Live Beyond the Norms

Latest Episodes:

The Energy Formula: Shawn Wells on Beating Burnout, Biohacking with Purpose & Redefining Real Health Apr 15, 2025

Show notes

Support the show and get 50% off MCT oil with free shipping – leave us a review on iTunes and let us know!

The biggest threat to your health might not be bad food or lack of exercise—it might be the voice in your head that says, "you’re not enough.”

No supplement, workout, or productivity hack can outdo a life built on stress, burnout, and self-loathing.

In this episode, Shawn Wells—biochemist, bestselling author, and “world’s greatest formulator”—opens up about what truly matters on the path to longevity. With over 1,100 supplement formulas and 40+ patented ingredients under his belt, he could easily focus only on the science. Instead, Shawn shares his raw story of trauma, burnout, and suicidal thoughts and how embracing vulnerability and psychedelics saved his life.

From optimizing mitochondria to redefining success and healing through self-love, this conversation goes deeper than most biohacking talk ever dares.

“Challenge yourself. Without challenge, there’s atrophy. Without growth, you’re dying. You want ease? You’ve got to train for it.” ~ Shawn Wells

About Shawn Wells:

Shawn Wells is a biochemist, dietitian, and product formulator known in the health world as the "world's greatest formulator." He’s created over 1,100 products, holds more than 40 supplement patents, and authored the bestselling book The Energy Formula. But more than formulas and research, Shawn is known for his vulnerable, heart-forward approach to health—blending science with soul. He's been featured in major documentaries like The Skinny on Fat and Psychedelics Revealed, and is on a mission to help people live with more energy, truth, and peace.

Connect with Shawn Wells:

- Website: https://shawnwells.com

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawnwells

- Energy Formula Book: https://www.energyformula.com/

Connect with Chris Burres:

- Website: https://www.myvitalc.com/

- Website: http://www.livebeyondthenorms.com/

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisburres/

- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myvitalc

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisburres/

Metabolic Freedom: Ben Azadi on Healing the Body by Rewiring the Mind, Breaking Diet Myths & Ending Self-Sabotage Apr 11, 2025

Show notes

Support the show and get 50% off MCT oil with free shipping – leave us a review on iTunes and let us know!

Your body wasn't designed to struggle with obesity, diabetes, or chronic illness—these are symptoms of a deeper metabolic dysfunction that about 93% of Americans now experience.

Most people chase weight loss through calorie counting and deprivation, never addressing the root causes that would permanently transform their health.

In this episode, Ben Azadi, bestselling author and metabolism expert, reveals the truth about metabolic freedom—how specific lifestyle changes can rewire your body to burn fat efficiently, balance hormones naturally, and reverse conditions that are often declared incurable by doctors.

Whether you're battling stubborn weight gain, insulin resistance, or brain fog or simply want more energy and vitality, this conversation offers a science-backed blueprint to reclaim your metabolic health.

"I have found that you cannot outperform your self-image. The way you view yourself, your behaviors will match that." ~ Ben Azadi

About Ben Azadi:

Ben Azadi is a health expert focused on helping people achieve metabolic freedom. After losing 80 pounds and transforming his own health, he has been on a mission to help 1 billion people live healthier lives through evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle strategies. He has written four bestselling books—Keto Flex, The Intermittent Fasting Cheat Sheet, The Perfect Health Booklet, and The Power of Sleep—and his latest book, Metabolic Freedom, is available for pre-order. Ben also hosts the popular Metabolic Freedom podcast (formerly Keto Kamp) and has a massive social media following with over 850,000 followers across platforms.

Connect with Ben Azadi:

- Website: https://benazadi.com/

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebenazadi/

YouTube: www.youtube.com/@KetoKamp

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thebenazadi

Book: https://metabolicfreedombook.com/

Connect with Chris Burres:

- Website: https://www.myvitalc.com/

- Website: http://www.livebeyondthenorms.com/

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisburres/

- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myvitalc

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisburres/

Stress, Weight Loss, & Hormones: Rachel Sanders on Building Routine for Women's Health After 30 Apr 08, 2025

Show notes

Support the show and get 50% off MCT oil with free shipping – leave us a review on iTunes and let us know!

Feeling constantly tired, snappy, or just…off? You’re not broken, and you’re definitely not alone.

Rachel Sanders has lived it.

She’s the founder of Rootine, a mom of two, with a Harvard MBA—but behind the scenes, she was juggling brain fog, stubborn weight gain, and stress that felt never-ending. After trying all the “healthy” habits that didn't seem to work anymore, she discovered the real problem: cortisol imbalance.

In this episode, Rachel opens up about the silent health crisis impacting women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s and issues stemming from a mix of hormone chaos, lifestyle overload, and misinformation.

