Food For Thought

This week we interview the inspiring 71-year-old pharmacist and endurance athlete James Hughes, and explore the intersection of healthcare, metabolic health, and endurance sports. From discussing the shifts in pharma’s priorities to revealing the power of metabolic health in transforming athletic performance, you will enjoy these insights and real-life experiences. See how James overcame metabolic syndrome via OFM and hear his unique perspective on healthcare trends. Don't miss this engaging conversation that challenges the status quo and champions personal health empowerment!  Show Notes for the Podcast Episode: James Hughes' Background: His journey in pharmacy for almost 40 years. Traditional pharmacy day job versus compounding and formulation for endurance athletes passion. Involvement in formulating products used by Tour de France teams. Personal experience with OFM (Optimized Fat Metabolism) and how it transformed his health & performance. Discussion on Healthcare and Pharmaceutical Industry: Evolut

In this segment, we continue our discussion with Diane, an experienced athlete with a deep understanding of the impacts of diet on performance and overall health. From the joys of smelling the flowers and post-race shopping to the intricacies of achieving metabolic health, this episode has it all. Our Guest: Diane Credenda, a triathlete specializing in the 70.3 distance. Has been active in the sport since 1985. Diane is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture. She has worked in Reproductive Endocrinology alongside her husband, Paul Magirelli MD/PhD. Her expertise includes blending conventional approaches with acupuncture, eastern medicine and OFM concepts to achieve hormonal balance for successful conception for women wanting to start a family. Episode Highlights: Diane's Recent Achievement: Participated in the 70.3 World Championships in Finland. Finished 10th overall. Surprised many with her performance despite suffering a knee injury and losing 8 weeks of training. Detailed her training regimen, inc

In this podcast episode, long-time OFM Athlete, Peter Mortimer, is welcomed as a guest to share his insights . Although not a professional ultrarunner, Peter competes at a high level and has won some big races. His  ‘day job’ is a career in orthopedics for a medical device company, assisting and advising surgeons in operations for hip, knee, or shoulder replacements. His work schedule is erratic because it revolves around  being present at the actual surgeries. Like most of us Peter has a life partner, adolescent children and a couple of Basset Hounds. On top of it all he has even started coaching others in ultras.   Today’s podcast centers around Peter’s big race of the year, The 268 Mile Spine Race, which was held this past June and is billed as Britain’s toughest race. Not only does the course and distance present significant challenges to any runner but Peter had the added challenge of starting the race in a seriously jet-lagged state.    In spite of all these challenges Peter found himself finishing seco

“Our premise behind the company was trying to make athletes more efficient when they are trying to compete at a high level”- Bryce Thatcher   Introduction: This is a captivating conversation with Bryce Thatcher, Chief of Product Development of UltrAspire, on innovation and what it means to be a true innovator and why it is important for the audience. Bryce is singularly responsible for creating the original hydration products athletes take for granted today such as water bottles and hydration packs athletes take for granted.   Most of today’s “innovation” is “incremental innovation”. In Bryce’s case Bryce was not so much a ‘Disruptor’ as  he was innovating to fill a void that previously did not exist whereas Peter Defty’s work on fat adaptation for performance and health is highly disruptive to the conventional high carbohydrate approach.    Innovators are  misunderstood and even marginalized during the early stages of innovation.Steve Jobs was shown the door at the very company he founded, Apple and Walt Dis

In this episode of the OFM Podcast, we welcome Tina Hein, someone who embodies self-empowerment and self-improvement without relying on conventional credentials. T In this episode I emphasize the importance of thinking for oneself and taking ownership of one’s life despite the barrage of information and opinions available on the internet. This includes mentioning that not all experts need to be credentialed and the true source of expertise, especially in the context of one’s life, is oneself. Tina and I discuss how personal experiences and introspection can be incredibly valuable toward building expertise for one’s own life. The importance of Personal Experience: In this episode I stress the significance of acknowledging the expertise individuals have about their own lives. This includes how many great contributors to science and engineering in the past were not necessarily credentialed, but were problem solvers. Tina's Journey: Tina talks about her journey of self-discovery and how she and her husband, Jeff,

In today’s podcast, our guest, Jesse Haynes, shares his remarkable Life  journey of balancing his career as a construction project manager, husband and ultramarathon trail runner at the elite level. Jesse’s life has no shortage of daily challenges, ones which require him to access,adapt and act as part of the job. Naturally, OFM plays a key role, enabling him to stay at the top of his game in work, life and on the trail.   Most of all this podcast offers insights into how OFM can enhance your journey. Whether we realize it or not, everyone is entered in that one ultra-endurance event called Life and Jesse’s commitment to a healthy lifestyle serves as both an inspiration and example for all of us. His experiences shed light on how to overcome the daily challenges faced by those in physically and mentally demanding jobs which often lead to bad habits and breakdown of both mind and body typically seen in construction. I know because in a former life I was in the same profession and position as Jesse.    Key Poin

In this podcast, Peter interviews Dr. Cathy Buletsa, an intensivist (ICU Physician) and trauma surgeon who recently completed her first 100-mile race. This episode is a debrief of her experience during and after the race.   The discussion covers the adaptive stress, hormesis, super compensation, and the training effect from the event. The conversation also discusses moving forward and general health experiences.   Dr. Buletza explains her approach to health and fitness, emphasizing that she would not expect her patients to do something she wouldn't do herself. She literally has to “Walk the Talk”. Her endurance activities, including the 100-mile race, serve as an example of taking control of one’s health.   She shares her race experience, noting the extreme heat and challenging terrain, however despite the conditions, she successfully completed the race and was surprised by her lack of hunger throughout.   The conversation turns to the topic of aging, with both speakers challenging the notion that sharp decli

Roko Belic knows a thing or two about Happiness. He is living it and sharing it through his work as a filmmaker. His films range from “Happy” which explores this topic, to “Trust Me” which explores the digital age and its implications for our Happiness.    In this open ended conversation Roko and Peter explore the aspects that make up happiness as well as elements which rob us of it. This includes taking the abstract concepts of happiness, contentment and gratitude as well as fear and anger,, discussing the physiological implications then distilling these elements into actionable strategies using real world examples of people living happy and fulfilling lives. This includes how Roko has chosen to live his life inspired from so many people he has encountered on his journey.    The conversation dives into the human hardwiring of fear and anger and how this can be exploited in the modern world, particularly through the spread of information and disinformation to create division. This highlights the importance of

This week we are interviewing Vespa / OFM Ambassador Bree Lambert Sanders, who is a nutritionist and coach in the San Jose area. Bree who, at 54 years young, still competes at the elite level including winding up with an overall win or a place on the podium .     In this interview, Bree explains that she has always had a passion for fitness and nutrition. Her business, Live Well Finish Strong, focuses on nutrition and movement for business executives and athletes in Silicon Valley.  After several years of watching the consistent performance of fellow ultrarunners Bree made the switch from a high carbohydrate approach to using Vespa and adopting the OFM protocol. She shares her experience including how her performance, recovery and overall health/longevity have benefited in spite of being a “Woman of a certain age”. We also discuss the longevity aspects of making the switch to fat based fuel.    Bree discusses the benefits of being metabolically healthy in the podcast.   Here are some of the talking points:  

In this episode of the OFM (Optimized Fat Metabolism) podcast, host Peter Defty welcomes Tony Konvalin, an OFM ambassador and a lifelong athlete, who has excelled in different sports such as football, running, cycling and soccer.  Tony shares his journey to higher health and peak performance beginning with his experience of running in high school and college and how he was a late bloomer. Eventually he became the number two man on his team during his senior year. He also talks about running with famous athletes, such as Henry Rono, and getting lapped by the world record holder in the 10-K.  In the podcast Peter and Tony discuss the challenges and execution of staying healthy and fit as one grows older, and how OFM can help people start their journey to a healthier lifestyle.   Some of the topics discussed: The benefits of being fat-adapted, including:Improved endurance  Weight maintenance/ loss Better overall health Biggest tips for staying motivated to exercise;  getting out the door and starting the worko

Pediatrician, Marathoner and “Liver of Life” Dr. Linda Frazier and I got together for this conversation. Linda has been in practice since 1984 and continues to do fill-in work at a youth detention facility and participate in medical mission trips overseas, most recently doing Pediatric Care in an orphanage in El Salvador, Central America.  Linda is living a life fully aligned with her biology as a wife, mother, grandmother, and caretaker, and that she has a positive attitude towards life. Linda also coaches the buffalo chips youth program and recently participated in the Metabolic Reset Program before heading to Central America to do her volunteer work.. Talking Points: Linda's journey; High Carb/Low Fat and the ‘unintended consequences’ Adoption of Primal OFM Lifetime PR at the Marathon Distance at the age of 64 The importance of getting rid of stress and enjoying life while still eating good food The benefits of fat adaptation and shifting away from the traditional carbohydrate-centric mindset The science

Today's podcast guest is Jeff Browning, a professional ultra runner who is one of the top five elite mountain ultra specialists at the 100 mile plus distance. He recently ran the Moab 240s, a 240 mile plus distance and not only won  but set a course record. In this Podcast Jeff discusses: the challenges faced during the race. the importance of strategy in ultra running, including logistics, crew and pacers, sleep, and hydration and electrolyte balance. the physical effects of the race.  . his fueling and hydration strategy, how he has been able to recover quickly after races by following the OFM protocol. the benefits of the OFM approach, including feeling clear headed and having consistent energy levels. thoughts on the carnivore diet and its benefits, including improved recovery from exercise and weight loss. the negative effects of a high vegetable diet, specifically the toxic load of certain vegetables, and the importance of ruminants in the natural ecosystem. the use of fruit as a "Strategic Carb" the us

OFM: The new model of normal for the busy professional I sat down this week with Dr Cathy after her recent Ironman finish for a conversation on Metabolic Health Cathy discusses how she can comfortably complete an Ironman even though she is a busy professional,  In this podcast we talk discuss: The sad state of  what 'normal' human health has devolved to and what the model for real human health should be How health & performance are embedded into our DNA How, if your Metabolic Health is on point, something such as running a marathon is not superhuman it is simply normal  How athletes like Cathy, Jeff Browning and others are redefining the boundaries of health and longevity not simply athletic performance How emergency patients are getting younger and unhealthier and why How the medical & healthcare industries are not helping us to get healthy and what you can do about it The lie told to us about chronic disease and how you can avoid ever seeing an ICU for chronic issues This conversation will blow

In this roundtable podcast with Ultra champions Jeff Browning and Peter Mortimer we discuss how they use VESPA in their training and racing. In it you will learn: What VESPA is How using VESPA increases fat metabolism  How increasing fat metabolism dramatically reduces the reliance on external calories  How VESPA dramatically reduces the risk of the Gastrointestinal (GI) challenges so common in endurance sports Recovery: The VESPA recovery paradigm shift: Through MINIMIZING the DAMAGE from the oxidative stress and lactate load of burning too much glucose you minimize recovery time and maximize 'Training Effect' VESPA for focus, coordination and overall stability to perform in any situation VESPA for youth sports The VALUE of VESPA Click here to experience the same benefits champions like Jeff & Peter obtain from VESPA, a natural catalyst to tap into the limitless energy you have locked inside!

In this podcast/video I sit down with photographer, videographer and filmmaker  Derrick Lytle and have a conversation about OFM, Metabolic Health and science. More so, we talk about how building your metabolic capacity allows us to not only reach our potential but how it drives and supports our epic dreams. Today Derrick is embarking on one of his Epic Dreams, a traverse of Arizona on The Arizona Trail. He is on a journey of discovery and will be documenting his steps across Arizona in photography and video to be made into a video. This conversation is part of that journey and the listener/viewer for you the listener to help you understand your journey to Higher Health & Peak Performance. 

A few days before the iconic Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run I had the opportunity to record a round table discussion on all things OFM with elite mountain ultrarunners, Jeff Browning, Peter Mortimer.  This includes metabolic test data that confirms their success is based upon a fat fueled physiology! Despite Jeff entering his 50's and Peter his 40's  they WIN races. Jeff recently won and set the course record for the Scout Mountain 100 Mile while Peter won the HURT 100 earlier this year. As you will learn in this video one of the main reasons for their success is OFM. As Jeff and Peter share their personal  journeys  to optimal fat metabolism yours truly provides the context and scientific basis to give you "The Why" to understand how OFM is the pathway to attaining the higher health and peak performance athletes like Jeff, Peter and so many others enjoy!

On April 14, 2021 Dr. Lori Gerber DO interviewed VESPA GM & OFM Pioneer on the optimizing fat metabolism and VESPA and their implications for health, performance and longevity.  Dr. Lori has a successful practice as a functional medicine doctor and is also an IronMan Triathlete who has experienced fully the benefits of OFM and VESPA and has incorporated them into her practice. 

----more--------more--------more----Lyle Anderson , Race Director for ultra-endurance events for Vacation Races , serendipidously hosted the LAST 100 Mile Run during the lockdown in March at the Antelope Canyon 100 Mile and the first 100 Mile Run post lockdown in May at the Bryce Canyon 100 Mile.    Both runs were successful and COVID-19 FREE as of this date!    In these crazy times with competitions cancelling at an alarming rate, here is an accounting of how Lyle, his Team and the participants were able to lead and demonstrate ultra-endurance events can be held safely.   Lyle also gives great insight into all the elements which are needed to host a successful event as well as the delicate balancing act of making all the stakeholders happy.   Resources & Links:   https://vacationraces.com/  

This is a special podcast for German Speakers who wish to learn more about Vespa and it's OFM program to make the switch back to burning Fat as Fuel as well as improve overall Health & Performance in every aspect of Life.  Shownotes:  00:00:00 Intro Peter Defty in Englisch 00:02:24 Vorstellung Jeff 00:04:50 Sportlicher Werdegang 00:06:30 Gedanken zu "Wettkampf", "sportliches Messen" und Analyse von Körper/Leistungs-Daten 00:10:00 Essen in der ersten Lebenshälfte 00:13:48 Diabetes Diagnose! 00:18:20 Therapie selbst in die Hand nehmen mit "Lower Carb" 00:21:20 Nächster Schritt: Recherche Ketogene Ernährung, Entscheidungshilfen 00:24:30 Start der Ketogenen Ernährung als Therapie 00:26:00 Am Anfang war es hart - Zucker-Entzug! 00:29:00 (Blut-)Zucker Mengen 00:31:42 Unbändige Energie einige Tage nach der Umstellung auf Keto! 00:34:30 Keto-Adaption und Restart Sport 00:36:00 Der Mann mit dem Hammer? 00:38:00 Peak Break, The Alps Race als weiteres "Keto Projekt" 00:40:40 Erste Bekanntschaft mit Vespa &

Join Cathy & myself for a candid and disruptive conversation with Dr. Cathy Dudick MD, a Trauma Surgeon and ICU Critical Care Physician from New Jersey who is working the front lines of COVID-19. She IS the real-life, George Clooney character in ER! She is also an Ironman Triathlete, lifelong runner, and mom.  This conversation confronts the real issues we face. COVID-19 is an opportunity for us to face these issues rather than get lost in the fear and politics but, more so, to consider getting truly metabolically healthy. . . and it starts with YOU! Enjoy.