The Model Health Show

Dr. Vivienne Ming, a theoretical neuroscientist and entrepreneur who studies AI and human potential, discusses AI’s cognitive risks and rewards. She covers how reliance on AI can dull thinking, GPS and navigation’s impact on spatial memory, balancing shallow and deep thought, using AI as a learning partner, and fostering curiosity, purpose, and resilience to stay “robot-proof.”

They dig into research linking thigh size and leg strength to lower blood pressure and better longevity. Discussion covers how leg muscle and glute function affect metabolism, insulin sensitivity, and cognitive aging. Practical tips include specific lower-body exercises, isometric moves, protein and nutrition strategies to build stronger legs and shift fat storage.

Jimmy Choi, an endurance athlete and Parkinson’s advocate diagnosed at 27, rebuilt his life to run marathons, set world records, and compete on American Ninja Warrior. He recounts the fall that sparked change. He discusses forced-exercise trials, training strategies that improve mobility and safety, the role of community and purpose, and how mindset and disciplined routines powered his comeback.

Jay Ferruggia, a high-performance coach with 30+ years training pro athletes, breaks down overlooked keys to fat loss and fitness after 40. He covers the Six S's of fat loss, why sunlight and vitamin D matter, the surprising roles of saturated fat and salt, sleep and recovery guidelines, sequencing and form for pain-free strength, and his top exercises for durable gains.

Ken Rideout, former prison guard and Wall Street trader who battled a decade-long opioid addiction, became the world’s fastest marathoner over 50 and wrote a memoir. He recounts the arc from addiction to elite endurance racing. He discusses adoption and fatherhood, the mindset shifts that powered his comeback, and how he turned running into purpose and a career.

Dr. Jason Fung, MD and bestselling author known for treating type 2 diabetes and obesity with nutrition and intermittent fasting. He explains the body’s fat thermostat and hormonal drivers of hunger. They cover insulin’s role, why calorie counting often fails, the impact of ultra-processed foods, three types of hunger, environment redesign, and practical fasting strategies.

Dr. Staci Whitman, a board-certified dentist who founded the first Functional Pediatric Dental Practice in the U.S., explains how early cavities can be halted and even reversed. She discusses the oral microbiome, remineralization with hydroxyapatite, how diet and breathing shape dental and metabolic health, and practical prevention strategies for children and adults.

If you’re laying the foundation with healthy sleep hygiene habits, but quality sleep is still evading you, what should you do next? Many people suffer through this problem or turn to short-term solutions without getting to the root cause of the problem. But what if you could support your body’s natural sleep process with simple, accessible, cost-effective solutions?   Today’s guest, Dr. Stasha Gominak is a neurologist and sleep coach. Her program, RightSleep, teaches a proven approach to restore sleep through supplementation, healing the gut, self-assessment, and giving the body the tools it needs to cultivate restorative, high-quality sleep. Dr. Gominak has published influential articles that show the important connection between sleep and gut health as well as sleep and sun exposure.  On this episode of The Model Health Show, Dr. Gominak is here to talk about the powerful role that vitamin D has in regulating sleep. We’re diving into the science of how vitamin D works in the body, its essential role in facilitating sleep, and so much more. Dr. Gominak is also sharing her top tips for sleeping better. I hope you enjoy this interview!   In this episode you’ll discover:  What vitamin D’s specific roles are in the body. (2:12)  How a vitamin D deficiency can contribute to obesity. (2:42)  What it means if your vitamin D levels do not rise with supplementation. (4:41)  How sleep changes when vitamin D levels fall. (8:27)  The truth about vitamin B-12. (17:36)   How vitamin D affects the human brain stem. (20:31)  The link between acetylcholine deficiency and sleep problems. (28:04)  What the origins of vitamin B supplementation are. (44:45)  Why vitamin D supplementation is important. (53:19)  The importance of the microbiome for whole body health. (1:00:01)  Dr. Gominak’s top tips for better sleep. (1:04:18) Items mentioned in this episode include:  Piquelife.com/model - Get exclusive savings on bundles & subscriptions!   Boncharge.com/model - Use my code MODEL for 15% off blue light blocking glasses!  Connect with Dr. Stasha Gominak Website / Facebook / Instagram / YouTube     Be sure you are subscribed to this podcast to automatically receive your episodes:   Apple Podcasts  Spotify  Soundcloud  Pandora  YouTube     This episode of The Model Health Show is brought to you by Pique and Bon Charge.   Go to Piquelife.com/model for exclusive savings on bundles & subscriptions on cutting-edge solutions for your head-to-toe health and beauty transformation.  Bon Charge carries the world’s largest selection of science-backed blue light blocking technology to enhance your sleep and overall wellness. Use my code MODEL at boncharge.com/model for 15% off blue light blocking glasses and more.

They dig into how the body’s circadian timing system controls hormones, metabolism, sleep, and cognition. They call out evening use of light-emitting devices as the biggest modern disruptor of sleep. They explain light-dark entrainment, blue light effects, and social jetlag. They offer three practical tactics: screen curfews, blue-blocking glasses, and morning sunlight routines.

Mike Guevara, world-class performance coach and founder of GBG Hoops, who trains everyone from youth players to NBA stars. He explains what athleticism really means and how injuries occur. He covers isometrics, barefoot training, rebounding benefits, the role of nutrition and recovery, the importance of play, and five practical ways to boost durability and performance.