Episodi

  • #208 The Real Science Behind Detoxification: Liver, Kidneys, and Gut Health Explained

    #208 The Real Science Behind Detoxification: Liver, Kidneys, and Gut Health Explained
    Jan 15 2026
    Most "detox" advice focuses on cleanses and quick fixes — but real detoxification is a constant, biological process your body runs every day. In this solo episode, the host breaks down how detoxification actually works, starting with what counts as a "toxin" (including hormones and environmental chemicals) and how the body packages them for elimination. You'll learn the key roles of the liver, kidneys, and gut — and why detox can succeed in the liver but fail in the intestines, especially when certain gut bacteria produce enzymes like β-glucuronidase that can send toxins back into circulation. The episode covers major detox pathways (including glucuronidation), the importance of bile flow and regular bowel movements, and why fiber is one of the biggest levers you can pull to support elimination. It also explores how hydration, electrolyte balance, stress, and overtraining can influence detox capacity, plus the limited-but-real role sweating may play in clearing certain heavy metals. Finally, you'll get practical strategies for supporting a healthier gut microbiome and reducing toxin buildup — from diet and polyphenols to commonly discussed supplements like NAC, glycine, and taurine. Supplements & Compounds Magnesium (supplement/mineral): https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/ Zinc (supplement/mineral): https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Zinc-HealthProfessional/ Psyllium (fiber / bulk-forming laxative): https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601104.html Spirulina (supplement / "blue-green algae"): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548312/ Activated Charcoal (binder / poisoning use): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6620762/ Glycine (amino acid): https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Glycine N-Acetylcysteine (NAC): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537183/ Foods / Gut & Microbiome Mentions Fermented foods (kimchi, sauerkraut, etc.): https://health.clevelandclinic.org/5-reasons-you-should-add-more-fermented-foods-to-your-diet-infographic Kimchi (specific fermented food mentioned): https://health.clevelandclinic.org/is-kimchi-good-for-you Sourdough (food example mentioned): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sourdough Berries (food example mentioned): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Berry Wild rice (food example mentioned): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wild_rice Medications Mentioned Ibuprofen (Advil): https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682159.html Naproxen (NSAID): https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a681029.html Lifestyle / Modalities Mentioned Sauna: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/saunas-and-your-health Infrared sauna: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/infrared-sauna-benefits Red light therapy (photobiomodulation): https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22114-red-light-therapy Environmental / Exposure Topics Mentioned BPA (bisphenol A): https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/sya-bpa Phthalates: https://wwwn.cdc.gov/tsp/substances/ToxChemicalListing.aspx?toxid=41 Lead exposure: https://www.cdc.gov/lead-prevention/prevention/index.html Arsenic in rice: https://www.fda.gov/food/environmental-contaminants-food/what-you-can-do-limit-exposure-arsenic Key Mechanism/Concept Mentioned Gut microbial β-glucuronidase (and "glucuronidation" talk): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9717552/ Show Notes 00:00 Introduction to Detoxification 02:00 Understanding Toxins and Hormones 05:36 Common Environmental Toxins 07:10 The Detoxification Process 10:52 Gut Health and Detoxification 20:07 Sweating and Detoxification 23:35 Supplements for Detoxification 29:31 Conclusion and Final Tips The Hart2Heart podcast is hosted by family physician Dr. Michael Hart, who is dedicated to cutting through the noise and uncovering the most effective strategies for optimizing health, longevity, and peak performance. This podcast dives deep into evidence-based approaches to hormone balance, peptides, sleep optimization, nutrition, psychedelics, supplements, exercise protocols, leveraging sunlight, and de-prescribing pharmaceuticals — using medications only when absolutely necessary. Beyond health science, we explore the intersection of public health and politics, exposing how policy decisions shape our health landscape and what actionable steps people can take to reclaim control over their well-being. Guests range from out-of-the-box thinking physicians such as Dr. Casey Means (author of "Good Energy") and Dr. Roger Sehult (Medcram lectures) to public health experts such as Dr. Jay Bhattacharya (Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Dr. Marty Mckary (Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and high-profile names such as Zuby and Mark Sisson (Primal Blueprint and Primal Kitchen). If you're ready to take control of your health and performance, this podcast is for you.We cut through the jargon and deliver practical, no-BS advice that you can implement in your daily life, empowering you to make ...
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    30 min
  • #207 Mastering Hydration: The Essential Guide to Water, Electrolytes, and Optimal Performance

