Podcast
The Made to Thrive Show
Hosted by Steve Stavs · EN
Optimising your mind, body and soul. Hosted by Steve Stavs, Africa's Pro Biohacker, Health Futurist, and founder of www.madetothrive.co.za.
30episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Stillness Under Fire: How Daily Meditation Clears Allostatic Overload, Heals Corporate Burnout & Restores Presence Amid Panic, Anxiety & Overstimulation — with Tom Cronin, Founder of The Stillness Project
4d ago00:54:46Tap to summarizePanic. Stress. Overwhelm. Anxiety. Worry. It’s me, it’s you, it’s everyone. What are we going to do? Meditate. Be present. Yes, this ancient practice and philosophy is more relevant and necessary than ever before. Why? Because we are overstimulated and overloaded. Allostatic overloaded. But how to meditate in this world and brain of overstimulation? Tom has some tips and tricks to succeed with meditation in an overstimulated world.Tom Cronin is the founder of The Stillness Project, author of a global movement to inspire 1 billion people to meditate daily, and Producer and Writer of the film and book The Portal. Tom discovered meditation in the early stages of his successful 26 yr career in finance as a tool for stress management. Tom’s experiences through meditation were not only immediate but very profound. He explored deeper into the realms of his meditation practice and Eastern philosophy, and after completing his teacher training in Bali, India and Australia, he qualified as a meditation teacher. Tom has been teaching meditation for top level companies in Australia, from Nova Fm, CBA, Rivkin Finance, Criteo and Fairfax Media and also authored 6 books.Contact:Website - https://tomcronin.comJoin us as we explore:The corporate burnout crisis, Tom’s nervous breakdown and how he transformed from it.Allostatic load, how to clear it and the highest 20 min ROI practice is meditation.How to find peace and presence inside of us despite the chaos and craziness happening around us by balancing the polarity of pleasure and pain In a world chasing pleasure and avoiding pain at all costs.Modeling peace for our kids by following one simple principle, and why we need to embrace dynamic, more relevant schooling systems like the Green School.Why peak performance is happening during the time you are not performing.Why 85% of lawyers are anxious and depressed.Mentions:School - Green School Bali, https://bali.greenschool.orgPerson - Steven Kotler, https://www.stevenkotler.com Support the showFollow Steve's socials: Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | TikTokSupport the show on Patreon:As much as we love doing it, there are costs involved and any contribution will allow us to keep going and keep finding the best guests in the world to share their health expertise with you. I’d be grateful and feel so blessed by your support: https://www.patreon.com/MadeToThriveShowSend me a WhatsApp to +27 64 871 0308. Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all of our content: https://madetothrive.co.za/terms-and-conditions-and-privacy-policy/
Transcribe →The Modern Mental Health Crisis Is an Environment Problem: Fix Your Nervous System, Boost HRV & Beat Overstimulation | Dr. David Rabin, MD, PhD
2w ago01:06:54Tap to summarizeWhat if the mental health crisis isn’t simply a crisis of the mind—but a crisis of the environment we’ve created for the brain? In this fascinating conversation with Dr. Dave Rabin, one of my best podcasts ever, we explore why our nervous systems are being pushed beyond what they evolved to handle, how chronic overstimulation is fueling everything from burnout to dementia, why HRV is one of the most important biomarkers of longevity and the remarkable science and results of the ApolloNeuro.Dr. David M. L. Rabin, MD, PhD, is a translational neuroscientist, psychiatrist, entrepreneur & inventor on a mission to cure mental illness. He has been studying the impact of chronic stress in humans for over 20 years, focusing on trauma, addiction, and human performance. Dr. Rabin is a Senior Research Scientist at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition, the Chief Medical Officer and co-founder at Apollo Neuroscience, the Executive Director of The Board of Medicine nonprofit medical board, and the Medical Director of The Apollo Clinic. Dr. Rabin is also the author of A Simple Guide to Being Alive (2026). At the Apollo Clinic, Dr. Rabin and his team collaborate with clients and patients, empowering them to take control of their mental and physical health by tapping into the natural ability for the body to adapt and heal itself. ContactWebsite - https://www.drdave.io Website - https://apolloneuro.com Join us as we explore:Why the mental health crisis is at the core a cognitive and neurological habitat mismatch emergency - things are too much, too fast and too loud and we are overstimulated, overwhelmed and overreactive.How an overstimulated world has crashed the glympathic system and led to the fact dementia is now the