PODCAST · health
Ever Forward Radio with Chase Chewning
by Operation Podcast
Hi, I'm Chase Chewning (@chase_chewning on Instagram) and this is the podcast that is devoted to help you build a life that propels you forward - EVER FORWARD. Conversations with industry leaders in health and wellness, personal development, entrepreneurship, celebrities and entertainers, creatives, military and so much more.I am a US Army veteran, ACE Certified Health Coach, and I hold a BS in Exercise Science and MS in Health Promotion and currently live in Los Angeles, CA.
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984
EFR 961: Should You Buy a Home in 2026? The TRUTH About Mortgage Rates, Renting & the Housing Market with Gio Helou
For generations, the American Dream followed a familiar blueprint: work hard, get married, raise a family, buy a home, and build a better life—but what happens when one of the biggest pieces of that dream starts to feel financially out of reach? Luxury real estate agent and Selling the OC star Gio Helou joins us for a candid look at the state of homeownership in America and whether buying a home still makes sense in today's market. Gio breaks down why affordability has become such a challenge, what high mortgage rates are really doing to buyers and sellers, when renting may actually be the smarter financial decision, and why waiting for rates to fall could ultimately work against you. He unpacks how to recognize a buyer's versus seller's market, the importance of comparable sales before making an offer, the hidden costs of homeownership, and the negotiation mistakes that can cost buyers leverage before a deal even begins. Follow Gio @giovannehelou Follow Chase @chase_chewning ----- 00:00 Episode intro 01:10 Has homeownership become a luxury? 03:39 Who is responsible for America's housing problem? 05:31 Do Americans still want the traditional American Dream? 10:03 A realtor's perspective after nearly a decade in real estate 11:20 Why buying a home has become so difficult 12:08 Gio's unexpected first piece of advice: get married 15:00 When renting is actually smarter than buying 16:44 The hidden costs of owning a home 17:50 Is Southern California real estate still a good investment? 20:04 What predicts whether a housing market will appreciate? 21:20 How long should you own a home before expecting ROI? 24:09 Buyer's market vs. seller's market explained 27:00 Why you should visit open houses before you're ready to buy 30:57 The question every first-time homebuyer should ask 31:28 Why comparable sales matter more than a Zestimate 32:15 Can you actually trust your realtor? 33:56 America's declining culture of trust 38:18 Would lower mortgage rates actually make homes affordable? 40:00 Why mortgage rates are still so high 41:18 The metric every buyer should watch before making an offer 42:48 "The market speaks" — how sellers know they're overpriced 44:17 The opportunity buyers may be missing right now 45:33 The biggest negotiation mistake buyers make 49:28 How emotions can cost you a real estate deal 52:01 Gio's best negotiation lessons 54:49 The personality trait that gives Gio an edge 56:42 Confidence vs. cockiness on Selling the OC 59:22 Why your realtor is like a temporary marriage 1:00:36 Gio reveals what happened after Selling the OC 1:02:59 Why Gio says no to almost everything 1:05:17 Rapid fire: the biggest lies in real estate 1:05:36 Do you really need 20% down? 1:06:02 Should you wait for mortgage rates to fall? 1:06:40 Is renting throwing money away? 1:06:45 Should you buy the biggest house you can afford? 1:07:10 Is winter really the best time to buy? 1:07:55 Gio's biggest real estate commission ever 1:09:46 How much commission does a realtor actually keep? 1:10:27 What's next for Gio after Selling the OC? 1:12:36 What does Ever Forward mean to Gio? ----- Epiaode resources: Operation Podcast: Ready to launch your podcast, level up your current show, or create world-class content for your brand? Operation Podcast offers turnkey podcast studios and full-service audio/video production in Los Angeles. Save 20% off your first studio session with code EVERFORWARD. Timeline Nutrition: Support your cellular energy, mitochondrial health, muscle function, and healthy aging with Mitopure® from Timeline Nutrition. Mitopure now starts at just $79. ELVT Breath Control Patches: Optimize your breathing and support deeper, more restorative sleep with ELVT Breath Control Patches, designed to encourage nasal breathing while you sleep. Save 20% off your entire order with code CHASE.
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983
EFR 960: The Thyroid Fix: Why You're Tired, Gaining Weight and Your Labs Look "Normal" with Amie Hornaman
What if your low energy, stubborn weight gain, brain fog, poor recovery, mood changes, and stalled progress aren't simply signs that you need to work harder—but clues that your thyroid isn't functioning optimally? Dr. Amie Hornaman, author of The Thyroid Fix, joins us to explain why she considers the thyroid the body's "master gland" and why standard thyroid testing may not tell the entire story. They break down TSH, free T3, free T4, reverse T3 and thyroid antibodies; the difference between "normal" and optimal lab results; Hashimoto's and hypothyroidism; and when thyroid hormone replacement may be appropriate. Amie also explains how gluten, over-exercising, chronic under-eating, nutrient deficiencies and aggressive GLP-1 use may affect thyroid health and metabolism. Plus, she explains the importance of iodine, selenium, magnesium, protein and dietary fat, detoxification, and so much more! Follow Amie @dramiehornaman Follow Chase @chase_chewning ----- 00:00 – WHOOP: Stop Guessing and Start Measuring 01:38 – Is Your Thyroid the Missing Piece? 03:20 – Why the Thyroid Is Your Body's "Master Gland" 06:12 – The Thyroid Labs You Actually Need 07:18 – Operation Podcast 08:15 – TSH, Free T3, Free T4 & Reverse T3 Explained 10:02 – Testing for Hashimoto's and Thyroid Antibodies 10:54 – "Normal" Labs vs. Optimal Thyroid Function 12:49 – When Thyroid Hormone Replacement Makes Sense 14:27 – Can You Improve Thyroid Function Naturally? 16:27 – Gluten, Hashimoto's & Your Thyroid 19:06 – What Happens If Your Thyroid Is Removed? 21:00 – C15:0 essential fatty acids 22:18 – Wellness Habits That Could Be Hurting Your Thyroid 23:01 – Can Too Much Exercise Damage Thyroid Function? 24:30 – Resistance Training vs. Cardio for Thyroid Health 25:57 – Foods That May Interfere With Thyroid Function 27:13 – Can You Take Too Many Thyroid Supplements? 27:55 – Amie's Foundational Thyroid Supplement Stack 29:38 – The Controversy Around Iodine 31:07 – Fluoride, Chlorine, Bromide & Iodine 33:22 – Thyroid Function, Detox & Sauna 34:58 – Hypothyroidism vs. Hyperthyroidism 37:28 – Hashimoto's and Autoimmune Thyroid Disease 38:08 – The "Silent Thyroid Killer" 38:20 – GLP-1s, Under-Eating & Thyroid Function 40:53 – Why Eating Less Doesn't Always Mean Losing More 42:04 – Calories vs. Macros for Thyroid Health 43:32 – Protein, Fat, Carbs & Insulin Resistance 45:09 – Rapid Fire: Most Underrated Thyroid Fix 45:18 – Is Calories-In, Calories-Out Broken? 46:13 – The ONE Food Amie Says to Eat Every Day 47:09 – Where to Connect With Dr. Amie Hornaman 47:51 – What Does Ever Forward Mean to Amie? ----- Episode resources: FREE WHOOP activity tracker 15% off Fatty15 C15:0 essential fatty acids 20% off Operation Podcast studios with code EVERFORWARD
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EFR 959: How to Use Tapping to Rewire Your Nervous System, Lower Cortisol & Stop Anxiety From Controlling You with Jessica Ortner
You consciously know what you should do, but your body keeps stopping you. Why? What if your anxiety, procrastination, self-sabotage, and limiting beliefs aren't signs that something is wrong with you—but signals that your nervous system doesn't feel safe? Jessica Ortner, co-founder of The Tapping Solution and co-author of Rewired, is here to explore the science and practice of EFT tapping and how regulating the nervous system may help change the way we respond to stress. Jessica breaks down why we can't always think our way out of anxiety, how tapping combines psychological principles with stimulation of acupressure points, and research examining its effects on cortisol, PTSD, food cravings, and emotional distress. We also explore why self-sabotage may actually be "misguided self-love," the difference between resilience and simply forcing yourself through discomfort, why self-criticism eventually stops working, how parents can help children regulate big emotions, and why our modern information environment may keep our bodies chronically overstimulated. Most importantly, Jessica explains how creating a sense of safety in the body can give us the freedom to make better decisions, face fear, and keep moving forward. Follow Jessica @jessicaortner Follow Chase @chase_chewning ----- 00:00 Intro 01:06 Why You Can't Think Your Way Out of Anxiety 02:44 What Is EFT Tapping and How Does It Work? 04:52 Fatty15 06:13 Can Tapping Actually Lower Cortisol? 