No matter your diet or relationship with food, chances are that you think about calories, at least occasionally. From restaurant menus to fitness trackers, we’re constantly being reminded of the significance of the almighty calorie. But have you ever stopped to think—what exactly is a calorie, and how accurate are the numbers we’re continuously being fed? On this episode of The Model Health Show, I’m taking you behind the scenes of the infamous calorie and how it actually works in real life. We’...
Nov 11, 2020•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 442
It’s a simple truth: We are all, collectively, experiencing a challenging time right now. But instead of sitting in the negativity the news and social media feeds us, what can we do to convert concern into action? My guest on this episode, New York Times bestselling author and internal medicine physician Dr. Austin Perlmutter, explains how we all hold the keys to freeing our bodies and brains from damaging patterns. If you’re stressed, anxious, or depressed right now, Dr. Perlmutter offers some ...
Nov 03, 2020•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 441
Seventy million Americans are suffering from digestive issues right now. Can you believe that? What’s more mind-blowing is that most of those folks could start to feel a lot better by simply changing the way they eat. In this episode, Dr. Will Bulsiewicz and I get real about gut health. Dr. Bulsiewicz is a New York Times bestselling author and award-winning gastroenterologist who changed his approach to treating gut health when he turned his life around by changing his diet. Now, he’s leading th...
Nov 02, 2020•1 hr 30 min•Ep. 440
With the uncertainty we've all been facing lately, 2020 can feel downright scary. But that doesn’t mean you have to live in fear. Because no matter what’s going on in the world, we all still have the potential for growth, happiness, success, and love. Outside conditions don’t hold dominion over your life—only you hold that kind of power. In this scary good compilation episode, seven experts take an unflinching look at fear. You’ll learn that a little bit of fear is a good thing—it keeps us safe—...
Oct 27, 2020•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 439
If you’re like most people, you’ve probably spent more time than you would like to admit on your couch, in front of a screen, or both since the pandemic started. We’ve all been there, so it’s no surprise that a recent study published by BMC Public Health showed that levels of sedentary behavior have skyrocketed while levels of exercise have decreased over the last seven months. What comes as more of a shock is that these trends are showing a tendency to become permanently entrenched. Today’s gue...
Oct 26, 2020•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 438
If you knew an ingredient in your food could make you sick, would you still eat it? Probably not. Yet from orange juice to peanut butter cups, the synthetic ingredients lurking in everyday pantry staples could be doing you more harm than good. And while industrial food producers would love you to think otherwise, poor nutrition is a leading cause of preventable chronic diseases. As the saying goes, you really are what you eat. Our guest on this episode, New York Times bestselling author and food...
Oct 21, 2020•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 437
Albert Einstein is credited with saying, “We cannot solve problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.” Today, I want to apply that sentiment to the pandemic that our society is facing. As we seek solutions to a public health crisis, it’s important that we take a deeper look at the contributing factors that got us to this level of distress. On this episode of The Model Health Show, we’re diving deep into the pieces of our country’s health crisis that are not being analyzed. You’...
Oct 14, 2020•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 436
If you compare your life today to one year ago, it probably looks a lot different. So many of us have had to readjust and redefine how we interact in our personal lives, our families, and workplaces. There are so many things that have changed so quickly, but in that lies an incredible opportunity to be more intentional and to focus on what really matters. But how do you actually sharpen your focus, dial into your intuition, and affect change? Today’s guest, Light Watkins, is here to share valuab...
Oct 07, 2020•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 435
If you’re like most Americans, you probably have a few bad cell phone habits. Most of spend hours every day attached to our devices, with little to no boundaries or schedules. The thing is, this is no mistake. Our devices and apps are expertly engineered to alter our brain chemistry. So if you find yourself mindlessly refreshing the same apps over and over again or unconsciously reaching for your phone, it actually has little to do with your willpower and more to do with the efficacy of the prod...
Sep 29, 2020•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 434
The mask debate has become highly politicized and fueled by emotion. But instead, what if we approached life with logic, science, and reason? On this episode of the Model Health Show, my mission is to provide you with the tools you need to evaluate scientific studies and prepare yourself to shut down the cognitive biases that we all hold. We’re digging into the studies on mask efficacy, preventing infection, and health outcomes in the US. You’ll learn about different types of masks and how they ...
