Savage Perspective Podcast

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!

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!

As the temperature starts to drop and we relaunch the ever-popular Buttered Maple Pecan Keto Brick, we thought it would be a fabulous idea to give away an infrared sauna to heat things up!   Details:   Relaunching the seasonal favorite buttered maple pecan flavor (1:31) The infrared sauna and its benefits (2:27) All the bells and whistles of the two-person sauna we're giving away (3:06) How to enter to win (4:21)   Spend at least $10 or more at www.ketobrick.com during the month of October and you'll be entered to win this amazing giveaway! 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 love bacon? If you're interested in where your pork is sourced, this is the episode for you. Pork Rhyne is "The Pork Evangelist," an international livestock educator and farm marketing coach. He has been featured in Homesteaders of America, ABC's Localish, and PBS's Resilient Agriculture. Pork Rhyne has trained over 5,000 full-time farmers and homesteaders in scaling profitable farm enterprises by helping them overcome their fears of pricing and marketing their story. He is passionate about developing farmers as servant leaders on their farm, in their home, and within their community. (https://www.porkrhyne.com/) I learned a ton from this conversation and I hope you will as well.   What we discussed:   His background and what got him into raising pigs (2:49) Pig intelligence, farming, and pet ownership (4:18) The nutritional components of pigs and feeding protocol and formulation (10:41) How feed ingredients impact pork quality (16:40) The land requirements and nutritional needs to raise pigs for food (19:53) Raising pigs for land management and clearing invasive plant species (24:34) Pig breeds and their growth rate (33:34) The water and shade needed for raising pigs and how to handle wild boars (38:19) Preventing disease (44:44) Cooking and preparing the whole pig (47:20) Lard (54:12) Farming, homesteading, and business growth (59:14)   Where to learn more from Pork Rhyne:   YouTube 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!  

Did you know that dogs and cats thrive with a lower carbohydrate diet? Daniel Schulof, founder of KetoNatural, spent four years researching the link between common pet ailments and carbohydrate consumption. Realizing that carbohydrate-conscious pet owners didn't have many options in the way of low-carb pet food, Daniel founded KetoNatural, and Ketona dog food was born. If you're concerned about your furry friend's health, this episode is definitely for you.   What you'll learn:   Pet nutrition and obesity prevention (1:11) The evolutionary history of a dog's dietary needs and the lack of information for pet owners (4:45) Wolf and dog evolution, behavior, and diet (9:57) The differences between cats and dogs and the importance of meat in their diets (14:24) The impact of nutrition on dog and cat waste (17:01) Similarities between human and dog digestive tracts (23:21) Daniel's personal motivation for researching better pet food options (24:36) Misleading pet food marketing tactics (28:20) Pet food regulations and carbohydrate content confusion (31:08) The challenges of starting and promoting a pet food company (36:12) The nutritional profile of a ketone-based pet food product (43:54) Ketogenic pet food and the market gap (49:12) What the research shows about high carbohydrate consumption and pet obesity (54:58) The grief of losing a pet (1:01:00)   Where to learn more about Daniel and purchase KetoNatural products:   KetoNatural Pet Foods 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 confused about exogenous ketones and their benefits? On this episode, I welcomed the co-founders of Tecton Life, Mike Chesne and Udaiyan Jatar, to give us a breakdown of their products and the science behind exogenous ketones. If you've ever considered trying exogenous ketones, then this is the episode for you.   What we discussed:   Exogenous ketones and their market history (1:20) The differences between a ketone salt and a ketone ester (4:17) Gastrointestinal distress from ketone salts (9:50) Options within the ketone salt realm (13:23) Ketone supplements and their effects on the body (17:06) Exogenous ketones and brain health (22:15) The science behind exogenous ketones and their weight loss benefits (28:16) Ketones as a source of fuel and their effect on metabolic health (35:30) Improved sleep and digestion (40:59) How athletes can benefit from exogenous ketones (45:48) The dual fuel phenomenon (48:26)   Where to learn more about Tecton Life and to purchase:   Tecton Life (use code KS2023 for a discount) 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 to make sense of the vast amounts of information out there surrounding nutrition and fitness? Jonathan Griffiths has been in the nutrition industry, studying carefully, for nearly 15 years, having undertaken several courses surrounding human health, including Medical Science, Nutrition and Herbal Sciences, and a Sports Science certification. Over that span of time, he has seen fad diets come and go. With the amount of misinformation online, he decided to uncover the truth. He uses the most up-to-date scientific literature, as well as experience from working with hundreds of individuals with unique health situations. We covered a lot of ground in this episode, so I know you'll take something away from it.   What we discussed:   His background, reasons for entering the bodybuilding space, and what his nutritional protocol looks like now (3:20) His dietary history (5:06) High-volume, low-calorie diets (7:42) Volume eating and stomach stretching (10:21) Importance of nutrient density (12:29) Tracking food intake (15:47) Structuring nutrition around protein (20:01) Incorporating cardio (28:06) The importance of not overtraining (29:54) Benefits of raw milk (31:07) Incorporating more carbs (34:27) Training volume and training structure (39:18) Splitting up training and progressive overload (43:57) Balancing the psychological component of bodybuilding (50:32) Electrolytes and supplementation (58:43) Appetite-suppressants (1:03:23) Reverse dieting and competition prep (1:10:37) Nutrition for autism and mental health (1:16:26) The psychological component of weight loss (1:21:57)   Where to learn more from Jonathan:   YouTube Composition Consultant 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 know where your food is sourced? Natalie and Tara have backgrounds in dairy farming and cattle ranching and are the hosts of the Discover Ag podcast. Their mission is to create more awareness about where our food comes from and how it is being raised. I learned a ton from them and I know you will as well.   What we discussed:   Their background and where they grew up (1:06) The appeal of rural life and connecting with nature (3:51) Differences between dairy farming and ranching (5:34) The stigma surrounding raw milk (9:26) Nutrients and pasteurization (11:48) The ranching production process and its challenges (14:11) Beef production methods and nutritional content (19:47) Food choices, greenwashing, and consumer education (22:38) Sustainability and animal-based diets (27:18) Benefits of direct-to-consumer farms (32:10) Homesteading (36:31) Organ meat consumption (43:55) What's coming up in the pipeline for them (48:48)   Where to learn more from Natalie and Tara:   Natalie Kovarik Tara Vander Dussen 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 tried "traditional" diets to lose weight but struggle to see the scale move? Jake Dudley is a highly experienced registered dietitian who specializes in nutritional therapy and dietary education. Jacob began his education as a classically trained chef who worked as the head chef of an upscale Mediterranean restaurant. After several years in food service, Jacob returned to academia to obtain a degree in nutrition and dietetics from Idaho State University while also competing in Division 1 Track and Field as a Decathlete. He then rounded out his educational journey by completing a dietetic internship at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, TX. As a Registered Dietitian, he has helped over 3,500 individuals achieve their weight, health, and fitness goals to date! He comes highly recommended by his peers and co-workers of the past as being a man of compassion, genuine care, and a desire to help educate and guide people to improve their lives. (https://www.arbiterweightmanagement.com/) He's changing people's lives, so I know you'll take something from this episode.   What we discussed:   How we met, Jake's background, and how he's gaining traction in his field (1:45) Why he decided to become a dietitian (3:43) Nutrition in his home growing up (12:39) The main contributing factor to the obesity epidemic we're facing in the US (15:57) Education as the most effective tool for weight loss (18:02) Motivation is fleeting (19:34) His typical client demographic (22:45) How he handles clients who struggle with being in a caloric surplus (26:35) Low-carb, Mediterranean-based diet (33:17) Tracking macros and intake (35:50) How often he checks in with clients to maintain their protocol (37:50) The importance of community (40:52) Obtaining formal schooling in nutrition and dietetics (43:01) Ozempic (46:52) The power of choice (51:19)   Where to learn more from Jake:   Arbiter Weight Management 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 struggle to communicate effectively? Brenden Kumarasamy is a communication expert and the brains behind MasterTalk. As an experienced speaker and facilitator, Brenden understands that audience members need to walk away captivated, and above all, inspired to master the art of communication. It should be seen as something to look forward to rather than a burden that must be overcome. (https://www.mastertalk.ca/) As someone who spends a lot of time speaking to others in a business capacity, I found this episode extremely helpful, and I hope you will also.   What you'll hear:   How he got into public speaking (0:58) The two facets of public speaking: practicality and personal improvement (3:42) Social media and its negative and positive attributes (6:37) Three of the easiest ways to improve your public speaking skills (9:27) First step: picking a word (13:17) Second step: the question drill (18:33) Productivity hacks (19:41) His coaching program (23:47) The issues his clients have with public speaking (24:46) Virtual webinars and how he keeps people engaged (28:04) In-person presentation tools (32:54) The most advantageous business route to drive traffic and sales (35:13) Repurposing content (41:54) Podcasts and audiobooks (45:54) Toastmasters (47:42) The mindset game of posting content (52:07) What he's got in the pipeline going forward (55:32) How he judged my communication style (58:31)   Where to learn more about Brenden:   MasterTalk 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!

