Savage Perspective Podcast

  Scott Myslinski just competed in his first bodybuilding endeavor and went the enhancement route.  He pulls back the curtain and leaves everything on the table regarding nutrition, enhancement, training, and much more. His journey was a lot different than mine, but I know you'll get something out of this episode.   What you'll hear:   Digestive issues, bodybuilding prep, and nutrition (4:10) Experience with the carnivore diet and training (11:09) Bodybuilding enhancement and prep strategies (16:29) Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and its effects on body composition and mood (20:41) Using performance-enhancing drugs for bodybuilding, including testosterone and other anabolic steroids (25:01) Drug use in bodybuilding, including effects on blood markers and liver health (32:17) Using trenbolone for fat loss and muscle maintenance, side effects and precautions (36:39) Post-show supplementation (40:34) Post-show nutrition and (44:15) Competition prep experience, results, and relationship effects (49:30) The importance of a health approach to bodybuilding and not placing too much emphasis on external validation (54:08) What he's excited about in the near future (56:56)   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!   

Wade Lightheart and Matt Galant are the head honchos behind BIOptimizers supplements, but they are also both big into the nutrition and bodybuilding space. Wade and Matt were both trainers working with pro athletes and other high performers. They both spent a decade in the gym helping people transform their health. Wade and Matt met in the gym, struck a friendship, and then started a business partnership that has been going strong since 2004. (https://bioptimizers.com/about-us/) We discussed everything from veganism to bodybuilding, so I'm sure you'll take something from this episode.    What you'll hear:   Their backstory and how they became interested in the supplement industry (4:30) Protein absorption and digestive health in bodybuilding (8:06) Enzymes for digestive health in the sports industry, with a focus on keto diets and their benefits (12:04) The importance of lipase enzymes for fat digestion and energy production (16:08) The importance of enzymes to aid in digestion, especially given the modern nutritional protocols (21:06) Dietary choices and their impact on gut health, with a focus on enzymes and probiotics (27:29) Ketogenic diet and fat metabolism, with tips for optimizing protein and fiber intake (32:51) Diet approaches for weight loss, including keto, intermittent fasting, and macronutrient ratios (38:52) Nutrition and exercise for optimal body composition and muscle gain (42:17) Dieting for bodybuilding competitions and their effects on metabolism (46:36) Nutrition and dietary choices as a bodybuilder (51:40) Dietary choices and their impact on health, with a focus on plant-based and carnivore diets (58:09) Supplement recommendations for optimal health benefits (1:03:03) Biggest frustrations with the supplement industry (1:10:59)   Where to learn more:   BIOptimizers   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's something for everyone in this episode. Eric Edmeades is a serial entrepreneur with experience including wireless networking, military research, Hollywood film production, and award-winning and life-saving medical simulation. Today, Eric is a leading authority in Behavioral Change Dynamics. Eric has created and consulted on some of the most effective, transformative, and highly rated educational products and live events in the world. His dedication and passion for improving the quality of human lives all across the world was the inspiration behind his flagship program, WILDFIT®, globally recognized as the most effective health transformation program on the market. (https://ericedmeades.com/) I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation and I've got no doubt you'll take something from it.  What we discussed:   His fascination with African conservation and early human history (1:25) Traditional hunting practices and daily life in a remote tribe (5:00) Indigenous people's health and lifestyle (8:34) The term "pre-diabetic" and its implications for medical advice (12:37) Diabetes diagnosis, lifestyle intervention, and food industry impact (16:15) Permanent psychological change in people for healthier habits (20:05) Nutrition, health, and personal transformation (24:34) The effectiveness of a nutrition program that incorporates seasonality, behavioral change, and storytelling (28:28) Ketosis and nutrition, with a focus on human history and evolutionary biology (32:38) Entrepreneurship and leadership (39:58) Parental involvement in children's education, including school choice and homeschooling (43:26) Psychology of food choices and their impact on health, with references to evolutionary biology and the manipulation of the food industry (47:57) Evolution, diet, and culture with a focus on the Garden of Eden and the Hadza people (51:57) What Eric has in store in the near future (55:22)   Where to learn more:   Eric Edmeades Postdiabetic   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 environmental toxins and poor nutrition can affect your thyroid function? Risa Groux is a functional nutritionist and is an expert in all things thyroid health. It was a very interesting conversation and I know you'll learn a lot.    