Health Is A Skill with Todd Vande Hei

Todd Vande Hei

Welcome to the Health is a Skill podcast with host Todd Vande Hei! Todd is the CEO of Stark, which exists to change the future of health and fitness in the communities they serve. For the last 15 years, Todd has been on a journey to discover what it means to be in a state of peak health. After suffering from a series of seizures and being diagnosed with high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation in his early 30’s, Todd decided it was time to make a change. Those changes fell into one of four categories: lifestyle, exercise, nutrition, and stress management. But the biggest thing Todd learned through it all? Health is a skill. You’re not born with it, like some would like you to believe, and it isn’t acquired by simply buying another product or starting that new diet. Health is something you can create for yourself, and over time it is possible to attain peak health.

  1. 5H AGO

    Strong on Purpose, Part 2 — Young Men, Hormones & the Modern World

    In part two of the Strong on Purpose series, Todd Vande Hei digs into what’s really happening to young men today — not just culturally, but biologically. Testosterone is crashing, motivation is fading, and more and more young men are drifting without purpose, buried under tech, porn, and ultra-processed food. Todd unpacks how modern lifestyle inputs — sleep, screens, stress, plastics, porn, and video games — are reshaping male hormones, mental health, and identity all at once. Then he lays out what parents, mentors, and leaders can actually do to help boys become strong, grounded men in a world that makes that harder than ever. In this episode, Todd covers: • Why identity and health are inseparable for young men. • How today’s 18-year-olds often have lower testosterone than their 50-year-old dads. • The impact of chronic stress, poor sleep, porn, and late-night gaming on hormones. • How tech, social media, and environmental toxins are stunting male development. • Practical changes for parents: devices, sleep, food, and home environment. • Why “stupid young man behavior” (risk, mistakes, pushing limits) is actually developmental. • How girls process emotional pain versus how boys isolate and implode. • The double-edged sword of the gym — salvation or self-punishment. • Using strength training as a path to confidence, resilience, and self-respect. • Todd’s warning about the emerging split: healthy young men who lead… and everyone else. ⚡ Final Takeaway:  Young men aren’t weak — they’re overwhelmed by an environment their biology wasn’t built for. With boundaries, mentorship, and a focus on health, we can still raise men who are strong in body, mind, and purpose. Connect with Stark Personalized inside‑out health programs at stark.health Enjoying the show? Follow, rate, and review to help more listeners master the skill of health. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🤔 ABOUT Todd Vande Hei 🤔 Welcome to Todd Vande Hei's channel, where health mastery meets real-life transformation. Join Todd as he shares invaluable insights and practical tips to help you unlock your full health potential. Whether you're struggling with chronic pain, seeking sustainable weight loss, or simply striving to live your best life, Todd's journey and expertise will inspire and empower you to take control of your health and well-being. Join our community of health enthusiasts committed to making positive changes and thriving at every stage of life. Let's embark on this journey to vibrant health together! DISCLOSURE We focus on optimizing every aspect of your well-being. At Stark, our team of expert trainers, doctors, nutritionists and a complete medical support team, led by CEO Todd Vande Hei, is dedicated to helping you become the BEST version of yourself. We specialize in coaching executives, athletes, pop stars, astronauts and other noteworthy individuals in all forms of exercise, diet, lifestyle, stress management and personalized supplement protocols. Our methodology is designed to tackle each facet of well-being comprehensively. We believe that optimal health encompasses ten key aspects, which...