It was an honor to present at the 2023 Keto Con, and for those of you who couldn't be there in person, I'm sharing my presentation with you for this episode. I took a step back from keto and macronutrients and talked a bit about my passion for life, so I hope you'll take something from it.   What you'll hear:   Regenerative agriculture and commodity beef system (1:55) Balance is bullshit (7:09) Tensegrity: What it is and how to implement it (7:40) The importance of healthy relationships (9:57) No such thing as maintenance; fulfillment by focusing on a primary goal rather than trying to balance it all out (12:27) The wealth component and my entrepreneur journey (14:48) Our birth experience and putting my faith in love (20:23) Figuring out what your pillars are so you can reach your true potential (23:22) The world owes you nothing (25:39) Reverse dieting nuances (28:44) How to showcase passion when you feel like you're just a cog in the machine (31:40) The benefits of keto during a bulking phase (33:04) Recommended length of time for a reverse diet (35:07) My cutting phase (37:45) Where to start with weight training as an older individual (39:51) 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!

Do you struggle with what it means to be a man in today's society? Traver Boehm, author of Man Uncivilized, is shaking things up and shifting the mindset of what it means to be uncivilized. His book is amazing and it was an absolute pleasure to have him on the podcast.  I know this episode will resonate with a lot of you.   What you'll hear:   How we met and our experience with the mastermind group Training Grounds (1:32) Traver's background and the publication of his book (5:03) Defining what it means to be a man and what qualifies as "men's work" (8:56) The push for de-escalating men and the equalizing effect it has had (12:18) Trauma in men and toxic masculinity (14:20) Toughness and sensitivity are not mutually exclusive (17:10) The importance of feeling vs. doing (23:09) His typical client avatar (28:44) The primal masculine vs. the divine masculine (31:02) Sharing the truth and being real does not make you weak (36:41) The role of fatherhood in our society (42:39) Having clear, defined roles in a relationship (47:01) The protocol for working with his clientele (50:42) Viewing men as friends and not competition (57:59) The power of simply having a group of men together outside their normal routine (1:04:26)   How to become uncivilized:   Man Uncivilized 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!

