A modern mystery haunts professional sports: Why are today's star athletes—who are bigger, faster, and stronger than ever—getting injured at such catastrophic rates?

The glory days when all-stars like Cal Ripkin Jr. played 2,632 consecutive games seem far behind us.

These days, promising careers are tragically cut short by horrific injuries televised to the masses. Some managers even see pro athletes as expendable, as surgeons circle broken bodies like buzzards.

The strange truth is this: sometimes getting stronger actually makes us worse at sports.

Athleticism is much more than just an arms race of strength and speed. It's about physical intelligence, skill development, and building fluency in the language of movement.

We're here today with Henry Abbott, award-winning journalist, OG podcaster, and author of the new book “Ballistic: The New Science of Injury-Free Athletic Performance.”

From jaw-dropping moments on the NBA court to the hidden science and technology in cutting-edge elite training labs, Henry unpacks the secrets behind how to build and maintain athletic mastery for life.

if you're looking for extra motivation to get out of your chair, this is it. 
In this episode, you'll discover:

• How cutting-edge research is reshaping the way athletes train 
• Surprisingly sneaky causes of common injuries (and how to prevent them)
• What professors and elite athletes know about recovering from injury that you don't
• How to incorporate more "play" and joyful movement into your fitness routine
• And much more.... 

Find Henry Abbott and his work at: 

• Website: henryabbott.com
• Book: Ballistic: The New Science of Injury-Free Athletic Performance
• Substack: truehoop.com
• TrueHoop podcast: Apple / Substack
• X: @TrueHoop
• Instagram: @true.hoop

Quick note: Very soon, we'll be sharing a very special invitation with our newsletter subscribers. Alyson and I are building a brand-new gamified, member's-only private community completely outside of social media.

The internet doesn't have quite the vibe it used to, so we're building our own "space" where health nuts like us can level-up together.

We're planning challenges you can join from anywhere as well as live events and in-person meetups in Austin, Texas and beyond.

It's called Club Wild, and it's almost ready for you. If you're not already subscribed to our newsletter, be sure to sign up at https://abeljames.com/.

You can also join Substack as a free or paid member for ad-free episodes of this show, to comment on each episode, and to hit me up in the DM’s. Join at abeljames.substack.com. And if you’re feeling generous, write a quick review for the Abel James Show on Apple or Spotify. You rock.

This episode is brought to you by:
Crowd Health - Go to JoinCrowdHealth.com and use the code WILD at checkout to get started for as low as $80 per month.
Troscriptions - Go to troscriptions.com/WILD or enter WILD at checkout for 10% off your first order.
Nature's Sunshine - Go to NaturesSunshine.com and use code WILD for free shipping and 20% off your first order.

Is microdosing more effective than macrodosing?

While heavy-handed megadoses of synthetic pharmaceuticals attempt to dominate a single biochemical pathway, microdoses of synergistic botanticals can stimulate the body to normalize, balance and heal itself.

Meanwhile, much of modern medicine has devolved into a game of manipulating numbers on blood tests rather than actually healing you.

Because they're not so easily patented and monetized, many of the most effective, affordable and simple substances and practices in health and longevity are dismissed, ignored, or at the very least taken for granted.

For instance, did you know that the simple act of prayer has been scientifically proven to not only improve mental health, but also improve the literal physical health of the heart?

Deep breathing, gratitude, meditation, and prayer steady the vagus nerve and allow our bodies to remain flexible and adaptable, downregulating our nervous system from fight-or-flight into a relaxed parasympathetic state.

The truth is, we don't need to wait for the next miracle pill to save us. We already know more than enough to put life-saving practices into action today.

Donnie Yance is a Clinical Master Herbalist, Certified Nutritionist and Author, known internationally for his pioneering work in botanical and nutritional medicine, particularly in the field of integrative cancer. As an accomplished jazz bassist and former monk, Donnie is also known as "The Funk Monk."

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How to eat and supplement for greater adaptive capacity, hardiness, and resilience
• Why many of the secrets to long life lie in humble living
• How Donnie earned the nickname of "The Funk Monk"
• How improvisation in music mirrors the intellectual and playful flexibility we need in health
• And much more...

