Latest news with #HealthisaSkill
Business Upturn
5 days ago
- Health
- Business Upturn
Craig Harper Fights Cancer with Single-Digit Body Fat and a 'Be Savage' Mindset on Health is a Skill with Todd Vande Hei
By GlobeNewswire Published on July 25, 2025, 02:56 IST Beverly Hills California, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In an episode that redefines resilience, Todd Vande Hei, CEO of Stark and host of Health is a Skill , sits down with 61-year-old executive Craig Harper to explore how deliberate health optimization can become a powerful edge against disease. Diagnosed with multiple myeloma, an incurable blood cancer, Harper was told by his first oncologist there was 'nothing he could do.' Instead, he chose to rewrite the script. 'I'd rather be a warrior in a garden than a gardener in a war,' Harper said. Instead of waiting passively for chemo, he doubled down on proactive labs, heavy lifting, and long weighted walks. Today, he maintains just 9% body fat, logs 15,000 steps daily in a 40-pound vest, and surfs whenever possible, remarkably with no current symptoms. Highlights from their conversation included: Why Stark's routine lab work caught his cancer early, enabling a critical head start on intervention. How building lean mass and metabolic flexibility became essential tools, with muscle acting as 'storage for sugar'—helping to undercut cancer's fuel. The role of sauna, nasal breathing, and mobility in keeping him hiking strenuous trails and popping up on a surfboard at 61. Teaching his grandkids to 'be savage, not average,' encouraging them to find and test their own edges in life. Reflecting on the typical American path, Harper added, 'So many of my counterparts just seek comfort, too much alcohol, junk food, the couch. It seems like pleasure, but it leads to misery.' Instead, he hopes his story inspires others to take control before a diagnosis forces the issue. 'When the old man's knocking, don't let him in,' he advised. Listeners can hear the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. To explore how personalized strength, nutrition, and lab analysis can help build a more resilient body, visit About Health Is a Skill Health is a Skill is a Los Angeles-based podcast hosted by Todd Vande Hei, CEO of Stark. Each episode blends scientific insight, personal stories, and actionable habits to show how optimizing healthspan can transform every decade of life. Media Communications [email protected] Attachment Craig Harper shares how he's out-training blood cancer with Todd Vande Hei on Health is a Skill. Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash GlobeNewswire provides press release distribution services globally, with substantial operations in North America and Europe.
Associated Press
7 days ago
- Health
- Associated Press
Brett Jones Unpacks Kettlebells, Mobility Gaps and Nasal Breathing on Health is a Skill Podcast with Todd Vande Hei
07/22/2025, Beverly Hills California // KISS PR Brand Story PressWire // In the latest episode of Health is a Skill, Todd Vande Hei, CEO of Stark, explores what 'minimalist muscle' really means with Brett Jones, a StrongFirst Master Instructor renowned for bridging kettlebells with functional movement. Jones details how training just five kettlebell lifts, cleans, presses, squats, swings and Turkish get-ups continues to build his strength after decades in the industry. The secret? Jones 'minds the gap' by screening for hidden issues first. As a long-time Functional Movement Systems (FMS) educator, he begins with ankles, hips and the thoracic spine to find restrictions that quietly sabotage power and stability. 'When your hip stops, your back starts,' Jones says. 'If I can't rotate my T-spine or dorsiflex my ankle, my body will compensate, and that's where problems show up.' Jones outlines how his own severe hip impingements (FAI) forced him to become meticulous with warm-ups, from half-kneeling ankle drills to ribcage-focused T-spine rotations. He also credits nasal-only breathing at rest for balancing the nervous system. 'Most people are mouth breathing all day, stuck in fight-or-flight,' he explains. 'Nasal breathing restores parasympathetic tone, so your body can move better, lift better, and even digest better.' Listeners will also hear why minimalist shoes and barefoot sessions are game-changers for foot-to-glute strength, why high heels and rigid work boots require counter-mobility at day's end, and how Turkish Get-Ups act as 'insurance against falling.' Jones believes these ground-to-stand moves are foundational: 'The number one fear for many aging adults is falling. The second is not being able to get up.' The conversation wraps with practical takeaways: start with an FMS screen to see where your real gaps are, then layer in three core mobility drills—ankle dorsiflexion, hip runners' lunges, and T-spine 'bretzels.' 'Don't chase 150 random exercises,' Jones adds. 'Be brutally skilled at the basics. That's how you build resilient strength for life.' Find the full episode on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube. For details on personalized labs, strength and nutrition coaching, visit About Health Is a Skill Health is a Skill, hosted by Todd Vande Hei, shares strategies from world-class coaches, physicians and everyday high performers to extend healthspan and improve quality of life at every age. Media Communications [email protected]
Business Upturn
01-07-2025
- Health
- Business Upturn
David Nurse Discusses Flow State and Purpose-Driven Performance on Health is a Skill Podcast with Todd Vande Hei
Beverly Hills California, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bestselling author and performance coach David Nurse joined Health is a Skill host Todd Vande Hei for a dynamic conversation on mindset, epigenetics, and achieving high performance through intentional living and spiritual alignment. The episode offers a deep dive into what drives lasting change—and how flow state may be the key. Nurse, known for his work with NBA players and Fortune 500 executives, broke down the 'flow code formula,' a structured process designed to help individuals access states of heightened focus and effortlessness. He emphasized that flow, often thought of as rare or random, can be trained through a repeatable sequence of visualization, breathwork, somatic activation, and spiritual connection. Advertisement 'Flow is not just for athletes,' said Nurse. 'Anyone can access it. It's about reaching that 10-hertz brainwave state where focus and freedom meet.' The two also explored the concept of epigenetics—how environment and belief influence gene expression—and discussed the formative role that childhood experiences, coaching, and self-image play in shaping one's future potential. Drawing from examples like Steph Curry and Steven Spielberg, Nurse outlined a 'greatness formula' involving natural attributes, exposure, mentorship, and insatiable drive. Vande Hei shared personal stories from his own family and company, Stark, emphasizing how belief in one's ability to evolve is a crucial ingredient in long-term health and success. He noted that many people self-sabotage because they don't truly believe transformation is possible, a point Nurse echoed. 'If you don't know who you want to be, you won't become that person,' said Nurse. 'You need to act from a vision of the future you, not the past.' The episode also covered: The role of psychedelics and ketamine-assisted therapy in facilitating ego detachment and behavior change The connection between prayer, stress reduction, and long-term physical health How spirituality influences resilience and mental clarity Resetting mindset through visualization, bilateral tapping, and cross-lateral movement How purpose-driven action sustains motivation over time The conversation concluded with reflections on why trauma often reconnects people to higher purpose and why prayer, gratitude, and release of control can enhance not just emotional well-being, but cellular health. David Nurse can be found at and on social platforms @davidnurseNBA. His podcast, The David Nurse Show, and books on mindset are available online. Listen to the full episode on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. About Health Is a Skill Health is a Skill is a Los Angeles-based podcast hosted by Todd Vande Hei, CEO of Stark. Through expert interviews and solo episodes, the podcast explores the systems, tools, and daily practices that optimize health and longevity in the modern world. Media Communications: Inquiries: [email protected] Attachment David Nurse explains the science of flow and self-transformation through mindset and neuroplasticity Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same.
Business Upturn
19-06-2025
- Health
- Business Upturn
Sleep Expert Dr. Michael Breus Joins Health is a Skill Podcast with Todd Vande Hei to Share Tips for Long-Term Wellness
By GlobeNewswire Published on June 19, 2025, 22:37 IST Beverly Hills California, June 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Renowned clinical psychologist and sleep specialist Dr. Michael Breus joined Stark CEO Todd Vande Hei on the latest episode of Health is a Skill , delivering an insightful discussion on how simple daily habits—breathing, hydration, and sleep—can lead to profound long-term health improvements. Dr. Breus, widely known as 'The Sleep Doctor,' is double board-certified and the author of multiple bestselling books, including The Power of When and his latest, Sleep, Drink, Breathe: Simple Daily Habits for Profound Long-Term Health . In this episode, he outlined his 'Three Fifteens' strategy—15 minutes of morning sunlight, 15 deep breaths, and 15 ounces of water—as a powerful wellness primer. 'These are things we're already doing—breathing, sleeping, drinking water. But doing them better can create exponential results,' said Dr. Breus. He emphasized that foundational habits often outperform more complex biohacks when implemented consistently and correctly. The episode also breaks down the importance of chronotypes—genetically influenced sleep-wake tendencies—and how aligning daily activities to one's natural rhythm can optimize rest and performance. Dr. Breus introduced his ChronoQuiz tool as a way for listeners to understand their individual sleep types and tailor their daily routines accordingly. Additional highlights from the discussion include: The connection between poor sleep and hydration, and how to spot dehydration through simple urine color checks. Breathwork techniques such as box breathing and the 4-7-8 method, useful for activating the parasympathetic nervous system. The critical impact of consistent wake-up times on melatonin regulation. Pros and cons of melatonin supplementation, and the limitations of common sleep tracking devices. The future of sleep diagnostics, including FDA-approved at-home tools like the Happy Ring. Dr. Breus also shared insights on treating sleep disorders like insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea, covering treatment alternatives to CPAP machines such as dental appliances and new technologies like eXciteOSA. He stressed that while these devices are promising, foundational health behaviors remain the most impactful. For those navigating sleep challenges or simply looking to improve their wellness baseline, Dr. Breus recommended starting with the fundamentals. 'If there's one thing people should do, it's wake up at the same time seven days a week,' he advised. Listeners can hear the full conversation on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. About Health Is a Skill Health is a Skill is a Los Angeles-based podcast hosted by Todd Vande Hei, CEO of Stark. Through expert interviews and solo episodes, the podcast explores the systems, tools, and daily practices that optimize health and longevity in the modern world. Media Communications: Inquiries: [email protected] Attachment Dr. Michael Breus, author of Sleep, Drink, Breathe, discusses sleep optimization with Todd Vande Hei. Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with GlobeNewswire. Business Upturn takes no editorial responsibility for the same. Ahmedabad Plane Crash GlobeNewswire provides press release distribution services globally, with substantial operations in North America and Europe.
Yahoo
17-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Todd Vande Hei Breaks Down the 'Mismatch Theory' in "Health is a Skill" Podcast Episode on Health Optimization
Stark CEO explores evolutionary biology, EMFs, and modern wellness strategies in an episode aimed at bridging the gap between body design and today's environment Todd Vande Hei delivers a thought-provoking solo episode on evolutionary health, stress, and modern resilience. Beverly Hills, California, June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In a powerful solo episode of Health is a Skill, Stark CEO Todd Vande Hei explores the concept of the 'mismatch theory,' offering a comprehensive look at how modern comforts may be undermining human health. Drawing from evolutionary biology and his own extensive health journey, Vande Hei shares a deeply personal and data-backed perspective on optimizing well-being in a world that's increasingly out of sync with human physiology. 'Softness is the same as misery over the long haul,' Vande Hei declares, challenging listeners to reevaluate their approach to convenience and comfort. He connects the dots between electromagnetic fields (EMFs), reduced mitochondrial function, chronic fatigue, and the alarming decline in hormonal health—especially among young men. The episode delves into scientific literature, including a 2021 meta-review linking EMF exposure to oxidative stress and a 2016 study that showed significant decreases in mitochondrial function due to electromagnetic exposure. 'We're stone-agers living in the space age,' Vande Hei notes, referencing anthropologist Daniel Lieberman's work on the biological mismatch between human evolution and industrialized environments. In his signature blend of science and storytelling, Vande Hei breaks down mitochondrial health, ATP production, apoptosis, and their critical roles in longevity and performance. He also covers practical strategies such as infrared sauna use, cold exposure, circadian rhythm alignment, and clean air and water practices. Listeners are urged to incorporate daily discomforts—like walking more, fasting, and avoiding ultra-processed foods—into their routines to build metabolic and psychological resilience. 'You can't live like a caveman in the 21st century,' Vande Hei says, 'but you can steal the best parts of that lifestyle and blend them with modern tools.' This episode serves as a blueprint for anyone navigating the toxicities of modern life while seeking optimal health. Tune in via YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts. About Health Is a Skill Health is a Skill is a Los Angeles-based podcast hosted by Todd Vande Hei, CEO of Stark. Each episode combines scientific insight, real-world strategies, and expert conversations to help listeners bridge the gap between their biology and the modern world—empowering them to live longer, healthier lives. Media Communications: Inquiries: adamtorres@ Attachment Todd Vande Hei delivers a thought-provoking solo episode on evolutionary health, stress, and modern in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