For this episode, we welcome back repeat guest and friend, Colt Milton. I've known Colt for a while now and finally had the opportunity to hang out with him in person this summer. He's an incredible person and such an inspiration to many. I've got no doubt you'll take something from this episode.   What we discussed:   Our background and meeting up this summer (1:57) Training modalities and spirituality (3:56) Importance of having a good physique (9:36) Fat consumption and hormone health (13:44) How healthy relationships contribute to our overall well-being (15:40) His experience with Keto Bricks (18:52) The differences in my training and nutritional protocol for my current prep (24:21) Low-volume, nutrient-dense foods as opposed to high-volume, low-calorie foods (26:29) Sodium consumption (30:37) Competing vs. coaching (34:16) Focusing on physique and nutrition more (38:52) Cardio and spirituality (41:23) Competition categories (49:11) Competitive camaraderie (54:55) Colt's workout setup and home gym (59:10)   Where to find Colt:   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!

What better way to celebrate our 600th episode than with my lovely wife, updating everyone about all things Savage? We are so grateful to you for listening to this podcast and supporting us over the years. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it for you.   What you'll hear:   The growth the podcast has seen over the years (1:43) Crystal's powerlifting training and competition and why she decided to dive back in (3:14) The differences in training styles for bodybuilding vs. powerlifting competitions (7:19) Dogma surrounding powerlifting (11:34) Feeding before a competition (12:54) Structure of the competition and lifting schedule (17:02) Setting a state record (19:12) Planning her next competition (19:25) What a handler does (21:10) How my prep has been affecting me (25:17) Making things work now that we're parents (29:14) Maximizing sleep quantity and quality (31:01) 50 Mile March right before peak week (34:06) What the March means to us and why we do it (35:55) Competition schedule (41:34) Homesteading, gardening, and chickens (45:10) Rigel check up (49:48) Exciting things we've got in the pipeline coming up (56:09)   Where to find us and support what we're doing:   Donate to the 50 Mile March 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 had bariatric surgery and are perhaps worried about the safety of a ketogenic diet? Kirk Shelley suffered from type 2 diabetes which almost left him blind. He has undergone bariatric surgery and adopted a ketogenic lifestyle to maintain his weight loss and overall health. He's got a very inspiring and interesting story and I know you'll take something from this episode.   What we discussed:   Kirk's background and why he chose bariatric surgery (1:39) The variations of bariatric surgery (3:47) Following a version of keto prior to undergoing surgery and the weight loss he experienced (5:44) Processed foods and high carbohydrate diets (8:12) The downsides and challenges of bariatric surgery (11:03) When he decided to follow keto post-surgery (18:39) A typical day of eating for him (19:16) His feelings on Ozempic (21:45) Carbohydrates as an addictive substance (27:31) Benefits of an elimination diet (33:26) Total food freedom (35:08) Weight training (41:08) Being a positive role model for his children (49:52)   Where to follow Kirk:   Twitter Bariatric Carnivore 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 got questions about various dietary protocols, hormonal health, the education system, and more, then this is the episode for you. Chris and I formally met at Keto Con this year, but it turns out he's been loosely following the Savage brand for a little while now. He has tried the gamut of nutritional protocols, experimenting in a smart, controlled way, and he has a wealth of information to share on everything from veganism to shoes. It was a pleasure speaking to him and I know there's something in this episode for everyone.   What you'll hear:   His back story and how he ended up as a coach with Heart and Soil (2:51) The details of his nutritional experiments, including paleo and vegan (4:51) What his animal-based protocol looks like now (8:04) Bullying in the nutrition space (10:18) What a typical week looks like for him (12:26) Macronutrient distribution (14:14) His transition to Heart and Soil (16:57) The addition of fruit and honey (19:50) Adjusting to keto (28:49) Having a healthy relationship with food (32:25) Keeping an open mind and the importance of flexibility (33:38) Liver supplements and vitamin A toxicity (39:47) Blood level testing during his nutritional experimentation (43:10) Hormone health (45:53) Psychological benefits of bodybuilding and the importance of rest periods (51:41) "Rising tide raises all ships" (57:30) Holding coaching clients accountable (1:01:19) Certifications (1:04:19) The future of education (1:09:15) Earth Runner shoes (1:12:29) Foot health and training (1:16:24) Natural hygiene products (1:21:52)   Where to follow Chris:   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 been with us for a while, you know we don't regularly offer discounts on our Keto Bricks for many reasons. However, back in 2021, we hosted our first Brick-by-Brick promotion to honor those of you who supported us during our warehouse move. We repeated that promotion in 2022, and will be doing the same this year.   What you'll hear in this episode:   Our reasons for not regularly hosting sales on our Keto Bricks (0:27) The backstory of the brick-by-brick promotion (1:08) The details of the promotion (1:40) Brick pricing structure (2:49) Additional bonus gift for spending $250 or more (3:53) Requirements for getting the bonus gift (5:10) Our gratitude for all you've done for us over the years (5:51)   To take advantage of the 10% discount, enter the code brickbybrick when you check out at 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!

