Pop Culture Podcast (Pop Recovery Systems)
Explore every episode of Pop Culture Podcast
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 24 Oct 2024 | Dr. Eric Smith’s Journey to Becoming a Bariatric Surgeon and TV Personality on 1,000-Lb. Sisters | 00:47:12 | |
Welcome to the first official episode of the Pop Culture Podcast, hosted by Laura Alexis, CEO of Pop Recovery, and her co-host, Dr. Eric Smith, a renowned surgeon and National Leader in Robotic Bariatric Surgery. In this episode, Laura interviews Dr. Smith, diving into his journey to becoming a surgeon. Dr. Smith shares how he always knew from a young age that he wanted to pursue surgery. They discuss his academic path, from pre-med through medical school, including his experience at an isolated medical school in West Virginia, where he benefited from extensive one-on-one time with professors and early patient interactions. Dr. Smith reflects on his first surgical rotation, learning valuable lessons from a strict but supportive mentor. He opens up about the pivotal moment when he had to choose between heart surgery and bariatric surgery, and why he ultimately chose weight loss surgery. The conversation takes a personal turn as Dr. Smith discusses the challenges and growth opportunities that come with his career, balancing his professional aspirations with his personal life. He highlights the importance of continuous improvement as a surgeon and shares insights into how his career led him to appear on the TV show 1,000-Lb. Sisters. Follow Dr. Eric Smith on Instagram at doctorericsmith_ and visit his Linktree for more. Follow Laura Alexis on Poprecoverysystems and visit https://www.poprecoverysystems.com for more. | |||
| 01 Nov 2024 | From Adversity to Success: Laura Alexis’ Journey Through Plastic Surgery and Founding Pop Recovery Systems | 00:54:00 | |
In this episode of the Pop Culture Podcast, Dr. Eric Smith takes on the role of interviewer, sitting down with his co-host, Laura Alexis, to explore how they became the dynamic duo they are today. Laura shares the most impactful experiences from her youth that shaped her into the person she is now, including her role as a caregiver to her family and friends, which influenced her path to becoming the CEO of Pop Recovery Systems (Patients Over Profits). Laura opens up about her difficult teenage years, becoming emancipated at 16 through marriage to focus on her financial independence. She recounts her move to New York to pursue her musical ambitions, her transition into sales in Virginia, and eventually continuing her career in Mexico. They talk about the importance of motivation and perseverance when making life changes. Laura also reflects on a turning point in her life—when she was imprisoned in Mexico for the wrong reasons. Though it was a dark time, it became the catalyst for her getting sober and ultimately founding Pop Recovery Systems. Additionally, she shares her personal journey with plastic surgery in 2020, the emotional struggles that followed, and how it all fueled her passion for building a support system for others. Follow Dr. Eric Smith on Instagram at doctorericsmith_ and visit his Linktree for more. | |||
| 08 Nov 2024 | From Obesity to Wellness: Maddie Allen’s Bariatric Surgery Journey, Weight Loss Challenges, and Post-Surgery Complications | 00:36:21 | |
On this episode of the Pop Culture Podcast, hosts Laura and Dr. Eric Smith are joined by special guest Maddie Allen to discuss her inspiring health transformation through bariatric surgery and weight loss. Maddie shares her lifelong struggle with obesity and her numerous failed attempts at dieting. At 28 years old, weighing 338 pounds, she realized she needed to make a life-changing decision or face the possibility that her parents would outlive her. After exploring her options, she decided to undergo bariatric bypass surgery—a transformative experience she calls the best decision of her life. Maddie opens up about her post-surgery complications and the emotional ups and downs of her weight loss journey. She began sharing her story online, offering an authentic look into her challenges and successes to inspire others considering weight loss surgery or struggling with obesity. Maddie's transparency about her real-life experiences, rather than a curated image, has resonated with many. She also discusses other medical challenges she faced after her surgery, including a diagnosis of collagenous colitis. Initially, doctors wrongly