Shows
The Health Edge: translating the science of self-careIs Coconut Oil A Villain Or Just Misunderstood? Spoiler: It’s ComplicatedSend us a textCurious why coconut oil can raise LDL for some people yet still show up in diets that improve metabolic health, cognition, and body composition? We get clear on what coconut oil actually is—a family of saturated fats with a rare abundance of medium-chain triglycerides—and why MCTs create ketones that the brain and mitochondria can use even without fasting. Instead of stopping at cholesterol, we look at the fuller picture: insulin resistance, inflammation, triglycerides, and real-world outcomes that drive risk more than a single lab value.We dig into the diff...
2025-10-2242 minThe Health Edge: translating the science of self-careYour gut can turn ellagic acid into urolithin A—and that shift may protect muscle, brain, and metabolismSend us a textIf pomegranates, raspberries, and walnuts could whisper a secret to your cells, it might be this: the right microbes can turn plant defense into human resilience. We dive into the journey from ellagic acid to urolithin A, mapping how polyphenols meet the microbiome to support mitochondrial function, muscle strength, and brain health. Along the way, we unpack the science of mitophagy, inflammation control, and metabolic signaling that ties colorful foods to better performance and longevity.We share why only an estimated 20–40% of people currently convert ellagic acid to urolithin A, and wh...
2025-10-1539 minThe Health Edge: translating the science of self-careFour Days to Metabolic Flexibility: What a Danish Crossover Trial Reveals About Carbs, Fat, and Fatty LiverSend us a textA 35% drop in liver fat in under a week sounds impossible—until you see how a simple macro shift can redirect your metabolism. We dive into a Danish crossover study where calories stayed equal, protein held steady, and the only real change was carbohydrates versus fat. The result: rapid reductions in hepatic fat, lower triglycerides, improved insulin sensitivity, and clear signs of metabolic flexibility, all in four to five days. We unpack what that means for everyday eating, how to use CGM feedback to reduce glucose spikes, and why outcomes like organ fat an...
2025-10-0830 minThe Health Edge: translating the science of self-careChildhood Night Light Exposure and the Hidden Cost of “Junk Light”Send us a textThe clock isn’t just on your wall—it’s in your cells. As autumn settles in and daylight wanes, we dig into how light acts as information for your biology, shaping sleep depth, hormone timing, and metabolic health. A standout 15-year cohort of 200,000+ children links persistent artificial light at night to higher obesity risk, and it pairs with wearable data from tens of thousands of people that reveals how little real sunlight most of us get—even at the height of summer.We break down what’s actually happening under the hood...
2025-10-0137 min
The Mightiest WarriorsSoil, Service, and SovereigntySend us a textJuan Whiting's vision bridges worlds that rarely intersect: military service and regenerative agriculture. As president and co-founder of the Hinterland Institute, he's created a powerful model that places veterans as stewards of America's federal and private lands. This conversation reveals how former service members, particularly those from special operations backgrounds, bring unique skills to landscape regeneration—their understanding of ecosystems, adaptability, and mission-focused approach perfectly aligns with the demands of healing degraded soil.The stakes couldn't be higher. With global topsoil degradation threatening food security for billions and the Department of De...
2025-09-3057 minThe Mightiest WarriorsThe EP Challenge: Rediscovering Our Ancestral Health WisdomSend us a textWhat if everything you've been told about your health destiny being determined by genetics is wrong? In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Mark Pettus and Ashley Sheridan challenge conventional wisdom about our ability to transform our health at any age through whole foods nutrition.Ashley shares her personal motivation for embarking on what she calls the "EP Challenge" – a one-month experiment using Essential Provisions meals as the cornerstone of a nutrition reset. At sixty-something, she's noticed concerning changes: decreased energy, mental fog, and high blood pressure that doctors dismissed as "hereditary." Her jo...
2025-07-1848 minThe Mightiest WarriorsBeyond Diets: How Lifestyle Changes Create Lasting TransformationSend us a textWhat happens when you challenge the belief that your energy levels, mental clarity, and weight are simply "fixed" parts of who you are? In this captivating follow-up conversation with Ashley Sheridan, we explore how small, sustainable lifestyle shifts created remarkable, lasting change.Ashley shares her experience with the Essential Provisions challenge—replacing just one meal six times weekly with whole food nutrition while eliminating high-glycemic carbs and aligning with her natural circadian rhythms. The transformation unfolds through her story: sustained weight loss of eight pounds over three months, dramatically increased energy le...
