When you run a business, or even if you don't, workplace culture is crucial to being satisfied in your career. Katina Sawyer, PhD is the co-author of Leading for Wellness: How to Create a Team Culture Where Everyone Thrives and co-founder of Workr Beeing. As an Associate Professor at the University of Arizona,  she is a leading expert in work-life balance, leadership, and diversity. Dr. Sawyer has published over 50 peer-reviewed studies and consulted with organizations to create healthier, more productive workplaces. This is a very different topic than my normal, but it's of great importance to anyone working for or owning a business.  I know you'll take something from this episode. 

What you'll hear:

• Katina's background in industrial organization psychology and the significance of workplace wellness (1:19)
• The evolution of workplace wellness (3:46)
• Challenges and opportunities in workplace wellness (5:00)
• Common pitfalls in workplace wellness initiatives (19:50)
• Effective leadership and tea culture (20:04)
• Strategies for improving workplace wellness (31:53)
• The role of leadership in improving workplace wellness (37:47)
• Tools and techniques for enhancing workplace wellness (41:21)
• The importance of nurturing a positive team culture (43:55)
• Katina's upcoming book launch and related events (49:23)

Where to learn more:

• Workr Beeing 

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

Electrolyte balance is important, especially when following a ketogenic diet. Jordan Wilson is the founder of Saps Original, a new electrolyte drink brand. They offer a ready-to-drink mix with three different flavors. It's a tremendous product and I'm excited to share our conversation with you. 

What we discussed: 

• Jordan's background in the food and beverage industry (1:24)
• Challenges in the electrolyte market (2:13)
• The ingredients and nutritional value of Saps (7:12)
• His business strategy and market positioning (11:12)
• Target demographic and marketing approach (16:24)
• Importance of self care, fun, and passion when building a sustainable business (28:34)
• His personal challenges and plans for the future of the business (30:02)

Where to learn more:

• Saps Original

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below

Do you suffer from autoimmune or other health issues that just won't go away? Scott Everson suffered through multiple health issues, that led to a dependency on countless prescription drugs and nervous system dysregulation. He reclaimed his health through the carnivore diet and other changes, and it was inspiring to speak with him and learn about his journey. I know you'll enjoy this episode.

What we discussed:

• Scott's battle with health issues and psychotropic drugs (1:39)
• The impact of stopping medications and severe weight loss (5:04)
• His identity shift and mental health struggles (6:22)
• Hitting rock bottom and reaching a turning point (12:34)
• Introduction to the carnivore diet (17:32)
• Lack of support from his doctors and their reaction to beginning the carnivore diet and other interventions (21:15)
• Helping cancer patients achieve remission with metabolic therapy (23:17)
• The importance of community and surrounding yourself with like-minded people (26:37)
• Being open-minded about other lifestyles and respecting others' decisions (34:01)
• The dangers of weight loss drugs (40:32)
• Nutrition for children (48:34)
• Developing a gratitute mindset (58:04)
• Future plans, including Meat Stock (1:00:01)

Where to learn more:

• Meat Stock
• Instagram

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

Do you suffer from poor gut health? Dane Johnson has battled Crohn's colitis and ulcerative colitis for a good portion of his life. Through experimentation, he has found the proper protocol for his body to help control these ailments and improve his life. We had a great conversation about this and also mindset, and I know you'll enjoy it as well.

What you'll hear:

• What ailments Dane struggles with and how it affects daily life (2:15)
• Living with ulcerative colitis and the benefits of functional medicine (6:37)
• His near-death experience due to gluten intolerance and recovery with an antiviral treatment (11:25)
• Root causes of IBD and the limits of traditional medicine (15:37)
• Personal responsibility for health and self-empowerment through nutrition and wellness (21:36)
• Overcoming obstacles and achieving goals through mindset and consistency (26:57)
• Finding ways to stay optimistic (30:33)
• Health and wellness trends, including keto and intermittent fasting (34:30)
• The importance of positivity and community to overcome obstacles (37:42)
• Life balance, self-improvement, and success (43:42)
• Simplifying daily routines for better consistency and success (47:29)
• Probiotics and digestive health (51:18)
• Personalized gut health and treatment (57:34)
• Natural remedies for children's gut health issues (59:30)
• Gut health and disease prevention through diet and lifestyle changes (1:02:31)
• Functional lab tests for checking gut health and mold exposure (1:07:12)
• Carnivore diet benefits and limitations (1:14:38)
• Dietary approaches for colon health and cancer prevention (1:17:31)
• Dogmatic thinking and the importance of seeing the whole picture when it comes to health and nutrition (1:20:08)
• Personalized nutrition and dietary approaches (1:27:11)
• The importance of listening to one's body (1:30:27)

Where to learn more about Dane's story:

• Crohn's Colitis Lifestyle
• Instagram

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

Did you know that a ketogenic diet can be an effective treatment for epilepsy? Michael Leddy has lived with epilepsy from a young age, dealing with seizures regularly. Having tried surgery in 2012 with short-lived effects, he began a ketogenic diet in 2017 and has found it to be a more effective treatment than other options. It was a pleasure to have him on the podcast and learn from him and I know you'll also enjoy this episode.

What you'll hear:

• His recent running events (1:00)
• The mental challenges involved with endurance running (3:13)
• Living with epilepsy, his experience with brain surgery, and his discovery of the keto diet (8:33)
• Seizure triggers and its unpredictability (13:54)
• Managing epilepsy through diet and lifestyle changes (20:06)
• Macronutrient tracking and fluctuating ketone levels (25:10)
• Running as a way to cope with the emotional effects of epilepsy (30:51)
• Experimentation with nutrition and his experience with disordered eating (35:27)
• The importance of electrolyte consumption (40:59)
• The benefits of a ketogenic diet on mental health (45:40)
• Mental discipline (49:52)
• Weight training and keto (53:51)
• Adhering to the ketogenic lifestyle while traveling (58:08)
• Adapting to life with epilepsy and the importance of being aware of the body's needs (1:01:54)

Look for Michael on Strava to follow his running journey!

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

Have you ever considered incorporating sprouts into your diet? Doug Evans is the sprout guru and has been sprouting his own greens for quite some time. As you may know, Crystal and I have been getting into homesteading, and I wanted to pick Doug's brain about what exactly sprouts are, their nutritional benefits, and how to get into growing my own. It was a pleasure to learn from him and I know you'll enjoy this conversation as much as I did.

What you'll hear:

• Doug's backstory and what got him interested in sprouting his own food to begin with (1:27)
• Sprouting for healthy eating and self-sufficiency, and Doug's fitness journey (10:19)
• The nutritional benefits of sprouted legumes and plant-based protein sources (19:05)
• Taking the microbiome into consideration when looking at diet (23:47)
• My nutritional and fitness protocol (24:50)
• Business and entrepreneurship (30:18)
• Ketosis, sprouting, and tracking caloric intake (36:05)
• Sprouting on your own at home and how to get started (43:02)
• The overall benefits of sprouting and being self-reliant (51:53)
• Incorporating sprouting into a natural bodybuilding protocol (58:34)

Where to learn more about Doug and the sprouting lifestyle:

• Instagram
• Sprout Man

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

Do you struggle with mental illness? Valerie Smith healed her mind and body through a well-formulated ketogenic diet. Her story is honest, raw, and inspiring, and I know you'll take something from our conversation.

What you'll hear:

• Valerie's list of diagnoses over the past 40 years, including mental illness and eating disorders (1:55)
• Childhood trauma and disordered eating (7:26)
• Her struggle with anorexia and body dysmorphia, which led to a feeling of guilt and shame (13:31)
• The various health complications she suffered as a result of anorexia (23:18)
• Long recovery after organ prolapse surgery and the role of nutrition in her recovery (27:18)
• Struggling with multiple mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, OCD, self-harm, and hair pulling, and the shame she felt as a result (32:24)
• Overcoming her mental struggles through nutrition and an animal-based diet (39:53)
• The improvements she felt by increasing her daily intake of protein (45:57)
• How her symptoms diminished and eventually completely resolved as a result of a high-fat diet (50:47)
• Her participation in a case-study on using an animal-based diet to treat anorexia (58:22)
• Implementing a high protein diet to reverse her symptoms of osteoporosis (1:02:56)
• Overcoming the stigma surrounding mental health disorders and seeking help (1:10:57)
• Weight lifting and body transformation (1:19:19)

Where to read more of Valerie's story:

• Twitter
• Instagram

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

If you're like me, you don't know much about mushrooms other than the strains we're all familiar with. Robert Johnson is a mushroom aficionado and has been since he was a teenager. He founded the premium mushroom product line Mycroboost as well as Custom Capsule Consultants, where he is CEO. His work in the cannabinoid, health, and supplement space since 2008 has given him deep expertise around cannabinoids, hemp, mushrooms, supplements, product development, business development, market demands, and consumer trends. (https://www.rollingstone.com/author/robert-johnson/) I was excited to dive deeper into the world of mushrooms and can't wait to hear what you think of this episode.

What you'll learn:

• Why he became interested in mushrooms originally (1:44)
• Nootropics, mushrooms, and their cognitive benefits (4:28)
• Various mushrooms and supplements and the importance of the proper dosage (9:32)
• Mushroom cultivation and industry transparency (15:55)
• The legal and scientific aspects of psychedelics and cannabis (22:12)
• Cannabis legalization and its effects on society (27:45)
• Microdosing psilocybin mushrooms for mental health benefits (33:58)
• The use of psychedelics for spiritual and therapeutic purposes (39:38)
• Risks vs. benefits and when to take caution (45:30)
• The potential for psychedelics and marijuana to treat mental health issues (52:40)
• How to ensure you're purchasing a quality product (1:00:14)

Where to learn more about Robert and Mycroboost:

• Mycroboost
• Instagram

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

I met Lewis Summerson when we shared the stage during the world's competition, and afterward, we had the opportunity to chat about all things natural bodybuilding. It was an honor to speak to him at the competition and to have him on the podcast, and I know you'll enjoy this conversation.

What you'll hear:

• Waiting for the judges' feedback (1:24)
• Lewis' offseason plans, focusing on progress over competition (3:41)
• The benefits of taking more time off between preps (5:27)
• Weight classes and conditioning (10:10)
• Reflecting on the process, and nutrition and conditioning strategies (15:10)
• Pushing your body to the limits to get into peak physique condition for competition (21:03)
• Slowing down the rate of fat loss in the final stages of prep (24:14)
• Maintaining a healthy relationship with food post-competition (30:22)
• Body weight and caloric intake for muscle gain (33:29)
• Lewis' nutritional protocol during prep (37:31)
• Macronutrient ratios for muscle gain and low-carb diets (42:58)
• The various nutritional and fitness approaches and seeing success with each (45:41)
• Consistency and the bodybuilding lifestyle (50:33)
• Training habits and the importance of tracking (54:27)
• Enjoying the process (1:01:49)
• Bodybuilding, fitness, and business goals after the competition season (1:04:07)
• Promoting natural bodybuilding and educating young athletes (1:09:44)

Where to find Lewis:

• Instagram
• YouTube

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

If you've ever been curious about the different brainwaves and what they mean for your body, you'll definitely find some answers in this episode. Dr Andrew Hill, holds a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience from UCLA and has extensive experience in the field of neurofeedback and QEEG. Dr. Hill is an expert in functional brain health and performance optimization, and has lectured on Neuroscience, Gerontology, & Psychology at UCLA. (https://peakbraininstitute.com/about-pbi/) I've never recorded an episode quite like this and I'm excited to share it with you!

What we discussed:

• What got him interested in the brain to begin with (1:54)
• ADHS, autism, and neurofeedback training (3:30)
• The early days of neurofeedback and its effectiveness (4:28)
• Neurofeedback and brain mapping (7:58)
• Training brainwaves (14:14)
• Understanding and improving brain function (17:20)
• The effectiveness of neurofeedback in treating OCD, ADHD, seizures, and other ailments (19:45)
• Neurofeedback as a holistic approach to treating anxiety, sleep, and improving executive function (25:14)
• Using EEG to understand brain function and improve mental health (27:57)
• Brain mapping techniques and strategies (31:26)
• EEG assessment and executive function test (37:16)
• Using brain mapping tools to identify issues with focus and sleep maintenance to help clients improve these areas (39:41)
• EEG diagnostics to tailor training programs for each individual's treatment needs (43:20)
• Toxicity testing in cats and brain wave research (50:11)
• The power of sensory motor rhythm in treating ADHD, seizures, and sleep disorders (53:14)
• The importance of working with a therapist for brain mapping to help you understand your unique needs (56:31)
• Self-awareness in neurofeedback training (1:02:40)
• Using neurofeedback to train brain waves for relaxation and focus (1:05:52)
• Peak Brain Institute offerings (1:09:16)

Where to find out more:

• Peak Brain Institute

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

If you're curious about stem cell therapy, then this podcast should help to shed some light on this topic. Dr. Khan is the CEO and Founder of eterna health clinics, a medical technology company and a revolutionary concept in specialized healthcare offering unparalleled treatment options that stand out in the medical landscape. Dr. Khan's grand vision reaches beyond personal success. His ultimate aspiration is to democratize regenerative medicine, making it affordable and accessible to people from all walks of life. (https://eterna.health/our-doctors/) I learned an incredible amount from this conversation and I know you will as well.

What you'll hear:

• Stem cell regulation and its potential in medicine (1:24)
• Peptide therapy and its differences from traditional medicine (5:01)
• The accelerated pace of modern medicine (8:44)
• Lifestyle and exercise to prevent disease, and medicine 4.0, cell and gene therapy to increase resilience and life span (10:12)
• Stem cell therapy and its potential use (11:48)
• Anti-aging therapy and its accessibility (18:05)
• The benefits and controversy of peptides being used for muscle gain and recovery (21:22)
• Stem cell treatments for diabetes and aging (24:19)
• Gene therapy and its potential to cure chronic illnesses (28:02)
• The healthcare systems in the US and Canada (34:16)
• Cell and gene therapy advancements and their potential impact on healthcare (37:21)
• Gene editing and stem cell technology (40:27)
• Stem cell banking and genetic engineering for anti-aging (43:32)

Where to dive deeper into stem cell research and Dr. Khan's work:

• Instagram

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

If you have any interest in natural bodybuilding, competition, changing your body composition, and anything in between, this episode is for you. Eric is the chief author of the Muscle and Strength Pyramids, a founder of and reviewer for Monthly Applications in Strength Sport, and is a research fellow at the Sports Performance Research Institute New Zealand at Auckland University of Technology, pursuing research in training, nutrition and psychology for strength and physique sport. Eric has a PhD in Strength and Conditioning with a research focus on autoregulating powerlifting, a masters with a research focus on protein and macronutrient manipulation for dieting bodybuilders, a second masters in exercise science and health promotion, and a bachelors in sports management, fitness and wellness. As an athlete, Eric is a WNBF Pro bodybuilder and competes in multiple strength sports. He has a wealth of information and I can't wait to pick his brain further on a future episode.

What we discussed:

• Fitness competition and earning a pro card (2:20)
• Bodybuilding, competing, and drug use (6:53)
• The motivation behind bodybuilding and the importance of loving the process (11:57)
• Mentally preparing for a competition (16:42)
• Reverse dieting (21:46)
• Recovery diet terminology for post-competition nutrition (25:41)
• Balancing recovery and progress in bodybuilding (31:25)
• Struggling with post-show dietary needs and maintaining structure (36:53)
• Building good habits in a bodybuilding lifestyle (39:53)
• Recovery diet protocols and their impact on hormones and body fat (46:06)
• Body fat, metabolism, and weight loss (50:53)
• Holistic approach to weight gain (56:04)
• Body composition, energy intake, and intervention points in different societies (59:57)
• The impact of bodybuilding on overall health and well-being (1:04:34)
• Weight gain and body composition tracking (1:08:40)
• Tracking training metrics for muscle growth and progress (1:13:03)
• Ketogenic diets in bodybuilding (1:23:41)
• Carbohydrates and their place in competition prep (1:30:32)
• Ketogenic diet adaptation and performance timeline (1:38:05)
• Natural bodybuilding, coaching, and nutrition (1:41:53)

Where to learn more from Eric:

• 3D Muscle Journey
• YouTube

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

Have you struggled with disordered eating? Mark Ennis, a carnivore coach based in Dublin, Ireland, struggled with an eating disorder before he finally healed himself through the carnivore lifestyle and became a coach. It was a pleasure hearing about his success and what being a carnivore looks like in Ireland.

What we discussed:

• The state of health and nutrition in Ireland (1:14)
• His personal experience with obesity, weight loss, and extreme calorie restriction (2:57)
• Mark's weight loss journey and eating disorder recovery (5:22)
• Weight gain through healthy nutrition changes (9:47)
• How the carnivore diet healed his disordered eating and the improvements to his digestive and mental health and energy levels (14:02)
• Body image and childhood bullying (19:58)
• Maintaining a healthy nutrition plan during the holiday season (26:32)
• Bodybuilding, coaching, and personal growth (30:29)
• Training intensity vs. volume for muscle growth (34:44)
• Mark's workout routine and muscle activation techniques (39:40)
• Prioritizing intensity and recovery (43:56)
• A low-carb diet and its impact on muscle recovery and training frequency (48:43)
• Keto coaching and client mental health (54:32)

Where to learn more about Mark and his work with clients:

• Instagram

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

I met Wyatt at a Christmas tree farm this season and was impressed by his strength and traps. We started talking about bodybuilding and I decided to welcome him to the podcast to answer all his questions. If you're new to the natural bodybuilding scene, this episode is for you. 

What we discussed: 

• Training philosophy and technique (2:08)
• Nutrition and caloric intake (8:30)
• Biological limitation in muscle growth (13:12)
• Recommendations for starting a ketogenic nutrition program (16:29)
• Budget concerns (24:01)
• Using fat for fuel and your brain's glucose needs (31:08)
• Why go the natural route for bodybuilding (33:51)
• Nurturing a health relationship with food (40:17)
• Competition prep phases (43:02)
• Wyatt's plans to compete in my show (46:53)

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

Have you ever been faced with a difficulty that seemed almost impossible? Hannah Willette shares her battle with anorexia and her inspiring story of how she overcame her disordered eating and came out healthier on the other side. This was a very emotional podcast and I know you'll take something away from it.

What you'll hear:

• Hannah's struggle with anorexia and weight loss (2:06)
• Body image and self-confidence after pregnancy (7:26)
• Weight loss, reverse dieting, and muscle atrophy (12:22)
• Obsession with exercise and its impact on mental and physical health (17:14)
• Weight gain, strength training, and the effects on mental health (22:53)
• How being strong affects body image (28:07)
• Guilt for past parenting choices and coping with her son's medical issues (32:14)
• Hunting, healing, and opening up a new chapter in life (37:20)
• Disconnecting from technology and finding strength through nature (43:12)
• Lessons learned from nature and stewarding the land and how it can help with parenting (50:10)
• Disconnecting for personal growth (54:46)

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

Have you ever faced what you believe to be an insurmountable obstacle? Scott King's highest weight was 552 pounds. Scott set a "unicorn goal" for himself, and through training for an Ironman, he has lost over 200 pounds and undergone an incredible transformation. His story is incredibly inspiring and I know you'll enjoy this episode.

What we discussed:

• His weight loss journey, unhealthy habits, and deciding to train for an Ironman (1:34)
• Redefining health and body positivity (8:58)
• His journey with overcoming hopelessness and how his life has significantly changed through weight loss and an increase in healthy activity (12:59)
• The impact of weight loss on the quality of life and mental bandwidth (18:43)
• The desire to be a healthy role model for his daughters (23:31)
• His nutrition protocol (26:39)
• Simplifying meal choices (31:07)
• Macronutrient distribution and recovery for an Ironman athlete (36:54)
• The importance of setting goals and sharing your story with others (40:56)
• Taking small steps towards a large goal, and setting new goals instead of dwelling on past failures (44:57)
• Encouraging healthy nutrition habits in his children (47:49)
• Accountability (50:53)

Where to learn more about Scott's journey:

• YouTube

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

Have you ever wondered what continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) is and its benefits? Catherine is a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist currently working as a Nutrition Manager at Nutrisense, one of the fastest-growing health tech start-ups aimed to help anyone discover and reach their health potential. Catherine has counseled thousands of clients on their glucose scores reviewing over 750,000 hours of glucose data and recorded meals in the process while recommending nutritional adjustments to improve metabolic health. (https://www.nutrisense.io/nutritionist/catherine-s). I'm thrilled to have had this conversation and make information on CGM more accessible to you. I know you'll learn a lot from this episode.