    #207 Mastering Hydration: The Essential Guide to Water, Electrolytes, and Optimal Performance
    Jan 8 2026
    What if your "healthy" water intake is still quietly hurting your performance? In this solo episode, Dr. Mike breaks down hydration from a performance-first perspective — how dehydration affects cognition and physical output, why "8 glasses a day" is an oversimplified myth, and how to personalize your intake based on body size, activity level, diet, environment, and medications. He walks through practical guidelines (including 30–35 ml/kg/day), how to use urine + thirst cues without overcomplicating it, and why timing matters (especially around workouts, sauna use, and sleep). A major focus of this episode is electrolytes — what they do, how sweat changes your needs, and why sodium is often the key limiter for athletes, sauna users, and people eating low-carb/keto. Dr. Mike also covers potassium and magnesium, caffeine and hydration, the risks of overhydration, and the classic warning signs of hyponatremia. This is a comprehensive, no-BS guide to staying hydrated, replenishing electrolytes correctly, and improving energy, performance, and sleep. Resources: Electrolyte & Hydration Products LMNT Official Home Page: https://drinklmnt.com/ LMNT Recharge Electrolyte Drink Mix: https://drinklmnt.com/products/lmnt-recharge-electrolyte-drink LMNT Variety Pack: https://drinklmnt.com/products/lmnt-recharge-variety-pack DIY Homemade Electrolyte Drink (LMNT Science): https://science.drinklmnt.com/electrolytes/best-homemade-electrolyte-drink-for-dehydration Gatorade Electrolyte Powder for Hydration (Official): https://www.gatorade.com/powders Medical / Health Conditions & Guidance Hyponatremia — Symptoms & Causes (Mayo Clinic): https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyponatremia/symptoms-causes/syc-20373711 Hyponatremia — Diagnosis & Treatment (Mayo Clinic): https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyponatremia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20373715 Lab Tests Magnesium, RBC (Labcorp): https://www.labcorp.com/tests/080283/magnesium-rbc Mineral / Supplement References Magnesium — Fact Sheet for Health Professionals (NIH ODS): https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Magnesium-HealthProfessional/ Potassium — Fact Sheet for Health Professionals (NIH ODS): https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Potassium-HealthProfessional/ Dietary Supplements for Exercise and Athletic Performance — Fact Sheet for Health Professionals (NIH ODS): https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/ExerciseAndAthleticPerformance-HealthProfessional/ People / Sources Mentioned Robb Wolf (LMNT Science author page): https://science.drinklmnt.com/authors/robb-wolf Robb Wolf (official site): https://robbwolf.com/ Huberman Lab (official site): https://www.hubermanlab.com Show Notes 00:00 Welcome Back to the Hart2Heart Podcast! 00:55 The Importance of Hydration 01:46 Daily Water Intake Guidelines 04:16 Sweat and Electrolyte Loss 06:56 Sodium: The Key Electrolyte 12:22 Potassium: Essential for Muscle and Heart Health 15:20 Magnesium: The Multi-Functional Mineral 20:08 Other Important Nutrients 22:33 Hydration Strategies and Special Populations 26:37 Final Tips and Conclusion The Hart2Heart podcast is hosted by family physician Dr. Michael Hart, who is dedicated to cutting through the noise and uncovering the most effective strategies for optimizing health, longevity, and peak performance. This podcast dives deep into evidence-based approaches to hormone balance, peptides, sleep optimization, nutrition, psychedelics, supplements, exercise protocols, leveraging sunlight, and de-prescribing pharmaceuticals — using medications only when absolutely necessary. Beyond health science, we explore the intersection of public health and politics, exposing how policy decisions shape our health landscape and what actionable steps people can take to reclaim control over their well-being. Guests range from out-of-the-box thinking physicians such as Dr. Casey Means (author of "Good Energy") and Dr. Roger Sehult (Medcram lectures) to public health experts such as Dr. Jay Bhattacharya (Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Dr. Marty Mckary (Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and high-profile names such as Zuby and Mark Sisson (Primal Blueprint and Primal Kitchen). If you're ready to take control of your health and performance, this podcast is for you.We cut through the jargon and deliver practical, no-BS advice that you can implement in your daily life, empowering you to make positive changes for your well-being. Connect with Dr. Mike Hart Instagram: @drmikehart Twitter: @drmikehart Facebook: @drmikehart
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    31 min
  • #206 How to Fix High Blood Pressure (Without Guessing)