2025-07-1634 minThe Mightiest WarriorsFrom Kansas to the Cadillac Dirtbag: Potter Wonderland's Journey of HappinessSend us a textPotter Wonderland wasn't always the free-spirited rock climber known as "The Cadillac Dirtbag." Growing up in Kansas, he followed society's prescribed path—college, steady employment, material pursuits—yet found himself profoundly unhappy until age 24. Everything changed when an algorithm-suggested documentary about rock climbing appeared on his screen after watching a PCT hiking film. The very next day, Potter drove to Joshua Tree, where fate arranged a life-altering encounter with climbers who handed him a harness instead of just letting him watch.That first successful climb triggered an awakening so profound that Pott...
2025-07-0254 minThe Mightiest WarriorsTransforming Trauma into Resilience: Dr. Joseph Maroon's Journey from Burnout to BalanceSend us a textWhat if the key to brain health isn't found in a pill bottle but in how we live each day? Dr. Joseph Maroon, neurosurgeon and former medical director for the Pittsburgh Steelers, brings forty years of experience to this profound conversation about transforming our approach to brain health.Dr. Maroon's journey begins with a breakthrough moment in sports medicine. When legendary coach Chuck Knoll demanded objective data before benching concussed players, Maroon created what would become the IMPACT test—now used over 25 million times to protect athletes from dangerous second impacts. Th...
2025-06-1748 minThe Mightiest WarriorsFrom Tennis Champion to Metabolic Health Pioneer: Dr. Paul Arciero's JourneySend us a textWhat happens when a tennis prodigy hits rock bottom at 19, only to discover an inner strength that transforms not just his game, but eventually the science of nutrition, fitness and human performance? Dr. Paul Arciero takes us on his remarkable journey from struggling student to pioneering protein metabolism researcher whose work is changing how we think about nutrition and exercise.Growing up in a bustling household with seven siblings, Paul often felt lost in the shuffle, finding his identity through movement rather than academics. His story pivots on profound moments of...
2025-05-2357 minThe Mightiest WarriorsFrom Neuroscience to Military Excellence: Dr. Allison Brager's JourneySend us a textDr. Allison Brager lives at the fascinating intersection of elite athletics, military service, and cutting-edge neuroscience. As one of the Army's "71 Foxes" - a small, specialized group of uniformed neuroscientists and neuropsychologists- she's revolutionizing how we understand human performance in extreme conditions.This conversation reveals how Brager's journey from collegiate pole vaulter to professional CrossFit competitor shaped her approach to sleep science and resilience research. After feeling out of place in traditional academia, where fellow researchers dismissed her as a "dumb jock meathead," Brager found her true community in military service. "...
2025-05-1532 min
The Health Edge: translating the science of self-careForest Bathing: Nature Heals Our DisconnectSend us a textNature deficit syndrome is silently affecting millions as we spend over 95% of our lives indoors beneath artificial lighting that disrupts our biology at the most fundamental level. Dr. Mark Pettus delivers a compelling exploration of this modern disconnection, introducing the powerful concept that our current "junk light" epidemic may soon be viewed with the same concern we now direct toward processed foods.Drawing from both scientific research and ancient wisdom traditions, Dr. Pettus reveals how the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) offers a profound antidote to our indoor, technology-dominated existence...
2025-05-0724 min
The Health Edge: translating the science of self-careNourishing the Mind: Food, Light, and Lifestyle for Better MoodSend us a textAt a time when anxiety and depression rates are soaring across all age groups, Dr. Mark Pettus cuts through the noise with revelatory insights into how our daily choices shape our mental landscape. This compelling exploration connects the dots between what's on your plate, how you move through your day, and the remarkable resilience of your brain.Dr. Pettus introduces the concept of allostatic load—how our bodies interpret and respond to environmental stressors—and reveals why our modern lifestyle creates the perfect storm for mental health challenges. Rather than viewing mood...
2025-05-0132 minThe Mightiest WarriorsWarriors Beyond War: Casey Harver's Journey from Navy SEAL to Alaskan Wilderness GuideSend us a textWhen the mountains meet the sea in Kodiak, Alaska, something transformative happens to those who embrace its challenges. Retired Navy SEAL Captain Casey Harver discovered this power during military training and never looked back, eventually establishing Kodiak Big Timber and the Kodiak Survival School to share these life-changing experiences with others.Casey's story begins with an over-the-beach training exercise that changed everything. Swimming to shore and emerging beneath ancient spruce trees draped with moss, he experienced what he describes as an "enchanted forest dream state." That moment planted a seed that...
2025-04-2251 min
The Health Edge: translating the science of self-careLight as Medicine: How Natural Light Cycles Impact Health and LongevitySend us a textThe rhythms of nature have orchestrated human biology for millennia, but our modern lifestyle has disconnected us from these essential patterns. Dr. Mark Pettus takes us on a fascinating journey through the science of circadian rhythms, revealing how light serves as crucial information that synchronizes every cell in our bodies with the natural day-night cycle.From ancient Hippocrates to Nobel Prize-winning research, the evidence is clear: our bodies respond profoundly to light quality and timing. Yet today, we spend over 90% of our time indoors under artificial lighting that bears little resemblance...
2025-04-2133 minThe Health Edge: translating the science of self-careBeyond Ozempic: The Natural Pathways to Enhanced GLP-1 ProductionSend us a textCurious about natural alternatives to expensive GLP-1 medications like Ozempic? Dr. Mark Pettus unveils powerful nutritional strategies to boost your body's own GLP-1 production for improved metabolic health and sustainable weight management.This eye-opening presentation dives into the fascinating relationship between your diet, gut microbiome, and GLP-1 production. Dr. Pettus, a kidney and integrative medicine specialist with 40 years of medical experience, explains how quality protein, healthy fats, fiber-rich foods, and even bitter-tasting ingredients can stimulate your natural GLP-1 pathways without prescription medications.You'll discover why the timing of your...
2025-04-0841 minThe Mightiest WarriorsThe Legacy of Service: A Green Beret's JourneySend us a textMichael "Rod" Rodriguez's life reads like an epic American saga—a generational story of service spanning from his grandfathers to his son. As a Green Beret with ten combat deployments behind him, Rod now leads the Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation with the same fierce dedication that characterized his military career.When Rod shares the origin of his different-colored eyes—keeping a prosthetic blue lens after a young girl with heterochromia saw herself reflected in him—you immediately understand his character. "The good Lord made you that way," he told the ch...
2025-04-0359 minThe Health Edge: translating the science of self-carePlaying with Fire: How Modern Lifestyle Fuels InflammationSend us a textChronic inflammation has emerged as one of the most significant drivers behind virtually all modern health challenges. In this thought-provoking exploration, Dr. Mark Pettus reveals why researchers now refer to inflammation as "the cause of everything" and introduces the concept of "inflammaging" – how chronic inflammation accelerates biological aging and compromises quality of life.Dr. Pettus takes us beyond conventional medical thinking to understand that while inflammation is an essential protective mechanism, it becomes destructive when chronically activated. Our modern environment, filled with processed foods, chronic stress, environmental toxins, and disrupted sleep pa...
2025-04-0339 minThe Health Edge: translating the science of self-careEpigenetics: How well do you fit into your genes?Send us a textPrepare to have your understanding of genetics completely transformed. The revolutionary science of epigenetics reveals that you're not simply a prisoner of your DNA – you're actively participating in how your genes express themselves through every choice you make.Dr. Mark Pettus takes us on a fascinating journey through this emerging field that bridges the gap between fate and free will. Drawing on cutting-edge research and decades of clinical experience, he explains how our modern environment creates a profound mismatch with our ancient genetic template, setting the stage for chronic disease. The 21st...
2025-03-2637 min
GrowLeader Podcast with Chris Hodges73 | Mark Pettus – Mission in the MiddleWhat does it look like to lead with clarity, humility, and confidence through a leadership transition? In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, Pastors Chris Hodges and Matt Minor sit down with Pastor Mark Pettus to talk about the heart behind the recent leadership transition at Church of the Highlands. Pastor Mark shares how calling, confirmation, and clarity guided his journey—alongside a deep honor for what came before. This conversation is packed with practical insights for leaders at every level—whether you're in a season of transition, preparing for one, or helping others grow into...
2025-03-2433 minThe Mightiest WarriorsThe Mightiest Warriors IntroductionIn this introduction podcast The Mightiest Warriors, Dr. Mark Pettus, Medical Director of Essential Provisions describes the intent to shine light on the Warrior stories of "everyday" people. He shares some personal sides to his journey and how some of the greatest adversities in his life would become his best teachers.
2025-03-2033 minThe Mightiest WarriorsFrom Adversity to Compassion: Stories of Everyday WarriorsSend us a textThe debut episode of The Mightiest Warriors podcast takes listeners on a deeply personal journey through host Dr. Mark Pettus' remarkable life story—one that embodies the podcast's mission of highlighting how ordinary people transform profound adversity into extraordinary service.Dr. Pettus, Medical Director of Essential Provisions, shares how growing up in a blue-collar Massachusetts family shaped his perspective even as he ascended through prestigious medical institutions. At age three, he survived a devastating car accident that left his mother with traumatic brain injury, an experience that cultivated his extraordinary capacity fo...
2025-03-2033 min
The Health Edge: translating the science of self-careCreatine: The Underrated Powerhouse for Muscle and Brain HealthSend us a textCreatine might be the most underappreciated nutritional powerhouse in our health toolkit. While many associate it exclusively with weightlifters and athletes, the science reveals a molecule with profound benefits reaching far beyond the gym.Mark Pettus MD and John Bagnulo PhD,MPH dive into creatine's fundamental role in human physiology as part of our body's most immediate energy production system – the ATP-PCR pathway. They unpack how this simple compound supports not just muscle strength and lean body mass, but potentially shields against age-related decline in both physical and cognitive function.
2025-03-1431 min
MinistryWatch PodcastEp. 435: IHOPKC and Mike Bickle, Samaritan’s Purse Dodges Freeze on Aid, 50 Largest Relief and Development MinistriesOn today’s program, an independent investigation into the International House of Prayer in Kansas City and its founder Mike Bickle was released this week…finding 17 cases of abuse leveled against him.
Samaritan’s Purse dodges the Trump administration’s freeze on foreign aid. Other ministries—especially those working to resettle refugees—aren’t faring as well, however…many face furloughs as they scramble to support the thousands of refugees already in the United States depending on them for rent and basic necessities. We’ll take a look.
And, the 50 largest relief and development ministries in the MinistryWatch database.
But first, Church of t...
2025-02-0726 min
GrowLeader Podcast with Chris Hodges70 | Mark Pettus & Bubba Massey – Reaching & Discipling the Next GenerationHow can churches effectively reach and disciple the next generation of leaders? In this episode of the GrowLeader Podcast, we sit down with Pastors Mark Pettus and Bubba Massey to dive deep into how churches can build thriving student and college ministries. They discuss the key strategies that help churches engage young people, foster discipleship, and create an irresistible environment for the next generation. From rethinking youth ministry models to leveraging mentorship and discipleship, they break down what's working today to equip students for a lifetime of faith. The conversation also explores the power of...
2025-02-0329 minThe Health Edge: translating the science of self-careUnlocking the Power of Protein: Transform Your Health with Optimal Intake and Lean Body Mass MaintenanceSend us a textUnlock the secrets to a healthier, longer life by mastering the science behind protein intake. Discover the critical role of animal protein in maintaining lean body mass, boosting metabolic health, and combating age-related muscle loss. We challenge traditional views and outdated guidelines, bringing you insights from recent research and experts in the field to help you reassess the power of protein in your diet.With less than 10% of Americans achieving optimal metabolic health, it's time to rethink how much protein we really need. We explore groundbreaking studies by Dr. Luke von...
2025-01-3140 minThe Health Edge: translating the science of self-careDoes Eating More Eggs Reduce Alzheimer's Disease Risk?Send us a textIn this first Health Edge podcast of 2025, Mark Pettus MD and John Bagnulo PhD, MPH review a 2024 study published in The Journal of Nutrition.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S002231662400289X?via%3Dihubhttps://www.thehealthedgepodcast.com
2025-01-1729 min
Geek To Me Radio429 - Mark Waid | Sylvester McCoy | Josh Rivera | Charlton Pettus & Kay Hanley0:00 SEG 1 Mark Waid talks about writing comics from Flash to World's Finest and working on DC Comics’ "Absolute Power".
https://www.instagram.com/markwaidwriter/
15:32 SEG 2 Charlton Pettus (Tears For Fears) & Kay Hanley (Letters To Cleo) discuss their collaboration on “Kindergarten: The Musical”.
https://ondisneyplus.disney.com/show/kindergarten-the-musical
28:47 SEG 3 Sylvester McCoy chats with me about his career and what he did while stuck in France during the COVID lockdown.
https://twitter.com/4SylvesterMcCoy
42:36 SEG 4 Josh Rivera talks about playing A...
2024-09-2354 min
GrowLeader Podcast with Chris Hodges58 | Mark Pettus – Leading the Now GenerationAs leaders, what can we do to reach the next generation for Jesus? In this episode, Mark Pettus– the President of Highlands College, joins Pastors Chris and Matt to discuss the importance of student ministry and leadership development in the church. They emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach that includes both large events and small group discipleship and highlight the significance of personal connections and access to pastors and leaders in the church. They touch on the challenges faced by the current generation, such as loneliness and the negative impact of technology, and the im...
2024-07-0134 min
The Health Edge: translating the science of self-careInsulin Resistance: The Primary Driver of Modern DiseaseSend us a textIn this Health Edge recording, Mark describes a model of integrative health-lifestyle medicine that is distinctly different from current allopathic disease-based models. He examines the metabolic perfect storm of insulin resistance and inflammation as passports to accelerated aging, chronic complex disease risk and poor quality of life or healthspan. His slides can be downloaded at www.thehealthedgepodcast.com
2024-01-0453 min
The Health Edge: translating the science of self-careStatin Use, LDL Reduction and the Magnitude of Cardiovascular BenefitSend us a textIn this episode of the Health Edge I review a recent meta-analysis examining the magnitude of cardiovascular benefit from taking statins for elevated LDL in both primary and secondary prevention.JAMA Intern Med. 2022;182(5):474-481. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2022.0134 Published online March 14, 2022. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35285...
2023-12-2730 min