
The Made to Thrive Show
Optimising your mind, body and soul. Hosted by Steve Stavs, Africa's Pro Biohacker, Health Futurist, and founder of www.madetothrive.co.za.
Latest episodes

Apr 23, 2025 • 56min
Your Mouth Counts! Oral Health & Cancer, Chronic Disease and Mental Health. Dr Michelle Jorgensen DDS ND
“Health starts in the mouth”. It’s truer than people know. When oral issues can be correlated to about 80% of chronic disease, it may be the most critical area of health neglected by the public and misunderstood by professionals. Which is why Dr Michelle is the voice we need in the world of oral health. Her pain to purpose story combined with a passion for science and her patient’s wellbeing, I wish dentists around the world heard her message and also became health based dentists. PRE-ORDER her NEW book now: https://www.amazon.com/Living-Well-Dr-Michelle-Comprehensive/dp/1637746784Dr. Michelle Jorgensen is an author, speaker, teacher, biologic/holistic dentist, and health and wellness provider. After practicing traditional dentistry for 10 years, Michelle became very sick. Through her own path to return to health, she discovered she had mercury poisoning from drilling out mercury fillings for her patients.This path led her to discover ways to improve her family’s and her own health in all facets of life. She found answers in the kitchen, in the garden, and at home. She has found what it takes to Live Well, in today’s world, and now with Living Well with Dr. Michelle, she wants to share those ways to Live Well with you.Join us as we explore:A health based dentist, why between 60% and 80% of chronic disease are correlated to issues of oral health. Why Utah became the first American state to ban fluoride from public drinking water.Mercury poisoning, how Dr Michelle got it, her painful treatment process and why it remains a problem in the world of oral health.What to ask for when you need a filling. The root canal controversy, cavitations and why the documentary “Root Cause” was banned on Netflix. What actually causes cavities and tooth decay, and how to remineralize. Neuralgia inducting cavitation osteonecrosis and fatty degenerative osteonecrotic jawbone, what they are, how serious are they and what Dr Michelle tells everybody about this process.Contact: Website - www.livingwellwithdrmichelle.comMentions:Person - Hal Huggins, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4566458/Directory - IAOMT, www.iaomt.orgSupport the showFollow Steve's socials: Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | TikTokSupport the show on Patreon:As much as we love doing it, there are costs involved and any contribution will allow us to keep going and keep finding the best guests in the world to share their health expertise with you. I’d be grateful and feel so blessed by your support: https://www.patreon.com/MadeToThriveShowSend me a WhatsApp to +27 64 871 0308. Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all of our content: https://madetothrive.co.za/terms-and-conditions-and-privacy-policy/

Apr 17, 2025 • 58min
How To Optimise Your Fat! Seed OIls, PUFA’s, MUFA’s, & Regenerative Farming. Strong Sistas Dr Ashley Armstrong. MS Phd
PUFAS, MUFAS and LUFAS. No, they’re not a new type of cereal or sponge for the shower, these are the types of dietary fats that will either make or break your metabolism. And the key here is where are you getting them from aka what are you eating. Which is Ashley Armstrong's expertise. Not only from a scientific point of view, but because she became a regenerative farmer in order to ensure creating the right fatty acid composition for her animals and the humans that will eventually consume them or their products.Ashley and Sarah Armstrong, also known as the Strong Sistas, are here to help others simplify and implement the foundations of true health. Their goal is to empower individuals to live their best lives, free from being stunted by a diagnosis and the confusion and fear that often accompany it. With firsthand experience, they understand the challenges of feeling lost and afraid, trying every restrictive diet, being prescribed numerous medications, and being told, “this is your new normal,” with no other options, answers, or hope for a positive outcome. Ashley Armstrong received her PhD in Engineering and became a Professor, but during graduate school, she discovered her true passions for nutrition and regenerative agriculture, which led her to build Strong Sistas and start a regenerative farm from scratch. She has overcome numerous health challenges, including amenorrhea (no period for 12 years), autoimmunity, constipation and gut issues, PCOS, severe insomnia, orthorexia, iron overload, hirsutism, self-doubt, and estrogen imbalance.Join us as we explore:How Ashley and her sister almost got caught up in the typical revolving doctor’s doors situationWhy Ashley believes deeply in the ancestral diet aka a diet full of saturated fat.A PUFA, a LUFA and why they critically matter to your metabolic health!Linoleic acid, why it’s hurting for you, why there is too much in your diet and why despite coming from grains that’s NOT the source most people are receiving it from!Is olive oil and omega3 as beneficial and harmless as touted?The scary reality of ruminant bypass dairy modification and field desiccation.Contact: Website - https://www.armstrongsisters.comMentions:Information - The Dirty Dozen, https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/full-list.phpPodcast - Perry Nickelston, https://youtu.be/H_NhrAy6FR8Support the showFollow Steve's socials: Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | TikTokSupport the show on Patreon:As much as we love doing it, there are costs involved and any contribution will allow us to keep going and keep finding the best guests in the world to share their health expertise with you. I’d be grateful and feel so blessed by your support: https://www.patreon.com/MadeToThriveShowSend me a WhatsApp to +27 64 871 0308. Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all of our content: https://madetothrive.co.za/terms-and-conditions-and-privacy-policy/

