Peak Performance Life Podcast

Thyroid disease strikes an estimated 20 million Americans. But despite its big health impact, the thyroid is a tiny, often misunderstood gland. In some cases, managing a thyroid condition can be challenging, almost like tracking a moving target. In others, a simple prescription controls symptoms. So it’s no surprise that people are confused about recognizing and treating thyroid disease.   Today we are joined by Author, Master Coach, and Thyroid Expert Elle Russ. We talk all about the thyroid gland, how it brings on so many symptoms when it’s disrupted, and Elle’s own experience and how she reclaimed her health after years of struggling with it.   Elle Russ is a #1 bestselling author and master coach. She is a world-renowned thyroid health expert and thought leader on confidence. She graduated with a degree in Philosophy from The University of California at Santa Cruz in 1995.    Elle Russ is the author of Confident As Fu*k and The Paleo Thyroid Solution – a book that has helped thousands of people around the world reclaim their health. She is also the screenwriter of the award-winning documentary film Headhunt Revisited. She has been seen in Entrepreneur, Success Magazine, Podcasting Magazine, Mind Body Green, Prevention, and much more.   For a decade, Elle has been coaching people all over the world in a variety of areas. She helps clients materialize dreams and goals, improve their health, create better business and personal relationships, and assist them in becoming the best of whatever they are.   Elle is a seasoned podcaster, interviewer, and public speaker. For seven years, she hosted her mentor Mark Sisson's popular Primal Blueprint Podcast with 500+ episodes and 20 million downloads. In 2021 She launched The Elle Russ Show - created to inspire, educate, and motivate through guest interviews and solo episodes.   Elle began her writing career in sketch comedy at the world-famous comedy theater The Second City – Chicago. She was also the main company alumna of the renowned Acme Comedy Theater in Hollywood, where she wrote and performed in over 100 live sketch comedy and improv shows. Elle has appeared as an actress in TV and Film. Her writing resumé includes TV & Film scripts, books, speeches, and articles.   After graduating from UC Santa Cruz, Elle was thriving in the corporate technology world until she sustained a repetitive strain injury to her hands and arms - leaving her rated 40% disabled by the state of California. Elle had to find a way to survive and thrive using her voice, a 20-year journey she details in Part 4 of her book Confident As Fu*k.    Learn more about Elle at: Website: https://www.elleruss.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elleruss/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/elleruss IG: https://www.instagram.com/_elleruss/   Listen to her podcast: https://www.elleruss.com/podcasts/the-elle-russ-show Show notes: [1:23] How did Elle start on what she does? [5:35] More about the thyroid gland and its functions [15:46] What could cause thyroid issues? [30:37] What are the mistakes people make that disrupt the thyroid, and how can they solve them? [43:14] Where to learn more about Elle [46:18] Outro   Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram

Weight loss is simple, right? Eat less, exercise more, and voilà: The pounds melt away. Unfortunately, it’s not always that easy. While a low 1200- to 1500-calorie diet works for many people, the number of calories you need depends on your weight, height, age, gender, and activity level.   We are joined today by Entrepreneur, Entertainer, Nutritional Therapist, the CEO of Clovis Culture, and the inventor of The Perfect Paleo Powder, Justin Nault. We talk about the importance of eating more when you’re trying to lose weight and increase your resting metabolic rate. He also shares the foods and fruits you should avoid even when you think it’s “healthy.”   Justin Nault is an Entrepreneur, Entertainer, Writer, and Nutritionist. He is the Founder and CEO of the Clovis Culture, and he invented the popular product line, "The Perfect Paleo Powder."    As an innovator in the Health & Wellness industry, he recently launched 7 new powdered supplements, and a new e-commerce platform, alongside iPhone and Android apps.    In the entertainment world, he launched a successful YouTube channel, released an album of original music, and was featured on the hit Reality TV Series "The Big Time" on ABC in 2012. His original music has been placed in multiple hit TV shows and movies.    He still performs regularly in Nashville and surrounding areas as a Dueling Piano player. His work as a writer can be found on Clovisculture.com/blog, and his work as an Entertainer can be found on YouTube and all major music platforms, including streaming services.   Learn more about Justin at: Website: https://www.iamclovis.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinnault/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/theclovisculture IG: https://www.instagram.com/theclovisculture/ YT: https://www.youtube.com/theclovisculture Show notes: [1:10] How did Justin get into health? [7:19] Where did he get the name for his company? [9:12] How can you lose weight by eating more? [13:54] The Biggest Loser study [17:04] What’s the right way to burn calories and achieve a higher resting metabolic rate? [23:26] What are the foods he considers to be poison? [29:24] Why you shouldn’t spinach or kale [39:20] On fasting and why it’s better to eat more [51:05] Are there fruits that he avoids? [53:24] Where can people follow and learn more about Justin? [56:14] Outro   Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram

Modern life is full of stressful situations, exhaustion from long hours of work and less sleep, hypersensitivity, and anxiety disorders. By including yoga or meditation in your life, you will improve the value and, possibly, the quantity of your life.   In today’s episode, we are joined by a best-selling Author, Philanthropist, Podcaster, Entrepreneur, Coach, and Founder and CEO of SEALFIT, Mark Divine. He talks about his experiences with going on a false journey and finally finding his real calling. He shares what sparked the realization and made him pivot to a new path altogether. He also shares the many lessons he has learned in the Navy and how he passes them on to other people now.   Mark is the founder and leader of several highly successful enterprises, including SEALFIT (Physical and mental training), Unbeatable Mind, LLC (Executive Mastery Development), NavySEALs.com, and USCrossFit. He also co-founded the Coronado Brewing Company in Coronado, CA.   SEALFIT was developed from the Navy's SEAL candidate Mentoring program, which took the pass rate for Navy SEAL candidates from 33% to over 80% on the Physical Screening Test at Navy Boot Camp. This program was instrumental in helping the Navy grow the size and quality of the SEAL force.    Mark's other professional experience includes 20 years as a Navy SEAL officer, retiring as a Commander in 2011. Also, 4 years as a CPA with the firm now known as PriceWaterhouseCoopers prior to his joining the Navy. As a reserve SEAL, he led several prominent projects, including the Navy's internal study on whether to support the invitation of USMC into the Special Operations Command.   Mark served as Adjunct Professor of Leadership at the University of San Diego and has authored four books: "The Way of the SEAL," published by Reader's Digest Publishing, "8 Weeks to SEALFIT" and "Kokoro Yoga" by St. Martin's Press, "Unbeatable Mind" and the "SEALFIT Training Guide," both self-published. . Learn more about Mark and what he does at: Website: https://markdivine.com/   https://sealfit.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markdivine/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/RealMarkDivine IG: https://www.instagram.com/realmarkdivine YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2UsDsqUL6PpKcdNKk-XO1g   Show notes: [2:40] From accounting to martial arts [19:43] Realizing his false journey and how he got on the real one [28:50] Lessons of leadership in the navy [34:07] What made the difference between his team and others? [39:41] On having SEALFIT [44:34] The concept of box breathing and how to do it [59:23] Where to find Mark [1:02:23] Outro     Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram

It’s important to remember that the goal of a workout challenge is to feel healthier. You should challenge yourself, but not at the expense of your overall physical, emotional, and psychological wellness.   In this episode, we are joined by Health and Fitness Expert, New York Times best-selling Author, and the Founder of Fit2Fat2Fit, Drew Manning, to talk about weight loss and how he gained to lose weight through his experiment twice.   Drew Manning is a well-known Keto coach, physical trainer, and NY Times Best Selling Author of the book Fit2Fat2Fit. Best known for his Fit2Fat2Fit experiment that went viral, Drew gained over a million followers as he documented his 75-pound weight gain and weight loss journey. His podcast has over 2.5 million downloads, and he’s been featured on TV shows such as Dr. Oz, Good Morning America, The View, and many more.   Connect with Drew at: Website: https://fit2fat2fit.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-manning-70a38110/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/fit2fat2fit/   Listen to his podcast: https://fit2fat2fit.com/fit-2-fat-2-fit-podcast/ Show notes: [2:24] More about Drew’s background [6:53] How did he gain seventy-five pounds? [9:01] How did he lose the weight back in 2011? [13:23] What was it like losing weight the second time around? [20:06] Where can people view his journey? [21:02] How did his weight gain and weight loss affect him psychologically? [31:19] How does he work with his clients? [39:15] Does he think it has to do with how someone was raised? [41:47] Where can people learn more about Drew? [42:44] What does he recommend for doing the inner work? [46:09] Outro     Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram

Cardio or aerobic exercise encompasses many types of activities. Some activities like walking can be done at a moderate pace. Other activities, like running, biking uphill, jumping rope, or swimming laps, can be done at a more intense pace.   Today we are joined by Author, Podcast Host, Professional Speedgolfer, Masters High Jumper, and former Professional Triathlete Brad Kearns to talk about how you can maximize your workouts for greater results. He also shares the pros and cons of cardio sessions and how to do it right.   Brad Kearns has written twenty books on diet, health, peak performance, and ancestral living and is a popular speaker, retreat host, and face of the Primal Blueprint online multimedia educational courses. In 2017, The Keto Reset Diet became a New York Times bestseller and briefly ranked as the #1 overall bestselling book on amazon.com.   Brad hosts the B.rad podcast, covering healthy living, peak performance, and personal growth with his carefree style and lively sense of humor. Brad promotes a nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle transformation program he calls the “MOFO Mission,” designed to optimize male hormone function in order to maintain passion and competitive intensity throughout life.   His signature morning regimen is a challenging flexibility/mobility/core and leg strengthening routine, followed by a cold plunge in Lake Tahoe to build focus, discipline, and a natural hormonal boost.   Connect with Brad: Website: https://bradkearns.com/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/bradkearnsjumphigh/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/bradkearns1/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/bradleykearns   Listen to his podcast: https://bradkearns.com/podcast-index/   Check out his courses: https://bradventures.thinkific.com/collections   Show notes: [4:39] His thoughts on having a morning routine [13:07] His additional routine after his morning workout [16:18] Why are people not getting the results they want with cardio? [27:40] What is HIIT training? [32:09] How many times per week should you do HIIT training? [37:28] What he recommends on nutrition to support this kind of activity [47:30] Learn more about Brad [49:14] Outro     Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram

Having an excess amount of heavy metals can negatively affect the human body. Some foods and medicines can help remove heavy metals from the body. Using such substances for this purpose is known as a heavy metal detox.   Here with us today is a Traditional Naturopathic Doctor and the Owner and Founder of Vibe Wellness, Dr. Stacy Barczak Baker, to talk about protecting yourself from heavy metals and parasites, the dangers of using antibiotics, and your diet. She also shares her health challenges and how she decided to work with her body instead of against it.   Dr. Stacy Barczak Baker, ND, has been in the health and wellness industry for over 10 years now. She has finally found her passion in functional and alternative medicine. She has combined her love of Ayurveda, Functional Medicine Testing, Naturopathy, Holistic Nutrition, and Fitness and has created a one-of-a-kind bio-individualized approach to wellness. This includes looking at the body as one beautiful and synergistic system, which needs to be treated as so, focusing on the mind, body, and spirit connecting to achieve the highest form of health imaginable.   ​Dr. Stacy currently holds a Doctorate in Traditional Naturopathy, a Master's of Science in Holistic Nutrition, a Level 2 Integrative Health and several Functional Medicine Certifications, a Functional Medicine Board Certification (AADP), is trained in Vinyasa Yoga, is a certified personal trainer, and is currently expanding her love of learning with the study of energy healing. She is also immersed in her never-ending study of Ayurveda and other alternative medicine approaches to constantly keep up with what works best for her clients.   Reach out to Dr. Stacy at: Website: https://www.vibewellness.biz/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr.stacy.nd Show notes: [1:02] More about Dr. Stacy [3:38] How Glyphosate and antibiotics affect our health [5:29] Her advice on taking antibiotics [8:14] How can you avoid glyphosate? [14:06] What are other toxins that she sees with her clients? [16:19] Deodorants and aluminum [17:25] Heavy metals in the products we use every day [19:54] On detoxing from heavy metals [23:01] What are the tests she does? And what is a parasite cleanse? [26:57] Could just a bad diet cause a leaky gut? [30:33] What is Dr. Stacy’s diet look like? [35:13] Diet trends and the basics [38:12] Where to find Dr. Stacy [40:54] Outro     Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram

“All disease begins in the gut.” Hippocrates, the father of medicine, said this more than 2,000 years ago, and we’re now beginning to realize how true it really is.   Today we are joined by a good friend and a Digestive Health and Nutrition Surgeon, Dr. Chanu Dasari, to talk all about gut health and its role on overall health. Dr. Chanu talks about which foods you should avoid, the most common diseases when you have an unhealthy gut, and the gut-mind connection. He also shares his advice on what you can do to improve your gut health and become the healthiest version of you.   Dr. Dasari is board-certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties, American College of Surgeons, and is a qualified, licensed medical practitioner by the National Board of Medical Examiners and Federation of State Medical Boards. Dr. Dasari provides unparalleled expertise in minimally-invasive treatment options for the digestive disease, chronic inflammation, and cancer.   Dr. Dasari’s clinical career extends to distinguished institutions around the world, such as Vanderbilt University, Oxford University (UK), and the University of California.   His original research has been published in top peer-reviewed scientific journals and adopted by the US Department of Health (HHS) for wide-scale implementation. ABC, Good Morning America, NPR, Clinton Foundation, Fox News, and MTV have also recognized his impact.   Learn more about Dr. Chanu at: Websites: https://dasarimd.com/ https://www.mgiclinic.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chanu-dasari-m-d-800853109/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/dasarimd/ YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCa15t47Qr1RyU9YEZETipSQ/   Show notes: [1:32] His thoughts on general gut health [4:49] What are the common conditions people come into his clinic with? [11:57] What’s his general gut health advice? [15:02] What does he recommend doing to get more fiber [19:15] What is the mind-gut connection? [22:43] What are the gut wreckers? [28:33] How has his diet changed in the past year? [34:57] What are Dr. Chanu’s educational programs, and what are the conditions it focuses on? [38:01] On people who think they need surgery right away [42:20] Where to find Dr. Chanu [43:57] Outro     Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram

If you look around, there is always someone in the world who grew up in a similar place, time, and situation as you, who managed to change their life for the better. But just because it's possible to change your life doesn't mean it's easy.   In today’s episode, we are joined by Author, Psychology Expert, Life Coach, and Motivational Speaker, Dr. Cheyenne Bryant, to talk about the power of the mind to get you the life you want. She also shares a few steps you can start doing to change your thoughts and mindset to ultimately change your life.   Dr. Cheyenne Bryant is a Psychology Expert, renowned Life Coach, Teen Mom Life Coach on MTV, ranked #1 Author in SUCCESS Magazines top 20, the President of NAACP; branch #1069, Founder of Dr. Bryant Institute, Founder of Dr. Bryant Foundation, author of the award-winning Readers Favorite Five-Star book, “Mental Detox,” Motivational Speaker, community activist, host, and brand ambassador.   Dr. Bryant’s mission is to spread her message and expertise on how to lead a healthier, happier, balanced, and more fulfilling life. For years, she has shared her wisdom, awareness, mastery, and insight through her private practice, book, lectures, workshops, and assisting individuals with life impairments and challenges. Dr. Bryant embarked on a similar journey as the one you are undertaking, assisted by Iyanla Vanzant, Oprah Winfrey, Marriane Williamson, and many more. Dr. Bryant’s passion for healing, encouraging, and empowering others is what led her to become a Doctor of Psychology and Life Coach.    Dr. Bryant attended the Cal State University of Northridge at the age of 17. While there, she obtained a double degree in Psychology and Pan African studies. During her first two years, she was undecided as to what field she should pursue as a career. Organically, she ended up choosing psychology. She still wasn’t quite sure why, however. She didn’t realize what had triggered her interest until she entered the Master’s Program at the University of Phoenix. She was about halfway through the Master’s program, and boom! It hit her! She had A LOT of healing within herself that needed to be done. Dr. Bryant’s desire for self-fulfillment, healing, peace, and balance within herself and others drew her to the field of psychology. Being the overachiever that she is, Dr. Bryant decided to pursue her Doctorate degree in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University.   Learn more about Dr. Cheyenne at: Website: https://drbryant.co/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/DrCBryant IG: https://www.instagram.com/_drbryant/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/_DrBryant Grab a copy of her book at: https://amzn.to/3QWBbT7 Show notes: [1:51] Dr. Cheyenne’s brief background and how she got to where she is [7:59] The importance of self-regulation [11:53] Her advice for the people who know that they can be more than who they are now [15:58] How do you change your thoughts? [22:18] Clutter and momentum can not coexist [27:50] On boredom and what we can do to overcome it [30:35] Safeguarding what you allow into your mind [32:22] What you can do to train your mind [39:23] Where to find Dr. Cheyenne? [41:12] Outro     Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram

The brain is always active, even during sleep. However, certain activities can engage the brain in new ways, potentially leading to improvements in memory, cognitive function, or creativity. Although the brain gets plenty of exercise daily, certain activities may help boost brain function and connectivity. This, in turn, may help protect the brain from age-related degeneration.   Today, Dr. Tommy Wood joins us to talk about his beginnings and what got him where he is now. He talks about the factors that affect or cause cognitive decline and also shares a few recommendations on what food, exercise, or mental activity can help you avoid it.   Tommy Wood is a Senior Fellow in the Pediatrics Department at the University of Washington, and Chief Scientific Officer of Nourish Balance Thrive, an online-based company using advanced biochemical testing to optimize performance in athletes.   Tommy was born in the US to Icelandic and British parents. He was predominantly raised in the UK but also spent periods of time at school in Iceland, Germany, and France. Tommy received a bachelor’s degree in Natural Sciences and Biochemistry from the University of Cambridge before studying medicine at the University of Oxford. He worked as a junior doctor in central London for two years after medical school and then moved to Norway to complete a Ph.D. in physiology and neuroscience at the University of Oslo.   Follow Dr. Tommy at: IG: https://www.instagram.com/drtommywood/     Show notes: [0:45] What’s Dr. Tommy’s background, and how he got to where he is today? [4:41] Principles of rehabilitating after traumatic brain injury versus avoiding cognitive decline [6:26] What are the factors that can affect cognitive decline? [14:48] What food can Dr. Tommy recommend to help avoid cognitive decline? [18:03] What type of exercise does he recommend? [24:12] Health as a priority [26:40] How can you get better sleep? [36:06] Brain training and how to keep your mind active [40:52] Where to follow Dr. Tommy [42:16] Outro     Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram

Over the years, you’ve probably heard your fair share of wacky weight loss advice, whether it’s to drink celery juice every day or replace your meals with weight loss “goodies.” And often, those tips are promoted by people without any health expertise.   In this episode, the Founder of Committed 100, Chad Tackett, joins us to talk all about weight loss, meal pacing, and metabolism. Chad also shares strategies you can do to figure out which works for you to lose weight the right way.   Chad started the world’s first online weight loss program in 1995, and he has worked with more than 10,000 clients worldwide to get to their ideal weight, improve their health, and transform their lives.   Chad has been featured in hundreds of magazine articles, books, radio shows, podcasts, and TV shows as a weight loss expert, including the Ask Dr. Nandi Show, which is seen in 95 million homes in 80 countries.   Chad has a degree in Exercise & Health Science from Oregon State University and has been a certified personal trainer and weight loss expert for more than 26 years. He received Oregon State University’s Alumni of the Year award in 2008 for his weight loss innovations and their impact on people’s lives worldwide.   Chad works with a small and select group of very committed clients to develop a custom-tailored weight loss plan for each person. Then he provides ongoing expert guidance, personal support, daily motivation, and accountability through personal coaching online, by email, phone, and text message.   Connect with Chad at: Website: https://www.committed100.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-tackett-1776a115/ Show notes: [1:42] Chad’s quick background and how he started his weight loss program [3:25] What has he learned about health and weight loss over the years? [5:32] Carbs and their role in weight loss [11:29] Chips and bad carbs [14:17] Pacing meals [16:55] Can you speed up or slow down your metabolism? [19:14] How do we know what affects the speed of our metabolism? [21:11] How frequently should you eat small meals? [23:55] Counting calories [27:35] The Metabolism Reset method [29:37] What’s a weight loss strategy that lasts long term? [33:21] Why do many people fail with other weight loss strategies? [36:06] On cheat days [38:48] Where to find Chad [41:09] Outro     Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram