The B.rad Podcast

Brad Kearns
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Feb 18, 2020 • 60min

Dr. Paul Saladino: The Carnivore Code

Welcome back Dr. Paul for show #2! Our first discussion messed with my head forever, as the case Paul presents for a nose-to-tail carnivore diet is extremely compelling. Paul peppers his rapid-fire commentary with scientific terms that may escape you, but he does a beautiful job framing the discussion around two big picture insights that may change your life: #1: Plants are not necessary for human health and may be detrimental or extremely detrimental to many folks. The highly touted “antioxidant” and “super-nutrient” benefits are misrepresented and misinterpreted. #2: Animal foods have vastly superior nutrient density to plant foods, so emphasizing them in the diet delivers better performance, recovery, disease protection and satiety. Dr. Paul’s new book, The Carnivore Code, is a detailed look at all the scientific rationale and benefits of eating nose-to-tail animal foods. But he also offers some valuable first-hand knowledge by sharing the results he’s gotten from personal experiments he’s done - like his attempts to incorporate some plant food in the form of carbohydrates (kabocha squash, to be exact) into his diet. Dr. Paul was curious if adding some squash into his diet would help with his post-workout recovery, and how he would feel after a few days of eating a little bit of it. So, Dr. Paul added kabocha squash into his life, three separate times, for a few days at a time each time. And how did he feel after having it, even when it was just for a few days? Not any better - in fact, kind of worse: less focused, emotionally “jittery,” and hungry.  Yes, it turns out that adding carbs made Dr. Paul’s satiety go way down and he found himself way hungrier, much more often. So, back to the regimen of bone broth, bone marrow, and steak he went! And, unsurprisingly, he found that he felt amazing when he went back off of plants - he had improved mental clarity and focus, as well as tons of energy. And the hunger? Gone. Clearly, if you want proof of what works best for you, you’ve got to 1) examine how you feel and 2) pay attention to, and respect the science and history behind the human diet. Unfortunately, we seem to have an “epidemic of autoimmune disease” in the US, as Dr. Paul points out, and what is even at the root of all of it? Think about people you know - your friends, your co-workers, your family….we all know at least one person who’s been suffering from an autoimmune illness or a psychiatric disease for a long time, and if they’re not getting better, then it’s time to realize that it very well could be the plants - because of the toxins they contain. For a lot of people, plants are a huge trigger, and the main problem is that they don’t even realize it! And even if they do, the idea that plants are toxic and harmful to your health is extremely difficult to handle if you’ve spent your whole life believing that you’ve got to eat your greens to stay healthy. But, as Dr. Paul explains: “It is micronutrient density that determines our quality of life - and how do we get the most of that? In animal foods.” TIMESTAMPS: Dr. Saladino’s opinion is that we don’t need to eat fruits and vegetables. [03:11] After eating only meat, He actually felt worse when he reintroduced vegetables into his diet. [06:05] Paul eats about one gram of protein per pound of body weight. [08:20] The quality of the calories we use affect the way our body responds. [10:45] Losing weight is not about eating less food, it is about eating different food. [14:55] Food affects illness and disease in a huge way.  [18:55] There is much controversy between carnivore diets and plant-based foods.  What is wrong with veganism? [22:34] There is genetic variation in how well we tolerate plant toxins. [25:43]  If you are insulin resistant, you either need to go high carb/low fat, high fat/low carb, or mixed macronutrients with caloric deficit. [27:44] You can correlate the size of the brain with the amount of B12 in the body. [31:58] Fruit is a special case that we can consider with plant toxins.  [35:18] Vegetables like broccoli, kale, collard, cauliflowers when chewed, it’s kind of like super glue. [37:34] Paul debunks the Blue Zone. [46:55] Curcumin has been shown to affect many things negatively in the human body. [49:21] Plant foods are survival foods. [52:28] We can feed everyone beef in the US entirely by using grass feeding. [55:22]Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-get-over-yourself-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Feb 14, 2020 • 19min

Developing a Fun, Energizing, Sustainable, Non-Intimidating Morning Routine (Breather Episode with Brad)

Morning routines are all the rage these days, with lifestyle gurus claiming that you can crush all the objectives in your hectic day if you can just do some badass stuff after you wake up. Some of the hype has become ridiculous, and I recite the suggestions from a viral video by a prominent peak performance guru that numbers 15 things to do in the morning. Enough already, let’s get real. In this show, I offer some simple suggestions to make a morning routine a reality. Tips include: making a full commitment that you deeply believe will help you, including a fun factor so you get instant gratification as well as long term health benefits, and applying the skills of repetition and endurance to turn your routine into habit - no motivation or willpower necessary. Practically, I suggest you start your day with some form of movement, expose your eyes to direct sunlight and do something that helps you focus (like reviewing/creating your To-Do List). And by all means, do not forget the #1 rule: avoid reaching for technology first thing in the morning (like 84% of Americans do!). If you want to get super badass, consider a cold exposure session to develop focus, discipline, and resilience against all other forms of stress that lie ahead in your busy day. There are actually a lot of options here, and it’s up to you to figure out what works best for you - but the main object is sticking to it. Enforce healthy habits, stay on schedule, and commit to carrying out the tasks that you know will keep you in a focused, productive state.  TIMESTAMPS: Brad questions some others’ suggestions. Do we really need to make the bed in the morning? [02:57] Brad recommends his routine which is fun and energizing and not intimidating. [07:28] Number 1 is: make a commitment of five minutes. [08:38] Number 2 is: Make it fun and make sure you get some sun. [09:37] Apply the attributes of repetition and endurance instead of relying on motivation. [11:07] Get moving in the morning. [13:32]Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-get-over-yourself-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Feb 11, 2020 • 1h 7min