Apr 9, 2025 • 57min
100 is the New 30! Longevity Cardiologist Shows YOU HOW! Dr Jeffrey Gladden MD FACC
The idea of living to 100 or longer but being as healthy as someone in their 30s is one I am both fascinated and hoping to achieve. And I believe at the core of this pursuit is data. But what data? What’s the most important, and how do you measure it? And how do you improve it? To answer these questions and many more, there was nobody better to have on the show than longevity expert Dr Jeffrey Gladden.Dr. Jeffrey R. Gladden MD, FACC is a distinguished authority in the field of longevity and preventive medicine. As the founder and medical director of Gladden Longevity + Advanced Performance Center, an esteemed clinic located in Dallas, Texas, he is dedicated to optimizing life energy, longevity, health, and performance.Get his new book, 100 is the new 30, NOW: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/195641782-100-is-the-new-30Join us as we explore:Why Dr Gladden genuinely believes we can live to 100 but inhabit a 30 year old, strong body and sharp mind.What is means to become an “age hacker”, and why it’s as much about mindset as data and biohacking.A hierarchy of biological importance if you want to be 30 at 100 - from the brain to insulin to hormone metabolism.What is means and how to measure nervous system resilience and vagus nerve tone.Why higher does not necessarily mean better when it comes to HRV but why being chronically low does spell trouble.Why Dr Gladden believes psycho-spiritual health is as relevant as anything “biological”Contact: Website - https://gladdenlongevity.comMentions:Programs - Gladden Longevity, https://gladdenlongevity.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Program-Comparison-Chart-v1.pdf Diagnostics - IntellxxDNA, https://intellxxdna.comProduct - BrainTap, https://madetothrive.co.za/special-deals/braintap/Product - Neurocheck, https://www.brainpowerscore.comSupport the showFollow Steve's socials: Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | TikTokSupport the show on Patreon:As much as we love doing it, there are costs involved and any contribution will allow us to keep going and keep finding the best guests in the world to share their health expertise with you. I’d be grateful and feel so blessed by your support: https://www.patreon.com/MadeToThriveShowSend me a WhatsApp to +27 64 871 0308. Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all of our content: https://madetothrive.co.za/terms-and-conditions-and-privacy-policy/

Apr 2, 2025 • 48min
Cognitive Assessments, Brain Health, Peptides, Methylene Blue and Every Mental Health Technology Available. Dr Neil Paulvin DO
The present state of health care is a paradox. The stats are terrible and terrifying, with almost everything trending in the wrong direction. And yet at the same time, we have more and more innovative treatment options than ever before, and many of them work. I know that because I do it everyday in my other life in regenerative medicine. So today I speak to another regenerative expert in Dr Neil Paulvin, and we unpack the huge host of options the world of regenerative medicine offers people with cognitive decline or suffering burnout.Dr. Neil Paulvin is an innovative physician in the study of Functional Medicine, Integrative Sports Medicine, Regenerative medicine, Osteopathic Manipulation and Craniosacral Therapy. He has a comprehensive approach that allows him to determine the cause of symptoms, and allows for a comprehensive treatment plan. His treatment plan will be a combination of lifestyle changes, supplements, and prescription medicines as necessary. Dr. Paulvin provides you access to the newest diagnostic testing, healing technology, medications and supplements to optimize your health as quickly as possible. Patient and physician work together on a personalized 360-degree approach to health, lifestyle & wellness. For those athletes, entrepreneurs and executives seeking to move beyond baseline, Dr. Paulvin can put together a comprehensive plan of action focused on human optimization and biohacking.Join us as we explore:The critical importance of diagnostics when assessing and remediating cognitive decline, and how these results drive treatment strategies.The most comprehensive run down of treatment options for cognitive health you will ever hear! From peptides to red light, chambers and methylene blue.A comprehensive list of symptoms and tests done to assess brain health, mental health and cognitive performance.How Dr Pauvlin assesses HRV.Why Dr Pauvlin is bullish on hyperbaric chambers and plasma exchange.How to address the avatar that comes in burnt out!Contact: Website - https://doctorpaulvin.comMentions:Diagnostics - NeuroAge, https://www.neuroagetx.comProduct - Neuronic, https://www.neuronic.online/products/neuradiant-1070Support the showFollow Steve's socials: Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | TikTokSupport the show on Patreon:As much as we love doing it, there are costs involved and any contribution will allow us to keep going and keep finding the best guests in the world to share their health expertise with you. I’d be grateful and feel so blessed by your support: https://www.patreon.com/MadeToThriveShowSend me a WhatsApp to +27 64 871 0308. Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all of our content: https://madetothrive.co.za/terms-and-conditions-and-privacy-policy/

Mar 25, 2025 • 1h 3min
Dealing with Chronic Pain and Joint Injuries. Regenerative Medicine, Cellular Dosing, & Biohacking that Transforms Your Body. Dr David Karli MD
Dr. David Karli, a renowned leader in regenerative medicine, shares his expertise on innovative treatments for chronic pain and joint injuries. He discusses the importance of cellular dosing and its pivotal role at the Karli Center. Listeners will learn why regenerative medicine hasn’t gained popularity, the potential of regenerating the knee meniscus, and the benefits of combining therapies like ozone and red light. Karli advocates for a personalized approach to treatment, explaining how hormone optimization can enhance recovery and overall health.

Mar 17, 2025 • 1h 5min
Heart Health and Hormone Optimisation Technology. Building Longevity Unicorns with Craig Cooper
Heart disease has been the number one killer worldwide for decades. Yet, from an industry perspective foundational biometric data like central pressures and arterial pressures have not been available to the general public. That’s why Craig Cooper stepped in to disrupt the health industry and provide what may become the most important preventative device to predict genuine mortality risk. Craig Cooper is a serial entrepreneur, venture capitalist, author, and TV host. He co-founded Boost Mobile (USA), served as Managing Director and Head of Venture Capital at Saban Ventures, and was a founding Partner in the Softbank Capital Technology Fund. He is currently the Group CEO and largest shareholder of the listed Australian med-tech company Cardiex (ASX:CDX)Get 20% off your CONNEQT HEALTH comprehensive arterial health assessment with my special discount code STEVESTAVS20.Craig has been a contributing expert on men’s health for The Huffington Post and serves on the advisory board of Men’s Health magazine in both the USA and Australia. He is the author of the Harper Collins book Your New Prime: 30 Days to Better Sex, Eternal Strength, and a Kick-Ass Life After 40Join us as we explore:Craig’s mission to thrive not only every day but in each and every momentWhy Craig believes TRT is the absolute last resort, and how at 62 years of age he maintains optimal testosterone levels with a handful of basic lifestyle maxims.The plan to make ConneqtPulse the first transformative direct to customer product for arterial health and how the data it generates can forewarn critical cardio events by 3 years.The 3 most important things you can do to improve arterial health and stiffness.Contact: Website - https://craigcooper.netWebsite - https://cardiex.com Website - https://conneqthealth.com Instagram - @craigcooperrrr Mentions:Product - ConneqtPULSE, https://cardiex.com/products/conneqt-pulse/Research - CARDIEX, https://cardiex.com/resources/clinical-research-repository/App - My Fitness Pal, https://www.myfitnesspal.comSupport the showFollow Steve's socials: Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | TikTokSupport the show on Patreon:As much as we love doing it, there are costs involved and any contribution will allow us to keep going and keep finding the best guests in the world to share their health expertise with you. I’d be grateful and feel so blessed by your support: https://www.patreon.com/MadeToThriveShowSend me a WhatsApp to +27 64 871 0308. Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all of our content: https://madetothrive.co.za/terms-and-conditions-and-privacy-policy/

Mar 7, 2025 • 56min
Longevity Technology 202: How Health Tech and Data coaches YOU to a Life of Thriving: Steve Stavs on Dr Stillman’s Podcast
Dr. Leland Stillman is on my Made To Thrive advisory board because I value his insight on and clinical experience with integrative medicine. He has been on my podcast several times, and recently I returned the favour as a guest on his Integrative Medicine podcast.In the episode, Dr. Stillman and I dive into important insights on my weight loss journey, nervous system regulation, chronic disease prevention, the significance of heart rate variability, breathwork, functional lab testing as well as the regenerative medicine like prolotherapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and ozone therapy that I have been practicing for decades . We also get into omega 3, why it’s so much more than just a fish oil and can fundamentally impact body composition, and my expertise working with clients on leveraging data-driven strategies, biohacking tools, and personalized coaching to drive real, sustainable health transformations. Mentions:Books - The Web That Has No Weaver : Understanding Chinese Medicine, www.goodreads.com/book/show/214967.The_Web_That_Has_No_Weaver_Product - BrainTap, https://madetothrive.co.za/special-deals/braintap/Product - Apollo Neuro, https://madetothrive.co.za/product/apollo-neuro-stress-relief-device/Support the showFollow Steve's socials: Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | TikTokSupport the show on Patreon:As much as we love doing it, there are costs involved and any contribution will allow us to keep going and keep finding the best guests in the world to share their health expertise with you. I’d be grateful and feel so blessed by your support: https://www.patreon.com/MadeToThriveShowSend me a WhatsApp to +27 64 871 0308. Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all of our content: https://madetothrive.co.za/terms-and-conditions-and-privacy-policy/

Feb 28, 2025 • 1h
How Mind-Body Medicine, Combined with Holistic Psychology Heals Chronic Disease. Dr Moshe Block ND VDP HMC
Dr. Moshe Daniel Block, a seasoned naturopathic doctor and author, discusses the profound impact of mind-body medicine and holistic psychology on healing chronic diseases. He believes we're on the brink of a collective awakening, prompting individuals to discover their inner power. The conversation highlights the vital connection between emotional states and physical ailments, along with his innovative 'Viz Dialogue' technique that confronts subconscious beliefs. Block also emphasizes the importance of supportive relationships and innovative therapies in the healing process.

