This episode is brought to you by LMNT, Maui Nui, and Birch Living.

When we think of stress, we often associate it with something negative—something to avoid. Our modern culture has fostered an environment of persistent chronic stress, yet at the same time, we've also eliminated beneficial stress by designing a life of chronic ease. Today's guest joins us to explain why stress isn't just unavoidable—it’s essential for growth.

Today on The Dhru Purohit Show, Dhru sits down with Jeff Krasno, CEO and co-founder of Commune, to explore the benefits of positive stress in our modern world. Jeff explains why chronic stress harms our health and longevity, while adaptive stress—like fasting and hot/cold exposure—has been key to human evolution and survival. He also shares how to evaluate your protocols, behaviors, and routines to ensure they keep you in balance.

Jeff is the co-founder and CEO of Commune, a masterclass platform focused on personal and societal well-being, and the co-creator of Wanderlust, a global series of wellness events. He also hosts the Commune podcast. His latest venture, Good Stress: The Benefits of Doing Hard Things, expands on his personal story and wellness protocols. Drawing from over 400 podcast conversations and his own experiences, the book explores deliberate, self-imposed behaviors that enhance social, psychological, and physical well-being.

In this episode, Dhru and Jeff dive into:

How chronic ease is leading to disease (00:37)
How to befriend stress (5:44)
Jeff’s personal journey and the health challenges that shaped him (09:50)
Fasting, hunger, and stress—how they can benefit you (23:34)
Fasting recommendations for women and the importance of an individualized approach (26:50)
Jeff’s Substack insights on weight loss (32:42)
Research on cold plunges, blood glucose, cancer, glutamate, immunotherapy, and more (36:50)
The future of health, chronic disease, systemic issues, and the decline of public trust in health and food institutions (43:19)
The impact of health podcasts, their practices, and how people are paying attention to new information (56:24)
How to lean into stressful conversations—plus tips for tackling them (59:18)
Evaluating our protocols, behaviors, and routines—do they help us find balance and return to center (1:19:50)
Final thoughts (1:24:45)

Also mentioned in this episode:

Jeff’s new book - Good Stress: The Health Benefits of Doing Hard Things
Commune Podcast
Gabor Mate - Kiyumi retreat
Thomas Seyfried's glutamate research
KetoPet Sanctuary

For more on Jeff, follow him on Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, and his Website.

This episode is brought to you by LMNT, Maui Nui, and Birch Living.

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Luiz Valério P. Trindade, "Hate Speech and Abusive Behaviour on Social Media: A Cross-Cultural Perspective" (Vernon Press, 2024)