Today, I am blessed to have Andy Schoonover here with me. He is the CEO and founder of CrowdHealth, a company that deploys a crowdfunding model to pay its users' medical bills. In this episode, Andy addresses issues plaguing healthcare and wellness. He exposes the profit-driven motives of pharmaceutical, insurance, and hospital industries, illustrating how they prioritize financial gain over public health. Andy debunks the misconception that healthy eating is inaccessible, showcasing how meal planning can yield nutritious options at low costs. We chat about the harsh reality of health insurance, revealing how deductibles and claim denials push families into financial turmoil. Andy advocates for a transformative approach to healthcare through community-driven support, emphasizing collective action and simplified lifestyle choices for wellness. / / E P I S O D E   S P ON S O R S  *BonCharge: Blue light Blocking Glasses, Red Light Therapy, Sauna Blankets & More. Visit https://boncharge.com/pages/ketokamp and use the coupon code KETOKAMP for 15% off your order. *BON CHARGE products are all HSA/FSA eligible, giving you tax free savings of up to 40% Beam Minerals: BEAM Minerals products are the perfect support for the keto/carnivore/fasting way of living as they won’t break your fast, PLUS they taste just like water and will help you keep carb cravings at bay as you move into a fat-adapted state. Give BEAM Minerals a try today for an enhanced keto experience. Head to http://www.beamminerals.com and use the coupon code AZADI for a sweet discount! Text me the words "Podcast" +1 (786) 364-5002 to be added to my contacts list.   [03:00] Healthcare: Profits Over Wellness Andy highlights how the players within the healthcare system, including pharmaceutical companies, insurance companies, and hospitals, have incentives that are not aligned to keep people healthy.  Instead, they benefit financially when people are sick or costs rise. Pharmaceutical companies profit from ongoing treatment rather than curing diseases, insurance companies may benefit from higher premiums, and hospitals earn revenue from higher service prices.  [09:00] Affordable Healthy Eating Beyond Fast Food Andy challenges the narrative that unhealthy fast food options are the only accessible and affordable choices, particularly in food deserts.  Through an experiment, he demonstrates that creating a healthy meal for the same or even less cost than a typical fast food meal is possible. This highlights the importance of education in making healthier choices, even in areas labeled as food deserts. [15:50] The Paradox of Health Insurance Andy highlights a concerning reality where even families with health insurance face the risk of financial distress due to medical events.  200,000 families go bankrupt every year despite having health insurance. This is attributed to high deductibles, where individuals must pay a significant amount out-of-pocket before insurance coverage kicks in.  A substantial portion of claims are denied, further exacerbating the financial burden on individuals and families. This situation underscores the inadequacy of current health insurance models and the need for reform. [37:20] Leveraging Collective Support for Medical Needs CrowdHealth participants contribute monthly fees, which are used to support community members facing medical expenses or emergencies.  By leveraging the community's collective resources, individuals can receive assistance without relying on traditional insurance models or external funding sources.  This approach fosters a sense of solidarity and mutual aid among members, reinforcing the community's shared values and objectives. [50:45] Partnering for Health: The Role of Spousal Support and Simplified Meal Planning Andy emphasizes the importance of getting your spouse on board with your health goals. When both partners are aligned in their approach to nutrition and wellness, it sets a solid foundation for success.  Spousal