Episodes

Stop wasting time and money on an annual physical exam and the blood panel that goes with it; it’s not going to help you find out if you’re metabolically healthy or not. In fact, studies have shown that only 12% of Americans are metabolically healthy. So, there is a high probability that you’re not. In this episode, I share what health markers you should tell your doctor to include on your blood panel, how to interpret the findings, why you should get your blood work done more often than once ...

As we age, it's important to rethink our approach to health and fitness. This doesn't mean you have to stop working out or start eating differently. It simply means that you have to listen to your body and adapt your routines and goals accordingly. In this episode, I'm joined by Brad Kearns, a former U.S. national champion and world-ranked professional triathlete. We discuss the importance of redefining fitness goals as we age, shifting our focus from intense training to balanced routines. We d...

Many people make New Year's resolutions, but unfortunately, most of them fail to stick to them even for a few weeks. In this episode, I share some tips on how to set yourself up for success without relying on New Year's resolutions. In this episode, I discuss: 01:10 - Overview of common New Year's resolution patterns and their negative effects on self-perception and confidence 02:27 - Why it’s important to take immediate action now over waiting for a new year Learn more from Michael Kummer:...

Supplements are meant to supplement a healthy lifestyle, not act as a bandaid to mitigate poor lifestyle choices. While choosing whole foods sources to get certain nutrients is ideal instead of supplements, sometimes we can’t make the best choices due to our modern world or environment. In this episode, I share 6 supplements that I take daily for optimal health, the benefits of these supplements, my go-to brands, and how much I take daily. In this episode, I discuss: 01:30 - The critical ...

In this episode, I'm joined by Zane Griggs, who has been helping people improve their metabolic health since 1998. We discuss the importance of making conscious lifestyle choices for optimal health and graceful aging, with a particular focus on fitness, nutrition and mobility. We highlight the necessity of prioritizing long-term health benefits over short-term pleasures, including making conscious decisions about our diet and creating a supportive environment for health. We also delve into the...

In this episode, I dive into six transformative insights that have profoundly shaped my approach to nutrition and fitness in 2023. Join me as I explore the crucial role of mobility in maintaining pain-free movement and the importance of taking control of our food supply to ensure access to wholesome, nutritious options. I also discuss the value of protein and micronutrients, our water supply, and the reality of our healthcare system. In this episode, I discuss: (0:01:30) - The importance of mo...

In a world that revolves around a relentless emphasis on skin health, we've all been conditioned to think of sunscreen as an absolute must. However, it may be time to reconsider our dependence on sunscreen and embrace the natural benefits of sun exposure. In this episode, I share three reasons I no longer wear sunscreen, plus five practical tips you can implement to avoid sunburn naturally (without sunscreen or sunglasses). I also discuss the significance of sun exposure for overall health, ...

In this episode, I'm joined by Heidi Moretti, a registered dietician and gut health expert. She's the author of the book Gut Fix and shares how to heal common gut issues and optimize our health. We discuss common gut issues and how you can fix them, the crucial role of gut health in overall well-being, noting that common gut issues often originate from diet, stress, and lifestyle, and advocating for individualized diet plans. We also discuss the impact of different foods on gut health, the ben...

Here in the United States, we start fall with a candy holiday in October, a pie holiday in November, and a cookie holiday in December, followed by a liquor holiday at the end of the year. And yet we call it the flu season. In this episode, I’ll share with you how my family and I navigate the holiday season food scene, and how we reduce our chances of getting sick without feeling like we’re depriving ourselves. I dive into strategies for healthy eating during the holiday season, ways to transfor...

If you've been following me for a while, you know that my family and I follow an animal-based diet. But what does that really mean? In this episode, I dive into my eating habits, and share which foods and drinks I regularly enjoy in moderation and sometimes indulge in. Additionally, I share my favorite go-to supplements that I incorporate into my daily routine, provide insight into a typical meal, and reveal the factors influencing my food choices. In this episode, I discuss: 01:46 - How I pla...

Traveling and dining out can often pose significant challenges to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, depending on your current health status and frequency of travel. In this episode, I discuss practical strategies to stay healthy while traveling and dining out. This includes the essentials I always carry while traveling, the types of food I pack for trips, the initial steps I take after check-in, how to eat healthily at restaurants, advice for maintaining health during air travel, and suggestions ...

Living a healthy life in today's world may seem relatively straightforward when you're solely responsible for your choices. However, matters get considerably more intricate when you factor in a partner, and even more so when children are in the equation. In this episode, I tackle the complexities of maintaining an animal-based diet and ancestral-focused lifestyle within a family setting. I dive into topics like nutrition, exercise, sleep, hormesis, and stress management. I also share practica...

Contrary to popular belief, pasture-raised poultry and pork may not be inherently healthier than conventionally raised options, despite the common belief that their natural diets and lifestyles lead to more nutritious meat. In today’s episode, Dr. Anthony Gustin and I dive into the misconceptions surrounding poultry and pork, debating the merits of pasture-raised versus conventionally-raised meat. We also explore the contrasting fatty acid compositions in monogastric and ruminant animals, decod...

Are you struggling to get a good night’s sleep? Quality sleep is the cornerstone of optimal health, and harnessing ancestral wisdom can help us achieve it. Whether it's aligning our routines around our natural circadian rhythm, adjusting our lifestyle choices or leveraging modern solutions, we have the power to transform our sleep and, in turn, our lives. In today’s episode, I share what my sleep routine looks like throughout the day, which helps me fall asleep quickly and get restorative sleep...

When it comes to shopping for food and supplements, one crucial skill is the ability to decipher nutrition labels. Despite ridiculous labeling laws, it’s like the Wild West out there, making it incredibly difficult to understand nutrition labels. In today’s episode, I dive into the top 14 marketing claims on product labels that are often meaningless and misleading. Plus, I'll share tips on what you should keep an eye out for when navigating the grocery and supplement aisles. In this episode, I...

Two questions I get a lot: 1. What do you do to look so fit? 2. I work out much more than you do and don’t look like you. How’s that possible? In this episode, I’ll answer those two questions, and my answers might surprise you. Welcome to another episode of the Primal Shift podcast, where I share how to train less but more effectively, to get leaner and stronger, and stay that way for life. I share my personal fitness journey that evolved from an athletic track and field background, through a f...

Several years ago, I transitioned from a paleo to a ketogenic diet because I thought all carbs were evil and I maintained a strict keto diet for over three years. By strict, I mean somewhere between 0 to 15 grams of carbs per day. Welcome to another episode of the Primal Shift podcast, where host Michael Kummer shares the pros and cons of a low-carb ketogenic diet, what triggered him to include more carbs in his diet, and how his performance and biomarkers have changed since switching. He also ...

With the advancement of technology and modern conveniences, many of us have drifted away from our inherent connection to nature. We are living in climate-controlled homes, spending most of our days indoors, and have significantly reduced our time interacting with the natural world. However, did you know that reconnecting with nature could be the ultimate health biohack for optimal physical and mental well-being? Welcome to another episode of the Primal Shift podcast, where host Michael Kummer r...

There's an underappreciated and often overlooked aspect of maintaining optimal health that many of us miss in our busy, hustle-bustle lives. It's not a magic pill or an exotic superfood. It's something much more primal and deeply rooted in our evolutionary history – community. The sense of belonging to a community and tribalism in achieving health transcends just the physical. Have you ever thought about how our modern emphasis on individuality could be contributing to the high rates of isolati...

What if you could strengthen your body, improve your health, and boost your immunity with simple everyday activities? Today we explore how you can do that using the concept of hormesis or hormetic stressors. Get ready to discover how you can enhance your body's response to the environment and how vital stressors like exercise, sun exposure, and temperature variations can contribute to your overall health and well-being. Welcome to another episode of the Primal Shift podcast , where host Micha...

What if the biggest threat to your health is not the obvious culprits like junk food or lack of exercise, but rather, invisible enemies lurking in your everyday environment? Harmful substances such as xenoestrogens, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and PFAS (aka forever chemicals) are surprisingly found in your personal care products, your food, and even the clothes you wear. The health implications of these toxins can be severe, and their effects can stay dormant, leading to long-term health ris...

Have you ever wondered how much of an impact stress can have on your health? While chronic stress can have detrimental effects on our health, the benefits of “good” stress are often overlooked. Transforming your body's stress response into a powerful adaptation tool is essential for optimizing your overall health. Welcome to another episode of the Primal Shift podcast, where host Michael Kummer dives into the impact stress has on our health, and covers how to protect yourself through resilience...

Have you ever wondered why a desk job leaves you feeling drained, rather than invigorated? In today's modern world, many of our activities have deviated from our history and what our bodies were designed to do. Rather than walking long distances in search of food and shelter, we often find ourselves living a sedentary lifestyle. This is why compensating with an exercise routine is crucial for optimal health. Welcome to another episode of the Primal Shift podcast, where host Michael Kummer dives...

When it comes to nutrition, there’s an overwhelming amount of conflicting information out there. Whether it’s following a vegan diet, a carnivore diet, and anything in between, it seems like everyone has an opinion on what is considered a...