Episodes

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...

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...