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

“Happiness is a quality of the soul, not a function of one’s material circumstances.” -Aristotle  How do you respond when you face a challenge in life? Whether you’re facing some truly dark days or simply dealing with first world problems, it can be easy to get caught in a cycle of negative thoughts and patterns. I want to encourage you to take a lighthearted approach and focus on abundance.  Because even when life is hard and you’re up against an obstacle, there is still an opportunity to be found. Today’s guest, Katie Wells, embodies that philosophy. From turning her personal health struggles into a thriving community to getting her mind right in order to set an example for her children, Katie knows a thing or two about turning lemons into lemonade.  Katie is the founder of the renowned website Wellness Mama, bestselling author of The Wellness Mama Cookbook, and a mom of six who is passionate about uplifting and inspiring other families. On today’s show, she’s sharing personal anecdotes about transforming h

No matter your diet or relationship with food, chances are that you think about calories, at least occasionally. From restaurant menus to fitness trackers, we’re constantly being reminded of the significance of the almighty calorie. But have you ever stopped to think—what exactly is a calorie, and how accurate are the numbers we’re continuously being fed?   On this episode of The Model Health Show, I’m taking you behind the scenes of the infamous calorie and how it actually works in real life. We’re diving into the history of how the calorie came to be, and how it became such a pervasive figure in our culture. You’re also going to learn about the numerous factors that influence how your body absorbs and reacts to calories. You’re going to hear the differences that exist in types of food, how they are prepared, and the role your unique metabolism plays in the processing of calories. No matter your history or relationship with calories, this episode will help you gain valuable insights into how your body intera

It’s a simple truth: We are all, collectively, experiencing a challenging time right now. But instead of sitting in the negativity the news and social media feeds us, what can we do to convert concern into action? My guest on this episode, New York Times bestselling author and internal medicine physician Dr. Austin Perlmutter, explains how we all hold the keys to freeing our bodies and brains from damaging patterns. If you’re stressed, anxious, or depressed right now, Dr. Perlmutter offers some simple but profound ways to optimize your brain to better meet this moment. In these turbulent times, we have an opportunity. We have access to information from experts like Dr. Perlmutter and thousands of others who can help us change our lives, and in turn, change the world. Now is the time to translate your worry into action—and it all starts with a little compassion, for yourself and others, even when you don’t see eye to eye. In this episode you’ll discover: What an opportunistic infection is and what it has to d

Seventy million Americans are suffering from digestive issues right now. Can you believe that? What’s more mind-blowing is that most of those folks could start to feel a lot better by simply changing the way they eat. In this episode, Dr. Will Bulsiewicz and I get real about gut health. Dr. Bulsiewicz is a New York Times bestselling author and award-winning gastroenterologist who changed his approach to treating gut health when he turned his life around by changing his diet. Now, he’s leading the way in making nutrition a routine part of the digestive health conversation, inside and outside his clinic.  Dr. Bulsiewicz and I dive into the connection between a healthy immune system and a healthy gut, why eating a diversity of plants is key to a diversity of microbiota, and yes, we go there—we even talk poop. I hope you enjoy our conversation and think about the incredible symphony happening in your gut in a whole new way. Enjoy! In this episode you’ll discover: Dr. Bulsiewicz’s superhero origin story—from 50 p

With the uncertainty we've all been facing lately, 2020 can feel downright scary. But that doesn’t mean you have to live in fear. Because no matter what’s going on in the world, we all still have the potential for growth, happiness, success, and love. Outside conditions don’t hold dominion over your life—only you hold that kind of power. In this scary good compilation episode, seven experts take an unflinching look at fear. You’ll learn that a little bit of fear is a good thing—it keeps us safe—but living your life in fear isn’t. Our guests cover everything from tuning out fear-mongering to letting go of limiting beliefs so that you can harness the power of fear and change your life for the better. Making decisions from a place of fear isn’t serving any of us. Instead, I hope this episode helps you open the door to a world where everything that happens to us, the good and especially the bad, is an opportunity for transformation. A lot of scary stuff happened in 2020, but this year is also offering us the unmi

