Most conferences quietly work against human health. In this episode, Dr David Bilstrom, MD joins me to unpack how light, sleep, food, stress and design choices can harm or heal attendees, and what it looks like when events start supporting real human biology instead of fighting it.

Conferences are supposed to help people connect, learn and grow. Too often they leave people wrecked.

In this episode of Return on Wellness, I sit down with Dr David Bilstrom, MD to talk candidly about what corporate events are doing to the human body, and what needs to change.

No shaming, no fluff, no wellness theater. Just an honest look at the patterns we have normalized:

Red-eyes and compressed travel. Windowless rooms. Over scheduled agendas. Heavy food, nonstop caffeine, late receptions. No movement, no daylight, no recovery.

Dr Bilstrom is a board certified physician who specializes in autoimmune and complex chronic disease. He sees what chronic stress and inflammation do long term. In this conversation, he connects that clinical reality to the environments we build for meetings, conferences, and incentives.

We get into:

• Why so many attendees arrive already depleted, inflamed and sleep deprived

• How schedule design, light exposure, meal timing, and environment impact immune function and brain performance in just a few days

• The difference between science based wellness and cosmetic activations that only look good in photos

• Practical shifts planners, venues and sponsors can make without blowing up budgets or agendas

• Why wellness at events now sits in the same lane as risk management, performance, public health and long term brand trust

This is not about blaming planners or suppliers. Most of us were handed broken templates and told to repeat them.

It is about accountability. We have enough information now to do better.

If you:

• Plan or approve conferences, incentives, sales kickoffs or internal meetings

• Run hotels or venues that host them

• Sell or sponsor wellness experiences

• Or you are just tired of leaving events exhausted or sick

This episode will give you a sharper lens and a starting point.

Listen in, pull one idea, and ask a simple question about your next program:

Are we harming, or are we helping?

Then adjust accordingly.

0:00 Intro: Why We Need To Rethink Corporate Events

1:42 Meet Dr David Bilstrom: Chronic Disease, Immunology And Events

4:20 The Uncomfortable Truth: How Traditional Conferences Harm Health

8:05 Attendees Arrive Depleted: Stress, Travel And Baseline Inflammation

12:30 Sleep, Light And Hormones: The Science Event Pros Ignore

17:55 Food As Fuel Or Failure: Rethinking Menus And Coffee Culture

23:10 Movement, Breaks And Brain Performance At Events

28:40 Science Based Wellness vs Shiny Wellness Theater

34:15 Designing Conferences That Heal: Practical, Budget Friendly Shifts

41:20 Risk Management, Liability And Brand Trust

47:05 What Planners, Venues And Sponsors Can Do Right Now\

52:30 Final Challenge: Are Your Events Helping Or Hurting?

This Movember, I wanted to look at something we don’t talk about enough: men’s health.

In this episode of Return on Wellness, I sit down with Dr. Elliot Justin, MD, FACEP to look at the data on why men avoid the doctor, what screenings actually save lives, and how lifestyle medicine connects the dots between prevention, performance, and longevity.

We get into:• The cultural and social habits that keep men from asking for help• What science says about testosterone, stress, and sleep• Real numbers on heart disease and preventable illness• How nutrition and exercise can truly change healthspan• Simple steps any man can take to take charge of his health

I hope this one inspires you to check in, speak up, and start seeing your health as an investment, not a chore.

Listen in and share it with the men in your life who might need the reminder.

00:00 — Welcome & Caesars Wellness partnership00:52 — Guest intro: Dr. Elliot Justin, MD, FACEP02:19 — Why men delay care and how culture shapes behavior04:09 — Cardiovascular health and everyday prevention05:00 — Movember, hormones, and men’s mental health22:00 — Nutrition and lifestyle medicine that work28:38 — Early detection mindset and personal stories50:08 — The screenings that actually save lives01:07:07 — Closing thoughts and Movember call to action

men’s health, Movember, preventive medicine, testosterone, heart disease, mental health, lifestyle medicine, longevity, Return on Wellness, David T Stevens, Dr. Elliot Justin, wellness at events, public health, men’s health awareness month

The wellness industry is massive, but how much of it actually holds up under a microscope?

In this episode of Return on Wellness, host David T. Stevens talks with Dr. Tyler LeBaron, Executive Director of the Molecular Hydrogen Institute, about the difference between hype and honest science.

Guest: Tyler LeBaron MsC., PhD

Guest link: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tyler-w-lebaron-phd-04986a56/

What started with a $4,000 alkaline-water machine turned into a sixteen-year research journey through molecular hydrogen, critical thinking, and the placebo effect. Tyler explains what real evidence looks like, how marketing twists science, and how anyone—especially event professionals—can learn to separate facts from good storytelling.

