
Smarter Not Harder
Welcome to the Smarter Not Harder podcast brought to you by Health Optimization Medicine and Practice, as well as Smarter Not Harder, Inc.– the makers of Troscriptions.
This podcast is all about offering you one-cent solutions to $64,000 questions for all things decision making, consciousness, health optimization, performance, and so much more.
We interview subject matter experts who will tackle these one-cent solutions including Karl Friston, Donald Hoffman, Anna Lembke, Adam Robinson, and Dominic D'Agostino.
The Smarter Not Harder podcast is hosted by Dr. Ted Achacoso, the founding pioneer of Health Optimization Medicine and Practice and Smarter Not Harder inc., Dr. Scott Sherr, the COO of both Health Optimization Medicine and Practice and Smarter Not Harder, Inc., Boomer Anderson, CEO of Health Optimization Medicine and Practice as well as Smarter Not Harder, Inc., and Jody Duval, a talented naturopath known for compounding her own formulations in her clinic Revital Health in Perth, Australia.
New episodes every Wednesday. Be sure to subscribe to never miss an episode!
Ready to work smarter not harder? Let's dive in!
Find more from us at troscriptions.com & homehope.org.
Latest episodes

10 snips
May 14, 2025 • 1h 22min
Why Cholesterol Isn’t the Problem: Rethinking Heart Health with Dr. Abid Husain | SNH Podcast #123
Dr. Abid Husain, a triple-boarded cardiologist and integrative medicine expert, dives deep into reshaping our understanding of heart health. He debunks the cholesterol myths, explaining how LDL alone fails to capture cardiovascular risk. Discover the connections between inflammation, mitochondrial health, and lipid metabolism. Dr. Husain also discusses advanced diagnostics, the significance of personalized medicine, and emerging treatments like GLP-1s and statins. This lively discussion encourages a holistic approach to heart health and longevity.

May 7, 2025 • 41min
I Tried It So You Don’t Have To: Biohacks, Fails, and Weird Protocols | SNH Podcast #122
Dr. Allen Bookatz shares his hilarious and eye-opening health experiments, including the perils of gallbladder flushes and the challenges of high-altitude hiking. He joins a lively group of health enthusiasts, discussing wild detox journeys, outrageous biohacks like colon cleansing, and the unexpected results of pushing wellness to the limits. The conversation is packed with laughter and personal stories that highlight both the comical and serious sides of self-experimentation in health.

10 snips
Apr 30, 2025 • 33min
Methylene Blue Myths, Media Hype, and the Truth with Dr. Scott Sherr | SNH Podcast #121
Dr. Scott Sherr dives deep into the fascinating world of methylene blue, unraveling myths and media hype. Discover its historical role as an antimicrobial and its impact on mitochondrial health. He debunks the viral 'Blue Brains' headlines and discusses how this compound supports energy and detoxification in our cells. You'll also gain insights into safe dosing strategies and the truth about synthetic variants. Whether you’re curious about the science or keen on practical applications, this discussion offers clarity on a hot topic in health optimization.

Apr 23, 2025 • 59min
How to Track Your Way to Better Health with Bob Troia | SNH Podcast #120
In this episode of the Smarter Not Harder Podcast, Bob Troia explores what it means to truly understand yourself through data. With decades of experience in both tech and personal science, Bob shares his journey from building early web innovations to becoming a leader in the quantified self and biohacking space. As the co-founder of Awesome Labs and SuppTrack, Bob discusses how his personal experiments with sleep, glucose, HRV, and nootropics like methylene blue have inspired tools that help others optimize their lives. From spreadsheets to app development, Bob shows how self-tracking can be both a personal evolution and a public service. Join us as we explore: How quantified self experiments can unlock surprising insights Why wearable and lab data are only as good as the questions you ask What methylene blue, peptides, and wine taught Bob about self-regulation The origin stories behind PepCalc, Awesome Breathing, and SuppTrack This episode is for you if: You want to make better decisions using your own health data You’ve tried wearables or biohacks but feel overwhelmed by info You’re curious how entrepreneurs build in the health optimization space You’re exploring tools to help manage supplements or track progress You can also find this episode on…YouTube: https://youtu.be/jnEtci90Vl8 Find more from Bob Troia: Website: https://quantifiedbob.com SuppTrack: https://supptrack.com Awesome Labs: https://isjustawesome.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quantifiedbob Find more from Smarter Not Harder: Website: https://troscriptions.com/blogs/podcast | https://homehope.org Instagram: @troscriptions | @homehopeorg Get 10% Off your purchase of the Metabolomics Module by using PODCAST10 at https://www.homehope.org Get 10% Off your Troscriptions purchase by using POD10 at https://www.troscriptions.com Get daily content from the hosts of Smarter Not Harder by following @troscriptions on Instagram.

