Primal Foundations Podcast

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Ankur Verma, an emergency medicine specialist from New Delhi and host of The DESI EM Project podcast, shares his compelling journey from a carb-heavy Indian diet to embracing a carnivore lifestyle after facing severe metabolic health issues. By adopting a meat-based diet, he reversed his own metabolic syndrome and witnessed remarkable health improvements in others, including h...

Send us Fan Mail The search for the perfect strength training program often leads to over-complication, but Jim Wendler—creator of the iconic 5-3-1 program and former elite powerlifter who once squatted 1,000 pounds—makes a compelling case for simplicity. In this episode, Wendler shares how his lifelong commitment to consistent, basic training transformed him from an average athlete into a multi-s...

Send us Fan Mail What if the key to lasting fitness success isn’t found in the latest workout trend, but in understanding your identity? In this episode, Michael Kurkowski—strength coach with 15 years of experience and host of The Strength Connection podcast—shares powerful insights into the psychology behind sustainable progress. After a hip injury as a teenager led him down a path of rehabilitat...

Send us Fan Mail Angelo Gingerelli brings 20 years of collegiate strength coaching wisdom to our first-ever guest episode, offering hard-earned lessons from his time at Seton Hall and beyond. He challenges the constant job-hopping in the industry, emphasizing the value of building roots, relationships, and revenue streams. We dive into early sport specialization, with Angelo dropping gems like, &q...

Send us Fan Mail What happens when your body finally gets exactly what it needs? Melissa Bee’s journey from corporate burnout to vibrant health reveals the transformative power of the carnivore lifestyle. After developing debilitating tinnitus in 2010 and receiving a bleak medical outlook, Melissa refused to settle for a lifetime of medications. Her healing journey took a pivotal turn while preppi...

Send us Fan Mail Sally K. Norton shares her powerful journey from health-conscious eater to chronically ill patient, and the surprising discovery that changed everything. After decades of unexplained pain, surgeries, and symptoms that baffled doctors, Sally found that the real culprit was oxalates—compounds found in popular “superfoods” like spinach, almonds, and sweet potatoes. These molecules ca...

Send us Fan Mail Three veteran strength coaches—Nathan Bañuelos, Nikki Georgeson, and Tony Pascolla.—pull back the curtain on the realities of the personal training industry, bringing decades of combined experience to a candid discussion about coaching practices, business development, and the future of the profession. We explore how the pandemic reshaped client expectations, debating whether virtu...

Send us Fan Mail Navigating the noise of the fitness industry can feel overwhelming, but Hunter Crine, founder of Kettlebell Coach University (KBCU), has forged a clear path to success. Beyond mentoring top coaches, Hunter has built a thriving community where professionals can grow, learn, and support each other. He shares why kettlebells are his tool of choice, how they enhance recovery and mobil...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for a riveting conversation with Courtney Luna, a former yacht chef turned passionate carnivore advocate, as she shares her journey from battling food addiction and yo-yo dieting to finding freedom through a fully carnivorous lifestyle. Courtney discusses her transition from Weight Watchers and keto to a way of eating that has transformed her health and eliminated cravings...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an inspiring conversation with Ivy Sardi, a passionate advocate for the carnivore lifestyle and natural medicine. From his Italian upbringing in Australia to overcoming addiction and finding redemption in prison, Ivy shares his journey of resilience and transformation. He explores the benefits of a carnivore diet, fasting, and the surprising role of unconventional food...

Send us Fan Mail Jenny Mitich, author of Complete Carnivore , joins us to share how the carnivore diet transformed her health and why it’s gaining momentum. From improving metabolic health to enhancing mental clarity, she breaks down the science, debunks common myths, and explains why having a strong why —beyond just weight loss—is key. We also dive into strength training, oxalate dumping, and the...

Send us Fan Mail Unlock the secrets of strength training with insights from Nathan Bañuelos, Nikki Georgeson, and Tony Pascolla. Nathan shares updates on his new kettlebell classes in Chicago, Tony discusses reviving barbell and kettlebell workshops while working with high school strength programs, and Nikki, joining from Lisbon, highlights the power of minimalist training. Together, they emphasiz...

Send us Fan Mail Happy World Carnivore Month! Casey Ruff returns to the Primal Foundations podcast as our first-ever triple guest, sharing his transformative journey with the carnivore lifestyle. In this episode, we uncover the surprising origins of World Carnivore Month, an initiative that has grown into a global movement celebrating the benefits of a protein-focused diet. With nearly six years o...

