Every day, millions quietly struggle with gut issues - bloating, unpredictable bathroom habits, discomfort, and confusing food reactions. Tracking and understanding what’s actually happening inside our bodies is tedious, messy, and often left ignored, even as research shows gut health impacts everything from mood to energy to disease risk.



Getting real insight feels nearly impossible, thanks to complex tests, hard-to-stick elimination diets, and unreliable self-logging. It’s a frustrating guessing game that keeps most people from finding relief or unlocking true vitality.



This episode dives into the science of gut health at home, exploring how you can turn your toilet into a health device - and transform your health for good.  Forget complicated labs and guesswork - here’s how you can get answers right from your own bathroom.



Scott Hickle is the Co-Founder and CEO of Throne, the world’s most advanced health wearable for your toilet. A mechanical engineer by training and entrepreneur by trade, Scott’s mission is to bring precision health tracking to one of the last untapped frontiers of the human body - our waste. Throne’s ultimate goal is to make preventive health second nature, giving everyone the chance to catch issues early, feel better daily, and live longer, healthier lives.



“Smartphone use on the toilet is associated with a 46% increase in the risk of hemorrhoids.” - Scott Hickle



In this episode you will learn:

 * Why daily bathroom habits can reveal key signals about your gut and urinary health.
 * How tech like Throne turns your toilet into a health tracker, capturing trends and patterns over time.
 * The basics of gut health, stool frequency and consistency, and why these insights matter for your wellbeing.
 * Ways to spot trigger foods and improve IBS management using data, instead of manual tracking and guesswork.
 * The link between stress and gut performance, based on real data and daily patterns.
 * How keeping tabs on hydration and bathroom routines can help prevent health risks, including accidental falls as we age.



Resources:

 * Connect with Scott on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scotthickle
 * Learn more about Throne Science: https://www.thronescience.com/



This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency [https://www.zapods.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=home-of-healthspan]:

https://www.zapods.com [https://www.zapods.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=home-of-healthspan]



Find the products, practices, and routines discussed on the Alively website [https://alively.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=home-of-healthspan]:

https://alively.com [https://alively.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=home-of-healthspan]

What Your Toilet Doesn't Tell You About Your Gut Health with Scott Hickle - E77

Mindfulness and meditation can not only decrease stress and anxiety, but can even alter the perception of pain. With the right type and amount of practice, you can train your brain to respond to situations thoughtfully, instead of purely with emotion.



But this is just one way in which you can increase and improve your healthspan - allowing you to live a longer and healthier life. There are many more.



Closing this gap between how long we live and how long we thrive can feel overwhelming, especially with endless advice promising quick fixes but delivering little real change.



This episode is the third in a micro series diving into what healthspan actually means. Join me to learn about the fundamental five pillars of healthspan. You’ll learn how simple, daily actions - not expensive hacks or brutal overhauls - build resilience and fight aging at its roots.



In this episode you will learn:

 * Why healthspan matters and how it differs from lifespan.
 * The five key pillars for living longer and stronger: nutrition, fitness, mindset, sleep, and social connection.
 * How daily habits and small steady changes create lasting health results.
 * What whole foods, meal timing, and proven diet frameworks do for your body.
 * Simple ways to add exercise, stress management, and sleep habits to your day.
 * Why strong social ties and community support help boost both health and happiness.



Resources

 * Connect with Andrew on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandrewmcconnell
 * Follow Alively on Instagram for regular updates and insights: https://www.instagram.com/alively_official
 * Learn more about healthspan from Andrew’s blog: https://www.mandrewmcconnell.com/blog



This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency [https://www.zapods.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=home-of-healthspan]:

https://www.zapods.com [https://www.zapods.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=home-of-healthspan]



Find the products, practices, and routines discussed on the Alively website [https://alively.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=home-of-healthspan]:

https://alively.com [https://alively.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=home-of-healthspan]

5 Ways to Increase Your Healthspan - E76

Stress, anxiety, and stuck emotional patterns can keep you feeling disconnected, no matter how hard you try to fix things on the surface. Ignoring what your body tells you often means old pain lingers, leaving you cut off from real healing and resilient wellbeing.

This episode shines a light on how somatic breathing - not just talk therapy or mindset shifts - can help you break through and finally release what’s holding you back. No gimmicks, just practical, proven methods for unlocking deep healing and genuine connection, all told by someone who learned these tools firsthand.

