Barbell Shrugged

[Ice Baths] Using Cold to Improve Metabolic Resilience w/ Dr. Thomas Seager, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash #762

Aug 28, 2024

Dr. Thomas Seager, an associate professor at Arizona State University, discusses the engineering of cold plunges to enhance metabolic health. The conversation dives into the connection between environment and health, especially the role of clean water. They explore the impact of cold exposure on brown fat and metabolism, alongside raising questions about public health assumptions during the pandemic. Seager shares insights on how ice baths can improve mental well-being and metabolic resilience, all while highlighting the chilling trend's rise during recent years.

01:27:56

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Thomas Seager

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Quick takeaways

Dr. Thomas Seager's engineering background guides his innovative approach to developing advanced ice bath technology for health improvement.

Cold exposure is crucial for enhancing metabolic health and mitochondrial function, potentially countering rising metabolic disorders in the U.S.

The podcast highlights the importance of water and air quality on public health, advocating for stricter standards to improve overall well-being.

Deep dives

Dr. Thomas Seager's Background and Cold Plunge Technology

Dr. Thomas Seager, an engineering professor with a focus in public health, discusses his journey from engineering to creating advanced cold plunge technology. His initial interest was sparked during a seminar where discussions on cold exposure and its effects on health ignited a curiosity that led to the development of high-end ice baths. He emphasizes how his engineering mindset aids in problem-solving related to health, particularly in metabolic function and physiological responses. This background allows him to view health and wellness through a unique lens, combining engineering principles with biological health optimization.

Intro

2min

Water Quality and Genetic Insights in Athletic Health

11min

Navigating Water Quality and Filtration Options

4min

Impact of Environment on Health and Mind

20min

The Impact of Cold on Brown Fat and Metabolism

25min

Questioning Public Health Assumptions

6min

Metabolic Health and Fertility

13min

Chilling for Health: The Ice Bath Revolution

6min

Thomas P Seager is an associate professor in the School of Sustainable Engineering and the Built Environment at Arizona State University.

Seager leads research teams working at the boundaries of engineering and social science to understand innovation for resilient infrastructure systems, including the life-cycle environmental consequences of emerging energy technologies, novel approaches to teamwork and communication in socio-technical integrative settings, and engineering ethics education.

Current research sponsors include the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers, the Environmental Protection Agency, and several industry partners. Seager is the faculty director of the Resource Innovation Solutions Network (RISN), a partnership of between ASU, City of Phoenix and other local municipalities for fostering circular, closed-loop economies.

RISN operates a vertical incubator to nurture entrepreneurs that will accelerate the transition to a Circular Economy. Additionally, Seager serves as chairman and CEO of eXperiential Sustainability Ethics Training (XSETGames, LLC), which creates digital simulations for examining economic and ethical dimensions of wicked problems including pharmaceutical pricing, technological innovation, intergenerational equity and the Tragedy of the Commons.

These simulations have been used by corporations, government agencies, and higher education clients, including dozens of Universities on three different continents.

Lastly, Seager founded the non-profit Sustainability Conoscente Network as a mechanism for sharing knowledge related to systems approaches to sustainable technologies. The Conoscente holds the International Symposium on Sustainable Systems and Technology in May of every year.

Work with RAPID Health Optimization

Work with Dr. Thomas Seager

Morozco Ice Baths

Dr. Seager on X

Anders Varner on Instagram

Doug Larson on Instagram

Coach Travis Mash on Instagram