What we discussed:   Why Risa became so interested in thyroid function initially (1:18) The impact of social media and processed foods on mental and physical health (4:43) Childhood obesity, insulin resistance, and poor nutrition (11:25) Healthy eating, focusing on fiber, fats, and proteins (17:13) Diet, genetics, and health (24:57) Genetic testing and blood/stool analysis for personalized health insights (30:33) Functional medicine approach to nutrition and health, with emphasis on personalized dietary plans based on individual health status (34:40) Functional medicine certification programs and their acceptance in conventional Western medicine (39:28) Insurance issues (43:27) The growth of functional medicine (45:31)   Where to learn more:   Risa Groux Nutrition   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 weren't aware, we're going through a bit of a crisis in the cacao butter market. I recorded a quick podcast to bring you up to speed on what this means for you as the consumer and our business practices because we value transparency.    What you'll hear:   Why we avoid raising prices (1:40) The details behind the cacao butter crisis (2:20) The devastating increase in price (2:58) How we're mitigating the loss (5:07) Possible solutions if the price continues to increase (6:02) Our pledge to maintain the quality of the product (9:02)   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 been following us for a while, you know that we've made an effort to evaluate the products that we use in our home and on our bodies in order to avoid environmental toxins. Dr. Tom O'Bryan is a recognized world expert on gluten and its impact on health. He is an internationally recognized and sought after speaker and workshop leader specializing in the complications of Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity, Celiac Disease, and the development of Autoimmune Diseases, as they occur inside and outside of the intestines. (https://thedr.com/about/) He has a vast knowledge of how our everyday products can impact our hormones and everyday health, and it was a pleasure to learn from him.    What we discussed:   Why he became interested in environmental toxins (2:58) Fertility and the impact of diet on reproductive health (3:45) Toxic chemicals in environment affecting fetal brain development (9:33) Epigenetics and how lifestyle choices impact health, with a focus on toxins and inflammation (14:34) Reducing inflammation through air purification and simple lifestyle changes (18:42) Importance of clean water and air for overall health (24:44) Plastic contamination in bottled water and its impact on brain health (29:54) Toxic chemicals in everyday products and their impact on hormones and overall health (31:40) Gluten sensitivity and its impact on health (37:15) Immune system and food sensitivities (43:42) Inflammation, seed oils, and holistic health (50:24) Tips for reducing exposure and improving overall well-being (55:50) Where to learn more:   The Dr.   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 how mushrooms can help you from a neurological and performance standpoint, you'll want to listen to this episode. Stephanie founded Try Troop with her cousin Jake. They are on a mission to demystify mushrooms and make them approachable. By turning to preventative rather than curative health measures, they believe we can walk a path to a healthier life. It was a pleasure to learn from her and I know you'll take something from this episode.   What we discussed:   Her backstory and what got her into the mushroom business (1:46) What exactly mushrooms are, how they can be beneficial, and their different uses (4:04) Conditions required to grow mushrooms (6:30) Avoiding poisonous mushrooms (7:22) The mushroom growing process from start to finish (9:22) Making sure you get a quality product (11:52) Delivery options (15:44) Deep dive into the different types of mushrooms (18:09) What Stephanie and her cousin consume on a daily basis (21:48) Her stance on psilocybin and how they're used for mental health treatment (24:14) Microdosing (30:52) Holistic approach to medicine using natural compounds like mushrooms (39:05) What she's excited about in the future (41:05)   Where to learn more:   Try Troop   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!  

