EPI 208: Dr. Stephen Hussey - Does High Cholesterol Really Cause Heart Disease? Should You Take Statins? Is Sunlight Exposure & Circadian Rhythm The Most Powerful Healing Combo? And More!

Show notes: (0:00) Intro (1:03) Dr. Hussey’s health journey and heart attack at 34 (3:08) What causes heart disease (7:59) Why cholesterol tests might be misleading (13:57) How structured water protects your arteries (22:12) Statins are not always the correct solution (29:14) The truth about heart scans vs. cholesterol panels (32:26) Why daily sunlight might be key to healing (40:49) Foods and habits that damage your heart (44:29) How to protect your circadian rhythm in a modern world (48:09) Dr. Hussey’s new book and where to follow his work (51:19) Outro   Who is Dr. Stephen Hussey?   Dr. Stephen Hussey MS, DC is a Chiropractor and Functional Medicine practitioner.   He attained both his Doctorate of Chiropractic and Masters in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine from the University of Western States in Portland, OR. He is a health coach, speaker, and the author of three books on health; The Health Evolution: Why Understanding Evolution is the Key to Vibrant Health, Understanding The Heart: Surprising Insights Into The Evolutionary Origins Of Heart Disease – And Why It Matters, and Pain Sense: Revolutionary Insights into Human Physiology and How it Helps Us Understand and Eliminate Chronic Pain. Dr. Hussey guides clients from around the world back to health by using the latest research and health attaining strategies. In his down time, he likes to be outdoors, play sports, read, write, and travel.   Connect with Dr. Hussey: Website: https://resourceyourhealth.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/drstephenhussey/   Grab a copy: https://resourceyourhealth.com/shop/   Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram  

Show notes: (0:00) Intro (1:10) Dr. Rawls' health crash and discovery of herbal healing (3:12) Why antibiotics failed and herbs worked (4:48) What makes herbal supplements different from vitamins (7:07) What microbes are and how they impact our behavior (12:00) Why gut tests aren’t always helpful (17:28) Fatigue and the signs of stressed cells (20:47) Five things every cell needs to stay healthy (26:51) Everyday toxins and how to reduce your exposure (34:08) Dr. Rawls’ favorite herbs for healing (40:44) The Restore 180 program (46:34) Where to find more resources from Dr. Rawls (49:16) Outro Who is Dr. Bill Rawls?   Dr. Bill Rawls, M.D., is a licensed physician with over 30 years of experience who shifted from conventional medicine to holistic healing after overcoming chronic Lyme disease. Formerly an OBGYN, he turned to herbal therapy when traditional treatments failed, leading to a full recovery and a new focus on cellular wellness and natural healing. He’s the founder and Medical Director of Vital Plan, a Certified B Corporation, and the bestselling author of Unlocking Lyme and The Cellular Wellness Solution. Today, he helps others reclaim their health through lifestyle, herbal therapies, and science-based wellness programs.   Connect with Dr. Rawls: Website: https://rawlsmd.com/ YT: https://www.youtube.com/c/RawlsMD   Start the program: https://vitalplan.com/ Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram  

Show notes: (0:00) Intro (2:34) Why is the liver critical for health? (6:15) Testing your liver health (9:17) Fatty liver disease and its widespread impact (14:44) Foods and chemicals that harm your liver (18:12) What a healthy liver lifestyle looks like (20:12) Medications that actually harm your liver (24:40) Vitamins and herbs that are good for your liver (29:09) Early signs of liver problems (33:15) Liver biomarkers to check in blood tests (34:56) Safer pain relief options (37:04) Your liver can regenerate (38:43) Where and how to get tested (43:03) Where to learn more about de-liver-ance and other resources (45:21) Outro   Who is Siggi Clavien?   Siggi Clavien is a global leader in liver health and the founder of The Liver Clinic, Equilibrium Labs, and the creator of the liver support supplement de-liver-ance®. With over 29 years in nutraceutical and phytomedicine development, Siggi blends Eastern herbal traditions with modern science. He studied viticulture at UC Davis and plant medicine at Cornell, and has researched with top hepatologists worldwide.   His passion for liver health was sparked by losing a loved one to liver failure. Since then, he’s made it his mission to improve liver care and awareness. Siggi has led 18 years of research behind de-liver-ance®, a plant-based elixir designed to support detoxification and liver function. He also launched The Liver Clinic to make advanced liver diagnostics like FibroScan® more accessible. A father of five, Siggi is based between California, Arizona, and London, and is a regular speaker at health and biohacking conferences.   Connect with Siggi: Website: https://theliverclinic.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/deliverance.elixir   Get your own elixir here: https://loveyourliver.com/ Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram  

Show notes: (0:00) Intro (1:23) Why don't we do what we know is good for us, and where do we start? (3:58) David’s simple solution to finally start lifting weights again (6:31) How one coaching question sparked a major life change (12:19) The power of massive action and accepting failure (19:42) The 4 levels of gamifying your goals (24:16) How to use the Pomodoro technique to stay focused (27:31) Where to find David’s free quiz and coaching resources (31:10) Outro   Who is David Wood?   David Wood is a former consulting actuary to Fortune 100 companies like Sony, Chanel, and Exxon. He left his high-powered job on Park Avenue over 20 years ago to become a full-time coach. Since then, he built what became the world’s largest coaching business, served an audience of over 150,000 coaches, and ranked #1 on Google for “life coaching.” David is also the author of Get Paid for Who You Are and the founder of Focus.CEO, where he helps business owners and executives improve clarity, intentionality, and productivity so they can reach their most important goals faster.   Connect with David: Website: https://focus.ceo/   Try his free assessment: https://focus.ceo/#assess Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram  

Show notes: (0:00) Intro (01:14) Julie’s background and introduction to health after personal trauma (02:44) From meds to natural healing and lifestyle shifts (06:10) Discovering heavy metal toxicity and chelation therapy (09:48) What is the Rejuvenation Olympics? (12:25) Her aging score and how it improved (15:48) What does her diet look like? (17:28) VO2 max training: weekly routine and impact (22:48) What supplements does she take? (24:26) Fasting mimicking diet and why she uses Prolon (27:14) Mindset, intention, and staying calm (32:56) Daily meditation and stress reduction (37:04) Coaches, spirituality, and mental peace (42:35) Just start, it’s never too late (43:17) Where to find Julie online and follow her journey (44:55) Outro   Who is Julie Gibson Clark?   Julie Gibson Clark, a former structural engineer turned recruiter, spent over a year holding the 2nd ranked spot on the Rejuvenation Olympics leaderboard (prior to the rule change). Based in Phoenix, Arizona, this single mother competes on a budget of under $150 per month.   Despite her modest budget, Julie's biohacking routine is refreshingly simple: a focus on mindset, regular exercise, sauna sessions, a vegetable-rich diet, and a selection of affordable supplements.   Her recent DNA methylation test revealed a remarkable aging pace of just 65 days for every 100 days, highlighting that significant longevity benefits are achievable without substantial expense.   Julie’s results demonstrate that effective biohacking for longevity can be accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial status.   Julie looks forward to learning and sharing more with you about best practices to stay healthy and vibrant for Life.   Connect with Julie: Website: https://www.juliegibsonclark.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/juliegibsonclark/ YT: https://www.youtube.com/@juliegibsonclark Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram  

Show notes: (0:00) Intro (01:07) Alex's background from baseball to tech to coaching (04:32) Mistakes high performers make (06:30) Doing less for better results (10:49) Creating space for deep thinking (13:06) Building productive habits that work overnight (17:11) Alex’s fitness framework for burning fat passively (21:48) Common weight loss traps and simple fixes (26:13) What sets elite performers apart? (34:32) Can you teach hunger and drive? (37:22) Health must always come first (41:54) Where to connect with Alex online and explore coaching (43:35) Outro   Who is Alexander Feinberg?   Alex Feinberg is a former professional athlete turned executive coach and entrepreneur. With a diverse career that spans professional baseball, hedge fund analysis, tech sales at Google, and multiple entrepreneurial ventures, Alex brings a rare and powerful blend of real-world experience to high performers seeking their next level. Known for his practical and highly effective mental models, Alex specializes in helping successful executives and founders unlock exponential results without burnout. His unique approach centers on optimizing cognitive performance, leveraging high-return habits, and simplifying complex challenges into clear, actionable steps. Through his company, Feinberg Systems, he offers coaching programs that help clients perform better in business, health, and life while doing less, not more.   Connect with Alex: Website: https://www.feinbergsystems.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexfeinberg Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexfeinberg1 X: https://twitter.com/alexfeinberg1 YT: https://www.youtube.com/@alexfeinberg1 Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram  

Show notes: (0:00) Intro (00:56) Meet Dr. Luc Van Loon and his background in protein research (01:51) How much protein is too much—or not enough? (06:03) Can your body really "waste" extra protein? (07:53) Is the post-workout protein window real? (09:00) Daily protein needs and what the data really says (12:51) Plant vs. animal protein (17:40) Do essential amino acid supplements work like protein powder? (22:15) What to know about collagen protein and muscle growth (30:09) Protein before bed and how your body uses it overnight (34:29) Advice for staying strong and healthy as you age (40:38) Do men and women differ in muscle response to protein? (42:08) Are cold plunges helpful or harmful for muscle growth? (47:11) Where to learn more from Dr. Van Loon and his research team (48:24) Outro   Who is Luc van Loon?   Luc van Loon is a Professor of Physiology of Exercise and Nutrition and Head of the M3-research group at the Department of Human Biology at Maastricht University. Luc has an international research standing in the area of skeletal muscle metabolism, has published well over 530 peer-reviewed articles (more than 32.000 citations) achieving an H-index of 95 (Web of Science profile). Current research in his laboratory focuses on the skeletal muscle adaptive response to physical (in)activity, and the impact of nutritional and pharmacological interventions to modulate metabolism in both health and disease. The latter are investigated on a whole-body, tissue, and cellular level, with skeletal muscle as the main tissue of interest. To support the use of stable isotopes in biomedical research, Luc is also scientific coordinator of the Stable Isotope Research Centre (SIRC) at Maastricht University Medical Centre+.   Connect with Luc: Website: https://www.m3-research.nl/ Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram  

Show notes: (0:00) Intro (1:03) Dr. Emily’s background in gymnastics and fitness (4:08) Common foot care mistakes and why most people ignore their feet (6:43) Transitioning from supportive to minimal shoes (9:25) The myth of cushion (12:14) Daily barefoot and balance routines to build foot strength (14:36) How to “wake up” your feet and improve body awareness (18:47) Toe spacers and managing bunions and plantar fasciitis (21:12) Aging, menopause, and their effects on foot health (26:32) The truth about insoles (31:39) Dr. Emily’s simple morning foot activation routine (35:25) Ankle mobility and why you can’t squat barefoot (41:09) Where to find Dr. Emily’s products and resources (42:58) Outro   Who is Dr. Emily Splichal?   Dr. Emily Splichal is a functional podiatrist, human movement specialist, and founder of Naboso, a company dedicated to improving movement and wellness through sensory stimulation products for the feet. With a background in competitive gymnastics and over two decades in the fitness industry, Dr. Emily blends conventional medical training with a deep understanding of biomechanics, fascia, and neurosensory science.   She earned her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM) degree and went on to obtain a Master’s in Human Movement. Her unique approach integrates barefoot science, postural training, and sensory-based rehabilitation to help people move better and reduce pain. Dr. Emily has taught in over 35 countries, reaching more than 25,000 professionals worldwide, and is known as a global leader in barefoot training and foot health education.   She is also the author of Barefoot Strong and Sensory Sapiens, which explore how foot function and sensory input impact overall health, performance, and longevity. Through her work, Dr. Emily empowers individuals to reconnect with their feet and improve their lives from the ground up.   Connect with Dr. Splichal: Website: https://www.naboso.com/ https://www.thefunctionalfootdoc.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/thefunctionalfootdoc https://www.instagram.com/naboso_technology   Grab a copy: https://tinyurl.com/5exxpjky https://tinyurl.com/47j6tjcj Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram  

Show notes: (0:00) Intro (1:28) What’s Dr. Neel’s background, and how he got into the work he does (4:47) What is a tongue tie, and how common is it? (10:05) Why tongue ties often go undiagnosed (12:12) Dr. Neel’s "airway map" and 70 patterns of dysfunction (14:09) How to screen yourself for a tongue tie (19:23) The right way to breathe and position your tongue (22:25) Nose hair, earwax, and hearing health (31:04) Floor of mouth mindfulness and tongue mobility exercise (42:42) How Dr. Neel works on patients and what his protocol includes (47:23) Courses and teaching across the US with his tours (51:01) Where to find Dr. Neel’s courses and contact him (52:49) Outro Who is Dr. Neel Bulchandani?   Dr. Neel is an integrative specialist and the creator of Embryoloji, a fusion-based approach that blends bodywork, movement, and multiple healing modalities to help people release deep tension, pain, and dysfunction. With a background as a chiropractor, movement teacher, and bodyworker, Dr. Neel brings a unique lens to healing—one that’s rooted in both science and intuition.   He’s known for his work with oral ties, nervous system regulation, and pre-/post-op care for procedures like frenectomies. He’s helped countless families navigate breastfeeding challenges, sleep issues, TMJ dysfunction, and more, often by getting to the root of tethered oral tissues and hidden patterns in the body.   Dr. Neel teaches his Floor of the Mouth Protocol around the country and offers online courses for both practitioners and patients. He’s a big believer in collaborative care and works closely with everyone from midwives and ENTs to osteopaths and lactation consultants.   Based in Santa Barbara, he also sees patients across California—from LA to the Bay Area—and is expanding to Pacific Grove. Outside the clinic, he’s a husband, father of three, and deep thinker who’s passionate about nervous system health, human connection, and the healing potential in all of us.   Connect with Dr. Neel: Website: https://www.neelbulchandani.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/drneelbulchandani Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram

Show notes: (0:00) Intro (1:08) Dr. Ramsey’s path to psychiatry and roots in rural Indiana (3:15) The basics of sleep, food, and nature (7:25) Biggest mistakes people make with mental health (9:12) Neuroplasticity, inflammation, and the microbiome (18:12) Worst foods for mental health (30:25) What to eat for better brain health (31:22) Addressing trauma and emotional burdens (35:22) Strengthening your sense of connection (37:41) Benefits of grounding and being in nature (45:07) What is his preferred therapy methods (51:43) Thoughts on supplements like Omega-3s, NAC, and where to learn more about Drew and his book (57:02) Outro Who is Dr. Drew Ramsey?   Dr. Drew Ramsey is a board-certified psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and author who specializes in integrative and nutritional psychiatry, with a strong focus on male mental health. He is the founder of the Brain Food Clinic and Spruce Mental Health in Jackson, Wyoming, where he combines clinical expertise with current research to support mental well-being and resilience. A former Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at Columbia University for two decades, Dr. Ramsey has taught and supervised a range of therapeutic techniques, including Nutritional Psychiatry, while also contributing to academic and media outreach on mental health topics. A prominent advocate and public figure in mental health, Dr. Ramsey is known for his engaging public speaking, national workshops, TEDx talks, and media contributions, including The Today Show, TIME, and NPR. He co-hosts the Men’s Health series Friday Sessions and is involved with several advisory boards, including Men’s Health and Bring Change to Mind. His upcoming book, Healing the Modern Brain (HarperCollins, 2025), follows a series of acclaimed works that helped define Nutritional Psychiatry. Alongside his publications, he has developed online courses and resources like the Mental Fitness Kitchen and the Friday Feels newsletter, all aimed at promoting practical, food-based mental fitness strategies. He lives in Jackson, Wyoming, with his wife and two children.   Connect with Dr. Ramsey: Website: https://www.drewramseymd.com/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/drewramseymd/   Grab a copy: https://drewramseymd.com/books-publications/ Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram