Live Beyond the Norms

There’s something broken in how we think about chronic illness, and it’s not just the healthcare system. It’s the way we’re trained to accept pills over root causes, symptoms over patterns, and insurance codes over meaningful conversations.In this episode, I sat down with Dr. Vik Rajan—a quadruple board-certified physician in integrative medicine, nephrology, internal medicine, and pediatrics—who is rewriting the script on how we treat chronic disease. And he is not just trained. He’s lived it.From watching his mother battle multiple transplants, liver failure, and tuberculosis to creating a “health algorithm” that goes beyond prescriptions, Dr. Rajan brings fire, honesty, and clarity to a conversation most people never get to have with their doctor.We break down why modern medicine is failing patients, how carbs are acting like a legal drug, and what it means to pursue longevity through lifestyle. His “Algorithm of Six” (nutrition, sleep, stress, isolation, toxicity, and exercise) gives structure to those seeking to regain control of their health.He’s also taking on obesity, sugar addiction, and why even some doctors wake up to the very problems they’re prescribing for. "In society today, so many people are overweight or obese that if you are of a normal weight, people start to think that's abnormal." ~ Dr. Vik RajanAbout Dr. Vik Rajan:Dr. Vik Rajan is a quadruple board-certified physician with certifications in integrative medicine, internal medicine, nephrology, and pediatrics. He’s the founder of Houston Patient Advocacy and Concierge Integrative Medicine, blending clinical expertise with functional and holistic health strategies. His approach focuses on lifestyle-driven root-cause medicine, emphasizing long-term healing over symptom management.Connect with Dr. Vik Rajan:- Website (Advocacy): https://www.houstonpatientadvocacy.com - Website (Integrative): https://www.conciergeintegrativemedicine.com - Phone: (281) 888-2406Connect with Chris Burres:- Website: https://www.myvitalc.com/ - Website: http://www.livebeyondthenorms.com/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisburres/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myvitalc - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisburres/ 

Support the show and get 50% off MCT oil with free shipping—just leave us a review on iTunes and let us know!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-beyond-the-norms/id1714886566 Isn't it wild how many of our lifelong struggles can be traced back to the first few months of life? And most of us don’t even realize it.In this episode, I sat down with Dr. Robert Melillo, one of the top experts in childhood neurological disorders and the founder of the Brain Balance Achievement Centers. He’s helped thousands of families—kids and adults—with ADHD, autism, learning disabilities, tics, anxiety, and more… and he’s done it all without medication.Dr. Melillo’s theory of Functional Disconnection Syndrome is changing the way we think about the brain. He breaks down how imbalances between the brain’s hemispheres affect everything from coordination to behavior to gut health. And he shares how we can not only identify these imbalances early, but also correct them, at any age.This one goes deep into brain development, movement, retained reflexes, immune health, and what we seem to be getting wrong about genetics and mental health. Whether you're a parent, practitioner, or just trying to understand your own brain better, this conversation will reframe how you see yourself and others."Movement was the initiation of brains on the planet, and movement is the initiation of brain development in children." ~ Dr. Robert MelilloAbout Dr. Robert Melillo:Dr. Robert Melillo is a clinician, researcher, author, and one of the world’s leading experts on neurodevelopmental disorders. With over 30 years of clinical experience, he's best known for founding Brain Balance Centers and creating the Melillo Method, a multidisciplinary approach to rebalancing the brain through movement, nutrition, cognitive stimulation, and more. His work has been published in peer-reviewed journals and translated into over 18 languages.Connect with Dr. Robert Melillo:- Website: https://www.drrobertmelillo.com - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drrobertmelillo - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drrobertmelillo - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrRobertMelillo/ - The Melillo Method Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/melillo-method-podcast-everything-brain/id1739403876 Mentioned Books: - Disconnected Kids: https://a.co/d/7J1fQUv - Neurobehavioral Disorders of Childhood: https://a.co/d/f0zflym - Autism: The Scientific Truth About Preventing, Diagnosing, and Treating Autism Spectrum Disorders: https://a.co/d/8XlyPFt Connect with Chris Burres:- Website: https://www.myvitalc.com/ - Website: http://www.livebeyondthenorms.com/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisburres/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myvitalc - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisburres/ 

Support the show and get 50% off MCT oil with free shipping—just leave us a review on iTunes and let us know!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-beyond-the-norms/id1714886566 Most people don’t realize their gut might be the secret to a sharper brain.In this episode, Sarah Turner breaks down how red light therapy is changing everything we thought we knew about brain health, gut function, and the power of light as medicine.Sarah is a clinical neuroscientist, nutrition expert, and the founder of CERAThrive—home to the first FDA-listed red light therapy system designed for both brain and gut optimization. She has led research in photobiomodulation and structured water, and has worked on transcranial light therapy trials for Parkinson’s. In today’s episode, we get into it all, from how she helped Parkinson’s patients regain basic functions during a clinical trial to why grounding and sunrise exposure might be the most underrated biohacks. Sarah also shares why she built a device to heal both the brain and the gut, and what most companies miss about light, water, and the real biology behind change.“There are certain beneficial wavelengths of light, the red wavelengths, and these are the ones you see at sunrise and sunset. And then there are others you don’t want to have all the time, like the blue ones.” ~ Sarah TurnerAbout Sarah Turner:Sarah Turner is the founder and CEO of CERAThrive, a red light neurotech company pioneering gut-brain optimization with their FDA-listed tPBM (transcranial photobiomodulation) device. She holds postgraduate degrees in clinical neuroscience, nutritional medicine, and photobiomodulation. She co-hosts the Rebel Scientist Podcast and co-produced the documentary SuperCharged. Her work spans neuroscience, quantum biology, and wellness tech, with a focus on using light to heal.Connect with Sarah Turner:- Website: https://www.cerathrive.com - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cerathrive/ - Email: sarah@cerathrive.com Connect with Chris Burres:- Website: https://www.myvitalc.com/ - Website: http://www.livebeyondthenorms.com/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisburres/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myvitalc - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisburres/ 

Support the show and get 50% off MCT oil with free shipping—just leave us a review on iTunes and let us know!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-beyond-the-norms/id1714886566 There’s something powerful about watching someone take total ownership of their body, their food, and their mind, and turn it into a mission.Robert Sikes, also known as Keto Savage, joins me to share what it takes to build muscle, win on stage, and stay in ketosis for over a decade straight, without compromise.Robert’s story isn’t about six-pack abs. It’s about transformation, resilience, and a wild journey that started with lifting tractor parts in rural Arkansas. He went from bingeing on syrup-covered brownies to becoming a disciplined natural bodybuilder and entrepreneur. He doesn’t just talk macros—he lives them.In this episode, we get into why Robert left the railroad job, how he built his brand from scratch while buried in debt, what most people get wrong about keto and carbs, and how he’s helping others break free from toxic dieting patterns through self-experimentation and consistency.“Bodybuilding is a great example of just discipline. Dedicated work, day after day after day.” ~ Robert SikesIf you've been waiting for the right moment to transform your body, this is it. Robert Sikes just launched a brand-new Keto Bodybuilding Challenge leading up to his first-ever competition this September. Head over to https://ketobodybuilding.com to join, access his complete course, and compete for a shot at $5,000—one male winner, one female winner.About Robert Sikes:Robert Sikes is a natural WNBF pro bodybuilder, author of Ketogenic Bodybuilding, host of the Keto Savage podcast, and founder of Keto Brick. After battling binge eating and experimenting with every diet under the sun, he built his body and business around a strict ketogenic lifestyle. He helps others reach their goals through macro mastery, mindset shifts, and pure consistency.Connect with Robert Sikes:- Website: https://www.ketosavage.com/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ketosavage/ - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/KetoSavage - Keto Bricks: https://www.ketobrick.com/ Connect with Chris Burres:- Website: https://www.myvitalc.com/ - Website: http://www.livebeyondthenorms.com/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisburres/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myvitalc - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisburres/ 

Support the show and get 50% off MCT oil with free shipping—just leave us a review on iTunes and let us know!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-beyond-the-norms/id1714886566 What if the most overlooked molecule in health wasn’t some obscure plant compound or cutting-edge supplement, but something as simple as hydrogen?Greg, better known as the Hydrogen Man, joins me today to unpack how molecular hydrogen could be the most powerful healing tool most people have never considered.After nearly losing his life multiple times due to early trauma and aggressive illness, Greg set out on a mission: figure out why he and so many others were getting sick, and what could lead to real healing. What he found wasn’t another trendy biohack. It was hydrogen.In this episode, Greg shares how his life-threatening health conditions—autoimmune issues, heart problems, chronic pain, and more—reversed after applying science-backed hydrogen therapy. We also talk about why most hydrogen machines out there are either ineffective or dangerous, how Japan is leading the way in hydrogen research, and why hydrogen might just be nature’s original anti-aging molecule." The Japanese discovered that if you inhale hydrogen gas and it starts going to the brain, even though the area is not getting blood, that part of the brain still stays alive. That shows us that Hydrogen is the life molecule.” ~ Greg the Hydrogen ManAbout Greg the Hydrogen Man:Greg is a molecular hydrogen therapy specialist, educator, and founder of the YouTube channel Uprising144K. After battling life-threatening illness and experimenting with countless diets, supplements, and modalities, Greg discovered hydrogen therapy. Today, he teaches people around the world how to use clean hydrogen properly and safely for healing, recovery, and longevity.Connect with Greg the Hydrogen Man:- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Uprising144K - Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/HydrogenMan - Email: uprising144k@gmail.com Connect with Chris Burres:- Website: https://www.myvitalc.com/ - Website: http://www.livebeyondthenorms.com/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisburres/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myvitalc - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisburres/ 

