Align Podcast

What’s the best exercise for sedentary beings who want to live longer, stronger, and happier? Today’s guest firmly believes that resistance training is the answer. In this episode, Sal Di Stefano takes us through the unbelievable benefits of resistance training on growth hormones, insulin sensitivity, muscle building, and overall well-being. This discussion will help open your eyes to the dangers of modern-day sedentarism and teach you how to save yourself, one small habit changes at a time. Sal is the designer of the Muscular Adaptation Programming System (MAPS) and co-founder of Mind Pump Media. He also co-hosts Mind Pump.   What we discuss: 0:00 - Introduction to Sal Di Stefano 1:20 - Morning erection: Is it a sign of serious health issues? 3:15 - Myths about resistance training 6:50 - Why resistance training is the best form of exercise, even for non-fitness fanatics 10:00 - Does muscle building help with insulin-sensitivity, obesity, and Alzheimer’s? 13:00 - Winning the testosterone epidemic with resista

Did you know that elevated uric acid causes more than just gout? It also exacerbates chronic diseases like hypertension, obesity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and more. That's why controlling uric acid is central to achieving optimal metabolic and overall health. But how can we consciously do that? Dr. David Perlmutter graces the Align Podcast to discuss everything you need to know about uric acid - the "metabolic waste product”. Dr. Perlmutter is a Board-Certified Neurologist and five-time New York Times bestselling author. He serves on the Board of Directors and is a Fellow of the American College of Nutrition.   What we discuss: 0:00 - Introduction to Dr. David Perlmutter 1:00 - What "Drop Acid" talks about 3:40 - What is uric acid? 7:00 - The fructose (sugar) consumption & uric acid connection 10:30 - How body fat acts as our resource to make freshwater 13:00 - Does lack of sleep elevate uric acid levels? 16:30 – What/Who inspires him to stay humble & keep learning? 19:00 - Are we victims to our

What can a cadaver reveal about the living?   In this episode of the Align Podcast, Gil Hedley, Ph.D. shares his mind-boggling insights from a lifetime of navigating what he calls the "inner space." We discuss how the body of the deceased leaves tracks that lead us to a deeper understanding of life and how the living should exist. We also talk about body shaming and ways to overcome it, why you should deromanticize pain, how external pressures can distort your tissue organization, and how to finally release yourself from that feeling of being a victim of your surroundings and emotions.   Besides being a prominent expert in human dissection, Gil Hedley, Ph.D., is also an author, teacher, and a nationally certified Rolfer and massage therapist.   What we discuss: 0:00 - Introduction to Gil Hedley 4:20 - Developing a non-emotional relationship to pain 9:50 - Why Movement means Mobility & Motility 16:40 - Cultural & religious roots of body shaming + ways to overcome it 23:00 - Should you feel guilty about

Are you letting your shadows rule your life? Where do these shadows come from? How can plant medicine ceremonies lead to spiritual awakening? In this episode of the Align Podcast, Aaron Doughty shares how our shadows can destroy our self-image and what we can do to stop them. He then proceeds to explain the healing promise of plant medicine ceremonies like Ayahuasca and how these helped him get in touch with the deepest parts of his consciousness. Aaron Doughty is a life coach, spiritual leader, and YouTuber. He regularly produces content on science, philosophy, psychology, and spirituality to educate people and guide them to a life of purpose.   What we discuss: 0:00 - Introduction to Aaron Doughty 2:00 - Exposing your shadows & overcoming them 6:00 - Coca & Cocaine: When sacred plant medicines become a criminal's tool 13:00 - What are the benefits of plant medicines & ceremonies? 21:00 - What does "spiritual awakening" truly mean? 28:00 - Why do some people feel like they don't deserve good thin

What's the difference between a fighter and a true martial artist? How does an MMA champion deal with a career-ending diagnosis? In this episode, I'm joined by International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) World Champion and Professional MMA Fighter Rafael Lovato Jr. We talk about the events leading to his brain disorder diagnosis and how it propelled him to power through what he calls the "pinnacle challenge" of his martial arts journey. Here, he reveals more details on his disorder, his secrets to defeating his opponents, what separates a martial artist from a fighter, and why we shouldn't train only to win but to continuously learn. Also, we reflect on the meaning of success and death and how martial arts teaches us the art of letting go – a skill that will save us from life’s most difficult moments.   What we discuss: 00:00 - Introduction to Rafael Lovato Jr. 1:00 - His childhood, first losses, first wins, & what success means 4:00 - The life-changing diagnosis 10:40 - How he used his diagnosis

What if the solution to your chronic knee pain lies in how you exercise the often-neglected body parts, like your toes, feet, and ankles Whatever pain you're going through, there's always someone who can offer the tools for your own breakthrough. Ben Patrick (known online as "Knees Over Toes Guy"), the founder and CEO of Athletic Truth Group (ATG), worshipped basketball since he was a kid, but at 9 years old, chronic knee problems started crushing his dreams…or so he thought. By 18, he had 3 surgical knee alterations and decided to quit basketball. Driven to heal himself naturally, Ben experimented with unorthodox methods and was introduced to Charles Poliquin's "knees over toes" training techniques - something prohibited in college sports. Despite criticisms, Ben kept doing his training and regained his athleticism. At 21, he was offered a full-ride basketball scholarship and transformed his basketball career. Not long after, Ben needed to let go of a full-ride D1 scholarship because of NCAA eligibility rule

Did you know that you're exposed to over a hundred harmful chemicals daily? Ironically, some of these potentially toxic chemicals lurk in your "self-care" products. In this episode of the Align Podcast, Katie Wells and I go deep into the endocrine-disrupting effects of plastic chemical exposure from some of your everyday essentials, specifically oral and hair care products and deodorizers. "What goes on your skin goes into your body," Katie says as she explains how you can nourish your body by from the outside in by being extra conscious of what you put on your skin and hair. There are always better options than the overmarketed products you’re manipulated to buy, and she shares where and how you can naturally source them. Our conversation gets vulnerable as Katie opens up about her issues with weight and body image that stem from a deep emotional trauma. She claims that successfully losing 100lbs in 6 months isn't just about sticking to a workout routine; it's about revisiting her past wounds and choosing to

What does it mean to train like a woman? How does women’s menstrual cycle affect athletic training and performance? In this episode of the Align Podcast, I’m honored to host one of the world’s leading experts in female physiology and sports nutrition, Dr. Stacy Sims. We have an awakening conversation on the power of tracking women’s menstrual cycles not only for optimal sports training and performance, but also for a deeper understanding of what women have to consistently go through. Arguing that sports and fitness science is designed from a cis-male’s perspective, Dr. Stacy lays out the complexities of female physiology and why it merits a whole different approach. She explains how to track menstrual cycles so women can plan their own training based on their cycle metrics. Knowing these patterns allows women and coaches to leverage hormonal changes and identify the best days for steady-state work, high-intensity session, and recovery period. Plus, Dr. Stacy shares what trainings can be done during high-hormo

Welcome to a special solo episode of the Align Podcast, something that is few and far between! I dive into a chapter from my newly revised and expand book: The Align Method, speaking about why our bodies our so compressed and what we can do to fix it.   A key distinction between human beings and other mammals is our capacity to walk upright on two feet. The story becomes extra interesting when you ask, “What the heck were we doing before that?” It's a great question and one I explore in this episode. Essentially, we have gotten so far from our ancestral way of life and it has trigger misalignment throughout our entire body. In this episode, you can find solutions on how to successfully decompress your body, ease your pain and discomfort, feel more confident and live a more aligned life.  

As the new year unfolds, do you feel more pressure to fully live your purpose? But what if your purpose remains unclear to you? In this episode of the Align Podcast, I'm joined by Youtuber, Podcaster, and polymath Chris Williamson. He's the creator and host of "Modern Wisdom" where he interviews some of the brightest minds on the planet to explore different topics on human nature, philosophy, health, fitness, and many more. Chris admits feeling like an outsider his whole life, which helped forge his exceptional perceptive qualities that led to his huge commercial success as a club promoter. But, for Chris, we're more than what we do. He goes on to discuss the key to finding your purpose, how to make sense of your suffering, and one of the most bewildering topics of all…modern dating. He explains why more men and women struggle to find a partner nowadays and how balancing the feminine and masculine energies can solve it.   What we discuss: 0:00 – Introduction to Chris Williamson 2:30 – How dogs can help you li

Did you know that your body needs movement as much as you need food? In this episode of the Align Podcast, biomechanist and movement guru Katy Bowman explains what human movement truly means, why it affects your quality of life, and how to get yourself to move more often and effectively in a sedentary world that offers limitless reasons to sit on hours.  What's really interesting to know is that it's not enough that you exercise or move your body once in a while; Katy says you should be moving in ways that optimize ALL parts of your body. Yes, there's actually a "dosage" of movement required for different body parts. It seems complex, but it's totally achievable if you introduce even small changes in your routine. Whether you're working in front of the computer or glued to the TV screen, there are easy ways you can secure that daily dose of healthy movement. Learn more as Katy and I delve deep into that in this educational talk. Aside from writing the best-selling "Move Your DNA" along with 7 other books, mul

Do you want to pursue greater things but can't find the courage to leave your comfort zone? In this episode of the Align Podcast, top ultra marathoner and world-record holder Michele Graglia shares empowering insights that will get you off the couch and start running towards your highest dreams. His unimaginable wins are plastered in various websites but, in this rare interview, Michele reveals why competition ruins the essence of ultra running, what sets his mindset apart from other ultramarathoners, and how to overcome your ego-centric tendencies that keep you from growing into a better version of yourself. From getting high on the addictive supermodel lifestyle at age 24 to feeling the unbearable existential void at 27, Michele found an escape in the world's most inhospitable places: ice mountains and torrid deserts. His pivot from the limelight set him off to epic adventures that test the limits of human potential. Giving his all to run extreme distances in extreme conditions, he has conquered both the sc

Is there such a thing as breathing too much? Yes! And if you’re doing it through your mouth, that’s much worse. In this latest episode of the Align Podcast, world-renowned breathing expert Patrick McKeown explains why you should stop breathing through your mouth and start taking slow, light breaths through your nose. One huge reason for this is that nasal breathing will drastically improve your sleep, attention and memory, calm your mind, and reduce your stress almost instantly. Do you notice how anxiety makes your breathing fast and shallow, which only reinforces your suffering? That's mostly because of dysfunctional breathing patterns you’re not even aware of. Here, Patrick gives tips on how to stay calm and collected in stressful situations by controlling our breath. His focus is not in deep breaths but in the gaps between those breaths. Also, we cover the healing effects of nasal breathing on COVID and asthma patients, the dangers of mouth breathing in kids, and how tongue posture affects your gait and ap

Ever wonder how you can show up better in your relationships? Your dog has the answers! On this episode of the Align Podcast, Tamar Geller shares how she believes that our dogs are in our life to teach us how to show up for a relationship. In other words, she considers them to be our training wheels as we learn how to develop better relationships in our lives with ourselves and others.  Tamar Geller is a New York Times bestselling author and as OPRAH says “A Life Coach for Dogs and their People”. Known for her mindful, fun, innovative and effective methods, her enthusiasm revolutionized the way dog training is done. She doesn’t believe in giving commands to a dog, instead she prefers to teach them the life skills that allow them to self-regulate and make better decisions. To learn more about Tamar: Website: theloveddog.com  Instagram: @theloveddog   Related links: www.alignpodcast.com/alignmethod for a special discount  eatonhemp.com/align and use ALIGN code during checkout to save 20 percent  www.magbreakthr

Having trouble connecting with your partner sexually and emotionally? Sex expert Jaiya Ma says it can be because of your unprocessed traumas and lack of self-love. In this wildly vulnerable episode of the Align Podcast, world-renowned sexologist Jaiya Ma and her partner Ian Ferguson reveal the top secrets to having the best sex of your life. Hint: Great sex isn't about what you do; it's about who you are. Jaiya and Ian talk about the importance of taking on "masks" or personas to fully express your erotic self without the conditioned feeling of shame. In this rare instance, Jaiya also openly shares her struggle with an incurable Complex Post-traumatic Disorder (CPTSD) and how it interfered with her relationship with Ian and herself, leading her to test the healing wonders of Psychedelics. Highlighting the naked truth that humans are wired for pleasure, this power couple aims to put an end to the institutionalized shame around sexuality. If you want to get over that shame and optimize your sexual life, this ep

