PODCAST · health
Save Your Thyroid with Jennifer Holkem
by Jennifer Holkem
Thyroid nodules impact 70 percent of adults in their lifetime. The standard of care is surgical removal of half or all of the gland. But in recent years, nonsurgical treatment options have become available. Hi, my name is Jennifer Holkem and I advocate for fellow patients suffering with this very common condition. I sit down with patients and physicians and discuss life with thyroid nodules, the journey from diagnosis to treatment, and how to save your thyroid through nonsurgical advances in medicine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
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Why RFA Sometimes Fails on Toxic Thyroid Nodules — And What Works Instead | Dr. Salem Noureldine
Endocrine surgeon Dr. Salem Noureldine joins the show to break down toxic thyroid nodules — the ones that don't just sit there, but actively overproduce thyroid hormone and drive symptoms like a racing heart, weight loss, anxiety, and insomnia. From there, the conversation opens into the...
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When Thyroid Ablation Isn't the Answer: A Surgeon Who Does Both Explains | Dr. David Goldenberg
Most of what we cover on this show is the case FOR thyroid nodule ablation. This episode is the other side of that coin — and it's one every patient considering RFA, microwave, or nsPFA needs to hear. "Just because you have a hammer doesn't mean everything's a nail. Ablation is a tool. It's not a...
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60% Goiter Reduction Without Surgery or Ablation? An IR Explains TAE | Dr. Sean Golden
Interventional radiologist Dr. Sean Golden joins the show to talk through thyroid artery embolization (TAE) — a minimally invasive treatment that cuts off blood supply to an enlarged thyroid gland instead of removing or ablating it, with patients home the same day. Dr. Golden co-built the TAE...
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A New Option for Thyroid Cancer? (Quick Update)
Most patients with low-risk papillary thyroid cancer are told there are two paths: surgery, or active surveillance. In this quick update, I'm sharing news of a first-in-human clinical trial that's testing whether there's a third option. Researchers at Sarasota Memorial Health Care System and MD...
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nsPFA: Zero Regrowth at 22 Months! The Durability Data Thyroid Patients Need | Prof. Stefano Spiezia
The question this community has been asking since nsPFA first appeared on this podcast has finally been answered. Does it last? Professor Stefano Spiezia conducted the first-in-human feasibility study of nsPFA for benign thyroid nodules — and in 2026 he presented the durability data at the NASIT...
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Just Diagnosed With a Thyroid Nodule? What They Don't Tell You on Day One
"Well, better get it taken out." That was the entire conversation after my thyroid biopsy. Then I waited six weeks for pathology — six weeks so frightening I didn't tell my own parents, and spent researching cancer treatments for a disease I didn't have. Not one person told me that most thyroid...
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Your Thyroid Cancer Is Not Urgent — An Endocrine Surgeon Explains | Dr. Melanie Goldfarb
What if the surgeon sitting across from you told you that your thyroid cancer is not urgent — and that you have time to think, research, and explore all your options before committing to anything? That's exactly what Dr. Melanie Goldfarb tells her patients. And she's an endocrine surgeon. Dr....
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The PA Who's Bringing Thyroid Ablation to Your Community | Andy Manos & North Star Vascular
Most patients diagnosed with a thyroid nodule are offered two options: watch it or remove it. Andy Manos, PA-C is on a mission to make sure a third option reaches every community in the country. As a physician assistant and VP of Internal Growth at North Star Vascular Interventional in…
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Indeterminate Thyroid Nodule? Up to 70% of Surgeries Weren't Necessary | Dr. Joshua Klopper
If your thyroid biopsy came back inconclusive — Bethesda 3 or 4 — you may have been told surgery is your only option. But for decades, over 70% of those surgeries revealed nodules that were actually benign. There's a better way. It's called molecular testing. And today's guest literally helped...
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Is Your RFA Doctor Certified? A New Standard for Thyroid Ablation | Dr. Ahmad & Dr. Aljammal
How do you know if the doctor performing your thyroid RFA is truly qualified? It's the question every patient asks — and until now, there hasn't been a clear answer. A medical license isn't enough. General board certification isn't enough. And with RFA growing rapidly in the US, the gap between...