What we discussed:

• Catherine's background and how she came to work with Nutrisense (1:24)
• What exactly a CGM is and its benefits (6:09)
• Using continuous glucose monitoring for nutrition insights, including how various foods impact blood sugar levels (13:42)
• Blood sugar management and GMU use (16:02)
• Morning hormonal changes and glucose levels, circadian rhythms, and monitoring HPA axis function (21:23)
• Managing diabetes with a CGM (25:55)
• Changes she has made to improve her health, including additional protein consumption and meal timing (31:14)
• Mindful consumption of food vs. social and emotional eating and mealtimes (36:50)
• What's in the pipeline for Nutrisense and what she is looking forward to in 2024 (39:31)

Where to learn more about Catherine, CGMs, and Nutrisense:

• Nutrisense

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

Are you constantly seeking keto-friendly convenience foods without all the junk? Phillip Meece created The Carnivore Bar because he saw a real need in the low-carb, keto, and carnivore communities for a more reliable way to eat while traveling and on-the-go. There are several bar options available, all of which contain responsibly sourced ingredients. It was a pleasure speaking to Phillip about his business and the carnivore lifestyle, and I know you'll enjoy this episode.

What you'll hear:

• Reasons and benefits for keeping production in-house (1:31)
• Phillip's military background, entrepreneurship, and his reasons for developing The Carnivore Bar (6:06)
• Military nutrition and sustainable food sources (13:54)
• The negative impacts of commodity beef and poultry on the environment, our health, and the economy (18:39)
• Food priorities and the carnivore diet (24:52)
• Starting a beekeeping business and new facility renovation challenges (30:45)
• Business growth, leadership, and employee management (36:17)
• Food manufacturing, margins, and quality ingredients (42:54)
• Transparency and integrity in business (51:10)
• Carnivore diet and high-quality protein sources (57:24)
• High-fat diets and their impact on energy and nutrition (1:03:45)
• Business growth strategies (1:12:07)
• Entrepreneurship, product development, and hunting (1:15:53)

Where to learn more about Phillip and The Carnivore Bar:

• The Carnivore Bar

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

Are you aware of how the thyroid gland controls many aspects of your overall health? Dr. Amie Hornaman "The Thyroid-Fixer", is host to the top-rated podcast in medicine and alternative health: The Thyroid Fixer™, with listeners around the globe. She is the founder of The Institute for Thyroid and Hormone Optimization, an organization with transformational, proven approaches to address thyroid dysfunction and support people in returning to full health. After her own experience of insufferable symptoms, misdiagnoses and improper treatment, Dr. Amie set out to help others who she knew were going through the same set of frustrations and who were on the same medical roller coaster. (https://dramiehornaman.com/pages/meet-the-team) She is truly an expert on all things thyroid, so this is an episode you won't want to miss.

What we discussed:

• How she became a thyroid expert (2:44)
• Thyroid levels and how they impact energy and weight loss (3;37)
• Thyroid function, hormonal imbalance, and the symptoms of hypothyroidism (8:56)
• Autoimmune conditions and hormone replacement therapy (14:21)
• The importance of thyroid hormone testing (19:38)
• The various thyroid lab tests and optimal ranges (25:08)
• Medication dosages and testing frequency (30:32)
• Optimizing thyroid and hormone function in women (35:48)
• Hormone replacement therapy and its impact on aging (40:15)
• The trouble with conventional doctors (44:45)
• Finding the right specialist (49:15)
• Nutrient deficiencies and preventative care (54;01)
• The importance of iodine (58:34)

Where to earn more from Dr. Hornaman:

• Instagram
• The Thyroid Fixer

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

If you're concerned about gut health, this episode is for you. Josh Dech is an ex-paramedic, holistic nutritionist, and medical lecturer, specializing in digestive diseases. Because of the incredible success he's had reversing gut diseases like Crohn's and Colitis (and other digestive issues that most doctors say can't be helped), he's partnered with medical clinics across the country to help their patients get better too. I learned a ton from this conversation and I'm excited to share it with you.

What we discussed:

• The catalyst for becoming interested in gut health (3:51)
• Gut health and its impact on overall health (6:05)
• How processed foods affect gut health and why it's so important to consume whole, responsibly sourced foods (8:54)
• Gut health and the immune system (15:12)
• Microbiome diversity (18:02)
• The possibility of using gut bacteria to change personalities or treat cancer (20:49)
• Gut bacteria analysis (27:06)
• How alcohol and sugar affect the microbiome (30:13)
• Gluten and leaky gut (33:42)
• Carnivore diet and its impact on gut health (36:11)
• Raw vs. cooked foods (41:46)
• Seed oils and their effect on gut health and the microbiome (45:10)
• The role of bacteria in the body (55:15)
• The need for critical thinking in diagnosis and treatment (58:55)
• Closer to nature, further from disease (1:02:12)

Where to learn more from Josh:

• Podcast

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

For this episode, I'm actually a guest on Jonathan Griffiths' podcast, discussing my competition prep. Jonathan is the man behind Composition Consultant and has been a guest on my podcast before, so it was a pleasure to be interviewed by him and I hope you all enjoy this episode.

What we discussed:

• My background and what brought me to the ketogenic lifestyle (2:10)
• Disordered eating in bodybuilding (4:18)
• Prioritizing whole, real foods (6:55)
• Ketogenic diet benefits for training performance and overall health (8:59)
• Meal frequency and tracking macros (14:47)
• The importance of tracking glucose levels (20:13)
• Full-body training (23:59)
• Carbohydrate intake for maximum performance (29:45)
• Getting started with animal-based foods and basic compound exercises (38:53)
• Bodybuilding, supplementation, and mental fortitude (42:59)
• Reflecting on the competition prep and setting goals for future competitions (48:51)

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

You all know I'm not a resolution person, but I do believe in creating a manifesto for each year to help focus on what the new year will bring and what I want to prioritize. I'm excited to bring this new manifesto to everyone and, I wish you all a very happy new year!

What you'll hear:

• Personal growth and change through consistent effort (1:44)
• This year's manifesto: reflect, recalibrate, and reengage (2:12)
• Prioritizing my life pillars throughout my competition prep (2:59)
• Leveraging lessons learned and applying intensity to the areas of my life I value most (4:26)
• Reflecting on my life trajectory, setting goals for improvement, and focusing on existing businesses (6:15)
• Discarding distractions and focusing on what matters most in life, with a revolution in myself and those around me (7:40)
• Keep an eye out for marked improvements in all aspects of our businesses (9:20)

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

As a woman, do you struggle with the aging process and the adage that steak is for men? Dr. Gabrielle Lyon is blowing the lid off those old myths and proving that, to age "gracefully," women must eat protein and lift heavy things. Dr. Lyon is a subject matter expert and educator in applying protein, types, and levels to health, performance, aging, and disease prevention. She has so much knowledge to share; chatting with her for this episode was a joy.

What you'll learn:

• The need for a figure in the female space to encourage proper nutrition and fitness training (1:10)
• Dr. Lyon's catalyst for entering the health and fitness space (3:04)
• Fixing metabolism that has been wrecked through years of yo-yo dieting (5:26)
• The ins and outs of hormone replacement therapy (9:27)
• Her opinion on the best way to administer exogenous hormones (12:04)
• Recommendations for protein consumption for women and how to calculate that number (13:44)
• Advice for getting in more protein for those who struggle to consume the minimum amount (18:21)
• Protein distribution throughout the day for muscle protein synthesis (20:19)
• Aging and fitness, with a focus on muscle building and longevity (26:46)
• Shifting the paradigm of focusing on obesity to focusing on skeletal muscle health and its impact on brain function and overall health (30:59)
• Incorporating high-intensity interval training and heavy resistance training for overall health, especially in aging adults (34:51)
• Living her purpose through her work in functional medicine (38:33)
• The overwhelming benefits of having a strong, supportive community (41:25)
• Navigating the waters of healthy nutrition with children (44:22)

Where to find out more about Dr. Gabrielle Lyon and purchase her book, Forever Strong:

• Dr. Gabrielle Lyon

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

Have you been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes or other illnesses? Rome joined me for this podcast episode after my friend Michael Dennehy sang his praises during a recent hunting trip. After hearing his story, I knew I had to have him on the show to share his transformation with you. I love hearing inspirational stories of people who make the switch to a ketogenic lifestyle and change their health for the better, and I know you'll love this episode.

What we discussed:

• How we were introduced and his friendship with Michael Dennehy (1:41)
• Rome's backstory, including his weight gain for sports and how he made the transition to keto (3:06)
• Losing the initial 100 lbs., then gaining it back due to poor habits (9:29)
• Managing his type 2 diabetes with medication and the weight gain and poor health that resulted from that (12:08)
• Making the switch to managing his diabetes through diet and lifestyle changes (14:57)
• His weight loss journey and progress (21:08)
• Obesity and diabetes in the southern black communities (24:14)
• Intermittent fasting (28:49)
• Withstanding temptation and sticking to the plan (34:46)
• Fitness training and trimming down (35:34)
• Being a positive influence on his daughter (37:05)
• Increasing fat intake (40:19)

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

If you've ever wondered about the benefits of mouth taping for sleep health, this episode is for you. I've been Alex's Hostage Tape since around 2019, and I couldn't be happier. He has been killing it in the business arena, racking up an impressive $40 million in revenue in less than three year.  It was a pleasure to chat with him and I know you'll enjoy this episode. 

What we discussed: 

• Alex's background and what led him to create Hostage Tape (1:41)
• Mouth taping benefits and my personal experience (7:46)
• Alex's journey with mouth taping and the transformative benefits he experienced (11:01)
• The broader benefits of nasal breathing and mouth taping (17:58)
• His background as an entrepreneur and the struggles he faced before founding Hostage Tape (28:51)
• The significance of product differentiation and the role of storytelling in building a brand (29:38)
• Scaling a business and marketing strategies (31:48)
• Product development and market expansion (41:45)
• Family involvement and his future plans (50:33)
• Stoicism and how it relates to business and personal life (1:03:1

Where to find out more:

• Hostage Tape
• Instagram 

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

Are you curious as to how a ketogenic diet can help battle blood sugar issues or diabetes? Dr. Laura Buchanan is a Board-Certified Family Medicine physician and Metabolic Health Practitioner. The mission that drives her is to help people age successfully. That passion was initially derived from a love of sports but has since evolved and expanded to include a passion for healthy living generally, including the importance of nutrition, exercise, mental wellness, and an optimal use of the medical system. She sees her role as a doctor being two-fold: promoting prevention and practicing medicine. (https://doctortro.com/our-team/) She has a wealth of information regarding low-carb lifestyle approaches and health benefits, so I know you'll take something from this episode.

What we discussed:

• Her work with Dr. Tro (1:19)
• Anti-aging strategies and nutrition (2:30)
• Common denominators in clients, friends, and family with health issues (10:03)
• Harmful seed oils (12:23)
• Low-carb diets and their impact on health (14:59)
• Protein intake and glucose monitoring (20:59)
• Using continuous glucose monitors for managing diabetes (28:45)
• Following a ketogenic diet during pregnancy and breastfeeding (33:28)
• Managing diabetes and nutrition in children (40:41)
• The benefits of a well-formulated ketogenic diet for metabolic health (45:37)
• Proper nutrition and mental health benefits (50:50)

Where to learn more about Laura and her work:

• Instagram
• Aging Successfully
• Dr. Tro

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

For this episode, I welcome back friend and entrepreneur James Barry, the brains behind Pluck, an organ-meat-based seasoning company. James believes in being as close to nature as possible, and that's the idea behind his products. His seasonings are sourced from grass-fed, grass-finished, humanely-treated, pasture-raised animals with no GMOs or hormones. It was a pleasure catching up with him and I know you'll take something from this episode.

What you'll hear:

• Company struggles during COVID (1:54)
• James's backstory from a culinary standpoint, why he founded Pluck, and introducing nutritious foods to his children (4:56)
• The frustration with the nutrition options in schools (9:36)
• Homeschooling and parenting, and the challenges of maintaining consistency when the children are outside the home (14:58)
• Food obsession and its effect on relationships (21:00)
• How modern food confuses our ancestral bodies and the importance of eating "real" food (24:27)
• Whole foods vs. supplements and getting nutrients from chewing food rather than drinking it (30:05)
• Sustainable food choices and waste reduction (34:00)
• Local bartering (38:32)
• His culinary specialty (43:27)
• Unhealthy frying practices (49:43)
• Proper cooking techniques and preferences (52:50)
• Keto-friendly Thai curry sauce (57:43)
• Cooking techniques and flavorful sauces (1:02:02)
• Raw food diets and nutrient density (1:06:31)

Where to learn more about James and purchase Pluck:

• Eat Pluck

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

For this episode, I welcome back fellow keto coach Rob Goodwin. For some reason, people in the community enjoy pitting coaches against one another, but Rob and I have always enjoyed celebrating both our similarities and our differences. It was a pleasure chatting with him again and I know you'll learn something from this episode.

What you'll learn:

• The importance of unity and helping those in need rather than focusing on fighting and differences (4:17)
• Health benefits of reducing processed foods (10:31)
• Our differences of opinion regarding the definition of a carnivore lifestyle (12:34)
• Carbohydrate tolerance and threshold in athletes (15:10)
• Personalized nutrition and carbohydrate intake based on individual needs and goals (21:44)
• Authenticity and helping others in the fitness realm (26:42)
• Nutrition and fitness principles for optimal health (30:54)
• Calorie tracking and macronutrient goals and rations (36:07)
• Mindset for success (41:06)
• High-intensity training and its benefits (46:02)
• Muscular hypertrophy (51:03)
• Rob's training and goals (54:56)
• Living life to the fullest and being a positive influence on others (59:51)
• Homesteading (1:04:15)

Where to learn more about Rob:

• YouTube
• Coaching

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

Our last episode was cut a bit short when Rigel woke up from his nap, so for this episode, I focus on how my spirituality was affected by my recent competition season. I don't discuss things like this on the podcast, but I'm planning to incorporate more Live Savage principles into the show and I thought this was a good place to start.

What you'll hear:

• Pushing my body to the limit during the prep and the spiritual awakening I experienced as a result (5:18)
• The solace I find in pushing myself to the brink and the resulting self-reflection (10:14)
• Leaning on God for support (12:02)
• Struggling to find clarity on my beliefs in my younger years and working with Crystal to come to a deeper spiritual understanding (15:24)
• Valuing objectivity and data-driven pursuits of knowledge but acknowledging the limitations of science (20:33)
• The benefits of meditation during a challenging competition prep (26:21)
• Finding peace and clarity by surrendering my burdens to God (31:44)
• The importance of gratitude (37:50)

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

Now that the competition season is over, Crystal and I have a lot to look forward to and be excited about in the coming months. For this episode, we finish up our recap of the competition season and begin looking forward to things ahead.

What we discussed:

• How things have changed over the past eight years (2:01)
• Structuring time and resources for personal growth (5:51)
• Homesteading, prioritizing nutrition, and business goals (9:36)
• Progress on the ketogenic bodybuilding course and upcoming keto brick launches (14:54)
• Fostering relationships and friendships (21:44)
• Goals outside of homesteading (29:09)
• The sacrifice that being a good parent requires (31:02)
• The spiritual component of competition prep (35:18)

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

Are traditional Western medical solutions just not working for you anymore? Dr. Pfleghaar (Dr. Jen) attended medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. She then went on to residency at St Vincent's Mercy Medical Center for Emergency Medicine. Dr. Jen spent one year flying with Life Flight as a flight physician. She now works at local emergency rooms in the community and her office in Perrysburg, OH practicing Integrative Medicine. Having children sparked Dr. Jen's interest in Integrative Medicine, and she is passionate about helping her clients heal their bodies from the inside out. It was an absolute pleasure to speak with her and I know you'll take something from this episode.

What we discussed:

• Dr. Jen's backstory, including her battle with Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and her experiences in medical school (1:12)
• What she believes was the catalyst for developing Hashimoto's (7:36)
• How her colleagues reacted when she made the switch to integrative medicine (12:27)
• The outlook for bridging the gap between traditional and integrative medicine (16:26)
• How food choices impact health (18:42)
• Common health issues in the US and their root causes (26:24)
• Her opinion on nicotine in isolation and energy drinks (34:28)
• Appetite suppression and nutrition for bodybuilding (36:17)
• Eating healthy and the social blowback (42:11)
• Suggestions for what to do if you suspect you may have thyroid issues (44:27)
• Fasting benefits (48:50)
• Continuous glucose monitoring (53:07)
• Parenting and nutrition choices for a healthy childhood (59:59)

Where to learn more about Dr. Jen:

• IntegrativeDrMom
• YouTube

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

How do you find strength and fortitude when you're struggling? Dilan Abeya is a well known and up and coming fitness model from the UK who has created a brand around inspiring others. Using himself as an example, he gives free advice on how other people could also transform their lives just by changing habits. (www.dilanabeya.com) We've recorded many episodes on getting your life together, but it was a pleasure to get Dilan's perspective and learn about his experience.

What you'll hear:

• What got Dilan into the fitness space to begin with (1:40)
• The dark time he experienced in a past relationship and the trauma of the breakup (3:54)
• The importance of controlling one's own thoughts and actions rather than placing blame or allowing others to fix your problems (5:42)
• Overcoming heartbreak through exercise and nutrition (8:37)
• Mental health, habits, and energy management (16:23)
• Consistency in nutrition and training (20:09)
• Daily mindfulness practices and the importance of routines (25:25)
• Breaking down large goals into smaller, more manageable steps (40:26)
• Finding your purpose and avoiding societal pressures (43:15)
• Take social media breaks and being discerning with the types of media we consume (51:42)
• Leveraging social media to provide a platform for helping others (57:41)
• Managing distractions (1:00:01)

Where to learn more about Dilan:

• Dilan Abeya
• Instagram

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

To wrap up the competition season, I invited my lovely wife Crystal to the podcast to share her experience living with me during the last 33 weeks. Those who have followed me for a while know that Crystal is a source of strength and support in my life, and I couldn't have made it through this prep season without her.

What we discussed:

• Prepping all of my meals and the little annoyances that come along with that (4:50)
• The importance of meal prepping during a competition prep season and Crystal's experience with that over the years (6:48)
• Relationship dynamics during the prep and the challenges we faced (12:11)
• Becoming intimate in different ways when my libido took a dive (18:39)
• Handling the total chaos of running a business and traveling with Rigel (20:29)
• Childcare challenges on the road and the differences between managing Rigel in a controlled environment vs. a public setting (23:22)
• Traveling in the rig vs. flying and which was more convenient (28:39)
• What it was like for Crystal to live with me during the entire competition prep phase and her opinions on the outcome (34:40)
• Focusing on what I'm grateful for and wrapping up this competition season (40:18)

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

I recently competed in the last of five competitions this season, the World's Competition for the natural bodybuilding world. It has been a long journey and for this episode, I'm giving you a recap of the competition season, my experience at world's, and everything that went along with it.

What you'll hear:

• My nutrition and and other prep during peak week (2:21)
• Vascularity, muscle definition, and body fat percentage (5:07)
• Pre-show routine and backstage chaos (7:55)
• Disadvantageous grouping during competition (11:06)
• Judges' feedback (12:08)
• Feeling pride in what I've accomplished these past few months despite competition results (18:01)
• Post-competition choices for optimal physiological and psychological response (21:38)
• Disconnecting with the family after the competition and maintaining a workout routine (26:57)
• Upcoming plans and podcast episodes (29:24)

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

With the holidays around the corner, the temptation to over-indulge can be intense. For this episode, I welcomed back good friend and client, Greg Mahler, to help coach us on how to enjoy ourselves over the holidays without overdoing it.

What you'll hear:

• Navigating holiday nutritional challenges (2:31)
• Planning for holiday gatherings and not sacrificing relationships for food (7:47)
• Incorporating more lenient macronutrient goals, allowing for occasional deviations for flavor and enjoyment (13:59)
• Avoiding disordered eating during the holidays (18:00)
• Why it's not wise to make extreme New Year's resolutions (26:27)
• Our experiences with family during a ketogenic Thanksgiving meal (29:07)

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

While this episode covers a topic far from my norm, it was a great discussion and a pleasure to record. From leading an award-winning foundry to building the largest steam engine tractor in the world, Kory Anderson is paving the path for made-in-USA products and American entrepreneurs. (https://koryanderson.com/about) If you're interested in metal work, or just cool, inspirational people, this episode won't disappoint. 

