The Dr. Greg Wells Podcast

Dr. Scott Forbes is trying to cut through the hype and misinformation around creatine so listeners can understand what creatine actually is, what it truly does (and doesn’t do), and how to use it safely and effectively for performance, brain health, and healthy aging.In today’s conversation Dr. Forbes explores why creatine has become one of the most talked-about supplements—and how to separate real science from social-media noise. He explains what creatine is (and why it’s not a steroid), how it supports short-duration high-intensity performance, and what the research says about strength, muscle, endurance “bursts,” and recovery. Scott also dives into emerging findings on brain energy demands—especially under stressors like sleep deprivation and mental fatigue—and why creatine may matter more as we age.You will learn how creatine works in the body’s energy systems, what benefits are realistic (small but meaningful), and how those gains can compound over time. You’ll also learn practical dosing strategies (loading vs. steady daily use), why creatine monohydrate is the best-studied form, how timing fits into the routine, plus the science behind common concerns like hair loss and kidney markers.You will discover that creatine’s biggest strength is “quiet consistency”: it can modestly expand rapid-energy capacity and help maintain performance during physical or mental stress—without needing complicated protocols.Scott helps solve the challenge of making a confident, evidence-based decision about whether creatine belongs in your routine—without fear, myths, or marketing-driven confusion.

Dr. Elaine Chin is trying to solve the problem of people aging into chronic inflammation, fatigue, and disease because they are surrounded by confusing wellness advice and are guessing instead of using a science-based, personalized approach to healthspan. In this episode, she frames the answer as precision medicine built on measurable biology and consistent daily habits.In today’s conversation Elaine Chin explores how precision medicine and lifestyle medicine can work together to improve healthspan and lifespan. She and Dr. Wells discuss telomeres, inflammation, Mediterranean-style eating, hydration, movement, recovery, and the role of purpose in healthy aging. The conversation stays grounded in practical decisions people can make every day while also emphasizing the value of understanding biomarkers and hormones. Overall, this episode helps listeners cut through health misinformation and return to a more evidence-informed foundation for wellbeing.You will learn how Dr. Chin thinks about lifestyle medicine as an “orchestra” that requires sleep, nutrition, movement, mindfulness, and social wellbeing to work together. You will also hear her explain why she pays close attention to telomeres, chronic inflammation, hydration, ultra-processed foods, omega-3 fats, and biomarker testing. The episode also clarifies the difference between exercise and general activity, and why small daily habits can shape long-term health more than extreme interventions.You will discover that many of the most powerful longevity tools are still the fundamentals: sleep, purpose, movement, hydration, and food quality. Dr. Chin’s core insight is that these are not just “healthy habits”; they are biological signals that shape inflammation, recovery, and the pace of aging.This episode helps solve the challenge of not knowing where to start with health and longevity when the wellness space feels noisy, extreme, and contradictory. Dr. Chin brings the listener back to a simpler model: understand your biology, focus on the basics, and use data to guide smarter decisions.Key take aways:Lifestyle medicine works best in combination.Telomeres reflect the wear of aging.Ultra-processed foods drive inflammation.Movement all day matters.Know your biology before guessing.

Dr. Kang is tackling a modern, high-impact problem: our relationship with technology (and “perma-crisis” busyness) is driving stress, disconnection, and attention fragmentation—especially in kids and teens—unless we build a healthier “tech diet” and lifestyle that restores regulation, connection, and play. In today’s conversation Dr. Shimi Kang explores how brain science can help us thrive in a world shaped by stress, constant change, and persuasive technology. She shares her origin story—from early fascination with the brain to work with the World Health Organization—and explains why mind and body are inseparable in real life. Together, Dr. Kang and Dr. Wells unpack the “tech diet” (toxic, junk, and healthy tech), why kids are uniquely vulnerable, and how simple daily practices—movement, connection, downtime, and music—restore brain health and motivation.

