x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

Opt-Out: The Kara Foster OD Show

Kara Foster, OD

Burned out by the system or just tired of being a number? Join Dr. Kara Foster, OD—eye doctor, direct care pioneer, and wellness rebel—as she shares how to ditch insurance, fight burnout, and bring purpose back to healthcare. Whether you"re a provider ready to break free or a patient looking for better care, this show gives you real talk, bold ideas, and a little humor to help you opt-out of the chaos—for good. New episodes every week.

health & fitness medicine

All Episodes

00:19:27

The Cancer You Never Get

Opt-Out: The Kara Foster OD Show ·

2025/11/15

Why are we pouring billions into cancer treatment while staying silent about the fact that up to half of all cancers are preventable? In this powerful episode, Dr. Kara Foster, fresh off her town council win and optometry conference reconnections, dives into the hard truth about lifestyle-driven cancers. From the heartbreaking reality of cancer night at a Carolina Hurricanes game to evidence-backed prevention strategies, Kara breaks down the most preventable cancers and how you can take action

en

00:20:08

Clear Vision for Healthy Towns, One Step at a Time!

Opt-Out: The Kara Foster OD Show ·

2025/11/02

I’m Dr. Kara Foster, and in this episode I blend Blue Zones research with local, doable town-council actions to make Holly Springs healthier, happier, and more connected. I open with why I’m doing this, from exam-room stories to my hopes for my daughter, then move into concrete policy ideas you can support. You’ll get a three-tier plan with quick wins, medium-term projects, and long-term goals, plus measurement ideas, funding options, and simple ways to help.Key takeaways:• Practical Complete

en

00:23:31

The Health Benefits of Being Your Authentic Self (in...

Opt-Out: The Kara Foster OD Show ·

2025/10/21

What if the most powerful health habit isn’t a supplement, a workout, or a diet, but truth?In this episode, Dr. Kara Foster explores the biological, emotional, and societal impact of authenticity. From stress hormones and heart-rate variability to community trust and connection, she breaks down how pretending affects your body, and why being your real self might be the most overlooked medicine of all. Kara shares insights from her work in healthcare and local leadership, blending science, story, and

en

00:38:10

How to Speak Up and Be Heard: The Science and Soul of...

Opt-Out: The Kara Foster OD Show ·

2025/10/15

What if the simple act of using your voice could improve your health, your happiness, and your community?In this inspiring deep dive, Dr. Kara Foster explores the neuroscience of courage, the psychology of fear, and the ripple effect of one brave voice. Learn how speaking up activates your brain’s reward centers, lowers stress hormones, and even lengthens life expectancy.You’ll walk away with: • A five-step framework for finding your voice and following through • Tools for staying calm when facing

en

00:22:00

Our Health Care Is in Crisis - Join Me and Start the...

Opt-Out: The Kara Foster OD Show ·

2025/10/07

Our Health Care Is in Crisis - Join Us and Start the Change Today!If you’re tired of rising premiums and short doctor visits, this episode is your lifeline. Dr. Kara Foster, optometrist and direct-care pioneer, breaks down why health-insurance costs are skyrocketing, how Direct Primary Care (DPC) can slash spending, and why Blue Zones habits (think plant-based diets, natural movement, and strong social connections) matter more than any fad diet.In this deep dive, Kara shares stories from her own

en

00:20:06

Pumpkin Spice, Candy Corn, and the Science of Why We...

Opt-Out: The Kara Foster OD Show ·

2025/10/02

Ever wonder why you can’t resist seasonal treats - even the ones you don’t actually like that much? From pumpkin spice lattes to candy corn, these foods are engineered to hijack your brain chemistry, keep you craving more, and turn us into “ultra-processed people” in record time.In this episode, Kara unpacks:-The marketing playbook behind seasonal junk food-How sugar rewires your brain (and why willpower isn’t enough)-Startling stats from Dopamine Nation and Ultra-Processed People-Why your

en

00:20:33

Outpacing Healthcare: Why Germany’s System Leaves the...

