In this week’s episode of The Victory Medical Center Podcast 🎙️, Donna Lee sits down with Victory Medical’s Jude Chedville, APRN, CNS-BC, to continue exploring the fascinating world of peptides 🧬—this time taking a closer look at the popular combination known as the “Wolverine Stack.” 💪

So, what exactly is the Wolverine Stack, and why does it have such an unforgettable name?

The term commonly refers to a combination of BPC-157 and TB-500, two synthetic peptides that have generated considerable interest in wellness and regenerative medicine circles. The nickname comes, of course, from Marvel’s Wolverine and his famous ability to heal quickly!

BPC-157 is a synthetic peptide based on a sequence found in a protein associated with gastric juice, while TB-500 is related to thymosin beta-4, a naturally occurring peptide involved in cellular processes and tissue repair.

The combination has been promoted for potential benefits including supporting recovery from injuries, reducing inflammation, promoting tissue repair, and improving mobility. However, research in humans remains limited, and these peptides are not FDA-approved treatments for these uses.

During this episode, Jude breaks down the Wolverine Stack, explains why it has attracted so much attention, and discusses how peptides are being explored as part of the evolving conversation around wellness, recovery and healthy aging. Jude also explains why she started BPC-157 after an old injury and how it's helped her get back to normal VERY quickly when she accidentally re-injures that injury.

Curious about peptides and whether they may have a place in your wellness journey? Tune in and hear Jude explain it all!

To learn more, visit victoryrejuvenate.com or call 📞 (512) 462-DOCS (3627).

🎙️ Meet Your Host & Guest

Donna Lee, producer and host of the podcast—is a professional, national touring stand-up comedian—bringing expert insight and humor to health and wellness conversations. Donna has a distinguished and comprehensive background in the medical field, having served in key leadership roles including Practice Manager, Clinic Director, Marketing Director, and Pharmaceutical Sales Representative.

Jude Chedville, APRN, CNS-BC, is a board-certified Clinical Nurse Specialist and the founder of Victory Rejuvenate. With a background shaped by the rigors of critical care and functional medicine, Jude recognized early in her career that the conventional medical model—treating symptoms rather than systems—was failing patients dealing with fatigue, weight gain, and the profound effects of aging. Visit www.victoryrejuvinate.com or call them at (512) 462-DOCS (3627).

Like what you heard or want to learn more about Victory Medical Center and VMC Pharmacy? Visit www.victorymed.com
or call (512) 462-DOCS.

Serving the Austin community since 1983, Dr. William “Billy” Franklin founded Victory Medical in 1996 and has built a world-class team across multiple specialties. His expertise includes natural hormone replacement therapy, age management, workers’ compensation, sports medicine, addiction medicine, depression, allergy testing and treatment, and weight loss.

Visit Victory Medical Center and Victory Pharmacy at 4303 Victory Dr. in Austin, Texas.

Remember… be the best you can be—at VMC!

In this episode of the Victory Medical Center Podcast, Dr. Donovan Simmons, Medical Director of Victory Rejuvenate, gives us the real, doctor-educated lowdown on growth hormone-releasing peptides (GHRPs) 🧬 and how they may support the body’s own natural growth hormone production.

Dr. Simmons explains the important difference between stimulating your body to produce its own growth hormone versus taking exogenous growth hormone. Growth hormone plays a role in several important processes in the body, including cellular repair, mitochondrial function, protein synthesis, body composition, and metabolism. 💪

And this isn’t just about looking or feeling younger! Dr. Simmons discusses the connection between growth hormone, visceral fat, inflammation, dyslipidemia, and overall cardiometabolic health ❤️—especially important when heart disease remains such a major health concern.

You’ll also hear about sermorelin and ipamorelin, two peptides that may be used together because they work through complementary pathways involved in growth hormone release. Dr. Simmons explains what they do, why certain peptides can be combined while others shouldn’t be, and why treatment should always be individualized and medically supervised. 👨‍⚕️

We also dive into some of the potential benefits patients may be seeking from GHRP therapy, including supporting lean muscle mass, reducing visceral fat, improving sleep, recovery, and overall well-being. 😴💪✨

And ladies, this conversation isn’t just for the men! 🙋‍♀️ Dr. Simmons explains why both men AND women may benefit from appropriately prescribed growth hormone-releasing peptide therapy.

One of the biggest takeaways from this episode? Peptides can magnify a healthy lifestyle—they don’t replace one. Nutrition, exercise, sleep, and healthy habits still matter! 🥗🏃‍♀️💤 Dr. Simmons also explains why many peptide therapies may be used in cycles rather than continuously year-round.

There’s a LOT to learn in this episode, so follow the Victory Medical Center Podcast wherever you get your podcasts 🎙️, share it with your friends, and keep listening for more doctor-educated conversations about your health and wellness.

