The Model Health Show

In a country where only 12% of adults are metabolically healthy, it’s clear that there’s a disconnect between our behaviors and our bodies’ biological needs. Certain environmental inputs like movement, sleep, sunlight exposure, and whole foods are critical pillars of human health that our genes expect. And when it comes to improving our metabolic health, even making small changes can have a huge impact.  Today’s guest, Dr. Casey Means, is the co-founder and chief medical officer at the innovative metabolic health company, Levels. She’s back on The Model Health Show back to discuss all things metabolic health. We’re diving into topics including the metabolic benefits of reducing your chemical exposure, the power of optimizing your micronutrient intake, and the surprising connections between metabolic function and sexual health.  Dr. Means is truly an expert in the field of metabolic health, and her mission is to help folks maximize their potential by empowering them with tools that facilitate personalized and sustainable lifestyle choices. In this interview, you’re going to learn some realistic lifestyle habits you can implement to optimize your metabolism, no matter your starting point. Please enjoy this interview with the one and only, Dr. Casey Means!  In this episode you’ll discover: What obesogens are.  How chemicals can impact your metabolic function.  The importance of building biologic resilience to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Simple swaps for reducing your exposure to chemicals.  What percentage of people experience side effects from antidepressants. How choosing organic food can impact your microbiome health.  Why restriction is not the key to building a healthy body. Three ways that micronutrients support cellular processes. How selenium is involved in immune function. The importance of focusing on regenerating the health of our soil. How eating colorful food can impact your micronutrient levels. The role magnesium plays in the body, and how to get more in your diet. What the pillars of healthy gene expression are.  How adequate sunlight exposure can improve your metabolic health. The specific systems in the body that are tied to sexual function.  What cardiometabolic health is.  The link between obesity and sperm count.  What polycystic ovarian syndrome is, and why it’s tied to insulin resistance.  The metabolic effects of consuming breakfast cereal.  Why long-term glycemic variability is not optimal.  Items mentioned in this episode include: Foursigmatic.com/model -- Get an exclusive 10% discount on your daily health elixirs! Levels.link/model -- Get exclusive access to Levels continuous glucose monitor!  Happiness vs. Pleasure with Dr. Robert Lustig – Episode 240 Strengthen Your Emotional Agility with Dr. Susan David – Episode 595 Why We Get Sick by Dr. Benjamin Bikman  Levels Website / Blog / Instagram / Twitter Connect with Dr. Casey Means Instagram / Twitter  Join TMHS Facebook community - Model Nation Be sure you are subscribed to this podcast to automatically receive your episodes:  Apple Podcasts Stitcher Spotify Soundcloud *Download Transcript

Most folks training the gym are there for one reason: to look good. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with wanting to build a fit, aesthetically pleasing body, it’s not the only reason you should work out. Becoming a stronger and healthier version of yourself is about much more than what your abs look like; it’s also about your mindset, your routines around sleep and nutrition, and your functionality on an everyday basis.  Today’s guest, Gunnar Peterson, is a personal trainer who is recognized for working with professional athletes and celebrities. What I love about his approach is his focus on movements that are critical whether you’re in the gym, in a championship game, or just everyday life. With nearly 30 years in the industry with a focus on functional training modalities, Gunnar is an expert in all things fitness. In this interview, he’s sharing the best principles for building a strong and functional body.  Interviewing Gunnar has been a goal of mine from the beginning of The Model Health Show, and this experience did not disappoint! On this episode, you’re going to hear Gunnar’s background and how he started working with celebrities, the importance of sustainability in any health practice, the power of consistency and intentionality, and so much more. Gunnar is bringing so much knowledge and value to this interview, and I hope this message resonates with you. Enjoy!  In this episode you’ll discover: How having information can help you avoid being a victim. Why Gunnar doesn’t take credit for his clients’ results.  The power of consistency in fitness. Why the gym is the fairest place in the world.  