09:08 Stress, Pain and the Body 10:22 Why Your Nervous System Doesn't Care About Your Goals 12:32 Self-Sabotage Is "Misguided Self-Love" 13:36 How to Tap Through Anxiety and Fear 16:13 Why Positive Affirmations Sometimes Don't Work 17:14 Tapping for Veterans, PTSD and Trauma 20:17 Tapping vs. Meditation, Breathwork and Therapy 22:45 Ketone-IQ 24:04 Using Tapping for Sleep and Feeling Safe 25:52 How Parents Can Use Tapping With Kids 28:34 The 9 EFT Tapping Points Explained 32:11 Using Tapping Before a Stressful Event 33:48 Is Tapping a Cop-Out? 34:25 Why Willpower and Self-Criticism Eventually Fail 36:25 Does Reducing Anxiety Make Us Less Resilient? 40:21 When Is Tapping the Wrong Choice? 42:29 Jessica's Personal Story of Rewiring an Old Wound 45:52 Tapping for "I'm Not Good Enough" 48:42 Tapping for "I'm Not Successful" 49:28 Is Tapping Becoming Mainstream Medicine? 51:42 What Brain Scans Reveal About Tapping and Food Cravings 54:18 The Research on Tapping, PTSD and the Brain 56:21 Could Lowering Cortisol Change Long-Term Health? 58:59 Why We're "Stressing About Stress" 59:46 Is Modern Life Making Us More Stressed? 01:02:17 Jessica's Book Rewired + The Tapping Solution 01:03:12 Hugh Jackman, Tapping and Peak Performance 01:05:02 What Ever Forward Means to Jessica ----- Episode resources: 20% off Operation Podcast studios with code EVERFORWARD 30% off Ketone-IQ energy shots with code CHASECHEWNING 15% off C15:0 essential fatty acids with code EVERFORWARD Watch and subscribe on YouTube
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981
EFR 958: Why You're Always Stressed (And How Monks Train Their Minds Differently) with Sam Yo
What if the greatest performance upgrade isn't another productivity hack—but learning how to pause Peloton instructor, former Buddhist monk, and author Sam Yo to unpack the principles behind The Monk's Mindset. We explore why stillness has become one of the most overlooked skills in modern life, how creating intentional "mindset moments" can reduce stress and anxiety, and why true peace isn't something you escape to—it's something you learn to carry with you. Follow Sam @yoiamsamyo Follow Chase @chase_chewning ----- 00:00 Introduction 00:47 Why We React Instead of Respond 03:55 Audible Sponsor 05:03 Creating Mental Space Between Moments 06:09 What Is The Monk's Mindset? 08:08 Building Daily Structure Through Stillness 09:08 Why Stillness Is the Ultimate Life Optimization Tool 11:14 Can Contentment Kill Ambition? 13:06 Technology Can Either Distract or Support Your Peace 14:06 Service, Purpose & Finding Meaning 16:11 Lessons Learned Living in a Monastery 18:02 Integrity When Nobody Is Watching 19:14 WHOOP Sponsor 20:27 Reflection: The Most Underrated Daily Practice 22:04 Sam Yo's Daily Monk Mindset Protocol 24:31 Handling Stress Without Losing Yourself 27:38 Staying Present During Success 29:14 Can Mindfulness Become Selfish? 30:10 What Happens When Self-Improvement Changes Your Relationships? 32:02 LMNT Sponsor 33:23 A Monk's Perspective on War 35:16 One Practice to Stay Calm During Uncertain Times 36:20 Creativity Through Stillness 38:03 Rapid Fire Questions 42:02 What Ever Forward Means to Sam Yo 43:08 How Social Media Steals Your Peace 43:42 Where to Connect with Sam Yo ----- Episode resources: FREE 30-day trial of Audible, my favorite audiobook platform 1-month FREE and FREE app for WHOOP activity tracker FREE variety sample pack with any purchase of LMNT elecrtroytes Watch and subscribe on YouTube
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980
EFR 957: Can Energy Healing Be Proven? The Science of Consciousness, Chronic Pain & the Human Biofield with Romain Daumont
Can something invisible actually heal the body? Energy healing has long lived at the edge of mainstream medicine—dismissed by some, embraced by others. But what happens when hospitals begin integrating it, researchers start studying it, and emerging science begins asking questions that conventional medicine can't fully answer? Entrepreneur and energy healing advocate Romain Daumont explores one of the most controversial topics in health today. Romain unpacks the growing body of research surrounding energy healing, biofields, mitochondrial communication, consciousness, placebo science, quantum physics, remote viewing, trauma recovery, chronic pain, and why some of the world's leading medical institutions are quietly beginning to incorporate energy medicine into patient care. If you've ever wondered where science ends... and human potential begins... this conversation is for you. Follow Romain @luminara.care Follow Chase @chase_chewning ----- 00:00 — Is Energy Healing Real? 00:43 — Defining Energy Beyond the "Woo-Woo" Label 02:10 — Why Some People Reject Energy Healing Immediately 04:54 — The Science Behind Biofields & Cellular Healing 10:20 — Can We Ever Measure Consciousness? 14:18 — Quantum Physics Meets Human Healing 19:40 — Remote Viewing, Consciousness & Non-Local Information 30:12 — Building the World's First Energy Healing Talent Agency 35:58 — Is Energy Healing Becoming Mainstream Medicine? 39:25 — How to Avoid Fake Energy Healers 42:29 — Who Benefits Most from Energy Healing? 45:12 — Trauma, Intuition & Human Energy Fields 46:20 — Near Death Experiences & Consciousness 53:16 — What "Ever Forward" Means to Romain ----- Episode resources: FREE 30-day trial of Audible my favorite audiobook platfrom 20% off my favorite breath control patches (mouth tape) with code CHASE at ELVTBreath.com
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979
EFR 956: The Hidden Health Crisis in Your Home: Mold, Blue Light & Toxic Living with Dan Huber
Could the biggest threats to your health be hiding in plain sight? When Dan Huber suddenly developed debilitating brain fog, chronic fatigue, anxiety, digestive issues, and neurological symptoms, over a dozen doctors failed to identify the cause. Years later, he discovered the real culprit: toxic black mold hidden beneath his home. That experience launched an obsession with environmental health that expanded far beyond mold. Today, Dan researches how mold exposure, blue light, circadian disruption, poor sleep, and chronic stress silently influence our energy, hormones, cognition, immune function, and overall longevity. In this episode, we discuss: • The surprising symptoms of mold toxicity • Why mold is often misdiagnosed • The connection between mold and brain health • How blue light affects dopamine, melatonin, and sleep • Morning sunlight and circadian optimization • Why your home environment may matter more than supplements • Practical ways to improve recovery, resilience, and overall health ----- 00:00 – How Black Mold Destroyed Dan's Health 08:05 – Why Mold Is So Often Misdiagnosed 11:23 – How to Know If Mold Is Hiding in Your Home 16:27 – Detoxing From Mold Exposure 19:15 – Living With Mold Sensitivity 22:22 – The Best Ways to Test Your Home for Mold 27:23 – What To Do If Your Home Tests Positive 32:36 – Why Blue Light Became Dan's Next Obsession 34:45 – How Blue Light Impacts Sleep & Mental Health 37:23 – Morning Sunlight & Circadian Rhythm 39:02 – Why Sleep Changes Everything 41:11 – Practical Ways to Reduce Blue Light 46:09 – Can We Eliminate Too Much Blue Light? 47:16 – Is Blue Light Worse Than Mold? 49:09 – The Simplest Health Habit Anyone Can Start Today 52:12 – Why Dan Started Helping Kids 57:03 – What "Ever Forward" Means to Dan ----- Episode resources: 15% off my favorite collagen coffee with code CHASE at StrongCoffeeCompany.com 33% off your new favorite gut health support system with code EVERFORWARD at 38TERA.com/everforward
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978
EFR 955: Why Successful Men Struggle in Love and Why Men Fear Vulnerability More Than Failure with Stefanos Sifandos
Most men aren't emotionally unavailable because they don't care. They're emotionally unavailable because they were never taught how to process emotion, navigate intimacy, or move through the transition from boyhood to manhood. In this conversation, relationship coach and author Stefanos Sifandos breaks down why high-achieving men often feel disconnected, why success can become emotional armor, and how unresolved childhood wounds quietly shape our relationships, ambition, confidence, and identity. Follow Stefanos @stefanossifandos Follow Chase @chase_chewning ----- 00:00 – Why Successful Men Become Emotionally Unavailable 01:23 – Is Vulnerability the Final Frontier of Masculinity? 06:05 – A 3-Step Framework for Becoming More Vulnerable 11:26 – Why Your Partner Can't Be Your Therapist\ 15:01 – The Lost Rite of Passage From Boyhood to Manhood 20:15 – How Men Can Create Their Own Rite of Passage 22:30 – Did You Already Experience a Rite of Passage Without Realizing It? 26:00 – Finding Your Edge in Modern Masculinity 29:44 – The Hidden Insecurities That Drive Successful Men 33:26 – Father Wounds vs. Mother Wounds: The Difference Every Man Should Know 39:38 – Healing Childhood Trauma Before It Controls Your Relationships 40:20 – Does Vulnerability Actually Improve Your Sex Life? 43:37 – How to Regulate Your Nervous System (Simple Daily Practices) 50:55 – Is Male Ambition Just Unhealed Childhood Trauma? 51:34 – Why High-Achieving Men Often Struggle in Relationships 52:10 – Are Men Really Afraid of Emotion—or Losing Control? 53:07 – What "Ever Forward" Means & Living in Alignment With Your Truth 54:00 – Chase on Fatherhood, Emotional Regulation & Choosing Response Over Reaction ----- Episode resources: Fatty15 - save an additonal 15% on the 90-day starter kit of C15:0 essential fatty acids Watch and subscirbe on YouTube
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977
EFR 954: Hard Choices, Happy Body: On Resilience, Purpose & Why Progress Is the Meaning of Life with Jerzy Gregorek
What if almost everything you've been told about happiness is wrong? Most people spend their lives trying to avoid discomfort. Jerzy Gregorek argues the opposite: the harder the choices you willingly make, the happier, stronger, and more resilient your life becomes. World Champion weightlifter, philosopher, poet, therapist, and author Jerzy Gregorek explores the mindset principles that helped him survive political persecution in Communist Poland, overcome alcoholism, fight for freedom, coach elite athletes, and transform countless lives through what he calls the Happy Body philosophy. Jerzy explains why confidence isn't something you're born with—it's something you earn through difficult choices. He reveals why most people sabotage their own happiness through expectations and complaint, why tiny daily improvements create extraordinary lives, and why true freedom begins the moment you take complete ownership of your choices. --- 00:00 Why Hard Choices Create an Easier Life 01:29 Recovering From Injury Starts With the Right Goal 05:22 Why Most People Never Build Real Resilience 07:02 The Stoic Philosophy of Constant Progress 08:01 Why You Need Bigger Goals 10:21 Building Confidence Through Personal Proof 13:19 The Power of Micro Progressions 15:18 The Incredible Story of Rebuilding a Life From Scratch 25:00 At 71 Years Old: Why Jerzy Still Olympic Lifts Every Day 30:03 How Poetry Became a Tool for Healing Trauma 36:18 "The Mind Makes the Body" 40:47 Viktor Frankl on Finding Meaning Through Suffering 45:20 Fighting for Freedom in Communist Poland 47:48 Helping People Recover From Addiction, PTSD & Darkness 54:54 Can You Become Your Own Hero? 56:17 The Books That Changed Jerzy's Life 58:12 Why Expectations Create Suffering 59:18 Stop Complaining, Start Taking Ownership 01:03:21 Choosing Happiness Is a Skill 01:07:22 What "Ever Forward" Really Means 01:10:47 The Value of Mentors 01:13:28 Jerzy's Daily Happy Body Practice ---- Episode resources: Timeline - get MitoPure with urolithin A for less than $75/month with code EVERFORWARD Watch and subscribe on YouTube
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976
EFR 953: The Neuroscience of Healing Trauma, Chronic Pain & Anxiety with Ashleigh Di Lello
What if anxiety, chronic pain, emotional overwhelm, and even trauma aren't signs that you're broken—but signs that your nervous system is trying to protect you? Ashleigh Di Lello, performance coach and Bio-Emotional Healing creator, shares one of the most powerful conversations ever featured on Ever Forward Radio. After surviving a mysterious illness that nearly took her life as a teenager—and later battling debilitating chronic pain that ended her professional dance career—Ashleigh discovered something that completely changed her understanding of healing. She explains why the brain is always trying to predict danger, how trauma quietly reshapes our identity, why resilience alone isn't enough, and what it actually takes to rewire your nervous system using evidence-based neuroscience. ----- 00:00 Why resilience eventually requires surrender 04:38 The mysterious illness that nearly took Ashleigh's life 09:16 Accepting reality vs. accepting defeat 13:44 Why unexpected trauma overwhelms the brain 16:02 A neuroscience-based protocol for processing bad news 22:44 The brain becomes what it repeatedly practices 24:03 Why toxic positivity doesn't heal trauma 29:42 How identity shapes your nervous system 35:27 When becoming "a fighter" eventually keeps you stuck 45:35 Trust, surrender and letting go of survival mode 57:35 Healing chronic pain by rewiring the nervous system 1:03:47 The Bio-Emotional Healing framework explained 1:06:08 The surprising way your reaction strengthens anxiety and pain 1:11:19 Why Ashleigh named her pain "Betty" 1:18:10 The invisible victory no one else could see 1:22:20 What "Ever Forward" means to Ashleigh ----- Episode resources: KETONE IQ - 30 % off brain fuel LMNT - free sample pack 38terra - 33% off gut health Watch and subscrbe on YouTube
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EFR 952: How AI Could Predict Disease Before Symptoms | The Future of Male Fertility & Preventative Medicine with Jeyla Sadikova
What if one of the most powerful indicators of your overall health wasn't found in your blood—but in your sperm? Jeyla Sadikova, founder of Illumicell AI, is here to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming fertility medicine and why male reproductive health may become one of the most important biomarkers in preventative healthcare. We discuss the alarming worldwide decline in fertility, why nearly half of male infertility may be reversible through lifestyle changes, and how today's fertility testing is still largely built on technology from the 1970s. Jeyla also explains how AI can analyze millions of cellular data points that traditional microscopes simply ignore, opening the door to earlier detection of inflammation, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, prostate health, and even cancer risk. Whether you're planning to have children—or simply want to optimize your long-term health—this conversation will completely change the way you think about fertility, prevention, and the future of personalized medicine. ----- 00:00 — Why fertility is declining across the globe 02:02 — Why developing countries are seeing fertility collapse 03:30 — Ranking the biggest threats to reproductive health 07:38 — Why male fertility has been ignored for decades 11:11 — The hidden costs of IVF and fertility care 15:20 — AI's biggest opportunity in healthcare 17:00 — Why sperm is a biomarker of total body health 20:08 — Why healthcare innovation moves so slowly 22:10 — What traditional semen analysis completely misses 27:19 — The connection between prostate health and fertility 28:49 — How Illumicell AI works 31:10 — Public health implications of better fertility data 34:19 — Stem cells, temporary vasectomies and the future of reproduction 36:37 — What AI actually contributes beyond human analysis 42:52 — How AI analyzes sperm differently than humans 45:06 — The future of wearable fertility tracking 48:21 — Designer babies vs better healthcare 52:22 — Why fertility data could prevent future miscarriages 55:14 — Where this technology is headed next 56:23 — What "Ever Forward" means to Jeyla ----- Episode resources: Strong Coffee Company: Clean functional coffee with collagen, MCTs, adaptogens and sustained energy. Save 15% with code CHASE LMNT: Electrolytes for hydration, cognitive performance and recovery. Free Sample Pack with purchase Fatty15: C15:0 essential fatty acid supporting long-term cellular health. Save 15% on the Starter Kit
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974
EFR 951: The Truth About Wellness Trends, Peptides, Arousal vs Libido & Why You're Probably Overcomplicating Your Health with Ashley Madsen
Is modern wellness actually making us healthier... or just more anxious? Are peptides like BPC-157 and TB-500 safe? Can I be aroused if I have low libido? Double board-certified physician associate Ashley Madsen is here to give one of the most refreshingly honest conversations on modern health, longevity, hormones, peptides, nervous system regulation, and the growing culture of optimization. She explains why social media has turned wellness into a full-time job, why personalized medicine matters more than following influencers, and why emotional health may be the missing foundation beneath nearly every aspect of physical performance. Ashley also delivers one of the clearest explanations you'll hear on peptides like BPC-157 and TB-500, hormone replacement therapy, libido as a vital health marker, wearable technology, nervous system regulation, nitric oxide, cardiovascular health, and why many people are chasing expensive biohacks while neglecting the fundamentals that truly move the needle. Follow Ashley @ashleymadsenofficial Follow Chase @chase_chewning ----- 00:00 Intro 00:03 Welcome Ashley Madsen 01:12 Is the Wellness Industry Making Us Less Healthy? 06:36 The Morning Habit That Changes Everything 09:32 Is Wellness Just Masked Insecurity? 14:19 Sponsor: KetoneIQ 15:38 Sponsor: 38TERA Gut Health 17:05 Are Hormones Really the Problem? 21:03 Why More Lab Testing Isn't Always Better 24:12 The Truth About Peptides 28:57 BPC-157 Explained 36:50 How Long Does BPC-157 Actually Take to Work? 40:18 How to Buy Peptides Safely 44:05 What Does "Regulating Your Nervous System" Actually Mean? 47:32 Ashley's Favorite Stress-Reduction Tools 52:18 Why Libido Is One of Your Most Important Health Markers 56:20 Erectile Dysfunction Could Predict Heart Disease 01:00:19 How Often Should Healthy Couples Have Sex? 01:03:18 Nitric Oxide, Blood Flow & Longevity 01:05:18 Why Women Need Estrogen 01:07:30 Most Overrated Wellness Trend of 2026 01:10:20 The Most Underrated Habit for Better Health 01:10:33 One Supplement You're Probably Wasting Money On 01:12:25 The First Thing Everyone Should Do Every Morning 01:14:08 What Does "Ever Forward" Mean to Ashley? ----- Episode resoures: EnergyBits - Support cellular energy naturally with algae packed full of bioavailable nutrients. Save 20% using code EVERFORWARD at https://www.EnergyBits.com KetoneIQ - Support mental clarity, focus and sustained energy with ketone shots. Save 30% at https://www.Ketone.com/chasechewning 38TERA - Science-backed gut health support formulated with Dr. Will Bulsiewicz. Save 33% on your first order at https://www.38Terra.com/everforward
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973
EFR 950: The Fitness Industry Has Lost the Plot (And We're Calling It Out) with Kenny Santucci
Everyone seems to be chasing the next breakthrough: the newest biohack, recovery tool, supplement, wellness trend, luxury gym membership, or productivity hack. Yet the people who appear happiest often have something much simpler—a clear purpose, meaningful relationships, a strong body, and a life built around things they genuinely enjoy. Kenny Santucci returns for a third appearance, but this time the format is different. This is two longtime friends sitting down for an unfiltered conversation about the current state of fitness culture, gym innovation, entrepreneurship, wellness trends, relationships, happiness, and why so many people overcomplicate what it means to live well. From cold plunges and coffee obsessions to business growth, purpose, dating, community, and finding peace in your forties, this episode is a reminder that the best life isn't always the most optimized—it's the one you actually enjoy living. Follow Kenny @kennysantucci Follow Chase @chase_chewning ----- 00:00 – Kenny is BACK 02:00 – The future of gym equipment and fitness innovation 08:25 – Why experience matters more than products 13:00 – Luxury gyms, wellness clubs and what people really pay for 18:30 – Ketones, performance and chasing the next wellness trend 21:40 – Why most people live somewhere in the middle 25:00 – Metal music, Enya and finding balance 26:20 – Othership, mushrooms and wellness culture 29:00 – Open-mindedness versus blind judgment 30:30 – Building teams and scaling businesses 37:40 – Who takes care of the entrepreneur? 39:00 – Kenny's definition of the perfect day 41:40 – Coffee, cigars and simple pleasures 47:00 – Why happiness isn't more stuff 54:45 – Relationships, freedom and staying true to yourself 57:00 – Marriage, family and timing 01:03:00 – Arnold Schwarzenegger and breaking the rules 01:08:00 – Why Chase stopped attending wellness events 01:11:00 – Getting older and caring less what people think 01:12:00 – Purpose, fulfillment and avoiding resentment 01:14:00 – The reality of aging and why fitness matters 01:16:30 – Kenny's definition of Ever Forward ----- Episode Resources: Energy Bits - 20% off with code EVERFORWARD KETONE IQ - 30 % off brain fuel LMNT - free sample pack 38terra - 33% off gut health Watch and subscrbe on YouTube
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972
EFR 949: The Missing Link Between Human Health & Environmental Health with Caroline Howell
What if the biggest threat to human health isn't hidden in our bloodwork, hormones, or genetics—but in the environment we've created around ourselves? Caroline Howell challenges the modern definition of health by arguing that true wellness cannot exist apart from the ecosystems that sustain us. From climate change and biodiversity loss to glyphosate, regenerative agriculture, longevity culture, and our growing disconnection from nature, this conversation explores what it means to become a positive contributor rather than an extractor. Caroline shares how leaving private equity and relocating to Panama transformed her health, purpose, and relationship with the natural world, while offering a hopeful vision for how technology, business, and human ingenuity can help regenerate life instead of depleting it. Follow Caroline @caroline.m.howell Follow Chase @chase_chewning ----- 00:00 – Are We Really Healthy If The Planet Is Sick? 02:32 – Climate Crisis Or A Crisis Of Life? 04:30 – Are We Approaching A Tipping Point? 08:02 – Should Humans Remove Ourselves Or Regenerate Nature? 09:38 – The Most Overlooked Environmental Threats 12:24 – Glyphosate, Agriculture & Human Health 17:58 – The Longevity Industry's Blind Spot 19:09 – What Nature Teaches Us About Death 22:25 – Regenerative Living & Human Resilience 24:21 – AI, Technology & Losing Touch With Ourselves 28:01 – Why Modern Culture Has Forgotten Recovery 29:24 – Life Inside A Tropical Rainforest 32:21 – What Other Cultures Understand Better About Nature 35:02 – The Simplest Way To Reconnect With The Natural World 37:14 – The Moment That Changed Caroline's Life 40:42 – Building Regenerative Communities In Panama 47:45 – If We Could Build A New World Tomorrow 51:18 – Using Technology To Listen To Nature 55:20 – Biodiversity Credits & The Future Of Regenerative Economics 59:45 – What Ever Forward Means To Caroline ----- Episode resources: FATTY15 - get an additonal 15% off the 90 day starter kit LMNT - free variety sample pack with any purchase STRONG COFFEE COMPANY - 15% off my favorite collagen coffee
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971
EFR 948: Walking Isn't Exercise. It's A Biological Necessity (What Happens When You Stop) with Dr. Courtney Conley
Most people think walking is optional and exercise is mandatory. Dr. Courtney Conley, DPT argues the exact opposite. Walking isn't exercise—it's a biological input every system in the human body depends on. From brain health and dementia prevention to foot pain, metabolism, balance, longevity, and emotional well-being, this conversation reveals why modern life has engineered movement out of our daily routine and what that's costing us. Dr. Conley explains why weak feet may be sabotaging your health, how most footwear is changing the structure of the human foot, why toe strength predicts future function, and how a simple daily walking habit could dramatically improve both physical and cognitive health. ----- Episode resources: WHOOP free activity tracker AUDIBLE free 30-day trial ZBIOTICS 10% off the drink before you drink
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970
EFR 947: Is Happiness Exclusive of Success? The Hidden Cost Of Achievement (Nobody Talks About This) with Erin Diehl
Happiness is becoming scarcer as more of us work harder, longer hours. Most adults don't have a productivity problem—they have a joy problem. Somewhere between responsibilities, careers, parenting, and achievement, many people abandon happiness, that playful, curious version of themselves that once came naturally. Do we build better habits at the sake of losing our joy? Improv comedian, speaker, and workplace culture expert Erin Diehl argues that play is far more than entertainment—it's a gateway to resilience, creativity, authentic leadership, self-love, and deeper human connection. Through powerful stories about burnout, post-concussion recovery, IVF heartbreak, motherhood, and rebuilding her life around joy instead of achievement, Erin shares how learning to surrender control, develop happiness as a skill, embrace uncertainty, and intentionally create space for fun transformed both her personal life and business. If you've been feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, overly serious, or stuck in constant productivity mode, this conversation offers a practical and deeply human reminder that joy isn't a reward for success—it might actually be the path to it. Follow Erin @itserindiehl Follow Chase @chase_chewning ----- 00:00 Why Adults Stop Playing 02:57 Can Play Make Serious Life Problems Easier? 06:59 Is Play a Luxury? 09:08 Finding Joy Through Your Senses 12:01 Why Everyone Should Take Improv Classes 15:43 Using Improv to Navigate Uncertainty 18:02 The Power of Surrender 21:17 How Your Body Reveals Stress & Control 24:40 Learning How to Receive Joy 27:31 The Balance Between Giving and Receiving 29:54 What Burnout Really Looks Like 35:46 The Health Scare That Changed Erin's Life 41:01 Why Play Is a Form of Self-Love 43:09 Parenting and Rediscovering Play 46:07 Is Play More Important Than Productivity? 47:10 IVF, Grief & Finding Meaning Through Loss 49:30 What "Ever Forward" Means to Erin Diehl 51:43 How to Bring More Play Into Your Life Today ----- Episode resources: LMNT - Get your free sample pack with any purchase Timeline Nutrition: Support mitochondrial health with Mitopure (code EVERFORWARD)
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969
EFR 946: Is the Next Generation Soft? Resilience Redefined with Steve White
Resilience used to mean something. With each generation, we find comfort taking over inconveniences. Or, does strength just look different now? What should we do when we feel stuck in this modern world? Can we retrain our brains to overcome adversity or are we too far gone? In a world obsessed with shortcuts, motivation hacks, and instant gratification, Steve White argues that true transformation still comes down to one thing: learning how to keep getting up. After battling severe cognitive decline, alcoholism, seizures, depression, and near-suicidal hopelessness, Steve rebuilt his mind, body, and spirit from the ground up through relentless discipline, purpose-driven action, and a decision to fight for his life one day at a time. This conversation explores what modern society gets wrong about resilience, why younger generations are struggling to find meaning, how purpose and service create real strength, and what it practically takes to rebuild yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually in just 100 days. Follow Steve @thebrae100 Follow Chase @chase_chewning ----- 00:00 – Are We Becoming Weaker as a Society? 01:07 – What Resilience Actually Means in Real Life 02:14 – Discipline vs Motivation 03:00 – Why Most People Never Finish What They Start 04:01 – The Dangerous "Fix Me" Mentality 05:28 – How Your Thoughts Shape Your Future 08:22 – Why Real Change Requires Going "All In" 09:13 – The 212-Degree Transformation Principle 11:13 – The Power of Purpose-Driven Healing 12:03 – "What If You Gave Yourself 100 Days?" 15:23 – Is Resilience Built or Revealed? 16:25 – Steve's Cognitive Collapse & Neurological Decline 17:57 – Making Every Action Intentional 18:42 – Gratitude, Cold Exposure & Rebuilding the Brain 21:25 – Why Most People Repeat the Same Failures 22:55 – The 350-Mile Run That Changed Everything 25:55 – "Welcome to the Beginning" 27:31 – Stop Obsessing Over Labels & Diagnoses 30:11 – Why Personal Growth Matters More Than Achievement 32:46 – The Generational Resilience Gap 35:12 – "Everyone Gets a Trophy" Culture 36:05 – Why Caring for Others Creates Real Strength 37:02 – The #1 Reason People Don't Step Up 39:09 – Rock Bottom, Suicide & Choosing to Fight 42:05 – The Conversation That Changed Steve's Life 43:25 – "This Is Not Me" 45:03 – Recovering 70% of Cognitive Function in One Year 47:15 – "Find Someone Who Believes in You and Fight" 47:58 – Helping Terminal Patients Find Purpose Again 50:29 – Steve's Mom Was Told She Would Die 52:23 – Why Humans Need Purpose to Survive 53:27 – Escaping Mental & Emotional Prison 55:02 – Reframing Hardship as the Greatest Time of Your Life 55:48 – What "Ever Forward" Means to Steve White ----- Episode resources: WHOOP - Save up to $60 off your membership and get personalized insights into your sleep, recovery, HRV, strain, and stress tracking Caldera Lab - Premium men's skincare designed for performance, recovery, and healthier skin. Use code EVERFORWARD for 20% off LMNT - Zero-sugar electrolyte drink mix to support hydration, energy, and recovery. Get your free sample pack Watch and subscribe on YouTube Learn more at TheBrae100.com
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968
EFR 945: Why Fertility Rates are the Lowest in 50 Years (How to Get Pregnant and STAY Pregnant) with Dr. Natalie Crawford
Are your trying to get pregnant? Sperm counts are down 50%. Fertility rates are collapsing. Miscarriages, hormone dysfunction, chronic inflammation, insulin resistance, environmental toxins, sleep deprivation, cannabis use, and modern stress are all colliding into what fertility physician Dr. Natalie Crawford, MD, author of The Fertility Formula, calls a growing reproductive health crisis. This conversation breaks down why fertility is one of the strongest indicators of overall health, how inflammation damages eggs, sperm, mitochondria, and hormones, why "healthy" people are still struggling to conceive, and the exact lifestyle, nutrition, testing, and environmental changes that can dramatically improve fertility outcomes for both men and women. Chase and Dr. Crawford also share deeply personal stories about pregnancy loss, the emotional toll of infertility, and how couples can better support each other through one of life's hardest journeys. You will learn: Fertility is a powerful marker of overall metabolic and cellular health Chronic inflammation is one of the biggest hidden drivers of infertility Sperm counts have dropped 50% over the last 50 years Cannabis use is strongly linked to sperm DNA damage and miscarriage risk TRT can significantly suppress or permanently impair sperm production Sleep may be the single most powerful fertility intervention available Women and men respond differently to fasting, cold exposure, and stress Insulin resistance is affecting far more "healthy" people than they realize Environmental toxins and endocrine disruptors are major fertility disruptors Men can dramatically improve fertility in as little as 90 days Pregnancy loss requires emotional support, community, and medical follow-up ----- 00:00 - The fertility crisis nobody is talking about 02:24 - Why fertility rates are rapidly declining 03:54 - Fertility as a marker of overall health 05:14 - Chronic inflammation explained 07:33 - The "walkie talkie" theory of hormones 10:10 - Detaching from the identity of being "healthy" 13:00 - TRT and male fertility risks 17:09 - Why men are 50% of the fertility equation 18:54 - Cannabis and sperm DNA damage 22:01 - Plastics, fragrances & endocrine disruptors 24:48 - Why men need to show up during fertility journeys 32:25 - Sauna use and sperm health 35:00 - Cold plunges, fasting & female hormones 37:34 - Best fertility-supporting nutrition strategies 43:53 - Why men can improve fertility in 90 days 44:44 - Women, egg reserves & aging explained 52:43 - The #1 thing you can do for mitochondrial health 55:11 - Fertility tests every person should know 01:00:17 - Why every man should get a semen analysis 01:04:11 - Should everyone freeze eggs and sperm? 01:09:15 - Chronic inflammation & insulin resistance explained 01:17:13 - How stress directly impacts fertility 01:19:11 - Practical ways to reduce inflammation 01:21:43 - The emotional reality of miscarriage & pregnancy loss ----- Episode resources: Audible - Get a FREE 30-day trial and start listening to your next favorite audiobook today ZBiotics - Use code EVERFORWARD10 to save 10% on the probiotic drink before drinking Fatty15 - Use code EVERFORWARD for an additional 15% off the 90-day starter kit Get Natalie's new book "The Fertility Formula"
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967
EFR 944: How Spirulina & Chlorella Reverse Inflammation, Boost Brain Health & Slow Aging with Dr. Catharine Arnston
Spirulina and chlorella just might be the two most powerful superfoods you're not taking. See, most people are exhausted, inflamed, undernourished, and aging faster than they should be—and the modern food system is making it worse. While supplements promise quick fixes, few address the real root cause of chronic disease: mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, nutrient depletion, and inflammation at the cellular level. In this conversation, algae nutrition pioneer Dr. Catharine Arnston, PhD, breaks down the shocking science behind spirulina and chlorella, why NASA compared algae nutrition to "1,000 grams of vegetables," and how these compounds may support brain health, cardiovascular function, detoxification, gut health, fertility, metabolic health, and longevity. Chase and Catharine also dive into ATP production, oxidative stress, serotonin, men's health, women's health, detoxification, inflammation, and why algae could become one of the most important functional foods of the next decade. Follow Catharine @catherinearnston Follow Energy Bits @energybits Follow Chase @chase_chewning ----- 00:00 — Intro 01:12 — What Algae Actually Is (And Why Most People Misunderstand It) 04:24 — Spirulina vs Steak: The Protein Density Debate 07:45 — 100,000 Studies on Algae & Human Health 11:16 — The Modern Nutrition Crisis Explained 12:20 — Why Most Algae Supplements Lose Their Potency 18:48 — Cardiovascular Disease, Inflammation & Spirulina Research 22:00 — How Spirulina Supports ATP & Cellular Energy 24:49 — Mitochondria, Free Radicals & The Electron Transport Chain 31:24 — Why Chronic Disease Accelerates After Age 40 36:34 — Brain Health, Neuroinflammation & Alzheimer's Prevention 39:22 — PTSD, Brain Scans & Veteran Recovery Results 41:37 — Cancer, Cellular Alkalinity & Otto Warburg's Research 43:15 — Men's Health, Iron Overload & Oxidative Stress 47:36 — Why Most Supplements Don't Work Synergistically 53:06 — Spirulina Dosage, Timing & Daily Use 55:04 — Blood Flow, Nitric Oxide & Erectile Health 57:57 — Chlorella for Detoxification, Gut Health & Recovery 59:58 — Chlorophyll, Serotonin & Gut-Brain Connection 01:04:55 — Constipation, Digestion & Natural Detox Strategies 01:06:22 — Catharine's Biological Age & Longevity Testing 01:08:46 — Shark Tank Rejection & Building EnergyBits 01:11:57 — Why Algae Is Still Misunderstood in America 01:16:23 — What "Ever Forward" Means to Catharine Arnston ----- Episode resources: Save 20% on Energy Bits with code EVERFORWARD Watch and subscribe on YouTube Catharine first appeared in episode 474
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966
EFR 943: Why Most Relationships Don't Heal Us and the Biggest Lie Men Believe About Strength and Love with Adam Roa
This episode is brought to you by WHOOP, Timeline and Audible. Poet, speaker, and transformational coach Adam Roa breaks down the modern crisis of masculinity, emotional safety, conscious relationships, and the hidden ways people abandon themselves in pursuit of comfort, validation, and love. This conversation explores why so many men feel lost, angry, disconnected, and emotionally shut down, how unresolved wounds show up in relationships, and why healing doesn't happen in isolation — it happens through safe connection. Adam shares powerful insights on balancing masculine and feminine energy, the difference between fireworks and mature love, why creativity is a wellness practice, and how saying "yes" to small intuitive nudges ultimately transformed his life and career. From conscious communication to emotional resilience, purpose, relationships, creativity, and modern masculinity, this episode is a deep exploration into what it actually means to become fully embodied and move Ever Forward. Follow Adam @adam.roa Follow Chase @chase_chewning ----- 00:00 – Why So Many Men Feel Lost, Angry & Emotionally Shut Down 01:36 – Adam Roa on Self-Love, Triggers & Conscious Relationships 04:20 – What a Truly Conscious Relationship Actually Looks Like 06:00 – Why You Don't Need to Be "Fully Healed" Before Love 09:10 – Emotional Safety & Learning to Communicate Honestly 13:05 – Masculinity, Modern Dating & Mixed Signals for Men 16:03 – Why Relationships Can't Make You Happy 18:21 – The Dangerous Fantasy of "Movie Love" 23:45 – The Hidden Expectations We Bring Into Relationships 24:25 – Personal Development & Rewriting Your Internal Stories 27:06 – Why Creativity Is a Wellness Practice 28:18 – Adam's Journey from Suppression to Spoken Word Poetry 32:06 – The Viral Poem That Changed Adam Roa's Life 33:23 – The Power of Saying "Yes" to Your Calling 34:03 – Why People Abandon Themselves Instead of Taking the Next Step 38:30 – Growth, Discomfort & Emotional Resilience 40:19 – The Biggest Lie Men Have Been Told About Strength 43:43 – Emotional Safety in Relationships & Masculine Leadership 47:24 – Communication Frameworks That Actually Work 50:10 – Masculinity Retreats, Men's Work & Emotional Capacity 52:03 – Why Warriors Historically Had to Be Poets 54:04 – The Yin & Yang of Masculinity and Emotional Balance 57:01 – King, Warrior, Magician, Lover & Male Archetypes 01:00:10 – Adam on Identity Shifts, Creativity & Reinvention 01:05:30 – Rapid Fire: Truth, Expression, Safety & Aliveness 01:08:19 – Why Simplicity Matters More Than Ever Today 01:11:00 – What "Ever Forward" Means to Adam Roa ----- Episode resources: Watch and subscribe on YouTube Learn more about Adam WHOOP: Track sleep, recovery, stress, HRV, training performance, and daily readiness with the wearable Chase has trusted for years Timeline Nutrition Mitopure: Support mitochondrial health, recovery, strength, endurance, and healthy aging with Mitopure Audible Free 30-Day Trial: Free 30-day Audible trial and start listening to audiobooks on the go
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965
EFR 942: Why Your Anxiety, Gut Issues & Exhaustion Might Be Stored Trauma (and how to finally release it) with Liz Tenuto
What if your anxiety, exhaustion, gut issues, insomnia, chronic tension, or even emotional numbness weren't random… but your body trying to communicate unresolved stress and trauma? Somatic healing expert and When the Body Speaksauthor Liz Tenuto—better known online as "The Workout Witch"—joins us to unpack how trauma gets stored in the nervous system and why so many people stay stuck even after years of therapy, self-help, and "doing all the right things." Liz explains the science behind somatic healing, bottom-up nervous system regulation, neurogenic tremors, emotional release, chronic stress physiology, and how seemingly "normal" symptoms like jaw clenching, gut issues, fatigue, insomnia, and brain fog may actually be signs your body never fully completed the stress response. This conversation blends neuroscience, emotional healing, nervous system education, and practical tools into one of the deepest conversations yet on what it truly means to move Ever Forward. YOU WILL LEARN: Why trauma is physical, not just emotional The difference between top-down vs bottom-up healing How chronic stress silently changes the body Why high performers often normalize dysregulation The role of safety and co-regulation in healing The surprising power of tiny movements and somatic exercises How unresolved trauma can mask deeper layers of pain Why healing can lead to a more authentic and connected life Follow Liz @theworkoutwitch_ Follow Chase @chase_chewning ----- 00:00 – Trauma gets stored in the body 00:44 – What "bottom-up healing" means 01:00 – Why physical release creates emotional healing 01:33 – Neurogenic tremors explained 01:51 – Your body is your most honest messenger 03:09 – Giving yourself permission to not feel okay 06:11 – Is healing a luxury in modern life? 07:35 – When your body is quietly screaming at you 09:07 – Healthy coping vs hidden avoidance 11:42 – Why we always go to extremes with stress 14:21 – Can 5–10 minutes a day really heal stress? 16:12 – Signs trauma may be stored in your nervous system 19:58 – A simple vagus nerve exercise for relaxation 22:25 – Rocking movements & soothing the nervous system 25:14 – Gabor Maté's definition of trauma 26:56 – What is secondary trauma? 30:05 – Chase shares his PTSD healing journey 31:59 – Somatics vs talk therapy explained 35:11 – Why the jaw & psoas hold stress 36:09 – Why animals shake after stress (and humans don't) 38:54 – Why physical release creates emotional release 40:46 – The importance of safe people & co-regulation 43:08 – Signs your nervous system may be dysregulated 45:20 – Liz shares her trauma story 47:14 – Discovering somatic healing for the first time 49:39 – What somatic exercises actually look like 51:16 – Why gentle movement heals the nervous system 53:09 – Can you do somatic healing on your own? 54:20 – Reclaiming ownership of your body 55:50 – Healing trauma through unlearning survival patterns 57:43 – Somatics vs therapy: where should people start? 58:45 – Healing trauma you can't consciously remember 01:02:16 – Why avoiding trauma never truly works 01:03:09 – Trauma lives in your cells & tissues 01:05:57 – Healing creates ripple effects for others 01:09:57 – Liz on joy, hobbies & learning to play again 01:12:45 – What "Ever Forward" means to Liz 01:14:24 – "When the body speaks… are we listening?" ----- Episode resources: Save 20% on Tru Biome with code EVERFOFRWARD from Ancient and Brave Save 15% on organic coffee with code CHASE from Strong Coffee Company FREE 30-day trial of Audible audiobooks Watch and subscribe on YouTube Get Liz's new book When the Body Speaks
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964
EFR 941: The Truth About Obesity, Bariatric Surgery, Ozempic & Why Most Weight Loss Fails with Dr. Betsy Dovec
This episode is brought to you by LMNT, Fatty15, and Caldera Lab. What if obesity isn't a willpower problem at all? In this deeply eye-opening conversation, Chase sits down with bariatric surgeon and obesity medicine specialist Dr. Betsy Dovec, MD to unpack the science, psychology, and stigma surrounding obesity in America today. From GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro to bariatric surgery, emotional eating, food addiction, metabolic dysfunction, and the failures of fad diets, this episode challenges nearly everything we think we know about weight loss. Whether you're someone struggling with weight, supporting a loved one, or simply curious about the future of metabolic health, this conversation offers nuance, compassion, and hard truths that could completely reshape your understanding of obesity and modern wellness. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN Why Dr. Dovec believes obesity is primarily biological — not a lack of discipline The hidden role trauma and emotional safety can play in weight gain How bariatric surgery changes hormones, hunger, and "food noise" The truth about Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and long-term GLP-1 use Why most people regain weight after stopping GLP-1 medications The difference between gastric bypass and gastric sleeve surgery Why visceral fat is more dangerous than the number on the scale How obesity impacts cardiovascular disease, diabetes, fatty liver, and longevity The surprising reason BMI may be one of the worst health markers Why women account for nearly 85% of bariatric surgery patients How sugar and ultra-processed foods are driving the obesity epidemic What long-term success after bariatric surgery actually requires The psychological side of transformation and behavior change Why "food noise" may be one of the biggest hidden barriers to weight loss How bariatric surgery and GLP-1s may work best together The future of weight loss medicine, surgery, and employer healthcare coverage Follow Betsy @drdovec Follow Chase @chase_chewning ----- 00:00 — Is Obesity a Willpower Problem or a Biological Problem? 04:40 — When Should Someone Consider Bariatric Surgery? 08:00 — Trauma, Emotional Eating & Feeling Unsafe in the Body 14:20 — Why Obesity Is More Complex Than Calories In vs. Calories Out 15:40 — Why Men Wait Too Long to Address Their Health 17:42 — Bariatric Surgery Misconceptions & Who Actually Qualifies 19:00 — How Bariatric Surgery Immediately Improves Diabetes 20:40 — Why BMI Is a Flawed Health Marker 23:00 — Visceral Fat, Fatty Liver Disease & Sugar Addiction 27:00 — Is Obesity Truly Reversible? 29:20 — Why Gastric Bypass Is Still the "Gold Standard" 31:55 — How Gastric Bypass Surgery Actually Works 35:00 — Nutrient Absorption & Supplements After Surgery 37:00 — What Daily Life Looks Like After Bariatric Surgery 42:00 — Food Noise, Hunger Hormones & Feeling Full for the First Time 45:00 — Risks, Complications & Safety of Bariatric Surgery 49:45 — Insurance Coverage, Costs & Why Employers Are Paying for Surgery 54:30 — Long-Term Outcomes & Lifespan Benefits 57:00 — Eating Disorders, Addiction Transfer & Alcohol After Surgery 01:02:00 — Why Dr. Dovec Prioritizes Lower Carb Nutrition 01:05:00 — The Ethics of the Weight Loss Industry 01:10:00 — GLP-1 Medications vs. Bariatric Surgery 01:15:00 — Why Bariatric Surgery Numbers Are Falling 01:20:00 — Rapid Fire: Ozempic, Body Positivity & Discipline 01:25:00 — Parenting, Childhood Obesity & The Future of Weight Loss 01:29:00 — What "Ever Forward" Means to Dr. Dovec ----- Episode resources: Watch and subscribe on YouTube Learn more at BodyByBariatrics.com FREE variety sample pack of LMNT electrolytes Additional 15% off Fatty15 with code EVERFORWARD 20% off Caldera Lab men's skincare with code EVERFORWARD
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963
EFR 940: The Quickest Path to Changing Your Life for the Better (and the Self-Improvement Trap Keeping You Stuck!) with Light Watkins
This episode is brought to you by Audible, AX3, State & Liberty and Caldera Lab. What if the biggest thing standing between you and the life you want… is your relationship with discomfort? Today we sit down with meditation teacher, transformation coach, and bestselling author Light Watkins to unpack why most people fail to create lasting change, how discipline is commonly misunderstood, and why meaningful transformation often takes far longer than we expect. We explore the psychology behind sustainable habits, the hidden cost of complaining, the connection between stillness and fulfillment, why discomfort is essential for growth, and how to stop forcing change and start allowing it. This episode offers a grounded and practical roadmap for anyone feeling stuck, burned out, overwhelmed, or frustrated with their progress in life. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN Why most self-improvement advice fails long term The "Tortoise Approach" to sustainable transformation How discipline is really about honesty with yourself Why meaningful change takes longer than 30 or 90 days How complaining quietly sabotages growth and abundance Why discomfort creates presence and resilience The surprising relationship between stillness and fulfillment How to stop forcing outcomes and start allowing change Why success alone will never create fulfillment The mindset shift that helps you move through adversity Follow Light @lightwatkins Follow Chase @chase_chewning ----- 00:00 – Why discipline can block transformation 01:12 – Redefining discipline through honesty 05:06 – The "Tortoise Approach" to change 07:22 – Why meaningful transformation takes a year 09:10 – Change is an ultramarathon, not a sprint 11:21 – Practical ways to build sustainable habits 13:37 – Why quick wins matter psychologically 14:06 – The difference between change and meaningful change 17:06 – Brutal honesty & admitting you don't know what you're doing 18:42 – Social media's dangerous speed obsession 20:22 – Expectations, body image & sustainable fitness 23:49 – Allowing vs forcing transformation 24:17 – Why discomfort is necessary for growth 26:25 – Complaining as a hidden self-sabotage mechanism 29:22 – How complaining lowers energy & opportunity 32:14 – Identity, hustle culture & scarcity mindset 36:54 – Why success doesn't create fulfillment 42:13 – Stillness as the foundation of fulfillment 43:49 – If you can't sit with yourself, who will? 45:17 – Gratitude & anchoring into the present moment 47:44 – Balancing stillness with modern responsibilities 50:49 – Why you can't force others to grow 52:12 – Relationships, growth & creating separation 54:04 – Compassion, judgment & self-awareness 56:18 – "Figure out a way" through adversity 57:17 – The role of breaking points in transformation 01:00:14 – Ancient wisdom & modern human problems 01:02:20 – Why transformation often happens alone 01:05:45 – Making discomfort your ally 01:06:45 – What people really want isn't change—it's presence 01:09:10 – Light's one-year cold shower challenge 01:12:35 – The cost of waiting until tomorrow 01:17:02 – What "Ever Forward" means to Light Watkins ----- Episode resources: FREE 30-day Audible trial (get Light's audiobook for free!) Get Light's new book The Year You Transform Watch and subscribe on YouTube Light's first appearance in episode 736: The Six Principles for Finding Meaning and Fulfillment in Life Save 20% on AX3 astaxanthin with code EVERFORWARD Save 15% on State & Liberty with code EVERFORWARD Save 20% on Caldera + Lab with code EVERFORWARD
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962
EFR 939: Tesla's Ex-President Shares the 5 Steps to 10x Your Goals with Jon McNeill
This episode is brought to you by Audible, WHOOP and Strong Coffee Company. What really created Tesla's explosive growth? Was it Elon Musk, innovation, timing… or was there actually a repeatable formula behind it all? In this episode of Ever Forward Radio, former Tesla President Jon McNeill breaks down the exact framework used to scale Tesla from $1.8 billion to nearly $20 billion in revenue in just 30 months. Drawing from his new book, The Algorithm, Jon explains how companies like Tesla, SpaceX, Lululemon, and others use systems thinking, customer obsession, speed, curiosity, and innovation to create hypergrowth. But this conversation goes far beyond business. Chase and Jon explore how the same principles can be applied to your personal life, fitness, mindset, relationships, habits, and purpose. They discuss the danger of comfort and convenience, why most startups fail even with funding, how to build a mission-driven life, and the hidden cost of scaling too fast. Jon also shares behind-the-scenes stories from Tesla, lessons from working alongside Elon Musk, the importance of values and intentionality, and why curiosity may be the greatest superpower for growth. If you want to learn how to think bigger, move faster, simplify your life, and build something meaningful — this episode is for you ----- 00:00 — Tesla's Hypergrowth Story Begins 00:02 — The Mobile Service Breakthrough 00:12 — Tesla's Parking Lot "Triage" System 00:26 — The Algorithm Explained in 30 Seconds 00:43 — How Tesla Reduced Car Buying From 64 Clicks to 13 01:01 — Intro & Audible Sponsor 01:58 — How Tesla Scaled From $1.8B to $20B in 30 Months 02:35 — Is Hypergrowth Just Controlled Chaos? 03:14 — Growth vs Innovation: Which Comes First? 04:20 — "Creative Dissatisfaction" Inside Tesla 04:42 — Why "Done Is Better Than Perfect" 05:46 — How Tesla Used Customer Feedback Loops 07:23 — The Service Problem That Nearly Broke Tesla 08:53 — Creating Tesla's Mobile Service Model 10:12 — Why Convenience Changes Everything 12:08 — Step 1 of The Algorithm: Question Assumptions 14:03 — Consumer Friction & Asking Better Questions 16:14 — Why Tesla Put Stores Next to Apple & Lululemon 17:04 — Elon Musk's "Domino's Pizza" Car Buying Challenge 18:06 — Eliminating Unnecessary Loan Paperwork 19:20 — How Tesla Made Buying a Car Feel Like Ordering Pizza 20:18 — Convenience vs Character 21:36 — Fitness, Discipline & GLP-1s 23:01 — The Power of Intentionality 24:08 — Building Systems That Scale 25:38 — Learning From Hospitals & Emergency Rooms 27:20 — Curiosity as a Superpower 27:58 — Breaking Down The Algorithm Step-by-Step 29:12 — Why Speed & Quality Must Work Together 30:00 — Lessons From Olympic Cross-Country Skiers 31:20 — Using Speed to Expose Weaknesses 32:03 — How Toyota Forced Tesla to Improve Faster 32:43 — Turning Customers Into Tesla Evangelists 35:19 — Why Tesla Owners Became Obsessed With the Brand 37:14 — Strong Coffee Sponsor Break 37:27 — Knowing When to Pivot vs Keep Pushing 39:12 — Why "Good Enough" Is Dangerous 39:33 — Steve Jobs & The Simplicity Principle 42:04 — How Lululemon Cut Production From 1 Year to 8 Weeks 45:39 — Elon Musk's 10X Thinking 47:02 — Finding People Who Challenge You 49:33 — The Importance of Shared Values 51:26 — Tesla's Core Value: Customer Obsession 52:32 — Values vs Goals 52:51 — Productive Pressure vs Destructive Stress 54:46 — When Hypergrowth Becomes Dangerous 56:11 — Jon McNeill's Daily Habits & Routines 58:02 — How Family & Values Shape Success 59:13 — Why Company Values Matter 01:01:35 — What Surprised Jon While Writing The Book 01:03:38 — Why Tesla Almost Failed 01:04:42 — The #1 Trait of Successful People 01:05:50 — Why Most Startups Die 01:06:19 — How to Scale Your Life Like a Company 01:07:00 — The Moral Responsibility of Growth 01:07:22 — What "Ever Forward" Means to Jon McNeill 01:08:36 — Where to Find Jon & The Algorithm Book ----- Episode resources: Get Jon's new book The Algorithm Get his audiobook for FREE with your 30-day trial of Audible at https://www.AudibleTrial.com/everforward Track your sleep, training, recovery and so much more with the WHOOP physical activity tracker Save 15% on my favorite at-home coffee with code CHASE at https://www.StrongCoffeeCompany.com/chase Watch and subscribe on YouTube
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961
EFR 938: How Your City is Making You Lonely, Keeping You Sick and the Future of Wellness Communities with Tony Cho
This episode is brought to you by Timeline and Caldera Lab. Modern cities may be quietly damaging our mental health, relationships, and overall well-being—and most people don't even realize it. Tony Cho breaks down how urban design, capitalism, and disconnection from nature have created a loneliness epidemic, rising depression, and a life that works against human biology. From the loss of community and "third spaces" to the dangers of car-centric living and profit-driven development, Tony challenges everything we think we know about success, environment, and happiness—while offering a powerful vision for regenerative living, healthier cities, and a more connected future. IN THIS EPISODE YOU'LL LEARN Why loneliness is actually a design problem—not a personal failure How modern cities are engineered for profit, not human well-being The real reason behind rising anxiety, depression, and disconnection How environment shapes behavior more than discipline or willpower What "regenerative living" means—and how it could reshape the future Why the American Dream may actually be making us miserable Simple ways to change your environment to improve your life immediately Follow Tony @_tonycho_ Follow Chase @chase_chewning ----- 00:00:00 – Intro 00:01:02 – Tony Cho Introduction & Regenerative Thinking 00:01:23 – Is Loneliness a Design Problem? 00:02:29 – Cities Optimized for Profit, Not People 00:03:19 – Capitalism, Cars & Disconnection 00:04:07 – The Death of "Third Spaces" & Community 00:05:26 – Why Environment Shapes Your Life 00:06:18 – Loneliness, Mental Health & Longevity 00:07:43 – Biophilic Design & The Irony of Modern Development 00:09:18 – Purpose, Meaning & Connection to Place 00:10:07 – Can Capitalism & Humanity Coexist? 00:12:11 – The "American Dream" vs The "American Nightmare" 00:14:59 – Real-World Example: Jacksonville विकास 00:17:11 – Gentrification & Losing Community Culture 00:18:13 – Is There a Better Way to Develop Cities? 00:20:19 – Regenerative Finance & Supporting Small Business 00:22:19 – What Makes a City Thrive or Fail 00:24:31 – Walkable Cities & European Influence 00:26:14 – What Makes a Place Feel Alive 00:27:18 – Why Diversity Creates Resilience 00:28:48 – "We Paved Over Paradise" 00:32:12 – The Economics of City Development 00:33:55 – Design That Impacts How You Feel 00:37:08 – Winning Over Communities & Co-Design 00:40:22 – Profit + Purpose: Can You Have Both? 00:41:36 – Public vs Private Sector Collaboration 00:43:17 – Infrastructure That Changes Lives 00:45:26 – Smart Homes, Health & Future Living 00:48:23 – The Future of Wealth, AI & Society 00:50:13 – Utopia vs Dystopia: What Future Are We Building? 00:52:02 – Why the U.S. Is Falling Behind 00:55:56 – Learning from History & Indigenous Wisdom 00:57:04 – "What Kind of Ancestor Do You Want to Be?" 00:58:04 – Tony's Childhood: Growing Up in a Commune 01:00:51 – Loss, Death & Perspective on Life 01:03:48 – What "Ever Forward" Means 01:06:43 – Letting Go, Trust & Living Fully 01:07:19 – Regeneration Starts Within 01:09:09 – Where to Find Tony & Final Thoughts ----- Episode resources: Get MitoPure for as little as $59/month at https://www.Timeline.com/everforward Save 20% on my favorite men's skincare with code EVERFORWARD at https://www.CalderaLab.com Watch and subscribe on YouTube
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EFR 937: The Shocking Connection Between Gut Health and Menopause with Cynthia Thurlow
This episode is brought to you by Fatty15, Audible, and Strong Coffee Company. Most women are told their fatigue, weight gain, brain fog, and poor sleep in midlife are just "normal aging"—but this episode exposes the real root cause: a breakdown in the gut-hormone connection driven by declining estrogen, chronic stress, and a disrupted microbiome. Cynthia Thurlow reveals how these hidden internal shifts create inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and hormonal chaos—and why traditional approaches often fail to fix it. More importantly, she explains how to reverse the trajectory by addressing the true drivers: gut health, sleep quality, and stress resilience. If you've been doing "all the right things" and still feel off, this conversation reframes the problem—and gives you a path forward rooted in biology, not guesswork. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How hormonal shifts in perimenopause and menopause directly alter the gut microbiome, increasing inflammation and impacting metabolism Why sleep is the #1 foundational habit for improving hormones, gut health, and overall energy in midlife The surprising role of chronic stress, trauma, and even toxic relationships in damaging gut health and accelerating aging How simple nutrition shifts—like increasing fiber and supporting detox pathways—can rapidly improve your microbiome Why "surrendering" your old health strategies is essential to thriving in this new phase of life Follow Cynthia @cynthia_thurlow_ Follow Chase @chase_chewning ----- 00:00 – Intro & Why the Microbiome Matters 00:02 – The "Virtual Organ" Explained (40 Trillion Microbes) 00:05 – Why Gut Health Is Overlooked in Women's Health 00:06 – Hormones, Neurotransmitters & Whole-Body Impact 00:12 – Why the Microbiome Is Key to Longevity 00:13 – Gut Changes During Perimenopause & Menopause 00:16 – Immune System Aging, Inflammation & Autoimmunity 00:18 – Leaky Gut, Nutrient Absorption & Food Sensitivities 00:20 – Real-Life Symptoms: Fatigue, Brain Fog & Bloating 00:21 – The Hidden Impact of Stress & Trauma on the Gut 00:26 – The Estrobolome: Estrogen & Gut Detox Explained 00:30 – Common Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalance 00:33 – Where Women Should Start (The Roadmap) 00:40 – Why Sleep Is the First Thing to Fix 00:44 – The Power of Mindset & "Surrender" 00:49 – Can You Repair Your Microbiome? 00:50 – Fiber: The Most Underrated Health Tool 00:53 – Best Foods for Gut Health 00:54 – Sleep, Hormones & the Microbiome Connection 01:00 – Digestive Rest vs Fasting 01:03 – The #1 Sleep Habit That Improves Everything 01:05 – Alcohol, Food Timing & Sleep Disruption 01:06 – Stress, Hormones & Nervous System Overload 01:08 – Rethinking Exercise in Midlife 01:10 – Why Walking Is So Powerful 01:12 – Most Surprising Research: Trauma & Aging 01:16 – Generational Health & Epigenetics 01:17 – What "Ever Forward" Means ----- Episode resources: Save 15% on coffee with code CHASE at https://www.StrongCoffeeCompany.com/chase Save an extra 15% on C15:0 essential fatty acid with code EVERFORWARD at https://www.Fatty15.com/everforward Get a FREE trial month of my favorite audio book platform at https://www.AudibleTrial.com/everforward Watch and subscribe on YouTube Get her new book The Menopause Gut
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Hi, I'm Chase Chewning (@chase_chewning on Instagram) and this is the podcast that is devoted to help you build a life that propels you forward - EVER FORWARD. Conversations with industry leaders in health and wellness, personal development, entrepreneurship, celebrities and entertainers, creatives, military and so much more.I am a US Army veteran, ACE Certified Health Coach, and I hold a BS in Exercise Science and MS in Health Promotion and currently live in Los Angeles, CA.
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