    #206 How to Fix High Blood Pressure (Without Guessing)
    Jan 2 2026
    In this solo episode, Dr. Mike breaks down everything you need to know about blood pressure, why it's so commonly misunderstood, how to measure it correctly, and what optimal numbers really look like. He explains why 120/80 isn't ideal for everyone, why blood pressure variability can be more dangerous than steady high readings, and how sleep, stress, and undiagnosed sleep apnea quietly drive hypertension. The episode walks through a clear, practical framework for managing blood pressure using lifestyle interventions first, followed by supplements, and medications only when necessary. Dr. Mike covers exercise, weight loss, sodium and potassium balance, magnesium, breathing techniques, sauna use, sleep optimization, and evidence-based supplements like olive leaf extract, beetroot, citrulline, and nattokinase. He also explains when medication is appropriate, why ARBs are often preferred, and which drugs can interfere with exercise performance. This is a comprehensive, no-BS guide to protecting your heart, brain, kidneys, and long-term health. Blood Pressure & Monitoring Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitoring (ABPM): https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings/ambulatory-blood-pressure-monitoring How to Measure Blood Pressure Correctly at Home: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/understanding-blood-pressure-readings/monitoring-your-blood-pressure-at-home Sleep Apnea & Blood Pressure Sleep Apnea and High Blood Pressure (AHA): https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/why-high-blood-pressure-is-a-silent-killer/sleep-apnea-and-high-blood-pressure Sleep Apnea Testing Overview: https://sleepeducation.org/patients/sleep-apnea/ Supplements Discussed Olive Leaf Extract (NIH): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5452224/ Magnesium and Blood Pressure (NIH): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5452224/ Beetroot, Nitric Oxide, and Blood Pressure: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6723444/ L-Citrulline and Blood Pressure: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5368575/ Nattokinase and Cardiovascular Health: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6043915/ Medications (General Reference) Angiotensin Receptor Blockers (ARBs): https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459131/ Calcium Channel Blockers: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482473/ Thiazide Diuretics: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470415/ Show Notes 00:00 Welcome to the Hart2Heart Podcast. 02:15 Why 120/80 isn't optimal for everyone 04:15 What actually causes blood pressure to fluctuate 06:40 Why BP variability is more dangerous than steady high BP 07:30 How to measure blood pressure correctly at home 12:45 Nighttime BP, dippers vs non-dippers (and why it matters) 14:00 Sleep apnea: the hidden driver of hypertension 18:30 The lifestyle changes that lower BP the most 21:00 Electrolytes, magnesium, and nervous system control 26:00 Supplements that actually move the needle 31:25 When medication becomes necessary (and when it doesn't) 36:20 The long-term blood pressure strategy most people miss The Hart2Heart podcast is hosted by family physician Dr. Michael Hart, who is dedicated to cutting through the noise and uncovering the most effective strategies for optimizing health, longevity, and peak performance. This podcast dives deep into evidence-based approaches to hormone balance, peptides, sleep optimization, nutrition, psychedelics, supplements, exercise protocols, leveraging sunlight, and de-prescribing pharmaceuticals — using medications only when absolutely necessary. Beyond health science, we explore the intersection of public health and politics, exposing how policy decisions shape our health landscape and what actionable steps people can take to reclaim control over their well-being. Guests range from out-of-the-box physicians and researchers to public health experts and high-profile thinkers focused on real solutions. If you're ready to take control of your health and performance, this podcast is for you. Connect with Dr. Mike Hart Instagram: @drmikehart Twitter: @drmikehart Facebook: @drmikehart
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    37 min
  • #205 Stop Nighttime Peeing

    #205 Stop Nighttime Peeing
    Dec 25 2025

    In this solo episode, Dr. Mike discusses the common issue of nocturia, where individuals frequently wake up at night to urinate, which disrupts sleep. The episode covers the root causes including sleep apnea, enlarged prostate, and overactive bladder, and dives into the roles of antidiuretic hormone (ADH) and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP). It provides a comprehensive guide on addressing nocturia through behavioral modifications such as fluid restriction and sleep hygiene, supplements like pumpkin seed extract and beta-sitosterol, and pharmaceuticals including Desmopressin and alpha-blockers. The host also touches on treating sleep apnea with CPAP machines and mandibular advancement devices, emphasizing the importance of targeting the root cause for effective treatment.

    Links:

    CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) Beta-Sitosterol Desmopressin (Synthetic ADH)

    Show Notes:

    00:00 Understanding nocturia and its connection to sleep apnea

    01:00 Introduction and episode overview

    02:00 Defining nocturia and its impact on sleep

    03:00 Types of nocturia and their causes

    04:30 The role of hormones in nocturia

    05:30 Sleep apnea and its effects on nocturia

    15:30 Behavioral modifications to reduce nocturia

    24:00 Supplements for managing nocturia

    30:00 Pharmaceutical solutions for nocturia

    —

    The Hart2Heart podcast is hosted by family physician Dr. Michael Hart, who is dedicated to

    cutting through the noise and uncovering the most effective strategies for optimizing health,

    longevity, and peak performance. This podcast dives deep into evidence-based approaches to

    hormone balance, peptides, sleep optimization, nutrition, psychedelics, supplements, exercise

    protocols, leveraging sunlight light, and de-prescribing pharmaceuticals—using medications only when absolutely necessary.

    Beyond health science, we tackle the intersection of public health and politics, exposing how

    policy decisions shape our health landscape and what actionable steps people can take to reclaim control over their well-being.

    Guests range from out-of-the-box thinking physicians such as Dr. Casey Means (author of "Good Energy") and Dr. Roger Sehult (Medcram lectures) to public health experts such as Dr. Jay Bhattacharya (Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Dr. Marty Mckary

    (Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and high-profile names such as

    Zuby and Mark Sisson (Primal Blueprint and Primal Kitchen).

    If you're ready to take control of your health and performance, this is the podcast for you. We cut through the jargon and deliver practical, no-BS advice that you can implement in your daily life, empowering you to make positive changes for your well-being.

    Connect on social with Dr. Mike Hart:

    • Instagram: @drmikehart

    • Twitter: @drmikehart

    • Facebook: @drmikehart
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    41 min
  • #204 Resetting Dopamine for Monogamy

    #204 Resetting Dopamine for Monogamy
    Dec 11 2025

    In this solo episode, Dr. Mike delves into the complex relationship between dopamine, romantic relationships, and the Coolidge Effect. The discussion highlights why men often feel the need for a new partner due to a desensitization of dopamine and how our overstimulated lifestyles contribute to this issue. The host explores the impact of modern habits on dopamine levels, the importance of boredom for resetting dopamine sensitivity, and the role of anticipation in maintaining desire. Practical solutions like dopamine resets, engaging in effort-based activities, and ensuring personal growth and solitude are discussed as ways to improve both individual well-being and relationship satisfaction.

    Links:

    The Dopamine Collapse Hypothesis: Foundations of Macro-Neuroeconomics

    Show Notes:

    00:00 Welcome back to the Hart2Heart Podcast with Dr. Mike Hart

    01:30 Understanding the dopamine cycle 03:30 Daily habits and dopamine desensitization 09:00 The Coolidge effect and relationship dynamics 15:00 Dopamine resets and effort-based activities 22:00 Reviving desire in long-term relationships

    28:38 "Our nervous system never gets any time to recover—and that kills desire."

    —

    The Hart2Heart podcast is hosted by family physician Dr. Michael Hart, who is dedicated to

    cutting through the noise and uncovering the most effective strategies for optimizing health,

    longevity, and peak performance. This podcast dives deep into evidence-based approaches to

    hormone balance, peptides, sleep optimization, nutrition, psychedelics, supplements, exercise

    protocols, leveraging sunlight light, and de-prescribing pharmaceuticals—using medications only when absolutely necessary.

    Beyond health science, we tackle the intersection of public health and politics, exposing how

    policy decisions shape our health landscape and what actionable steps people can take to reclaim control over their well-being.

    Guests range from out-of-the-box thinking physicians such as Dr. Casey Means (author of "Good Energy") and Dr. Roger Sehult (Medcram lectures) to public health experts such as Dr. Jay Bhattacharya (Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Dr. Marty Mckary

    (Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and high-profile names such as

    Zuby and Mark Sisson (Primal Blueprint and Primal Kitchen).

    If you're ready to take control of your health and performance, this is the podcast for you. We cut through the jargon and deliver practical, no-BS advice that you can implement in your daily life, empowering you to make positive changes for your well-being.