Send us Fan Mail Join us on Episode 45 of the Primal Foundations podcast as we explore the inspiring journey of Mark Valenti, a StrongFirst Elite Instructor and former Highland Games competitor. Mark shares incredible stories from his two-decade career in the Highland Games, including the unforgettable experience of lifting Iceland’s legendary Husafell stone. He delves into how adopting a carnivor...

Send us Fan Mail Meet Lauren Zallis, the unstoppable force behind Shift Performance, Chicago's premier kettlebell gym. Known as the Duchess of Bells, Lauren's journey from soccer athlete to fitness entrepreneur is a testament to resilience and vision. Despite six knee surgeries, she transformed her love for physical activity into a holistic fitness approach as a Strong First Kettlebell 1...

Send us Fan Mail Bonus Episode!!!! In this episode of Let’s Talk Strength, we kick off the year by diving into the classic theme of New Year’s resolutions. Together, we unpack why so many people struggle to stick to their goals and offer actionable advice to make 2025 the year of lasting change. We’ll explore effective training protocols, including rep counts and strategies to maximize progress in...

Send us Fan Mail Discover how heart rate variability (HRV) can transform your health and longevity with Dr. Torkil Færø, physician and author of The Pulse Cure. Learn how wearable tech like Garmin, Whoop, and Oura can help optimize fitness, recovery, and stress management. Dr. Færø shares actionable insights on smarter training methods like Zone 2 training, the impact of diet on HRV, and the impor...

Send us Fan Mail What if optimal health started with a simple dietary shift? In this episode of the Primal Foundations Podcast, Jake Thomas, a former US Marine turned lifestyle coach, shares his transformative journey from a vegan bodybuilding diet to embracing the carnivore lifestyle. He also opens up about his mother's battle with osteoporosis and how strength training and diet changes turn...

Send us Fan Mail Kerry Mann, acclaimed podcaster and filmmaker of Healing Humanity , shares his inspiring health transformation story. Discover how the carnivore diet helped Kerry reclaim his vitality, tackling long-standing health challenges along the way. Tune in to hear about Kerry’s mission to empower others through his documentary project, capturing the profound impact of dietary change. This...

Send us Fan Mail Join us as we dive into the inspiring journey of Issy Watson, a hybrid athlete and Guinness World Record holder for the most chest-to-ground burpees in one hour.   We’ll explore Issy’s foray into a carnivore and animal based diet and the challenges of ultra-running, including training through a foot injury and completing a 50-mile race. We discuss the importance of personalized nu...

Send us Fan Mail Join hosts Tony Pascolla, Nikki Georgeson, and Nathan Banuelos as we unlock the secrets of consistency in health and fitness. We explore how staying focused, even with detours, is key to long-term success. Dive into functional strength training, where we emphasize skill development and performance-based goals over aesthetics. Leading by example and balancing busy schedules, we sho...

Send us Fan Mail Join us for an inspiring conversation with Robert Sikes, aka "Keto Savage," a natural ketogenic bodybuilder who shares his journey overcoming eating disorders and embracing the ketogenic lifestyle, offering fresh insights on performance and healthy eating. We explore his seven-phase approach to sustainable body transformation, focusing on muscle growth, fat loss, and wel...

Send us Fan Mail Welcoming back fitness expert Coach Bronson Dant to the show! Coach Bronson shares insights from his new book, Body Confident , revealing how shifting focus from looks to what your body can do transforms health and fitness. Dive into the carnivore diet, balancing protein and fat, and how lifestyle choices impact your goals. With tips on fitness, stress management, and sleep, this...

Send us Fan Mail Can ancient food wisdom unlock optimal health in today's world? On the Primal Foundations podcast, join Dr. Bill Schindler, an archaeologist and anthropologist, as he shares his journey from unhealthy habits in the 70s and 80s to embracing ancestral nutrition. Learn how he merges ancient practices with modern insights at the Modern Stone Age Kitchen and the Food Lab to revolu...

Send us Fan Mail Discover how Dr. Shawn Baker , a seasoned orthopedic surgeon and lifelong athlete, transformed his health and career by adopting an all-meat diet. Dr. Baker, who once struggled with weight and health issues despite rigorous exercise and traditional dieting, recounts his journey through various dietary approaches, from paleo to ketogenic, before fully embracing the carnivore diet i...