The Made to Thrive Show

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/

In this engaging talk, Dr. Brandon Crawford, a functional neurologist specializing in childhood neurodevelopment and photobiomodulation, shares groundbreaking insights about the power of light in health. He discusses his unique therapy laser, 'laser focus,' and its transformative effects on mental health and cognitive performance. Listeners will learn about heart rate variability, the role of different light wavelengths in enhancing organ health and overall well-being, and the fascinating therapeutic potential of lasers for conditions like ADHD and anxiety.

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.

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/

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/

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/

“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/