    Connect on social with Dr. Mike Hart:

    • Instagram: @drmikehart

    • Twitter: @drmikehart

    • Facebook: @drmikehart
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    29 min
  • #203 Rethinking 10k Steps

    #203 Rethinking 10k Steps
    Dec 4 2025

    In this episode, Dr. Mike Hart delves into the origins and contemporary relevance of the 10,000 steps rule. He discusses the latest research outcomes from a massive meta-analysis comparing daily step counts from 2,000 to 12,000 steps and their associated health benefits. Listeners will learn about the significant reductions in mortality, cardiovascular disease, cancer mortality, dementia, depression, and type 2 diabetes risk achieved by increasing daily steps. The episode also provides insights into the importance of breaking up sedentary periods, the physiological differences between various forms of steps, and practical tips for incorporating more steps into daily routines, even for office workers.

    Links:

    Massive Steps Meta-analysis

    Show Notes:

    (00:00) Welcome back to the Hart2Heart Podcast with Dr. Mike Hart

    (01:30) Origins of the 10,000 steps rule (03:00) Latest research on step counts

    (06:34) "Each 1,000 steps lowers your chance of depression by about 9%."

    (08:00) Steps vs. exercise: understanding the difference (21:30) Practical tips for increasing daily steps

    —

    The Hart2Heart podcast is hosted by family physician Dr. Michael Hart, who is dedicated to

    cutting through the noise and uncovering the most effective strategies for optimizing health,

    longevity, and peak performance. This podcast dives deep into evidence-based approaches to

    hormone balance, peptides, sleep optimization, nutrition, psychedelics, supplements, exercise

    protocols, leveraging sunlight light, and de-prescribing pharmaceuticals—using medications only when absolutely necessary.

    Beyond health science, we tackle the intersection of public health and politics, exposing how

    policy decisions shape our health landscape and what actionable steps people can take to reclaim control over their well-being.

    Guests range from out-of-the-box thinking physicians such as Dr. Casey Means (author of "Good Energy") and Dr. Roger Sehult (Medcram lectures) to public health experts such as Dr. Jay Bhattacharya (Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Dr. Marty Mckary

    (Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and high-profile names such as

    Zuby and Mark Sisson (Primal Blueprint and Primal Kitchen).

    If you're ready to take control of your health and performance, this is the podcast for you. We cut through the jargon and deliver practical, no-BS advice that you can implement in your daily life, empowering you to make positive changes for your well-being.

    Connect on social with Dr. Mike Hart:

    • Instagram: @drmikehart

    • Twitter: @drmikehart

    • Facebook: @drmikehart
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    26 min
  • #202 Better Alternatives To Metformin

    #202 Better Alternatives To Metformin
    Nov 28 2025

    In this solo episode, the host discusses the effects of metformin, berberine, and dihydroberberine on exercise adaptation and longevity. While metformin is known for its longevity benefits and is popular in the biohacking community, it has been shown to significantly reduce exercise adaptations and VO2 max gains. Berberine, a supplement with similar effects to metformin, is easier to obtain but still has some negative effects on exercise and significant GI side effects. The episode introduces dihydroberberine (DHB), a compound with fewer GI issues and less impact on exercise adaptation, making it more suitable for athletes. The host explains the mechanisms behind these compounds, including their effects on AMPK and mTOR pathways, and offers practical advice on when to take DHB in relation to different types of exercise to maximize benefits and minimize drawbacks.

    Links:

    Harvard longevity researcher known for NAD+ & aging research.

    Diabetes drug often discussed for longevity.
    Energy-sensing enzyme that promotes catabolic (fat-burning) pathways.

    Show Notes:

    00:00 Welcome back to the Hart2Heart Podcast with Dr. Mike Hart

    00:14 "Metformin may blunt up to 50% of your VO₂ max gains — that's a massive hit for any athlete."

    00:30 Metformin: the popular longevity drug

    01:00 Berberine: the over-the-counter alternative

    02:30 Understanding AMPK and mTOR

    04:30 Metformin's mechanism and drawbacks

    06:00 Berberine's mechanism and side effects

    07:30 Dihydro berberine: the superior choice

    10:30 DHB and exercise: timing and benefits

    18:00 Comparing Metformin, berberine, and DHB



    —

    The Hart2Heart podcast is hosted by family physician Dr. Michael Hart, who is dedicated to

    cutting through the noise and uncovering the most effective strategies for optimizing health,

    longevity, and peak performance. This podcast dives deep into evidence-based approaches to

    hormone balance, peptides, sleep optimization, nutrition, psychedelics, supplements, exercise

    protocols, leveraging sunlight light, and de-prescribing pharmaceuticals—using medications only when absolutely necessary.

    Beyond health science, we tackle the intersection of public health and politics, exposing how

    policy decisions shape our health landscape and what actionable steps people can take to reclaim control over their well-being.

    Guests range from out-of-the-box thinking physicians such as Dr. Casey Means (author of "Good Energy") and Dr. Roger Sehult (Medcram lectures) to public health experts such as Dr. Jay Bhattacharya (Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Dr. Marty Mckary

    (Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and high-profile names such as

    Zuby and Mark Sisson (Primal Blueprint and Primal Kitchen).

    If you're ready to take control of your health and performance, this is the podcast for you. We cut through the jargon and deliver practical, no-BS advice that you can implement in your daily life, empowering you to make positive changes for your well-being.

    Connect on social with Dr. Mike Hart:

    • Instagram: @drmikehart

    • Twitter: @drmikehart

    • Facebook: @drmikehart
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    22 min
  • #201 Building True Mental Toughness with Tony Ricci

    #201 Building True Mental Toughness with Tony Ricci
    Nov 20 2025
    In this episode of the Heart to Heart podcast, Dr. Mike Hart chats with Tony Ricci, an athletic performance and mental health coach for athletes. Tony shares his fascinating journey from studying exercise physiology to working with elite athletes like MMA fighter Chris Weidman. They discuss the critical impact of mental resilience on athletic performance, practical strategies for mental and physical training, and bridging the gap between nutrition, conditioning, and mental skills training. Additionally, the conversation touches on the role of technology like HRV and sleep tracking in athlete performance, effective supplement strategies, and the nuanced benefits of practices like cold plunges and saunas. Tony also reflects on adjustments he has made in his training approach over the years to avoid overtraining fighters. Tony Ricci is a veteran performance coach and sport scientist specializing in the intersection of strength training, nutrition, and mental performance for combat athletes. With a background spanning exercise physiology, sports science, and nutrition—as well as decades of hands-on coaching—Tony has trained world-class fighters and helped shape modern approaches to MMA preparation. Connect with Tony on Instagram at sportpsy_sci_doc or at tony@fightshape.net Links: Chris Weidman Creatine for Neuroprotection & Brain Health Beetroot/Nitrate Supplementation for endurance Zone 2 Training & Mitochondrial Biogenesis Show Notes: 00:00 Welcome back to the Hart2Heart podcast with Dr. Mike Hart 00:30 Tony Ricci's background in athletic performance 02:00 The importance of mental performance in sports 04:30 Strategies for mental resilience in athletes 09:00 Psychological resilience and childhood experiences 13:02 "Yes, you can still build mental toughness without trauma. Many champions had good parents, good support, and still developed world-class grit." 14:30 Discipline: self-trained vs. innate 18:00 Using technology to monitor athlete performance 31:30 Handling poor sleep before a big fight 33:30 The role of caffeine in training camps 35:30 Creatine usage and dosage 37:30 Recommended supplements for athletes 39:30 Beta-alanine and its benefits 43:30 Exploring other supplements: beetroot, HMB, and Alpha GPC 48:00 Exogenous ketones and ketogenic diets 54:00 The benefits of cold plunges and saunas 58:00 Evolving training methods for fighters 01:00:30 Optimizing cardio training for fighters — The Hart2Heart podcast is hosted by family physician Dr. Michael Hart, who is dedicated to cutting through the noise and uncovering the most effective strategies for optimizing health, longevity, and peak performance. This podcast dives deep into evidence-based approaches to hormone balance, peptides, sleep optimization, nutrition, psychedelics, supplements, exercise protocols, leveraging sunlight light, and de-prescribing pharmaceuticals—using medications only when absolutely necessary. Beyond health science, we tackle the intersection of public health and politics, exposing how Policy decisions shape our health landscape and what actionable steps people can take to reclaim control over their well-being. Guests range from out-of-the-box thinking physicians such as Dr. Casey Means (author of "Good Energy") and Dr. Roger Sehult (Medcram lectures) to public health experts such as Dr. Jay Bhattacharya (Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Dr. Marty Mckary (Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and high-profile names such as Zuby and Mark Sisson (Primal Blueprint and Primal Kitchen). If you're ready to take control of your health and performance, this is the podcast for you. We cut through the jargon and deliver practical, no-BS advice that you can implement in your daily life, empowering you to make positive changes for your well-being. Connect on social with Dr. Mike Hart: Instagram: @drmikehart Twitter: @drmikehart Facebook: @drmikehart
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    1 ora e 8 min