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RFA, Robotic Surgery & the Future of Thyroid Care: Dr. Eren Berber
What does the future of thyroid care look like when the person describing it helped build the present? Dr. Eren Berber is a Professor of Surgery and Director of Robotic Endocrine Surgery at Cleveland Clinic. He performed some of the first robotic thyroid operations in the United States, brought...
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Canceling Thyroid Surgery: Chelsie’s Journey with Indeterminate Nodules & Dr. Emad Kandil
Navigating an Indeterminate Thyroid Nodule Diagnosis with Chelsie Paulson What do you do when your thyroid biopsy results leave you with more questions than answers? In this episode of Save Your Thyroid, I am joined by Chelsie Paulson, a vocal advocate and active member of our patient community....
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82% Nodule Reduction Without Surgery: Emily’s nsPFA Success Story
Can you shrink a thyroid nodule by 82% while keeping your thyroid intact? In today’s episode, I am joined by Emily Saska, a patient who refused to accept a total thyroidectomy as her only option. When Emily discovered an "angry," rapidly growing 3.8cm thyroid nodule, she was steered toward the...
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Stop Unnecessary Surgery: Dr. Ian Orozco Launches The Thyroid Institute of Utah
Are you being told that a thyroidectomy is your only option for a growing thyroid nodule? Dr. Ian Orozco is here to change that with the launch of his new private practice, The Thyroid Institute of Utah. In this episode of Save Your Thyroid, we are challenging the status quo of traditional…
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A Surgeon's Case for Patient Advocacy and RFA | Dr. Jacques Gaudet
Episode Title: Trading the Scalpel for a Needle: Thyroid RFA with Surgeon Dr. Jacques Gaudet Episode Summary: What happens when a highly trained Head and Neck Surgeon decides that the best tool for a thyroid nodule isn't a scalpel? In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jacques Gaudet, a...
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How Thyroid Artery Embolization (TAE) Saved Anne’s Thyroid from a Total Thyroidectomy
Can You Shrink a Massive Goiter Without Surgery? Anne’s TAE Success Story Can a grapefruit-sized goiter be treated without a total thyroidectomy? In this episode of Save Your Thyroid, Jennifer Holkem sits down with Anne Moeller to discuss her transformative journey undergoing Thyroid Artery...
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100 Cases! Dr. Emad Kandil Discusses nPulse Thyroid Nodule Ablation
100 Cases! Dr. Emad Kandil Discusses nPulse Thyroid Nodule Ablation Can you treat a thyroid nodule without heat or surgery? In this milestone episode of Save Your Thyroid, Jennifer Holkem welcomes back pioneer Dr. Emad Kandil, Chief of Endocrine Surgery at Tulane University, to celebrate a…
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How to Shrink a Goiter Without Surgery: Tosin’s TAE Success Story
Can you shrink a large thyroid goiter without surgery? In today’s episode of Save Your Thyroid, Jennifer Holkem sits down with Tosin, a patient who successfully treated a complex multinodular goiter using an innovative, nonsurgical procedure called Thyroid Arterial Embolization (TAE). If you’ve...
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Thyroid Nodules, Iron Toxicity & The Copper Connection w/ Morley Robbins
Are you struggling with thyroid nodules or hypothyroidism despite "normal" labs and a clean diet? It’s time to stop looking at the thyroid as the culprit and start looking at it as the victim of a mineral crisis. In this episode of Save Your Thyroid, Jennifer Holkem sits down with Morley Robbins,...
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Can TAE Shrink a Massive Goiter? Matthew’s Results with Dr. Camacho
Most people are told that if a thyroid goiter is "too large" or has "dived" into the chest, the only option is a total thyroidectomy—often involving a sternotomy (cracking the chest bone) to reach the tissue. In today’s episode, I sit down with Matthew Ashby, who faced exactly this crossroads....