Owner of ‘Revive with Rach’, Rachel Bach is a passionate student of life, nature lover and body nerd. Through her own journey of overcoming chronic anxiety, disconnection and decades of cultural conditioning, Rachel now guides others to take their health and power back through stepping out of society's stress cycles, embracing their inner rebel, and remembering their own body's intelligence. Blending ancient wisdom, modern day science, some humor and a down to earth approach, she helps people come home to their hearts with tools based in breath, mindfulness and movement.



“The trauma wasn't the event, it's the wound you sustained from the event.” - Rachel Bach



In this episode you will learn:

 * What somatic work is and why it matters for health and healing.
 * How early life events and patterns shape your nervous system and trigger emotional reactions.
 * Why safety is key for healing, and how group support can help.
 * The difference between "big T" and "little t" trauma, and how it affects you.
 * How simple practices like breathwork and body awareness can improve your well-being.
 * Ways to start somatic healing with practical tools and resources



Resources

 * Connect with Rachel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/revivewithrach/
 * Learn more about Revive With Rach: https://revivewithrach.com/



This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency [https://www.zapods.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=home-of-healthspan]:

https://www.zapods.com [https://www.zapods.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=home-of-healthspan]



Find the products, practices, and routines discussed on the Alively website:

https://alively.com [https://alively.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=home-of-healthspan]

Somatic Breathwork for DEEP Healing with Rachel Bach - E75

Being told you have terminal cancer - and that there are no treatments left - is a scenario no one expects to face.



Despite medical progress, chronic inflammation and age-related disease still cut lives short, while most options only manage symptoms. Many of us try things like diet and exercise, yet the core causes of illness often go unchecked, leaving lasting health out of reach.



In this episode, we speak with someone who cured his own cancer in just 30 days, by using his knowledge and experience as a scientist, and by tapping into the body's ability to heal itself from inflammation. You'll learn the links between free radicals and chronic inflammation, and how you can use astaxanthin to help slow down - and possibly even prevent - age-related inflammatory diseases.



Samuel Shepherd is an award-winning physicist, inventor, and engineer. His career has taken him from developing technologies for NASA and the Beijing Olympics to pioneering solutions in alternative energy and environmental remediation. But it was a deeply personal health challenge that led him to his most life-changing discovery. Today, Samuel is on a mission to educate others about how inflammation accelerates disease and diminishes quality of life, and how targeted natural solutions can restore health. Beyond his formidable credentials, his personal story of overcoming terminal illness fuels his passion for helping others age with strength, energy, and resilience.



“And if you're no longer afraid of dying, what other is there to fear?” - Samuel Shepherd



In this episode you will learn:

 * How Samuel survived a terminal cancer diagnosis using a compound found in algae.
 * The link between free radicals, chronic inflammation, and common diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
 * How NASA’s standards for astronaut safety shape space travel, and why Mars missions remain risky for human health.
 * What astaxanthin is, how it works to neutralize free radicals, and why it may help prevent age-related and inflammatory diseases.
 * Steps Samuel took to dose and measure the effects of astaxanthin, with practical observations and outcomes.
 * The ways health role models use science-based tools and routines to tackle sickness and boost long-term wellbeing.



Resources

 * Connect with Samuel via ValAsta on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ValastaHome
 * Learn all about ValAsta: https://valasta.net/
 * Watch ValAsta’s videos on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ValAsta



This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency [https://www.zapods.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=home-of-healthspan]:

https://www.zapods.com [https://www.zapods.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=home-of-healthspan]



Find the products, practices, and routines discussed on the Alively website [https://alively.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=home-of-healthspan]:

https://alively.com [https://alively.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=home-of-healthspan]

How I Cured Cancer in 30 Days with Samuel Shepherd - E74

You leave most conferences feeling exhausted, fried by information overload, and too drained to apply a single thing you learned. Fast schedules, poor sleep, junk food, endless sitting, and forced networking can turn even the best events into a slog, destroying focus, energy, and motivation for days afterward.

But what if the structure of these gatherings could actually boost your health, help you remember more, and leave you energized? This episode unpacks how simple shifts in environment and programming, built on real-world science and tested by an “Olympian” in event planning, can transform not just your conference experience, but your return on both health and learning.

