Lifestyle As Medicine

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The Lifestyle as Medicine podcast is where motivated individuals come to discover how to take control of their lives and their futures. Host Michael Ricchio interviews experts from all corners of health, wellness, fitness, sport, and psychology to bring

Lifestyle As Medicine


    • Apr 23, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 55m AVG DURATION
    • 122 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Lifestyle As Medicine podcast is an exceptional resource for anyone looking to improve their overall health and well-being. As a public health professional, I am constantly seeking out valuable information and discussions surrounding health topics, and this podcast does not disappoint. The host, Michael, does an excellent job of engaging with his expert guests to provide insightful advice and information that is helpful to anyone who listens.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the wide range of topics that are covered. From nutrition and exercise to mental health and stress management, there is something for everyone. The conversations delve into all facets of a "healthy lifestyle," providing listeners with a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to achieve optimal health. Whether you're already into fitness or just starting your journey towards a healthier lifestyle, there is valuable content for everyone.

    Furthermore, the guests on the show are knowledgeable professionals who offer valuable insights and guidance. Their expertise adds depth and credibility to the discussions, making them highly informative and enlightening. The interviews are well-rounded, allowing different perspectives to be heard and ensuring that listeners receive a holistic view on each topic.

    On the downside, if there is one criticism I have about The Lifestyle As Medicine podcast, it would be that some episodes can feel repetitive. While the topics may vary, there are moments where certain concepts or ideas are reiterated. However, considering the complexity of health-related issues, repetition can sometimes be beneficial for reinforcing important messages.

    In conclusion, The Lifestyle As Medicine podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in improving their overall well-being. Michael's in-depth conversations with expert guests provide invaluable advice and guidance on various health topics. From broadening our understanding of what it means to live a healthy lifestyle to offering practical tips for balancing work, family, and personal health goals, this podcast offers something for everyone. It serves as both an informative resource and a motivational reminder that our health starts with us. So tune in to the Lifestyle As Medicine podcast and be inspired to take charge of your health, one day at a time.



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    Latest episodes from Lifestyle As Medicine

    The Illusion of Choice, w/ Gerard Friedman, MS, ATC

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 23, 2025 69:24


    This week I meet with Gerard Friedman, a long time athletic trainer and Board Certified Health Coach. Gerard spent well over a decade working with high school athletes before moving to a primary focus of adults and adult heath. Gerard's experience made for the perfect conversation surrounding the merger between youth and adults into total […]

    Avoid Starting in a Deficit: Managing what you can control, w/ Superbowl Winner David Edwards

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 9, 2025 75:50


    This week you will hear from David Edwards, who currently plays for the Buffalo Bills of the NFL. David is won a Super Bowl with the LA Rams, and played for the University of Wisconsin. But before all of that, David was a youth athlete who thoroughly enjoyed playing sports with his friends. David and […]

    “Good” and “Bad” Foods: The debate and the real focus: w/ your host, Mike Ricchio.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2025 19:15


    This is a debate that has gone on for quite some time now. Are there good and bad foods? Is it acceptable to label any food as one or the other? Or, my bigger question, does it matter? In this solo episode (no guest, just me) I will discuss how I label foods, and how […]

    Physical Literacy: Lifelong Confidence and Health, w/ Justin Loudon

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 26, 2025 69:48


    This week you will hear from Justin Loudon, the 2024 NSCA National Strength Coach of the Year. Justin and I connected last year at a national conference, where he was leading a meeting for the National High School Strength Coach committee. After listening in, it was clear he was someone I wanted this audience to […]

    “Normal is a Setting on a Washing Machine”: Nutrition Challenges w/ Gina Graham

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 18, 2025 80:16


    We are back! And relaunching with a highly requested topic. This week you will learn Gina Graham, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who has specialized in eating disorders, body image, depression, anxiety, and women's issues for 20 years, with a private practice located in the western suburbs of Chicago. Gina is also an Author of […]

    Peptides, Hormones, and A Tiered Approach to Health: w/ Dr. Jason Pencek

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2023 90:29


    This week we are talking with Dr. Jason Pencek. Dr. Pencek is a chiropractor and nurse practitioner. He started working in medicine as a registered nurse in 2010. He quickly realized that traditional Western medicine has failed many people. He went back to school in 2012 to study for his chiropractic doctorate. He attended National […]

    Peptides, Hormones, and A Tiered Approach to Health: w/ Dr. Jason Pencek

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 21, 2023 90:29


    This week we are talking with Dr. Jason Pencek. Dr. Pencek is a chiropractor and nurse practitioner. He started working in medicine as a registered nurse in 2010. He quickly realized that traditional Western medicine has failed many people. He went back to school in 2012 to study for his chiropractic doctorate. He attended National […]

    The Mental and Physical Connection, w/ Dr. Matthew Tolstoy

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2023 66:31


    In my 60th episode I have a great conversation with Dr. Matthew Tolstoy. What background doesn't Dr. Tolstoy have? Matt is a licensed acupuncturist and Somatic Experiencing Practitioner (SEP), completing the three year training program in trauma therapy developed by Peter Levine. He is certified by the International Association of Counselors and Therapists as well […]

    Behind The Camera: w/ NBC’s Cortney Hall and Matthew Rodrigues.

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 5, 2023 56:32


    This week the hosts of NBC's Chicago Today Show join me to discuss the lifestyles that support their careers. I wanted to dive into the stress and pressure that come with life on camera, and what tactics each of them use to diffuse that stress. I ask Cortney and Matt about that press, their morning […]

    Mind and Body: The Collective Efforts of Positive Change, w/ Jason Komosa

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2023 68:26


    This week we speak to Certified Mental Coach, Jason Komosa. Years after studying Psychology + Marketing while helping a small beverage company (Vitamin Water) grow into a Goliath purchased by Coca-Cola, and forgoing a Doctoral Program in Psychology at the University of Chicago to instead help launch an internet company (Groupon), Jason found himself confused, […]

    Mind and Body: The Collective Efforts of Positive Change, w/ Jason Komosa

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 29, 2023 68:26


    This week we speak to Certified Mental Coach, Jason Komosa. Years after studying Psychology + Marketing while helping a small beverage company (Vitamin Water) grow into a Goliath purchased by Coca-Cola, and forgoing a Doctoral Program in Psychology at the University of Chicago to instead help launch an internet company (Groupon), Jason found himself confused, […]

    Cold Exposure, Ice Baths, and Human Potential, w/ Joshua Church.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2023 60:37


    Joshua Church, the Co-Founder of Edge Theory Labs, joins us to discuss the popular topic of cold exposure and cold plunges. Edge Theory Labs developed a revolutionary option for cold plunges at home, as well as a mobile option, neither needing repeated trips to the store for bags of ice. In this episode Joshua discusses […]

    Cold Exposure, Ice Baths, and Human Potential, w/ Joshua Church.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 23, 2023 60:37


    Joshua Church, the Co-Founder of Edge Theory Labs, joins us to discuss the popular topic of cold exposure and cold plunges. Edge Theory Labs developed a revolutionary option for cold plunges at home, as well as a mobile option, neither needing repeated trips to the store for bags of ice. In this episode Joshua discusses […]

    Improving the Corporate Environment, w/ Stress Management Consultant Sarah Alyssa Bobo

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2023 48:01


    Today we are talking about corporate stress. Stress management consultant Sarah Alyssa Bobo talks us through how she works with companies to create the best possible environment for their employees. What does an effective benefits package look like? How does todays work from home vs. office culture create challenges and benefits to each of us? […]

    Improving the Corporate Environment, w/ Stress Management Consultant Sarah Alyssa Bobo

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2023 48:01


    Today we are talking about corporate stress. Stress management consultant Sarah Alyssa Bobo talks us through how she works with companies to create the best possible environment for their employees. What does an effective benefits package look like? How does todays work from home vs. office culture create challenges and benefits to each of us? […]

    Career and Life Burnout, w/ Suzanne Monroe.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2023 51:33


    Today we are speaking with Suzanne Monroe, the Founder and CEO of the International Association of Wellness Professionals and the host of the Live Well Dream Big podcast. Suzanne and I discuss the concept of career burnout. How do you identify if you are in or nearing a stage of burnout? What strategies can and […]

    Career and Life Burnout, w/ Suzanne Monroe.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 9, 2023 51:33


    Today we are speaking with Suzanne Monroe, the Founder and CEO of the International Association of Wellness Professionals and the host of the Live Well Dream Big podcast. Suzanne and I discuss the concept of career burnout. How do you identify if you are in or nearing a stage of burnout? What strategies can and […]

