The B.rad Podcast

Welcome to a grand three-part presentation covering all aspects of overtraining, including an overview of the stress response in the body, how the nature of hectic, high stress modern life is a disastrous disconnect from our human genetic expectations for health, and how our ruminating minds can contribute to burnout (just like stressful work or personal circumstances or overly-stressful training patterns do). Unfortunately for me and fortunately for you, I am an expert on this topic and in this episode, you will learn about how different forms of stress (remember, even fasting counts as a stressor) affect the body and the state of “overreaching,” a precursor to overtraining where you are capable of peak performance, but running on borrowed time heading for burnout. I also discuss how to find a healthy balance between avoiding overtraining and still having that optimal amount of stress that is actually beneficial to the body, and how the stimulus perception response and the HPA axis (responsible for the body’s reaction to environmental stimuli) works.   TIMESTAMPS: Our stress responses are in three stages: stimulus, perception and response.  [01:24] Stress is a chain reaction as a variety of genetic and hormonal switches are turning on and off. [04:33] The body has a strong homeostatic drive to regulate the body back to normal after a fight or flight incident, or an illness. [07:47] So how do we manage this wonderful tool? Too little stress is unhealthy. [10:14] Even though you may enjoy your workout, overtraining can be a disaster. In our daily life, we are overloaded with stressors. [14:31] The perception in your mind is reflected in the chemistry of your body. [17:14] Exercise is a major, major stressor, and it has to be contemplated very carefully in order not to cross that line and drift into over training patterns. [20:27] When you have elevated heart rate, blood pressure, elevated cognitive focus, your basic routine bodily functions are put on hold. [24:25] Fat is a clean-burning fuel whereas carbohydrate is dirty-burning fuel. [28:12] A chronically stressful lifestyle is directly associated with a carbohydrate dependency [30:28] Burnout occurs when you are constantly busy stimulating the fight or flight hormones and then one day your just crash. [34:06] When you have that temporary high that’s afforded by the chronic overproduction of stress hormones in the bloodstream, it can be a confusing situation. [40:33] For all of us in the recreational realm who are trying to promote overall general health and especially longevity, we have to be very, very careful to not drift anywhere near the overtraining, patterns and the burnout symptoms. [44:19]   LINKS: Brad Kearns.com Brad’s Shopping page Biology of Belief Human Migration Across the Globe Podcast with Bruce Lipton Podcast with Dr. Ron Sinha Brad’s Cold Water Therapy Primal Endurance Two Meals a Day Running on Empty Paleo Thyroid Solution Primal Fitness Coaching course   Join Brad for more fun on: Instagram: @bradkearns1 Facebook: @bradkearnsjumphigh Twitter: @bradleykearns YouTube: @BradKearns TikTok: @bradkearns   We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to podcast@bradventures.com. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you! Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, Brad won’t promote anything he doesn’t absolutely love and use in daily life. Brad’s Macadamia Masterpiece: Mind-blowing, life-changing nut butter blend Male Optimization Formula with Organs (MOFO): Optimize testosterone naturally with 100% grassfed animal organ supplement BeautyCounter: Complete line of cosmetics tested to be free of typical toxins and endocrine disruptors. Try Brad's favorite vitamin-C skin serum and make the switch away from toxic mainstream skin-care products!  Bala Enzyme: Electrolyte and triple enzyme recovery drink mix. BRAD30 for 30% off BiOptimizers: Top quality performance supplements like magnesium, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. BRAD10 for 10% off Paleo Valley: Nutrient-rich, ancestral inspired health products. BRAD15 for 15% off BradNutrition.com: Coming soon - the ultimate whey protein superfuel formula for peak performance and longevity Morning Routine Course: Coming soon - Comprehensive online multimedia course to design the ultimate morning exercise routine See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Tommy Wood is back for another great show, this time to discuss a pretty radical idea—the idea that second guessing this constant quest for optimization in the area of health and fitness might actually be a good thing.  We talk about how our mindset and attitude come into play regarding our health and he explains why he is so concerned about what he sees as the “pathologization and objectification” of things that specifically should bring us joy (mainly food and sleep) and why so many people tend to fall into over-obsession and perfectionism when it comes to certain vital health practices. Dr. Tommy proposes we steer away from overcomplicating and overthinking things when it comes to our health and fitness, which delves into another conversation about toeing the line between taking care of your health and caring too much. Where and how do you find that healthy balance? We also talk about the power of the placebo effect, sleep, fitness and figuring out how hard to push your body, and much more! If you want to hear some great health and longevity advice through a big-picture (and extremely practical lens), then this is the episode for you!   TIMESTAMPS: Guest Tommy Wood talks about the pathologizing of health practices. [01:22] There is a coherence between who you believe yourself to be and your actions. [05:36] Many people disregard the importance of sleep, but if you begin to focus, counting the hours, you start to lose the joy of sleep.  [12:51] Sleep debt is when you establish your optimal hours of average sleep, then if you have a particular episode of shorter time of sleep, staying up late, you have sleep debt that needs to be made up. [21:01] The genetics come into play for sleep requirements. [24:30] Is there a strong correlation there from energy output to increased need for sleep? Rapid loss of body temperature is one of the triggers for sleep. [27:15]    The volume of training that the average person needs is much smaller than professional athletes need. Consistency is important. [29:00] If you think others are doing more than you, if you think you should be doing more, it has a negative impact on your health and actually increases your risk more. [32:41] Glucose monitoring has created the pathologization of food. [36:30] We can create psychological effect that affects the way we respond.  A placebo is a placebo. [39:33] There has been much more information, studies, and experimentation on athletic performance that changes how we think about health and fitness. [44:17] How do we tiptoe over that red line of optimal training so that we are not hindering our health and fitness? [46:46] When we talk about cardiovascular fitness, muscle mass, and longevity, we are talking about data from truly average general population people. We don’t know who is going to live longer. [52:08] We hear many rationalizations and cop-outs in everyday life.  Many people are delusional about their actual health. Understand that commitment is important.  Motivation fluctuates. [01:00:12] Genetics plays a big role in longevity.  Get regular blood testing. There are some medications available for aging, however, there is no evidence how beneficial.    [01:05:54]   LINKS: Brad Kearns.com Brad’s Shopping page Tommy Wood Instagram The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k Jeff Kahn on Sleep Placebo Jeff Kahn on Changing Insights about Sleep Podcast with Dr. Tommy Wood- Back to Basics  Podcast with Dr. Tommy Wood – no. 1 Podcast with Dr. Tommy Wood – no. 2 Podcast with Dr. Tommy Wood – no. 3   Join Brad for more fun on: Instagram: @bradkearns1 Facebook: @bradkearnsjumphigh Twitter: @bradleykearns YouTube: @BradKearns TikTok: @bradkearns   We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to podcast@bradventures.com. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you! Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, Brad won’t promote anything he doesn’t absolutely love and use in daily life. Brad’s Macadamia Masterpiece: Mind-blowing, life-changing nut butter blend Male Optimization Formula with Organs (MOFO): Optimize testosterone naturally with 100% grassfed animal organ supplement BeautyCounter: Complete line of cosmetics tested to be free of typical toxins and endocrine disruptors. Try Brad's favorite vitamin-C skin serum and make the switch away from toxic mainstream skin-care products!  Bala Enzyme: Electrolyte and triple enzyme recovery drink mix. BRAD30 for 30% off BiOptimizers: Top quality performance supplements like magnesium, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. BRAD10 for 10% off Paleo Valley: Nutrient-rich, ancestral inspired health products. BRAD15 for 15% off BradNutrition.com: Coming soon - the ultimate whey protein superfuel formula for peak performance and longevity Morning Routine Course: Coming soon - Comprehensive online multimedia course to design the ultimate morning exercise routine See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Do you ever struggle with staying focused and being productive? Do you find it difficult to get through the day without feeling anxious and tired? There is a cost to hyperconnectivity, and this episode will help you find the best solution to this increasingly prevalent problem.  In this episode, you’ll hear some great tips for becoming more focused and productive, while decreasing stress and exhaustion. This is hugely important, as today we all face more hurdles than ever in the workplace. Consider this: a UC Irvine study revealed that the average office worker is interrupted once every 11 minutes, while another study from Loughborough University suggests that many workers check their email as often as every five minutes. Clearly, it’s a widespread problem, but this show will give you the tools to help you fix this problem yourself. We start by discussing James Hewitt’s “Cognitive Middle Gear” and how you can avoid it, the best solution for managing stress and delivering peak performance, and how to plan for “cognitive endurance.” I reference Cal Newport’s books Deep Work and A World Without Email (he calls email the most insidious interruptor and time suck/distractor) and explain why brief interruptions such as checking text messages and emails have such a massive negative impact (and how it is related to something called Attention Residue). I also discuss the psychological pain that comes from not being accessible, the real meaning of busyness, and the studies that have shown having a culture of connectivity actually ruins productivity.  Another book I recommend and mention during the show is Rapt: Attention and the Focused Life, which draws some parallels between attention and happiness, and was written by Winifred Gallagher, who brilliantly says who you are is the sum of what you focus on. This show also emphasizes the importance of scheduling out your time every day, protecting your time, having distinct shut down hours, and why you should never wait around for inspiration.   