Matt was born in Florida and went to the University of Florida for undergrad and medical school (Go Gators!). He got tired of the flatlands of Florida and hiked the Appalachian Trail before medical school, which started his love of hiking.  His wife, the great Laura Buchanan, is also a family medicine resident at Wake. They share a passion for metabolic health and wellness. When not checking their blood sugar by their continuous glucose monitors, they can be seen lifting weights, cycling, playing tennis, hiking, and walking around town. They also enjoy experimenting with their diets and seeing how their metabolic markers change - so far Matt has done 3 months of ketogenic diet and 10 days of whole food plant-based diet. But most of all, they enjoy spending time with their co-residents in the wonderful city that is Winston-Salem! (https://school.wakehealth.edu/residents-and-fellows/c/matthew-william-calkins)   It was wonderful to gain some insight from Matt and learn from him, and I know you'll enjoy this conversation, too.   What you'll hear:   Will's background and passion for family medicine (4:53) Bridging the gap between traditional and functional medicine (9:37) Healthcare system incentives and profit margins (11:16) Medical billing and compensation for physicians (17:02) Nutrition and lifestyle design for diabetes management (19:57) Lifestyle changes for improving metabolic health in urgent care settings (21:39) Nutritional interventions and food addiction (31:31)  Food addiction and its application in medicine and the Yale food addiction scale (32:03) The acceptance of low-carb diets in medicine, with a focus on patient education and practitioner pushback (35:45) Using lifestyle interventions for weight loss and improving health outcomes (41:42) Benefits and risks of a ketogenic diet to treat mental illness (47:09) Healthcare system challenges and the importance of patient advocacy (49:45) Diabetes management and the importance of low-carb diets (52:17) Incentivizing doctors to have longer patient conversations for better health outcomes (58:01)   Where to learn more:   Twitter

Kristi Storoschuk is a PhD candidate in the Muscle Physiology Lab at Queen's University studying exercise, metabolic health, and mitochondrial function. She's had the privilege to work with some of the top scientists in her field and is a wealth of information on all things keto, fasting, and metabolic therapies. I learned a ton from this episode and I know you will as well.   What we discussed:   Kristi's background and what is entailed with her PhD program (2:33) Fasted exercise and skeletal muscle adaptations (5:45) How fasting can improve insulin (11:24) Lactate threshold and its relationship to ketogenic diet and exercise (17:51) Keto diet and exercise performance with a focus on skeletal muscle metabolism (24:11) Exercise and metabolism during weight loss (33:28) Muscle glycogen depletion and resynthesis in resistance-trained athletes (42:49) Muscle glycogen supercompensation and ketogenic diets (46:42) Fitness and nutrition habits and strategies (52:33) How small changes can affect metabolic health (59:03)   Where to learn more:   Website 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've followed our content for a while, you know that hunting and eating nose-to-tail is a big part of my life. Founder and lead instructor of Human Nature Hunting, Bruce McGlenn has nearly 40 years of bird and big game hunting experience in the Pacific Northwest. Passed down from his father, hunting has been a way of life for Bruce from the beginning. He sees as much importance in the experiences and personal growth gained from hunting as he does as a source of healthy food and connection to nature. A third-generation hunter/gatherer of the Northwest, Bruce has been helping people reclaim their hunting heritage since the 1990s, officially with the Awaken the Hunter course in 2016. He has taught introductory hunting and shooting classes with the non-profit Washington Outdoor Women since 2001 and guided fly fishing and whitewater rafting. He is a certified Master Hunter and shooting instructor, holds a Master's degree in sustainable business, and is a licensed professional engineer in Washington. Bruce is a committed steward of the land and wildlife, primarily due to his understanding and appreciation of our ecosystem from engaging in it as a participant - a hunter. His desire to help heal and strengthen the human connection to nature inspires him to teach and pass on his skills so others can confidently experience the journey of the hunt. (https://www.humannaturehunting.com/team) It was a joy to speak with him and I know you'll enjoy this conversation, too. What you'll hear: Bruce's background and hunting as a way of life (2:07) Hunting in the western US, with a focus on physical fitness and outdoor adventure (6:07) The mental and physical challenges of hunting in Montana (10:59) Hunting risks and how it leads to self-sufficiency (17:08) Hunting is a spiritual practice, connecting one to nature and what you consume (21:11) Honoring and appreciating the animals, ethics, and personal growth as a hunter (28:35) Hunting and outdoor skills with a focus on reconnecting with nature (36:24) Human Nature Hunting, his program that teaches women outdoor skills and introduces them to hunting (37:38) Advocating for the need for more hunters to address the declining hunting community and funding for wildlife management (41:53) Conservation and community (45:51) The details of his hunting course, which focuses on practical training, safety, and skill-building (54:04) Hunting as a metaphor for life and sharing the experience with others (1:01:59) Wilderness survival skills and