Everything is Personal

Healing by Design: Turning a Health Scare into a Movement

Episode Summary

In this week’s episode of Everything Is Personal, I sit down with James Keppel, founder and CEO of Sarana Health, to explore a bold vision for healthcare that shifts focus from “sick-care” to true wellness. After being told he might need an organ transplant, James rejected the limbo of standard care and created his own path. His personal turnaround became the blueprint for Sarana’s integrated, prevention-first model. We dive deep into how the U.S. health-system got so misaligned, what needs to change, and how one person’s roadmap can spark a movement. In this conversation you’ll hear: How James’ design-and-musician roots led him into healthcare disruption. Why 90-minute intake sessions, 360+ biomarker panels and wellness roadmaps are at the core of Sarana’s program. Sarana Health His “5 things to improve U.S. healthcare” (spoiler: attitude + provider empowerment + measurable outcomes) What “integrated whole-body care” really looks like in practice. How you, as a listener, can flip the script on your health—from reaction to proactive. Whether you’re curious about big-picture healthcare reform or want to take ownership of your own wellness journey, this episode runs at the intersection of system-change and personal power. Tune in and get ready to reimagine what healthcare can be.

Episode Notes

Chapters: 

00:00 – Intro: Brand = Experience 

02:00 – From Architect to Brand Builder 

07:00 – Emotional Branding Explained (Apple, BMW examples) 

15:00 – The Broken Healthcare System 

20:00 – The Moment That Sparked Sarana Health 

25:00 – Building a Personalized Health Company 

30:00 – The Four Foundations: Sleep, Nutrition, Lifestyle, Wellness 

40:00 – How “Srana” Got Its Name 45:00 – Music, Creativity & Vinyl Culture 

52:00 – 5 Albums That Shaped His Life 

58:00 – Final Thoughts & Contact Info