People are navigating stress, setbacks, and uncertainty by trying to control everything and doing it alone—which amplifies anxiety and drains performance. Dr. Robyne’s work in this episode reframes hope as a trainable, practical skill (not “toxic optimism”), and gives listeners a grounded pathway to regain agency, build support, and move forward—especially when life feels wobbly. In today’s conversation Robyne Hanley-Dafoe explores why hope is not the same thing as optimism—and why clinging to outcomes can backfire when life gets hard. She and Dr. Wells unpack “agency thinking” as the antidote to control spirals, then translate that mindset into practical micro-steps: get safe, get resourced, and choose the next right move. You will learn how Dr. Robyne distinguishes hope from optimism and why that matters under pressure, how to replace control-chasing with agency, and how to use “pathway thinking” to identify one realistic next step instead of trying to solve everything at once. You’ll also learn her “get to the shore” approach for moments when you’re overwhelmed. You will discover that hope is a skill you can practice to keep moving forward without needing perfect certainty or a guaranteed outcome. This episode helps you break out of the loop of “I must fix this right now” and move toward a more proactive approach that is achievable and sustainable.

High performers are getting trapped in a modern loop of overdoing + cortisol + information overload, chasing “biohacks” while skipping the inner foundation (hope, self-worth, presence) and the recovery that makes performance sustainable. Dr. James Rouse’s work in this episode is about reclaiming control: building purpose-driven rituals, creating contrast (hard effort + deep rest), and protecting nervous-system regulation so you can perform better without burning out. In today’s conversation James Rouse explores why hope isn’t passive—it’s a personal responsibility you practice daily. He and Dr. Wells unpack the physiology of overdoing (especially living on cortisol), and why sustainable high performance depends on contrast: peak effort paired with deep rest. James shares practical frameworks—“do the one thing,” build self-efficacy, start your day inside (heart coherence before the phone), and close your day with rituals that help you land and recover. You will learn… • How James defines hope as an “inclination of possibility” you choose and cultivate. • Why “biohacking” only works when it’s built on self-love, intention, and responsibility (not shortcuts). • A simple performance strategy: do one thing, witness it, and build self-efficacy (Bandura-style). • The “contrast lifestyle” idea: peak performance + deep rest, plus hot/cold and recovery practices. • James’ real-world morning and evening bookends (heart coherence first; “landing” routine + self-recognition). You will discover that your best performance doesn’t start with more intensity—it starts with more regulation. When you protect peace and presence first, the physiology of focus, energy, and recovery becomes much easier to access. One big challenge this episode solves: This episode helps the listener stop living in the “35–80% zone” of constant effort and constant stimulation—and instead build a repeatable rhythm of all-in effort followed by real recovery, so performance climbs while stress load drops.

High performers often know what to do—but in decisive moments they get pulled into thoughts, feelings, fear, and outcome-focus, which breaks execution. Dana’s work solves the “pressure gap” by giving people a simple, repeatable plan to get calm-ish and refocus on task actions—so they can perform when it matters most. In today’s conversation Dana Sinclair explores why pressure doesn’t ruin performance—drifting into feelings and outcomes does. She breaks down her practical “shift when you drift” approach: get calm-ish (often with breath), identify what’s getting in your way, and lock onto a small number of task cues you can execute right now. Together, Dana and Dr. Wells unpack why confidence and rituals can be overrated if they distract from execution, and how tiny in-the-moment behaviors create better results under stress.You will learn… how to get “calm-ish” quickly using breathing (nose breathing + longer exhales), how to identify your top 2–3 pressure “hotspots” (fear, expectations, mistakes, outcome), and how to turn those into a simple sticky-note performance plan. You’ll also learn how to use performance cues (task actions), build a “facts list” to steady your self-talk, and use brief “daydreaming” (micro-imagery) to rehearse composure and execution.You will discover… that great performance is less about building the “right” feeling and more about choosing the “right” actions—especially when pressure spikes. Dana’s core idea: calm-ish + task cues = results, and results are what eventually build confidence (not the other way around).This episode helps the listener stop getting hijacked by pressure and outcome-thinking—and instead execute a simple in-the-moment reset that brings them back to what they can control: breathing, focus, and the next action.

In today’s conversation Philip McKernan explores what it really takes to move from “doing all the right things” to living from a deeper, more aligned place—what he calls SoulSet™. He and Dr. Wells unpack why so many driven people chase goals, money, and control…and still feel like something is missing. Philip shares how creating space, asking better questions, and trading judgment for curiosity can open the door to clarity and meaningful change. The result is a practical, courageous path toward the work (and life) you were actually built to live.

Stephen is solving the “pressure gap”: the moment when stress hijacks focus and people react instead of respond—in leadership, business, and life—because they haven’t built a deliberate process to prepare for defining moments.In today’s conversation Stephen Drum explores what it really means to “perform on the X”—the critical moment when everything is on the line and you don’t get a do-over. He breaks down the difference between reacting and responding, and why presence, rehearsal, and simple performance cues matter more than raw intensity. Stephen also shares how Stoic philosophy, mindfulness, performance psychology, and breathing practices help leaders stay steady in chaos.You will learn how Navy SEAL teams prepare for “no-return” moments, and how to translate that into boardroom, relationship, and life pressure. You will learn practical tools to notice your stress signals early, pause, and choose a response that serves you. You will learn why confidence is earned through preparation (not “fake it till you make it”), and how to build a repeatable readiness process. You will learn simple breathing and mental rehearsal techniques that improve focus and composure fast.You will discover that your mind and body often respond to a high-stakes presentation (slides failing, tough feedback, big pitch) with the same stress physiology as truly dangerous situations—and the solution is a trained, deliberate process, not willpower.Stephen helps listeners solve the challenge of staying calm, clear, and decisive when pressure spikes—so they can execute effectively instead of getting pulled into fight/flight/freeze and regretful reactions.

Andy is solving the “guesswork problem” in endurance performance: athletes lose wildly different amounts of fluid and sodium, so generic hydration advice leads to dehydration, cramping, GI distress, or even hyponatremia—and performance falls apart in the heat and over long durations. In today’s conversation Andy Blow explores why hydration and fueling are never one-size-fits-all—and how understanding your sweat losses can transform performance in long or hot training and racing. He and Dr. Wells break down sweat physiology, heat adaptation, and why you can “do everything right” yet still struggle if your sodium and fluid strategy doesn’t match your body. Andy also shares practical guardrails for drinking, electrolyte replacement, and carbohydrate intake, plus the simple “three levers” framework that helps athletes execute better under stress.You will learn why humans sweat (and why it’s a performance superpower), and how sweat is linked to blood plasma and electrolyte loss. You will learn the real-world range of sweat sodium losses (and why that range matters more the longer/hotter the event). You will learn how heat acclimation changes sweating, blood volume, and tolerance over ~2 weeks. You will learn practical hydration guidance (short sessions vs long sessions) and how to avoid overdrinking/underd rinking traps. You will learn the emerging best practices for endurance fueling—from ~30g/hr up to 90–120g/hr for high-output athletes who can tolerate it.You will discover that your “hydration problem” is often a sodium + fluid mismatch—and that getting those two numbers closer to your personal losses can be “night and day” for performance in the heat. Andy helps listeners solve the challenge of finishing long/hot sessions strong—without bonking, cramping, or having the day ruined by avoidable hydration and fueling mistakes.

Melissa is solving the “I’m functioning but not thriving” problem—where high performers feel tired, inflamed, foggy, or stuck with weight/metabolic issues because modern stress + ultra-processed food + hidden toxins quietly push them toward “not sick” instead of healthy and optimal. Her approach is to identify gaps (often via blood work), reduce toxic load, and build realistic nutrition routines that support energy, mood, and long-term disease prevention. In today’s conversation Melissa Piercell explores how we move along the health spectrum from disease → not sick → healthy → optimal using practical, high-impact nutrition and lifestyle changes. She and Dr. Wells unpack epigenetics (how lifestyle influences gene expression), why toxins and processed foods can amplify inflammation, and how digestion and “detox” really work in day-to-day life. Melissa shares simple rules for hydration, fiber, fats for brain health, stress routines, and time-restricted eating—tools that help busy people perform better without getting extreme.You will learn how epigenetics connects daily habits (stress, food, toxins) to long-term health outcomes. You will learn practical “detox” fundamentals—especially the role of daily elimination, fiber, and hydration. You will learn how fats (omega-3 vs omega-6, trans fats, and cooking oils) influence brain function and inflammation. You will learn why chronic stress changes immunity, recovery, and metabolism—and how routines support hormonal rhythms. You will learn realistic strategies for weight/body composition (including time-restricted eating and “no eating after dinner”).You will discover that the biggest breakthroughs often come from small, repeatable upgrades—like consistent sleep timing, daily fiber + water, and nutrient-dense meals—because these changes reduce physiological stress and improve how your body adapts over time.Melissa helps listeners solve the challenge of feeling depleted in a high-demand life—by turning nutrition into a realistic system that stabilizes energy, mood, digestion, and performance (even when schedules are chaotic).

Marco is solving the “data confusion” problem: people are surrounded by wearable metrics and made-up scores, but don’t know what’s actually measured, what’s estimated, and what’s meaningful over time. His work helps people use reliable physiological signals (HR, HRV, temperature) longitudinally to manage stress, avoid bad training decisions, and improve performance and health.In today’s conversation Marco Altini explores how wearable tech has shifted us from one-time lab snapshots to long-term physiology tracking in real life. He explains what wearables can measure accurately at rest (like heart rate and HRV), what they’re estimating (like sleep stages and readiness), and why the most valuable insights come from trends vs your own baseline. Marco also breaks down HRV as a practical stress marker, how wearables can flag “something’s off” (like infection), and the simple morning routine that makes HRV data useful.You will learn what modern wearables measure well at rest (HR/HRV) and why movement still challenges accuracy. You will learn the difference between measured signals versus algorithmic estimates (sleep stages, readiness), and how to avoid being fooled by a single score. You will learn what HRV is (beat-to-beat variation), why it reflects autonomic stress load, and how to interpret changes day-to-day and across training blocks. You will learn why infection detection is usually non-specific (it flags stress, not the exact virus) but still useful for decision-making. You will learn how to start a consistent, one-minute morning HRV routine that produces actionable trends.You will discover that the real superpower of wearables isn’t perfect accuracy—it’s longitudinal tracking: comparing today’s physiology to your history to spot meaningful change early.Marco helps listeners solve the challenge of making better decisions under uncertainty—when training, work stress, sleep disruption, travel, or early illness is pushing the body toward overload—so they can adjust before stress becomes chronic.

Michael is fighting the core problem of stigma-driven silence—the belief that depression, anxiety, and other mental illnesses are personal weaknesses. His work aims to shift the narrative to “sick, not weak”, so people get help sooner, caregivers understand better, and fewer individuals suffer alone. In today’s conversation Michael Landsberg explores his journey from decades in Canadian sports media to becoming one of the country’s most visible mental health advocates. He shares how anxiety shaped his early life, how a family health crisis preceded a devastating depressive episode, and why speaking openly on-air in 2009 changed the direction of his life. Dr. Wells and Michael dig into how language shapes stigma, why “weakness” is the wrong frame, and how being truly understood is often the first step toward healing. You will learn why mental illness stigma persists—and how a simple shift in language (“sickness, not weakness”) can change whether people reach for help. You’ll learn what depression can actually feel like from the inside, and why “normal stress” language can unintentionally minimize real illness. You’ll learn how honesty (shared with strength, not shame) can empower others to speak up—especially men and high performers who feel pressure to look “fine.” You’ll also learn why caregivers need support too, and how understanding—not fixing—is often the most powerful first move.You will discover that loneliness isn’t about being alone—it’s about not feeling understood—and that finding one person who truly “gets it” can meaningfully reduce isolation and open the door to recovery.Michael helps solve the challenge of how to talk about mental health in a way that reduces shame—so people struggling (and the people who love them) can move from silence to support without judgment.