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Too Big for Thyroid RFA?
Are you being told your thyroid goiter is too large for Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) and that surgery is your only option? In this first episode SEASON 7 of Save Your Thyroid, Jennifer Holkem sits down with Dr. Juan Camacho, a leader in Interventional Radiology at Radiology Associates of...
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RFA for Thyroid Cancer? Inside Taiwan's Advanced Techniques | Dr. Chan Jung Chang
The Future of Thyroid Treatment: Advanced RFA, Microcarcinoma, and Taiwan's "One-Stop Shop" Model 🇹🇼 This episode of Save Your Thyroid unveils the groundbreaking world of Thyroid Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA). Host Jennifer Holkem speaks with Dr. Chan Jung Chang, an expert Otolaryngologist from...
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Thyroid Nodules: RFA vs. Surgery (All the Details) | Dr. Wolfe
What are the real risks of thyroid surgery? A top otolaryngologist (ENT) surgeon, Dr. Michael J. Wolfe, joins me to discuss how to protect your voice and parathyroid glands—and when non-surgical Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) is a better option. In this episode, Dr. Michael J. Wolfe explains the...
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Is Insulin Resistance Causing Your Thyroid Nodules? (A Non-Surgical Fix)
What's the hidden link between insulin resistance and thyroid nodules? Top endocrinologist Dr. Ahmet Ergin (@SugarMDs) joins me for an enlightening conversation about holistic thyroid health. In this powerful discussion, Dr. Ergin shares how integrative endocrinology, which blends traditional...
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BEYOND SURGERY: The PAST, PRESENT, and FUTURE of treating thyroid nodules
In this episode of Save Your Thyroid, Jennifer Holkem discusses the latest advancements in thyroid care, focusing on thyroid nodules and the innovative non-surgical treatment known as radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Joined by Dr. John Interlandi, they explore the history of thyroid treatment, the...
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What is nPULSE Ablation REALLY Like? Natalie's Honest Experience
In this episode of Save Your Thyroid, host Jennifer Holkem interviews Natalie Suarez, who shares her personal journey with thyroid nodules and her experience with nanosecond pulse field ablation (nsPFA). The conversation covers Natalie's initial diagnosis, the challenges of navigating medical...
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A Surgeon's "Wake-Up Call": Dr. Merry Sebelik on the RFA Paradigm Shift
In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Merry Sebelik, a pioneer in the field of thyroid care, discusses the transformative impact of Radio Frequency Ablation (RFA) on thyroid treatment. She shares her journey as a surgeon and educator, emphasizing the importance of ultrasound in thyroid surgery…
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Thyroid Care WITHOUT Surgery: RFA and the Future of Thyroid Cancer Treatment
In this episode, Dr. James Suliburk and Dr. Ray Grogan discuss the advancements in thyroid care, particularly focusing on radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for treating thyroid nodules and papillary thyroid cancer. They explore the evolution of RFA in the US, the safety concerns surrounding the...
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The Thyroid Nodule Treatment Doctors Aren't Telling You About | Murfreesboro, TN ENT
In this episode, Dr. Britni Caplin, an expert ENT surgeon, discusses Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA), a minimally invasive procedure to shrink thyroid nodules and avoid surgery. Based in Murfreesboro, TN, Dr. Caplin discusses her expertise in thyroid care, focusing on the innovative non-surgical...
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Astra's Story: How nsPFA Shrinks Thyroid Nodules Without Surgery!
In this conversation, Astra Mathis shares her personal journey with thyroid nodules and her experience with nanosecond pulsed field ablation (nsPFA). The discussion covers the symptoms, diagnosis, and the decision-making process for choosing non-surgical options over traditional thyroidectomy....
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Cutting-Edge Thyroid Treatments:
In this conversation, Dr. Richard Harding discusses the advancements in thyroid nodule treatment, focusing on two primary techniques: Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) and Nanosecond Pulsed Field Ablation (NSPFA). He explains the mechanisms, benefits, and patient experiences associated with each...
