Ep. 189: The Holistic Savage: Metabolic Health, Mental Health & the Truth About Healing - With Brendan Vermeire

EPISODE SUMMARY:In this episode, I sit down with Brendan Vermeire, also known as The Holistic Savage, for a powerful conversation on the intersection of metabolic health, mental health, and true healing. We explore why physiology and psychology cannot be separated, how inflammation, toxins, and infections can shape mood and behavior, and where mindset, trauma, and responsibility fit into the healing process. Brendan shares his personal journey, including his experience with suicide, resilience, and why fitness, intuition, and meaning matter just as much as lab work. This episode challenges the idea of chasing endless “root causes” and invites a more integrated, honest approach to healing and longevity.ABOUT DR. JANE’S PRACTICE:Dr. Jane is a Naturopathic Doctor and a Natural Fertility Expert. She and her team of expert practitioners help couples navigate infertility for 1+ years, get to the root cause of their struggles, heal, and bring healthy babies home.After having a family member struggle with infertility and experiencing a miscarriage herself, Dr. Jane realized how little support and education women receive. She is on a mission to change that. Since 2020, she has dedicated her practice to fertility, where she and her practitioners work with couples 1:1, running functional lab work, customizing treatment plans and providing her couples with the support they need to get pregnant, have a stress free pregnancy and a healthy baby.Learn more about Dr. Jane’s practice: www.drjanelevesque.com/practiceApply to work with Dr. Jane & her team: www.drjanelevesque.com/applicationJoin to receive Dr. Jane's weekly Fertility Files: https://link.getcmm.com/widget/form/JStvkHpRAamc7VwPMEQE CHAPTERS:00:00 The Birth of the Holistic Savage02:54 Embodiment of the Holistic Savage05:59 Bridging Science and Spirituality09:03 The Role of Exercise in Holistic Health12:05 Understanding Motivation and Accountability14:57 The Interplay of Mental and Metabolic Health17:59 The Impact of Early Life Experiences21:01 Environmental Influences on Health23:52 Navigating Psychological and Physiological Challenges26:57 The Evolution of Health Practices36:49 Psychedelics as Catalysts for Healing39:50 Microdosing and Its Impact41:00 The Journey of Self-Discovery44:48 Integration and the Challenge of Truth50:17 The Intersection of Mental and Metabolic Health55:08 Reflections on Life and Death01:01:32 Intuition and the Journey ForwardTAKEAWAYS:The name 'Holistic Savage' reflects a balance of strength and softness.Living up to the name involves embodying authenticity and commitment.Holistic health requires a blend of science and spirituality.Exercise is a crucial pillar of holistic health.Mental health and metabolic health are interconnected.Early life experiences shape our health outcomes.Environmental factors play a significant role in health.Self-limiting beliefs can hinder personal growth.Psychedelics can catalyze healing and self-discovery.Integration of experiences is key to personal transformation.About My GuestBrendan Vermeire is a Mental and Metabolic Health Researcher, Functional Health Practitioner, and Educator. He is the founder of the Metabolic Solutions Institute and the Functional Mental Health Practitioner Certificate Course (FMHP™), as well as the creator of The Mental M.A.P.™ lab panel and NeuroCeuticals™ supplement line. A Board-Certified Holistic Health Practitioner and Master Nutrition Coach, Brendan began his career in fitness and nutrition at 18 after a medical discharge from Navy SEAL training. Today, he’s recognized as a leading expert in metabolic health and functional education, dedicated to changing the way the world understands mental health through research, teaching, and clinical innovation.To learn more about Brendan, please visit:www.metabolicsolutionsllc.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/metabolicsolutionsllc/Instagram: @the_holistic_savage https://www.instagram.com/the_holistic_savage/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendan-vermeire-23754693/ABOUT NATURAL FERTILITY:Pregnancy is a natural process, so if it’s not happening or it’s not sticking, something is missing. Join Dr. Jane, a naturopathic doctor and a natural fertility expert, every Tuesday at 9am for insightful case studies, expert interviews and practical tips on optimizing your fertility naturally.If you’ve struggling with infertility, pregnancy loss, women’s health issues or just want to be proactive and prepare yourself for the next big chapter in your life… this show is for you.SUBSCRIBE TO & FOLLOW NATURAL FERTILITY:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0WjrEeP...Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...CONNECT WITH DR. JANE:Website - www.drjanelevesque.comInstagram - www.instagram.com/drjanelevesque/?hl=enFacebook - www.facebook.com/dr.janelevesque.ndYouTube - www.youtube.com/@dr.janelevesque7319 Individualized care is essential for effective treatment of chronic fertility issues.