

The Genius Life
Max Lugavere
You don't have to be born a Genius to become one. Follow health and science journalist, New York Times bestselling author, TV personality and nutrition expert Max Lugavere as he speaks to the most insightful minds of our time about what it means to live like a Genius.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.
Episodes
Mentioned books

6 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 1h
523: The Hidden Relationship Killer No One Warns You About | Tracy Dalgleish, PhD
Dr. Tracy Dalgleish is a clinical psychologist and couples therapist with nearly 20 years of experience. In this discussion, she sheds light on the hidden dynamics that can strain relationships, particularly conflicts with in-laws. Tracy introduces her VAULT method for establishing healthy boundaries and explains how childhood patterns affect adult interactions. She emphasizes the importance of emotional communication and productive pauses during conflicts, unraveling how enmeshment and unmet needs can lead to deeper issues in couples. Tune in for insightful strategies to foster connection!

Nov 3, 2025 • 1h 13min
522: Inside the Future of Protein – A Turkey Farmer’s Guide to Better Meat and Better Health | Heidi Diestel
Heidi Diestel, a fourth-generation farmer and co-owner of Diestel Family Ranch, champions regenerative farming and ethical turkey production. In this conversation, she demystifies meat labels, revealing which ones truly matter. Heidi explains how farming practices impact food quality, nutrient density, and even the health of our planet. She also shares practical tips for choosing protein wisely, the significance of animal husbandry, and the surprising truths about turkey and tryptophan. A must-listen for conscious eaters!

17 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 1h 8min
521: Why Teens Act the Way They Do (and What Adults Get Wrong) | Ann-Louise Lockhart, PhD
Dr. Ann-Louise Lockhart, a clinical psychologist specializing in teen behavior and the author of 'Love the Teen You Have', dives deep into understanding adolescent actions. She emphasizes the importance of connection over control, debunking the myth that teens are inherently difficult. Discussing the effects of social media and the significance of flexible schooling, she also shares insights on ADHD, skill-building, and the need for healthier lifestyles. Lockhart advocates for self-care among parents to improve family dynamics and foster better relationships.

41 snips
Oct 27, 2025 • 1h 15min
520: How to Instantly Tell When You’re Being Lied To (It’s Shockingly Simple) | Kaizen Asiedu
Join Kaizen Asiedu, a Harvard graduate and Emmy-winning creative, as he dives into the art of spotting bias and manipulation in today's information overload. He shares his journey from personal growth to teaching critical thinking, emphasizing the importance of a balanced information diet. Kaizen discusses common cognitive errors, how to distinguish rhetoric from facts, and the value of context in debunking misinformation. He also offers practical tips for improving your information intake, highlighting the power of curiosity in conversations.

56 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 1h 10min
519: What Should We Actually Eat? An Evidence-Based Guide to Eating for Health and Longevity | Ty Beal, PhD
In this engaging discussion, Ty Beal, PhD, a nutrition scientist and head of data at GAIN, unravels the complexities of modern diets. He advocates for minimizing ultra-processed foods to improve health outcomes, emphasizing that a balanced omnivore approach is often beneficial. Ty highlights the unique nutritional properties of meat and the challenges posed by climate impacts on food quality. He also tackles common nutrition myths and promotes a pragmatic, evidence-based guide to nurturing long-term health. Tune in for essential insights on what we should really eat!

38 snips
Oct 20, 2025 • 1h 20min
518: The Surprising Reason You’re Tired – And How to Fix It at the Cellular Level | Daria Mochly-Rosen, PhD
Dr. Daria Mochly-Rosen is a celebrated Stanford mitochondrial researcher and author of *The Life Machines*. She dives into how mitochondria, the powerhouse of our cells, affect energy levels and overall health. Daria explores the potential of mitochondrial transplantation and innovative therapies for neurodegeneration. She discusses the environmental factors harming mitochondria, like pollution and ultra-processed foods, while sharing strategies to support mitochondrial health through exercise and nutrition.

69 snips
Oct 15, 2025 • 1h 17min
517: Why Being Lonely Is as Deadly as Smoking – And What To Do Even If You're an Introvert | Ben Rein, PhD
This episode features Dr. Ben Rein, a neuroscientist and author of *Why Brains Need Friends*, who explores the dire consequences of social isolation. He reveals how loneliness acts like a biological stressor, increasing risks for health issues as severe as heart disease and dementia. Dr. Rein discusses the concept of a 'social diet,' emphasizing the importance of calibrating social interactions. He also highlights how pets can bolster our social health and shares insights on the dangers of relying too much on digital connections over real ones.

33 snips
Oct 13, 2025 • 1h 25min
516: The 3 Trauma-Driven Behaviors That Push People Away | Anna Runkle
Anna Runkle, known as the Crappy Childhood Fairy, is a YouTube creator and trauma educator who helps others unlock healthier relationships. In a candid discussion, Anna reveals three trauma-driven behaviors—avoidance, lashing out, and accepting toxicity—that can harm connections. She distinguishes between PTSD and complex PTSD, shares effective re-regulation techniques, and emphasizes the power of somatic practices over traditional talk therapy. Anna also offers practical social skills to foster connectability and rebuild relationships, making this conversation both insightful and uplifting.

33 snips
Oct 8, 2025 • 1h 24min
515: The Ageless Blueprint for Strength, Mobility, and Relationships That Last | Gabby Reece
Gabby Reece, a legendary athlete and wellness entrepreneur, shares her timeless wisdom on aging gracefully. She dives into how sports shaped her approach to lifelong movement and the importance of recovery. Gabby reflects on past training missteps and emphasizes a balanced philosophy of success through daily discipline and radical honesty. She also discusses building lasting relationships, her parenting approach, and how to redefine strength in aging, all while balancing modern tech with primal needs.

9 snips
Oct 6, 2025 • 57min
514: Feeling Stuck? How to Finally Find Your True Purpose (Backed by Science) | Suzy Welch
Suzy Welch, a bestselling author and NYU professor, shares her expertise on finding true purpose through a science-backed framework. She discusses the pitfalls of following passion alone and introduces a comprehensive method that aligns values, aptitudes, and interests. Suzy emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in career choices and the role of economic viability in pursuing passions. With actionable steps, she guides listeners on how to assess their values and career alignment, ultimately aiming for a fulfilling life where everything converges.


