In this week’s episode of Healthspan Academy, I sat down with Longevity Insider, Dr. Anil Bajnath. We chatted about some of the more accessible advanced methods for improving health and longevity. Dr. Anil chatted about the role of telomeres in cellular aging and practical means for optimizing their function. He discussed the role of inflammation on aging and we talked about some of the more under-the-radar agents that have demonstrated promising results in slowing or reversing the effects of aging, as well as some of the toxic environmental agents known to accelerate the aging process. 

Dr. Bajnath is a Board-Certified Family Physician who attended the University of Central Florida for his undergraduate studies in Molecular-cellular Microbiology (MM) and Medical Laboratory Sciences (MLS). He graduated from Ross University School of Medicine with honors and went on to receive a scholarship from Keller School of Business Administration for a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) with a focus in Healthcare Services, as well as certifications from the Institute for Functional Medicine and anti-aging and regenerative medicine. Dr. Bajnath then finished his residency training in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at the University of Maryland in January 2019.

An experienced physician with a demonstrated history of working in the health care industry utilizing complementary alternative medicine techniques to treat his patients, his primary field of interest is understanding the underlying causes of unresolved illness and formulating care plans for resolving complex medical scenarios. He actively pursues research in pharmacogenomics, nutrigenomics, and microbiome sciences, and his practice provides a wide range of services ranging from traditional preventative screening guidelines to precision personalized healthcare modalities such as personalized nutrition, genomic medicine, advanced biomarker testing, microbiome analysis, and biometric lifestyle monitoring.

Dr. Bajnath is the CEO and founder of the Institute for Human Optimization located in Columbia, Maryland, as well as the author of the soon-to-be-released book “The Longevity Equation”. He also serves as an Adjunct Professor of Clinical Research and Leadership at The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

To learn more about Dr. Anil and his services, check out his company at The Institute for Human Optimization.

*** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 29:31 — 27.5MB)

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In this week’s episode of Healthspan Academy, I spoke with Dr. Dan Richie about training for vitality and function as we age. We chatted about key strategies and importance of building muscle mass, strength, and power in extending healthspan. We talked about specific training methodology to safely prevent the loss of fast twitch muscle fibers as we age. 

Dr. Dan Ritchie started his fitness career at Southeast Missouri State University with a bachelor’s degree in Fitness and Sports Medicine. Following that, he spent a year as a graduate assistant coaching Division 1 athletes. He continued his studies and obtained his Master’s Degree in Health & Physical Education at the University of Wisconsin- Whitewater, where he won the 2002 Thesis of the Year. Dan then went on to complete his PhD in Kinesiology with a minor in Gerontology as a Lynn Fellow at Purdue University.

Since 2007 Dan has owned and operated Miracles Fitness in West Lafayette, Indiana, where he and his staff have trained over 2000 clients. With over 20 years of experience, he has extensive knowledge on training the mature adult market and has equipped people in their 50s and beyond to achieve their goals and enhance their functional longevity. Dan was named PFP Trainer of the Year in 2014, and he and Dr. Cody Sipe co-founded the Functional Aging Institute shortly after.

Dan is a sought-after expert and speaker at national and international events on topics like balance for older adults, personal training, business development, the global aging phenomenon, and functional aging training models. Dan lives in West Lafayette with his wife and five kids.

To learn more about Dan, his products and services, check out the Functional Aging Institute. 

*** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 40:29 — 37.5MB)

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In this week’s episode of Healthspan Academy, Dr. Nichola Conlon and I chat about cellular aging and practical means for slowing or even reversing its effects. We talked about the most recent scientific breakthroughs in aging research, the significance of NAD in increasing healthspan, and the future of aging science.

Dr. Nichola Conlon is an accomplished molecular biologist who specializes in the study of aging as a biologically complex condition. She received her Bachelor of Science in Physiological Science in 2008 and her Master of Research in Medical and Molecular Biosciences in 2009. She then earned her Ph.D. in Physiology at Newcastle University, which houses Europe’s largest institute for aging research, with the aim of becoming an Epithelial physiologist, focusing on the structure and function of drug and nutrient transporters. She has worked in industry identifying novel medication development opportunities, and she is also a trained cosmetic scientist registered with the CTPA approved Society of Cosmetic Scientists.