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A Raw Conversation About Trust, Fear, and Thyroid Choices: with Dr. Jon Russell
In this episode, we have a reversal of roles. Host, Jennifer Holkem shares her journey as a thyroid patient, emphasizing the importance of patient advocacy and education. Interviewed by guest host, Dr. John Russell, they discuss the challenges patients face within the healthcare system, the...
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Toxic Thyroid Nodules: RFA vs. RAI
Toxic Thyroid Nodules: RFA vs. RAI—What’s the Difference? In this episode, endocrinologist Dr. Ian Orozco joins Jennifer Holkem to break down the two main non-surgical treatment options for toxic thyroid nodules: radioactive iodine (RAI) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA). Learn how these…
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Is Your Thyroid Ultrasound Telling the Whole Story? With Dr. Alireza Falahati
TToday, we’re talking about how new 3D ultrasound technology is giving doctors a clearer, more accurate view of the thyroid and helping patients get better answers faster. Joining me is Dr. Alireza Falahati — a Mayo Clinic–trained, board-certified endocrinologist with a specialized focus on the...
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A New Era in Thyroid Nodule Treatment: Understanding nsPFA with Dr. Ralph Tufano
In this episode, Dr. Ralph P. Tufano discusses the innovative non-thermal treatment for thyroid nodules known as Nanosecond Pulsed Field Ablation (nsPFA). This technique offers a safe and effective alternative to traditional thermal ablation methods, focusing on preserving healthy thyroid tissue...
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Toxic Nodule Triumphs: Thyroid RFA Success Stories with Dr. Jules Aljammal
In this episode of Save Your Thyroid with Jennifer Holkem, Jen is joined by Dr. Jules Aljammal to discuss the impact of thyroid nodules and the innovative non-surgical treatment option of radiofrequency ablation (RFA). They explore the nature of toxic thyroid nodules, the symptoms they cause, and...
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Ethanol Ablation vs. Radiofrequency Ablation: Dr. Shuchie Jaggi (NY)
Today's guest is Dr. Shuchie Jaggi, a leading endocrinologist, co-director of the interdisciplinary thyroid program at Lenox Hill Hospital (NY), and a specialist in advanced thyroid imaging and minimally invasive treatments.Here’s what we’ll be covering today: ✅ The role of neck imaging in...
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Decoding my DNA with Susan Robbins
Today, we’re joined by epigenetic expert Susan Robbins, a Precision Health coach and award-winning leader in genetic optimization. With a no-nonsense approach, Susan blends cutting-edge science with real-life experience to help you unlock your full potential. She’s battled autoimmune issues, Lyme...
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Exploring Epigenetics and Root Causes: Susan Robbins
Today's episode is a bit different, and I think you'll love it. We’re diving into epigenetics—how your lifestyle influences your genetic expression. This topic is key to understanding root causes and optimizing lifestyle interventions, particularly for thyroid patients.Today, I'll introduce you…
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Save Your Thyroid with Microwave Ablation in the Philippines
Denielle shares her experience with treating a thyroid nodule using microwave ablation (MWA). After experiencing severe hair and weight loss, she was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and a thyroid nodule about eight years ago. Weighing 70 kg, she dropped to 45 kg due to the condition. Denielle…
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Trained from the start to #SaveYourThyroid: Dr. Dipan Desai
Today’s guest is Dr. Dipan Desai, an otolaryngologist at ENT Associates in Clearwater, Florida. He completed residency training at Parkland Memorial Hospital and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, and later pursued fellowship training in Head and Neck Endocrine Surgery at Johns...
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Kathy's Experience with Thyroid Cryoablation
Kathy's doctor, Professor Saim Yilmaz: https://www.thyroid-goiter.com/ Watch my interview with Prof. Yilmaz: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eH854JIyaNI Watch Kathy's previous interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_l5Jo9kyAfY Disclaimer: None of the statements made in this or any other video...
