Peak Human - Unbiased Nutrition Info for Optimum Health, Fitness & Living

Dr. Doug McGuff is an emergency physician, exercise researcher, and co-author of Body by Science. Known for his pioneering work in high-intensity resistance training, McGuff blends decades of medical practice with deep knowledge of physiology to reveal how short, focused workouts can yield extraordinary health benefits. He also runs training studios in South Carolina that specialize in safe, supervised strength training.

In this episode of Peak Human, Brian Sanders and Dr. McGuff dive into why most people misunderstand exercise, the dangers of overtraining, and how nutrition and movement fit together for long-term health. They cover everything from the “12-minute workout” to the role of myokines, why VO₂ max is misunderstood, and how subsidies and processed foods hijacked the human diet. This conversation reframes what it truly means to build strength, resilience, and health for life.

Show Notes:

03:00 Dr. McGuff’s Background: Emergency Medicine & Strength Training
07:00 Adaptive Resistance Training (ARX) & How It Works
14:00 The Physiology of Strength: Motor Units & True Failure
22:00 The “12-Minute Workout” – Time Efficiency & Maximum Results
25:00 Overtraining, PEDs, and the Myths of Modern Fitness Culture
28:00 Long-Term Damage from Inefficient Training Methods
30:00 You Can’t Out-Exercise a Bad Diet
33:00 The Straight Line Between You and the Sun – Whole Food Nutrition
44:00 Debunking the Meat & Gout Myth
48:00 Eat Densely, Move Intensely – Rethinking Fitness Advice
49:00 Cardio Myths, VO₂ Max, and the Zone 2 Obsession
56:00 What Really Correlates With Longevity: Adaptation, Not Numbers

In this episode of Peak Human, host Brian Sanders welcomes back Tara Couture. Tara, a renowned advocate for the Sapien lifestyle, shares insights into her holistic approach to health, which includes growing her own food and embracing a nutrient-dense diet. The discussion covers various topics, including nutrition, lifestyle factors, nature, hormone optimization for both men and women, and practical tips for adopting this lifestyle even in urban settings. Tara also discusses her new book, 'Radiance of the Ordinary,' which explores the profound rewards of living authentically and nourishing one's body. Brian also highlights the benefits of natural supplements like oyster pills for hormone optimization. A must-listen for anyone interested in sustainable living and holistic health.

Show Notes:

00:15 Tara's Lifestyle and Farmstead

00:59 Nutrition and Lifestyle 

07:46 Raising Healthy Children

15:36 Cooking and Food Preparation

31:45 Travel and Eating Healthy

35:10 Carbs and Diet Adjustments

36:42 Exploring the Benefits of Carbs

38:00 Introducing Tara’s Book: Radiance of the Ordinary

38:46 The Dichotomies of Life and Embracing Mortality

43:33 The Importance of Real Food and Nutrition

48:13 Men's Health and Hormones

57:41 The Simplicity of Whole Foods

01:05:54 The Gift of a Healthy Body

In this episode, Brian Sanders chats with Michael Kummer about his multifaceted approach to health and wellness, which combines elements of biohacking, fitness, and homesteading. Kummer, a proponent of the 'Sapien' philosophy, emphasizes a diet and lifestyle that closely mimic natural human behaviors. The discussion covers Michael's fitness routine, which involves minimal gym time, his creation of an accessible fitness program, and his unique perspective on the synergy between biohacking and homesteading. They delve into the issue of modern diets, stress, and lifestyle factors impacting health, using Austria as a case study to highlight these trends. Kummer also shares insights into his family's transition to a homesteading lifestyle and offers practical tips for integrating these principles into various lifestyles.

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Show Notes:

02:18 Biohacking vs. Natural Living

04:12 Homesteading and Food Production

08:45 Health Impacts of Modern Lifestyle

12:03 Traditional Food Preparation Techniques

24:41 The Importance of Muscle Mass

28:12 Austrian Lifestyle and Longevity

33:02 Traditional Austrian Diet: Then and Now

33:16 Impact of World War II on Diet and Lifestyle

35:32 Modern Austrian Diet and Health Trends

37:46 Comparing Health Outcomes: Austria vs. USA

45:38 Personal Fat Threshold and Its Implications

51:52 Homesteading and Sustainable Living

54:21 Balancing Modern Life with Traditional Practices

58:21 The Role of Community in Homesteading

01:03:13 Supplements and Whole Foods for Optimal Health

In this episode of Peak Human, host Brian Sanders interviews Dr. Ted Naiman, discussing the concept of satiety per calorie and its implications for diet and health. They dive into the importance of understanding different diet patterns, focusing on high-protein, nutrient-dense foods, and avoiding overly processed foods. The conversation covers the four pillars of satiety per calorie: protein percentage, energy density, fiber content, and hedonics. Dr. Naman also talks about his new book 'Satiety Per Calorie,' which aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of diet and nutrition, helping people make informed food choices to maintain optimal body composition effortlessly. The episode concludes with discussions on the benefits of natural exercise routines and natural supplements for overall health.

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Show notes

00:28 Understanding Diets and Nutrition

01:28 Exercise and Fitness Insights

02:09 Oyster Pills and Testosterone Boost

03:15 Daily Life and Health Philosophy

03:53 Satiety and Nutrient Density

05:38 The PE Diet and Satiety Per Calorie

06:34 Explaining Diet Patterns and Health Outcomes

12:48 Practical Tips for Diet and Exercise

41:09 Understanding Protein Leverage and Obesity

44:07 Can You Get Fat on Protein?

45:47 Nutrient Calories vs. Energy Calories

49:33 The Four Pillars of Satiety Per Calorie

54:42 The Role of Fiber in Satiety

01:01:38 Energy Density and Caloric Intake

01:07:01 The Liver's Role in Metabolism

In this episode of Peak Human, host Brian Sanders delves into a comprehensive discussion with marine biologist Stephen Kavanagh, an expert in shellfish and particularly oysters. Brian and Stephen explore the nutritional benefits of oysters, including their historical significance in human evolution and their roles in promoting testosterone, immunity, and overall health. Stephen details his artisanal processes at his facility in Ireland, emphasizing the purity and nutrient density of oysters used in their products. The conversation expands into broader themes of deep nutrition, the slow food movement, and the importance of returning to nature's ratios in our diets. Listeners also receive insights into the issues surrounding processed foods and modern health epidemics like obesity. 

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Show Notes:

02:25 The Journey of Oyster Processing and Supplement Manufacturing

06:02 The Aphrodisiac Effect of Oysters

10:00 Nutritional Benefits and Historical Significance of Oysters

14:18 The Importance of Real Food and Avoiding Processed Foods

15:03 Challenges in the Oyster Industry and Food Lies

20:06 The Synergy of Nutrients and Fortified Foods

26:49 Ancient Diets and the Role of Oysters in Human Evolution

28:48 The Nutritional Power of Oysters

29:41 Evolutionary Benefits of Oysters

31:21 Human Connection to Marine Life

32:17 Oysters and Water Quality

33:01 Oyster Pure: Quality and Testing

34:06 Personal Health Benefits of Oyster Supplements

35:29 Challenges in Marketing Oyster Supplements

43:39 The Slow Food Movement