Peak Performance Life Podcast

What can you do, each and every day, to make the day a happier more productive time? Listen as Dr. Roy Vongtama chats about how your breath and your example is the key to creating a more positive environment. Dr. Vongtama is an oncologist turned author turned actor who has spent his life helping others find ways to heal through positivity and he has some amazing nuggets for you. Now while positivity is great… it’s only healing if it is real. Dr. Vongtama stresses that you should feel and express your real emotions so that you can move toward more positive thinking. If you ever find yourself drowning in negativity, learn how you can use your breath to reinsert calm in your life. Another sure-fire way of increasing your sense of peace and decreasing anxiety is turning your self-talk into a positive experience. Confident people are naturally more at peace with the world. Why? Because they speak positively about themselves and believe in themselves. If you’re constantly putting yourself down, then you’re opening the door for life and others to do the same. Listen as Dr. Vongtama walks me through a wonderful breathing exercise that re-asserts a sense of peace and shares how you can create a habit of more positive thought. You have to take ownership of where you are at and where you want to go. Your life and health are your responsibility. Are you ready to move forward?  In This Episode: [02:57] Welcome Dr. Roy Vongtama to the show to discuss healing and peak performance. [04:31] A lot of our health is in the mind. Learn more about taking ownership of your life.  [07:11] Why aren’t people more proactive about their health? [11:00] How can you start working on your mindset and reactions right now?  [13:15] Dr. Vongtama breaks down the breathing exercise you should use to reset negative responses.  [15:11] Is there a way to “habitualize” having a good day?  [19:09] Your example is affecting other people. What are you putting out there?  [22:08] Make your self-talk more compassionate and you’ll reduce anxiety! [25:27] Real emotion is more important than positive. Learn why! [28:17] How do you bypass the overthinking process and train the resilience muscle?  [30:11] The “try something” challenge! Listen in to learn why you need to start with something you can win. [31:56] What kinds of tools can you use to alter your thought process? [33:50] Learn what meditation is and isn’t. [36:50] What would Dr. Vongtama tell his 25-year-old self?  [40:44] How can you find more clarity in your life?    Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on FacebookPeak Performance on Instagram   Healing Before You’re Cured by Dr. Roy Vongtama Text Heal to 345345 for your free email diagnosis kit

So many people are afflicted with intolerances and food allergies and generally feel terrible each and every day. What if those issues were related to your genetic makeup rather than the food? Dr. Courtney Hunt is an OB-Gyn and Functional Medical doctor who has dedicated her life to helping her patients find out what their genetics mean for their daily habits.  Dr. Hunt has her patients undergo genetic testing and then creates a personalized plan for them to reduce inflammation and start living a healthier life. Listen in as she shares about her research and why she started down this path.  Two of the most important things you need an abundance of in your life are sunshine and sleep. Even if you’ve not figured out what your genetics are telling you about your body, you will feel significantly better if you pay attention to and nurture your circadian rhythm. Dr. Hunt says you need to be up and see the sunrise. Spend time in nature and reconnect so that you can recharge your batteries.  There are so many things that go into how we feel and how our bodies operate, but one of the most important is the building blocks upon which we are formed. Your genes have more to do with your health than most believe and think. Take a moment to listen in as Dr. Hunt shares gem after gem about getting and staying healthy. Ready to start aging in reverse? Dr. Hunt can help!   In This Episode: [02:50] Welcome Dr. Courtney Hunt to discuss health, genetics, and safe practices. [03:53] Dr. Hunt shares what caused her to go into medicine and then functional medicine. [06:24] Listen as she shares how she made the connection between gluten, Celiac’s Disease, and the prevalence of auto-immune disorders.  [07:45] Were there any symptoms of Celiac’s that her husband had and they missed?  [09:57] Where should the average person start in figuring out what is causing their symptoms?  [13:54] Love is the foundation of creating good habits. It also affects all the symptoms of their bodies. [16:48] How can you incorporate nature and spending time in nature into your life if you’re in a light deficient area?  [19:12] Why loving others sometimes leads to us neglecting ourselves. Dr. Hunt shares her journey with this same concept. [22:46] How can you unplug to increase your health if you’re a go-getter?  [25:21] It’s not selfish to feel good. When you take care of yourself you’re better able to take care of your family. [26:50] How can you get started with making healthy changes in your daily routine?  [30:40] Why you need sleep and to focus on your circadian rhythm. [32:18] What kinds of signs should you look out for that point toward inflammation?  [35:02] Genetic testing is the key to defining exactly what types of signs and symptoms you should be looking out for. [38:31] How behavioral choices affect your health. [40:31] Can you train your mitochondria?  [43:16] You can’t recharge your battery without sleep and sunshine. [46:04] What does Dr. Hunt tell people who are super sick to get them moving in the right direction?  [48:27] When moms get better, the family follows. Start with your genes… not your allergies. [52:53] Connect with Courtney and find out where you should start with testing. [53:44] How does Dr. Hunt define being healthy? [54:50] What can you take away and do now to get more peak performance out of your life?  Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on FacebookPeak Performance on Instagram   Dr. Courtney Hunt Dr. Hunt on InstagramDr. Hunt on Facebook D-Minder AppArianna Huffington