TIMESTAMPS: Let’s look at some ways to become more productive and focused. [01:27] Just being an excellent athlete or corporate leader doesn't necessarily mean anything except that you're very competent in your narrow level of focus. [02:19] We have tremendous potential to excel in one area of our life and then apply those peak performance attribute, but the potential to be distracted is ever present. [04:58] It’s a good idea to get organized enough to establish a specific time to go deep with focus and get things done. [09:15] Attention residue is where you lose a tiny bit of wattage of cognitive power every time you divert and then return to the original important task. [10:54] Busyness is a very effective proxy for productivity. [16:43] You are the sum of what you focus on. Be specific.  Write down your goals. [20:10]    It’s okay to be annoying by being unresponsive. Keep track of your accomplishments. [23:18] Keeping track of your goals, like diet and exercise, gives more structure. [27:29] Protect your time to allow space for creativity. Brain needs down time. [28:17] Try to schedule two 90 minutes focus times per day. Then takes breaks. [33:25]    Habitual checking on missed calls and messages can become addictive behavior pattern. [37:52] As long as you prioritize that deep work, you'll have more freedom to kind of relax during the other hours of the workday. [42:09] You can learn to piggyback new habits onto habits you already have. [44:49]   LINKS: BradKearns.com Brad’s Shopping page Deep Work A World Without Email Primal Endurance Online Course Rapt Good to GreatMark Bell's Power Project Hewitt: Cognitive Middle Gear Microworkouts Podcast Atomic Habits   Join Brad for more fun on: Instagram: @bradkearns1 Facebook: @bradkearnsjumphigh Twitter: @bradleykearns YouTube: @BradKearns TikTok: @bradkearns   We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to podcast@bradventures.com. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you! Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, Brad won’t promote anything he doesn’t absolutely love and use in daily life. Brad’s Macadamia Masterpiece: Mind-blowing, life-changing nut butter blend Male Optimization Formula with Organs (MOFO): Optimize testosterone naturally with 100% grassfed animal organ supplement BeautyCounter: Complete line of cosmetics tested to be free of typical toxins and endocrine disruptors. Try Brad's favorite vitamin-C skin serum and make the switch away from toxic mainstream skin-care products!  Bala Enzyme: Electrolyte and triple enzyme recovery drink mix. BRAD30 for 30% off BiOptimizers: Top quality performance supplements like magnesium, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. BRAD10 for 10% off Paleo Valley: Nutrient-rich, ancestral inspired health products. BRAD15 for 15% off BradNutrition.com: Coming soon - the ultimate whey protein superfuel formula for peak performance and longevity Morning Routine Course: Coming soon - Comprehensive online multimedia course to design the ultimate morning exercise routine See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s guest, Jerry Manney, has dedicated 35 years of clinical experience to helping people navigate the joys and pains of life. A therapist and counselor, Jerry wrote the book, Why We Argue and How to Stop: A Therapist’s Guide to Navigating Disagreements, Managing Emotions, and Creating Healthier Relationships because one of the biggest challenges he’s seen people face over and over again is communication during conflict. As Jerry explains during this show, when arguments break out, nobody wins—so he wrote this book to help people figure out why they argue (and why other people argue), and also to provide some practical steps people can take to maximize communication and connection while minimizing unproductive arguments. You’ll learn how to stop arguing, why self-care has to take center stage, the importance of calling out time-outs (and the best way to do so), and much more!   TIMESTAMPS: Brad’s guest is here to help us stop arguing and communicate and listen in a more civil way. [00.52] When emotions arise, all good communication skills seem to go south quickly. [04:40] It is not only those close relationships that need these skills.  It is everywhere you talk to people. [06:00] Why do we argue? Is it about things or is it because we take the subject personally? Sometimes we argue to prove a point. [07:32] Community Reinforcement Approach is a system designed especially for family or friends concerned about someone with drug or alcohol use. [12:33] Ask yourself, “Why do I need to change people’s minds?” [15:20] Try different, not harder. Try to really listen without projecting our own thoughts and feelings. [18:42] We come from a point of bias that we may not be aware of. [22:46] The relations that mean the most to you are usually the most difficult to navigate and the emotions escalate. [26:06] Self-care is important because if it’s not there, your ability to relate to others is difficult. [28:37] Guilt comes from a lot of different things. Excessive guilt can be counterproductive. Using the term “I’m sorry” can be over-used. [31:59] Timeouts are a good suggestion but how do we utilize them to experience success? [36:08] It is important and valuable to be brief when it is time for this difficult conversation. [41:45] There are some tips about using certain phrases….do’s and don’t’s. Keep it simple, be positive, be non-confrontational, and respectful. [45:05] Label your emotions. [51:41]   LINKS: Brad Kearns.com Brad’s Shopping page Why We Argue and How to Stop: A Therapist’s Guide to Navigating Disagreements, Managing Emotions, and Creating Healthier Relationships JerryManney.com   Join Brad for more fun on: Instagram: @bradkearns1 Facebook: @bradkearnsjumphigh Twitter: @bradleykearns YouTube: @BradKearns TikTok: @bradkearns   We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to podcast@bradventures.com. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you! Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, Brad won’t promote anything he doesn’t absolutely love and use in daily life.   