    22 min
  2. NOV 6

    Why Women and Men Need Different Nutrition for Optimal Health

    In this solo episode, Todd Vande Hei breaks down one of the most overlooked truths in health optimization: men and women are biologically different — right down to how their cells process food. Yet most diets, supplements, and pharmaceutical recommendations are designed for men. Drawing on over a decade of data from Stark’s health optimization clinics, Todd explains how women’s nutritional needs shift not only across their lifespan but throughout the month — and how to align your nutrition, training, and recovery with your body’s natural rhythm. In this episode, Todd covers: Why one-size-fits-all nutrition fails women — and how energy use, fat storage, and metabolism differ between the sexes.Macronutrient strategies for women — how to balance protein, fats, and carbs for hormonal health and energy.The menstrual cycle blueprint — how to eat and train differently during the follicular and luteal phases.Micronutrients that matter most — iron, magnesium, calcium, vitamin D, and B vitamins — and how deficiencies show up in energy and mood.Seed cycling and natural hormone support — simple ways to smooth mood and energy swings.Menopause nutrition & HRT — how protein, resistance training, and hormone support can help you feel better than ever in your 40s, 50s, and beyond.Todd’s message is clear: women’s nutrition shouldn’t be a smaller version of a man’s diet. Your body is cyclical, not static — and when you fuel it right, you don’t just age better, you thrive. ⚡ Final Takeaway:  Your biology isn’t a disadvantage — it’s a rhythm. Learn to work with it, not against it. Connect with Stark Personalized inside‑out health programs at stark.health Enjoying the show? Follow, rate, and review to help more listeners master the skill of health. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🤔 ABOUT Todd Vande Hei 🤔 Welcome to Todd Vande Hei's channel, where health mastery meets real-life transformation. Join Todd as he shares invaluable insights and practical tips to help you unlock your full health potential. Whether you're struggling with chronic pain, seeking sustainable weight loss, or simply striving to live your best life, Todd's journey and expertise will inspire and empower you to take control of your health and well-being. Join our community of health enthusiasts committed to making positive changes and thriving at every stage of life. Let's embark on this journey to vibrant health together! DISCLOSURE We focus on optimizing every aspect of your well-being. At Stark, our team of expert trainers, doctors, nutritionists and a complete medical support team, led by CEO Todd Vande Hei, is dedicated to helping you become the BEST version of yourself. We specialize in coaching executives, athletes, pop stars, astronauts and other noteworthy individuals in all forms of exercise, diet, lifestyle, stress management and personalized supplement protocols. Our methodology is designed to tackle each facet of well-being comprehensively. We believe that optimal health encompasses ten key aspects, which...

    15 min
  3. OCT 30

    Strong on Purpose — Reclaiming Masculinity, Strength & Meaning

    Episode Description In this solo episode, Todd Vande Hei tackles a deeply personal and cultural topic: masculinity—what it means, how we’ve lost touch with it, and why rebuilding it matters for the health of men, families, and communities. From declining testosterone levels to the epidemic of disconnection and anxiety among young men, Todd explores how society’s shift away from physicality, discipline, and risk-taking has left a generation without purpose. But he also shares a path forward—rooted in strength, mentorship, and doing hard things. Todd covers: The decline of modern masculinity — why young men are struggling and what’s missing from their development.The physiological crisis — how poor sleep, lack of sunlight, porn, and video games are wrecking hormones and confidence.The psychology of strength — why doing hard things builds purpose, resilience, and appreciation for joy.Raising strong boys — practical advice for mothers and fathers to help their sons grow into healthy, confident men.Reconnecting with purpose — how physical strength leads to emotional health, discipline, and service to others.Todd’s challenge to men — lead by example, embrace discomfort, and show young men what real strength looks like.This episode is a powerful wake-up call about the state of modern manhood—and an invitation to rebuild it with intention, integrity, and heart. ⚡ Final Takeaway: Masculinity isn’t broken—it’s just been neglected. Rebuild it through strength, purpose, and the courage to do hard things. Connect with Stark Personalized inside‑out health programs at stark.health Enjoying the show? Follow, rate, and review to help more listeners master the skill of health. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🤔 ABOUT Todd Vande Hei 🤔 Welcome to Todd Vande Hei's channel, where health mastery meets real-life transformation. Join Todd as he shares invaluable insights and practical tips to help you unlock your full health potential. Whether you're struggling with chronic pain, seeking sustainable weight loss, or simply striving to live your best life, Todd's journey and expertise will inspire and empower you to take control of your health and well-being. Join our community of health enthusiasts committed to making positive changes and thriving at every stage of life. Let's embark on this journey to vibrant health together! DISCLOSURE We focus on optimizing every aspect of your well-being. At Stark, our team of expert trainers, doctors, nutritionists and a complete medical support team, led by CEO Todd Vande Hei, is dedicated to helping you become the BEST version of yourself. We specialize in coaching executives, athletes, pop stars, astronauts and other noteworthy individuals in all forms of exercise, diet, lifestyle, stress management and personalized supplement protocols. Our methodology is designed to tackle each facet of well-being comprehensively. We believe that optimal health encompasses ten key aspects, which...

    27 min
  4. OCT 23

    Regeneration, Not Repair – Dr. Duncan Ross on Exosomes, Longevity & the Future of Healing

    In this episode, Todd Vande Hei sits down with Dr. Duncan Ross, founder of Chimera Labs, one of the pioneers behind exosome science and regenerative medicine. Together, they unpack what exosomes are, how they work, and why they’re redefining what’s possible for healing, recovery, and human longevity. Todd opens the episode with his signature introduction — sharing his own path from vegan to carnivore, from biohacking to hormone optimization — before diving deep into how Dr. Ross and his team are using exosomes to help the body regenerate, not just repair. In this conversation, they discuss: What exosomes really are and how they function as the powerful “messengers” of stem cells.How inflammation acts as the body’s signal, guiding exosomes directly to damaged tissue for targeted healing.Breakthroughs in hair restoration and tissue repair, including how a single microneedling treatment can stimulate regrowth.Safety and precision — why Chimera’s products have zero contamination and zero adverse events.The future of anti-aging, from reversing gray hair to improving HRV and energy through exosome IVs.Todd’s own experience, including an immediate emotional and physiological response that doubled his HRV.Whether you’re fascinated by longevity science or simply curious about the next frontier of health, this episode brings clarity to one of medicine’s most exciting breakthroughs — and a glimpse into a future where we can teach the body how to heal itself. ⚡ Final Takeaway: The next evolution of medicine isn’t about managing decline — it’s about activating regeneration. Connect with Stark Personalized inside‑out health programs at stark.health Enjoying the show? Follow, rate, and review to help more listeners master the skill of health. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🤔 ABOUT Todd Vande Hei 🤔 Welcome to Todd Vande Hei's channel, where health mastery meets real-life transformation. Join Todd as he shares invaluable insights and practical tips to help you unlock your full health potential. Whether you're struggling with chronic pain, seeking sustainable weight loss, or simply striving to live your best life, Todd's journey and expertise will inspire and empower you to take control of your health and well-being. Join our community of health enthusiasts committed to making positive changes and thriving at every stage of life. Let's embark on this journey to vibrant health together! DISCLOSURE We focus on optimizing every aspect of your well-being. At Stark, our team of expert trainers, doctors, nutritionists and a complete medical support team, led by CEO Todd Vande Hei, is dedicated to helping you become the BEST version of yourself. We specialize in coaching executives, athletes, pop stars, astronauts and other noteworthy individuals in all forms of exercise, diet, lifestyle, stress management and personalized supplement protocols. Our methodology is designed to tackle each facet of well-being comprehensively. We believe that optimal health encompasses ten key aspects, which...

    30 min
  5. OCT 16

    The Calmness of Strength – Brett Jones on Emotional Resilience, Confidence & Mastery

    In this episode, Todd sits down with renowned strength coach Brett Jones of StrongFirst to explore how physical strength training becomes a pathway to emotional strength, confidence, and mastery — both in and out of the gym. They discuss: • The emotional benefits of strength training — how confidence, courage, and self-trust grow through consistent practice. • The psychology of capability — why learning to lift translates into handling life’s heavier challenges. • Training the nervous system, not just the muscles — how good technique and patience build lasting strength. • Calm intensity and flow states — cultivating composure under pressure and using the breath to switch between power and peace. • Why failure isn’t the goal — re-defining intensity, effort, and longevity in strength and health. • The art of relaxation — why elite performers are just as skilled at letting go as they are at applying force.  Whether you’re stepping under a barbell or navigating stress in everyday life, this conversation reframes strength as a practice of calm control, not chaos — a lifelong tool for confidence, clarity, and composure. ⚡ Final Takeaway: True strength isn’t about domination — it’s about discipline. It’s learning to stay steady when everything else shakes. Connect with Stark Personalized inside‑out health programs at stark.health Enjoying the show? Follow, rate, and review to help more listeners master the skill of health. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🤔 ABOUT Todd Vande Hei 🤔 Welcome to Todd Vande Hei's channel, where health mastery meets real-life transformation. Join Todd as he shares invaluable insights and practical tips to help you unlock your full health potential. Whether you're struggling with chronic pain, seeking sustainable weight loss, or simply striving to live your best life, Todd's journey and expertise will inspire and empower you to take control of your health and well-being. Join our community of health enthusiasts committed to making positive changes and thriving at every stage of life. Let's embark on this journey to vibrant health together! DISCLOSURE We focus on optimizing every aspect of your well-being. At Stark, our team of expert trainers, doctors, nutritionists and a complete medical support team, led by CEO Todd Vande Hei, is dedicated to helping you become the BEST version of yourself. We specialize in coaching executives, athletes, pop stars, astronauts and other noteworthy individuals in all forms of exercise, diet, lifestyle, stress management and personalized supplement protocols. Our methodology is designed to tackle each facet of well-being comprehensively. We believe that optimal health encompasses ten key aspects, which...

