Mount Rainier is a 14,411-foot challenge of steep slopes, heavy packs, and unpredictable weather. But the real test? Pushing through the moments when your mind says “quit” and your body screams “enough.”

In this episode, Dr. Chris Huff shares:

• What it really feels like to climb Rainier (spoiler: there’s hail, exhaustion, and moments of doubt).
• The training regimen that made the difference between stopping halfway and reaching the summit.
• How physical fitness and mental resilience intertwine when you’re fighting altitude, fatigue, and the elements..
• Lessons from the mountain that apply to everyday life—whether your “mountain” is a climb, race, health goal, or just keeping up with your kids/grandkids.

Life is short, and our functional years are even shorter. This episode is about seizing those years, building the fitness to say yes to adventure, and proving to yourself that you can do hard things.

• Fitness is freedom. A high VO₂ max and a strong posterior chain aren’t just numbers—they’re your ticket to saying yes to life’s adventures.
• Pain is temporary, but regret can last forever. Never quit in your lowest moment—rest, refuel, and push through.
• Everyone has a mountain. Whether it’s a peak, a race, or keeping up with your kids, the preparation—and the reward—are the same.

1. Alpine Ascents International: The guiding service Chris recommends for first-time climbers.

Work with me: Premier Cardiovascular Health

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.huff.9480

Instagram: @hufcm

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or medical treatment.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

For those who live an active lifestyle, foot and ankle discomfort can be extremely frustrating. Dr. Jaqueline Donovan helps athletes stay in the game by teaching techniques for avoiding and treating the most common foot and ankle injuries.

She has cared for thousands of patients, educated hundreds of residents and fellows, and personally endured many of the same injuries she treats.  This perspective, rooted in humility and informed by evidence-based practice, gives her insights a compelling balance of credibility and real-world practicality.

In this conversation, we explore:

• Why most running injuries start with tight calf muscles (not your feet
• How to tell the difference between plantar fasciitis, achilles tendinopathy, and stress fractures
• The role of biomechanics, improper footwear, and under-stretching in chronic pain
• Conservative interventions that work—like night splints, CBD, and simple shoe modifications
• The importance of early treatment, especially in active patients
• A nuanced look at the rise in tendon injuries post-COVID

Dr. Jacqueline Donovan, DPM, FACFAS, is a double board-certified foot and ankle surgeon with a deep passion for helping people stay in motion—especially runners. From ankle sprains and stress fractures to plantar fasciitis and chronic overuse injuries, Dr. Donovan brings unmatched expertise to diagnosing and treating the conditions that sideline so many athletes. Her training spans co-chief residency at Grant Medical Center/OhioHealth and a rigorous orthopedic trauma fellowship, and she spent years mentoring surgical residents before returning home to the Cleveland area.

Now serving patients across University Hospitals Ahuja, Cleveland Clinic Fairview, and Erie Foot & Ankle Center, Dr. Donovan blends cutting-edge techniques like PRP injections and reconstructive surgery with a whole-person approach to care. She’s also a dedicated mother, outdoor enthusiast, and sports fan who understands firsthand the physical and emotional toll of being injured when movement is part of your identity.

In today’s episode, Dr. Donovan joins Dr. Chris Huff to break down the most common foot and ankle injuries in runners, how to prevent them, and what recovery really looks like—from both a clinical and human perspective.

Learn more about Dr. Donovan →

📍 Cleveland, OH

📸 Instagram: @ohiofootdocs

• Don’t ignore tight calves, a strong and well stretched posterior chain is key to preventing most foot and ankle injuries.
• Conservative treatment often works, but only if applied early. Delaying care often leads to more complex problems.
• Footwear matters more than most people realize. Shoes should support your structure, not just your style.

• Recommended footwear: Brooks, Saucony, New Balance, Hoka
• Night splints and heel lifts for plantar fasciitis and Achilles relief
• MLS laser therapy and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for chronic tendon inflammation
• Lacing techniques for various shoe related foot complaints: 
  • 👉https://youtu.be/3qyS8j4WUbA?si=rl9_fvUP2trz2UBf 
  • 👉https://youtu.be/wmOFig9MIFs?si=gpvUvcQI_lIPLUgz&t=100

• Ep 29: The Grit and Grace of Dr. Tommy Martin - A discussion on family, faith, health, and training
• Ep 26: This One’s For The Kids - Coach Marcus Mason Discusses How To Help Your Young Athlete Succeed

Work with me: Premier Cardiovascular Health

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.huff.9480

Instagram: @hufcm

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or medical treatment.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this solo episode, Dr. Chris Huff unpacks the science behind creatine: how it works, who it’s for, and why it’s earned its place as one of the top three most effective supplements on the market. Whether you're an athlete, aging adult, or sleep-deprived parent, 

You'll learn:

• What creatine actually is, and how your body uses it to rapidly generate energy
• How the phosphagen system works during short, explosive activity
• The difference between creatine monohydrate and other trendy forms (spoiler: stick with monohydrate)
• How creatine supports brain health, mental clarity, and sleep deprivation
• Dosing, myths, safety, and how to choose a trusted, high-quality supplement

Creatine isn’t magic, but if you’re putting in the work, it’s a smart ally to have in your corner.

• Choose Quality Over Hype: Stick with creatine monohydrate, ideally Creapure, and make sure it’s NSF-certified.
• Start Small, Stay Consistent: 5g daily is a solid dose. Skip the loading phase if your stomach says no thanks.
• It’s Not Just for Muscles: Creatine has growing research supporting its cognitive and neuroprotective benefits.

Kreider et al. (2022) – ISSN Position Stand on Creatine
📄 DOI: 10.1186/1550-2783-4-6
 

Avgerinos et al. (2018) – Creatine and Cognition Meta-analysis
📄 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2018.04.013
 

Rawson & Volek (2003) – Muscle Damage and Recovery
📄 DOI: 10.1519/1533-4287(2003)017
 

Poortmans & Francaux (1999) – Long-Term Renal Function
📄 DOI: 10.1097/00005768-199908000-00005
 

✅ NSF Certified for Sport: https://www.nsfsport.com

Work with me: Premier Cardiovascular Health

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.huff.9480

Instagram: @hufcm

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or medical treatment.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens when a driven competitor is faced with something he can’t fix?

Coach Rod Ray has coached at Wofford College for over two decades, leading Division I tennis players to success on and off the court. But what’s shaped him even more than competition is something far deeper— raising a son with autism, building resilience through difficulty, and learning to love people where they are.

In this episode, Dr. Chris Huff sits down with Coach Rod to talk about:

• How sports and mentorship paved his way from childhood to a 25-year coaching career
• What it’s like raising a neurodiverse child—and how that changed his coaching and his heart
• His definition of greatness (hint: it’s not the scoreboard)
• The mindset shift from “fixing” to “growing through” challenges
• How loss, failure, and letting go are the greatest tools for transformation
• College sports in the NIL era and how coaches must now adapt to evolving values
• Why love, consistency, and grit matter more than raw talent

This is an episode for every parent, leader, coach, and dreamer who’s ever wondered if it’s worth staying in the hard.

Spoiler: It is.

Rod Ray is a bestselling author and active Division 1 college coach whose message is flipping the script on what it means to compete. 

With over 25 years on the frontlines of college athletics, Rod continues to shape athletes and leaders with a unique philosophy: that the strongest competitors are the ones who care the most. 

His work invites us to reimagine success, not as a solo grind, but as a purpose-driven path rooted in love, courage, and connection. Whether you’re an athlete, a leader, or just someone trying to become more of who you were meant to be—Rod’s message will move you to lead differently.

📘 Book: Hard Comes First

🔗 Website: hardcomesfirst.com

📸 Instagram: @rod_r_ray

🐦 Twitter: @Rod_R_Ray

📩 Blog: Join the Winning Team (sign up at hardcomesfirst.com)

• Stop trying to fix the unfixable. True growth starts when we adapt rather than control.
• Coach the person they can become—not the one in front of you. Vision is everything.
• Resilience is built through losing well. Practice responding with grace. That’s the win.

Books:

• Hard Comes First by Rod Ray
• Every Good Endeavor by Tim Keller

Past Show Mentioned:

• Episode with Dr. Tommy Martin 
• Coach Mason’s interview on developing grit and long-game potential

Stats Shared:

• Over 80% of college graduates with autism are unemployed
• Divorce rates for families with children on the spectrum are double the average

Organizations Mentioned:

• Wofford College
• Duke University Medical (referenced during player cardiac arrest story)

Work with me: Premier Cardiovascular Health

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.huff.9480

Instagram: @hufcm

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or medical treatment.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Some people chase success. Others earn it the hard way.

In this episode, Dr. Chris Huff sits down with Dr. Tommy Martin—a man whose life has been anything but easy, but who continues to show up with grit, empathy, and a relentless desire to help others thrive.

They talk about:

• What it was like growing up poor in a tiny town, watching his parents battle addiction.
• How football became his lifeline—and how one coach’s harsh words lit a fire in him.
• The unexpected, divine moment that changed his path from coach to physician.
• What it's like raising a son with a rare genetic condition, and why advocacy has become his mission.
• Why he’s made it his job to fight health misinformation—one video at a time.

And then there’s the athletic stuff:

• Running a marathon with a 40-pound vest.
• Running a 5K under 6-minute pace while pushing a double stroller.
• Training for Ironmans before sunrise.

But here’s what makes Tommy really special:

He doesn’t do any of this for applause. He does it because he believes in showing up for people—especially when they’re struggling.

This conversation is full of heart, humor, and straight talk about life, medicine, parenting, and what it takes to become the kind of person your younger self would be proud of.

Dr. Tommy Martin is a dual board-certified Internal Medicine and Pediatrics physician, currently serving as a hospitalist at Boston Children's Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. A graduate of St. George's University School of Medicine, he completed his residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. 

Beyond his clinical roles, Dr. Martin is a passionate advocate for health education, leveraging his platform to disseminate evidence-based medical information and combat misinformation. His efforts have been recognized by organizations such as the World Health Organization, where he has served as a keynote speaker. Balancing his professional life, Dr. Martin is also an accomplished Ironman triathlete and devoted family man.

📱 TikTok: @dr.tommymartin

📸 Instagram: @dr.tommymartin

📘 Facebook: facebook.com/Dr.TommyMartin

▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/@Dr.TommyMartin

🎥 Clapper: @dr.tommymartin

📕 Children’s Book: MD for Kids: Pediatrics (on Amazon)

• Empathy comes from experience – and it’s one of the most powerful tools in healthcare (and life).
• Consistency beats talent – whether you’re training for a marathon or trying to show up for your family.
• We need more truth-tellers – especially in healthcare. Don’t be afraid to speak up, even if your voice shakes.

Work with me: Premier Cardiovascular Health

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.huff.9480

Instagram: @hufcm

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or medical treatment.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ever wonder what an interventional cardiologist actually does to stay healthy?

In this episode, Dr. Chris Huff answers the most frequent question he gets from patients and followers alike: “What do you do?” Not hypothetically. Not generically. But meal-by-meal, workout-by-workout—he walks us through what a typical day (and week) looks like in his life.

From starting every day with protein-packed overnight oats to running up a bridge for hill sprints, Dr. Huff shares how he balances his love for exercise with the real-life demands as a physician, father, and business owner. He explains the health benefits of a Mediterranean diet, how to combine high intensity and low intensity aerobic exercise to optimize fitness, and which supplements he believes everyone should consider.

But the real heart of this episode is his mission: preventing the disease he treats every day in the cardiac catheterization lab. Through Premier Cardiovascular Health & Performance, Dr. Huff is helping people lower cholesterol, lose weight, and increase VO₂ max—without cookie-cutter plans or unrealistic expectations.

This episode is a masterclass in sustainable, intentional living from someone who practices what he preaches.

• Discipline Beats Motivation – Motivation will wax and wane. Discipline drives consistency, which yields results.
• Don’t over train – Combine high intensity workouts with zone 2 training to improve mitochondrial health and boost endurance without burnout.
• Invest Early in Prevention – You don’t need meds—until you do. Make changes now to help prevent this.

Work with me: Premier Cardiovascular Health

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.huff.9480

Instagram: @hufcm

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or medical treatment.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What do elite athletes, struggling dieters, and busy parents have in common? According to Dane Fuller—founder of Eat Fuller Food—it all begins with breakfast.

In this episode, Dr. Chris Huff sits down with Dane to explore his remarkable journey from growing up above a fish and chip shop in New Zealand to discovering sport as a pathway to a better life. Through rowing, Dane learned the power of discipline—an insight that would shape his career in health, exercise science, and ultimately lead to an unexpected vehicle for change: oats.

But this conversation goes far beyond nutrition. It’s about behavior change, self-belief, and the art of coaching people to become their own best coach. Dane recounts his early days charging $10 per client, and how that grassroots effort evolved into a thriving food startup—launched from scratch and against the odds. He also shares the deeply personal story of how a single breakfast formula transformed not only thousands of lives, but also supported his son, who lives with Prader-Willi syndrome.

Dr. Huff and Dane also unpack common myths around weight loss, the pitfalls of willpower-based dieting, and why skipping breakfast may be more harmful than helpful.

With academic credentials in Exercise Science and Human Nutrition, along with a certification in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), Dane embarked on a mission to transform lives through sustainable weight loss. His most impactful intervention was a breakfast formula inspired by the nutrient-dense meals he consumed as a competitive rower. Clients experienced rapid fat loss, increased satiety, and sustained energy—without deprivation. This approach became the cornerstone of FULLER Protein Overnight Oats: a fast, nourishing, and satisfying way to start the day.

📱 Instagram: @eatfullerfood

🌐 Website: eatfullerfood.com

🎁 Code “chrishuff” for 20% off your first order

• EatFullerFood.com – Dane’s Overnight Oats & Fuller for Longer Series
   
• Secrets of the Lean Facebook Group

• Start with Breakfast: A balanced, slow-digesting meal in the morning curbs cravings, regulates blood sugar, and sets the tone for better choices throughout the day.
   
• Build Confidence in Small Steps: Set achievable weekly goals and build on your success.
   
• The goal is Independence, Not Dependence: True transformation happens when people learn to become their own expert—not rely on someone else’s plan

Work with me: Premier Cardiovascular Health

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.huff.9480

Instagram: @hufcm

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or medical treatment.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

From a shoulder injury that nearly ended his sports career to building one of the most respected youth coaching businesses in Colorado, Coach Marcus Mason’s journey is one of grit, growth, and grace under pressure. In this episode, Dr. Christopher Huff reconnects with his childhood teammate to talk through the winding path that led Coach Mason from a hospital bed to founding "Nothing But Net"—a coaching platform that’s shaped over 170 college athletes and trained NBA stars like Derrick White.

Coach Mason shares candid stories about his own struggles with self-worth, the early challenges of launching a business on credit cards, and the life lessons learned from coaching legends like Kermit Davis Jr.  They break down the essentials for raising successful athletes in today’s ever-changing sports world—and why consistency, humility, and education still reign supreme.

You’ll hear what separates elite athletes from the rest, how to coach mindset alongside skills, and why trusting the process matters more than instant success. And yes—LeBron James might’ve cut him in line for ice cream in Paris.

Marcus Mason is a veteran basketball coach, mentor, and performance architect whose fingerprints are all over today’s college and professional basketball landscape. He’s the founder of Nothing But Net Elite Basketball Coaching in Colorado and has trained more than 20 pro players, including NBA star Derrick White, whom he’s coached since 7th grade.

He’s run camps for legends like Chauncey Billups, Tamika Catchings, and Chris Paul, and helped launch the careers of over 170 student-athletes at the collegiate level. Before all that, he was a Division I coach at the University of Denver — organizing film sessions, running recruiting trails, and developing academic support systems that helped his players thrive off the court, too.

Marcus’s approach is holistic — equal parts discipline, heart, and vision. His work is a case study in what long-term development looks like when you coach the person, not just the player.

📱 Instagram: @NBNCoach

🌐 Website: nbncoaching.com

• nbncoaching.com – Marcus Mason’s official coaching site

• Stay consistent. One workout a week, every week, beats spurts of overtraining. Success is built in the mundane.
• Be coachable. Teach your kids to listen, adapt, and take feedback seriously—it’s a skill that translates far beyond sports.
• Delay specialization. Let kids play multiple sports and enjoy the process. Passion develops over time—not by force.

Work with me: Premier Cardiovascular Health

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.huff.9480

Instagram: @hufcm

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or medical treatment.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Cognitive decline is one of the most feared health concerns today—often overshadowing even heart disease. In this episode, Dr. Christopher Huff speaks with Dr. Kellyann Niotis, the world’s first fellowship-trained preventive neurologist, about how neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson’s, and Lewy body dementia develop—and what we can do to alter their trajectory.

