The B.rad Podcast

Please enjoy a great conversation and in-person show here in the Sacramento studios of the B.rad podcast with my good friend and sprinting mentor Cynthia Monteleone, coming to you all the way from the beautiful Big Island of Hawaii. We had a long, wide-ranging discussion on health, fitness, peak performance, and longevity—especially in Cynthia’s area of expertise, acting as a truth seeker and naysayer in the health and fitness scene. She isn’t afraid to speak straight, challenge prevailing opinions, and back it up with deep research and her experience working with elite athletes. We talk about the popular idea that preserving muscle mass is the key to longevity, why that insight is incomplete, and why muscle power, explosiveness, and strength are the real drivers of healthy aging. Cynthia also explains why jogging can actually make you slower and age faster—while walking does not—and why tired training backfires, along with the idea that recovery is just as much about the brain as it is about the muscles. As a Team USA world-champion sprinter and coach to Olympic and world-champion Masters-level athletes, Cynthia shares her thoughts on sprinting as an anti-aging strategy, creatine and why it’s not for everyone, diet—including dairy—and we even have some fun breaking down Dr. Rhonda Patrick’s viral green smoothie and the potential downside of consuming large amounts of plant toxins. She also talks about how she trains everyday people the same way she trains elite athletes, and why we should all think of ourselves that way. Cynthia has been a huge source of inspiration and reason for me over the years, and I really appreciate her willingness to think deeply, challenge trends, and always speak honestly about what actually works. A Team USA world-champion sprinter, Cynthia Monteleone is a highly trained metabolic health analytics practitioner who coaches numerous Olympic athletes and world-champion Masters-level athletes. She goes deep into the nuances of what delivers peak performance and helps people overcome health challenges to reach personal goals, especially weight loss and excelling in athletic goals. You can follow her at @FastOVER40 on Instagram and learn more at mamstrong808.com. Cynthia also has a healthy, natural skincare line: Earthen Hawaii. TIMESTAMPS: We talk about the difference between just holding on to muscle mass and maintaining muscle power. [02:24] After being a college athlete, Cynthia married and had children. When her 11-year-old showed interest, she went back to the track. [06:52] There are many people who aren't reaching their genetic potential. [13:04] Walking versus jogging: when you are jogging you are preserving slow twitch muscle fibers. [19:43] The power matters more than the muscle size. [26:18] When you do slow eccentrics (lowering the weight during the bicep curl), you are recruiting more muscle fibers. [29:48] Unless you are doing the Olympic Lifts in perfect form, the injury risks outweigh the benefits. [34:11] If you're an advanced sprinter, and you're training by doing hills and doing sled pushes, it's important at some point closer to your season to follow that resistance with flat work that's fast. [36:59] People often overdo jogging. It can be detrimental to your health. [40:03] It's good to do a dynamic cool-down. Little drills, like instead of jogging, you duck walks or toe walks. All manner of static stretching is ill-advised. [42:02] It takes years for medical textbooks and journals to be updated to current findings. [46:12] Cynthia is a metabolic practitioner. She works with elite athletes as certified strength coach, encouraging diet and supplements. [50:58] What is wrong with the basic dietary notions we've been taught to believe are healthy? [53:02] Earthen Hawaii produces healthful skincare products rather than chemically laden things. [53:41] When working with a client's diet what Cynthia does is specifically pinpoint to that individual what they need most...

In this episode, I get into all these viral “every man should be able to…” fitness challenges you see on Instagram and YouTube—the ones with the deep-voice narrator rattling off random benchmarks that aren’t age-graded, aren’t grounded in any science, and somehow declare you “top 10% of health.” I talk about why the subject is relevant, what these lists get wrong, and how to think more clearly about real fitness benchmarks—especially as we age. I share the simple 6%-per-decade decline metric from masters track, my own goals in the 400 meters and high jump, and the example my dad set as he gracefully slowed down from walking entire golf courses in his eighties to looping the backyard in his nineties. The big point: we all slow down, but we don’t have to fall apart. From there, I take you through the real markers that matter for longevity and everyday vitality: walking as the centerpiece of aerobic conditioning, maintaining functional muscle strength to stave off sarcopenia and “opia,” and why explosive power—being able to save yourself from a misstep—is literally a one-rep-max that can determine your fate. We get into the dangers of falling, the massive brain-health benefits seen in active seniors, why VO₂ max is just one slice of the picture, and why the best longevity challenge of all is simply doing something you love enough to keep doing it for life. I also make the case for the 400 meters as the ultimate full-body benchmark—an event that forces you to tap every major energy system and says way more about real-world fitness than shuffling through a half marathon or throwing around big weights. If you want a clearer blueprint for staying strong, powerful, mobile, and fully alive deep into your later decades, this one pulls all the pieces together. TIMESTAMPS: Brad questions the validity of some fitness challenges on the internet. They should be age graded. [01:02] The best longevity fitness challenge is doing something you personally enjoy doing and would like to continue doing for the rest of your life. [07:44] There are important benchmarks in the areas of mobility and flexibility as well as strength, power, explosive power, as you age. [12:32] In one study of seniors, it was found that the group who walked at least 4000 steps per day had bigger brains because of their walking habits. [16:47] You have to preserve that functional muscle strength throughout life to avoid the single most prominent marker of accelerated aging, which is sarcopenia, age-related muscle loss. [18:49] Running the 400 meter says volumes about your overall physical fitness and vitality. [21:49] Jogging 2.0 on the YouTube channel shows a typical morning session for Brad. where he shows a variety of fitness drills. [30:24] What is your mile time? Brad talks about a study that predicted longevity more accurately than blood work. [34:20] There are many other benchmarks to measure your fitness. [36:29] “Lift heavy things” means to engage in regular bouts of brief, explosive, high-intensity strength training. [38:22] LINKS: Brad Kearns.comBradNutrition.comB.rad Superdrink – Hydrates 28% Faster than Water—Creatine-Charged Hydration for Next-Level Power, Focus, and RecoveryB.rad Whey Protein Superfuel - The Best Protein on The Planet!Brad’s Shopping PageBornToWalkBook.comB.rad Podcast – All EpisodesPeluva Five-Toe Minimalist ShoesOutlive, by Peter AttiaJogging 2.0 video We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to podcast@bradventures.com. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you! Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, I won’t promote anything that I don't absolutely love and use in daily life: B.rad Nutrition: Premium quality, all-natural supplements for peak performance, recovery, and longevity; including the world's highest quality...

