1st Optimal Podcast

Ever feel overwhelmed trying to decipher a scientific paper?  You’re not alone. In this Episode of the 1st Optimal Podcast, host Joe Miller sits down with Ella the “Scientific Snitch” and Dr. Michael MacPherson to walk you through the science behind what goes into establishing accurate and effective medical research.   Whether you’re a coach, clinician, or just someone who wants to make sense of a...

Host Joe Miller sits down with Allison Fahrenbach—Pro Figure Athlete, NBC-HWC Certified Health Coach, FDN-P, and the founder of Revive Wellness Health & Physique.  With nearly two decades of experience helping women over 35 transform their bodies, rebalance hormones, and heal their gut, Allison brings a powerful, faith-forward approach to wellness that bridges aesthetics and foundational healt...

In this episode of the 1st Optimal Podcast, we sit down with Casie Leigh Shepherd, a former Division I basketball player, IFBB Women’s Physique Pro, and now a powerhouse in integrative hormone and performance coaching. Together they discuss the latest trends in hormone optimization, gut health, and performance medicine—before diving into Casie’s powerful journey through elite athletics, personal h...

In this episode of the 1st Optimal Podcast, host Joe Miller sits down with the unstoppable Jen Thompson — 11x IPF World Champion, 68-time world record holder, and the definition of lifelong strength. At 51, she’s still benching over 325 lbs raw, breaking records, raising two boys, and teaching high school math — proving strength comes in many forms. Whether you're chasing your next PR or just...

In this episode of the 1st Optimal Podcast, host Joe Miller sits down with Dr. Ashley Dwyer —PharmD, former NPC competitor, and founder of TeamBDN Coaching — to break down the biggest health lies keeping women stuck, sick, and spinning their wheels. From metabolic damage to hormone myths, this episode dives into the real science behind what works — and what absolutely doesn't — when it comes...

Burnout isn't a badge of honor. In this episode of the 1st Optimal Podcast, host Joe Miller sits down with nutrition coach and stress recovery consultant Anna Smirnova to unpack the real reasons so many high-performing professionals feel drained, foggy, and burnt out—despite doing “all the right things.” Her method? No crash diets. No guilt. Just practical, science-backed strategies for peopl...

In our upcoming episode of the 1st Optimal Podcast, host Joe Miller sits down with hormone health expert DJ Madson to discuss women’s health, the benefits of functional medicine, and signs primary care doctors often miss. From misunderstood hormone markers like free testosterone to the impact of gut health and HRT, this is an episode you won’t want to miss! Watch the episode on YouTube: https://yo...

Tired of feeling off and not knowing why? This episode is for YOU. Hormone shifts during perimenopause can feel like a rollercoaster — weight gain, brain fog, low energy, mood swings. But the good news? You’re not broken. And you’re not alone. 🎙️ On this week’s episode of the 1st Optimal Podcast, we sat down with Anastasi Bennett, a Perimenopause Health Coach who’s changing the game for women 35+....

Struggling with stubborn weight, low energy, or mood swings during perimenopause or menopause? You’re not alone—and there is a better way. 💪 In this powerful episode of the 1st Optimal Podcast, host Joe dives deep with certified health coach Jane Burnette, a 1st Optimal Coaching Partner who specializes in guiding women through midlife transitions with evidence-based strategies that address hormon...

What does it really take to think, live, and perform like an Olympian? In this powerful episode of the 1st Optimal Podcast, we sit down with Jake Herbert — Olympic wrestler, NCAA champion, and mindset coach — to unpack the high-performance habits, mental frameworks, and daily disciplines that helped him reach the world’s biggest stage. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a father, a competitive a...

🎙️ Unlocking Peak Performance with Dr. Michael MacPherson | 1st Optimal Podcast Join us on the latest episode of the 1st Optimal Podcast as we delve into the science and application of Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training with renowned sport scientist Dr. Michael MacPherson, PhD, CSCS. With a rich background in health sciences and sports medicine, Dr. MacPherson brings a wealth of knowledge on op...

We’re thrilled to welcome Nathalia Melo — Ms. Olympia Champion and leading women’s health expert — to the latest episode of the 1st Optimal Podcast ! 🔥 In this powerful conversation, Nathalia breaks down a holistic approach to women's health , covering everything from:  👉 Science-backed fitness and training strategies for real women 👉 Navigating hormonal shifts and metabolism in your 30s,...

In this deeply personal and eye-opening episode of the 1st Optimal Podcast, we dive into an unfiltered conversation with our guest Kolton Lukes who shares his remarkable journey from a challenging childhood to serving in the military and becoming a respected coach and voice in the health and fitness space—all while navigating life with cerebral palsy. The group also tackles some of today’s most co...

Adam Lamb ( @Adamlamb33 ) on Testosterone, Parenting, Performance, and Purpose 00:00 - Intro: Misconceptions about Low Testosterone & Alpha Males 01:35 - Morning chat: Germs from Jiu-Jitsu & Gross Realities of Grappling 04:20 - Chest Hair, Beards & BJJ: Mediterranean Grappling Culture 06:15 - Meet Adam Lamb: From Michigan to Nationwide Telehealth 07:45 - Adam’s Personal Low T Story at...

In this episode, the group engages in an insightful discussion with guest Edin Sehovic  @evidencenutrition and  @Scientificsnitch   covering a wide range of topics related to nutrition, scientific literacy, and debunking common health myths. They dive into misconceptions about fiber intake, diabetes, cholesterol, and food safety while emphasizing the importance of critical thinking in scientific r...

In this episode of the 1st Optimal Podcast, we’re diving deep into elite performance, combat sports training, and strength development with Coach Eli Coffey, a powerhouse in BJJ, MMA, powerlifting, and bodybuilding. Joined by Mike Catherwood, this conversation unpacks what it takes to train, recover, and perform at the highest level—both mentally and physically. Coach Eli shares insights from his...

Welcome to the 1st Optimal Podcast! In this episode, we’re thrilled to host Nick "Chewy" Albin—founder of the Chewjitsu Open—one of the most influential figures in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ). With over two decades of training and a decorated competitive career, Chewy shares his journey from white belt to black belt, offering invaluable insights into training smarter, competing harder, and...

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) isn’t just about irregular cycles—it’s a full-body metabolic disorder linked to insulin resistance, inflammation, and long-term health risks. In this episode, we dive deep into how GLP-1 receptor agonists—medications originally designed for diabetes—are now emerging as a powerful tool for PCOS management. Joining us is Scientific Snitch (Ella), who shares her perso...

In this powerhouse episode of the 1st Optimal Podcast, we sit down with Davey Maher, a leading Women's Health Expert specializing in peri-menopause, menopause, training, hormones, nutrition,  lifestyle management, and BHRT for women over 35. Joining the discussion are: 🍎 Davey Maher - Menopause weight loss specialist and fitness coach, empowering 3,000+ women to achieve lasting results. 💪 M...

Join us for an insightful and dynamic conversation with Joe Miller,  founder of 1st Optimal, alongside Mike Catherwood, and the brilliant Ella, aka The Scientific Snitch. This episode dives deep into the world of health, fitness, and performance, offering expert perspectives from diverse backgrounds. Topics Covered: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Introducing the complexities of PCOS, its metabo...

Welcome to the 1st Optimal Podcast, where we tackle some of the most pressing and misunderstood topics in men's and women's health and wellness.  Featuring: Joe Miller, Justin Hokams, Scientific Snitch, and Kurt Havens In this episode, we explore: Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) and Prostate Health: How is TRT linked to organ health such as the prostate or the heart?  Heart Health...