Opt-Out: The Kara Foster OD Show ·

2025/09/25

Fresh off the Berlin Marathon, Dr. Kara Foster compares healthcare in Germany and the U.S. - and the stats may surprise you.Germany spends about half as much per person as the U.S., yet has longer life expectancy, lower infant and maternal mortality, and fewer preventable chronic diseases.We’ll explore:Why Germany’s universal system delivers better valueHow cultural and policy choices shape real health outcomesLessons the U.S. could adapt for more sustainable, preventive careBecause healthcare isn’t

en

00:23:04

Myth Busters: Supplements, Protein, and the Placebo...

Opt-Out: The Kara Foster OD Show ·

2025/09/16

Are you spending money on health “essentials” that aren’t actually doing much for your health? In this myth-busting episode, Dr. Kara Foster dives into three of the biggest misconceptions in wellness: the multivitamin “insurance” myth, the protein deficiency panic, and the placebo effect’s powerful, but often misunderstood, role in how we feel.Using decades of research from Dr. Michael Greger and others, Kara unpacks:-Why most people don’t need a multivitamin (and the exceptions that matter)-How the

en

00:29:10

Happiness, Direct Care, and What We Can Learn from...

Opt-Out: The Kara Foster OD Show ·

2025/09/09

What if the secret to a longer, happier life wasn’t in a pill bottle, but in a forest path, a strong community, and a healthcare system built on trust?For the 8th year in a row, Finland has been ranked the happiest country in the world. Meanwhile, the U.S. spends more on healthcare than any other nation… and yet, we’re sicker, more stressed, and slipping further down the happiness list.In this episode, Dr. Kara Foster explores:Why Finland keeps topping the happiness chartsHow happiness and health

en

00:27:13

Why America Spends the Most but Lives the Least

Opt-Out: The Kara Foster OD Show ·

2025/09/02

We know why people thrive, and why they don’t. But there’s a reason the average American doesn’t know. The U.S. spends more on healthcare than any other country, yet ranks near the bottom in life expectancy. That’s not bad luck, it’s a system designed to profit when you’re sick.In this episode, Dr. Kara Foster exposes how Big Food and Big Pharma created a cycle that runs from processed food to prescription drugs. You’ll learn how subsidies, lobbying, and medical training keep prevention out of

en

00:22:06

Swipe Left on Misinformation: Why TikTok Isn’t Your...

Opt-Out: The Kara Foster OD Show ·

2025/08/26

TikTok might have your favorite recipes, travel tips, and dance trends, but should it be your doctor? In this episode, Dr. Kara Foster unpacks the rise of social media health advice, the real risks of semaglutide, the hidden dangers of the carnivore diet, and why so many of us fall for quick fixes. Plus, the practical steps you can take today to filter fact from hype, and how Direct Primary Care can help you finally connect the dots in your health journey.

en

00:24:43

Is Your Body a Lemon… or a Lexus? Why Direct Care Is...

Opt-Out: The Kara Foster OD Show ·

2025/08/19

You wouldn’t drive your car 100,000 miles without an oil change—so why are we waiting until our bodies break down to take care of them? In this episode, we dive into how Direct Care can help families save money and feel better, longer. Think of it as your personal pit crew: regular check-ins, the right “fuel,” and a system built to keep you on the road—not stuck on the side of it. We’ll explore how simple, proactive care can extend your healthspan and your budget. And next week? We’ll tackle the

en

00:24:31

Inflammation in the Body: What It’s Telling You and...

Opt-Out: The Kara Foster OD Show ·

2025/08/12

What if your dry eyes, brain fog, or fatigue weren’t random... but messages from your body trying to get your attention?In this episode, Dr. Kara Foster breaks down the truth about inflammation, what causes it, how it silently shows up in the body (including the eyes!), and most importantly, how to start healing from the inside out. From food to sleep, stress to screen time, this is your roadmap to understanding inflammation as a call-in, not a call-out. You'll learn:The difference between acute

en

00:21:41

What Is the #1 Cause of Preventable Death?

