Live Beyond the Norms

Ice baths, prolonged fasting, extreme diets, and uncomfortable biohacking routines. You don't want to do these things. No one does. And you know what? You don't have to. Chocolate, laughter, sunshine, vacations, and spending time with friends sound much better. And surprisingly, these simple pleasures may help you live longer. There's even research to support some of their health benefits. Dr. Patrick Quillin joins me to discuss his latest book, The Pleasure Advantage, and why enjoying life deserves a place in the longevity conversation. We explore the science behind everyday pleasures, the importance of belonging, and why staying healthy doesn't have to feel like punishment. “There's two main urges in the human mind, and that's to seek pleasure and to avoid discomfort.” ~ Dr. Patrick Quillin We appreciate everyone who takes the time to review Live Beyond the Norms. Post your review on iTunes and Spotify, let us know, and we'll thank you with 50% off MCT oil and free shipping. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-beyond-the-norms/id1714886566  Resources Mentioned: - The Pleasure Advantage by Dr. Patrick Quillin https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H8FTDGFQ - Beating Cancer with Nutrition by Dr. Patrick Quillin https://www.amazon.com/dp/1735234702 - 12 Keys to a Healthier Cancer Patient by Dr. Patrick Quillin https://www.amazon.com/dp/0578564297 - Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by Weston A. Price https://www.amazon.com/dp/0916764206 - The Good Life by Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B3Y7J6PN - Harvard Study of Adult Development: https://www.robertwaldinger.com/harvard-study/ About Dr. Patrick Quillin: Dr. Patrick Quillin, PhD, is a clinical nutrition expert, author, and educator with more than 45 years of experience in nutrition and health. He served as Vice President of Nutrition at Cancer Treatment Centers of America for 10 years and has written 21 books, selling over two million copies. His bestselling book, Beating Cancer with Nutrition, focuses on the role of nutrition in supporting cancer patients. His latest book, The Pleasure Advantage, explores how enjoyable activities, social connections, and everyday habits can contribute to a healthier, longer life. Connect with Dr. Patrick Quillin: - Website: https://patrickquillin.com/  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drpatrickquillinphd/  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-patrick-quillin-phd-rd-cns-9ba37b10/  Connect with Chris Burres: - Website: https://www.myvitalc.com/  - Website: http://www.livebeyondthenorms.com/  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myvitalc  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myvitalc  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisburres/  *Disclaimer* The content shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice of any kind, nor does it include any specific claims or guarantees. The views expressed are based on personal experiences, research, and individual perspectives, and are meant to inspire and inform listeners on topics related to wellness, lifestyle, and personal development. We strongly encourage all listeners to consult with a qualified professional or licensed expert before making any decisions related to health, finances, or other sensitive areas of life. Thank you for tuning in—and for taking proactive steps toward a more informed, intentional life.

Human life expectancy has increased dramatically over the past century. In the United States, the average has risen from roughly 47 years in 1900 to around 77–78 years today. We can thank advances in medicine, sanitation, and public health for much of that progress. But what's the point of living longer if you spend your final years struggling with illness or disability? My guest, Dr. Bob Rakowski, believes those final years don't have to be defined by poor health. In fact, he argues that the best way to protect your independence starts decades earlier, with the habits you practice every day. We discuss why sleep, strength training, and real food deserve more attention than biohacks, and how his Magnificent Seven approach can help us work toward a longer, healthier life. “You don't want to spend the end of your life suffering.” ~ Dr. Bob Rakowski We appreciate everyone who takes the time to review Live Beyond the Norms. Post your review on iTunes and Spotify, let us know, and we'll thank you with 50% off MCT oil and free shipping. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-beyond-the-norms/id1714886566  Resources Mentioned: Dr. Bob Rakowski's Magnificent Book Series: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0HDLN8VJN  The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1982137274  The Power of Intention by Wayne Dyer: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1401902162  Biomarkers by William J. Evans and Irwin H. Rosenberg: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0671685473 Dr. Bob Rakowski's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@DrBobRakowskiTV  About Dr. Bob Rakowski: Dr. Bob Rakowski is a Houston-based chiropractor, board-certified kinesiologist, certified clinical nutritionist, author, and international speaker. For more than 30 years, he has lectured on nutrition, natural medicine, human performance, and healthy aging. His work spans professional athletes and patients managing chronic health conditions, with an emphasis on improving long-term health through daily habits. Drawing on his background in electrical engineering, Dr. Bob developed his Magnificent Seven framework and authored the Magnificent book series. Connect with Dr. Bob Rakowski: - Website: https://drbobrakowski.com/  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr_bob_rakowski/  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-bob-rakowski/  Connect with Chris Burres: - Website: https://www.myvitalc.com/  - Website: http://www.livebeyondthenorms.com/  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myvitalc  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myvitalc  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisburres/  *Disclaimer* The content shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice of any kind, nor does it include any specific claims or guarantees. The views expressed are based on personal experiences, research, and individual perspectives, and are meant to inspire and inform listeners on topics related to wellness, lifestyle, and personal development. We strongly encourage all listeners to consult with a qualified professional or licensed expert before making any decisions related to health, finances, or other sensitive areas of life. Thank you for tuning in—and for taking proactive steps toward a more informed, intentional life.

What happens when someone who built her career around intermittent fasting decides to stop doing it? That's one of the questions I explore with Cynthia Thurlow, a nurse practitioner, bestselling author, and women's health expert whose TEDx talk on fasting has reached nearly 16 million views. Cynthia's own experience with midlife changes has reshaped her approach to health. She now prioritizes building muscle over losing weight, keeps her fasting windows shorter, and challenges the advice women are often given when their usual diet and exercise routines stop working. We also discuss hormone replacement therapy, the connection between menopause and gut health, and why women may need to rethink their habits as they get older. Cynthia shares what she's learned about protecting strength, maintaining independence, and making informed decisions about aging well. “The things that allowed us to be successful in our teens, 20s, and 30s become maladaptive in menopause.” ~ Cynthia Thurlow Enjoying Live Beyond the Norms? Leave us a review on iTunes and Spotify, let us know, and we'll thank you with 50% off MCT oil and free shipping! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-beyond-the-norms/id1714886566  Resources Mentioned: Intermittent Fasting Transformation: https://www.cynthiathurlow.com/intermittent-fasting-transformation  The Menopause Gut: https://www.cynthiathurlow.com/the-menopause-gut  Intermittent Fasting: Transformational Technique (TEDx Talk): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6Dkt7zyImk  Real Food for Kids: https://www.realfoodforkids.org/  About Cynthia Thurlow: Cynthia Thurlow is a nurse practitioner, bestselling author, international speaker, and host of the Everyday Wellness podcast. With nearly 30 years of experience in healthcare, including emergency medicine and cardiology, she now focuses on helping women navigate perimenopause, menopause, and metabolic health. Her TEDx talk, Intermittent Fasting: Transformational Technique, has reached nearly 16 million views. She is also the author of Intermittent Fasting Transformation and The Menopause Gut, which explore the roles of nutrition, hormones, and gut health in healthy aging. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow: - Website: https://www.cynthiathurlow.com/  - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/cynthiathurlow  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cynthia-thurlow Connect with Chris Burres: - Website: https://www.myvitalc.com/  - Website: http://www.livebeyondthenorms.com/  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myvitalc  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myvitalc  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisburres/  *Disclaimer* The content shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice of any kind, nor does it include any specific claims or guarantees. The views expressed are based on personal experiences, research, and individual perspectives, and are meant to inspire and inform listeners on topics related to wellness, lifestyle, and personal development. We strongly encourage all listeners to consult with a qualified professional or licensed expert before making any decisions related to health, finances, or other sensitive areas of life. Thank you for tuning in—and for taking proactive steps toward a more informed, intentional life.

Every 20 seconds somewhere in the world, a person with diabetes loses a limb to amputation. For many, the path to that point begins with diabetic neuropathy. Sensation in the feet fades, so injuries can go unnoticed long enough to become ulcers. Some of that lost sensation may not be as irreversible as patients are often told. Podiatric and peripheral nerve surgeon Dr. Stephen Barrett argues that diabetes can cause nerves to swell and become compressed. He believes that relieving the pressure can restore sensation and function in some patients. Dr. Stephen and I talk about how this happens and what nerve decompression could mean for people with diabetes. We also get into the patient whose foot moved again after five years. “It's always easier to prevent a problem than to try to reverse a problem.” ~ Dr. Stephen Barrett Support the show and get 50% off MCT oil with free shipping—just leave us a review on iTunes and Spotify and let us know! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-beyond-the-norms/id1714886566  Resources Mentioned: U.S. Neuropathy Centers - https://usneuropathycenters.com/  The Pod of Inquiry - https://podofinquiry.com/  Some Nerve: New Hope for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy - https://podofinquiry.com/2025/12/some-nerve-hope-for-patients-diabetic-peripheral-neuropathy/  About Dr. Stephen Barrett: Dr. Stephen Barrett is a podiatric and peripheral nerve surgeon with decades of experience treating foot, ankle, and nerve conditions. He holds patents for endoscopic surgical procedures and has trained more than 6,000 surgeons worldwide. He has published more than 50 peer-reviewed articles and co-authored a textbook on neurosensory testing. Dr. Barrett is board-certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and the American Board of Podiatric Medicine and has served as president of the Association of Extremity Nerve Surgeons.  Connect with Dr. Stephen Barrett: - Website: https://www.usneuropathycenters.com/  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-barrett-92776a51/  Connect with Chris Burres: - Website: https://www.myvitalc.com/  - Website: http://www.livebeyondthenorms.com/  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myvitalc  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myvitalc  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisburres/  *Disclaimer* The content shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice of any kind, nor does it include any specific claims or guarantees. The views expressed are based on personal experiences, research, and individual perspectives, and are meant to inspire and inform listeners on topics related to wellness, lifestyle, and personal development. We strongly encourage all listeners to consult with a qualified professional or licensed expert before making any decisions related to health, finances, or other sensitive areas of life. Thank you for tuning in—and for taking proactive steps toward a more informed, intentional life.

Americans love their supplements. After all, they spend up to $70 billion per year on supplements, according to some estimates. But supplements can only do so much if your lifestyle keeps exposing you to the things that are affecting your health in the first place. Chemical Free Body founder Tim James believes supplements have their place, but reducing that exposure has to be part of the equation. We talk about chemicals in everyday products, how stress affects the body, and why he starts some people with greens when they barely have the energy to make other changes. This is only part of our conversation. To listen to the entire episode, click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTULXv5i5F4 “You gotta stop putting in what was causing the problem in the first place.” ~ Tim James Support the show and get 50% off MCT oil with free shipping. Leave us a review on iTunes and Spotify and let us know! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-beyond-the-norms/id1714886566  Resources Mentioned: Global Healing - https://globalhealing.com/  Dr. Bryan Ardis - https://thedrardisshow.com/  Focused Life-Force Energy (FLFE) - https://www.flfe.net/  About Tim James: Tim James is the founder of Chemical Free Body, a health coach, speaker, and supplement formulator. At 37, the former athlete and financial advisor was 42 pounds overweight and dealing with severe digestive issues, eczema, and chronic fatigue. His health journey eventually took him to the Hippocrates Health Institute and led him to leave the financial industry behind. He has since spent more than 15 years focused on nutrition, detoxification, and reducing everyday chemical exposure, while developing products through Chemical Free Body. Connect with Tim James: - Website: https://chemicalfreebody.com/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chemicalfreebody  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tim-james-cfb/  Connect with Chris Burres: - Website: https://www.myvitalc.com/  - Website: http://www.livebeyondthenorms.com/  - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/myvitalc  - TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@myvitalc  - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisburres/  *Disclaimer* The content shared in this podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice of any kind, nor does it include any specific claims or guarantees. The views expressed are based on personal experiences, research, and individual perspectives, and are meant to inspire and inform listeners on topics related to wellness, lifestyle, and personal development. We strongly encourage all listeners to consult with a qualified professional or licensed expert before making any decisions related to health, finances, or other sensitive areas of life. Thank you for tuning in—and for taking proactive steps toward a more informed, intentional life.