The Keto Savage Podcast

Robert Sikes

Podcast discussing fitness lifestyle, the keto diet, science, nutrition, contest prep, the fitness industry, business, and the pursuit of happiness! There will be several different podcast guests that will consist of athletes, experts in the health and nutrition industry, and other people of interest! read less
Health & FitnessHealth & Fitness

Episodes

The Detrimental Effects of Environmental Toxins with Dr. Tom O’Bryan
6d ago
The Detrimental Effects of Environmental Toxins with Dr. Tom O’Bryan
If you've been following us for a while, you know that we've made an effort to evaluate the products that we use in our home and on our bodies in order to avoid environmental toxins. Dr. Tom O'Bryan is a recognized world expert on gluten and its impact on health. He is an internationally recognized and sought after speaker and workshop leader specializing in the complications of Non-Celiac Gluten Sensitivity, Celiac Disease, and the development of Autoimmune Diseases, as they occur inside and outside of the intestines. (https://thedr.com/about/) He has a vast knowledge of how our everyday products can impact our hormones and everyday health, and it was a pleasure to learn from him.    What we discussed:   Why he became interested in environmental toxins (2:58)Fertility and the impact of diet on reproductive health (3:45)Toxic chemicals in environment affecting fetal brain development (9:33)Epigenetics and how lifestyle choices impact health, with a focus on toxins and inflammation (14:34)Reducing inflammation through air purification and simple lifestyle changes (18:42)Importance of clean water and air for overall health (24:44)Plastic contamination in bottled water and its impact on brain health (29:54)Toxic chemicals in everyday products and their impact on hormones and overall health (31:40)Gluten sensitivity and its impact on health (37:15)Immune system and food sensitivities (43:42)Inflammation, seed oils, and holistic health (50:24)Tips for reducing exposure and improving overall well-being (55:50) Where to learn more:   The Dr.   If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!
Bridging the Gap Between Traditional Western Medicine and Functional Medicine with Matt Calkins
12-04-2024
Bridging the Gap Between Traditional Western Medicine and Functional Medicine with Matt Calkins
Matt was born in Florida and went to the University of Florida for undergrad and medical school (Go Gators!). He got tired of the flatlands of Florida and hiked the Appalachian Trail before medical school, which started his love of hiking.  His wife, the great Laura Buchanan, is also a family medicine resident at Wake. They share a passion for metabolic health and wellness. When not checking their blood sugar by their continuous glucose monitors, they can be seen lifting weights, cycling, playing tennis, hiking, and walking around town. They also enjoy experimenting with their diets and seeing how their metabolic markers change - so far Matt has done 3 months of ketogenic diet and 10 days of whole food plant-based diet. But most of all, they enjoy spending time with their co-residents in the wonderful city that is Winston-Salem! (https://school.wakehealth.edu/residents-and-fellows/c/matthew-william-calkins)   It was wonderful to gain some insight from Matt and learn from him, and I know you'll enjoy this conversation, too.   What you'll hear:   Will's background and passion for family medicine (4:53)Bridging the gap between traditional and functional medicine (9:37)Healthcare system incentives and profit margins (11:16)Medical billing and compensation for physicians (17:02)Nutrition and lifestyle design for diabetes management (19:57)Lifestyle changes for improving metabolic health in urgent care settings (21:39)Nutritional interventions and food addiction (31:31) Food addiction and its application in medicine and the Yale food addiction scale (32:03)The acceptance of low-carb diets in medicine, with a focus on patient education and practitioner pushback (35:45)Using lifestyle interventions for weight loss and improving health outcomes (41:42)Benefits and risks of a ketogenic diet to treat mental illness (47:09)Healthcare system challenges and the importance of patient advocacy (49:45)Diabetes management and the importance of low-carb diets (52:17)Incentivizing doctors to have longer patient conversations for better health outcomes (58:01)   Where to learn more:   Twitter
The Art of Hunting with Bruce McGlenn
05-04-2024
The Art of Hunting with Bruce McGlenn
