BIOptimizers - Awesome Health Podcast

BIOptimizers
  • 4.5 (61)
  • NUTRITION
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY

Wade T. Lightheart, a host of the Awesome Health Podcast, is a 3-time All Natural National Bodybuilding Champion, advisor to the American Anti-Cancer Institute and Director of Education at BiOptimizers, one of the world's most innovative nutritional supplement companies. Wade has been involved professionally in the nutritional supplement industry for over 15 years. After his digestion totally broke down and he gained 42 pounds following a bodybuilding competition, he began to search for answers. Through a revolutionary doctor, he discovered the power of specific enzyme and probiotic strains for healing digestion and turned his health and life around. The Awesome Health Podcast reflects Wade's passion and mission to end needless physical suffering while helping individuals fix their digestion and transform their health. This podcast is a fun, yet informative show about cutting-edge health tools, technology, principles and nutritional science that rapidly transform anyone's digestion, overall wellness, and life. It's both light (and at times hilarious), and highly instructional. Each week, worldwide leaders in their respective areas of health or nutrition are interviewed so that listeners can take their best insights and rapidly upgrade their bodies and quality of life.

  1. 6H AGO

    303: Master Your Health Operating System - with Ben Brown

    Achieving optimal health isn't about white-knuckling a restrictive diet or chasing the latest quick-fix trend. Benjamin Brown, founder of Body Systems, advocates for a personalized "Operating System" that integrates strength, cardiovascular health, and sustainable habits. This shift moves you away from short-term hacks and toward a lifelong trajectory of wellness. Rethinking the Purpose of Exercise One of the most pervasive myths is that exercise is primarily a tool for weight loss. Treating the gym as a penalty for what you ate often leads to burnout and a broken relationship with fitness. True transformation requires expanding your time horizon and moving away from an all-or-nothing mindset. The 5M Fat Loss Framework To change body composition, you must balance physical efforts with internal health. This framework focuses on Mindset, Meals, Movement, Muscle, and Metabolism to build a metabolic engine. Strength training is a non-negotiable part of this process, supporting metabolic health and long-term sustainability. Data Over Emotion Building a "PrimeFitOS" involves leveraging objective metrics like blood work and wearable data from devices like Oura or Whoop. These insights allow you to make informed decisions rather than emotional ones based on the scale. Success is often found in the malleable middle ground where consistency beats perfection. Scheduling Your Success Health is a logistical challenge that must be reflected in your daily schedule. If your health is a priority, your calendar should show consistent sleep and activity routines. By "bookending the day" with steady habits, you ensure the energy needed to show up as your best self. In this podcast you will discover... Why treating the gym as a punishment for food is a recipe for burnout. The 5M Fat Loss Framework: Mindset, Meals, Movement, Muscle, and Metabolism. How to use objective data and wearables to make informed health decisions. The importance of the "malleable middle" and ditching the dogma of perfection. Why your calendar is the ultimate reflection of your true health priorities. How to "bookend your day" to maintain peak energy and self-belief.   EPISODE RESOURCES: Free 30-Day Reset Website Instagram YouTube Facebook

    52 min

  2. JAN 22

    301: The Menopause Gut Connection - with Cynthia Thurlow

    The conversation around menopause is evolving toward a more holistic understanding of this transition. One crucial, yet often overlooked, aspect is the profound connection between menopause and gut health. Nurse practitioner Cynthia Thurlow is shedding light on what she terms the "menopause gut" to help women navigate this stage with vitality. The Gut-Hormone Connection Hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause have a direct and significant impact on the gut microbiome. This complex ecosystem of trillions of microbes is intricately linked to nearly every system in our body. As Thurlow explains, the gut intersects with every organ system, including the lungs, skin, and ovaries. Impact of Declining Estrogen As estrogen levels decline, the diversity of the gut microbiome begins to change. This often leads to an increase in inflammatory bacteria and a decrease in beneficial bacteria, a state known as dysbiosis. This imbalance can lead to a reduction in short-chain fatty acids, which are crucial for reducing inflammation and regulating blood sugar. Understanding the Gut-Brain Axis The gut and brain are closely connected through the gut-brain axis. Because the bulk of our neurotransmitters are produced in the gut, an unhealthy microbiome directly impacts mood and cognitive function. This connection often contributes to the anxiety, depression, and brain fog many women experience. Symptoms of Menopause Dysbiosis Common indicators of a "menopause gut" include bloating, digestive discomfort, and weight loss resistance. Changes in the microbiome affect metabolism and insulin sensitivity, making it harder to maintain a healthy weight. Women may also experience fatigue and joint pain caused by systemic inflammation originating in the gut. Actionable Strategies for Health The gut microbiome is incredibly resilient, meaning women can take proactive steps to support their health. Thurlow recommends prioritizing sleep and managing stress to prevent "leaky gut" and elevated stress hormones. Additionally, focusing on a nutrient-dense diet rich in protein and fiber can fuel beneficial bacteria and support muscle mass. In this podcast you'll discover... How declining estrogen levels directly alter gut microbiome diversity. The role of short-chain fatty acids in reducing inflammation and regulating blood sugar. Why the gut-brain axis impacts symptoms like brain fog and mood swings. The connection between gut-driven systemic inflammation and menopausal joint pain. How prioritizing protein and fiber can support metabolic health and muscle mass. The impact of sleep and stress management on maintaining the intestinal lining.   EPISODE RESOURCES: Pre-order The Menopause Gut book HERE Instagram Facebook LinkedIn Youtube Website

    57 min

  3. JAN 15

    300: Roadmap to Tinnitus Relief - with Ben Thompson

    While many perceive tinnitus as a problem solely with the ears, it is actually a neurological condition occurring in the auditory brain. The Auditory Brain Connection Because the brain possesses neuroplasticity—the ability to adapt and change—this "brain buzz" is not necessarily a permanent condition.In a deep dive into the subject, Dr. Ben Thompson, an audiologist and tinnitus expert, reveals that Tinnitus is not a disease itself, but rather a symptom of an underlying issue within the auditory system.  The Impact of Stress A healthy brain typically utilizes a filter mechanism to tune out background neural noise. However, during periods of significant stress, grief, or health anxiety, this filter weakens. This leads to a state of hypervigilance or a "startle response," causing the brain to perceive tinnitus sounds as much louder and more threatening than they truly are. Clinical Pathways to Recovery Recovery begins with sound therapy to avoid total silence, utilizing soft white noise to create a soothing environment, and maintaining proper sleep hygiene to regulate the nervous system.  For persistent cases, specialized interventions such as Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) and bimodal stimulation can help the brain habituate to the noise. The outlook is highly positive: with a structured protocol, 80% of patients experience a significant reduction in symptoms within six months. In this podcast you will learn: Why tinnitus is a neurological "brain buzz" rather than a disease. The way high stress and hypervigilance weaken the brain's internal filters. Immediate strategies for relief, including sound therapy and sleep hygiene. Clinical options like Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) and AI-driven hearing aids. How to move the body out of "fight-or-flight" to achieve long-term relief.   EPISODE RESOURCES: Youtube Facebook Instagram

    38 min

  4. JAN 8

    299: Fertility Beyond Biological Clock - with Gabriela Rosa

    For decades, the conversation around starting a family has been dominated by a single, ticking sound: the biological clock. We're told that age is the ultimate arbiter of reproductive success. But according to Harvard-awarded fertility specialist Gabriela Rosa, age is only one piece of a much larger puzzle. If you've been told that your "labs are normal" but you still aren't pregnant, or if you're facing the daunting prospect of IVF, it's time to look deeper. Based on Gabriela Rosa's pioneering F.E.R.T.I.L.E. Method, here's why health matters more than age, and what's truly missing from the standard fertility conversation. Health Beats Age with Fertility Gabriela emphasizes that the environment in which an egg or sperm matures is the true driver of quality. She often tells her patients to "act pregnant now to get pregnant later." The "standard" lab reference ranges are often misleading. For example, a TSH (thyroid) level of 4.0 might be considered "normal" by a general lab, but research suggests that for fertility, anything above 2.3 can increase the risk of miscarriage. "In fertility, there is no such thing as a neutral exposure. Everything you eat, breathe, and put on your skin has either a positive or a negative effect." By optimizing metabolic health… addressing "minor factors" like insulin resistance or subclinical thyroid issues… you can often overcome the statistical hurdles of maternal age. The Gap in Standard Treatments The modern medical system is often fragmented. When a couple struggles to conceive, the standard path is a quick referral to an IVF clinic. While IVF is a miraculous tool, it's often used as a "bypass" rather than a solution to the underlying health issues. Gabriela points out that "unexplained infertility" is often just "uninvestigated infertility." Standard treatments frequently miss the power of preconception… taking 3-4 months to "clean the soil" before planting the seed. They also overlook deep-dive diagnostics, testing for silent infections or DNA fragmentation that standard tests ignore. And they fail to account for the cumulative effect: one minor health issue might delay you by two years; three minor issues could theoretically delay conception by 40 years. Fertility Is a Team Sport Perhaps the biggest gap in standard care is the focus on the woman. Statistically, fertility challenges are 40% female factor, 40% male factor, and 20% combined or embryonic. Yet men are often told "you're fine" after a basic semen analysis. Gabriela insists that "fertility is a team sport." A man's health contributes 50% of the DNA and significantly impacts the sustainability of the pregnancy. Don't Settle for "Normal" If you're struggling, Gabriela Rosa's message is one of empowerment. Infertility is not a dead end; it's a "call to arms" to understand your body better. If a clinician tells you "everything is normal, just keep trying" despite months of failure, it's time to seek a second opinion. You have more influence over your biology than you've been led to believe. In this podcast you'll learn: Why health matters more than age when it comes to fertility What's missing in standard fertility treatments and how to fill the gaps Why treating both partners is essential for conception success   EPISODE RESOURCES: Website Gabriela Rosa Facebook Instagram X TikTok Fertility Breakthrough Instagram Facebook TalkSex Podcast Apple Instagram X

    1h 7m

  5. JAN 1

    298: Organic to Regenerative Agriculture - with Jeffrey Burke

    Dr. Burke started working in health food stores while in college at the University of Michigan. In the late 70s and early 80s, he worked with industry pioneer Dr. Earl Mandel, eventually managing a chain of 170 stores. For 42 years, he hosted a national radio talk show focused on health. He now hosts the Honest Health with Jeffrey Burke podcast and serves as the Director of Education for Kokora Life, founded by Rick Scalzo. The Industry Evolution He credits his interest in natural medicine to his Ukrainian and Polish grandmother, who used to forage for mushrooms and dandelion tea and kept a perpetual pot of bone broth on the stove. This generational wisdom sparked a lifelong dedication to natural health that has spanned over four decades. Organic vs. Regenerative Farming Organic farming primarily focuses on what is not in or on the crop… no herbicides, GMOs, or synthetic chemicals. However, traditional organic farming still involves heavy tilling, which degrades soil over time. Regenerative farming follows organic methods but goes further by focusing on soil health and restoration. Key practices include no-till farming to prevent erosion, cover crops ensuring the ground is never "naked," bio-ferments that create a "probiotic" for the soil, biochar using burnt bamboo remnants, and increased worm populations that aerate the soil. Why Soil Health Matters Regenerative crops are often four to five times stronger than traditional crops. The transition at Rick Scalzo's farm resulted in a turmeric crop that was five times larger and significantly more potent. Burke notes that due to overtilling and chemical use, the planet may only have about 60 crops left. We've lost 40% of insect populations and 50% of bird populations. Regenerative food provides the mineral density the body craves, leading to better satiety. Health and Longevity Advice Shop the outer areas of grocery stores… avoid processed, chemical-laden foods in the middle. Real food has a short shelf life. Citing Blue Zones like Okinawa, Burke notes that the longest-living people eat a simple, consistent diet of 7 to 8 high-quality foods rather than a hyper-varied diet. When starting regenerative supplements, start with half the recommended dose because the potency is much higher. Watch the documentary "Kiss the Ground" to understand soil revitalization, and ask for regenerative products at your local health food store. In this podcast, you'll learn: The evolution of the natural products industry over four decades The state of the soil and agriculture today Why regenerative farming is the future of food and supplements   EPISODE RESOURCES: Website Social Media: LinkedIn Instagram

