Podcast
Executive Health and Life
Hosted by Julian Hayes II · EN
Your biology either supports your performance or limits it.
The Executive Health & Life Podcast explores the intersection of biology, leadership, and performance.
Energy, focus, recovery, physical presence, and resilience shape how you think, decide, and operate.
This show brings together founders, CEOs, operators, and leading experts in health and human performance to examine what it takes to sustain high-level output over time.
Hosted by Julian Hayes II, founder of Executive Health, a private advisory for leaders who require their biology to operate at the level their ambition demands.
32episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
287. Managing Your Health As A Modern CEO and Founder Starts With Asymmetrical Thinking
Aug 2700:24:14Tap to summarizeManaging your health as a modern CEO or founder requires a different mindset than the linear strategies often used in business. In this episode, we dive into why asymmetrical thinking, a concept normally applied to investing and strategy, is the key to thriving as a leader. Instead of trading time and energy for short-term returns, you’ll discover how to make health investments that compound and create exponential capacity in every area of your life.Learn why approaching health with asymmetry protects you from catastrophic downside risk, builds capacity for leadership, and positions you to lead at your highest level for years to come.🔑 Topics include:Why CEOs should view their health as their most valuable assetThe difference between symmetrical and asymmetrical thinking for long-term successPractical ways to create exponential returns in health and performanceHow neglecting health can lead to collapse in leadership, reputation, and family life— Episode Chapter Big Ideas (timing may not be exact) —0:00 – Introduction: What asymmetrical thinking means for your health0:13 – Business analogies: why investing in health isn’t linear0:50 – The trap of linear strategies that leaders fall into01:30 – Understanding downside risk in health and leadership08:31 – How neglecting health crushes leaders and reputations11:14 – A reset: re-evaluating priorities and long-term vision20:45 – Building capacity: choices that create compounding returns24:08 – Final takeaway and closing thoughts— Key Quotes — “In business, you would never spend a dollar just to get a dollar back. Yet that’s how many leaders treat their health: linear, transactional, and shortsighted.”“Health is not just an expense. It’s the operating system that fuels clarity under ambiguity, stamina under pressure, and presence at home.”“The real asymmetry in health is that a few strategic choices can generate outsized returns while neglect compounds into catastrophic losses.”— Connect with Julian and Executive Health —LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianhayesii/Ready to take your health, leadership, and performance to the next level? Book a complimentary private executive health diagnostic call with Julian Hayes II. Link below.https://calendly.com/julian-exechealth/chemistryWebsite — https://www.executivehealth.io/***DISCLAIMER: The information shared is not meant to treat or diagnose any condition. This is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes. The content here is not intended to replace your relationship with your doctor and/or medical practitioner.
Transcribe →285. How To Get Fit As A Busy Executive: Focus On These 2 Metrics to Outperform the Competition
Aug 1500:40:42Tap to summarizeHow To Get Fit as a busy executive isn’t about chasing fad workouts or obsessing over the scale. In this episode, Julian Hayes II reveals two high-leverage fitness metrics that not only predict how long you’ll lead but also how well you’ll perform in business and life. You’ll learn why visceral fat and VO₂ Max are far more than health stats, how they directly influence your decision-making, stress resilience, and leadership presence, and the practical strategies to improve them even with a demanding schedule.If you want a competitive edge that compounds for decades, this is your playbook.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:→ Why most executives measure the wrong health metrics and what to focus on instead→ How visceral fat acts as a silent threat to leadership performance and longevity→ The muscle–leadership connection: why lean mass is your biological insurance policy→ Why VO₂ Max is your “health equity score” and a strong predictor of lifespan and stress resilience→ Actionable strategies for improving both metrics with limited time— Episode Chapter Big Ideas (timing may not be exact) —0:00 – Introduction & why health is a leader’s ultimate competitive advantage2:18 – The deeper reasons executives stay fit beyond aesthetics6:45 – Visceral fat explained: the hidden health liability13:22 – How visceral fat impacts decision-making, hormones, and stress resilience18:40 – Using DEXA scans to get your “full body balance sheet”24:55 – Lean mass as a biological currency for longevity and leadership presence31:30 – Practical strategies to build and preserve muscle with limited time35:42 – VO₂ Max: the overlooked metric that predicts leadership stamina38:22 – Training strategies for VO₂ Max (Zone 2, intervals, strength)40:20 – Recap & closing thoughts for high-performing leaders— Key Quotes — “You can’t out-hustle broken biology. You can only go as far as your health allows.”“Lean mass is your biological insurance policy; VO₂ Max is your health equity score.”“The better your biological bandwidth, the more you can handle in business without breaking down.”— Connect with Julian and Executive Health —LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianhayesii/Ready to take your health, leadership, and performance to the next level? Book a complimentary private executive health diagnostic call with Julian Hayes II. Link below.https://calendly.com/julian-exechealth/chemistryWebsite — https://www.executivehealth.io/***DISCLAIMER: The information shared is not meant to treat or diagnose any condition. This is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes. The content here is not intended to replace your relationship with your doctor and/or medical practitioner.
