Brian MacKenzie

In this engaging discussion, Brian Mackenzie, a leading human performance specialist and founder of SHIFT, shares his expertise on the vital role of breath in health. He explains how breath control can help regulate stress and enhance metabolic efficiency. The fascinating 'Five Gear Breathing System' adapts breathing techniques to match activity levels, promoting better exercise performance. Mackenzie also emphasizes the benefits of nasal breathing during low-intensity activities, particularly walking, transforming daily practices into pathways for improved overall well-being.

Neuroscience professor Dr. Andrew Huberman and fitness coach Brian MacKenzie join Daniel Schmachtenberger to discuss breath and vision techniques for shifting mental and emotional states, enhancing performance, and improving health. They explore the impact of breath patterns, CO2 tolerance, and customization of protocols. The importance of real-time personalization, breath training techniques, and life extension technology are also discussed.

During 2022 we spoke to Olympic champions, Hall of Fame athletes, and leading experts in various fields of research and human performance – and this week, we’re sharing our favorite conversations. It’s an episode that’s equal parts education and inspiration. Throughout our Best Of episode, you’ll hear from Emily Capodilupo on alcohol’s effect on the body (2:41), Andy Blow on hydrating to prepare for a night of drinking (5:55), Dr. Hazel Wallace on creating better nutritional habits (8:48), Dr. Maya Shankar on how to stay committed to goals (13:45), Reggie Miller on how practice led him to a winning mindset (19:12), Michael Phelps on his battle with depression and anxiety (24:24), Sloane Stephens on mental health and being open to understanding others (31:15), Dr. Andrew Huberman on breathing protocols to reduce stress and improve health (36:41), and Brian MacKenzie on the benefits of nose breathing (42:43).Resources:Ep. 171 Michael PhelpsEp. 173 Sloane StephensEp. 181 Andy BlowEp. 184 Brian MacKenzieEp. 185 Emily Capodilupo on AlcoholEp. 192 Maya ShankarEp. 193 Reggie MillerEp. 195 Dr. Andrew HubermanEp. 198 Dr. Hazel WallaceSupport the showFollow WHOOP: www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn

Brian Mackenzie is a human optimization expert, educator, and coach, recognized for his expertise in stress management & breath control. His research and protocols have shifted the way professional athletes and high performers around the world train for improved physiology and performance. Today, I wanted to tap into Brian’s wisdom around breathwork. We discuss the power of nasal breathing and how changing your relationship with oxygen can dramatically affect how you perform—not just physically but emotionally and mentally. We also dig into learned behavior patterns and how they can subconsciously hold you back from succeeding in all areas of life. Key Takeaways with Brian MacKenzie The story of how Brian became a human performance specialist. Shifting the way endurance athletes train. Nasal breathing vs. mouth breathing. How lower intensity training and nasal breathing lead to improved performance and endurance. Don’t let your ego get in the way of developing better physiology! The correlation between anxiety and low CO2. What does breathing have to do with your mental and emotional wellbeing? What you do is not who you are. Learn how your daily patterns affect everything! How challenging the norm and experimenting can change your life—and why Brian only drives the speed limit. How to become less attached to things to fully enjoy life.   Connect with Dean Pohlman Facebook YouTube Instagram

Brian MacKenzie, co-founder of the Health and Human Performance Foundation, shares his expertise on the transformative power of breath. He reveals how breath control can manage stress, enhance emotional health, and empower personal growth, even in extreme situations like swimming with sharks. Listeners will discover techniques to improve well-being, foster resilience, and cultivate self-awareness. With personal anecdotes and insights, Brian invites us to harness our breath for a fuller, more empowered life.