Best Michael Kummer Podcasts (2025)

1
100: Why Vegan Diets Kill 7.3 B Critters 11:05

Play Pause

1d ago11:05

11:05

When most people think about saving the planet, they picture cutting back on meat and eating more plants. But what if the story we’ve been told about how plant-based diets equate to sustainability is missing half the truth (and hiding a massive environmental cost)? In this episode of the Primal Shift Podcast, I pull back the curtain on the industri…

1
99: Plants vs Animals: Why Meat Beats Plants for Nutrition 12:11

14d ago12:11

12:11

For most of human history, survival depended on eating the foods that gave us the most nutrients with the least effort. That usually meant animals, which are dense in protein, fat, and bioavailable vitamins and minerals. But in recent years, we’ve been told that plants are the true superfoods. Raw kale in your smoothie? Spinach salads every day? Th…

1
98: This Is SPIKING Your Blood Sugar | Levels App + Dexcom G7 Findings 25:04

21d ago25:04

25:04

It’s easy to assume that food affects everyone the same way. But when my wife Kathy and I wore continuous glucose monitors for two weeks, we learned just how different our responses actually are. For example, a bowl of curry or a few slices of sourdough bread would send her blood sugar soaring while barely impacting mine, and vice versa. We weren’t…

1
97: Are You Biohacking or Just Bullsh-tting? 10:49

28d ago10:49

10:49

Biohacking wasn’t always about gadgets. It used to be about building a better lifestyle by fixing root causes with movement, light, food and sleep. But somewhere along the way, optimization gave way to outsourcing. Today, it’s easy to mistake a tech solution for progress when it’s really just a more expensive version of the same mistake: treating s…

1
96: Is Sourdough Bread Actually Healthy? 13:05

1M ago13:05

13:05

Have you noticed how everyone seems obsessed with sourdough bread lately? Well, my wife and I have been experimenting with sourdough baking for a couple of years now, and in this episode, I'm breaking down the real story behind sourdough. Is it truly healthier, or is that just hype? I'll walk you through why sourdough might digest easier, how it im…

1
95: My “Pre-Workout” Routine (That’s Actually Just My Daily Routine) 17:29

2M ago17:29

17:29

In this episode, I break down exactly what I do before a CrossFit workout. No powders, no hype—just the simple stuff that works. Hydration, black coffee, a walk with the dog, some sunlight, and a cold plunge to boost performance and focus. This is the exact routine I follow to feel ready—physically and mentally—before I step into the box. Learn m…

1
94: Stop Wasting Your Money on These 9 Biohack Devices! 12:30

2M ago12:30

12:30

I’ve reviewed a ton of health and wellness gear over the years — some of it genuinely helpful, and some of it so absurd that I don’t know whether to laugh or cry. So in this episode, I’m doing something a little different: I’m walking you through the most useless health gadgets I’ve come across lately. Not just things I wouldn’t recommend, but thin…

1
93: Does Cold Plunging Make You Die Sooner? 10:36

2M ago10:36

10:36

Someone recently told me about a Mayo Clinic researcher who claimed that cold plunging triggers the same chemical response in the body as dying — and that, basically, you die a little every time you do it. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Apparently, cold plunging is now a near-death experience, and there’s “no credible evidence” it offers an…

1
92: Healthy Living Hacks That Save You Money Daily 22:52

2M ago22:52

22:52

Living healthy doesn’t have to mean going broke. Yes, pasture-raised eggs, non-toxic furniture, and sauna setups can get ridiculously expensive — but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise your health just because you’re on a budget. In this episode, I walk through a number of practical swaps and cost-saving strategies you can leverage to live he…

1
91: How to Know If Food Is Good for You! 11:25

3M ago11:25

11:25

With so many conflicting studies and experts shouting from every corner, it’s easy to lose sight of one simple truth: your body knows best. In this episode of the Primal Shift Podcast, I’m calling out the noise around “good” vs. “bad” foods and diving straight into the powerful signals your body sends every time you eat. From unexplained breakouts …

