Premier Cardiovascular Health and Performance Podcast

We’ve all heard the phrase “silent killer” tossed around, but few conditions embody that description quite like Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)—a condition that often lurks beneath the surface until urgent treatment is indicated. In this episode, Dr. Christopher Huff, an interventional cardiologist with a front-row seat to the devastating impact of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (P...

Hybrid training is gaining popularity, but what does it really mean to be a hybrid athlete?  Many assume it’s simply about adding aerobic exercise to your current strength routine or vice versa, but the reality is more nuanced. Whether you're a tactical operator, mountain climber, or recreational athlete, balancing strength and aerobic fitness requires a strategic approach. Drew Hammond, an experi...

Many people follow all the right steps—eating a healthy diet, exercising consistently, and achieving a caloric deficit—yet the scale refuses to budge. Why? The answer often lies in hormonal imbalance, metabolic dysfunction, and food noise. Weight loss isn’t just about "eating less and moving more." Underlying issues like insulin resistance, low testosterone, thyroid dysfunction, and even gut healt...

Heart disease remains the #1 cause of death worldwide, yet its prevalence remains unchanged despite a 38% drop in heart attack fatalities over the past two decades. The culprit? Rising obesity, diabetes, and metabolic dysfunction. Standard testing can miss nearly 50% of at-risk patients, leaving millions vulnerable. Heart disease isn’t just about cholesterol—it’s a process fueled by inflammation,...

Dr. Huff shares a deeply personal story of navigating two simultaneous medical emergencies while reflecting on what enabled him to stay composed under pressure.  It wasn’t a lack of stress but years of preparation that allowed him to act with clarity. This experience brought home a powerful truth: mental fortitude is a skill anyone can develop.  By exposing ourselves to different kinds of stress—p...

Microplastics, the tiny yet pervasive fragments infiltrating our air, water, food, and bodies, pose a significant threat to both our health and the environment.  In this episode, we break down where they come from, their alarming presence in our daily lives, their impact on human health, and simple, actionable strategies to reduce exposure and contribute to a healthier planet. Top 3 Actionable Tak...

As we move through the holiday season, it’s easy to let fitness routines fall by the wayside. But understanding how your body uses energy can reignite your motivation and set the stage for better performance, endurance, and health in the new year. In this episode, Dr. Huff takes us through the science of energy production, explaining how adenosine triphosphate (ATP) acts as the "currency" powering...

Dr. Biff Palmer’s journey to becoming a world-class climber started in his mid-40s, on a couch in Texas, captivated by documentaries on extreme mountaineering. This fascination fueled his successful climbing of the Seven Summits—the tallest peaks on each continent, including Mount Everest. In this episode, Dr. Palmer recounts his experiences on challenging climbs like Denali, Elbrus, and the Carst...

Coronary heart disease is the result of ApoB containing lipoprotein invasion into the arterial wall. Fortunately, lifestyle modifications can reduce your risk. From engaging in regular physical activity to consuming a diet rich in whole foods, every small change can ripple into significant long-term benefits. Don’t get sidetracked by misinformation pushed by those with little knowledge or training...

Nutrition and exercise play a pivotal role in enhancing heart health by targeting key risk factors for cardiovascular disease. A whole food nutrient-dense diet helps reduce visceral fat, the metabolically active fat around the organs, which is closely linked to inflammation, insulin resistance, and heart disease. Appropriate nutrition and exercise also improve dyslipidemia by lowering the ApoB lip...

In a world where quick fixes and symptom-focused care dominate the conversation about health, a growing number of people are turning to a more holistic approach to wellness. At the heart of this shift is a simple but profound question: Are we addressing the root causes of pain and dysfunction, or just managing symptoms? Dr. Katie D’Amato, a doctor of physical therapy and certified yoga instructor,...

In today’s episode, Austin takes us back to the start, sharing his journey from a broke college student working at a supplement store to becoming a mentor for coaches around the globe. He opens up about the challenges of competing, the mistakes that wrecked his own health, and how those setbacks fueled his passion for functional health. You’ll hear about the lessons he learned the hard way: how ig...

Allison Grubbs discusses her journey as an endurance athlete, revealing how grit, resilience, and a deep-seated desire to push her limits propelled her to complete the world’s toughest endurance event, GORUCK Selection. From her upbringing in a rural area to her journey through CrossFit and adventure racing, Allison’s story is a profound reminder that mental toughness can be cultivated. Through he...

Dr. Thomas Dayspring, a world-renowned lipidologist, explores the science of cholesterol and its carriers—lipoproteins—and their role in heart disease.  He highlights the importance of measuring ApoB for a more accurate assessment of cardiovascular risk and discusses emerging therapies that target ApoB and Lp(a), providing new options for heart disease prevention and treatment. Bio Thomas Daysprin...

Former NFL defensive tackle David Nugent recounts his career, from playing at Purdue to being drafted by the New England Patriots and winning Super Bowl XXXVI. He discusses the pressure of professional sports, and touches on the challenges of maintaining a life of faith amidst the temptations of the NFL.  David shares his post-football journey, including his shift into medical sales and youth spor...

Chiropractic care often gets misunderstood as just a treatment for back pain, but it’s so much more. In this episode, Dr. Josh Murphy clears up common misconceptions and explains how chiropractic care can help with everything from joint pain and sports injuries to overall wellness. He highlights the holistic approach chiropractors take, addressing the entire body to improve movement, function, and...

In this episode, we break down VO2max—the most reliable measure of cardiovascular fitness—and why it’s more than just a metric for athletes. We explore how it impacts everything from daily energy levels to long-term health and lifespan. VO2max might sound like a stat only for elite athletes, but the truth is, it’s something everyone should care about. We’ll show you how to measure your VO2max, wha...

Johnny Ayala, a U.S. Army veteran, overcame his personal struggles with PTSD through strength training. Today, he’s an accomplished bodybuilder and coach, helping others harness the power of physical fitness. In this conversation, Johnny and Dr. Huff explore the importance of mental resilience, strength training for longevity, and why a strong support system is essential.  They also cover practica...

This episode explores the science behind fats, focusing on their impact on cardiovascular health. Dr. Huff explains the benefits of monounsaturated fat from olive oil and polyunsaturated omega-3 fats found in fish, while cautioning against high saturated fat intake.    He also discusses the current science on seed oils, urging a diet that focuses on whole foods rather than processed options. The k...

In this episode, Dr. Marguerite Weston takes us through her transformation from a conventional sports medicine physician to a functional medicine expert. She shares insights on hormone replacement therapy in women, touching on its benefits for peri- and postmenopausal women and debunking common myths. The discussion also covers testosterone therapy, its indications, and how lifestyle changes play...

Dr. Huff explores several common cardiovascular conditions, including coronary artery disease, aortic aneurysm, aortic valve stenosis, atrial fibrillation, and pulmonary embolism. He provides an overview of their causes, symptoms, risk factors, and the latest treatment options, emphasizing the importance of early detection and lifestyle modifications to prevent severe outcomes.  5 Tips for Maintai...

Establishing a caloric deficit means consuming fewer calories than your body uses for daily energy expenditure, prompting the body to burn stored fat for energy. In this episode, I discuss the strategies that help my clients create this deficit without feeling deprived. From eating satiating, low calorie, nutrient-dense foods to incorporating more movement into their daily routine, these changes m...

We explore the basics of cholesterol, focusing on how it affects your heart health. We explain the roles of HDL and LDL cholesterol, the importance of Apolipoprotein B, and the often overlooked Lipoprotein(a). We also explore the genetic disorder familial hypercholesterolemia and why managing cholesterol isn’t just about diet and exercise. Whether you’re looking to improve your cholesterol levels...

In the premiere episode of his new podcast, Dr. Chris Huff, a board-certified interventional cardiologist, introduces the critical issue of cardiovascular health. With a passion for prevention, Dr. Huff explains the dangers of metabolic dysfunction and its link to heart disease, highlighting the impact of the standard American diet on cardiovascular health. He breaks down the basics of coronary ar...

Launching on August 22, Dr. Chris Huff, an interventional cardiologist trained at the renowned Cleveland Clinic, is ready to share his passion for keeping your heart in top shape.  Dr. Huff is passionate about keeping hearts healthy, not just fixing them when things go wrong. This podcast is where he’ll break down everything you need to know about preventing heart disease, which is a big deal sinc...