Feb 21, 2025 • 57min
The Great Plant-Based Con: Unpacking the Real Science & Data. Jayne Buxton MBA MA
It’s called The Great Plant-Based Con, and boy oh boy, is it a con. From NGOs, Big Pharma, Big Ag, celebrities, universities, researchers, government - it’s a complicated web of interconnected incentives. I ask listeners to go into this podcast with an open mind, and truly listen to the knowledge of author Jayne Buxton based on the incredible amount of research she did in putting this book together.Get your copy of The Great Plant-Based Con NOW: https://thegreatplantbasedcon.comJayne was born in the UK and has lived in Canada, the US and the UK. She has an MBA from IMD Business School and a master’s degree in creative writing from Kingston University. She spent fifteen years working as a management consultant specialising in business strategy and data analysis at a major international consultancy before publishing her first work of nonfiction, Ending the Mother War, Starting the Workplace Revolution in 1998. After the publication of Ending the Mother War, she became a regular spokesperson and writer on work-life issues. She has now turned to writing full-time. Like Ending the Mother War, Jayne’s new book, The Great Plant Based Con, challenges the dominant narrative about an important issue and proposes a compelling alternative perspective. Join us as we explore:Why following the money is at the core of the plant-based revolutionThe incredible distortion of the public’s perception when it comes to environmental statistics and agriculture. Why believing plant-based eating or veganism is “death free” is completely wrong and dishonest.The corruption and distortion done in the name of science to smear the consumption of proteinThe bioavailability and conversion ability of nutrients in plants is misunderstood, and why plant-based diets are usually grossly caloric rich. The con told about the Blue Zones diet.Carnivore diets, the science and if we can consume too much protein.Contact: Website - https://thegreatplantbasedcon.comMentions:Podcast - Joel Salatin, https://youtu.be/EK26DbKkWLA?si=dN_pVmoUHXCtglad Podcast - Zach Bush, https://youtu.be/EK26DbKkWLA?si=dN_pVmoUHXCtglad Movie - The Cholesterol Code, https://cholesterolcode.comSupport the showFollow Steve's socials: Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | TikTokSupport the show on Patreon:As much as we love doing it, there are costs involved and any contribution will allow us to keep going and keep finding the best guests in the world to share their health expertise with you. I’d be grateful and feel so blessed by your support: https://www.patreon.com/MadeToThriveShowSend me a WhatsApp to +27 64 871 0308. Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all of our content: https://madetothrive.co.za/terms-and-conditions-and-privacy-policy/

Feb 13, 2025 • 1h 1min
Stop Just Coping With Anxiety. Healing and Curing Anxiety with Dr Russ Kennedy the Anxiety MD
This is a step we must take. I have never seen anxiety like I have in the past few years and it is going to get worse until we move beyond the “just deal with it” paradigm and move to a heal it, grow from it and thrive from it paradigm. That’s why I cannot wait for you to listen to this episode with The Anxiety MD Dr Russ Kennedy. He is taking a body first approach to anxiety and actually healing it for good.Dr Russell Kennedy is a physician, neuroscience expert, somatic intuitive, certified yoga instructor, meditation teacher, and professional stand-up comedian—someone who personally struggled with crippling anxiety for decades before finally finding true healing. Now, he is dedicated to guiding others through non-traditional treatments for anxiety, challenging the effectiveness of conventional methods that have long failed to provide lasting relief.Using a unique combination of neuroscience, somatic work, and psychedelics, he has developed a transformative approach to understanding and healing anxiety—one that has reshaped both his own life and the lives of his patients. Instead of letting anxiety dictate one’s existence, he empowers individuals to take full control, offering a path to lasting resilience and freedom from the relentless grip of fear and overwhelm. Join us as we explore:How anxiety ruins relationships and diminishes intelligence and rationality.Why the plan should be not to just deal and cope with anxiety but to HEAL it!The “alarm anxiety cycle”, and how trying to talk people out of anxiety is NOT going to work!Is there a difference between fear and anxiety, and how do you respond and adapt to genuine fearful and scary situations.The link between dopamine and anxiety.Tips for parents to help your kids be anxiety free. Contact: Website -https://www.theanxietymd.comInstagram - theanxietymdMentions:Program: Your Mind Body Prescription, https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRXBook - The Molecule of MoreHow a Single Chemical in Your Brain Drives Love, Sex, and Creativity--and Will Determine the Fate of the Human Race, https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38728977-the-molecule-of-more?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=vxuYb2ZZN7&rank=1Support the showFollow Steve's socials: Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | TikTokSupport the show on Patreon:As much as we love doing it, there are costs involved and any contribution will allow us to keep going and keep finding the best guests in the world to share their health expertise with you. I’d be grateful and feel so blessed by your support: https://www.patreon.com/MadeToThriveShowSend me a WhatsApp to +27 64 871 0308. Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all of our content: https://madetothrive.co.za/terms-and-conditions-and-privacy-policy/
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.