Savage Perspective Podcast

Do you play it safe or grab life by the horns to live a more vibrant, fulfilling life? As a top swimmer in his country of origin, Belgium, Dr. Mike Van Thielen gained interest in optimizing health and athletic performance. Dr. Mike graduated from the University of Brussels in '93 as a Bachelor in Physical Education and in '95 as a Master in Physical Therapy. He served as the assistant coach and therapist for Belgian Olympic Swimmers in preparation for the Olympic Games in Atlanta ('96). Dr. Mike moved to Florida in '97, and after managing several pain management clinics, he received his PhD. in Holistic Nutrition. He is a licensed Physical Therapist, a licensed Acupuncture Physician and a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, with Certifications in Homeopathy & Chinese Herbal Medicine. (https://books.friesenpress.com/store/title/119734000010709215/Mike-Van-Thielen%2C-PhD.-Health-4-Life) While we have a different approach to nutrition, it was a pleasure to speak to Dr. Mike, and I know you'll take something from the conversation. What we discussed: His background and what brought him into the athlete sphere initially (1:25) The reasoning behind moving to America and his road to success here (3:50) How he got started in the health field and how his practice and interests evolved (7:51) Confusion and lack of clarity in today's society (13:12) Actionable things you can do to keep your mind and body in sync (18:09) Productivity apps he uses on a daily basis (22:04) His meditation routine (24:56) His nutritional protocol (27:01) The importance of not putting restrictions on yourself when it comes to dietary classification (29:19) How he structures his diet throughout the day (35:32) Blood tests and cholesterol (39:18) Instilling a sense of purpose in his clients (42:47) His message from the mountaintop (48:13) How having kids has shaped his passion and purpose (49:50) Where to find out more about Dr. Mike: Biohacking Unlimited If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

For this episode, I welcome special guests Alan Reeves and Richard Smith. Alan was a former client of mine a few years back, and we've both been following a ketogenic lifestyle for about the same amount of time. Richard has an impressive background in competitive bodybuilding and has been taking the world by storm. We discussed everything from fueling strategies to training, so I know you'll take something away from this episode.   What you'll hear:   Richard's switch from bodybuilding to endurance training and his fitness journey (2:04) Building muscle with carbs vs. without (4:19) Fluid retention and body composition (8:50) Endurance training following a ketogenic protocol (14:20) Fat as fuel gives more energy per minute than carbohydrates (19:36) Macro distribution and protein consumption (21:33) Keto and energy levels (26:15) Where to find out more about Richard (who had to hop off to perform daddy duties) (32:54) Alan's carbohydrate and electrolyte intake, and how it varies based on weather and training (34:54) The secret to his fountain of youth (40:12) Dorian Yates protocol for training (41:07) The many different ways to approach strength training (44:41) How he tracks his training (45:35) Competitive endeavors he has in the pipeline (47:28) Building a solid foundation of health (52:15) The beginning of his ketogenic journey (53:25) Consuming vegetation (54:55) Fruit consumption (56:22) The trajectory of the ketogenic diet (59:13) Addressing unhealthy lifestyles (1:02:43)   Where to find out more about Richard:   YouTube The Keto Pro   Where to find out more about Alan:   Instagram YouTube   If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

Are you new to or interested in the world of survivorship and bushcraft? Brian Loftus is an expert when it comes to being completely self-sufficient in the elements. He sells our bricks in his store, and I've always been interested in this topic, so it was a pleasure speaking to and learning from him. I know you'll find this episode informative and beneficial.   What we discussed:   Why Brian became interested in the world of survival outfitting (1:06) How his business has changed since its inception (3:58) Information is everything, and knowledge is power (5:55) Brands he recommends for those just starting out (8:05) What size knife he recommends (11:13) Growing up not participating in any outdoor activities, and how he prepared as an adult (12:47) Jumping in and getting your hands dirty (17:25) The common denominators he's seen with people just getting started (18:11) Building a good fire (21:01) The rise in interest in being self-sufficient in a worst-case scenario (23:31) American Survival Company and the show Snowflake Mountain (26:28) His mental roadmap when thinking about survival and being self-sufficient (28:42) Water purification (32:57) Shelter and clothing brands he recommends (37:53) Solar energy (41:00) The importance of a sturdy vehicle in emergency situations (43:28) What's in the pipeline for Brian (45:40) The openness of the survival community (49:39)   Where to learn more:   Survival Gear Waypost Outdoors   If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!  

