EPI 228: Andrew Koutnik, PhD - Why Improving Your Metabolic Health With Evidence Based Solutions Is The Most Important Thing You Can Do. Plus How To Manage & Avoid Getting Both Type 1 & Type 2 Diabetes.
Show notes: (0:00) Intro (1:17) Dr. Andrew Koutnik's background & obesity struggles (5:00) Lifestyle's surprising role in autoimmune disease risk (7:47) The rise of metabolic dysfunction in kids and adults (13:17) Key health markers to watch (18:55) Can a ketogenic diet reverse metabolic dysfunction? (30:04) 10-year ketogenic case study results (42:30) Advice for the "average" person looking to feel better (51:10) How to reduce carbs without giving up your favorite foods (57:50) Why short-term cravings can cost your long-term health (1:01:10) Why current diabetes guidelines may not reflect the latest science (1:08:36) Final thoughts and where to find Dr. Koutnik's resources (1:09:21) Outro Who is Dr. Andrew Koutnik? Dr. Andrew Koutnik, PhD, is a biomedical researcher with expertise in metabolism, nutrition, and disease. He earned his PhD at Florida State University in Biomedical Sciences, studying how metabolism-based therapies like the ketogenic diet impact health and performance. He has worked with leading institutions, including NASA, Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and the Department of Defense, translating cutting-edge research into practical tools for improving metabolic health, managing chronic disease, and optimizing physical and cognitive performance. As someone living with type 1 diabetes, Dr. Koutnik combines deep scientific knowledge with personal experience. He has published extensively on topics such as metabolic therapy, insulin resistance, and the ketogenic diet's role in chronic disease. He is also an advocate for evidence-based lifestyle interventions and works directly with elite athletes, military professionals, and everyday individuals to help them thrive through science-backed nutrition and lifestyle strategies. Connect with Dr. Koutnik: Website: http://andrewkoutnik.com IG: https://www.instagram.com/andrewkoutnikphd/ YT: https://www.youtube.com/@AKoutnik Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram
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EPI 227: She Travels The World To Learn Health Secrets From The Last Remaining Tribes That Still Live Off The Land. With The Sherlock Holmes Of Health Mary Ruddick
Show notes: (0:00) Intro (1:11) Mary's global travels and ancestral healing approach (2:18) Exploring microbes and FMT in Norway (3:14) Why "fun" is vital to healing (5:17) How dance restores the body and mind (7:27) Why many tribes don't get diseases (9:54) The healing power of sunlight (12:47) Mayan culture's built-in gratitude practice (14:37) Birth microbes and their role in immunity (17:00) The Chaga tribe's joyful, nutrient-rich lifestyle (19:57) How modern diets are failing and why (26:47) Safe carbohydrates depending on health issue (30:04) C-section births and rebuilding microbiomes (32:08) Determining which diet is for whom (34:21) The Quechua's diet and culture (38:41) Animal-based glyconutrients and healing soups (43:16) How "helping" can harm indigenous cultures (46:45) Rethinking charity and sustainable support (48:44) Where to find Mary and her work (49:43) Outro Who is Mary Ruddick? Mary Ruddick is a Human Ecologist and microbiome expert known for reviving the ancestral human microbiome. Part researcher, part explorer, she has traveled through deserts, jungles, highlands, Arctic regions, and even conflict zones to study the diets and microbial patterns of the world's last traditional cultures. Her work reveals how these untouched tribes maintain extraordinary health across generations without modern medicine. From scientific stages to remote ceremonial sites, Mary is sought after to explain why modern health is declining and how to restore what humans have lost. Her approach blends neurobiology with microbial science, using ancestral "birthright" microbes to rebuild resilience. Through her global practice, teachings, and 100+ podcast appearances, she guides people back to the original human blueprint—symbiotic, sovereign, and vibrantly alive. Connect with Mary: Website: https://www.maryruddick.com/ Minnect: https://app.minnect.com/expert/MaryRuddick Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram
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EPI 226: Stanford Professor Shares Simple Strength Training "Hack" That Gets Better Results Than Steroids! Use It To Get Past Your Plateau. Plus Circadian Rhythm & Sleep Tips Revealed. With H. Craig Heller
Show notes: (0:00) Intro (0:43) The accidental discovery that launched it all (2:18) Why the palm, not the arm, is key to heat transfer (5:00) Pull-up performance nearly triples using hand cooling (7:56) How the CoolMitt works and why it matters (15:39) Why cold plunges aren't the same as cooling during workouts (21:31) Circadian rhythms and peak performance timing (25:21) Tips to reduce jet lag and adjust your internal clock (29:42) The link between sleep, memory, and weight gain (31:29) Natural fixes for sleep apnea and insomnia (39:02) Why eating earlier helps your metabolism (43:08) Why ice water is too cold and what temp actually works (45:15) Outro Who is H. Craig Heller? Dr. H. Craig Heller is the Lorry I. Lokey/Business Wire Professor of Biology at Stanford University. He earned his Ph.D. in Biology from Yale University in 1970 and has spent his career studying sleep, circadian rhythms, and human temperature regulation. His work explores how body temperature impacts performance, fatigue, and recovery, as well as how sleep and circadian biology influence learning, memory, and developmental conditions like Down syndrome. Dr. Heller has held leadership roles across various departments and programs at Stanford and is widely recognized for both his research and teaching. His discoveries have led to real-world innovations, including technologies that help athletes train more effectively by managing heat stress. Connect with Dr. Heller: Website: https://coolmitt.myshopify.com/ Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram
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EPI 225: Legendary Strength & Conditioning Coach Michael Boyle Explains Why Most People Train The WRONG Way (And What You Can Do Instead). Smarter Training That Is Healthier, More Functional, & Reduces Risk Of Injury As You Age
Show notes: (0:00) Intro (0:55) Mike Boyle's journey from bartender to elite trainer (3:39) Why traditional body part splits don't make sense for most people (6:45) What "functional training" really means (13:00) One-legged exercises vs. heavy squats (16:39) Why sprinters look better than bodybuilders (18:56) The truth about Instagram fitness and drug use (21:53) How to transition from "gym bro" training to smart, full-body workouts (25:55) Why warming up matters more than you think (29:26) The importance of posture, mobility, and foam rolling (35:53) What real fitness should prepare you for (37:14) The overlooked power of training your posterior chain (43:30) A full sample workout from Coach Boyle's gym (52:03) Why running may be doing more harm than good (54:03) Where to train with or learn more from Coach Boyle (55:49) Outro Who is Michael Boyle? Mike Boyle is one of the most respected figures in strength and conditioning, known for pioneering functional training. He began his career as an athletic trainer after earning both bachelor's and master's degrees from Springfield College. Realizing his passion lay in strength and conditioning, he volunteered at Boston University, where he eventually became the Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for 15 years. Boyle also served as Strength Coach for the Boston Bruins from 1991 to 1999 and worked with the Boston Red Sox, earning a World Series ring during his time with the team. In 1996, he co-founded Mike Boyle Strength & Conditioning (MBSC), now recognized as one of the top training facilities in the world. He has trained Olympic athletes, professional teams, and thousands of adults, and has authored several books. His approach centers on safe, intelligent training with full-body workouts and mobility work. Boyle also created the Certified Functional Strength Coach (CFSC) program to educate trainers globally. He lives in Massachusetts with his wife and two children. Connect with Michael: Website: https://www.bodybyboyle.com/ https://www.strengthcoach.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/michael_boyle1959/ X: https://x.com/mboyle1959 Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram
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EPI 224: Sounding The Alarm On Spinach & Other So Called "Healthy" Foods That Are High In Toxic Oxalates & Could Be The Cause Of Your Health Issues. With The Author Of "Toxic Superfoods" Sally K. Norton
Show notes: (0:00) Intro (1:17) Sally's return and her health journey (3:10) Discovering oxalates (6:11) What are oxalates, and the worst high-oxalate food to avoid (10:23) Symptoms of oxalate toxicity that most people miss (14:39) Safe daily oxalate intake (18:54) Why most doctors miss this (21:06) Other plant toxins: lectins, phytates, and more (24:28) How processed and plant-based foods damage gut health (27:01) Talor's raw vegan diet gone wrong (30:35) Brown rice vs. white rice (34:52) Sally's top recommended foods and swaps (38:08) Fruits and legumes: What's safe, what's not (41:29) Managing oxalate overload and how to track it (46:04) Where to follow Sally for more guidance (47:51) Outro Who is Sally K. Norton? Sally K. Norton, MPH, is a health educator, speaker, and author of the bestselling book Toxic Superfoods: How Oxalate Overload Is Making You Sick—and How to Get Better. With a degree in Nutrition from Cornell University and a Master's in Public Health from the University of North Carolina, Sally brings a unique blend of academic expertise and personal experience to the conversation around diet and wellness. After decades of suffering from fatigue, pain, and chronic health issues—despite following a so-called "perfect" healthy diet—Sally discovered that oxalates, naturally occurring compounds in many plant-based foods, were silently damaging her body. Now, she's on a mission to raise awareness about this overlooked topic and help others reclaim their energy, reduce inflammation, and feel better by making smarter food choices. Connect with Sally: Website: https://sallyknorton.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/sknorton/ YT: https://www.youtube.com/@sknorton Grab a copy: https://tinyurl.com/3tstmu66 Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram
We answer the big question: how can YOU optimize your health, energy and mind so that you can perform at your highest levels every day. If you're the busy professional, mom on-the-go, the entrepreneur, or the avid health conscious individual, then tune in every week for a new episode. Topics include biohacking, detoxification, superfoods, gut health, brain health, nootropics, mobility, exercise, fat burning, ketosis, paleo, intermittent fasting, sleep optimization, stress relief, balanced living, meditation, immune health, inflammation reduction, habit building, productivity hacks and more!
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