Mads Friis Podcast

Growth Island

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HEALTH & FITNESS

Growth Island is a podcast about how to become and be the best version of yourself. The focus is on strategies, tools, and blueprints for a meaningful life. I interview high performers and experts within nutrition, meditation, exercise, relationships, business, general health and lifes bigger mysteries. More info at www.growthisland.com

5D AGO

Why Most Longevity Advice Fails: Chris Moore Reveals

Longevity is no longer about living longer, it’s about avoiding the slow decline most people mistake for “normal aging.” In this episode, Chris Moore, a leading voice in longevity medicine and preventative health, breaks down what modern longevity science actually supports and what the industry often gets wrong. From over-optimizing biomarkers to chasing endless data, this conversation cuts through the noise to reveal what truly drives long-term health, resilience, and quality of life. This is a grounded, science-led discussion about longevity without obsession and why the goal isn’t more years, but better ones. He explains: ◻️ Why most longevity strategies focus on the wrong outcomes ◻️ The difference between lifespan, healthspan, and performance over time ◻️ How over-tracking and biohacking can quietly backfire ◻️ What longevity medicine actually looks for before disease appears ◻️ Why “more data” doesn’t always mean better health decisions ◻️ How to think about aging as a system not a problem to hack ◻️ What high performers misunderstand about longevity and control ◻️ The principles that matter most for long-term resilience ◻️ How to approach longevity with clarity instead of anxiety Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 02:10 – The difference between living longer vs living better 05:05 – When longevity optimization becomes obsession 08:30 – Healthspan, lifespan, and why most people chase the wrong metric 12:20 – The hidden risks of over-tracking biomarkers 16:10 – What longevity medicine actually looks for before disease appears 20:45 – Why more data doesn’t automatically mean better health decisions 25:30 – The psychological cost of trying to control aging 30:10 – How high performers misinterpret longevity and optimization 34:55 – Aging as a system, not a problem to “hack” 39:20 – The principles that truly support long-term resilience 44:10 – Longevity without anxiety: clarity over control 48:30 – Final reflections and key takeaways Follow Chris: Website: https://nordicgroup.eu/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chris-moore-a112b91/ Mads Friis - Growth Island: Mads Friis Website: https://www.madsfriis.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madsmfriis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madsmfriis Growth Island Website: https://www.growthisland.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegrowthisland/ Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/growthisland.madsfriis YouTube Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Q0ij-HEj7XcMfJPthbb2A/videos Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/dk/podcast/growth-island/id1436400072 SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/growthisland LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/growth-island Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/3Iw8IvNKwDEs5Rg7YWaJnP

1h 3m
JAN 14

This Marker Predicts Aging, Disease, and Early Death: Scientist Jesper Eugen-Olsen Reveals

What if the biggest threat to your performance, longevity, and clarity isn’t age but something silently building inside you? In this episode, biochemist and biomarker scientist Jesper Eugen-Olsen breaks down the hidden role of chronic inflammation in disease risk, biological aging, and long-term health outcomes. This conversation challenges how high performers think about strength, resilience, and optimization and reveals why true longevity starts with understanding what’s happening beneath the surface. If you care about healthspan, mental sharpness, and staying strong for decades not just years this episode will reframe how you think about your body, performance, and future. He explains: ◻️ Why chronological age tells you almost nothing about your real health risk ◻️ The difference between lifespan and healthspan—and why most people optimize the wrong one ◻️ How chronic, low-grade inflammation quietly drives disease and accelerates aging ◻️ Why inflammation is a risk amplifier across cardiovascular, metabolic, and neurological disease ◻️ The science behind suPAR and why it’s changing how clinicians assess biological risk ◻️ Why aging is still not classified as a disease—and what that means for prevention ◻️ How high-performing lifestyles can unknowingly increase biological stress ◻️ The problem with chasing longevity hacks instead of addressing root causes ◻️ Why resilience is as much biological as it is psychological ◻️ What leaders and high performers should track if they care about long-term clarity and performance ⏱ Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 03:15 – Biological age vs chronological age explained 07:40 – Chronic inflammation as a common driver of disease 12:20 – What suPAR reveals about long-term health risk 18:05 – Why inflammation predicts outcomes better than symptoms 23:50 – Aging, disease classification, and medical blind spots 30:10 – Healthspan vs lifespan: where high performers go wrong 36:45 – The limits of supplements and longevity optimization 43:20 – What this means for leaders, athletes, and entrepreneurs 49:10 – Final insights on resilience, risk, and sustainable performance Follow Jesper: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesper-eugen-olsen-1646142/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jesper_eugen/ Website: https://www.virogates.com/ Growth Island-Mads Friis: Mads Friis Website: https://www.madsfriis.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madsmfriis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madsmfriis Growth Island Website: https://www.growthisland.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegrowthisland/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growthisland.madsfriis YouTube Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Q0ij-HEj7XcMfJPthbb2A/videos Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/dk/podcast/growth-island/id1436400072 SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/growthisland LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/growth-island Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Iw8IvNKwDEs5Rg7YWaJnP