For this episode, I welcomed friend and client Dakota Geil, who recently finished his first competition. We discussed his first-time experience competing, especially the reverse dieting aspect of a prep, as well as his impressive home gym setup. It was a pleasure chatting with him and I've got no doubt that you'll enjoy this episode.   What you'll hear:   How he's feeling after his prep and the challenges of reverse dieting (1:48) Perspective on where he started and where he ended up (2:33) Post-show maintenance (5:25) What the competition season was like for him emotionally and psychologically (8:06) His support system through reverse dieting (9:15) How he handles the days where he strays from the path and eats everything in sight (11:31) Home gym setup (15:23) Workout equipment rundowns and additions (21:27) The most efficient pieces of equipment in any gym (27:18) Keeping it to the basics and what is sustainable in regard to fitness and nutrition (29:47) What his future looks like for competition (30:35) Learning as you go and bettering yourself (34:51) The importance of finding enjoyment in the activities you choose to do (36:52) Size vs. definition in bodybuilding (39:49) Starting a coaching business (42:31) Fixating on the negatives (46:50)   Where to learn more about Dakota and his family:   Geil Strength Co. Instagram   If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

Andrew Madigan is the head honcho at Foundry Industries and a fellow ketogenic bodybuilder. I couldn't wait to pick his brain about business and his experience with his first clean ketogenic competition prep. We had a lot to discuss, so I'm sure you'll take something from the conversation.   What we discussed:   How he began his ketogenic prep (2:58) Branching out with recipes and cooking (7:14) How the results of this prep compare with those he's done previously (10:34) Sodium and electrolyte intake (12:30) Salt cravings (16:26) The results of his two shows this season (17:50) Consuming too much sodium before a show (19:36) The importance of taking a break between competitions (23:29) The details of the shows in Australia (25:59) Natural bodybuilding gaining momentum and popularity (31:43) Pros and cons of taking supplements (34:13) Why the burden of evidence should fall on the necessity of carbs as opposed to the absence of carbs (37:33) Having the mental fortitude and discipline to decline additional food during a prep (43:11) Eating healthy, alternative meals with zero guilt (47:07) Ways to incorporate keto bricks into your diet (49:55) Being objective when it comes to business (58:34) Sourcing high-quality ingredients and providing a stellar product (1:05:15) The importance of giving people options (1:08:38)   Where to learn more about Andrew and Foundry Industries:   Foundry Industries Instagram   If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

For this episode, I welcome back friend, runner, and founder of The Keto Road, Jonathan Shane. He recently launched his supplement company, so I invited him back to discuss his running and business endeavors. We talked about a little bit of everything in this episode, so you’re bound to hear something that resonates with you.   What we discussed:   How we spent our days during our in-person visit (1:55) Running four miles on rocky, technical terrain (3;21) Launching Energized Reds (5:21) The journey to success and learning from mistakes (8:54) The importance of having a mentor (10:33) The new product he’s launching and how to join the waitlist (12:31) Rebranding (15:23) The differences between greens and reds supplements (16:44) Beginning his official running training season and what that entails (22:02) How he changes his nutrition as his training increases (24:16) Manipulating caloric intake on the fly (27:09) Increasing carbohydrate consumption to minimize cortisol levels (29:27) His stress levels prior to and after 2020 (37:40) How he structures his carbohydrate eating based on the distance he’s running (38:43) His experiment with eating how a traditional long distance runner would eat (40:29) How to dispel the myth that you need carbohydrates in order to perform well in the world of running (43:31) What it takes to be a professional runner (45:09) High carb vs. low carb running (47:38) Running as the primary modality for training (52:05) Obstacle course races (52:56) His first run of the season and upcoming schedule (56:35)   Where to find out more about Jonathan and his supplement company:   Perfrmance Gainz The Keto Road   If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

