Episodes

In this episode of the Primal Shift Podcast, I sit down with CAROL Bike CEO Ulrich Dempfle to discuss the science and benefits behind Reduced Exertion High-Intensity Interval Training (REHIT), a fitness modality developed to provide the most effective workout in the shortest possible amount of time. For example, the CAROL Bike gives you a full cardio workout in just eight minutes, focusing on two strategically-timed 20-second sprints. Dempfle explains how this is possible, detailing the science...

Lately, social media has been flooded with misconceptions from studies claiming that hormetic stressors like intermittent fasting and cold plunging are harmful to your health. In this episode, I tackle those claims, explaining the science that supports these practices as well as why recent headlines suggesting otherwise are misleading. As most listeners know, I fast, cold plunge and sauna bathe on a regular basis, and I consider all three activities to be an integral part of my wellness routin...

Understanding the true impact of what we eat and drink means comprehensively assessing the effect that different foods and beverages have on our bodies. So in this episode, we’re talking about the hidden truths behind foods often labeled as “healthy,” including why some so-called health foods can actually be harmful. I'm joined by food anthropologist Dr. Bill Schindler, who brings his deep understanding of dietary science to the discussion. Together, we tackle the misconceptions surrounding pla...

"Every hour, our modern lives ambush us with stressors our ancestors rarely faced." This is the essence of our conversation today! Joined by my wife Kathy and her sister Silvia, we explore how Apollo — a small wearable device that uses inaudible soundwaves to help regulate your nervous system — has become a cornerstone of our efforts to manage stress, anxiety and migraines. We’ll also share personal stories of how Apollo has significantly enhanced sleep quality, and helped us stay calm in chal...

Our guest for this episode is Alessandra Zonari, an expert in the fields of skin regeneration and tissue engineering. During our conversation, we cover everything from how unhealthy skin can reflect and exacerbate systemic health issues to groundbreaking research on improving skin health to combat aging and chronic diseases. In addition to her research, Zonari is the co-founder of OneSkin, a brand of skin longevity treatment products that leverage the company’s proprietary OS-01 peptide (which ...

I don’t travel as much as I used to, back when I had a corporate sales job that took me away from home on a regular basis. But Kathy and I still have family in Austria and Costa Rica, who we try to visit at least once a year, and we’ve been increasingly traveling around the country to talk to people about MK Supplements at healthy living conferences and expos like Hack Your Health (formerly known as KetoCon). Staying healthy on the road can be a significant challenge, but there are a few esse...

In this episode, we're exploring the intricate world of stress management with Dr. Dave Rabin, a neuroscientist, inventor, entrepreneur and co-founder of Apollo Neuroscience, which makes wearable devices that use low-frequency (inaudible) sound waves to help reduce stress levels and blood pressure, speed up recovery, and positively influence your autonomic nervous system by changing your heart rate variability (HRV). Dr. Rabin shares his expert insights on the dual nature of stress (eustress vs...

In this episode, we explore the critical aspects of blood sugar management and the innovative use of continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) to maintain optimal health, even on a low-carb diet. We'll unravel some common misconceptions about diabetes, including the idea that diet is the only risk factor for developing type-2 diabetes. I’ll also share personal insights from my own experiences with CGMs. Learn how dietary choices, stress, and other lifestyle factors can profoundly affect your blood sug...

In this episode we're joined by former US Navy SEAL and sleep expert Dr. Kirk Parsley. Dr. Parsley shares his profound insights on the critical importance of sleep and its often underestimated impact on overall health. He also tells us about the unique perspective he gained from his experience with the extreme sleep deprivation endured during both SEAL training and medical residency. Learn the surprising truths about shift work, the pitfalls of modern medical training on sleep education, and a...

Let’s get back to the basics of what it truly means to eat naturally. In this episode, I’ll take you through a practical challenge: what if your diet depended entirely on what's available locally and seasonally in your area? This episode is for anyone looking to understand the real impact of food locality and seasonality on their health. I’ll break down the myths and truths about sustainable diets, and explain how you can improve your health dramatically by aligning more closely with nature's r...

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Jack Wolfson, a renowned cardiologist with a unique perspective on heart health that challenges conventional wisdom. Dr. Wolfson shares his insights on the true causes of cardiovascular disease, the overlooked importance of lifestyle factors, and why organ meats might be the missing piece in your diet for heart health. We also discuss the critical role of environmental factors, including mold exposure, and how they impact your cardiovascular system. Dr. Wolf...

In this episode, I delve deep into skin health and the hidden connections between your gut and your skin's condition. I’ll talk about the truth behind chronic skin issues like acne, eczema and psoriasis, including why they're more than just surface-level problems. Join me as I uncover the root causes of these conditions, exploring the pivotal role of diet, stress and environmental factors in skin health. I'll share practical insights, backed by science, and offer actionable tips to help you rec...

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Shawn Baker, a world-renowned advocate for the carnivore diet and an athlete who has shattered world records by fueling his body without carbohydrates. We dive deep into the mechanics of the carnivore diet, discussing its impact on athletic performance, recovery and overall health. We also explore the nuances of transitioning to a carnivore diet for athletes, the effects on inflammation and joint pain, and the significance of protein and fat in enhancing perfo...

In this episode, I dive deep into the world of exogenous ketones, discussing what they are, how they work in the body, and the pros and cons of supplementing with them. Join me as I share my insights, experiences, and practical tips for incorporating exogenous ketones into your lifestyle and improving your overall well-being. In this episode: 00:00 - Introduction to Exogenous Ketones 02:06 - Understanding Ketosis and Ketone Production 06:00 - Therapeutic Benefits of Ketones 07:59 - Persona...

Today's episode is one you don’t want to miss. I’m joined by Travis Mayer, an 8x CrossFit Games athlete and a true testament to the dedication, resilience, and pursuit of excellence in athletic performance. In our conversation, Travis gives us a rare glimpse into his journey, sharing the strategies that have allowed him to compete at an elite level for nearly 13 years. We'll explore his approach to training, recovery, nutrition, and balancing a demanding athletic career with raising a family. ...

In this episode of the Primal Shift Podcast, I'm peeling back the curtain on my everyday life to show how I juggle productivity, health, and maintaining a connection to our ancestral roots. My days used to be ruled by a rigid schedule. But now, I leverage a flexible plan that makes space for everything from CrossFit and sauna sessions to managing my supplements business and running our homestead . This episode is about finding a balance without overcomplicating life. Whether you're looking...

In this episode of the Primal Shift Podcast, I chat with Forrest Smith, the CEO of and pioneer in the world of photobiomodulation and red light therapy. We dive into , including its powerful effects on tissue healing, athletic performance, brain...

Ever wondered why not all calories are created equal? Or whether animal-based proteins are superior to plant-based alternatives? In this episode of the Primal Shift Podcast, we're going to take a deep dive into the complex world of macronutrients (protein, fat and carbohydrates) and discuss their unique roles in human metabolism. Along the way, we’ll debunk some pervasive myths and drill down to the truth about what it really takes to maintain a healthy body composition. Believe it or not, I o...

In this episode of the Primal Shift Podcast, I dive deep into the fascinating interplay between exercise and foot health, and their overarching impact on our health and well-being. I'm thrilled to share my conversation with Mark Sisson, a health and fitness maverick whose insights challenge conventional wisdom and encourage us to rethink our daily habits for a healthier life. We discuss the myths and truths about running, the benefits of walking, and the critical role footwear plays in our over...

In this episode of the Primal Shift Podcast, I dive deep into the world of testosterone, sharing both personal experiences and professional insights. I explore the critical role of testosterone in both men's and women's health, my journey with hormone replacement therapy, and particularly, my stance on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). I discuss the risks and benefits of TRT and the alarming trend of declining testosterone levels, and debunk common myths about hormone therapy. I also delv...

In this episode, I have the pleasure of welcoming Bates, a knowledgeable former member of Heart & Soil, for an in-depth conversation about the complex social and moral dimensions of making health-conscious choices. Together, we delve into...

Heart rate variability (HRV) is the difference in timing between heartbeats, expressed in milliseconds. It gives you an indication of how your nervous system is responding to your environment and the stressors you're exposed to. Understanding and tracking your HRV can offer profound insights into your overall well-being, stress management, and recovery processes. In this episode, I discuss the importance of HRV as a measure of stress response and recovery ability, emphasizing the need for cons...

Do you think your job is helping or preventing you from achieving optimal health? In this episode, I'm joined by Laura and Erin from Mark Sisson’s Primal Health Coach Institute as guests to talk about how our day jobs are often in the way of obtaining optimal health and how becoming a health coach can not only help improve your own health and that of those around you but offer an opportunity to get out of the hamster wheel. In this episode, we discuss: (0:02:07) - How day jobs can hinder heal...

If you listened to the last episode about metabolic health and realized you’re not healthy, this episode is for you. I share that metabolic health is key to longevity and can be improved by choosing healthier dietary options while avoiding seed and vegetable oils and processed carbs. I also highlight the importance of regular physical activity, including both low and high impact exercises, in maintaining muscle and bone strength and supporting hormonal health. Finally, I discuss how mindful lif...