Brad’s Macadamia Masterpiece: Mind-blowing, life-changing nut butter blend Male Optimization Formula with Organs (MOFO): Optimize testosterone naturally with 100% grassfed animal organ supplement BeautyCounter: Complete line of cosmetics tested to be free of typical toxins and endocrine disruptors. Try Brad's favorite vitamin-C skin serum and make the switch away from toxic mainstream skin-care products!  Bala Enzyme: Electrolyte and triple enzyme recovery drink mix. BRAD30 for 30% off BiOptimizers: Top quality performance supplements like magnesium, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. BRAD10 for 10% off Paleo Valley: Nutrient-rich, ancestral inspired health products. BRAD15 for 15% off BradNutrition.com: Coming soon - the ultimate whey protein superfuel formula for peak performance and longevity Morning Routine Course: Coming soon - Comprehensive online multimedia course to design the ultimate morning exercise routine  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since I talked about my carnivore awakening in part 2, this episode focuses on the personal benefits I have experienced since adopting a nose to tail animal based diet, as well as my recommendation for long-term fat loss, perhaps the pre-eminent dietary goal in the world, through my top secret, specially designed C&C eating strategy.  In this show, I explain why I consider myself a “carnivore for life” and why these foods will continue to be the central focus of my diet (animal foods are after all, the fuel that drove human evolution for 2.5 million years and are the most complete and nutrient-dense foods on earth). I talk about the efficiency of carnivore style eating, how I feel fully satisfied on fewer total meals and much less snacking, and the significant improvement I noticed in my digestive function. Finally, I reveal which of my favorite plant foods I still eat (the list is longer than you may think, and even includes a little honeycomb!), why I eat very little fruit, and explain why I have made a firm commitment to up my organ meat game.    TIMESTAMPS: Brad’s dietary journey has evolved from processed foods to the animal-based nose to tail diet. [01:18] Plant foods from the natural world contain toxins that could be harmful. Try a 30-day experiment of eliminating all plant foods and see what happens. [03:16] The nutrient density of the organ is superior to the muscle meats. [05:31] In your transition to your healthier diet of nose to tail animal products, be sure to include bone broth. Liver is very important also. [08:22] By eating a high carb diet, you will create a lot of insulin stimulating effects creating tiredness. [12:07] When flying, Brad uses it as an opportunity to fast where he used to take healthy snacks. [14:06] When Brad learned to manage his weight and control choices of foods, he began to relax and allow some of his favorite foods back in, carefully monitoring for adverse symptoms. [16:11] Purple sweet potatoes, inside and out, are one of Brad’s most favorite carbs. Homemade kombucha is a favorite beverage. [17:59] Brad describes how he makes his own delicious kombucha. And, of course, his Macadamia Masterpiece nut butter is at the top of his list. [20:58] Some people say you shouldn’t eat fruit in the winter because it is not aligned with our evolutionary expectations. [24:40] Remember that we are all individuals and that we have genetic profiles that work differently in every diet. [28:42] Through of cold showers and hot saunas and sprint workouts and fasting you create hermetic stressors.  [33:27] Dr. Josh Axe ranks the 30 most nutrient dense foods. [37:28] The flawed notion that the more dietary diversity you have, the better our gut microbiome has been widely refuted by many experts. [41:43] If you live in the northern latitudes, your body cannot make Vitamin D. [42:45] Brad’s main takeaway is to make the effort to understand what contribution this food you are eating makes to your overall health. Maximize nutrient density. [45:25] If you want to lose excess body weight, you need to emphasize protein as your dietary centerpiece. [48:37] If you are an athlete trying to recover so you have good blood work, you want to make sure you keep the muscles repairing by trying not to overload the stress factors. [50:20] Set a goal of a minimum 12 hours eating window. [52:28] Emphasize nose to tail animal-based diet. This includes eggs. [53:56] LINKS: Brad Kearns.com Brad’s Shopping page Brad’s Diet no. 1 podcast Brad’s Diet no. 2 podcast Saladino summary podcast Shawn Baker Podcast Ancestral Supplements MOFO The Primal Blueprint Podcast with Dr. Joan Ifland Two Meals a Day Carnivore Scores Food Ranking Oppenheimer Map of Human Migration Brad’s Podcast with Dr. Lustig The Hungry Brain Wired to Eat Carnivore Scores Food Ranking   Join Brad for more fun on: Instagram: @bradkearns1 Facebook: @bradkearnsjumphigh Twitter: @bradleykearns YouTube: @BradKearns TikTok: @bradkearns   We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to podcast@bradventures.com. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you! Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, Brad won’t promote anything he doesn’t absolutely love and use in daily life.   Brad’s Macadamia Masterpiece: Mind-blowing, life-changing nut butter blend Male Optimization Formula with Organs (MOFO): Optimize testosterone naturally with 100% grassfed animal organ supplement BeautyCounter: Complete line of cosmetics tested to be free of typical toxins and endocrine disruptors. Try Brad's favorite vitamin-C skin serum and make the switch away from toxic mainstream skin-care products!  