Oxygen Advantage

Patrick McKeown meets James Nestor, author of Breath The new science of a lost artJames Nestor is the author of a new book on breathing called:Breath: The new science of a lost art : https://www.mrjamesnestor.com/breath James Nestor is an author and journalist who has written for Outside Magazine, Men's Journal, The Atlantic, National Public Radio, The New York Times, Scientific American and more.Nestor’s new book, Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art, will be released through Riverhead/Penguin Random House on May 26, 2020. It explores how the human species has lost the ability to breathe properly over the past several hundred thousand years and is now suffering from a laundry list of maladies — snoring, sleep apnea, asthma, autoimmune disease— because of it. Nestor travels the world to figure out what went wrong and how to fix it. The answers aren’t found in pulmonology labs, as we might expect, but in the muddy digs of ancient burial sites, secret Soviet facilities, New Jersey choir schools, and the smoggy streets of Sao Paulo. Drawing on thousands of years of medical texts and recent cutting-edge studies in pulmonology, psychology, biochemistry, and human physiology, Breath turns the conventional wisdom of what we thought we knew about our most basic biological function on its head.Nestor has appeared on dozens of national radio and television shows ― including ABC’s Nightline, CBS Morning News, and dozens of NPR programs. More at mrjamesnestor.com.Don't forget to Subscribe to the channel!Revolutionize your fitness with the Oxygen AdvantageINCREASE ENERGY & FOCUS, IMPROVE RESILIENCEREACH YOUR FULL POTENTIALBreathing technique to scientifically enhance performanceFor more info visit https://oxygenadvantage.comFollow us on Social MediaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theoxygenadv... https://www.facebook.com/O2AdvantageInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/oxygenadvan...Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mckeownpa...Twitter: https://twitter.com/OxygenAdvantage

In this special Oxygen Advantage® conversation, Patrick McKeown speaks with Rostislav Václavek, Master Instructor for Oxygen Advantage® and Buteyko Clinic International®, and the breathing coach of UFC fighter Jiří Procházka.Together, they explore the science and practice of breath training — from recovery and focus to repeated sprint ability and endurance under fatigue.Rostislav shares insights from his three-year collaboration with Jiří, explaining how breath-hold sprints, nasal breathing, and conscious control of carbon dioxide tolerance have helped build physical and mental resilience at the highest level of competition. You’ll learn:🫁 How Jiří Procházka integrated Oxygen Advantage® techniques into his fight preparation⚡ The physiology behind breath-hold sprints and simulated altitude training🧘 Why recovery, awareness, and calm breathing are just as vital as intensity💪 The role of CO₂ tolerance in energy, focus, and composure“Working with the breath isn’t about instant results — it’s about consistent practice.The practice changes your health, your focus, your performance… and your life.”— Rostislav VáclavekThis is a powerful discussion for anyone interested in functional breathing, high-performance sport, recovery, and human potential. 📍 Learn more about Rostislav’s work: 5pz.cz🌬️ Explore Oxygen Advantage® training: oxygenadvantage.com

In this episode, Patrick McKeown interviews Simon Fogarty about his personal and professional journey, focusing on the challenges of career burnout and the importance of aligning work with personal values. Simon shares his experience of moving from a long legal career into yoga, coaching, and breathwork after facing burnout and discovering the impact of stress and unmanaged mental health. The conversation explores how foundational breathing practices and self-awareness can transform one’s ability to manage stress, improve well-being, and achieve a more balanced life. Patrick and Simon discuss the lack of education around self-regulation and mental quietude, the physiological and psychological benefits of proper breathing, and the importance of teaching these skills both in the workplace and in daily life. The episode concludes with practical advice for listeners on integrating conscious breathing and value-driven choices into their routines for better health and fulfillment.

In this candid and insightful episode, Patrick McKeown sits down with Dermot Whelan—comedian, broadcaster, and author of "Busy and Wrecked"—to explore the realities of stress, burnout, and the relentless pace of modern life. Dermot shares his personal journey from panic attacks and overwhelm to discovering the transformative power of meditation and mindful breathing. Together, they unpack the concept of "peace pinchers"—the everyday habits, people, and situations that steal our sense of calm—and discuss why so many of us wait until crisis hits before seeking help.Listeners will hear practical strategies for recognizing the signs of stress, setting boundaries, and integrating simple mindfulness and breathing techniques into daily routines. The conversation is filled with humor, honesty, and relatable stories, making the tools and insights accessible to everyone—whether you're new to mindfulness or looking to deepen your practice. Tune in to learn how small changes can create a ripple effect, helping you find peace and presence even when life feels busy and wrecked.

In this powerful and inspiring conversation, Paralympic legend Marcel Hug sits down with Patrick McKeown to reflect on his remarkable journey in wheelchair racing. With six Paralympic Games, seven gold medals, and six world records to his name, Marcel shares the mindset, training strategies, and personal philosophy that drive his success.Born with Spina Bifida, Marcel transitioned to a wheelchair at the age of eight—an experience that marked the beginning of a lifelong pursuit of excellence. He opens up about how his coach Paulo Roman has shaped his career, and how technology has revolutionized racing through innovations like carbon fiber chairs.Marcel also dives into the power of nasal breathing, a technique he adopted after reading Patrick’s book. He explains how it transformed his training, boosted his focus, and helped manage stress—not just on the track but in daily life.You’ll also hear about:The mental game of high-performance sportHis approach to altitude training, recovery, and sleepThe growing importance of breathwork in elite sportsWhat’s next in his career—including marathons in Australia, Berlin, New York, and the World Championships in IndiaWhether you're an athlete, coach, or simply seeking inspiration, Marcel’s story is a masterclass in resilience, innovation, and performance.🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the bell for more expert interviews and performance tips.#MarcelHug #Paralympics #WheelchairRacing #PatrickMcKeown #OxygenAdvantage #Breathwork #AthleteMindset #NasalBreathing #HighPerformance #Inspiration

In this powerful conversation, GAA hurling legend TJ Reid shares transformative insights on passion, personal development, and peak performance. Discover how elite athletes approach challenges, build resilience, and maintain mental and physical health. TJ discusses strategies for overcoming workplace stress, developing a winning mindset, and prioritizing self-care. Whether you're an aspiring athlete, entrepreneur, or professional seeking personal growth, this interview offers invaluable wisdom on achieving success while maintaining balance.Key Topics:- Developing passion and determination- Overcoming workplace stress- Building high-performance mindsets- Importance of physical and mental health- Team building and personal leadership

Join Patrick McKeown and Hannah Barrett as they dive deep into the transformative power of yoga, breathwork, and mindfulness. Discover how simple techniques can revolutionize your mental health, reduce stress, and create lasting personal change. Hannah shares her incredible journey from corporate actuary to renowned yoga instructor, offering practical insights for anyone seeking balance and wellness.Key Topics:Stress management through yogaAccessible breathwork techniquesMindfulness for beginnersPersonal transformation stories

This audio is taken from Patrick McKeown's talk at the Health Optimisation Summit in Austin, Texas, April 2025. Unlock the Hidden Power of Breathing with Patrick McKeownAre you breathing correctly? Most people aren't. In this groundbreaking presentation, breathing expert Patrick McKeown reveals how your breath dramatically impacts:🧠 Brain PerformanceIncrease blood flow to the brain by 6-9%Improve memory and concentrationReduce anxiety and cognitive dysfunction❤️ Heart HealthOptimize oxygen deliveryImprove blood circulationProtect against exercise-induced heart stress🌬️ Breathing Techniques Covered:Nose vs. Mouth BreathingCO2 Tolerance OptimizationStress Reduction Breathing ExercisesPerformance Enhancement StrategiesDiscover scientifically-backed methods to:Reduce stress instantlyEnhance sleep qualityBoost physical performanceIncrease overall well-beingLearn why 75% of anxiety sufferers have dysfunctional breathing patterns and how simple techniques can transform your health.Suitable for:AthletesProfessionalsIndividuals with anxietyAnyone seeking peak performance

Patrick McKeown sits down with Dr. Nathan Bryan, a world-leading expert in nitric oxide research, to uncover the critical role of this often-overlooked gas in human health. Discover how nasal breathing, diet, and lifestyle can dramatically impact your body's nitric oxide production and transform your overall well-being.Learn how nitric oxide:- Improves cardiovascular health- Enhances respiratory function- Boosts immune system performance- Supports sexual health- Reduces inflammationFrom sleep apnea to COVID-19 resilience, this conversation reveals groundbreaking insights into how a simple gas can be the difference between merely surviving and truly thriving. Perfect for anyone interested in breathing techniques, natural health optimization, and cutting-edge medical science.A must-listen for health enthusiasts, athletes, and anyone committed to understanding the profound connection between breathing and total body wellness.

Discover the transformative power of manifestation with Nicola O'Neill, a spiritual teacher who went from personal chaos to mastering the universal laws of attraction. In this eye-opening podcast, Nicola reveals how your thoughts create your reality, sharing practical techniques to:Understand the science behind manifestationShift from negative to positive thinkingUse gratitude and affirmations to change your lifeBreak through fear and limiting beliefsHarness your mind's incredible potentialWhether you're feeling stuck, seeking personal growth, or want to unlock your true potential, this conversation provides powerful insights into creating the life you truly desire. Learn how to become the director of your own life and manifest your dreams with simple, actionable strategies.Join Patrick and Nicola as they dive deep into the art and science of manifestation, offering hope, inspiration, and practical wisdom for anyone ready to transform their mindset and life.#Manifestation #PersonalGrowth #PositiveThinking #SpiritualAwakening

In this podcast, Patrick McKeown sits down with Jack McMillan, a former professional footballer, Advanced Oxygen Advantage® Breathwork Instructor, and founder of Optima Performance. The discussion focuses on breathing techniques for elite athletes, the importance of breath training in sports performance, and how functional breathing can be a game-changer in both pre-performance preparation and in-game execution.Jack shares his personal journey from football to breathwork, how he first discovered it through yoga, and how it transformed his pre-match anxiety and overall performance on the field. The conversation explores how breathing influences nervous system regulation, mental clarity, and recovery, and how professional athletes are beginning to integrate these techniques into their routines.They dive into how athletes can optimize their breathing both in training and competition, how CO₂ tolerance and breath-hold training can boost endurance and decision-making, and why nasal breathing plays a crucial role in performance and recovery. They also highlight the importance of post-match recovery strategies and the connection between breathing, mental clarity, and sleep.Whether you’re an athlete, coach, or breathwork enthusiast, this podcast offers practical takeaways and new ways to think about breathing — not as an afterthought, but as a foundation for high performance.

Season 6 of the Oxygen Advantage® Podcast kicks off with a conversation that will change the way you think about running, endurance, and most importantly - breathing.In this episode, Patrick McKeown sits down with Sid Garza-Hillman - author, coach, and Oxygen Advantage instructor - to explore the intersection of breathing, endurance, and everyday life. Sid shares his journey from musician to nutritionist and running coach, revealing how nasal breathing transformed his training, recovery, and stress management.Learn how slowing down, managing air hunger, and prioritizing breathwork can make you a better athlete and a more resilient human. Whether you’re looking to improve your running efficiency, enhance recovery, or simply breathe better, this conversation is packed with insights that challenge the norm.

Adam Burgess is a silver medalist Olympian and a passionate advocate for the transformative power of breathing. As a full-time professional canoeist, Adam has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of athletic performance, but it was his exploration of breathing that unlocked a new level of holistic wellness and success.After struggling with breathing challenges early in his career, including a misdiagnosis of exercise-induced asthma, Adam embarked on a journey of discovery that led him to the world of yoga and conscious breathing practices. Through his exploration of techniques like nasal breathing and breath holding, Adam not only improved his athletic abilities but also experienced profound benefits in his sleep, recovery, and overall well-being.Inspired by his personal transformation, Adam became an Oxygen Advantage instructor, sharing his expertise with others and inspiring them to unlock the breath advantage. He now runs the Inspired Breath Academy, where he works one-on-one with clients, from athletes to corporate professionals, to help them harness the power of breathing for peak performance and optimal health.In this podcast, Adam shares his remarkable journey, offering insights and practical tips on how breathing can revolutionize various aspects of life, from sports to mental resilience and longevity. His story is a testament to the transformative potential of conscious breathing and a powerful reminder that sometimes the most impactful solutions can be found in the simplest of practices.

Meet Robin Rothberg, a yoga therapist with over forty years of experience and a unique approach to breathing and wellness. Robin’s journey began with her own struggles with chronic pain and respiratory issues, leading her to explore beyond traditional yoga practices. With deep insights into the science of breathing, Robin emphasizes the importance of functional, nose-based breathing techniques, drawing from Buteyko methods to counteract the stress and health issues often exacerbated by conventional pranayama.In her work, Robin integrates holistic and adaptive yoga principles that support individual needs and promote overall health. Her training with renowned breathing expert Patrick McKeown and her book, Restoring Prana, offer a fresh perspective on the role of breath in yoga, blending traditional teachings with modern scientific understanding. Robin’s mission is to empower yoga practitioners to transform their health by embracing a mindful, scientific approach to breathing. Join her as she explores the power of breath, the mind-body connection, and her journey to creating yoga practices that truly support wellness and vitality.