1h 5m
12/03/2025

Neuroscientist Mikael Palner's Warning: The Dark Side of The Psychedelic Renaissance

In this episode, researcher Mikael Palner reveals the surprising science behind the psychedelic renaissance, how compounds like psilocybin create a "window of opportunity" to rewire the brain for creativity and healing, and the unspoken dangers of "hero doses," emotional addiction, and the shocking risks of long-term microdosing. Dr. Mikael Palner is a neuroscientist with over 15 years of experience in psychedelic research and advanced preclinical brain imaging. He leads his own research team investigating how psychedelic drugs impact neuronal circuits in the brain and has been awarded prestigious grants from the Danish Independent Research Foundation and the Danish Innovation Fund for his work. He explains: ◻️️ The real reason psychedelics were banned for decades and why they're exploding in popularity now. ◻️ The surprising scientific difference between DMT, psilocybin (mushrooms), and LSD. ◻️ How psychedelics create a temporary "window of plasticity" to permanently rewire your brain and habits. ◻️ The unspoken truth about addiction: the difference between physical dependency and the "emotional addiction" many users experience. ◻️ Why a "hero dose" can be a dangerous mistake and how a proper therapeutic dose is determined. ◻️ The chilling risk that psychedelics can create traumatic memories of events that never actually happened. ◻️ The long-term dangers of microdosing and why being in a constant state of brain plasticity is like having a "teenager brain". ◻️ The future of mental health: how scientists are trying to create non-psychedelic versions of these compounds to treat anxiety. ◻️Why anxiety may be the real epidemic of our time—and the top five tools anyone can use to manage it. ⏱ Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 02:15 – The most surprising discovery about psychedelics 04:00 – Why research stopped for decades (and the failed CIA experiments) 08:00 – Breathwork, DMT, and natural psychedelic states 12:00 – Categories of psychedelics: mushrooms, LSD, mescaline, MDMA & ketamine 16:00 – Brain plasticity, learning windows, and long-term effects 20:00 – The risk of emotional addiction and the problem with “47 ayahuasca trips” 24:00 – Hero doses vs therapeutic doses: where science draws the line 28:00 – Inside clinical trials: psilocybin, LSD, and ketamine in therapy 36:00 – Psychedelics vs alcohol: which is more damaging? 40:00 – What science knows (and doesn’t) about microdosing long-term 44:00 – False memories, trauma, and the dark side of psychedelics 48:00 – New brain scanners, rodent studies & reducing psychedelic risks 52:00 – Who funds psychedelic research and the million-dollar machines behind it 56:00 – Anxiety as a global epidemic and why it affects 60% of people 58:00 – The 5 tools everyone can use to manage anxiety Follow Mikael: Website: https://www.palnerlab.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikaelpalner/ Growth Island-Mads Friis: Mads Friis Website: https://www.madsfriis.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madsmfriis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madsmfriis Growth Island Website: https://www.growthisland.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegrowthisland/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growthisland.madsfriis YouTube Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Q0ij-HEj7XcMfJPthbb2A/videos Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/dk/podcast/growth-island/id1436400072 SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/growthisland LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/growth-island Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Iw8IvNKwDEs5Rg7YWaJnP

1 hr
08/28/2025

World Champion Niclas Larsen: Mastering Fear, Resilience & True Toughness—Revealed!

