Shawn Stevenson: The Shocking Health Challenges and Triumphant Journey Of The Model Health Show Host

May 6, 2025

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Shawn is one of the world’s leading health experts as the bestselling author of Sleep Smarter and host of the #1 rated Model Health Show.

The first part of the discussion is about foot functionality. Shawn mentions the emerging research on how minimalist shoes can address the cause of foot dysfunction, “nourishing and rehabilitating our feet.” Then describes the awakening he has experienced using Peluva five-toe minimalist shoes, with increased proprioception and ease of movement.

Then the show gets personal, as Shawn describes how his journey to becoming a health leader took shape. Growing up as an athlete in St. Louis, MO, Shawn suffering a serious injury on the running track and discovered that he was severely malnourished and had a degenerative bone disease. With his athletic dreams compromised, he lost hope, endured further suffering that included his mental health and putting on a bunch of excess body fat, and had to start from the bottom to turn his life around.

Shawn’s struggle included having to reject mainstream medical treatment and a “poor me” attitude and discover a path to health on his own. Shawn’s grandma gets a huge plug here, and you will be touched by Shawn’s emotional recount of how he turned the corner and truly saved his life.

You’ll also learn that Shawn’s malnourished youth was not some bizarre bad luck, but rather the norm in modern life today. Shawn cites research published in JAMA that kids today are eating 70% ultra-processed foods; the situation worsens with low socio-economic conditions.

Shawn tells us the main ways we are still screwing up our health, even with lots of great information and awareness today. He urges us to prioritize sleep and take bold steps to optimize health. It starts with controlling your use of digital technology, forming an empowering attitude where you place health #1, creating a winning evening ritual, and more.

Shawn Stevenson is the host of the Model Health Show and author of the best-selling books Sleep Smarter and Eat Smarter. Check out his Instagram @shawnmodel and his YouTube channel @TheShawnModel

TIMESTAMPS:

The wonderful cushiony shoes you are wearing feel terrific because they dull your sensations. [07:45]

When you get into the Peluvas, it is important to start slowly, making sure your feet that have been stuffed into shoes have a chance to adjust. [16:43]

At 20 years old, Shawn was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease. [20:00]

A 20-year study found that about 68 percent of America's children's diet consists of ultra processed foods. [21:29]

Shawn could not imagine spending the rest of his life with the pain he was experiencing, so he began to research for a solution. [25:48]

The most overlooked aspects of exercise is that it increases assimilation. [29:03]

He began to understand how important his sleep and the proper nutrition are to his recovery. [30:40]

Sleep impacts people's nutrition and general health. [36:11]

Even though there is much information available for people to be informed on sleep and nutrition, we are still falling behind. [38:54]

Shawn has suggested 21 tips for better sleep. One of the most important is the evening habit of being on screens. It interferes with your circadian rhythm and melatonin. [42:24]

Having a cool bedroom is very important. [52:01]

LINKS:

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