The importance of recognizing your wins.  How a childlike curiosity can help you excel in any field. Gunnar’s story of becoming a trainer and cultivating his education. Why personal training is a service.  The origin story of the toilet In Gunnar’s squat rack.  Why sustainability is the key to any health goal.  The three reasons why people work out.  How focusing on performance in training can improve your everyday life.  The evolution of beauty standards and the ideal body.  What an auditory diet is and why it matters.  Why you should work your body every day. Which specific movements Gunnar has all his clients doing. The importance of having a flexible training plan.  Why you should check in with your body regularly.  The benefits of working with a professional trainer.  Items mentioned in this episode include: Onnit.com/model -- Save an exclusive 10% on performance supplements & tools! Beekeepersnaturals.com/model -- Save 25% on raw honey & other natural remedies! G-Force by Gunnar Peterson Connect with Gunnar Peterson Website / Instagram  Join TMHS Facebook community - Model Nation Be sure you are subscribed to this podcast to automatically receive your episodes:  Apple Podcasts Stitcher Spotify Soundcloud *Download Transcript

What does soil have to do with human health? Everything on our planet is interconnected, from tiny organisms that live in the soil to humans. Unfortunately, we’re actively and rapidly destroying the communities of microbes in our soil through unsustainable farming practices. This impacts literally everything, including our gut microbiomes, disease propensity, food security, climate change, and so much more.  Today’s guest, Autumn Smith, is a passionate advocate for human health through regenerative agriculture. She is a functional diagnostic nutritionist and the co-founder of two forward-thinking health companies: Paleo Valley and Wild Pastures. In this interview, Autumn is sharing her personal health anecdote, plus the science behind important health topics like processed foods, the consequences of modern agriculture practices, and the importance of well-thought-out, quality supplements.  We’re diving into the prevalence of digestive issues in the US, the surprising link between eating animal fats and developing chronic illnesses, and the scary reality of antibiotic resistance. Autumn is bringing a ton of valuable knowledge to this episode of The Model Health Show, so listen in, take good notes, and enjoy the show!  In this episode you’ll discover: What a diagnosis of IBS actually means, and its prevalence today. Autumn’s personal story of transforming her health through dietary changes. How many Americans suffer from digestive issues.  The problem with ultra-processed foods, and how they hijack your satiety.  How modern food engineering impacts our dopamine. A realistic strategy for eating less processed foods. What it means to prioritize pleasure in your diet and your life.  The shocking relationship between saturated fats and non-communicable diseases. How the human diet has evolved in recent decades. The origin story of vegetable oils. What percentage of animal products come from confined feeding operations. The unintended consequences of industrial animal agriculture.  How conventional animal agriculture encourages antibiotic resistance.  The importance of restoring the health of our depleted soil. How climate change is linked with our topsoil. What regenerative agriculture is.  An important distinction between sustainability and regeneration. Why regenerative agriculture is like functional medicine.  The difference between whole food vitamin C and ascorbic acid. What you should know about curcumin supplements. Autumn’s daily routine, and how she models self-care for her son.  Items mentioned in this episode include: WildPastures.com/model -- Get 20% off every box plus an additional $15 off!  PaleoValley.com/model  -- Use code MODEL at checkout for 15% off! Study: Frontiers in Nutrition - United States Dietary Trends Since 1800 Get Better Skin & Smarter Metabolism with Dr. Cate Shanahan – Episode 565 Energizing Our Food System with Robb Wolf – Episode 563 Sacred Cow by Diana Rodgers RD & Robb Wolf Subscribe to my YouTube channel for exclusive content! Connect with Autumn Smith Facebook  Join TMHS Facebook community - Model Nation Be sure you are subscribed to this podcast to automatically receive your episodes:  Apple Podcasts Stitcher Spotify Soundcloud *Download Transcript  