In this episode, I talk about the modern tendency to obsess over “science says…” posts—like the viral claim that slapping your quadriceps ten times will wake up your motor cortex, spike your stretch reflex, and increase vertical jump by 18% and sprint speed by 12%. I describe why these numbers raised my hackles, walk through the reality of neural activation and theatrics we see from athletes like Karsten Warholm and Noah Lyles, and explain why a 12% speed boost would mean my 60-year-old 400-meter time drops from 60 seconds to 53.8, which is royal screaming BS. You’ll hear reactions from world-class masters sprinters like Lion Martinez and Cynthia Monteleone, and my reminder that most of these studies are done on minimally conditioned college kids getting paid $60—not real sprinters suddenly finding new superpowers. I also broaden the discussion to our habit of oversimplifying fitness with VO₂ max numbers, zone-two worship, HRV scores, and morning heart rate, when the truth is much more nuanced. VO₂ max is highly constrained by genetics, zone two is overrated, and walking and zone one deliver tremendous aerobic benefits—just look at Eliud Kipchoge spending 83% of his training there. I emphasize that intuitive readiness to train—your bounce, your warmup feel, your own voice—will always beat a wearable metric, and even the “best” performance booster (a gun to your head!) won’t give you a magical 12% sprint increase. This show is all about using critical thinking, not getting intimidated by data, and remembering that nothing is more powerful than your own intuition. TIMESTAMPS: There is some validity to the idea of waking up the central nervous system and priming it for a peak explosive effort, but Brad has some problems with "facts" that are on the airwaves. [02:06] We need to apply critical thinking to these scientific insights that get pounded down our throat every day. [05:26] V02 max is overrated and Zone Two is overrated. [08:57] Always come back to the intuitive approach which is the foundation of making correct training decisions. [12:51] LINKS: Brad Kearns.comBradNutrition.comB.rad Superdrink – Hydrates 28% Faster than Water—Creatine-Charged Hydration for Next-Level Power, Focus, and RecoveryB.rad Whey Protein Superfuel - The Best Protein on The Planet!Brad’s Shopping PageBornToWalkBook.comB.rad Podcast – All EpisodesPeluva Five-Toe Minimalist Shoes We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to podcast@bradventures.com. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you! Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, I won’t promote anything that I don't absolutely love and use in daily life: B.rad Nutrition: Premium quality, all-natural supplements for peak performance, recovery, and longevity; including the world's highest quality whey protein! Peluva: Comfortable, functional, stylish five-toe minimalist shoe to reawaken optimal foot function. Use code BRADPODCAST for 15% off! Ketone-IQ Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six-pack of Ketone-IQ! Get Stride: Mito Red Light: Photobiomodulation light panels to enhance cellular energy production, improve recovery, and optimize circadian rhythm. Use code BRAD for 5% discount! Online educational courses: Numerous great offerings for an immersive home-study educational experience Primal Fitness Expert Certification: The most comprehensive online course on all aspects of traditional fitness programming and a total immersion fitness lifestyle. Save 25% on tuition with code BRAD! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A friend recently asked, “What’s a good episode to start with?” for a basic overview of health and lifestyle optimization. Great question—and honestly, I didn’t have a good answer. So here it is! This show covers the basics from a big-picture perspective—the one to share with friends and loved ones. It’s not sciency or intimidating, just a simple, reasonable framework for how to live a healthy, happy, long life. I hit the five key areas: sleep, diet, movement, fitness, and stress management. You’ll hear why sleep, rest, and recovery are #1—everything flows downstream from there—and how artificial light and digital stimulation after dark wreck your hormones and metabolism. I explain how walking (yes, walking!) delivers a powerful aerobic effect, why sprints give the highest return on investment of any exercise, and how most people are overdoing “chronic cardio.” You’ll learn the simple diet fix of ditching processed junk—refined grains, sugars, and seed oils—and focusing on the nutrient-dense, animal-based foods that fueled human evolution. And we’ll finish with stress management: escaping chronic low-level stress, ending rumination, and carving out real downtime, nature time, and meaningful connection. TIMESTAMPS: Where should you start in your healthier living endeavors? [00:51] The statistics for longevity for the United States population are horrifying. [02:11] Because of artificial light and digital stimulation after dark, most of us throw off our circadian rhythm which prevents us from getting good sleep, rest, recovery, and downtime. Sleep needs to be your number one priority. [04:18] There are many warring factions of people arguing about diet that confuse us. The number one thing you can do to optimize your diet is to start by cleaning up your act and removing the nutrient deficient heavily processed foods from your home. [17:23] In the heavily processed foods, it's the foreign chemical agents that cause inflammation, that cause gut dysfunction and promote obesity above and beyond their calories. [24:59] The visceral fat is especially health destructive because it accumulates in your abdominal area around your vital organs. [27:07] Focus on the ancestral foods: red meat, eggs, vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds. [29:39] The highest rated category of fish is the oily cold water fish...the SMASH family: sardines, mackerel, anchovies, salmon, and herring. [38:30] Some restrictive diets cause a stress response in the body. They do help as an intervention, but not as a permanent diet. [43:54] When you are looking at the tremendous number of supplements available, you really have to understand what you are getting. [01:01:32] Have a goal of increasing all forms of general everyday movement in your life. [01:03:48] If you get too extreme into workouts that are medium to difficult, that are slightly too stressful to promote that long-term health benefit, you actually do the opposite [01:10:19] Sprinting is the best workout known to mankind, the highest return on investment of any form of exercise for overall fitness benefits. [01:16:14] You can easily overdo it when it comes to endurance training. [01:23:06] Stressful training diminishes your testosterone. [01:26:05] Stress management is crucial as you look to improve your well-being. We live in very stressful times. [01:29:23] relationships, especially the romantic ones you may have, really need to be smooth functioning. [01:35:05] Rumination has been categorized as a metabolic disease with actual blood markers. [01:37:23] In summary, get good sleep and take breaks during the day. Clean out your food pantry by removing the nutrient-deficient chemically processed foods. Move every day. Adhere to sensible exercise patterns. Don't overdo it. Manage your stress. [01:42:50] LINKS: Brad Kearns.comBradNutrition.comB.rad Superdrink – Hydrates 28% Faster than Water—Creatine-Charged Hydration for Next-Level Power, Focus, and RecoveryB.rad Whey Protein...

In this episode, I talk about why “inspiration is for amateurs,” and why discipline, motivation, and willpower are some of the most overrated concepts in the fitness world. We’re surrounded by grind-culture blowhards bragging about 4 a.m. wake-ups and superhuman discipline, but the real secret to becoming the person you want to be—on the track, in the gym, or in any area of life—is much simpler and far more sustainable. I break down the three things that actually work if you want to avoid distractions, stop chasing motivation, and finally build momentum. I share how flying under the radar, focusing on the entire process (not just the instant gratification), and wiring habits so deeply they feel automatic can change everything. You’ll hear how my own morning mobility routine—now as familiar as brushing my teeth—became a daily anchor, why elite athletes don’t rely on willpower, and how tiny, enjoyable, repeatable actions beat the no-pain-no-gain nonsense every time. If you’ve ever felt like you’re “falling short,” this episode shows you how to reframe everything: stop trying to psych yourself up and start creating systems that make doing the right thing natural, rewarding, and something you’ll actually keep doing. LINKS: Brad Kearns.comBradNutrition.comB.rad Superdrink – Hydrates 28% Faster than Water—Creatine-Charged Hydration for Next-Level Power, Focus, and RecoveryB.rad Whey Protein Superfuel - The Best Protein on The Planet!Brad’s Shopping PageBornToWalkBook.comB.rad Podcast – All EpisodesPeluva Five-Toe Minimalist Shoes We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to podcast@bradventures.com. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you! Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, I won’t promote anything that I don't absolutely love and use in daily life: B.rad Nutrition: Premium quality, all-natural supplements for peak performance, recovery, and longevity; including the world's highest quality whey protein! Peluva: Comfortable, functional, stylish five-toe minimalist shoe to reawaken optimal foot function. Use code BRADPODCAST for 15% off! Ketone-IQ Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six-pack of Ketone-IQ! Get Stride: Mito Red Light: Photobiomodulation light panels to enhance cellular energy production, improve recovery, and optimize circadian rhythm. Use code BRAD for 5% discount! Online educational courses: Numerous great offerings for an immersive home-study educational experience Primal Fitness Expert Certification: The most comprehensive online course on all aspects of traditional fitness programming and a total immersion fitness lifestyle. Save 25% on tuition with code BRAD! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I talk about four simple but powerful ways to be more active in daily life. Experts now agree that your overall level of movement—not your formal workouts—is the single most important factor for long-term health. You can’t just hit your morning spin class and then sit around the rest of the day. In fact, research on the “Active Couch Potato Syndrome” shows that even devoted exercisers can suffer from the diseases of sedentary living if the rest of their life is spent in a chair. Katy Bowman calls this the “lazy athlete mentality,” where you give yourself a hall pass for inactivity because you already worked out. I share four specific ways to break that pattern: start a morning exercise routine to set the tone for the day, sprinkle in brief micro workouts whenever you can, find more opportunities to walk (yes, even laps around the block count), and finally, add properly structured workouts to maintain strength and muscle mass. These habits not only boost energy and focus, but form the foundation for longevity, vitality, and graceful aging. LINKS: Brad Kearns.comBradNutrition.comB.rad Superdrink – Hydrates 28% Faster than Water—Creatine-Charged Hydration for Next-Level Power, Focus, and RecoveryB.rad Whey Protein Superfuel - The Best Protein on The Planet!Brad’s Shopping PageBornToWalkBook.comB.rad Podcast – All EpisodesPeluva Five-Toe Minimalist Shoes We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to podcast@bradventures.com. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you! Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, I won’t promote anything that I don't absolutely love and use in daily life: B.rad Nutrition: Premium quality, all-natural supplements for peak performance, recovery, and longevity; including the world's highest quality whey protein! Peluva: Comfortable, functional, stylish five-toe minimalist shoe to reawaken optimal foot function. Use code BRADPODCAST for 15% off! Ketone-IQ Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six-pack of Ketone-IQ! Get Stride: Mito Red Light: Photobiomodulation light panels to enhance cellular energy production, improve recovery, and optimize circadian rhythm. Use code BRAD for 5% discount! Online educational courses: Numerous great offerings for an immersive home-study educational experience Primal Fitness Expert Certification: The most comprehensive online course on all aspects of traditional fitness programming and a total immersion fitness lifestyle. Save 25% on tuition with code BRAD! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I dive deep into protein supplements—how to avoid crappy products loaded with questionable ingredients, and how to read labels like a pro. We break down how whey protein is made, why it’s the most potent and bioavailable protein powder, and why it’s far superior to plant-based sources. I also tackle the myths around protein timing and protein bars: you don’t need protein on the go—the goal is adequate protein intake averaged over time, about one gram per pound of ideal body weight. Protein is the foundation for muscle, organ health, and overall performance, while carbs and fats serve mainly as energy. I compare B.rad Whey Protein Isolate + Creatine Superfuel to a competitor product loaded with processed additives, artificial sweeteners, and flavor chemicals. I explain the difference between whey protein concentrate, isolate, milk protein isolate, casein, and egg white protein—covering digestibility, nutrient density, and potential digestive issues. We also discuss why a few grams of natural sugar in protein is better than chemically intense sweeteners for performance and recovery. Finally, I share my approach to sourcing animal-based proteins—pasture-raised eggs, ground beef, and affordable grass-fed steaks—and why combining these with a clean, high-quality whey protein powder gives you the building blocks for health, muscle, and longevity. If you want to navigate the supplement world safely, skip the junk, and prioritize truly effective protein, this episode is for you. TIMESTAMPS: We are looking at the good and bad of supplementation. [01:10] We don't need protein on the go. We need to average an adequate amount of protein intake over the long term. [02:18] Over the years, we have learned that one gram of protein per pound of ideal body weight is recommended. [05:20] When you think about the protein bars that are on the market, realize that there is a large amount of processing involved in making them. [09:50] Learn to read labels and know what they mean. [15:22] Sunflower lecithin is a natural fat used as an emulsifier in protein powders. [16:25] Compare other protein powders that have been processed. [17:18] What is whey and how is it made? [19:34] The term milk protein isolate lets you know you can consume it even if you have lactose problems. It depends on how lactose intolerant you are. [33:04] The egg yolk is one of the most nutritious sources of energy on the planet. [35:03] There is no reason to consume a product loaded with chemicals when you can get some product using natural ingredients. [39:35] A small amount of sugar is burned in the cell for energy during your active life. [40:36] Commodity dark chocolate that you find in popular brands doesn't compare in quality with the high-quality artisan bean to bar chocolate. [46:40] Wine is the only product in the United States that is not required to put all the added ingredients on the label. [49:11] If you're gonna put something into your body that's in supplemental concentrated form, make sure you navigate to the cleanest, purest product. [53:19] LINKS: Brad Kearns.comBradNutrition.comB.rad Superdrink – Hydrates 28% Faster than Water—Creatine-Charged Hydration for Next-Level Power, Focus, and RecoveryB.rad Whey Protein Superfuel - The Best Protein on The Planet!Brad’s Shopping PageBornToWalkBook.comB.rad Podcast – All EpisodesPeluva Five-Toe Minimalist ShoesThe Framingham StudyAskinosie ChocolateShawn Askinosie podcastTodd White, Dry Farm Wine podcastDryFarmWines.com We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to podcast@bradventures.com. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you! Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, I won’t promote anything that I don't absolutely love and use in daily life: B.rad Nutrition: Premium quality,...

In this episode, I call out some dangerous and misguided fitness advice floating around on social media—like a post from a PhD in exercise physiology suggesting that everyone should go run for 45 minutes in 100-degree heat to boost their VO₂ max. Sure, the science on heat training is interesting and real, but context matters. For elite athletes training for world championships, carefully managed heat exposure can make sense. For the other 99.9% of people, it’s a fast track to burnout, breakdown, or even the ER. I break down the difference between training stress that builds fitness versus stress that destroys it, explain how to recognize the signs of overtraining, and share why fatigue is feedback, not weakness. I also revisit my critique of Layne Norton’s “push through it no matter what” philosophy and contrast that with what smart athletes actually do—monitor recovery, track readiness, and adjust daily. To wrap up, I share lessons from my own mistakes, insights from coach Cynthia Monteleone, and why true recovery days sometimes mean actually resting. TIMESTAMPS: Brad takes issue with the recommendation that people exercise in 100 degree heat. [01:10] If you are talking about competitive athletes, rather than the general population, that would be different. [03:30] Running is too stressful for the vast majority of participants. [06:37] The main two reasons for poor performance and workouts are one, over training and two, de-training. [10:27] You are literally training the body to get slower, weaker and less efficient with poor technique when you train and push your body through signs of poor movement patterns. Fatigue is feedback, not weakness. [12:10] If you don't feel like working out one day, that is a signal from the control center, your brain. [17:57] There is a huge distinction between endurance athletes where they always have that obligation to keep that aerobic system going with low intensity recovery days versus a true recovery day for a high intensity power athlete which entails sitting around and resting. [21:41] LINKS: Brad Kearns.comBradNutrition.comB.rad Superdrink – Hydrates 28% Faster than Water—Creatine-Charged Hydration for Next-Level Power, Focus, and RecoveryB.rad Whey Protein Superfuel - The Best Protein on The Planet!Brad’s Shopping PageBornToWalkBook.comB.rad Podcast – All EpisodesPeluva Five-Toe Minimalist Shoes We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to podcast@bradventures.com. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you! Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, I won’t promote anything that I don't absolutely love and use in daily life: B.rad Nutrition: Premium quality, all-natural supplements for peak performance, recovery, and longevity; including the world's highest quality whey protein! Peluva: Comfortable, functional, stylish five-toe minimalist shoe to reawaken optimal foot function. Use code BRADPODCAST for 15% off! Ketone-IQ Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six-pack of Ketone-IQ! Get Stride: Mito Red Light: Photobiomodulation light panels to enhance cellular energy production, improve recovery, and optimize circadian rhythm. Use code BRAD for 5% discount! Online educational courses: Numerous great offerings for an immersive home-study educational experience Primal Fitness Expert Certification: The most comprehensive online course on all aspects of traditional fitness programming and a total immersion fitness lifestyle. Save 25% on tuition with code BRAD! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I revisit one of the most infamous press conferences in sports history—Allen Iverson’s legendary “practice” rant from 2002—and explain why I think he was actually right all along. Iverson’s words have lived on as a punchline for decades, but when you look closer, you realize he was speaking some deep truth about recovery, workload, and the impossible demands of a grueling NBA season. I share the backstory behind that moment, the tension with his coach Larry Brown, and how the whole thing became cultural shorthand for “bad attitude”—when in reality, Iverson was way ahead of his time in understanding how fragile the human body is under chronic stress. You’ll also hear some fun clips (including the Ted Lasso parody and a brilliant remix), and I’ll make the case for why Iverson deserves recognition not just as one of the most electrifying players ever, but as a pioneer in the conversation around athlete recovery and self-preservation. TIMESTAMPS: Brad is taking a look at Alllen Iverson's "practice" rant. [00:51 Iverson was right in talking about the imperative for players to save themselves in order to survive a grueling NBA season. [04:16] Is it a disgrace to the team and the NBA to stick up for your own well-being? [07:34] Coach Phil Jackson created unity on the team by ensuring that they were together turned against him for some enfraction. [17:51] Iverson took a hit so that today's modern athlete would not have to endure this decades of abuse at the hands of old school coaching. [18:55] LINKS: Brad Kearns.comBradNutrition.comB.rad Superdrink – Hydrates 28% Faster than Water—Creatine-Charged Hydration for Next-Level Power, Focus, and RecoveryB.rad Whey Protein Superfuel - The Best Protein on The Planet!Brad’s Shopping PageBornToWalkBook.comB.rad Podcast – All EpisodesPeluva Five-Toe Minimalist Shoes We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to podcast@bradventures.com. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you! Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, I won’t promote anything that I don't absolutely love and use in daily life: B.rad Nutrition: Premium quality, all-natural supplements for peak performance, recovery, and longevity; including the world's highest quality whey protein! Peluva: Comfortable, functional, stylish five-toe minimalist shoe to reawaken optimal foot function. Use code BRADPODCAST for 15% off! Ketone-IQ Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six-pack of Ketone-IQ! Get Stride: Mito Red Light: Photobiomodulation light panels to enhance cellular energy production, improve recovery, and optimize circadian rhythm. Use code BRAD for 5% discount! Online educational courses: Numerous great offerings for an immersive home-study educational experience Primal Fitness Expert Certification: The most comprehensive online course on all aspects of traditional fitness programming and a total immersion fitness lifestyle. Save 25% on tuition with code BRAD! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I take you through the incredible story of Hicham El Guerrouj, the Moroccan middle-distance legend who was virtually unbeatable for nearly four years, only to face heartbreaking defeats at the Atlanta Olympics. I walk through the agony of those losses, the silver medal at 1500 meters, and the mental and physical toll of carrying the expectations of millions while chasing perfection. We get into how he used that disappointment to fuel one of the most remarkable comebacks in track history, leading up to the 2004 Athens Olympics where he finally won the gold—and not just in the 1500, but also the 5,000 meters, a feat not accomplished in 80 years. I break down the races, the strategies, and the legendary final laps where El Guerrouj “floored the gas pedal” and ran splits that would have qualified in an Olympic 800 meters. I also reflect on what his story taught me about dealing with setbacks, staying focused, and turning misfortune into motivation, drawing parallels to challenges we all face in our own training and lives. Along the way, we touch on the evolution of running technology, the rise of super spikes, and why El Guerrouj’s records still stand as some of the most impressive in the sport. LINKS: Brad Kearns.comBradNutrition.comB.rad Superdrink – Hydrates 28% Faster than Water—Creatine-Charged Hydration for Next-Level Power, Focus, and RecoveryB.rad Whey Protein Superfuel - The Best Protein on The Planet!Brad’s Shopping PageBornToWalkBook.comB.rad Podcast – All EpisodesPeluva Five-Toe Minimalist ShoesHicham El Guerrouj Instagram We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to podcast@bradventures.com. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you! Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, I won’t promote anything that I don't absolutely love and use in daily life: B.rad Nutrition: Premium quality, all-natural supplements for peak performance, recovery, and longevity; including the world's highest quality whey protein! Peluva: Comfortable, functional, stylish five-toe minimalist shoe to reawaken optimal foot function. Use code BRADPODCAST for 15% off! Ketone-IQ Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six-pack of Ketone-IQ! Get Stride: Mito Red Light: Photobiomodulation light panels to enhance cellular energy production, improve recovery, and optimize circadian rhythm. Use code BRAD for 5% discount! Online educational courses: Numerous great offerings for an immersive home-study educational experience Primal Fitness Expert Certification: The most comprehensive online course on all aspects of traditional fitness programming and a total immersion fitness lifestyle. Save 25% on tuition with code BRAD! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I talk about a couple of articles I saw recently about running in the heat—about heat acclimation and endurance training—that honestly kind of rubbed me the wrong way. So alert runners: we need to have a talk about this. I start by reading an excerpt from one of these popular running websites and unpacking some of the flawed assumptions behind this kind of messaging. You’ll hear me break down why the obsession with suffering—grinding through extreme conditions, chasing bigger mileage, and pushing your body to the limit—has become so normalized in endurance culture, and how that mindset can quietly lead to overtraining, burnout, and hormone dysfunction. I also share a more sensible approach to building heat tolerance and aerobic fitness that honors health, balance, and long-term consistency. TIMESTAMPS: Brad talks about some of the "running in heat" articles he has read, and points out some disagreements he has with those articles. [01:06] The compelling argument that for the vast majority of recreational runners, running is a very bad idea. [04:00] The popular modality of high intensity interval training, by and large is conducted in an ill-advised manner in workouts that last too long and are significantly too stressful for the vast majority of participants. [06:05] If you stop sweating, you know you are close to heat stroke. [15:19] There's no justification to go out there and stick it to yourself in heat preparation. [22:09] Even though Brad is talking about the danger of racing in the heat, he understands the need to do it. [24:03] If you're running in the heat, but you're totally oblivious to how hot you're getting, that can be a recipe for disaster. [33:35] Some of the world's best runners do not workout at top speed. [36:50] If you insist on performing the workout in a fatigue state, you are literally training your body to run slower because the central nervous system is protecting you. [45:57] LINKS: Brad Kearns.comBradNutrition.comB.rad Superdrink – Hydrates 28% Faster than Water—Creatine-Charged Hydration for Next-Level Power, Focus, and RecoveryB.rad Whey Protein Superfuel - The Best Protein on The Planet!Brad’s Shopping PageBornToWalkBook.comB.rad Podcast – All EpisodesPeluva Five-Toe Minimalist ShoesPrimal Blueprint Fitness PyramidPodcast with HutchinsonPodcast with Shelby HoulihanShelby Houlihan Workout WednesdayJay Feldman.com We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to podcast@bradventures.com. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you! Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, I won’t promote anything that I don't absolutely love and use in daily life: B.rad Nutrition: Premium quality, all-natural supplements for peak performance, recovery, and longevity; including the world's highest quality whey protein! Peluva: Comfortable, functional, stylish five-toe minimalist shoe to reawaken optimal foot function. Use code BRADPODCAST for 15% off! Ketone-IQ Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six-pack of Ketone-IQ! Get Stride: Mito Red Light: Photobiomodulation light panels to enhance cellular energy production, improve recovery, and optimize circadian rhythm. Use code BRAD for 5% discount! Online educational courses: Numerous great offerings for an immersive home-study educational experience Primal Fitness Expert Certification: The most comprehensive online course on all aspects of traditional fitness programming and a total immersion fitness lifestyle. Save 25% on tuition with code BRAD! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I’m so excited to welcome Sean Brosnan to the B.rad podcast! Sean is the author of Beyond Fast: How a Renegade Coach and His Unlikely High School Team Revolutionized Distance Running, written with Chris Lear and Andrew Grefe. And yes, it’s a book about running—about high school workouts, races, and championships—but it’s also so much more than that. In this episode, you’ll hear Sean break down how he coached some of the fastest high school distance runners in America, including strategies for teaching athletes to embrace the challenge of intense training, embrace discomfort, and push past perceived limits. He shares the thought process behind skipping traditional state meets to chase world-class opportunities, why mindset and belief can transform performance, and how he cultivates those breakthrough moments that turn talented athletes into record-breakers. We also dive into the realities of post-collegiate professional running: the struggles of sponsorship, building a pro training group, and creating a sustainable system that lets elite athletes thrive without being weighed down by financial stress. Along the way, Sean reveals his personal coaching philosophy, the influence of legendary mentors, and why connecting with athletes on a human level is often the difference between good and extraordinary performance. Whether you’re a runner, coach, or simply interested in peak performance and shattering self-limiting beliefs, this conversation is packed with insights, stories, and strategies that will inspire you to think bigger and train smarter. LINKS: Brad Kearns.comBradNutrition.comB.rad Superdrink – Hydrates 28% Faster than Water—Creatine-Charged Hydration for Next-Level Power, Focus, and RecoveryB.rad Whey Protein Superfuel - The Best Protein on The Planet!Brad’s Shopping PageBornToWalkBook.comB.rad Podcast – All EpisodesPeluva Five-Toe Minimalist ShoesInstagram @realseanbrosnan We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to podcast@bradventures.com. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you! Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, I won’t promote anything that I don't absolutely love and use in daily life: B.rad Nutrition: Premium quality, all-natural supplements for peak performance, recovery, and longevity; including the world's highest quality whey protein! Peluva: Comfortable, functional, stylish five-toe minimalist shoe to reawaken optimal foot function. Use code BRADPODCAST for 15% off! Ketone-IQ Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six-pack of Ketone-IQ! Get Stride: Mito Red Light: Photobiomodulation light panels to enhance cellular energy production, improve recovery, and optimize circadian rhythm. Use code BRAD for 5% discount! Online educational courses: Numerous great offerings for an immersive home-study educational experience Primal Fitness Expert Certification: The most comprehensive online course on all aspects of traditional fitness programming and a total immersion fitness lifestyle. Save 25% on tuition with code BRAD! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this show, I share 40 mind-blowing assertions to recalibrate modern fitness philosophy, inspired by content in the book Born to Walk, written by me and Mark Sisson. Walking is universally health-boosting, delivers excellent aerobic conditioning, stabilizes energy, mood, and appetite, and carries near zero overuse injury risk. In contrast, endurance running—even at a comfortable pace—is too physically stressful for the vast majority of participants, promotes breakdown, burnout, and chronic injury, and is most likely bad for your health when done in the typical modern manner. You’ll hear why walking is a genetic expectation for health, why most endurance exercise should be conducted at or below your fat max heart rate, and how chronic cardio promotes stress hormone overproduction, suppressed immune function, and visceral fat storage. I also explain why elevated cushioned shoes enable poor running technique, drive injuries, and why recreational endurance running has only been possible in modern times because of them. Key points from this episode: Learn more at BornToWalkBook.com, where you can also download the free PDF resource with all 40 assertions and more tools for building lifelong health. LINKS: Brad Kearns.comBradNutrition.comB.rad Whey Protein Superfuel - The Best Protein on The Planet!Brad’s Shopping PageBornToWalkBook.comB.rad Podcast – All EpisodesPeluva Five-Toe Minimalist Shoes We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to podcast@bradventures.com. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you! Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, I won’t promote anything that I don't absolutely love and use in daily life: B.rad Nutrition: Premium quality, all-natural supplements for peak performance, recovery, and longevity; including the world's highest quality whey protein! Peluva: Comfortable, functional, stylish five-toe minimalist shoe to reawaken optimal foot function. Use code BRADPODCAST for 15% off! Ketone-IQ Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six-pack of Ketone-IQ! Get Stride: Mito Red Light: Photobiomodulation light panels to enhance cellular energy production, improve recovery, and optimize circadian rhythm. Use code BRAD for 5% discount! Online educational courses: Numerous great offerings for an immersive home-study educational experience Primal Fitness Expert Certification: The most comprehensive online course on all aspects of traditional fitness programming and a total immersion fitness lifestyle. Save 25% on tuition with code BRAD! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The foremost health authority, the contrarian, and voice of reason is spouting this level of misinformation, so I think it deserves the acronym: A-Y-F-K-M. Dr. Layne Norton, internet health influencer and self-titled Truth Seeker and debunker, has delivered the single worst piece of fitness advice imaginable. There is no more potentially destructive message to convey besides telling people to push through fatigue, crappy workouts, and poor movement patterns. So inspired by the Debunker himself, I'm going after you. Layne Norton has a PhD in nutritional sciences, a background as a champion powerlifter and bodybuilder, and is known for debunking fitness misinformation and pseudoscience. But recently, he posted one of his many deadlift clips with the message that training is like investing in the stock market. He even detailed a week of “moving crappy,” “moving really crappy,” and being “happy” about grinding it out anyway. Here’s what you will learn from this episode: Finally, you will hear about what you should do when experiencing symptoms of suboptimal recovery and the value of applying an intuitive approach—especially when it comes to times that you “just don’t feel like it” and what that feeling can signify (hint: it has to do with your emotions and your central nervous system). TIMESTAMPS: Dr. Layne Nortron is known for debunking some of the science that is out there telling us what is good to eat. [01:03] Brad confronts one of Layne's posts about training and recovery. Layne treats training like investing. [04:39] Elites manage their energy very carefully every single day, week, month of training. [10:02] ATP, the source for immediate explosive efforts lasting from zero to seven seconds, becomes completely exhausted after seven seconds [14:33] Working through crappy form and feeling horrible during your warmup is in direct opposition to how the anaerobic system develops. [20:59] Doug McGuff has come up with the Big Five Workout strategy, which you do only once a week that keeps you strong. [31:47] If you attempt to work through crappy form and low scores on the readiness-to-train scale, you are training the central nervous system to fire less explosively and teaching your brain to be able to left ledds weight. [35:38] Pavel Tsatsouline explains why he doesn't see the point of training to muscular failure. [38:37] Six sets of three is the same as three sets of six, but you get less tired. [40:45] Brad critiques Layne's analogy of exercising is like the stock market. [43:56] Performing theatrics before a peak performance effort actually does help prime the centtral nervous system for peak performance. [45:41] You want to preserve a straight and elongated spine with eveything you do in the gym. [50:06] Deadlifting is a random exercise and potentially dangerous. If you're novice, get that trusted expert for one-on-one instruction before you even try. [58:19] Beware of internet blather from influencers. [01:01:21] Always take what your body gives you each day and nothing more. [01:02:06] LINKS: Brad Kearns.comBradNutrition.comB.rad Whey Protein Superfuel - The Best Protein on The Planet!Brad’s Shopping PageBornToWalkBook.comB.rad Podcast – All EpisodesPeluva Five-Toe Minimalist ShoesMike Scannell PodcastThe Complete Guide to RunningShelby Houlihan PodcastBody by ScienceBig Five WorkoutPodcast with Doug McGuffPavel Tsatsouline We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to podcast@bradventures.com. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you! Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, I won’t promote anything that I don't absolutely love and use in daily life: B.rad Nutrition: Premium quality, all-natural supplements for peak performance, recovery, and longevity; including the world's highest quality whey...

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. John Douillard, a leading expert in Ayurvedic medicine and founder of LifeSpa.com. I read his book Body, Mind, and Sport about 20 years ago, and it was one of the first books I found that combined breath work and movement. With over 40 years of experience, Dr. John blends ancient Ayurvedic wisdom with modern science to help people achieve lasting health, vitality, and longevity. We talk about how aligning your diet and lifestyle with your dosha and the seasons can optimize gut health and detoxification. You’ll learn why today’s extreme wellness trends might work short-term but often miss the root causes of poor health. I discuss how nasal and diaphragmatic breathing techniques—practiced by elite athletes and used by Dr. John in his own triathlon training—can improve oxygen delivery, reduce stress, and open up the diaphragm. Dr. John explains that 91% of athletes don’t have a fully contracting and relaxing diaphragm because of excessive sitting, which keeps the diaphragm in a pre-contracted, rigid state. He walks us through a basic Ayurvedic breathing technique called DPR—breathing through the belly, chest, and upper chest while raising your arms—to fully engage and loosen the diaphragm. This breath work pumps the lymphatic system, clears toxins, and helps with brain health. We also cover the “bellows breathing” exercise, or “The One Minute Meditation,” a powerful technique to open the rib cage, increase energy, and enter a deep state of calm. This conversation cuts through the noise of trendy health advice, so if you want to reconnect with time-tested strategies rooted in Ayurveda that support long-term well-being, you don’t want to miss this show. Dr. John Douillard is a globally recognized expert in Ayurveda and the founder of LifeSpa.com—one of the world’s most trusted sources for evidence-based Ayurvedic healthcare. He’s authored seven books and over 1,500 articles, helping millions reverse aging and heal naturally. Dr. John began his Ayurvedic studies in India in 1986 and later partnered with Deepak Chopra to train Western doctors in Ayurvedic medicine. He also served as Director of Player Development for the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets and has applied Ayurvedic techniques to improve athletic performance, working with top athletes including Billie Jean King. Check out his website, www.lifespa.com, and explore his books—especially Body, Mind, and Sport, which explores how nasal breathing can enhance performance and reduce the stress of exercise. LINKS: Brad Kearns.comBradNutrition.comB.rad Whey Protein Superfuel - The Best Protein on The Planet!Brad’s Shopping PageBornToWalkBook.comB.rad Podcast – All EpisodesPeluva Five-Toe Minimalist Shoeslifespa.comDr. Douillard's LinkedInDr. Douillard's FacebookInstagram @lifespa We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to podcast@bradventures.com. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you! Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, I won’t promote anything that I don't absolutely love and use in daily life: B.rad Nutrition: Premium quality, all-natural supplements for peak performance, recovery, and longevity; including the world's highest quality whey protein! Peluva: Comfortable, functional, stylish five-toe minimalist shoe to reawaken optimal foot function. Use code BRADPODCAST for 15% off! Ketone-IQ Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six-pack of Ketone-IQ! Get Stride: Mito Red Light: Photobiomodulation light panels to enhance cellular energy production, improve recovery, and optimize circadian rhythm. Use code BRAD for 5% discount! Online educational courses: Numerous great offerings for an immersive home-study educational experience Primal Fitness Expert Certification: The most comprehensive online course on all aspects...