What we discussed: 

• Kory's background and the scope of his business (2:01)
• His entrepreneurial journey and tackling the restoration of the steam tractor (5:09)
• Technology and the preservation of history (7:38)
• His iron foundry and manufacturing business (10:18)
• The impact of technology on skilled trades (14:08)
• Iron Warrior and fitness equipment production (20:26)
• The challenges and opportunities in education (34:08)
• The future of technology in our society (41:45)
• His excitement about opening future shops and teaching his children practical skills (46:06)

Where to learn more about Kory and his work:

• Website
• Iron Warrior

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

Due to my busy travel and competition schedule, I haven't been able to schedule podcast interviews like usual. As a result, I've been documenting my experiences during this competition season, and for this episode, I'll discuss how I maintain a positive pre-show mindset.

What you'll hear:

• The psychology of preparing for a big endeavor and how it affects dopamine (1:34)
• How I'm feeling as I'm about to step onto the largest stage I've ever been on (2:44)
• The importance of mental preparation in bodybuilding (3:52)
• Winning a major competition in 2012 and the period of depression and disordered eating that followed (4:46)
• How I've made this prep season more sustainable to avoid the downfall postseason (7:39)
• Post-competition meal-planning and mental well-being (10:11)
• My nutrition plan post-competition and macronutrient targets (14:12)
• The importance of having a plan and support to cope with the stress after the competition season is over (18:03)
• My plan to relax, enjoy the moment, and be present with my supporters (22:24)

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

If you've listened to me for a while, you know how much I value good, quality sleep, but the fact remains that I lack in the slumber department. For this episode, I'm solo again and I discuss the importance of quality sleep and announce the details for our next giveaway.

What you'll hear:

• Sleep quality vs. sleep quantity (2:33)
• Sleep optimization techniques for better rest and performance (4;00)
• Devices I use to track sleep (6:59)
• Reasons for sleeping in a separate bed during the prep season (7:35)
• Details about the Eight Sleep Pod Cover (10:03)
• How to win you own Eight Sleep Pod Cover (15:16)

How to win:

• Every $10 you spend throughout the month of November at www.ketobrick.com will get you entered to win the cover!

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

I'm short on time, short on sleep, and short on podcast episodes, so I welcomed my good friend and client, Greg Mahler, on the show to recap my competition at the Monster Mash.

What you'll hear:

• My performance at the show and improved vascularity and symmetry (2:32)
• Lessons I learned during this last show, including being more personable on stage during posing (7:57)
• Training and nutrition strategies for my upcoming competition (10:23)
• Greg's experience working with me and the importance of reverse dieting after a prep (18:06)
• Not comparing oneself to others on social media (20:14)
• The growth plan for Keto Brick (23:49)
• Working with a coach during a competition prep (26:48)
• Post-competition celebration meals and meal prep (28:00)
• The importance of keeping your recovery meal on-plan and not being too lenient (32:56)

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

If you've followed me for a while, you know that disordered eating is an issue that I have struggled with and an issue that I have also helped multiple clients work through. For this episode, I welcome Dr. David Wiss, an expert on nutrition and healthy food relationships. It was a pleasure speaking with him and I'm thrilled to share our conversation with you.

What you'll hear:

• What got Dr. Wiss into the nutrition field (1:50)
• The link between gut health, nutrition, and addiction (2:49)
• Food addiction, nutrition, and mental health (5:30)
• Food addiction as a neurobiological disorder (9:25)
• Body positivity, stigma, and recovery (14:29)
• Behavior change and sustainability in mental health counseling (20:10)
• The spectrum of clients he's seeing in regards to disordered eating (25:22)
• Treatment for eating disorders and rebuilding nutrition and the relationship with food (27:34)
• Complexity of food choices (34:34)
• Gender differences and eating disorders (38:52)
• The need for more individualized care when it comes to eating disorders (45:51)
• The importance of reflection and personal growth when healing from disordered eating (54:06)

Where to find out more about Dr. David Wiss and his work:

• Wise Mind Nutrition
• Nutrition in Recovery
• Instagram

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

Being a professional athlete may be a dream come true for a lot of people, and it certainly was for Chris Manderino. He was a fullback in the NFL for a few years before transitioning to the position of CEO of his own company. He shares his story and experiences with us for this episode, and it was a pleasure chatting with him–I'm excited to share our conversation with you.

What you'll hear:

• Chris's experience in the NFL and transitioning to being a business owner (1:01)
• Performance-enhancing drugs and painkillers (6:57)
• Entrepreneurship, nutrition, and health (12:29)
• The motivation behind starting Lyfe Fuel (14:40)
• Product options and ingredients (18:00)
• Why he chose the plant-based route (21:12)
• The importance of food source (26:36)
• Phytochemicals and controversy (29:07)
• What sets Lyfe Fuel apart (35:09)
• Nutrient absorption (42:25)
• Business and marketing wins (47:48)
• Direct-to-consumer sales (54:00)
• What he's excited about (58:21)
• Progress over perfection (1:00:38)

Where to find out more about Chris and Lyfe Fuel:

• LYFE Fuel

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

Do you have questions about hormone health or hormone replacement therapy? For this episode, I welcome back Christian Unger, who is well-versed in hormone health, specifically sex hormones and muscle tissue. He is a PhD candidate and has a wealth of information on his subject. This was a very informative episode and I know you'll take something from it.

What we discussed:

• His excitement over becoming a father (2:04)
• Preparing for fatherhood and his wife's pregnancy (5:10)
• Powerlifting (6:54)
• His dissertation topic (9:33)
• Exercise and nutrition with a focus on metabolism (10:09)
• Explosive training for fitness and aging (13:30)
• Muscle strength, hormone levels, and diet (19:35)
• How leanness affects testosterone levels (23:07)
• Hormone levels and the importance of reverse dieting after a competition prep (25:42)
• Exogenous hormone therapy vs. lifestyle changes (29:03)
• The downfalls of hormone replacement therapy and how to combat them (32:16)
• The importance of prioritizing sleep (40:38)
• Sleep hacks (42:31)
• Data that he's seen with sex hormones in muscle tissue (44:54)
• Supplementation (52:47)
• Importance of expanding the knowledge on hormone replacement therapy (53:57)
• The dangers of "majoring in the minors" (57:08)
• What he's excited about going forward (1:00:52)

Where to learn more from Christian:

• Instagram

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

Are you interested in more naturally-based skin care products? Matthew Stillman is the CEO of Primal Derma and he challenges us to get back to connection to the earth and our ancestors, and that includes our skincare. Their products are amazing and I'm excited to share them, and Mathew, with you.

What we discussed:

• The backstory of Primal Derma and tallow-based skin care products (1:57)
• Nourishing skin from the inside out (9:54)
• How their skin care can help with calluses and rough hands from lifting weights (11:59)
• The ingredients and scent of Primal Derma (14:20)
• The products they offer (16:51)
• How the process looks for creating Primal Derma (18:27)
• Regulations for skin care products (19:50)
• Making an impact with small changes (20:45)
• Growing up in New York City (24:10)
• Sourcing his materials (27:21)
• Competition in his industry of naturally-minded skin care (28:58)
• The cost of producing plant-based products, including environmental impacts (30:01)
• Business wins and losses and what he's excited about going forward (34:43)

Where to learn more about Primal Derma and purchase products:

• Primal Derma

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

Thanks for tuning in to part two of my series on competition wins and losses, and lessons I've learned. It has been a memorable competition season thus far and I'm so grateful for your support.

What you'll hear in this episode:

• The pros and cons of all the travel involved with these competitions (1:18)
• Polygraph anxiety prior to competitions (6:05)
• Feedback from judges about posing (9:16)
• Hormone level issues and a drop in testosterone and libido (13:18)
• Positive relationship with food holding steady, but hunger is increasing due to low body fat and consumption (17:42)
• Feeling depleted working outdoors at home (20:01)
• High travel expenses (22:08)
• Being spread thin with this busy schedule and obligations (24:05)
• Looking forward to reallocating energy and time to other aspects of life once the competitions are over (25:38)

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

I'm straying from the traditional interview format for this episode, as we're traveling back from a competition and short on episodes. Today, you'll learn about my wins and what I've learned throughout this competition cycle.

What you'll hear:

• The three competitions I've done thus far (0:54)
• Switching gears at my first competition and winning the best poser category (2:25)
• Winning my class in the second competition (3:39)
• My win in Washington (5:06)
• Meal prep and travel (7:55)
• Peak week nutrition strategies (13:09)
• Successfully maintaining a positive attitude (19:09)
• The preservation of strength and power despite my weight loss (24:43)
• Judges' feedback (28:30)
• Maintaining my positive relationship with food (32:45)
• Feeling excited and not miserable for the remaining two competitions (37:20)
• Having fun and enjoying the entire process (38:09)

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

Do you or someone you know suffer from PTSD? Dr. Eugene Lipov and Jamie Mustard co-authored the book The Invisible Machine and together they are working to change our understanding of trauma & post-traumatic stress and why it matters to society. This is a very worthwhile conversation to listen to and it may help you or someone you know who may be struggling.

What we discussed:

• The catalyst for their groundbreaking research on improving PTSD treatment with sympathetic nervous system blocks (2:31)
• PTSD treatment and nervous system repair (4:58)
• Trauma and its effects on the body (8:09)
• The impact of modern living on mental health (15:17)
• The impact of social media on mental health and the body's response to chronic stress (21:32)
• Changing the name of PTSD to PTSI (post-traumatic stress injury) and the reasons for that change (26:01)
• Trauma therapy and the effectiveness of VSR for treating various types of trauma (34:45)
• Injections for autonomic nervous system regulation (37:59)
• The use of technology to improve mental health (44:09)
• Pain management and the sympathetic nervous system (50:17)
• The challenges PTSD researchers face (53:21)
• How the book has helped to change the lives of trauma victims (59:09)

Where to learn more:

• The Invisible Machine

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

With over 18 years of dedication to health and wellness, Vince Pitstick stands as a testament to the power of evolution in the realm of holistic health. His journey, originating from humble beginnings as a personal trainer and nutrition coach for both competition and lifestyle clients, has blossomed into a role as a pioneer in functional and holistic nutrition coaching. (https://vidalcoaching.com/who-we-are/vince-pitstick/) Vince and I have a lot in common, and it was a joy to welcome him to the podcast. I know you'll enjoy this episode. 

What you'll learn: 

• Vince's journey into functional medicine and the catalyst for that journey (2:53)
• Challenges in the health and fitness industry (5:11)
• The role of coaching in health and medicine (9:36)
• The future of functional medicine (11:10)
• Why we should address the root cause of disease and other health issues (18:13)
• His experience with OCD (28:13)
• The importance of balance and accountability (36:46)
• The role coaching plays in addressing complex health issues, and the future of Vidal Coaching and functional medicine (40:38)
• Vince's future plans and aspirations (50:11)

Where to learn more: 

• Vidal Coaching

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

There is a global population decline that could have profound implications for our generation as well as generations to come. Kevin Dolan is one of the founders of the Natal Conference and has a wealth of information on this subject. This is definitely a different episode for the podcast, but it was a fascinating conversation and I know you'll learn a lot.

What we discussed:

• Causes of the population decline (2:36)
• Population decline and its impact on the global economy (7:14)
• When the population decline began and the factors that caused it (8:04)
• The rate of population decline in the United States (10:37)
• The forecasted population and the driving factors for the decline (11:57)
• Where the population decrease is the most significant (17:33)
• Causes of infertility and the decrease in sperm counts in males across the world (22:25)
• Marriage, divorce, and population decline (24:40)
• The impact of population decline on real estate and investments (29:00)
• The solution to this paramount problem (34:01)
• Parenting, cultural beliefs, and demographics (41:49)
• Addressing population decline through innovation and education (48:41)
• Spreading the word through the Natal Conference and in local communities (53:34)

Where to learn more about Kevin and the conference:

• Natal Conference

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

For this episode, I welcomed friend and client, Nate Joy, to discuss his experience with his cut that began in January. Nate has incredibly positive energy and it was a joy to work with him as a client. If you're thinking of starting a cut yourself, you'll definitely find this episode inspirational.

What we discussed:

• Nate's backstory and why he decided to begin his bodybuilding endeavor (2:04)
• The importance of nutrition in bodybuilding (7:39)
• Working with a coach for weight loss and fitness goals (8:42)
• Managing knee issues (10:44)
• Keeping it simple and his weight loss and training progression (15:05)
• The power of mindset in achieving fitness goals (21:22)
• Reverse dieting and goal setting in bodybuilding (28:26)
• The importance of taking a break between competition preps (38:30)
• Nutrition's impact on health and fitness (40:41)
• The importance of tracking intake and remaining consistent and disciplined (46:06)
• Nate's experience working with a personal trainer and his desire to help others achieve their goals (52:41)

Where to learn more about Nate's journey:

• Instagram

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

Are you looking for ways to improve your sleep? Or do you perhaps struggle with addiction?

James Swanwick is an Australian-American entrepreneur who helps casual drinkers reduce or quit alcohol. A sleep evangelist, James is the co-founder (with his brother Tristan Swanwick) of the popular health brand Swanwick Sleep, which produces blue light-blocking glasses to improve well-being and sleep quality. (https://alcoholfreelifestyle.com/about) I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation and where it took us, and I hope you'll also take something from it.

What we discussed:

• James' background and why he became interested in sleep optimization (2:04)
• Blue light blocking glasses and the science behind them (3:51)
• Benefits of blue light exposure in the morning and avoiding alcohol in the evening (10:30)
• Avoiding caffeine the hours before going to bed at night (12:07)
• How alcohol hinders sleep quality (14:26)
• Why James stopped drinking (18:25)
• My 365-day sober challenge (21:57)
• Living life the way nature intended (24:20)
• Why people become addicted to substances (26:47)
• Childhood stories that helped shape who he is (29:55)
• Being self-aware and finding fulfillment (33:57)
• Journaling and mindset work (35:02)
• Business ownership as a personal development program (37:48)
• His clientele (40:00)
• The benefits of daily gratitude journaling (43:21)
• Addiction recovery and human psychology (50:48)

Where to find James:

• Instagram
• Alcohol Free Lifestyle

If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!