
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

Jun 4, 2025 • 1h 3min
The Cholesterol Masterclass 101: How Oreos Reduce Cholesterol, ApoB, and What Causes Heart Disease. Dave Feldman
In this engaging discussion, Dave Feldman, a senior software engineer and entrepreneur passionate about cholesterol research, questions conventional wisdom about cholesterol's role in heart health. He introduces the revolutionary idea that cholesterol may function as an energy adaptogen. The conversation playfully explores how eating Oreos can lower LDL as effectively as statins. Feldman also highlights the importance of understanding ApoB, the lean mass hyper responder phenomenon, and innovative health assessments for better cardiovascular health.

May 28, 2025 • 1h 1min
Optimise Your Brain with BrainTap. You Know that Your Mental Performance is Everything! Dr Patrick Porter Phd
Dr Patrick Porter is on a mission to better a billion brains, and he’s definitely bettered a few thousand brains with me here in Africa. BrainTap is a game-changing mental performance tool, and yet people tell me every week they don’t have time for it. It breaks my heart, because people do not understand the power they are refusing to even try. In today’s show Dr Porter shares some incredible insights on how best to utilize BrainTap, amazing new research statistics and why his latest discovery Neuralcheck is going to revolutionize mental performance.Dr. Patrick Porter is the esteemed Founder & CEO of BrainTap, driven by a profound dedication to unraveling the complexities of the brain and leveraging neuroplasticity to enhance lives worldwide. Recognizing the limited accessibility of such life-altering technology to practitioners, Dr. Porter embarked on a mission to democratize its availability. Today, he proudly shares groundbreaking scientific advancements with a global audience through BrainTap, aiming to catalyze positive change on a significant scale. With over 40 annual appearances, Dr. Porter integrates daily routines that include Wake-Up, Afternoon Reboot, and Go-to-Sleep sessions. Dr. Porter finds immense fulfillment in witnessing the profound enhancements in brain function among BrainTap users. His vision drives the team at BrainTap to continually strive towards making a lasting, positive impact on the world—one brain at a time.Join us as we explore:How to get more people to sit down and do a BrainTap, and what Dr Porter tells people when they say they don’t have time.Dr Porter’s morning BrainTap recommendation for a better day of brain performance, the importance of the headset and why you shouldn’t listen to the same session for 72 hours.How to get 23% more production after 2 pm with a “brain break”, and other incredible stats from BrainTap’s research.Why the brain is inherently lazy, and what that means we have to do to overcome the survival mindset.NeuralChek why it has become central to BrainTap’s impact and future and what two drinks do to the “color” (and performance) of your brain!BrainTap, your kids and your grandkids.Mention:Study - 2 pm brain break, https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8uutgexVdl/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/

May 15, 2025 • 54min
The Creatine Masterclass: Why & How Men and Women Optimize Performance with this Miracle Compound. Dr Darren Candow PhD CSEP-CEP FISSN
Despite being the most studied supplement of all time, creatine is making a big resurgence. It’s been the hot topic in the health podcast space for the past year, as new scientific evidence is showing creatine is about more than looking big, but has big and important effects on brain health and overall longevity. But, like all things, creatine needs to be handled with care. It needs to be the right type, at the right dose, at the right times, with the right movement and for the right person. That’s why it was important for me to get a true creatine expert on the show, Dr Darren Candow.Dr. Darren Candow is a professor specializing in exercise physiology, nutrition, and aging. He supervises the Aging Muscle and Bone Health Laboratory, where the primary research focus is to develop effective lifestyle interventions involving nutrition—primarily creatine monohydrate—and physical activity, particularly resistance training. These interventions aim to improve muscle, bone, and brain health and function, with both practical and clinical relevance. Join us as we explore:Everything about creatine! What it is, is it right for you, the safest form, dosage, it’s most important (and surprising) effects, why it’s the most studied supplement ever and some risks and side effects.Creatine’s incredible effects on a sleep deprived and exhausted brain!Creatine’s relationship to caffeine, hyperbaric chambers/hypoxia and TRT.Dr Candow’s recommended morning exercise and creatine protocol.Does creatine cause you to gain weight, retain water, and is the loading phase a real thing?Veganism and creatine.Mention:Study - Creatine and anti-depressants. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2012.11091452Study - Creatine and pregnancy. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00726-015-2150-7Study - Creatine and sleep deprivation. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-54249-9Person - Stuart Phillips, https://experts.mcmaster.ca/display/phillisSupport 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 30, 2025 • 57min
Holistic Health: Merging Ayurvedic Wisdom, Neuroscience & Health Technology: Dr Nidhi Pandya BAMS
As much as I love and believe in the medical science and biohacks of the 21st century, there is wisdom and knowing that will be forever timeless. Whether my first passion Traditional Chinese Medicine, or Ayurvedic medicine, there are good reasons these health paradigms have lasted for thousands of years. The trick now is how to integrate and make them relevant in today’s modern world, which is the mission of todays guest Nidhi Pandya.Get her new book “Your Body Already Knows”: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/214540631-your-body-already-knowsNidhi is an Ayurvedic Doctor based in NYC, and the creator of the Inner Climate ® Framework. A groundbreaking approach to health that merges ancient wisdom with modern science, and represents the essence of her 15 years of dedicated practice and deep understanding of Ayurvedic principles. Nidhi soon realized the limitations of a strictly prescriptive approach to health. This insight spurred her to reinterpret Ayurveda through a transformative lens, making ancient knowledge accessible and relevant in today's world. An international teacher, coach, and speaker, Nidhi contributes to various publications and serves as a faculty member at the Shakti School. Her strength lies in her unique ability to bridge the gap between traditional Ayurvedic teachings and the needs of contemporary women, guiding them towards a balanced, empowered life.Join us as we explore:What ayurvedic medicine is, what the word actually means and why it remains timeless.How to reignite our inner intuition, and allow our inner intelligence to guide health, wellness and life flourishing.The climate and landscape of the body and why Nidhi is seeing more and more of the “overly solar” dry archetype.Why we, diurnal mammals, have lunches and dinners the wrong way, and the reason people are putting themselves into food comas.Sunlight’s critical role in Ayurveda. An Ayurvedic perspective on biohacks like sauna and cold plunges.Contact: Website - https://www.nidhi.meInstagram - @my_ayurvedic_lifeSupport 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 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/