    Blood Sugar, CGMs, and Food Combinations, w/ Austin Mcguffie

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2023 62:10


    Today you will hear from the metabolism mentor, Austin Mcguffie. Austin and I discuss blood sugar, the affects of blood sugar on our metabolic health, and the benefits of using a continuous glucose monitor. I've been personally using a CGM for a few months now, and it has made an immediate impact on my food […]

    Blood Sugar, CGMs, and Food Combinations, w/ Austin Mcguffie

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 1, 2023 62:10


    Today you will hear from the metabolism mentor, Austin Mcguffie. Austin and I discuss blood sugar, the affects of blood sugar on our metabolic health, and the benefits of using a continuous glucose monitor. I've been personally using a CGM for a few months now, and it has made an immediate impact on my food […]

    Understanding and Education. Talking CBD w/ Kerwell’s Bryan Christopher.

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2023 55:00


    In todays episode we are talking CBD w/ Kerwell's Bryan Christopher. Bryan helps us to understand CBD, what it is, what it is commonly used for, and the variety of types. What you will hear consistently in this episode is the need for education. Educating ourselves when looking to add a new element to our […]

    education cbd educating bryan christopher
    Understanding and Education. Talking CBD w/ Kerwell’s Bryan Christopher.

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 22, 2023 55:00


    In todays episode we are talking CBD w/ Kerwell's Bryan Christopher. Bryan helps us to understand CBD, what it is, what it is commonly used for, and the variety of types. What you will hear consistently in this episode is the need for education. Educating ourselves when looking to add a new element to our […]

    education cbd educating bryan christopher
    Take Control of Your Health, w/ Registered Dietician Michelle Routhenstein.

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2023 63:10


    In this weeks episode you will hear from Michelle Routhenstein, a registered dietician who focuses on hear heart, heart disease management, and heart disease prevention. Michelle approach to health is specific and clear. She leaves you feel like you have control over your situation and in a position to make the best possible choices for […]

    Nuts for Longevity: An Inspirational Story, w/ Caleb and Austin Majors.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2022 38:03


    At too young of an age, the father of Austin and Caleb Majors was given two weeks to live, diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer. Mr. Majors decided to take his health into his own hands, turning to major lifestyle changes in hopes he could defeat the odds. He would survive 7 years, inspiring and […]

    Nuts for Longevity: An Inspirational Story, w/ Caleb and Austin Majors.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2022 38:03


    At too young of an age, the father of Austin and Caleb Majors was given two weeks to live, diagnosed with an aggressive brain cancer. Mr. Majors decided to take his health into his own hands, turning to major lifestyle changes in hopes he could defeat the odds. He would survive 7 years, inspiring and […]

    Every Mother is an Athlete, w/ Dr. Karlie Causey.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2022 41:05


    This week you will hear from Dr. Karlie Causey, a sports chiropractor, strength and conditioning specialist, and pregnancy and postnatal athleticism coach. Dr. Karlie and I instantly clicked during our planning call when we realized how similar our philosophies are. She has an impressive approach to fitness, discomfort, and pain. Specifically, Dr. Karlie works with […]

    Every Mother is an Athlete, w/ Dr. Karlie Causey.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 22, 2022 41:05


    This week you will hear from Dr. Karlie Causey, a sports chiropractor, strength and conditioning specialist, and pregnancy and postnatal athleticism coach. Dr. Karlie and I instantly clicked during our planning call when we realized how similar our philosophies are. She has an impressive approach to fitness, discomfort, and pain. Specifically, Dr. Karlie works with […]

    Making Yourself a Priority, w/ Dr. Carly Hudson.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2022 50:23


    In this episode you will hear from Dr. Carly Hudson, chiropractor, exercise therapist, masseuse, and yoga instructor. Dr. Hudson's skillsets are as unique and interesting as her story. As a child Dr. Hudson experienced a serious illness. This illness has lead her appreciate life in a different way. More than that, she is able to […]

    Making Yourself a Priority, w/ Dr. Carly Hudson.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2022 50:23


    In this episode you will hear from Dr. Carly Hudson, chiropractor, exercise therapist, masseuse, and yoga instructor. Dr. Hudson's skillsets are as unique and interesting as her story. As a child Dr. Hudson experienced a serious illness. This illness has lead her appreciate life in a different way. More than that, she is able to […]