In this episode, World Champion fighter and performance coach Niclas Larsen reveals the untold truths about resilience, fear, and the warrior mindset. From nearly losing his leg to capturing world titles, Niclas shares the rituals, inner battles, and mental frameworks that forged his path back to glory — and how those same lessons apply far beyond the ring. This is not just a story about fighting, but about how every man can rise stronger when life hits hardest. Niclas Larsen is a professional Muay Thai fighter, kickboxer, and Mental & Performance Coach. He became the IMC World Super Welterweight Champion in 2020 and the WBC Muay Thai World Super Welterweight Champion in 2021. Today, he helps men, entrepreneurs, leaders, and troubled youth harness resilience, overcome fear, and activate their inner warrior in life and business. He explains: ◻️ How nearly losing his leg reshaped his entire perspective on life and performance. ◻️ Why resilience is built in silence, not in the spotlight. ◻️ The secret rituals that give him calm before chaos. ◻️ How to turn fear and aggression into your greatest strengths. ◻️ Why most men misunderstand toughness — and what true strength really is. ◻️ How lessons from the ring translate directly into business and leadership. ◻️ The mindset shift that separates those who break from those who rise. ◻️ Why finding peace in pain is the ultimate edge. ⏱ Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 01:21 – What toughness really means and why emotions matter 05:21 – Brave, strong, and walking in with confidence: pre-fight mindset 09:16 – The “life mantra” Niclas uses to switch state on command 13:35 – The exact words he repeats to center himself under pressure 25:00 – Near-amputation: the hospital moment that changed everything 26:23 – Rehabilitation: forced pause, relearning to walk, rebuilding identity 29:59 – The mental tool he relies on to regain control fast 34:50 – Beyond “just change your mindset”: a body-first route to calm 47:02- Niclas advice to his 10 year old self. 49:27 – Growth until the very end: Niclas’ mantra for life and legacy Follow Niclas: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niclasrlarsen/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/niclas-ricky-larsen-907074235/ Growth Island-Mads Friis: Mads Friis Website: https://www.madsfriis.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madsmfriis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madsmfriis Growth Island Website: https://www.growthisland.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegrowthisland/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growthisland.madsfriis YouTube Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Q0ij-HEj7XcMfJPthbb2A/videos Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/dk/podcast/growth-island/id1436400072 SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/growthisland LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/growth-island Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Iw8IvNKwDEs5Rg7YWaJnP

53 min
08/13/2025

Sleep Expert, Daniel Gartenberg: The Truth About Sleep Tracking That Big Tech Won't Tell You

In this episode, world-renowned sleep scientist Dr. Daniel Gartenberg reveals the surprising truths behind sleep tracking, the real science of deep sleep, and how common mistakes are silently wrecking your recovery, and the future tech of sleep. Dr. Daniel Gartenberg is a sleep scientist and the founder and CEO of SleepSpace, where he develops innovative solutions to improve sleep quality and health. He is also the Senior Sleep Health Advisor to CPAP.com. With a PhD in cognitive psychology from George Mason University and over 15 years in sleep research, he has secured more than $3.5 million in grants from the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Aging. He explains: ◻️️Why chasing a "perfect sleep score" can actually ruin your sleep. ◻️The #1 mistake people make with sleep trackers and how to fix it. ◻️Hidden breathing issues that silently damage your deep sleep and health. ◻️How wearable accuracy works — and what big tech doesn't tell you. ◻️The surprising link between deep sleep and long-term brain health. ◻️Future breakthroughs in sleep technology over the next 5 years. ◻️How to build the ultimate nighttime routine for recovery and focus. ◻️Why melatonin isn't the magic pill you think it is. ◻️The science of waking up naturally and feeling fully recharged. ⏱ Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction 00:49 – Top tips for better sleep and building a consistent rhythm. 04:29 – Boosting deep sleep with sound tech. 06:20 – How does this small startup beat big tech companies in sleep tracking accuracy? 08:17 – How do sleep labs measure your brainwaves and sleep stages? 12:59 – The danger of obsessing over perfect sleep scores. 21:02 – The most proven therapy for falling asleep faster and insomnia. 22:34 – How at-home tests uncovered Daniel’s hidden sleep apnea. 40:30 – Myths about night owls and sleep timing. 44:25 – Melatonin myths and better supplement options. 50:26 – Lighting and phone hacks for better sleep. 53:32 – The future of sleep tech and health startups. Follow Daniel: Website: sleepspace.com Download the App: https://sleepspace.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor.snooze/ ED Talk: https://shorturl.at/nFRZP Growth Island-Mads Friis: Mads Friis Website: https://www.madsfriis.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madsmfriis LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madsmfriis Growth Island Website: https://www.growthisland.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegrowthisland/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growthisland.madsfriis YouTube Shorts: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9Q0ij-HEj7XcMfJPthbb2A/videos Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/dk/podcast/growth-island/id1436400072 SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/growthisland LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/growth-island Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Iw8IvNKwDEs5Rg7YWaJnP

58 min
10/04/2022

#119: Nancy Duarte - the formula the best communicators use

What made Steve Jobs such a powerful communicator? Tune into this episode of Growth Island w/ Forbes-featured communication expert/bestselling author Nancy Duarte to find out, and more how translating numbers into narratives help you win in business. In this talk, Nancy Duarte discusses the mechanics of making great presentations, the secrets to a powerful speech, and how to communicate better with your team and stakeholders. Drawing on real-world examples from her work with clients including Apple, Nancy provides concrete tips that will make you a more persuasive and effective communicator. If you’re someone who aspires to transform into a flawless communicator, the expert tips shared by Nancy in this episode will definitely help you grow. Keynotes: 00:00 Coming Up 00:16 Introduction 1:33 How did Nancy get into speech and communication? 3:38 What makes a speech epic and impactful? 5:53 Nancy’s top three speeches of all time 8:03 Top tips for a great presentation 14:56 Suggestions about good presentations one can apply today 16:54 Does using busy, dense or heavy slides always work while presenting? 19:03 Common mistakes to avoid while presenting 21:20 Nancy’s experience with people’s attention span 21:45 One thing Nancy wishes she would’ve known 10 years ago 27:53 What differentiates Nancy from others in her field 28:39 How does Nancy overcomes her biggest challenges 31:03 Tips on how to communicate better with your spouse 32:39 Are we actually in heaven? 33:59 Industry misconceptions about communication that must be clarified 37:55 What does Duarte, Inc. do as a company 38:14 What does Nancy prefer doing these days 40:59 Where can people find Nancy Duarte 41:32 Three tips for a happy, healthy and meaningful life Connect with Nancy Duarte Twitter: www.twitter.com/nancyduarte LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nancyduarte/ Resources Duarte, Inc. website: https://www.duarte.com/

43 min
09/20/2022

#118: Lassi A. Likkanen - How to Build the Best Sauna and How To Use Sauna for Health