They unpack the basics: What is dementia, and how is it different from normal cognitive aging? Why is Alzheimer’s often misdiagnosed? And how can blood/CSF biomarkers, imaging, and genetic testing help us catch disease before symptoms set in?

But they don’t stop there.

Dr. Niotis explains the critical role a healthy lifestyle plays in brain resilience. Together, they tackle some hot-button topics: the statin debate, the influence of mental health on cognitive outcomes, and why it’s time we treated brain health with the same proactive mindset we bring to heart health.

If you’ve ever feared losing who you are, or watched a loved one slowly disappear, this episode is a must-listen.

Dr. Kellyann Niotis is the first fellowship-trained preventive neurologist in the world, specializing in risk reduction strategies for neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s disease. She completed her medical internship and neurology residency at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center, serving as Chief Resident and the inaugural McGraw Fellow in Neurology Research. Additionally, she completed a fellowship in movement disorders at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

Dr. Niotis led the preventive neurology program within Early Medical and managed the country’s first Alzheimer's Prevention Clinic at Weill Cornell Medical College/NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital where she developed research programs for Parkinson’s and Lewy Body Dementia prevention. In addition, Dr. Niotis is the Director of Parkinson’s and Lewy Body Dementia research at the Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases (IND) Florida where she studies early detection and personalized risk reduction interventions for people at-risk for neurodegenerative diseases. Her work has been published in several medical journals including Neurology, Nature Mental Health, Frontiers of Aging Neuroscience, Aging and Disease, Movement Disorders, Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease, Alzheimer's & Dementia and Journal of the Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease and has been presented at national and international conferences.

Dr. Niotis is passionate about the budding medical space of preventive neurology; in particular pertaining to the advocacy of preventive neurology policy changes and making treatment & education more accessible to the masses. She has received numerous honors and awards, and her opinions have been featured in popular media outlets including CNN. 

🔗 Learn more: drkellyannniotis.com

📱 Instagram: @DrKellyannNiotis

💼 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drkellyannniotis

🌐 IND Research Foundation: IND.org

• www.indd.org – Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases
• MIND Diet – A hybrid of the Mediterranean and DASH diets, protective against dementia
• APOE Testing – A genetic marker tied to Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular disease
• FDG-PET & Amyloid Imaging – Emerging diagnostic tools for early detection

• Prioritize sleep—especially REM and deep sleep. It’s when the brain detoxifies and processes memory.
• What’s good for the heart is good for the brain—exercise, blood pressure control, and healthy lipids matter.
• Social connection, mental stimulation, and joy aren’t soft science—they’re powerful tools for protecting your cognition.

Work with me: Premier Cardiovascular Health

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.huff.9480

Instagram: @hufcm

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or medical treatment.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We’ve all heard the phrase “silent killer” tossed around, but few conditions embody that description quite like Venous Thromboembolism (VTE)—a condition that often lurks beneath the surface until urgent treatment is indicated.

In this episode, Dr. Christopher Huff, an interventional cardiologist with a front-row seat to the devastating impact of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), walks us through what happens when a clot forms in the legs, breaks loose, and heads to the lungs, changing or ending a life—in seconds.

Dr. Huff shares stories from the field, including patients who seemed perfectly healthy until they weren’t, all blindsided by a clot they never saw coming.

We dive into the mechanics of clot formation—how simple things such as sitting too long on a flight can trigger a chain reaction. 

More importantly, Dr. Huff explains how advancements in mechanical thrombectomy—minimally invasive procedures designed to physically remove clots—are changing the game, offering hope and immediate relief for those suffering from venous thromboembolism.

• Eliquis (Apixaban) & Xarelto (Rivaroxaban): Direct oral anticoagulants that have become the preferred anticoagulants for DVT/PE treatment.
• Mechanical Thrombectomy: Minimally invasive procedure for removing blood clots.
• Tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA): An enzyme that breaks down blood clots.  
• P.E. Response Teams (PERT): Specialized hospital teams responding to PE cases.

• Don’t ignore leg swelling or calf pain—early detection of DVT can prevent life-threatening PE.
• Move often during travel or prolonged sitting—engage your calf muscles with walking and calf exercises. Stay hydrated.
• Know your risk factors—especially if you’re on hormone therapy, pregnant, a smoker, or have a family history of clots.

Work with me: Premier Cardiovascular Health

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.huff.9480

Instagram: @hufcm

Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any decisions about your health or medical treatment.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.