Testosterone is so powerful it had to be banned from sports. So why are modern men producing 25% less of it than they were just 15 years ago? In this episode of Unconditional, Norbie Schickel breaks down one of the most alarming — and misunderstood — health trends of our time: the collapse of testosterone in modern life. Testosterone isn’t just about muscle, sex drive, or aggression. It’s the hormone that fuels energy, motivation, confidence, focus, fertility, mental health, and long-term vitality — for men and women alike. And yet, testosterone levels in young and middle-aged men have plummeted at historic rates, even after accounting for obesity and lifestyle changes. So what’s actually going on? Drawing from personal blood work (950 total testosterone at age 41), scientific research, and evolutionary principles, Norbie explains why this decline isn’t inevitable — and why relying on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may come with serious long-term tradeoffs, including fertility loss and lifelong dependence. In this episode, you’ll learn: · Why testosterone is the hormone that makes striving feel good · The hidden lifestyle and environmental factors suppressing testosterone · How low testosterone impacts mood, motivation, energy, and mental health · Why women need testosterone — often more than estrogen · The difference between natural testosterone production and TRT · The most effective, non-pharmaceutical ways to raise testosterone · How diet, sleep, sunlight, training, alcohol, stress, and modern habits affect hormones · The simplest real-world indicators that your testosterone is improving This is not about shortcuts, injections, or biohacking gimmicks. It’s about restoring the conditions your body needs to function as it was designed to — and rejecting the idea that decline after 30 is unavoidable. If you care about performance, health, longevity, or living with drive and purpose well into midlife and beyond, this episode will change how you think about testosterone — and what you do about it. 🎧 Listen now and take back control of your biology. CHAPTERS 00:00 The Awesome Power of Testosterone 02:10 Testosterone is Incredible for Men And Women 05:42 The Negative Consequences of Low Testosterone 10:49 Testosterone Levels In American Men Have Fallen Dramatically 13:37 Is TRT the Answer To Declining Testosterone Levels 19:19 Is Declining Testosterone Truly Inevitable 21:47 How To Raise Your Testosterone Naturally Without TRT 23:24 Food for High Testosterone 25:54 The Wrong Water Can Tank Your T 27:11 Dietary Fat & Cholesterol Build Testosterone 34:19 Do Not Miss These Micronutrients 40:47 These Are Secretly Tanking Your Testosterone 41:00 Pornography Is Crushing Your Drive 43:50 Cutting Alcohol Raised My Testosterone To 950 After 40 46:49 Sunlight - Especially For Dark Skin Men 48:20 T-Levels and Birth Control? 50:07 Conclusion & Thank You KEYWORDS testosterone, health, diet, lifestyle, mental health, exercise, alcohol, pornography, natural remedies, hormone optimization AI OVERVIEW This conversation explores the critical role of testosterone in health, its decline over time, and the various lifestyle and dietary factors that can influence testosterone levels. The discussion emphasizes the importance of natural methods to boost testosterone, including diet, exercise, and mental health considerations, while also addressing the negative impacts of pornography and alcohol on hormone levels.