Because around here, you know what we say…

🧬 “There’s a peptide for that!” 😃

🎙️ Meet Your Hosts

Donna Lee, producer and host of the podcast—is a professional, national touring stand-up comedian—bringing expert insight and humor to health and wellness conversations. Donna has a distinguished and comprehensive background in the medical field, having served in key leadership roles including Practice Manager, Clinic Director, Marketing Director, and Pharmaceutical Sales Representative.

Dr. Donovan Simmons serves as the Medical Director for Victory Rejuvenate Austin, TX. With an extensive background in emergent and intensive medicine, Dr. Simmons brings a wealth of clinical safety, oversight, and pathophysiological expertise to the Austin practice. Visit www.victoryrejuvinate.com or call them at (512) 462-DOCS (3627).

Visit www.victoryrejuvinate.com or call them at (512) 462-DOCS (3627).

Like what you heard or want to learn more about Victory Medical Center and VMC Pharmacy? Visit www.victorymed.com or call (512) 462-DOCS. For more peptide, wellness and aesthetics information, visit our new website www.victoryrejuvenate.com.

Serving the Austin community since 1983, Dr. William “Billy” Franklin founded Victory Medical in 1996 and has built a world-class team across multiple specialties. His expertise includes natural hormone replacement therapy, age management, workers’ compensation, sports medicine, addiction medicine, depression, allergy testing and treatment, and weight loss.

Visit Victory Medical Center and Victory Pharmacy at 4303 Victory Dr. in Austin, Texas.

Remember… be the best you can be—at VMC!

Hey there, you fabulous, curious and health-loving humans! 🌟

In this episode of the Victory Medical Podcast, Donna Lee is once again joined by Victory Medical Center and VMC Pharmacy's Pharmacist in Charge (aka the PIC!), Aaron Zamanian. Aaron is not only the Pharmacy Director but he's also the peptide program "guru" and specialist! Donna and Aaron take a fascinating deep dive into the world of mitochondria-supporting peptides and why they're creating so much excitement in regenerative medicine.

First up is SS-31 (also known as Bendavia or elamipretide), a synthetic peptide designed to target the mitochondria—the tiny powerhouses inside your cells. Aaron explains how SS-31 helps support cellular energy production while reducing oxidative stress and discusses the research behind its potential role in conditions such as heart failure, Barth syndrome, mitochondrial myopathy, and even Long COVID. He also shares why some clinicians are exploring its potential benefits for certain neurological symptoms, including minor stuttering.

Next, Aaron breaks down MOTS-c, another remarkable mitochondria-derived peptide that helps regulate metabolism, improve insulin sensitivity, and support healthy energy balance. Often referred to as an "exercise mimetic," MOTS-c has become an exciting area of research for metabolic health and overall wellness.

Finally, the conversation turns to the ever-popular NAD, including what it is, why it matters for cellular health, and when supplementation may be appropriate.

Whether you're new to peptides or already fascinated by the latest advances in regenerative medicine, this episode is packed with valuable information to help you better understand how these therapies may support overall health and vitality.

Be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of the Victory Medical Podcast, and visit victoryrejuvenate.com to learn more about the innovative peptide therapies offered by VMC Pharmacy. If you enjoy the show, share it with your friends and family!

And remember... there's a peptide for that! 😉

🎙️ Meet Your Hosts

Donna Lee, producer and host of the podcast—is a professional, national touring stand-up comedian—bringing expert insight and humor to health and wellness conversations. Donna has a distinguished and comprehensive background in the medical field, having served in key leadership roles including Practice Manager, Clinic Director, Marketing Director, and Pharmaceutical Sales Representative.

Aaron Zamanian, Pharm D, is a compounding pharmacy executive at Victory Medical Center and VMC Pharmacy, focused on peptide therapeutics. Aaron is known for his expertise in formulation strategy, regulatory compliance and clinical application of peptides in metabolic and longevity medicine.

He has memberships and affiliations with:

American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine
Baylor Medical Center Family Practice Review
Advisory Council for Planned Parenthood
Society of Clinical Allergy
Committee for Physician’s Health and Rehabilitation
Phi Chi Medical and Service Fraternity
At Victory Medical Center, Dr. Franklin is involved with patient care in the areas of administration, family medicine, weight loss, skin care, and more.

Visit www.victoryrejuvinate.com or call them at (512) 462-DOCS (3627).

Like what you heard or want to learn more about Victory Medical Center and VMC Pharmacy? Visit www.victorymed.com or call (512) 462-DOCS. For more peptide, wellness and aesthetics information, visit our new website www.victoryrejuvenate.com.

Serving the Austin community since 1983, Dr. William “Billy” Franklin founded Victory Medical in 1996 and has built a world-class team across multiple specialties. His expertise includes natural hormone replacement therapy, age management, workers’ compensation, sports medicine, addiction medicine, depression, allergy testing and treatment, and weight loss.

Visit Victory Medical Center and Victory Pharmacy at 4303 Victory Dr. in Austin, Texas.

Remember… be the best you can be—at VMC!