David T. Stevens is a Harvard-certified Lifestyle Medicine & Wellness Coach, disrupting the meetings and hospitality industry through wellness-centered event strategy. As co-founder of Olympian Meeting and Club Ichi, he combines two decades of experiential design with science-backed wellness and sustainability. David helps top brands create gatherings that go beyond the ballroom, infusing purpose, social connection, and measurable well-being into every experience.



“You leave tired, you leave your inbox and you are both terribly inflamed, you're sleep deprived… your life is a mess when you leave a conference.” - David T Stevens



In this episode you will learn:

 * Why most conferences leave people tired, inflamed, and sleep deprived, and how events can do better.
 * How movement, good food options, and mindful schedules can help attendees learn, connect, and feel energized.
 * Why programming for natural rhythms and offering agency in choices makes events more effective and inclusive.
 * The impact of group movement on belonging, learning, and social connection at corporate events.
 * How journaling and closing open loops helps transfer learning to long-term memory and encourages better sleep.
 * Why holistic wellness, including movement, meals, meaning, and mindfulness, boosts business results and attendee well-being.



Resources

 * Connect with David on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidtstevens/
 * Listen to David’s podcast, ‘Return On Wellness’: https://tr.ee/5k2GT0rMNX
 * Watch ‘Return On Wellness’ on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReturnOnWellness
 * Explore Olympian Meeting, a “wellness first” meetings and events agency: https://www.eventmarketingauthority.com/olympianmeeting



This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency [https://www.zapods.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=home-of-healthspan]:

https://www.zapods.com [https://www.zapods.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=home-of-healthspan]



Find the products, practices, and routines discussed on the Alively website:

https://alively.com [https://alively.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=home-of-healthspan]

How Wellness Completely Transforms Conferences with David T Stevens - E73

More than 12 years of poor health - that’s the average American’s reality, even as medicine extends our lifespans.



Chronic illness, lost independence, and emotional strain can turn our extra years into burdens instead of blessings. The gap between living long and living well is bigger in the US than anywhere else, leaving millions feeling stuck in bodies that survive but don’t thrive.



This episode is the second in a micro series diving into what healthspan actually means. Join me to unpack the urgency behind the healthspan crisis and map out why even advanced healthcare has failed to solve it.



In this episode you will learn:

 * Why the gap between lifespan and healthspan exists and why it matters now.
 * What the longevity paradox is and how it affects quality of life in America.
 * How medical progress has helped people live longer but not always healthier lives.
 * Why chronic diseases cause most of the years spent in poor health.
 * How the healthspan gap impacts personal life, society, and the economy.
 * The role of gender differences in healthspan and why women spend more years in poor health.



Resources

 * Connect with Andrew on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandrewmcconnell
 * Follow Alively on Instagram for regular updates and insights: https://www.instagram.com/alively_official
 * Learn more about healthspan from Andrew’s blog: https://www.mandrewmcconnell.com/blog



This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency [https://www.zapods.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=home-of-healthspan]:

https://www.zapods.com [https://www.zapods.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=home-of-healthspan]



Find the products, practices, and routines discussed on the Alively website [https://alively.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=home-of-healthspan]:

https://alively.com/ [https://alively.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=home-of-healthspan]

Healthspan: The Health Crisis Facing the US - E72

You want to cut back on drinking, but everywhere you turn - dinners, celebrations, even quiet nights at home - society pushes alcohol as the shortcut to fun and relaxation. Yet, you know those extra glasses leave you foggy, drained, and maybe even stuck in a shame spiral that saps your energy for days.



Breaking this cycle isn’t just about willpower or strict rules. The real challenge is rewiring your habits and making conscious choices that actually fit your goals and lifestyle. That’s tough when social pressure, outdated routines, and internal critics get in the way.



In this episode, we explore how small but powerful shifts in awareness, boundaries, and daily routines can help you regain control - whether your aim is moderation or cutting out alcohol entirely. Instead of vague promises and overnight solutions, we get real strategies from someone who’s helped countless others navigate the same process.



Laura Elorza is a clinical psychologist known for her work in conscious habit formation and moderation, particularly in the realm of alcohol use and wellness. She collaborates with Unconscious Moderation, an app focused on combining hypnotherapy, movement, and journaling to foster sustainable behavioral change. Laura's practice centers on helping individuals navigate social pressures, internal criticism, and mindfulness, offering tools for personal growth rooted in practical self-inquiry and daily routines. Her clients include people seeking healthier relationships with alcohol and those interested in holistic health strategies designed for everyday life.



“I've seen that I've started to drink a little bit more because I associate being more relaxed and more confident with drinking.” - Laura Elorza



In this episode you will learn:

 * Why effort is not the same as suffering, and how small steps drive healthy change.
 * How social connection and self-reflection play a key role in health and happiness.
 * What the “sober curious” movement is, and how thinking about alcohol has evolved.
 * Tools and habits for mindful decision-making around drinking and routines.
 * How movement, journaling, and guided meditation support better choices and wellbeing.
 * Why short-term routine reassessment can keep habits aligned with your goals and values.



Resources:

 * Connect with Laura: https://www.instagram.com/um_app
 * Find out more about the UM App: https://um.app
 * Follow the UM App YouTube channel for more inspiring content: https://www.youtube.com/@UM_App_Official
 * Listen to the UM Podcast, ‘Mind Over Glass’: https://um.app/podcast-mind-over-glass/



This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency [https://www.zapods.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=home-of-healthspan]:

https://www.zapods.com [https://www.zapods.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=home-of-healthspan]



Find the products, practices, and routines discussed on the Alively website [https://alively.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=home-of-healthspan]:

https://alively.com/ [https://alively.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=home-of-healthspan]

The Surprising Truth About Drinking in Moderation with Laura Elorza - E71

Most people are aging faster than they need to, simply because their daily habits are out of sync with how the human body is designed to thrive. Modern routines - poor sleep, processed foods, constant sitting - speed up damage and make it harder to stay healthy as the years pass.



This episode reveals how slowing aging comes down to practical changes anyone can make, starting with getting back to the basics of movement, nutrition, sleep, and sunlight. We break down why small, consistent shifts in your pattern of living don’t just prevent disease - they actually help you maintain vitality and slow the aging process itself. Tune in for straightforward guidance from someone who has built a career out of making health science accessible to anyone and everyone.



Dr. Dan Pardi is the Chief Health Officer at Qualia Life Sciences, where he leads education to advance healthspan and peak performance. He’s the founder of humanOS.me and host of humanOS Radio, the official podcast of the Sleep Research Society. Dan has advised elite military units, Fortune 500 companies, and startups through his consultancy, Vivendi Health. He holds a PhD in Cognitive Neuroscience from Leiden University and Stanford, and speaks regularly at events like TEDx, VC Firms, and the Institute for Human Machine Cognition.



“The more that modern technology and the environment changes how we live away from those natural conditions, the faster we will age.” - Dr. Dan Pardi



In this episode you will learn:

 * Why health is not a fixed target, and the value of updating your habits as new research appears.
 * The difference between treating sickness and actively building health, and why both matter.
 * How small shifts away from our natural lifestyle can speed up aging, and ways to push back.
 * The simple behavior model Dr. Pardi uses to help people build and keep healthy habits.
 * The challenge of scientific communication, and why strong beliefs should be held lightly as new facts arise.
 * Practical advice on where to start and how small actions build up to lasting health.



Resources

 * Learn more about Qualia products: https://www.qualialife.com/
 * Get Qualia’s Stem Cell supplements and use the code ‘HOMEHEALTH’ to get an additional 15% off any Qualia order: https://www.qualialife.com/shop/qualia-stem-cell?cpdc=homehealth&rfsn=8851009.38f0db5&utm_campaign=stem&utm_medium=influencer&utm_source=homehealth
 * Listen to Dr. Pardi’s podcast, humanOS Radio: https://pod.co/humanos-radio
 * Discover humanOS.me’s offerings: https://humanos.me/



This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency [https://www.zapods.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=home-of-healthspan]:

https://www.zapods.com [https://www.zapods.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=home-of-healthspan]



Find the products, practices, and routines discussed on the Alively website [https://alively.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=home-of-healthspan]:

https://alively.com/ [https://alively.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=home-of-healthspan]

Do This To Slow Aging Naturally with Dr. Dan Pardi - E70

Can you imagine trying to quit hard drugs, nicotine, and alcohol, while also building daily yoga, strength training, and plant-based eating - all in one go?



Most of us know the pain of setting health goals, slipping into overwhelm, and fizzling out before habits ever stick. The real challenge isn’t finding the next fitness plan or diet; it’s overcoming self-doubt, perfectionism, and that critical moment when old identity wins over new routines.



This episode breaks down how lasting change starts with mindset, self-compassion, and small, practical steps, guided by someone who completely transformed her life by taking on one hard thing at a time.



Moriah Bacus is fractional chief of staff, a project manager and accountability coach at Vibe High. With extensive professional experience and over 15 years specializing in project management across diverse sectors, Moriah takes complex visions and breaks them down into manageable, actionable steps. Her coaching approach combines exploratory and reflective questioning with practical project management strategies, helping visionary coaches and consultants get things done and ditch the overwhelm. She operates from the firm belief that true productivity stems from balance, recognizing that health and wellness, meaningful connections, and space for play all serve as essential foundations for a thriving business.



“Anchoring the habit in a specific time and place is probably one of the most powerful things you can do.” - Moriah Bacus



In this episode you will learn:

 * Why building new health habits works best by starting with one small change at a time.
 * The basics of human design and how understanding your energy type supports better habits.
 * The ways mindset and self-talk play a role in lasting behavior change.
 * How to shift your identity from “should” statements to “I am” statements for habit success.
 * Simple ways to stack new habits onto existing routines for quick wins.
 * How to break bad habits by making them harder to access and creating more positive cues.



Resources

 * Connect with Moriah on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/moriah.bacus/
 * Learn more about Moriah’s offerings at Vibe High: https://vibehighhere.com/



This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency [https://www.zapods.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=home-of-healthspan]:

https://www.zapods.com [https://www.zapods.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=home-of-healthspan]



Find the products, practices, and routines discussed on the Alively website [https://alively.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=home-of-healthspan]:

https://alively.com/ [https://alively.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=home-of-healthspan]

The Easiest Way to Make Healthy Habits Stick with Moriah Bacus - E69

What is healthspan?

You may have heard the word, but what does it actually mean?

Living longer isn’t the real challenge - it's spending those extra years feeling strong, clear-minded, and truly alive.



Most of us chase the number on the calendar, counting birthdays and hoping for longevity. But we rarely stop to ask how many of those years are spent fighting chronic illness, running low on energy, and losing out on what makes life enjoyable. The line between “lifespan” and “healthspan” is the difference between simply surviving and thriving.



This episode is the first of a micro series diving into what healthspan actually means. Join me to learn why it’s becoming urgent, and what steps can help you add vitality - not just years - to your life.



In this episode you will learn:

 * The clear difference between lifespan and healthspan, using simple road and car analogies.
 * Why healthspan matters more than just living longer, and how it relates to real life quality.
 * The history and growing scientific focus on healthspan, with roots going back to the 1980s.
 * How biological age shows the true state of your health, beyond just the number of birthdays.
 * The major health gap in the US, where many live long but much of that time is unhealthy.
 * Why focusing on healthspan is not a trend, but a shift toward adding energy and clarity to daily life.



Resources

 * Connect with Andrew on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mandrewmcconnell
 * Follow Alively on Instagram for regular updates and insights: https://www.instagram.com/alively_official
 * Learn more about healthspan from Andrew’s blog: https://www.mandrewmcconnell.com/blog



This podcast was produced by the team at Zapods Podcast Agency [https://www.zapods.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=home-of-healthspan]:

https://www.zapods.com [https://www.zapods.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=home-of-healthspan]



Find the products, practices, and routines discussed on the Alively website [https://alively.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=home-of-healthspan]:

https://alively.com [https://alively.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=shownotes&utm_campaign=home-of-healthspan]

Healthspan: What It Is and Why You Should Care - E68

We profile health and wellness role models, sharing the tools, practices, and routines they use to help you live healthier, longer.

Since 1950, the average lifespan has extended by 11 years, but our healthspan hasn’t kept up. We've been pursuing living longer without considering how to make those extra years vibrant and fulfilling. After all, 30 plus years of old age is a long time to spend slowly falling apart.

And that's where Home of Healthspan comes in.

Host Andrew McConnell interviews healthspan role models to help guide listeners through the 5 Pillars of Healthspan:

 * Fitness
 * Nutrition,
 * Sleep and recovery,
 * Stress management and Mindset,
 * And Social connection & purpose.

All so you can not only extend your years, but make them vibrantly healthy from start to finish.

This is your guide to extending your healthspan, Making sure you live Alively day today, every day, for all of your days.

Home of Healthspan

Andrew McConnell's Show

How to live Alively life with Lauren Sambataro

Andrew McConnell

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