Dr. George Dallam holds the rank of Distinguished Professor in the School of Health Science and Human Movement at Colorado State University – Pueblo (CSUP). He has taught a wide variety of classes in exercise physiology, research and statistics, behaviour facilitation, sport psychology, kinesiology, biomechanics, management, exercise assessment and prescription, swimming, running and triathlon. He is past chair and an ongoing member of the CSUP Institutional Review Board, as well as being the longtime chair of the CSUP Faculty Compensation Committee.    He is also the former inaugural National Teams Coach for USA Triathlon and continued to work for many years with elite U.S. triathletes as a coach, advisor and consultant while at CSUP. Athletes coached directly by Dr. Dallam have included National Elite and Age Group Champions, Olympians, Pan American Games Medalists, World Age Group Champions and the top ranked male triathlete in the world in 2005-2006, Hunter Kemper.Dr. Dallam has been involved in numerous research studies and the publication of their results at both CSUP and the USOC examining various aspects of triathlon performance and training, diabetes risk factor modification, and the effects of functional movement improvement on running . His primary research interest recently is focused on the capability of human beings to adapt to nasal only breathing during exercise as a way to improve both health and performance.In this fascinating episode, George Dallam takes us on a journey that began in 2005, when frequent health issues pushed him to explore the unexpected benefits of nasal breathing. Over the course of six months, George transitioned to nasal breathing during exercise, resulting in remarkable improvements in his cycling and running performance, as well as a significant reduction in sinus infections.Join us as George shares insights from groundbreaking studies that reveal how nasal breathing can reduce VO2 max by 10%, yet increase efficiency by helping athletes achieve 85% of their VO2 max at a lower ventilation rate. He also dives deep into the physiological benefits, from improved blood flow and cognitive function to reducing cardiac fibrosis.But the path isn’t always smooth—George discusses the challenges athletes face when making the switch from mouth breathing to nasal breathing, and why gradual adaptation is key to avoiding hypoxia.Whether you're an athlete or just curious about how breathing affects your health, this episode will leave you inspired to try nasal breathing for yourself. Plus, George shares practical tips like using nasal dilators and taping for better adherence.Tune in to discover how something as simple as breathing through your nose could transform your performance and well-being!Be sure to check out George's new book, Nasal Breathing Paradox During Exercise, at the link below: https://www.amazon.com/Nasal-Breathing-Paradox-During-Exercise/dp/B0D9LJVRVH

Evan Birch, a first responder and dispatch operator for over two decades, discusses his transition to running and the importance of nose breathing. He highlights his experience with PTSD and how breath work, including nose breathing, helps him manage stress and improve performance. Evan shares his journey from mouth breathing to nose breathing, noting significant improvements in his running speed and endurance. He emphasizes the benefits of nose breathing for mental health, recovery, and overall performance. Evan also discussed the potential of integrating nose breathing into first responder training to enhance their mental and physical resilience.

In this month's episode of The Oxygen Advantage Podcast, Patrick McKeown talks to Dr. Charlie Weingroff. They discuss the significance of language in yoga and coaching, the challenges of communicating effectively in manual therapy, and the scientific basis of manual therapy techniques. They also delve into the nuances of breathing and respiration, challenging common misunderstandings and emphasizing their interconnectedness with relaxation, athletic performance, and overall well-being. Additionally, Patrick and Charlie discuss the importance of proper breathing techniques for optimizing pH levels, analyzing the core for efficient breathing and rehabilitation, and leveraging technology in physical therapy. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the need for a comprehensive understanding of the autonomic nervous system's impact on breathing and fitness, and encourage listeners to remain open-minded and passionate about the subject.

Patrick McKeown and James Stirling discuss the transformative potential of sport and fitness in helping at-risk youth find themselves and improve their mental and physical health. James shares his experience using football as a tool to help young people involved in gangs, crime, and drugs, while Patrick emphasizes the importance of accessibility and enjoyment in personalized fitness approaches. They discuss the benefits of physical exercise beyond aesthetics, highlighting the need for patience, starting small, and focusing on mental clarity, stress reduction, and overall physical health. Finally, Patrick and James explore the fitness and wellness goals of younger individuals aged 20-30, with a focus on tailoring fitness instruction to each client's unique lifestyle and goals. Additionally, they discuss the importance of breathing techniques for physical performance and mental wellbeing, emphasizing the need for accessible workout routines and the value of breathwork practices in daily life.

Patrick was interviewed on Ireland's National Radio Station, RTÉ Radio 1, this week. It was an amazing interview, and great to hear so many Irish supporters tuned in. Here is the full interview.

Patrick McKeown speaking at the Health Optimisation Summit 2024 in London. June 16th 2024.Patrick McKeown is a prominent figure in the field of breath training. His background, having personally experienced respiratory issues like asthma, rhinitis, and sleep-disordered breathing, adds a unique dimension to his expertise. 21 years experiences are reflected in his written works, with ten books on breath training to his name. Some of his notable books include ‘Breathing for Yoga,’ ‘Atomic Focus,’ 'The Breathing Cure,' and 'Close Your Mouth'. "The Oxygen Advantage," one of his significant contributions, is considered a leading authority on breathing for exercise performance and has been translated into multiple languages.