Have you ever considered alternatives to traditional Western medicine? Dr. Josh Levitt is a naturopathic physician based in Connecticut. In practice, Dr. Levitt draws upon the science of both conventional and natural medicine and artfully combines the two into a "best of both worlds" treatment strategy. He employs a unique blend of nutritional therapy, herbal medicine, and physical medicine to treat a wide range of common and complex medical problems. His patients praise him for his ability to educate, motivate, and inspire them with stories and guidance that help them help themselves. (https://www.truehealthinitiative.org/council_member/joshua-levitt/) It was a pleasure to learn from him, and I know you'll take something from this episode.   What you'll hear:   Dr. Levitt's backstory and why he pursued the naturopathic path (1:41) Spontaneity and how he's settled down (5:01) The shift to acceptance of a blended approach to medicine and the catalyst for that shift (7:19) Preventative care vs. treatment (9:40) "Woowoo" in alternative medicine (11:32) The field of study he's most interested in and a field that needs more attention than it's getting (13:09) Barriers to access to traditional medical treatment in the US (14:55) His typical client and their ailments (17:02) The increase in the awareness of and interest in naturopathic medicine (19:20) Reasons for the decline in the overall health of our population as a whole (21:03) Obesity in America (23:58) How to approach the overall declining health of our population (25:50) The epigenetic effect of our declining health (28:35) Flipping the script and having people live more in line with their evolutionary past (29:46) Ketogenic diet from a biological and nutrient availability standpoint (32:47) The importance of building and maintaining muscle tissue (37:13) Biohacks to incorporate to get relatively quick results and benefits (38:43) Hormone replacement therapy (41:38) The aging process (45:36) Chiropractic work (48:52) Taking a holistic approach to treat clients (51:27) Knee health and training (51:55) Compression boots (54:43) What he's excited about (59:24)   Where to learn more from Dr. Levitt:   Up Wellness 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 aspiring to create your own YouTube channel, then this episode is for you! Lillie Kane is a ketogenic follower and spreads nothing but positivity on her YouTube channel. It was a pleasure to chat with her about the ins and outs of running a successful channel as well as her journey following a ketogenic nutritional protocol. I've got no doubt you'll enjoy this episode.   What we discussed:   The secret behind her seemingly overnight success on YouTube (2:11) Her experience with keto/carnivore and how she structures her content (5:21) The process of creating and editing a video (7:02) The catalyst for her beginning keto (8:00) Food waste and good vs. bad carbs (13:56) How she and her husband structure their eating (15:31) Tracking macros vs. eating intuitively (16:46) Hot topics that are trending now in the keto and carnivore spaces (17:43) Reverse dieting and the dangers of under-consuming (20:33) Fat and protein ratios based on her viewership and target audience (24:40) How she navigates the waters of sensationalism when it comes to online content creation (27:58) Topics she avoids discussing (29:11) The advice she'd give to someone hoping to start their own successful YouTube channel (30:58) Short-form and long-form content (34:01) Market research and analytics (36:03) The technical side of filming (37:23) Editing content and getting straight to the point (40:14) Being present in the moment instead of always shooting and posting content (44:44) What she has in the works for the near future (45:46)   Where to find Lillie:   YouTube 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 the effects of Covid or other health issues? Serena Musick contracted long Covid back in 2020, suffering from extreme nausea and loss of taste and smell. She tried many different nutritional plans, to no avail, until she decided to try the carnivore lifestyle. She has since recovered and continues to follow a strict carnivore protocol to maintain her health. It was a pleasure to have her on the podcast and I know you'll enjoy this episode.   What we discussed:   Her backstory and motivation for going carnivore (1:45) Her nutritional protocol prior to switching to carnivore and how she felt (8:20) Researching carnivore and seeing the other end of the spectrum in regards to dietary needs after Covid (10:27) How long it took for her cravings to subside after starting carnivore (12:50) Her past binging and purging habits (14:59) Macros and her rocky start with carnivore (17:50) Reverse dieting, disordered eating, and fasting (22:16) The importance of fasting and how she structures her eating (26:56) Fat to protein ratio (31:46) Navigating nutrition with children (34:26) Homeschooling and curriculum (37:18) The best part of homeschooling (40:57) The costs of daycare (44:40) Downsides to her homeschooling experience (46:42) What she's excited for in the coming months (50:39)   Where to follow Serena:   Instagram Website   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 play it safe or grab life by the horns to live a more vibrant, fulfilling life? As a top swimmer in his country of origin, Belgium, Dr. Mike Van Thielen gained interest in optimizing health and athletic performance. Dr. Mike graduated from the University of Brussels in '93 as a Bachelor in Physical Education and in '95 as a Master in Physical Therapy. He served as the assistant coach and therapist for Belgian Olympic Swimmers in preparation for the Olympic Games in Atlanta ('96). Dr. Mike moved to Florida in '97, and after managing several pain management clinics, he received his PhD. in Holistic Nutrition. He is a licensed Physical Therapist, a licensed Acupuncture Physician and a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, with Certifications in Homeopathy & Chinese Herbal Medicine. (https://books.friesenpress.com/store/title/119734000010709215/Mike-Van-Thielen%2C-PhD.-Health-4-Life) While we have a different approach to nutrition, it was a pleasure to speak to Dr. Mike, and I know you'll take something from the conversation. What we discussed: His background and what brought him into the athlete sphere initially (1:25) The reasoning behind moving to America and his road to success here (3:50) How he got started in the health field and how his practice and interests evolved (7:51) Confusion and lack of clarity in today's society (13:12) Actionable things you can do to keep your mind and body in sync (18:09) Productivity apps he uses on a daily basis (22:04) His meditation routine (24:56) His nutritional protocol (27:01) The importance of not putting restrictions on yourself when it comes to dietary classification (29:19) How he structures his diet throughout the day (35:32) Blood tests and cholesterol (39:18) Instilling a sense of purpose in his clients (42:47) His message from the mountaintop (48:13) How having kids has shaped his passion and purpose (49:50) Where to find out more about Dr. Mike: Biohacking Unlimited 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 special guests Alan Reeves and Richard Smith. Alan was a former client of mine a few years back, and we've both been following a ketogenic lifestyle for about the same amount of time. Richard has an impressive background in competitive bodybuilding and has been taking the world by storm. We discussed everything from fueling strategies to training, so I know you'll take something away from this episode.   What you'll hear:   Richard's switch from bodybuilding to endurance training and his fitness journey (2:04) Building muscle with carbs vs. without (4:19) Fluid retention and body composition (8:50) Endurance training following a ketogenic protocol (14:20) Fat as fuel gives more energy per minute than carbohydrates (19:36) Macro distribution and protein consumption (21:33) Keto and energy levels (26:15) Where to find out more about Richard (who had to hop off to perform daddy duties) (32:54) Alan's carbohydrate and electrolyte intake, and how it varies based on weather and training (34:54) The secret to his fountain of youth (40:12) Dorian Yates protocol for training (41:07) The many different ways to approach strength training (44:41) How he tracks his training (45:35) Competitive endeavors he has in the pipeline (47:28) Building a solid foundation of health (52:15) The beginning of his ketogenic journey (53:25) Consuming vegetation (54:55) Fruit consumption (56:22) The trajectory of the ketogenic diet (59:13) Addressing unhealthy lifestyles (1:02:43)   Where to find out more about Richard:   YouTube The Keto Pro   Where to find out more about Alan:   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!

Are you new to or interested in the world of survivorship and bushcraft? Brian Loftus is an expert when it comes to being completely self-sufficient in the elements. He sells our bricks in his store, and I've always been interested in this topic, so it was a pleasure speaking to and learning from him. I know you'll find this episode informative and beneficial.   What we discussed:   Why Brian became interested in the world of survival outfitting (1:06) How his business has changed since its inception (3:58) Information is everything, and knowledge is power (5:55) Brands he recommends for those just starting out (8:05) What size knife he recommends (11:13) Growing up not participating in any outdoor activities, and how he prepared as an adult (12:47) Jumping in and getting your hands dirty (17:25) The common denominators he's seen with people just getting started (18:11) Building a good fire (21:01) The rise in interest in being self-sufficient in a worst-case scenario (23:31) American Survival Company and the show Snowflake Mountain (26:28) His mental roadmap when thinking about survival and being self-sufficient (28:42) Water purification (32:57) Shelter and clothing brands he recommends (37:53) Solar energy (41:00) The importance of a sturdy vehicle in emergency situations (43:28) What's in the pipeline for Brian (45:40) The openness of the survival community (49:39)   Where to learn more:   Survival Gear Waypost Outdoors   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 Dakota Geil, who recently finished his first competition. We discussed his first-time experience competing, especially the reverse dieting aspect of a prep, as well as his impressive home gym setup. It was a pleasure chatting with him and I've got no doubt that you'll enjoy this episode.   What you'll hear:   How he's feeling after his prep and the challenges of reverse dieting (1:48) Perspective on where he started and where he ended up (2:33) Post-show maintenance (5:25) What the competition season was like for him emotionally and psychologically (8:06) His support system through reverse dieting (9:15) How he handles the days where he strays from the path and eats everything in sight (11:31) Home gym setup (15:23) Workout equipment rundowns and additions (21:27) The most efficient pieces of equipment in any gym (27:18) Keeping it to the basics and what is sustainable in regard to fitness and nutrition (29:47) What his future looks like for competition (30:35) Learning as you go and bettering yourself (34:51) The importance of finding enjoyment in the activities you choose to do (36:52) Size vs. definition in bodybuilding (39:49) Starting a coaching business (42:31) Fixating on the negatives (46:50)   Where to learn more about Dakota and his family:   Geil Strength Co. 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!

Andrew Madigan is the head honcho at Foundry Industries and a fellow ketogenic bodybuilder. I couldn't wait to pick his brain about business and his experience with his first clean ketogenic competition prep. We had a lot to discuss, so I'm sure you'll take something from the conversation.   What we discussed:   How he began his ketogenic prep (2:58) Branching out with recipes and cooking (7:14) How the results of this prep compare with those he's done previously (10:34) Sodium and electrolyte intake (12:30) Salt cravings (16:26) The results of his two shows this season (17:50) Consuming too much sodium before a show (19:36) The importance of taking a break between competitions (23:29) The details of the shows in Australia (25:59) Natural bodybuilding gaining momentum and popularity (31:43) Pros and cons of taking supplements (34:13) Why the burden of evidence should fall on the necessity of carbs as opposed to the absence of carbs (37:33) Having the mental fortitude and discipline to decline additional food during a prep (43:11) Eating healthy, alternative meals with zero guilt (47:07) Ways to incorporate keto bricks into your diet (49:55) Being objective when it comes to business (58:34) Sourcing high-quality ingredients and providing a stellar product (1:05:15) The importance of giving people options (1:08:38)   Where to learn more about Andrew and Foundry Industries:   Foundry Industries 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!

