
Axay Shah & Raw Diet
Irreverent Health
03/05/26
•71m
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Summary
In this candid and wide-ranging conversation, Axay Shah shares his 16+ year journey living on a raw food diet and the mindset behind it. What begins as curiosity evolves into a deeper discussion about health, energy, discipline, and personal autonomy. The group explores the science, skepticism, and cultural resistance around raw eating, while keeping the tone grounded and non-preachy. From marathon running at 66 to challenging assumptions about nutrition, the episode ultimately centers on self-experimentation, long-term health, and taking ownership of one’s lifestyle choices.
Key Topics
- Axay Shah’s origin story and transition to a raw food lifestyle
- The role of curiosity vs. research in major life changes
- Raw vs. cooked food: evolution, biology, and debate
- Food culture, social pressure, and “diet identity”
- Energy, longevity, and aging differently
- Practical day-to-day raw food habits and routines
- Nutritional considerations (B12, vitamin D, supplementation)
- Self-experimentation (blood work, tracking outcomes)
- Addiction, habit formation, and mindset control
- Non-preachy health philosophy: “do what works for you”
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and opening banter
00:05 Meeting Axay Shah and framing the raw food conversation
00:48 Why raw food seems “extreme” to most people
02:04 Health myths and skepticism around raw diets
02:34 Axay’s 16+ year raw journey and marathon running
03:15 The origin story: curiosity and experimentation in 2009
04:27 Early discipline and unconventional food experiments
05:26 Immediate benefits: energy, freedom, and momentum
06:12 How long it takes to feel results (days vs. weeks)
06:41 Planning vs. spontaneity in diet changes
07:47 Observing nature: are humans designed for raw food?
09:41 Debate: raw vs. cooked food and human evolution
11:09 Fire, survival, and the shift to cooked food
12:53 Scarcity vs. abundance: then vs. now
14:47 Food systems, culture, and modern overconsumption
16:06 Biological arguments (intestines, behavior, etc.)
18:35 Hosts challenge assumptions and explore omnivore perspective
20:08 Social perception and stigma of raw lifestyle
21:05 Family dynamics and not forcing beliefs on others
22:03 Longevity, energy, and quality of life goals
23:08 Transparency: 20+ years of bloodwork tracking
24:47 Real-world logistics: eating out, social events, flexibility
26:10 Hunger changes and reduced food intake over time
28:08 Absorption vs. consumption: eating less, gaining more
29:29 A day in the life: what Axay actually eats
31:48 Seasonal eating and sourcing food naturally
33:22 Practical meals: fruits, vegetables, nuts, and preparation
34:15 Nutritional gaps: B12, D3, and supplementation
36:38 Modern food systems vs. natural sourcing
37:25 “Purity” vs. practicality in raw living
39:43 Aging, mobility, and avoiding decline
41:17 Cultural identity and emotional attachment to food
42:48 Non-preachy philosophy and avoiding “diet wars”
43:32 Long-term vs. short-term health thinking
44:19 Government, business, and food narratives
46:16 Bottom-up change: individuals over institutions
47:08 Closing reflections on natural eating and awareness
49:00 Book promotion and where to learn more
50:00 Final thoughts and future follow-up conversation
The post Axay Shah & Raw Diet first appeared on Irreverent Health.
Previous Episode

Nicole Prause & Study of Orgasms
February 27
•80m
Takeaways
- Nicole Prause’s journey into psychophysiology began at Indiana University.
- Research on sexual arousal includes both physiological and self-reported measures.
- The Kinsey Institute’s studies involved unique methodologies for measuring sexual responses.
- Testosterone levels do not significantly affect sexual arousal or desire in healthy individuals.
- Orgasm physiology is complex and not fully understood, challenging traditional models.
- Masturbation and sexual activity can have positive effects on health and testosterone levels.
- Many myths exist around sexual health, particularly regarding ejaculation and prolactin levels.
- Sexual arousal involves a complex interplay of brain activity and physiological responses.
- Pain management may benefit from understanding sexual arousal and its effects on the body.
- Cultural beliefs about sexuality can influence perceptions and behaviors around sexual activity. The dynamics of sexual exploration can be complex and varied.
- Male and female sexual responses differ significantly in research settings.
- Understanding female orgasm remains a challenging area of study.
- Funding for sexual research is often limited and difficult to secure.
- Post Orgasmic Illness Syndrome is a rare but impactful condition for some men.
- Research protocols are crucial for ensuring participant safety and data integrity.
