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I believe that deepening your understanding of your physiology, the very science that makes you who you are, is the best thing you can do to optimize your health, bolster your performance, look your best, and enjoy a longer and more fulfilling lifespan. I call this “physiological intuition,” and to me, it’s a human right.
My dedication to this field derives from a very personal place, as it was through my own health improvement journey and love for the sciences that I stumbled upon the enhanced state of consciousness between mind, body, and spirit where healthy intentions met actionable steps and lasting, positive lifestyle change. Now, with ongoing years of study and time-in-the-trenches, a world-class team, all the latest tools and technologies, a bottomless well of passion, and access to some of the world’s leading experts in human performance and longevity, I’m fully dedicated to your very own scientific self-discovery. The more you #KnowYourPhysio… Enjoy the show.
Dasha Maximova: Empower Your Female Body | Boost Relationships, Monitor Cycles, and Take Charge of Birth Control with Body Awareness
Today, we hear from Dasha Maximov, the Founder and CEO of WhealthCo, a Member of the Board of Advisors at Sana Health, Former COO at The Health Optimisation Summit, and a former masters student at UCL, the number one program for Masters in Neuroscience in the world. After shifting away from management consulting and into academia in 2017 with an ultimate goal to #sharethewhealth, Dasha experienced a traumatic brain injury that left her with chronic headaches for more than 14 months. When specialists couldn’t find a solution, Dasha took matters into her own hands and began to biohack her mind and body. From yoga teacher training to 10-day Vipassana silent retreats, nootropics, and more, Dasha witnessed firsthand the beauty of every modality and discovered how each can become a tool in the toolbox of our health. In this episode, we discuss how women have historically been underrepresented in scientific data and why Dasha believes it’s important that women leverage the powerful data they have at their fingertips every month: their menstrual cycle. Learn how to track your cycle with precision, adapt your habits and behaviors to your benefit, and find the strength in softness along your personal health evolution journey, plus so much more! Dasha has personally experienced the power of becoming informed about your health and leaning on your community to help elevate and give clues as to what to try next, so make sure not to miss this enlightening inquiry into her journey! Join us today. Key Points From This Episode: Dasha shares the story of why she decided to take her health into her own hands. Why she encourages her clients to start with their pain points; don’t follow the influencers! Blending a qualitative approach with quantitative data. How women are historically underrepresented in scientific data; Dasha’s ‘aha’ moment. The importance of tracking your cycle as a woman and using that data to your benefit. Learning how to track your cycle with precision and the value of DUTCH (Dried Urine Test for Comprehensive Hormone) testing. Dasha’s approach to educating on the unique biorhythms that women have. The four phases of the menstrual cycle: menstruation, follicular, ovulation, and luteal. Some of the benefits of tracking your basal body temperature throughout your cycle. The surprising reason women crave chocolate at certain times in their cycle; magnesium. Dasha on what her research has shown about the value of continuous glucose monitoring. Find out why Dasha says that we are just complicated plants that move; the impact of travel. How women can help their male counterparts better understand and address their needs. Discover why safety is of the utmost importance for women for a healthy hormonal cycle. How being a woman in a man’s world impacts our mindset about hormones, birth control, pregnancy, and menstruation. Adopting a both-and mindset and understanding the crucial importance of timing. Learn about Dasha’s upcoming women’s biohacking retreats in the Dominican Republic. What she means when she says: test, assess, address, don’t guess. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Dasha Maximov on LinkedIn Dasha Maximov on Instagram Dasha Maximov WhealthCo DUTCH Test Clue Period Tracker My Flo Tracker The Conscious Bar Support the show
Sarah Turner: Illuminate Your Life | Exploring Photobiomodulation, Circadian Biology, and the Expansion of Consciousness
Light is fundamental to our existence as human beings; it has been a part of our development from the beginning of our time on earth and it continues to impact almost every part of our lives in ways that we are not even aware of. At least according to Sarah Turner, an expert in photobiomodulation and the co-founder and Head of Science at CeraThrive, the red light therapy system targets the gut-brain axis. Sarah is a scientist through and through, but her interest has oscillated from the mechanical end of the spectrum (through her work in the pharmaceutical industry) to the holistic and alternative end (through the studying she did when she became disillusioned with the pharmaceutical industry). She is now in the process of finding her optimal positioning somewhere between the two, and in today's episode, Sarah shares a wealth of mind-boggling information about consciousness, circadian biology, and photobiomodulation that will cause you to rethink everything you thought you knew, and realize how much more there is still to be discovered! Key Points From This Episode: A rundown of Sarah’s educational and professional background. An explanation of what the field of photobiomodulation encompasses. The series of experiments that led to Sarah's awakening about environmental effects. What grounding is and how it impacts our physiology. Areas that are optimal for grounding, and those that are not. Radical changes that Sarah’s belief system has undergone. Two degrees that Sarah completed when she became disillusioned with the pharmaceutical industry. How light influences our biology. The gulf that exists between the fields of biophysics and biology. Examples of how to structure your life so that you are in alignment with natural light cycles. Sarah explains how red and infrared light therapies work. Red and infrared devices that Sarah uses in her daily life. The role of the vagus nerve. How light affects bacteria, particularly those in our gut. Quantum biology; what it is and why it matters. Sarah shares her thoughts on consciousness. What the biohacking movement should be focused on. Andrés’ experiences with psilocybin. The Sarah System: Sarah’s new project. Sarah’s experience of making a movie, and where you can access it. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Andrés Preschel Know Your Physio Podcast Sarah Turner on LinkedIn CeraThrive Light Tree Ventures Supercharged Lumiceuticals BrainTap Fantastic Fungi The Fourth Phase of Water Life on the Edge FASEB Journal Article: ‘Blood Contains Circulating Cell-Free Respiratory Competent Mitochondria.’ Support the show
Nadeya Hassan: Unravel the Mind-Body Connection | Delve into Altered States and Healing Trauma for a Holistic Transformation
If you have been impacted by a traumatic event in your life, you are not alone. In a recent study that surveyed residents from more than a dozen countries, 70% of people reported having experienced some form of trauma. And when you consider how often we suppress traumatic experiences, often without being aware of it, the number is undoubtedly even higher than that. Here to help us unearth this topic is Nadeya Hassa, Founder and CEO of Zaya, a mindfulness platform that employs a science-backed therapeutic model to support the emotional and physical well-being of individuals with trauma and trauma-related symptoms. Their approach teaches the importance of the mind-body connection and uses mindfulness to activate personal transformation and healing. In this episode, we take a deep dive into the mind-body connection and unpack the complex and far-reaching impact that our thoughts have on our physiology. In our conversation, Nadeya shares how her father’s cancer diagnosis prompted a deeply introspective journey that led her all the way to a Costa Rican jungle, then to Nepal, and ultimately back home. We discuss the many ways that trauma is misunderstood in our society and how, given adequate support, trauma offers us the opportunity to deepen our compassion and create resilience. Nadeya shares how meditation and yoga have been integral to her mindfulness journey and why dissolution of ego is essential to letting go of fear and experiencing a feeling of oneness with the universe. Our conversation with Nadeya takes us on an incredible journey to a deeper understanding of the power of our thoughts, so make sure you tune into this expansive and impactful exploration of the mind-body connection! Key Points From This Episode: Meet today’s guest, Nadeya Hassan, Founder and CEO of Zaya. The mind-body connection and how nurturing it promotes mindfulness. How Zaya uses an understanding of the mind-body connection to address trauma-related symptoms. The story of how Nadeya founded Zaya in the wake of her father’s cancer diagnosis. The roles that Buddhism, meditation, and yoga have played in Nadeya’s mindfulness journey. Western medicine and how it was informed by Renee Descartes’ assertion that the mind and body are separate. Trauma’s ability to deepen one’s compassion and create resilience. Insights into how trauma can be buried within our subconscious. How our bodies can hold traumatic memories that we may have cognitively suppressed. The importance of mind-body practices for accessing repressed trauma. Ecstatic dance, how it helps you enter a transcendental state, and how it supported Nadeya in her healing process. How Nadeya defines your ego and the practices that can facilitate the dissolution of the ego. How dissolution of ego can result in a feeling of oneness that dissolves self-limiting beliefs. The ‘What If’ exercise and how you can use it to gain awareness of what’s happening in the body. The power of the placebo effect and what it teaches us about the mind-body connection. Toxic ‘grind’ culture, how it feeds into egoism, and the consequences for our health. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Andrés Preschel Know Your Physio Podcast Nadeya Hassan on LinkedIn Zaya Body Encyclopedia: A Guide to the Psychological Functions of the Muscular System Support the show
Boomer Anderson: Elevate Your Potential | Master Nootropics, Work-Life Integration, and Health Optimization for Peak Performance
Today’s guest on the Know Your Physio podcast, is Boomer Anderson: a man whose passion sits at the intersection of business and health optimization. He is a health optimization practitioner, the deputy chief and executive officer at Smarter Not Harder, Inc. (parent company of Troscriptions), founder and podcast host of Decoding Superhuman, and strategic advisor for Welldium. In today’s episode, Boomer guides us through the world of nootropics and health optimization, redefining nootropics and sharing thorough breakdowns of specific products offered by Troscriptions. We discuss the free fundamentals to look at before even considering supplementation, the importance of sleep and circadian economics, as well as the benefits of self-quantification. Tune in to learn more about work-life integration, and how to sustainably optimize your health and productivity! Key Points From This Episode: Troscriptions products: certification, manufacturing process, purpose and how to take them. Just Blue troche: The history of methylene blue as a compound, how its nootropic effect of was discovered, how it works in the body, its healing abilities and usages. The importance of ensuring pharmaceutical grade, purity tested ingredients in nootropics. Blue Cannatine: How and why it was developed, and how long its effect lasts. Use of nicotine in Blue Cannatine: its structure, reason for inclusion, and effect. Caffeine as a nootropic and the effect of CBD on nicotine. Who should consider nootropic supplementation, and what hinders cell performance. Metabolomics and the importance of knowing your physiology. Free fundamentals: the role that lifestyle plays in proper cell biology, and the steps to take before taking a nootropic, to ensure it works at its optimum capacity. How Boomer got involved in the space of nootropics and health optimization. Advice for young people: finding balance between high performance and recovery. Circadian economics and the importance of sleep. Andrés dissects his own background with smart drugs. Taking your health into your own hands: encouragement, advice and the benefits of self-quantification. Getting to grips with mental health and psychedelics. Trocalm: use and ingredient breakdown. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Andrés Preschel Know Your Physio Podcast Smarter Not Harder, Inc. Troscriptions Decoding Superhuman Podcast Boomer Anderson on Instagram Boomer Anderson on LinkedIn Welldium Nicotine with Dr. Neil Grunberg Dr. Ted Achacoso on LinkedIn Just Blue Troche Blue Cannatine Support the show
Dr. Azza Halim: Unveil True Beauty | Balancing Internal and External Beauty through Saturated Fat, Fasting, and Sunlight
Today’s guest on the Know Your Physio Podcast is Dr. Azza Halim, a board-certified anesthesiologist with a broad background in the anti-aging field who has an extremely unique perspective that blends eastern and western medicine. We had the opportunity to take a deep dive on several topics in today’s episode, including the preventive nature of functional medicine, the relationship between animal fats and skin health, and the dangers of intermittent fasting, as well as getting enough sunlight and vitamin D3 without increasing your risk of skin cancer. During the course of our conversation, Dr. Halim shares her aim to create and implement an overall plan that will enable her patients to achieve complete mass rejuvenation by focusing on their internal health to complement external beauty. Tuning in, you’ll find out more about Dr. Halim’s total wellness approach, which includes beauty and skincare, and why she believes that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to healthcare, plus so much more! We hope you will join us for this fascinating and in-depth discussion about integrative medicine. Key Points From This Episode: An introduction to Dr. Azza Halim, what she does, and how her career has evolved. How functional medicine, which Dr. Halim describes as an ‘east meets west lifestyle’, is more preventative than conventional medicine. The personal circumstances that motivated her to pursue such extensive experience. Find out why she makes use of sub-speciality testing for her patients. Where Dr. Halim believes her interest in integrative medicine