Send us a text

The clock isn’t just on your wall—it’s in your cells. As autumn settles in and daylight wanes, we dig into how light acts as information for your biology, shaping sleep depth, hormone timing, and metabolic health. A standout 15-year cohort of 200,000+ children links persistent artificial light at night to higher obesity risk, and it pairs with wearable data from tens of thousands of people that reveals how little real sunlight most of us get—even at the height of summer.

We break down what’s actually happening under the hood. Blue-heavy light is a powerful morning cue, but after dusk it sends the wrong signal, suppressing melatonin, shrinking deep sleep, and nudging insulin rhythms off track. That chronic mismatch adds up, especially for kids. Beyond the usual vitamin D narrative, we talk about why full-spectrum sunlight—including infrared—matters for mitochondria, vascular function, mood, and focus, and why energy-efficient LEDs often strip out the very wavelengths that buffer blue and support recovery.

You’ll also get a practical, science-backed playbook you can start tonight. We cover morning outdoor light routines, how to set up your home with full-spectrum lamps for daytime and zero-blue bulbs for evenings, and why programmable circadian lights are a smart upgrade for fall and winter. We share simple screen hygiene, when blue-blocking glasses help, and how to navigate harsh indoor lighting without wrecking your sleep. The goal is coherence: brighter, broader mornings; softer, blue-free nights; and consistent cues your body can trust. If you’re ready to trade “junk light” for light that works with you, not against you, hit play and build your seasonal routine. Enjoyed the conversation? Follow, rate, and share the show with someone who needs a gentler evening glow.

For copies of slide deck: www.thehealthedgepodcast,com

SolShine: https://solshine.org/

Soraa Zero Blue Light Bulbs: https://store.soraa.com/zeroblue/

Korrus OIO programmable circadian lighting: https://www.korrus.com/oio/

Send us a text

Nature deficit syndrome is silently affecting millions as we spend over 95% of our lives indoors beneath artificial lighting that disrupts our biology at the most fundamental level. Dr. Mark Pettus delivers a compelling exploration of this modern disconnection, introducing the powerful concept that our current "junk light" epidemic may soon be viewed with the same concern we now direct toward processed foods.

Drawing from both scientific research and ancient wisdom traditions, Dr. Pettus reveals how the Japanese practice of Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) offers a profound antidote to our indoor, technology-dominated existence. The evidence is remarkable – even brief nature immersion triggers measurable shifts from sympathetic nervous system dominance (fight-or-flight) to parasympathetic activation (rest and digest), resulting in lower blood pressure, improved heart rate variability, reduced inflammation, and enhanced immune function through natural killer cell activation.

At the heart of this discussion lies a philosophical revelation about human existence itself. The "illusion of separateness" that characterizes modern living contradicts our true biological nature as integral parts of a larger ecosystem. When we reconnect with natural environments – feeling the sunlight, breathing forest air rich with beneficial compounds, and simply being present – we synchronize with rhythms and frequencies our bodies inherently recognize. This reconnection doesn't require abandoning modern life but rather intentionally incorporating nature exposure alongside other ancestral practices to create states of clarity, focus, and happiness that aren't random gifts of fortune but natural conditions we can cultivate. Visit Essential Provisions to discover more resources for integrating nature's healing power into your wellness journey.

For slide deck: www.thehealthedgepodcast.com

For sumptuous meals ready to eat (MREs): www.essentialprovisions.com

Send us a text

At a time when anxiety and depression rates are soaring across all age groups, Dr. Mark Pettus cuts through the noise with revelatory insights into how our daily choices shape our mental landscape. This compelling exploration connects the dots between what's on your plate, how you move through your day, and the remarkable resilience of your brain.

Dr. Pettus introduces the concept of allostatic load—how our bodies interpret and respond to environmental stressors—and reveals why our modern lifestyle creates the perfect storm for mental health challenges. Rather than viewing mood disorders as purely psychological phenomena, he presents compelling evidence that insulin resistance, inflammation, and disrupted circadian rhythms form the physiological foundation of many mental health struggles.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Dr. Pettus explains how rapid blood sugar fluctuations can trigger symptoms indistinguishable from anxiety attacks. That afternoon panic might actually be the aftermath of your lunch choices! Through practical nutritional principles focused on whole foods, lower glycemic options, and nutrient density, he offers actionable strategies to support neuroplasticity—your brain's remarkable ability to generate new cells and neural pathways throughout life.

Beyond diet, we discover how Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)—essentially "miracle grow for the brain"—can be boosted through movement (especially dancing!), natural light exposure, time in nature, and specific foods. The gut-brain connection emerges as another critical pathway, with our microbiome directly influencing neurotransmitter production and mood regulation. Most empowering is the concept of metabolic flexibility—how developing your body's ability to efficiently switch between fuel sources enhances both cognitive function and emotional stability.

Weaving together ancestral wisdom with cutting-edge neuroscience, Dr. Pettus presents a holistic framework that honors our evolutionary design while navigating modern challenges. This isn't about quick fixes or magic pills—it's about building sustainable resilience through aligned lifestyle choices that activate our innate capacity for wellbeing.

Ready to rewire your approach to mental health? Listen now and discover how small, strategic shifts in your daily habits can transform your mind, mood, and quality of life. Your brain was designed to thrive—learn how to give it what it truly needs.

For PowerPoint slide deck: www.thehealthedgepodcast.com

For Essential Provisions Meals Ready to Eat (MREs): www.essentialprovisions.com