The Made to Thrive Show

Toxicity is something I’ve been focusing on more than ever—because it’s everywhere. From the water we drink to the air we breathe, the buildings we live and work in, even the everyday products we use—environmental toxins are silently impacting our health at the deepest levels.That’s why I’m excited to bring you this powerful conversation with Dr. Kelly McCann—an integrative physician and true pioneer in environmental medicine. Dr. McCann has called environmental toxins the “tsunami” behind today’s chronic disease epidemic, and in this episode, she breaks down exactly why.Whether you've been told you're "too sensitive" to chemicals or you've been struggling with chronic symptoms that no one can seem to explain, this episode is a must-listen.Dr. McCann has helped thousands of patients navigate complex medical issues—chronic illness, autoimmune disease, gut dysfunction, hormone imbalances, and more—through compassionate, root-cause-focused care. Her approach blends deep clinical expertise with a calm, healing presence that’s helped so many on their path to wellness.In this episode, we explore:Environmental toxicity at the core of the chronic disease crisis & why environmental medicine is the most overlooked  component in the functional health arena.The difference between persistent vs non-persistent toxins—and why total load mattersMast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), multiple chemical sensitivity & hidden triggersHow to effectively detox your home and your bodyThe truth about sweating: passive vs active detox, sauna protocols, and what actually worksDr. McCann’s clinical insights on binders and supporting sensitive patientsThe crucial connection between antioxidant enzymes and longevityHow environmental toxins interact with gene variants—leading to thicker blood, strokes, and heart attacksConnect with Dr. Kelly McCann: 🔗 Website: drkellymccann.com 📱 Instagram: @drkellymccannResources & Mentions: 🎙️ Podcast with Dr. Tania Dempsey: Watch here 🎙️ Podcast with Dr. Neil Nathan: Watch here 📚 Research by Stephen Genuis: Explore here 📖 Book – Breaking Alzheimer’s by Dayan Goodenowe: View on GoodreadsSupport 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/

Not fish food but brain food and gut food. That’s how you should understand algae. I was blown away by the research on algae and its most powerful component superoxide dismutase. From MS to Alzheimer’s and PTSD, the super nutrient profile of spiralina and chlorella is an energy and mental performance game-changer that costs less than $1 a day. Join me and Catharine Arnston in this empowering algae educational masterclass.  Catharine Arnston founded ENERGYbits® after discovering the extraordinary health benefits of algae while researching ways to support her sister’s recovery from breast cancer. She learned that algae is the most nutrient-dense, plant-based, and alkaline food on the planet—packed with 64% protein, 40 vitamins and minerals, and backed by over 100,000 scientific studies, as well as endorsements from NASA and the United Nations. Despite its long history of use in Asia, algae remained virtually unknown in the West, which inspired Catharine to spend a decade building ENERGYbits® into a trusted, national brand. Today, her company offers pure, toxin-free, Non-GMO algae tablets that support energy, satiety, and nutrition in a sustainable, eco-friendly form.Join us as we explore:Everything algae - it’s unique evolutionary history, why Cathrine calls it “spirit-lina”, its nutritional and disease fighting profile and why it’s an energy and cognitive performance game-changer for anyone older than 40. How algae works as an ATP catalyst, boosts the most powerful antioxidant superoxide dismutase and keeps you younger for longer.What sets ENERGYbits apart from other algae products, why to choose the blue one (chlorella) or the green one (spirulina) and why professional athletes are using up to 75 tablets pre-game for maximum energy and focus.Incredible algae studies - MS tremors disappear, 50% HRV increase, mitochondria maximization and miraculous brain healing.Contact: Website: https://energybits.com/Mentions:Research - Algae Research, https://energybits.com/pages/algae-researchNon-profit - Grey Team, https://www.greyteam.orgDiagnostic - mescreen, https://mescreen.co.zaSupport 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/

In this eye-opening episode, we explore how our toxic environment is fueling an epidemic of chronic illness—starting before birth. Shocking studies reveal that newborns are now born with over 200 toxic chemicals in their bodies, setting the stage for lifelong health issues like obesity, cancer, and diabetes. Dr. Stewart Lonky, a renowned physician and expert in environmental medicine, breaks down the science behind "toxic fat" and how these hidden chemicals disrupt our biology.With over 40 years of clinical and research experience, Dr. Lonky shares his groundbreaking approach to identifying, preventing, and eliminating toxins through his AIPE protocol. He also discusses the connection between detoxification, oxygen, and metabolic health, offering real-world strategies to outsmart modern chronic disease. His books Invisible Killers and Outsmarting Obesity reflect his lifelong commitment to uncovering the root causes of chronic diseaseThis is a must-listen for anyone looking to take control of their health in an increasingly toxic world.Get his NEW book “Outsmarting Obesity” NOW: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/218104915-outsmarting-obesityJoin us as we explore:Why the real battle NOT weight loss but weight maintenance. Despite over $3 trillion spent on weight loss in the last 50 years, adult obesity has jumped from 8% to 43%, and childhood obesity from 5% to 21%Why BMI is NOT the right data pointAdipose tissue, healthy vs unhealthy, toxic fat, why the size of our fat cells matter and the epigenetic nature of obesity.Newborns now carry over 200 toxic chemicals at birth—Dr. Lonky explains how these toxins play a key role in the rise of obesity and metabolic syndrome.Dr Lonky’s unique AIPE treatment paradigmHow to safely and effectively use binders like zeolite, activated charcoal and bentonite. Contact: Website: https://drlonky.comMentions:DEXA SCAN - Our local partner ProScan, https://madetothrive.co.za/special-deals/proscan-dexa-scan/App - Yuka, scans food & personal care products to decipher their ingredients and evaluate their impact on your health.Study - Zeolite, Flowers J, Lonky SA, Deitsch EJ. Clinical evidence supporting the use of an activated clinoptilolite suspension as an agent to increase urinary excretion of toxic heavy metals. Nutrition and Dietary Supplements. 2009;1:11-18.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/

Where Media Meets Biohacking—with the Lolli FamilyJoin Anthony and Tereza Lolli, along with their children, on a family-driven mission to explore health, fitness, and biohacking in the most immersive way possible—by living it. From Anthony’s incredible 150-pound weight-loss journey to Tereza’s pioneering work in wellness documentaries, the Lollis aim to educate and entertain by sharing real experiences and accessible insights that make a healthier life possible for everyone.Anthony Lolli, CEO of Lollibrands, is a serial entrepreneur, best-selling author, and award-winning filmmaker. After building one of the fastest-growing real estate franchises and licensing over 45,000 students through his real estate school, Anthony turned his attention inward—transforming his body, mind, and life. His dramatic health journey is captured in the documentary From Fat Lolli to 6 Pack Lolli.TereZa Hakobyan-Lolli is an award-winning producer, actress, and founder of Biohack Yourself +. An immigrant from Armenia, TereZa leads a health movement that simplifies longevity and biohacking for the everyday person. Her acclaimed documentaries Biohack Yourself and sHEALed feature over 200 global wellness experts and continue to shape the conversation around sustainable health and medicine 4.0.In this podcast, you’ll discover:How the Lolli family embraces wellness as a shared lifestyleThe 3 mindset rules that can transform your lifeWhat truly drove Anthony’s transformation journeyWhy entrepreneurs and high-performers must be coachable to reclaim their healthThe mission behind BiohackYourself.com and what’s next for the Lollis in wellness mediaHealth is not out of reach—and the Lollis are living proof.Contact: Instagram: @terezalolliInstagram: @anthonylolliWebsite: www.lollibrands.comWebsite: www.biohackyourself.com 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/

It’s time to put a ring on it. And I mean an erectile fitness ring. I had never even considered the importance of my erection data until having this fascinating conversation with Dr Elliot Justin. Because it’s about much more than sexual health and performance. Erection data and rings is about your cardiovascular health, and how likely you are to have a heart attack within the next two years. Dr Justin predicts erection data will become the standard of care for cardiovascular health in just a matter of years.Start collecting your erection data and improve your cardiovascular and sexual health with a 15% DISCOUNT of any FirmTech orders using my code stevestavs15.https://myfirmtech.comDr. Elliot Justin, MD, FACEP, is the CEO and founder of FirmTech, the world’s first sex tech company focused on enhancing men’s erectile and cardiovascular health. He developed the Tech Ring and Performance Ring, innovative tools designed to optimize erectile fitness and prevent or potentially reverse erectile dysfunction (ED). With a background in Emergency Medicine and as a healthcare technology consultant, Dr. Justin has a proven track record as a serial entrepreneur, having founded Pegasus Emergency Group and Swift MD.  FirmTech's upcoming expansion will include similar innovations for women’s health.Join us as we explore:The erection masterclass - why erections are about neuromodulation, the healthy number of nocturnal erections, what is actually at the core of “erectile disappointment”, firmness and why the penis is the canary in the cardiovascular disease coal mine.Why nocturnal erections will become the standard of care for cardiovascular health Why the majority of men are dealing with erectile disappointment, not dysfunctionHow a ring provides the opportunity to manage ED and take back your sexual health and confidence without medication.Why FirmTech is developing a clitoral ring for women, and how a mechanical solution to sexual health and pleasure is as effective and less harmful than chronic medication.Normalizing the use of sexual enhancement technology and tools for men.Contact: Website: https://myfirmtech.comInstagram: @doctorelliotjustinFacebook: www.facebook.com/DoctorElliotJustinMentions: Research - Firmtech, https://myfirmtech.com/pages/scienceSupport 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/

Amazing, miraculous things are happening with stem cells. But where? Unfortunately, the big players in healthcare are making it as hard as possible for these revolutionary medicines to the general public. Whether curing decades long auto-immune conditions like MS or ulcerative colitis, reversing the damage from strokes and putting arthritis into remission, stem cells are doing it right now. That’s why Josh Ketner setup shop in Mexico, and is seeing patients from all over the world and changing their lives with just one stem cell session.Josh Ketner is the founder and a leading expert at Dreambody Clinic, specializing in regenerative medicine and holistic health. With a passion for helping individuals achieve their full potential through natural healing methods, Josh focuses on advanced treatments that promote long-term wellness and vitality. Drawing from his deep knowledge in biomolecular medicine, he combines cutting-edge techniques with personalized care to address chronic conditions, pain management, and overall well-being. Join us as we explore:Everything stems cells and stem cell therapies - what are mesenchyme stem cells, why it is a misconception that they magically become any type of cell and the paracrine effect.Treating cognitive decline, strokes and brain injuries by injecting 2 ml of mesenchyme stem cells into the base of the spine (intrathecal)!The clinical success Josh sees with IV mesenchyme stem cells, including reversing biological age and putting autoimmune and gut disorders into remission with one IV bag!Why the notion that using your own stem cell is the best approach is not right. The value of saving the umbilical cord and placenta for future use, but why it’s not actually for the stem cells.Why the stem cell injury is being stifled by Big Pharma  by How to work with Josh and the Dreambody ClinicContact: Website: https://dreambody.clinicMentions: Person - Dr Arnold Caplan, https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jor.1100090504Support 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/

What does it mean to be free? It’s a question that’s puzzled philosophers for millennia. But what does it mean to be metabolically free? If you’ve ever felt hangry, crashed after a meal, or dealt with type 2 diabetes, you’ve experienced the opposite — metabolic imprisonment.My guest today, Ben Azadi, knows this firsthand. In 2008, Ben was obese and unhealthy, struggling to find answers. After shedding 80 pounds and turning his health around, he dedicated his life to helping others do the same. Today, he’s a functional health expert, bestselling author, and the founder of Keto Kamp, a global brand empowering people to use ancient healing tools like fasting and the ketogenic lifestyle. His new book, Metabolic Freedom: A 30-Day Guide to Restore Your Metabolism, Heal Hormones & Burn Fat, lays out the blueprint to reclaim your health.In this episode, we dive into:What metabolism really is — and why “slow” or “fast” metabolism may be a mythA groundbreaking study that disproves the idea that metabolism slows with ageWhy fasting insulin is a better marker of health than weight or glucose aloneThe surprising power of “Vitamin G” — gratitude — on your metabolic functionBen’s top daily habits and biohacks to supercharge your metabolismBen’s approach is all about education over medication — empowering you to take control, rather than outsourcing your health. Ben has also made a personal impact on a member of my family.Links:📘 Metabolic Freedom Book: https://tinyurl.com/metabolic-freedom🌐 Website: www.benazadi.com📱 Instagram: @thebenazadiMentions:Study - Pontzer H, et al,. Daily energy expenditure through the human life course. Science. 2021 Aug 13;373(6556):808-812. doi: 10.1126/science.abe5017. PMID: 34385400; PMCID: PMC8370708. Study - Kobayashi LC, Hagan KA, Trudel-Fitzgerald C, et al.Gratitude and Mortality Among Older US Female Nurses.JAMA Psychiatry. Published online July 3, 2024. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2024.1610Study - Picard M, Prather AA, Puterman E, Cuillerier A, Coccia M, Aschbacher K, Burelle Y, Epel ES. A Mitochondrial Health Index Sensitive to Mood and Caregiving Stress. Biol Psychiatry. 2018 Jul 1;84(1):9-17. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2018.01.012. Epub 2018 Feb 3. PMID: 29525040; PMCID: PMC6014908.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/

Dr. Sean O'Mara, a medical doctor and attorney specializing in performance optimization, unpacks the dangers of visceral fat and its impact on heart health. He discusses how unhealthy fat can be linked to physical appearance and emphasizes the importance of monitoring these levels. The conversation also covers lifestyle choices affecting heart health, the deceptive nature of appearances, and the critical role of DEXA scans in assessment. With innovative strategies for reducing visceral fat, Dr. O'Mara advocates for a proactive approach to health and well-being.

It’s painful seeing so much sickness and ill-health. And one of the big reasons for so much sickness is the pain so many people’s guts are in. IBS, Chron’s disease and ulcerative colitis are becoming more common for more people, and tragically as young as 6 months old. This episode is a true gut health masterclass , with someone who really knows his gut stuff and is having real clinical success with real people, Josh Dech.Josh Dech is a Holistic Nutritionist and IBD specialist who believes that doctors often miss the mark by simply prescribing medication that masks symptoms. He advocates for functional medicine, focusing on addressing the root causes of health issues rather than just treating the symptoms. With his Gut 911 approach, Josh aims to heal the gut, rebuild the microbiome, and restore freedom to his clients’ lives by addressing the underlying causes of digestive diseases like Crohn’s and Colitis. His success in reversing these conditions led him to partner with medical clinics across the country, and he now shares his expertise as a medical lecturer for the Priority Health Academy, teaching doctors to implement his approach. Josh’s extensive background includes being a Physician’s Consultant for IBD and IBS, a former paramedic, and the Scientific Strategist and Education Director for the Root Cause For Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.Join us as we explore:What is at the root of the continuous rise of gut imbalance conditions like Chron’s and colitis, and why the North American population has over 50% of the GLOBAL cases of serious gut disease.How it’s possible to cure - YES CURE - the most serious of gut imbalance in just 16 weeks by following Josh’s Gut 911 approach.The three reasons you get gut disease, the three ways to treat, reverse and cure them and the specific detox protocols and tools Josh finds success with.How detoxing as principle is woefully misunderstood, leading to worse symptoms and outcomes.The difference between IBD and IBS, and why Josh doesn’t believe a specific diagnosis between IBD, IBS, Chron’s or colitis is critical to treating, reversing and curing it.Why your gut health is about a lot more than what you eat.Contact:Website: https://gutsolution.ca/aboutInstagram: @joshdech.healthSupport 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/

Guests don’t get as accomplished and credentials as Dr Robert Lufkin, a physician and medical school professor of the highest calibre with over 200 peer-reviewed scientific papers. And then he wrote a book about the lies he HIMSELF was teaching in medical school. I believe this is one of the most important books I have ever read, and that Dr Lufkin himself is one of the greatest health heroes speaking truth despite the personal consequences. That’s why it was a true privilege to have him on the show and unpack the lies he was telling at medical school. Robert Lufkin, MD is a physician and medical school professor at both UCLA and USC. New York Times bestselling author dedicated to helping people reclaim their metabolic health through lifestyle and other evidence-based tools. A frequent guest on the Today Show, USA Today, FOX, and other major news outlets, his weekly video podcast reaches over 500,000 viewers. After reversing his own chronic disease, Dr. Lufkin has made it his mission to empower others to do the same. His latest book, Lies I Taught in Medical School, quickly became a New York Times bestseller and has reshaped the public conversation around metabolic health and longevity. In addition to his clinical work, he has authored over 200 peer-reviewed scientific papers and 14 books, published in fourteen languages.Join us as we explore:Why western or allopathic medicine is losing the battle against obesity, diabetes, strokes, heart attacks, cancer, Alzheimer’s and mental illnessWhy being diagnosed with four of the main chronic diseases and then reversing them with a few simple lifestyle changes left Dr Lufkin understanding he was “trusting the science that couldn’t be trusted” and that he was teaching lies as a medical school professor.Which lie Dr Lufkin believes is the most egregious and harmful still being told by the official medical institutions.Why going to your doctor is not the person who is going to make you healthy, but AI could be.The debate around lipid health and markers like apolipoB.Why despite writing a book about the abundance of untruths in medicine Dr Lufkin is more optimistic about the future than he’s ever been.Contact:Website: https://www.robertlufkinmd.comMention:Quote - “Gentlemen, I have a confession to make. Half of what we have taught you is in error, and furthermore we cannot tell you which half it is. Be calm and strong and patient. Meet failure and disappointment with courage”, Sir William 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/