Better: Outside the Box Healthcare with Dr. Matt Kettman | Wellness, Longevity, Metabolism, Unconventional Family Doctor

Dr. Rock here.
What if the anxiety, sleepless nights, racing thoughts, or trouble staying focused you've been dealing with aren't actually separate problems?
I'm joined by psychiatric nurse practitioner Kama Ausborn of Cedar Valley Mental Wellness for a wide-ranging conversation about ADHD, mental health, medication, hormones, and why finding the right diagnosis can sometimes change everything.
Kama shares how her father's struggles with mental illness inspired her career and why she's become particularly passionate about helping people with ADHD, including adults who may have gone decades without recognizing it. We dig into how ADHD can look different from the stereotypical hyperactive kid, why some people experience the hyperactivity entirely inside their heads, and how symptoms can overlap with anxiety, depression, sleep problems, and other mental health concerns.
We also rock through adult ADHD treatment, stimulants and controlled substances, bipolar disorder and misdiagnosis, reducing unnecessary medications, and the importance of treating the person instead of simply piling another prescription onto every symptom. Kama also shares her growing interest in hormones and the connection between perimenopause and changes in mood, sleep, and mental well-being.
This one's a doozy, folks. ADHD, bipolar disorder, medication, hormones, lifestyle, and plenty of outside-the-box thinking about what better mental healthcare could look like.
And Kama leaves us with a message worth remembering: you matter, you have value, and it's never too late to make a difference.
Keep rocking your health!
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Keep rocking your health!

Alright, Dr. Rock here.
Got a cough that just won't go away? I'm not talking about the annoying cough that hangs around after a cold for a little while. I'm talking about the cough that's been keeping you up at night for weeks, months, or even years.
In this episode, I'm breaking down chronic cough and some of the most common reasons you might still be coughing, including a few causes that may surprise you.
We'll rock through:
Postnasal drainage, allergies, and chronic sinus problems
Asthma, including cough-variant asthma that may happen without wheezing
Acid reflux and "silent reflux," even if you never experience heartburn
Blood pressure medications that can trigger a persistent cough
Smoking, COPD, and other lung conditions
When a chronic cough could signal something more serious
What your doctor may do to figure out what's actually causing it
Here's the big takeaway: a chronic cough isn't something you necessarily have to learn to live with. Sometimes the problem isn't even coming from your lungs, and getting to the root cause can make all the difference.
If you've been coughing for weeks and can't figure out why, it's time to quit guessing and talk with your healthcare provider.
Keep rocking your health! 🤘
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Keep rocking your health!

Dr. Rock here.
Today's episode is a very personal one.
I'm joined by my sister, Emily, as she shares the incredible journey of raising her son, Sam, who was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. From the first signs that something was different to navigating therapies, school, and everyday family life, Emily offers an honest look at both the challenges and the unexpected joys of raising a child with autism.
Together, we discuss:
the early signs that led to Sam's autism diagnosis
why early intervention can make a meaningful difference
ABA therapy, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and finding the right support
the emotional journey of parenting after an autism diagnosis
balancing the needs of siblings and the entire family
how routines, patience, and individualized care help children thrive
medication, behavioral strategies, and the importance of finding what works for each child
why autism looks different for every individual and every family
Emily also shares heartfelt stories about Sam's unique personality, the lessons he's taught their family, and why hope, perseverance, and a sense of humor have carried them through some of life's hardest moments.
One of my biggest takeaways?
An autism diagnosis doesn't define a child's potential—it simply changes the path. With love, patience, the right support, and a willingness to adapt, families can discover joy, growth, and strengths they never expected.
Whether you're a parent, grandparent, teacher, healthcare provider, or simply want a better understanding of autism, I hope this conversation offers encouragement and practical insight.
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Keep rocking your health!

Dr. Rock here.
Everyone seems to be chasing the latest longevity hack—supplements, peptides, cold plunges, and miracle routines—but what if the biggest predictors of a long, healthy life are actually much simpler?
In this episode, we're cutting through the noise and looking at what decades of research and real-world science say actually moves the needle when it comes to living longer and living better.
We dive into:
why smoking remains one of the biggest threats to longevity
how strength and muscle mass predict healthy aging and independence
why grip strength, balance, and mobility matter more than many people realize
the importance of controlling blood pressure, blood sugar, and other modifiable risk factors
how improving your cardiovascular fitness and VO₂ max can reduce your risk of chronic disease
why healthy habits often have a greater impact than expensive bio-hacks
the surprising role that community, meaningful relationships, and social connection play in longevity
how faith, purpose, and supportive relationships may contribute to both better health and a longer life
One of the biggest takeaways?
Living longer isn't about finding one magic solution—it's about consistently doing the simple things that have been proven to work. Building strength, moving your body, taking care of your heart, investing in relationships, and creating a life filled with purpose can have a profound impact on both your lifespan and your health span.
The best longevity plan isn't the trendiest one.
It's the one you'll actually stick with.
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Keep rocking your health!

Alright, Dr. Rock here.
What if one of the most powerful ways to improve your health wasn't found in a prescription bottle, but in the way you breathe, respond to stress, and challenge yourself every day?
In this episode, I'm joined by mindset and performance coach Thad Peck to discuss how breathwork, cold therapy, and intentional habits can help build resilience, improve mental performance, and strengthen your response to life's daily stressors.
Together, we explore:
how breathwork affects your nervous system and stress response
why so many of us get trapped in cycles of overthinking and anxiety
what cold exposure can teach us about resilience and mental toughness
the connection between routine, discipline, and long-term health
how mindset influences both physical and emotional well-being
Thad's personal journey through addiction, recovery, and helping others transform their lives
simple ways to begin building healthier habits, one intentional step at a time
Whether you're curious about cold plunges, looking for practical ways to manage stress, or simply trying to become healthier in both body and mind, this conversation offers encouragement, perspective, and actionable tools to help you move forward.
 
Connect with Thad Peck:🌐 https://thadpeckmotivational.com📱 Facebook: Thad Peck Motivational📞 (480) 254-3930
 
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Keep rocking your health!

Dr. Rock here.
If you're a parent, few things are scarier than hearing your child struggle to breathe.
Today we're talking about some of the most common respiratory illnesses in children, including croup, RSV, influenza, and pneumonia. More importantly, I discuss how to recognize when it's safe to care for your child at home and when it's time to seek medical attention.
In this episode, we cover:
what croup is and why it causes that classic barking cough
how RSV affects babies and young children differently than adults
the difference between influenza and the common cold
viral versus bacterial pneumonia and when antibiotics are actually needed
warning signs of respiratory distress, including retractions, blue lips, dehydration, and lethargy
when to call your pediatrician, head to the emergency room, or call 911
current prevention strategies, including RSV immunization options and the annual flu vaccine
One of the biggest takeaways?
Most respiratory infections in children are viral and improve with supportive care—but recognizing the signs of worsening breathing is what can make all the difference.
Knowing what to watch for helps parents stay calm, act confidently, and get medical care when it's truly needed.
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Dr. Rock here.
Today is a little different.
Instead of talking about research studies or medical guidelines, I'm sitting down with one of my own patients to hear her incredible weight loss journey firsthand.
Sue Shader has lost 155 pounds, and what makes her story so powerful isn't just the number on the scale. It's the mindset, honesty, persistence, and lifestyle changes that made lasting success possible.
We talk about:
what finally motivated her to make a permanent change
her experience using GLP-1 medication (Mounjaro)
why she believes weight loss has to become a lifestyle—not a diet
how "food chatter" completely changed after starting treatment
common side effects and how we managed them together
why honesty with your doctor is essential
the emotional side of weight loss and staying committed
how losing weight transformed her mobility, energy, sleep, and quality of life
We also discuss diabetes, obesity, exercise, nutrition, protein intake, and why medications like Mounjaro work best when they're paired with sustainable lifestyle habits—not treated as a magic fix.
One of my favorite moments in this conversation is Sue's reminder that the medication didn't do the work for her—it helped create the space to finally change her relationship with food.
Whether you're considering a GLP-1 medication, supporting someone on a weight loss journey, or simply looking for encouragement, I think Sue's story will leave you hopeful.
 
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Dr. Rock here.
Have you ever felt mentally exhausted... even after getting enough sleep? Like you're constantly distracted, unmotivated, emotionally flat, or just not enjoying life the way you used to?
You're definitely not alone.
In this episode, we're talking about dopamine—the brain chemical involved in motivation, reward, habits, and attention—and why our modern world may be overwhelming the very system that helps us feel engaged, focused, and alive.
We dive into:
what dopamine actually does in the brain
why social media, smartphones, processed foods, gambling, and endless scrolling can overload our reward system
how chronic overstimulation affects focus, motivation, and mental health
why so many people feel emotionally numb despite having more convenience than ever before
the connection between dopamine, addiction, anxiety, and burnout
and practical ways to reset your brain through sleep, exercise, real relationships, creativity, gratitude, and purposeful living
We also discuss why many people aren't just physically tired, but they're mentally, emotionally, and spiritually depleted. Small daily habits can help restore a healthier balance.
One of the biggest takeaways?
Your brain wasn't designed for constant stimulation.
Sometimes feeling better isn't about finding more excitement—it's about creating more space for quiet, connection, movement, and the kinds of rewards that require real effort.
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Dr. Rock here.
Today is a little different, and honestly, one of my favorite conversations we've had on the podcast.
I'm joined by my daughter, Mary, along with her friends Louis and Arlen, for an honest discussion about what it's really like to leave home, start college, and figure out adulthood for the first time.
If you're a parent preparing to send a child to college—or you're a student navigating that transition yourself—I think you'll find a lot of encouragement in this conversation.
We talk about:
what surprised them most about leaving home
why the first few months of college can feel lonely for almost everyone
finding healthy friendships and supportive communities
handling stress, freedom, and personal responsibility
alcohol, social media, sleep, and the challenges of college life
mental health, resilience, and developing healthy coping skills
why your environment shapes your choices
the role parents play in preparing kids for independence
and how faith, purpose, and meaningful relationships helped each of them navigate college
One of my biggest takeaways?
As parents, we can't walk every step for our kids. But we can prepare them, model healthy values, pray for them, and trust that the foundation we've built will continue to shape them long after they leave home.
Whether you're sending your first child to college or you're the one stepping onto campus, I hope this conversation reminds you that growth is rarely comfortable—but it often begins when we're willing to step into something new.
 
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Dr. Rock here.
Today we're tackling a topic that affects millions of people every year but is still surrounded by confusion, misinformation, and stigma: sexually transmitted infections, or STIs.
One of the biggest misconceptions out there? Most STIs don't cause symptoms. In fact, many people who are spreading infections feel completely healthy and have no idea they're infected.
In this episode, we break down:
the difference between STIs and STDs
common infections like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, HPV, and HIV
which infections are curable and which require lifelong management
warning signs that should prompt testing
why many infections remain completely silent
current testing options and who should consider screening
how vaccines, prevention strategies, and early treatment can reduce long-term health risks
We also discuss HPV-related cancers, herpes myths, HIV prevention with PrEP, and why removing stigma around testing is one of the most important steps in protecting both individual and public health.
The bottom line?
Testing isn't an accusation. It's respect for yourself and for your partners.
The more informed you are, the better equipped you are to make smart decisions about your health.
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