Today we’re diving into the important and ever-evolving science of human gut health and our microbiome.

What we think we know about our guts and their health is constantly shifting. Yet getting to the bottom of what makes a healthy gut is worth considering. It’s linked to many chronic diseases. We’ll cover:

* Upsides and downsides of sanitizing.

* The benefits of “germs.”

* A groundbreaking hunter-gatherer gut health study.

* The truth about probiotic supplements.

* Why modern life gives us “weaker armor” against disease.

* Six practical ways to protect your gut, which can lead to reduce risk of disease.

Become a Member of Two Percent to listen to this post in full and get full access to all our podcasts, posts, and other valuable bonuses.

Michael recently analyzed three reports on the health trends of 2024. He’ll explain:

* Nine of the most popular health trends of 2024.

* Why some of these trends can improve your health—and some can hurt it.

* You’ll learn which of these trends are worth your time, and which you can ignore.

* The result: You’ll boost your health and performance while saving time, money, and energy—and you’ll avoid harm.

This episode is free to all listeners. If you want access to all our episodes, Two Percent posts, and community, become a Member at TWOPCT.com.

July’s Gear Not Stuff features the 13 best pieces of outdoor and hiking gear.

Our Gear Not Stuff picks come from three friends who have spent more time in the wilderness than just about anyone. I’d venture to bet only trees spend more time out there than them.

They’ve tested more gear over more miles and in more sketchy situations than just about anyone. Which means their 13 picks will work for you.

They delivered epic recommendations for critical items ranging from a tent, sleeping bag, pack, and pad, to inexpensive accessories that make your time outdoors far more enjoyable and safer.

To listen to the full episode, become a Member at TWOPCT.com.

Many fitness tracker companies claim their devices will help you become more active.

Michael recently went down the rabbit hole to learn if that claim is true—and the answer is far more fascinating than he anticipated.

Here’s what today’s podcast covers:

* The chicken/egg problem of fitness trackers.

* Results from studies on long-term tracker use.

* Whether fitness trackers lead people to become more active.

* Reasons why people stop using trackers.

* Three features science tells us we should look for in a tracker.

* Why your tracker is wrong and what to do about it.

* Final thoughts on trackers and activity.

Become a Member of Two Percent to get full access to this episode, all Two Percent posts and podcast, plus access to our epic community.

Michael covers a counterintuitive way to run faster—by not using GPS. He covers:

* The benefits and drawbacks of using GPS while running.

* Why more coaches are advising runners to leave their GPS technology at home.

* The benefits of running without technology.

* Four methods that can help you run faster, reduce your risk of injury, and improve your enjoyment of running.

Become a Member of Two Percent to get full access to all three of our weekly posts and podcasts—plus access to our epic community and bonuses. 

This month’s Two Percent Burn the Ships workout requires just one weight and 21 minutes of your time. But it moves fast and hits hard.

* It works your entire body without any fluff.

* It burns fat while improving strength in some of the most important movements a human can do.

* It transfers over to helping you move and perform better in all other activities—from rucking to golf to pickleball—and life in general.

We’ll cover the workout and explain why doing one tough workout a week is important for health, VO2 max, and more.

Become a Member to access the full podcast, get video of all the exercises, and see the workout in written form.

Michael recently drove across the country, which required a lot of sitting.

During stops, he'd do a quick movement routine and four specifically-tailored stretches.

The routine is quick, simple, not embarrassing to do in public—and effective. You can use it to offset the downsides of sitting, stay limber, and live, feel, and perform better. The data suggest it can help you avoid pain and injury and maybe even add some time to your life.

Check out the post at TWOPCT.com for videos of all the exercises. Have fun, don't die, don't let your chair kill you.

Michael covers the surprising benefits of cycling and mountain biking. Topics include:

* Why cycling has unique benefits over other endurance sports, and why mountain biking is especially powerful.

* The metabolic upsides of cycling and why it often trumps running for metabolic health and fat burning.

* Why biking compliments rucking and running.

* The fascinating cognitive benefits of mountain biking.

* The connection between mountain biking and meditation.

* Why mountain biking is safer than road cycling.

* For those not interested in biking, we’ll cover how you can get the same powerful effects from other activities.

* The most effective advice for your first rides.

This podcast episode is free to all subscribers of Two Percent. Become a Member to get all of our episodes, full access to the Two Percent community, and all the perks of Membership. TWOPCT.com.

Today's AMA covers an important question from a Member of the Two Percent community. 

The question is: How do I move well and not feel stiff as I age? The good news is that the answer is wonderfully simple and practical—and it has a huge return on your time invested.

This matters because:

* Movement quality is at an all-time low—we all face movement issues as we age. And yet ...

* Maintaining good movement is critical for longevity.

* Good movement is important for exercise performance.

* Solid mobility also reduces your risk of injuries.

* Mobility is life saving during an emergency.

We'll also cover a few things people get wrong about mobility. 

Have fun, don't die. 

Members, set up your podcast in the button below. It’s best to do this on your phone.

Today we're covering the science of job satisfaction and how any job can be fulfilling with the right mindset tactics. 

You'll learn:

* The counterintuitive, surprising relationship between work and happiness. Much of this material comes from what Michael learned living at a Benedictine monastery in New Mexico.

* Why roughly half of all people are unsatisfied with their jobs.

* How being the half of “extremely satisfied” workers is mostly determined by your mindset about your job.

* How any job can be fulfilling and rewarding if you learn the right mindset tactics.

* Then we'll explore three ways you can build the right mindset around your work, including:

* What scholars get wrong about modern jobs and how any job can be fulfilling.

* A framework for viewing your career that’ll leave you happier and healthier.

* The surprising science of happiness and retirement and what we can learn from it.

Thanks for listening!