    Blending: How to Properly Utilize Multiple Modalities to Feel your Best, w/ Zac Cupples.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2022 65:47


    Physical Therapist, performance coach, movement specialist, and former NBA physical therapist Zac Cupples joins us today to discuss how he uses multiple modalities to improve both pain/tightness and also overall quality of life. Those modalities include concepts that are sometimes labeled as “rehab” exercises with other exercises typically labeled as “strength training” or gym exercises. […]

    Blending: How to Properly Utilize Multiple Modalities to Feel your Best, w/ Zac Cupples.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2022 65:47


    Physical Therapist, performance coach, movement specialist, and former NBA physical therapist Zac Cupples joins us today to discuss how he uses multiple modalities to improve both pain/tightness and also overall quality of life. Those modalities include concepts that are sometimes labeled as “rehab” exercises with other exercises typically labeled as “strength training” or gym exercises. […]

    Balance, Resiliency, and Leadership, w/ CEO Colleen Werner.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2022 47:07


    Colleen Werner is a CEO of a successful fitness company, a mother, wife, and a successful athlete. While she has held man titles, what Colleen has been consistently is a leader. In this episode you will hear my personal experience with Colleen as a leader, as well as how she found balance and resiliency throughout […]

    Balance, Resiliency, and Leadership, w/ CEO Colleen Werner.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2022 47:07


    Colleen Werner is a CEO of a successful fitness company, a mother, wife, and a successful athlete. While she has held man titles, what Colleen has been consistently is a leader. In this episode you will hear my personal experience with Colleen as a leader, as well as how she found balance and resiliency throughout […]

    Essential Changes in Supplements for Women, W/ Donna Burke.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2022 57:25


    Donna Burke of PRTCL Products shares with us how she went from athlete to gym owner to owning her own supplement company. Donna noticed some disappointing facts on her journey. While many supplements and sporting equipment was marketed for women, they were causing significant side affects. Instead of being formulated for the very specific female […]

    Essential Changes in Supplements for Women, W/ Donna Burke.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 2, 2022 57:25


    Donna Burke of PRTCL Products shares with us how she went from athlete to gym owner to owning her own supplement company. Donna noticed some disappointing facts on her journey. While many supplements and sporting equipment was marketed for women, they were causing significant side affects. Instead of being formulated for the very specific female […]

    Oversimplification of: Habit Change. 5 Tips to Make Change More Achievable.

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2022 26:51


    This episode is the first of a new series where break down and over-simplify complicated topics. In honor of my new virtual program I am kicking off the series with the subject of habit change. How does it work? Why is it so difficult? This episode will also provide my 5 tips and hacks to […]

    Oversimplification of: Habit Change. 5 Tips to Make Change More Achievable.

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 9, 2022 26:51


    This episode is the first of a new series where break down and over-simplify complicated topics. In honor of my new virtual program I am kicking off the series with the subject of habit change. How does it work? Why is it so difficult? This episode will also provide my 5 tips and hacks to […]

    Dementia Caretakers: The Unsung Hero’s, W/ Carrie Knowles.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2022 62:13


    In this episode you will hear from Psychology Today Expert writer and Author of 9 books Carrie Knowles. Carrie was asked by family to tell the story of them and her late mother, who was diagnosed of Alzheimer's Disease years prior. Carrie's latest book is a collection of her personal story as a caretaker, years […]

    Dementia Caretakers: The Unsung Hero’s, W/ Carrie Knowles.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 26, 2022 62:13


    In this episode you will hear from Psychology Today Expert writer and Author of 9 books Carrie Knowles. Carrie was asked by family to tell the story of them and her late mother, who was diagnosed of Alzheimer's Disease years prior. Carrie's latest book is a collection of her personal story as a caretaker, years […]

    Men and Mental Health, w/ Israel Smith.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2022 65:39


    Mental health is a serious issue for all, but an especially under appreciated topic for men. Israel Smith is changing that. After struggling through his own issues with depression, stress, and eventually the loss of his father, Israel is now helping many live healthier, happier lives. Check out Israel at the following: His instagram then […]

    Men and Mental Health, w/ Israel Smith.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 12, 2022 65:39


