

Peak Performance Life Podcast
Peak Performance
We answer the big question: how can YOU optimize your health, energy and mind so that you can perform at your highest levels every day. If you're the busy professional, mom on-the-go, the entrepreneur, or the avid health conscious individual, then tune in every week for a new episode. Topics include biohacking, detoxification, superfoods, gut health, brain health, nootropics, mobility, exercise, fat burning, ketosis, paleo, intermittent fasting, sleep optimization, stress relief, balanced living, meditation, immune health, inflammation reduction, habit building, productivity hacks and more!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 24, 2026 • 46min
EPI 244: Harvard Trained Psychiatrist On Foods & Habits That Fight Depression & Anxiety Without Medication. With Dr. Uma Naidoo
Show notes: (0:00) Intro (1:04) Dr. Naidoo's background and why she joined nutrition psychiatry (4:27) Real patient story on anxiety, travel, and gut imbalance (9:17) Foods that harm gut and mental health (13:47) CALMS foods that support anxiety and mood (16:39) Lifestyle habits that improve mental health (26:16) Her honest view on SSRIs and safe deprescribing (31:08) The S.A.W. method for feeling better every day (35:38) Going extremely low carb (42:04) Where to find Dr. Uma (42:39) Outro Who is Dr. Uma Naidoo? Dr. Uma Naidoo is a trained psychiatrist, professional chef, and nutrition specialist who serves as Director of Nutritional & Metabolic Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital and Director of Nutritional & Lifestyle Psychiatry at the Massachusetts General Hospital Psychiatry Academy. She is also an Instructor in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. In her role as a clinical scientist, she founded and directs the first hospital-based clinical service in Nutritional Psychiatry in the United States. Dr. Naidoo is also the author of This Is Your Brain on Food and Calm Your Mind with Food. Connect with Dr. Uma Website: https://umanaidoomd.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/umanaidoomd/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/drumanaidoo/ Grab a copy: https://umanaidoomd.com/pages/calm-your-mind-with-food Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram

Mar 17, 2026 • 50min
EPI 243: MEDITATION Made Easy + The Quickest Path To Changing Your Life For The Better. With Light Watkins
Show notes: (0:00) Intro (1:15) From modeling success to discovering inner happiness (5:47) Why meditation feels hard and what it really does (8:29) Creating "spaciousness" between reaction and response (12:20) Why most people struggle to stay consistent with meditation (15:16) Different types of meditation explained simply (20:35) The tortoise approach to building lasting habits (25:01) Inside The Year You Transform and its life challenges (31:30) Examples of challenges: addiction-free, forgiveness, and more (38:09) How stress affects the brain and body (41:11) Why meditation could be the "toothbrush" of mental health (45:55) Where to follow Light Watkins and learn meditation (47:12) Outro Who is Light Watkins? Light Watkins is an American meditation teacher, author, and speaker known for helping people simplify mindfulness and personal growth. He grew up in Alabama and first worked in advertising before moving to New York City to pursue modeling. During that time, he discovered yoga and meditation, which sparked a deep interest in inner well-being and spiritual practice. He later studied meditation in the Vedic tradition, including time in India with a meditation teacher, and eventually began teaching meditation in Los Angeles. Watkins gained recognition for his approachable style and has since taught workshops, retreats, and keynote talks around the world. He is the author of several bestselling books, including Bliss More, The Inner Gym, Knowing Where to Look, Travel Light, and The Year You Transform, all focused on mindfulness, happiness, and living with greater presence. Connect with Light Watkins Website: https://www.lightwatkins.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lightwatkins/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/lightwatkins Grab a copy: https://www.lightwatkins.com/books Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram

Mar 10, 2026 • 53min
EPI 242: FIBER - Why It's The Most Underrated Piece Of Nutrition. Different Types + Other Foods For Gut Health. Plus What The Largest UK Twin Study Revealed. With Tim Spector
Show notes: (0:00) Intro (1:19) Tim Spector and the Twins Study (3:11) Discovering the gut microbiome's role in health (8:56) The study showing huge differences in food responses (17:37) Practical steps to improve gut health (19:12) Why eating 30 different plants a week matters (21:43) The power of fermented foods (22:41) Protein vs fiber and what most people miss (30:33) Beans, legumes, and gut health explained (34:41) Why there is no single "superfood" (45:08) How the ZOE gut health test and app work (49:55) Outro Who is Tim Spector? Tim Spector is a British epidemiologist, medical doctor, and professor of genetic epidemiology at King's College London. He is widely known for his research on genetics, nutrition, and the gut microbiome, and he founded the long-running TwinsUK study, which has followed thousands of twins to better understand how genes and lifestyle influence health and disease. Over time, his work shifted toward exploring how gut microbes affect metabolism, immunity, and overall wellbeing, leading him to co-found the health science company ZOE, which focuses on personalized nutrition and large-scale nutrition research. Spector is one of the most cited scientists in his field and is also a bestselling author of books on diet and gut health, including The Diet Myth, Spoon-Fed, Food for Life, and Ferment. His research and public work aim to help people understand how food, microbes, and lifestyle shape long-term health. Connect with Tim Spector Website: https://zoe.com/en-gb LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timspector/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tim.spector/ Tune in to his podcast: https://zoe.com/podcast Grab a copy: https://www.tim-spector.com/tim-spector-books/ Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram

Mar 3, 2026 • 55min
EPI 241: Clinically Proven Plan To AGE-PROOF YOUR BRAIN & Stay Sharp For Life. This LITERALLY Grows Your Brain! With Dr. Majid Fotuhi
Show notes: (0:00) Intro (1:39) Why Alzheimer's is often overdiagnosed (3:25) The breakthrough discovery (8:39) 40-factor checklist (11:47) The impact of social engagement (15:52) The Five Pillars of Brain Health (18:53) What is brain training? (24:39) The best exercise for brain health (27:39) The "silent killer" of the brain (36:14) Mediterranean diet and brain inflammation (41:20) Reducing amyloid plaques (44:40) Most powerful brain foods (48:19) How to become a "Brain Super Ager." (51:44) Outro Who is Dr. Majid Fotuhi? Dr. Majid Fotuhi is a neurologist, neuroscientist, and professor with over 35 years of experience specializing in brain health, memory, neuroplasticity, and Alzheimer's prevention. He earned his PhD in neuroscience from Johns Hopkins University, completed medical training at Harvard Medical School, and finished his neurology residency at Johns Hopkins, where he now serves as an adjunct professor. His research has been widely published and cited internationally. Dr. Fotuhi developed a 12-week program that has helped thousands of patients with memory loss, brain fog, concussion, mild cognitive impairment, and early Alzheimer's disease. His work has been featured by major media outlets, including CNN, NBC News, Today, ABC News, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Times. Connect with Dr. Majid Website: https://drfotuhi.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/neurogrow-brain-fitness-center/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr_fotuhi/ Pre-order the book: https://drfotuhi.com/pre-order/ Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram

Feb 24, 2026 • 51min
EPI 240: How To Feel Better At 60 Than You Did At Age 30. With Anti-Aging & Longevity Expert Dr. Jeffrey Gladden
Show notes: (0:00) Intro (0:49) Meet Dr. Jeffrey Gladden (2:25) Hitting a health wall in his 50s (6:08) Discovering thyroid and genetic issues (16:01) Hormone therapy fears and facts (20:23) Why aging is exponential (32:23) "Wake up 27 every day" mindset (38:34) Boosting cellular energy and mitochondria (44:23) How to work with Gladden Longevity (47:48) Outro Who is Dr. Jeffrey Gladden? Dr. Gladden the visionary founder of Gladden Longevity and Advanced Performance Center, initially practiced as an interventional cardiologist before pivoting his focus from late-stage interventions to preventing heart issues and unlocking ageless potential. Seamlessly blending science, wisdom, and innovation, he's unraveling the secrets of Living Young for a Lifetimeâ„¢, harmonizing Life Energy, Longevity, Health, and Human Performance. Beyond pioneering research, Dr. Gladden enjoys adventures in surfing, biking, hiking, snowboarding, and guitar playing. Amid these pursuits, he treasures moments with loved ones. Jeff's dedication to inspiring vitality echoes through his work, driven by an unwavering commitment to guiding individuals toward embracing their potential and creating an enduring legacy in the world. Connect with Dr. Gladden Website: https://gladdenlongevity.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gladdenlongevity Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gladdenlongevity/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/gladdenlongevity/?hl=en Grab a copy: https://tinyurl.com/m7cm6cy3 Tune in: https://gladdenlongevity.com/podcast/ Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram

Feb 17, 2026 • 50min
EPI 239: PARASITES - Foods To Avoid So You Don't Get Them. Best Ways To Detox & Eliminate Heavy Metals & Toxins. With Dr. Jess Peatross
Show notes: (0:00) Intro (0:58) Dr. Jess' journey from hospitalist to functional medicine (2:58) Conventional vs. root cause medicine (4:22) Can you change your genes? (7:14) Parasites: exposure, testing, and prevention (14:26) Environmental toxins and the Total Tox Test (18:19) Mold symptoms and home testing (31:33) Sauna, sweating, and detoxing BPA (36:59) Nervous system stress and chronic illness (40:40) Root canals and hidden health risks (45:43) Where to find Dr. Jess (46:51) Outro Who is Dr. Jess Peatross? Dr. Jessica Peatross is a previously board-certified internal medicine physician turned functional medicine expert who helps patients heal by addressing the overlooked root causes of illness, like stealth infections, toxins, and trauma. After struggling with anxiety, hormone imbalance, and mitochondrial dysfunction, she left conventional medicine to focus on solutions mainstream care often misses. She's best known for her KILL•BIND•SWEAT method, a natural detox protocol that uses herbs, binders, and sweating to support drainage and recovery. Thousands have used her approach to get off pharmaceuticals and reclaim their health. Dr. Jess is trained in Gerson Therapy, Ozone Therapy, Nutrigenomics, and Functional Medicine. She's also the founder of WellnessPlus, a digital platform offering root-cause protocols, video courses, and expert-led education on issues like Lyme, mold, parasites, and hormone health. She also runs a successful clinic and formulates products at Aegis Formulas. Now a global speaker and educator, Dr. Jess empowers people to become their own best healers, combining science, intuition, and lifestyle tools that support lasting wellness. Connect with Dr. Peatross Website: https://drjess.health/ https://wellnessplus.com/ https://aegisformulas.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.jess.md/ Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram

Feb 10, 2026 • 53min
EPI 238: How To Lower Inflammation In Your Body With Dr. Will Cole. Top Biomarkers + Tips On Food, Water, Air Purity, Personal Care Products, And More!
Show notes: (0:00) Intro (1:14) What led Dr. Cole to functional medicine and early telehealth (6:13) Why many "healthy" people still feel unwell (11:15) The top 3 blood tests you should ask for (18:58) How inflammation is the real issue (28:21) The "Inflammatory Core 4" foods to cut out (35:26) Carbs, ketosis, and finding what works for your body (40:45) Surprising household toxins that may be harming your health (45:20) Practical steps to reduce exposure and feel better faster (48:48) Where to find Dr. Cole (49:58) Outro Who is Dr. Will Cole? Dr. Will Cole is a leading functional medicine expert who consults people around the world via webcam, having started the first functional medicine telehealth centers in the world. Named one of the top 50 functional and integrative doctors in the nation, Cole specializes in clinically investigating underlying factors of chronic disease and customizing a functional medicine approach for thyroid issues, autoimmune conditions, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders, and brain problems. He is the host of the popular The Art of Being Well podcast and the New York Times bestselling author of Intuitive Fasting, Gut Feelings, Ketotarian, and The Inflammation Spectrum. Connect with Dr. Cole Website: https://drwillcole.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drwillcole/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drwillcole Tune in: https://drwillcole.com/podcast/ Grab a copy: https://drwillcole.com/books-home-page/ Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life - https://buypeakperformance.com/ Peak Performance on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/livepeakperformance/ Peak Performance on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/livepeakperformance

