The Primal Shift

Imagine gaining an edge in life not by force, but by knowing when to yield. Jeff Patterson, founder of Northwest Fighting Arts and Portland Tai Chi Academy, joins me to discuss the art of yielding — an approach that uses awareness and adaptability as tools for strength.  Patterson explains that yielding isn't about giving in; it's about harnessing energy, refining focus, and applying strategy to a...

Ever wonder if you're feeding your dog the diet nature intended? In this episode, I explain why dogs are natural-born meat eaters and challenge some widespread misconceptions about what your dog should be eating (even those your vet might be promoting).  Dogs descend directly from wolves, which are obligate carnivores with physiology designed for a meat-centric diet. From their sharp, pointed teet...

Can changing your diet transform your mental health? In this episode, I explore the profound connection between nutrition and emotional well-being through the inspiring journey of health advocate and author Josh Noland. Overcoming depression and physical inactivity, Noland reclaimed his life by embracing mindful eating, meditation and strength training. By making small, sustainable changes — like...

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, many of us are gearing up to prepare the perfect holiday feast. But before you grab just any turkey from the supermarket, consider opting for a pasture-raised bird. They have better fat profiles, more nutrients, and superior flavor compared to their factory-farmed counterparts. Plus, pasture-raised turkeys are often raised via regenerative farming practice...

When you commit to improving your health — whether it's through diet, exercise, or lifestyle changes — you often find yourself at odds with the people closest to you. For example, when I made the switch to paleo over a decade ago, it put a serious strain on my relationship with my wife. I cut out entire food groups overnight, convinced it was the best way forward for our health. But without explai...

Have you ever noticed how on some days, powering through a tough workout or jumping into the freezing water of a cold plunge feels almost effortless, while on others, it's as if your ability to push through discomfort has vanished? It's not always just a matter of motivation or willpower. Low testosterone can directly impact both your physical and mental performance, making it more difficult to st...

Many of us go through life in a state of constant distraction and stress, unable to break free from the pressure that modern living places on our mental health. Whether it's struggling with decision fatigue, anxiety, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the constant stream of information, finding calm seems harder than ever. That's where meditation comes in; it can be a powerful tool to rewire your br...

Are you finding that your HbA1c levels are elevated despite being on a low-carb, ketogenic, or even carnivore diet? Recently, my HbA1c test came back at 5.7 (just under the prediabetic range), and I knew something was off; after all, I've been following a relatively low-carb lifestyle for years, so there's no way my blood sugar should be high enough to suggest prediabetes.  In consulting with carn...

Did you know that your biological age can tell a different story than your chronological age? From a health perspective, it's not just about the number of years you've lived, but how your body has aged at the DNA level. Understanding your biological age can reveal how lifestyle choices and environmental factors have impacted your long-term health and longevity. In this episode, I'm joined by Hanna...

Your gut is home to an entire ecosystem of microorganisms that silently shape your digestion, immune function and overall health. Most of us barely think about it, but this hidden universe inside us plays a vital role in our well-being.  I recently explored my own gut microbiome using Jona, an AI-powered platform that goes far beyond typical gut tests.  Jona offers personalized insights based on c...

After wrapping up the first season of the Primal Shift Podcast, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the journey so far: 60 episodes packed with insights on how to bridge the gap between ancestral living and modern demands. This season has been about laying the foundation of a healthy lifestyle, covering everything from nutrition and exercise to stress management and reconnecting with nature. ...

Navigating a health journey can be challenging, especially when it involves significant dietary changes and their impact on family dynamics. In this episode of the Primal Shift Podcast, my wife Kathy and I open up about our transition through various diets and how it affected our lives and relationship. Our journey began when Kathy was diagnosed with prediabetes. We decided to cut out processed su...

I used to be a major CrossFitter, spending multiple days per week in the box. But lately, I've been cutting back on CrossFit workouts and spending less time in the gym, instead prioritizing daily walks with the dog, manual labor around the homestead, and experimenting with innovative resistance training using X3 bands.  In this episode of the Primal Shift Podcast, I'll tell you about my current re...

What if I told you that lard could be the next big thing in skincare? Charles Mayfield, the founder of Farrow Skincare and a veteran in regenerative farming, says that because lard is so similar to human sebum (one of the skin's natural oils), it can be an incredibly effective moisturizer that the skin readily absorbs, providing deep nourishment without exposing yourself to the harsh and dangerous...

Outsourcing food production is not only foolish but downright irresponsible, considering how vital food is to our health and well-being. In this episode of the Primal Shift Podcast, I'll explain why growing your own food — as opposed to blindly trusting faceless corporations with your nourishment — is crucial for truly healthy living. In short, many staples of the standard American diet are produc...

Why is sugar so addictive, and how can you break free from its grasp? In this episode of the Primal Shift Podcast, we explore the complex relationship between sugar, cravings, and our overall well-being.  It's not just about diet. Emotional and psychological factors play significant roles in how we interact with food, and particularly sugar. In fact, today's guest Danielle Daem says that sugar's i...

In this episode I dive into the fascinating connection between diet and body odor, sharing personal anecdotes and scientific insights to help you understand how what you eat can influence how you smell. There are two main types of sweat glands: eccrine glands and apocrine glands. Eccrine glands produce a watery, odorless sweat that helps regulate body temperature, while apocrine glands (found in a...

My guest for this episode is Ben Salem, a real estate developer who stumbled into the EMF mitigation business out of concern for his kids' health. Ben shares his journey from a worried parent to the founder of WaveBlock , a company dedicated to reducing harmful radiation from everyday devices.  WaveBlock is a sticker that you attach to your devices, which then works to disperse rather than block r...

Grass-fed vs. grain-fed beef – what's better? Studies show grass-fed beef is more nutritious with higher vitamins A, E, and omega-3s. Today we break down the facts, the costs, and practical alternatives if grass-fed isn't in your budget. Learn why grass-finished and regeneratively raised beef are superior and how to make the best choices for your health. This episode provides clear information on...

In this episode of the Primal Shift Podcast, I sit down with CAROL Bike CEO Ulrich Dempfle to discuss the science and benefits behind Reduced Exertion High-Intensity Interval Training (REHIT), a fitness modality developed to provide the most effective workout in the shortest possible amount of time.  For example, the CAROL Bike gives you a full cardio workout in just eight minutes, focusing on two...

Lately, social media has been flooded with misconceptions from studies claiming that hormetic stressors like intermittent fasting and cold plunging are harmful to your health. In this episode, I tackle those claims, explaining the science that supports these practices as well as why recent headlines suggesting otherwise are misleading.  As most listeners know, I fast, cold plunge and sauna bathe o...

Understanding the true impact of what we eat and drink means comprehensively assessing the effect that different foods and beverages have on our bodies. So in this episode, we're talking about the hidden truths behind foods often labeled as "healthy," including why some so-called health foods can actually be harmful.  I'm joined by food anthropologist Dr. Bill Schindler, who brings his deep unders...

"Every hour, our modern lives ambush us with stressors our ancestors rarely faced."  This is the essence of our conversation today! Joined by my wife Kathy and her sister Silvia, we explore how Apollo — a small wearable device that uses inaudible soundwaves to help regulate your nervous system — has become a cornerstone of our efforts to manage stress, anxiety and migraines. We'll also share perso...

Our guest for this episode is Alessandra Zonari, an expert in the fields of skin regeneration and tissue engineering. During our conversation, we cover everything from how unhealthy skin can reflect and exacerbate systemic health issues to groundbreaking research on improving skin health to combat aging and chronic diseases.  In addition to her research, Zonari is the co-founder of OneSkin, a bran...

I don't travel as much as I used to, back when I had a corporate sales job that took me away from home on a regular basis. But Kathy and I still have family in Austria and Costa Rica, who we try to visit at least once a year, and we've been increasingly traveling around the country to talk to people about MK Supplements at healthy living conferences and expos like Hack Your Health (formerly known...