A curated science digest delivering evidence-based insights, actionable strategies, and emerging health trends to help individuals improve their health and performance.
Understanding Back Pain
A significant percentage of individuals will experience substantial back pain at some point in their lives. While not all acute episodes develop into chronic conditions, even short-term pain can meaningfully disrupt quality of life. In this article, I will provide a comprehensive overview of spinal anatomy, common movement patterns and behaviors that contribute to back pain, and evidence based strategies for prevention, management and relief. I will also explore key considerations for those aiming to avoid injury, recover from back related issues, manage intermittent or persistent pain, or navigate the complexities of pre- and post-operative care. The insights shared are informed by leading experts in pain science, clinicians and researchers who have dedicated their careers to both academic study and real world application.
Pre-Sleep Protein, Recovery, and Metabolic Health: The Physiology of Health and Performance
Dr. Mike Ormsbee, Director of the FSU Institute of Sports Sciences and Medicine and Professor of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, work focuses on metabolism, recovery, and the strategic application of nutrition to health and human performance. In this episode, we explore the science of recovery, metabolic health, and evidence-based nutrition strategies designed to enhance performance while supporting long-term health. Dr. Ormsbee shares insights on topics ranging from pre-sleep protein intake and nutrient timing to body composition, exercise recovery, and the practical application of nutrition science in both athletic and everyday populations. We also discuss the realities of the research process itself, including funding, publication, scientific interpretation, and the importance of critical thinking when navigating today's health and performance landscape. Whether you're an athlete, coach, clinician, or simply interested in optimizing your health, this conversation highlights why sustainable results are rarely driven by extremes, but by individualized, evidence-based strategies grounded in sound science. This episode is a masterclass in recovery, nutrition, and the physiology of long-term health and performance.

Science-Backed Health Articles
Evidence-based insights from the latest research in health, nutrition, and performance. Our curated articles translate complex scientific studies into actionable strategies you can implement today, with practical takeaways and implementation guides.

Industry Expert Podcast Episodes
In-depth conversations with leading researchers, clinicians, and practitioners shaping the future of health and human performance. Each episode includes detailed show notes, key takeaways, and resource links for deeper exploration.
Science-Backed Articles
Evidence-based insights and actionable strategies for optimizing your health and performance.

The Supplement Playbook: The Science of Strategic Supplementation
When it comes to optimizing health, preventing chronic disease, and supporting performance, supplements can play a complementary role alongside foundational nutrition, exercise and lifestyle strategies. While supplements are not meant to be substitutes for whole foods, certain supplements have consistently demonstrated benefits in clinical research and provide noticeable improvements to one's health and performance. Below are five well studied options that form a strong foundation, intended to be additive to a solid diet and exercise plan, for one's overall health and well-being.

Diabetes Deep Dive: Science, Breakthroughs, and the Path Forward
In this article, I will examine the evolving scientific understanding of diabetes, including its pathophysiology, diagnostic markers and evidence based treatment strategies. From prevention to reversal, I will explore actionable lifestyle interventions supported by clinical data, as well as the role of emerging tools such as real time digital feedback, novel pharmacological agents and innovative health focused wearables helping reshape diabetes care toward a healthier future.

Tech, Toys & Tools: A Brief Review of Health Tech's Most Popular
In today’s rapidly evolving health tech landscape, there is no shortage of innovative ideas, novel devices or digital health concepts. However, transforming a concept into a product that measurably improves health outcomes is a far more complex challenge. Numerous factors can delay or undermine even the most well intentioned efforts. Among these challenges for even the most promising product includes their reliance on perceived value and user adoption. Additional consideration of product market fit and regulatory hurdles only increase the competition in a market that often favors a small handful of dominant players. In the uniquely competitive world of health tech, clinical, behavioral and technological nuance often creates further challenge.

The Oxygen Advantage
While it's clear that breathing is essential for life, far fewer understand how the way we breathe (our breathing mechanics) can significantly influence our overall quality of life. Beyond simply sustaining us, breathing patterns play a critical role in our physical health, mental well-being and both physical and cognitive performance. Controlled by the autonomic nervous system, breathing plays a fundamental role in energy production and is critical for generating adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the molecule that powers nearly every cellular function. From the nasal passages to the alveoli in the lungs, the respiratory system continuously adapts to meet the body’s shifting metabolic demands. In this article, I present a science based overview of oxygen’s role in human physiology, examine the systems responsible for its transport and utilization, and outline evidence based strategies to improve oxygen efficiency and effectiveness to support optimal health and performance.

Understanding Back Pain
A significant percentage of individuals will experience substantial back pain at some point in their lives. While not all acute episodes develop into chronic conditions, even short-term pain can meaningfully disrupt quality of life. In this article, I will provide a comprehensive overview of spinal anatomy, common movement patterns and behaviors that contribute to back pain, and evidence based strategies for prevention, management and relief. I will also explore key considerations for those aiming to avoid injury, recover from back related issues, manage intermittent or persistent pain, or navigate the complexities of pre- and post-operative care. The insights shared are informed by leading experts in pain science, clinicians and researchers who have dedicated their careers to both academic study and real world application.

