Hair loss can be frustrating, emotional, and difficult to navigate—especially when there are so many products and treatments promising results. In Episode 64 of the Irsfeld Pharmacy Optimal You Podcast, Pharmacist Steve Irsfeld sits down with physician assistant Morgan Bernhardt of Simply You Wellness in Bismarck, North Dakota, to explore a more personalized approach to understanding hair loss.
Morgan discusses several common types of hair loss, including androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss), telogen effluvium, and alopecia areata, as well as potential contributing factors such as thyroid disorders, hormonal changes, stress, rapid weight loss, and nutritional deficiencies.
The conversation also explores the TrichoTest, a pharmacogenetic test designed to help healthcare providers personalize hair-loss treatment based on genetic factors that may influence an individual's response to different therapies. Steve and Morgan discuss how this information can complement a patient's medical history, laboratory testing, and clinical evaluation when developing an individualized treatment plan.
You'll also hear their discussion about:
Topical versus oral minoxidil
The relationship between GLP-1 medications, rapid weight loss, nutrition, and hair shedding
Protein, iron, vitamin D, B12, zinc, folate, and other nutritional considerations
What the evidence currently says about collagen supplements
Why meaningful hair-growth results can take four to six months or longer
The importance of scalp health
Emerging approaches including microneedling, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and red-light therapy
Why identifying potential underlying contributors to hair loss is an important first step
Whether you're experiencing increased shedding, thinning hair, or simply want to better understand the science behind today's hair-growth options, this episode offers a practical introduction to the importance of personalized care rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Listen to Episode 64 and learn what questions you may want to ask your healthcare provider before choosing your next hair-loss treatment.
This podcast is provided for general educational and informational purposes and is not intended to replace individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional.

What happens when fatigue, low motivation, weight gain, and decreased performance aren't just "part of getting older"?
In this episode of the Optimal You Podcast, pharmacist Steve Irsfeld welcomes back Mick Peterson, DNP, FNP-C, founder of HealthNow Clinic, for an in-depth conversation about men's health and the many factors that influence how men feel and function. While testosterone is often the first thing people think about, this discussion explores the bigger picture—including stress, nutrition, sleep, metabolic health, medications, and lifestyle habits that can all contribute to declining health.
Steve and Mick discuss:
Why more younger men are experiencing symptoms of low testosterone
The importance of identifying the root cause before starting hormone therapy
How stress and cortisol can impact hormone balance
Medications that may contribute to low testosterone
Testosterone testing, treatment options, and monitoring
Fertility considerations for younger men
Common symptoms men shouldn't ignore
Why a proactive, personalized approach leads to better long-term health
Whether you're experiencing symptoms yourself or simply want to better understand men's health, this episode offers practical insights into taking control of your health before small issues become bigger problems.
Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider regarding your individual health concerns.

Many people believe bladder leaks, pelvic pain, hemorrhoids, or discomfort after pregnancy are simply a normal part of life, but they don't have to be.
In this episode of the Optimal You Podcast, pharmacist Steve Irsfeld welcomes pelvic health physical therapist Lauren Bischof, DPT, from Jones PT for an eye-opening conversation about pelvic floor health. Lauren explains why pelvic floor dysfunction affects both men and women, discusses common conditions such as urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, prostate-related concerns, hemorrhoids, pregnancy and postpartum recovery, and shares how physical therapy can provide effective, non-invasive treatment options.
Together, they explore why these conditions are often underreported, how to recognize symptoms, and why asking uncomfortable questions is one of the most important steps toward better health.
Whether you're experiencing symptoms yourself or simply want to learn more, this episode offers practical advice, encouragement, and hope that you don't have to accept discomfort as "normal."
🎧 Listener Bonus: As a thank-you for listening, use promo code PODCAST62 to receive 25% OFF a nutritional product of your choice at Irsfeld Pharmacy.

In this episode of Optimal You, Steve Irsfeld welcomes a very special guest—his daughter, Dr. Molly Irsfeld—as she returns home to join Irsfeld Pharmacy as a third-generation pharmacist.
Molly shares her journey from working in a high-volume retail pharmacy setting in Minneapolis to making the decision to return to independent pharmacy—and what ultimately drove that change. From burnout and time constraints to rediscovering meaningful patient care, this conversation highlights the evolving landscape of pharmacy and the importance of connection in healthcare.
Together, they discuss:
The realities of modern retail pharmacy and provider burnout
How COVID reshaped pharmacy services and expectations
The value of slowing down and truly connecting with patients
The expanded role of independent pharmacies in patient care
Why reducing stress is foundational to better health
This episode offers a candid, behind-the-scenes look at pharmacy today—and a hopeful perspective on where it’s headed.

