The Model Health Show

There are many pervasive myths in the health and fitness space. It’s no wonder so many folks are confused about fat loss, building muscle, and how to eat in a way that supports their goals. This is why it’s critical that you obtain your information from a science-backed resource, and that’s exactly what I have for you on today’s show. 

On this episode of The Model Health Show, our guest is Alan Aragon. Alan is an influential nutrition researcher and educator who has over thirty years of experience in the fitness industry. In this interview, he’s sharing so many valuable insights. We’re going to discuss some of the most persistent myths in the fitness world, the truth about aging healthily, nutrition for far loss, and so much more. 

You’re going to learn what the science says about fasted training for weight loss and exactly what it takes to build muscle at every age. We’ll discuss the nuances of weight loss medications, including when they are appropriate, the importance of dialing in your hunger cues, and exactly how to build a meal that is satiating. Alan is a wealth of knowledge on health and fitness – and I know you’re going to enjoy this conversation.

In this episode you’ll discover:

  • How to decide if you should train fasted or fed. 
  • Why muscle is the metabolic engine of the body. 
  • The truth about building muscle later in life. 
  • How muscle mass naturally decreases over the human lifespan & how to avoid it.
  • What progressive resistance training is. 
  • Why sedentary behavior has skyrocketed in our culture. 
  • What collateral fattening is, and how to avoid it. 
  • Why weight loss drugs are a double-edged sword. 
  • The truth about research on obesity medications. 
  • Why hunger cues are a critical piece of overall health. 
  • How to find greater satiety with your meals. 
  • Which foods rate highest on the satiety index of foods. 
  • Why we have to take a bio-individual approach to nutrition.
  • The minimum effective dose of weight training to age healthfully. 
  • How to train to failure. 
  • The importance of staying interested and motivated in your training. 
  • Which basic components of nutrition are the most impactful for muscle gain. 

Items mentioned in this episode include: 

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This episode of The Model Health Show is brought to you by Beekeeper’s Naturals.

Reinvent your medicine cabinet for with clean, effective products powered by the beehive & backed by science. Claim your 20% discount at beekeepersnaturals.com/model.


Did you know that your level of optimism can predict your health outcomes? Having a positive outlook is linked with longer, healthier lives and faster recovery rates. On this episode of The Model Health Show, you’re going to hear the science-backed benefits of being optimistic. 

Our guest today is Dr. Sue Varma. She is a psychiatrist, cognitive behavioral therapist, and the first medical director and psychiatrist at the World Trade Center Mental Health Program. Her book, Practical Optimism, is a scientific roadmap to improving your mindset and building emotional resilience. On today’s show, Dr. Varma is sharing valuable insights into how optimism can help you reach your goals and optimize your health. 

You’re going to learn how optimism can impact your brain health, cardiac health, and longevity. We’ll talk about realistic steps to label and express your emotions, how to break the cycle of negative thinking, and so much more. Dr. Varma is a true wealth of knowledge and experience in the realm of mental health – and this interview is a powerful resource I hope you will utilize. 

In this episode you’ll discover:

  • The connection between optimism and longevity.
  • What it means to be a practical optimist. 
  • How our emotions can influence our habits and our health outcomes.
  • The purpose that emotions serve. 
  • What your sleep can tell you about your mental health. 
  • Why shame is one of the most powerful emotions.
  • The importance of labeling your emotions. 
  • How cultural differences can affect the expression of emotions. 
  • The number of facial movement combinations humans can express. 
  • Why we often need to identify our cultural conditioning to make room for acceptance. 
  • How social media use can be toxic. 
  • The connection between excessive social media use and depression.
  • What the 4 P’s of pessimism are. 
  • The difference between pessimism and healthy skepticism. 
  • What percentage of optimism is genetic. 
  • The definition of the ostrich effect. 
  • How optimism can improve your brain health, cardiac health, and more.
  • The 4 steps to break the cycle of negative thinking.
  • How to harness the power of acceptance. 

Items mentioned in this episode include: 

Join TMHS Facebook community - Model Nation 

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This episode of The Model Health Show is brought to you by Pique.

Go to PiqueLife.com/shawn for exclusive savings on bundles & subscriptions on cutting-edge solutions for your head-to-toe health and beauty transformation.


Relationships are a powerful foundation that impacts every aspect of our lives. Our relationships influence our happiness, our energy levels, and our overall health in numerous ways. And on today’s show, you’re going to learn exactly what it takes to build and sustain relationships and create a strong, healthy love life. 

Today’s guest, Matthew Hussey, is a New York Times bestselling author, dynamic speaker, and a relationship coach. He’s joining us on this episode of The Model Health Show to share valuable insights on finding and developing strong relationships. You’re going to learn powerful principles from his new book, Love Life: How to Raise Your Standards, Find Your Person, and Live Happily (No Matter What). 

This episode contains conversations on identifying red flags and why you shouldn’t always trust your instincts. Matthew is sharing the truth about healthy romantic love, how comparison can destroy your relationships, and tips and standards you can use to cultivate healthier relationships. So click play, and enjoy this interview with Matthew Hussey!  

In this episode you’ll discover:

  • The connection between relationships and longevity. 
  • Why love stories can be dangerous.
  • The four levels of importance in a relationship. 
  • Why a connection is like a plot of land. 
  • The difference between romantic love and authentic love. 
  • Why love songs are written about unhealthy love. 
  • The problem with love at first sight. 
  • How our nervous systems have been programmed to interpret love. 
  • Why you should never compare relationships. 
  • The truth about chemistry. 
  • Why so many people get stuck in unhealthy relationships. 
  • What it means to retrain your instincts. 
  • How to use self-compassion and curiosity to broaden your understanding.
  • The question you can ask yourself to identify red flags. 
  • What an amber light is. 
  • A powerful phrase you can use to communicate better. 
  • The difference between a standard and a tactic.
  • Why trusting yourself is the ultimate relationship hack. 
  • The #1 relationship you have to take care of. 

Items mentioned in this episode include: 

Join TMHS Facebook community - Model Nation 

This episode of The Model Health Show is brought to you by Organifi. 

Organifi makes nutrition easy and delicious for everyone. Take 20% off your order with the code MODEL at organifi.com/model.

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“The world incurable, which is so frightening to so many people, really only means that the particular condition cannot be cured by outer methods and that we must go within to affect the healing.” – Louise Hay

No one is immune from injuries and ailments; they are an inevitable component of life. But when you’re faced with an opportunity to heal, certain strategies, tools, and mindset shifts can help you feel better faster. That’s what you’re going to learn on today’s show. 

On this compilation episode of The Model Health Show, you’re going to hear the best insights on how to heal faster from some of the top experts in their respective fields. You’re going to learn from the incredible minds of Dr. Ellen Langer, Dr. Adeel Khan, Dr. Tom Walters, and more. This episode features information you need to know on utilizing breath, nervous system regulation, regenerative medicine, and the power of the mind to facilitate healing. 

These science-backed tips can help you recover from all manner of ailments, including illnesses, injuries, and pain. Our bodies have the innate ability to heal if we adequately support it – and this episode is bringing you all the tools and insights you need to repair and recover. So click play and enjoy the show! 

In this episode you’ll discover:

  • The power of pain education. 
  • What pain actually is. 
  • How the potential for tissue damage can create the sensation of pain. 
  • The definition of nociception. 
  • Why the nervous system plays an important role in pain. 
  • How immobilizing an injury can backfire in some situations. 
  • Why recovery requires active participation. 
  • What recovery endurance is and why it matters. 
  • Four ways to increase your parasympathetic tolerance. 
  • Why your breath is a built-in reset button. 
  • The role your diaphragm plays in posture, childbirth, healing, and more. 
  • Five P’s of the parasympathetic nervous system. 
  • Which types of exercise are proven to prevent injuries. 
  • Why being fit is a superpower when it comes to healing and recovery. 
  • How your lymphatic system works, and why it requires movement. 
  • Why your perception is a key factor in your recovery rate.  
  • How your beliefs impact the aging process. 
  • Why having a positive, empowered mindset can accelerate your healing. 
  • What regenerative medicine is.
  • How stem cells can repair and regenerate tissues. 

Items mentioned in this episode include: 

Join TMHS Facebook community - Model Nation 

Be sure you are subscribed to this podcast to automatically receive your episodes: 

This episode of The Model Health Show is brought to you by Foursigmatic and Organifi. 

Visit foursigmatic.com/model to get an exclusive 10% discount on mushroom and adaptogen-packed blends to improve your life. 

Organifi makes nutrition easy and delicious for everyone. Take 20% off your order with the code MODEL at organifi.com/model.

Direct download: 783_-_Heal_Your_Body_FASTER_With_These_Science-Backed_Tips.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:30pm PDT

More and more science is affirming the importance of having healthy muscle on our frames. Not only does muscle make your body appear healthy, but it’s also a key component of aging healthfully. If you want to ensure optimal health as you age, there’s no better insurance plan than building muscle. 

My friend Mark Bell is a record-holding pro powerlifter, entrepreneur, podcast host, and lifting expert. His impressive lifting records include squatting over 1000 pounds. But even if you never aspire to lift weights on a professional scale, Mark has a wealth of knowledge on what it takes to build muscle, create consistency, and stay motivated.  

Today, he’s back on The Model Health Show to share powerful insights you can use to build muscle. You’re going to learn the truth about motivation, why we should all aim to be stronger, and how to intentionally add health and fitness to your daily life. As always, Mark is bringing positivity and a fresh perspective, so listen in and enjoy the show! 

In this episode you’ll discover:

  • What the organ of longevity is. 
  • Why you owe it to yourself to be intentionally challenged. 
  • The truth about finding motivation to exercise. 
  • What it means to microdose your fitness. 
  • How to have more energy. 
  • Tips on using novelty and nostalgia to get better. 
  • How to harness the power of your relationships to improve yourself. 
  • The connection between youthfulness and muscle strength. 
  • Why your goal should be to be strong. 
  • The importance of learning skills in your training. 
  • A template for building muscle. 
  • How often a beginner should lift weights. 
  • What a technical limit is, and how to use it. 
  • How to automatically work recovery time into your training. 
  • Tips for keeping your muscles from getting overworked. 
  • A powerful philosophy for training and life. 
  • The difference between moving weight and moving around the weight. 
  • Why your mindset matters, and why you need to give yourself grace. 

Items mentioned in this episode include: 

Join TMHS Facebook community - Model Nation 

Be sure you are subscribed to this podcast to automatically receive your episodes: 

This episode of The Model Health Show is brought to you by Onnit and Pique.

Visit Onnit.com/model for an exclusive 10% discount on human performance supplements and fitness equipment. 

Go to Piquelife.com/model for exclusive savings on bundles & subscriptions on cutting-edge solutions for your head-to-toe health and beauty transformation.


There is a growing epidemic of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease, which tend to have dire outcomes. But instead of normalizing rapid cognitive decline, we have to take the power into our hands to protect the health of our brains. The best place to start is by changing what’s on your plate. 

On today’s show, you’re going to learn about the role that nutrition plays in proper brain health. You’ll discover specific foods that have been proven to improve cognitive function, enhance memory, and reduce neuroinflammation. This episode is my interview on the Dhru Purohit Show, where I shared powerful nutrition tips for boosting brain health and function.

You’re going to learn about specific types of fat that are necessary for brain health, the role hydration plays in mental clarity, and which foods hold the power to cross the blood brain barrier. This episode is full of actionable steps you can use to improve your diet, reduce your risk of cognitive decline, and avoid chronic illnesses. Enjoy! 

In this episode you’ll discover:

  • The overlooked link between Alzheimer’s disease, insulin resistance, and food.
  • What percentage of the brain is made up of water.
  • How electrolytes can improve cognitive function. 
  • Which essential nutrient can reverse brain aging. 
  • How even a slight drop in hydration can impact brain function.
  • My #1 tip for staying hydrated throughout the day.
  • How water can increase your metabolic rate. 
  • What the fat content of breastmilk can tell us about human nutrition.
  • The importance of DHA and EPA. 
  • Which foods are the best dietary sources of omega 3 fatty acids.
  • What phospholipids are, and how to include the in your diet. 
  • The fascinating science behind the doctrine of signatures. 
  • How blueberries can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress. 
  • The #1 cause of our rates of chronic disease.
  • How the blood brain barrier works. 
  • Why sugar can promote neuroinflammation. 
  • How extra virgin olive oil can restore the function of the blood-brain barrier. 
  • Why we should all aim to reduce usage of seed oils. 
  • The top 3 foods that are damaging our brain health and gut health.

Items mentioned in this episode include: 

Join TMHS Facebook community - Model Nation 

This episode of The Model Health Show is brought to you by LMNT and Onnit.

Head to DrinkLMNT.com/model to claim a FREE sample pack of electrolytes with any purchase. 

Visit Onnit.com/model for an exclusive 10% discount on human performance supplements and fitness equipment. 

Direct download: 781_-_Eat_These_Foods_to_Boost_Brain_Health__Reduce_Inflammation.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00pm PDT

For the last several decades, rates of depression have been slowly and steadily rising, both in the US and worldwide. But since the pandemic hit, depression rates have skyrocketed. There is a myriad of reasons for this widespread decline in mental health, but beyond antidepressant medications, there are very few solutions that are offered to folks who are truly suffering. 

On today’s show, you’re going to learn seven science-backed ways to reduce or eliminate symptoms of depression. You’re going to hear how lifestyle factors like your diet, activity level, and sleep habits can influence your mental health. We’ll also talk about how depression can be improved by lowering inflammation, reducing social media habits, and more. 

As always, you’re going to hear the latest studies on depression, as well as actionable steps you can apply today. If you want to mitigate the effects of depression for yourself or someone you love, these powerful strategies can help improve your mental health (and overall health). So listen in and enjoy the show! 

In this episode you’ll discover:

  • What the leading cause of disability and absenteeism is in the US.
  • The truth about how conventional treatments for depression perform.
  • How physical activity can improve symptoms of depression.
  • The powerful endocrine properties of muscles. 
  • How exercise can sensitize your brain to pleasure.
  • The minimum number of steps you should walk every day for mental health.
  • How regularly eating fast food can increase your risk for depression. 
  • The connection between body mass and MSG consumption.
  • What it means to anti-depress your gut. 
  • How your gut microbes can influence your mental health.
  • The shocking truth about the serotonin theory of depression. 
  • How to support your gut microbiome for better mental health.
  • The vicious cycle of sleep deprivation and depression. 
  • How antidepressants can affect REM sleep.
  • The importance of regular sunlight exposure. 
  • What psychoneuroimmunology is. 
  • The link between stress, inflammation, and depression.
  • How the increase in social media habits have influenced rates of depression. 
  • Realistic tips for decreasing your screen time. 
  • How meditation can be used to treat insomnia. 
  • Why mindfulness modalities can be helpful in improving mental health. 

Items mentioned in this episode include: 

Be sure you are subscribed to this podcast to automatically receive your episodes: 

Join TMHS Facebook community - Model Nation 

This episode of The Model Health Show is brought to you by Paleo Valley and Four Sigmatic.

Use my code MODEL at PaleoValley.com/model to save 15% sitewide on nutrient dense snacks, superfood supplements, and more.  

Visit foursigmatic.com/model to get an exclusive 10% discount on mushroom and adaptogen-packed blends to improve your life. 

Direct download: 780_-_7_Sciene_Backed_Ways_to_Defeat_Depression.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:00pm PDT

Hormones are always hard at work behind the scenes of a myriad of biological processes. Everything from metabolism to gut health can be affected by what’s happening on a hormonal level. On today’s show, you’re going to learn about some of the most notable ways your hormones might be sabotaging your health efforts and actionable steps you can take to achieve optimal hormone balance.

On this episode of The Model Health Show, our guest is Dr, Tasneem Bhatia, or Dr. Taz. She is a board-certified physician with expertise in women’s health, weight loss, and nutrition. In this interview, she’s sharing the critical link between gut health, menopause, and hormones. 

You’re going to learn how inflammation can trigger weight gain, the role of gut health during perimenopause and menopause, and why stress is a critical factor for regulating hormones. Dr. Taz is sharing real-world advice on how to clean up your diet, reduce your exposure to toxins that might be wrecking your gut health, and how to measure and reduce your inflammation. This episode is packed with valuable insights into hormonal health. Enjoy!

