

The Genius Life
Max Lugavere
Science-first wellness podcast that is equal parts rigorous, rebellious, and ridiculously useful. Hosted by Max Lugavere, health and science journalist, New York Times bestselling author, and one of the most trusted voices in nutrition and longevity.
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

9 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 1h 11min
535: The Surprising Link Between Foot Health, Longevity, and Brain Health | Courtney Conley, DC
Dr. Courtney Connolly, a foot and gait specialist, discusses the surprising connection between foot health and overall wellness. She highlights how weak feet can lead to various pains and even impact longevity and brain health. Courtney delves into the importance of proper footwear, advocating for wide toe boxes and minimal cushioning. She emphasizes the significance of daily stepping and walking, recommending tailored walking programs to improve health. Plus, she shares practical foot care tips, making a strong case for healthy feet as the foundation of a healthy life.

14 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 1h 20min
534: How Women Can Age With More Energy, Clarity, and Confidence | Mindy Pelz, DC
Mindy Pelz, DC, a bestselling author and expert in women's health, discusses the transformative journey of menopause. She explains how menopause rewires the brain, enhancing clarity and confidence, and presents the grandmother hypothesis, illustrating the vital role of post-reproductive women in society. Mindy shares insights on how fasting and a primal diet can empower menopausal women, advocating for strategic fasting practices and lifestyle changes to optimize metabolic health. Her nuanced view on hormone replacement therapy emphasizes personalized approaches alongside lifestyle adjustments.

45 snips
Dec 10, 2025 • 1h 20min
533: How to Ease Inflammation and Support Your Brain, Heart, and Joints Naturally | Dave Watumull
Dave Watumull, co-founder and CEO of AX3, dives into the incredible benefits of astaxanthin, a potent nutrient found in wild salmon. He explains how this ‘longevity vitamin’ can reduce inflammation, support heart and brain health, and even improve skin elasticity. With insights from nearly 4,000 research papers, Dave discusses its mechanisms in combating oxidative stress and its role in clinical studies for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. He also shares practical dosing tips and how astaxanthin can benefit not just humans but pets too!

46 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 1h 18min
532: The Best Foods to Boost GLP-1 Naturally and Lose Fat, and the Hidden Triggers to Avoid | Sal di Stefano
Sal Di Stefano, a seasoned personal trainer and co-host of the Mind Pump podcast, dives into how to naturally boost GLP-1 for sustainable fat loss. He likens ultra-processed foods to 'mouth porn,' unpacking their addictive nature. Sal emphasizes fitness as self-care rather than punishment, and stresses simple dietary rules—avoiding processed foods and focusing on protein first. He also discusses the importance of resilience through discomfort, while addressing body image risks in the fitness industry. Tune in for practical tips on nutrition and training!

86 snips
Dec 3, 2025 • 58min
531: Is Your Pain All in Your Brain? The Shocking Truth About Chronic Pain, Mood, and Inflammation | Daniel Amen, MD
Dr. Daniel Amen, a double board-certified psychiatrist and brain health advocate, dives into the complexities of chronic pain. He reveals how the brain's 'pain circuits' contribute to persistent suffering and emphasizes the importance of addressing negative thoughts tied to pain. Amen advocates for natural alternatives to opiates like omega-3s and curcumin while exploring the impact of gut health and neuroplasticity on pain management. Lastly, he outlines his BRIGHT MINDS framework, connecting hope and social factors to mental well-being.

21 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 60min
530: The Truth About Autism, Resilience, and What Kids Really Need to Thrive | Leland Vittert
Leland Vittert, an Emmy-nominated journalist and author of Born Lucky, shares his personal journey navigating life with autism. He emphasizes the importance of reframing how we perceive autism, advocating for adapting children to the world rather than the opposite. Leland discusses the role of discipline in building self-esteem, transforming childhood adversity into resilience, and teaching essential social skills. He urges a scientific inquiry into rising autism rates and promotes a parenting approach that encourages kids to tackle challenges head-on, fostering long-term growth.

Nov 26, 2025 • 1h 13min
529: Are Your Symptoms Being Ignored? What Doctors Overlook and Why | Erin Nance, MD
Dr. Erin Nance, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and author of *Little Misdiagnosed*, dives into the critical issue of medical misdiagnoses. She explains how societal biases lead to women being misdiagnosed five to six times more than men. Erin shares strategies for patients, like tracking symptoms and engaging with AI tools for better diagnosis. Additionally, she highlights the importance of patient storytelling on social media in improving awareness of rare conditions. Her insights spotlights the need for systemic change in healthcare.

114 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 1h 8min
528: Why You’re Bloated – A Surgeon Debunks the Internet’s Worst Gut Health Myths | Karan Rajan, MD
Karan Rajan, MD, an NHS surgeon and senior clinical lecturer, tackles gut health myths with evidence-based insights. He discusses the real reasons behind bloating and the nuanced implications of fiber intake, recommending a gradual increase to avoid discomfort. Karan also clarifies misconceptions about carnivore diets and defends the benefits of oats. He highlights the importance of probiotics but warns against misuse. With a focus on diverse diets, he emphasizes the need for balance in nutrition, particularly against the backdrop of misleading online claims.

37 snips
Nov 19, 2025 • 1h 12min
527: How to Become Mentally Unbreakable and Use AI to Upgrade Your Brain | Jim Kwik
In this captivating discussion, Jim Kwik, a brain coach and bestselling author, reveals how to cultivate an anti-fragile brain that thrives under stress. He contrasts resilience with antifragility and emphasizes the power of cognitive flexibility. Discover how AI can enhance learning without replacing effort and how practical techniques like the memory palace can boost recall. Jim shares personal stories of growth through adversity and encourages embracing challenges to foster strength and identity, all while advocating for curiosity and community in cognitive development.

52 snips
Nov 17, 2025 • 1h 27min
526: What If You Could Feel Good Again? How Foundation Training Reverses Pain and Builds Real Strength | Eric Goodman, DC
Dr. Eric Goodman is a chiropractor and the mastermind behind Foundation Training, a method aimed at alleviating pain and enhancing mobility. He shares his personal struggles with back injury and anxiety, highlighting how Foundation Training helped him recover. Listeners learn about decompression breathing, the importance of pelvic alignment, and effective exercises for strengthening the posterior chain. Eric debunks common posture mistakes and provides insights on how to integrate movement for overall health and pain relief.