Sharon Brown on the Benefits Of Bone Broth

Sharon is the Founder and CEO of Bonafide Provisions, makers of the number one selling frozen bone broth in America. We will learn all about the amazing amino acids present in bone broth that support gut health, deliver a collagen boost for healthy skin and nails, and help rebuild broken down connective tissue. Sharon will detail how to make bone broth at home in the correct manner, how to discern what is quality and what is crap at the store, and how bone broth helped her child go from sickly and ADHD-diagnosed to a life of robust health. Prior to starting Bonafide Provisions, Sharon was a certified nutritionist specializing in a whole foods approach to health. She describes mechanisms in the digestive process whereby the presence of an agent on our tongue sets off an efficient chain-reaction of nutrient assimilation. She asserts that the best way to obtain the nutritional benefits of any agent (vitamin C, etc.) is through real food. In her practice, Sharon implemented the cutting-edge GAPS protocol to patients with great success, most notably with her own son. GAPS stands for Gut and Psychology Syndrome and emphasizes the importance of the gut-brain connection in holistic healing. The gut and brain communicate via the enteric nervous system. Interestingly, in fetuses, the gut and brain originate from the same matter before they split off and progress into a fully formed brain and intestinal tract at birth. GAPS has been shown to be highly effective in addressing assorted mental health conditions that are typically addressed with medication, including depression, anxiety, ADHD and conditions associated with the autism spectrum. The rationale here acknowledges that dopamine and serotonin are largely produced in the intestinal tract, not the brain! What’s more, stress often manifests in the gut, such as the butterflies associated with nervousness. When you suffer from the common malady of leaky gut syndrome, it has a profound adverse impact on your mental health. This is the absolute cutting edge of medicine today, and Sharon weaves the story into the discussion around bone broth because bone broth helps heal leaky gut! Some key beneficial agents: Glycine: helps with protein digestion and fat absorption Glutamine: a potent amino acid that gut cells use to produce beneficial mucus for a strong gut lining. Bone broth battles leaky gut! Proline: An essential component of collagen to promote cell repair, healthy skin and joints. Bone broth is the best source of collagen — straight from the animal’s joints! Glycosaminoglycans: Often touted by Dr. Cate Shanahan, when you ingest these agents, they head to the areas of your body where they are needed most, where you have weakened or insufficient joints and connective tissue. Interesting historical tidbit: Bone broth was a staple of the human diet in recent generations, but the massive cultural shift to processed food that occurred around 1950 led us to disgracefully neglect bone broth. After life returned to normal after World War II, marketing forces pushed women out of the kitchen, enticing families with the convenience of TV dinners and later the explosion of fast food restaurants across America, as detailed in the iconic book, Fast Food Nation, written by Eric Schlosser. Dr. Cate Shanahan specifies the year 1950 as a cutoff for being reared with a decent diet prior, or a shit diet after that. Indeed, elderly folks today can harken back to their younger days when meals were home-cooked and prepared from scratch, and sweets, treats, and sodas were celebratory indulgences instead of dietary centerpieces they are today. How to make your own bone broth: Find joints or knuckles—the more joint material, the better! Chicken feet are particularly rich in collagen. Make sure you get organic/grass-fed/pasture-raised bones for the same reason we want naturally raised meat. Bone broth is keto friendly being high protein, moderate fat and low or no carb. If you add other ingredients such as veggies or sauces, you will alter the macros obviously Cook animal bones 18-48 hours on low heat. Sharon says the Instant Pot shortcut is not a great idea here, so use your Instant Pot low heat function or a Crock-Pot or best yet a giant saucepan. Ideally, you want a 10-to-1 ratio of water (make sure it’s filtered) to bones. Use a few tablespoons of a chelating agent like apple cider vinegar, which will help extract nutrients from the bone matter. If your broth is gelatinous when it’s cooled, you have succeeded! How to shop for quality products: Commercial “broth” products are devoid of the quality nutrients and basically a watered-down version of the actual bone broth. You should actually call this stuff “stock,” fodder for a liquid base of soup. Read labels! Bones should be on the ingredient list. You should see a prolonged cooking time specified on label or on website, and certified organic designation as well. This entails organic products all the way through the factory. Bone broth is stored in the fridge or freezer and will last a week in the fridge. As detailed in Dr. Cate Shanahan’s book, Deep Nutrition, bone broth is one of the ultimate ancestral foods, and it has been widely neglected (or watered down in the case of “broth-like” consumer products.) It’s time to get on the bone broth bandwagon and make it a centerpiece of your diet. Enjoy the show and learn more about Sharon at bonafideprovisions.com. TIMESTAMPS: Far from being a fad, bone broth has evolved over time [5:50]. How to figure out the proper amount of bones to use [10:40]. The benefits of using sun-dried sea salt [11:50]. Why homemade food went out of fashion [15:30]. What ingredients to look for when you buy bone broth from the store [21:05]. The true meaning of “certified organic” and the ideal cooking time [27:00]. How Sharon counteracts the issues that plague recovering vegans/vegetarians [32:40]. The reason why food is so effective as a healing modality for the body  [40:55]. Processed food items with “gluten-free” or “grain-free” labels are still junk food [45:20]. The effects of having gut dysbiosis and the gut-brain connection [50:05]. Using a Crockpot to make broth is not terrible, but it isn’t ideal [57:00]. The bones that make the best broth [59:19].Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-get-over-yourself-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Feb 7, 2020 • 36min

