Health Is A Skill with Todd Vande Hei

Latest Episodes:

Strong on Purpose — Reclaiming Masculinity, Strength & Meaning Oct 30, 2025

Show notes

Episode Description
In this solo episode, Todd Vande Hei tackles a deeply personal and cultural topic: masculinity—what it means, how we’ve lost touch with it, and why rebuilding it matters for the health of men, families, and communities.

From declining testosterone levels to the epidemic of disconnection and anxiety among young men, Todd explores how society’s shift away from physicality, discipline, and risk-taking has left a generation without purpose. But he also shares a path forward—rooted in strength, mentorship, and doing hard things.

Todd covers:

The decline of modern masculinity — why young men are struggling and what’s missing from their development.
The physiological crisis — how poor sleep, lack of sunlight, porn, and video games are wrecking hormones and confidence.
The psychology of strength — why doing hard things builds purpose, resilience, and appreciation for joy.
Raising strong boys — practical advice for mothers and fathers to help their sons grow into healthy, confident men.
Reconnecting with purpose — how physical strength leads to emotional health, discipline, and service to others.
Todd’s challenge to men — lead by example, embrace discomfort, and show young men what real strength looks like.

This episode is a powerful wake-up call about the state of modern manhood—and an invitation to rebuild it with intention, integrity, and heart.

⚡ Final Takeaway: Masculinity isn’t broken—it’s just been neglected. Rebuild it through strength, purpose, and the courage to do hard things.

Your health is a skill you can build. Start with the free resources at podtodd.com or explore team-based health optimization at stark.health

Regeneration, Not Repair – Dr. Duncan Ross on Exosomes, Longevity & the Future of Healing Oct 23, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Todd Vande Hei sits down with Dr. Duncan Ross, founder of Chimera Labs, one of the pioneers behind exosome science and regenerative medicine. Together, they unpack what exosomes are, how they work, and why they’re redefining what’s possible for healing, recovery, and human longevity.

Todd opens the episode with his signature introduction — sharing his own path from vegan to carnivore, from biohacking to hormone optimization — before diving deep into how Dr. Ross and his team are using exosomes to help the body regenerate, not just repair.

In this conversation, they discuss:

What exosomes really are and how they function as the powerful “messengers” of stem cells.
How inflammation acts as the body’s signal, guiding exosomes directly to damaged tissue for targeted healing.
Breakthroughs in hair restoration and tissue repair, including how a single microneedling treatment can stimulate regrowth.
Safety and precision — why Chimera’s products have zero contamination and zero adverse events.
The future of anti-aging, from reversing gray hair to improving HRV and energy through exosome IVs.
Todd’s own experience, including an immediate emotional and physiological response that doubled his HRV.

Whether you’re fascinated by longevity science or simply curious about the next frontier of health, this episode brings clarity to one of medicine’s most exciting breakthroughs — and a glimpse into a future where we can teach the body how to heal itself.

⚡ Final Takeaway: The next evolution of medicine isn’t about managing decline — it’s about activating regeneration.

Your health is a skill you can build. Start with the free resources at podtodd.com or explore team-based health optimization at stark.health

The Calmness of Strength – Brett Jones on Emotional Resilience, Confidence & Mastery Oct 16, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Todd sits down with renowned strength coach Brett Jones of StrongFirst to explore how physical strength training becomes a pathway to emotional strength, confidence, and mastery — both in and out of the gym.
They discuss:
• The emotional benefits of strength training — how confidence, courage, and self-trust grow through consistent practice.
• The psychology of capability — why learning to lift translates into handling life’s heavier challenges.
• Training the nervous system, not just the muscles — how good technique and patience build lasting strength.
• Calm intensity and flow states — cultivating composure under pressure and using the breath to switch between power and peace.
• Why failure isn’t the goal — re-defining intensity, effort, and longevity in strength and health.
• The art of relaxation — why elite performers are just as skilled at letting go as they are at applying force.
Whether you’re stepping under a barbell or navigating stress in everyday life, this conversation reframes strength as a practice of calm control, not chaos — a lifelong tool for confidence, clarity, and composure.
⚡ Final Takeaway: True strength isn’t about domination — it’s about discipline. It’s learning to stay steady when everything else shakes.

Your health is a skill you can build. Start with the free resources at podtodd.com or explore team-based health optimization at stark.health

Evacuating 63 Families from Israel – Dean Stott on Leadership, Courage & Connection in Crisis Oct 09, 2025

Show notes

When crisis strikes, most people run from danger — Dean Stott runs toward it. A former Tier One Special Forces operator turned humanitarian, Stott has led evacuations from war zones across the globe — from Afghanistan and Libya to Israel. In this powerful conversation, he sits down with Todd to unpack the mindset, planning, and humanity behind saving lives under pressure.
They discuss:
• October 7th, 2023 — entering Israel as war broke out, and how Dean mobilized a global network to help families escape.
• From Special Forces to service, how his time in elite military units shaped his ability to lead through chaos.
• Crisis planning made human, why success depends more on trust and relationships than tactics.
• The “hearts and minds” approach, and why cultural awareness saves more lives than force ever could.
• The good and bad of social media, from hate comments to unexpected miracles that changed outcomes.
• Transferable lessons for everyday life, from defining your mission to staying flexible when plans fail.
Whether you’re a business leader, parent, or someone seeking resilience in uncertain times, Dean’s story shows how courage, clarity, and compassion can move mountains — even in war zones.
⚡ Final Takeaway: Real leadership isn’t about rank or orders — it’s about showing up, staying calm, and doing what’s right when everyone else freezes.

Your health is a skill you can build. Start with the free resources at podtodd.com or explore team-based health optimization at stark.health

From Fog to Focus: Regan Phillips on Reclaiming Strength, Clarity & Confidence in Midlife Oct 02, 2025

Show notes

In this heartfelt conversation, Todd sits down with longtime Stark student and CASA OC leader Regan Phillips to unpack a candid, hopeful journey through perimenopause—brain fog, joint pain, weight changes, and the moment everything turned around through smart training, sleep, nutrition, and evidence-based HRT.

They discuss:

Feeling like a stranger in your own body — brain fog, joint pain, and shifts in weight and mood.
The power of HRT — overcoming fear, misinformation, and finding clarity again.
Simple systems for success — walking more, sleeping better, eating more protein, and drinking less.
Mindset over perfection — how changing frequency, not total restriction, makes health sustainable.
New strength goals — chasing the first unassisted pull-up and finding empowerment in progress.
CASA’s impact — helping foster youth thrive through mentorship, stability, and community support.

Whether you’re navigating perimenopause, supporting someone through it, or just want proof that midlife can be a relaunch, this episode shows how science, structure, and self-compassion can restore focus—and joy.

⚡ Final Takeaway: You don’t have to accept feeling “off” as your new normal. With the right tools and mindset, you can rebuild strength, reclaim clarity, and rediscover yourself at any age.

Your health is a skill you can build. Start with the free resources at podtodd.com or explore team-based health optimization at stark.health

Plaquex IVs Explained: Choline, Endothelium & Blood Pressure with Dr. Alice Nguyen Sep 25, 2025

Show notes

What actually happens when you infuse phosphatidylcholine (Plaquex)? Dr. Alice Nguyen breaks down the cell-level mechanics—how repairing membranes and supporting the endothelium can influence blood pressure, brain recovery post-stroke, and overall cardiovascular health. We also get into choline from food (eggs, liver), omega-3/omega-6 balance, environmental toxins like mercury, and where Plaquex fits alongside lifestyle, hormones, and conventional lipid-lowering meds. Todd shares his own case: after ramping Plaquex frequency, his long-stubborn BP normalized within weeks.
What we cover
What phosphatidylcholine is and why the cell membrane/endothelium matter
• Plaquex vs. food/supplement choline (and why IV ≠ oral)
• Neurologic use cases (stroke/TBI) via acetylcholine & inflammation control
• Why eggs (runny yolks) and liver are elite choline foods
• Omega-3 vs. omega-6: balancing inflammation for vessel health
• Environmental toxins (e.g., mercury) and vascular receptors
• Statins, plaque “stabilization,” and how imaging like CCTA + Cleerly is used
• Real-world observations: BP improvements during Plaquex series
• Lifestyle still rules: training, body-fat reduction, fiber, sleep, hormones
This episode is educational and not medical advice. Talk with your clinician before starting any therapy.

Your health is a skill you can build. Start with the free resources at podtodd.com or explore team-based health optimization at stark.health

From Sunlight to Sulforaphane – Todd’s Fall Health Trends Breakdown Sep 18, 2025

Show notes

In this solo episode, Todd tackles the top trending conversations in health and longevity for Fall 2025. From circadian rhythm “microdosing sunlight” to the surprising new shift in cardio research, he shares what’s hype, what’s real, and how he’s applying it all at Stark.
Todd covers:
• Microdosing sunlight to regulate circadian rhythm, melatonin, cortisol, and hormone health.
• Zone 2 vs. aerobic intervals — why intervals may boost compliance and VO₂ max faster.
• Sulforaphane 2.0 for targeted detox and cellular defense, plus how to actually apply it.
• Muscle as the longevity organ — the endocrine role of myokines in aging.
• Ultra-processed foods and the brain — new research linking diet to dementia and depression.
• The ice cream paradox — why joy, sacrifice, and contrast make indulgence sweeter.
Whether you’re curious about the latest longevity headlines or just want to understand how Todd applies them in real life, this episode delivers a grounded perspective on optimizing health while still enjoying life.
⚡ Final Takeaway: Real health isn’t about chasing every trend or living in deprivation—it’s about small, consistent habits and smart sacrifices that make life’s joys even richer.

Your health is a skill you can build. Start with the free resources at podtodd.com or explore team-based health optimization at stark.health

Todd’s No-BS Guide: Glutes, GLP-1s & Longevity Levers Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

CEO of Stark, Todd Vande Hei, goes solo and distills the practices he actually uses: how to make every lift a glute exercise, how to leverage GLP-1s without sacrificing muscle, why Zone 2 should be a tool (not a religion), when to prefer heat over cold, the simplest way to use creatine for body and brain, and how to lower your exposure to microplastics/PFAS without losing your mind. He closes with a pocket-ready 6-point setup checklist you can apply on every rep.
Not medical advice. Todd shares principles used by Stark’s clinicians and his own experience.

Key Takeaways
• Glutes = engine: Proper setup protects knees/hips/low back and builds balance (glute med).
• GLP-1s, smarter: Smaller doses to curb “food chatter,” paired with ≥0.7 g/lb protein, heavy lifting 3–4x/week, creatine, micronutrients, and DEXA tracking.
• Zone 2 as a tool: 2–3 hrs/week in 30–45 min bouts; conversational but challenging; complement lifting.
• Sauna for longevity: Traditional heat 170–200°F, 10–20 min, 2–4x/week; infrared is a practical alternative; hydrate with electrolytes.
• Creatine monohydrate: 3–5 g/day (third-party tested) for strength quality and cognitive support—often felt more by women.
• Lower toxin load: Filter water (PFAS), avoid plastic bottles, choose stainless/ceramic/cast iron, wash new synthetics, use HEPA, cut ultra-processed foods.
• Todd’s 6-Point Setup (every set)
• Big toe pressure → Tripod foot → Knees over 2nd–3rd toe → Glutes on, pelvis neutral → Shoulders packed → Chin slightly back

Learn more: stark.health

Your health is a skill you can build. Start with the free resources at podtodd.com or explore team-based health optimization at stark.health

From Martial Arts to Menopause: Dr. Alice Explains the Real Foundations of Longevity Sep 04, 2025

Show notes

Dr. Alice Nguyen has never stopped moving. From martial arts competitions in her twenties to strength training through medical school, she’s built a philosophy of health that blends functional medicine, hormone optimization, and the overlooked fundamentals of movement.

In this conversation with Todd, Alice unpacks:

Why strength and power training are essential for women to counteract sarcopenia and “powerpenia.”
How early mentors shifted her toward functional medicine, clean nutrition, and protein-forward eating.
The hidden dangers of xenoestrogens in skincare, deodorants, cookware, and household products.
Why hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is misunderstood—and how outdated studies still misguide women today.
The connection between gut health and skin health, and why true beauty starts inside.
How movement, training, and even giggling before sleep play a critical role in mental clarity, resilience, and long-term vitality.

Whether you’re curious about longevity, struggling through hormone changes, or just looking to feel and look younger, Alice’s insights reveal how simple foundational practices can transform not only your health—but how you age.

Your health is a skill you can build. Start with the free resources at podtodd.com or explore team-based health optimization at stark.health

Rewild Your Feet, Rewild Your Life – Nicholas Charlier’s Mission for Natural Movement Aug 21, 2025

Show notes

When Nicholas Charlier, co-founder of Vivobarefoot’s VivoHealth platform, talks about “rewilding your feet,” he’s not just promoting a shoe — he’s describing a path back to how the human body was designed to move. Over the last 13 years, Nicholas has built global wellness programs, cultivated health professional networks, and championed natural movement through community initiatives across the Wellness & Outdoor industry.

In this conversation, Nicholas tells Todd:

Why 200,000 sensory inputs in your feet are the “control center” for human movement
How modern shoes dull sensory feedback, weaken posture, and invite pain
What “rewilding” means beyond footwear — and how it connects to nature and lifestyle
The link between natural movement and joint health, balance, and longevity
How Vivobarefoot’s VivoHealth platform is integrating education, research, and in-person coaching to spark a global regenerative health movement

Whether you’re an athlete, an office worker, or somewhere in between, Nicholas’s message is clear: stronger, freer feet are the foundation for a stronger, freer life.

Your health is a skill you can build. Start with the free resources at podtodd.com or explore team-based health optimization at stark.health

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