Feb 3, 2026 • 51min
EPI 237: The Incredible Health Benefits Of Being OUTDOORS & How It Improves Our Lives As We Age. With NY Times Bestselling Author Caroline Paul
Show notes: (0:00) Intro (0:40) From firefighter to author: Caroline's backstory (2:25) Why society tells us to slow down after 60, and why we shouldn't (5:09) The science: how our beliefs about aging shape how we age (12:21) The 5 pillars of healthy aging (17:15) Nature's healing power: from tree chemicals to birdsong (23:46 The psychology of awe and how it rewires your brain (35:06) Caroline's mom: biking into her 80s (42:00) Outdoor activities don't have to be extreme (45:06) How to take the first step (46:58) Where to find Tough Broad and follow Caroline Paul (47:50) Outro Who is Caroline Paul? Caroline Paul is an American author and former San Francisco firefighter, known for her adventurous spirit and bestselling books. Born in New York City in 1963, she grew up in New York, Paris, and Connecticut, and studied communications and journalism at Stanford University. In 1988, she joined the San Francisco Fire Department, where she was one of the first women in the department and specialized in search and rescue. After 13 years, she shifted her focus to writing. Her books include Fighting Fire (a memoir), Lost Cat, East Wind, Rain, The Gutsy Girl, You Are Mighty, and Tough Broad: From Boogie Boarding to Wing Walking, How Outdoor Adventure Improves Our Lives as We Age. She is also known for her TED Talk on bravery in girls and is a longtime member of the Writers Grotto in San Francisco. Caroline is the identical twin of actress Alexandra Paul and continues to live in San Francisco. Connect with Caroline Paul Website: https://www.carolinepaul.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caroline.paul.750/ IG:https://www.instagram.com/carolinembpaul Grab a copy of her books: https://www.carolinepaul.com/tough-broad Preorder her new book, Why Fly: https://tinyurl.com/d6kxa33j Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram

Jan 27, 2026 • 45min
EPI 236: The Most Important Blood Biomarkers You Should Be Tracking Regularly (Your Doctor Probably Isn't Testing Them). With Longevity Medicine Specialist Dr. Darshan Shah
Show notes: (0:00) Intro (0:49) Dr. Shah's background and personal health crisis (4:55) The most important biomarkers: hs-CRP, A1C, ApoB (7:46) How to track inflammation and metabolic health (13:00) Home tools: bioimpedance scale, grip strength meter (21:09) Nutrition basics: just cut ultra-processed foods (27:09) Hidden toxins in your air, water, and skincare (34:37) Longevity circuit: sauna, cryotherapy, hyperbaric oxygen (38:11) Therapeutic plasma exchange and next-gen biohacking (40:01) Dr. Shah's top 3 health tips anyone can start today (41:18) Where to find Dr. Shah (42:11) Outro Who is Dr. Darshan Shah? Darshan Shah, MD is a health and wellness specialist, well-known, board-certified surgeon, published author, tech entrepreneur, and founder and CEO of Beautologie and Next Health. As an expert on all body systems, he has performed over 10,000 surgical procedures, including trauma surgery, general surgery and plastic/reconstructive procedures. As a health and wellness specialist, he has advised thousands of patients on how to optimize their well-being and extend their lifespan, culminating in the creation of Next Health, the first health optimization and longevity center to offer life-extending and enhancing technology and treatments in a beautiful, welcoming environment. Connect with Dr. Shah Website: https://www.drshah.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darshanshahmd IG: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/ Grab your free Biomarker guide: https://www.drshah.com/biomarkers Tune in: https://www.drshah.com/extend Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram

Jan 20, 2026 • 51min
EPI 235: BIG GOALS - The Science Of Setting Them, Achieving Them, And Creating Your Best Life. With 9X Best Selling Author Caroline Adams Miller
Show notes: (0:00) Intro (1:07) Caroline's personal story of grit and recovery (4:22) What real grit looks like (and how to build it) (7:07) Why adults lose their sense of zest, and how to get it back (10:01) Why SMART goals don't work (14:03) The science behind happiness before success (17:43) How to actually flourish (even in tough times) (21:18) Why "do your best" leads to the worst results (28:12) Learning goals vs. performance goals (29:31) The six pillars of setting a "big goal" (37:36) The jargon mismatch syndrome (42:05) Why goal-setting advice often fails women (43:44) "Goals Gone Wild", what happens when you skip the learning phase (47:12) Where to find Caroline and her resources (48:26) Outro Who is Caroline Adams Miller? Caroline Adams Miller is an executive coach, bestselling author, and keynote speaker known for her work on goal setting, grit, and positive psychology. She graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University and was part of the first graduating class in the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program at the University of Pennsylvania. Caroline has written several acclaimed books, including My Name is Caroline, Creating Your Best Life, Getting Grit, and Big Goals, many of which have been translated into multiple languages. Her personal journey of overcoming bulimia in her twenties has inspired countless others. She frequently speaks at global events, teaches in executive education programs, and has been featured in major media outlets for her research-driven insights on success, resilience, and personal growth. Connect with Caroline: Website: https://www.carolinemiller.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolineadamsmiller IG: https://www.instagram.com/carolineadamsmiller/?hl=en Grab a copy: https://biggoalsbook.com/ Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram


