What if fear wasn’t the enemy, but the doorway to your highest self?

In this electrifying episode of the Thrive State Podcast, I sit down with former U.S. Marine, polar explorer, and founder of Fearvana, Akshay Nanavati, to unpack how fear, suffering, and self-transcendence can unlock the life you were meant to live.

Akshay has faced war, addiction, and darkness—literally. He’s spent 17 days in pitch black stillness. Dragged a 420-pound sled across Antarctica. And lived to teach us what it means to truly transform fear into fuel.

🎧 Download the free Longevity & Human Potential Starter Guide → https://thrivestatestarter.com 📘 Get the #1 Bestselling Book Thrive State (2nd Edition) → https://thrivestatebook.com 👨‍⚕️ Follow @doctorvmd on Instagram → https://instagram.com/doctorvmd

Episode Highlights:

• Catching up post-CHS & setting the tone
• Five to Thrive: rapid-fire questions on fear, purpose, music, and legacy
• Akshay’s top 3 fear-facing moments: war, Antarctica, darkness
• The “Paradox of Oneness”: why struggle and joy are inseparable
• Military mindset, brotherhood, and service as a spiritual path
• PTSD, addiction, and the pivotal moment that changed everything
• Inside the Antarctica expedition: solo suffering and surrender
• Finding purpose through service and self-transcendence
• Relationships, alignment, and saying yes to yourself
• How we come alive through worthy struggle