Flex Diet Podcast

Welcome back to the Flex Diet Podcast! Today, I’m hanging out with the brilliant Katie Emerson, Senior Manager of Scientific Affairs over at Kyowa Hakko USA, aka the people behind Cognizin (CDP Choline), one of the few brain-boosting ingredients with legit research behind it.We dig into the real science of CDP Choline, how it supports memory, focus, and cognitive performance, and where it actually fits into the human physiology engine, not the hype machine. Katie and I also zoom out into the supplement industry as a whole, chatting about what’s worth paying attention to, what’s still emerging, and how to navigate all the shiny promises out there.We even take a nerd-tour into mental resilience, genetic mapping, and the surprising potential of glutathione for health and performance.If you’re curious how targeted supplements can help you think faster, recover better, and be a more high-performing human without needing a PhD to decode marketing nonsense, this episode is for you.Sponsors:Flex 4: Katie's top 4 things to know about citocholineEpisode Chapters:03:52 Katie Emerson Joins the Conversation04:09 Conversations at ISSN and Networking11:20 Research and Studies on CDP Choline17:49 Challenges in Supplement Formulation24:40 Mechanisms and Benefits of CDP Choline28:06 Exploring Genetic Mapping and Data Overload29:01 Study Design and Dosing Strategies30:29 The Sweet Spot of CDP Choline Dosage33:40 Pharmacokinetics and Timing of CDP Choline35:36 Safety and Side Effects of High Doses38:59 Comparing CDP Choline and Alpha GPC42:41 Introduction to Glutathione48:41 Oral Absorption of Glutathione52:12 Podcast Conclusion and Listener Information Episodes You Might Enjoy:Episode 343: Fueling the Corporate Athlete: Stress, Supplements & Performance with Dan Hunter YouTube: https://youtu.be/0ek4XSs62RQ Episode 222: Expert Insights on nutrition, supplements, and training with Registered Dietitian Sean CaseyYouTube: https://youtu.be/wjJB-y1kwgMConnect with Katie:Cognizin: cognizin.comGet In Touch:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmiketnelson/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn1aTbQqHglfNrENPm0GTpgEmail: https://miketnelson.com/contact-us/

On this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I sit down with my good buddy and lab-coat-wearing performance wizard, Dr. Andrew Koutnik. We talk about how to boost muscle performance, improve body composition, and feel like an athletic human without dumpster-firing your health.We dig into cold water immersion (and when it can kick gains in the shins), blood glucose regulation, ketogenic diets, carbs (yes, they’re still awesome), and how to build metabolic flexibility that actually translates to better outcomes in the gym and life.Andrew shares some killer insights from his research at Florida State University, especially around keto diets and athletic performance. If you’re curious about whether low-carb can help or hurt your performance, this is your jam.If you want practical tools for a bigger physiological engine, tune in!Sponsors:Tecton Ketones: https://tectonketones.com/LMNT:  http://drinklmnt.com/mikenelson (automatically applied at Episode Chapters:05:28 Conferences and Networking08:34 The Importance of Practical Application in Science21:43 Cold Water Immersion and Stress Responses32:53 Mindfulness and Meditation39:29 Blood Glucose and Exercise Performance52:00 Limitations of Association Studies in Sports Performance52:47 Impact of Blood Glucose on Performance57:04 Historical Perspective on Ketogenic Diets01:00:52 Study on Ketogenic Diets and Ironman Competitors01:15:53 Health Implications of High Carbohydrate Diets01:18:48 Concluding Thoughts on Nutrition and Performance Episodes You Might Enjoy:Episode 254: Exploring the Frontiers of Ketone Science and Brain Health with Mike Chesne from Tecton LifeYouTube: https://youtu.be/uTsM_ETF8Us Episode 253: Enduring the Antarctic Chill and Unveiling the Power of Ketones with Akshay Nanavati and Tecton LifeYouTube: https://youtu.be/ockRFjBiOQcConnect with Dr Koutnik:Website: https://andrewkoutnik.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewkoutnikphd/Get In Touch:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmiketnelson/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn1aTbQqHglfNrENPm0GTpgEmail: https://miketnelson.com/contact-us/