    56 min

  6. 12/25/2025

    297: Insurance Rigged Against You - with Chris Hamilton

    Health insurance in America is expensive on purpose, not by accident. Chris Hamilton argues that confusion and hidden incentives are the real products big carriers sell… and employers and employees pay the price. How Insurance Giants Game the System Under federal rules, large insurers in the USA can only keep about 15 percent of premiums as profit, which sounds protective until you realize it pushes them to grow the total cost of care. To do that, they've built a "massive ecosystem that's able to bill the insurance company" by buying physician groups, pharmacies, and pharmacy benefit managers and capturing "hidden profits in these subsidiaries." As Hamilton puts it, "We're overpaying, they're overbilling," yet premiums still go up and "the value's being captured and retained for shareholders… not for the public good." The Human Cost is Staggering Hamilton's brother, insured by a Fortune 500 company, was hospitalized 26 times in four years, hit his out-of-pocket maximum every year, and ended in medical bankruptcy… "but he had insurance." Meanwhile, a mid-sized employer a mile and a half away offered free health insurance and a direct hospital deal so those same hospitalizations could have cost him nothing out of pocket, proving that two companies can both "offer health insurance" and deliver completely different outcomes.These are not isolated incidents.  You're Already in the Insurance Business Hamilton's core message to leaders is blunt: if you're spending millions on benefits, "you're in the health insurance business," whether you admit it or not. Future-proofing starts by moving away from one-size-fits-all, fully insured plans and into a partially self-funded model where you see your data, choose your partners, and "align the incentives of everybody that's involved." Build a Plan That Works That can include direct contracts with high-value hospitals, concierge or direct primary care for everyday needs, and navigation support so employees choose higher-quality, lower-cost options… often at zero cost to them and lower cost to you. Done right, a health plan stops being a runaway liability and becomes "a really big asset in the recruiting and retention process." The goal is simple: stop overpaying into a system designed to confuse you, and build one where transparency, outcomes, and incentives finally line up. In this podcast you'll learn: How insurance companies exploit the 15% profit cap to drive up total healthcare costs Why two employees with "insurance" can face wildly different financial outcomes The self-funded alternative that gives you control over data, costs, and quality How to turn your health plan into a recruiting advantage instead of a runaway expense   EPISODE RESOURCES: Website Special Audience Giveaway - The Insider Playbook Connect with Chris: LinkedIn YouTube

    1h 9m

  7. 12/18/2025

    296: Emerge From Behind Logo - with Paige Velasquez Budde

    The old playbook of "buy ads, rank for keywords, and wait for patients" is failing. According to Paige Velasquez Budde, CEO of Zilker Media and author of The Strategic Business Influencer, we've entered an era of "corporate suspicion." Trust in institutions is at an all-time low, while trust in individuals is skyrocketing. For health and wellness organizations, you can no longer rely on your company brand alone. AI Search Demands Leader Visibility Patients now find health providers through AI platforms like ChatGPT, not just Google. Budde calls this Generative Engine Optimization (GEO). Unlike traditional SEO, AI platforms prioritize trust and credibility over keywords. "You've gotta earn trust, people to people. It's no longer people to logo," Budde emphasizes. When AI aggregates answers about wellness clinics, it searches for verified, authoritative sources—leaders who are visible, cited, and trusted. "If you are thinking you can pay your way to AI discoverability, that is not the case right now," says Budde. If you hide behind a corporate logo, AI platforms may overlook you entirely. A lack of personal visibility "is actually hurting you." PR Outpaces Traditional SEO Today, "It's no longer the loudest one that wins, it's the most trusted." While SEO remains relevant, Public Relations and Micromedia build trust faster with both AI algorithms and human patients. You don't need CNN. Niche channels carry more weight. Budde distinguishes between "Name Brand" media like Forbes and "Micromedia"—industry podcasts, niche blogs, and influencers. She estimates "about 60% or more [of AI citations] come from true journalistic content." Without media coverage, you're invisible to the algorithms defining search's future. When featured on a respected podcast or blog, you borrow their trust through "Authority by association." Health practice owners get discovered and trusted faster than by publishing on their own blog alone. Audit Your Digital Presence You don't need a million followers. You simply need to influence the right 500 people. Treat your digital presence like a passport—verified and accurate. Google yourself in Incognito Mode. Search your name in ChatGPT and ask, "Who is [Your Name]?" If AI doesn't know you or the information is wrong, you have a discoverability problem. Ditch stock photos. Authenticity builds trust. "Throw stock images out the door as much as you can," Budde advises. Use photos of you in action—leading a class, speaking to patients, or teaching. Think Like an Editor Stop thinking like a marketer and start thinking like a media outlet. Budde suggests a specific content mix to keep audiences engaged without burning them out on sales pitches: 40% News-Driven: Commentary on headlines and new health studies 40% Relationship-Driven: Interviewing peers and partners (creating a "win-win") 20% You-Driven: Your personal story and promotional material Don't build your house on rented land. Social media algorithms change constantly. Use your social media and PR wins to drive traffic back to assets you control: your website, your email list, or your podcast. In this podcast you'll learn: Why AI search and GEO make individual leader visibility critical for health and wellness organizations  How PR, micromedia, and thought leadership strategies can help wellness and health practice owners  Actionable steps health and wellness leaders can take to elevate their credibility and create a durable reputation EPISODE RESOURCES: Website LinkedIn ZilkerMedia