hunting practices (1:05:40) Where to learn more: Human Nature Hunting 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 hormone imbalances can wreak havoc on your health? Dr. Jacey Folkers is a graduate of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln with a degree in Exercise Science and Sports Medicine studies. Dr. Folkers has completed his Doctorate in Chiropractic from Cleveland Chiropractic College and is a licensed doctor of chiropractic in the states of Nebraska and Colorado. He has completed postgraduate study in clinical nutrition, rehabilitative exercise, and functional medicine so he can offer the most cutting-edge techniques to help address his patient's growing healthcare needs. He has owned or managed 8 clinics. Dr Folkers' clinics have emphasized areas of treatment that include hormone testing and treatment therapies, regenerative medicine, weight loss, cognitive therapies, thyroid conditions, autoimmunity, diabetes, functional testing, DNA testing. Dr. Folkers has worked with a wide variety of patients from professional athletes trying to increase performance and heal from injuries to the everyday person with chronic health challenges. Using a holistic and root cause approach, Dr. Folkers addresses core underlying barriers to health, allowing his patients to thrive and live their best lives. We covered a ton of information in this episode, and I'm looking forward to welcoming him back in the future. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did.   What you'll hear:   Hormone optimization for men with a focus on natural methods (1:19) Functional medicine, nutrition, and hormone optimization (5:48) Testosterone levels and their impact on men's health (12:53) Low testosterone levels in young men and potential treatments (18:06) Natural ways to boost testosterone for bodybuilding (23:25) Hormone health, cortisol, and dietary interventions (30:44) Sleep, hormones, and supplements for optimal health (35:02) Hormonal health and its relationship with lifestyle factors (40:26) Hormone optimization for men, including customized approaches and potential risks (47:35) Testosterone replacement therapy and optimal levels for men of different ages (52:34) Clomiphene for testosterone optimization (58:34) Testosterone replacement therapy for men and women (1:02:29)   Where to learn more:   Instagram Blokes   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 considered a carnivore diet to help with health issues? Dani Conway is a Board Certified Functional Nutrition Practitioner, Functional Bloodwork Specialist and holds various certifications in other modalities of holistic health. She has been in practice almost two decades helping midlife women to ditch the diet mentality, lose weight and gain the energy and confidence they need to stop starving and start living! She specializes in a customized Macro approach to nutrition varying from Low Carb to Carnivore, along with a focus on root cause healing of hormone and gut issues to truly rebalance the body from the inside out. Dani has worked with thousands of women over 40 in both her one on one practice as well as her group programs, where she truly focuses on a client's individual needs. Dani does not believe in dogma, and does believe that one size *never* fits all! Dani got into this line of work because of her own health journey, which she shares more about. And, she has been featured in multiple morning news segments over the years on the Keto Diet, the Carnivore Diet, Intermittent Fasting, her "UNdiet" approach, along with multiple delicious low-carb recipes. What you'll hear:   Her backstory and why she became interested in hormones and women's health (1:45) Caloric intake, metabolic health, and hormone level management through a keto-carnivore approach (7:07) Breast implant toxicity and what led her to try a carnivore diet (13:20) The importance of personalization in carnivore and keto diets (18:58) Electrolyte balance while following a carnivore diet (22:50) Hormonal imbalances and nutrient deficiencies in women (27:22) Hormone replacement therapy (32:09) Macronutrient distribution (37:13) Consistency, macro distribution, and digestive issues when switching to a high-fat diet (41:52) The key to achieving body composition changes (46:19) Weight loss group coaching and its benefits (49:48) The importance of individualization in nutrition (55:07) Carnivore diet preferences and cooking methods (1:02:23)   Where to learn more:   Nutrition the Natural Way 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 Ryan Young at my first competition of 2023 in Utah where he was helping a client backstage. We made a connection, and I thought it would be wonderful to invite him to the podcast to share a bit about his competitive journey, including fitness, nutrition, and lessons he's learned. If bodybuilding is in your wheelhouse, this is the episode for you.   What we discussed:   The variations in standards across bodybuilding federations and competitions (1:35) His personal experience with natural bodybuilding and the benefits of having a balanced approach to fitness (8:13) Sacrificing fullness for a lean physique (12:28) Following a ketogenic diet during a competition prep (17:26) The enjoyment he gets from helping clients and being backstage (22:10) Struggling with posing and stage presence in his first few competitions (26:18) Natural bodybuilding and its challenges (34:16) Training strategies (38:57) Digestive issues and his client demographics (44:15) The differences in our competition prep strategies and recovery (51:29) Professional bodybuilding logistics and rules (1:00:13)   Where to follow Ryan:   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!

