Lifestyle As Medicine
by Lifestyle As Medicine
The Lifestyle as Medicine podcast is where motivated individuals come to discover how to take control of their lives and their futures. Host Michael Ricchio interviews experts from all corners of health, wellness, fitness, sport, and psychology to bring you the information you need to change your habits, live your best life and decrease your risk of preventable diseases and injuries. You won’t only hear from the experts, you’ll also hear from you neighbors. The people who are going through the same struggles as you. Learn from those who have found a way! If you want to achieve your goals, improve your health, have more energy, be in a better mood and feel better physically, you are in the right place!
Episodes
-
New Year Resolutions: Let’s do this right
In today’s episode I quickly cover the concept of New Year Resolutions, the typical pitfalls, and. how increase the odds of having the year you are envisioning, while simultaneously simplifying and decreasing the stress of it. We will cover: Why is this time of year a powerful tool? What are the...
-
Morning Routines: How, Why, and Avoiding the Dramatic Versions.
This is the first of a new general series that I am calling the ‘Dramatic Fitness Industry’. In these episodes we will walk through various topics that social media tends to over-complicate, to the point there is no longer benefit. We will take these usually beneficial topics and bring simplicity...
-
Detoxification of your body: Truths and Myths, Why and How.
In this episode I dig into the topic of detoxification. Detoxing, as an industry, is projected to reach a valuation of $88 BILLION dollars by 2033. That’s right, a near 100 billion dollar industry. And here is the ironic part: we are spending unfathomable amounts of money on a system that is near...
-
Why 35+ aged adults should train more like “athletes”.
The term “athlete” has traditionally been reserved for those competing in traditional sports, and at younger ages. However, training athletically is something that benefits all of us, and goes beyond sports performance. You will hear today why it is crucial for your brain health, executive…
more -
8 Categories of Nutrition: Fat loss vs. weight loss and feeling energetic.
This has been a passion topic of mine for as long as I’ve been a trainer. And it stems from the disconnect between what we are hoping to achieve and what we read on the internet will get us there. The goal of this episode is to provide some clarity for you. Clarity of why you aren’t achieving the...
-
The Illusion of Choice, w/ Gerard Friedman, MS, ATC
This week I meet with Gerard Friedman, a long time athletic trainer and Board Certified Health Coach. Gerard spent well over a decade working with high school athletes before moving to a primary focus of adults and adult heath. Gerard’s experience made for the perfect conversation surrounding the...
-
Avoid Starting in a Deficit: Managing what you can control, w/ Superbowl Winner David Edwards
This week you will hear from David Edwards, who currently plays for the Buffalo Bills of the NFL. David is won a Super Bowl with the LA Rams, and played for the University of Wisconsin. But before all of that, David was a youth athlete who thoroughly enjoyed playing sports with his friends. David...
-
“Good” and “Bad” Foods: The debate and the real focus: w/ your host, Mike Ricchio.
This is a debate that has gone on for quite some time now. Are there good and bad foods? Is it acceptable to label any food as one or the other? Or, my bigger question, does it matter? In this solo episode (no guest, just me) I will discuss how I label foods, and how we can define and qualify our...
-
Physical Literacy: Lifelong Confidence and Health, w/ Justin Loudon
This week you will hear from Justin Loudon, the 2024 NSCA National Strength Coach of the Year. Justin and I connected last year at a national conference, where he was leading a meeting for the National High School Strength Coach committee. After listening in, it was clear he was someone I wanted...
-
“Normal is a Setting on a Washing Machine”: Nutrition Challenges w/ Gina Graham
We are back! And relaunching with a highly requested topic. This week you will learn Gina Graham, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has specialized in eating disorders, body image, depression, anxiety, and women’s issues for 20 years, with a private practice located in the western suburbs of...
-
Peptides, Hormones, and A Tiered Approach to Health: w/ Dr. Jason Pencek
This week we are talking with Dr. Jason Pencek. Dr. Pencek is a chiropractor and nurse practitioner. He started working in medicine as a registered nurse in 2010. He quickly realized that traditional Western medicine has failed many people. He went back to school in 2012 to study for his...
-
The Mental and Physical Connection, w/ Dr. Matthew Tolstoy
In my 60th episode I have a great conversation with Dr. Matthew Tolstoy. What background doesn’t Dr. Tolstoy have? Matt is a licensed acupuncturist and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP), completing the three year training program in trauma therapy developed by Peter Levine. He is certified…
more -
Behind The Camera: w/ NBC’s Cortney Hall and Matthew Rodrigues.
