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

 

BEEF TALLOW PRODUCTS: NosetoTail.org [http://nosetotail.org/]

Preorder the film here: http://indiegogo.com/projects/food-lies-post 

 

Film site: http://FoodLies.org [http://foodlies.org/]

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FoodLies

 

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Part 228 - Dr. Doug McGuff on High-Intensity Training, Recovery, and the Truth About Nutrition

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

 

BEEF TALLOW PRODUCTS: NosetoTail.org [http://nosetotail.org/]

Preorder the film here: http://indiegogo.com/projects/food-lies-post 

 

Film site: http://FoodLies.org [http://foodlies.org/]

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FoodLies

Tara's Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/798098/radiance-of-the-ordinary-by-tara-couture/

 

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Part 227 - Holistic Health, Slow Food, and Lifelong Vitality with Tara Couture

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.

 

Try the oyster pills! https://nosetotail.org/products/pure-oyster

 

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

 

BEEF TALLOW PRODUCTS: NosetoTail.org [http://nosetotail.org/]

Preorder the film here: http://indiegogo.com/projects/food-lies-post 

 

Film site: http://FoodLies.org [http://foodlies.org/]

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FoodLies

 

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Part 226- Biohacking and Homesteading: Bridging the Gap with Michael Kummer

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.

 

Try the oyster pills! https://nosetotail.org/products/pure-oyster

 

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

 

REGENERATIVE PRODUCTS: NosetoTail.org [http://nosetotail.org/]

Preorder the film here: http://indiegogo.com/projects/food-lies-post 

 

Film site: http://FoodLies.org [http://foodlies.org/]

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FoodLies

 

Follow along:

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Unlocking the Secrets of Satiety Per Calorie with Dr. Ted Naiman

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. 

 

Try the oyster pills! https://nosetotail.org/products/pure-oyster

 

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

 

BEEF TALLOW PRODUCTS: NosetoTail.org [http://nosetotail.org/]

Preorder the film here: http://indiegogo.com/projects/food-lies-post 

 

Film site: http://FoodLies.org [http://foodlies.org/]

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FoodLies

 

Follow along:

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Part 224- Boosting Health with Oysters: Conversations on Deep Nutrition with Marine Biologist Stephen Kavanagh

Mark Sisson, 72 and still shredded, returns to Peak Human for a powerful conversation on what real healthspan looks like — not chasing 180 years with futuristic tech, but thriving into your 90s with energy, strength, and vitality. As the founder of the Primal Blueprint, Mark brings decades of wisdom on metabolic flexibility, minimalist training, and practical ancestral living.

 

In this episode, Brian and Mark discuss how to optimize metabolism, how to train smarter (not harder), the real deal with fiber, alcohol, hydration, and carbs — and why metabolic flexibility is the key to enjoying life without strict rules, guilt, or orthorexia.



Try the oyster pills! https://nosetotail.org/products/pure-oyster

 

 

Show Notes:

02:00 The Primal Blueprint and 25 Years of Low Carb Living

04:00 Minimum Effective Dose – Why Mark Hates Overtraining

11:30 Redefining Metabolic Flexibility

14:00 Burning Carbs and Fat – The Joy of Not Being Rigid

18:00 Why Unsustainable Diets Always Fail

20:30 The European Bread Exception – Healing the Gut for Freedom

24:00 Alcohol, Red Wine & the Spectrum of Acceptable Foods

27:30 Fiber is Overrated – Healing IBS with Collagen & Meat

34:00 What Stool Really Is – Busting Fiber Myths

39:00 The Problem with Sugar Diets & Misguided Trends

44:00 You’re Not Dehydrated – The Hydration Hype Exposed

49:00 Do We Really Need Electrolytes All the Time?

52:00 Sunlight: Powerful, But Not Without Risk

 

 

REGENERATIVE PRODUCTS: NosetoTail.org [http://nosetotail.org/]

Preorder the film here: http://indiegogo.com/projects/food-lies-post 

 

Film site: http://FoodLies.org [http://foodlies.org/]

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FoodLies

 

Follow along:

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Part 223 – Mark Sisson on Metabolic Flexibility, Alcohol, Fiber, and the Real Secrets to Longevity

Ben Azadi joins Peak Human for a powerful, wide-ranging conversation on what it really takes to reclaim your metabolic health in a world of processed food, misinformation, and identity confusion. As the founder of Keto Kamp and bestselling author of Metabolic Freedom, Ben breaks down the biological and psychological barriers to health—from insulin resistance and the dangers of constant snacking to the mindset shifts required to become someone who actually lives in alignment with vitality and longevity.

Host Brian Sanders and Ben dive deep into topics like fasting, hormone signaling, body recomposition, and the power of intention. This episode is as practical as it is inspiring, offering a blend of science, ancestral wisdom, and self-mastery.

 

 

Try the oyster pills! https://nosetotail.org/products/pure-oyster

 

Show Notes:

01:15 – Meet Ben Azadi: Real food, metabolic freedom, and seed oil awareness 03:10 – The Seed Oil Allergy Card: How to navigate restaurants safely 06:00 – Metabolic Flexibility 101: From sugar burner to fat burner 08:45 – Insulin Resistance is the Root: Why fasting insulin matters more than blood sugar 11:15 – Real vs. Processed Carbs: Potatoes vs. potato chips 13:00 – The Snacking Epidemic: 17 to 23 eating events a day 14:45 – Grazing = Aging: How frequent eating ages you faster 17:30 – mTOR vs. Autophagy: Bodybuilding, aging, and metabolic balance 20:00 – The Hayflick Limit: Cellular aging explained 21:45 – Longevity Mode vs. Growth Mode: Living in cycles 31:15 – Don’t Be a Keto Zealot: Even Keto Kamp flexes 36:30 – Nutrient Density Always Wins: Why sugar fasting is not sustainable 40:15 – Metabolic Inflexibility on Both Ends: Fat burners can get stuck too 41:00 – The Diet Culture Trap: Why most diets fail 43:30 – The Subconscious Self-Image: Why your beliefs keep sabotaging you 47:45 – Sticky Note Protocol: The 30-day mental reprogramming 56:30 – Real Food & Movement = Real Results 57:30 – Third World vs. First World: Why simple food wins 58:30 – Final Takeaways: Real food, movement, and mindset still winno

 

 

REGENERATIVE PRODUCTS: NosetoTail.org [http://nosetotail.org/]

Preorder the film here: http://indiegogo.com/projects/food-lies-post 

 

Film site: http://FoodLies.org [http://foodlies.org/]

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FoodLies

 

Follow along:

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Part 222 – Metabolic Freedom, Identity Change & the Myth of Snacking w/ Ben Azadi

Chris Kruger returns to Peak Human for an electrifying, no-nonsense breakdown of why the calorie paradigm is broken, how hormone health is the real foundation of lifelong fitness, and what he calls the “Forever Jeans” formula — a simple, powerful way to track your health without lab work or complex diagnostics.

In this episode, host Brian Sanders returns after an eight-month hiatus with an update on his documentary 'Food Lies' and a deep dive conversation with fitness expert Chris Krueger. They discuss the myths surrounding diet and exercise, emphasizing the importance of natural hormone optimization over artificial supplementation like TRT. Krueger outlines a holistic approach to health that targets core strength, mobility, balance, and proper nutrition. The conversation also covers practical, actionable insights for achieving optimal health and fitness without the need for extensive gym workouts or rigid diet plans. The episode concludes with practical tips, such as leveraging whole foods and natural supplements like oyster capsules, to naturally boost essential hormones.

Show notes: 00:00 Intro – What’s New with Brian Sanders & Food Lies 02:15 Hormone Optimization Over TRT – Why Natural Matters 04:25 The Forever Jeans Formula – Waist-to-Height Ratio Simplified 08:55 Hormones vs. Willpower – Why You’re Not Broken, the System Is 14:40 You Don’t Need a Gym – The 14-Minute Workout That Changes Lives 21:10 Hunger Means Hunter – Rethinking Hunger, Leptin, and Satiety 28:00 The Leptin Trigger – Why Protein is the Key to Real Satiety 33:00 Snacks Are for Fat Kids? – Fasting, Insulin, and Hormonal Wins 35:00 The Flywheel of Hormonal Momentum vs. the Spiral of Willpower 44:20 How Women Can Optimize Naturally – Fat Loss and the 28-Day Cycle 48:00 The Billionaire with a Heart Attack – A Cautionary Tale 55:00 Helpful vs. Unhelpful Foods – A Simpler Way to Think About Diet 01:02:00 The Fitness Industry’s Scam – What Really Works

 

REGENERATIVE PRODUCTS: NosetoTail.org [http://nosetotail.org/]

Preorder the film here: http://indiegogo.com/projects/food-lies-post

 

Film site: http://FoodLies.org [http://foodlies.org/]

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FoodLies

 

Follow along:

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Part 221 - Chris Kruger on Optimizing Your Hormones Naturally (No TRT or HRT)

Dr. Rob Vasquez and Dr. Randy Johns, known as The Happy Healthy Guys, wellness experts dedicated to transforming lives through natural health and wellness practices. With a focus on nutrition, detoxification, and holistic living, they aim to empower individuals to achieve optimal health and vitality. Dr. Vasquez and Dr. Johns are passionate about educating others on the importance of a balanced lifestyle, free from toxins and harmful habits. They share their knowledge through online content, public speaking, and wellness programs, helping people across the globe lead happier, healthier lives.

 

In this podcast episode Dr. Rob and Dr. Randy, share their journey from traditional medical paths to embracing chiropractic care and holistic health approaches. Both doctors recount their personal experiences with health challenges that led them to question the conventional allopathic model, which often focuses on symptom management rather than addressing root causes. Their journey led them to explore various diets and health practices, initially adhering to calorie-restrictive models but eventually shifting towards a more holistic understanding of nutrition. The hosts also discuss their approach to improving metabolic health by addressing common misconceptions and providing practical strategies. They emphasize the importance of metabolic flexibility, explaining how consuming the right types of carbohydrates can actually improve sleep and overall health, contrary to popular low-carb diets. They also talk about the dangers of consuming high-oxalate foods like spinach and almonds, which can lead to serious health issues, including kidney problems.

Join their challenge for FREE https://www.h2thinchallenge.com/sapien

 

 Show notes:

 

[00:02:00] Shift from Allopathic to Chiropractic Care

[00:09:00] Trusting the Body's Natural Healing Process

[00:11:00] Transition to Nutrition and Metabolism

[00:16:00] Evolution of Their Health Philosophy

[00:18:00] Rejecting the Calories-in, Calories-out Model

[00:20:00] Low Carb Diet Journey,Health Decline and Realization

[00:30:00] Reevaluating Dietary Choices

[00:37:00] Key Principles for Sustainable Health

[00:53:00]High Oxalate foods 

[00:55:00] Metabolic flexibility

Part 220 -  What if Carbs Aren't the Problem? w/ Dr. Randy Johns & Dr. Rob Vasquez

Dr. Cate Shanahan is a board-certified family physician and expert in nutrition, focusing on the intersection of diet and metabolic health. She is the author of Deep Nutrition, The Fatburn Fix, and Dark Calories where she advocates for traditional diets rich in whole foods, emphasizing the benefits of healthy fats and nutrient-dense foods. With a background in biochemistry and genetics, Dr. Shanahan has dedicated her career to understanding how modern processed foods contribute to chronic disease and poor health outcomes. Her work has influenced numerous health professionals and individuals seeking to improve their well-being through dietary changes.

Dr. Cate Shanahan on A Root Cause For All Disease?

Peak Human is a curated audio series taking an unbiased look at health & nutrition. With so much conflicting information available, filmmaker and health coach Brian Sanders sifts through the dogma and provides a framework that unifies all nutrition and dietary habits that lead to optimum health. World renowned doctors, researchers, and journalists are interviewed to find out what is the true human dietary framework that we should all be eating to live well and free of chronic disease. It is based around principles of nutrient density and uses a combination of ancestral health and modern science. It is produced ad-free to support the documentary 'Food Lies' (FoodLies.org)

Brian Sanders

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