63. Dr. Don Wood - Inspired Performance Institute

In today's insightful episode, we have the privilege of exploring the untapped potential and innovations in ostrich farming with Joey Imbesi, the visionary founder of Briardale Ostrich Farms. Through his pioneering work, Joey is rewriting the narratives around sustainable agriculture, offering an alternative that is both eco-friendly and rich in nutritional value. This conversation unveils the multifaceted world of ostrich farming, delving into its numerous benefits, the robust immune systems of ostriches, and its crucial role in developing sustainable food systems. Joey’s journey is not just a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit but also a beacon for sustainable and ethical farming practices. In our conversation, he sheds light on the inherent benefits of ostrich meat, especially for those affected by Alpha-Gal Syndrome, and the ecological advantages of raising ostriches over traditional livestock. Discover the challenges and rewards of ostrich farming, understand the nutritional value of ostrich meat, and grasp the significant impact it holds for our future in this enlightening conversation with Joey Imbesi. Join us as we navigate through diverse topics from sustainability to health, unraveling the stories and science behind Briardale Ostrich Farms. Follow Joey Imbesi: website - https://briardaleostrichfarm.com/ Social: @briardaleostrichfarm For Our Listeners: Hyperice 10% discount for our listeners - https://bit.ly/3IalDa1 Libsyn use promo code “KEN” for 2 months FREE - https://bit.ly/3tNkpxC Follow The Professional Athlete Podcast with Ken Gunter: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kengunter Instagram: @kengunter_tpa Website: https://www.kengunter.com/ YouTube: Ken Gunter https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRhgjkoSiJXAbS_MIasvvzQ/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kengunterpodcast Audio recorded with SquadCast: https://squadcast.fm/?ref=kengunter Audio Produced By: Justin Gunter Show Produced By: Ken Gunter, Justin Gunter Content Designer: Austin Suit Music: “Up and Down” by Patrick Sweany

This week Ken is the guest! Prof. Justin A Williams is the host of the Trend with Justin A Williams Podcast, an extension of the New York Trend. Together they discuss a range of topics from mindset, athletic training, and how your goals can change as you age.   Support the Show with Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/kengunter   Chapters:  00:00 - Flannel shirts, grunge and the 90’s 05:00 - College sport workouts and off season training comparisons  09:30 - What sports are like when growing up, talented vs effort 13:30 - How Justin and Ken met in college 15:00 - How to maintain being an athlete after the career is over 29:00 - Accessing flow state 35:00 - Training based on your strengths and interests 43:00 - Everything is individualized 50:00 - Consistency over time 52:00 - How Ken started his podcast 62:30 - Closing   Mentioned in Today’s Show:  New York Trend Website: newyorktrendnyc.com   Follow The Trend Podcast: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1T1gBk8pxQKC6XN9oTgQuV Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-trend-with-justin-a-williams/id1549738308   Follow Justin A Williams: Email: [email protected] Instagram: @thetrendwithjustinawilliams Host IG/Twitter: @dubzeverlasting   For Our Listeners: Hyperice 10% discount for our listeners - https://bit.ly/3IalDa1 Libsyn use promo code “KEN” for 2 months FREE - https://bit.ly/3tNkpxC    Follow The Professional Athlete Podcast with Ken Gunter: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kengunter Instagram: @kengunter_tpa Website: https://www.kengunter.com/ YouTube: Ken Gunter https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRhgjkoSiJXAbS_MIasvvzQ/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kengunterpodcast Audio recorded with SquadCast: https://squadcast.fm/?ref=kengunter Audio Produced By: Justin Gunter Show Produced By: Ken Gunter, Justin Gunter Content Designer: Austin Suit Music: “Up and Down” by Patrick Sweany

George Mumford is the guy you bring in to help the best athletes in the world from Michael Jordan to Kobe Bryant elevate their mental game. Well, at least if you're Phil Jackson. George is a Giant in the world of mental performance coaching and has worked with some of the greatest athletes to ever play the game of basketball. He is also the author of “The Mindful Athlete - Secrets to Pure Performance” and has worked with athletes and individuals all over the world to help them improve their performance and increase their quality of life.   In today’s show George does not let us down. He explains why he reads the same book multiple times and how we are in a constant state of change. George talks about his background and own challenges that uniquely led him to becoming the mental performance coach to NBA legends. Discusses the importance of perspective and imagination when faced with adversity. Gives a brief introduction to mindfulness and the 5 super powers. His approach to helping elite athletes find the next level of performance. How to prepare yourself to find your flow state. The relationship between challenge and growth. Finally leaves us with some wise words on the importance of meaningful work.   Support the Show with Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/kengunter   Chapters:  0:00 - Why Reading the Same Book Teaches you something new - Constant Change 4:53 - George’s Background  11:00 - Adversity and perspective - viewing obstacles as stepping stones 15:00 - Lessons from Michael Jordan on responding to adversity 21:00 - George’s definition of Mindfulness and the 5 superpowers 25:00 - George’s approach to training elite athletes and finding the next level 36:00: - How to prepare yourself to be in a flow state 42:00 - Growth and challenging oneself to push your boundaries and reach your potential 48:00 - Meaningful work   Mentioned in Today’s Show:  George’s Book:  The Mindful Athlete - Secrets to Pure Performance   Follow George Mumford: Website - https://georgemumford.com/ Social: @george.mumford   For Our Listeners: Hyperice 10% discount for our listeners - https://bit.ly/3IalDa1 Libsyn use promo code “KEN” for 2 months FREE - https://bit.ly/3tNkpxC   Follow The Professional Athlete Podcast with Ken Gunter: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kengunter Instagram: @kengunter_tpa Website: https://www.kengunter.com/ YouTube: Ken Gunter https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRhgjkoSiJXAbS_MIasvvzQ/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kengunterpodcast Audio recorded with SquadCast: https://squadcast.fm/?ref=kengunter Audio Produced By: Justin Gunter Show Produced By: Ken Gunter, Justin Gunter Content Designer: Austin Suit Music: “Up and Down” by Patrick Sweany

Thor Love and Thunder. Extraction. James Bond. You know the movies, now meet the stunt man who brings the iconic action scenes to life. Bobby Holland Hanton is the most in-demand stuntman in Hollywood. He’s stepped in to take the hits and execute the impossible for some of Hollywood’s biggest stars and today works in close partnership with Chris Hemsworth and team on a number of projects spanning both film and fitness. If that wasn’t enough, Bobby has added the title of Author to his resume with the publishing of his first children’s book, “The Adventures of Eddie and Flip Boy”.   In today’s show Bobby talks about his break neck filming schedule and making the most of the opportunity. He takes us behind the scenes for the real time decisions that lead to some of his most iconic stunts. Discusses training and the physical preparation that goes into preparing for a role. Talks about his work with Chris Hemsworth and why that partnership is so unique. How aging has changed his approach. What it takes to become a stunt man. The writing of his first Children’s book and his future projects to look out for.   Support the Show with Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/kengunter   Chapters:  0:00 The action packed schedule of the in-demand stunt man 11:00 - Behind the scenes of iconic Extraction and Avengers stunts 15:00 - Training, preparation and recovery required of today’s stunt actors 22:00 - Unique partnership with Chris Hemsworth 24:00 - Longevity and how age impacts atheltic performance 30:00 : what it takes to become a stunt man in today’s age 35:00: Bobby’s first children’s book and the importance of inspiring kids today 47:00 - Bobby’s approach to mastering his busy schedule 52:00 - Acting, Harry Potter and future projects   Mentioned in Today’s Show:  Bobby’s Book:  The Adventures of Eddie and Flip Boy   Follow Bobby Holland Hanton: website - https://www.bobbyhollandhanton.com/ Social: @bobbydazzler84   For Our Listeners: Hyperice 10% discount for our listeners - https://bit.ly/3IalDa1 Libsyn use promo code “KEN” for 2 months FREE - https://bit.ly/3tNkpxC   Follow The Professional Athlete Podcast with Ken Gunter: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kengunter Instagram: @kengunter_tpa Website: https://www.kengunter.com/ YouTube: Ken Gunter https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRhgjkoSiJXAbS_MIasvvzQ/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kengunterpodcast Audio recorded with SquadCast: https://squadcast.fm/?ref=kengunter Audio Produced By: Justin Gunter Show Produced By: Ken Gunter, Justin Gunter Content Designer: Austin Suit Music: “Up and Down” by Patrick Sweany

You’re probably wrong about your sleep. Dr. Chris Winter is a neurologist and the sleep expert many teams in MLB, NBA, NHL and NFL rely on to help their athletes perform at their best. Hs is the author of “The Sleep Solution: Why your sleep is broken and how to fix it” and his newest book “The Rested Child: Why Your Tired, Wired, or Irritable Child May Have a Sleep Disorder--and How to Help.”   In today’s show Dr. Chris Winter explains why we are so bad at judging our own sleep. Why sleep is a matter of life or death. The difference between our perception of sleep and reality. The relationship between insomnia and high performers. The best thing you can do to begin sleeping better and how to know if you’re getting enough sleep.   Support the Show with Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/kengunter   Chapters:  0:00 Why are we so bad at judging our own sleep 7:00 - Everyone’s sleeps and if you don’t you’re dead 13:00 - Sleep Perception vs. Sleep Reality 16:00 - Insomnia and Success? Traits of Insomniacs 24:00 - Try Easier - Sleep and Professional Sports 36:00 : How to improve sleep - The Amount of Sleep You Need 39:00: How to know I’m getting enough sleep?   Mentioned in Today’s Show:  Books by Dr. Winter:  The Sleep Solution The Rested Child   Follow Dr. Chris Winter: Website: http://www.cvilleneuroandsleep.com/ Social: @drchriswinter   For Our Listeners: Hyperice 10% discount for our listeners - https://bit.ly/3IalDa1 Libsyn use promo code “KEN” for 2 months FREE - https://bit.ly/3tNkpxC    Follow The Professional Athlete Podcast with Ken Gunter: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kengunter Instagram: @kengunter_tpa Website: https://www.kengunter.com/ YouTube: Ken Gunter https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRhgjkoSiJXAbS_MIasvvzQ/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kengunterpodcast Audio recorded with SquadCast: https://squadcast.fm/?ref=kengunter Audio Produced By: Justin Gunter Show Produced By: Ken Gunter, Justin Gunter Content Designer: Austin Suit Music: “Up and Down” by Patrick Sweany

If you’re listening, Dr. Todd Kashdan hopes you disagree (at least with something). Dr. Kashdan is a leading expert on the psychology of well-being, curiosity, mental flexibility and social relationships. He is currently a Professor of Psychology and founder of the Well-Being Lab at George Mason University. He is an author of five books, including his most recent “The Art of Insubordination: How to dissent and defy effectively”.   In today’s episode Dr. Kashdan discusses why most “rebels” are not effective. The importance of Divergent Thinking. The need to instill fortitude in young athletes and the case for constructive coaching. Lessons learned in motivation from Phil Jackson to Bob Knight. What is principled insubordination and the right way to create change. Why your small talk is terrible and the reason you should embrace emotionally uncomfortable experiences.    Support the Show with Patreon:  https://www.patreon.com/kengunter   Chapters:  0:00 - No shortage of rebels, but are they effective? 8:00 - The importance of Divergent Thinking 11:00 - Fortitude - Ted Lasso or Bob Knight 18:00 - The case for constructive feedback 22:00 - How great coaches motivate their players 24:00 - Principled Insubordination - what today’s activists are getting wrong 30:00- What activists can learn from the gay rights movement 35:00 - Manipulation and the strategic path to progress and consideration of your enemy 44:00 - Phil Jackson and Dennis Rodman 46:00 - Relationship between curiosity and intelligence 55:00 - stop having small talk and key to great questions 1:03 - embrace emotionally uncomfortable experiences 1:08 - awareness of your own biases and limitations   Mentioned in Today’s Show:  Books by Dr. Kashdan:  Art of Insubordination: How to Dissent and Defy Effectively The Upside of Your Darkside: Why Being YTour Whole Self-Not just Your “Good” Self-Drives Success and Fulfillment    Other books mentioned:  “Win Forever: Live, Work, and Play Like a Champion” - By Pete Carroll Grant - By Ron Chernow   Rayden’s story: https://vimeo.com/702702219   Follow Dr. Kashdan website - https://toddkashdan.com/ Twitter: @toddkashdan   For Our Listeners: Hyperice 10% discount for our listeners - https://bit.ly/3IalDa1 Libsyn use promo code “KEN” for 2 months FREE - https://bit.ly/3tNkpxC    Follow The Professional Athlete Podcast with Ken Gunter: Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/kengunter Instagram: @kengunter_tpa Website: https://www.kengunter.com/ YouTube: Ken Gunter https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRhgjkoSiJXAbS_MIasvvzQ/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kengunterpodcast Audio recorded with SquadCast: https://squadcast.fm/?ref=kengunter Audio Produced By: Justin Gunter Show Produced By: Ken Gunter, Justin Gunter Content Designer: Austin Suit Music: “Up and Down” by Patrick Sweany

Justin Wren has turned his pain into purpose. A professional MMA fighter who has competed in the UFC and currently competes in Bellator. He is also the founder of The Fight for the Forgotten Charity, a non-profit organization that is dedicated to defending the weak and empowering the voiceless. No stranger to adversity, Justin and the Fight for the Forgotten team have set out to support displaced indegenous peoples of West Africa as well as address the mental and emotional health of at-risk youth through bullying prevention and character development.   In today’s episode Justin shares what inspired him to start Fight for the Forgotten. Explains the plight of the Pygmy people in West Africa. Talks about one special young man’s story who rallied millions to stand up to bullying. His approach to creating lasting change amidst immense hatred. Finding empathy in impossible situations. The complexity of serving impoverished communities.   Chapters:  0:00 - Inspiration for Fight for the Forgotten anti-bullying & Rayden’s story 5:30 - “Endangered People” - The Pygmy people of Africa 9:00 - Justin’s new purpose for fighting 14:00 - Modern Day slavery and the plight of the Pygmy people 18:00 - How do you empower lasting change in 3rd world countries? 23:00 - Finding a way to empathize with the oppressor  33:00- Fight for the Forgotten’s work in Uganda  35:00 - The Overcome Podcast and Justin’s story 41:00 - The fight of life, addiction, PTSD, suicide attempts and healing 45:00 - “Building the Plane while flying it”  - Life as an Entrepreneur in a field with limitless possibilities   Mentioned in Today’s Show: Rayden’s story: https://vimeo.com/702702219   Follow Justin Wren: Fight for the Forgotten - https://fightfortheforgotten.org/ Justin Wren Instagram: @thebigpygmy Podcast: Overcome with Justin Wren   For Our Listeners: Hyperice 10% discount for our listeners - https://bit.ly/3IalDa1 Libsyn use promo code “KEN” for 2 months FREE - https://bit.ly/3tNkpxC   Follow The Professional Athlete Podcast with Ken Gunter: Instagram: @kengunter_tpa Website: https://www.kengunter.com/ YouTube: Ken Gunter https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRhgjkoSiJXAbS_MIasvvzQ/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kengunterpodcast Audio recorded with SquadCast: https://squadcast.fm/?ref=kengunter Audio Produced By: Justin Gunter Show Produced By: Ken Gunter, Justin Gunter Content Designer: Austin Suit Music: “Up and Down” by Patrick Sweany

If it was once science fiction, it’s not any longer. Meet the former college basketball player and Big East Champion turned Biological Engineer who is on a mission to use the gut bacteria from Elite Athletes to help you improve your own performance. Dr. Jonathan Scheiman is a graduate of the prestigious Wyss Institute at Harvard and the founder of Fitbiomics and is revolutionizing the way we understand and apply the gut bacteria that make up the microbiome to improve human performance.   In today’s episode Dr. Jonathan provides an introduction to the function of the microbiome and the role of gut bacteria. How he went from basketball player at St. Johns to a scientist in the field of Genomics and Bio-engineering. How introducing probiotics can enhance human performance across in sport and beyond. An introduction to Nella by Fitbiomics and how the maiden product is the first in a line of offerings meant to decode and recode human health via the microbiome. The role sports and culture play in creating acceptance to new ideas and how Fitbiomics intends to use both as a means to democratize education to elite athletes and broader public. Lastly, what it’s like to “build a plane while flying” in a cutting edge field and a sneak peak at some of the revolutionary follow up products that are in the pipeline.   Chapters:  0:00 - Jon’s Athletic Background - Big East Champion to Biological Engineering at  Harvard 4:00 - How John became drawn to the Genomics and the Microbiome 6:00 - Introduction to the Microbiome and the role it plays  9:00 - Impact of transplanting microbiome from one individual to another 11:15 - Bodily functions the Microbiome can improve  15:00 - Definition and benefits of probiotics 21:40 - Introduction to Nella - decoding and recoding human health through the Microbiome 23:00 - Improve endurance performance with Veillonella. How advantageous bacteria propogate  30:00- the need to educate world class athletes and general public about impact of Gut health  34:00 - Creating Accessibility through Pop Culture and Sports - Democratizing Access 41:00 - From “Be like Mike” to “What’s going on with Mike’s biology”  45:00 - “Building the Plane while flying it”  - Life as an Entrepreneur in a field with limitless possibilities   Follow Dr. Jonathan Scheiman: Nella by Fitbiomics Website - https://nella.fitbiomics.com/ Nella Instagram: @nellaprobiotics   For Our Listeners: Hyperice 10% discount for our listeners - https://bit.ly/3IalDa1 Libsyn use promo code “KEN” for 2 months FREE - https://bit.ly/3tNkpxC   Follow The Professional Athlete Podcast with Ken Gunter: Instagram: @kengunter_tpa Website: https://www.kengunter.com/ YouTube: Ken Gunter https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRhgjkoSiJXAbS_MIasvvzQ/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kengunterpodcast Audio recorded with SquadCast: https://squadcast.fm/?ref=kengunter Audio Produced By: Justin Gunter Show Produced By: Ken Gunter, Justin Gunter Content Designer: Austin Suit Music: “Up and Down” by Patrick Sweany

Have trouble sleeping? Prof. Guy Leschziner is one of the world’s foremost experts on sleep and sleep disorders. A neurologist within the Department of Neurology and Sleep Disorder Centre at Guy’s and St Thomas’ hospitals among other London based hospitals and is the clinical lead for the Sleep Disorders Centre, Guy’s Hospital, one of Europe’s largest sleep units. He’s been featured in radio and television and has created multiple series in partnership with the BBC. He’s also the author of The Nocturnal Brain and his most recent book The Man who Tasted Words.   In today’s episode Professor Leschziner explains the role of a neurologist and explains the wide breadth of diseases and conditions that fall within his purview. We dive deep into a range of common and not-so common sleep disorders. Dr. Leschziner details some of the most interesting and challenging cases he’s encountered over the years. His method of diagnosis and why a Neurologist is at times as much scientist as detective. What happens to the brain when we sleep and common and not so common examples of areas of the brain being awake during sleep. The role medication plays in his own practice and his thoughts on those who use various forms of self medication.   Professor Leschziner’s Books: “The Man Who Tasted Words: A Neurologist Explores the Strange and Startling World of Our Senses” “The Nocturnal Brain: Nightmares, Neuroscience, and the Secret World of Sleep”   Follow Prof. Guy Leschziner: Website - https://www.guyleschziner.com/   For Our Listeners: Hyperice 10% discount for our listeners - https://bit.ly/3IalDa1 Libsyn use promo code “KEN” for 2 months FREE - https://bit.ly/3tNkpxC    Follow The Professional Athlete Podcast with Ken Gunter: Instagram: @kengunter_tpa Website: https://www.kengunter.com/ YouTube: Ken Gunter https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRhgjkoSiJXAbS_MIasvvzQ/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kengunterpodcast Audio recorded with SquadCast: https://squadcast.fm/?ref=kengunter Audio Produced By: Justin Gunter Show Produced By: Ken Gunter, Justin Gunter Content Designer: Austin Suit Music: “Up and Down” by Patrick Sweany

Ari Tulla is a San Francisco-based entrepreneur and the co-founder & CEO of the smart nutrition service, Elo, whose mission is to transform food from the leading cause of disease to medicine. Previously, Ari was the CEO of Quest Analytics, the market leader in doctor data and network management and before that the co-founder and CEO of BetterDoctor. Ari is also an active angel investor and advisor with a portfolio of 40 startups, including Virta Health, Good Eggs, and Ōura.   In today’s episode Ari recounts his journey from a young Gaming enthusiast in Finland to co-founding a health tech startup in Silicon Valley. We talk about the power of technology and human inability to understand exponential growth. What the future of healthcare looks like against a backdrop of rapid technological innovation. The wake up call that caused him to change his approach to nutrition and wellness. The concept of Smart Nutrition and how Elo health personalizes nutritional supplements to optimize your health and performance.   Mentioned in Today’s Show:  Elo health: https://www.elo.health/   Follow Ari Tulla:  Website - https://www.aritulla.com/ Instagram: @aritulla   For Our Listeners: Hyperice 10% discount for our listeners - https://bit.ly/3IalDa1 Libsyn use promo code “KEN” for 2 months FREE - https://bit.ly/3tNkpxC   Follow The Professional Athlete Podcast with Ken Gunter: Instagram: @kengunter_tpa Website: https://www.kengunter.com/ YouTube: Ken Gunter https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRhgjkoSiJXAbS_MIasvvzQ/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kengunterpodcast Audio recorded with SquadCast: https://squadcast.fm/?ref=kengunter Audio Produced By: Justin Gunter Show Produced By: Ken Gunter, Justin Gunter Content Designer: Austin Suit Music: “Up and Down” by Patrick Sweany