Listener Q&A - Lifestyle Behaviors To Support Training, Honoring Digestive Circadian Rhythm, and Reconciling Aerobic Versus Intensity. (Breather Episode with Brad)

(Breather) Lots of great stuff to cover today as I continue to go through all of the great questions you’ve submitted so far. We start with a question from a listener who challenges me to name the many things that I find more important to endurance success than the particulars of workouts and scheduling, so I spout 7 things quickly in response. I then share from recent success stories, including improved sleep from honoring digestive circadian rhythm and improving inflammatory conditions with dietary restriction. And what kind of dietary restriction do I mean, exactly? Well...of course, it all depends on the individual. For some people, that means eliminating certain foods that trigger inflammation. But for others, it just means working on timing and adjusting the way you schedule your meals, but not changing anything about the food itself - just switching to eating earlier dinners, for example. I also stress the importance of cultivating your intuition (in all areas of life, duh) when it comes to fitness and diet. Knowing how to employ your intuition will always serve you well because it allows you to go with the natural flow of things. So instead of forcing strict, regimented workouts set at specific times on yourself, try to balance honoring your commitments with an understanding and respect for your body’s natural needs, which are for rest and relaxation, balanced with a healthy exercise regimen. I then explain how to reconcile the seemingly disparate training approaches of aerobic-based versus explosive efforts found in a Crossfit Endurance workout (listen to my show with Brian MacKenzie for more details). I also talk about how consuming lectins may be triggering inflammation that worsens skin-conditions, like vitiligo, and how the elimination of night-shades can help with this problem. As I get down to the last few questions, I realize how many of them have had a similar theme, which is balance. How do you balance intuition with a set schedule? How can you begin to manage stress and rest most effectively? And how do you reconcile two diametrically opposed perspectives, like Primal Endurance vs CrossFit endurance? How do we move forward when there are things in our life that seem to contradict each other, or when we don’t quite know how to proceed? We get over ourselves and our negative internal chatter, and remember the importance of having a healthy perspective! Take advantage of support from your community, from your family to your friends, to your colleagues to your neighbors, because that’s what makes all the difference in the world in terms of your performance and your mindset. Just don’t get caught in the trap of stressing about not doing enough. We’re all doing the best we can (and if you’re not, simply recognize it, and make adjustments!) so, remember the importance of continuously committing to BALANCE. There is a time for action, just as there is a time for prioritizing resting and recovery. Do yourself a favor, and let yourself fully experience the benefits of both. Thanks for the thought-provoking questions! Keep ‘em coming by emailing getoveryourselfpodcast@gmail.com. TIMESTAMPS: David is asking about workout scheduling. What is the order of importance?  [03:57] It interferes with our circadian rhythms to have this constant technology available. [05:30] Stress/rest management is so important for a balanced life, especially for an athlete. [07:13] Have a healthy perspective on setting goals. [08:22] Having a supportive family, community environment, or training partners makes your training more doable. [09:50] Cultivate intuition over a regimented schedule. [11:17j Think about the “breakthrough workout.” It should be the centerpiece of your training. [12:10] Morning flexibility routine keeps Brad in a stronger position to do other things the rest of the day. [13:04] Clean up your diet. [14:42] Ward is telling about what he discovered that, despite going keto, carnivore, changing sleep hygiene, he was still having disturbed sleep. The timing of eating was the secret. [16:46] Felix is asking about the skin disease of vitiligo which is believed to be caused by an intolerance to lectins. Eliminating nightshade vegetables from the diet can help with many conditions. [21:15] The next question is how does a middle-aged novice trainee reconcile two diametrically opposed viewpoints like Primal Endurance vs CrossFit endurance? [24:51] The two viewpoints go hand in hand, but the emphasis needs to be rest and recovery. [29:50] Holger in Germany mentions how many studies there are on diet that will support anything.  It’s confusing. You have to see what works for you. [31:57] Brian shares how he is living with ulcerative colitis but living the Keto lifestyle has kept him off meds for 8 months. [34:38]Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-get-over-yourself-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Jan 31, 2020 • 35min

