Episode 48 dives into Matthew Walker's bestseller Why We Sleep with host Dennis Fenrich (solo episode). This installment covers Chapters 1–2 and mixes science, personal anecdotes, and practical takeaways. Expect a conversational, sometimes humorous walkthrough as the host teases later chapters on dreaming and treatments.

The episode reviews what sleep does for body and brain — learning, memory, emotion regulation, immune and metabolic health, appetite control, cardiovascular fitness, and even the gut microbiome. Dennis outlines the book’s four-part structure and previews upcoming topics including dreams, sleep disorders, and non-drug therapies.

Key science highlights include the landmark Mammoth Cave experiment (Kleitman & Richardson) that showed humans have an internally generated circadian rhythm that can run longer than 24 hours; the interaction of two sleep “levers” — the deep brain circadian clock and adenosine buildup; and an important clarification about melatonin: it signals the timing of sleep but does not itself keep you asleep. The episode also touches on chronotypes (larks vs. owls and their genetic basis), jet lag (roughly one-hour adjustment per day), and even surprising details like residual caffeine in decaf.

Practical takeaways and signs you may not be getting enough sleep are emphasized: if you could fall back asleep mid-morning or cannot function without caffeine before noon, you’re probably under-slept. The host explains sleep debt (how incomplete clearance of adenosine accumulates) and encourages listeners not to “freak out” — instead, stash the info in your back pocket or start with one small change.

Along the way Dennis shares show updates (audience growth, sports chatter, and a few light moments like grabbing a drink), and promises deeper dives in future episodes on dreams, sleeping pills, insomnia, and evidence-based sleep fixes. The tone is informative, approachable, and aimed at helping listeners learn the essentials of sleep science without becoming overwhelmed.

Listeners should expect a mix of research summaries, memorable experiments, and actionable rules of thumb — plus a preview of later chapters that will cover dreaming, societal impacts of sleep loss, and safer ways to improve sleep. If you want a readable, conversational summary of Why We Sleep (so you don’t have to read the whole book right now), this episode delivers.

In this candid episode Dennis sits down with Rey (“Father Rey”) for an in-depth conversation about his life, coaching journey, and what it really takes to be a professional fitness coach. Rey shares his personal background—born in Monterrey, raised in Detroit—his early gym days, physically demanding work in environmental drilling, and the moment CrossFit pulled him into a career he didn’t expect.Topics covered include Rey’s 11 years of coaching, the realities of the fitness industry (young, enthusiastic coaches vs. experienced, knowledgeable coaching), and the practical systems that helped him gain confidence leading classes. Ray opens up about how training transformed his mental health—quitting antidepressants and cigarettes after consistent training—and how accountability and having a plan changed his life.Key points include public-speaking anxiety and how repetition, preparation, and simple communication strategies helped Rey improve; breathwork (intentional breathing) as a tool to down-regulate the nervous system; coaching tips like staying in your wheelhouse, being honest, building relationships, and creating plans for clients; and the power of small wins to change belief and behavior over time.The episode also touches on gym culture and evolution (from puke-clown CrossFit ethos to sustainable training), memorable community moments, weekend adventures in Michigan, and stories about how influence, accountability, and trust are at the heart of effective coaching. Whether you’re a coach, athlete, or listener curious about personal growth through fitness, this conversation offers practical takeaways and real-life motivation._________________________________________________________________If you're looking for a straightforward, yet fun and laid-back podcast that covers exercise, nutrition, and mindset to help you improve your body's function, appearance, and overall well-being, subscribe…🔹Exercise and nutrition coach 20+ years🔹Exercise and nutrition enthusiast 35+ years 🔹Honest, straightforward, and accurate information, always

In Episode 46 the host experiments with AI: he asked ChatGPT to generate the episode outline and final thoughts in his voice, then records live from those notes. This AI special kicks off a mini-series on sleep and previews a longer look at the book Why We Sleep, while combining science, practical tips, and personal stories.

The episode breaks down why sleep matters for "body intelligence," explains the four main sleep stages (light/NREM1, NREM2, deep/slow-wave, and REM) and how each stage supports restoration, growth-hormone release, memory consolidation, and emotional regulation. You’ll hear approachable technical details and listener-friendly explanations side-by-side.

Topics covered include signals of poor sleep (physical: slow recovery, frequent colds, afternoon crashes; mental/emotional: brain fog, irritability, racing mind; behavioral: caffeine dependence, late-night snacking, skipped workouts), plus a suite of science-backed sleep boosters: morning sunlight, regular movement, exercise timing, caffeine cutoff guidelines, evening rituals, screen curfews, cooling the bedroom, in-the-moment resets (4-7-8 breathing and body scans), and practical tips like keeping a bedside notepad to offload worries.

The host reframes sleep from "wasted time" or a hustle-culture badge of honor into an intentional training tool for recovery and performance. He shares a personal anecdote about years of chronic short sleep, the cultural shift he’s observed, and why small, consistent changes beat overnight perfection. Actionable takeaways include trying one small shift tonight (screen curfew or 30 minutes earlier bedtime) and optionally running a seven-day sleep experiment tracking bedtime, wake time, and daily energy.

The episode also teases future content: deeper comparisons to the book Why We Sleep, a follow-up guest episode with Ray Garza, and potential sleep expert interviews or wearable-tech perspectives. Listeners are encouraged to share results or questions via [email protected] and to test the simple, science-based strategies discussed to see how sleep changes energy, focus, and resilience.

Episode 45 — a solo episode that dives deep into the strange but powerful phenomenon of "creative illness." The host opens with quick updates (subscriber counts, local sports and weather), a shout-out to sponsors (Liquid Death) and a new Parisi Speed School program at the gym, then settles into the main theme: how certain intense mental crises have historically preceded major creative and scientific breakthroughs.

The episode defines consciousness as the process of turning the unknown into the known and contrasts individual awakening with the species-level expansion of awareness. The host reads and reflects on passages from The Discovery of the Unconscious (a dense, 932-page history of dynamic psychiatry), focusing on Sigmund Freud's 1894–1900 struggle: his relationship with Wilhelm Fliess, the famous Irma dream and The Interpretation of Dreams, his self-analysis, and how those years of torment and obsession produced a permanent transformation in personality and theory.

Central to the episode is the book's concept of "creative illness": a polymorphous condition seen in shamans, mystics, scientists and artists that follows intense preoccupation with a problem. Features include prolonged absorption and isolation, symptoms that can look like depression, neurosis, psychosomatic illness or even psychosis, the subject's unbroken focus on a single problem, and a usually rapid recovery marked by exhilaration and conviction of a major discovery. Examples discussed include Freud, Fechner, and Jung, with broader references to prophets and breakthrough innovators throughout history.

The host then explores the tension between a purely biological, secular account of consciousness and a metaphysical view that posits a guiding energy or God outside time and space. He argues these perspectives need not be mutually exclusive: evolution and expanding consciousness can be seen as a process that may also carry direction or meaning, and how our aims (ethical or not) shape whether discoveries are beneficial or harmful.

Key takeaways for listeners: expect a close reading of Freud's creative crisis, a clear definition of creative illness and its signs, examples across history, and a thought-provoking discussion about the interplay of biology, religion and meaning in human discovery. This is a solo, reflective episode for listeners curious about the mind-body connection, the history of psychoanalysis, and how great ideas are often born in struggle. Recommended next steps: read the cited book for more depth and consider how your own aims influence the kinds of breakthroughs you pursue.

Welcome to Episode 44 of our podcast where we delve into the fascinating world of the fascial system in "The Fascial System Part Three." Join us as we explore the intricate world of fascia, a connective tissue that plays a crucial role in movement and body function. This episode reveals the science behind fascia-related features such as the plantar fascia, IT band, and thoracolumbar fascia, illustrating how they contribute to efficient movement, energy conservation, and athletic prowess.

Your host dives into the structural marvels of the human body, from the biomechanics of the foot and ankle complex to the knee and hip flexors, revealing how these elastic structures capture load and generate metabolically free energy, propelling us forward. Discover the evolutionary adaptations that make humans unique long-distance runners and unravel the secrets behind elite throwing capabilities, spotlighting the incredible power stored and released by our connective tissues.

The episode offers insights into the advantages of barefoot running and other fascia-aware training strategies that could reduce joint issues and enhance your overall athletic performance. Learn practical applications you can incorporate into your fitness regimen, whether you're a casual runner or high-performance athlete, with excerpt industry expert, Bobby Stroop. As we conclude this exploration into the world of fascia, embrace new fitness perspectives that combine traditional strength training with kinetic movement for optimal results.

In this introspective episode of the podcast, we take a deep dive into the intricate connections between mind and body, exploring how emotions serve as a primary force in driving our behaviors. Reflecting on insights from influential books like "The History and Origins of the Unconscious" and "The History of Psychoanalysis," the host guides us through a journey into the evolution of consciousness, urging listeners to gain control over the emotions that steer their actions.

The discussion touches on both scientific perspectives and religious viewpoints, addressing the complexities of our mind-body connection while offering a personal exploration of how religious wisdom, such as the teachings of the Bible, can influence our understanding of human behavior and consciousness. Challenging us to consider, "What emotions are you using to drive your behavior?" the episode investigates the historical evolution from biological instincts to consciousness, ritual, and religion.

With a focus on practical applications, we learn about managing the stress response and enhancing self-awareness through techniques like breathwork and intentional breathing. The episode also delves into the teachings of historical figures, emphasizing how their wisdom remains relevant to improving our physiological and psychological states today.

