Michael Brandt, the co-founder and CEO of HVMN, isn't just a leading figure in the world of nutrition and health, he's also an accomplished triathlete, marathoner, a Stanford alumnus with a BS in Computer Science & Design, a former Product Manager at Google, and an Adjunct Professor at the Academy of Art in SF. Michael’s work is a beacon for all seeking to navigate the intricacies of modern nutrition while drawing insights from ancestral wisdom. Today, we dive deep into the realm of ketones – nature’s primal fuel, nutrition, and the ever-intricate mind-body connection.  Our conversation sheds light on the metabolic wonders of ketones and their role in brain energy and keto diets, venturing into the fascinating dynamics of water, caffeine, and ketones. In the latter half, we probe the synergy between ketones, cognitive prowess, and flow state before unpacking the impressive nutritional principles backing Ketone-IQ.  Whether you’re a keto veteran or just dipping your toes into this world, there's a treasure trove of knowledge awaiting you. And as a bonus, hear firsthand about Michael Brandt’s captivating stint on ABC's Shark Tank. You won’t want to miss this enlightening journey into the nexus of nutrition, cognition, and human potential. 00:00:09 — Introduction to HVMN (Health via Modern Nutrition) • Introducing ketones and their role as the oldest form of fuel for humans • How keto diets, exercise, and fasting help keep low blood sugar  • Article:  Brain Energy: The Metabolic Theory of Mental Illness by Chris Palmer, Harvard MD  • Thinking about the ancestral, geographical, and seasonal approach of eating • Mental strength, perseverance, and the different age groups that can consume ketones  • Series: Alone - History Channel’s popular survival series • Differences between exogenous and endogenous ketones • Dave Asprey and the  impact of ketones with caffeine • Water, the magic most adaptive fluid to support the human body • Fueling the brain with fat to grow cognitive function • Differences between ketone esters and ketone salts 00:37:30 — Exploring the Metabolic Impact of Ketones • Metabolism transforms consumed nutrients into cellular energy currency • Appetite control with certain foods + ketones • Aligning more with our ancestral tendency to store energy • Ketone-IQ provides energy without spiking insulin • Jumpstarting your metabolism with a walk • Understanding one’s energy levels and decision making capacity • Synergistic effects of ketones with psychoactive substances • Aubrey Marcus, Holistic Health Guru   01:14:30 — Ketones, Cognitive Function & Flow State • Insulin resistance as a possible cause for Alzheimers  • Working with individual with chronic TBI • Research: Brain Energy Rescue with Ketones Improves Cognitive Outcomes in MCI by Stephen Cunnane • A brief historic overview of ketogenic diets • Brain Energy by Chris M. Palmer, MD • Flow state, ketones supporting the balance of energy spikes • Article: Kingdom from Dust by Mark Arax (Almond farming water consumption) • The process of sustainably and affordably making Ketone-IQ • The three metabolites in caffeine 02:00:19 — Shark Tank & Diving into Michael Brandt’s Inspiration • Blog: What is it like to be on ABC’s Shark Tank? By Michael Brandt • Behind the scenes of the reality television favorite  • Three teachings that have influenced Michael’s work • Read: Shoe Dogs, by Phil Knight THIS SHOW IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY: ALITURA NATURALS. Your skin is the largest organ and it needs to be treated like another mouth. If you're as careful about what you put on your skin as you are about feeding your body, then you’ve got to check out my good friend and previous podcast guest’s skincare line, Alitura Naturals. Alitura was created out of desperation after its founder, model, and actor, Andy Hnilo, found his face unrecognizable after getting hit and run over by two cars. Alitura, latin for ‘feeding and nourishing,’ was created out of a small studio apartment, purely ou