How do you handle adversity? Cody Watkins has been training for over 20 years and has had to overcome some significant health issues during that time. It was a great conversation about training, resiliency, and bouncing back, so I know you'll find it relevant.   What we discussed:   Cody's fitness journey, open heart surgery, and bouncing back (1:09) Overcoming health challenges and maintaining mental toughness in bodybuilding (4:54) Mindset and nutrition for fitness competitions (9:22) Competition judging and placement (13:47) Ketogenic diets and carbohydrate intake for muscle gain and fat loss (21:10) Muscle loss during bodybuilding prep (25:00) His nutritional protocol for competition prep (27:30) Fitness misconceptions and effective training methods (31:21) Recovery and injury prevention (36:57) Preventing injuries and choosing equipment (42:36) Recovery from injury (45:34) Instagram marketing strategies for fitness professionals (48:19) Fitness culture and gym etiquette (51:12) Proper form and range of motion in weightlifting (54:24)   Where to follow Cody:   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 a healthy role model for your children? Bryan Scudiere shares his journey from overweight to bodybuilding coach to become a better father and role model for his 20-month-old daughter. He left his high-paying sales job to pursue his passion for helping others reach their fitness goals, and his story is so inspirational. I've got no doubt that you'll take something from this episode.   What you'll hear:   Bryan's reflection on his career and fitness journey (1:08) His unhealthy relationship with food and the factors that contributed to this (4:28) The impact of parenthood on men's health and fitness (8:52) Prioritizing health, fitness, and well-being for the benefit of the family and quality of life (13:44) Fostering healthy habits for our children and how to avoid teaching disordered eating (17:54) Fitness goals, his bodybuilding journey, and eating real food (24:22) Bodybuilding as a mental sport and also a self-imposed hardship (30:36) The importance of taking risks to pursue personal growth (34:32) Entrepreneurship, financial struggles, and perseverance (39:08) His business model and fitness coaching habits (42:16) Using community and accountability to achieve fitness goals (50:43) Balancing work and family life (59:45)   Where to learn more:   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 questionable choices and an unhealthy lifestyle keep you from achieving your goals? Elana Rheinhart is a new competitor in the bodybuilding circuit and recently performed in her first competition. Her story of transformation is incredibly inspiring, and I know you'll enjoy it as much as I did.   What we discussed:   Her struggles with a partying lifestyle and the difficulty in finding the motivation to make a change (1:21) Weight gain due to alcohol consumption and disordered eating (5:50) Protein intake, fitness goals, and grief coaching after losing her husband in 2020 (11:15) Body image and weight loss (15:00) The mental challenges of a bodybuilding prep (20:49) Competition prep and nutritional strategies she employed to combat bloating and constipation (27:14) Bodybuilding prep, posing, and reverse dieting (32:33) Tracking macros (37:36) The importance of nutritional tracking, particularly for those struggling with eating disorders (44:54) Her fitness goals and how to handle her limitations (50:26) Using pain and hardship as fuel to push through difficult times (56:04)   Where to follow Elana'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!

Many episodes on this podcast discuss alternative methods for healing and wellness, and this episode is no exception. Paul F. Austin, a prominent figure in psychedelics, has guided millions to safe and meaningful psychedelic experiences through his work as the founder of Third Wave. Featured in Bloomberg, Rolling Stone, Inc., and the BBC's Worklife, to name a few, he's curious about the convergence of psychedelics, personal transformation, and professional success and how they weave together to help form a meaningful existence.   Paul empowers leaders, creatives, and pioneers to leverage psychedelics for profound personal and professional growth. He views utilizing psychedelics as a refined skill cultivated through mentorship, exploration, and purposeful use—critical for humanity's ongoing evolution. (https://www.paulaustin.co/about) I know nothing about this topic from personal experience, so it was a pleasure to have this discussion and learn from his expertise. I know you'll find it interesting as well.    What we discussed:    The benefits of taking psychedelics as an alternative to traditional medicine, especially when treating mental health issues (1:28) Psychedelics, personal growth, and responsible use (4:42) The stigma surrounding psychedelic usage and promoting legalization around the world (9:37) The progressive attitudes towards psychedelics in other countries (15:00) Legal availability of some psychedelics in the United States, and the importance of education and professional medical support when working with psychedelics (17:37) Microdosing for personal growth and healing (23:24) Using psychedelics to facilitate a deconditioning process, allowing individuals to remove external influences and discover their true desires and what they're passionate about (29:38) Work-life balance and the impact of societal expectation on personal fulfillment (32:10) Setting aside time for oneself for meditation, breathwork, prayer, etc. (38:06) How psychedelics affect the brain and body (44:10) Potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelics (47:21) Mental health benefits of using psychedelics and how cannabis is different (53:58) Paul's upcoming book release (1:00:17)   Where to learn more:    Third Wave   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, like so many others, worry about your heart health? Dave Feldman began a low-carb, high-fat diet in April 2015 and has since learned everything he could about it, with special emphasis on cholesterol. As an engineer, he spotted a pattern in the lipid system similar to distributed objects in networks. He has since learned quite a bit on the subject, both through research and experimentation, which has revealed some compelling data. With this new general theory, he's shifted his cholesterol substantially without any drugs or special supplements. (https://cholesterolcode.com/about/)   I am so grateful to him for his research and for bringing information to light regarding cholesterol and a ketogenic diet. I learned so much during this conversation and I know you will as well. What you'll hear:   Our history together (2:09) Dave's background and lean mass hyper responder 6:03) Cholesterol levels and statin use (11:37) Lipid energy model and LDL cholesterol (15:53) LDL levels, bodybuilding, and recovery (22:25) Lowering cholesterol through strength training and experimentation (27:46) Using Oreo cookies to drop LDL levels and the results compared to statin use (32:14) Liver glycogen levels on a ketogenic diet (36:37) Comparing LDL levels in lean mass hyper responders and a matched control group (41:24) Heart health and plaque buildup in coronary arteries (43:54) Diet and nutrition's impact on heart health (49:36) CT angiogram and cardiovascular disease risk assessment (54:43) Affordable and accessible blood testing (59:04) Grassroots research and fundraising (1:04:32) Designing a medical study (1:10:25)   Where to learn more:   Cholesterol Code Citizen Science Foundation   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!  

March marks the sixth anniversary of the launch of the keto brick, and what better way to celebrate than with a discount? Despite new business failure rates, the keto brick is still around thanks to our wonderful supporters.   What you'll hear in this episode:   The backstory of the business and why it was created (1:47) Building a business from scratch focusing on a quality product (3:03) Gratitude for our supporters for our success, despite small business failure rates (4:18) Discount details (5:58)   To receive a 15% off your order of keto bricks from March 3-10, simply enter the code sixyears at checkout on www.ketobrick.com   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!

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!

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!

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!