Sep 27, 2020•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 433
All year we’ve heard staggering statistics about the state of the economy, skyrocketing unemployment rates, and the demise of small businesses. It’s obvious that your ability to create an income for your family can impact your life in a multitude of ways, but did you know that job satisfaction is one of the strongest influences on our mental health? While that might sound disheartening, the truth is that each and every one of us holds the power to affect change and create a fulfilling, prosperou...
Sep 22, 2020•1 hr 43 min•Ep. 432
As we are collectively undergoing a massive shift in our society, there’s never been a better time to evaluate our habits, thoughts, and beliefs. On some level, we’ve all been impacted by societal pressures about the American Dream, the hustle, and what it truly means to be successful. But have you ever considered if any of those paradigms are actually true or effective? In his new book, The Buddha and the Badass , Vishen Lakhiani shares life-changing insights to help you uplevel your career pat...
Sep 16, 2020•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 431
For many folks around the world, right now is an immensely challenging time. Many of us are doing our best to make the most of a complicated situation. No matter what hardship you’re facing, there’s always the chance to seek out the opportunities that often present themselves during difficult seasons. Today you’re going to learn about tapping into your genius, cultivating your creativity, and the role of gratitude and love during adversity. Our guest is an award-winning poet, multi-platinum song...
Sep 08, 2020•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 430
“Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other’s eye for an instant?” – Henry David Thoreau When you’re on the outside of any struggle, it can be easy to dismiss or minimize the challenges that accompany the hardship. But what kinds of insights and perspectives could you gain if you had the opportunity to step outside of your own experience? That’s exactly what Drew Manning did in 2011 when he experimented with gaining and losing 70 pounds. Drew is a fitness influence...
Sep 01, 2020•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 429
Now, more than ever, it’s important to take control over your perspective. When it feels like the entire world is in disarray, your mindset will determine your ability to persevere. Luckily, the way that you think, react, and behave is entirely within your control. If you’re in need of a massive shift in perspective, today’s guest is the right person to help you pivot your mindset. JP Sears is a conscious comedian, author, podcaster, and YouTuber who has the innate gift of bringing light and com...
Aug 25, 2020•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 428
“Accept—then act. Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as you had chosen it. Always work with it, not against it.” -Eckhart Tolle I’m declaring 2020 “the Year of the Pivot.” Even though there are plenty of circumstances that we might wish were different, the truth is that it does no good to fight against an unchangeable reality. Sometimes the best we can do is accept what is and make the most of it. While this year might look different than you planned, it’s important to recognize tha...
Aug 24, 2020•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 427
Pandemics are stressful. Whether you’re stressing about homeschooling your kids, worrying about the health of your loved ones, or dealing with financial struggles, you’re not alone if you’re struggling during this time. As we navigate through isolation and uncertainty, taking care of your mental health should be at the top of your priority list. When it comes to brain health, there’s truly no one better suited on the planet to share valuable tips and strategies than Dr. Daniel Amen. Dr. Amen is ...
Aug 17, 2020•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 426
It’s been estimated that 17 million people have recovered from COVID-19. Given the transmissibility of the virus, how is that possible? The answer lies in the dynamic, complex, and powerful immune system. Your immune system is a multifaceted and highly intelligent defense system. And whether we’re in the midst of a worldwide pandemic or cold and flu season, it’s important to have an understanding of how the immune system works. More importantly, it’s critical to understand how to optimize and fo...
Aug 11, 2020•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 425
What do we actually know about virus transmissibility, the efficacy of face masks, and the implications of wearing a face covering? It turns out, it takes a lot of work to get to the bottom of what the data truly says. Articles circulating on social media are often misleading—omitting critical pieces of information to sway your opinion one way or another. That’s why I decided to dig deep into the studies, examine the data with an open mind, and share my findings with you. In my new documentary, ...
Aug 04, 2020•1 hr 31 min•Ep. 424
You don’t have to look far to find data (and opinions!) about the current pandemic. From news outlets to social media feeds, it can feel overwhelming to be constantly submerged into a plethora of information and scary statistics. But from a scientific perspective, it’s important to put context to the data in order to have a comprehensive grasp on what’s really happening. There’s no one better suited to help us gain a deeper understanding of reporting statistics and infection rates than Dr. Alan ...
Jul 29, 2020•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 423
For many folks, right now is a trying time. Between lockdowns, changes in school schedules, and skyrocketing unemployment rates, it’s easy to feel like is out of control. But when it comes down to it, there are a lot of aspects of your life that you can directly affect if you are intentional. Your personal health, your financial situation, the quality of your relationships, and your mental health are all areas that you have the power to positively impact. If you want to see improvement in those ...
Jul 21, 2020•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 422
With the realization of one’s own potential and self-confidence in one’s ability, one can build a better world. – Dalai Lama There are times in our lives when exterior circumstances can feel heavy and overburdening. Between a global pandemic, social unrest, and whatever you might be going through in your personal life, it’s totally normal to feel overwhelmed. If you’re experiencing high levels of stress, the most important thing to remember is that you are resilient, you are strong, and you are ...
Jul 15, 2020•56 min•Ep. 421
What do you think of when you hear the term body fat? If you’re like most Americans, you probably think of body fat as a cosmetic issue. But the truth is, our body fat is a critical part in our health, including hormone regulation, immune function, and metabolic processes. In our chronically overweight society, many people have an overabundance of body fat—but struggle to actually burn it off. There’s a huge misconception that this is a willpower deficiency, but in reality, a metabolic problem i...
Jul 08, 2020•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 420
This year has been a time for deep reflection, societal shifts, and hard conversations. Between being quarantined at home for months and our society experiencing an awakening of racial disparities, to say it’s a strange time would be an understatement. While major events in the world might seem out of our control, we each hold so much power in our ability to create meaning, engage in important conversations, and spark change around us. On today’s show, Anne Stevenson is back to share her perspec...
Jul 01, 2020•2 hr 6 min•Ep. 419
“ Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less.” ― Marie Curie Over the last few months, you’ve probably heard a lot of buzz about how you should be avoiding others, staying indoors, and wearing a mask. While there’s certainly a time for being cautious, I’ve found myself wondering why news outlets aren’t sharing more empowering information. There is a lot you can do to improve your immune function and protect your body...
Jun 24, 2020•1 hr 34 min•Ep. 418
Stress is a normal part of being human, and in our modern world, stress is something that we will always experience on some level. But lately it seems like stress triggers are in overdrive, and many of us are looking for ways to clear our minds and manage stress so that we can be our best selves. In this compilation episode, you’ll learn advice and strategies from eight experts on how you can better manage stress. While it’s impossible to totally eliminate the stressors in your life, you have th...
Jun 17, 2020•1 hr 14 min•Ep. 417
“Race and racism are a reality that so many of us grow up learning to just deal with. But if we ever hope to move past it, it can’t just be on people of color to deal with it. It’s up to all of us—Black, white, everyone—no matter how well-meaning we think we might be, to do the honest, uncomfortable work of rooting it out. It starts with self-examination and listening to those whose lives are different from our own. It ends with justice, compassion, and empathy that manifests in our lives and on...
Jun 09, 2020•1 hr 46 min•Ep. 416
“Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” – Barack Obama Our society is experiencing deep disconnection, turmoil, and uncertainty. As we face two devastating crises, we also have an incredible opportunity. We get to decide if we will remain in fear, struggle, and disconnection—or instead create a brighter future focused on solutions, equality, and connection. I couldn’t think...
Jun 03, 2020•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 415
Much of what you hear in the media about COVID-19 comes from a place of fear and uncertainty. Even the word pandemic itself incites a certain level of fear. But fear doesn’t paint a clear picture or give us solutions—only science can do that. That’s why I wanted to bring on an expert in the field of epidemiology to help us take a more rational, evidence-based approach to protect our health during this time. Dr. Alan Preston is a former professor of epidemiology & biostatistics. Today he’s he...
Jun 01, 2020•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 414
“The best day of your life is the one on which you decide your life is your own. No apologies or excuses. No one to lean on, rely on, or blame. The gift is yours—it is an amazing journey and you alone are responsible for the quality of it. This is the day your life really begins.” – Bob Moawad It can be easy to become weighed down by external circumstances, especially right now. All of us are adjusting to a new normal and trying to navigate circumstances that we’ve never encountered before. In a...
May 27, 2020•55 min