Bala Enzyme: Electrolyte and triple enzyme recovery drink mix. BRAD30 for 30% off BiOptimizers: Top quality performance supplements like magnesium, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. BRAD10 for 10% off Paleo Valley: Nutrient-rich, ancestral inspired health products. BRAD15 for 15% off BradNutrition.com: Coming soon - the ultimate whey protein superfuel formula for peak performance and longevity Morning Routine Course: Coming soon - Comprehensive online multimedia course to design the ultimate morning exercise routine See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Anna Cabeca returns to the show for a powerful and memorable conversation about menopause, healing after tragedy, and her new book, MenuPause. Things get deeply personal in this episode: Dr. Anna talks about her experience with tragedy (her toddler son’s death) and dealing with PTSD and infertility, and you’ll hear some seriously life-changing insights that she has learned from her most difficult life experiences. She also reveals the reason why resetting your circadian rhythm is essential for healing, explains her experience with reversing early menopause despite being told she couldn’t have children, and much more! Dr. Anna Cabeca, DO, OBGYN, FACOG has dedicated her career to helping women balance their hormones and heal their bodies, and knows that the hormonal fluctuation that precipitates menopause can be one of the hardest times for women, upending an otherwise normal and happy life. In MenuPause, Dr. Cabeca teaches women a new way of eating so they can take charge of their own health and continue to live their most fulfilling lives.    TIMESTAMPS: Dr. Cabeca’s story includes five unique eating plans to help with weight loss, improve mood, sleep and hot flashes. [01:22] Anna left her medical practice because of burnout, after an especially traumatic time in her life. [04:42] As she traveled the world, she met many leading scientists who expanded her knowledge of medicine. [09:25] Endocrinology and gynecology are interrelated systems. [11:47] After the trauma of the death of her toddler, Anna received the diagnosis that she was unable to become pregnant again, adding to her stress.  She did, however, have another baby. [13:15] Healers and philosophers from all over the world gave Anna the same general knowledge that the organs hold all the energies in your body. [15:17] After her travels brought her a new perspective, she changed the way she practiced medicine. [22:42] Stress can mess up our adaptive hormones. Your cortisol goes up and oxytocin goes down. The more oxytocin, the better the body repairs itself. [25:05] Her book, MenuPause presents five unique eating plans to break your weight loss plateau and improve mood, sleep, and hot flashes. [30:27] Each of us is different and Dr. Anna personalizes the diet plans for each individual. [33:53] In menopause, progesterone, estrogen, testosterone, and DHA all diminish. [38:40] Brain fog is an inability to extract the necessary glucose to fuel the brain. [42:19] What behaviors helped her heal from the PTSD she had after her child was killed. [45:19] How does oxytocin promoting behaviors compare to dopamine triggers? [50:59]   LINKS: Brad Kearns.com Brad’s Shopping page MenuPause The Hormone Fix Keto Green 16 Biology of Belief Dr. Anna Cabeca Drop Acid   ​​​​QUOTES: “There is magic in the pauses of our lives.” – Dr. Anna Cabeca    Join Brad for more fun on: Instagram: @bradkearns1 Facebook: @bradkearnsjumphigh Twitter: @bradleykearns YouTube: @BradKearns TikTok: @bradkearns   We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to podcast@bradventures.com. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you! Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, Brad won’t promote anything he doesn’t absolutely love and use in daily life. Brad’s Macadamia Masterpiece: Mind-blowing, life-changing nut butter blend Male Optimization Formula with Organs (MOFO): Optimize testosterone naturally with 100% grassfed animal organ supplement BeautyCounter: Complete line of cosmetics tested to be free of typical toxins and endocrine disruptors. Try Brad's favorite vitamin-C skin serum and make the switch away from toxic mainstream skin-care products!  Bala Enzyme: Electrolyte and triple enzyme recovery drink mix. BRAD30 for 30% off BiOptimizers: Top quality performance supplements like magnesium, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. BRAD10 for 10% off Paleo Valley: Nutrient-rich, ancestral inspired health products. BRAD15 for 15% off BradNutrition.com: Coming soon - the ultimate whey protein superfuel formula for peak performance and longevity Morning Routine Course: Coming soon - Comprehensive online multimedia course to design the ultimate morning exercise routine See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Part 2 begins with a quick recap of what I discussed in Part 1 (childhood eating habits, what led me to embrace the primal / ancestral diet in 2008 with Mark Sisson and The Primal Blueprint, the deep immersion into keto and the publication of The Keto Reset Diet in 2017) and then picks up with the story of the major awakening I had in regards to food a few years ago. I spend some time in this episode summarizing the rationale for and the benefits of an animal-based diet, including second guessing the deeply ingrained idea many people have that colorful fresh produce is the de facto centerpiece of healthy eating as I explain the science behind how these plant toxins affect your body. You’ll hear about the advent of the Carnivore movement as I discuss how the message from leaders like Dr. Paul Saladino and Dr. Shawn Baker changed my life and challenged my fixed and rigid dietary beliefs, especially this May 2019 podcast episode with Dr. Paul Saladino on Ben Greenfield Fitness where he seemed to blow Ben’s mind—well, he blew my mind too, so we met and hung out in LA and did a podcast, and then I took him to meet Mark Sisson to do another podcast—as you’ll hear, he seemed to blow Sisson’s mind too (yes, Sisson of the daily “Big-Ass Salad”!). In this episode, you’ll learn all about plant toxins—a variety of chemicals, proteins, and acids that can damage our sensitive digestive systems, upset our delicate hormonal balance, and prevent the release of critical neurotransmitters. I share a list of which foods to avoid (including why roots, leaves, stems, and seeds are the worst offenders) and talk about the way lectins affect the body (like gluten, lectins are widely recognized natural plant toxins that virtually everyone is sensitive to). I also talk a little bit about gluten and how it inflames the digestive tract and triggers an autoimmune response, explain how phytic acid / phytates work in the body (by binding to minerals and inhibiting digestion), and reveal which specific foods have 200 times more estrogen than other foods. We also touch on the issue of oxalates and glycoalkaloids (defined as neurotoxin enzyme inhibitors that impact nervous system function) and talk about sulforaphane (which can inhibit the internal antioxidant system and promote cell death) and isothiocyanates, which can seriously mess with your thyroid health. I also explain the effects that tannins, photosensitizers, salicylates, flavonoids, as well as cyanogenic glycosides, (yes, what makes cyanide!) have on the body. If you are like me and haven’t been suffering from any acute health conditions, then you probably felt the same way I did before going carnivore-ish, which was, what’s the point of being super strict with your restriction of plant foods if you already think you feel fine? However, as you’ll learn during this show, there are tons of benefits to eliminating plant toxins—and one added benefit is an increased emphasis on the highest-quality animal foods, which ideally includes a lot more organ meats.  Finally, if you’re looking to lose weight, the story of how my joint commitment to go carnivore and fast until 12 noon enabled me to quickly drop eight pounds of excess body fat in exactly three months will probably pique your interest. I attribute this quick and easy success to the natural focus and discipline engendered by my morning fast and narrowed menu options; we forget how easy it is to get derailed from our goals and best intentions by freedom, abundant choice, and the indulgent and decadent cultural influences we are surrounded by daily. And when we are thrown into the mix of daily life without unwavering rules and guidelines in place, it’s easy to experience decision fatigue, depletion of will power, and a consequent unraveling of our best-laid plans. Hopefully my dietary journey and experience with the freedom found within the seemingly narrow confines of carnivore will inspire you to try it out for yourself!    TIMESTAMPS:  If you were born before 1950, you had the advantage of more fresh home-cooked meals. [01:24] The most nutritious diet is based in meat, fowl, fish, eggs, vegetables, fruits, nuts, and seeds……….and dark chocolate. [04:42] Brad describes his years of consuming tons of vegetables and the effects on his body. [07:27] Plant toxins are all kinds of different chemicals, proteins, and acids which have the potential to damage the digestive tract.  [17:43] It is confusing to hear that we should never eats plants so it is important to not go overboard in either direction. [20:46] Many people are sensitive to these toxins and don’t even know it.  The damage to the body is surreptitious. [22:38] By giving up the salads, the green smoothie, and the stir fry, Brad optimized his health.  [29:53] Maximize the nutrient density of the calories you consume. Grass-fed beef is number one. [33:41] Be sure that you have the correct information on the salmon you consume. About 90 percent of what is on the market is farmed as opposed to wild-caught. [39:22] If you are going for excess body fat reduction, give the carnivore diet a try. [42:01] Carnivore-ish diet includes avocados, mini corn tortillas and dark chocolate. [46:43]   LINKS: Brad Kearns.com Brad’s Shopping page Deep Nutrition The Primal Blueprint Keto Reset Diet Dr. Paul Saladino Beyond Training Podcast with Shawn Baker Boundless Podcast with Dr. Paul Saladino: The Carnivore Code Carnivore Cooking for Cool Dudes Carnivore Scores Rood Ranking Monterey Bay Acquarium.org SeafoodWatch Fatty Popcorn Boy Saga Shawn Askinosie Podcast (chocolate) Butcher Box   Join Brad for more fun on: Instagram: @bradkearns1 Facebook: @bradkearnsjumphigh Twitter: @bradleykearns YouTube: @BradKearns TikTok: @bradkearns   We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to podcast@bradventures.com. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you! Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, Brad won’t promote anything he doesn’t absolutely love and use in daily life. Brad’s Macadamia Masterpiece: Mind-blowing, life-changing nut butter blend Male Optimization Formula with Organs (MOFO): Optimize testosterone naturally with 100% grassfed animal organ supplement BeautyCounter: Complete line of cosmetics tested to be free of typical toxins and endocrine disruptors. Try Brad's favorite vitamin-C skin serum and make the switch away from toxic mainstream skin-care products!  Bala Enzyme: Electrolyte and triple enzyme recovery drink mix. BRAD30 for 30% off BiOptimizers: Top quality performance supplements like magnesium, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. BRAD10 for 10% off Paleo Valley: Nutrient-rich, ancestral inspired health products. BRAD15 for 15% off BradNutrition.com: Coming soon - the ultimate whey protein superfuel formula for peak performance and longevity Morning Routine Course: Coming soon - Comprehensive online multimedia course to design the ultimate morning exercise routine See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to a massive three-part production detailing the evolution of my dietary habits over decades, starting with my childhood that coincided with the rise of fast food culture and factory processed, nutrient-deficient, toxic modern foods. Thankfully, the Kearns family had an awareness of healthy eating and all the junk I threw down as a kid came atop a respectable baseline of healthful, home-cooked meals.  In part 1, we travel through my youth and reach major turning points like my first awareness of eating for athletic performance with the 1983 book, Eat To Win, my cold turkey plunge into the world of ancestral-inspired eating with the advent of Mark Sisson’s Primal Blueprint in 2008, to my rapid total immersion into the ketogenic diet when no one had heard of it in 2017 as Mark and I worked on The Keto Reset Diet, to my most recent and stunning awakening that was the advent of the carnivore diet in 2019.  You’ll hear about my experience with some ill-advised but well-intentioned food choices, the six week adjustment period that came with my decision to start eating an ancestral diet—cold turkey, no transition period, how quickly I felt a huge improvement in my digestive function and started having stable daily energy levels, and why I have consumed almost zero grains, legumes, or bread for the last 12 years (as well as the one food I will occasionally consume rice with). I also talk about why it’s actually more important for athletic people to emphasize nutritious foods and not just use their fitness level as an excuse to eat trash and learning how to select the most legitimately high quality suppliers for beef, fish, and eggs during a time when organic and grass-fed, pasture-raised items were just gaining popularity and interest.   TIMESTAMPS: If you were born before 1950, you had a nice cushion of home prepared meals, before fast foods came into being.  [01:25] Those of us born after 1950 had a more nutrient deficient childhood. [04:25] Other countries adopted our fast-food ways and the life expectancy decreased. [07:01] The more athletic someone is, the more they challenge and demand of their body, the more important it is to emphasize nutritious foods. [13:50] At age 18, Brad transitioned when he found his athletic endeavors were bringing him injuries and illness. [15:42] In the early 80’s we were told to cut out fat. Now we know that fat DOES NOT make us fat. [19:23] About that time, in the 80s, is when Brad began to really take an interest in understanding food he was putting in his body. [23:20] The go-to meals of the day were a lot of grain-based concoctions, and many performance foods. Then he retired from the pro circuit. [27:02] In 2008 Brad and Mark Sisson got together and created The Primal Blueprint lifestyle pretty much eliminating grain-based foods. [30:37] The advent of civilization brought about a dramatic dive in human health. [32:31] After Brad took up the primal lifestyle, his overall health and vitality increased. He dropped the grains that had been the basis of his diet. [35:11] Interest in the ketogenic diet came up in 2017. [39:44] In the ketogenic diet, the maximum benefits are going to be obtained by the people in the most desperate situations that have the most metabolic damage. [41:47] You just have to embrace reality in a positive attitude and also realize that chronological aging is one of the major factors of peak performance. [47:29]   LINKS: Brad Kearns.com Brad’s Shopping page   Join Brad for more fun on: Instagram: @bradkearns1 Facebook: @bradkearnsjumphigh Twitter: @bradleykearns YouTube: @BradKearns TikTok: @bradkearns   We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to podcast@bradventures.com. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you! Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, Brad won’t promote anything he doesn’t absolutely love and use in daily life. Brad’s Macadamia Masterpiece: Mind-blowing, life-changing nut butter blend Male Optimization Formula with Organs (MOFO): Optimize testosterone naturally with 100% grassfed animal organ supplement BeautyCounter: Complete line of cosmetics tested to be free of typical toxins and endocrine disruptors. Try Brad's favorite vitamin-C skin serum and make the switch away from toxic mainstream skin-care products!  Bala Enzyme: Electrolyte and triple enzyme recovery drink mix. BRAD30 for 30% off BiOptimizers: Top quality performance supplements like magnesium, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. BRAD10 for 10% off Paleo Valley: Nutrient-rich, ancestral inspired health products. BRAD15 for 15% off BradNutrition.com: Coming soon - the ultimate whey protein superfuel formula for peak performance and longevity Morning Routine Course: Coming soon - Comprehensive online multimedia course to design the ultimate morning exercise routine See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I made a life-changing dietary shift thanks to today’s guest Dr. Paul Saladino. In this rebroadcast episode, you’ll hear from the leading advocate for an animal based or carnivore(ish) diet and learn about his book, The Carnivore Code. You’ll learn why you don’t need to be afraid of carbs and the “least offensive” carbs to emphasize in your diet, why kale and berries are NOT the nutritional centerpieces of human health (and what foods are), and how this dietary change has impacted my health for the better since 2019. We talk about the importance of experimenting with your food choices to see if digestion improves, explain the antioxidant concept correctly so you understand the true effect antioxidants have on the body, and talk about which superfoods have pro-oxidant agents. We discuss the difference between environmental hormesis vs plant hormesis and the benefits of using alternative methods for challenging the body that don’t involve plant hormesis, such as fasting and cold exposure. Finally, we discuss why carnivore won’t be for everyone and reveal the truth about fiber (which has now been widely discounted).   