Health Is A Skill with Todd Vande Hei

The foundation of health starts in the gut—something ancient wisdom and modern science both can agree on. In this week’s episode of Health Is A Skill, Dr. Bob Rakowski unpacks the critical role gut health plays in overall wellness and why functional medicine is the key to addressing the root causes of disease. 

Together Todd and Dr. Rakowski highlight the dangers of xenoestrogens and microplastics, explaining their link to declining testosterone, metabolic disorders, and early puberty. The conversation then shifts to hormones, where Dr. Rakowski reveals why muscle is the real driver of longevity and explains that conventional hormone replacement therapies may not be the best first step.

With decades of experience in functional medicine, Dr. Rakowski shares inspiring case studies of patients reversing chronic diseases, overcoming stage four cancer, and regaining their health through natural interventions. His insights on diet, movement, stress management, and environmental awareness offer a powerful roadmap for anyone looking to optimize their health.

Learn more about Dr. Rakowski and his practice on his website: https://www.drbobrakowski.com/. 

Get access to Todd's free health resource: https://podtodd.com   

Learn more about Stark at: https://www.stark.health 

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Suppression of Natural Medicine and Its Comeback
03:26 Todd’s Health Transformation and the Role of Functional Medicine
06:20 Gut Health: The Foundation of Wellness
07:34 What is Functional Medicine? Common Misconceptions
12:55 Understanding Hormones and Endocrine Disruptors
16:57 Xenoestrogens and Their Impact on Male and Female Health
18:39 Microplastics and Environmental Toxins in the Body
25:53 The Shift Towards Health Consciousness in Younger Generations
27:53 Diagnostic Tools in Functional Medicine
33:59 The War on Health and Political Shifts in Medicine
35:17 Generational Differences in Healthcare Trust
37:49 How to Begin Your Health Journey
40:09 Success Stories: Overcoming Chronic Illness with Functional Medicine
42:17 Where to Find Dr. Bob Rakowski

What is Health Is A Skill with Todd Vande Hei?

Welcome to the Health is a Skill podcast with host Todd Vande Hei! Todd is the CEO of Stark, which exists to change the future of health and fitness in the communities they serve. For the last 15 years, Todd has been on a journey to discover what it means to be in a state of peak health. After suffering from a series of seizures and being diagnosed with high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation in his early 30’s, Todd decided it was time to make a change. Those changes fell into one of four categories: lifestyle, exercise, nutrition, and stress management. But the biggest thing Todd learned through it all? Health is a skill. You’re not born with it, like some would like you to believe, and it isn’t acquired by simply buying another product or starting that new diet. Health is something you can create for yourself, and over time it is possible to attain peak health.