began. How is able to offer patients an entire wellness picture that includes beauty and skincare. Learn more about the relationship between internal health and external beauty. Dr. Halim reflects on the role that cholesterol and animal fats play in the health of your skin. Why proper supplementation is important when we can’t eat a whole food, non-GMO diet. Healthy saturated fats and skin health, particularly when it comes to elasticity and hydration. Hear Dr. Halim’s opinion on intermittent fasting and why she believes moderation is best. How to get enough sunlight and vitamin D3 without increasing your risk of skin cancer. Learn why you should be wearing sunblock both outdoors and indoors. Dr. Halim on melanin, circadian rhythms, and adequate protection from skin cancer. Melatonin, magnesium, and supplementation; why Dr. Halim recommends specific products. Omega 3, 6, and 9 and polyunsaturated fatty acids for skin health and cardiac health. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Dr. Azza Halim Dr. Azza Halim on Instagram Biosense Magtein Episode 19 with Dr. Jay Khorsandi Andrés Preschel Know Your Physio Podcast Support the show
Per Bristow: Conquer Your Fear of Public Speaking | Cultivate the Voice of Confidence and Unlock True Freedom for Personal Success
During today’s conversation, we interview vocal and performance coach, Per Bristow and hear his philosophy on life and performance. Tune in to hear why the pressure is greater, the more talented you are, why understanding your psychology is pertinent to beating stage fright, and how the most dangerous thing about stress is our negative perception of it. Per doesn’t advocate avoiding fear, but rather urges listeners to embrace it, in order to empower themselves to do something about it. He believes that the principles he teaches in voice training should be applied to all areas of life, and encourages listeners to embrace spontaneity and aliveness over having a plan and being so attached to an outcome. His advice to people heading to the stage is to embrace and expect nervousness and allow it to show us that we are taking part in a special moment. Next, we get into the technicalities of voice training and Per shares the story of how he learned that anyone can improve their vocal abilities dramatically, the same way that you can build muscle. You’ll hear all about Per’s philosophy on developing the voice, embracing your accent, and why folks who stutter do so far less when they sing. We touch on sleep, hydration, caffeine, and more. We hope you join us for a jam-packed episode with today’s inspiring guest! Key Points From This Episode: How Andrés was introduced to Per Bristow through a video of him dancing. Why the pressure is greater, the more talented you are. Per’s message for people with stage fright: understand your psychology. How the most dangerous thing about stress is our negative perception of it. Why you have to experience and embrace fear to do something about it. What it means to train yourself in order to get into the present moment. The power of embracing fear to become alert, focused, and in the moment. Per’s philosophy in voice training, that you should be able to implement what you learn for performance in all other areas of life. Why a plan is wonderful, but spontaneity and aliveness is where life really is. How most people want a specific outcome, but the process is the most important thing. The power of embracing and expecting nervousness to show us that it is a special moment. Why you should give yourself permission in order to be free. How to evaluate what an embarrassment is and embrace spontaneity. Making yourself vulnerable and foolish as a tool to make other people comfortable. Per’s relationship with introversion and how this has nothing to do with performing. The story of how Per learned that you can improve your vocal abilities dramatically. Why Per prefers the term ‘influence’ to ‘control’ when it comes to developing the voice. How singing is one of the most fearful activities, but one of the most powerful activities. His belief that singing is about the energy that you release when you make sounds. Why trying to hide your accent only makes it more significant. Advice for people who don’t want to speak because they have a stutter: do Per’s training. Why Per has decided not to drink coffee: in rebellion to the norm, as a health freak. The reason Per is an effective coach: he is good at learning and can help others to learn. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Per BristowPer Bristow on InstagramPer Bristow on TwitterMaking Stress Your FriendAndrés Preschel Support the show
James Quandahl: Transform Your Perspective | Achieve Complete Life Balance Through the Power of Positive Reframing