If you've followed our content for a while, you know that hunting and eating nose-to-tail is a big part of my life. Founder and lead instructor of Human Nature Hunting, Bruce McGlenn has nearly 40 years of bird and big game hunting experience in the Pacific Northwest. Passed down from his father, hunting has been a way of life for Bruce from the beginning. He sees as much importance in the experiences and personal growth gained from hunting as he does as a source of healthy food and connection to nature. A third-generation hunter/gatherer of the Northwest, Bruce has been helping people reclaim their hunting heritage since the 1990s, officially with the Awaken the Hunter course in 2016. He has taught introductory hunting and shooting classes with the non-profit Washington Outdoor Women since 2001 and guided fly fishing and whitewater rafting. He is a certified Master Hunter and shooting instructor, holds a Master's degree in sustainable business, and is a licensed professional engineer in Washington. Bruce is a committed steward of the land and wildlife, primarily due to his understanding and appreciation of our ecosystem from engaging in it as a participant - a hunter. His desire to help heal and strengthen the human connection to nature inspires him to teach and pass on his skills so others can confidently experience the journey of the hunt. (https://www.humannaturehunting.com/team) It was a joy to speak with him and I know you'll enjoy this conversation, too. What you'll hear: Bruce's background and hunting as a way of life (2:07)Hunting in the western US, with a focus on physical fitness and outdoor adventure (6:07)The mental and physical challenges of hunting in Montana (10:59)Hunting risks and how it leads to self-sufficiency (17:08)Hunting is a spiritual practice, connecting one to nature and what you consume (21:11)Honoring and appreciating the animals, ethics, and personal growth as a hunter (28:35)Hunting and outdoor skills with a focus on reconnecting with nature (36:24)Human Nature Hunting, his program that teaches women outdoor skills and introduces them to hunting (37:38)Advocating for the need for more hunters to address the declining hunting community and funding for wildlife management (41:53)Conservation and community (45:51)The details of his hunting course, which focuses on practical training, safety, and skill-building (54:04)Hunting as a metaphor for life and sharing the experience with others (1:01:59)Wilderness survival skills and hunting practices (1:05:40) Where to learn more: Human Nature Hunting If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!
Hormone Optimization with Dr. Jacey Folkers
01-04-2024
Hormone Optimization with Dr. Jacey Folkers
Did you know that hormone imbalances can wreak havoc on your health? Dr. Jacey Folkers is a graduate of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln with a degree in Exercise Science and Sports Medicine studies. Dr. Folkers has completed his Doctorate in Chiropractic from Cleveland Chiropractic College and is a licensed doctor of chiropractic in the states of Nebraska and Colorado. He has completed postgraduate study in clinical nutrition, rehabilitative exercise, and functional medicine so he can offer the most cutting-edge techniques to help address his patient's growing healthcare needs. He has owned or managed 8 clinics. Dr Folkers' clinics have emphasized areas of treatment that include hormone testing and treatment therapies, regenerative medicine, weight loss, cognitive therapies, thyroid conditions, autoimmunity, diabetes, functional testing, DNA testing. Dr. Folkers has worked with a wide variety of patients from professional athletes trying to increase performance and heal from injuries to the everyday person with chronic health challenges. Using a holistic and root cause approach, Dr. Folkers addresses core underlying barriers to health, allowing his patients to thrive and live their best lives. We covered a ton of information in this episode, and I'm looking forward to welcoming him back in the future. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did.   What you'll hear:   Hormone optimization for men with a focus on natural methods (1:19)Functional medicine, nutrition, and hormone optimization (5:48)Testosterone levels and their impact on men's health (12:53)Low testosterone levels in young men and potential treatments (18:06)Natural ways to boost testosterone for bodybuilding (23:25)Hormone health, cortisol, and dietary interventions (30:44)Sleep, hormones, and supplements for optimal health (35:02)Hormonal health and its relationship with lifestyle factors (40:26)Hormone optimization for men, including customized approaches and potential risks (47:35)Testosterone replacement therapy and optimal levels for men of different ages (52:34)Clomiphene for testosterone optimization (58:34)Testosterone replacement therapy for men and women (1:02:29)   Where to learn more:   InstagramBlokes   If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!
A Carnivorous Transformation with Dani Conway
29-03-2024
A Carnivorous Transformation with Dani Conway
Have you considered a carnivore diet to help with health issues? Dani Conway is a Board Certified Functional Nutrition Practitioner, Functional Bloodwork Specialist and holds various certifications in other modalities of holistic health. She has been in practice almost two decades helping midlife women to ditch the diet mentality, lose weight and gain the energy and confidence they need to stop starving and start living! She specializes in a customized Macro approach to nutrition varying from Low Carb to Carnivore, along with a focus on root cause healing of hormone and gut issues to truly rebalance the body from the inside out. Dani has worked with thousands of women over 40 in both her one on one practice as well as her group programs, where she truly focuses on a client's individual needs. Dani does not believe in dogma, and does believe that one size *never* fits all! Dani got into this line of work because of her own health journey, which she shares more about. And, she has been featured in multiple morning news segments over the years on the Keto Diet, the Carnivore Diet, Intermittent Fasting, her "UNdiet" approach, along with multiple delicious low-carb recipes. What you'll hear:   Her backstory and why she became interested in hormones and women's health (1:45)Caloric intake, metabolic health, and hormone level management through a keto-carnivore approach (7:07)Breast implant toxicity and what led her to try a carnivore diet (13:20)The importance of personalization in carnivore and keto diets (18:58)Electrolyte balance while following a carnivore diet (22:50)Hormonal imbalances and nutrient deficiencies in women (27:22)Hormone replacement therapy (32:09)Macronutrient distribution (37:13)Consistency, macro distribution, and digestive issues when switching to a high-fat diet (41:52)The key to achieving body composition changes (46:19)Weight loss group coaching and its benefits (49:48)The importance of individualization in nutrition (55:07)Carnivore diet preferences and cooking methods (1:02:23)   Where to learn more:   Nutrition the Natural WayInstagram   If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!
Living the Psychedelic Life with Paul Austin
11-03-2024
Living the Psychedelic Life with Paul Austin
Many episodes on this podcast discuss alternative methods for healing and wellness, and this episode is no exception. Paul F. Austin, a prominent figure in psychedelics, has guided millions to safe and meaningful psychedelic experiences through his work as the founder of Third Wave. Featured in Bloomberg, Rolling Stone, Inc., and the BBC's Worklife, to name a few, he's curious about the convergence of psychedelics, personal transformation, and professional success and how they weave together to help form a meaningful existence.   Paul empowers leaders, creatives, and pioneers to leverage psychedelics for profound personal and professional growth. He views utilizing psychedelics as a refined skill cultivated through mentorship, exploration, and purposeful use—critical for humanity's ongoing evolution. (https://www.paulaustin.co/about) I know nothing about this topic from personal experience, so it was a pleasure to have this discussion and learn from his expertise. I know you'll find it interesting as well.    What we discussed:    The benefits of taking psychedelics as an alternative to traditional medicine, especially when treating mental health issues (1:28)Psychedelics, personal growth, and responsible use (4:42)The stigma surrounding psychedelic usage and promoting legalization around the world (9:37)The progressive attitudes towards psychedelics in other countries (15:00)Legal availability of some psychedelics in the United States, and the importance of education and professional medical support when working with psychedelics (17:37)Microdosing for personal growth and healing (23:24)Using psychedelics to facilitate a deconditioning process, allowing individuals to remove external influences and discover their true desires and what they're passionate about (29:38)Work-life balance and the impact of societal expectation on personal fulfillment (32:10)Setting aside time for oneself for meditation, breathwork, prayer, etc. (38:06)How psychedelics affect the brain and body (44:10)Potential therapeutic benefits of psychedelics (47:21)Mental health benefits of using psychedelics and how cannabis is different (53:58)Paul's upcoming book release (1:00:17)   Where to learn more:    Third Wave   If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!