number one killer in multiple countries.The three major categories of chronic, acute nervous system overstimulation.Measuring overstimulation subjectively and critically objectively with data and using technology to curate the habitat required for a healthy nervous system.Why HRV is the true longevity signal, and how ApolloNeuro can elevate your HRV sustainably.How Dr Rabin used ApolloNeuro to move his HRV from the 20s to averaging over 100 ms and hitting heights of 220 ms.Dr Rabin’s 17 clinical trials prove scientifically the ApolloNeuro works to improve REM, deep sleep, decrease burnout and elevate HRV.Dr Rabin’s new book “A Simple Guide to Being Alive”, and his three most important guidelines.MentionsScience - ApolloNuero Backed by Science, https://apolloneuro.com/pages/apollo-neuro-researchSupport the showFollow Steve's socials: Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | TikTokSupport the show on Patreon:As much as we love doing it, there are costs involved and any contribution will allow us to keep going and keep finding the best guests in the world to share their health expertise with you. I’d be grateful and feel so blessed by your support: https://www.patreon.com/MadeToThriveShowSend me a WhatsApp to +27 64 871 0308. Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all of our content: https://madetothrive.co.za/terms-and-conditions-and-privacy-policy/
Transcribe →Stress Is Your Greatest Performance Tool: Master HRV, Vagus Tone & Beat Burnout | Matt Bennett
3w ago01:07:11Tap to summarizeWe’ve been taught that stress is the enemy! And I have been trying for years to break that dogma. Because stress is actually one of your greatest performance tools. And there is one data point that encapsulates stress - HRV. In this episode, we explore why HRV may be one of the most powerful biomarkers for improving not only personal health and resilience, stopping the burnout epidemic and improving employee wellbeing, engagement, and performance in the modern workplace.Matt Bennett is a keynote speaker, author, and trainer who brings trauma-informed care, neurobiology, behavior change, and resilience to life for professional audiences. Through compelling stories, practical frameworks, and research-based insight, he helps people see their work — and the people they serve — through a more hopeful, effective, and transformational lens. His presentations are energetic, thought-provoking, and actionable, designed to inspire audiences while giving them tools they can use immediately.Contact:Website - https://www.optimalhrv.com LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-bennett-584abb3 Join us as we explore:What is stress, and why we need it to succeed.HRV, defining it, why it goes up and down, measuring burnout with HRV and the 4 stages of burnout.The vagus nerve, vagal tone, a “good” HRV, how to improve it and HRV’s connection to emotions and cognition.How HRV is the best data point to improve employee wellbeing while improving employee productivity and performance.The demonization of stress, differentiating between distress and eustress and why a majority of stress is happening automatically and subconsciously.The best and worst HRV wearablesSupport the showFollow Steve's socials: Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | TikTokSupport the show on Patreon:As much as we love doing it, there are costs involved and any contribution will allow us to keep going and keep finding the best guests in the world to share their health expertise with you. I’d be grateful and feel so blessed by your support: https://www.patreon.com/MadeToThriveShowSend me a WhatsApp to +27 64 871 0308. Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all of our content: https://madetothrive.co.za/terms-and-conditions-and-privacy-policy/
Transcribe →Nitric Oxide: The Master Molecule That Controls Blood Pressure, Clears Soft Arterial Plaque, Protects Your Brain & Lowers Diabetes + Alzheimer’s Risk | Nathan Bryan, PhD
4w ago00:55:11Tap to summarizeWhat if one tiny molecule played the central role in your blood pressure, heart health, brain function, exercise performance, and even your risk of diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease? Dr Nathan Bryan believes that molecule is nitric oxide. And he walks the walk, having used his N101 products for decades testing shows his endothelial health to be of someone half his biological age! This is an incredible, illuminating podcast that deserves worldwide attention.Dr. Nathan Bryan has been involved in nitric oxide research for the past 25 years and has made many seminal discoveries in the field. His many seminal discoveries have resulted dozens of issued US and International patents and the product technology resulting from his discoveries and inventions has improved patient care worldwide. His companies and product technology are responsible for more than one billion dollars in product sales worldwide. Bryan is an international leader in molecular medicine and nitric