Find Donnie Yance and his work at: 

• DonnieYance.com
• MederiCenter.org
• NaturaHealthProducts.com
• Listen to Donnie’s music on Apple and Spotify
• Facebook: @DonnieYance
• Instagram:  @medericenter
• YouTube:  @mederifoundation
• Linkedin:  @mederi-center

Books by Donnie Yance: 

• Adaptogens in Medical Herbalism: Elite Herbs and Natural Compounds for Mastering Stress, Aging, and Chronic Disease by Donald Yance , MH, CN, RH (AHG), SFO
• Herbal Medicine, Healing & Cancer: A Comprehensive Program for Prevention and Treatment by Donald Yance , MH, CN, RH (AHG), SFO

Please take a moment to make sure you’re subscribed wherever you listen to podcasts, and to stay up-to-date, sign up for my newsletter at AbelJames.com.

You can also join Substack as a free or paid member for ad-free episodes of this show, to comment on each episode, and to hit me up in the DM’s. Join at abeljames.substack.com. And if you’re feeling generous, write a quick review for the Abel James Show on Apple or Spotify. You rock.

This episode is brought to you by:
Troscriptions - Go to troscriptions.com/WILD or enter WILD at checkout for 10% off your first order.
Nature's Sunshine - Go to NaturesSunshine.com and use code WILD for free shipping and 20% off your first order.

As soon as you think you have it all figured out, absolutely everything can change in an instant. 

What do you do when out of nowhere, life hands you a serious injury or diagnosis? 

In this episode, I'll be sharing hard‑won insights from recovery after being sidelined in a serious high speed hit‑and‑run wreck.

We'll explore: 

• Why it's best to train for resilience before you take the hit
• How to turn hardships into gifts by refusing to settle for "poor me" thinking
• Specific practices to bounce back to 110%
• A surprising warning in the age of deepfakes and rampant AI slop
• And much more...

Just before the car wreck, I played a couple live music shows in Las Vegas, at Nos Vegas as well as the BSN Golf Championships during the Bitcoin Conference.

As a special bonus, stay till the end of today's episode to hear a full set from one of the shows in Las Vegas featuring all original music, lots of improvisation and special guests.

During the performance, people all around the world tuned in, tipped the musicians in Bitcoin and commented in real time on the livestream. It's an innovative way to support musicians and connect with each other, and I hope to see you on the next livestream. You can connect with me on NOSTR Here.

Big thanks to Mike from Tunestr and Jim and Julie Costello of Phantom Power Music for recording, producing, livestreaming and putting together these shows.

Enjoy.

Please take a moment to make sure you’re subscribed wherever you listen to podcasts, and to stay up-to-date, sign up for my newsletter at AbelJames.com.

You can also join Substack as a free or paid member for ad-free episodes of this show, to comment on each episode, and to hit me up in the DM’s. Join at abeljames.substack.com. And if you’re feeling generous, write a quick review for the Abel James Show on Apple or Spotify. You rock.

This episode is brought to you by:
Troscriptions - Go to troscriptions.com/WILD or enter WILD at checkout for 10% off your first order.
Nature's Sunshine - Go to NaturesSunshine.com and use code WILD for free shipping and 20% off your first order.

How do you build agency and resilience in a world that profits from your distraction?

How can we live with authenticity when everything feels fake?

What if the hardest parts of being human are actually just a result of cultural conditioning, quietly shaping your life from the shadows of your subconscious mind?

On today’s show, we go deep with my friend Josh Trent, host of Wellness and Wisdom. We’ll dig into the science behind epigenetic and generational habits, and explore what happens when you start asking better questions about your life and grow beyond survival mode. 

As Josh shares, sometimes we need to break down to break through. 

On this episode, you'll discover:

• The secrets to being impossibly productive while avoiding burnout
• How to redirect faulty inherited beliefs and rewire maladaptive emotional patterns
• How an addiction to pickleball destroyed a client's life
• And much more...

Connect with Josh Trent and his work at: 

• Website: https://liberatedlife.com
• Website: https://joshtrent.com/ 
• Podcast: https://wellnessforce.com/podcast-episodes/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@wellnessandwisdom
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshtrentofficial/
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/wellnessF

Special thanks to Josh for generously hosting this conversation in-person out in his hill-country studio.

Please make sure you’re subscribed to the Abel James Show wherever you listen to podcasts, and leave a quick review or tell a friend if you dig what we do.

We have a brand new community club in the works, in-person live events and shows in Austin, retreats in exotic locations, and more coming up soon, so make sure you sign up for my newsletter at AbelJames.com and my substack at AbelJames.Substack.com to make sure you don't miss out! 

This episode is brought to you by:
Nature's Sunshine - Go to NaturesSunshine.com and use code WILD for free shipping and 20% off your first order.
Peluva - Go to Peluva.com and use code WILD for 15 % off your first pair.
Troscriptions - Go to Troscriptions.com/WILD or enter WILD at checkout for 10% off your first order.

When everything is on the line, ever wonder why some otherwise incredible athletes choke spectacularly?

Why did Michael Jordan consistently sink game-winning jump shots at the buzzer when everyone else was throwing up bricks?

Today we’re here with a veteran coach who’s cracked the code on peak performance.

Itamar Marani has lived through the kind of pressure most people only read about.

Forget the tired mantras about “grinding” harder, training to perform under pressure takes real strategy. If you’re ready to meet the version of yourself that thrives under pressure, get ready to feel uncomfortable for all the right reasons.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, athlete, or just sick of living with one foot on the brake, expect raw stories, sharp insights, and tools you can put to work instantly. You'll discover: 

• How to identify and overcome the blind spots sabotaging your results
• The art of turning setbacks into secret weapons
• How to perform at max level when it matters most
• And much more...

Find Itamar Marani and pick up his new book: 

• Book: Elite Performance by Itamar Marani - order on Amazon
• Website: ItamarMarani.com
• Podcast: The Elite Performance Podcast - listen on Spotify, Apple and YouTube
• Coaching: The Arena
• Instagram: @itamarmarani
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItamarMaraniPage/

Please take a moment to make sure you’re subscribed wherever you listen to podcasts, and to stay up-to-date, sign up for my newsletter at AbelJames.com.

You can also join Substack as a free or paid member for ad-free episodes of this show, to comment on each episode, and to hit me up in the DM’s. Join at abeljames.substack.com. And if you’re feeling generous, write a quick review for the Abel James Show on Apple or Spotify. You rock.

This episode is brought to you by:
Manukora - Go to MANUKORA.com/WILD to save 31% plus $25 of free gifts.
CrowdHealth - Go to JoinCrowdHealth.com and use the code WILD at checkout to get started for as low as $80 per month.
Troscriptions - Go to troscriptions.com/WILD or enter WILD at checkout for 10% off your first order.

Have you considered how the choices you make today shape the health and destiny of your children before they’re ever born?

What if the most important gift you could ever give your future child is the health and resilience you build in yourself today?

As rates of chronic health conditions in children—including autism, anxiety, diabetes, obesity, and autoimmune disorders—continue to rise, it’s time to take preconception seriously. 

Science shows that the health of our children is determined not just by genetics, but epigenetics. Your health at the time of conception is a snapshot or time capsule that contains the genetic and epigenetic blueprint for your child for the rest of time.

It’s a shocking realization, especially for men: Your lifestyle choices during preconception will forever affect the genetics and health of your children (and their children!).

That means optimizing your health and fitness is not merely an exercise in vanity, but an opportunity to give your future children the best chance at health and success.

After all, the biological definition of fitness is the ability to produce healthy offspring.

Today, we’re exploring how the choices we make today shape not just our own health, but the health of our future children and even generations to come.

I’m thrilled to be joined by Dr. Ann Shippy, a unicorn in the world of medicine—a board-certified internal medicine physician, certified Functional Medicine Practitioner, and a former IBM engineer who’s turned her passion for macro-level systems thinking and problem-solving into a mission to revolutionize how we think about health.

If you care about your health, your family’s future, or just want to understand how to build true resilience in a toxic world, you’re in the right place. 