In this era of toxic masculinity, it’s nice to find a strong, able-bodied man who is willing and able to connect with his feelings. Beau Ash is a former military man turned vegan yogi, but he’s always been in tune with his emotions. Listen in as we discuss mindset, breathwork, and why he turned vegan. Beau was surrounded by strong men when he was growing up. His family owned and operated a farm and all of the men were very manly men, but his grandfather was a manly-man who was perfectly comfortable sharing his emotions. It was this influence that helped Beau maintain his emotional security even while pursuing the military. When he left the military, he was somewhat adrift. He didn’t want to work in corporate, but he had to make money. He got into yoga and won a scholarship that allowed him to become certified. He hasn’t looked back since.  Beau shares why he turned to a plant-based lifestyle as well as how he makes it work with his large frame and Crossfit training. What you put in your body is not solely a personal choice. What you eat and choose to consume impacts the world because your choices dictate the nature of the food that is grown and harvested.  He chose to start eating a plant-based diet to eat more responsibly but kept doing it because he realized the true health benefits. Beau shares how he got started and his tips for people who are looking to make big changes in their life and help but have no clue how to get started.  This is definitely an episode you won’t want to miss!   In This Episode: [01:53] Welcome Beau Ash to the show and learn about his background and accomplishments. [05:35] Why shoes make a difference in marathon running. [07:54] What has moved Beau out of his comfort zone and helped him build mental fortitude?  [11:37] How does Beau remind himself to practice having more substantial conversations?  [14:15] When and why did Beau get involved in Yoga?  [16:16] Beau reflects on how Yoga helped him cope with his background. [20:20] Why people end up staying in the military or go into a corporate and why Beau went the complete opposite direction. [24:23] Beau shares why he joined the military.  [31:09] How can someone get started with becoming more in tune with their emotions?  [34:16] Learn why Beau started on a plant-based diet and how it has affected his life. [40:26] Relating to your old-self can bring you down. Listen as Beau shares how he’s thrived on a plant-based diet. [42:21] Beau shares tips and tricks to help you get started on making changes in your life.  [48:51] One more tip for you about protecting and using your breath. [52:45] Why you need to change the words you use to describe your existence. [56:22] How you can center yourself and immerse yourself in the moment. [57:07] Connect with Beau.   Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on FacebookPeak Performance on Instagram Beau Ash on FacebookBeau Ash on InstagramThe Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor

Can a medical doctor also be a naturopath? What does that look like? Dr. Donese Worden joins me to chat about how naturopathy and medicine go hand in hand for overall health and prevention. Listen in as we chat about how stress affects the body and the brain and what you can do to reduce stress in your life. Stress is not always an external factor. Many times we add stress to our body’s systems by introducing foods and drinks that we cannot adequately process and digest. Everybody is different and needs different fuel and food medicine. The first step to understanding your individual makeup is to keep track of the foods you eat and how you feel after. However, when tracking isn’t enough, that maybe when you need to see a naturopathic medical doctor. Dr. Worden shares which tests she recommends most frequently to her patients so that she can diagnose the underlying problems causing their symptoms. For instance, broccoli is an amazing vegetable that has wonderful health benefits when prepared and eaten properly… unless you have a food sensitivity to it. Once you figure out how you’re taxing your body internally, look at the external factors that are affecting your health. Listen in as Dr. Worden shares how she recommends you remove the toxins from your life. The work that she is doing has helped people heal from cancer and autoimmune diseases despite advanced diagnoses.  You’ll definitely want to listen in and hear all of Dr. Worden’s wonderful advice. Age is nothing but a number and your physical manifestations of stress likely have nothing to do with aging. Stop using excuses and start working toward understanding your biochemical makeup and what you should be doing to live your best life.   In This Episode: [00:01:23] Welcome Donese Worden to the show to discuss naturopathy and health. [00:03:08] How did Donese find her way into healthcare and the medical field?  [00:05:28] What is the difference between a medical doctor and a naturopathic medical doctor?  [00:07:37] Donese shares how her clients and patients find their way to her.  [00:09:36] How does Donese define health?  [00:11:28] What kinds of conversations does Donese have with her patients about stress and its effect on overall health?  [00:15:28] Which tests are most appropriate for us to run to determine what’s going on with us?  [00:20:05] Why she pulls cancer markers for all of her patients.  [00:22:18] What are the telltale signs that someone is allergic to foods? When should you test?  [00:25:05] Should you test to determine which foods you should eat?  [00:28:23] The delayed allergy testing is a blood draw but it is most accurate. [00:29:40] What you need to know about coffee?  [00:33:02] Learn the things you need to look for before buying your coffee. [00:36:21] How does Donese have hard conversations with her family, friends, and patients?  [00:41:11] Your mindset and belief have incredible effects on the body and how you respond to various diseases. [00:44:18] Why your age doesn’t have anything to do with your health. Don’t fall into the trap that age equals poor health. [00:46:31] What does a day in the life of Dr. Worden look like?  [00:49:42] How music changes your sleep and stress levels. [00:52:12] The Petri dishes that scientists use for testing have antibiotics in them, what does that mean for us?  [00:54:37] Dr. Worden shares some of the things she’s excited about right now. [00:57:21] Connect with Dr. Worden.[00:58:28] What are three easy things you can do now to change your health? [01:00:01] Start creating your environment and take out the toxins, to include people. Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on FacebookPeak Performance on Instagram   Dr. Donese Worden’s Website Dr. Worden on Facebook Dr. Worden on TwitterDr. Worden on InstagramDr. Worden on LinkedIn Dr. Worden on YouTube Specialty Tests Radical Remission by Kelly A. Turner Dr. Dominic D’Agostino Tripping over the Truth by Travis Christofferson Dr. Thomas Seyfried