Most of us have probably heard the phrase ‘change is an inside job’, but how many of us actually do it? Today’s guest believes that we overcomplicate the process of positive change. You already know what steps you need to take. It’s just a matter of removing the obstacles that are preventing you from getting there. James Quandahl is an author, speaker, and performance coach who is all about complete life balance; how to make sure that all of your buckets, the foundational pillars of true, lasting health, are filled up in harmony. In this episode, we take you through some positive reframing exercises that will help you pick through your previous life history so you can determine the skills and values that you can then apply to a new path, a new career, a new hobby, interest, or pastime, and excel at it with a newly evolved sense of self-awareness. We also speak candidly about our own personal stories and journeys, given the dramatic career shifts that both Andrés and James have made, and how positive reframing has made all the difference. Tune in today to learn more as James Quandahl explores self-fulfillment and creating complete life balance with a positive outlook! Key Points From This Episode: We start the episode talking about our preferred dark chocolate brands. Why James doesn’t recommend the ‘healthy substitution game’; just eat the pizza! Hear his favorite saying when it comes to healthy food: you are what the food you eat eats. The power of the Cordyceps mushroom and increasing interest in wild mushroom foraging. Why it’s important to consider the carbon footprint of the food you eat, hunt, or forage. What James calls the foundational health pillars of a well rounded life, including nutrition, sleep, and physical exercise. The seven buckets on Zig Ziglar’s Wheel of Life (spiritual, intellectual, physical, family, social, financial, and career) and how to balance them. James emphasizes the roles that the journey and goal-setting play in complete life balance. The benefits of creating space to truly disconnect, get bored, and dream about the future. Hear about James’ morning routine and how he prevents his devices from ruling his day. How to foster a creative mindset rather than a reactive one by scheduling your distractions. Advice for building self-discipline; replace rather than remove the things you enjoy. How James cultivated self-awareness and navigated a difficult career transition. James highlights the effort required to find your purpose; you have to put in the work! Some of the ways to relax in an active capacity rather than a passive capacity. The value of choosing to do what you want to do every day and owning your choices. James challenges listeners to imagine their dream life and write it down. How to create a discipline of visualizing and manifesting the things you want. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: James Quandahl The James Quandahl Show James Quandahl on LinkedIn James Quandahl on Twitter James Quandahl on Instagram Zig Ziglar There’s No Plan B for your A-Game So Good They Can’t Ignore You Skip the Line Support the show
Idan Ravin: Unleash Your Inner Drive | Cultivate Commitment and Discipline for Effectively Pursuing Your Aspirations
Whether your goal is to lose weight, gain a new skill, or run a marathon, you will no doubt need to put in a considerable amount of time and effort. In this episode, we get together with Idan Ravin to discuss his advice and insights on how to effectively pursue your aspirations. Idan is an elite performance coach and has worked with a range of individuals, from some of the world’s most respected basketball players to athletes and musicians. Listening in you’ll hear Idan share what he learned from coaching Kobe Bryant and why he was so in awe of Kobe’s mental stamina. Idan shares his insights on how to build lasting habits and explains why discipline and consistency are crucial. We end off by reflecting on the joy that comes with struggle and how it is a sign of passion and dedication. For all this and much more, tune in today! Key Points From This Episode: Introducing today’s guest, elite performance coach Idan Ravin. Idan shares an anecdote about training Kobe Bryant. Why mental stamina was one of Kobe Bryant’s most impressive achievements. Why consistency is what makes people remarkable. Why you need to start with smaller commitments before working your way up. The types of struggles that elite athletes and average people have in common. Idan’s advice for maintaining good habits. How to become comfortable with discipline and consistency. How meditation can support discipline and consistency. Why Idan’s advice is to start with small steps to improve your habits. Why Idan advocates for a gentler approach to weight loss. How gyms can discourage people from exercising. How there can be joy in struggling because it means you’re passionate and dedicated. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Idan Ravin Idan Ravin on Instagram Idan Ravin on Facebook Idan Ravin on Twitter Andrés Preschel Know Your Physio Podcast Support the show
Dr. Jay Khorsandi: Master the Science of Sleep | Uncover Sleep Physiology and Unlock Optimization Strategies for Restorative Rest
