Lunch And Learn With Dr. Berry

So, let's talk about the vaccine-autism debate—because it’s time to put this myth to an end. Are vaccines really linked to autism diagnosis? Tune in to this episode to find out! Are you still hearing claims that vaccines cause autism? Are you wondering why, in 2025, this debate is still making headlines? With measles outbreaks on the rise and public figures reigniting vaccine fears, it's time to set the record straight once and for all. Because here’s the truth—the connection between vaccines and autism was debunked decades ago, yet misinformation continues to spread. A dangerous situation we’re in right now—the more people buy into the myth, the more lives unnecessarily put at risk. Science is clear—vaccines do NOT cause autism, but misinformation continues to do real harm. That's why in this episode, we’re breaking down the origins of the vaccine-autism myth and how a single fraudulent study in 1998 fueled decades of fear. Why you need to check this episode: Learn the origins of the vaccine-autism myth and

So, let’s talk about the reasons why measles is back and why we’re blaming misinformation and disinformation for it… Should we be concerned? Do we need to get vaccinated ASAP? Tune in to this episode to find out! A disease we’ve eradicated in this country in the year 2000 has now come back, and it’s definitely worse than before. Yes, I’m talking about the measles disease and its recent outbreaks here in the United States. In this year alone, with just three months in, it has already claimed its first two deaths—both of whom are kids. Innocent children who never had a choice; just kids who had to go through the consequences of their parents’ decisions. And with no treatment for it still and a lot of anti-vaxxers spreading false claims, what happens next? More outbreaks, more travel bans, more ER visits, and more preventable deaths. It’s devastating, but it’s the truth. But then again, it’s preventable. Lives could be saved and people could prevent being sick—BUT if and only if we start acting today. So, if you

So, let’s talk about Autism in Black’s 5th Annual Conference and why this one is a little bit more special than the others… If you are a Black autistic individual, a parent, caregiver, or educator to one, or an ally looking to provide better support for Black autistic individuals, this episode—and conference—are FOR YOU. For so long, the Black autism community has struggled with access to resources, culturally responsive care, and finding safe spaces to learn and grow. Imagine having to fight every step of the way to ensure your child receives the support they need—the struggle is real and it leaves families feeling isolated and unheard. But that’s exactly why we made sure that this year’s conference will be more special than ever. From IEP advocacy to mental health and Black fatherhood, this conference will break barriers, empower families, build community, and push for actionable change. So, if you’re ready to make that happen, join me and my wife, Maria Davis-Pierre, LMHC, as we take action towards transfo

So, let’s talk about HKU5—a coronavirus variant that’s just one mutation away from potentially infecting humans. Should we be worried? Could this be the next pandemic threat? Tune in to this episode to find out! We’ve seen how fast viruses can spread once they make the jump to humans, and with scientists discovering HKU5, this topic has sparked significant concern in the scientific community and even spooked the financial markets—causing unnecessary panic, financial market fluctuations, and public uncertainty. But should we really be alarmed? Or is this another case of fear outpacing the facts? In this episode, we’ll answer all that as we discuss everything you need to know about HKU5. From its potential to mutate, why experts are concerned, to whether or not it could trigger another pandemic—we’ll cover all that in today’s podcast. So, if you want to know whether or not this could be the next global health crisis, tune in to this episode as we separate fear from reality and prepare without the panic. Why you

So, let’s talk about the common causes of low libido and what you can do to reignite your passion and improve your sex life… Are you or your partner struggling with low libido, wondering why your sex drive isn’t what it used to be? You're not alone. In fact, 70% of adults will experience low libido at some point in their lives. However, despite how common it is, this topic remains taboo, leaving many to struggle in silence and confusion. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Low libido doesn’t have to be a lifelong struggle, and it’s not something that’s just “in your head”. That’s why in this episode, we’re going to talk about low libido—the common causes, and more importantly, what you can do about it. So, if you want to say goodbye to a low sex drive, make sure you tune in to this episode and learn how you can reignite your passion and improve your sex life. Why you need to check this episode: Discover the emotional and relationship impact of a decreased sex drive; Understand the key factors/common causes t

So, let’s talk about why The Black Boys, Men, and Fathers Summit is a must-attend summit this 2025… Imagine discovering that resources for you or your child are scarce, conversations about your lived experiences are nearly non-existent, and no one is talking about the challenges you face daily—let alone solutions on how to overcome them. For many Black autistic men and fathers, this isn’t just a challenge—it’s their daily reality. And as you know, my wife and I have been working to change that narrative by starting Autism in Black Inc. Following the success of the Black Autistic Girls and Women’s Summit, we knew it was time to center the discussion on Black boys, their fathers, and men. That’s why in this episode, I’ll let you in on the details of the first-ever Black Boys, Men, and Fathers Summit happening on March 8th. A free, one-day virtual event—this summit is designed to empower, educate, and connect. So, if you’re a Black autistic man or a father to a Black autistic boy, make sure to tune in to learn a