For this episode, I welcome back friend, runner, and founder of The Keto Road, Jonathan Shane. He recently launched his supplement company, so I invited him back to discuss his running and business endeavors. We talked about a little bit of everything in this episode, so you’re bound to hear something that resonates with you.   What we discussed:   How we spent our days during our in-person visit (1:55) Running four miles on rocky, technical terrain (3;21) Launching Energized Reds (5:21) The journey to success and learning from mistakes (8:54) The importance of having a mentor (10:33) The new product he’s launching and how to join the waitlist (12:31) Rebranding (15:23) The differences between greens and reds supplements (16:44) Beginning his official running training season and what that entails (22:02) How he changes his nutrition as his training increases (24:16) Manipulating caloric intake on the fly (27:09) Increasing carbohydrate consumption to minimize cortisol levels (29:27) His stress levels prior to and after 2020 (37:40) How he structures his carbohydrate eating based on the distance he’s running (38:43) His experiment with eating how a traditional long distance runner would eat (40:29) How to dispel the myth that you need carbohydrates in order to perform well in the world of running (43:31) What it takes to be a professional runner (45:09) High carb vs. low carb running (47:38) Running as the primary modality for training (52:05) Obstacle course races (52:56) His first run of the season and upcoming schedule (56:35)   Where to find out more about Jonathan and his supplement company:   Perfrmance Gainz The Keto Road   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 tried all the doctor’s recommendations, but can’t seem to get healthy and happy? Trevor Griffith was bedridden for three months as his health continued to decline, and his doctors were stumped. He tried supplements, vegetables, you name it, but nothing worked–until he switched to animal-based eating. I’ve got no doubt you’ll be inspired by this conversation.   What you’ll hear in this episode:   Trevor’s backstory (1:55) The “bro diet” and losing control of cravings with cheat meals (3:14) What his blood work revealed after experiencing severe symptoms and not knowing what was going on (5:44) Thoughts and feelings he had when going through those health battles (9:18) The catalyst that shifted his mindset (11:58) The toll this time period took on his wife and relationships (12:55) What he thinks are the reasons for his health battles (14:47) The downfall of heavy training and cardio while consuming a low-fat diet (16:01) The importance of education in the nutrition space (18:45) His experimentation with supplements and an animal-based diet and the benefits he experienced almost immediately (19:24) Histamines in meat (23:08) A typical day of eating for Trevor (26:45) Coffee consumption (27:49) His activity level and how he structures his lifting sessions (32:18) Modeling (39:12) Gym ownership and handling the competition (40:23) Dabbling in making his own product (47:20) What else is in the pipeline for Trevor (50:45) Chiropractic care (52:07) Mobility training and cold therapy (52:43) Reading and journaling (54:33)   Where to follow along with Trevor’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!

On this episode, I welcome back Vinnie Tortorich, a personal trainer, speaker, author, and much more. It had been a while since we’d spoken, and I wanted to pick his brain on what he’s been up to lately, but also any new developments he’s seen in the nutrition space. It was a great catch-up call and I know you’ll enjoy it as well.   What we discussed:   How things have changed since the last time Vinnie was on the podcast (1:32) The details about his handmade cedar strip kayak (5:28) Archery gear (13:35) Various bow options (15:23) Other likes/dislikes people may not know about him, including mountain climbing and water skiing (19:04) How things have changed with his abilities as he’s aged (23:18) The “death scroll” (24:53) Managing social media (26:56) The trajectory of nutrition and whether he views it as a good or bad direction (30:46) His documentaries and their subject matter (33:31) Veganism, vegetarianism, and fruitarianism (36:14) What he’s working on right now that has him excited (42:07)   Where to find out more about Vinnie:   Vinnie Tortorich NSNG Foods Pure Coffee Club 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!

Homesteading may be a good option for you if you’re concerned about where the food you’re eating is sourced and how it’s raised. Mona Weathers has been homesteading for over 20 years and her passion is helping others on their journey towards a sustainable homesteading life. I found this conversation incredibly helpful and I know you will as well.   What we discussed:   Her motivation for homesteading and the journey to becoming a homesteading mother (1:44) The misconception that you have to have a lot of land to homestead (5:08) Moving from California to Georgia (6:30) Water sources (7:52) Fencing (9:22) Animals she has on her property (11:58) The various trees on her land (14:10) Care involved in raising goats (15:35) The most rewarding animal out of chickens, turkeys, and ducks (18:46) The differences between raising chickens, turkeys, and ducks (19:45) Go-to chicken breeds for eggs and meat (25:08) How she sources her birds (28:38) Incorporating chicks in with full-grown chickens (30:04) Her recommendation for chicken feed (32:11) Gardening (34:17) Canning methods (38:40) Her experience with producing content for social media (42:01) The primary mistake most people make when first starting out with homesteading (44:09) The growth of the homesteading community (46:09) The many benefits of homesteading (51:03) The largest homesteading project she has coming up in the near future (53:05) Advice for raising free-range chickens (56:28) Breeding chickens (59:02) Harvesting and plucking chickens (1:01:15) Where to dive deeper into Mona’s homesteading world:   Healthy Homesteading 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!