attributed her severe diarrhea and other symptoms to her bariatric surgery, a common occurrence due to the lack of understanding about weight loss surgery among some healthcare providers. Maddie persisted in seeking medical help, eventually being diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and dangerously low phosphorus levels. With the correct diagnosis, she received the proper treatment and now advocates for others to take control of their health, particularly when undergoing procedures like bariatric surgery or plastic surgery for excess skin removal after significant weight loss. This episode sheds light on the importance of bariatric surgery as a tool for weight loss and transformation, as well as the need for ongoing medical support and advocacy in post-surgical care. Follow Dr. Eric Smith on Instagram at doctorericsmith_ and visit his Linktree for more. | |||
| 15 Nov 2024 | Achieving Greatness: Nick Baumgartner on Motivation, Perseverance, and Success | 00:40:37 | |
In this inspiring episode, Laura and Dr. Eric Smith sit down with Olympic gold medalist Nick Baumgartner to discuss his incredible journey from humble beginnings to achieving greatness. Whether you're pursuing a career in plastic surgery, chasing athletic dreams, or seeking personal motivation, Nick’s story will resonate. Nick shares how he started snowboarding at 15, took it seriously, and eventually won an Olympic gold medal in 2022. His journey proves that it’s never too late to chase your dreams—progress, no matter how small, is still progress. Nick reflects on the challenges of staying motivated during tough times and highlights how perseverance and building consistent habits can lead to long-term success. They also explore how having a support system is essential, whether you're transforming your body through plastic surgery or striving to reach any ambitious goal. Nick emphasizes using challenges and even doubters as fuel to stay focused and achieve greatness. If you’re looking for motivation, tips on staying disciplined, or insights into achieving your goals, this episode is packed with value. Check out Nick’s book Gold From Iron: From Beginning Snowboarding to Olympic Gold and Getting Better With Age. Available here. Follow nick on Instagram at nickbaumgartner. Follow Dr. Eric Smith on Instagram at doctorericsmith_ and visit his Linktree for more. Follow Laura Alexis on Poprecoverysystems and visit https://www.poprecoverysystems.com for more. | |||
| 22 Nov 2024 | From Family Legacy to Creative Innovation: Eric Villency on Design, Resilience, and Success | 00:47:20 | |
In this episode of the Pop Culture Podcast, Laura and Dr. Eric Smith sit down with Eric Villency, CEO of Villency Design Group, an interior and product design firm behind SoulCycle and Peloton. Eric shares his journey of inheriting the family business, exploring other career paths, and ultimately discovering his passion for design and creativity. He delves into the importance of assembling a talented team, hiring to complement your weaknesses, and focusing on your strengths. Eric also opens up about the humbling experience of recovering from injuries and the impact on his mental health. He explains how he merged creativity with health, wellness, and fitness to shape his career in innovative design. The conversation touches on navigating failures, overcoming rejection, and actionable advice for anyone facing setbacks in their career. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on resilience, creativity, and building success from challenges. Follow Eric Villency on Instagram at ericvillency. Follow Laura Alexis on Poprecoverysystems and visit https://www.poprecoverysystems.com for more. | |||
| 29 Nov 2024 | Creating, Healing, and Growing: Marley Jaxx on Content, Wellness, and Motivation | 00:58:54 | |