In this episode, you’ll learn about the powerful role of friendship and connection in promoting physical, emotional, and even cognitive longevity. I sit down with longtime (40 years long!) friends Christy and Ana from the Girl, Can You Talk? podcast to explore their BOND method—Be Open, Offer Invitations, Nurture Consistency, and Deepen Through Vulnerability—a simple, intentional approach to building real relationships that help you live better, feel better, and not feel alone. This show is great if you want to learn more about how connection impacts your health, why friendships can be more than just brunch buddies, and how simple things like sending a voice memo or asking a friend, “have you been outside today?” can literally change someone’s day. You’ll hear relatable, heartwarming (and often hilarious) real-life stories about perimenopause, empty nest syndrome, and navigating one-sided friendships. Christy and Ana share how getting in front of people, even just once a week for coffee, can turn into something meaningful—and how just one close friend can make a life-changing difference. If you want practical tools, some good laughs, and an important reminder about the importance of building and maintaining social connections, this episode is for you! TIMESTAMPS: Sometimes we forget that friendship and connection are very important to our overall health. [01:03] Having a society inundated with the internet has changed the way people relate. [07:07] Your relationships at 50 predict your health and longevity and happiness at 80 [10:39] B is for be open. O is for offer invitations. N is for nurture, consistency, and D is deepen through vulnerability. [13:11] Loneliness is the new smoking as far as damage is concerned. [15:45] You need to learn how to engage. [21:15] There are methodical steps one can take to learn how to engage with people. B is for be open. [24:00] O is for offering invitations without fear of rejection. Think about including someone with something you are already doing. [32:41] N is nurturing consistency through intentional habits. [40:49] Deepen your connection through vulnerability. [44:25] What if your friendship feels unbalanced.? You give more than you receive. [49:08] Be inquisitive. You learn a lot that way. [54:56] LINKS: Brad Kearns.comBradNutrition.comB.rad Whey Protein Superfuel - The Best Protein on The Planet!Brad’s Shopping PageBornToWalkBook.comB.rad Podcast – All EpisodesPeluva Five-Toe Minimalist ShoesGirl, Can You Talk? PodcastCactus to Clouds Hike We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to podcast@bradventures.com. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you! Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, I won’t promote anything that I don't absolutely love and use in daily life: B.rad Nutrition: Premium quality, all-natural supplements for peak performance, recovery, and longevity; including the world's highest quality whey protein! Peluva: Comfortable, functional, stylish five-toe minimalist shoe to reawaken optimal foot function. Use code BRADPODCAST for 15% off! Ketone-IQ Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six-pack of Ketone-IQ! Get Stride: Mito Red Light: Photobiomodulation light panels to enhance cellular energy production, improve recovery, and optimize circadian rhythm. Use code BRAD for 5% discount! Online educational courses: Numerous great offerings for an immersive home-study educational experience Primal Fitness Expert Certification: The most comprehensive online course on all aspects of traditional fitness programming and a total immersion fitness lifestyle. Save 25% on tuition with code BRAD! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Please enjoy a great conversation with my friend and sprinting mentor Cynthia Monteleone, coming to you all the way from the beautiful big island of Hawaii. A Team USA world champion sprinter, Cynthia is also a highly trained metabolic health analytics practitioner who coaches numerous Olympic athletes and world champion masters-level athletes, and she goes deep into the nuances of what delivers peak performance and helps people overcome health challenges to reach personal goals, especially weight loss and excelling in athletic goals. In this episode, Cynthia tells us why chronic cardio might actually be hurting your health—and how training like a sprinter can lead to better longevity, hormones, and overall energy. We discuss the important principles outlined in Born to Walk and get into the damage that can happen to the heart from excessive endurance exercise, how living in that black hole heart rate zone keeps your body in fight or flight, and why you might be storing more visceral fat or throwing off your thyroid just from overtraining. Cynthia shares some eye-opening examples, like a fit masters track athlete who started marathon training and ended up with a heart attack—and we explore how too much endurance training can lead to electrical signaling issues in the heart and chronic inflammation. We also push back on the grind-it-out mindset that’s become so common—where suffering and pain are glorified as signs of discipline. Instead, we highlight a more empowering, intelligent approach to fitness, based on sprinting, walking, lifting heavy things, and prioritizing recovery. This conversation is all about training smarter—not harder—for the long term. TIMESTAMPS: Fitness people may need to rethink their idea of what is good for the body. [04:25] Brad talks about his participation in sports as a kid and his evolution into triathlon. It took a toll on his life. [06:48] As a parent coach for the kids, is it effective to push the kids hard to teach them life's lessons? [10:38] What are the lessons to be learned from this crazy running boom that we've had where people think that when they turn 40, they should run a marathon? [17:22] Why do people think it is hard to sprint? [18:52] What is the best way to balance your exercise regimen? [25:53] A combination of walking and sprinting is preferable to steady state cardio. [33:12] You can exercise the heart too much. [40:10] There's a disconnect between mental strength and hurting yourself. [47:38] All your training and all your fitness endeavors have to factor into the same equation as all the other forms of stress in your life. [51:06] Is your training making you feel empowered or tired? [59:48] LINKS: Brad Kearns.comBradNutrition.comB.rad Whey Protein Superfuel - The Best Protein on The Planet!Brad’s Shopping PageBornToWalkBook.comB.rad Podcast – All EpisodesPeluva Five-Toe Minimalist ShoesB.rad Podcast – All EpisodesPeluva Five-Toe Minimalist ShoesBrad's Podcast with Cynthia MonteleoneFast Over FortyMAM 808.org We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to podcast@bradventures.com. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you! Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, I won’t promote anything that I don't absolutely love and use in daily life: B.rad Nutrition: Premium quality, all-natural supplements for peak performance, recovery, and longevity; including the world's highest quality whey protein! Peluva: Comfortable, functional, stylish five-toe minimalist shoe to reawaken optimal foot function. Use code BRADPODCAST for 15% off! Ketone-IQ Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six-pack of Ketone-IQ! Get Stride: Mito Red Light: Photobiomodulation light panels to enhance cellular energy production, improve recovery, and optimize circadian...