oxide biochemistry.Contact: Website - https://n1o1.comJoin us as we explore:The secret power of nitric oxide - the root causes of deficiency, the #1 symptom of insufficiency and why it’s molecularly a hormone.Nitric oxide’s causation to diabetes, cardiovascular disease and Alzheimer’s disease.Eliminating deadly soft arterial plague with nitric oxide lozenges.Why most nitric oxide promoting supplements are false marketing.How your toothpaste and mouth wash are destroying your nitric oxide.How exercise creates nitric oxide.The key enzyme for nitric oxide and how to keep it in high supply.Mentions Podcast - Dr Robert Elliot, https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/the-made-to-thrive-show/id1509452847?i=1000718543359 Podcast - Dr John Osborne, https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/the-made-to-thrive-show/id1509452847?i=1000766332388Study - Elrod JW, Calvert JW, Gundewar S, Bryan NS, Lefer DJ. Nitric oxide promotes distant organ protection: evidence for an endocrine role of nitric oxide. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2008 Aug 12;105(32):11430-5. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0800700105. Epub 2008 Aug 6. PMID: 18685092; PMCID: PMC2516252Support the showFollow Steve's socials: Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | TikTokSupport the show on Patreon:As much as we love doing it, there are costs involved and any contribution will allow us to keep going and keep finding the best guests in the world to share their health expertise with you. I’d be grateful and feel so blessed by your support: https://www.patreon.com/MadeToThriveShowSend me a WhatsApp to +27 64 871 0308. Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all of our content: https://madetothrive.co.za/terms-and-conditions-and-privacy-policy/
Transcribe →Beyond the Operating Room: How AI, Regenerative Medicine & Smarter Protocols Are Changing Surgery with Dr. Robert Whitfield, MD
Jul 1500:59:31Tap to summarizeSurgery doesn’t end when you leave the operating theatre. And in fact, it begins long before you step into the hospital. Dr Rob Whitfield is a surgeon intent on doing things differently for his patients aka doing things better. From informed consent, to holistic and personalized post-op care and removing toxic implants, he is setting a new standard. With AI, regenerative medicine, and direct-to-consumer biotechnology the future isn’t just better surgery but smarter preparation and recovery.Dr. Robert Whitfield understands what you're going through. He has listened to thousands of patients describe the same experience: symptoms that don't add up, doctors who dismiss them, and a desperate search for someone who will take them seriously.As a board-certified plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Whitfield has published the largest PCR-tested explant capsule series in the world, presented at major medical conferences, and built a patient education library with over 26 million views. He created the SHARP Method specifically because standard surgical care wasn't enough for his patients.ContactWebsite - https://www.drrobertwhitfield.com Join us as we explore:The unappreciated risks of breast implants, breast implant illness and genuine informed consent.What Dr Whifield’s has learnt removing implants and testing them, and his unique SHARP method. Genetic sequencing, AI, genomic supplementation and where the standard of care is heading, including surgical robots.MentionsScience - Dr Whitfield’s research and publications, https://www.drrobertwhitfield.com/media/researchSupport the showFollow Steve's socials: Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | TikTokSupport the show on Patreon:As much as we love doing it, there are costs involved and any contribution will allow us to keep going and keep finding the best guests in the world to share their health expertise with you. I’d be grateful and feel so blessed by your support: https://www.patreon.com/MadeToThriveShowSend me a WhatsApp to +27 64 871 0308. Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all of our content: https://madetothrive.co.za/terms-and-conditions-and-privacy-policy/
Transcribe →No Pro Athlete Shows Up Under-Slept or Overstimulated — So Why Do Business Leaders? How to Become an Executive Athlete and Stop Burning Out with Nicole Elizabeth Ward
