In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Drew Gonzalez to explore strategies for optimizing performance and managing stress in high-demand professions like firefighting, military, and executive leadership. Dr. Gonzalez shares his latest research on how supplements like astaxanthin and creatine can benefit firefighters, the effects of time-restricted feeding, and how heat stress and VR training can be leveraged for better stress adaptation.

We also explore his ongoing work at Texas A&M, where he leads cutting-edge research and collaborations to improve first-responder health and fitness.

Sponsors:

• Tecton Life Ketone drink! https://tectonlife.com/ DRMIKE to save 20%
• LMNT electrolyte drink mix: miketnelsonlmnt.com
• Physiologic Flexibility Certification Course coming soon: https://miketnelsons.samcart.com/products/physflex/

Triphasic 2 book now available!

• Go to https://triphasic2.com/

Episode Chapters:

• 05:33 Dr. Gonzalez's Research Journey
• 08:25 Challenges Faced by Tactical Personnel
• 14:08 Time-Restricted Feeding Study
• 23:19 Heat Stress and Temperature Changes
• 28:08 Exploring the Need for Specialized Training
• 29:30 The Role of VR in Tactical Training
• 30:59 Assessing Physical and Mental Performance
• 33:46 Astaxanthin and Firefighter Health
• 38:41 Future Research and Supplementation
• 44:31 Closing Remarks and Future Guests

Flex Diet Podcast Episodes You May Enjoy:

• Episode 223: Embracing challenges and pushing boundaries with bestselling author Michael Easter
• Episode 228: Unlocking the Power of Astaxanthin: A Deep Dive with Dr. Karen Hecht

Connect with Dr Gonzalez:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drewwgonzalez/

Get In Touch with Dr Mike:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmiketnelson/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn1aTbQqHglfNrENPm0GTpg
• Email: https://miketnelson.com/contact-us/

In this episode of the Flex Diet Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Dylan Seeley to explore how neurology can enhance athletic performance. We dive deep into working with MMA fighters, focusing on how the brain influences movement, reaction time, and overall performance. Dr. Seeley shares insights into visual and vestibular training, explaining why peripheral vision, balance, and coordination are critical for elite athletes.

We also tackle the impact of microdosing, discussing its potential effects on cognitive function and brain optimization. From there, we break down HRV and autonomic nervous system testing, looking at how stress, recovery, and nervous system regulation can make or break performance. Dr. Seeley also provides valuable knowledge on concussions, explaining how they affect an athlete’s cognitive and visual systems and what can be done to improve recovery.

Sponsors:

• Tecton Life Ketone drink! https://tectonlife.com/ DRMIKE to save 20%
• LMNT electrolyte drink mix: miketnelsonlmnt.com
• Dr. Mike's Fitness Insider Newsletter: Sign up for free at https://miketnelson.com/.

Flex 4:

• Check out Dr. Seeley's top 4 tips for someone who has the basics but wants to take their training to the next level: https://miketnelson.com/flex4/

Triphasic 2 book now available!

• Go to https://triphasic2.com/

Episode Chapters:

• 04:54 Diving into Visual Training
• 09:05 The Importance of Visual and Vestibular Systems in Sports
• 13:28 Training Techniques and Athlete Insights
• 33:41 Integrating Visual Training into Workouts
• 40:58 Reinforcing Eye Strength with Drills
• 41:18 Biometrics in Sports Performance
• 42:20 Heart Rate and Decision-Making in Athletes
• 45:16 Autonomic Testing for Athletes
• 53:19 Visual Field Testing Techniques
• 01:00:54 Advanced Visual and Autonomic Testing
• 01:05:20 The Art of Coaching and Rehabilitation
• 01:10:03 Pushing Limits in Athlete Training
• 01:12:50 Contact Information and Closing Remarks

Flex Diet Podcast Episodes You May Enjoy:

• Episode 199: The Neurology of Movement, Exercise and Training – An Interview Coach Dan Fichter of WannaGetFast
• Episode 241: A New Perspective on Brain Health with Dr. Shaun Kornfeld

Connect with Dr Seeley:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dylan_seeleydc/
• Website: https://www.inferno-pr.com/

Get In Touch with Dr Mike:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmiketnelson/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn1aTbQqHglfNrENPm0GTpg
• Email: https://miketnelson.com/contact-us/

Welcome back to the FlexDiet Podcast! In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Allison Brager, a PhD neuroscientist, CrossFit athlete, and military sleep expert, to unpack everything you need to know about the science of sleep.

We dive deep into the phases of sleep, circadian rhythms, and chronotypes, plus we take a critical look at popular sleep advice—what’s backed by science and what’s just noise? Dr. Brager also shares fascinating insights on sleep in the military, how to optimize recovery for athletes, and the biochemistry behind quality sleep.

Looking for practical strategies and the best sleep supplements to improve your rest? We’ve got you covered.

Sponsors:

• Tecton Life Ketone drink! https://tectonlife.com/ DRMIKE to save 20%
• LMNT electrolyte drink mix: miketnelsonlmnt.com
• Dr. Mike's Fitness Insider Newsletter: Sign up for free at https://miketnelson.com/.

Flex 4:

• Check out Dr. Brager's top recommendations for sleep supplements: https://miketnelson.com/flex4/

Triphasic 2 book now available!

• Go to https://triphasic2.com/

Episode Chapters:

• 00:51 Deep Dive into Sleep
• 01:33 Top Sleep Supplements
• 02:11 Sponsors and Personal Updates
• 02:56 Conversation with Dr. Allison Braeger
• 03:32 Teaching at West Point
• 04:41 Chronotypes and Sleep Advice
• 09:40 Training and Sleep Optimization
• 13:48 Impact of Travel on Athletes
• 26:09 Wearables and Sleep Research
• 33:22 Intense Competition Experience
• 34:27 Lab Testing Mishaps
• 35:03 Competitive Nature in Athletes
• 36:09 Debating Sleep Stages
• 39:22 Heart Rate Variability and Sleep
• 47:00 Challenges in Sleep Research
• 49:38 Frustrations in Academia
• 55:50 Alternative Research Paths
• 56:26 Where to Find More Information

Flex Diet Podcast Episodes You May Enjoy:

• Episode 273: Unlocking Better Sleep: Insights and Strategies from Dr. Chris Perry
• Episode 283: Unlocking Better Sleep and Stress Reduction with Dr. Dan Cohen of Soltec Health

Connect with Dr Brager:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/docjockzzz/
• "Meathead Unraveling the Athletic Brain": https://www.amazon.com/Meathead-Unraveling-Athletic-Allison-Brager

Get In Touch with Dr Mike:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drmiketnelson/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn1aTbQqHglfNrENPm0GTpg
• Email: https://miketnelson.com/contact-us/