Ultimately, listeners are encouraged to develop skills in emotional regulation, reframe the narratives shaping their lives, and consider the deeper questions of existence and consciousness, all while embracing compassion and gratitude for the wisdom of our ancestors.

Welcome to Episode 42, where we delve deep into the fascinating world of the fascial system and its revolutionary impact on how we perceive and train our bodies. This episode is all about challenging conventional wisdom and understanding the intricate relationship between muscles, connective tissues, and overall body mechanics.

Our host explores the concept of the fascial system, a groundbreaking shift in how we approach fitness and movement. We unravel the mystery behind the fascial system, highlighting how it transforms our understanding of force transmission through muscles and connective tissues.

The episode takes listeners through the nuances of the fascial system, introducing terms like extracellular matrix, collagen fibers, and fibroblasts. We explore how these components work in harmony, reshaping our bodies with every movement and adapting to various loading stimuli. From understanding the principles of viscoelasticity to discussing the impact of multidirectional movement, this episode offers a comprehensive overview of how our bodies truly function.

With insights from the book "Fascial Training in Application," listeners are encouraged to rethink their training methods to optimize performance and reduce injury risks. We also touch upon the mind-body connection, setting the stage for future discussions on psychophysical.

This episode is a must-listen for fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and anyone curious about the mechanics of human movement. Join us as we embark on a journey to unlock the full potential of our bodies, paving the way for better, more informed training practices.

In this engaging episode, we delve into the inspiring life story of Omar, who takes us through his incredible journey from a liver transplant to CrossFit. Omar shares candid insights about his life, the challenges he faced with his health, and the transformative experience of undergoing a kidney transplant.

We learn about the critical moment when a routine physical revealed alarming health issues, leading to a diagnosis that would change his life forever. Omar recounts his journey of being on dialysis for four years and the struggles and triumphs he encountered along the way. His story is a testament to his resilience and determination to live life to the fullest.

The episode also explores how Omar's lifestyle evolved after his transplant, including his commitment to fitness and a healthier lifestyle, which involved joining a CrossFit gym and adjusting his nutrition. We discuss his dietary restrictions during dialysis and how they shifted post-transplant, allowing him to embrace a renewed sense of normalcy.

Omar opens up about the vital role of support from friends and family, particularly his wife, who stood by him through his most challenging days, even learning the technicalities of dialysis to support his care at home. His journey is not just about overcoming personal health challenges but also about the power of support and community.

Tune in to hear Omar's full story, gain insights into the importance of organ donation, and be moved by his journey of resilience, health, and transformation.

In Episode 40, we dive headfirst into the groundbreaking world of the fascial system, a topic that's set to revolutionize the fitness landscape. The episode kicks off with some familiar updates, like sports highlights and subscriber milestones, before delving into the meat of the content.

This episode is an eye-opener as it introduces listeners to the fascia—a complex, interconnected tissue network that plays a crucial role in movement and stability. Despite being overlooked in traditional anatomy, recent research reveals that fascia is much more than just 'stuff.' It's a major, living sensory organ that provides key insights into proprioception and the body's kinetic chain, impacting everything from exercise performance to overall health.

Listeners will get an inside look into how modern sports and health professionals are beginning to incorporate the fascia system into training programs for enhanced efficiency and performance. Expect to explore concepts like biotensegrity and the stretch-shortened reflex, which highlight fascia's ability to absorb, distribute, and transfer force across the body naturally, without metabolic cost.

Join us as we unravel the mystery behind this fascinating system and its implications for fitness enthusiasts, athletes, and anyone interested in human movement and health. Brace yourself for a deep dive into the biological intricacies of the fascial system, and get ready for the next episode where we'll explore its practical applications.

In episode 39, we're joined by Mahi Alston for a deep dive into a transformative personal journey shaped by an unexpected diagnosis: celiac disease. The episode opens with light-hearted banter and quickly evolves into Mahi's candid narrative of experiencing unexplained health challenges that impacted her daily life and athletic performance. As Mahi navigates the surprising intricacies of celiac disease—a condition she initially misunderstood—listeners are taken through a detailed timeline of symptoms, puzzling doctor visits, and finally, the relief and shock of a definitive diagnosis.

The conversation navigates through the science behind celiac disease, including the role of gluten-induced autoimmune responses and the impact on nutrient absorption. Mahi shares how her dietary overhaul led to significant lifestyle changes, the importance of listening to one's body, and the mental and physical benefits she's discovered post-diagnosis.

This episode isn't just about celiac disease; it's about resilience, the importance of health advocacy, and the transformative power of dietary awareness. It's a must-listen for anyone struggling with unexplained health issues or interested in the intersections of diet, health, and personal well-being. Tune in for an educational and inspiring discussion that's sure to resonate with many.