Live Beyond the Norms

Latest Episodes:

Sprouts: The Most Nutrient-Dense Food You Can Grow on Your Countertop in Days | Doug Evans Jan 13, 2026

Show notes

Imagine growing pounds of living, enzyme-rich superfood with just a jar, water, and seeds, using almost no resources while getting up to 100 times more nutrients than mature vegetables.

I sat down with Doug Evans, bestselling author of The Sprout Book and founder of The Sprouting Company, to explore why sprouts became his lifeline after family health tragedies and how he lived exclusively on them for months in the desert.

In this episode, we talk about the high nutrient density of broccoli sprouts and the power of sulforaphane for detoxification and insulin regulation. We discuss why every sprout delivers complete proteins naturally and how simple home sprouting beats grocery produce for freshness and environmental impact.

Doug opens up about his journey from army paratrooper to a health entrepreneur, the lessons from Juicero that shaped his approach, designing the perfect sprouting system, and why sprouts deserve center stage in any longevity-focused diet.

"Sprouts are food, nutrition, and medicine all in one." - Doug Evans

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

About Doug Evans:

Doug Evans is a former U.S. Army paratrooper, national bestselling author of The Sprout Book, and founder of The Sprouting Company. After losing family members to chronic disease, he transformed his health through raw plants. He discovered the unparalleled power of home-grown sprouts and now shares simple systems to help everyone access the planet's most nutrient-dense food.

Connect with Doug Evans:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dougevans/

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

Website: https://thesproutingcompany.com

The Sprout Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/b4S3TRv

The Sprouting App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/the-sprouting-company/id1633821095

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/

Disclaimer
The content shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice of any kind, nor does it include any specific claims or guarantees. The views expressed are based on personal experiences, research, and individual perspectives, and are meant to inspire and inform listeners on topics related to wellness, lifestyle, and personal development.
We strongly encourage all listeners to consult with a qualified professional or licensed expert before making any decisions related to health, finances, or other sensitive areas of life. Thank you for tuning in—and for taking proactive steps toward a more informed, intentional life.

Bone Density Secrets and Variable Resistance for Muscle Growth and Hormonal Optimization| Dr. John Jaquish Jan 09, 2026

Show notes

Breaking a hip after age 50 carries a shocking 50% chance of death within a year, yet conventional fitness and drugs fall dramatically short of fixing bone loss.

I sat down with Dr. John Jaquish, the biomedical engineer behind OsteoStrong and X3, to expose why weightlifting and cardio barely move the needle on bone health or real strength gains. We unpack how high-impact emulation safely triggers massive bone growth, why variable resistance builds far more muscle than barbells ever could, and the game-changing circadian approach to testosterone that delivers steroid-like benefits without the downsides.

John shares the personal story that drove him to invent OsteoStrong for his mother's osteoporosis, the exact loading threshold that stimulates bone growth, and why most gym routines waste time on joint stress instead of real adaptation. We also cover low-carb living, smart use of GLP-1 agonists for resetting cravings, and his upcoming sublingual testosterone protocol that mimics natural pulses for peak performance.

"The strongest guy in the world does not achieve the minimum to stimulate bone growth." - Dr. John Jaquish

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

About Dr. John Jaquish:

Dr. John Jaquish is a biomedical engineer, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Weightlifting Is a Waste of Time, and inventor of OsteoStrong and the X3 variable resistance system. Known as the Tony Stark of fitness, he challenges conventional training methods with data-driven devices that dramatically improve bone density, strength, and muscle growth for everyone from frail elderly to elite athletes.

Connect with Dr. John Jaquish:

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

- X3 Bar: https://x3bar.com

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

- OsteoStrong: https://www.osteostrong.me

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/

How I Beat Lyme Disease, Mold Toxicity, and Lipedema NATURALLY! | Erika Schlick Jan 06, 2026

Show notes

A single camping trip triggered years of rapid decline, mysterious hair loss, brain fog, and bedridden days, yet one woman turned it around without antibiotics and rebuilt her life.

I sat down with Erika Schlick, who battled celiac disease, Lyme disease, mold toxicity, multiple autoimmune issues, and finally lipedema. She shares how gluten sparked alopecia, why traditional doctors dismissed chronic Lyme, and how shifting to an autoimmune paleo protocol gave her the first real clarity.

We talk about ozone therapy, herbal frequency tinctures, plasmapheresis, and the stem cell treatment that cleared her Lyme symptoms but unexpectedly triggered massive weight gain, leading to her lipedema diagnosis.

Erika also opens up about the dark emotional days, the power of nervous system regulation, and why listening to your body beats blindly following popular trends.

“Listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t keep doing it just because someone said you should.” - Erika Schlick

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

About Erika Schlick:

Erika Schlick is a certified health coach, nationally recognized cookbook author, and founder of Full Circle Media, a marketing agency for health professionals. After overcoming celiac disease, Lyme disease, mold toxicity, lipedema, and multiple autoimmune conditions through functional medicine and lifestyle changes, she now helps others navigate complex health journeys with real food, low-toxin living, and personalized protocols.

Connect with Erika Schlick:

- Website - https://thetrailtohealth.com

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

- Podcast - https://thetrailtohealth.com/podcast

- Agency - https://fullcirclemedia.co

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/

Why Eating Dirt and LPS From Root Vegetables Trains Your Immune System for Better Longevity | Dr. Steven Gundry Jan 02, 2026

Show notes

Ancient humans ate dirt-covered root vegetables and fermented foods loaded with bacterial fragments, and that constant low exposure could explain why modern hygiene is backfiring on our health.

I had a great conversation with Dr. Steven Gundry about lipopolysaccharides, those inflammatory molecules from gram-negative bacteria that trigger massive immune reactions when injected, yet seem to calm the system when we eat tiny amounts from plants, spices, grains, and soil.

He explains why he once cursed LPS in earlier books but now sees real benefits from controlled oral exposure, how fermentation has always neutralized harmful lectins, and why pastured chicken is finally becoming easier to find.

We also touch on the hygiene hypothesis, kids eating dirt, dog owners having better microbiomes, and why over-cleanliness might be leaving our immune systems untrained.

"Bacteria are not bad in and of themselves. As long as there's a balance and the terrain is in balance, then the good guys never overwhelm the bad guys." - Dr. Steven Gundry

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

About Dr. Steven Gundry:

Dr. Steven Gundry is a world-renowned cardiac surgeon, researcher, and pioneer in nutrition science. Author of multiple New York Times bestsellers, including The Plant Paradox and The Longevity Paradox, his latest book, The Gut Brain Paradox, explores how the microbiome drives mood, cognition, and chronic disease. Through his clinics in Palm Springs and Santa Barbara and his company Gundry MD, he helps thousands reclaim energy, reverse autoimmunity, and rebuild the gut-brain connection through evidence-based nutrition and lifestyle protocols.

Connect with Dr. Steven Gundry

- Website - https://drgundry.com/

- YouTube - https://youtube.com/drgundry

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

- Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-gundry-podcast/id1434371530

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/

Disclaimer

The content shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice of any kind, nor does it include any specific claims or guarantees. The views expressed are based on personal experiences, research, and individual perspectives, and are meant to inspire and inform listeners on topics related to wellness, lifestyle, and personal development.
We strongly encourage all listeners to consult with a qualified professional or licensed expert before making any decisions related to health, finances, or other sensitive areas of life. Thank you for tuning in—and for taking proactive steps toward a more informed, intentional life.

The Gut's Hidden Control Over Your Brain, Inflammation, and Immune System | Dr. Vincent Pedre Dec 30, 2025

Show notes

A sensitive stomach and endless antibiotics as a kid left Dr. Vincent Pedre with a wrecked gut he never understood until much later. Now, he helps thousands rebuild their guts to quiet inflammation, sharpen the mind, and live longer with real energy.

In this episode, we unpack why leaky gut quietly drives most chronic issues today, how endotoxins from bad bacteria trigger weight gain and insulin resistance, and the surprising truth behind acid reflux that keeps millions on unnecessary meds.

Dr. Pedre shares the Stanford study showing fermented foods beat fiber for dropping inflammatory markers, why microplastics in coffee cups sabotage your mucus barrier, and how calming your nervous system is non-negotiable for actual healing.

He also explains his personalized 14-day Gut Smart Protocol, the power of vagus nerve practices, and why a healthy microbiome might be the biggest longevity lever we have.

“I know the power that we have to heal ourselves internally and that everything doesn't have to be drugs.” - Dr. Vincent Pedre

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

Mentioned in the Episode:

Happy Gut Coffee: https://happygutlife.com/products/happy-gut-coffee?selling_plan=3414556742&variant=41899712741446

The GutSMART Protocol Book: https://a.co/d/fBuq8fb

About Vincent Pedre:

Dr. Vincent Pedre is a board-certified internist, gut health expert, and bestselling author of The GutSMART Protocol. He focuses on healing the microbiome to reduce inflammation and extend healthspan through diet, fermentation, and smart exposure to environmental microbes.

Connect with Dr. Vincent Pedre:

Website: https://pedremd.com/

Website: https://happygutlife.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincent-pedre-m-d-3319405b/

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/

We strongly encourage all listeners to consult with a qualified professional or licensed expert before making any decisions related to health, finances, or other sensitive areas of life. Thank you for tuning in—and for taking proactive steps toward a more informed, intentional life.

The Hidden Metabolic Mistake That Ages You Faster Than You Think With Dave Asprey Dec 26, 2025

Show notes

In this flashback episode, Chris Burres sits down with Dave Asprey to break down metabolic health, insulin resistance, and what actually drives longevity. We’re revisiting this conversation because science still holds up, and matters more than ever. Dave explains how metabolic dysfunction can develop years before standard blood tests show problems, and why insulin is often the earliest and most overlooked warning sign.

Chris and Dave also cover practical ways to improve metabolic flexibility, including fasting insulin testing, continuous glucose monitoring, and nutrition strategies that avoid rigid rules. They discuss keto, fasting, and intentional flex days, emphasizing personalization over perfection for long-term, sustainable health.

"You're not going to live longer if you hate your life." ~ Dave Asprey

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

Mentioned in the Episode:

- The Human Upgrade Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-human-upgrade-biohacking-for-longevity-performance/id451295014

- Heavily Meditated Book: https://a.co/d/cfmtCQY

- Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com/

- Upgrade Labs: https://upgradelabs.com/

- 40 Years of Zen: https://40yearsofzen.com/

About Dave Asprey:

Dave Asprey is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, founder of Upgrade Labs, creator of 40 Years of Zen, and the father of biohacking. His latest book, Heavily Meditated, shows how to reset emotional triggers and dissolve stress using neuroscience-backed methods developed through decades of work with high performers worldwide.

Connect with Dave Asprey:

- Website: https://daveasprey.com

- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dave.asprey/

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

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/

How Genomic Precision Medicine and DNA Testing Can Prevent Alzheimer's and Optimize Your Healthspan| Dr. Jeff Graham Dec 23, 2025

Show notes

Maximizing your healthspan requires understanding your specific genetic blueprint to see how your body processes fats, carbs, and antioxidants. Standard medical school training provides only a fraction of the education needed to understand nutrition and prevention.

I sat down with Dr. Jeff Graham to uncover why common health "hacks" like Vitamin E or intermittent fasting might be backfiring based on your DNA. We explore the transition from high-intensity athletics to longevity-focused movement, and how advanced testing identifies disease risks years before they appear on a standard lab report.

Jeff breaks down the impact of the APOE and MTHFR genes on brain health, the surprising anti-inflammatory benefits of sardines, and why muscle mass is your greatest currency as you age. We also discuss the future of AI in diagnostics, the truth about CrossFit injuries, and why contrast therapy is a non-negotiable for cellular resilience.

"If you're investing in anything with your time or your money that isn't asking you to do something hard most days, then you need to run away." - Dr. Jeff Graham

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

About Jeff Graham:

Dr. Jeff Graham is a performance and longevity expert combining clinical expertise with precision genomic medicine. He holds a medical degree from the University of Arkansas, completed his residency in North Carolina, and graduated cum laude from a sports medicine fellowship with board certification in lifestyle medicine. As Chief Medical Officer at Wild Health, Jeff focuses on leveraging advanced testing and data-driven insights to maximize health spans for clients ranging from senior executives to competitive CrossFit athletes.

Connect with Jeff Graham:

- Website: https://wildhealth.com

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

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

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/

Do Your Hair Follicles Hold the Key to Reversing Aging and Restoring Youth? Dec 19, 2025

Show notes

Your youngest, healthiest cells already exist, and they might be the key to repairing skin, hair, joints, immunity, and aging itself.

Microplastics, pharmaceuticals, and chronic stress get a lot of attention in longevity, but almost no one talks about what happens when your body runs out of high-quality repair cells. I sat down with Dr. Drew Taylor to discuss why aging accelerates as stem cell reserves decline and how banking your best cells today could change how you heal decades from now.

Drew breaks down why hair follicles are the most accessible source of powerful stem cells, how cryopreservation freezes your biology in time, and why this acts like biological health insurance. We also discuss the science behind secretomes, immune aging, orthopedic recovery, skin regeneration, and why medicine is shifting toward prevention rather than damage control.

"We're taking a copy of you at your best, and we're locking it in time. Part of you will be on ice." - Dr. Drew Taylor

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

About Drew Taylor:

Dr. Drew Taylor is a biomedical engineer, former professional baseball player, and the founder of Acorn Biolabs. His work focuses on preserving a person’s healthiest cells for future regenerative therapies. With a background in stem cell biology, orthopedics, and venture science, Drew is helping build a platform that makes personalized regenerative medicine proactive rather than reactive.

Connect with Drew Taylor:

- Website: https://acorn.me

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

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 Seven-Tier Hormone Optimization System That Fixes ED, Brain Fog, and Metabolic Chaos From the Inside Out | Miguel & Carlos Bertonatti Dec 16, 2025

Show notes

Microplastics are now showing up inside human reproductive organs, while endocrine-disrupting chemicals wreck hormonal health from every angle. The standard medical system often dismisses these environmental toxins as normal despite the massive impact on performance and longevity.

Miguel Bertonatti was a shredded eighteen-year-old suffering from erectile dysfunction, while his brother Carlos was surviving on whiskey and sixty milligrams of Adderall just to function. They stopped accepting normal as a diagnosis and built a medical practice that treats the individual rather than the average.

In this episode, we discuss why standard lab ranges often fail to catch serious issues and how genetic mutations like MTHFR might be the actual culprit behind ADHD symptoms. The brothers also break down their seven-tier optimization hierarchy, which moves from fundamental hormone balance all the way to advanced genetic repair.

"Every male testicle in 2024 was found to have microplastics, meaning, when your real hormones need to attach, there's no place for them." - Miguel Bertonatti

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

About Miguel & Carlos Bertonatti:

Miguel and Carlos Bertonatti are brothers, extreme athletes, and the founders of the Medical Health Institute. They specialize in evidence-based hormone optimization, personalized peptide protocols, and functional medicine strategies designed to maximize vitality and longevity. Their goal is to redesign health using medical science and cutting-edge biohacking strategies to help patients look, feel, and perform at their peak potential.

Connect with Miguel & Carlos Bertonatti:

- Website: https://medicalhealthinstitute.com

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

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

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/

20-Minute Full Body Workouts That Feel Like Two-Hour Gym Sessions: The EMS Training Revolution | Alec Oliver Dec 12, 2025

Show notes

A single 20-minute session in a wireless suit left my wife sore for six days and turned a fit CrossFitter into someone who suddenly felt the barbell was loaded wrong because he got dramatically stronger after just two workouts. Alec Oliver, the founder of SQAI, brought elite-athlete electrical muscle stimulation out of secret training rooms and million-dollar clinics and made it something you can own, control from your phone, and use while you watch TV.

We go hard on the science of why EMS recruits twice the muscle fibers, no matter how heavy you lift, and how it hits fast-twitch fibers on demand, so you keep explosive power into your 70s and 80s. We also discuss why EMS builds bone density from both sides of every joint, and how a $99/month suit is quietly becoming the biggest longevity hack most people still don’t know exists.

“I don’t care how heavy you lift, I don’t care how fast you run or how high you jump. EMS is just science. It activates twice as many muscle fibers and acts more deeply and more comprehensively.” Alec Oliver

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

About Alec Oliver:

Alec Oliver is the founder and CEO of SQAI, a fitness technology company redefining strength training through the lens of longevity. With a background in computer science and finance, Alec left the high-speed world of private equity to pursue his passion for biohacking. He is an avid CrossFitter and wellness enthusiast who is on a mission to democratize Electro Muscle Stimulation (EMS), a technology previously reserved for elite athletes, to help people of all ages build muscle, improve bone density, and extend their healthspan.

Connect with Alec Oliver:

- Website: https://sqai.co

- Instagram: https://instagram.com/sqai.co

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/