I am delighted to connect with Shawn Stevenson for the first show of 2023! Shawn is the host of the prolific Model Health Show. He is also a Nutritional Scientist, an author, and a father. Shawn was a top-tier athlete when he was in high school. At fifteen, his hip broke while running a 200-meter time trial. He had some standard of care, but nobody ever asked how an apparently healthy kid broke his hip while running. Two years later, he went to college. Soon after that, he got diagnosed with degenerative disc disease.    In this episode, we get into how his background influenced his career path. We discuss fast food economies, ultra-processed food, the impact of subsidized food on our health, the gut microbiome, and the danger of seed oils. We dive into metabolic switching, the vagus nerve, and how it impacts food absorption and leaky gut. We talk about brain health and how the brain gets influenced by the food we eat, the interrelationship between the brain and metabolic health, insulin sensitivity, and the impact of inflammation on the brain. We also speak about the importance of hydration and electrolytes, and more. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How Shawn developed his passion for talking about nutrition and synthesizing research and got to where he is today. How changing his thinking changed his life. What are ultra-processed foods? How ultra-processed foods impact the health of the average American citizen. Why so many Americans are obese today. Why we need to understand the connection between the brain and the gut. What is the relationship between our immune system and our gut microbiome? An unusual benefit of extra-virgin olive oil. What can you do to have a healthier brain? The critical importance of high-quality sodium for cognitive function. Why Omega-3s are vital for our brains. Bio: Shawn Stevenson is the author of the USA Today National bestseller Eat Smarter, and the international bestselling book Sleep Smarter. He’s also the creator of The Model Health Show, featured as the number #1 health podcast in the U.S. with millions of listener downloads each year. A graduate of the University of Missouri–St. Louis, Shawn studied business, biology, and nutritional science and became the cofounder of Advanced Integrative Health Alliance. Shawn has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, The New York Times, Muscle & Fitness, ABC News, ESPN, and many other major media outlets. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website  Connect with Shawn Stevenson On his website The Model Health Show On Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter Shawn’s books are available on Amazon or at bookstores.