Transcribe →284. How to Lose Weight When You’re in Back-to-Back Meetings All Day
Aug 1, 202500:42:14Tap to summarizeAre you constantly in meetings and struggling to find time to focus on your health? In this episode, discover how even the busiest executives can lose weight and regain energy without fad diets, exhausting workouts, or overhauling their lives.Julian Hayes II breaks down a powerful system for sustainable fat loss and peak performance built for high-level leaders. Learn how to optimize your environment, implement a daily health standard, and make a system of accountability that works with your demanding schedule—not against it.If you're a founder, CEO, or business owner operating at full tilt and your body's running on fumes and stubborn weight won't go away, this is your executive briefing for reclaiming your health, one smart system at a time.— Episode Chapter Big Ideas (timing may not be exact) —0:00 – Introduction & the “warzone” schedule dilemma2:18 – Common advice that doesn’t work for execs4:22 – The real root: nervous system stress & hidden residue7:46 – Health is invisible...until it’s not10:15 – Why “working hard” isn’t your issue—it’s infrastructure12:22 – Shift from willpower to systems14:05 – Lever #1: Light Optimization (sunlight, circadian regulation, fat metabolism)21:08 – The dangers of blue light at night & late-night eating25:40 – Light exposure do’s and don’ts (morning and night routines)28:14 – Lever #2: Creating a Standard of Performance32:16 – What the 49ers can teach us about health success34:40 – Examples of real-world health standards you can start today38:10 – Lever #3: Accountability & Support40:20 – Isolation, wearables, support systems, and peer groups41:30 – Final recap and invitation to connect— Key Quotes — “Your ability to burn fat efficiently and consistently is downstream of your light exposure.”“High-performance health isn’t built on your best days. It’s sustained by the systems you follow on your worst ones.”“If you have infrastructure for your business but not your body, you’re flying blind.”— Connect with Julian and Executive Health —LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianhayesii/Ready to take your health, leadership, and performance to the next level? Book a complimentary private executive health diagnostic call with Julian Hayes II. Link below.https://calendly.com/julian-exechealth/chemistryWebsite — https://www.executivehealth.io/***DISCLAIMER: The information shared is not meant to treat or diagnose any condition. This is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes. The content here is not intended to replace your relationship with your doctor and/or medical practitioner.
Transcribe →283. The Health OS Upgrade: 4 Key Pillars For Sustainable High Performance
Jul 25, 202500:27:11Tap to summarizeWant to know how to be fit and healthy while running a business, leading teams, and making high-stakes decisions? In this episode, Julian Hayes II shares the four core pillars of a modern Health Operating System (Health OS) that high-level leaders must build to sustain long-term energy, performance, and success, without burning out.If you're a founder, CEO, or executive who's tired of reactive health habits and ready to future-proof your capacity, this episode is for you.— Episode Chapter Big Ideas (timing may not be exact) —0:00 – Intro: Why health is your hidden edge as a leader2:10 – The problem with outdated health systems4:22 – Defining capacity: the most critical leadership trait6:58 – Pillar 1: Physiology – Your body is the hardware of success11:47 – Invisible taxes that drain energy and focus14:15 – Pillar 2: Psychology – Your mindset, emotional regulation, and identity19:20 – Pillar 3: Precision – Data-driven systems for sustainable habits24:05 – Pillar 4: Power – The output the world sees25:50 – Real-world capacity leaks and how to audit your Health OS26:30 – Final thoughts: Start small, optimize one pillar at a time— Key Quotes — “You don’t rise to the occasion. You fall to the level of your physiology.”“Capacity is the oxygen of modern CEOs and founders.”“Run your body like a business. If your health system is vague or outdated, performance suffers.”— Connect with Julian and Executive Health —LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianhayesii/Ready to take your health, leadership, and performance to the next level? Book a complimentary private executive health diagnostic call with Julian Hayes II. Link below. https://calendly.com/julian-exechealth/chemistryWebsite — https://www.executivehealth.io/***DISCLAIMER: The information shared is not meant to treat or diagnose any condition. This is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes. The content here is not intended to replace your relationship with your doctor and/or medical practitioner.
Transcribe →282. Why CEOs and Founders Should Treat Their Health Like a Billion-Dollar Asset
Jul 15, 202500:25:38Tap to summarizeAs a high-performing CEO or founder, you track revenue, churn, and margins — but are you tracking your health with the same precision? In this episode, Julian breaks down 11 biological KPIs every elite leader should monitor to multiply energy, focus, longevity, and impact. If you’re building a billion-dollar business, your health is your billion-dollar asset. And today, you’ll learn how to manage it that way.— Episode Chapter Big Ideas (timing may not be exact) —0:00 – Intro: Your health is your most valuable asset2:05 – Why leaders overlook their biology4:20 – KPI #1: VO₂ Max = Your Energy Output Capacity6:17 – KPI #2: HRV (Profit Margin of Resilience)8:01 – KPI #3: Blood Glucose & Metabolic Liquidity10:00 – KPI #4: Inflammation = Biological Churn Rate11:50 – KPI #5: Recovery Efficiency = Customer Acquisition Cost13:20 – KPI #6: Circadian Rhythm & Operational Efficiency14:55 – KPI #7: Mood & Mental Performance (Your Net Promoter Score)16:30 – KPI #8: Biological Age = Your Health Net Worth18:15 – KPI #9: Forecasting with Advanced Health Testing19:30 – KPI #10: Health Panels = Your Board Reports21:00 – KPI #11: Relationships & Longevity (Your Emotional Infrastructure)22:40 – 3 Common Blind Spots for High-Achieving Leaders24:30 – How to implement this without overwhelm25:00 – Final thoughts & your next steps— Key Quotes — "Optimal health is the ultimate leverage instrument. It’s your infrastructure for every decision you make.”"Most CEOs don’t crash because they’re lazy — they crash because they’re unmeasured.”"You track churn and revenue…why not inflammation and VO₂ Max?”— Connect with Julian and Executive Health —LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianhayesii/Ready to take your health, leadership, and performance to the next level? Book a complimentary private executive health diagnostic call with Julian Hayes II. Link below. https://calendly.com/julian-exechealth/chemistryWebsite — https://www.executivehealth.io/***DISCLAIMER: The information shared is not meant to treat or diagnose any condition. This is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes. The content here is not intended to replace your relationship with your doctor and/or medical practitioner.
Transcribe →281. How to Manage Stress and Avoid Burnout: 5 Hidden Psychological Traps Draining Founders and CEOs
Jul 7, 202500:27:27Tap to summarizeLearn how to manage stress and avoid burnout by uncovering five hidden psychological traps that silently drain leaders' energy, clarity, and performance. In this episode, Julian breaks down the mental habits that even elite founders and CEOs can fall into—ones that sabotage health, leadership, and longevity without warning signs. Whether you’re scaling a company or steering a team, this episode will help you reclaim your energy and operate at your highest level. Managing health as a high performer entails various types of stress.— Episode Chapter Big Ideas (timing may not be exact) —00:00 – Intro: The silent epidemic of high-achiever burnout02:00 – What real CEO burnout looks like today (not just exhaustion)03:00 – Overview of the 5 temptations that erode energy and leadership04:00 – Temptation #1: Performance over authenticity07:00 – Action steps to reconnect with your authentic self09:30 – Temptation #2: Pleasing over boundaries12:00 – Setting strategic boundaries to protect your time and health13:00 – Temptation #3: Certainty over progress16:30 – Perfectionism as a form of procrastination18:30 – Temptation #4: Comfort over growth20:45 – Why “coasting” is actually reverse gear in disguise22:00 – Temptation #5: Independence over connection24:00 – How isolation sabotages performance and emotional health26:00 – Recap: The 5 hidden burnout traps27:00 – Closing thoughts + invitation to connect— Key Quotes — "The second you stop pretending, you start leading.”"Burnout doesn’t always scream—it whispers. And by the time you hear it, the damage is done.”"Comfort is a velvet coffin. If you're not growing, you're silently declining."— Connect with Julian and Executive Health —LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianhayesii/Ready to take your health, leadership, and performance to the next level? Book a complimentary private executive health diagnostic call with Julian Hayes II. Link below. https://calendly.com/julian-exechealth/chemistryWebsite — https://www.executivehealth.io/***DISCLAIMER: The information shared is not meant to treat or diagnose any condition. This is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes. The content here is not intended to replace your relationship with your doctor and/or medical practitioner.
Transcribe →280. Fourth of July: Why Optimal Health Is the Ultimate Freedom
Jul 4, 202500:05:18Tap to summarizeThis Fourth of July, while we celebrate independence, it’s worth asking—are you truly free if your health is in chains?In this short post-run episode, I reflect on why optimal health is the ultimate form of freedom—and how too many high performers have unknowingly surrendered their internal sovereignty.Because when your biology works for you, it doesn’t just improve your energy—it amplifies your business, your relationships, your communities, and your legacy.— Topics covered —The overlooked freedom every high performer needsWhy internal sovereignty starts with biologyA quick reflection from a half-marathon runA call to declare your own “Health Independence Day”If you’re a founder, CEO, or leader ready to lead from a place of strength, this one’s for you.— Connect with Julian and Executive Health —LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianhayesii/Ready to take your health, leadership, and performance to the next level? Book a complimentary private executive health diagnostic call with Julian Hayes II. Link below. https://calendly.com/julian-exechealth/chemistryWebsite — https://www.executivehealth.io/***DISCLAIMER: The information shared is not meant to treat or diagnose any condition. This is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes. The content here is not intended to replace your relationship with your doctor and/or medical practitioner.
Transcribe →279. VetComm CEO Kate Monroe on Real Leadership, Mental Toughness, and Taking Her Fight to Congress
Jun 27, 202500:40:36Tap to summarizeIf you’ve ever wondered how to be a resilient leader in a world that often rewards comfort and conformity, this conversation with Kate Monroe is for you. A Marine Corps veteran, author of multiple books, founder and CEO of VetComm, and a former congressional candidate, Kate’s story is steeped in grit, perseverance, and relentless passion.In this episode, we explore how to lead through adversity, why veterans are being let down by the system, what true leadership entails, the critical importance of health, and how to build something greater than yourself. Kate holds nothing back, and what she shares might change how you view service, leadership, and even your own potential.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:What it really means to be a resilient leader in high-stakes environmentsHow to lead people through adversity, not just around itThe leadership lessons Kate learned from the Marine Corps that still guide her todayWhy resilience starts with what you tell yourself and how to reset your mental scriptHow Kate Monroe went from trauma to CEO and political candidateThe hidden struggles veterans face when returning to civilian life, and how VetComm is changing thatWhat most people misunderstand about politics, service, and the real path to change— Episode Chapter Big Ideas (timing may not be exact) —0:00 – Intro & Kate's mission0:31 – Why “Thank you for your service” isn’t enough2:10 – Kate’s wild journey into the Marine Corps3:52 – Grit, trauma, and lessons from military life5:30 – Are we raising a soft generation?7:21 – Why young people feel lost and how to lead them8:44 – Building a service-first culture at VetComm10:43 – Why veterans struggle with the VA and how Kate helps13:08 – The brutal transition from military to civilian life16:25 – Kate’s personal journey and evolution into CEO20:55 – Vision + execution = unstoppable leadership24:26 – Kate’s daily mental health rituals and recovery tools26:43 – Writing books to heal, to lead, and to create control29:29 – What led her to run for Congress31:51 – The ugly truth about politics and how change really happens34:57 – Her take on the current administration and the VA37:45 – Leadership, media, and creating impact at scale38:49 – The next chapter: Movies, motivation & domination39:56 – Closing thoughts on leadership, haters, and staying authentic— Key Quotes from Kate Monroe — “Hardship is temporary. But if you stop moving, it becomes permanent.”“Real leadership is showing up, not sending people in your place. I take the hill first and they follow.”“If you say it’s hard, you’re the first one who’ll believe it.”— Connect With Kate Monroe —Website: https://www.vetcomm.us/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/KateMonroeCEO/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KateMonroeCEO YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@Kate.Monroe LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katemonroeceo/ — Connect with Julian and Executive Health —LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianhayesii/Ready to take your health, leadership, and performance to the next level? Book a complimentary private executive health diagnostic call with Julian Hayes II. Link below. https://calendly.com/julian-exechealth/chemistryWebsite — https://www.executivehealth.io/***DISCLAIMER: The information shared is not meant to treat or diagnose any condition. This is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes. The content here is not intended to replace your relationship with your doctor and/or medical practitioner.
Transcribe →278. Dr. Martin Moore-Ede on How Blue Light Hijacks Your Metabolism, Sleep, and Life Without You Noticing
Jun 16, 202500:50:10Tap to summarizeIn this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Martin Moore-Ede, a Harvard-trained physician and pioneering circadian scientist, to explain how something as familiar as modern lighting is silently wreaking havoc on your health. From blue light's effects on metabolism and sleep to how most homes and workplaces are wired for illness, this conversation pulls back the curtain on a hidden environmental health crisis.Dr. Martin Moore-Ede shares decades of research, including shocking studies on how artificial light can induce pre-diabetic states within hours, as well as insights on how to live longer, sleep better, and protect your body from the wrong light at the wrong time.Learn how to audit your own light environment and take practical steps to protect your circadian rhythm, improve healthspan, and finally understand why your body feels “off," even when you’re doing everything else right.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How blue light disrupts your sleep, metabolism, hormones, and immune systemWhy standard LED lighting may be worse than junk foodThe science behind circadian rhythms and light-sensitive cells in your eyesWhat healthy lighting actually looks like and where to get itSimple, low-cost ways to protect your health from harmful indoor lighting— Episode Chapter Big Ideas (timing may not be exact) —00:00 – Intro + behind the scenes01:00 – What led Dr. Martin Moore-Ede from surgery to circadian science03:30 – Why he founded Circadian Technologies (and how it helps 24/7 industries)06:45 – The shocking health risks of electric light at night09:10 – Why blue light isn't just a buzzword. It's biological disruption12:00 – Circadian rhythms explained simply15:00 – What melatonin really does (it’s not just a sleep hormone)17:30 – Pre-diabetic in hours? What LED exposure does to healthy people20:00 – What makes a healthy white light vs. an unhealthy one23:00 – How to find blue-free light bulbs and circadian lighting systems25:30 – Light policy, regulation, and the looming ban on healthy bulbs28:30 – Why most energy-efficient lighting is a public health hazard31:00 – How businesses are finally waking up to lighting and productivity35:00 – Your “light diet”: practical steps for day and night38:30 – Why sleeping in total darkness could add years to your life41:00 – Blue-blocking glasses: helpful or hype?45:00 – New research on infrared, violet light, and light medicine48:00 – Where to learn more from Dr. Martin Moore-Ede— Key Quotes from Dr. Martin Moore-Ede — “Light is not just for vision, it’s for health. And modern light is designed without that in mind.”“We can make healthy people pre-diabetic in a few hours with nothing but the wrong light.”“Junk light is the new junk food. It’s cheap, everywhere — and quietly destroying our health.”— Connect With Dr. Martin Moore-Ede —Website: https://thelightdoctor.com/ Book (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/LIGHT-DOCTOR-Health-Improve-Longer/dp/B0D54SHWS4/ Circadian Light Website: https://circadianlight.org/ Korrus Lighting / OIO circadian light system: https://www.korrus.com/oio/ SORAA (light bulbs with no blue light): https://www.soraa.com/ Dr. Moore-Ede’s Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=lFyCIC0AAAAJ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/martin-moore-ede-80630a12 Substack: https://lightdoctormartinmooreede.substack.com/ — Connect with Julian and Executive Health —LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianhayesii/Ready to take your health, leadership, and performance to the next level? Book a complimentary private executive health diagnostic call with Julian Hayes II. Link below. https://calendly.com/julian-exechealth/chemistryWebsite — https://www.executivehealth.io/***DISCLAIMER: The information shared is not meant to treat or diagnose any condition. This is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes. The content here is not intended to replace your relationship with your doctor and/or medical practitioner.
Transcribe →277. 7 Key Habits Top Leaders Use To Stay Mentally Sharp, Energetic, and Resilient Despite Crushing Demands
Jun 10, 202500:18:00Tap to summarizeWant to know how top CEOs stay sharp, energized, and resilient—even under extreme pressure? In this episode, Executive Health coach and strategist Julian Hayes II shares 7 science-backed habits that high-performing CEOs and founders use to maintain their mental and physical edge without burning out. These practical strategies are designed to help you protect your energy, train for volatility, and lead your business and life with intention. Whether you're a founder, executive, or future CEO, these habits will help you optimize your biology, recognizing it as the powerful business asset it is. This is your blueprint to perform at your peak consistently and sustainably.— Episode Chapter Big Ideas (timing may not be exact) —0:00 – Introduction: Why high-level performance feels harder0:51 – The quiet decline most CEOs don’t admit until it’s too late1:49 – The growing pressures leaders face today2:48 – Why your biology is now a strategic business lever5:04 – Habit #1: Treat your energy like equity7:59 – Habit #2: Engineer relentless accountability10:01 – Habit #3: Train for volatility (your resilience buffer)12:04 – Habit #4: Build a mental gym for clarity and purpose13:58 – Habit #5: Recover with precision—like elite athletes14:50 – Habit #6: Run your health like a business16:17 – Habit #7: Invest in full-spectrum living (legacy redefined)17:50 – Final takeaway: Health isn't the reward—it's the foundation— Key Quotes — "Top-performing CEOs don’t just track time—they protect their energy like equity.”"Your health is your volatility buffer. Fit leaders don’t just last longer—they lead longer.”"Health is not your reward for success. It’s what makes your success sustainable."— Connect with Julian and Executive Health —LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/julianhayesii/Ready to take your health, leadership, and performance to the next level? Book a complimentary private executive health diagnostic call with Julian Hayes II. Link below. https://calendly.com/julian-exechealth/chemistryWebsite — https://www.executivehealth.io/***DISCLAIMER: The information shared is not meant to treat or diagnose any condition. This is for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes. The content here is not intended to replace your relationship with your doctor and/or medical practitioner.
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