01/29/2026
In this episode, Roland Pankewich welcomes exercise physiologist and strength coach Justin Dees for a clinically grounded conversation on the intersection of performance and foundational health.
Drawing on 30+ years working with professional and Olympic athletes, Justin highlights how overlooked fundamentals—digestive function, cardiovascular health, sleep, and stress regulation, directly impact performance outcomes and long-term resilience. The discussion addresses common pitfalls seen in both athletic and general populations, including reliance on quick fixes, misinformation, and inadequate nutritional foundations.
Key clinical themes include:
• The gut–performance connection and microbiome health
• Digestive dysfunction, inflammation, and injury risk
• The role of fiber, protein, and whole-food nutrition in disease prevention
• Stress physiology, sleep hygiene, and recovery
• Evidence-informed use of probiotics, enzymes, and micronutrients
“The microbiome of our digestive tract is like the soil of our body.”
A valuable listen for practitioners supporting patients who train hard, age actively, or struggle to reconcile performance goals with long-term health.
🎧 Listen to the full episode, link in bio
