The Model Health Show: Nutrition | Exercise | Fitness | Health | Lifestyle

When you think about improving your health, you probably think about making better food choices, getting more high-quality sleep, or adding more physical activity to your routine. But have you ever considered how your finances impact your overall well-being? Financial stress can manifest physically in many ways, including anxiety, digestive issues, or sleep disturbances.  If you want to be the healthiest version of yourself possible, you’ve got to consider how to upgrade your financial fitness – and today’s guest is here to show you how. Bret Johnson has created several multimillion-dollar companies alongside his wife Chalene. He runs the operations and finances for his companies, SmartLife, Inc. and Team Johnson. On this episode of The Model Health Show, Bret is sharing what he’s learned about finances throughout his life and career, including the story of how he overcame a gambling addiction and paid off over $400,000 in debt.  You’re going to learn actionable tips and strategies you can use to uplevel your

There’s a lot of conflicting advice about the best way to get results in the gym. And if there’s anyone who knows how to get results, it’s my friend Jay Ferruggia. Jay has been a personal trainer for over 25 years and he has thousands of hours of experience training folks in the gym. He has an impressive resume of advising in major league sports and contributing to magazines and major news networks.  Jay is one of the most elite fitness coaches in the world, and what I love about him is his realistic approach to training. Jay’s mission is to make fitness simple and efficient. He incorporates key lifestyle habits like getting enough sleep, easy nutrition tips to help maximize your results, and how things like relationships and mindset can impact your fitness goals.  No matter what your fitness goals are, Jay’s tips can help you achieve them. On today’s show, he’s sharing some of the most common misconceptions about training, the importance of having a plan, and why training for longevity and health is so effec

Inflammation is a necessary part of human biology. It’s a critical function of our immune response that allows us to heal infections and overcome viruses. In fact, inflammation is one of the key components that has allowed us to evolve to this point. Chronic inflammation, on the other hand, is one of the greatest threats to human health. Chronic inflammation is at the root of most chronic conditions, including cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. On today’s show, you’re going to learn exactly what inflammation is, how it occurs in the body and its connection with obesity.  This episode is my interview with Lewis Howes on his podcast, The School of Greatness. You’ll hear key insights on neuroinflammation, the science on sleep and cognitive function, and the necessary components for optimal brain function. There are so many powerful insights and impactful takeaways in this interview. So listen in and enjoy this episode from The School of Greatness Podcast!  In this episode you’ll discover: The root

In the past century or so, the human life expectancy has increased dramatically thanks to improved environmental factors and advances in modern medicine. But paradoxically, our citizens are sicker than ever. Rates of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases are skyrocketing at an alarming rate.  Today’s guest, Dr. Gabrielle Lyon is one of the leading experts in human nutrition and the founder of the Institute for Muscle-Centric Medicine. She’s back on The Model Health Show to share about the critical role your muscles play in everything from immune function and cancer susceptibility to longevity and healthspan. Dr. Lyon is passionate about optimizing muscle for vitality and long-term health through evidence-based medicine.  This episode contains powerful insights on how your skeletal muscle performs as your body armor and the influence it has on your metabolism, immune function, and other necessary processes in the body. We’re digging into the science behind optimal dietary protein intake, resist

For decades, cardiovascular exercise was considered the gold standard for losing weight. But new science proves that strength training is actually the most effective exercise for fat loss and overall health. Not to mention, strength training is also a powerful tool for improving your cognitive health, metabolism, and so much more.  Today’s guest, Sal Di Stefano is passionate about teaching folks how to realistically incorporate resistance training into their routine. He is a long-time fitness pro, a bestselling author, and the host at Mind Pump Media. In his new book, The Resistance Training Revolution, Sal Di Stefano outlines why building muscle through resistance training is the key to overall health and longevity.  You’re going to hear powerful insights on why logging hours on the treadmill might be harming your progress, how your body adapts to workouts, and how to set sustainable health goals. Sal is sharing a wealth of knowledge on the benefits of strength training, plus realistic tips for building musc