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably spent more time than you would like to admit on your couch, in front of a screen, or both since the pandemic started. We’ve all been there, so it’s no surprise that a recent study published by BMC Public Health showed that levels of sedentary behavior have skyrocketed while levels of exercise have decreased over the last seven months. What comes as more of a shock is that these trends are showing a tendency to become permanently entrenched. Today’s guest, world-renowned movement coach and therapist Aaron Alexander, is here to offer a few tools to help all of us put down our phones and reconnect with our physiology. Instead of recommending sweeping lifestyle changes, Aaron makes an argument for subtle, steady shifts to your daily life—starting with spending 30 minutes on the floor every day.  Aaron explains that movement doesn’t need to be complicated—but we do need to move. Because when you’re stressed, and you don’t move, your system begins to deteriorate. 2020 mig

If you knew an ingredient in your food could make you sick, would you still eat it? Probably not. Yet from orange juice to peanut butter cups, the synthetic ingredients lurking in everyday pantry staples could be doing you more harm than good. And while industrial food producers would love you to think otherwise, poor nutrition is a leading cause of preventable chronic diseases. As the saying goes, you really are what you eat. Our guest on this episode, New York Times bestselling author and food activist Vani Hari, explains “health washing” and shares how innocuous terms like “natural flavoring” can mask toxic ingredients in your favorite foods—and what you can do about it.  Vani is no stranger to confronting the food industry, and her investigative work has led to significant changes from major brands like Chick-fil-A, Chipotle, Subway, and many others. Armed with what she’s learned in her own personal journey and thousands of hours of research, Vani explains how to empower yourself and your loved ones to ma

Albert Einstein is credited with saying, “We cannot solve problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” Today, I want to apply that sentiment to the pandemic that our society is facing. As we seek solutions to a public health crisis, it’s important that we take a deeper look at the contributing factors that got us to this level of distress. On this episode of The Model Health Show, we’re diving deep into the pieces of our country’s health crisis that are not being analyzed. You’ll learn about some of the underlying health epidemics that have made our population more susceptible to the pandemic.  Most importantly, you’re going to hear about how to use this time as an opportunity for change, and how understanding the root cause of our issues can lead us to a better, stronger, healthier way of life. My intent is that this episode inspires you to take action and make a difference on an individual, grassroots level so that together we can affect lasting change. Enjoy!  In this episode you’ll disco

If you compare your life today to one year ago, it probably looks a lot different. So many of us have had to readjust and redefine how we interact in our personal lives, our families, and workplaces. There are so many things that have changed so quickly, but in that lies an incredible opportunity to be more intentional and to focus on what really matters.  But how do you actually sharpen your focus, dial into your intuition, and affect change? Today’s guest, Light Watkins, is here to share valuable insights and strategies on how you can become an active participant in your life and take advantages of the opportunities that this unique moment in time has created. Light is an author and world-renowned meditation teacher who is passionate about spreading inspiration and arming folks with simple tools for amplifying happiness.  On this episode of The Model Health Show, you’re going to learn about shifting your perspective, getting in touch with your intuition, and the challenges that often parallel growth. If you

If you’re like most Americans, you probably have a few bad cell phone habits. Most of spend hours every day attached to our devices, with little to no boundaries or schedules. The thing is, this is no mistake. Our devices and apps are expertly engineered to alter our brain chemistry.   So if you find yourself mindlessly refreshing the same apps over and over again or unconsciously reaching for your phone, it actually has little to do with your willpower and more to do with the efficacy of the product itself. Today’s guest, Adam Alter, literally wrote the book on how technology is designed to captivate our brains, override our willpower, and manipulate us into addictive behaviors.  On today’s show, Adam is sharing the link between technology and addiction, and how we can take our control back. If you’re ready to break your bad digital habits and gain a deeper understanding of the psychological effects of technology, this episode of The Model Health Show is for you!  In this episode you’ll discover: The averag

The mask debate has become highly politicized and fueled by emotion. But instead, what if we approached life with logic, science, and reason? On this episode of the Model Health Show, my mission is to provide you with the tools you need to evaluate scientific studies and prepare yourself to shut down the cognitive biases that we all hold.  We’re digging into the studies on mask efficacy, preventing infection, and health outcomes in the US. You’ll learn about different types of masks and how they perform in scientific studies, plus how to actually understand the results of the data. This episode also contains real ways you can protect your family and your community during a public health crisis.  I hope this information inspires you to always approach life with a sense of curiosity and to stand up for logic and rationality. Most importantly, I hope this episode encourages you to put your time and energy toward real solutions that contribute to your health, as well as the health of those around you.  In this ep

All year we’ve heard staggering statistics about the state of the economy, skyrocketing unemployment rates, and the demise of small businesses. It’s obvious that your ability to create an income for your family can impact your life in a multitude of ways, but did you know that job satisfaction is one of the strongest influences on our mental health?  While that might sound disheartening, the truth is that each and every one of us holds the power to affect change and create a fulfilling, prosperous life. I truly believe that this moment in time has given us an opportunity to do so. Whether or not you know what gifts you have, they exist. And your health, your community, and the world are all counting on you to unlock your innate potential.  On today’s show, we’re diving into the measurable impact job satisfaction has on our overall health and wellness. You’ll hear my personal anecdotes on aligning my career with my passions, and tangible tips you can utilize to create a shift in your own career, wellness, and

As we are collectively undergoing a massive shift in our society, there’s never been a better time to evaluate our habits, thoughts, and beliefs. On some level, we’ve all been impacted by societal pressures about the American Dream, the hustle, and what it truly means to be successful. But have you ever considered if any of those paradigms are actually true or effective? In his new book, The Buddha and the Badass, Vishen Lakhiani shares life-changing insights to help you uplevel your career path and your life. Vishen is a speaker, New York Times bestselling author, meditation teacher, and the visionary behind Mindvalley. His tips and tools will help you elevate your unique strengths and transform the way you live, both personally and professionally.  This episode will inspire you to get in touch with your intuition, challenge lifelong paradigms, and align your vision with your values. You’re going to learn about unlocking higher states of consciousness, how to have a healthy work-life balance, and effective s

For many folks around the world, right now is an immensely challenging time. Many of us are doing our best to make the most of a complicated situation. No matter what hardship you’re facing, there’s always the chance to seek out the opportunities that often present themselves during difficult seasons.  Today you’re going to learn about tapping into your genius, cultivating your creativity, and the role of gratitude and love during adversity. Our guest is an award-winning poet, multi-platinum songwriter, and influential thought leader, IN-Q. He’s sharing transformational lessons about evolving as a person and finding your creative genius. This interview is an in-depth look into how you can make authentic changes that add value and improvement to the world around you. You’ll also hear some of IN-Q’s thought-provoking poetry and the inspiration behind his powerful and insightful book. So listen in, take good notes, and get ready to learn from the one and only, IN-Q.  In this episode you’ll discover: How hip-hop

“Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other’s eye for an instant?”  – Henry David Thoreau When you’re on the outside of any struggle, it can be easy to dismiss or minimize the challenges that accompany the hardship. But what kinds of insights and perspectives could you gain if you had the opportunity to step outside of your own experience? That’s exactly what Drew Manning did in 2011 when he experimented with gaining and losing 70 pounds. Drew is a fitness influencer, podcaster, and New York Times Best Selling Author who has shared his personal physical, emotional, and mental transformation. Now he’s challenging himself again, with the clear intention of sharing why empathy is the key missing in the fitness industry.  On today’s show, my good friend Drew is back to share meaningful lessons about accountability, what’s truly behind physical transformation, and why empathy is such a powerful catalyst for long-lasting change. You’ll also hear the details of Drew’s new fitness chall

Now, more than ever, it’s important to take control over your perspective. When it feels like the entire world is in disarray, your mindset will determine your ability to persevere. Luckily, the way that you think, react, and behave is entirely within your control.  If you’re in need of a massive shift in perspective, today’s guest is the right person to help you pivot your mindset. JP Sears is a conscious comedian, author, podcaster, and YouTuber who has the innate gift of bringing light and comedy to serious issues. In terms of health, business, and outlook, JP has been able to make the most of the pandemic by searching for opportunities instead of excuses. Today, he’s going to share those insights with you.  This episode contains conversations on shifting from a fear-based mindset to a love-based mindset, how humor can help you cope during difficult times, and how overcoming division can help us heal as a society. JP’s insights will empower you to open your mind, step outside of fear, and train your brain

“Accept—then act. Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as you had chosen it. Always work with it, not against it.” -Eckhart Tolle  I’m declaring 2020 “the Year of the Pivot.” Even though there are plenty of circumstances that we might wish were different, the truth is that it does no good to fight against an unchangeable reality. Sometimes the best we can do is accept what is and make the most of it.   While this year might look different than you planned, it’s important to recognize that this period of time holds the potential to become an opportunity for profound growth. Today I want to encourage you to use this time to focus on strengthening your family bonds and taking control of your finances.  We’re going to explore different ways that you can prioritize your family, including tangible ways to strengthen bonds and consciously connect within your household. You’re also going to learn about taking the initiative to build self-reliance in your finances and how you can create an income in an auth

Pandemics are stressful. Whether you’re stressing about homeschooling your kids, worrying about the health of your loved ones, or dealing with financial struggles, you’re not alone if you’re struggling during this time. As we navigate through isolation and uncertainty, taking care of your mental health should be at the top of your priority list.  When it comes to brain health, there’s truly no one better suited on the planet to share valuable tips and strategies than Dr. Daniel Amen. Dr. Amen is a double board-certified psychiatrist, 10-time New York Times bestselling author, and a true authority when it comes to maximizing your brain.  On today’s show, Dr. Amen is back on The Model Health Show to share his best insights and solutions to optimize your brain health during a pandemic. You’re going to learn about the correlation between brain health and body health, how to stand the best chances against COVID-19, and how to stay connected during isolation. I hope this episode makes you feel empowered in your abi

It’s been estimated that 17 million people have recovered from COVID-19. Given the transmissibility of the virus, how is that possible? The answer lies in the dynamic, complex, and powerful immune system.  Your immune system is a multifaceted and highly intelligent defense system. And whether we’re in the midst of a worldwide pandemic or cold and flu season, it’s important to have an understanding of how the immune system works. More importantly, it’s critical to understand how to optimize and fortify its function.  On this episode of The Model Health Show, we’re diving into the complex, adaptive, and fascinating world of the human immune system and how it relates to viruses. You’ll learn about the main components of the immune system, what immunological adaptation is, and practical strategies you can use to maximize the function of your incredible immune system. This episode is full of scientific evidence, as well as practical tips you can apply today. So listen in, take good notes, and enjoy!  In this episo

What do we actually know about virus transmissibility, the efficacy of face masks, and the implications of wearing a face covering? It turns out, it takes a lot of work to get to the bottom of what the data truly says. Articles circulating on social media are often misleading—omitting critical pieces of information to sway your opinion one way or another.  That’s why I decided to dig deep into the studies, examine the data with an open mind, and share my findings with you. In my new documentary, Mask Facts: The Science and History of Masks in Medicine, I looked through the science in order to get a clearer picture of how viruses and masks actually interact in the real world.  And on today’s show, you’re going to hear even more of the clinical evidence on mask efficacy. You’ll learn about how popular studies ignore real-world conditions and provide inadequate data, how to eliminate any self-serving biases when looking at the facts, and how to approach the COVID-19 pandemic with logic and reason. I hope this ep