    44 min
  6. OCT 9

    Evacuating 63 Families from Israel – Dean Stott on Leadership, Courage & Connection in Crisis

    When crisis strikes, most people run from danger — Dean Stott runs toward it. A former Tier One Special Forces operator turned humanitarian, Stott has led evacuations from war zones across the globe — from Afghanistan and Libya to Israel. In this powerful conversation, he sits down with Todd to unpack the mindset, planning, and humanity behind saving lives under pressure. They discuss: • October 7th, 2023 — entering Israel as war broke out, and how Dean mobilized a global network to help families escape. • From Special Forces to service, how his time in elite military units shaped his ability to lead through chaos. • Crisis planning made human, why success depends more on trust and relationships than tactics. • The “hearts and minds” approach, and why cultural awareness saves more lives than force ever could. • The good and bad of social media, from hate comments to unexpected miracles that changed outcomes. • Transferable lessons for everyday life, from defining your mission to staying flexible when plans fail. Whether you’re a business leader, parent, or someone seeking resilience in uncertain times, Dean’s story shows how courage, clarity, and compassion can move mountains — even in war zones. ⚡ Final Takeaway: Real leadership isn’t about rank or orders — it’s about showing up, staying calm, and doing what’s right when everyone else freezes. Connect with Stark Personalized inside‑out health programs at stark.health Enjoying the show? Follow, rate, and review to help more listeners master the skill of health. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🤔 ABOUT Todd Vande Hei 🤔 Welcome to Todd Vande Hei's channel, where health mastery meets real-life transformation. Join Todd as he shares invaluable insights and practical tips to help you unlock your full health potential. Whether you're struggling with chronic pain, seeking sustainable weight loss, or simply striving to live your best life, Todd's journey and expertise will inspire and empower you to take control of your health and well-being. Join our community of health enthusiasts committed to making positive changes and thriving at every stage of life. Let's embark on this journey to vibrant health together! DISCLOSURE We focus on optimizing every aspect of your well-being. At Stark, our team of expert trainers, doctors, nutritionists and a complete medical support team, led by CEO Todd Vande Hei, is dedicated to helping you become the BEST version of yourself. We specialize in coaching executives, athletes, pop stars, astronauts and other noteworthy individuals in all forms of exercise, diet, lifestyle, stress management and personalized supplement protocols. Our methodology is designed to tackle each facet of well-being comprehensively. We believe that optimal health encompasses ten key aspects, which...

    26 min
  7. OCT 2

    From Fog to Focus: Regan Phillips on Reclaiming Strength, Clarity & Confidence in Midlife

    In this heartfelt conversation, Todd sits down with longtime Stark student and CASA OC leader Regan Phillips to unpack a candid, hopeful journey through perimenopause—brain fog, joint pain, weight changes, and the moment everything turned around through smart training, sleep, nutrition, and evidence-based HRT. They discuss: Feeling like a stranger in your own body — brain fog, joint pain, and shifts in weight and mood.The power of HRT — overcoming fear, misinformation, and finding clarity again.Simple systems for success — walking more, sleeping better, eating more protein, and drinking less.Mindset over perfection — how changing frequency, not total restriction, makes health sustainable.New strength goals — chasing the first unassisted pull-up and finding empowerment in progress.CASA’s impact — helping foster youth thrive through mentorship, stability, and community support.Whether you’re navigating perimenopause, supporting someone through it, or just want proof that midlife can be a relaunch, this episode shows how science, structure, and self-compassion can restore focus—and joy. ⚡ Final Takeaway: You don’t have to accept feeling “off” as your new normal. With the right tools and mindset, you can rebuild strength, reclaim clarity, and rediscover yourself at any age. Connect with Stark Personalized inside‑out health programs at stark.health Enjoying the show? Follow, rate, and review to help more listeners master the skill of health. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🤔 ABOUT Todd Vande Hei 🤔 Welcome to Todd Vande Hei's channel, where health mastery meets real-life transformation. Join Todd as he shares invaluable insights and practical tips to help you unlock your full health potential. Whether you're struggling with chronic pain, seeking sustainable weight loss, or simply striving to live your best life, Todd's journey and expertise will inspire and empower you to take control of your health and well-being. Join our community of health enthusiasts committed to making positive changes and thriving at every stage of life. Let's embark on this journey to vibrant health together! DISCLOSURE We focus on optimizing every aspect of your well-being. At Stark, our team of expert trainers, doctors, nutritionists and a complete medical support team, led by CEO Todd Vande Hei, is dedicated to helping you become the BEST version of yourself. We specialize in coaching executives, athletes, pop stars, astronauts and other noteworthy individuals in all forms of exercise, diet, lifestyle, stress management and personalized supplement protocols. Our methodology is designed to tackle each facet of well-being comprehensively. We believe that optimal health encompasses ten key aspects, which...

    36 min
  8. SEP 25

    Plaquex IVs Explained: Choline, Endothelium & Blood Pressure with Dr. Alice Nguyen

    What actually happens when you infuse phosphatidylcholine (Plaquex)? Dr. Alice Nguyen breaks down the cell-level mechanics—how repairing membranes and supporting the endothelium can influence blood pressure, brain recovery post-stroke, and overall cardiovascular health. We also get into choline from food (eggs, liver), omega-3/omega-6 balance, environmental toxins like mercury, and where Plaquex fits alongside lifestyle, hormones, and conventional lipid-lowering meds. Todd shares his own case: after ramping Plaquex frequency, his long-stubborn BP normalized within weeks. What we cover What phosphatidylcholine is and why the cell membrane/endothelium matter • Plaquex vs. food/supplement choline (and why IV ≠ oral) • Neurologic use cases (stroke/TBI) via acetylcholine & inflammation control • Why eggs (runny yolks) and liver are elite choline foods • Omega-3 vs. omega-6: balancing inflammation for vessel health • Environmental toxins (e.g., mercury) and vascular receptors • Statins, plaque “stabilization,” and how imaging like CCTA + Cleerly is used • Real-world observations: BP improvements during Plaquex series • Lifestyle still rules: training, body-fat reduction, fiber, sleep, hormones This episode is educational and not medical advice. Talk with your clinician before starting any therapy. Connect with Stark Personalized inside‑out health programs at stark.health Enjoying the show? Follow, rate, and review to help more listeners master the skill of health. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ 🤔 ABOUT Todd Vande Hei 🤔 Welcome to Todd Vande Hei's channel, where health mastery meets real-life transformation. Join Todd as he shares invaluable insights and practical tips to help you unlock your full health potential. Whether you're struggling with chronic pain, seeking sustainable weight loss, or simply striving to live your best life, Todd's journey and expertise will inspire and empower you to take control of your health and well-being. Join our community of health enthusiasts committed to making positive changes and thriving at every stage of life. Let's embark on this journey to vibrant health together! DISCLOSURE We focus on optimizing every aspect of your well-being. At Stark, our team of expert trainers, doctors, nutritionists and a complete medical support team, led by CEO Todd Vande Hei, is dedicated to helping you become the BEST version of yourself. We specialize in coaching executives, athletes, pop stars, astronauts and other noteworthy individuals in all forms of exercise, diet, lifestyle, stress management and personalized supplement protocols. Our methodology is designed to tackle each facet of well-being comprehensively. We believe that optimal health encompasses ten key aspects, which...

    26 min
5
out of 5
65 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Health is a Skill podcast with host Todd Vande Hei! Todd is the CEO of Stark, which exists to change the future of health and fitness in the communities they serve. For the last 15 years, Todd has been on a journey to discover what it means to be in a state of peak health. After suffering from a series of seizures and being diagnosed with high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation in his early 30’s, Todd decided it was time to make a change. Those changes fell into one of four categories: lifestyle, exercise, nutrition, and stress management. But the biggest thing Todd learned through it all? Health is a skill. You’re not born with it, like some would like you to believe, and it isn’t acquired by simply buying another product or starting that new diet. Health is something you can create for yourself, and over time it is possible to attain peak health.

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