In this episode, I go through my deep and fascinating experience with the Stride health optimization program. You'll hear me walk through the six detailed reports from my DNA and microbiome testing—starting with the methylation report, where I had impaired efficiency in the folate cycle, methionine cycle, and BH4 cycle, and finally got a normal score in the transsulfuration pathway. I talk about the role of key nutrients like B vitamins, choline, magnesium, and zinc, and how specific gene variants like MTHFR affect my ability to methylate, detox, and produce neurotransmitters efficiently. I also share my microbiome results—including a 93 out of 100 for diversity—along with some areas for concern like low serotonin and dopamine, which matched my long-standing results from the Braverman neurotransmitter questionnaire. You’ll hear about the consultation I did with Bianca from Stride, how she helped interpret the results, and the personalized supplement stack they created for me based on everything. Then I wrap it all up by pulling up years of blood test data, going through my male hormone panel, fasting insulin, and cortisol patterns, and why I don’t stress over red-flagged total cholesterol. This is a detailed breakdown of how genetics, gut health, and blood markers come together—and how Stride helps make sense of it all through one powerful platform. LINKS: Brad Kearns.comBradNutrition.comB.rad Whey Protein Superfuel - The Best Protein on The Planet!Brad’s Shopping PageBornToWalkBook.comB.rad Podcast – All EpisodesPeluva Five-Toe Minimalist ShoesGet Stride — Save 10% with the code BRAD. We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to podcast@bradventures.com. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you! Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, I won’t promote anything that I don't absolutely love and use in daily life: B.rad Nutrition: Premium quality, all-natural supplements for peak performance, recovery, and longevity; including the world's highest quality whey protein! Peluva: Comfortable, functional, stylish five-toe minimalist shoe to reawaken optimal foot function. Use code BRADPODCAST for 15% off! Ketone-IQ Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six-pack of Ketone-IQ! Get Stride: Mito Red Light: Photobiomodulation light panels to enhance cellular energy production, improve recovery, and optimize circadian rhythm. Use code BRAD for 5% discount! Online educational courses: Numerous great offerings for an immersive home-study educational experience Primal Fitness Expert Certification: The most comprehensive online course on all aspects of traditional fitness programming and a total immersion fitness lifestyle. Save 25% on tuition with code BRAD! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, I take a hard look at the glorification of obsessive training habits in elite sport, using Michael Phelps’ famous claims—like eating 10,000 calories a day and not missing a single day of training for six straight years—as a springboard for discussion. You’ll learn how research from top performance labs has shown that these types of extreme regimens aren’t just unsustainable, but unnecessary and often harmful. I talk about the real caloric demands of ultra-endurance events like the Tour de France and Race Across America, and how even those athletes only maintain extreme intakes for short periods of time—not year-round. I also discuss the psychological cost of the “no days off” mentality, and why it’s so important to push back against this toxic messaging, especially for young athletes and their parents. You’ll hear about the groundbreaking research of Dr. David Costill showing how cutting training volume in half for seven weeks actually leads to peak performance, and we debunk the widely misinterpreted 10,000-hour rule. I share the incredible story of Donald Thomas, who became a world high jump champion with barely a year of training, in stark contrast to Stefan Holm’s lifelong grind. We also cover mental health struggles among Olympic athletes like Phelps, Simone Biles, and Caleb Dressel—and why balance, perspective, and accurate storytelling from public figures matter more than ever. TIMESTAMPS: There are many impressionable people watching and listening to star athletes who put out less than truthful advice on podcasts. [00:51] The human is only capable of ingesting a certain caloric limit each day. [07:46] If these athletes want to give advice, why not be truthful so followers can learn. [12:48] An obsessive training approach is absolutely not necessary. [17:18] Do you need 10,000 hours of practice to master your skill? [24:27] If you are going to reach the highest level, know that the healthiest, most well-adjusted athletes are those that have a healthy, happy, balanced lifestyle. [32:33] LINKS: Brad Kearns.comBradNutrition.comB.rad Whey Protein Superfuel - The Best Protein on The Planet!Brad’s Shopping PageBornToWalkBook.comB.rad Podcast – All EpisodesPeluva Five-Toe Minimalist ShoesMichael Phelps Short - “every day for 5 years”No Days Off - Michael Phelps Motivational VideoPhelps Instagram - every day for 6 yearsKaty LedeckyCaleb Dressel NY TImesOlav Aleksander BuPodcast with Dr. Herman PontzerDr. Jim Loehr We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to podcast@bradventures.com. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you! Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, I won’t promote anything that I don't absolutely love and use in daily life: B.rad Nutrition: Premium quality, all-natural supplements for peak performance, recovery, and longevity; including the world's highest quality whey protein! Peluva: Comfortable, functional, stylish five-toe minimalist shoe to reawaken optimal foot function. Use code BRADPODCAST for 15% off! Ketone-IQ Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six-pack of Ketone-IQ! Get Stride: Advanced DNA, methylation profile, microbiome & blood at-home testing. Hit your stride the right way, with cutting-edge technology and customized programming. Save 10% with the code BRAD. Mito Red Light: Photobiomodulation light panels to enhance cellular energy production, improve recovery, and optimize circadian rhythm. Use code BRAD for 5% discount! Online educational courses: Numerous great offerings for an immersive home-study educational experience Primal Fitness Expert Certification: The most comprehensive online course on all aspects of traditional fitness programming and a total immersion fitness lifestyle. Save 25% on tuition with code BRAD! See...

During this episode, I talk to former firefighter and chief breath officer of Jaspr, Wes Greenwood, about the unseen world of air quality and what’s really in the air we breathe—both indoors and out. You’ll learn how air filters like the Jasper actually catch pollution, what particulate matter is, how cooking (even clean, grass-fed steak) produces airborne compounds, and how most kitchen range hoods are either undersized or vent directly into your house. If you’ve ever wondered how smart air filters work without Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, or why your sleep might drastically improve just by cleaning the air in your bedroom, this is the show for you. Wes also shares the personal story of how his health was deeply affected by mold exposure in a home with a dirt-floor crawlspace, explaining how most of the air in a two-story house actually comes from below due to the “chimney effect.” If you’re curious about breath, air, ions, and the electric charge in your body, and how they all connect, this is an episode you won’t want to miss! TIMESTAMPS: Indoor air is not as clean as you think. When did you last change the filters on the HVAC? [02:21] The sun and trees are good for neutralizing bacteria and viruses. [05:50] Most people don't realize how much they are asking of their lungs. [09:46] If it is a polluted day outside, is it better to exercise inside? [10:59] Even months after a fire, during the cleanup, we get much exposure to the pollution depending on how the wind is blowing. [13:01] How does a filter actually catch the pollutants? [19:40] Even when you're cooking healthy nutritious food, you're still creating these volatile organic compounds. [25:54] Some air purifier machines have very sophisticated filters that can distinguish the amount oif dust currently in your air. [28:16] Hot air rises and creates a pull. The system, especially in a two story house, is filtering in a different way. [31:57] You should get your indoor ait tested for mold and other particles that make people sick. [36:09] Learning proper breathing exercises is very helpful. [37:53] Wes, as a fireman, was terribly ill from not breathing clean air. [40:38] Breath work was the mainstay of his recovery. [44:37] People need to understand the importance of breathing. [52:21] Breath through your nose rather than your mouth. [58:30] What size area is covered by one JASPR purifier? [59:57] LINKS: Brad Kearns.comBradNutrition.comB.rad Whey Protein Superfuel - The Best Protein on The Planet!Brad’s Shopping PageBornToWalkBook.comB.rad Podcast – All EpisodesPeluva Five-Toe Minimalist ShoesJASPR.coBiology of BeliefElijah NissenblumWhat Doesn't Kill UsBreathwork- Giovanni Bartolomeo We appreciate all feedback, and questions for Q&A shows, emailed to podcast@bradventures.com. If you have a moment, please share an episode you like with a quick text message, or leave a review on your podcast app. Thank you! Check out each of these companies because they are absolutely awesome or they wouldn’t occupy this revered space. Seriously, I won’t promote anything that I don't absolutely love and use in daily life: B.rad Nutrition: Premium quality, all-natural supplements for peak performance, recovery, and longevity; including the world's highest quality whey protein! Peluva: Comfortable, functional, stylish five-toe minimalist shoe to reawaken optimal foot function. Use code BRADPODCAST for 15% off! Ketone-IQ Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six-pack of Ketone-IQ! Get Stride: Mito Red Light: Photobiomodulation light panels to enhance cellular energy production, improve recovery, and optimize circadian rhythm. Use code BRAD for 5% discount! Online educational courses: Numerous great offerings for an immersive home-study educational experience Primal Fitness Expert Certification: The most comprehensive online course on all aspects of traditional fitness programming and a total immersion fitness lifestyle. Save 25% on tuition with...