EPISODE #95 – WHEN STRESS HAS NO OFF-SWITCH
Ricky Du Plessis on Fatherhood, SEND, Metabolic Health & the Biology of Resilience.
As we approach International Men's Day on 19 November, the award-nominated podcast Metabolic Wellbeing without the BS continues its special series of four conversations exploring the value of men's health.
Today, I'm delighted to introduce Episode #95, featuring Ricky Du Plessis. (Previously a guest on Episode #36)
Ricky's story is one of fatherhood, resilience, chronic stress and, importantly, the biology behind our ability to keep going.
As a SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) dad, Ricky understands the relentless demands of supporting a child with complex needs.
He describes a level of chronic stress that research places alongside that experienced by combat veterans.
There is no off-switch. No opportunity to simply walk away. Your child's needs become your mission.
But Ricky discovered something important.
His previous investment in metabolic health had given him an unexpected advantage.
Years of learning, researching, writing and sharing his knowledge of metabolic wellbeing meant he had developed a greater biological capacity to withstand the demands of chronic stress.
His message?
The secret to managing chronic stress isn't simply willpower or mindset. It's biology.
And there's a significant difference between simply coping with stress and building the biological capacity to withstand it.
Today, Ricky uses his experience and knowledge to support:
- SEND families and the professionals working alongside them.
- Individuals navigating relentless chronic stress.
- Corporate teams looking to build resilience and sustainable performance.
- Communities that need to understand why supporting the adult is fundamental to supporting the child.
One statement from Ricky particularly resonated with me:
"I'm not advocating from the outside – I'm living it."
And that's precisely why these conversations matter.
Men's health isn't just about testosterone, muscle mass, cardiovascular health or going to the gym.
It's about mental wellbeing, metabolic health, emotional resilience, fatherhood, relationships, purpose and having the biological foundations to navigate life's challenges.
Four conversations. Four perspectives. One important message: men's health matters.
As we head towards International Men's Day, let's move beyond the usual conversations, challenge the stigma and create environments where men feel comfortable talking about their health.
Because being a man doesn't mean being invincible.
And looking after yourself isn't selfish. It's essential.
EPISODE #95 – Ricky Du Plessis
Listen to Metabolic Wellbeing without the BS, available on all audible channels.
Let's get curious. Let's get talking. And let's make men's health matter.
What's one conversation about men's health that we should be having more often?
Metabolic Wellbeing Without the BS
Following my own diagnosis with Stage 4 cancer, I created an independent educational platform dedicated to improving metabolic health literacy. Through conversations with world-leading clinicians, researchers and patient advocates, 'Metabolic Wellbeing without the BS' has reached audiences in over 100 countries, helping people make informed lifestyle decisions and promoting prevention, resilience and wellbeing. Entirely self-funded, the initiative demonstrates how one person's lived experience can create lasting public benefit on a global scale while being proudly based in Glasgow
Hosted with authenticity, curiosity, and a passion for meaningful change, each episode brings together world-leading experts, innovators, advocates, and everyday storytellers to explore why metabolic health truly matters. Blending real-life experiences with science-backed insights, the conversations challenge conventional thinking while inspiring listeners to ask better questions about health and longevity.
From insulin resistance and gut health to cancer conversations, migraines, mental clarity, sustainable weight management, and the future of preventative healthcare, Metabolic Wellbeing Without the BS creates a space for learning, questioning, and evolving — together.
Sponsored by Unicity
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