1
90: Should You Force Kids to Eat? 15:16

3M ago15:16

15:16

It’s dinnertime. You’ve cooked up a tasty meal and the whole family gathers around the table, only for your child to declare, “I’m not hungry!” Sound familiar? In this episode of the Primal Shift Podcast, we’re taking on one of the trickiest aspects of parenting: navigating those moments when your kids refuse to eat, either out of genuine lack of h…

1
89: Should You Stop Eating Egg Whites? 6:49

3M ago6:49

6:49

In my widely-read article about how I cured my IBS symptoms, I recommended against eating eggs in the early stages of gut healing. And I got plenty of pushback for that recommendation. I understand why. Eggs are hailed as nature’s perfect superfood, have been a dietary staple for centuries, and their nutrient-packed yolks truly are nutritional powe…

1
88: Why Calorie Counting Fails Every Time 16:35

3M ago16:35

16:35

Counting calories seems logical on the surface: just burn more calories than you eat and you'll lose weight, right? But what if this seemingly straightforward advice is deeply flawed, inaccurate, and a massive waste of your time? In this episode of the Primal Shift Podcast, I’m challenging one of the most entrenched myths in the health and fitness …

1
87: 8 Beef Myths Busted: What Science Actually Says 13:33

4M ago13:33

13:33

For decades, beef has been painted as the villain on our plates, blamed for heart disease, cancer, climate change, obesity, and even poor digestion. But have you ever stopped to question if these claims are backed by solid science, or are simply myths repeated often enough that they’ve become “common knowledge?” In this eye-opening episode of the P…

1
86: The Truth About Running & Longevity | With Brad Kearns 52:43

4M ago52:43

52:43

As a former pro triathlete, Brad Kearns used to push himself to the extremes of human endurance. He competed globally, chasing medals and personal records, only to eventually confront a humbling truth: his intense cardio regimen wasn’t building him up — it was slowly breaking his body down. Overtraining left him exhausted, inflamed, and far from th…

1
85: Sleep Before Midnight: Does It Really Matter? 6:42

4M ago6:42

6:42

We like to think we can bend the rules when it comes to our sleep routine — for instance, by sleeping in after staying up late. And it’s true that sometimes that practice can leave us feeling just fine. But just because your body adapts to a late-night routine doesn’t mean it thrives on one. Sleep isn’t just about getting enough hours; it’s about g…

1
84: Why I Quit Alcohol & Started Cold Therapy - Ciaran Flanagan 41:19

4M ago41:19

41:19

For Ciaran Flanagan, quitting alcohol wasn’t about having hit rock bottom — it was about realizing just how much better life could be without it. Like a lot of people growing up in Ireland, drinking was part of the culture he grew up in. He wasn’t an alcoholic, but he found himself caught in the same cycle so many people fall into: weekend drinking…

1
83: Understanding Testosterone Production 13:15

4M ago13:15

13:15

Testosterone is the engine of vitality and the foundation of muscle growth, energy, focus and resilience. Unfortunately, modern life can make it hard to maintain optimal levels, due to factors like poor diet, chronic stress and environmental toxins that can disrupt production at every step of the process. In this episode, we break down how testoste…

1
82: Why You Can't Sleep: The Surprising Truth with Nicholas Stewart 40:19

5M ago40:19

40:19

Sleep isn’t just about rest. It regulates everything from metabolism to cognitive function, and when it’s off, the entire body suffers. Yet for something so essential, many people struggle with it daily, caught in a cycle of stress, bad habits, and rigid expectations about what “good sleep” should look like. In this episode, sleep expert Nick Stewa…

1
81: The Truth About Our Broken Health System 11:36

5M ago11:36

11:36

We’re told that our healthcare system exists to keep us healthy, but what if it was never designed for that? In this episode, we trace the roots of modern medicine and nutrition to uncover how profit-driven interests shaped the way we approach health today — and why so many people are chronically sick despite significant medical advancements. It al…

1
80: The TRUTH About Cold Therapy: Benefits, Myths & Best Practices 1:07:33

5M ago1:07:33

1:07:33

Most people go through life never realizing how good they could actually feel. And when David Maus jumped into an icy river for the first time, he had no idea he was starting a routine that would help him break free from depression, brain fog, and the daily grind that was weighing him down. Maus is now a health and wellness advocate who left a succ…

1
79: Immune Health Hacks: Vitamin C Exposed! 7:16

5M ago7:16

7:16

Is Vitamin C really the immune-boosting miracle it’s often claimed to be? In this episode of the Primal Shift podcast, we explore whether it’s overhyped and ineffective, or something you should actually consider adding to your supplement stack. While this powerful antioxidant is crucial for your body’s defenses and supports collagen production, ski…

1
78: Unlocking Peak Fitness and Resilience with Kyle Bernier 1:01:21

6M ago1:01:21

1:01:21

Kyle Bernier is no stranger to pushing limits. A former professional CrossFit athlete, decathlete and football player, he has spent years mastering the intersection of physical strength and mental grit. In this episode of the Primal Shift podcast, we dig into his journey — from his lightbulb moment discovering CrossFit to competing on the world sta…

1
77: The Truth About the Carnivore Diet: Why Nose-to-Tail Is Essential! 9:01

6M ago9:01

9:01

Is eating only steak and eggs really the optimal way to follow the carnivore diet? Or are we missing something vital by overlooking the nutrient-rich parts of the animal? In this episode of the Primal Shift Podcast, we explore what the carnivore diet gets right, where it often falls short, and how eating nose to tail can revolutionize your health. …

1
76: From Ice Baths to Ancestral Nutrition with Thomas Seager, PhD! 58:27

6M ago58:27

58:27

Cold exposure might sound unpleasant, but its benefits are hard to ignore. From boosting testosterone and improving insulin sensitivity to building resilience and enhancing physical performance, embracing the cold can be one of the simplest ways to unlock your body’s potential. In this episode of the Primal Shift, I’m joined by Dr. Thomas Seager, a…

1
75: Use this Breath technique for Better Focus, Fitness, and Calm! 9:58

6M ago9:58

9:58

The way most of us breathe — shallow and fast — can trigger stress and anxiety by activating the body’s fight-or-flight response. Over time, this leads to chronic stress, poor sleep and reduced immune function. But with intentional breathing techniques like breath retention, you can turn every breath into a tool for stress relief and better health.…

1
74: Real Food vs. Ultra-Processed: What Are You Really Eating? With Chef Barry 1:05:45

7M ago1:05:45

1:05:45

Organ meats are some of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, yet most people avoid them. Chef James Barry wants to change that. With over 20 years of culinary experience under his belt, he’s seen first-hand how real, whole foods can transform your health. The problem (at least when it comes to organs) is their stereotype for being bad-tasti…

1
73: NAD Supplements That Actually Work 7:47

7M ago7:47

7:47

Have you ever felt like you’ve tried every trick in the book to slow down the signs of aging, only to see no measurable results? That’s exactly how I felt when I began NAD supplementation. In this episode, I’ll tell you about my experience with this increasingly popular anti-aging approach, including the bold experiment that finally got my NAD leve…

1
72: How to Improve Indoor Air Quality With David Milburn of HypoAir 1:03:02

7M ago1:03:02

1:03:02

Your indoor air quality might be worse than you think, and it’s not just about dust or odors. The air in most homes can harbor hidden dangers like mold spores, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and even harmful bacteria — all of which can quietly undermine your health. Plus, modern building materials and design choices often make the problem worse…

1
71: The Goal Strategy That Helped Me Quit My 9-5 by 40 8:08

8M ago8:08

8:08

Most of us set goals, like losing weight, improving our fitness or changing our career trajectory. But how do you go from dreaming about a better future to actually creating one? In this episode, I share the step-by-step process I’ve used to transform my own goals into reality. It all starts with clearly defining what you want. There’s something po…

1
70: How This Ancient Practice Transforms Your Life | With Jeff Patterson 41:47

8M ago41:47

41:47

Imagine gaining an edge in life not by force, but by knowing when to yield. Jeff Patterson, founder of Northwest Fighting Arts and Portland Tai Chi Academy, joins me to discuss the art of yielding — an approach that uses awareness and adaptability as tools for strength. Patterson explains that yielding isn’t about giving in; it’s about harnessing e…

1
69: Is Your Dog's Diet Really Healthy? Here’s What You Need to Know 16:20

8M ago16:20

16:20

Ever wonder if you’re feeding your dog the diet nature intended? In this episode, I explain why dogs are natural-born meat eaters and challenge some widespread misconceptions about what your dog should be eating (even those your vet might be promoting). Dogs descend directly from wolves, which are obligate carnivores with physiology designed for a …

1
68: Does Depression Lead to Bad Food Choices? | Josh Noland 32:57

8M ago32:57

32:57

Can changing your diet transform your mental health? In this episode, I explore the profound connection between nutrition and emotional well-being through the inspiring journey of health advocate and author Josh Noland. Overcoming depression and physical inactivity, Noland reclaimed his life by embracing mindful eating, meditation and strength trai…

1
67: Healthier Thanksgiving Dinner Starts With This 9:46

9M ago9:46

9:46

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, many of us are gearing up to prepare the perfect holiday feast. But before you grab just any turkey from the supermarket, consider opting for a pasture-raised bird. They have better fat profiles, more nutrients, and superior flavor compared to their factory-farmed counterparts. Plus, pasture-raised turkeys …

1
66: Is Your Relationship Holding You Back from Better Health? 54:31

9M ago54:31

54:31

When you commit to improving your health — whether it’s through diet, exercise, or lifestyle changes — you often find yourself at odds with the people closest to you. For example, when I made the switch to paleo over a decade ago, it put a serious strain on my relationship with my wife. I cut out entire food groups overnight, convinced it was the b…

1
65: Why Testosterone Affects Your Drive to Do Hard Things 7:34

9M ago7:34

7:34

Have you ever noticed how on some days, powering through a tough workout or jumping into the freezing water of a cold plunge feels almost effortless, while on others, it’s as if your ability to push through discomfort has vanished? It’s not always just a matter of motivation or willpower. Low testosterone can directly impact both your physical and …

1
64: Why Meditation Is Powerful! 41:13

9M ago41:13

41:13

Many of us go through life in a state of constant distraction and stress, unable to break free from the pressure that modern living places on our mental health. Whether it’s struggling with decision fatigue, anxiety, or simply feeling overwhelmed by the constant stream of information, finding calm seems harder than ever. That’s where meditation com…

1
63: HbA1c Levels Explained: Why They May Be High Without High Blood Sugar 7:44

10M ago7:44

7:44

Are you finding that your HbA1c levels are elevated despite being on a low-carb, ketogenic, or even carnivore diet? Recently, my HbA1c test came back at 5.7 (just under the prediabetic range), and I knew something was off; after all, I’ve been following a relatively low-carb lifestyle for years, so there’s no way my blood sugar should be high enoug…

1
62: Biological Age Test Review: Epigenetics Explained Simply | Hannah Went 47:21

10M ago47:21

47:21

Did you know that your biological age can tell a different story than your chronological age? From a health perspective, it’s not just about the number of years you’ve lived, but how your body has aged at the DNA level. Understanding your biological age can reveal how lifestyle choices and environmental factors have impacted your long-term health a…

1
61: Gut Microbiome Analysis Powered by AI: Testing My Gut Health & Inflammation 12:41

10M ago12:41

12:41

Your gut is home to an entire ecosystem of microorganisms that silently shape your digestion, immune function and overall health. Most of us barely think about it, but this hidden universe inside us plays a vital role in our well-being. I recently explored my own gut microbiome using Jona, an AI-powered platform that goes far beyond typical gut tes…