The Physiological Menu
Thermal stress offers the unique ability to deliberately influence various physiological processes within the body. This intentional "reset" enables the development of personalized strategies to support individual health and wellness goals. The benefits are extensive and often occur simultaneously, whether the focus is on cognitive enhancement, injury recovery, glucose regulation, or hormonal support. In the following, I will provide a concise overview of the scientific principles, empowering you to make data-informed decisions when tailoring your wellness strategies.
Expert Podcast Episodes
Engaging, in-depth conversations with world-class researchers, clinicians, and industry leaders at the forefront of health, performance, and longevity. Each episode distills cutting-edge science into clear, practical insights.
Latest Episode
Pre-Sleep Protein, Recovery, and Metabolic Health: The Physiology of Health and Performance
Dr. Mike Ormsbee, Director of the FSU Institute of Sports Sciences and Medicine and Professor of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, work focuses on metabolism, recovery, and the strategic application of nutrition to health and human performance. In this episode, we explore the science of recovery, metabolic health, and evidence-based nutrition strategies designed to enhance performance while supporting long-term health. Dr. Ormsbee shares insights on topics ranging from pre-sleep protein intake and nutrient timing to body composition, exercise recovery, and the practical application of nutrition science in both athletic and everyday populations. We also discuss the realities of the research process itself, including funding, publication, scientific interpretation, and the importance of critical thinking when navigating today's health and performance landscape. Whether you're an athlete, coach, clinician, or simply interested in optimizing your health, this conversation highlights why sustainable results are rarely driven by extremes, but by individualized, evidence-based strategies grounded in sound science. This episode is a masterclass in recovery, nutrition, and the physiology of long-term health and performance.
Recent Episodes

Pre-Sleep Protein, Recovery, and Metabolic Health: The Physiology of Health and Performance
Dr. Mike Ormsbee, Director of the FSU Institute of Sports Sciences and Medicine and Professor of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, work focuses on metabolism, recovery, and the strategic application of nutrition to health and human performance. In this episode, we explore the science of recovery, metabolic health, and evidence-based nutrition strategies designed to enhance performance while supporting long-term health. Dr. Ormsbee shares insights on topics ranging from pre-sleep protein intake and nutrient timing to body composition, exercise recovery, and the practical application of nutrition science in both athletic and everyday populations. We also discuss the realities of the research process itself, including funding, publication, scientific interpretation, and the importance of critical thinking when navigating today's health and performance landscape. Whether you're an athlete, coach, clinician, or simply interested in optimizing your health, this conversation highlights why sustainable results are rarely driven by extremes, but by individualized, evidence-based strategies grounded in sound science. This episode is a masterclass in recovery, nutrition, and the physiology of long-term health and performance.

Pain-Free Performance: Rethinking Strength for Longevity
I recently sat down with Coach Michael Boyle. As the founder of Mike Boyle Strength & Conditioning and former performance coach for Boston University, the Boston Bruins, U.S. Women’s Olympic Ice Hockey, and the 2013 World Series Champion Boston Red Sox, Coach Boyle has helped shape modern performance, resilience, and athletic development. In this episode, we explore why long-term performance is built on intelligent progression, movement quality, and sustainable strength. Coach Boyle breaks down the evolution of his philosophy from traditional performance training to a model centered on resilience, orthopedic cost, and building strength that supports both performance and longevity. We also discuss youth athletic development, sport specificity, injury reduction, the balance between science and coaching experience, and why the future of strength may be less about how much you can lift and more about how long you can move well. This episode is a masterclass in building strength that lasts.

Metabolic Flexibility: A Systems Approach To Health and Human Performance
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Mike T. Nelson, an exercise physiologist and coach whose work centers on metabolic flexibility, performance physiology, and the integration of technology into modern health and human performance. At the core of our conversation is physiological flexibility, the body’s trainable capacity to regulate and adapt to shifting demands. Rather than optimizing for a single state, the goal is to develop a system that can transition efficiently across multiple physiological conditions. We explore how this concept applies to strategic nutrition, training protocols that support long-term adaptability, and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in coaching. As technology continues to advance, we also discuss the skills most likely to remain valuable in an increasingly data-driven performance landscape. This episode offers a clear, science-driven perspective on how to build a more adaptable and resilient physiology.

Better Through Biology: The Science of Brain Health and Performance
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Tommy Wood, physician, researcher, and author of The Stimulated Mind, to explore how we can proactively support cognitive health and long-term brain performance. At the center of our conversation is Dr. Wood’s Three S Model for brain health: Stimulus, Supply, and Support. We discuss how the brain thrives when it is challenged with meaningful stimulus, fueled by the metabolic resources required for optimal function, and supported by the physiological systems that maintain resilience over time. Together we explore practical strategies for maintaining cognitive performance across the lifespan, including how lifestyle, metabolic health, movement, and intellectual engagement shape the brain’s ability to adapt. We also examine why cognitive decline is not an inevitable consequence of aging, and how proactive, science backed interventions can help preserve brain function long before symptoms appear. If your goal is not simply to protect brain health but to actively build cognitive resilience, this conversation offers a thoughtful and science based framework for doing exactly that.
Evidence-Based Health Optimization
Blake Koehn is an exercise physiologist, performance coach, and scientific liaison focused on translating clinical and research-driven insights into practical, high-impact health strategies. His work spans both clinical and performance environments, with an emphasis on data-informed, individualized care.
He is the host of Fit First with Blake Koehn, a podcast exploring the science and application of health, well-being, and human performance through conversations with leading experts in the field.
Blake holds a Master of Science in Exercise Physiology and is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), with a background in human performance and stress physiology across clinical and research settings.
His approach integrates rigorous scientific principles with real-world application, helping individuals navigate the complexities of health optimization and disease prevention with clarity, precision, and confidence.