In today’s conversation Todd Henry explores how everyday professionals can stay creative and effective in a world full of distraction and pressure. He and Dr. Wells unpack why “creativity” isn’t just art—it’s problem-solving—and why tiny daily rituals matter even more when life gets disrupted. Todd shares practical ways to protect attention, reduce overwhelm, and build a sustainable rhythm for producing brilliant work without burning out.

How to pursue big goals (in sport, work, or life) without being limited by adversity — by building discipline, experimenting until you understand your “systems,” and leading yourself (and others) one step at a time.In today’s conversation Sébastien Sasseville explores how a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes became a turning point that pushed him toward structure, endurance, and purpose. He shares what it took to summit Mount Everest, why the Sahara strips away expectations fast, and how running across Canada became a mission-driven way to help others living with diabetes. Along the way, Sébastien breaks down the mindset of execution under pressure: balancing control with letting go, focusing on the return trip (not just the summit), and finding meaning beyond performance.You will learn how Sébastien trained for extreme goals by stacking skills, fitness, and logistics over years (not weeks), and how he “experimented” to understand his body well enough to perform safely with type 1 diabetes. You’ll hear why the desert is a masterclass in humility and presence, and how dropping expectations can actually improve performance and enjoyment. You’ll also learn how he translates endurance lessons into leadership: mission-first teams, disciplined execution, and purpose as the fuel that lasts.You will discover why the most dangerous part of big goals is often after the win — and how elite performers stay focused on the “way down,” not just the summit moment.Sébastien helps solve the common high-performer trap of setting ambitious goals but lacking the structure, patience, and process-focus required to execute consistently—especially when conditions are uncertain and discomfort is guaranteed.

Dr. Pelletier is solving the “I’m exhausted and slipping, but I don’t know what to change” problem—helping busy professionals and leaders understand what burnout really is, how to spot the early warning signs, and how to rebalance demands vs. supplies with practical, evidence-based actions at both the individual and organizational level.In today’s conversation Marie-Hélène Pelletier explores why burnout is more than just feeling tired—and how it shows up as exhaustion, cynicism, and declining performance. She breaks down a simple but powerful framework: demands are rising (especially during crisis), and if supply doesn’t increase, we slide downward over time. Dr. Wells and Dr. Pelletier also dig into how to build self-awareness earlier, reduce stigma through more specific conversations (anxiety, depression, substance use, etc.), and protect performance using the fundamentals that move the needle most.You will learn the World Health Organization framing of burnout and why people often misuse the term. You’ll learn how to map your stressors using a “demand list” and identify the small percentage you can change to get meaningful relief. You’ll learn the four foundational behaviors that most strongly support mental health (sleep, nutrition, exercise, and relationships), plus why they require consistency—not quick fixes. You’ll learn simple self-awareness tools (daily 0–10 ratings, nuance over extremes, and check-ins with trusted people) that help you catch problems sooner.You will discover that resilience isn’t just “trying harder”—it often starts by reducing the load you’re carrying and aligning your choices with your values, because some demand levels are impossible to “out-supply.”She helps listeners solve the challenge of staying high-performing without slowly breaking down—by creating a realistic plan to prevent burnout, restore energy, and protect mental health in high-demand workplaces.

High-performing people are stuck in a cycle of chronic stress that quietly erodes energy, mood, relationships, and results—until it becomes burnout. Susan’s work (and this conversation) focuses on breaking that cycle with science-based tools that help leaders build sustainable high performance without sacrificing health.In today’s conversation Susan Biali Haas explores how high achievers can build stress resilience and prevent burnout without lowering their standards. She and Dr. Wells unpack why the brain and nervous system can get “stuck” in threat mode, especially after prolonged stress, and how small, repeatable practices can shift you back toward calm, energy, and clarity. They also dig into the performance value of purpose, joy, and mental training—simple levers that help people show up better at work and at home.You will learn how to spot early burnout signals (before you crash), how to use neuroscience-informed strategies to downshift stress and rebuild capacity, how purpose and meaning protect performance over time, and why “fun” and recovery aren’t indulgences—they’re part of the physiology of sustainable output.You will discover that resilience isn’t a personality trait—it’s a trainable skillset, built through small, evidence-based shifts that change how you respond to pressure.This episode helps solve the challenge of trying to maintain elite performance while feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, or emotionally flat—by giving you practical ways to protect your brain, energy, and mental health under real-world demands.

Kyle is tackling the “toxic excellence” problem: how to pursue world-class performance without fear-based coaching, emotional harm, or unsafe culture—by building athlete-driven, supportive environments where people can grow, fail, and thrive.In today’s conversation Kyle Shewfelt explores what it takes to build a healthy, high-performing life after the biggest moments—Olympic gold, devastating injuries, and the emotional crash that can follow achievement. He and Dr. Wells unpack how stress shows up in the body, why perspective is a practice, and how creating space (even sitting alone in a car) can restore clarity and leadership. Kyle also makes a powerful case for safe sport—pushing hard with dignity, respect, and kindness—so athletes can reach the top in a positive way.You will learn practical ways to interrupt “fight-or-flight” when pressure spikes—by getting out of your head and into your body. You will learn how Kyle thinks about leadership during uncertainty, including the value of protecting time and space so you can show up better for others. You will learn what “athlete-driven, parent/coach-supported” development looks like—and why it matters for both performance and long-term wellbeing. You will learn the cultural ingredients of safer, healthier sport environments that still produce excellence.You will discover that the fastest way back to calm isn’t more thinking—it’s noticing your body’s signals (jaw, chest, tension), then using breath and a quick change in environment to reset your physiology.Kyle helps you solve the challenge of staying optimistic, steady, and constructive through setbacks—without losing themselves (or their culture) in fear, control, and reactivity.

How to turn overwhelming training science into simple, context-specific programming—so athletes and busy professionals can use HIIT, recovery, and fueling strategies that actually improve performance without burnout. In today’s conversation Paul Laursen explores how to program high-intensity interval training by putting context before content, so sessions match a person’s sport, goals, and physiology. He and Dr. Wells break down when to use short vs. long intervals, why recovery choice (passive vs. active) changes what your muscles can do next, and how to monitor readiness with simple cues and HRV. They also dig into endurance nutrition, including fat-adapted approaches for long events and why “being a nutrivore” matters more than labels. Paul closes with Athletica.ai’s mission—making adaptive endurance plans practical for real life. You will learn how to define HIIT precisely (above critical speed/power with structured recovery) and select interval formats that target the right systems for your sport. You’ll learn why context drives programming—from neuromuscular power work to VO₂-focused intervals—and how recovery type alters muscle oxygen re-loading to enable more quality work. You’ll hear a commonsense framework for endurance fueling, including when and why fat-adaptation can be useful, and how to individualize it. You’ll also learn practical monitoring ideas (readiness cues, HRV, and low-intensity “reset” days) and how adaptive tools like Athletica can translate theory into day-to-day training. You will discover that choosing the right recovery between intervals (often passive, not active) can restore intramuscular oxygen (via myoglobin) and let you accumulate more truly high-quality work. That small switch can transform the same workout into a better stimulus with less grind. It’s hard to navigate conflicting advice on HIIT, readiness, and nutrition. This episode gives a clear decision-tree—match the session to your goal, recover intentionally, and fuel for the demand—so training stops feeling random.