Your brain is a powerful force that regulates so many functions and processes in your body. Everything from memory and emotion to temperature and metabolism are controlled by this complex and dynamic organ. Because of the expansive nature of the human brain, the field of neuroscience is vast and ever-evolving.  Dr. Lisa Mosconi is a world-renowned neuroscientist who is ranked amongst the top 1% of scientists in the past 20 years. Dr. Mosconi studies the fascinating and growing intersection of neuroscience and nutrition, including how what we eat impacts our brain health and can ultimately determine our susceptibility to neurodegenerative diseases. She is the director of the Women’s Brain Initiative and the associate director of the Alzheimer’s Prevention Clinic at Weill Cornell Medicine, an adjunct faculty member at the NYU Department of Psychiatry, and the author of two incredible bestselling books, Brain Food and The XX Brain.  On today’s show, you’re going to hear two powerful excerpts from previous interviews with Dr. Lisa Mosconi. She’s sharing the science on a wide variety of topics under the umbrella of brain health—including how Alzheimer’s disease develops over time, what your brain is made of and what nutrients it needs to survive, how men and women’s brains differ, and so much more. We can all learn more about how to nourish and protect our brain health, and I hope this episode empowers you to do just that. Enjoy!  In this episode you’ll discover: What the HPA axis is, and how it works. The relationship between your hypothalamus and your metabolic rate. What nuclear medicine is.  The surprising connection between Alzheimer’s disease and genetics. What neuronutrition is, and how the blood-brain barrier works.  A major differentiating factor between brain cells and other cells in the body.  How many nutrients the brain has access to.  Why your brain itself cannot feel pain.  What a brain reserve is.  An important distinction between dietary cholesterol and cholesterol in the brain.  What compounds your brain is made of.  Specific nutrients your brain needs for optimal health.  Why long-chain polyunsaturated fats are critical for brain function.  The link between menopause and Alzheimer’s disease.  Why you should avoid xenoestrogens. How women have been systematically excluded from research. Why the XX chromosomes are related to brain function.  What estradiol is.  How Alzheimer’s disease develops over time.  The role estrogen has in the brain.  What the number one cause of early menopause is.  Why hormone replacement therapy needs to be individualized.  The power of protecting your brain with antioxidants.  Which vitamins are most important for combating oxidative stress. Why your brain needs carbohydrates.  Items mentioned in this episode include: PiqueLife.com/model -- Use code MODEL at checkout for 10% off! Organifi.com/Model -- Use the coupon code MODEL for 20% off! Eating for Cognitive Power with Dr. Lisa Mosconi – Episode 319 Secrets of the Female Brain with Dr. Lisa Mosconi – Episode 402 Natural Treatments for Fibroid Tumors – Episode 148  The XX Brain by Dr. Lisa Mosconi  Brain Food by Dr. Lisa Mosconi Skittles Highway Spill – Huff Post Connect with Dr. Lisa Mosconi Website / Instagram   Join TMHS Facebook community - Model Nation Be sure you are subscribed to this podcast to automatically receive your episodes:  Apple Podcasts Stitcher Spotify Soundcloud *Download Transcript  

Your emotional health is a critical part of your overall well-being. People who are emotionally healthy are better able to keep a strong mindset, build resiliency, and handle life’s challenges.  On today’s show, you’re going to learn about how navigating your inner world can impact your life.  Our guest today, Dr. Susan David, is one of the world’s foremost experts in emotional agility. She is an award-winning psychologist, a bestselling author, and TED Talk speaker. Her book, Emotional Agility, is a science-based guide to healthier emotions and better communication. On this episode of The Model Health Show, Dr. Susan David is back to share powerful ideas about understanding and processing emotions.  You’re going to learn about coping with stress, labeling your emotions, and living in alignment with your needs and values. Dr. Susan David is sharing life-changing insights on understanding yourself, your psychology, and your emotions so that you can have better health, relationships, and experiences. In an ever-changing world, emotional agility is a necessary skill – and I hope this episode gives you the tools you need to become your best self. Enjoy!  In this episode you’ll discover: How our thoughts, emotions, and stories inform our behaviors.  The importance of understanding our emotions.  Why our emotions are the most powerful resource we can have.  What it means to have stress that is values concordant.  The power in understanding your relationship with stress.  What it means to over-identify with a part of yourself.  The problem with labeling emotions as good or bad.  How accurately identifying your emotions can change your life.  What emotional granularity is.  