We dive into everything. Why your favorite workouts might be making things worse, how cortisol actually hijacks your energy, skin, weight, and sleep, and what needs to change in the wellness industry to truly support women in their prime.

She also shares personal tips and mindset shifts that helped her drop 52 pounds in 10 months—without starving herself or overtraining.

"Cortisol is one of our major hormones along with oxytocin and insulin. And if your major hormone is off, that means minor hormones can be thrown off." ~ Rachel Sanders

About Rachel Sanders:

Rachel Soper Sanders is the founder of Rootine, a supplement company focused on helping women 30 and over achieve vibrant health. With an MBA from Harvard Business School, Rachel combines her business expertise and personal health experience to create science-backed solutions for stress, sleep, and focus. She's also a podcast host, investor, and health & wellness digital creator with over 100,000 followers. Through her newsletter, Glow and Elevate, she shares practical tips on stress management, weight loss, sleep optimization, and productivity.

Connect with Rachel Sanders:

- Website: https://rootine.co/

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelsopsanders/

- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rachelsopsanders

- Newsletter: https://rachelsanders.kit.com/b0850fc51c

Connect with Chris Burres:

- Website: https://www.myvitalc.com/

- Website: http://www.livebeyondthenorms.com/

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisburres/

- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myvitalc

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisburres/

The New Rules of Aging: Dr. Elizabeth Yurth on Mitochondria, Joint Health & Rethinking Modern Medicine Apr 04, 2025

Show notes

Support the show and get 50% off MCT oil with free shipping – leave us a review on iTunes and let us know!

Aging doesn’t have to mean falling apart. But if you walk into a typical doctor’s office today, chances are you're only getting patched up—not actually fixed.

Dr. Elizabeth Yurth thinks it’s time for a serious shift.

As a double board-certified MD with 30 years in orthopedic and regenerative medicine, Dr. Yurth spent decades treating pro athletes and performing surgeries—until she realized surgery alone wasn’t truly solving the problem. So she flipped the script.

In this episode, she unpacks the science that traditional medicine keeps missing: how to actually heal joints, regenerate cartilage, reboot mitochondrial health, and strengthen the immune system in a toxic world that’s constantly beating it down. Her approach? Go deep on cellular pathways, not just surface-level symptoms.

You’ll hear why osteoarthritis isn’t a wear-and-tear issue, the hidden dangers of loading up on NAD, and why homeostasis—not high or low—is the name of the longevity game.

“If you fix the cell, you fix everything. You fix every disease that's going to happen to you.” ~ Dr. Elizabeth Yurth

About Dr. Elizabeth Yurth:

Dr. Elizabeth Yurth is the Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer of the Boulder Longevity Institute, where she leads cutting-edge work in regenerative medicine, cellular health, and human optimization. With over 30 years as an orthopedic specialist and multiple board certifications—including in Anti-Aging & Regenerative Medicine—Dr. Yurth combines deep clinical experience with the latest science in peptides, mitochondria, and performance medicine. She consults with professional athletes worldwide, speaks nationally at top medical conferences, and helps everyday people take back control of their health and longevity.

Connect with Dr. Elizabeth Yurth:

- Website: https://boulderlongevity.com/

- Academy: https://www.bli.academy

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boulderlongevityinstitute/

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@boulderlongevityinstitutel5018

Connect with Chris Burres:

- Website: https://www.myvitalc.com/

- Website: http://www.livebeyondthenorms.com/

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisburres/

- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myvitalc

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisburres/

Traditional Chinese Medicine: Brehan Crawford on Healing Chronic Conditions, Stress Resilience & Energy Flow Apr 01, 2025

Show notes

The human body possesses remarkable self-healing abilities that conventional medicine often overlooks when treating chronic conditions like fibromyalgia, IBS, and long COVID.

Many sufferers cycle through endless medical appointments, medications with diminishing returns, and growing frustration as their symptoms persist despite "normal" test results.

In this episode, Brehan Crawford, founder of Crawford Wellness and expert in traditional Chinese medicine, reveals how this 2,000-year-old medical system addresses chronic conditions through a holistic approach to infection, inflammation, and autonomic healing.

Whether you're dealing with persistent health issues, curious about alternatives to conventional medicine, or simply want to understand the power of herbal remedies, Qigong, and acupuncture, this conversation offers practical insights into ancient healing wisdom that modern science is finally beginning to validate.

"A very natural thing to do when we experience pain is to dissociate from that pain. Unfortunately, that makes us less aware of what the internal processes are in our body that are creating that pain, and then it's harder to address them." ~ Brehan Crawford

About Brehan Crawford:

Brehan Crawford is the founder of Crawford Wellness and co-founder of Chorus for Life, specializing in treating chronic infections and post-infectious symptoms like long COVID, fibromyalgia, IBS, and POTS. With 15 years of clinical experience in Traditional Chinese Medicine, Brehan combines herbal medicine, Qigong, and acupuncture to help patients achieve lasting remission from chronic conditions. He studied under renowned practitioners in both the United States and China, bringing a unique blend of Eastern wisdom and Western practical application to his healing approach.

Connect with Brehan Crawford:

- Website: https://crawford-wellness.com/

- Chorus for Life: https://chorusforlife.com/

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CrawfordWellness

- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crawford_wellness?

- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cwellnessllc/

Connect with Chris Burres:

- Website: https://www.myvitalc.com/

- Website: http://www.livebeyondthenorms.com/

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisburres/

- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myvitalc

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisburres/

Rewiring Your Brain: Dr. Patrick Porter on Brainwave Technology for Mental Optimization Mar 28, 2025

Show notes

Your brain harbors the world's greatest pharmacy, capable of releasing over 30,000 different neurochemicals with just a single thought.

Most people never tap into this incredible power, living instead with overactive stress responses, poor sleep, and mental fog that drain their energy and accelerate aging.

In this episode, Dr. Patrick Porter, award-winning neuroscience pioneer and inventor of BrainTap technology, reveals how specific light, sound, and frequency patterns can reprogram your brain for optimal performance, stress resilience, and longevity.

Whether you struggle with mental performance, chronic stress, sleep issues, or simply want to unlock your brain's untapped potential, this conversation offers practical tools to transform your neurochemistry and, ultimately, your life.

" You have the internal power and capacity to change any part of your life because when you change the thing you're looking at from the inside out, the thing you're looking at changes." ~ Dr. Patrick Porter

About Dr. Patrick Porter:

Dr. Patrick Porter is a neuroscience pioneer with three decades of experience in brainwave entrainment technology. He is the creator of BrainTap, a revolutionary device that uses light and sound to optimize brain function. Dr. Porter has written 13 books, won a lifetime achievement award from the Interdisciplinary Association of Functional Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, and has dedicated his life to helping people unlock their brain's potential through frequency science.

Connect with Dr. Patrick Porter:

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drpatrickporter/

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/drpatrickporter

- Website: https://braintap.com/

- Personal Website: https://drpatrickporter.com/

- Awaken the Genius book: https://a.co/d/8AKiRpV

Connect with Chris Burres:

- Website: https://www.myvitalc.com/

- Website: http://www.livebeyondthenorms.com/

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisburres/

- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myvitalc

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisburres/

The Autoimmune Spectrum: Dr. David Bilstrom on Reversing Chronic Disease & Preventing Future Illness Mar 25, 2025

Show notes

Nearly 60% of Americans have at least one chronic disease, and an estimated 1 in 10 suffers from an autoimmune disorder.

But what if these numbers drastically underestimate the issue? Research suggests up to 80% of Americans show signs of inflammation, a major driver of autoimmune conditions.

In this episode, Dr. David Bilstrom, a quadruple board-certified physician and director of the International Autoimmune Institute, breaks down the science of why autoimmune diseases are skyrocketing, why most treatments focus on the wrong things, and how you can actually address the root causes before it’s too late.

If you or someone you love struggles with chronic inflammation, fatigue, or brain fog or has ever been told “it’s just genetics,” this episode is a must-listen.

"The body's default mode is always to move towards wellness. It just inherently fixes things. If you cut yourself, you don't go, 'Great, I'm going to have this open wound my whole life.' The body heals it." ~ Dr. David Bilstrom

About Dr. David Bilstrom:

Dr. David Bilstrom is a medical doctor and quadruple board certified in functional and regenerative medicine, integrative medicine, physical medicine and rehabilitation, and medical acupuncture. He is the director of the International Autoimmune Institute and author of The Nurse Practitioner's Guide to Autoimmune Medicine: Reversing and Preventing All Autoimmunity. Dr. Bilstrom pioneered "Bilstrom's Nuclearitis," naming an early autoimmune marker to help patients receive proper treatment before more serious conditions develop.

Connect with Dr David Bilstrom:

- Website: https://drdavidbilstrom.com/

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/DrDavidBilstrom/

- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@DrDavidBilstrom

- Book: https://a.co/d/eKhEQYI

Connect with Chris Burres:

- Website: https://www.myvitalc.com/

- Website: http://www.livebeyondthenorms.com/

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisburres/

- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myvitalc

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisburres/

The Science of Muscle Growth & Metabolic Flexibility: Dylan Gemelli on The Smartest Way to Build Strength & Longevity Mar 21, 2025

Show notes

Support the show and get 50% off MCT oil with free shipping – just leave us a review on iTunes and let us know! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-beyond-the-norms/id1714886566

There’s a side of bodybuilding and performance enhancement that few people talk about—the reality behind the aesthetics, the sacrifices, and the mental battles that come with chasing the perfect physique.

In this episode, fitness expert and NASM-certified coach Dylan Gemelli talks about high-level bodybuilding, biohacking, and performance enhancement. He’s spent years studying SARMs, peptides, and steroids—and he’s got the experience to break down what works, what’s a bad idea, and how to think long-term about health and fitness.

If you’ve ever been curious about how elite athletes build muscle, the science behind metabolic flexibility, or what biohackers can learn from bodybuilders, this episode is packed with real talk and expert insights.

"The people that you think look the best, the bodybuilders, the people that model and everything, we're the worst. We've got the most issues, the most trouble with how we look, and the pressure." ~ Dylan Gemelli

About Dylan Gemelli:

Dylan Gemelli is a bodybuilder with 8 NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) certifications. As a fitness and weight loss expert, he's built a following of 1.5 million people learning from his expertise on SARMs, peptides, and steroids. Dylan was a speaker at the Mr. Olympia 60th anniversary and is transitioning his platform to focus more on longevity, biohacking, and overall health optimization while drawing from his extensive background in physical fitness.

Connect with Dylan Gemelli:

- Website: https://dylangemelli.com/

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylangemelli/

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DylanGemelliBiohacking

Connect with Chris Burres:

- Website: https://www.myvitalc.com/

- Website: http://www.livebeyondthenorms.com/

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisburres/

- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myvitalc

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisburres/

Ultra Running Champ Anthony Kunkel’s Secret Biohacking Stack for Peak Performance! Mar 21, 2025

Show notes

Ultra-running meets ultra-recovery! 🏆🔥

Anthony Kunkel, 2x U.S. Ultra Running Champion, isn’t just training harder—he’s training smarter. He’s stacking MyVitalC’s ESS60, among other supplements to optimize endurance and recovery. But here’s the crazy part: instead of just helping him recover faster, ESS60 actually prevents damage before it even happens. After crushing a 30-mile run, he expected to wake up sore—but instead, he was ready to train again.

This is next-level endurance support. 💥

Connect with Anthony Kunkel:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anthonykunkel/
- YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@anthonykunkel9712

Connect with Chris Burres:
- Website: https://www.myvitalc.com/
- Podcast: https://myvitalc.com/livebeyondthenorms/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myvitalc/
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myvitalc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/myvitalc/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisburres/

📢 Like, subscribe, and comment if YOU want to optimize your energy and longevity!

#TrainRecoverRepeat #BiohackingAthlete #Biohacker #MyVitalC #Running #Athlete

Jess Sherman on Raising Resilient Kids: How Nutrition & Connection Can Transform Behavior Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

Support the show and get 50% off MCT oil with free shipping – just leave us a review on iTunes and let us know! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-beyond-the-norms/id1714886566

If you’re dealing with moody, anxious, or unpredictable kids, perhaps the missing piece isn’t discipline or therapy—but nourishment.

In this episode, holistic nutrition expert and author Jess Sherman reveals how food, sleep, and connection shape childhood resilience and long-term health. She shares eye-opening insights into why kids struggle with focus, energy, and emotions, and why most solutions miss the mark.

Jess explains how gut health, nutrient balance, and even playtime impact kids’ ability to thrive. Plus, she breaks down her Roadmap to Resilient Kids, a framework designed to help parents create a culture of nourishment at home—without battles, stress, or guilt.

If you’ve ever wondered why your child is constantly fatigued, struggles with emotional outbursts, or just can’t seem to focus, this episode will change how you see parenting forever.

"I'm not about fixing kids. I'm about creating a culture of nourishment in your home." ~ Jess Sherman

About Jess Sherman:

Jess Sherman is a Functional Diagnostic Nutrition Practitioner and board-certified Holistic Nutritionist specializing in anxiety and moodiness in children and teens. Author of Raising Resilience, she created The Roadmap to Resilient Kids, a framework for nurturing children's physical and mental health. Jess combines her education and adventure education background with her nutrition expertise to empower parents to raise resilient, thriving children.

Connect with Jess Sherman:

- Book: https://a.co/d/3F4JNXb

- Website: https://www.jesssherman.com

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/askjesssherman

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jess-sherman/

Connect with Chris Burres:

- Website: https://www.myvitalc.com/

- Website: http://www.livebeyondthenorms.com/

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisburres/

- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myvitalc

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisburres/