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 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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983
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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982
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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981
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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980
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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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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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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977
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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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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975
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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974
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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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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972
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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971
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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970
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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