Welcome to the 50th episode of the Back to Human Podcast.

On today’s episode I’m joined by Dr. Anthony Chaffee—an American medical doctor, carnivore diet expert, and host of The Plant-Free MD Podcast. With over 20 years of research into optimal human nutrition, Dr. Chaffee shares his bold and evidence-backed perspective: that the carnivore diet is the true species-appropriate diet for humans, and many of the chronic illnesses we face today stem directly from what we eat—or don’t eat.

As someone currently five months into my own carnivore journey (after transitioning from a ketovore approach), I’ve seen firsthand both the benefits and the challenges.In this episode, we dive into some of the most common challenges people face when transitioning to a carnivore lifestyle, how to overcome them, and what to expect along the way. We also explore how a meat-based diet impacts athletic performance, as well as its potential to improve — and in some cases reverse — chronic conditions like autoimmune disease, diabetes, and more.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How chronic conditions like diabetes, obesity, heart failure, schizophrenia, and autoimmune diseases can go into remission with a strict carnivore diet

• The origins of meat-and-water diets used to treat IBS, Crohn’s, and rheumatoid arthritis since the 1800s

• Whether autoimmune diseases really involve the body attacking itself—or if there's more to the story

• Dr. Chaffee’s personal experience with athletic performance and adaptation on carnivore

• Fat metabolism, VO2 max, and what low-carb research shows in elite athletes

• The role of insulin in blocking fat-burning and disrupting metabolic hormones

• Why high blood sugar is so damaging—and whether elevated glucose is inherently toxic

• How testosterone levels may double on keto, and how ketones support recovery and reduce inflammation

• Coming off TRT (testosterone replacement therapy) on a carnivore diet

• Endocrine disruptors in plants and their effects on human physiology

• PCOS, hydration, electrolytes, and why water follows sodium

• Caffeine use on carnivore—and how to manage it

• Why humans are biologically designed to live 120–130 years in health

This is a deep and eye-opening conversation about food, health, performance, and what it means to return to our biological roots.

Welcome to the 49th episode of the Back to Human Podcast.

In this radical and eye-opening conversation, I sit down with Samuel Shepherd—a biochemical engineer, inventor, cancer survivor, and true renaissance man whose work spans medicine, AI, space exploration, and national defense.

Sam shares how he reversed a rare form of cancer, developed his productValasta, and uncovered the oxidative root behind 92% of inflammatory diseases.

In this episode we dive into:

· Sam’s personal journey of reversing a rare cancer diagnosis through biochemical innovation

· The story behind Valasta—how it works and what makes it different from other antioxidants like vitamin C or vitamin E

· Why certain animals don’t get cancer—and what humans can learn from that

· How Sam has faced resistance, censorship, and even threats to his life

· The 4–5 reactive oxygen species (ROS) that cause nearly all chronic inflammatory conditions

· How sugar—especially fructose—disrupts DNA repair and creates disease

· The dangerous introduction of high-fructose corn syrup into the food supply

· Why your CRP (C-reactive protein) level is a powerful predictor of disease

· The difference between treating symptoms (branches) vs. root causes (ROS)

· How the healthcare system perpetuates sickness through systemic inflammation

· How Sam had zero atherogenic plaque at 70+ years old!

· How light, frequency, and military tech can influence your physiology and brain health

· What makes cancer cells electrically different (sodium, potassium, and charge potential)

· How Sam contributed to early AI and what it means for human relevance

· The existential cost of losing purpose in a post-AI world

· The two behavioral rules every living being follows: maximize pleasure or minimize pain

· The various ways to take Valasta: chocolate, capsules, or topical

· ValAsta's testimonials including compelling cases such as the reversal of the founder Sam Shepherd's mother's renal failure, along with reported remissions in conditions like breast cancer, brain tumors, and even severe cases of COVID-19

· What lifestyle changes are recommended while using Valasta

To learn more about Sam's work, visit Valasta.net.

Here are two of his 44 patents:

• Method of Using Astaxanthin for the Treatment of Diseases, Particularly Cancer
  US Patent 11065269B1

• Process for Reducing Cell Death and Increasing Growth of an Algal Culture
  US Patent 10364426B1

This episode is a thoughtful dive into biology, purpose, and what it means to take ownership of your life—with one of the most insightful and unfiltered guests I’ve had on the show. Enjoy the conversation, and if it resonates with you, feel free to share it with someone who’d appreciate it.

Welcome to the 48th episode of the Back to Human Podcast.

In this raw and introspective conversation, I sit down with my good friend Alvey Thompson, a coach, a father, and a man whose transformation has been shaped by personal loss, emotional evolution, and an unwavering commitment to truth. Alvey opens up about the pivotal moments that redefined his values, from his mother’s long battle with illness to becoming a father and stepping into a higher version of himself.

We explore what it means to lead with presence, to coach from experience, and to disrupt cycles of stagnation—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually.

We dive into:

• ​ Alvey’s journey into coaching, sparked by his mother’s chronic illness
• ​ His challenge of 1000 general health deposits in 100 days and how consistent action rewires identity
• ​ Counting your wins
• ​ Awareness, intention, and disruption—and how real change demands all three
• ​ How people overcomplicate health
• ​ How fear, distorted love, and emotional immaturity shaped his early responses to pain
• ​ The difference between being a trainer and being a life coach
• ​ What it means to serve with dignity, and let others say no
• ​ Why the people closest to us are often the hardest to hear
• ​ The limiting beliefs his clients bring to the table
• ​ What have been some of Alvey’s own self-limiting beliefs that have kept him from taking action?
• ​ The importance of digging deeper than physical goals to uncover the real why
• ​ How fatherhood has changed his worldview and sharpened his purpose
• ​ The core values Alvey wants to instill in his son, Zion

This episode isn’t just a conversation—it’s a challenge to look inward, strip back the layers, and get radically honest about who you want to be.