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Harrold's thyroid RFA experience in TENNESSEE
Harrold had multiple thyroid nodules, and they were causing him issues with his voice. He sought out thyroid RFA from Dr. Luisa Leal and Dr. John Interlandi of New Horizon Diabetes and Endocrinology Clinic in Nashville, Tennessee. This video documents Harrold's thyroid-saving treatment that…
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Thyroid RFA in PHILADELPHIA: Dr. Elizabeth Cottrill
Today’s guest is Dr. Elizabeth Cottrill is an Associate Professor of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia. There, she also serves as the residency Program Director and the Surgical Director of the Jefferson Thyroid and Parathyroid Center. Her...
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THYROID CANCER patient turned practitioner: Dr. Rebecca Warren - #89
Today's guest is Dr. Rebecca Warren. At 19, Dr. Rebecca was diagnosed with follicular variant papillary thyroid carcinoma and had a complete thyroidectomy with high dose radiation. After having her thyroid removed, she thought the problem was fixed, until a few years down the road when she began…
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Thyroid RFA and treatment de-escalation in CANADA: Dr. Antoine Eskander
Today’s guest is Dr. Antoine Eskander, a head and neck oncologist and reconstructive surgeon at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Head and Neck Disease Site Lead at the Odette Cancer Centre, and Chief of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery at Michael Garron Hospital in Toronto, Canada. Dr....
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A CPT Code for Thyroid RFA: Dr. Jon Russell
Today’s guest is Dr. Jonathon Russell. After training at the Cleveland Clinic, Dr Russell trained further at Johns Hopkins before spending almost 10 years there. He became the Chief of Head and Neck Endocrine Surgery at Johns Hopkins and was the director of the Thyroid Tumor Center. During that...
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NEW PATIENT EDUCATION SITE! SaveYourThyroid.org
Have you seen our new patient education website? SaveYourThyroid.org has been overhauled and now includes even more resources on nonsurgical treatment options for thyroid cysts, nodules and cancers!Shout out to Nitara Marketing, the developer of our site!https://nitaramarketing.com/Disclaimer…
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(Episode #87) Innovative Treatments for HUGE Goiters and Thyroid Cancer: Prof. Saim Yilmaz
Today’s guest is Professor Saim Yilmaz, an interventional radiologist practicing in Istanbul and Antalya, Turkey. Throughout his 40 year medical career, Professor Yılmaz has worked exclusively in this unique specialty, treating patients with multiple image-guided, minimally invasive treatments.…
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(Episode #86) Thyroid RFA comes to Canada: Dr. Jesse Pasternak
Today’s guess is Dr. Jesse Pasternak, an academic surgeon and patient advocate. He is the chief of Endocrine Surgery in the Division of General Surgery at the University Health Network and Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Toronto. His career’s focus is to use...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Thyroid nodules impact 70 percent of adults in their lifetime. The standard of care is surgical removal of half or all of the gland. But in recent years, nonsurgical treatment options have become available. Hi, my name is Jennifer Holkem and I advocate for fellow patients suffering with this very common condition. I sit down with patients and physicians and discuss life with thyroid nodules, the journey from diagnosis to treatment, and how to save your thyroid through nonsurgical advances in medicine.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
HOSTED BY
Jennifer Holkem
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Save Your Thyroid with Jennifer Holkem have?
Save Your Thyroid with Jennifer Holkem currently has 138 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Save Your Thyroid with Jennifer Holkem about?
Thyroid nodules impact 70 percent of adults in their lifetime. The standard of care is surgical removal of half or all of the gland. But in recent years, nonsurgical treatment options have become available. Hi, my name is Jennifer Holkem and I advocate for fellow patients suffering with this very...
How often does Save Your Thyroid with Jennifer Holkem release new episodes?
Save Your Thyroid with Jennifer Holkem publishes regularly with 138 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Save Your Thyroid with Jennifer Holkem?
You can listen to Save Your Thyroid with Jennifer Holkem on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Save Your Thyroid with Jennifer Holkem?
Save Your Thyroid with Jennifer Holkem is created and hosted by Jennifer Holkem.
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