So, let’s talk about microplastics—what they are, where they’re found, and whether they actually pose a health risk… Microplastics are everywhere—from the air we breathe, the water we drink, to the food we eat. To add to this, they have also been detected in human bodies, raising questions about their prevalence and potential impact on our health. With growing concerns flooding timelines and news cycles, are microplastics really as harmful as what the news and articles are trying to say? If you want to learn the answers, join me in this episode as I separate fear from reality and equip you with easy-to-do steps to reduce your exposure without unnecessary panic. Whether you’re concerned about your health or just trying to cut through the noise, this is episode will tell you what microplastics are, where they come from, and if they’re really as dangerous as the headlines claim them to be. Why you need to check this episode: Learn where microplastics come from and how they enter our bodies; Understand the curre

So, let’s talk about the importance of gut health and how a healthy gut is essential to a healthy and happy life… Imagine having to plan your day around where the nearest bathroom is, just in case you got to go quickly… With over a hundred trillion microbiota present in the human gut, our unique combination of these microorganisms plays a crucial role in our overall health. From nutrient absorption to immune response and hormone regulation, so many aspects of our lives are being affected by our gut health. Unfortunately, though, many of us fail to recognize the signs of an unhealthy gut until they become severe. Even I was giving gut health a side-eye before—and gut health wasn't emphasized as much when I was still in medical school. But now that I know better, I’m bringing you this episode to share why you should take your gut health seriously and be proactive on respecting it. Whether you're dealing with GI issues or simply want to enhance your wellness journey, this episode will help you learn why shouldn’

So, let’s talk about burnout—its signs and stages, and how to cope when you can’t just leave work and quit… Do you notice yourself detaching from work, procrastinating, and taking longer to complete tasks? Do you dread the fact that you have to go to work and struggle with chronic stress a lot? If yes, you may be experiencing burnout—a serious issue affecting individuals across all professions. More than just feeling tired, it is a chronic phenomenon that affects not only you who is burnt out, but also those around you—your friends, your loved ones, and even your job. Yes, if left unaddressed, not only can it ruin your relationships—it can also cause you to lose your job. As harsh as it may sound, people who aren’t burnt out don’t want to work with someone who is burnt out. From the challenges of feeling stuck, the importance of taking action, and how having the right mindset can lead to meaningful change—this episode covers my writing journey and what I hope you’ll do after reading a self-help book like mine

So, let’s discuss how the right mindset and guidance can lead you towards reaching your full potential, and how that realization inspired me to write the book I’m releasing this 2025… Have you ever felt like you're on autopilot, stuck in the trap of having a monotonous routine? You’re not alone; that’s a struggle a lot of people go through. In fact, statistics show that 80% of people never really reach their full potential in life. But why is that? What’s holding you back from breaking free? Well, let me tell you: it’s the lack of the right guidance—and more crucially, the right mindset—to do so. And as an internist with a passion for helping others, such realization has driven me to finally write the book I’ve always wanted to write. In this episode, we’ll talk about just that, along with the motivations behind the book I call a labor of love. From the challenges of feeling stuck, the importance of taking action, and how having the right mindset can lead to meaningful change—this episode covers my writing jo

So, let’s talk about why Robert F. Kennedy Jr. should not be the Secretary of Health and Human Services if we want to avoid another public health disaster… Did you know that RFK Jr. was one of the twelve people dubbed the “Disinformation Dozen” responsible for over 50% of misinformation in the United States during the height of the pandemic? A lot of people like RFK Jr. for his advocacies on artificial food and the environment, and I have nothing against that; I believe those things are important. But if we’re going to have a conversation about health-related initiatives, I will not just sit here quietly as if I’m okay with him being appointed as the Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. Let me make this clear: I am not okay with this guy being the Secretary of Human and Health Services. There are people who are no longer here to listen to this episode because they passed away due to misinformation because of the likes of people like RFK Jr. But let’s be honest, despite his contribution to

So, let’s talk about the journey of getting to 400 episodes—how it started, the lessons I’ve learned, and what the future holds for this platform… What began as a small passion project of a medical student has now become an incredible milestone—we’re in our 400th episode! This is such a remarkable feat for me, because 90% of the podcasts out there stop publishing after their first three episodes, and of the remaining 10% that get past it, 90% stop at 20. Yet, here we are, at our 400th—a milestone I couldn’t have reached without your unwavering support. But in a world flooded with struggling podcasters and hundreds of thousands of podcasts, how have I stayed committed for nearly a decade, creating and sharing life-changing insights every single week? In this episode, we’ll answer all that as we reflect on the journey that led us to this remarkable day. So, whether you’ve been with us since the beginning or just tuned in recently, join me as we celebrate this milestone and pursue our passions relentlessly. Why

So, let’s talk about long COVID and why it’s something we need to keep paying attention to even after the height of the pandemic… Imagine dealing with a disease three months after it first hit…and once you go to your doctor, you leave without answers—no explanation for why it’s happening or guidance on how to heal. This is the reality a lot of people go through these days as they live with long COVID. A condition with hundreds of possible symptoms, it’s a concern the medical community is still catching up to, which leaves many feeling isolated in their struggle. More often than not, people aren’t believed, and worse, they can’t find effective help. That’s why in this episode, we’ll discuss long COVID, the hundreds of symptoms tied to it, who is most at risk, and the importance of physicians acknowledging and validating patients’ experiences. Whether you’re living with long COVID, know someone who is, or are a healthcare provider looking to support your patients better, this episode will equip you with reasons

So, let’s talk about whether New Year's resolutions are truly a scam or not… Have you ever started a New Year’s resolution only to abandon it by March? Maybe you’ve felt like the whole concept was just a ploy for gyms, businesses, or apps to profit off your ambition, or in other words—a scam. This very reason has repeatedly caused many people to lose motivation to achieve the goals they’ve set beforehand. But here’s the truth—resolutions fail not because they’re a scam, but because of the approach many take while working on them. By focusing on vague goals or external pressures, most people set themselves up not to succeed but to fail. That’s why in this episode, we’re debunking the “scam” myth as we share actionable strategies that will help you crush your goals for 2025 and set you up for success. If you want to take control of your resolutions and make 2025 your best year yet, tune in to this episode and discover the mindset shifts and habits that will lead you to lasting success. Why you need to check thi

So, let’s talk about polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and why understanding it is crucial for women’s fertility and health… Did you know that 1 in 10 women of reproductive age are affected by polycystic ovarian syndrome? Commonly known as PCOS, this condition that involves hormone imbalances disrupts ovulation, leads to insulin resistance, and can increase risks of miscarriage and pregnancy complications. It affects a lot of women, and yet, many still don’t understand how and why it’s a problem that needs intervention. That’s why in this episode, we’ll break down the facts about PCOS, debunk myths, and explore treatment options to help women take control. Whether you’re dealing with irregular periods, weight gain, or fertility struggles, tune in and learn how you can help someone you care about on the path to better well-being and fertility. Why you need to check this episode: - Understand how PCOS impacts 1 in 10 women of reproductive age, influencing hormone balance, ovulation, and overall fertility; - Di

So, let’s talk about myths surrounding male fertility and why it’s crucial to understand that fertility issues aren’t just a woman’s concern… Have you ever heard of the phrases “real men don’t have fertility problems”, “age doesn’t matter for men”, or “fertility issues are a woman’s problem”? These half-truths and misconceptions aren’t just wrong—they’re harmful. It’s a common belief, but it’s far from the truth. In fact, 40-50% of all fertility challenges are due to male factors—and yet, myths and misinformation keep many men from understanding their role. That’s why in this episode, we’re setting the record straight as we debunk myths, discuss how lifestyle impacts sperm health, and outline actionable steps men can take to support their fertility. Whether you’re preparing for parenthood, supporting a partner, or just wanting to learn more, this episode will challenge what you think you know and guide you toward taking action. So, tune in now and take the first step towards informed and proactive fertility h

So, let’s discuss why we should start working on our New Year's resolutions now rather than waiting until January 1st to act… We have about five weeks left in the calendar now before the year 2024 ends. But before we start making New Year’s resolutions for 2025, I first want to ask: how did your resolutions for 2024 turn out? Because what tends to happen when people have New Year’s resolutions is they say, “I got all of 2024 to do this thing”, but then Thanksgiving comes, and they realize, “I didn’t do that.” Thinking you have all year to work on the change you want to see happen is how the trap of failure sets into your life. But I don’t want you to be a victim of that. That’s why in this episode, we’re gearing you up for an early start. In this week's podcast, we’ll discuss the value of planning and working on our resolutions in December, seeing the remaining weeks as an opportunity rather than a countdown. These last five weeks are perfect for building momentum, so don’t wait for January 1st—let’s begin no