Slowing Down, Redefining Success, And Pursuing A Long, Happy, Healthy Life (Breather Episode with Brad)

(Breather) This show is inspired by a great article by Andrew Merle titled, “What Is Success Anyway?”. The author offers 7 insights that I cover with my added colorful commentary. Hopefully this show will get you thinking: Can money buy happiness? (research says only to a certain, seemingly low, point), and what is success anyway? According to Merle, success feels something like this: doing work that you love and living a long, happy, and healthy life. And yeah, that money can’t buy you happiness stuff is totally true - the fact is, once you’ve been able to cover all your basic needs (food, shelter, etc), money can’t produce the same kind of feeling of happiness in you - you plateau, basically. This is because consumerism locks you in a never-ending cycle of wanting more, more, and more...and you’re never satisfied. Small choices, like opting to make coffee at home instead of going out to your local Starbucks, will seriously add up in savings over time. Not only that, but look at what it’s doing to our planet! Simply appreciate what you already have, instead of constantly trying to collect more stuff. Remember - it’s just stuff. We live in a world where the new model of something is always just around the corner. There are always updates and upgrades, always something to buy - and there’s always a company out there trying to get you to spend your money. No wonder these things cannot give you sustainable happiness - the only joy they bring is fleeting. Real happiness comes from the substantive things in life - like making connections, engaging in or building community, service for others, living with passion and purpose... This is precisely why overworking yourself and overpacking your schedule absolutely destroys productivity and messes with your personal happiness. Research actually shows that once you’ve exceeded 50 hours of work per week, your productivity is seriously challenged. Push it to 55 hours, and your productivity basically drops off a cliff. Why? Because there’s no balance when you’re working without socialization. Social relationships are the #1 driver of happiness, so we have to work on creating, and maintaining that work-life balance. Otherwise, you’ll find your work suffers - when you’re overworked, your energy is low, your concentration is sluggish, your abilities are decreased. Who wants to work in a state where you’re barely functioning? No one can produce good work under those conditions, but unfortunately, it’s very common in our consumerist and capitalist-driven culture. No wonder the countries that rate the highest on the “happiest people” scale have an average workweek of 37 hours! And check this out: Europeans tend to vacation way more than Americans, who average only 11 days of vacation time a year. Compare that to studies that have shown 6 weeks of vacation time a year is optimal for happiness...clearly, we’ve got some catching up to do. One radical takeaway from this piece was the statement that happiness causes success, not the other way around. First, you gotta get happy, because 1) duh, it feels good and 2) because that’s what leads to success. Yes, we’ve had the formula backwards for years, and now we know: success does not bring happiness. Success follows happiness. That’s why we have to be super mindful about balance - because no one wants to have any regrets on their deathbed about how they balanced (or didn’t!) their personal life with their career. So why not start incorporating 5 habits into your day that Merle claims will boost your happiness? These habits will effortlessly get you into a positive and happy mindset, which is the key to happiness and success because having a negative and discouraged attitude will only get in the way of you manifesting your dreams. Start doing these 5 things daily, for 21 days, and see how your life changes: Write down 3 things you are grateful for.  Journal about a recent positive experience for 2 minutes every single day. Engage in (not strenuous) cardio, like brisk walking or jogging. Meditate, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day. Start your day by emailing/writing a 2-minute note of gratitude/thanks to a friend or colleague, or compliment someone you admire. The most important lesson I garnered from Merle’s writing was this: your true nature and highest calling is to promote happiness. When you think about life from that perspective, things seem simpler and easier. Is it really that simple? Nothing ever is, but the bottom line is: everyone wants to live a happy and healthy life. If your true nature and highest calling is to promote happiness, then how fun is that? Enjoy this show, and don’t forget: stay positive, remember to widen your perspective on any situation (meaning, just get over yourself), and promote happiness among your friends, family, even the people you pass on the street. A little kindness truly goes a long way, whether it’s to yourself or to others, it does matter. Every action has an impact, so why not slow down, and stop and smell the roses? TIMESTAMPS: What does success really mean? [03:00] Can money buy happiness? [04:05] It depends on the person. If you are in a position of doing for others rather than just gathering material goods, you would probably feel quite satisfied.  [07:08] Even people with lots of money experience FOMO (fear of missing out). [09:55] How much money would you have today, had you begun saving $5 per day at age 20? [ 12:42] Working long hours does not equal productivity or happiness. [15:17] Vacation time is critical. [17:49] Social relationships are the best predictor of overall health and happiness. [20:09] Happiness causes success.  Not the other way around. [25:39] Make sure you are not looking back in regret at the end of your life. [27:42] Slow down and savor life. [30:48} Have the courage to be true to yourself no matter what other people want you to be. [33:30]Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-get-over-yourself-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Jan 28, 2020 • 1h 13min