- The regulatory landscape for sexual research is stringent and complex.
- There is a need for more comprehensive studies on female sexual responses.
- The conversation around masturbation and its benefits is often contentious.
- Future research directions could lead to significant insights into sexual health.
Summary
In this engaging conversation, Nicole Prause shares her journey into the field of psychophysiology, discussing her research on sexual arousal, orgasm physiology, and the impact of sexual activity on health. The discussion delves into the complexities of measuring sexual responses, the role of testosterone, and the debunking of common myths surrounding sexual health. Prause emphasizes the importance of understanding the physiological and psychological aspects of sexuality, while also addressing cultural perspectives and the potential for sexual activity to aid in pain management. The conversation highlights the need for continued research and open dialogue about sexual health. In this engaging conversation, the speakers delve into various aspects of sexual exploration, focusing on the dynamics of male and female sexual responses, the complexities surrounding female orgasm, and the challenges faced in sexual research funding. They discuss the rare condition known as Post Orgasmic Illness Syndrome and the scientific intricacies behind sexual responses. The conversation also highlights the regulatory landscape of sexual research and the protocols that ensure participant safety and data integrity. The speakers express a shared enthusiasm for the future of sexual research and its potential applications.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background of Nicole Prause
02:43 Exploring Psychophysiology and Research Methods
05:31 The Science of Sexual Arousal and Measurement Techniques
08:25 Testosterone and Its Impact on Sexual Health
11:15 Current Research on Male Orgasm Physiology
14:04 Methodological Challenges in Sexual Research
20:23 Exploring Laboratory Protocols for Sexual Studies
21:24 Understanding the Effects of Sexual Sounds on Physiology
23:16 The Role of Sensors in Sexual Response Research
24:35 Debunking Myths Around Prolactin and Sexual Activity
26:54 The Biological Imperative of Ejaculation
29:04 The Relationship Between Sexual Activity and Testosterone
30:10 Navigating the Landscape of Sexual Research
31:12 The Intersection of Feminism and Sexual Freedom
32:11 Pain Management Through Sexual Arousal
34:02 The Science Behind Sexual Arousal and Neurotransmitters
46:23 Exploring the Need for Research on Male Sexuality
49:33 Challenging Misconceptions About Sexual Health
51:44 Investigating Uncommon Sexual Health Issues
54:26 Understanding Chronic Inflammation and Sexual Health
57:47 Humor in the Context of Serious Research
01:02:54 Future Directions in Sexual Health Research
The post Nicole Prause & Study of Orgasms first appeared on Irreverent Health.
Next Episode
Summary
Explore the fascinating intersection of sound, art, and science with Jorge Perdomo and Tom Middleton. Discover how innovative sound systems, frequencies, and immersive experiences are transforming wellness, entertainment, and perception. Explore the cutting-edge world of immersive sound and sensory experiences with experts Tom Middleton and Jorge Perdomo. Discover how advanced sound systems, low-frequency effects, and multisensory design are revolutionizing relaxation, therapy, and entertainment.
Key topics
- Innovative sound systems for immersive experiences
- The science of frequencies and their effects on the human body
- The intersection of art, science, and technology in wellness
- Research and development in neurosensory design and sound therapy Low-frequency sound and ultrasonic technology
- The impact of sound on the human body and mind
- Designing multisensory immersive experiences
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Monday Vibes
02:47 Exploring the Cloud and Sound Experiences
05:37 Jorge’s Journey: From Tech to Art
08:27 The Art of Sound: Creating Unique Experiences
11:26 Innovations in Sound Technology
14:11 The Science Behind Sound and Wellness
17:03 Collaborations and Future Projects
19:51 Tom’s Background and Musical Journey
27:06 The Evolution of Sound and Music
29:42 From DJ to Sleep Science Coach
30:36 Therapeutic Effects of Music
31:55 Neurosensory Design and Immersive Experiences
37:50 The Science of Sound and Frequency
51:36 The Future of Sound Therapy
56:08 The Kinetic Experience of Sound
57:08 Ecology of Soundscape Design
58:03 Innovative Sound Experiences
59:02 The Future of Sound Systems
59:52 Creating Unique Sound Experiences
01:00:57 Therapeutic Sound and Frequency
01:02:57 The Science of Sound and Safety
01:04:58 Research and Development in Sound Therapy
01:06:52 Exploring Sound for Different Audiences
01:08:45 The Future of Sound Experiences
The post Jorge Perdomo, Tom Middleton & Big Fluffy Cloud first appeared on Irreverent Health.
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