Today’s science & technology allows us to cross planets and modify genes, yet chronic diseases still shoot us down. If our systems are so advanced, why are we still the sickest nation in history? That’s a question addressed by Shawn Stevenson in this eye-opening episode. Here, Shawn unveils the faults in our healthcare system and the role of the government and media in perpetuating fear among us. He explains that the fear that helps us spot a threat is the same fear that makes us commit bad decisions for ourselves and others. While fear serves as our mechanism for survival, Shawn argues it has also been a tool that corporations, politicians, and capitalists use as a form of control…and a source of billon-dollar profits! As long as we’re afraid to take charge of our own lives, they will continue to feed on us, and we will continue to grapple with the crisis of fear. From the hyperbolic COVID-19 media coverage to flawed FDA processes and the opioid crisis brought by pharmaceutical giants, Shawn fearlessly p

All health starts in your mouth because it’s the gateway to your entire body. How can you guard it better? In this episode of the Align Podcast, Biological Dentist Dr. Dominik Nischwitz delves into the profound connection of oral health to our overall health and well-being. With scientific studies proving the origins of chronic diseases in the mouth, Dr. Dome challenges the claims of conventional dentistry that the teeth are separate from the body and explains why the traditional "drill, fill, and bill" dental practice can make things worse. For him, today's world requires a new approach to oral healthcare that fuses advanced technology and natural medicine. If you want to know what causes tooth decay and how to avoid it, how your mouth is connected to the rest of your body, why root canals and amalgam fillings are deadly, and when you should see a biological dentist, this episode is for you! Dr. Dominik Nischwitz is a dentist and naturopath, a world specialist in biological dentistry and ceramic implants, an

Are you in search of the Divine? Do you struggle to lead a spiritual life in our secular world? If yes, this episode is for you! "People who live without a deep connection to spirit, to soul, to consciousness, to love, to truth are not living happy lives," said this week's guest, Sadhvi Bhagawati Saraswati. Sadhvi is a world-renowned spiritual leader and best-selling author based in India. Twenty-five years ago, she left America carrying loads of childhood trauma and wounds to seek freedom. In a weird but magical way, she found it on the banks of Ganga River. Here, she shares how a leisure trip to India became a story of coming home not only to herself but to God. For her, spiritual awakening doesn't mean that we stop being fallible humans. It means experiencing the fullness of our humanity with freedom and power over things that enslave us: technology, hobbies, relationships, beliefs, and even our own thoughts. With that beautiful philosophy, she gives tips and practices to tap into our inner voice and regai

Forget about New Year's Resolutions! Let's talk about the small habits we do every single day that define our entire year...or even our whole life! This episode of the Align Podcast is a rerun of my interview with James Clear about his New York Times bestseller, “Atomic Habits,” which has sold over 5 million copies worldwide. While explaining how habits are formed, James argues that we can transform our lives just by committing to small, consistent behavioral changes. Simply put, set a GOAL and build HABITS that align with it! Good habits don't even need to be grand; they can be as simple as placing your phone away from you for a certain period to avoid checking it 200x a day and make space for things that matter. Need help in breaking bad habits? Listen to the entire episode to understand why we repeat an action (good or bad) over and over again and how to make true changes that last longer than any of your New Year's Resolutions! Besides being a successful author, James Clear is a weightlifter and travel ph

20-50% of people quit their jobs without knowing what to do next. Are you one of them?  In a world of uncertainties, finding the thing that lights us up gets more difficult each day. Most of us are burnt out, dragging ourselves to work for the paycheck, status, benefits, and prestige until we wake up 10 or 20 years later wondering what it was all for.  How do we show up better in life and keep our sense of purpose? Jonathan Fields offers the tools and strategies we're looking for! Here, he talks about what defines a good life, where to find meaning despite uncertainties, and how to cultivate a still mindset to embody a more peaceful and productive inner state. Jonathan is the host of the top-rated podcast, Good Life Project. After years of researching what sparks people's motivation, he came up with a system that identifies people into 10 different Sparketypes. Among his greatest discovery is this: aligning our work with our Sparketype leads to a higher sense of fulfillment and renewed quality of life. Find o