In a world full of noise, busy schedules, and overstimulated brains, how do we actually slow down enough to live our lives—rather than just react to them? In this back-to-basics but deeply personal episode, Ryan and MJ unpack why meditation isn’t just about relaxation—it’s about reclaiming your attention, your alignment, and your ability to focus in a distracted world.

You’ll hear real stories about falling off the meditation wagon, what it feels like to live on autopilot, and how building the two most foundational life skills—focus and discomfort tolerance—can change everything. From default mode networks to dopamine overload, this is your accessible, no-fluff guide to why meditation matters more than ever.

Why do you end up starving at night even when you think you’re “eating right”? Why do blood sugar crashes leave you exhausted—and why is everyone suddenly obsessed with weight-loss shots like Ozempic? In this episode of the Simple Healthy Life podcast, Registered Dietitian Ryan Gebo, and Owner of R-Labs Mike James break down the real science behind hunger hormones like ghrelin, the surprising truth about glucose swings, and what you aren’t hearing about the new wave of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs. Whether you’re an athlete, a busy parent, or someone stuck in the diet-binge cycle, this episode unpacks the hidden reasons your diet keeps sabotaging you—and what to do instead.

At 63, Jim Forand biked nearly 3,800 miles from Massachusetts to California—solo. In this episode, we unpack the full story: the tornado warnings on day one, the 8,500-foot climbs in Pennsylvania, the wild horses in Arizona, and the mindset that carried him through it all. It’s a conversation about stamina, stillness, and what opens up when you say yes to something huge.

In this raw and revealing episode of Simple Healthy Life, we confront one of the most avoided but universally shared experiences: death. From the ancient parable of Samara to modern reflections on mortality, reincarnation, and even uploading consciousness, we explore how death—or the awareness of it—can deeply influence how we live, love, and make meaning. We share personal stories, like a powerful breathwork vision, and ask hard-hitting questions: What do you want said at your eulogy? What would it mean to live a life that’s truly enough?

This episode blends philosophy, spirituality, psychology, and humor in a conversation that’s unexpectedly uplifting. Because we’re all headed to Samara. What will you do before you get there?

In this episode of Simple Healthy Life, we reflect on what it really takes to bring an idea to life—from the first spark of inspiration to the unexpected skills learned along the way. MJ shares the untold story behind building R Labs, a wellness space rooted in intentional recovery, community, and cold water resilience.

We explore the role of intuition (including somatic marker theory), discomfort tolerance, novelty search, and why goals often don’t unfold the way we expect. Whether you're starting a business, shifting careers, or craving personal growth, this episode offers timeless takeaways and honest insights for anyone walking the fog-covered bridge of meaningful change.

We all know we should take better care of ourselves. So why don’t we?

In this episode of Simple Healthy Life, Ryan and MJ dive deep into the tension between knowing and doing—unpacking why it’s so hard to be proactive about our health, habits, and happiness in a world wired for distraction.

We explore:

• Why distraction is the new default mode

• The invisible skill you’re building every time you scroll

• The neuroscience of energy, mitochondria, and burnout

• How avoidance becomes identity—and how to break that cycle

• The small proactive acts that can rebuild your health and confidence

Whether you're overwhelmed, stuck in reactive mode, or just wondering how to get back on track, this episode offers perspective, clarity, and permission to start small.

Some choices are too complex for logic alone. In this episode, we explore somatic marker theory—a scientific explanation for the gut feelings that guide your biggest life decisions. From job changes to relationships to moments of massive transformation, your emotions may be telling you more than your rational mind ever could. Learn why your “inner knowing” is real, how it ties to your subconscious pattern recognition, and why trusting yourself might be the smartest decision you ever make.

Most people think they’re being empathetic—when they’re really just being sympathetic.
In this “Teach Me” episode of Simple Healthy Life, we dive into the powerful difference between sympathy and empathy—and why it matters more than ever.

You’ll learn:
• The cost of empathy (and why so many people avoid it)
• Why sympathy often creates emotional distance
• The science of mirror neurons and human connection
• How practicing empathy reduces burnout and strengthens relationships
• Simple ways to build your empathy muscle without draining yourself

Whether you’re a leader, parent, partner, or friend—this conversation will shift how you show up for the people around you.