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The impact of environmental toxins, mold, and gut health on fertility, child development, and longevity
• How Dr. Shippy reversed the effects of toxic mold exposure, including ALS-type symptoms, pain, and fatigue in her own family
• How to give your future children the best chance at health and success by optimizing epigenetics at preconception 
• And much more…

Connect with Dr. Ann Shippy and pre-order her new book: 

• Preconception Revolution by Dr. Ann Shippy, on Amazon, Walmart, Barnes & Noble, Bookshop, Books-A-Million or Target (releases: November 18, 2025)
• Website: https://annshippymd.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annshippymd/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annshippymd
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/annshippymd
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnShippyMD/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/annshippymd

Please take a moment to make sure you’re subscribed wherever you listen to podcasts, and to stay up-to-date, sign up for my newsletter at AbelJames.com.
You can also join Substack as a free or paid member for ad-free episodes of this show, to comment on each episode, and to hit me up in the DM’s. Join at abeljames.substack.com. And if you’re feeling generous, write a quick review for the Abel James Show on Apple or Spotify. You rock.

This episode is brought to you by:
Peluva - Visit Peluva.com and use the code WILD for 15% off your first pair.
Manukora - Go to MANUKORA.com/WILD to save 31% plus $25 of free gifts.
Troscriptions - Go to troscriptions.com/WILD or enter WILD at checkout for 10% off your first order.

What if the secret to unlocking the mysteries of our minds, our health, and even our happiness is hiding in the most unexpected place—our own gut?

Could the answers to our most stubborn health mysteries—and maybe even the secret to a longer, happier life—be found in the microbes we’ve spent a lifetime trying to avoid?

How does our microbiome affect conditions like depression, Parkinson's, and autism?

Research from this week’s guest shows that optimizing microbial health can dramatically improve our quality of life, leading to enhanced memory and cognition and reversing symptoms of Alzheimer's. After microbial transplants, some patients even started regrowing their hair!

Our guest today, Dr. Sabine Hazan, is a trailblazer and pioneering specialist in gastroenterology, internal medicine, and hepatology. Dr. Hazan is the Founder & CEO of the Malibu Specialty Center and Ventura Clinical Trials where she conducts and oversees clinical trials for cutting-edge research. She’s also a top clinical investigator for multiple pharmaceutical companies, and an author to boot.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• The many unexpected benefits of microbiome transplants
• How sunlight, exercise, and hobbies like gardening actually improve our microbial health and resilience
• How changing the way we think affects our microbiome
• And much more…

Find Dr. Sabine Hazan and her work on: 

• progenabiome.com
• Pick up the book, Let's Talk Sh!t, on Barnes and Noble or progenabiome.com
• Listen to the Let's Talk Sh!t podcast with Dr. Sabine Hazan on progenabiome.com, letstalkshit.org, Apple Podcasts, Audible, YouTube or wherever you listen to podcasts
• Go to microbiomeresearchfoundation.org for cutting-edge information from Dr. Hazen and the Biome Squad

Make sure you’re subscribed to the Abel James Show, and to stay up-to-date, sign up for my newsletter at AbelJames.com.

You can also join Substack as a free or paid member for ad-free episodes of this show, to comment on each episode, and to hit me up in the DM’s. Join at abeljames.substack.com. And if you’re feeling generous, write a quick review for the Abel James Show on Apple or Spotify. You rock.

This episode is brought to you by:
Manukora Honey - Go to MANUKORA.com/WILD to save 31% plus $25 of free gifts.
Troscriptions - Go to Troscriptions.com/WILD or enter WILD at checkout for 10% off your first order.
CrowdHealth - Go to JoinCrowdHealth.com and use the code WILD at checkout to get started for as low as $80 per month.

What’s the secret to shedding fat as a foodie who refuses to sacrifice joy or flavor?

This week’s guest changed the way we think about food and mom and pop businesses in America. He’s a legend in journalism and beloved in the food world, saving countless independent restaurants from certain destruction.

As the creator of the beloved TV series Diners, Drive‑Ins and Dives and many others, a producer for Good Morning America and network news, and the author of Food Americana, two‑time Emmy winner David Page has covered serious ground throughout his 55‑year career. You’re going to dig this one. 

You’ll discover:

• Why “giving a shit” is the secret to success 
• Why offal and haggis deserve a spot on your menu
• How reality TV and the internet destroyed truth (and what to do about it)
• And much more…

Check out David Page's work on: 

• Substack at Culinary Characters Unlocked
• Download and listen to the Culinary Characters Unlocked podcast on Spotify, YouTube, Apple or wherever you go for podcasts
• Grab Food Americana by David Page on Amazon

Today's Behind-the-Scenes Factoid: The air conditioning went out before we started recording, so you may notice me turn to the reddish hue of a lobster as temperatures climb over 90-degrees in my studio! On the bright side, I can skip the sauna this week.

Please take a quick second to make sure you’re subscribed to the Abel James Show wherever you listen to podcasts, and to stay up-to-date you can sign up for my newsletter at AbelJames.com.

You can also join Substack as a free or paid member for ad-free episodes of this show, to comment on each episode, and to hit me up in the DMs. Join in the fun at abeljames.substack.com. And if you’re feeling generous, write a quick review for the Abel James Show on Apple or Spotify. You rock.

This episode is brought to you by:
Peluva - Visit Peluva.com and use the code WILD for 15% off your first pair
Troscriptions - Go to troscriptions.com/WILD or enter WILD at checkout for 10% off your first order
Manukora Honey - Go to MANUKORA.com/WILD to save 31% plus $25 worth of free gifts

You’ve probably heard the buzz around the mythical and sketchy-sounding synthetic compound known as methylene blue.

How is it that methylene blue went from a 19th-century textile dye to a futuristic, cutting-edge mitochondrial-enhancing compound that turns your tongue blue?

After surviving freak bouts of carbon monoxide poisoning, black mold exposure and chronic lyme disease, methylene blue earned its spot in my bag of tricks many moons ago. Should it be in yours?

With mitochondrial dysfunction affecting a whopping 94% of adults in the U.S., I’d say it’s worth a look.

We’re here with one of the foremost experts and thought leaders integrating intriguing compounds like methylene blue into their practice, Dr. Scott Sherr. 

While methylene blue is a remarkable tool for healing and performance optimization of the brain and body, it’s not right for everyone. Since methylene blue can interact with certain medications and supplements and we’re still learning about its effects on the microbiome, it’s essential to exercise caution and be intentional about sourcing, dosage, and frequency of use. 

Dr. Scott is here to separate the truth from the hype. 

In this episode, you’re about to discover:

• How to improve metabolic and mitochondrial function with low-dose methylene blue
• How combining hyperbaric oxygen therapy and high altitude training with methylene blue further enhance performance
• How to dose methylene blue strategically
• And much more…

Find Dr. Scott Sherr and his work at: 

• drscottsherr.com: hyperbaric consulting, health optimization, medicine consulting
• troscriptions.com: high quality methylene blue and supplement stacks
• homehope.org: Health optimization, medicine and training for practitioners

You can also join Substack as a free or paid member for ad-free episodes of this show, to comment on each episode, and to hit me up in the DM’s. Join at abeljames.substack.com. And if you’re feeling generous, write a quick review for the Abel James Show on Apple or Spotify. You rock.

This episode is brought to you by:
Troscriptions - Go to troscriptions.com/WILD or enter WILD at checkout for 10% off your first order.
Crowd Health - Go to JoinCrowdHealth.com and use the code WILD at checkout to get started for as low as $80 per month.
Manukora - Go to MANUKORA.com/WILD to save 31% plus $25 of free gifts.

What if the key to an extraordinary life is becoming radically, unapologetically yourself? 

Today, we’re here with the one-and-only Ben Greenfield, a man who has been pushing the boundaries of human performance for decades. In the ever-evolving world of biohacking, he’s tried just about everything so that you don’t have to.

But we’ve known each other and collaborated as fellow fitness nerds and OG Podcasters for many moons and through many stages of life, celebrating wins together, and even throwing each other a couple of alley-oops.

Ben's not just some fitness guru and ninja warrior, he's a devoted father and renaissance man who writes fiction, play guitar, snowboards, and knows how to survive in the wilderness in style.

There’s no one quite like Ben Greenfield, and I’m grateful to call him a friend.

On this show with Ben, you’ll discover:

• Ben’s latest adventures with botox and biohacking blunders
• Tips for raising a healthy family in the age of tech overload
• Ben’s strategy for reversing arterial calcification and plaque deposition
• The dangers of overtraining and how to find your sweet spot
• The art of being weird
• And much more…

I also want give a quick thank you to all of you who have reached out with well-wishes.

(In case you missed the previous episode, early this summer I was seriously injured in an a high-speed hit-and-run. I’m still recovering from a gnarly concussion, herniated discs, and ligament damage. The other driver fled, but I’m grateful to have a team of Docs and Pros helping me recover. I’m making good progress with physical and balance therapy and I’ll keep you all updated.)

This episode is brought to you by:
Troscriptions - Go to troscriptions.com/WILD or enter WILD at checkout for 10% off your first order.
Fresh Pressed Olive Oil Club - Go to GetFreshAbel.com to get your $39 bottle for just $1 shipping.
Manukora - Go to MANUKORA.com/WILD to save 31% plus $25 of free gifts.

To stay up to date on our next live events, shows and more, sign up for my newsletter at AbelJames.com, and check out my Substack at abeljames.substack.com. 

What if success isn’t just about working hard, but about creating your own opportunities?

Today we’re here with teen phenom and author of the new book, You Can Just Do Things, Jay Yang. I met Jay last year through our friend and past guest of the show, Noah Kagan.

At 17, Jay sent Noah Kagan, founder of AppSumo, a 19-page pitch deck breaking down gaps in his social media and email marketing—and how to fix them. That landed him a role as Head of Content, where he led social media campaigns, including the one that made Million Dollar Weekend a New York Times bestseller.

In the following months, Jay went ahead and wrote and published and launched a book himself. I love the gumption on this kid. Building six-figure brands before he could legally drink, Jay is all about taking action, and what he has to say is worth a close listen. Your procrastination and excuses don’t stand a chance. 

On this episode with the prodigal young entrepreneur Jay Yang, you’ll discover:

• How to balance deep work with constant demands of influencer culture
• Why mastering the art of cold outreach can be a superpower, especially for introverts
• What skill stacks will be most relevant in an increasingly unpredictable future
• Why talent doesn’t matter if you don’t have the courage to fight for the opportunity to share it with the world
• And much more…

In this episode of The Abel James Show, we sit down with Jay Yang, a teenage prodigy and author of "You Can Just Do Things." Jay shares his journey from a high school student reaching out to Noah Kagan to help with marketing, to becoming an integral part of the launch of "Million Dollar Weekend," a New York Times bestseller. Jay's story is one of taking initiative, mastering the art of cold outreach, and understanding the importance of creating opportunities rather than waiting for them. We delve into his experiences with entrepreneurship, his decision to write and self-publish his own book, and his insights on the skills needed for future success.

Jay also discusses the importance of balancing deep work with the demands of influencer culture, and how empathy and intentionality play crucial roles in successful marketing and entrepreneurship. He shares his thoughts on education, the value of college experiences, and how he navigated the decision to drop out after a year. Throughout the conversation, Jay emphasizes the significance of relentless learning, the courage to pursue one's unique path, and the power of building meaningful relationships. Join us as we explore these themes and more with the inspiring Jay Yang.

I also want give a quick thank you to all of you who have reached out with well-wishes.

(In case you missed the last episode, early this summer I was seriously injured in an a high-speed hit-and-run. I’m still recovering from a gnarly concussion, herniated discs, and ligament damage. The other driver fled, but I’m grateful to have a team of Docs and Pros helping me recover. I’m making good progress with physical and balance therapy and I’ll keep you all updated.)

This episode is brought to you by:
Peluva - Go to Peluva.com/WILD to save 15% off your first pair.
Fresh Pressed Olive Oil Club - Go to GetFreshAbel.com to get your $39 bottle for just $1 shipping.
iRestore.com - Go to iRestore.com and save on the Illumina Face Mask by using the code WILD.

To stay up to date on our next live events, masterminds, shows and more, sign up for my newsletter at AbelJames.com, and check out my Substack at abeljames.substack.com.