In Episode 60 of the Optimal You Podcast, pharmacist Steve Irsfeld sits down with occupational therapist and certified lymphedema specialist Haley Peters from Therapy Solutions in Dickinson to explore the often-overlooked lymphatic system and why it plays such a vital role in overall health.
Together, they discuss what lymphedema is, common causes of swelling, how cancer treatments can impact lymph flow, and why early intervention matters. Haley also shares practical tips for improving lymphatic drainage through movement, compression therapy, massage techniques, and healthy lifestyle habits.
Whether you or a loved one struggles with swelling, circulation concerns, or simply wants to better understand the body’s “hidden” drainage system, this episode delivers helpful insights in an easy-to-understand conversation. Plus, Steve shares a special listener discount available through the Irsfeld Pharmacy online store.

In Episode 59 of the Optimal You Podcast, host Steve Irsfeld welcomes PharmD Danielle Nelson for an in-depth conversation about “sophisticated supplements” - advanced nutritional products designed to support energy, gut health, immune function, inflammation, and healthy aging.
Danielle shares her personal journey into functional medicine, discussing how years of unexplained fatigue led her to explore nutrition, mitochondrial health, gut function, and targeted supplementation beyond traditional pharmacy care.
Together, Steve and Danielle break down the science behind several cutting-edge supplements, including:
Bovine Colostrum for gut lining repair, immune support, and leaky gut recovery
Collagen peptides for skin elasticity, joints, tendons, bones, and protein support
Curcumin and why absorption matters when targeting inflammation
Monolaurin for immune defense, microbial balance, and biofilm support
CoQ10 for mitochondrial energy, heart health, statin support, and fatigue
The episode also explores:
Liposomal delivery systems and why bioavailability matters
Functional medicine approaches to chronic symptoms
Nutrient depletion from medications like statins and GLP-1s
The growing importance of gut health and immune resilience
Practical ways to improve wellness through foundational nutrition
Danielle also shares her top health recommendations for nearly everyone: focusing on quality multivitamins, vitamin D, protein intake, and filling nutritional gaps created by modern diets and depleted soil quality.
Listeners who stay through the end of the episode receive a special 25% discount code for the Irsfeld Pharmacy online store.
Whether you're interested in supplements, holistic wellness, functional medicine, or simply optimizing your health, this episode delivers practical education in a clear and approachable way.
🎧 Listen now and learn how targeted supplementation may help support your journey toward becoming the Optimal You.

In Episode 58 of the Optimal You Podcast, pharmacist Steve Irsfeld sits down with sports dietitian Tavis Piattoly from OmegaQuant Labs to explore the powerful role of omega-3 fatty acids in both athletic performance and everyday health.
Together, they break down:
Why nearly 90% of people have low omega-3 levels
How omega-3 testing can personalize your health strategy
The connection between omega-3s, inflammation, brain health, and heart health
What athletes—and non-athletes—can learn from performance nutrition
How to choose a high-quality fish oil supplement that actually works
You’ll also hear real-world insights on recovery, concussion support, longevity, and simple steps you can take today to improve your health without feeling overwhelmed.
Whether you’re an athlete, an active adult, or just looking to stay healthier longer, this episode offers practical, science-backed guidance you can use right away.
🎁 Bonus: Listen to the end for a special offer from Irsfeld Pharmacy as a thank-you for tuning in.

In this episode, we sit down with nurse practitioner Hailey Schiele, owner of Thrivin’ Health, to explore a growing area of integrative medicine—neurofeedback and brain health.
Haley shares how neurofeedback works, who it may benefit, and how it can be used to support conditions like anxiety, ADHD, brain fog, sleep issues, and post-concussion symptoms. We also discuss the importance of addressing foundational health factors such as sleep, nutrition, and inflammation when improving cognitive function.
You’ll hear real patient success stories, learn how brainwave patterns impact daily life, and gain practical insights into how small changes—like improving sleep—can have a lasting impact on your overall health.
Whether you're dealing with mental fatigue, looking to improve focus, or simply want to better understand your brain, this episode offers a clear and approachable look at a powerful, non-invasive tool for cognitive wellness.
https://thrivinhealth.com/neurofeedback