Apr 16, 2025 • 1h 13min
Rethinking Modern Medicine: Dr. Palevsky’s Journey Into Root Cause Healing | SNH Podcast #119
In this episode of the Smarter Not Harder Podcast, Dr. Larry Palevsky shares his journey from pediatric emergency medicine to a root cause–based approach to healing. Drawing on decades of clinical experience, he explores why suppressing symptoms may interfere with true recovery, and how restoring parasympathetic balance, optimizing nutrition, and reducing environmental inputs can transform both acute and chronic illness—especially in children. Whether you're a practitioner, a parent, or simply someone questioning the conventional medical model, this conversation invites a deeper understanding of what healing really looks like. Join us as we delve into: • Why acute symptoms may actually be signs of healing—not disease • The role of parasympathetic dominance in recovery and health • Root cause approaches to pediatric asthma, eczema, and infections • What the Flexner Report did to Western medicine—and what we lost This episode is for you if: • You’re curious about healing beyond pharmaceutical protocols • You’ve felt frustrated by conventional approaches to chronic illness • You want to better understand your child’s symptoms and immune responses • You’re exploring functional or integrative pediatric care You can also find this episode on:YouTube: https://youtu.be/0WXesBNZjeg Find more from Dr. Larry Palevsky: Website: https://drpalevsky.com Northport Wellness Center: https://northportwellnesscenter.com/practitioner/lawrence-palevsky Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.palevsky/ Find more from Smarter Not Harder: Website: https://troscriptions.com/blogs/podcast | https://homehope.org Instagram: @troscriptions | @homehopeorg Get 10% Off your purchase of the Metabolomics Module by using PODCAST10 at https://www.homehope.org Get 10% Off your Troscriptions purchase by using POD10 at https://www.troscriptions.com Get daily content from the hosts of Smarter Not Harder by following @troscriptions on Instagram.

Apr 9, 2025 • 1h 21min
Biological Dentistry Explained: What’s Really Happening in Your Mouth (Dr. Cody Kriegel) | SNH #118
In this episode of the Smarter Not Harder Podcast, Dr. Cody Kriegel takes us deep into the world of biological dentistry — a rapidly growing field that connects oral health with overall wellness. From root canals to cavitations, mercury fillings to ceramic implants, Dr. Cody shares his clinical experience, personal journey, and powerful patient transformations that reveal just how interconnected your mouth is with the rest of your body. You’ll also hear why he believes traditional dentistry is due for a major paradigm shift, and how modern technology like CBCT, PRF, and laser therapy are revolutionizing oral care. Join us as we delve into: + How root canals can lead to chronic inflammation and systemic issues + What cavitations are — and why they’re more common than you think + Ceramic implants, ozone, and PRF: the future of minimally toxic dentistry + Real-life stories of healing after dental detoxification This episode is for you if: - You’ve had a root canal or metal fillings and wonder how they may affect your health - You’re interested in a more integrative, biologically sound approach to dentistry - You struggle with unexplained chronic symptoms and want to explore overlooked causes - You want to know what questions to ask your dentist to make smarter, safer choices You can also find this episode on… YouTube: https://youtu.be/hjhstA75So8 Find more from Dr. Cody Kriegel: Vios Dental: https://viosdental.com/ Vios Dental Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vios_dental/ Dr. Cody's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/codykriegeldds/ Find more from Smarter Not Harder: Website: https://troscriptions.com/ | https://homehope.org Instagram: @troscriptions | @homehopeorg Get 10% Off your purchase of the Metabolomics Module by using PODCAST10 at https://www.homehope.org Get 10% Off your Troscriptions purchase by using POD10 at https://www.troscriptions.com Get daily content from the hosts of Smarter Not Harder by following @troscriptions on Instagram.

Apr 2, 2025 • 22min
Why You Might Be Chronically Dehydrated (Even If You Drink Water) | SNH Podcast #117
In this episode of the Smarter Not Harder Podcast, Boomer Anderson, Dr. Scott Sherr, and Dr. Ted Achacoso dive deep into the topic of hydration, debunking common myths and offering practical tips. They clarify the effects of caffeine and alcohol as diuretics and discuss the misconception about clear urine indicating proper hydration. They explore the evolutionary aspects of water's role in biology and provide specific recommendations for daily water intake, emphasizing the importance of a little salt and possibly sugar for optimal hydration. The conversation also covers various methods for ensuring clean and effective hydration, including filtration systems and the importance of not drinking calories. Join us as we delve into:- The physiology of hydration – Where water actually goes in your body - Diuretic myths debunked – Coffee, alcohol and coconut water exposed - Electrolyte optimization – How to make your own medical-grade hydration solution - Travel hydration protocols – Why you're dehydrating faster than you think This episode is for you if:- You want to optimize cellular hydration for peak performance - You're tired of contradictory advice about water intake - You've wondered if structured water systems are worth the investment - You need science-backed hydration hacks for travel or workouts You can also find this episode on…YouTube: https://youtu.be/s_s3lRNwaqA Find more from Smarter Not Harder: Website: https://troscriptions.com/blogs/podcast | https://homehope.org Instagram: @troscriptions | @homehopeorg Get 10% Off your purchase of the Metabolomics Module by using PODCAST10 at https://www.homehope.org Get 10% Off your Troscriptions purchase by using POD10 at https://www.troscriptions.com Get daily content from the hosts of Smarter Not Harder by following @troscriptions on Instagram.

Mar 26, 2025 • 1h 4min
GLP-1s: The Miracle Drug Changing Weight Loss & Medicine Forever (ft. Bracha Banayan) | SNH #116
In this episode of the Smarter Not Harder Podcast, Bracha Banayan, a seasoned healthcare professional and innovator in weight management, uncovers the untold truths behind GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and their competitors. Bracha shares her personal journey from battling unexpected weight gain to discovering how these medications can not only help with weight loss but also transform overall health by reducing inflammation, moderating blood sugar spikes, and even rewiring behavior through what she calls the “pause factor.” She also dives into the science, the art of proper dosing, potential side effects, and the critical role of lifestyle modifications and supportive ecosystems in achieving long-term success. Join us as we delve into: How GLP‑1 drugs work to slow gastrointestinal transit, moderate blood sugar spikes, and influence our brain’s reward system The concept of the “pause factor” and how a delay in instant gratification can transform eating habits Dosing strategies—from starting low and titrating gradually to minimizing side effects while achieving sustainable weight loss The critical role of lifestyle modifications, including nutrition, exercise, and behavioral coaching, in complementing GLP‑1 therapy This episode is for you if: You’re curious about innovative, medication-assisted approaches to weight management You want to understand the science behind GLP‑1 drugs beyond appetite suppression You’re interested in learning how proper dosing and lifestyle changes can lead to long-term health benefits You’re a healthcare professional or patient seeking a holistic and informed approach to obesity management You can also find this episode on… YouTube: https://youtu.be/edjn6024DGc Find more from Bracha Banayan: IVDRIPS: https://ivdrips.com/ HastyMeds: https://ivdrips.com/hastymeds Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bracha_banayan/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bracha-banayan/ Find more from Smarter Not Harder: Website: https://troscriptions.com/blogs/podcast | https://homehope.org Instagram: @troscriptions | @homehopeorg Get 10% Off your purchase of the Metabolomics Module by using PODCAST10 at https://www.homehope.org Get 10% Off your Troscriptions purchase by using POD10 at https://www.troscriptions.com Get daily content from the hosts of Smarter Not Harder by following @troscriptions on Instagram.