Some injuries never really leave you…unless you change how you heal them.That’s something I got to dig into with Dr. Christopher Meadows, a double board-certified physician and regenerative medicine expert at Clinic 5C. Dr. Meadows has been chief resident, helped build a residency program, and now spearheads orthopedic regenerative therapies that skip the scalpel and address the root of healing.From football injuries and quitting soda in middle school to mini-liposuctions and stem cell protocols that target your body’s natural repair systems, this conversation hits a whole different gear. We also talk about knees, tendons, aging, sleep, protein, inflammation, PRP vs PRF, and how stem cells may soon revolutionize neuro and spinal cord recovery.Whether it’s fat-derived stem cells or platelet-rich fibrin, this is what medicine looks like when it’s evolving. “The idea behind regenerative medicine is to take advantage of the body’s natural healing process and apply it to something that’s been notoriously difficult to treat.” ~ Dr. Christopher MeadowsAbout Dr. Christopher Meadows:Dr. Christopher Meadows is a double board-certified physician in Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Electrodiagnostic Medicine. A former UCLA football player turned regenerative therapy expert, Dr. Meadows leads the orthopedic arm of Clinic 5C in Spokane, Washington. He’s passionate about helping patients heal and perform using their own biology, whether that’s through adipose-derived stem cells, PRF injections, or personalized treatment stacks. His work bridges elite sports performance and long-term longevity care, all with a no-fluff, data-driven approach.Connect with Dr. Meadows:- Clinic Website: https://www.clinic5c.com/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meadows.md Connect with Chris Burres:- Website: https://www.myvitalc.com/ - Website: http://www.livebeyondthenorms.com/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisburres/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myvitalc - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisburres

Support the show and get 50% off MCT oil with free shipping – leave us a review on iTunes and let us know!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-beyond-the-norms/id1714886566Some ideas sound crazy until you try them and realize they change everything.That’s what happened when I sat down with Sean McCormick, host of the Optimal Performance Podcast, high-performance coach, and legit human guinea pig. We’re talking about a guy who’s tested everything from float tanks in sketchy Craigslist basements to five-day dry fasts that trigger full-body rejuvenation.Sean doesn’t just talk about biohacking—he lives it. His story started young, with ADHD-level energy and parents who handed him a mantra instead of medication. That meditation practice sparked a lifelong obsession with the mind-body connection, which led to float centers, working with NFL and MLS players, 500+ podcast interviews, and more cold plunges than most people can count.In this episode, Sean breaks down his definition of biohacking, shares the wild healing effects of dry fasting, and gives practical advice on what actually moves the needle for performance and longevity, especially if you’re tired of the fluff.“I hated meditation for eight months. But when it finally clicked, it gave me a sense of peace and stillness in my heart that’s stuck with me ever since.” ~ Sean McCormickAbout Sean McCormick:Sean McCormick is a high-performance coach, host of the Optimal Performance Podcast, and founder of multiple float tank centers in the Pacific Northwest. He works with elite athletes, founders, and entrepreneurs, helping them achieve peak performance through personalized biohacking protocols, mindset training, and habit optimization. With over 500 podcast episodes under his belt, Sean’s mission is to take cutting-edge longevity practices and make them simple, effective, and accessible.Connect with Sean McCormick:Website: https://www.seanmccormick.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@optimalperformancepodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realseanmccormick/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/optimal-performance/id1004775385 Dry Fasting Program: https://www.dryfastwithfriends.com Connect with Chris Burres:- Website: https://www.myvitalc.com/ - Website: http://www.livebeyondthenorms.com/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisburres/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myvitalc - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisburres

Support the show and get 50% off MCT oil with free shipping – leave us a review on iTunes and let us know!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-beyond-the-norms/id1714886566Being told you're going to die at 26 changes everything—especially when you prove the doctors wrong.That's exactly what happened to Michele Hughes when she woke up covered in a mysterious rash that doctors said was an incurable autoimmune disease. They put her on 60 milligrams of prednisone, made her gain 10 pounds in a weekend, and basically wrote her off. But Michele's intuition told her something different.She started titrating down the medication, began researching alternative approaches, and eventually got fired by her doctor for refusing to follow his orders. Turns out, she had been misdiagnosed, and that "firing" became the catalyst for everything.Michele didn't just recover. She built a real estate empire worth tens of millions, developing luxury homes and owning prime land in Hawaii. But her real passion emerged later: helping others avoid the medical merry-go-round that nearly destroyed her life.For over five years, Michele has been hosting the "Ageless and Timeless" podcast, interviewing 120+ longevity experts and biohackers. She's become a walking experiment, testing everything from ESS60 and peptide bioregulators to red light therapy and plasmalogen optimization.Her philosophy? Pain to purpose to passion to power, and trusting your intuition above all else."Getting rid of that fear that I was going to die and that I had an incurable disease was probably one of the biggest life-changing events that I can remember." ~ Michele HughesAbout Michele Hughes:Michele Hughes is the founder and host of Ageless and Timeless, a longevity-focused podcast that showcases the latest in biohacking, anti-aging, and wellness science. With a past life as a successful developer of luxury homes in Aspen and Kauai, Michele now dedicates her time to spreading health literacy and helping others become the best version of themselves, without depending on pharmaceuticals. Her personal health scare in her twenties sparked a decades-long journey into functional wellness, spiritual growth, and regenerative living.Connect with Michele Hughes:Website: https://agelessandtimeless.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michele-hughes-83a3b935/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ageless-and-timeless-with-michele-hughes/id1477424854 Connect with Chris Burres:- Website: https://www.myvitalc.com/ - Website: http://www.livebeyondthenorms.com/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisburres/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myvitalc - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisburres

Most of us are consuming the wrong fats and paying the price with our health, energy, and brain function.That’s what Udo Erasmus discovered after nearly dying from pesticide poisoning. His recovery sent him deep into the world of fats and oils, uncovering how the way we process and consume oils today is damaging our bodies at the cellular level.Udo’s not just a health expert—he’s the guy who redefined how oils should be made. With over 40 years of research, multiple books, and his own company, Udo’s Choice, he’s helped millions rethink fats, inflammation, and what the body actually needs to heal.In this episode, we unpack the omega-3 and omega-6 myths, why most oils are toxic, and how the right fats can fuel your brain, balance inflammation, and even boost athletic performance by 40-60%.“Usually, sugar is the one that people say is the worst thing for you. Damaged oils are worse for you than sugar.” ~ Udo ErasmusAbout Udo Erasmus:Udo Erasmus is a pioneer in health, a bestselling author, and the co-founder of Udo’s Choice—one of the first companies to make oils with health, not shelf life, in mind. After nearly dying from pesticide poisoning, Udo dedicated his life to understanding fats, oils, and what the body truly needs. With a background in biochemistry, genetics, and nutrition, Udo has spent 40+ years educating millions on the science of essential fatty acids, inflammation, and human nature. His books, including Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill, have sold over 250,000 copies, and his oil blends are used by elite athletes and health professionals worldwide.Connect with Udo Erasmus:Website: https://udoerasmus.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/udoerasmus Book: https://a.co/d/3tLUb18 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UdoErasmus Connect with Chris Burres:- Website: https://www.myvitalc.com/ - Website: http://www.livebeyondthenorms.com/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisburres/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myvitalc - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisburres

Support the show and get 50% off MCT oil with free shipping – leave us a review on iTunes and let us know!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-beyond-the-norms/id1714886566It’s hard to explain the moment you realize you don’t like your own child.That’s exactly where Dana Kay found herself—exhausted, overwhelmed, and walking on eggshells in a house filled with tantrums, tension, and confusion. Her son had just been diagnosed with ADHD, and like so many parents, she was handed a prescription and told, “This is the only way.”It wasn’t.Dana watched her 5-year-old go from one medication to four, stacked to counteract the side effects of each other, until he became a shell of himself. So she rolled up her sleeves, dove into the science, and discovered something most pediatricians never mention: Inflammation and gut dysfunction can wreak havoc on a child’s brain, mood, and focus.What started as one mom’s desperate late-night research turned into a complete transformation and a thriving mission.Today, Dana is the founder of the ADHD Thrive Institute, where she has helped more than 1,300 families reduce ADHD symptoms naturally, using food, lifestyle, and lab testing to restore what medications often overlook: the root cause.In this episode, Dana walks us through her heartbreaking experience that changed everything, the trap of forever medications, and the exact nutrition and detox steps she used to get her son (and her sanity) back.“ If your kid's suffering with ADHD symptoms, most likely they've got leaky gut and gluten sensitivity. " ~ Dana KayAbout Dana KayDana Kay is a board-certified holistic health and nutrition practitioner, international bestselling author, and founder of the ADHD Thrive Institute. After watching her son suffer under a pile of prescriptions, she took matters into her own hands. She returned to school to study functional medicine and developed a system that now helps families worldwide manage ADHD naturally. Through science-backed protocols, customized testing, and accessible coaching, Dana empowers parents to get their children off the rollercoaster and back to thriving.Connect with Dana Kay:- Website: https://adhdthriveinstitute.com - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/adhdthriveinstitute/ - Book: https://a.co/d/52oLBgl Connect with Chris Burres:- Website: https://www.myvitalc.com/ - Website: http://www.livebeyondthenorms.com/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisburres/ - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myvitalc - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisburres