The Primal Shift

By: Michael Kummer
  • Summary

  • Primal Shift is about helping you achieve optimal health by bridging the gap between ancestral living and the demands of modern society. We’ll talk about every aspect of a healthy life, including sleep, nutrition, exercise, stress management, environmental toxins, hormesis, belonging and tribalism, and reconnecting with nature. Get ready to unlock the transformative power of nature as the ultimate biohack, revolutionize your health and reconnect you with your primal self. Each episode is short and concise, providing you with actionable tips and tricks you can use to start living a more primal lifestyle today.
    © 2023
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Episodes
  • 60: Season 1 Key Lessons and Season 2 Preview
    Aug 28 2024
    After wrapping up the first season of the Primal Shift Podcast, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the journey so far: 60 episodes packed with insights on how to bridge the gap between ancestral living and modern demands. This season has been about laying the foundation of a healthy lifestyle, covering everything from nutrition and exercise to stress management and reconnecting with nature. If you’re new to the podcast, I highly recommend diving into Episodes 3 to 10, where I discuss the core principles that guide everything we do here. One of the highlights of this season has been the incredible guests who’ve shared their expertise. For instance, in Episode 39 I had an eye-opening conversation with Dr. Sean Baker about the carnivore diet, and in Episode 43 I talked to former Navy SEAL Dr. Kirk Parsley about optimizing sleep. Each episode offers something unique — whether it’s practical tips or deep dives into the science behind health and wellness. I’ve also covered topics that are close to my heart, like why I transitioned away from keto after three years (Episode 11) and the importance of growing your own food (Episode 56). I’ve particularly enjoyed sharing my personal experiences, like how I maintain a strong and lean physique (Episode 12) and the wellness practices I’ve adopted to stay balanced amidst the chaos of modern life (Episode 58). These episodes aren’t just about theory — they’re about the actionable steps I’ve taken to align my lifestyle with the principles I believe in. Looking ahead to season two, I’m excited to mix things up with a combination of shorter, bite-sized episodes and more in-depth interviews. One week you might get a quick 10-minute episode focused on a specific topic, and the next week, we’ll feature a longer, more detailed conversation with an expert. I’ll also be bringing my wife Kathy on board more frequently to share her perspective on homeschooling, homesteading, and how we’re making our lifestyle work as a family. Her insights add a different dimension to the podcast, offering a more rounded view of how we navigate this journey together. Another thing I’m really looking forward to is giving you more behind-the-scenes looks at how we live day-to-day. I’ll be sharing more about our approach to growing our own food, the challenges and rewards of homeschooling, and how we’re building resilience as a family. I’m eager to continue this journey with you and appreciate all the feedback you’ve provided along the way. Your input helps shape the direction of the podcast, and I’m always interested in hearing what topics you’d like to explore next. If there’s anything specific you’d like to hear about in the next season, don’t hesitate to reach out! Thanks for being a part of the Primal Shift community. Season 1 has been an incredible ride, and I can’t wait to see what Season 2 has in store for us all. Stay tuned, stay engaged, and let’s keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible when we reconnect with our primal roots. In this episode: 00:00 - Intro 01:25 - 8 tenants of a healthy lifestyle 03:25 - Nutrition insights 06:44 - Exercise strategies 08:22 - Stress management 09:23 - Hormetic stressors 10:35 - Balancing work, wellness and homesteading 12:01 - Metabolic health 12:50 - Improving your skin health 14:06 - Season 2 sneak peek Learn more: Start Here EP 2: 8 Key Primal Shifts for Ancestral Living: https://www.primalshiftpodcast.com/8-key-primal-shifts-for-ancestral-living/ Sleep EP 14: Do THIS for better sleep: https://www.primalshiftpodcast.com/do-this-for-better-sleep/ EP 43: Unlocking the Power of Sleep with Former Navy SEAL & Doctor Kirk Parsley: https://www.primalshiftpodcast.com/43-unlocking-the-power-of-sleep-with-former-navy-seal-doctor-kirk-parsley/ Nutrition EP 39: Breaking Records on Zero Carbs [Dr. Shawn Baker's Carnivore Diet Insights]: https://www.primalshiftpodcast.com/39-breaking-records-on-zero-carbs-dr-shawn-bakers-carnivore-diet-insights/ EP 42: Let Nature Dictate what you Should be Eating: https://www.primalshiftpodcast.com/42-let-nature-dictate-what-you-should-be-eating/ Exercise EP 33: Why Mark Sisson Stopped Running! The Truth Behind Footwear and Health: https://www.primalshiftpodcast.com/33-why-mark-sisson-stopped-running-the-truth-behind-footwear-and-health/ EP 37: Travis Mayer's Secrets to Performance & Recovery: https://www.primalshiftpodcast.com/37-travis-mayers-secrets-to-performance-recovery/ Stress management EP 48: How Apollo Reduces Migraines: Wife and Sister-In-Law Experiences: https://www.primalshiftpodcast.com/48-how-apollo-reduces-migraines-wife-and-sister-in-law-experiences/ Skin Health: EP 47: Exploring the Link Between Skin Aging and Chronic Diseases with Alessandra Zonari: https://www.primalshiftpodcast.com/47-exploring-the-link-between-skin-aging-and-chronic-diseases-with-alessandra-zonari/ EP 57: Unlocking the Secrets of Lard for ...
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    16 mins
  • 59: Paleo, Keto, Carnivore [Navigating Dietary Changes as a Family]
    Aug 21 2024
    Navigating a health journey can be challenging, especially when it involves significant dietary changes and their impact on family dynamics. In this episode of the Primal Shift Podcast, my wife Kathy and I open up about our transition through various diets and how it affected our lives and relationship. Our journey began when Kathy was diagnosed with prediabetes. We decided to cut out processed sugars, which seemed straightforward. But soon thereafter, I became interested in the Paleo diet and enthusiastically declared that we were switching to that significantly more restrictive dietary framework. Kathy didn’t share my enthusiasm. Switching to Paleo meant eliminating staple foods like beans, rice, and lentils from our diet. She was born and raised in Costa Rica, where these foods are a central part of the cuisine, so I was essentially asking her to give up a number of beloved traditional dishes. Despite our initial struggles, we adapted and learned to prepare Paleo-friendly versions of our favorite meals. Then, just when we thought we had it all figured out, I discovered keto and once again, we faced the challenge of another dietary overhaul. This time, it meant cutting out even more carbs, including natural sweeteners and many of the ingredients Kathy had started using in her cooking. Reflecting on this period, Kathy recalls how our son had stomach issues due to the high consumption of almond flour and almond milk, which were two common ingredients in our keto recipes. We eventually realized that while keto had its benefits, it wasn’t the ultimate solution for us. We moved towards a more nuanced approach, combining elements of Paleo and keto with a focus on ingredient quality and avoiding processed foods. A pivotal moment came when I wanted to experiment with the carnivore diet. Having learned from past experiences, I approached this transition with more caution, suggesting a trial period rather than an immediate switch. This experiment taught us valuable lessons about the benefits of an animal-based diet while still incorporating seasonal fruits and the least toxic plants. Kathy’s perspective on these changes has evolved, especially as she seeks information from other influencers and sources. For instance, she discovered that women tolerate cold exposure differently than men, leading us to adjust our cold plunge temperatures accordingly. During our conversation, we also discuss the broader challenges of maintaining a healthy lifestyle in modern society, such as the convenience of processed foods and the social pressure to conform. Kathy highlights the difficulties of preparing healthy meals and dealing with criticism at social gatherings. Lastly, we touch on the rewarding yet demanding aspects of homesteading, including growing our own food and raising animals. While it’s not always easy, the benefits of fresh, homegrown produce and the satisfaction of self-sufficiency make it worthwhile. Join us as we share our insights and strategies for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, the importance of adaptability, and the ongoing journey of discovering what works best for our family. In this episode: 00:00 - Going Paleo: Prioritizing our health 05:18 - Going Keto: Carbs are bad? 08:39 - Exploring Carnivore and finding balance 11:14 - The challenges of living a healthy lifestyle 14:35 - Our biggest challenge 16:53 - The realities of leaving home 17:44 - Homesteading: Growing our own food 20:13 - Raising animals vs. growing plants 21:11 - Balancing homesteading challenges and rewards Learn more: Is An Animal Based Diet Healthy? My Family’s Journey From Keto to Carnivore and Beyond (Blog Post): https://michaelkummer.com/health/animal-based-diet/ Animal Based Food & Beverage List (Blog Post): https://michaelkummer.com/food-list/ How to Live a Healthy Lifestyle (8 Core Principles) (Blog Post): https://michaelkummer.com/health/healthy-lifestyle-guide/ Thank you to this episode’s sponsor, OneSkin! OneSkin’s lineup of topical skin health products leverage the power of the company’s proprietary OS-01 peptide to remove dead skin cells, improve collagen production, increase skin hydration and more. Check out my before and after photos in my OneSkin review and visit OneSkin here. Get 15% off with my discount code MKUMMER: https://michaelkummer.com/go/oneskinshop Find me on social media for more health and wellness content: Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKummer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkummer82/ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/michaelkummer/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michaelkummer/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mkummer82 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer/ [Medical Disclaimer] The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not ...
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    36 mins
  • 58: How I Stay Fit and Healthy with Simple Daily Habits
    Aug 14 2024
    I used to be a major CrossFitter, spending multiple days per week in the box. But lately, I’ve been cutting back on CrossFit workouts and spending less time in the gym, instead prioritizing daily walks with the dog, manual labor around the homestead, and experimenting with innovative resistance training using X3 bands. In this episode of the Primal Shift Podcast, I’ll tell you about my current regimen and explain why I increasingly focus on balancing intense workouts with natural, ancestral practices. I’ll also explain how I augment these practices with modern technology, like cold plunges and red light therapy, and how I use supplements like creatine, collagen, colostrum, and a limited number of plant-based products to help enhance my testosterone levels, support my gut health, bolster my athletic performance and improve my skin’s appearance. Tune in to learn how you can integrate these principles into your own routine for a healthier, more balanced life. In this episode: 00:00 - Intro to my daily routine 02:14 - Exercise: Walking, CrossFit and homesteading 08:26 - Wellness: Cold plunge, grounding and meditation 11:43 - Red light therapy 13:10 - Supplements: Creatine, collagen, colostrum and beef organs 15:49 - Sleep remedies 16:45 - Natural approaches to wellness Learn more: The 5 Best Collagen Supplements (And How to Pick the Right One) (Blog Post): https://michaelkummer.com/health/collagen-supplements/ Why Eating Beef Liver Is Good For You (Blog Post): https://michaelkummer.com/health/beef-liver-benefits/ 10 Key Health Benefits of Ice Baths and Cold Plunging https://michaelkummer.com/health/ice-bath-benefits/ How to Choose a Red Light Therapy Device (Blog Post): https://michaelkummer.com/health/how-to-choose-a-red-light-device/ Eight Sleep Bed Cooling System Review (Blog Post): https://michaelkummer.com/health/eight-sleep-review/ Thank you to this episode’s sponsor, Peluva! Peluva makes minimalist shoes to support optimal foot, back and joint health. I started wearing Peluvas several months ago, and I haven’t worn regular shoes since. I encourage you to consider trading your sneakers or training shoes for a pair of Peluvas, and then watch the health of your feet and lower back improve while reducing your risk of injury. To learn more about why I love Peluva barefoot shoes, check out my in-depth review and use code KUMMER to get 15% off your first pair. Find me on social media for more health and wellness content: Website: https://michaelkummer.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MichaelKummer Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mkummer82/ Reddit: https://www.reddit.com/r/michaelkummer/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/michaelkummer/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mkummer82 Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/mkummer82 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/realmichaelkummer/ [Medical Disclaimer] The information shared on this video is for educational purposes only, is not a substitute for the advice of medical doctors or registered dietitians (which I am not) and should not be used to prevent, diagnose, or treat any condition. Consult with a physician before starting a fitness regimen, adding supplements to your diet, or making other changes that may affect your medications, treatment plan, or overall health. [Affiliate Disclaimer] I earn affiliate commissions from some of the brands and products I review on this channel. While that doesn't change my editorial integrity, it helps make this channel happen. If you’d like to support me, please use my affiliate links or discount code. #Fitness #Wellness #CrossFit #HealthyLiving #Biohacking
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    18 mins

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