    1h 9m

  8. 12/11/2025

    295: Your Fatigue Has Hidden Roots - with Martha Carlin

    Are you constantly battling fatigue, brain fog, and persistent bloating? You might be dealing with a silent instigator: LPS endotoxins. We recently dove deep into this topic with Martha Carlin, a pioneering microbiome researcher and founder of The BioCollective. Here's what you need to know about this stealthy driver of chronic inflammation. What is LPS? LPS, or lipopolysaccharide, is an endotoxin—a component of the cell wall of gram-negative bacteria in your gut. While these bacteria are normal, problems arise when they die and release inflammatory debris. In a healthy gut, this isn't a major issue. But if you have poor elimination or a leaky gut, this toxic debris leaks into your bloodstream. Over time, your immune system stops recognizing it, causing low-grade chronic inflammation wherever it travels—in the brain, joints, or digestive system. This inflammation silently drives fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, and digestive distress. What Your Poop Reveals A stool test can analyze your microbiome and reveal if you have a high LPS load, giving insights into your immune burden and inflammatory state. However, not all tests are created equal. Carlin sequenced her own sample and sent it to three different labs—all had different results. Pick one kit and stick with it to compare apples to apples. Daily Toxins Fueling Inflammation The first step to lowering your endotoxin load is removing the red flags from your daily life that feed bad bacteria: Processed Foods & Sugar: Sugar feeds pathogenic bacteria that produce endotoxins. Household Cleaners: Quaternary ammonium compounds in liquid soaps and laundry detergents damage your gut lining. Tap Water: Our water systems now carry a toxic load of chemicals. The Soil Connection Your gut is an ecosystem that directly reflects our planet's ecosystem. You cannot heal one without the other. Our modern food system, reliant on chemicals like glyphosate, has decimated soil health. Glyphosate binds up minerals, meaning our food has less mineral density. When soil is stripped of microbes and minerals, the plants are less nutritious. The chemicals we spray on farms don't stay "out there." They end up inside our bodies, damaging our gut lining and allowing endotoxins to flourish. Healing is about supporting a food system that supports the soil and removing daily chemicals that disrupt our internal ecosystem. In this podcast, you'll learn: What is LPS and how does it silently drive fatigue, bloating, and brain fog? What your poop can tell you about your hormones, brain, and immune system Red flags hiding in your daily routine—and how to shift them naturally Why healing starts in the soil (and what that means for your plate) How the microbes in your food, your gut, and your garden are all connected—and how eating for soil health supports your own. EPISODE RESOURCES: https://biotiquest.com https://www.marthasquest.com LinkedIn Instagram

    1h 1m
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4.5
out of 5
61 Ratings

About

Wade T. Lightheart, a host of the Awesome Health Podcast, is a 3-time All Natural National Bodybuilding Champion, advisor to the American Anti-Cancer Institute and Director of Education at BiOptimizers, one of the world's most innovative nutritional supplement companies. Wade has been involved professionally in the nutritional supplement industry for over 15 years. After his digestion totally broke down and he gained 42 pounds following a bodybuilding competition, he began to search for answers. Through a revolutionary doctor, he discovered the power of specific enzyme and probiotic strains for healing digestion and turned his health and life around. The Awesome Health Podcast reflects Wade's passion and mission to end needless physical suffering while helping individuals fix their digestion and transform their health. This podcast is a fun, yet informative show about cutting-edge health tools, technology, principles and nutritional science that rapidly transform anyone's digestion, overall wellness, and life. It's both light (and at times hilarious), and highly instructional. Each week, worldwide leaders in their respective areas of health or nutrition are interviewed so that listeners can take their best insights and rapidly upgrade their bodies and quality of life.

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