In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I sit down with my good friend Dr. Tommy Wood to dig into his upcoming book, The Stimulated Mind — a ridiculously practical guide to building a better brain.We get into all kinds of fun rabbit holes: how technology is changing fitness, why lactate (yes, the same stuff you curse during hard intervals) is actually rocket fuel for your brain, and why a solid dose of cardio is one of the most underrated cognitive enhancers out there.We also tackle resistance training, neuroplasticity as you age, and which sports and drills actually move the needle for cognition. And because it’s Tommy, we even wander into the spicy territory of psychedelics and whether they may have a place in brain health.If you want real, actionable strategies to boost memory, focus, and long-term cognitive performance—without drowning in jargon—this episode is for you.Tune in and geek out with us.Sponsors:LMNT electrolyte drink mix: https://drinklmnt.com/Flex 4: Dr Tommy Wood's top 4 ways to improve your brain Preorder The Stimulated Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Stimulated-Mind-Future-Proof-Brain-Dementia/dp/0593797817/ref=sr_1_1Triphasic 2 book now available!Go to https://triphasic2.com/Episode Chapters:02:01 Dr. Tommy Wood's Background and Expertise03:15 The Stimulated Mind: Translating Neuroscience into Practical Tips04:01 Sponsors and Special Offers05:09 Interview with Dr. Tommy Wood Begins06:58 The Benefits of High-Intensity Exercise10:37 Lactate and BDNF: Brain Fertilizer17:16 The Potential of Lactate Supplements20:49 The Challenges of Translating Preclinical Science to Humans26:54 The Importance of the Hippocampus and Executive Function29:53 The Benefits of Resistance Training for Cognitive Health32:09 The Cognitive Benefits of Coordinative Training34:30 The Importance of Recreation and Social Interaction37:34 The Humbling Nature of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu38:12 The Stimulated Mind: Brain Function and Exercise40:06 Neuroplasticity and Aging40:50 Embracing Discomfort for Brain Growth42:47 The Role of Dopamine in Learning45:14 Flow vs. Clutch States in Performance48:41 The Goat Drill: A Complex Motor Skill Exercise53:13 Expanding Cognitive Headroom58:00 Psychedelics and Brain Health01:03:26 Wrapping Up: Book Promotion and Final ThoughtsFlex Diet Podcast Episodes You May Enjoy: Episode 307: The Lost Episode on Body Composition Research with Dr. Tommy Wood and Dr. Ben HouseYouTube: https://youtu.be/ytbNiJ25kiQ Episode 178: Rebroadcast – Insulin and Glucose Myths & more with Dr Tommy WoodYouTube: https://youtu.be/N7LchLtBJr4Connect with Dr. Tommy Wood: Substack: https://substack.com/@betterbrainfitnessInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drtommywoodWebsite: https://www.drtommywood.com/Get In Touch with Dr Mike:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmiketnelson/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn1aTbQqHglfNrENPm0GTpgEmail: https://miketnelson.com/contact-us/