Andrew MacNaughton #2: Health vs. Fitness, Challenging Fixed Beliefs, Diet Experimentation, and How Sacrifices For Healthy Living Aren’t Really Sacrifices

I catch up with my old-time triathlon compatriot Andrew MacNaughton, who retired from the pro circuit a year before I did, which made him that much smarter back in 1993-1994. This show is a wild ride covering a huge array of health, diet, and peak performance topics. Most of the insights have application to all health enthusiasts, but we get a little technical here and there talking about sophisticated training matters, such as Heart Rate Variability (don’t worry, my BradBeat HRV App at the ios store is simple and user-friendly, as is this GOY Podcast episode about HRV.) Andrew kicks us off with the sensible but minimally respected premise that “Health and Fitness don’t really intersect much” and off we go. Andrew talks about his precise experimentations with different kinds of diets, and how your eating patterns might line up with your body type. We discuss the dangers of holding on tightly to rigid beliefs and the benefits of thinking critically and remaining open-minded. This is especially relevant when reflecting on “scientific studies” being the end-all. As we’ve seen so many times, a study can be devised to achieve just about any conclusion, especially when there are special interests involved! We talk about the pleasures of racing shorter distances where you can go faster and feel like an athlete instead of just “endure.” At the end of the show, we get a little revv’d up with some emphatic admonitions to make healthy choices, reject the horrible cultural influences toward laziness and indiscriminate dietary standards. Andrew proposes that making “sacrifices” such as getting up for an early workout, or cutting pizza and beer out of your diet, don’t really need to be seen as sacrifices, and are best viewed as choices. Conversely, when you fail to achieve the bare minimum respectable standard for food choices or exercise output, you are making the ultimate sacrifice of your health, because you are most certainly headed on a journey of pain, suffering, and accelerated demise. This show will get you thinking and hopefully get you focused to make some changes in your basic diet and exercise habits for healthy living. TIMESTAMPS: Health and Fitness don’t intersect very well. [04:38] In general, health is diet and sleep, while fitness is fitness. You can choose one or the other. [09:26] Age is not really a factor when you are in your 20s but as you age…… Andrew felt he didn’t rest enough. [13:20] There shouldn’t be a need to urinate in the middle of the night. [18:28] Diet success is dependent on body type. [20:21] Some vegetarians are carboholics and could probably make healthier choices. [26:55] In trying new diets, it often seems they are good for a while, and then they are not as great as you thought. [28:52] There are seasonal variations. [30:04] We have to continue to be on this quest.  The information is constantly changing. [34:45] How does the training differ in preparing for a race for six weeks or 24 months? [38:01] Going fast is more fun and harder than going long and slow all day. [41:20] The 60-year-old body just cannot do what the 20-year-old body can. [45:16] If you can hit this very low baseline of two and a half hours a week of very moderately paced cardiovascular exercise, you have an A+ in cardiovascular health. [49:23] Jump up and down 20 times a day and you preserve your bone density and decrease your risk of breakdown. [53:45] Andrew’s daily routine is effortless.  He changed from “have to” to “want to”.  He does nothing that isn’t fun. [57:50] Dehydration gives you a bad attitude. When it’s hot and humid, you have to go a little bit slower. [01:01:35] What are you sacrificing by not being as healthy? What foods that you believe are too great of a sacrifice to give up? [01:07:10]Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-get-over-yourself-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Jan 24, 2020 • 37min

Surprising Parenting Tips, Part 2 (The Importance of Perseverance Through Struggle) (Breather Episode with Brad)

(Breather) This show will help you understand the importance of perseverance (aka grit) and illuminate how easily youth are getting off track today due to the addictive nature of dopamine triggers (reference my breather show about Dr. Lustig’s new book, The Hacking Of The American Mind, for details). Some great parenting and personal reflections come through in this episode, one being just how important it is to let your kid get angry, frustrated and so forth, but never discouraged. I share the story of a life-changing conversation I had with my son when he was in 7th grade and feeling completely burnt out from basketball. After he abruptly quit the team, he felt terrible and just totally down on himself. Even though I didn’t have all the parenting tips I have now, then, I knew that it was crucial that I communicate one lesson to him: do not be discouraged. We have to let our kids feel out all their feelings, but we cannot let them spiral into a web of self-doubt, which is easy when you’re feeling emotional. But that’s what you’re there for - to help them see what works and what doesn’t, and to show them where to draw the line with certain behaviors. Since dopamine overdose downregulates serotonin, constant praise actually creates a terrible cycle for your children. According to studies, people who are on the receiving end of way too much praise are the types who “quit when the going gets tough.” This is a problem because it causes one to miss out on the intermittent reinforcement that comes with failure - that is what teaches the brain that frustrating spells can be worked through. But children who are complimented too much don’t develop persistence - no wonder, since they’re told how fabulous they are all the time, they have nothing to work towards! In fact, in college-aged kids, esteem-building praise has been linked with a noticeable drop in their grades! So watch what you say to your kids, and when you do praise them, make a point to praise the effort, not the result. Consider cooling off a bit and placing less importance on your kid’s everyday doings and struggles. Perhaps tone down efforts to boost your kid’s self esteem and let it happen naturally. Maybe do the same for yourself, getting over yourself and being mindful to deliver maximum effort and be a good person. Land the helicopter, praise the effort, don’t comment on everything, and place the emphasis on being a good person and other important character attributes. Yes, it’s a bit different from old-school ideas about effective parenting, but guess what? That’s why it works! This episode will alter your communication with your children for the better, open your mind to alternative methods of parenting, and change the way you look at praise. Maybe your kids are all grown up now, but remember that it is never too late to change your methods. Or maybe you’re not a parent yet, but these lessons are still applicable to your own feelings about yourself and your childhood. Ask yourself, what generation of parenting was I raised in? Research what kind of parenting was thought to be “superior” back then, and try to identify how that has affected you. Maybe there are some things so deeply programmed in your psyche from your childhood that you don’t even know how far those roots reach. You might also find my show with Anat Peri, who hosts personal transformation retreats, very helpful, as she focuses on healing patients by going as deep as possible into their flawed childhood programming. Just remember: no one is perfect, and no one is a perfect parent or child. But we can all work on the ways we approach failure and success, and a huge part of that is simply getting over yourself. TIMESTAMPS: You must never get discouraged and get down on yourself.  [03:54] It’s okay to quit. [06:31] Research suggests overpraised kids’ primary concern becomes their image.  [07:21] We become dopamine addicts and can learn to respond to failure with grit. [08:59] Young people, especially males, become addicted to porn and video games. [13:54] Parents do not need to make the kid’s life their life! Parents can be supportive and caring without giving up their own lives. [15:27] The wise parent can learn to redirect, not fix, the child after a disappointment. [18:01] High self-esteem is not necessarily the winning ticket that we think it is. [20:11] Athletes who are doing well struggle with getting over yourself concept. [24:37] Offering praise has become a sort of panacea for the anxieties of modern parenting. [28:34] We want the kids to call the shots. {30:23] The most important thing in life is to be a good person. [33:23]Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-get-over-yourself-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Jan 21, 2020 • 1h 10min

The Keto Diet: Everything You Need to Know and Succeed, and Not Screw Up!

Keto is Krazy, man! Everywhere you look there's a new book, video or Internet article about the amazing ketogenic diet and the magical results you get if you just ditch carbs! Can keto live up to the hype? Well, yes it can, but you have to do it the right way, otherwise, you’ll just be in for a stress hormone binge followed by a crash and burn. Regardless of your level of awareness about keto, this show is a great resource. I start from the beginning and describe why keto is so beneficial to health and longevity, including disease protection, improved cognitive function, , reduced inflammation and oxidative stress (these represent the essence of disease and accelerated aging), and the rapid and efficient removal of excess body fat. Next, I walk you through the comprehensive, multi-stage process as detailed in our New York Times bestseller, The Keto Reset Diet and Keto Reset Mastery Course. First, a 21-Day Metabolism Reset where you escape carbohydrate dependency and progress toward fat- and keto-adaptation. The Keto Reset approach is lauded because it encompasses other lifestyle factors such as movement and physical fitness, sleep, and stress management. If you are exercising in chronic patterns, deficient in sleep, or living a hectic, hyperconnected lifestyle, these behaviors will push you back into sugar burning mode. After the 21-Day Reset, I describe the fine-tuning period where you track your ability to fast and feel comfortable. If you can eat your last meal at 8 pm and last until 12 noon without calories, maintaining peak cognitive function, mood, and energy levels, you are ready to try keto. The next step is a focused, six-week period of nutritional ketosis. When you complete the Keto Reset journey as described, you avail a lifetime of benefits from becoming metabolically flexible - being able to burn a variety of energy sources, especially ketones made in the liver and stored body fat. It sounds great, but we need to sort through the hype and misinformation about certain keto strategies and macronutrient ratios, and how to avoid common pitfalls and backslides. For example, the trend toward heavy and deliberate fat consumption in the name of keto misses the essential point that keto is a genetically programmed survival mechanism designed to fuel the ravenous brain when you are starving or extremely restricted in dietary carbohydrates. Keto is a way to avail the long scientifically validated benefits of fasting without having to starve yourself, and the best benefits of keto come from fasting and caloric efficiency – not fat bombs. I detail how to optimize your sodium and electrolyte intake, which can leave you feeling generally crappy and blaming it on macros instead of micros (micronutrients.) I also talk about the importance of toning down your overall exercise energy output when you start keto to prevent muscles and brain from getting into a tug-of-war for the same precious energy source of ketones when they are suddenly without their lifelong primary fuel source of glucose (from dietary carbs.) This show is deeply informative and illuminating, but always in plain talk so you can grasp the concepts with needing heavy prior knowledge. If you are thinking about keto, this show will give you the essential tools to succeed without the nonsense of the keto flu that some people describe as inevitable. It’s totally not true, and if you are struggling and suffering in your path to keto, you need to change things up, perhaps take a few steps backward and get healthy and metabolically efficient before worrying about aggressive macro guidelines. When you finish listening to this show, you will breathe a sigh of relief, realizing that keto is not complicated, not brutal, and incredible health and metabolic benefits are within your reach. TIMESTAMPS: Ditching carb dependency is the starting point. [03:58] Ketones are a much cleaner burning fuel source than glucose. [07:23] Brad uses the analogy of a campfire to show what happens at the cellular level when you’re eating junk food. [10:38] It is our default human factory setting that we are fat-burning beasts. [13:06] There is a step-by-step approach to follow to do this right. [14:01] One of the worst things in our modern American diet is high polyunsaturated vegetable oil. [16:14] What about rice and lentils? [18:23] You have to get the insulin production down. [20:36] You have to make this transition gradually and understand what you are doing. [23:46] We advocate for a comprehensive lifestyle approach because other elements of life are relevant to your ability to transition. [25:47] When thinking about exercise, realize that the miles on the road or trips to the gym, though important, first think about just moving every day. [27:20] Don’t overdo it when you workout. Workouts do not need to be more than 30 minutes. [29:20] Strength training needs to be brief, intense, and explosive. [35:59] Integrate sprinting into your game. [36:59] If you have a deficiency in optimal sleep, it throws off your appetite hormones. [38:57] The number one emergency thing to do is minimize artificial light and digital stimulation after dark. [41:17] Stress management includes many healthy practices that you can train yourself to do.  [43:32] Before you get started on this Keto thing, you want to see how well you’re doing without the input of a regular meal. [45:09] You want to limit your gross carb intake to 50 grams per day. [47:43] Just eat the fat you need to feel satisfied and don’t go over-consuming fat in the name of Keto. [52:57] Make it simple and functional at the onset. [54:58] If you are experiencing the Keto flu, just take a step backward and spend more time in 21-day reset mode. [56:59] You’ll feel like crap if you don’t get your sodium balance right. [01:00:44] What you are doing is you’re reclaiming your genetic ability and your genetic preference to burn fat as your primary energy source. [01:03:31]Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-get-over-yourself-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Jan 17, 2020 • 37min

Surprising Parenting Tips, Part 1 (Inverse Power of Praise) (Breather Episode with Brad)

The Get Over Yourself podcast is branching out into the topic of parenting tips, whoopee! In 2007, I read a landmark article in New York magazine called, "The Inverse Power of Praise—How Not To Talk To Your Kids." It forever changed my perspective about parenting and I referenced the insights on a daily basis for years after. You might be surprised to learn that you actually have less of an influence on your kid’s success than you think, considering there are so many other influences, like their peers, along with their own innate qualities, that factor in much more than you do!  Some of these suggestions will be shocking and deeply thought-provoking. Your mind may be blown to realize that lavishing effusive praise might do your kid more harm than good; that innocent comments like, “You’re a great athlete,” or, “You’re so smart,” can make your kid become averse to challenge and progress. It sounds crazy, but when you try too hard to set your child up for success, you’re kind of doing the opposite, and instead setting them up for failure. Of course, we all want our kids to know that we see their best qualities, but acknowledging those things too much and focusing only on what it is that is “remarkable” about them will never do them any favors. Instead of praising the end result, praise the effort that went into the process - your child will respond and react to that kind of positive reinforcement in a way that’s much more productive for their growth. This episode will give you some great tools and tips to improve your parenting skills and emphasize the research-proven effective strategies like praising effort that leads to improvement over end results. Also, check out my previous show with New York Times bestselling author Ashley Merryman for related details.  TIMESTAMPS: You have less influence on your kid’s success than you realize. [03:00] Sometimes we don’t realize the damage our good intentions cause. [04:44] Should every kid get a trophy? [08:30] The kids often attach their self-esteem to a compliment you’ve given. [09:33] Kids are smart.  They learn early on what attributes they have. [12:18] Allow your kids to fail and encourage them to keep trying. [15:53] When so say, “I’m proud of you” to your kid, you are taking the accomplishment away from him or her and turning it on to yourself. [16:37] Make your praise specific and sincere because general praise often has the opposite of the intended effect. [18:30] Sometimes it’s best to be silent until the kid wants to talk. [23:00] Comparing one kid to another is probably the worst thing you can do. [26:15] Overpraised elementary school kids who equate success with innate ability instead of effort, struggle. [28:31] Experiencing failure is a good learning experience because it builds resilience. [34:41]Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-get-over-yourself-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Jan 14, 2020 • 54min