Jul 900:53:07Tap to summarizeNo professional athlete in 2026 goes into a game under-slept, under-nourished and overstimulated. So why are business execs and entrepreneurs still doing that every single day? It’s because they don’t recognize they are actually executive athletes. And just like sport athletes, business athletes need healthy bodies and minds to the same degree if they want to avoid being another burnout statistic. Nicole Elizabeth Ward combines twenty-five years of sales leadership experience with her passion for wellness and performance optimization. Her unique background enables her to address the specific health challenges facing sales professionals with practical, evidence-based solutions. Through her book, podcast, and coaching, she helps sales professionals transform into Sales Athletes who can sustain peak performance without sacrificing their health.Buy her book “Biohacking for the Sales Athlete” on AMAZON: https://tinyurl.com/biohacksalesathlete Contact:Website - https://www.nicoleelizabethward.com/biohackJoin us as we explore:Why it is critical business leaders and executives look beyond IQ and EQ and understand they are executive athletes with a real responsibility to manage and optimize their physiology.The executive athletes gym bag - hacks to do functions, social events and traveling healthier. How feedback loops from data is the key to unlock the corporate burnout puzzle.The trapping of the all or nothing mentality, the ROI of health coaching and why execs need to decelerate to accelerate to competitive advantages.The power of keeping a food journal for 2 weeks, and the cost of choices.Why HRV tracking made Nicole go wow, and how she got hers unstuck.MentionsResources - The Executive Athlete’s Gym Bag, https://www.nicoleelizabethward.comSupport the showFollow Steve's socials: Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | TikTokSupport the show on Patreon:As much as we love doing it, there are costs involved and any contribution will allow us to keep going and keep finding the best guests in the world to share their health expertise with you. I’d be grateful and feel so blessed by your support: https://www.patreon.com/MadeToThriveShowSend me a WhatsApp to +27 64 871 0308. Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all of our content: https://madetothrive.co.za/terms-and-conditions-and-privacy-policy/
Transcribe →Light as Medicine: How Photobiomodulation & Photodynamic Therapy Could Transform Alzheimer’s, ADHD & Cancer – With Dr. Hans Michael Weber, MD & Robert Weber, M.Sc.
Jun 2600:51:43Tap to summarizeWe are entering an extraordinary era in medicine where light itself is emerging as a therapeutic tool. Technologies such as transcranial photobiomodulation and photodynamic therapy are showing encouraging promise across a wide spectrum of conditions—from neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s to ADHD and even certain forms of cancer. And at the heart of this is pioneer physician Dr Hans Weber and his Weber Medical clinic.Hans Michael Weber, MD, began his career as a general practitioner, running his own medical practice while becoming increasingly aware of the limitations of conventional medicine. This realization sparked his interest in low-level laser therapy, a field in which he quickly recognized enormous therapeutic potential and began integrating into his everyday clinical work. After years of research and development, he introduced the world’s first device for invasive laser application in 2005—the Weberneedle® Endolaser. Today, Dr. Weber is the founder of Weber Medical, whose medical laser systems are used in more than 2,000 clinics across over 40 countries worldwide.Robert Weber, M.Sc., has dedicated more than a decade to advancing innovative treatment strategies inspired by the scientific and clinical work of his father, Dr. Hans Michael Weber. His work has focused particularly on viral, bacterial, and parasitic infectious diseases, as well as neurodegenerative conditions, with a special interest in laser-based therapeutic approaches including low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT). Throughout his career, he has initiated and supported multiple research projects aimed at expanding the evidence base and applications of these technologies in the form of the EndoLight® and the Infrared Helmet. Contact:Website - https://webermedical.comJoin us as we explore:The crisis of malillumination, the power of intravenous laser therapy and the power of each color of the light spectrum.60% to 70% better regenerative outcomes using lasers in comparison to classic injection methods.Transcranial photobiomodulation - what it is, the pathologies it is solving and the Weber’s cutting-edge laser helmet.From cancer to ADHD- could the root cause be junk light and the solution by photodynamic therapy.MentionsScience - Weber Medical, https://webermedical.com/en/home-use/science/Support the showFollow Steve's socials: Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | TikTokSupport the show on Patreon:As much as we love doing it, there are costs involved and any contribution will allow us to keep going and keep finding the best guests in the world to share their health expertise with you. I’d be grateful and feel so blessed by your support: https://www.patreon.com/MadeToThriveShowSend me a WhatsApp to +27 64 871 0308. Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all of our content: https://madetothrive.co.za/terms-and-conditions-and-privacy-policy/
Transcribe →Genes Don’t Dictate Your Cancer Fate: Dr. Monisha Bhanote, MD, FCAP, ABOIM on the 90–95% Lifestyle Truth, ‘Gut Clock’ & Ancient Wisdom.
Jun 1801:03:01Tap to summarizeWhat if 90–95% of cancers weren’t written in your genes—but in your environment, lifestyle, and daily choices? My guest today Dr B challenges some of the biggest assumptions in modern medicine, drawing on decades of experience examining cancer cells under the microscope. From the hidden drivers of chronic disease to the controversial role of hormone replacement therapy and the critical importance of gut health, this episode explores what happens when we stop asking what disease a person has and start asking why they developed it in the first place.With an unprecedented five board certifications, Dr. Monisha Bhanote brings a comprehensive, systems-based approach to health that few practitioners can match.As the founder of WELLKULÅ and CEO of Travela Wellness, Dr. Bhanote has created comprehensive platforms that make transformative health accessible to individuals and organizations worldwide. Dr B’s work bridges the gap between ancient wisdom traditions and modern molecular science, creating personalized, actionable protocols that deliver measurable results.Her clinical and research focus centers on the microbiome-brain-longevity axis—investigating how gut health, inflammation management, and cellular optimization.Contact:Website - https://www.drbhanote.comJoin us as we explore:Breaking genetic dogma once and for all around disease pathology - from cancer to diabetes. Balancing the pros and cons of any approach whether conventional, Pharma or Ayurvedic.A long ranging conversation on hormonal replacement therapy. Tumor vs healthy cell biology.The crisis of gut health, the gut “clock” you didn’t know you had and why many answers lie with the millennia old wisdom of Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine.The stress travel puts on your microbiome due to stress, dehydration, hypoxia, humidity, radiation and poor food choices.MentionsStudy - The Negative Influence of Air Travel on Health and Performance in the National Basketball Association: A Narrative Review, https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6162549/Support the showFollow Steve's socials: Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | TikTokSupport the show on Patreon:As much as we love doing it, there are costs involved and any contribution will allow us to keep going and keep finding the best guests in the world to share their health expertise with you. I’d be grateful and feel so blessed by your support: https://www.patreon.com/MadeToThriveShowSend me a WhatsApp to +27 64 871 0308. Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all of our content: https://madetothrive.co.za/terms-and-conditions-and-privacy-policy/
Transcribe →Your Home Is Silently Making You Sick — Mold, VOCs & Why No Supplement Can Fix It | Jean-Marc Masson, CMI®
Jun 1000:59:07Tap to summarizeMost people obsess over food, supplements and exercise — while spending 90% of their lives breathing the air inside potentially toxic buildings. That’s why I brought on a true expert in the field in Jean-Marc Masson. We unpack the hidden dangers of Sick Building Syndrome, from mold and VOCs to poor ventilation and the chronic symptoms silently affecting energy, cognition, sleep and long-term health. Made To Thrive’s 7th Pillar Environment, our home and workplace, is always the one people underappreciate and it’s actually the biggest health variable you’ve never quantified.Jean-Marc Masson, Owner of Home Inspection Services South Africa, has been inspecting property for over a decade. He joined Home Inspection in 2011, was trained by Steve Kay – original founder of Home inspection. Jean-Marc went on to get certified as a Certified Master Inspector (CMI)®, Mould Inspector, Thermal Imaging Inspector and Commercial Building Inspector through InterNACHI. Every inspection conducted is governed by an international code of ethic and standards of practice. These are set out by the International Association of Certified Home Inspectors (InterNACHI).Contact Website:https://www.homeinspection.co.zaJoin us as we explore:Why a home inspection uncovers hidden toxicities and solves medical mysteries.Why the dangers of sick homes is that you cannot see the threats.Why dangers of mold, where it comes from, how to address and remediate and why you should be wary of doing your own home Petri dish test.The danger of carpets.Why the type of your roof is far more important than you realize.Why the basics like natural ventilation and sunlight exposure are critical to a healthy home.Support the showFollow Steve's socials: Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | TikTokSupport the show on Patreon:As much as we love doing it, there are costs involved and any contribution will allow us to keep going and keep finding the best guests in the world to share their health expertise with you. I’d be grateful and feel so blessed by your support: https://www.patreon.com/MadeToThriveShowSend me a WhatsApp to +27 64 871 0308. Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all of our content: https://madetothrive.co.za/terms-and-conditions-and-privacy-policy/
Transcribe →Stop Cancer Before It Starts: Healing Mind, Body, The Bioelectric Field & The Soul with Dr. Beth DuPree MD, The Holistic Cancer Surgeon.
Jun 401:00:51Tap to summarizeMaybe medicine will end cancer. Maybe. But the medical institution has spent more than 50 years and tens of billions of dollars trying without meaningful success. We have to try a new paradigm. Which is what Dr Beth du Pree is doing. She cut out cancer in her patients for 35 years, now she believes the solution is to stop cancer before it even manifests by healing our bodies mind, body, electric and soul.Beth DuPree, MD, is a trailblazing surgeon, integrative medicine physician, and healer who has spent more than 35 years at the forefront of breast cancer care, cancer survivorship and healthcare leadership. She is an author, nationally sought-after keynote speaker, and founder of The Healing Consciousness Foundation. Dr. DuPree is medical advisor to breakthrough electroceutical technology companies and is certified in psychedelic-assisted therapy. She is shaping the future of medicine and healing with her belief that bioelectric medicine and plant medicine will transform how we understand, deliver, and experience healing.Contact Website: https://drbethdupree.comJoin us as we explore:From 35 years as a surgeon to practicing and advocating the need for integrative, psychedelic and bioelectrical medicine if we have any chance of actually beating cancer. A cancer prevention masterclass, and why the first line of defense is education not medication.ACEs scores and the 200% increased chance of developing cancer.Bioelectric medicine, ICR, bioelectric medical tools like SignalPatch, vagus nerve treatment, HRV and how the body knows how to heal when in the right frequency.Preventing toxins coming in and the best ways to excrete them out. Bone density scores, strength training and the fear-mongering around HRT based on one very flawed study.MentionsProduct - mindvybe, https://mindvybe.com Product - SignalRelief, https://signalrelief.com Get 20% OFF with discount code THRIVEDocumentary - The HealthCare Cure, https://thehealthcarecure.comProduct - ICR, https://www.seqex.it/enProduct - ICR, https://lifelift.live/Support the showFollow Steve's socials: Instagram | LinkedIn | YouTube | Facebook | Twitter | TikTokSupport the show on Patreon:As much as we love doing it, there are costs involved and any contribution will allow us to keep going and keep finding the best guests in the world to share their health expertise with you. I’d be grateful and feel so blessed by your support: https://www.patreon.com/MadeToThriveShowSend me a WhatsApp to +27 64 871 0308. Disclaimer: Please see the link for our disclaimer policy for all of our content: https://madetothrive.co.za/terms-and-conditions-and-privacy-policy/
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