In this episode you’ll discover:

  • The crucial link between hormone shifts and blood sugar levels.
  • Which ages are affected by perimenopause. 
  • How gut health and menopause are connected. 
  • The process in which hormones are metabolized in the body. 
  • What estrogen dominance is. 
  • How a woman’s cycle can affect her gut and digestion. 
  • Why the gut is ground zero for hormone health.
  • How our environment impacts our gut health.
  • Why dietary fat is a critical building block for hormones. 
  • What digestive enzymes are used for.
  • The importance of thinking about your microbial health proactively. 
  • Three actionable steps to improve gut health. 
  • How probiotics and prebiotics work together. 
  • Why food diversity matters for overall health. 
  • The connection between glyphosate and leaky gut.
  • How to improve your internal environment to optimize your toxic load.
  • The link between PCOS and gut health.
  • What dirty hormones are. 
  • Why estrogen dominance is underdiagnosed.
  • How stress impacts gut health and hormonal health. 
  • Why we need to reframe menopause. 
  • Which specific biomarkers can measure inflammation.

Items mentioned in this episode include: 

Be sure you are subscribed to this podcast to automatically receive your episodes: 

Join TMHS Facebook community - Model Nation 

This episode of The Model Health Show is brought to you by Paleo Valley and Organifi. 

Use my code MODEL at PaleoValley.com/model to save 15% sitewide on nutrient dense snacks, superfood supplements, and more.  

Organifi makes nutrition easy and delicious for everyone. Take 20% off your order with the code MODEL at organifi.com/model.


Modern medicine offers a pill for every ill. But as the sickest, fattest, unhealthiest modern population, it’s clear that our healthcare system isn’t actually making our citizens healthier. On today’s show, you’re going to learn about the root cause of all of our major killers: mitochondrial health. 

Our guests today are Dr. Casey Means and Calley Means. Dr. Casey Means is a Stanford-trained physician and the co-founder of Levels. Her brother, Calley Means, is the co-founder of TrueMed. Together, their mission is to help folks understand the root of all disease, which is how efficiently our cells create and utilize energy. Their new book, Good Energy, unpacks the connection between mitochondrial health, metabolism, and optimal health outcomes. 

In this interview, you’re going to hear powerful insights on what factors influence mitochondrial health, the corruption in our food and pharmaceutical industries, and so much more. You’re going to learn how to take control of your metabolic health, including specific dietary guidelines that can apply to any diet or lifestyle. At its core, this interview is about your ability to affect change, and I hope that message of personal empowerment resonates with you. Enjoy!  

In this episode you’ll discover:

  • The family story that inspired Casey & Calley to write Good Energy.
  • How metabolic health influences every chronic illness.
  • What percentage of Americans have prediabetes.
  • Why we need personal empowerment and systemic change to improve our health.
  • How the healthcare industry makes money from chronic disease management.
  • The connection between mitochondria and metabolism.
  • How mitochondrial dysfunction leads to chronic disease. 
  • Two things you can do to improve your metabolic health. 
  • The serious problem with the mantra “trust the science.”
  • How chronic overnutrition impacts mitochondrial health.
  • What percentage of Americans are confused about nutrition.
  • How processed food is confusing our bodies.
  • Five key components of a healthy, balanced meal. 
  • The top three foods you should reduce in your diet.
  • How to give your body the nutrients it needs to create its own GLP-1.
  • The adverse effects excess sugar has on your mitochondria. 
  • Five biomarkers of metabolic syndrome. 
  • Why ultra-processed food consumption is the root of our health problems.
  • The #1 question all physicians and patients should ask about prescription drugs.
  • What your body’s symptoms mean. 
  • The link between Ozempic and gut health. 
  • Why connection is a requisite for health. 

Items mentioned in this episode include: 

Be sure you are subscribed to this podcast to automatically receive your episodes: 

Join TMHS Facebook community - Model Nation 

This episode of The Model Health Show is brought to you by Beekeeper’s Naturals and LMNT.

Reinvent your medicine cabinet for with clean, effective products powered by the beehive & backed by science. Claim your 20% discount at beekeepersnaturals.com/model.

Head to DrinkLMNT.com/model to claim a FREE sample pack of electrolytes with any purchase.


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