Mar 19, 2025 • 1h 1min
Why Sleep Apnea is Wrecking Your Health – And How to Fix It with Dr. Dylan Petkus | SNH Podcast #115
In this episode of the Smarter Not Harder Podcast, Dr. Dylan Petkus delves into the intricacies of sleep apnea. Dylan discussed his educational journey and his focus on sleep apnea as an important, albeit not fun, subject. Dylan shares his experience with creating videos on specific health niches, including methylene blue and its connection to sleep apnea. The conversation branches into various aspects of sleep apnea, such as its prevalence, diagnostic methods, including the preferred home sleep studies, and the importance of addressing underlying inflammation. Breathing retraining and myofunctional therapy are highlighted as effective interventions. Join us as we delve into: How nitric oxide impacts breathing and sleep quality The importance of breathing exercises and myofunctional therapy for improving sleep apnea The history of sleep apnea treatment and the evolution of diagnostic tools The benefits of at-home sleep studies versus in-lab polysomnography This episode is for you if: You're interested in learning about alternative treatments for sleep apnea You want to understand the science behind methylene blue and its potential health benefits You're curious about the role of inflammation and anatomy in sleep disorders You're looking for practical tips on improving sleep quality through breathing exercises and lifestyle changes You can also find this episode on… YouTube: https://youtu.be/TB6j3MzQhiE Find more from Dr. Dylan Petkus: Optimal Circadian Health: https://optimalcircadianhealth.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/petkusmd/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBN0GrxE7780vr5O2U5sO2w Find more from Smarter Not Harder: Website: https://troscriptions.com/blogs/podcast | https://homehope.org Instagram: @troscriptions | @homehopeorg Get 10% Off your purchase of the Metabolomics Module by using PODCAST10 at https://www.homehope.org Get 10% Off your Troscriptions purchase by using POD10 at https://www.troscriptions.com Get daily content from the hosts of Smarter Not Harder by following @troscriptions on Instagram.

Mar 12, 2025 • 1h 10min
The Power of Being: Redefining Self and Leadership with Bob Hurd | SNH Podcast #114
In this episode of the Smarter Not Harder Podcast, Bob Hurd, a seasoned entrepreneur, coach, and former Navy submariner, discusses his incredible journey from a cattle ranch in South Dakota to becoming a successful business owner and coach. Bob shares his insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, and the power of mindset, offering valuable lessons on overcoming adversity, reframing challenges, and creating a life of abundance. Join us as we delve into: The real reason your emotions feel so overwhelming — and what’s going on in your brain. Why you can’t just “snap out of it” when you feel anxious or sad. How early experiences shape your emotional responses today. Practical tools to help you process and regulate your emotions more effectively. This episode is for you if: You're curious about the science behind emotional regulation You're an entrepreneur looking for inspiration and practical advice on overcoming challenges. You're interested in personal development and want to learn how to reframe your mindset for success. You're curious about the power of coaching and how it can help you unlock your full potential. You can also find this episode on… YouTube: https://youtu.be/4ZLnDT2sREY Find more from Bob Hurd: Website: https://www.bhurdcoaching.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bhurd01/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-hurd-94334b15/ Find more from Smarter Not Harder: Website: https://troscriptions.com/blogs/podcast | https://homehope.org Instagram: @troscriptions | @homehopeorg Get 10% Off your purchase of the Metabolomics Module by using PODCAST10 at https://www.homehope.org Get 10% Off your Troscriptions purchase by using POD10 at https://www.troscriptions.com Get daily content from the hosts of Smarter Not Harder by following @troscriptions on Instagram.