Episodes

After wrapping up the first season of the Primal Shift Podcast, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the journey so far: 60 episodes packed with insights on how to bridge the gap between ancestral living and modern demands. This season has been about laying the foundation of a healthy lifestyle, covering everything from nutrition and exercise to stress management and reconnecting with nature. If you’re new to the podcast, I highly recommend diving into Episodes 3 to 10, where I discuss the c...

Navigating a health journey can be challenging, especially when it involves significant dietary changes and their impact on family dynamics. In this episode of the Primal Shift Podcast, my wife Kathy and I open up about our transition through various diets and how it affected our lives and relationship. Our journey began when Kathy was diagnosed with prediabetes. We decided to cut out processed sugars, which seemed straightforward. But soon thereafter, I became interested in the Paleo diet and ...

I used to be a major CrossFitter, spending multiple days per week in the box. But lately, I’ve been cutting back on CrossFit workouts and spending less time in the gym, instead prioritizing daily walks with the dog, manual labor around the homestead, and experimenting with innovative resistance training using X3 bands. In this episode of the Primal Shift Podcast, I’ll tell you about my current regimen and explain why I increasingly focus on balancing intense workouts with natural, ancestral pra...

What if I told you that lard could be the next big thing in skincare? Charles Mayfield, the founder of Farrow Skincare and a veteran in regenerative farming, says that because lard is so similar to human sebum (one of the skin’s natural oils), it can be an incredibly effective moisturizer that the skin readily absorbs, providing deep nourishment without exposing yourself to the harsh and dangerous chemicals typically found in commercial skincare products. In this episode, he joins us to talk ab...

Outsourcing food production is not only foolish but downright irresponsible, considering how vital food is to our health and well-being. In this episode of the Primal Shift Podcast, I’ll explain why growing your own food — as opposed to blindly trusting faceless corporations with your nourishment — is crucial for truly healthy living. In short, many staples of the standard American diet are produced in ways that deeply degrade their nutritional value (and in some cases, actually make the food h...

Why is sugar so addictive, and how can you break free from its grasp? In this episode of the Primal Shift Podcast, we explore the complex relationship between sugar, cravings, and our overall well-being. It’s not just about diet. Emotional and psychological factors play significant roles in how we interact with food, and particularly sugar. In fact, today’s guest Danielle Daem says that sugar’s impact on our brain’s dopamine centers can be as powerful as hard drugs like cocaine and heroin, lead...

In this episode I dive into the fascinating connection between diet and body odor, sharing personal anecdotes and scientific insights to help you understand how what you eat can influence how you smell. There are two main types of sweat glands: eccrine glands and apocrine glands. Eccrine glands produce a watery, odorless sweat that helps regulate body temperature, while apocrine glands (found in areas like the armpits and groin) secrete a thicker fluid that’s rich in proteins and lipids. When t...

My guest for this episode is Ben Salem, a real estate developer who stumbled into the EMF mitigation business out of concern for his kids’ health. Ben shares his journey from a worried parent to the founder of WaveBlock , a company dedicated to reducing harmful radiation from everyday devices. WaveBlock is a sticker that you attach to your devices, which then works to disperse rather than block radiation, making it an effective and user-friendly solution for mitigating EMF exposure without co...

Grass-fed vs. grain-fed beef – what's better? Studies show grass-fed beef is more nutritious with higher vitamins A, E, and omega-3s. Today we break down the facts, the costs, and practical alternatives if grass-fed isn't in your budget. Learn why grass-finished and regeneratively raised beef are superior and how to make the best choices for your health. This episode provides clear information on the nutritional differences between grass-fed and grain-fed beef, helping you make informed dietar...

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. ...