1
60: Season 1 Key Lessons and Season 2 Preview 16:08

11M ago16:08

16:08

After wrapping up the first season of the Primal Shift Podcast, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the journey so far: 60 episodes packed with insights on how to bridge the gap between ancestral living and modern demands. This season has been about laying the foundation of a healthy lifestyle, covering everything from nutrition and exercise to…

1
59: Paleo, Keto, Carnivore [Navigating Dietary Changes as a Family] 35:48

11M ago35:48

35:48

Navigating a health journey can be challenging, especially when it involves significant dietary changes and their impact on family dynamics. In this episode of the Primal Shift Podcast, my wife Kathy and I open up about our transition through various diets and how it affected our lives and relationship. Our journey began when Kathy was diagnosed wi…

1
58: How I Stay Fit and Healthy with Simple Daily Habits 18:14

11M ago18:14

18:14

I used to be a major CrossFitter, spending multiple days per week in the box. But lately, I’ve been cutting back on CrossFit workouts and spending less time in the gym, instead prioritizing daily walks with the dog, manual labor around the homestead, and experimenting with innovative resistance training using X3 bands. In this episode of the Primal…

1
57: Unlocking the Secrets of Lard for Skincare with Charles Mayfield 51:41

11M ago51:41

51:41

What if I told you that lard could be the next big thing in skincare? Charles Mayfield, the founder of Farrow Skincare and a veteran in regenerative farming, says that because lard is so similar to human sebum (one of the skin’s natural oils), it can be an incredibly effective moisturizer that the skin readily absorbs, providing deep nourishment wi…

1
56: The Shocking Consequences of Outsourcing Your Food Supply 22:35

12M ago22:35

22:35

Outsourcing food production is not only foolish but downright irresponsible, considering how vital food is to our health and well-being. In this episode of the Primal Shift Podcast, I’ll explain why growing your own food — as opposed to blindly trusting faceless corporations with your nourishment — is crucial for truly healthy living. In short, man…

1
55: Overcoming Sugar Cravings | Expert Tips from Danielle Daem 55:12

12M ago55:12

55:12

Why is sugar so addictive, and how can you break free from its grasp? In this episode of the Primal Shift Podcast, we explore the complex relationship between sugar, cravings, and our overall well-being. It’s not just about diet. Emotional and psychological factors play significant roles in how we interact with food, and particularly sugar. In fact…

1
54: How Diet Impacts Your Body Odor! 19:47

12M ago19:47

19:47

In this episode I dive into the fascinating connection between diet and body odor, sharing personal anecdotes and scientific insights to help you understand how what you eat can influence how you smell. There are two main types of sweat glands: eccrine glands and apocrine glands. Eccrine glands produce a watery, odorless sweat that helps regulate b…

1
53: Understanding EMFs: Ben Salem on Radiation Risks and Mitigation Techniques 33:38

1y ago33:38

33:38

My guest for this episode is Ben Salem, a real estate developer who stumbled into the EMF mitigation business out of concern for his kids’ health. Ben shares his journey from a worried parent to the founder of WaveBlock, a company dedicated to reducing harmful radiation from everyday devices. WaveBlock is a sticker that you attach to your devices, …

1
52: Grass-Fed vs. Conventional Beef: Vitamin and Fatty Acid Comparison 20:50

1y ago20:50

20:50

Grass-fed vs. grain-fed beef – what's better? Studies show grass-fed beef is more nutritious with higher vitamins A, E, and omega-3s. Today we break down the facts, the costs, and practical alternatives if grass-fed isn't in your budget. Learn why grass-finished and regeneratively raised beef are superior and how to make the best choices for your h…

1
51: The Ultimate Time-Saving Workout | CAROL Bike and REHIT with Ulrich Dempfle 48:29

1y ago48:29

48:29

In this episode of the Primal Shift Podcast, I sit down with CAROL Bike CEO Ulrich Dempfle to discuss the science and benefits behind Reduced Exertion High-Intensity Interval Training (REHIT), a fitness modality developed to provide the most effective workout in the shortest possible amount of time. For example, the CAROL Bike gives you a full card…