Opt-Out: The Kara Foster OD Show ·

2025/08/05

Most people guess smoking, alcohol, or accidents. The truth is far more common - and far more within our control.In this episode of Opt Out with Kara Foster, I unpack the science showing how poor diet has become the leading cause of preventable death in the U.S. and worldwide. You’ll learn:Why this shift has happenedHow our culture makes healthy choices harder than they should beThe small, practical changes that can have a huge impact on your health and longevityYou don’t need to be perfect. You

en

00:25:30

From One Town to a Healthier Nation: How We Can Lead...

Opt-Out: The Kara Foster OD Show ·

2025/07/29

Can one town really change the healthcare system?In this episode, Dr. Kara Foster lays out an actionable vision for transforming American healthcare, starting at the local level. Drawing from the success of Direct Primary Care, Blue Zones longevity research, and her experience as an optometrist who ditched insurance to put patients first, she explains how we can shift from a profit-driven model to one rooted in prevention, transparency, and trust.You’ll hear:Why kitchen tables, not Capitol Hill, are

en

00:29:29

The Common Sense Healthcare Revolution We’ve Been...

Opt-Out: The Kara Foster OD Show ·

2025/07/22

What if healthcare actually made sense? In this episode of the Opt-Out Podcast, Dr. Kara Foster unpacks how Direct Care works — and why it could change everything for you, your family, and even the future of medicine.You’ll learn:-What Direct Care is-How much it costs — and how much you could save-Why it’s better for your health, your wallet, and your kids-How to find Direct Care doctors and no-insurance hospitals-A realistic, step-by-step plan to help shift our healthcare system back to sanityWith

en

00:21:28

Empowering Your Team to Deliver Incredible Care: How...

Opt-Out: The Kara Foster OD Show ·

2025/07/15

In Part 2 of this series, Dr. Kara Foster shares what she calls her “secret weapon” for creating an unforgettable patient experience: her team.You can’t create a “Wow” experience alone — and you don’t have to. In this episode, Kara explains how to set clear expectations, train your team to handle real-life situations with confidence, and keep morale high through shared wins, gratitude, and purpose.We’ll talk about why hiring for attitude matters more than skill, how to prepare your team for those

en

00:25:25

From ‘Welcome’ to ‘Wow’: How We Deliver 5-Star...

Opt-Out: The Kara Foster OD Show ·

2025/07/08

What makes a patient walk out of your office saying, “Wow… this feels different”?In this episode of Opt-Out with Kara Foster, OD, we dive into the little (but powerful) ways to create a memorable, trust-building experience for your patients — from the moment they Google your name to the moment they leave with their new glasses.Dr. Kara shares the exact strategies she uses in her own practice: creating a warm, welcoming environment, educating patients with clarity and care, showing how their eye

en

00:26:31

From Guatemala with Love: What a Mission Trip Can...

Opt-Out: The Kara Foster OD Show ·

2025/07/01

In this heartfelt episode, Dr. Kara Foster shares powerful stories from her recent mission trip to Guatemala—and what they reveal about the brokenness of our own healthcare system. With honesty, humility, and hope, she reflects on the kind of care that truly transforms lives: care that’s human-centered, relationship-driven, and grounded in compassion—not paperwork.Whether you're a provider feeling burned out or a patient tired of feeling like a number, this episode will inspire you to imagine a

en

00:24:54

What an 80-Year Study Taught Us About Real Healthcare

Opt-Out: The Kara Foster OD Show ·

2025/06/24

What Really Keeps Us Healthy? The Truth from an 80-Year StudyWhat if the most powerful medicine isn’t in a bottle—but in the way we show up for each other?In this episode of The Opt-Out Podcast, Dr. Kara Foster explores the groundbreaking findings from the Harvard Study of Adult Development—the longest-running study on human happiness and health—and what it means for patients, providers, and the future of medicine.You’ll learn:What the Harvard study reveals about the #1 predictor of long-term

en

25 results

Similar Podcasts

Доктор Тройняшкин

Доктор Тройняшкин

The Dry Eye Treatment PODCAST

Dry Eye Treatment

Différent et alors ?

PATRICK SULAY

Kyle Kingsbury Podcast

Kyle Kingsbury

The Real Weight Loss Coach

Matty Lansdown