Joel Jamieson, a leading expert in strength and conditioning for combat sports, shares eye-opening insights about heart health even among fit individuals. He discusses the hidden dangers of cholesterol and the importance of regular health screenings, fueled by his own experiences with serious blockages. The conversation challenges common myths surrounding fitness and genetics, emphasizing the significance of heart rate variability. They also delve into the essential role of zone two cardio and the evolution of athlete development, highlighting the need for balanced training approaches.

Explore the fascinating connection between psychological and physiological resilience. Discover how cortisol influences stress response and overall health. Learn to recognize biomarkers that can indicate resilience levels. The discussion emphasizes finding balance in stress and recovery, and how purpose can fuel the journey. Environmental factors also play a crucial role, impacting both resilience and health. Finally, uncover the differences between resilience and recovery in physical training for optimal performance.

Shane Farmer, founder of Dark Horse Rowing and a 4X CrossFit Games athlete, shares his passion for making rowing accessible to everyone. He discusses the challenges of creating engaging content in the rowing community and the balance of rigorous training schedules. The conversation dives into rowing's technical nuances and importance in endurance sports, sharing personal victories and stories from racing around America. They explore how rowing can foster community while breaking down elitism, making it an inclusive sport for all.

Discover effective strategies for physique transformation, including how to set realistic goals for bulking and cutting. Learn about the importance of addressing lagging body parts and maintaining muscle mass while cutting weight. The hosts discuss preparation cycles for peak performance and the significance of personalized lifestyle protocols. They also delve into balancing performance and longevity in fitness routines, emphasizing injury prevention and the joy of integrating fun movements into daily life.

Melissa is a performance physical therapist and is heavily involved in the CrossFit space as a healthcare provider, as well as an athlete. Melissa grew up in the Metropolitan New York area, but now resides in the Tampa Bay area. Upon graduating from PT school, Melissa started working in an outpatient orthopedic physical therapy practice, but was unsatisfied with what she was able to achieve there and the level of care provided for patients. At the time, she was coaching remotely and decided to break away form the clinic altogether, and opened up her own practice. Melissa is now a remote rehab and performance coach, as well as a physical therapist with her clinic out of her affiliate, CrossFit Westchase in Largo, FL. In addition, she is a proud member of the Rapid Health Optimization team as a movement specialist. When she’s not working or training, she enjoys getting outdoors in the beautiful Florida weather with her boyfriend, Darren Work With Us: Arétē by RAPID Health Optimization Links: Dr. Melissa Capurro on Instagram Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram

Dr. Mike T. Nelson, a cardiovascular fitness expert and coach at Rapid Health Optimization, joins Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Travis Mash to discuss optimizing endurance training. They explore innovative strategies for achieving a sub-six-minute mile, emphasizing the importance of personalized assessments and motivational goal-setting. Listeners will learn about effective cardiovascular testing methods and the distinct benefits of various fitness machines. The conversation also highlights balancing strength training with cardiovascular fitness for maximal performance.

Zachary Carson is a highly experienced Aerospace Physiology Officer with a deep understanding of human factors and risk mitigation in high-stakes operational environments. His expertise lies in optimizing human performance within complex aerospace systems. As a subject matter expert, Carson specializes in identifying and addressing the unique challenges faced by operators of advanced Major Weapons Systems. Carson is committed to advancing human performance in aerospace operations and contributing to the safety and success of mission-critical activities. His experience includes simulator training and tactical flying sorties, providing a hands-on understanding of the demands placed on operators in these challenging environments. Carson is dedicated to continuing his development as a subject matter expert, and making meaningful contributions to the field. Work With Us: Arétē by RAPID Health Optimization Links: Zachary Carson on LinkedIn Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram  

In this Episode: The spectrum of health from sick, to not sick, and to optimal. Optimal is a word thrown around with ease in the healthy space. What does optimal health look and feel like? Why are the current blood markers in a normal range and not optimal? Where are normal reference ranges created? If you want to know optimal ranges, where do you find them? Why are optimal ranges a better reference point than normal ranges? Hope can you be labeled “healthy” by normal ranges but still have underlying issues that go undetected? To learn more, please go to https://rapidhealthoptimization.com Connect with our guests: Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram Dan Garner on Instagram

Born into an entrepreneurial family in Ontario, Canada, Brandon Cullen was raised with a front-row seat to hard work and high expectations. Pushed by his father to excel both in life and on the ice, Brandon’s grit landed him a spot in the New York Rangers’ minor league system. But when a career-ending concussion shattered his hockey dreams, everything he’d worked for disappeared overnight. Instead of calling it quits, Brandon turned that adversity into fuel. Determined to create something new, he poured his competitive drive into the fitness world, building the type of gym he wished existed: one focused on aging athletically without the distractions of gimmicks or trends. He knew firsthand the power of structured training and wanted to bring that same purpose to others looking for more than just a “workout.” Teaming up with fellow pro hockey player Kirk Dewaele, Brandon’s first venture was a CrossFit gym, but they quickly saw a gap in the market for a structured, strength-based system. This insight led to MADabolic: a strength-driven gym built on precision, consistency, and science-backed programming, delivering real results for those who crave more. It was about giving people a place to train like athletes, with a methodical focus that cuts through the noise of fitness fads. “Cardio will keep you alive but Strength Training allows you to thrive,” Brandon explains. “Strength complements and enhances every aspect of your life.” For him, MADabolic is more than a business, it’s a mission to build strength, confidence, and a relentless drive for better in everyone who walks through the door, no matter where they start. Work With Us: Arétē by RAPID Health Optimization Links: Brandon Cullen on LinkedIn Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram

In this engaging discussion, guest Dan Garner, an expert in resolving skin issues, delves into the complexities of psoriasis and its connection to other skin conditions. He highlights how autoimmune factors can cause skin cell overproduction and emphasizes the importance of lab tests to identify underlying immune dysfunction. Dan advocates for a holistic approach, linking gut health and lifestyle choices to skin well-being, while critiquing conventional treatments. Personal stories showcase the journey of regaining self-confidence through effective management strategies.