Even though the United States is the wealthiest country in the world, we have a glaring problem with accessibility to healthy food. According to the USDA, over 35 percent of households with incomes below the poverty line faced food insecurity in the year 2020. Rates of food insecurity were significantly higher than the national average for single-parent homes, as well as Black and Hispanic families.  Additionally, a 2019 study showed that suboptimal diets were responsible for over 11 million deaths around the world. There’s clearly a huge disconnect between having the access and the knowledge to efficiently fuel our bodies. This is a complex issue and there’s not a straightforward solution. But luckily, there are a few things we can do to start moving the needle in a positive direction.  Our guest today, Kevin Curry, is a renowned food expert, bestselling author, fitness expert, and the mind behind Fit Men Cook. Kevin is on a mission to make healthy food more affordable, and that’s what we’re going to talk ab

The human immune system is truly at the foundation of human health. And at a time in human history when so many folks are suffering with various diseases and illnesses, it’s critical that we understand the expansive role of the immune system. On today’s show, we’re covering the function of the immune system, how viruses work, and the connection between our microbes and our overall health.  Today’s guest, Dr. Zach Bush, is a physician who specializes in internal medicine, endocrinology, and hospice care. He is an educator on the microbiome and its connection to health and disease. He is also the founder of The Journey of Intrinsic Health and the nonprofit, Farmer’s Footprint. Dr. Bush is passionate about immunity and the larger picture of how our planet’s health impacts human health.  On this episode of The Model Health Show, Dr. Bush is here to discuss the human microbiome, immunity, and viruses. We’re discussing topics like the role of the immune system, the scientific process, and the integration of humans

Our experiences shape so much about us—our beliefs, the way we view ourselves and the world around us, and the way we react in our relationships. But for those of us who had a shaky start to life, luckily, we are not by default destined for a life full of pain. Healing is available, and healing from those challenges can help us live a happier and more fulfilled life.   Today’s guest, Tana Amen, is here to discuss how reframing our past experiences and traumas can improve our relationships and our health. Tana is a New York Times bestselling author, the vice president of Amen Clinics, and a former ICU trauma nurse. Her mission is to help people become stronger in mind, body, and spirit. In her newest book, The Relentless Courage of a Scared Child, Tana shares her journey of turning pain into purpose.  In this interview, you’re going to learn more about Tana’s story of overcoming trauma and critical steps you can take to heal from your past experiences. We’re going to discuss choosing growth over trauma, the im

Nutrition is a powerful key to human health, but have you ever considered how your dietary choices may be impacting the environment and society at large? Much like the systems in our body, every single component of our world is in some way affected by the food we eat. Today you’re going to hear from Dr. Mark Hyman on the important topic of food as a form of medicine and activism.  Dr. Mark Hyman is one of the most impactful voices in the space of functional medicine and an influential advocate for eating real, whole foods to reverse and prevent diseases. He is also a 14-time New York Times bestselling author, host of The Doctor’s Farmacy Podcast, and the founder and director of The UltraWellness Center. On today’s show, you’re going to hear a compilation of my past interviews with Dr. Hyman. This episode contains powerful insights on how changing our food system can improve everything from disease rates to social justice issues and the health of the planet. You’re going to learn about important topics like so

What if you could transform your health with a handful of simple, practical steps? Many people believe the myth that a radical, difficult lifestyle change is the only route to wellness. However, the key to health is rarely found in cutting out food groups, shady detox products, or logging hours on the treadmill. Often, it’s the most simple and sustainable changes that lead to lasting results.  On today’s show, I’m sharing the full story of my personal health transformation, including my diagnosis and the journey of mindset shifts and behavior changes that led to results. Specifically, you’re going to learn five specific and practical steps you can take to gain control over your health. These five action steps are attainable, realistic, and you can implement them starting today.  Whether your goal is to change your body composition, minimize symptoms, or reverse chronic illness, these five action steps can help you achieve results. I hope this episode resonates with you and leaves you feeling empowered. So lis

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

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, an

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 develo

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 interv

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

“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 princi

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 connect

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

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 o

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 di