The problem with the feminization of emotions.  What a display rule is.  How to avoid emotional fusion in yourself and your children. What the Zulu greeting “Sawubona” means.  How our emotions act as signposts.  Why your emotions are data.  The role of compassion and curiosity when it comes to understanding emotions. What it means to develop a board of advisors.  How to connect with your core.  Items mentioned in this episode include: Beekeepersnaturals.com/model -- Save 25% on raw honey & other natural remedies! Onnit.com/model -- Save an exclusive 10% on performance supplements & tools! Emotional Agility by Dr. Susan David The Gift and Power of Emotional Courage – TEDTalk by Dr. Susan David  Emotional Agility Quiz  Connect with Dr. Susan David Website / Facebook / Instagram / Twitter Join TMHS Facebook community - Model Nation Be sure you are subscribed to this podcast to automatically receive your episodes:  Apple Podcasts Stitcher Spotify Soundcloud *Download Transcript  

“The giving of love is an education in itself.” - Eleanor Roosevelt I believe that our relationships are one of the most influential factors in determining our mental health, success, and overall well-being in life. No matter your relationship status or personality type, communicating effectively with others is a critical skill you need to operate in our world today. On today’s show, you’re going to learn how to cultivate high-quality relationships so you can level up your happiness, health, and success.  On this episode of The Model Health Show, I’m sitting down with Jairek Robbins. Jairek is a best-selling author, performance coach, and the president of Success Enterprises. He has taken five years’ worth of relationship courses and today he’s sharing the most impactful principles that you can use to become a master of relationships. This interview is full of actionable steps you can take today to improve your relationships.  You’ll hear exactly how to become a better listener and how to implement the principles of teamwork in any relationship. We’ll talk about how our physiological inputs can affect our communication skills, and how to efficiently verbalize your feelings. I hope these tips will impact the way you communicate and help you connect more authentically with the people around you. Enjoy!  In this episode you’ll discover: What inspired Jairek to become a master of relationships. How to bring your most authentic self to a first date.  The three things we pick up throughout our lives, and how they evolve over time. What the three different types of stories that inform our lives are.  Why understanding someone’s stories is like gaining an awareness of your heartbeat.  The power of reflecting on the past thirty days.  How our past triggers can impact our relationships. The three components of a great relationship.  How to find alignment with your partner.  The importance of teamwork in any relationship.  Why defining roles and responsibilities can help a partnership flourish. The fastest way to ruin a relationship. Why you should keep a pulse on your partner’s sleep habits. The four steps of listening.  An important rule for communicating your feelings.  How men and women tend to cope with hurt feelings differently. Why a sleep deficit can lead to more conflicts.  The four different reasons why people choose to be in a relationship. What it means to master your craft.  Items mentioned in this episode include: Onnit.com/model -- Save an exclusive 10% on performance supplements & tools! Foursigmatic.com/model -- Get an exclusive 10% discount on your daily health elixirs! Levels.link/model -- Join Levels to learn more about your metabolic health!  Understanding Women by Alison Armstrong Give and Take by Adam Grant Success Magazine Connect with Jairek Robbins Website / Instagram / LinkedIn Join TMHS Facebook community - Model Nation Be sure you are subscribed to this podcast to automatically receive your episodes:  Apple Podcasts Stitcher Spotify Soundcloud *Download Transcript  

The food you eat matters, but have you heard about the importance of eating together? In our ever-increasingly busy culture, the ritual of a family dinner is becoming less common. But a growing body of research shows that sitting down at mealtimes with loved ones can have a dramatic impact on our weight, nutrient status, and happiness.  On this episode of The Model Health Show, you’re going to hear about the benefits of gathering around the dinner table for a family meal. We’re going to dive into the specific studies that affirm the importance of eating meals with your family. You’re going to learn how a shared meal can impact the quality of foods you eat, your health outcomes, and so much more.  