We’re breaking the silence on vaccines—one of the most polarizing and complicated conversations in parenting. How do you know what’s right for your child? What are the real school requirements? And where can you find trustworthy, balanced information to make informed decisions? I’m joined by Dr. Joel “Gator” Warsh, a Board-Certified Pediatrician specializing in integrative medicine, who believes parents deserve open, judgment-free discussions on vaccines, chronic illness, and raising healthy kids. Known for his popular Instagram @DrJoelGator and his upcoming book Between a Shot and a Hard Place, Dr. Gator is cutting through the noise to bring clarity to a topic that’s often confusing—or even censored.

What’s Driving Kids’ Chronic Illness? How to Combat a Toxic Environment & Keep Children Healthy

In this conversation, we break down the rise of chronic illness in kids, how modern lifestyles are impacting their health, and what parents can do to take back control. Dr. Gator shares his unique approach—blending the best of Western medicine with holistic wellness—so parents can move beyond the “all or nothing” mindset. We also dive into movement, nutrition, and environmental awareness as key factors in lifelong health. This is an honest, eye-opening discussion about challenging the status quo, finding the right vaccine approach for your family, and making empowered choices. If this episode resonates, share it with a friend and check out Dr. Gator’s new book.

(00:03:17) Choosing the Best Vaccine Plan for Your Child

• Why the vaccine conversation is so polarizing and why it shouldn’t be

• What motivated him to get into integrative pediatrics and why he works with kids

• How Dr. Gator helps his clients decide what vaccine protocol is right for them

(00:09:15) Why Are Kids Sicker Than Ever? 

• The current statistics on the rise of chronic disease in kids

• What are the main causes of chronic disease in kids?

• Why autism rates are increasing

• What can we do to combat the toxins in our environment?

(00:15:57) The Top 3 Ways to Combat Chronic Illness in Kids

• A discussion around the accessibility of organic foods

• The number one tool practitioners use to help cure chronic illness

• How movement, exercise and screens impact the chronic disease epidemic

• How harmful toxins from the Los Angeles wildfires really are

(00:25:40) Why Parents Don’t Trust Doctors Anymore & How to Fix It

• Why this type of book on vaccines is so necessary

• Shocking statistics: Why trust in doctors is at an all-time low

• The most frustrating part of being a doctor in 2025

• Calling out the lies: the pharmaceutical industry’s biggest problem

(00:32:51) The Right (and Wrong) Way to Talk About Vaccines

• The wrong way to approach vaccine discussions

• Why do you have to get vaccines to go to school?

• What’s in Dr. Gator’s magical health “smoothie”

• Read: Parenting at Your Child’s Pace by Dr. Joel Warsh

Thanks for the support from our partners, including:

Ketone IQ | This episode is sponsored by Ketone-IQ. Save 30% off your first subscription order and receive a free six-pack of Ketone-IQ at ketone.com/TBS.

Guest Info:

• Website: integrativepediatricsandmedicine.com

• Instagram: @DrJoelGator

• Read: Between a Shot and a Hard Place by Dr. Joel Warsh

Resources:

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• Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing 

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• Therapy For All: Resources for those in need

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“The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney.

Producer, Bobby Goldstein.