This week the hosts of NBC’s Chicago Today Show join me to discuss the lifestyles that support their careers. I wanted to dive into the stress and pressure that come with life on camera, and what tactics each of them use to diffuse that stress. I ask Cortney and Matt about that press, their…
more -
Mind and Body: The Collective Efforts of Positive Change, w/ Jason Komosa
This week we speak to Certified Mental Coach, Jason Komosa. Years after studying Psychology + Marketing while helping a small beverage company (Vitamin Water) grow into a Goliath purchased by Coca-Cola, and forgoing a Doctoral Program in Psychology at the University of Chicago to instead help...
-
Cold Exposure, Ice Baths, and Human Potential, w/ Joshua Church.
Joshua Church, the Co-Founder of Edge Theory Labs, joins us to discuss the popular topic of cold exposure and cold plunges. Edge Theory Labs developed a revolutionary option for cold plunges at home, as well as a mobile option, neither needing repeated trips to the store for bags of ice. In this...
-
Improving the Corporate Environment, w/ Stress Management Consultant Sarah Alyssa Bobo
Today we are talking about corporate stress. Stress management consultant Sarah Alyssa Bobo talks us through how she works with companies to create the best possible environment for their employees. What does an effective benefits package look like? How does todays work from home vs. office…
more -
Career and Life Burnout, w/ Suzanne Monroe.
Today we are speaking with Suzanne Monroe, the Founder and CEO of the International Association of Wellness Professionals and the host of the Live Well Dream Big podcast. Suzanne and I discuss the concept of career burnout. How do you identify if you are in or nearing a stage of burnout? What...
-
Blood Sugar, CGMs, and Food Combinations, w/ Austin Mcguffie
Today you will hear from the metabolism mentor, Austin Mcguffie. Austin and I discuss blood sugar, the affects of blood sugar on our metabolic health, and the benefits of using a continuous glucose monitor. I’ve been personally using a CGM for a few months now, and it has made an immediate impact...
-
Understanding and Education. Talking CBD w/ Kerwell’s Bryan Christopher.
In todays episode we are talking CBD w/ Kerwell’s Bryan Christopher. Bryan helps us to understand CBD, what it is, what it is commonly used for, and the variety of types. What you will hear consistently in this episode is the need for education. Educating ourselves when looking to add a new…
more -
Take Control of Your Health, w/ Registered Dietician Michelle Routhenstein.
In this weeks episode you will hear from Michelle Routhenstein, a registered dietician who focuses on hear heart, heart disease management, and heart disease prevention. Michelle approach to health is specific and clear. She leaves you feel like you have control over your situation and in a...
-
Nuts for Longevity: An Inspirational Story, w/ Caleb and Austin Majors.
At too young of an age, the father of Austin and Caleb Majors was given two weeks to live, diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer. Mr. Majors decided to take his health into his own hands, turning to major lifestyle changes in hopes he could defeat the odds. He would survive 7 years, inspiring...
-
Every Mother is an Athlete, w/ Dr. Karlie Causey.
This week you will hear from Dr. Karlie Causey, a sports chiropractor, strength and conditioning specialist, and pregnancy and postnatal athleticism coach. Dr. Karlie and I instantly clicked during our planning call when we realized how similar our philosophies are. She has an impressive approach...
-
Making Yourself a Priority, w/ Dr. Carly Hudson.
In this episode you will hear from Dr. Carly Hudson, chiropractor, exercise therapist, masseuse, and yoga instructor. Dr. Hudson’s skillsets are as unique and interesting as her story. As a child Dr. Hudson experienced a serious illness. This illness has lead her appreciate life in a different…
more -
Blending: How to Properly Utilize Multiple Modalities to Feel your Best, w/ Zac Cupples.
Physical Therapist, performance coach, movement specialist, and former NBA physical therapist Zac Cupples joins us today to discuss how he uses multiple modalities to improve both pain/tightness and also overall quality of life. Those modalities include concepts that are sometimes labeled as...
-
Balance, Resiliency, and Leadership, w/ CEO Colleen Werner.
Colleen Werner is a CEO of a successful fitness company, a mother, wife, and a successful athlete. While she has held man titles, what Colleen has been consistently is a leader. In this episode you will hear my personal experience with Colleen as a leader, as well as how she found balance and...
-
Essential Changes in Supplements for Women, W/ Donna Burke.
Donna Burke of PRTCL Products shares with us how she went from athlete to gym owner to owning her own supplement company. Donna noticed some disappointing facts on her journey. While many supplements and sporting equipment was marketed for women, they were causing significant side affects.…
more -
Oversimplification of: Habit Change. 5 Tips to Make Change More Achievable.
This episode is the first of a new series where break down and over-simplify complicated topics. In honor of my new virtual program I am kicking off the series with the subject of habit change. How does it work? Why is it so difficult? This episode will also provide my 5 tips and hacks to make…
more -
Dementia Caretakers: The Unsung Hero’s, W/ Carrie Knowles.
In this episode you will hear from Psychology Today Expert writer and Author of 9 books Carrie Knowles. Carrie was asked by family to tell the story of them and her late mother, who was diagnosed of Alzheimer’s Disease years prior. Carrie’s latest book is a collection of her personal story as a...
-
Men and Mental Health, w/ Israel Smith.
Mental health is a serious issue for all, but an especially under appreciated topic for men. Israel Smith is changing that. After struggling through his own issues with depression, stress, and eventually the loss of his father, Israel is now helping many live healthier, happier lives. Check out...
-
From Struggling Mom to Inspiring Coach, w/ Gina DiGiovanni-Kirby.
Gina is a mother of 3, wife, aunt, and has a full time career. Her 40th birthday became a motivation for her to start making some changes. 3 years later a simple internet program would eventually lead to a life transformation. Gina tells us her struggles, ones that we can all relate to, and how…
more -
Financial Health For Life Health, W/ David Chudyk.
Today we discuss the parallels between financial and physical health with David Chudyk of Parallel Financial and the Weekly Wealth Podcast. Who has not experienced financial stress? For many this is a significant daily struggle and certainly takes a toll on our physical health, immune systems…
more -
Getting Out of Your Own way, W/ Crystal Harrell.
Happy Thanksgiving! In this very fitting episode you will hear the amazing story of Crystal Harrell. Soon to be PhD from Yale, and that might not be the most impressive part of her resume. Crystal once shared low income housing with 9 siblings, then lost her father at the age of 13. Now, Crystal…
more -
Perspective: Healthy Eating, Weight Loss, and Lifestyle.
Today I speak about the societal perspectives regarding healthy eating and what it means to live a healthy lifestyle. Are dieting and healthy eating synonymous? Why have we focused our lifestyle decisions solely around weight loss and our appearance? Are we self aware? You will leave this episode...
-
Mindset During Adversity: From Parkinson’s to Ninja Warrior, w/ Jimmy Choi.
In this episode you will hear the incredible story of Jimmy Choi. Jimmy was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s disease at 27 years old. Today he walks us through his path from acceptance of his diagnosis, to his motivation to never let it be a limitation for him. Since then, Jimmy has...
-
Chronic Pain: The Trainers Role, w/ Lucy Hendricks.
What is the trainers role when it comes to working with people experiencing chronic pain? While treating and diagnosing pain is assuredly the role of the rehabilitation professional, it is an equal necessity for qualified trainers to be able to help people in chronic pain workout safely, continue...
-
Self-Sufficiency: A Lifestyle Perspective, w/ Chris Conley.
In this episode you will hear from Chris Conley: business owner, entrepreneur, husband, father, and, particularly for this episode, a mast of Self-Sufficiency. I’ve known Chris and his wife, Cira, for many years now. They are the ultimate DIY’ers. Cooking, gardening, composting, building…
more -
Self-awareness and Body Cues: Understanding your needs, w/ Vilmaliz Bosque.
In today’s episode, Vilma and I talk about the importance of understanding your body, it’s cues, and the affects of our choices. Our bodies are fantastic messengers, if only we have the ability to listen. Vilma will talk you through the importance of giving your body what needs, whether that be...
-
Just Start with 7 Minutes: Motivation, Discipline, and Movement, w/ Tony Stubbs.
Tony Stubbs is a former professional football player who learned during his younger years just how important movement and nutrition were to his health. While on the outside Tony looked like the definition of health, internally his body was giving him warning signals. Tony was diagnosed with high...
-
Self-Defense: For Safety, Confidence, and Awareness. W/ Dana Hernandez.
Today Dana Hernandez walks us through her journey from veterinarian to self-defense specialist. She opens up about why she made the career change and all the emotions and challenges that accompanied it. Dana is now doing amazing work, helping women around the world develop the confidence,...
-
Business Ownership and Health in the Midst of a Pandemic, w/ Justin Grinnell.
In this episode you will hear from Justin Grinnell, gym owner and personal trainer. Justin owns a successful gym in Michigan. Today you’ll hear him talk about how he started his business, how he adjusted during the pandemic, and his thoughts on people and their health. Justin has been a…
more -
Behind the Scenes of Human Movement, Content Creation, and Finding your Niche, w/ Conor Harris.
In this episode you will hear from Conor Harris. Conor is an expert in human movement. He has trained countless amounts of clients and athletes to move better, and in doing so feel better. Conor has built a highly successful business not only training clients, but also educating fellow trainers…
more -
E30: Addiction and Youth Athletes: More than athletic training, W/ Trevor Costello.
In this episode you will hear from Trevor Costello, youth strength and conditioning coach. Trevor tells his story of being a talented youth athlete who also struggled with addiction. He will guide us through his struggles and his path to sobriety. Trevor is now doing amazing work with youth...
-
Energy Deficiency and Intuitive Eating, w/ Dietician Brittany Wehrle.
In this episode you will hear from registered dietician Brittany Wehrle. Brittany primarily works with the athletic population, but has experience working with all ages and backgrounds. We explore the concept of ‘relative energy deficiency’. Essentially, are you properly fueling yourself for your...
-
Tom Brady and 3 Keys to Success
In this weeks episode I briefly discuss my thoughts on Tom Brady and what has attributed to his success. I believe you can narrow down success to three key elements. Not just for Tom Brady, but for all of us. After you listen, give it some thought. How would you describe yourself amongst the…
more -
Cancer: Lifestyle for Treatment and Prevention, w/ Dr. Colin Champ
In today’s episode you will hear from Radiation Oncologist Dr. Colin Champ. Dr. Champ is a former MIT graduate, currently practicing at Duke University. You will hear us discuss his research regarding cancer, and lifestyles role in both treatment and prevention. You will also hear: Dr. Champ’s...
-
Kids Eat in Color: Child Nutrition, Tactics, and Habit Building, w/ RD Jennifer Anderson
In this episode you will hear from Jennifer Anderson, a registered dietician who specializes in child nutrition and eating habits. I have been a big fan of Jennifer’s content for a long time now. Her tactics have made a significant impact on how I approach feeding my children. I now have…
more -
Finding Your Authentic Self, w/ Lori Verta.
Today you will hear from trainer, coach, and mom Lori Verta. Lori is a former colleague of mine (and still a colleague, though from long distance). Since leaving our former place of employment each of us have done a lot of maturing and soul searching. Todays episode is about just that, finding…
more -
Diabetes, Prevention, and Common Dietary Fads, w/ Dr. Arti Thangudu.
Today you will hear from Endocrinologist and Diabetes specialist Dr. Arti Thangudu. Listen in as we discuss diabetes and treatments, as well preventative lifestyle methods. You will also hear her stance on common dietary fads, including fasting, multiple small meals, and food timing.
-
Postural Restoration and your Asymmetrical Body, w/ DPT Dan Houglum.
In this episode you will hear from Doctor of Physical Therapy Dan Houglum. Dr. Houglum works with adults and athletes of all backgrounds, helping them to decrease pain, bounce back from injury, and most importantly, move better. Dr. Houglum utilizes PRI (Postural Restoration Institute) techniques...
-
Control of your life through control of your schedule, w/ your host.
Todays episode is the last of 2020! I will be ending the first season with a solo episode discussing the importance of owning your schedule. Are you on the boat or in the waves? Identify your starting points and listen in to my step by step process for starting and following a calendar. In this...
About this show
The Lifestyle as Medicine podcast is where motivated individuals come to discover how to take control of their lives and their futures. Host Michael Ricchio interviews experts from all corners of health, wellness, fitness, sport, and psychology to bring you the information you need to change your habits, live your best life and decrease your risk of preventable diseases and injuries. You won’t only hear from the experts, you’ll also hear from you neighbors. The people who are going through the same struggles as you. Learn from those who have found a way! If you want to achieve your goals, improve your health, have more energy, be in a better mood and feel better physically, you are in the right place!
Hosted by
Lifestyle As Medicine