The B.rad Podcast

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...

Please welcome Sasha Graham, the host of the Sports Will Save Us All podcast! What a great name for a show, and I had a great time being a guest on it—we had a wide ranging conversation and really hit it off as she hit me with some surprise questions, trying to put me on the spot…it was wonderful that I said, you know what—how about I bring you onto the B.rad podcast? We turned the tables and while I didn’t put her on the spot too badly, we did talk about some really interesting and thought provoking topics in this episode—one of them was her description of herself as overly competitive, especially in her youth, and how she had to learn the hard way to manage that natural competitive intensity. I asked her if it was inherent or environmental, which led to a really interesting discussion about that and how, as she matured as a person and an athlete over the years, she realized that the most important thing was to have fun and appreciate the journey rather than obsess about the outcome. I think you're going to love some of that commentary, which might get you thinking about your own competitive mindset and the relative importance of appreciating the process versus setting and achieving goals. Sometimes we can get out of hand with that stuff, especially these days. Our conversation then transitions into a discussion about the overly pressurized, overly competitive youth sporting experience that seems to be the norm today, and what we can do about it as well-meaning, devoted parents who want the best for our kids and want to give them all the opportunities they deserve. But we also touch on some of these disturbing phenomenons that have been really highlighted these days, like the expense, the pressure, and the selectivity of competitive sports and how so many kids end up dropping out of them, so it’s also sort of an all or nothing approach. We also get into some parenting and some kid topics, like the potential solution of bringing back the emphasis and the promotion of recreational sports. I also asked Sasha what her relationship with sports means to her today and throughout her life. We had such a fun conversation and I think, after listening to it, you will be inspired to go listen to some of her great content on the Sports will Save us All podcast. You can start with my interview, but for now, here we go with Sasha Graham. Sports Will Save Us All is an award-winning weekly podcast from Sasha Graham and is available on every major podcasting platform. TIMESTAMPS: We explore many aspects of sport itself, looking at competition intensity and youth sports. [01:03] In a children's book, Sasha writes about a girl who is not invited to a party because she is always so competitive. She learns a good lesson. [06:09] Is an overly competitive nature inherent? [09:05] Endurance athletes might be different. [14:04] How do you categorize where the healthy competitive drive can drift into something that is not wholesome or has a negative aspect on your life? [16:47] Happines can be complicated but also deliciously simple. Have fun. Just don't focus so much on the outcome. [23:54] Look around your work or at your peers. Are they having a life like you want to have or are they so absorbed in their careers that they don't have family or other sources of happiness. [28:48] The state of today's youth sports is arguably overly competitive and pressurized. [32:43] Parents, let your kids play sports to have fun. [38:40] How can we guard against those negative repercussions in high level competitive in youth sports? [42:16] Why are parents so invested in what they perceive as success for the kids? [45:44] There's a kid at community college who is happy and a kid at an Ivy League who is merable. Which kid is the most successful? [54:04] Sasha has a successful podcast. What are her favorite things about doing it? [58:48] LINKS: Brad Kearns.comBrad Nutrition.comB.rad Whey Protein Superfuel - The Best Protein on The...

I welcome bestselling author Ben Azadi to the show on the occasion of the release of his new book called Metabolic Freedom: A 30-Day Guide to Restore Your Metabolism, Heal Hormones & Burn Fat. Of course, we get into all the important talking points about the ketogenic diet, intermittent fasting, how to lose body fat safely and sensibly, but this show is also going to be way more than you bargained for, because we got into a nice groove, starting with Ben sharing his amazing backstory. You will hear about how he suffered for some 20 years as a child, going into early adulthood with obesity, depression, lack of self-confidence, and suicidal thoughts, and he turned everything around by making a change to his mindset. We went really deep in this show and I can appreciate how the discussion really colors how we can approach diet and fat reduction in the most effective manner, rather than just focusing on the mechanics. You've probably heard some podcasts already with people telling you which foods to eat and which foods to avoid, but we do have a good discussion on all those levels. Ben also talks about things like constant spaced repetition—empowering thoughts or statements or phrases that you write down and you look at and repeat every day. You will also hear him talk about the difference between faith and fear, as well as how you cannot outperform your image, so you first have to change your self image, your thought patterns, and that is how you progress toward lifestyle transformation. It's not about smooth sailing every step of the way; he talks about how to navigate setbacks as well, so you will get a really broad based, colorful conversation from a colorful guy down in Miami in this episode, Ben, who has a great program going called Keto Camp, and I think you're going to love our conversation and his new book, Metabolic Freedom. TIMESTAMPS: This discussion looks at how we can approach diet and fat reduction in the most effective manner. [01:07] Is ChatGPT going to replace the act of sitting down and writing a book on your own? [04:39] Ninety-three percent of Americans are metabolically handcuffed. [07:00] When insulin is chronically elevated, it's a fast path toward metabolic disease. One of the most important tests you should get done is the insiulin blood test. You want to see that between three and six. [11:10] Are there actual symptoms supporting to indicate when you get metabolic insulin resistance? [18:40] Keto is a good way to go but it shouldn't be the only way. You can go back and forth. [20:44] So someone looking to lose extra weight would be told to firstly look at their sleep regimen. Sleep is the foundation that builds the house of health. [24:06] A study on metabolism found that between the ages of 20 years old and 60 years old, there were no significant changes in metabolism. If you are after 60 and start showing a decline, in metaabolism, it is indicative of a loss of muscle mass. [31:26] Ben is physically active with healthy blood work now. In the past, he was obese and was pre-diabetic with low testosterone and, at times, suicidal. This is why he wants to teach others. [35:56] The health of the Population of the United States is horrible, especially with Type 2 diabetes. The US ranks 37th right behind Costa Rica on health. [38:27] The second you take responsibility, the second you create change. You cannot blame others for your situation. [42:54] Your thoughts, you image of yourself, influence your metabolism, disease, or healthy and longevity. [53:48] Seed oils stay in your body for years. They create inflammation. One French fry cooked in vegetable oil is equivalent to the tobacco in one cigarette smoked. [58:26] 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 ShoesMetabolic Freedom: A 30-Day Guide to Restore Your Metabolism, Heal...

In this episode, I share my full DEXA scan results, including a visceral fat score of 0.38 pounds, which I’m determined to drop to “0.0 fricking zero” through sprinting—shown in research to preferentially burn visceral fat. My body fat is 21 pounds (12.5%), and I break down the fat and lean mass distribution throughout my body, including minor asymmetries. I was advised to gain 2–3 pounds of muscle for longevity, though my sprinting and high jump goals favor staying lean. I discuss why chronic endurance training can increase visceral fat due to cortisol overproduction, while short, explosive workouts like sprints or strength training create a healthy stress response. You’ll also learn why bone density suffers in cyclists and astronauts, what makes muscles a glucose sink, why Dr. Ron Sinha and Dr. Gabrielle Lyon emphasize maintaining muscle as the key to long-term health and metabolic flexibility, and I end the show with a plug for muscle-centric medicine—focusing on building and maintaining muscle as the key to longevity and leanness. TIMESTAMPS: There are three types of body fat. Brown fat is what cold therapy tends to activate. [01:07] The viseral fat collects in and around the abdominal organs and is extremely health destructive. [03:05] Testosterone replacement therapy is popular however one can also choose to focus on lifestyle optimization before you consider it. [04:20] The accumulaition of viseral fat is a sign that the body's fat storage systems have become overwhelmed. [10:34] Subcutaneous fat is soft and squishy. [12:38] The DEXA scan can examine the inside of your body. Sixty-eight percent of Americans are classified as overweight or obese. [13:31] If you have competitive goals, your body is going to respond to the training stimulus and create the body that is optimal for what you are doing to it. [22:40] For endurance training for a marathon or Ironman Triathlon, you to store visceral fat. [26:47] Our hectic stressful life causes a chronic overproduction of stress hormones. [28:41] More summary of the DEXA scan shows bone density, the weight of the skeleton, and how the viseral fat surrounds your organs. [30:01] The Tour de France cyclists lose bone density because they are sitting on their bikes instead of doing weight bearing exercise. [31:54] One can check out you viseral fat score by measuring your waistline. People have experimented with changing their body weight in a single day. [35:48] Focus on muscle mass. [39:02] 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 ShoesSouth Asian Health Solution 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....

In this episode, I sit down with my go-to expert for all things sports performance and injury recovery—Dr. Jonathan, a highly respected physical therapist who’s changing the game when it comes to getting people back to peak performance. We dive into what’s truly cutting-edge in the industry right now: treating injuries from a fitness and athletic performance lens, instead of the outdated "rest, meds, surgery" approach most of us have been conditioned to follow. Dr. Jonathan breaks down how and why this mindset shift is essential—not just for athletes, but for anyone who wants to move and live pain-free. I also share my personal journey—how I narrowly avoided an unnecessary exploratory knee surgery (yes, really!) thanks to a referral to Dr. Jonathan and his dream team at PT Revolution in Tahoe. Turns out, all I had were some deeply knotted muscles causing inflammation near my joint. Since then, I’ve been working with Dr. Jonathan for over 2.5 years, learning firsthand that the real path out of injury isn't rest—it's doing the work. He even shares his tip at the end on how to find a great sports performance physical therapist—and how to spot the approaches that just waste your time. Dr. Jonathan Sanburg is a Sports Physical Therapist and Performance Coach with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Creighton University, where he focused on return-to-play for athletes. A Sacramento native and former elite-level soccer player, Jonathan competed at Gonzaga University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Human Physiology. He has trained at the world-renowned EXOS and Champion Physical Therapy and Performance, where he worked with NFL, MLB, MLS athletes, and members of the U.S. military’s most elite units. He specializes in guiding youth and professional athletes from injury recovery to peak performance. 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.

This show was inspired by a very thoughtful question from a college-aged listener named Justin who wanted to know what my current training regimen is like, and if I believe zone two training is really necessary, if VO two max workouts are really necessary, and if I think he should just take up a sprinting regimen (since the sprinters seem to look the best and be the healthiest)? Thanks, Justin, for teeing me up—I thought his questions would make an interesting show and update on my current fitness routine, and in this show, I explain everything I am doing and why. You will hear my number 1 recommendation (extricating yourself from that extreme exhausting endurance training program so that you have some energy to pursue fitness goals and longevity properly), why I believe aging gracefully depends far more on maintaining explosive power than grinding out long cardio sessions, and why your 400-meter time might be one of the most telling longevity markers. I explain how aging affects the anaerobic system and why preserving fast-twitch muscle fibers is critical for staying strong and functional—especially as we get older. I challenge popular ideas around zone two and VO₂ max training, and make the case for true sprinting (not HIIT or steady-state cardio) as the most efficient and powerful intervention for fitness, fat loss, and longevity. I walk through my exact training regimen, from my morning mobility routine to high jump drills, strength sessions, and sprint workouts—highlighting how I structure my week around short, explosive efforts, long rest periods, and intuitive decision-making rather than weekly mileage. Whether you’re 21 like Justin or well into your 60s, this episode offers practical insights for anyone looking to train smarter, avoid burnout, and build lifelong athleticism. TIMESTAMPS: The first step is to extricate yourself from that extreme exhausting endurance training program so that you have some energy to pursue fitness goals and longevity properly. [01:01] Looking at Brad's current training regimen, we learn the benefits of maintaining that anaerobic conditioning, that explosive power in terms of longevity and a well-balanced regimen. [05:49] The Cactus to Clouds hike is an example of Brad's performance of a 15-hour hike after he had no endurance training to prepare. [09:03] The experts are now strongly concurring that preserving functional muscle strength and power and explosiveness and muscle mass is the single key to longevity. [12:41] The fast twitch muscle fibers decline much more quickly and significantly than the type one endurance fibers. [15:01] Falling is a huge risk factor as we age. It is very important to remain strong. [18:58] Brad has switched from a lifelong endurance emphasis to recalibrating his mentality to appreciate stress and rest. [19:56] If you drift beyond the fat max heart rate, you are inviting the opposite of your desired benefits from exercise. [24:56] Kipchoge practices at about 83% of his weekly mileage in zone one. [27:15] Now that Brad has hit the 60-year-old mark, how does he train? Brad's morning exercise pattern has changed a bit over the years, since he also has to prepare for his sprint workouts. [29:13] Go barefoot as often as possible to regain the best foot functionality. [31:54] Through trial and error, Brad has discovered that a high-intensity day followed by two easy days in a row, really works for him. [40:02] It's not about burning calories through strenuous exercise, but rather fat reduction is about hormone optimization. [44:12] The sprint workout always begins with extensive warmup and preparatory drills. [46:44] Strength training is when you calculate 85% of your best time. You don't want to overdo it just to make it, you really want to feel it and feel like you're working hard. [54:52] In the high jump practice, Brad does a variety of drills. [01:01:36] After your tough workout you can bring back your parasympathetic system by lying...

In this episode, I break down the pros and cons of the popular practice of consuming energy bars as a supposedly nutritious snack on the go. The inspiration for this show was an exciting spicy battle between health experts Dr. Layne Norton and Gary Brecka on Instagram, where they debated the merits of the new David High Protein bar. I talk about the ingredients in these bars, the processing methods, and the overall sketchy nature of the energy bar industry, even when the bars are touted as super healthy. I also reflect on the history of energy bars, my personal experience as one of the first PowerBar-sponsored athletes, and how the original idea of energy bars was for elite athletes, not for snacking during your workday. I challenge the whole premise of needing energy bars and advocate for metabolic flexibility, fasting, and focusing on nutritious meals instead. I share my go-to snacks, why I’m such a fan of dark chocolate, and why even the so-called cleanest protein bars are not a nutritional centerpiece. Let’s rethink our approach to energy bars and focus on fueling and recovering the right way! 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! GAINSWave: Enhance sexual function with high frequency shockwave therapy. Buy 6 and get one treatment free with code: BRAD 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! Male Optimization Formula with Organs (MOFO): Optimize testosterone naturally with 100% grass-fed animal organ supplement See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.