Can going to saunas four times a week save you from a severe heart attack? Researchers says YES. In this video, we discuss the history and health benefits of saunas with Lassi A Liikkanen, author of the Amazon bestseller "The Secrets of Finnish Sauna Design". Lassi is also a renowned expert in the construction of saunas and takes us through Finland’s history and present state of sauna development and innovation. If you're interested in learning more about saunas, this is the perfect video for you! Keynotes: 00:00 Coming Up 00:15 Introduction 01:34 Lassi’s journey into sauna research 03:25 Health benefits of saunas 06:28 Are people always naked in Finnish saunas? 08:50 Key aspects while designing the ideal sauna 13:21 Types of heaters commonly used and why 16:19 Do electric heaters really emit negative ions? 19:03 Are the Finnish outraged about the protest against wood-burning heaters? 22:42 Quick Fire question round with Lassi about saunas 29:28 Is everyone slowly acknowledging the benefits of sauna? 31:47 Main difference between a good sauna and a bad sauna 33:42 How to ensure good ventilation in a sauna? 36:09 Lassi’s opinion on infrared and hybrid saunas 37:55 Common misconceptions about infrared saunas 39:41 Finland’s current state of sauna development and innovation 41:34 Discussing Lassi’s sauna hat 43:02 Lassi’s advice to people who want to visit saunas 45:18 Where can people find more about Lassi 46:11 Three tips for a happy, healthy and meaningful life Connect with Lassi A. Liikkanen Twitter: https://twitter.com/lassial LinkedIn: https://fi.linkedin.com/in/lassial Resources Website: https://saunologia.fi/

49 min
09/06/2022

#117: Dr. Wayne Hall - The New Science About Psychedelics and How to Use Them

Are you curious about psychedelics and drugs? Let’s hear what the experts have to say. In today’s episode of Growth Island, Professor Wayne Hall discusses his research into psychedelics, their potential benefits and harms, and how they might be used to help people struggling with addiction. He also comments on recent developments in the field of psychedelic research, including the increasing popularity of micro dosing. Wayne Hall is an honorary professor at the University of Queensland's National Centre for Youth Substance Use Research. Wayne has advised the WHO on the health effects associated with cannabis use, the viability of drug substitution therapy, the scientific quality of the Swiss heroin trials, the contribution of illicit drug use to the global burden of disease, and the ethical implications of genetic and neurological addiction research. If you’re curious about trying psychedelics and micro dosing, the sheer knowledge and guidance offered by Wayne in this episode would undoubtedly help you make a wise decision. Keynotes: 00:00 Coming Up 00:24 Introduction 1:30 Wayne’s journey into researching about psychedelics 2:42 What are psychedelics? 4:47 Current status on research about Ayahuasca 7:35 How can psychedelics be used for treatment 10:39 Ketamine vs Psilocybin - which is safer? 12:38 The truth about microdosing 14:10 Finding the right funding for psychedelic research - easy or tough? 15:56 Who should be extra careful while trying microdosing 17:31 Where will psychedelics be viewed in society, ten years from now? 19:39 Why were psychedelics not a part of academia before? 22:37 Exploring the science-backed benefits of cannabis 28:30 Biggest challenges in psychedelic research 30:08 How to stop being addicted to illicit drugs? 34:05 What guided Wayne to reach such career heights 36:16 Three tips for a happy, healthy, and meaningful life 37:28 Where to find more about Wayne Hall Connect with Wayne Hall LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wayne-hall Resources www.researchers.uq.edu.au/researcher/1067

39 min

See All (124)

Creator

Growth Island
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

124
Rating

Explicit
Show Website

Mads Friis Podcast

Mads Friis Podcast

Episodes

Why Most Longevity Advice Fails: Chris Moore Reveals

This Marker Predicts Aging, Disease, and Early Death: Scientist Jesper Eugen-Olsen Reveals

Neuroscientist Mikael Palner's Warning: The Dark Side of The Psychedelic Renaissance

World Champion Niclas Larsen: Mastering Fear, Resilience & True Toughness—Revealed!

Sleep Expert, Daniel Gartenberg: The Truth About Sleep Tracking That Big Tech Won't Tell You

#119: Nancy Duarte - the formula the best communicators use

#118: Lassi A. Likkanen - How to Build the Best Sauna and How To Use Sauna for Health

#117: Dr. Wayne Hall - The New Science About Psychedelics and How to Use Them

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