Building on her expertise in molecular biology and years spent focused on early stage drug discovery with a renowned biotech firm, Nichola co-founded her own company called Nuchido with the goal of translating the latest scientific advances in aging research into nutraceutical products that delays aging and promote longevity. As CEO at Nichido, she collaborates alongside multiple world-leading scientists including Professors Tom Kirkwood and Thomas von Zglinicki to lead the task of converting current scientific findings into interventions to improve people’s healthspan.

To know more about her products and services, check out her company at Nuchido. Use discount code: HSA10 to save 10%. 

*** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 33:40 — 31.3MB)

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In this week’s episode of Healthspan Academy, we have a back-to-back special of Lost Episodes interviewing Dr. Anthony Incognito, an Integrative Physiologist specializing in the autonomic nervous system in health and disease, and Dr. Laura Brown, a registered Naturopathic Physician and CEO of Southend Natural Medicine, as they talk about practical insights and tips in reaching peak performance, developing the right habits to increase healthspan and longevity, and much more.

In the first interview, I chatted with Dr. Laura Brown as she discussed the importance of a balanced diet in a healthy lifestyle, and explained how gut health and food are connected to overall health. We chatted about the use of common dietary models, such as the paleolithic, ketogenic, and carnivore diets. Laura discussed some practical tips for eating according to blood type, environment, and individual needs.

Dr Brown is a registered naturopathic doctor who practices functional medicine. She is the author of Amazon’s #1 Best Seller “Beyond Digestion”, has advanced training in pharmaceuticals, is a certified HeartMath and Gluten-Free Practitioner, and holds the designation of ADAPT Trained Practitioner from Kresser Institute, the only functional medicine, and ancestral health training company.

The second interview is with Dr. Anthony Incognito where we talked about the effects of ischemic preconditioning on exercise performance, the signs and cautions of overtraining, and tracking your well-being with heart rate and blood pressure variability. He discussed some of his research on chronic inflammation and a potential preventative means to reduce the risk of long haul COVID-19.

Anthony started his academic career with a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology at the University of Toronto that was sparked with his experiences in competitive hockey. With a passionate interest in understanding the sympathetic nervous system in human cardiovascular regulation, he furthered his studies obtaining both a Master’s of Science degree and a Doctorate Degree in Cardiovascular Physiology from the University of Guelph. While currently a Post-Doctoral Fellow at the University of Calgary, Dr. Anthony continually engages in teaching, guest speaking at community health seminars, and participating in teaching education workshops.

*** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 42:38 — 39.5MB)

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In this week’s episode of Healthspan Academy, I interviewed physical therapist and movement specialist, Dr. Theresa Larson. Theresa chatted about her experience as a platoon leader in the Marine Corp and how that lead her into physical therapy, mobility, coaching, and entrepreneurship. We chatted about the work she did with mobility mastermind, Kelly Starrett. She also opened up about her approach to improving mental and physical health of wounded war veterans.

Dr. Theresa Larson (aka “Dr. T”) has become one of the healthcare and fitness world’s most sought after experts on movement health. Dr. Larson earned her doctorate in physical therapy from the University of Saint Augustine in San Diego, CA. A former Marine Corps Engineer Officer and Combat Veteran, Theresa also played professional softball in Italy as well as semi-professional softball in the United States.

To learn more about Theresa and her programs, check out Movement RX. You can pick up her book “Warrior” on amazon.

*** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 35:27 — 32.9MB)

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In this week’s episode of Healthspan Academy, I caught up with 6-time CrossFit Games Athlete and world class coach, Michele Letendre. We discussed her journey as an athlete and the transition to coaching. Michele revealed some brilliant insight to injury prevention, improving weaknesses, and establishing long-term high level function.  

Michele has always been a competitive athlete. She competed in Water Polo and Swimming early in her athletic career. After falling in love with CrossFit, she made it to the CrossFit Games six consecutive years with her best performance being a fourth place finish in 2014. After retiring from competition, Michele quickly established herself as an elite coach in the sport. She has been head coach of multiple CrossFit Games athletes, including podium finishers Patrick Vellner and Laura Horvath. As founder, co-owner, and head coach of Deka Comp, she provides programming for both individuals and fitness facilities. 

To learn more about Michele and her programs, check out Deka Comp. 

*** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice. 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 42:16 — 39.2MB)

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In this week’s episode of Healthspan Academy, I caught up with Nicole Aucoin, who is a registered dietitian, a nutritionist, and a business coach. We discussed the key principles for finding your unique nutrition solution. We talked about the challenges and limitations of following common dietary strategies, and the importance of working towards a custom solution based on individual needs, preferences, and sensitivities.

Nicole Aucoin has been a key figure in the nutrition and fitness fields for over ten years, assisting hundreds of individuals in reaching their health and wellness goals. She is the founder of Healthy Steps Nutrition and HSN CrossFit. Through Healthy Steps Nutrition, she has helped over 30,000 people around the world take control of their health through her simple habit-based approach and individualized support from nutrition coaches. Nicole aims to empower clients to make lifestyle changes. She provides health coaching through diet and exercise to help her clients meet their goals. 

Nicole is also the author of Nourish, a how-to guide for building a nutrition business from the ground up. 

To know more about her services, check out Healthy Steps Nutrition.

*** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 32:46 — 30.5MB)

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In this week’s episode of Healthspan Academy, I sit in with Margaux Alvarez who is a seven-time CrossFit Games Athlete and 2020 Titan Games West Champion. Margaux chats about how she got started in CrossFit and how she became one of the fittest humans on earth. Successful in both athletic competition and running her own business, she discusses the challenges of competing as an elite athlete, her training regimen, and the mindset that allowed her to excel. Margaux discussed some of her secrets to establishing longevity in the sport of fitness and some brilliant tips for preventing injuries. 

Margaux Alvarez is well rounded athlete and entrepreneur. She is fueled with passion for coaching, mentoring, entrepreneurship, and everything in between. An accomplished athlete with nearly a decade of experience in the CrossFit games, she has long been regarded as one of the strongest competitors in the CrossFit world having competed in multiple events and consistently finishing in the top ten. She first participated in the CrossFit Games as a volunteer in 2011 and rapidly grew dedicated to making it onto the field. She qualified for regionals in 2012 and broke into the Games circle in 2013. In 2015, she took 9th as an individual and then 7th on Team Invictus X, in 2019. 

At present, Margaux has already established herself as one of the true ambassadors of the sport and a source of inspiration to countless athletes, both through her performances as well as her passionate work as a coach, affiliate owner, and mentor. Today, she is devoted to her winery business, which is located in her hometown in Las Vegas.

To know more about Margaux, you can visit The G.O.A.T WINE.

*** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 39:38 — 36.8MB)

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In this week’s episode of Healthspan Academy, Jesse Coomer shares his personal expertise on the practical applications of breathwork, cold exposure, and the Wim Hof Method. We chatted about the power of breathwork and meditation, the therapeutic benefits of cold exposure, and other key habits for optimizing physical and cognitive function.

Jesse Coomer is the author of A Practical Guide to Breathwork. He is a professional breath worker, cold training expert, certified Wim Hof Method instructor, a certified personal trainer on the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NSAM), and a Professor of English at Vincennes University, Indiana. He’s also a voice of practicality in the world of breathwork and cold exposure on his YouTube channel, Midwestern Method. In 2009, Jesse began a life transformation journey that led him to discover how physiology and psychology often conflict with the modern world. For most of his life, he suffered from anxiety and stress. It was in 2014 when his passion for breath training became a method to combat his anxiety. Since then, he has trained over a thousand students in various modalities and leads workshops, lectures, and training sessions around the USA while training athletes, military, and people from every walks of life.

To know more about Jesse, his products and services, check out JesseCoomer.com.

*** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 49:44 — 46.0MB)

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In this week’s episode of Healthspan Academy, I am joined by Audrey Carriere, a Health & Nutrition Coach and a Diabetes Counseling Specialist, to discuss insulin sensitivity and management and prevention of diabetes. We explored the root causes for the continuous rise of diabetes cases, chatted on the effects of diabetes on lifestyle and mental health, and outlined preventative strategies for improving insulin sensitivity. Audrey also offers suggestions for helping friends and family get over the initial hurdle of improving their lifestyle habits.

As a mental health worker, Audrey Carriere started her academic career with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology at University Guelph. She later pursued the medical industry as a paramedic after graduating from Lambton College. She continued on her career path towards health and nutrition at Nutraphoria, a School of Holistic Nutrition. Afterward, Audrey completed her Masters of Counseling and Psychology at Yorkville University and currently works in health, nutrition, and mental health in group homes specifically helping people deal with their lifestyle habits.

*** Please note that the content discussed in this podcast is intended for self-education and is not to be interpreted as medical advice.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 30:14 — 28.2MB)

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