233. Dr. Edgar Vanderhorst | Wellness: Optimizing Yourself

The World’s #1 Personal Development Book Podcast!  

Dr. Vanderhorst is a pediatrician and neonatology fellow who combines cutting-edge medical research with holistic wellness strategies to help people optimize their lives. He’s certified by the Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates and currently serves as a Neonatology Fellow at the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Children’s Hospital. With a passion for bridging the gap between science and wellness, he has dedicated his career to helping families and children thrive.

In today's episode, we have the pleasure to interview Dr. Edgar Vanderhorst, author of Wellness: Optimizing Yourself – A Scientific Perspective from a Pediatric Neonatologist.

In this conversation, Edgar shares his journey from growing up in the Dominican Republic to becoming a doctor in the U.S. and how his experiences shaped his approach to wellness. We discuss how small, science-backed habits—like breathwork, sleep optimization, and nutrition—can dramatically improve your well-being. He also explains why so many people misunderstand the concept of wellness, how to train your brain to be more present, and the role of mindset in shaping your health. If you’re looking for practical strategies to upgrade your physical and mental well-being, this episode is for you.

We hope you enjoy this incredible conversation with Dr. Edgar Vanderhorst.

To learn more about Dr. Edgar, buy his book , and other resources follow the links below:

The Book: https://a.co/d/cOQVaZM

https://www.instagram.com/edgarrvhorst/

Chapters:

1:42 Intro to Edgar – From the Dominican Republic to Japan & Medicine

5:53 Living in Japan as a Kid – Edgar’s Experience

6:50 The Story Behind Edgar’s Last Name – The Vanderhorsts

8:17 Journey to the USA – Summer Camps, Canada & Medicine

10:10 A Life-Changing Moment – A Baby with Withdrawal Syndrome

12:16 Holistic Health – Why Doctors Don't Always Follow Their Own Advice

14:47 Action is Intelligence – Implementing What You Learn

15:27 Edgar’s Definition of Wellness – Intent, Choice & Action

16:21 Vanderhorst Breathing Technique – Science of Calm

20:54 The Power of the Pause – Space Between Stimulus & Response

21:44 Meditation & Authenticity – Nick’s Experience

26:42 Better Sleep Tips – Hot Showers, No Screens & Breathing

30:24 Diet & Fasting – Edgar’s Approach to Nutrition

35:05 The Benefits of Fasting – Long-Term Health & Body Awareness

39:24 Cold Showers Before Exercise – Why It Helps

40:06 The Wonders of the Human Body – A Deeper Dive

40:52 Edgar’s Book – Who It's For & Where to Get It

44:11 Who Are You? – Defining Yourself Before the World Does

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