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This chapter explores the intricate connections between health, community, and the sense of purpose in one's life. The speaker highlights the power of storytelling, sauna therapy, and innovative fitness solutions that contribute to overall well-being and longevity.

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https://bengreenfieldlife.com/madetothrive

Welcome to the show. Today's episode is with biohacker and podcaster Steve Stavs from South Africa, whom I met at the Health Optimisation Summit held in the latter part of May 2022.

Steve Stavs’ philosophy is one of researching to reveal. He has spent his life immersing himself in knowledge and then turning these insights into actionable strategies designed to enhance the human state.

He is a successful entrepreneur, leadership coach, international lecturer, and holistic practitioner. Steve continues to run his wellness practice Made To Thrive, which he launched 20 years ago. He has aided many to reach their highest potential in all aspects of their lives and this has inspired him to take both his message and his mission to a wider audience. (You can save 15% on coaching and consulting with code BEN15 along with 5% off products in the shop with code BEN5.)

Steve draws on his background in Western Medical Practices and integrates the best of this knowledge with the profound teachings of Ancestral Living and Chinese Medicine. Thousands of patients can testify to the effectiveness of this comprehensive approach, which combines an understanding of ancient traditional cultures while including the most researched science in biochemistry, physiology, psychology, and nutrition.

An avid athlete, Steve is dedicated to exploring the boundaries of physical ability and pushing his body to its optimal performance. He is a Green Number Comrades runner and one of his ultimate goals is to run the Comrades Marathon at the age of 100. Steve supports the Community of the Hope Risen Foundation–a nonprofit organization founded by Tabitha and Rob Lage, who are passionate about ensuring humans have absolute freedom to live out their true purpose, know their why, and live according to this ethos.

Hope Risen has a vision to spread Hope, Love, and Justice in the quest to end modern-day slavery and exploitation. They are passionate about helping survivors of human trafficking shine again. The foundation runs a number of prevention and awareness initiatives alongside direct interventions to rescue, restore and reintegrate women, men, and children who have been exploited.

Steve asked me if he could interview me for his podcast. I told him he could, but only if he can keep up with me on one of my aerobically and intellectually challenging "walk & talk" podcasts.

"Not a problem," replied Steve, and I believed him—as he is also the founder of the Comrades Marathon, an annual 56-mile race that builds community (and some serious physical resilience) among members of his community in S. Africa. So Steve can take some steps!

And thus we took to the backstreets and parks of London during some free time from the summit and discussed many topics, such as:

Fear vs. purpose-based motivation
The African word for "community" and how it differs from our conception in the West
The lost art of storytelling
Why the "free" biohacks are just as important as the expensive gadgets found at your favorite conference
And more...

I enjoyed our conversation so much that I wanted to share it on my podcast feed as well. So I hope you enjoy it (and you'll hear that Steve was able to keep up with me just fine!).

In this episode, you'll discover:

-Steve describes the Comrades Marathon...

-Fear vs. purpose based motivation for human action...

-Ubuntu and the spirit of community...

-An environment that facilitates success...

-Storytelling as a means of building community...

-Arts and music as a means of healing...

-Gathering and preparing food that sustains community...

-Putting biohacking in its place regarding our quality of life...

-The most important biohacking metrics when it comes to stress and anxiety...

-The importance of having a health coach...

-Embracing suffering to bring joy...