In this episode of the Pop Culture Podcast, Laura and Dr. Eric Smith welcome award-winning filmmaker and social media strategist Marley Jaxx. Laura shares how Marley reignited her passion for creating content through her innovative “docu-stunt” concept—a staged stunt in documentary form—motivating Laura to step up her YouTube game. Marley takes us through her journey from working as a dental hygienist to becoming a viral content creator. She reveals the secrets behind creating impactful content, marketing strategies, and building an engaged audience. Marley emphasizes the importance of consistency, hard work, and patience in achieving success, whether it’s growing a social media platform, embarking on a wellness journey, or building a brand from scratch. The discussion dives into overcoming challenges, staying motivated when progress feels slow, and the mindset needed to persevere—whether it’s your 100th day at the gym, post-bariatric surgery, or creating content. Marley also opens up about her personal wellness journey, including her battle with adenocarcinoma, undergoing a hysterectomy, and how prioritizing health transformed her life and content creation. This episode is packed with wellness insights, motivational advice, and actionable tips for creators and dreamers alike. Tune in for inspiration and practical strategies to keep moving forward, no matter where you are in your journey. Follow Dr. Eric Smith on Instagram at doctorericsmith and visit his Linktree for more. Follow Laura Alexis on Poprecoverysystems and visit https://www.poprecoverysystems.com for more. | |||
| 06 Dec 2024 | Steve Azar’s Journey: Grammy Nomination, Health Challenges, and the Power of Perseverance | 00:50:10 | |
In this episode of the Pop Culture Podcast, Laura and Dr. Eric Smith welcome special guest Steve Azar—a Mississippi Delta native, hit songwriter, recording artist, music producer, and author. Eric shares how he first met Steve back in 2015 on the golf course, and they reminisce about Steve’s journey in the entertainment industry, from starting at the young age of 11 to becoming one of the most downloaded artists on Napster. Despite facing numerous challenges, including throat surgery, Steve's resilience and unwavering determination drove him to success. Steve discusses the years of hard work that led to his breakthrough, as he didn’t land his first hit until the age of 37. He also shares the excitement of being part of a project nominated for a Grammy—a collaboration featuring multiple artists that highlights the power of music and community. In addition to his music career, the conversation delves into the epidemic of obesity. Laura and Dr. Eric emphasize the importance of educating health officials on recognizing obesity as a disease and the need for more comprehensive support to ensure effective treatment. Steve opens up about balancing a demanding career with health and wellness, emphasizing how self-care and mental strength have helped him persevere through the ups and downs. Whether it’s signing with agents, creating chart-topping songs, or embracing the journey, Steve’s story is a testament to persistence and believing in oneself. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with wisdom, music industry insights, and more. Follow Laura Alexis on Poprecoverysystems and visit https://www.poprecoverysystems.com for more. | |||
| 13 Dec 2024 | Sleep Optimization for Better Health: Todd Anderson’s Journey to Wellness | 01:00:13 | |
In this episode of the Pop Culture Podcast, Todd Anderson, founder of Dream Recovery, shares his transformative journey from childhood obesity to becoming a leader in health and wellness through sleep optimization. Todd opens up about how he built confidence through fitness, pursued a career in sports, and uncovered the critical role sleep plays in physical performance and mental well-being. Inspired to help others, Todd collaborated with sleep doctors and developed innovative products designed to enhance sleep quality and overall health. Key topics discussed include:
Whether you’re looking to improve your sleep, manage stress, or enhance your overall health, this episode offers practical advice and expert insights to help you unlock the restorative power of sleep. You can find Todd Anderson on Instagram here. Follow Laura Alexis on Poprecoverysystems and visit https://www.poprecoverysystems.com for more. | |||
| 20 Dec 2024 | Transforming Health: Elven Moshi’s 225-Pound Weight Loss Journey, Bariatric Surgery Success, and Tips for Building Better Habits | 01:10:31 | |
In this episode of the Pop Culture Podcast, Laura and Dr. Eric Smith are joined by special guest Elven Moshi, who shares his inspiring journey of losing 225 pounds through bariatric sleeve surgery. Together, they dive into the challenges and triumphs of his transformation, from overcoming toxic relationships and gambling addiction to adopting healthier habits that changed his life. Moshi opens up about the importance of fulfillment, wealth, and health, reflecting on how his hospital scare taught him that no amount of money is worth sacrificing your well-being. He also discusses navigating fake friendships that arise when you're at your peak and how to focus on genuine connections. The conversation highlights practical strategies for building better habits, staying consistent with weight loss, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle after bariatric surgery. Moshi shares the secret behind his mouthwatering meal posts on social media and how he balances indulgence with health. Key Topics Covered:
Whether you're on a weight loss journey or striving for a healthier lifestyle, this episode is filled with actionable advice and inspiring lessons. Follow Elven Moshi on Instagram: @moshitvee. Follow Laura Alexis on Poprecoverysystems and visit https://www.poprecoverysystems.com for more. | |||
| 27 Dec 2024 | Overcoming Challenges: Alana Moor’s Journey to Mental Strength, Health, and Wellness | 01:01:48 | |
In this episode of the Pop Culture Podcast, Laura and Dr. Eric Smith welcome special guest Alana Moor, a two-time award-winning motivational speaker, for an inspiring and empowering conversation about overcoming challenges with mental strength. Discover how fitness and staying active shaped Alana’s journey to health and wellness, the invaluable lessons she learned through sports, and how she cultivated resilience during a pivotal chapter in her life. Alana shares practical insights and strategies for building mental strength and embracing personal growth. Key Topics Covered:
Alana’s story is a beacon of motivation and inspiration, demonstrating the power of determination and accountability in transforming your life. Whether you’re looking for ways to improve your health, boost your confidence, or overcome life’s challenges, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you on your journey to wellness and self-empowerment. Tune in to be inspired and take the next step toward a healthier, more fulfilled life. You can follow Alana here on Instagram: @alanamoorspeaks - Keynote Speaker | Resilience Coach Follow Laura Alexis on Poprecoverysystems and visit https://www.poprecoverysystems.com for more. | |||
| 03 Jan 2025 | Healthcare Policy Reversal & Mental Health: Why Balance Matters in Modern Healthcare | 00:37:03 | |
In this episode of the Pop Culture Podcast, Laura and Dr. Eric Smith delve into two major healthcare stories making headlines, unpacking their implications for patient care, mental health, and societal change. The episode begins with Anthem Blue Cross’s controversial policy to limit anesthesia coverage, which was swiftly retracted after public backlash. Laura and Dr. Smith explain why this reversal is a victory for patients and healthcare providers, highlighting the importance of safe and unrestricted surgical practices. They also touch on the tragic shooting of United Healthcare’s CEO, emphasizing the need for constructive solutions to address frustrations and drive change. Key Topics Covered:
This episode provides a thought-provoking look at the intersection of healthcare policies and societal challenges. Tune in for a balanced, insightful discussion on the future of patient care and mental health. Follow Dr. Eric Smith on Instagram at doctorericsmith and visit his Linktree for more. Follow Laura Alexis on Poprecoverysystems and visit https://www.poprecoverysystems.com for more. | |||
| 10 Jan 2025 | Health, Wellness, and Weight Loss: Exploring GLP-1 Medications and Obesity Solutions | 00:37:45 | |
In this episode of The Pop Culture Podcast, Laura interviews Dr. Eric Smith to discuss health, wellness, and transformative weight-loss strategies. Dr. Smith, a leading surgeon and Medical Director for Pop Recovery Systems, shares his insights on tackling obesity, navigating the complexities of insurance, and the groundbreaking role of GLP-1 medications in weight management. During their conversation, Dr. Smith reflects on his career milestone of surpassing 5,000 robotic procedures and offers valuable perspectives on choosing the right approach for weight loss—whether surgery or medication. They also dive into the mental health challenges of obesity, the impact of food and chemical addictions, and the importance of educating both patients and healthcare providers on sustainable wellness solutions. Key Topics Covered:
Join Laura and Dr. Smith for an inspiring and informative discussion packed with insights to motivate your own journey toward health and well-being. Read the full article from Pop Recovery Systems here: https://www.newsweek.com/ | |||