From a health standpoint, how your food is raised and harvested is very important. Tyler Dawley is the brains behind Big Bluff Ranch, a multi-generational operation based in California. This episode discussed the ranch business and his passion for producing the highest quality meat possible. It was a pleasure learning from him, and I know you’ll enjoy this episode, too.   What you’ll hear:   The history of the ranch (2:11) What they raise on the ranch (5:28) How their chickens are raised and what they’re fed (6:55) The differences between raising chickens vs. raising turkeys (15:10) Possibility of building out their own processing facility on-site (20:27) USDA regulations (22:58) The inspection process (26:07) Procedures for using smaller, niche processing plants (29:17) The influx of smaller-scale, high-quality products becoming available to the public and how the internet has changed the industry (31:59) Grass-fed/finished beef vs. grain-fed and finished beef and which is best (37:40) Raising grass-fed beef and why the time frame is longer (46:00) What produces the “gamey” flavor that can be present in some meats, including beef (49:28) Harvesting animals humanely (54:07) Chicken breeds he recommends for laying and eating (59:45) The benefits of knowing where your food comes from (1:01:22)   Where to find out more about Tyler and Big Bluff Ranch:   Big Bluff Ranch   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 interested in nootropics and biohacking, this episode is for you. Dr. Greg Kelly is the formulator at Neurohacker Collective and became involved in neurohacking before it was such a hot topic. This was a great conversation; I know you’ll learn a lot.   What you’ll hear:   The catalyst for becoming a naturopath (2:35) The schooling required to become a naturopathic doctor (4:27) How relationships look between traditional Western medical doctors and naturopaths (6:06) Modalities he doesn’t subscribe to in the naturopathic realm (9:58) His demographic when he saw patients (11:48) The silver lining to making healthy changes (12:56) Chiropractic care (15:59) Using stem cells to treat inflammation (17:52) The background of the Neurohacker Collective and what sets it apart from the competition (19:14) His primary role within the company (22:43) Product offerings and transparency (23:36) How to choose the right product for you (24:57) Peeling back the curtain on formulations (28:03) Cellular senescence (29:16) The history of senolytics, what it is, and how it works (35:03) Generating senescence cells and how that process changes as we age (38:34) Too much of a good thing isn’t a good thing (43:09) Yerkes Dodson curve (43:25) The importance of purchasing high-quality supplements (49:19) What’s in the pipeline for Greg and the Neurohacker Collective (51:14) His stance on melatonin, vitamin D, and serotonin (56:21) Which of his products he finds most beneficial personally (1:06:37)   Where to learn more about Greg and Neurohacker Collective:   Neurohacker Collective 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!  

Dr. Dominic D’Agostino needs no introduction. He is a juggernaut in the ketogenic space, so if you’ve been following this lifestyle, you likely know who he is. It was a joy to welcome him back to the podcast, and we discussed everything from homesteading to spirituality. As always, I learned a lot from him and I know you will as well.   What we discussed:   How he got into weight training initially and his experience competing as a bodybuilder (3:04) His experience with Team Universe (6:09) Competing in master powerlifting (11:20) How weight training improves your ability to complete other tasks that involve hard work and heavy lifting (13:18) Growing up on a small farm and how that shaped his life path (17:52) ATV’s and side-by-sides (21:39) Tractors and farm equipment (25:00) What he raises on his homestead (30:14) The next big project he is doing on his land (31:25) The role that spirituality plays in his life (37:40) The importance of being a seeker (46:35) Reading and understanding the Bible (49:54) Having an open dialogue about spirituality (55:35) Impactful books he’s read regarding Christianity and spirituality (59:29) Faith fortified by actions (1:02:57)   Where to learn more from Dominic:   KetoNutrition   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!

Consistency and discipline are essential when it comes to successfully maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Luis Villasenor has been in the ketogenic space for 23 years and is an absolute beast when adhering to this nutritional protocol. It was a pleasure to welcome him back to the podcast and pick his brain.   What we discussed:   His thoughts on satiety per calorie (2:59) Nutrient density (10:01) Variety in your diet and keeping it simple (13:34) Flexible dieting (16:48) His protein recommendation (19:09) The structure of his personal nutrition (25:11) Body fat percentage (27:21) Keys to longevity on the ketogenic diet (29:05) Exogenous hormones (32:05) The importance of regular lab work (35:34) How his blood hormone levels have changed over the years (37:25) Timing protein consumption and workouts (39:24) The effects of a cut on the body (49:03) The importance of having a structured reverse diet (56:06) Hormones and female clients (1:01:52) Water retention and electrolytes (1:07:07) Trends in the ketogenic space (1:11:33) Sustainability (1:21:45)   Where to learn more from Luis:   Keto Gains 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 David Jordan to discuss his experience with the ATG program for knee health. We met through my newsletter, and I was stoked to invite him to the podcast. We talked about a little bit of everything, including training, so I know you can take something from this episode.   What you’ll hear:   Why David decided to try the ATG program initially (1:33) The benefits of ATG training (4:31) Crepitus of the knees (8:45) Specifics of following the program (10:41) Minimalist footwear (14:52) Nasal breathing and mouth taping (21:21) Post-competition meals (25:09) Fruit and vegetable consumption (28:53) OMAD (30:28) Variety in meals (36:43) Timing meals in regards to training (38:53) Doug Brignole (42:11) David’s training routine (46:09) Trainer Mike Van Wyck (51:33) Restarting the ATG program myself and following the instructions this time (54:13) Keeping it simple with training (57:03) Competition prep experience (59:33) Keto Brick logistics (1:14:16)   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!

Vanessa is a special repeat guest and has quite an inspirational story. In this episode, I wanted to peel back the curtain and learn more about her process of becoming the fittest version of herself.   What you’ll hear:   Adjusting to life as a new parent (2:01) How to fit workouts and weight training into the busy life of a new mother (4:12) The importance of weight training, especially for women, and why women are so hesitant to start (8:46) Her journey of going from 40% body fat to 20% (14:04) Improving your relationship with food (17:26) Her macro allotment (18:04) Focusing her consumption around protein (23:59) Her thoughts on the recommendation of one gram of protein per one pound of lean body mass (27:38) Our digestive systems and fiber (34:04) Heavy hitters that she has discovered regarding mitochondrial health (41:00) Tests for gauging mitochondrial health (49:45) Red light therapy (56:12)   Where to learn more from Vanessa:   Instagram Podcast Ketogenic Girl 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!

Anna Vocino is killing it in a saturated market, and this episode may be just what you need if you want to add a little variety to your ketogenic meal prep. Anna is an extraordinaire when it comes to gluten-and-grain free cooking and it was a pleasure to learn from her.   What you’ll hear:   How she has been able to find success in the cookbook market (1:25) What she’s excited about in the way things are trending in the nutrition space as of late (4:06) Substitute foods (7:03) Keeping it simple when not in “work mode” (11:01) Bare necessities regarding kitchen tools (12:43) Meal prepping (17:12) Which cuisine she finds the most difficult to make keto-friendly (18:40) Rice alternative (20:31) Anna’s personal nutritional protocol (23:35) Her career as a writer and recipe guru (26:48) How she finds inspiration for her recipes (30:28) The importance of reading labels, especially for spices (33:52) The addition of sugar to many products we’re ordering and consuming (47:02) Common anti-caking agents (48:28) Primal Kitchen products (50:45) Making keto sustainable (55:26) My dietary protocol during my prep and things I’m tweaking (56:55)   Where to find out more about Anna and her recipes:   Eat Happy Kitchen   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 nutrition can affect your sex life? In this episode, we’re shaking things up a bit with Susan Bratton, an intimacy expert and sexual biohacker. If you’ve ever struggled with sexual fulfillment, this is the episode for you.   What we discussed:   Her areas of expertise (2:01) Why there is a stigma attached to sexual pleasure (5:35) Sex as more than just intercourse (6:47) What she’s seen over the last couple of decades regarding the view of sex as a transaction vs. actual intimacy (14:08) Sex as a selfless act (17:17) Steps to take to improve your sex life (19:49) How to keep intimacy alive as parents to a young family (28:06) Yoni massage (30:53) How improved health can lead to a more satisfying sex life (34:00) The correlation between diet and sexual performance (36:13) The Vasper System (43:21) Exogenous hormones (47:55) What she’s diving into right now (55:34)   Where to learn more from Susan Bratton:   Personal Life Media Better Lover Susan Bratton 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!

The hot topic of “satiety per calorie” has been all the rage lately, especially on Twitter. Raphael Sirtoli, a PhD candidate in health sciences and all-around smart guy, is pretty vocal in his support for this trend. I tend to disagree with this trend, but I wanted to have someone knowledgeable about the subject on the podcast to have an educated discussion. I learned a lot, and I know you will as well.   What we discussed:   Looking behind the curtain regarding satiety per calorie (1:43) The differences between the SPC and PE diets (4:41) Dietary fat (8:20) Food “scores” in the SPC model (10:50) Good foods, bad foods, and the way bodies react differently to various dietary approaches (14:16) SPC and scores as a work in progress (21:55) Why humans overcomplicate nutrition (26:07) Making your way through the weeds of conflicting data (28:29) How Raphael structures his own nutrition (30:54) Finding a happy medium or balance (36:07) His “elevator pitch” (37:27) Where to learn more about Raphael and SPC:   Twitter   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 know how the meat you consume is raised and harvested? Will Harris is behind White Oak Pastures, a farm that transitioned away from industrial farming and is now focused on humane practices and regenerative agriculture. Learning more about their operation was a pleasure, and I encourage you to check out their website to see more of what they’re all about. I know you’ll learn a ton from this episode.   What we discussed:   His presence in the ketogenic space (2:29) The origin story of White Oak Pastures (5:11) The differences between industrial and regenerative agriculture (11:11) Greenwashing (15:37) What is regenerative land management (17:40) The timeframe and process when raising cattle humanely (21:41) Large vs. small food distribution (32:59) The importance of building a close-knit community (34:44) Online commerce (37:04) Interning at White Oak Pastures (41:35) A typical day in the life of Will Harris (43:15) Where the trajectory of the farm is heading (45:15) Fraudulent messaging being perpetuated by Big Food (49:21) Focusing on making an impact (53:51)   Where to learn more about Will and White Oak Pastures:   White Oak Pastures   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 sustainable sources of protein? Eli Halpern is the CEO of Golden Cricket, a protein bar made out of–you guessed it–crickets. But if that grosses you out, not to worry. We discussed everything from business to MMA, so I’ve got no doubt you’ll be able to take something from this episode.   What you’ll hear:   Eli’s origin story (1:40) The benefits of martial arts (3:15) What his daily schedule looks like (6:06) The point in his life where he realized that he needed to change trajectories (9:14) His experiences in Thailand (13:57) Standup comedy and his inspiration (17:22) His nutritional protocol (22:30) How Golden Cricket came to be (23:!5) How the product has been received (27:32) The process behind harvesting crickets and making the bars (30:09) The vegan reception of the product (32:06) Sobriety (34:21) Thoughts for those interested in experimenting with substances (36:46) Future plans for the business (43:09) How his experiences in life and with substances have affected him long-term in regards to spirituality and mindset (47:08) Podcasts he’s listening to and what inspires him (53:07)   Where to find Eli for more laughs and cricket power:   Golden Cricket 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!