Who would have thought that the structure of your mouth impacts the quality of your sleep? On today’s show, we have the pleasure of talking to Dr. Jay Khorsandi, dentist turned sleep optimizer, about one of the most fundamental (and for some, the most frustrating) parts of our existence. Jay is the co-founder of Snore Experts and the host of the Best Night Ever podcast, and has adopted an integrated approach to improving the quality of sleep of his patients which focuses on preventative and non-invasive interventions. In this conversation, we cover almost everything you can think of that relates to sleep, including open mouth breathing, blue light, naps, dreams, sex and EMF. Among other things, you will learn about the importance of cooling down your body temperature before bed, why sleep quality deteriorates as we age, and the benefits of eating an early dinner. Key Points From This Episode: Jay explains what inspired him to transition from dentistry to sleep optimization. What you can ascertain about someone's health by looking into their mouth. Why we should sleep with our mouths closed, and what happens to the structure of our mouths if we don’t. How the structure of our mouths impacts our ability to breathe. Breathing strategies which help people fall asleep. MAP; Jay’s acronym for the three main components of sleep. Reasons that sleep quality deteriorates as we get older or heavier. Techniques that Jay uses to improve his clients’ sleep. Jay’s personal experience with destructive orthodontics. Segmentation in healthcare, and why this is problematic. What biohacking involves. How Jay defines good quality sleep. Advancements in the field of sleep over the years. Jay explains why eating dinner further away from your bed time improves your sleep. Properties of melatonin that you may not be aware of. How our daily lives impact our sleep, and the importance of keeping track of how our bodies respond to certain elements. The two major regulators of sleep. Easy hacks for cooling down your body temperature before going to bed. Why Jay sleeps with socks on. Problems with using electronic devices before going to sleep. Jay’s opinion on blue light blockers. Potential negative impacts of non-native EMFs on sleep. A brief discussion about grounding mats. Supplements that can help with sleep. How sex can impact sleep. Tricks to ensure that your daytime naps don’t negatively affect your nighttime sleep. Minimum data that you need in order to be able to hack your sleep. How Jay structures his day. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Dr. Jay Khorsandi on LinkedIn Snore Experts on LinkedIn Best Night Ever! Podcast on Spotify Andrés Preschel Know Your Physio Podcast Support the show
Capt. Kelly Federal: Soar to New Heights | Lessons from the Cockpit - Embrace Fighter Pilot Strategies for Peak Performance and Unwavering Focus
There’s a lot that the civilian world can learn from the military. Our guest on the show today, ex-fighter pilot and current real estate investor Kelly Federal, is here to share what some of those lessons are. One of the main themes we discuss is the value of open communication; Kelly is a firm believer that honesty and transparency are the key elements that result in achieving peak performance, and that too many people, in their personal and professional lives, have lost these vital skills. Kelly also shares how being in the military gave him perspective on what is important in life, and how to deal with stressful situations. As well as some stories from Kelly’s time as a fighter pilot, you will also hear about the spiritual path that Kelly is on, as well as his recently found interest in health. Key Points From This Episode: Why Kelly feels he is the antithesis of other guests we’ve had on the podcast. A description of the crash which brought Kelly and I together. Kelly explains how he has trained his brain to deal with stressful situations. Similarities between athletes and fighter pilots. One of the elements of the military that Kelly thinks the civilian world needs to adopt. The creativity of aviation. Perspective that Kelly has gained from being in high pressure situations. Differences in the physical characteristics of the pilots that Kelly has flown with. Physiological tests that fighter pilots are put through. An explanation of what heart rate variability is, and some examples of how it influences performance. Realizations that Kelly is now having about the importance of rest, which were not taught to him when he was training as a pilot. Kelly shares how he used to feel when he flew, and the different stages of G-force. What Kelly loves about cloud surfing. Compartmentalization techniques that Kelly was taught as part of his training. Characteristics that Kelly believes are key in peak performance. Kelly’s take on spirituality. How Kelly’s military experience has positively impacted his life to this day. Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode: Andrés Preschel Know Your Physio Podcast Support the show