In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Jeff Rouse from Shiftwave to talk about his mind-bending device that claims to reset your nervous system.I’ll be honest, when I first saw it, I was skeptical. But after trying it at the Parker University conference, I was blown away by what it did. We dig into how the tech works, why it’s so effective for both physical and mental health, and how it’s being used everywhere from mental health therapy to pro sports.Dr. Rouse brings a fascinating mix of psychiatry, quantum biology, and wellness tech expertise to the conversation. He explains the science behind Shift Wave, the principles that make it tick, and some of its wildest protocols, like “synthetic sleep.”If you’re into cutting-edge tools that help you recover faster, feel better, and perform at your best, this one’s worth the listen.Sponsors:Shiftwave: https://shiftwave.co/drmiketnelsonSave $300 with the link above. Note: This is an affiliate link.Daily Fitness Insider Newsletter: https://flex-diet.kit.com/bfa1510fa8Available now:Grab a copy of the Triphasic Training II book I co-wrote with Cal Deitz here.Episode Chapters:02:47 Meet Dr. Jeff Rouse: Background and Expertise03:09 Sponsorship and Personal Endorsement05:01 Understanding Shift Wave: Dr. Jeff's Explanation06:37 The Impact of Shift Wave on the Nervous System17:34 Shift Wave in Practice: Real-World Applications31:45 The Role of Sleep in Nervous System Regulation38:03 Synthetic Sleep Protocols: An Innovative Approach39:27 Exploring Synthetic Sleep Protocols40:09 Physiological Effects of Deep Relaxation45:43 Potential Benefits for Athletic Performance49:59 Vagal Nerve Stimulation and Cognitive Enhancement54:42 Mechanoreception and Natural Pathways01:00:14 Personalized Biofeedback and Protocols01:06:37 Daily Use Recommendations for Shift Wave01:11:34 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsFlex Diet Podcasts You May Enjoy: Episode 283: Unlocking Better Sleep and Stress Reduction with Dr. Dan Cohen of Soltec HealthYouTube: https://youtu.be/VInoz9ItGfwEpisode 273: Unlocking Better Sleep: Insights and Strategies from Dr. Chris PerryYouTube: https://youtu.be/BHGBAKtsdWIConnect with Dr Rouse:Website: https://shiftwave.co/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shiftwaveproGet In Touch with Dr Mike:Instagram: DrmiketnelsonYouTube: @flexdietcertEmail: Miketnelson.com/contact-us

In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I sit down with my good friend Dr. John Rusin to dig into his new book, Pain-Free Performance: Move Better, Train Smarter, and Build an Unbreakable Body. We talk all things movement, strength, and longevity—how to actually perform at a high level without wrecking yourself in the process.John drops some serious wisdom from decades of training and coaching, and we get into the real science behind balancing load, recovery, and pain management so you can keep crushing it for the long haul.If you want to know how to train hard, move well, and build a body that lasts, you’ll definitely want to tune in.Sponsors:Beyond Power Voltra1: https://www.beyond-power.com/michael13Daily Fitness Insider Newsletter: https://flex-diet.kit.com/bfa1510fa8Available now:Grab a copy of the Triphasic Training II book I co-wrote with Cal Deitz here.Episode Chapters:03:15 Conversation with Dr. John Russin Begins04:16 The Journey of Writing 'Pain-Free Performance'06:16 Challenges and Insights in Book Writing12:12 Health and Longevity in Fitness Coaching14:54 The Importance of Recovery and Self-Care24:14 The Future of Fitness: Health First Approach27:42 Social Media vs. Real Education in Fitness30:25 The Challenge of Authenticity in Fitness Coaching31:07 The Value of Books and Live Events32:03 Targeting the Right Audience in Fitness44:59 The Importance of Foundational Movement Patterns47:38 Effective Ratios for Balanced Training51:12 Integrating Functional Movements for Injury Prevention56:02 The Role of Storytelling in Fitness Education58:28 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsFlex Diet Podcasts You May Enjoy: Episode 343: Fueling the Corporate Athlete: Stress, Supplements & Performance with Dan Hunterhttps://youtu.be/0ek4XSs62RQ Episode 314: Unlocking Performance & Recovery: IV Therapies & Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy with Jordyn Paynehttps://youtu.be/qnJHcepDx1cConnect with Dr Rusin:Pain-Free Performance: Move Better, Train Smarter, and Build an Unbreakable Body: https://www.amazon.com/Pain-Free-Performance-Better-Smarter-Unbreakable/dp/162860509XInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjohnrusincoaching/Website: https://drjohnrusin.com/Get In Touch with Dr Mike:Instagram: DrmiketnelsonYouTube: @flexdietcertEmail: Miketnelson.com/contact-us