At a time when we’re all distracted by busy schedules, buzzing devices, and convenience foods, it’s more important than ever to intentionally set aside time for healthy family routines. In this episode, I’m sharing four practical tips you can use to establish family mealtimes and build a culture of health and connection in your home. Enjoy!  In this episode you’ll discover: How many people die from poor diet each year. The impact our environment can have on our choices. Specific key nutrients that are associated with communal dining.  Why eating with your family can help you make healthier food choices. The connection between childhood health outcomes and family dinners. How many times per week (minimum) you should aim to have a family meal. What percentage of the average American’s diet is ultra-processed food. The link between stress reduction and family meals. What percentage of families eat together on a regular basis. How eating with others can impact the way your body assimilates food. The correlation between eating in front of a screen and increased calorie intake. How after-school screentime can impact kids’ food choices.  The role dopamine plays in our screentime behaviors.  Four practical tips you can use to reap the benefits of family mealtimes.  Items mentioned in this episode include: Organifi.com/Model -- Use the coupon code MODEL for 20% off! Foursigmatic.com/model -- Get an exclusive 10% discount on your daily health elixirs! Eat Smarter  Join TMHS Facebook community - Model Nation Be sure you are subscribed to this podcast to automatically receive your episodes:  Apple Podcasts Stitcher Spotify Soundcloud *Download Transcript

Have you ever heard the statement that we only use 10% of our brains? This concept is popular in popular culture and motivational speeches, but there’s no scientific data to back it up. The human brain is dynamic and highly complex. The truth is, we use 100% of our brains all the time, even when we’re sleeping.  Although we can’t tap into dormant parts of our brains to unlock our potential, we can optimize our brains and our biology to operate at peak performance. Today’s guest is going to show you how. Louisa Nicola is a neurophysiologist and the founder of Neuro Athletics, a company that helps athletes and top investors achieve peak performance by taking a neurological approach to training. On this episode of The Model Health Show, she’s sharing the fascinating science behind building an athletic brain. In this interview, we’re diving into topics like neurophysiology, gray matter, dopamine, and long-term brain health. Louisa is bringing the data, her unmatched experience in the field of neurophysiology, and actionable steps you can use to achieve peak performance in any area of your life. So listen in, take good notes, and enjoy the show!  In this episode you’ll discover: What the field of neurophysiology entails. How an EEG is used to measure brain activity.  What separates someone like Kobe Bryant from the average athlete. Why Louisa decided to do brain scans on NFL players. What Neuro Athletics is, and the two major industries they serve. The series of events that occur in the brain when you hit a ball. How juggling can grow the gray matter of the brain.  Why adding variations to physical activity can train your brain.  How the nervous system works.  Three major theories about brain aging.  What percentage of our brains that we actually use.  The importance of sleeping for neuroplasticity.  How to set goals that optimize your dopamine response.  Why curating your social media feed is important for your brain.  How physical activity can starve off Alzheimer’s disease. What percentage of patients with Alzheimer’s disease have a genetic form. The importance of cycling through sleep stages for brain health.  How Ceylon cinnamon can impact insulin levels.  The three domains for achieving peak performance.  Items mentioned in this episode include: PiqueLife.com/model -- Use code MODEL at checkout for 10% off! DrinkLMNT.com/model -- Get a FREE sample pack with any order!  Sleep Smarter  Eat Smarter  Connect with Louisa Nicola Website / Newsletter / Instagram / Twitter Join TMHS Facebook community - Model Nation Be sure you are subscribed to this podcast to automatically receive your episodes:  Apple Podcasts Stitcher Spotify Soundcloud *Download Transcript

In the fitness world, there are many misconceptions about what it takes to build a strong body. Some of these myths are so pervasive, they could be holding you back or sabotaging your progress. On today’s show, we’re going to clear the air about what’s actually required to build strength and resilience.  Our guest today is Nsima Inyang. Nsima is a lifting coach, professional natural bodybuilder, elite-level powerlifter, and the co-host of Mark Bell’s Power Project. If there’s anyone who knows how to build strength, it’s Nsima – and in this interview, he’s sharing real-world strategies and empowering mindset shifts on human potential.  On this episode of The Model Health Show, Nsima is sharing practical tactics you can use to build a stronger, more resilient, and more functional body. We’re going to talk about how having strong and functional feet can impact other muscles, the importance of creating resilient knees, and the mental benefits of having a physical outlet. This episode is jam-packed with insights on human strength and performance, so listen in and enjoy the show!  In this episode you’ll discover: A huge misconception about gaining muscle and losing fat. How much protein you need to eat in order to build muscle.  Why Nsima decided not to become a doctor.  The importance of having a physical outlet.  How movement can be helpful for coping with depression.  Why walking is such an underrated tool. What you need to know about foot functionality.  Why many muscle imbalances start in the foot.  Simple habits you can implement to promote foot health.  How to build stronger, more resilient knees.  The life-changing mindset shift of not identifying with your injuries. Why healing is not linear. The importance of building rotational ability.  How to build habits that support your goals.  What a white belt mentality is.  The benefits of walking backward.  How identifying your weaknesses can make you stronger.  Why the sky is not the limit.  Three primary tenets to building a functional body.  Items mentioned in this episode include: Beekeepersnaturals.com/model -- Save 25% on raw honey & other natural remedies! Onnit.com/model -- Save an exclusive 10% on performance supplements & tools! Ready to Run by Dr. Kelly Starrett Correct Toes Graham Tuttle, @thebarefootsprinter on Instagram Ben Patrick, @kneesovertoesguy on Instagram  Connect with Nsima Inyang Website / Podcast / Instagram / YouTube / TikTok Join TMHS Facebook community - Model Nation Be sure you are subscribed to this podcast to automatically receive your episodes:  Apple Podcasts Stitcher Spotify Soundcloud *Download Transcript  

Can you think of a time that you’ve gotten sick because you were stressed? Studies show that emotional stress can be a contributing factor to many conditions, ranging from the common cold to cardiovascular disease. There’s an undeniable link between our thoughts and our physical manifestations, and that’s the topic for today’s show. On this episode of The Model Health Show, stem cell biologist and epigenetic pioneer, Dr. Bruce Lipton, is back to share the truth about how disease is created and how stress impacts the immune system. You’re going to learn how to build an empowering belief system that promotes health, plus four practices you can implement to create a healthy body. We’re diving into topics like the motives of the pharmaceutical industry, how our environment shapes our health, and the science behind the placebo effect.  There is powerful science behind how your beliefs inform your gene expression, and there’s no one better to teach this topic than Dr. Bruce Lipton. It’s not your genes alone that dictate your health outcomes, it’s the biology of belief that determines your destiny. So listen in and enjoy this interview!  In this episode you’ll discover: How many people are killed by poor diet every year.  The importance of recognizing your agency in your health outcomes. How genetic determinism leads to victimization.  Different types of stem cells, and how they operate.  How your thoughts create chemistry.  The science behind the placebo effect. An important distinction between correlation and causation. Why genes are like blueprints. What percentage of diseases are controlled by genes.  The relationship between genes and environment. Why the nucleus is the gonad of the cell. How a cell membrane and a computer chip are similar. Three main ways that stress can create disease. The prevalence of chronic illness in the United States.  Four things you can do to create a healthy body. How many people die each year from prescription drugs. What percentage of healing occurs from the placebo effect. The role that tonsils play in immunity. Why babies have an instinct to put things in their mouths. The relationship between harmony and health.  Items mentioned in this episode include: DrinkLMNT.com/Shawn -- Get a free gift with any purchase! Organifi.com/Model -- Use the coupon code MODEL for 20% off! The Soul and Science of Transforming Your Health – Episode 131 The Biology of Belief by Dr. Bruce Lipton Connect with Dr. Bruce Lipton Website / Facebook / Instagram  Join TMHS Facebook community - Model Nation Be sure you are subscribed to this podcast to automatically receive your episodes:  Apple Podcasts Stitcher Spotify Soundcloud *Download Transcript