You’ll learn:

• Why “proven” and “cure” are red flags in wellness marketing
• How molecular hydrogen moved from fringe idea to legitimate research field
• The power of placebo and what it really measures
• How to vet wellness products before adding them to your next event
• Why humility and curiosity beat certainty every time

Chapters:

00:00 Aloha and Welcome to Return on Wellness

00:50 Meet Dr. Tyler LeBaron and why “trust” matters

02:00 The $6.3 Trillion Wellness Industry and its truth problem

03:30 From alkaline water skeptic to scientist

06:00 When marketing meets chemistry and contradictions

09:00 Real skepticism versus blind belief

11:00 “Proven” and “cure”: red flags in wellness marketing

13:30 Molecular hydrogen explained simply

17:00 The Hindenburg question: is hydrogen safe?

19:00 What makes hydrogen water different

22:00 How marketing distorts legitimate science

25:00 Japan’s hydrogen approval myth and what it really means

27:00 The 20% survival study that changed the conversation

28:00 How planners can vet new wellness ideas before buying in

29:00 The placebo effect and why it is not “just in your head”

33:00 The Five H’s: Hydration, Health, Hope, Hype, Hydrogen

35:00 Spotting red flags and the danger of technobabble

40:00 Survivorship bias, cherry-picking, and social media claims

45:00 Ultra-Crepadarianism and knowing your limits

48:00 The flowchart for critical thinking

50:00 What makes a study credible

54:00 Evaluating research, evidence tiers, and bias

57:00 Closing thoughts on curiosity, humility, and asking better questions

ResourcesFor integrating the Four Pillars (Mindfulness, Movement, Meals, Meaning) into your next program, connect with David T Stevens: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidtstevens

Michael Donovan, PhD joins Return on Wellness to map out brain-friendly event design: micro-movement, smart meals, mindful downshifts, and simple ways to read the room.

Guest: Michael Donovan, PhD
Guest link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-donovan-ph-d-20a6297/

In this episode we translate nutritional neurophysiology into practical event design. You’ll hear how brief arousal spikes paired with guided downshifts prime attention; why micro-movement beats marathon sessions; how to plan meals that keep energy steady; and how social health structures multiply learning. We also cover right-sized ways to gauge attention and mood without intrusive tech.

Highlights

• Mindfulness: quick arousal, deliberate calm to lock in content

• Movement: 60–90 second bursts placed where attention dips

• Meals: protein-forward, fiber-smart plates to avoid afternoon crashes

• Meaning: low-stakes connection moments that reduce anxiety and prime memory

• Measurement: simple pulse checks and room tweaks that actually guide design

Chapters00:00 Intro + Caesars Wellness menu mention. 01:00 Meet Michael Donovan, PhD: field and research setup. 02:00 From athlete to scientist; “fit span” explained. 05:00 Lab → NIH → wearables: why raw data isn’t action. 10:00 The brain on movement: framing the core question. 16:00 How to gauge intensity in a room: RPE and “talk test.” 18:00 BDNF, attention, and anti-sedentary basics. 19:00 Low-sweat movement ideas you can do in conference attire. 22:00 Why cooling down matters after intensity; don’t sprint into a session. 24:00 Sympathetic vs parasympathetic: where learning actually happens. 25:00 Zone 4–5 spikes, hippocampus, then ramp down before you learn. 27:00 Breath as the fast lever to shift state; how to ramp down. 29:00 Focused cooldown beats doom-scroll stretching. 34:00 Day design: sprinkle short walks; stand early; plan to move. 35:00 The post-meal dip: lighter meals, “earn your carbs,” stay alert. 41:00 Social health x movement: walk-and-talks for learning and connection. 54:00 Attention spans, talk length, and what to actually measure. 56:00 Measuring engagement: surveys and “ethical facial analysis.” 1:07:00 Inclusion tips: accredited leaders, equipment-free sessions, shoe swap hack. 1:13:00 Where to find Dr. Michael Donovan + show plug. 1:14:00 End screen promo.

ResourcesFor integrating the Four Pillars (Mindfulness, Movement, Meals, Meaning) into your next program, connect with David T Stevens: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidtstevens

CreditsHost: Return on WellnessGuest: Michael Donovan, PhDCategory: Business • Health & FitnessExplicit: No

Advisory This podcast is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.

Are your organs older, or younger, than you think?

Most of us only know our chronological age, but what about the true biological age of your heart, brain, or kidneys?

In this episode, I sit down with Jeffrey to explore the future of wellness through AI-powered diagnostics that reveal organ-specific aging, years before disease strikes. You’ll hear how these insights can catch health risks at “pre-stage one,” why preventive care is the key to longevity, and how you can take control of your healthspan, not just your lifespan starting now.

Perfect for event professionals, wellness seekers, and anyone curious about how science and technology are transforming the way we age.

What you’ll learn in this episode:

• Why most diseases are diagnosed too late

• The difference between chronological age and biological age

• How AI is reshaping preventive health and diagnostics

• Practical ways to act on early warning signs

• What personalized wellness could look like in the near future

Your sleep problem isn’t in your bed — it’s in your brain.

What if the reason you can’t sleep has nothing to do with your bedtime routine — and everything to do with your nervous system?

In this episode of Return on Wellness, David T. Stevens sits down with Dr. Bruce Wayne Meleski, PhD in Human Performance, whose career spans working with NBA, NFL, and MLB athletes to pioneering neuroscience-backed solutions for sleep, resilience, and recovery.

We explore:

• Why most insomnia advice fails (and what actually works)

• How nervous system regulation impacts your ability to rest

• Strategies elite performers use to recover faster and perform better

• Why conferences and events often sabotage your sleep — and how to fix it

Whether you’re a high-performance athlete, a constantly traveling executive, or someone who’s just tired of feeling tired, this conversation will change the way you think about sleep forever.

🎧 Press play and learn how to train your nervous system for rest, recovery, and peak performance.

In this episode of Return On Wellness, I sit down with Crystal Sanchez—Crystal the Shaman—to explore how ancient shamanic practices from North and South America intersect with modern wellness science like bio-hacking and peptides.

Together, we unpack how centuries-old rituals, mindful intention-setting, and energy balancing can complement today’s cutting-edge health strategies—creating a holistic path forward. Whether you’re curious about ancestral approaches, driven by data-backed bio-hacking, or looking for something in between—you’ll come away with practical wisdom and fresh perspectives for your own wellness practice.

Chapters: 

0:00 - Introduction: Ancient Wisdom Meets Modern Wellness 

3:45 - Meet Crystal Sanchez, Crystal the Shaman 

12:30 - Understanding Shamanism: Rituals and Practices 

21:15 - Mindfulness and Intention-Setting Explained 

33:40 - Bio-Hacking vs. Shamanic Wisdom 

45:50 - Practical Applications for Daily Wellness 

57:30 - Integrating Energy Balancing into Modern Life 

1:07:20 - Bridging Ancient and Modern Wellness Approaches 

1:15:10 - Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

To learn more visit https://crystaltheshaman.com/

What if the secret to better health and a longer life isn’t just what you eat or how you move—but who you connect with?

In this episode of Return on Wellness, David T. Stevens sits down with Dr. Kelli Harding, physician, bestselling author of “The Rabbit Effect,” and world-renowned expert in the science of connection. Together, they reveal why authentic relationships and inclusive environments are the REAL drivers of wellness, performance, and happiness—at work and beyond.

Listen in to discover:

• Why loneliness is as dangerous as smoking, and how to fix it (backed by science!)

• How rethinking your meetings, events, and daily habits can transform wellbeing for everyone

• Practical, sustainable steps to create workplaces where people feel seen, supported, and energized

• The unexpected ways social connection fuels longevity, engagement, and productivity

Perfect for event professionals, leaders, HR pros, and anyone ready to move past surface-level wellness and build a culture of care—from the boardroom to the living room.

Ready to rethink what’s possible for your health, your team, and your organization?

Hit play and discover the power of true connection.

“Medical meetings aren't healthy.”
That’s not hyperbole—it’s the truth, according to Professor Bettina Borisch, MD, PhD, Executive Director of the World Federation of Public Health Associations.

In this episode of Return on Wellness, recorded live in Geneva, we explore the surprising ways that traditional meetings, conferences, and professional cultures—especially in healthcare—are harming the very people they’re meant to serve.

🔎 Why? Because most of what we call ‘healthcare’ isn’t health care at all—it’s disease maintenance.
And the systems we’ve built to support it—from packed agendas to processed meals—mirror that problem at every level.

🎙 In this conversation, we dive into:

• How wellness-forward events can shift public health outcomes

• Why burnout is a systemic issue, not an individual weakness

• The difference between managing disease and promoting health

• What leaders, planners, and everyday professionals can do differently

💡 If you’re rethinking how we work, lead, and gather—you’re not alone. This episode will challenge your assumptions and leave you with actionable insight.

📍 Recorded in Geneva, Switzerland
👤 Guest: Prof. Bettina Borisch, MD, PhD
🎧 Host: David T. Stevens | Olympian Meeting Co-Founder

Ever feel foggy or drained halfway through a conference day? It might not be your schedule — it could be the food.

In this episode, David T Stevens sits down with Jessie Gibson, MS, RD, LD, a licensed clinical dietitian, to unpack how what we eat during events affects energy, memory, and attention. This conversation goes beyond trends and tackles the real science behind conference menus — including a myth-busting look at seed oils, sugar, hydration, and why a protein-packed breakfast matters (especially for those with ADHD).

🔍 What we cover:

• How food affects your ability to focus at events

• Why seed oils and other “villainized” ingredients aren’t always the enemy

• The difference between dietitians and influencers

• How inclusive food options can foster a stronger sense of belonging

• The ROI of wellness-forward catering — for planners and attendees

Whether you're attending or planning the next big conference, this episode will change the way you look at event food — and help you make smarter choices for your mind and body.

✨ Listen in for grounded advice, practical tips, and a few laughs along the way. 🎙️ Hosted by David T Stevens | Return on Wellness

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