration removes a broader range of contaminants than standard carbon filters, making it one of the most comprehensive options for drinking and cooking water.
    🚿 Your Shower Is Another Source of Exposure
    Water quality doesn't only matter when you drink it.
    Every shower exposes your body to chlorine, chloramine, and other contaminants through both skin absorption and inhalation.
    Because skin is the body's largest organ, these daily exposures may contribute to:
    Dry skin
    Eczema
    Psoriasis
    Skin irritation
    Increased overall toxic burden

    Helen recommends shower filtration as another simple improvement that supports healthier skin while reducing everyday chemical exposure.
    🌬️ Indoor Air Quality Deserves More Attention
    Most people think about outdoor pollution.
    But according to Helen, indoor air can often be even more polluted because contaminants become trapped inside modern, energy-efficient homes.
    Indoor air may contain:
    Wildfire smoke
    Volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
    Mold spores
    Pet dander
    Household cleaning chemicals
    Cooking emissions
    Personal care product chemicals

    Since most people spend the majority of their day indoors, improving indoor air quality can significantly reduce overall environmental exposure.
    Helen also explains why effective air purification requires both HEPA filtration and activated carbon, since many harmful gases and VOCs cannot be captured by HEPA filters alone.
    🏡 Small Changes Add Up
    One of the biggest messages throughout this conversation is that creating a healthier home doesn't require perfection.
    Helen encourages listeners to focus on simple, repeatable habits like:
    Filtering drinking and cooking water
    Improving bedroom air quality
    Ventilating while cooking
    Choosing cleaner household products
    Reducing plastic use whenever possible
    Selecting organic bedding and textiles when practical

    Rather than trying to change everything overnight, she recommends building healthier habits one step at a time.
    🌟 Final Takeaway
    The environment inside your home influences your health every single day.
    The water you drink.
    The air you breathe.
    The products you use.
    The choices you repeat.
    As Helen explains, reducing toxic burden isn't about creating fear or chasing perfection. It's about making practical improvements that support your body's natural ability to thrive.
    Sometimes the most powerful health interventions aren't found in a prescription bottle.
    They're found in the everyday choices that quietly shape your health for years to come.
    👤 About the Guest
    Helen Christoni is the Senior Vice President of Ideal Living, the parent company of AirDoctor and AquaTru. She is passionate about educating families on environmental wellness, helping people reduce everyday toxic exposures through cleaner air, purified water, and practical healthy-home solutions. Helen is also the co-host of the Make Time Podcast, where she shares conversations focused on wellness, longevity, and intentional living.
    🔗 Resources & Links
    🌐 LinkedIn: Helen Christoni LinkedIn
    📸 Instagram: Helen Christoni Instagram
    🎙️ Podcast: Make Time Podcast with Emma and Helen
    💧 Check Your Local Water Quality:
    Is My Water Safe?
    🌬️ Learn About Air Quality & Why AQI Matters:
    Why Knowing Your AQI Is Essential in Today's Wildfire Era
    📲 Follow McCall McPherson & Modern Thyroid and Wellness
    💻 Website: modernthyroidclinic.com
    🐦 X / Twitter: @thyroidexpert
    🌐 Host Website: mccallmcpherson.com
    📺 YouTube: McCall McPherson Channel
    📘 Facebook: McCall McPherson PAC
    📸 Instagram: @mccallmcphersonpa
  • Modern Thyroid and Wellness

    87: Success Is Built One Step at a Time – The Untold Story Behind Modern Thyroid Clinic with Melissa Afflerbach

    25/06/2026 | 29 mins.
    What does it really take to build a thriving business while navigating personal loss, single motherhood, medical challenges, and starting over from scratch?
    In this special episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, McCall McPherson steps away from her usual role as interviewer as she's joined by her longtime friend and Modern Thyroid Clinic's Weight Loss Program Director, Melissa Afflerbach. Together, they share the deeply personal story behind the creation of Modern Thyroid Clinic and the challenges, setbacks, and pivotal moments that transformed a tiny one-room practice into one of the nation's leading virtual thyroid clinics.
    McCall opens up about building a business while navigating divorce, raising two young daughters, advocating for her medically complex child, and caring for patients who desperately needed answers. She reflects on the lessons she learned about resilience, entrepreneurship, leadership, and the importance of finding purpose even during life's hardest seasons.
    Whether you're an entrepreneur, healthcare provider, working parent, or simply facing a difficult season of life, this conversation offers an honest look at perseverance, hope, and what it truly means to build something meaningful.

    🔑 Key Topics Covered
    The origin story behind Modern Thyroid Clinic
    Building a medical practice from a single rented office
    Growing through word-of-mouth without a marketing budget
    Why changing patients' lives became the clinic's greatest source of growth
    Navigating divorce while building a business
    Raising a medically complex child while working full-time
    Learning to advocate when no one believes your concerns
    The emotional challenges of entrepreneurship and motherhood
    Why purpose becomes your greatest source of motivation
    Finding your "fuel" during difficult seasons
    The difference between hustle seasons and rest seasons
    Practical lessons for entrepreneurs building businesses from the ground up
    Why writing down your vision can change your future
    The importance of mentorship and surrounding yourself with supportive people
    How joining a wellness community accelerated business growth
    The unexpected opportunities that came from the COVID-19 pandemic
    Transitioning from an in-person clinic to a national telemedicine practice
    Leadership lessons learned while scaling a healthcare company
    Why helping others succeed is part of building lasting success
    Encouragement for anyone rebuilding after personal or professional setbacks


    💙 Building a Practice One Patient at a Time
    When McCall first opened what would eventually become Modern Thyroid Clinic, there was no large medical team, no marketing department, and no polished office.
    Instead, there was:
    One small rented office
    One exam room
    A printed sign asking patients to wait
    One shared phone receptionist
    Countless hours of hard work

    She managed nearly every aspect of the business herself, from answering patient questions and reviewing lab work to scheduling appointments and completing paperwork. Every new patient felt like a gift, and each success story naturally led to another through word of mouth.

    🌱 Finding Purpose During Difficult Seasons
    At the same time her practice was beginning to grow, McCall was facing enormous challenges in her personal life.
    She shares openly about:
    Navigating a difficult marriage
    Becoming the primary financial provider
    Raising two young daughters
    Fighting for answers regarding her youngest daughter's rare genetic condition
    Feeling emotionally and physically stretched beyond her limits

    Throughout these experiences, one thing continued to motivate her:
    Helping patients regain their health.
    She explains that finding purpose in changing people's lives became the fuel that carried her through some of life's darkest moments.

    🚀 Growing Without Traditional Marketing
    One of the most surprising parts of McCall's story is how Modern Thyroid Clinic expanded almost entirely through patient referrals.
    As patients experienced meaningful improvements in their thyroid health, they naturally shared their experiences with friends and family.
    That trust became the foundation for sustainable growth and eventually helped transform a small local practice into a nationally recognized virtual clinic.

    🌸 Rebuilding After Rock Bottom
    Following her divorce, McCall found herself starting over.
    She moved into a small apartment with her daughters and began rebuilding every aspect of her life.
    Rather than seeing this season only as loss, she began asking herself important questions:
    What kind of life do I want to create?
    What kind of business do I want to build?
    What kind of future do I want for my family?

    She encourages listeners to become incredibly specific when defining their vision because clarity often becomes the blueprint for future success.

    🤝 The Power of Community and Mentorship
    As Modern Thyroid Clinic continued growing, opportunities began opening through relationships with people who believed in McCall's vision.
    She reflects on how joining Austin's wellness community connected her with mentors and collaborators who helped elevate her business while encouraging her to do the same for others.
    Her advice is simple:
    As your success grows, bring other people with you.
    Supporting others creates stronger communities and multiplies positive impact.

    💻 How COVID Changed Everything
    Like many healthcare practices, Modern Thyroid Clinic experienced significant changes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
    The practice rapidly transitioned from mostly in-person visits to a fully virtual model, allowing patients across the country to access specialized thyroid care.
    While this period brought tremendous personal challenges, it also created opportunities for innovation and ultimately laid the foundation for the clinic's national expansion.

    🌿 Success Requires Both Hustle and Rest
    One of the most valuable lessons McCall shares is that sustainable success isn't built through constant hustle.
    Instead, she describes entrepreneurship as a series of seasons.
    Some seasons require intense focus, long hours, and perseverance.
    Other seasons require intentional rest, recovery, and reflection.
    Learning when to push forward and when to step back has become one of the most important leadership lessons she's learned throughout her journey.

    🌟 Final Takeaway
    Modern Thyroid Clinic didn't become what it is today overnight.
    It was built one patient...
    one challenge...
    one difficult season...
    and one small step at a time.
    McCall's story is a reminder that success is rarely a straight line.
    Life will bring setbacks.
    Plans will change.
    Unexpected challenges will arise.
    But purpose, resilience, community, and the willingness to keep moving forward can create opportunities that once seemed impossible.
    If you're in a season of rebuilding, this episode offers an encouraging reminder:
    Your current circumstances do not define your future.
    Sometimes the most meaningful journeys begin with nothing more than the courage to take the very next step.

    👤 About the Guest
    Melissa Afflerbach is the Weight Loss Program Director at Modern Thyroid Clinic and has more than 17 years of experience designing transformational wellness programs, luxury retreats, and community-centered health initiatives. She specializes in program development, strategic leadership, and creating meaningful experiences that empower lasting personal growth.

    🔗 Resources & Links
    🌐 Melissa Afflerbach:
    Melissa Afflerbach | Modern Thyroid Clinic
    📲 Follow McCall McPherson & Modern Thyroid and Wellness
    💻 Website: modernthyroidclinic.com
    🐦 X / Twitter: @thyroidexpert
    🌐 Host Website: mccallmcpherson.com
    📺 YouTube: McCall McPherson Channel
    📘 Facebook: McCall McPherson PAC
    📸 Instagram: @mccallmcphersonpa
  • Modern Thyroid and Wellness

    86: More Treatments Do Not Mean Better Results - The New Rules for Natural Looking Facial Rejuvenation with Dr. Prem Tripathi

    18/06/2026 | 41 mins.
    What if the secret to looking younger isn't doing more treatments, but choosing the right treatments at the right time?
    In this episode of Modern Thyroid and Wellness, McCall McPherson sits down with Prem Tripathi, double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and founder of Bay Hills Plastic Surgery, to discuss the rapidly evolving world of aesthetics. From filler migration and fat grafting to facelifts, lasers, skincare, and social media beauty trends, Dr. Tripathi shares his expert perspective on what works, what doesn't, and how to make informed decisions when it comes to facial rejuvenation.
    Together, they explore the importance of choosing qualified providers, the growing shift toward natural-looking results, and why long-term planning matters more than chasing quick fixes. Whether you're considering your first cosmetic procedure or simply want healthier, younger-looking skin, this conversation is packed with practical insights and expert advice.
    🔑 Key Topics Covered
    How social media has changed the aesthetics industry
    Why patient safety and regulation are becoming increasingly important
    What credentials to look for when choosing an aesthetic provider
    The dangers of unqualified injectors and poorly supervised aesthetic practices
    Why board certification matters when selecting a surgeon
    The shift away from overfilled faces and toward natural-looking results
    Filler migration and why many patients are dissolving old filler
    Fat grafting vs. filler: benefits, risks, and ideal candidates
    Common complications after lower blepharoplasty (lower eyelid surgery)
    How fat transfer can restore volume and improve skin quality
    The role of growth factors in facial rejuvenation
    Where filler still has an important place in modern aesthetics
    The most impactful in-office procedures for facial rejuvenation
    Why upper blepharoplasty remains one of the highest satisfaction procedures
    The truth about Sofwave, Ultherapy, Morpheus8, and other energy-based devices
    How repeated collagen stimulators and energy devices may affect future facelift surgery
    What to consider if a facelift is part of your long-term plan
    The best skincare strategies for healthy aging
    Why tretinoin remains one of the most effective anti-aging tools available
    The importance of sunscreen, vitamin C, moisturizers, and growth factors
    Emerging skincare technologies and the future of regenerative aesthetics

    👤 About the Guest
    Prem Tripathi is a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon and the founder of Bay Hills Plastic Surgery in the San Francisco Bay Area. He specializes in facial rejuvenation, eyelid surgery, facial fat grafting, skin resurfacing, and natural-looking aesthetic procedures. Through a combination of surgical expertise, advanced technology, and evidence-based skincare, Dr. Tripathi helps patients achieve refreshed, natural results while maintaining their unique appearance.
    🔗 Resources & Links
    🌐 About Dr. Tripathi:
    Bay Hills MD Profile
    💼 LinkedIn:
    Philip Oubre, MD LinkedIn
    📸 Instagram:
    Dr. Prem Tripathi Instagram
    📲 Follow McCall McPherson & Modern Thyroid and Wellness
    💻 Website: modernthyroidclinic.com
    🐦 X / Twitter: @thyroidexpert
    🌐 Host Website: mccallmcpherson.com
    📺 YouTube: McCall McPherson Channel
    📘 Facebook: McCall McPherson PAC
    📸 Instagram: @mccallmcphersonpa
More Alternative Health podcasts
About Modern Thyroid and Wellness
Unlock the latest insights into thyroid health and wellness with McCall McPherson, PA-C. Through expert interviews, personal stories, and actionable advice, this podcast dives deep into thyroid disorders, exploring how they impact everything from energy levels to mental clarity. Whether you're navigating your own thyroid journey or seeking cutting-edge solutions for optimal health, you'll find practical tips and holistic strategies to support your well-being. Join McCall as she empowers listeners to take control of their thyroid health and live a more vibrant life.
Podcast website

Listen to Modern Thyroid and Wellness, Well with Arielle Lorre and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app

Get the free radio.net app

  • Stations and podcasts to bookmark
  • Stream via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
  • Supports Carplay & Android Auto
  • Many other app features