Have you tried all the doctor’s recommendations, but can’t seem to get healthy and happy? Trevor Griffith was bedridden for three months as his health continued to decline, and his doctors were stumped. He tried supplements, vegetables, you name it, but nothing worked–until he switched to animal-based eating. I’ve got no doubt you’ll be inspired by this conversation.   What you’ll hear in this episode:   Trevor’s backstory (1:55) The “bro diet” and losing control of cravings with cheat meals (3:14) What his blood work revealed after experiencing severe symptoms and not knowing what was going on (5:44) Thoughts and feelings he had when going through those health battles (9:18) The catalyst that shifted his mindset (11:58) The toll this time period took on his wife and relationships (12:55) What he thinks are the reasons for his health battles (14:47) The downfall of heavy training and cardio while consuming a low-fat diet (16:01) The importance of education in the nutrition space (18:45) His experimentation with supplements and an animal-based diet and the benefits he experienced almost immediately (19:24) Histamines in meat (23:08) A typical day of eating for Trevor (26:45) Coffee consumption (27:49) His activity level and how he structures his lifting sessions (32:18) Modeling (39:12) Gym ownership and handling the competition (40:23) Dabbling in making his own product (47:20) What else is in the pipeline for Trevor (50:45) Chiropractic care (52:07) Mobility training and cold therapy (52:43) Reading and journaling (54:33)   Where to follow along with Trevor’s journey:   Instagram If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

On this episode, I welcome back Vinnie Tortorich, a personal trainer, speaker, author, and much more. It had been a while since we’d spoken, and I wanted to pick his brain on what he’s been up to lately, but also any new developments he’s seen in the nutrition space. It was a great catch-up call and I know you’ll enjoy it as well.   What we discussed:   How things have changed since the last time Vinnie was on the podcast (1:32) The details about his handmade cedar strip kayak (5:28) Archery gear (13:35) Various bow options (15:23) Other likes/dislikes people may not know about him, including mountain climbing and water skiing (19:04) How things have changed with his abilities as he’s aged (23:18) The “death scroll” (24:53) Managing social media (26:56) The trajectory of nutrition and whether he views it as a good or bad direction (30:46) His documentaries and their subject matter (33:31) Veganism, vegetarianism, and fruitarianism (36:14) What he’s working on right now that has him excited (42:07)   Where to find out more about Vinnie:   Vinnie Tortorich NSNG Foods Pure Coffee Club If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

Homesteading may be a good option for you if you’re concerned about where the food you’re eating is sourced and how it’s raised. Mona Weathers has been homesteading for over 20 years and her passion is helping others on their journey towards a sustainable homesteading life. I found this conversation incredibly helpful and I know you will as well.   What we discussed:   Her motivation for homesteading and the journey to becoming a homesteading mother (1:44) The misconception that you have to have a lot of land to homestead (5:08) Moving from California to Georgia (6:30) Water sources (7:52) Fencing (9:22) Animals she has on her property (11:58) The various trees on her land (14:10) Care involved in raising goats (15:35) The most rewarding animal out of chickens, turkeys, and ducks (18:46) The differences between raising chickens, turkeys, and ducks (19:45) Go-to chicken breeds for eggs and meat (25:08) How she sources her birds (28:38) Incorporating chicks in with full-grown chickens (30:04) Her recommendation for chicken feed (32:11) Gardening (34:17) Canning methods (38:40) Her experience with producing content for social media (42:01) The primary mistake most people make when first starting out with homesteading (44:09) The growth of the homesteading community (46:09) The many benefits of homesteading (51:03) The largest homesteading project she has coming up in the near future (53:05) Advice for raising free-range chickens (56:28) Breeding chickens (59:02) Harvesting and plucking chickens (1:01:15) Where to dive deeper into Mona’s homesteading world:   Healthy Homesteading Instagram   If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!

From a health standpoint, how your food is raised and harvested is very important. Tyler Dawley is the brains behind Big Bluff Ranch, a multi-generational operation based in California. This episode discussed the ranch business and his passion for producing the highest quality meat possible. It was a pleasure learning from him, and I know you’ll enjoy this episode, too.   What you’ll hear:   The history of the ranch (2:11) What they raise on the ranch (5:28) How their chickens are raised and what they’re fed (6:55) The differences between raising chickens vs. raising turkeys (15:10) Possibility of building out their own processing facility on-site (20:27) USDA regulations (22:58) The inspection process (26:07) Procedures for using smaller, niche processing plants (29:17) The influx of smaller-scale, high-quality products becoming available to the public and how the internet has changed the industry (31:59) Grass-fed/finished beef vs. grain-fed and finished beef and which is best (37:40) Raising grass-fed beef and why the time frame is longer (46:00) What produces the “gamey” flavor that can be present in some meats, including beef (49:28) Harvesting animals humanely (54:07) Chicken breeds he recommends for laying and eating (59:45) The benefits of knowing where your food comes from (1:01:22)   Where to find out more about Tyler and Big Bluff Ranch:   Big Bluff Ranch   If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!