TIMESTAMPS: This is a rerun of Brad’s podcast with Dr. Paul Saladino, the expert on Carnivore-ish diet, that compares the nutrient density of meat and vegetables. [02:10] Paul frames his discussion with really important items, the first one being that animal foods should include organ meats and not just muscle meats. [07:41] Paul eats about one gram of protein per pound of body weight per day. [11:41] In the Faster Study, they found that you can get equal levels of glycogen stored in your muscle, use in your muscle, and then replenish on a low carb, high fat diet. [13:49] If you have in mind the number of calories you want to eat in a day, why not eat the most nutrient rich foods? [17:51] Diseases like autoimmune disease, psychiatric disease are mostly inflammatory. [22:54] How do you challenge the arguments in favor of plant-based diets? [35:36] We’ve been told blueberries are a high antioxidant food, broccoli and leafy greens have wonderful compounds in them.  It’s not the way it works. [39:49] Can we feed everyone animals? [59:18]   LINKS: Brad Kearns.com Brad’s Shopping page Kate Cretsinnger Podcast Carnivore Scores Rood Ranking Rip Esselstyn Podcast The Carnivore Code CarnivoreMD2.0 Instagram   Join Brad for more fun on: Instagram: @bradkearns1 Facebook: @bradkearnsjumphigh Twitter: @bradleykearns YouTube: @BradKearns TikTok: @bradkearns   We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to podcast@bradventures.com. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you! Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, Brad won’t promote anything he doesn’t absolutely love and use in daily life. Brad’s Macadamia Masterpiece: Mind-blowing, life-changing nut butter blend Male Optimization Formula with Organs (MOFO): Optimize testosterone naturally with 100% grassfed animal organ supplement BeautyCounter: Complete line of cosmetics tested to be free of typical toxins and endocrine disruptors. Try Brad's favorite vitamin-C skin serum and make the switch away from toxic mainstream skin-care products!  Bala Enzyme: Electrolyte and triple enzyme recovery drink mix. BRAD30 for 30% off BiOptimizers: Top quality performance supplements like magnesium, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. BRAD10 for 10% off Paleo Valley: Nutrient-rich, ancestral inspired health products. BRAD15 for 15% off BradNutrition.com: Coming soon - the ultimate whey protein superfuel formula for peak performance and longevity Morning Routine Course: Coming soon - Comprehensive online multimedia course to design the ultimate morning exercise routine See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wild times abound as we tackle great feedback and listener questions about important health topics. First, some positive reviews about Brad being funny and “down to earth” (even after reading a bunch of positive reviews?!); A listener details a day of diligent low-carb eating, ambitious exercising, and bonking and getting a headache. We’ll learn how to avoid piling on too many stress factors (fasting, low-carb, high intensity, etc.) and how to optimize exercise and diet for fat reduction with an “under the radar” strategy of achieving natural and incidental caloric deficits that prompt the burning of excess body fat. Great references from shows with Dr. Tommy Wood (athletes should strive to eat as much healthy food as possible, until they add a pound of body fat—then back off) and Dr. Robert Lustig (who argues that it’s virtually impossible to add body fat if you ditch toxic modern foods and emphasize wholesome, nutritious foods.  A listener references Brad’s interview on Brock Armstrong’s Second Wind Podcast references about the importance of a tech-free start to the day and votes against “Challenge Months” that are too stressful. Then we take a detailed look at the most sensible advice regarding alcohol consumption, including the least offensive strategies if you choose to imbibe. (Check Brian “Liver King” Johnson’s elaborate 11-step approach!), and try my Dry Farm Wine recommendation for the cleanest wine available. Finally, some great commentary about strategically adding carbs to a carnivore-ish diet in order to boost recovery.    LINKS: Brad Kearns.com Brad’s Shopping page Paleo Drinking Cheat Sheet Ancestral Supplements Brian “Liver King” Johson detailed lifestyle tips and habits   Join Brad for more fun on: Instagram: @bradkearns1 Facebook: @bradkearnsjumphigh Twitter: @bradleykearns YouTube: @BradKearns TikTok: @bradkearns   We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to podcast@bradventures.com. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you! Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, Brad won’t promote anything he doesn’t absolutely love and use in daily life. Brad’s Macadamia Masterpiece: Mind-blowing, life-changing nut butter blend Male Optimization Formula with Organs (MOFO): Optimize testosterone naturally with 100% grassfed animal organ supplement BeautyCounter: Complete line of cosmetics tested to be free of typical toxins and endocrine disruptors. Try Brad's favorite vitamin-C skin serum and make the switch away from toxic mainstream skin-care products!  Bala Enzyme: Electrolyte and triple enzyme recovery drink mix. BRAD30 for 30% off BiOptimizers: Top quality performance supplements like magnesium, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. BRAD10 for 10% off Paleo Valley: Nutrient-rich, ancestral inspired health products. BRAD15 for 15% off BradNutrition.com: Coming soon - the ultimate whey protein superfuel formula for peak performance and longevity Morning Routine Course: Coming soon - Comprehensive online multimedia course to design the ultimate morning exercise routine See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.