Lipids, Cholesterol, and Heart Health with Dave Feldman
08-03-2024
Lipids, Cholesterol, and Heart Health with Dave Feldman
Do you, like so many others, worry about your heart health? Dave Feldman began a low-carb, high-fat diet in April 2015 and has since learned everything he could about it, with special emphasis on cholesterol. As an engineer, he spotted a pattern in the lipid system similar to distributed objects in networks. He has since learned quite a bit on the subject, both through research and experimentation, which has revealed some compelling data. With this new general theory, he's shifted his cholesterol substantially without any drugs or special supplements. (https://cholesterolcode.com/about/)   I am so grateful to him for his research and for bringing information to light regarding cholesterol and a ketogenic diet. I learned so much during this conversation and I know you will as well. What you'll hear:   Our history together (2:09)Dave's background and lean mass hyper responder 6:03)Cholesterol levels and statin use (11:37)Lipid energy model and LDL cholesterol (15:53)LDL levels, bodybuilding, and recovery (22:25)Lowering cholesterol through strength training and experimentation (27:46)Using Oreo cookies to drop LDL levels and the results compared to statin use (32:14)Liver glycogen levels on a ketogenic diet (36:37)Comparing LDL levels in lean mass hyper responders and a matched control group (41:24)Heart health and plaque buildup in coronary arteries (43:54)Diet and nutrition's impact on heart health (49:36)CT angiogram and cardiovascular disease risk assessment (54:43)Affordable and accessible blood testing (59:04)Grassroots research and fundraising (1:04:32)Designing a medical study (1:10:25)   Where to learn more:   Cholesterol CodeCitizen Science Foundation   If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!
Trusting Your Gut with Dane Johnson
01-03-2024
Trusting Your Gut with Dane Johnson
Do you suffer from poor gut health? Dane Johnson has battled Crohn's colitis and ulcerative colitis for a good portion of his life. Through experimentation, he has found the proper protocol for his body to help control these ailments and improve his life. We had a great conversation about this and also mindset, and I know you'll enjoy it as well.   What you'll hear:   What ailments Dane struggles with and how it affects daily life (2:15)Living with ulcerative colitis and the benefits of functional medicine (6:37)His near-death experience due to gluten intolerance and recovery with an antiviral treatment (11:25)Root causes of IBD and the limits of traditional medicine (15:37)Personal responsibility for health and self-empowerment through nutrition and wellness (21:36)Overcoming obstacles and achieving goals through mindset and consistency (26:57)Finding ways to stay optimistic (30:33)Health and wellness trends, including keto and intermittent fasting (34:30)The importance of positivity and community to overcome obstacles (37:42)Life balance, self-improvement, and success (43:42)Simplifying daily routines for better consistency and success (47:29)Probiotics and digestive health (51:18)Personalized gut health and treatment (57:34)Natural remedies for children's gut health issues (59:30)Gut health and disease prevention through diet and lifestyle changes (1:02:31)Functional lab tests for checking gut health and mold exposure (1:07:12)Carnivore diet benefits and limitations (1:14:38)Dietary approaches for colon health and cancer prevention (1:17:31)Dogmatic thinking and the importance of seeing the whole picture when it comes to health and nutrition (1:20:08)Personalized nutrition and dietary approaches (1:27:11)The importance of listening to one's body (1:30:27)   Where to learn more about Dane's story:   Crohn's Colitis Lifestyle Instagram   If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!
Epilepsy, Keto, and Endurance Running with Michael Leddy
26-02-2024
Epilepsy, Keto, and Endurance Running with Michael Leddy
Did you know that a ketogenic diet can be an effective treatment for epilepsy? Michael Leddy has lived with epilepsy from a young age, dealing with seizures regularly. Having tried surgery in 2012 with short-lived effects, he began a ketogenic diet in 2017 and has found it to be a more effective treatment than other options. It was a pleasure to have him on the podcast and learn from him and I know you'll also enjoy this episode.   What you'll hear:   His recent running events (1:00)The mental challenges involved with endurance running (3:13)Living with epilepsy, his experience with brain surgery, and his discovery of the keto diet (8:33)Seizure triggers and its unpredictability (13:54)Managing epilepsy through diet and lifestyle changes (20:06)Macronutrient tracking and fluctuating ketone levels (25:10)Running as a way to cope with the emotional effects of epilepsy (30:51)Experimentation with nutrition and his experience with disordered eating (35:27)The importance of electrolyte consumption (40:59)The benefits of a ketogenic diet on mental health (45:40)Mental discipline (49:52)Weight training and keto (53:51)Adhering to the ketogenic lifestyle while traveling (58:08)Adapting to life with epilepsy and the importance of being aware of the body's needs (1:01:54)   Look for Michael on Strava to follow his running journey!   If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!
Battling Demons with a Ketogenic Diet with Valerie Smith
19-02-2024
Battling Demons with a Ketogenic Diet with Valerie Smith
Do you struggle with mental illness? Valerie Smith healed her mind and body through a well-formulated ketogenic diet. Her story is honest, raw, and inspiring, and I know you'll take something from our conversation.   What you'll hear:   Valerie's list of diagnoses over the past 40 years, including mental illness and eating disorders (1:55)Childhood trauma and disordered eating (7:26)Her struggle with anorexia and body dysmorphia, which led to a feeling of guilt and shame (13:31)The various health complications she suffered as a result of anorexia (23:18)Long recovery after organ prolapse surgery and the role of nutrition in her recovery (27:18)Struggling with multiple mental illnesses, including schizophrenia, OCD, self-harm, and hair pulling, and the shame she felt as a result (32:24)Overcoming her mental struggles through nutrition and an animal-based diet (39:53)The improvements she felt by increasing her daily intake of protein (45:57)How her symptoms diminished and eventually completely resolved as a result of a high-fat diet (50:47)Her participation in a case-study on using an animal-based diet to treat anorexia (58:22)Implementing a high protein diet to reverse her symptoms of osteoporosis (1:02:56)Overcoming the stigma surrounding mental health disorders and seeking help (1:10:57)Weight lifting and body transformation (1:19:19)   Where to read more of Valerie's story:   TwitterInstagram   If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!
What a Long, Strange Trip it has Been with Robert Johnson
16-02-2024
What a Long, Strange Trip it has Been with Robert Johnson
If you're like me, you don't know much about mushrooms other than the strains we're all familiar with. Robert Johnson is a mushroom aficionado and has been since he was a teenager. He founded the premium mushroom product line Mycroboost as well as Custom Capsule Consultants, where he is CEO. His work in the cannabinoid, health, and supplement space since 2008 has given him deep expertise around cannabinoids, hemp, mushrooms, supplements, product development, business development, market demands, and consumer trends. (https://www.rollingstone.com/author/robert-johnson/) I was excited to dive deeper into the world of mushrooms and can't wait to hear what you think of this episode.   What you'll learn:   Why he became interested in mushrooms originally (1:44)Nootropics, mushrooms, and their cognitive benefits (4:28)Various mushrooms and supplements and the importance of the proper dosage (9:32)Mushroom cultivation and industry transparency (15:55)The legal and scientific aspects of psychedelics and cannabis (22:12)Cannabis legalization and its effects on society (27:45)Microdosing psilocybin mushrooms for mental health benefits (33:58)The use of psychedelics for spiritual and therapeutic purposes (39:38)Risks vs. benefits and when to take caution (45:30)The potential for psychedelics and marijuana to treat mental health issues (52:40)How to ensure you're purchasing a quality product (1:00:14)   Where to learn more about Robert and Mycroboost:   MycroboostInstagram   If you loved this episode and our podcast, please take some time to rate and review us on Apple Podcasts, or drop us a comment below!