Living an extremely healthful life started at an extremely young age for Tommy Cassano. His father had him eating healthfully and participating in sports his entire life. For him and his brother, there was no other way to live. Listen in as Tommy reveals intimate details about his past, how he helps his clients, and why he intends to continue to run ultra-races. From the time he was a young child to now, Tommy has always been involved and invested in health and fitness. He played several sports growing up. He broke records and sports were what propelled him through college. He even shares a story about how hardcore his dad was regarding his and his brother’s pre-game routine. His love of fitness and health has never abated and he now spends his time helping others to realize their full potential. Through one on one and group coaching, with targeted detoxes and meal plans, his clients see the pounds fall off and the strength soar. Mindset work is huge for Tommy and his clients. Our bodies will allow us to do almost anything we ask of them, but our minds resist. Tommy shares how he prepares mentally for his ultra-races and why fasting is a big part of his mindset and his health. Tommy is an elite athlete and trainer and has worked with many people to bring their health back from the brink. He shares his tip 3-actionable tips that you can use to get started on a more heathful journey. Listen in and learn from one of the most knowledgeable men in the health and wellness space. In This Episode: [01:30] Welcome Tommy Cassano to discuss avoiding burnout, being an ultra-athlete, and living healthfully. [03:02] Tommy shares a bit about his background and family. [05:12] Listen as Tommy reveals a story about his father’s dedication to creating strong bodies and minds. [07:01] What was Tommy’s dad’s vision for Tommy’s life?  [08:24] How does Tommy intend to raise his children? As strictly as his father?  [09:53] Tommy shares his path through sports and the choices he made through high school in college. [12:27] What does Tommy bring to his clients and customers with his business and how does his approach differ from others in the space?  [15:48] Which people are ready for Tommy’s type of coaching and tactics?  [17:02] Learn what Tommy means by “plant medicine.” [20:05] How did he feel when he traveled to Peru to study plant medicine?  [22:04] Tommy shares what happened during one of his Ayahuasca Ceremony. [24:58] Had he already done one of the ultra races at this point?  [27:17] What motivates Tommy and how does that impact his routines? [30:45] When someone works with Tommy, what is it like?  [36:40] 3-actionable things you can do to start seeing results right away. [40:01] Connect with Tommy. Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on FacebookPeak Performance on Instagram Tommy’s Website Tommy on LinkedIn Tommy on Twitter Tommy on FacebookTommy on InstagramTommy on YouTube

Have you ever tried a food plan or diet? There are hundreds to choose from, each one following a prescribed set of healthy living rules. Here’s the better question though, did any of them work? Lynee Palacios of Healthy Self Keto is joining me to share about her journey while creating a plant-based keto lifestyle that not only works but continues to provide her and her clients with results. Lynee is no stranger to healthy meal plans. As a dietitian and nutritionist as well as a former bodybuilder, she is extremely familiar with all the healthy or seemingly healthy diets out there. She had a client as about keto, but because she wasn’t familiar with it, she wanted to dig deeper. She already knew that excessive animal proteins and fats didn’t work well with her body, so she set out to create a plant-based keto diet. Not only did she succeed but she’s found ways to create delicious and healthy meals for herself and her clients.  She created Healthy Self Keto to share her new eating plan and then also created Healthy Self Kitchen to create healthful meals for anyone looking to start on this lifestyle change. Listen in as she shares what it took to create the plan, all the benefits she’s reaped since she started, and why neither she nor her clients intend to quit. From no longer struggling with her weight, not being hungry, and no longer having skin issues, she sees no reason why she should quit. If you’ve been considering going keto, then you won’t want to miss all of Lynee’s advice and golden nuggets of information.  In This Episode: [01:37] Welcome Lynee (Laney) Palacios a registered dietitian and naturopathic doctor to discuss a different take on keto.   [02:56] Learn more about Lynee and her background. [04:54] How did Lynee get into the Keto space and why did she start a plant-based program?  [09:25] Learn how Lynee combined a plant-based diet with the Keto process. [13:17] What are the big results Lynee saw with her Keto plan? [14:49] Lynee shares what a day of eating and energy looks like on and off a Keto plan. [18:05] Has she noticed any digestive complaints from herself or her clients?  [20:29] Listen as Lynee reveals a normal meal plan.  [24:03] How can this be tailored for someone who is trying to keep muscle on?  [25:46] Who should try this type of diet?  [27:31] Is this easily modified if you tend to eat out a couple of times per week?  [30:02] Can you still have a drink and stay in ketosis?  [31:29] What does the start of the diet look like? Can you avoid the keto-flu?  [34:57] Why mornings are so important for setting up your day. [36:38] Does Lynee put anything specific in her water? [38:39] Connect with Lynee. Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on FacebookPeak Performance on Instagram   Healthy Self Keto Healthy Self Kitchen on Facebook Healthy Self Keto on Facebook Healthy Self Keto on Instagram Lynee on Twitter

Living a healthy life means understanding how you can positively impact your stress and energy levels through diet, exercise, and good sleep habits. Jason Sani joins me to share his tips and tricks for building consistent energy stores and why your mindset is the key. Listen in to hear how food, sleep, and exercise impact your overall health and you can start making changes today.   Few people realize how much of an energy drain eating food and then digesting it is on the body. You have over 20 feet of intestines in your body working to process the foods you eat. That is a lot of tissue your body has to power just to properly use the fuel you provide to it. This is just one of the many reasons that eating a healthy diet is paramount to good health.   Something to keep in mind is that the food we eat today is nothing like the food we ate even 20 years ago. You may find that the food you’ve eaten your entire life is the cause of your lack of energy. The first step to understanding how what you eat affects your life is to start a food journal and keep track of everything you’re eating.   Even if you can only journal a few days at a time, this practice will open your eyes to how much you’re eating and which foods drain your energy.   Sleep and exercise go hand in hand with helping to boost your energy levels. People today tend to get less and less sleep and this has been directly correlated with the increasing number of Alzheimer’s diagnoses. Set yourself up for success by creating a bedtime routine you can stick to and stick to it. Your body needs periods of rest to regenerate and build cells. Give it the time it needs.   Exercise boosts energy in multiple ways. First, you experience the endorphins and focus that comes with getting in a good work out. Then your body continues to function at a higher level because the more you move and the stronger you are, the more energy you have. You can also multi-task during your workouts and listen to books or podcasts. Work your body and mind at the same time to sustain higher levels of energy.   Jason shares some amazing tips and advice during our discussion that will help you get started on the path to a healthier life today. Listen in and let us know how these tips help you.   In This Episode: [01:15] Jason Sani joins Talor to discuss increasing mental and physical energy. [02:17] Meet Jason and hear his take on the gift we’ve been given of our bodies. [03:57] Listen as Jason shares his advice on increasing energy through nutrition. [06:46] Learn how tightly related our digestive system and energy level are. [08:06] What kinds of foods can you remove from your diet to boost energy? [12:19] Jason gives action steps for increasing your awareness of the food you consume. [14:01] How health shaming affects your relationship with food. [16:58] It is important to note that the food we are eating now versus 20 years ago is very different.  [19:49] Exercise is extremely important for keeping energy levels up. [23:41] Learn how you can multitask with your exercise time. [25:16] If you make exercise a part of your daily routine, then you’ll always have time. Something is better than nothing. [28:29] Why you shouldn’t allow the process of aging to keep you from staying fit and active. [32:37] Reflect on what you’re doing throughout the day and see what drains you and what energizes you. [35:02] Jason shares how you can get started with an exercise routine.  [39:05] Strength training, long-distance cardio, etc. what does Jason recommend?  [42:29] Build a routine to get better quality sleep. [46:26] Understand how sleep affects all aspects of your body and health and take the time to journal about the quality of sleep you’re getting. [49:10] How you can use hot/cold showers to increase energy and build better sleep habits. [50:51] Learn why your mental state has a heavy impact on your health and energy. [54:42] What are some actions you can take to reduce your stress levels?  Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on FacebookPeak Performance on Instagram   Making Healthy Taste Good by Jason Sani The Upside of Stress by Kelly McGonigal