    Mental health is a serious issue for all, but an especially under appreciated topic for men. Israel Smith is changing that. After struggling through his own issues with depression, stress, and eventually the loss of his father, Israel is now helping many live healthier, happier lives. Check out Israel at the following: His instagram then […]

    From Struggling Mom to Inspiring Coach, w/ Gina DiGiovanni-Kirby.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2022 40:24


    Gina is a mother of 3, wife, aunt, and has a full time career. Her 40th birthday became a motivation for her to start making some changes. 3 years later a simple internet program would eventually lead to a life transformation. Gina tells us her struggles, ones that we can all relate to, and how […]

    From Struggling Mom to Inspiring Coach, w/ Gina DiGiovanni-Kirby.

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 5, 2022 40:24


    Gina is a mother of 3, wife, aunt, and has a full time career. Her 40th birthday became a motivation for her to start making some changes. 3 years later a simple internet program would eventually lead to a life transformation. Gina tells us her struggles, ones that we can all relate to, and how […]

    Financial Health For Life Health, W/ David Chudyk.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2021 42:27


    Today we discuss the parallels between financial and physical health with David Chudyk of Parallel Financial and the Weekly Wealth Podcast. Who has not experienced financial stress? For many this is a significant daily struggle and certainly takes a toll on our physical health, immune systems, and mood. David talks us through the similarities between […]

    Financial Health For Life Health, W/ David Chudyk.

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 9, 2021 42:27


    Today we discuss the parallels between financial and physical health with David Chudyk of Parallel Financial and the Weekly Wealth Podcast. Who has not experienced financial stress? For many this is a significant daily struggle and certainly takes a toll on our physical health, immune systems, and mood. David talks us through the similarities between […]

    Getting Out of Your Own way, W/ Crystal Harrell.

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2021 53:25


    Happy Thanksgiving! In this very fitting episode you will hear the amazing story of Crystal Harrell. Soon to be PhD from Yale, and that might not be the most impressive part of her resume. Crystal once shared low income housing with 9 siblings, then lost her father at the age of 13. Now, Crystal is […]

    Getting Out of Your Own way, W/ Crystal Harrell.

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 24, 2021 53:25


    Happy Thanksgiving! In this very fitting episode you will hear the amazing story of Crystal Harrell. Soon to be PhD from Yale, and that might not be the most impressive part of her resume. Crystal once shared low income housing with 9 siblings, then lost her father at the age of 13. Now, Crystal is […]

    Perspective: Healthy Eating, Weight Loss, and Lifestyle.

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2021 25:22


    Today I speak about the societal perspectives regarding healthy eating and what it means to live a healthy lifestyle. Are dieting and healthy eating synonymous? Why have we focused our lifestyle decisions solely around weight loss and our appearance? Are we self aware? You will leave this episode with a lot to consider. Please let […]

    Perspective: Healthy Eating, Weight Loss, and Lifestyle.

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 13, 2021 25:22


    Today I speak about the societal perspectives regarding healthy eating and what it means to live a healthy lifestyle. Are dieting and healthy eating synonymous? Why have we focused our lifestyle decisions solely around weight loss and our appearance? Are we self aware? You will leave this episode with a lot to consider. Please let […]

    Mindset During Adversity: From Parkinson’s to Ninja Warrior, w/ Jimmy Choi.

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2021 51:59


    In this episode you will hear the incredible story of Jimmy Choi. Jimmy was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's disease at 27 years old. Today he walks us through his path from acceptance of his diagnosis, to his motivation to never let it be a limitation for him. Since then, Jimmy has participated in 5 […]

    Mindset During Adversity: From Parkinson’s to Ninja Warrior, w/ Jimmy Choi.

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 27, 2021 51:59


    In this episode you will hear the incredible story of Jimmy Choi. Jimmy was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's disease at 27 years old. Today he walks us through his path from acceptance of his diagnosis, to his motivation to never let it be a limitation for him. Since then, Jimmy has participated in 5 […]

    Chronic Pain: The Trainers Role, w/ Lucy Hendricks.

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 20, 2021 55:50


    What is the trainers role when it comes to working with people experiencing chronic pain? While treating and diagnosing pain is assuredly the role of the rehabilitation professional, it is an equal necessity for qualified trainers to be able to help people in chronic pain workout safely, continue seeing results in the areas possible, and […]

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