Food For Thought

In Episode #77 of the OFM podcast, Peter Defty welcomes Dr. Amy Bukszpan, a behavioral analyst and endurance coach, to explore how applied behavioral science can empower athletes to take control of their nutrition, performance, and daily decisions. From breaking carb addictions to reframing failure, they dive into how modifying environmental variables and cultivating curiosity over fear can dramatically improve outcomes both in and outside of competitions. This conversation bridges cutting-edge metabolic performance with real-world psychology for anyone ready to take their performance—and life—to the next level.

OFM Podcast Host, Peter Defty sits down with Dr. Johnathan Edwards MD for an in depth and candid conversation on the underlying reality of sports nutrition. With the current hype surrounding high carbohydrate diets and fueling regimens which are dominating the conversation in sports nutrition this is a conversation every athlete needs to listen to inform their journey so they can achieve “Higher Health & Peak Performance”. Watch the video: Watch the video  

Colin’s powerful transformation from an unhealthy lifestyle to becoming an elite age-group triathlete (all while balancing a demanding career, coaching, and family) underscore the importance of performance level metabolic health.  OFM confers metabolic efficiency by building metabolic capacity. Combined with strategic carbohydrate fueling, Colin has unlocked winning performance without compromising health and longevity.  His journey proves that endurance success isn’t predicated upon high-carb fueling—it's about optimizing fat metabolism to establish a robust metabolic foundation then building upon it with strategic nutrition choices. Whether you're a competitive athlete or simply looking to improve your performance, Colin's insights provide a game-changing perspective on fueling for performance and lifelong health.  

Main Themes Holistic Health and Performance Host, Peter Defty and Guest, Phil Maffetone discuss developing a holistic approach to health and fitness. The impact of refined carbohydrates on body fat, athletic performance, and overall health. Challenging Conventional Wisdom Examining the myths of high-carb fueling and calorie-based diets. The negative consequences of corporate influence on health and sports nutrition. Individualized Health Metrics Importance of understanding "N=1" (individual data points) in health and training. Utilizing biomarkers like Vitamin D, fasting insulin, triglycerides, and waist-to-height ratio to assess health. Learning to tune into ‘the experience’ in conjunction to the biomarkers and metrics The Power of the Aerobic System How building a robust aerobic base enhances fat-burning, endurance, and recovery. The risks of over-reliance on sugar for athletic performance. Societal Impacts on Health and Creativity The role of modern diets in declining physical and brain health. A

Episode Summary In this episode of the OFM Podcast, Peter Defty, Tony Konvalin, and John Rutherford discuss a variety of topics related to OFM and Human Performance in the context of John’s recent EPIC accomplishment of finishing 10th overall at the Badlands 800 Kilometer gravel bike in the Andalusian Deserts of Spain. This event has taken on legendary status in just a few short years  attracting the best gravel cyclists from across the globe to challenge themselves against the terrain and elements as well as each other.  John shares his incredible experiences as an elite cyclist, Marine Corps F-18 fighter pilot, ultrarunner, IronMan Triathlete then coming back full circle to his first love of cycling culminating most recently with Badlands.  John was an early, early adopter of OFM beginning in 2010 by first using VESPA. Like so many people pursuing endurance sports John was suffering from GI issues and bonking. While VESPA made a huge difference in John’s fueling, his full adoption of OFM in the fall of 2010

Peter Defty sits down with recently retired elite ultra runner, Jenny Capel, to reflect on her 22-year journey in the sport, much of it fueled by VESPA and OFM. Jenny shares personal stories about her father, Roland Martin, an early ultra running pioneer, and how she initially found running to be "stupid" before becoming one of the sport’s top competitors.   Jenny discusses her transition from a reluctant runner to an elite athlete, and how OFM (Optimized Fat Metabolism) and Vespa played crucial roles in overcoming GI issues and achieving long-term success. She talks about the importance of balancing life as a mother, physical therapist, and competitive runner, highlighting her decision to scale back from racing to start a family all while maintaining her love for the sport. Key topics covered include:   Jenny’s Early Introduction to Ultra Running and Reluctant Start   Jenny’s father, Roland Martin, was an early ultra running pioneer, competing alongside some of the sport’s founding figures, such as Gordy