Tawnee Prazak Part 2: Tales From Van Life, Cold/Hot Water Therapy, And Why Moderation Isn’t Enough

In part 2 of my conversation with Tawnee, we start off with a discussion about cold therapy and heat therapy. As many of you know, cold plunges have been an integral part of my daily routine for some time now, so I share a few choice tips, as well as some of the many benefits that I’ve been getting out of my daily practice. People have been doing this in Finland for many, many years, so clearly there’s something to it, but how do you do it exactly? Is there a right way and a wrong way? Is cryotherapy worth all the hype? Is it really an instant cure for anxiety? The answers to those questions are no, and yes, and soon, you’ll get way more information about the subject as I’m actually currently working on a book all about this ancient healing modality - there is still so much to learn about the benefits of cold therapy, as well as the best methods to use for maximum effectiveness. This segues into a discussion about heat therapy, and I tell Tawnee about the home sauna I’ve recently invested in, which I have been using frequently and really enjoying lately - so simple, and the perfect companion to a cold plunge. Speaking of cold water, Tawnee entertains us with some great stories about life on the road aka VAN LIFE! Can you imagine taking a cold shower when you’re in a van while it’s 40 degrees outside? Yikes! But as Tawnee explains, the main thing that got her through the icy shower was knowing that, since cold water is a hormetic stressor, the cold shower was actually good for her. You know what else is good for you? Not being tied down to having to eat regular meals as your main source of energy. We also talk about how I was actually advised by my doctor to “eat more healthy food” and why I advocate for being extremely strict, dedicated, and committed to the purity and quality of your diet, instead of just trying to discipline yourself through the use of “moderation.” I see “moderation” as a pretty ineffective method when you think about the fact that we are the fattest nation by far. As William Davis explains in his book Wheat Belly, the gliadin protein in gluten actually stimulates your appetite and causes you to eat more...and he’s not talking about eating a tiny snack here and there, he’s talking 300 calories per day more! My thoughts on moderation are, when these things like sugar and gluten are so powerfully addictive, how can you even really indulge in them moderately? It’s such a slippery slope... There’s a reason why Dr. Robert Lustig says a little bit of sugar leads to a lot of sugar, because after the inevitable blood sugar crash, you find that you’re instantly craving more. So, my view on moderation is, when it’s so tough to be moderate with these things anyways, why try and struggle so much, just to satisfy that craving to have “only a little bit?” I also think if you don’t place the highest priority onto your health and your diet, that in itself is a habit that is seriously worth trying to turn around ASAP. Some things might seem extreme, like automatically reading the labels on everything you buy. But since you can never really be sure that someone else’s health standards are up to par with yours, you’ve got to cultivate healthy habits, such as reading labels automatically, and make sure it sets in, so it no longer feels like this thing you’re doing that might be too extreme or make you too picky of an eater, but it’s just a normal part of your routine. This applies to bad oils too. Unfortunately, it can be quite challenging to avoid these since they’re hidden practically everywhere, so you do have to be proactive and assertive and just ask restaurants if they can cook your food in butter. Is it possible to be too strict on the bad oils stance? Is it ok to occasionally indulge? Unfortunately...no, not really. The reason why you cannot let this one slide is because the effects it has on your health are super serious: as Dr. Cate explained on the show, bad oils are so toxic that just one serving of French fries can harden your arteries and make blood flow less difficult for up to 24 hours. It’s actually worse for you than smoking!   OK, so we pretty much know what to do now, right? Just eat clean, whole foods, don’t smoke, don’t let bad oils sneak into your diet, and you’re all good, right? Well...not always. It’s just not that simple…. the reality is, so many people have autoimmune diseases and food allergies, which can complicate things. Avocados, almonds, and beets might be staple foods for one person, but will cause severe allergic reactions for someone else. As Tawnee points out, so many people think they’re doing the right thing for their health by eating a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, and they don’t even realize that they’re inadvertently causing harm to their digestive system, because they don’t even know that some of the “clean food” they’re eating doesn’t work their particular body! And how do you know that you’re eating food that your body is sensitive to? Do you get bloated after eating? Do you burp or hiccup after meals? If you are experiencing these symptoms, then you know that internally, something could be way off. Tawnee also urges us not to forget the importance of testing - you can get blood tests done, you can take a stool test, and Tawnee also recommends doing a GI test, so you can get a feel for what is happening internally on a real, scientific level. Tests are not usually inexpensive, but they are undoubtedly worth it, considering the amount of information you will learn about your body, and what you can do with that information - which is know how to heal yourself by lowering inflammation and giving your body the proper fuel, so you can thrive, and not merely survive. Tawnee has helped countless clients with her knowledge about nutrition, so sit back, relax, and take advantage of this opportunity to learn from a true health and wellness expert.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-get-over-yourself-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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