In this episode of the Pop Culture Podcast, hosts Laura and Dr. Eric Smith sit down with Chris Doering, former professional football player, to explore his journey from college athlete to entrepreneur. Chris shares what fueled his passion for football, the lessons he learned throughout his career, and how opening his own business became his next great challenge.

This conversation explores the evolving landscape of athletics, the diminishing role of adversity, and the value of failure in personal growth. They discuss pursuing passion over money, emphasizing how doing what you love can lead to greater fulfillment. The discussion also covers how exercise, nutrition, and recovery contribute to long-term well-being. Plus, on a lighter note, they share stories about their beloved pets.

Key Topics Covered:

• Overcoming challenges in sports and life
• Pursuing passion over money and finding fulfillment in what you love
• The role of fitness, nutrition, and recovery as you age
• How adversity builds resilience and success
• Life beyond football: Chris Doering’s business journey

Follow Chris Doering on Instagram @cdoering28 and X @ChrisDoering. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on perseverance, passion, and building a fulfilling life!

Don't Miss the Beautiful Mind Event – May 1-4, 2025! Learn more and grab your ticket today: Beautiful Mind Event.

In this episode of the Pop Culture Podcast, hosts Laura and Dr. Eric Smith welcome special guest Steve Lundquist, former American swimmer and Olympic gold medalist, for an inspiring conversation on perseverance, success, and transformation. Steve shares how he fell in love with swimming and the dedication it took to reach the Olympics.

Beyond his legendary athletic career, Steve discusses the habits that have helped him succeed in business and life. They explore overcoming setbacks, the importance of resilience, and how failure can be a stepping stone to success. The conversation also covers Steve’s innovative patents and entrepreneurial ventures, offering valuable insights for those looking to build a successful career, stay motivated, and maintain a strong, healthy mindset.

Key Topics Covered:

• Steve’s journey to Olympic champion
• The mindset and habits that drive long-term success
• Turning failures into opportunities for growth
• Insights into his patents and business ventures
• Steve’s advice for staying motivated, healthy, and successful

This episode is packed with motivation, resilience, and expert advice from an Olympic champion turned entrepreneur. Tune in for inspiration to fuel your own journey to success!

#Motivation #SuccessMindset #EntrepreneurLife #Resilience #OlympicChampion #BusinessGrowth #Inspiration #PersonalDevelopment #MindsetMatters #NeverGiveUp

In this episode of the Pop Culture Podcast, Laura and Dr. Eric Smith sit down with Jason Scheff, American musician, singer, and songwriter, best known for his time with Chicago. Jason opens up about his career journey in the music industry, sharing the challenges he faced and how he built resilience through tough times.

They dive into the importance of taking breaks and maintaining perspective in both life and career. Jason also reflects on his path to sobriety, and they discuss the value of sharing personal experiences to help others on their own journeys.

The conversation also touches on Jason's struggles with food and how food can become just as addictive as drugs. They explore how support systems, like 12-step programs and personal relationships, play a crucial role in overcoming addiction and staying on the path to recovery.

Key Topics Covered:

• Jason Scheff’s journey in the music industry and the challenges of success
• The importance of taking breaks and gaining perspective
• Overcoming addiction and the power of sharing personal experiences
• The parallels with food addiction and substance abuse
• The role of support systems in recovery and resilience

If you’re looking for motivation, personal growth, or inspiration on overcoming challenges, this episode is packed with valuable insights! Tune in now for an empowering conversation.

Follow Jason on Instagram @jasonscheff and Facebook @jasonscheffofficial.

In this episode of the Pop Culture Podcast, Laura and Dr. Eric Smith welcome special guest Richard William Burgi, a renowned film and television actor known for his roles in Desperate Housewives, The Sentinel, and General Hospital. Richard shares his journey into acting, from recognizing his passion for the craft to overcoming rejection and navigating career transitions.

They explore the importance of curiosity, adaptability, and resilience in both Hollywood and everyday life. Richard discusses how the pandemic affected his career and the challenges he faced.

The conversation explores the broader impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on health, wellness, and the entertainment industry. Additionally, they examine how public health policies become politicized, the role of critical thinking in decision-making, and why respectful discussions are essential when addressing complex issues.

Key Topics Covered:

• Richard Burgi’s journey in acting and overcoming rejection
• The role of curiosity, adaptability, and resilience in success
• How the COVID-19 pandemic affected the entertainment industry
• The impact of public health policies on wellness and daily life
• The importance of critical thinking and respectful discussions

Whether you’re interested in Hollywood, personal growth, or health and wellness, this episode offers valuable insights! Tune in now.

Follow Richard on Instagram @dick_burgi

In this episode of the Pop Culture Podcast, Dr. Eric Smith and Laura are joined by Dr. Charles Procter, bariatric surgeon and founding member of Beltline Health.  Known for advancing robotic-assisted weight loss surgeries, Dr. Procter has also made appearances on TLC’s hit reality shows, 1000-lb Sisters, 1000-lb Best Friends, and Too Large.

Dr. Procter shares his fascinating journey to becoming a bariatric surgeon, including how TLC first approached him and the impact it had on his career. He also discusses balancing the demands of reality TV with his responsibilities as a surgeon.

With a focus on the mental and emotional challenges of patients living with severe obesity, Dr. Procter discusses the importance of overcoming obstacles, finding hope, and the life-long nature of obesity as a disease. He also emphasizes the significance of weight loss maintenance and the role of prevention in combating obesity.

Key Topics Covered:

• Dr. Procter’s path to becoming a bariatric surgeon
• The impact of TLC’s reality shows on his career
• The mental and emotional challenges of extreme obesity
• The importance of weight loss maintenance
• Preventing obesity and addressing it as a life-long disease

Tune in for an insightful conversation that combines pop culture, personal stories, and the science of bariatric surgery!

Follow Dr. Charles Procter on Instagram @CharlesProcterMD, on Tiktok @charlesproctermd, and Facebook @CharlesProcterMD

In this episode of the Pop Culture Podcast, Dr. Eric Smith and Laura are joined by Ashley Castle Pittman, a Financial Educator and Wealth Strategist, for an insightful conversation on financial literacy, wealth building, and achieving personal financial freedom. Ashley shares her inspiring story of how winning a global trip ignited her passion for travel and motivated her to build a career in financial education. From her experience with a marketing campaign designed to help her win the trip to discovering a deep love for exploring the world, Ashley reveals how pivotal moments and key decisions can shape the trajectory of your life.

Ashley also dives into how her passion for health and wellness intersects with her journey to financial independence, particularly her involvement with Arbonne. She shares how she pursued more freedom and autonomy by focusing on wealth-building strategies that align with her values.

As a financial educator, Ashley discusses how becoming a parent further fueled her desire to teach her children, and others, about building wealth. She also shares her top two must-read books for financial success: The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel and The Power of Zero by David McKnight.

Key Topics Covered:

• Ashley’s journey to becoming a financial educator and wealth strategist
• How her path to financial independence led her to her passion for health and wellness
• Empowering children and others with financial literacy and wealth-building skills
• Creating a balanced life by integrating smart financial decisions with personal values
• Ashley’s top book recommendations for financial success

Tune in for a deep dive into financial freedom, wealth creation, and how to achieve a balanced life while making smart financial decisions.

Links to the Books Mentioned

• The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel: Amazon Link
• The Power of Zero by David McKnight: Amazon Link

Follow Ashley on Instagram @ashley_castle_pittman

In this episode of the Pop Culture Podcast, Dr. Eric Smith and Laura are joined by Tim Couch, a College Football Hall of Fame inductee, Heisman Trophy finalist, and former Kentucky football star. As the first overall draft pick in the 1999 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns, Tim shares his journey from being the most sought-after high school quarterback to earning a place among college football’s greatest.

Tim opens up about his approach to nutrition, fitness, and the importance of sleep in maintaining peak athletic performance. He emphasizes how wellness is the foundation of his daily routine. They also dive into the role of discipline in achieving consistent improvement and how sports shape overall personal development and success.

Beyond the game, Tim opens up about the mental resilience it took to overcome the challenges of his career being altered due to injuries. He reflects on how prioritizing mental health played a crucial role in navigating that transition, allowing him to redefine success beyond the field.

Key Topics Covered:

• Tim Couch’s football career and Hall of Fame induction
• How sports promote growth, motivation, and diversity
• The role of nutrition, fitness, and sleep in performance
• Wellness and discipline as keys to success
• The impact of sports on personal growth and motivation
• How mental health helped Tim navigate life after football and overcome career-altering injuries

If you’re passionate about sports, wellness, motivation, and fitness, this episode offers valuable insights into how discipline and daily improvement can help you unlock your full potential both on and off the field.

Follow Tim Couch on Instagram @tcdeuce2

In this episode of the Pop Culture Podcast, Dr. Eric Smith and Laura are joined by Dr. Jonathan Kaplan, plastic surgeon and founder/CEO of DrWell, to discuss the latest trends in health, wellness, and fitness. With a deep-rooted passion for medicine, Dr. Kaplan shares his expertise on the growing obesity epidemic and how innovative solutions like GLP-1 medications, bariatric surgery, and long-term lifestyle changes are transforming weight loss and overall health.

In 2022, Dr. Kaplan’s team at DrWell began noticing a rise in patients with high BMI, prompting them to expand their services to include weight loss coaching, non-surgical treatments, and wellness medications. DrWell, a leading Provider-to-Consumer (PTC) platform, is revolutionizing how patients access healthcare by offering consultations, digital prescriptions, and continuous support for a healthier lifestyle.

Key topics covered in this episode:

• The role of GLP-1 medications in weight loss and wellness
• The benefits of bariatric surgery in managing obesity
• The importance of long-term lifestyle changes for sustainable fitness
• How health insurance is evolving to cover bariatric surgery and wellness treatments
• The future of Provider-to-Consumer (PTC) models in health and wellness
• How DrWell is reshaping fitness, health, and wellness care for better access and results

If you’re interested in health, wellness, fitness, and the latest weight loss solutions, this episode offers expert insights into how new treatments, technologies, and lifestyle approaches are changing the way we approach fitness and well-being.

Follow Dr. Jonathan Kaplan on Instagram @realdrbae and TikTok @drwellrx

In this episode of the Pop Culture Podcast, Dr. Eric Smith and Laura welcome entrepreneur and health advocate Todd R. Wagner. As the co-founder of Broadcast.com and founder of Charity Network, Todd has always been a trailblazer. Now, he’s focusing on addressing one of America’s most pressing health crises—obesity—through his platform, FoodFight USA.

Obesity affects millions of Americans and is fueled by the prevalence of ultra-processed foods that dominate the U.S. food supply. Todd shares his personal battle with migraines, which vanished during trips to Europe, and how this led him to uncover the alarming differences in food regulations. He exposes how harmful chemicals, dyes, and additives in processed foods contribute to chronic diseases, metabolic disorders, and weight gain.

Dr. Eric Smith connects Todd’s mission to his own work with patients, emphasizing that “it’s not you, it’s the food.” Together, they explore how better nutrition can help individuals regain control of their health and combat the cycle of obesity. They also discuss the importance of educating athletes and everyday consumers about the hidden dangers in their diets and promoting healthier eating habits.

Todd highlights the support of Governor Schwarzenegger in advancing a legislative movement to reduce the impact of ultra-processed foods. He also shares practical solutions for choosing healthier alternatives, raising awareness, and taking a stand against the obesity epidemic in the USA.

Key Topics Covered:

• Todd Wagner’s journey from tech innovator to health advocate
• The mission of FoodFight USA to fight obesity and ultra-processed foods
• The connection between ultra-processed foods and obesity in America
• How European food regulations prioritize health over profit
• Simple steps to reduce processed food consumption and improve wellness
• Dr. Eric Smith’s insights on patient care and nutrition

Whether you’re looking to better understand the root causes of obesity, learn about healthier eating options, or take control of your wellness, this episode is packed with expert insights and actionable advice.

Explore Todd’s impactful work at FoodFightUSA.com.

If you’re interested in learning more about the science behind ultra-processed foods and their impact on health, check out the book Ultra-Processed People by Chris van Tulleken.

Take charge of your health by downloading the YUKA app to scan your products and ensure their quality. 

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:

• Laura interviews Dr. Eric Smith on health and wellness breakthroughs
• GLP-1 medications and their role in weight-loss journeys
• The obesity epidemic: surgery vs. medication as effective solutions
• Mental health and its connection to achieving lasting wellness
• Tackling food and chemical addictions in modern diets
• Understanding insurance challenges (Medicare vs. Medicaid)

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/

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:

• Why Anthem Blue Cross’s anesthesia policy reversal was critical for patient safety
• The role of mental health in managing anger and frustrations constructively
• Insights into how healthcare professionals are compensated during surgeries
• Why advocacy and systemic reforms are the right way to create positive change

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.

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:

• The role of sports in promoting physical health, mental well-being, and teamwork
• Alana’s transformative experience in Panama and how she turned adversity into an opportunity for growth
• The power of mindset in overcoming obstacles and achieving long-term wellness
• Why taking responsibility for your life is crucial for personal progress and success

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 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.

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:

• Bariatric sleeve surgery: The importance of a strict post-op diet to avoid complications
• Building healthier habits: How to start and stay consistent
• Fake friendships: Recognizing and avoiding relationships based on convenience
• The connection between mental health and long-term weight loss success
• Balancing food enjoyment and weight maintenance after surgery

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 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.

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:

• How sleep impacts overall health and wellness
• The science behind sleep optimization for peak performance
• Common sleep disorders and how to manage them
• Tips for combating sleep deprivation and improving rest
• The best sleep products, supplements, and tools for better sleep
• Understanding anxiety’s role in sleep and creating positive sleep associations

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 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.

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 Steve Azar on Instagram at steveazar.

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.  

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.

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 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.  

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.  

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.
Follow Laura Alexis on Instagram and visit poprecoverysystems.com for more.

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.
Follow Laura Alexis on Instagram and visit poprecoverysystems.com for more.

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.