Dustin Armstrong, a Cat 1 Cyclist joins us  to share his metabolic transformation via OFM. Starting Life with underdeveloped lungs racing helped him develop his engine. However, following the conventional approach to sports nutrition Dustin became pre-diabetic and eventually developed heart disease.    He’s defied the odds through the OFM (Optimized Fat Metabolism) approach. Tune in as Dustin and Peter discuss the highs and lows of Dustin's athletic career, his unique insights into metabolic health, and how the OFM protocol has helped him achieve optimal performance and health.   Talking Points:   Introduction to Dustin Armstrong:   Born with underdeveloped lungs and faced significant health challenges from the start. Transitioned from professional BMX racing to road biking at the age of 28.   The Shift to Road Racing:   Journey from Cat 5 to Cat 1 in just one year. Initial experiences with different nutritional approaches, including raw veganism and paleo diets for athletes.   Discovering OFM and Ketogenic

Marty Smith is heading to Nice in a week to compete at the IronMan World Championships  in the 65-69 Age Group. This is not her first rodeo. Marty has participated in 4 IronMan World Championships, including last year. She has also qualified for and competed in 2 IronMan 70.3 World Championships. Her slowest full IronMan time was 14:52 in her first World Championship in 2013, over a decade ago and before discovering VESPA and the VESPA developed OFM Protocols.   Like all our stories, Marty’s road to the World Championships is so much more than all things triathlon. Marty shares her incredible journey of recovery, her transition from addiction to athleticism, and how embracing OFM and using VESPA have been game-changers for her performance and longevity in endurance sports.   Discussion Points:   Marty’s Background: Overcoming Addiction through Athleticism   Marty shares her personal story of addiction beginning with food addiction at a young age then segueing into alcohol and drug addiction in adolescence and

As I like to say, “Whether everyone knows it or not, we are all signed up for that ultra-endurance event called Life.” Kate Hubber’s OFM journey demonstrates how one can successfully navigate the complexities of modern life by being grounded in the foundational physiology OFM.    Kate originally came to us seeking to use OFM and VESPA as a means to improve her half marathon, marathon and ultramarathon running as she was starting to experience all the typical challenges most runners face of energy swings, bonking, GI issues and weight gain as she entered her thirties.    She got much more than she bargained for because within months of making the fundamental metabolic shift she fell pregnant with her first child. Prior to making the switch to OFM she had not been able to conceive.    Not only has Kate been able to successfully juggle the demands of being a mum to two young children, a husband and full-time career as an environmental engineer but continues to smash her athletic performance goal. All with aplomb

In today’s OFM Podcast Dr. Linda Frazier joins Peter Defty in a conversation on the intricacies of women's health and their long term ramifications.    While retired from a full time practice as a Pediatrician, Dr. Frazier continues to provide pediatric care for those who need it most, working a few days a month in the Sacramento Juvenile Detention Center and volunteering as a Pediatrician on mission trips to Central and South America.    As importantly Dr. Frazier has the perspective of both an athlete and health professional who has been through the journey of health and performance long before arriving at OFM. As someone who ‘gets it’ as well as understands the ramifications of the conventional approaches to diet, nutrition, and exercise, especially when it comes to female health and performance.    Dr. Frazier openly talks about her years following the conventional ‘healthy’ dietary advice of a high carbohydrate diet and how doing so resulted in being diagnosed with Celiac in 2005. The turning point was r

Episode Summary:   In this episode, Peter Defty and Jeff Browning dive into applying the science of optimizing metabolic health for athletes. The focus of the discussion is on the benefits for athletes of all levels, not just elite competitors. Through their combined experience and expertise, they explore how to enhance performance, recovery, and overall health using strategic nutritional interventions and training adaptations.   Key Takeaways:     Building Metabolic Capacity yields the Metabolic efficiency and flexibility necessary for athletes of all levels to enhance performance and recovery. Strategic fueling and hydration tailored to the individual and conditions makes a significant difference in endurance events. Recovery is as important as training, with specific dietary strategies playing a key role in minimizing inflammation and speeding up recovery. Through maximizing beta-oxidation, the fat burning state, and minimizing glycolysis OFM prevents the damaging effects of the oxidative stress and lactat

Introduction:   If you are curious about ketones or considering using them as part of your fueling/supplementation strategy you won’t want to miss this episode of the OFM Podcast where Peter Defty hosts Frank Ilosa, the president of Ketone Aid, for a deep dive into the history of ketones, development of ketone esters, their application and boatloads of practical advice for improving your metabolic health. Listen closely as we cut through the hype on ketones because there is a ton of information you can use to leverage both your endogenous and exogenous use of ketones for that performance and health edge.   Key Topics Discussed:   1. Introduction to Ketones and Ketone Aid:  Frank Ilosa shares his background and how he got involved in the ketone industry. The origin story of Ketone Aid and its connection to pioneering metabolic researcher, Dr. Richard Veech, and his body of work at the NIH.   2.  Understanding Ketone Esters: Explanation of what ketone esters are and how they differ from other products being ma

Ultra endurance legend Kurt Madden, joins us on the podcast to share his experience and wisdom. His inspiring journey begins from a health-challenged childhood and leads to becoming a multiple Ultraman World Champion. Kurt shares insights into his training philosophies and remarkable career trajectory which has groomed him for his role as a mentor and leader in the endurance coaching sphere. This includes what he has learned about metabolic health through working with the OFM Team.    Episode Summary:   Introduction of Kurt Madden: As an athlete Kurt is an ultra-endurance legend who has participated in the IronMan since its inception, run 100 Mile Ultras and has Ultraman twice.  In his professional career Kurt worked his way up in education; teacher, vice principal, principal, superintendent. This groomed Kurt for his present position with TriDot as their lead Coach and Mentor. Kurt’s Endurance Background: Kurt shares his early health challenges, including a critical heart condition, diagnosed in childhood, a

Today we have an inspiring conversation with Andrea Moore, who shares her transformative journey from overcoming childhood challenges to becoming a successful corporate banker then tossing the corporate finance to the wind to conquer an even bigger challenge by running 5 ultramarathons, each with a distance of over two hundred miles. Andrea's story is not just about sports; it's about overcoming personal hardships, redefining life goals, and pushing the boundaries of what's physically and mentally possible to get healthier and stronger in every way.    About Andrea Moore:   Andrea shares a glimpse into her personal life, including the challenges and triumphs of being a mother to three children and the support she receives from her dedicated crew and pacers during races. Andrea’s upbringing forged her into an achiever. Her career track evolved to her becoming a high-achieving private banker for JP Morgan Chase. Yet the traditional life of marriage, kids, and a career conquering the challenges of corporate fina

In this episode of the OFM Podcast, Host, Peter Defty, sits down with Tito Garza to share Tito’s journey of implementing OFM for high-intensity cyclocross racing.    From his humble roots in Texas, battling through personal challenges and, through overcoming these challenges, becoming a restaurant entrepreneur Garza's story is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the transformative power of metabolic health.   **Key Points Discussed:**   Introduction to Tito Garza: Tito bares it all, from his roots growing up in Texas, how his parents struggled with alcohol, to his own struggles and how he overcame them. Working a low paying job as a trainer in a gym and borrowing $70 from his girlfriend (who eventually became his wife) to start selling Mexican Food and on to his successful ventures in the restaurant industry.  The importance of core relationships and having people who believe in you even when you have doubts about yourself.   The OFM Journey: Garza details his journey into cycling and how he started o

Elite Ultramarathoner, Jeff Browning, is most often perceived as an outlier due to his extraordinary health, fitness and ability to compete at the top of the sport at the age of 52, but the truth is, Jeff has made lifestyle choices that prioritize his health rather than follow a path most people consider as ‘normal’. Truth be told, Jeff is what normal should be. Let’s dive in.   Jeff comes from a background that many would find surprisingly ordinary. Raised in a Midwestern farming family, Jeff's history is one not of genetic exceptionalism but of conscious lifestyle choices that have steered him away from the health issues that plagued his relatives.   Here are the talking points of this interview:   Background and Family Health History   Jeff comes from a Midwestern farming family, challenging the notion that his health achievements are due to special genetics. He has a family history of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, with both parents and siblings initially struggling with weight and health is

In this enlightening episode of the OFM Podcast, host Peter Defty explores the profound connection between metabolic health and mental well-being. Joined by distinguished guest Dr. William Sauve, a psychiatrist with a unique perspective on treatment, they delve into how optimizing fat metabolism can have a transformative impact on mental health. Dr. Sauve shares his extensive experience and innovative approaches to psychiatry, offering valuable insights into the benefits of metabolic health beyond physical performance.   Podcast Show Notes:   Introduction to the concept of optimizing fat metabolism (OFM) for enhancing both physical performance and mental health. Dr. William Sauve's background in psychiatry and his unconventional approach to treatment, focusing on alternatives to medication. How Dr. Sauve became interested in the intersection of metabolic health and mental health, inspired by personal experiences and professional observations. The simple fact that most antidepressant drugs only ‘work’ roughly

In this long format podcast episode with Jeff Browning, we'll explore how Jeff stumbled upon this game-changing approach, the trials and triumphs of his journey, and how OFM can not only enhance athletic performance but also impact our overall health and wellbeing. His experiences prior to adopting OFM are typical  Jeff, also known as "Bronco Billy," is not just an ultra-endurance athlete; he's a early adopter of the OFM protocol, which has transformed the way athletes fuel their bodies and minds for extreme endurance events. From considering quitting competitive ultrarunning due to energy swings and GI issues, to, upon making the change, winning races and continuing to run and win/podium at the elite level a decade later including premiere races like the Hardrock 100 and the Western States 100 even as Jeff enters into his fifties.   Episode Highlights: Jeff’s Journey from traditional high carb (60-75 gels in a 100 Miler) to OFM Jeff's Training and Upcoming Races - Jeff talks about his current training regime

Introduction: In today's podcast with Peter Mortimer, we not only discuss athletic endeavors, we  deep dive into the lifestyle that enables peak performance both in sports and in life. Peter exemplifies the concept of living life to its fullest potential.  He discusses his career in the medical device industry, highlighting the unique challenges and the dynamic nature of his work schedule. In addition he discusses his very busy athletic schedule and how his metabolic capacity enables him to do both at a high level. Episode Highlights: Balancing Work, Family, and Ultra-Running Peter delves into how his metabolic health and robustness aids in managing a hectic work schedule, family life, and demanding training for ultra marathons. Insights into his family life and the mutually supportive relationship he nurtures with his partner, Cisca. Race Highlights and Strategies Recounting his 2023 victories and experiences in races such as Mongollon Monster 100, Man Against Horse 50, and his second overall at the 2

In today's podcast, we delve into the real-world application of the OFM metabolic health principles. Our special guest, Tim McConnell, fondly known as "Mr. No Excuses," shares his inspiring journey from an extremely challenging health situation. Tim began his journey weighing over 300 pounds and a hip replacement due to a bad fall. Over the past 3 years he has gone from being another overweight American health statistic to an outlier;  65, active and without being on prescription medications. Tim actually represents what ‘normal’ health should be!  The three most important ‘no excuses’ takeaways are: He has accomplished this transformation through self-empowerment  He sought and found the appropriate information, protocols and products to focus on and transform his underlying metabolism. He transformed his health on an extremely limited budget. Show Notes: Tim McConnell's Background: 65 years old, fit and on zero prescription medications. Nicknamed "Mr. No Excuses" for overcoming a plethora of obstacles. . .