Your brain is addicted to stress, but you can break the cycle. In this episode, neuroscientist Jonathan (Jon) Hacker joins Dr. Mark Young to discuss a crucial topic: the addictive nature of stress and how our nervous systems are trained to stay in a constant state of anxiety.

As a coach and expert on human consciousness, Jon explains how our environment, social media, and lifestyle choices continually push us into the sympathetic nervous system (the fight-or-flight mode), which is designed to help us survive but is harmful when activated constantly.

Jon sheds light on how trauma, drama, and even social dynamics can keep us trapped in this state of stress, creating a dopamine loop that we unknowingly become addicted to. He talks about how our nervous systems can get stuck in fight-or-flight mode, how certain habits make this worse, and why we continue to engage in behaviors that keep us in a heightened state of anxiety.

The conversation explores how understanding and disrupting these patterns can lead to better mental health and overall well-being.

Connect with Jonathan (Jon) Hacker:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-hacker/

Connect with Mark Young:

• Website: https://themarkyoung.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmlj25/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themarkyoung/

What if age isn’t the limit? Letters to My Future Self explores how mindset, purpose, and health can defy conventional aging.

In this episode, Dr. Mark Young sits down with his father, Dr. Mark Young Sr., for a deeply personal conversation. Dr. Mark Young Sr., a serial entrepreneur and racecar driver, reflects on his journey and how he defied expectations, even when faced with a major cancer diagnosis. Instead of slowing down, he has accelerated his ambitions, constantly seeking new goals and challenges.

They discuss the importance of mindset, consistency, and lifelong learning for anyone who wants to live an extraordinary life. Dr. Mark believes that life doesn’t stop after a certain age and that health and entrepreneurial success are deeply intertwined. The father and son also talk about the difference between "retirement" and "living defiantly," emphasizing that the key to longevity is having a sense of purpose and staying engaged with life.

As Dr. Mark and his father reflect on their shared entrepreneurial drive and enthusiasm for a long healthspan, they reveal the secret to their success. This episode is a tribute to future possibilities and offers a roadmap for building a life that continues to grow, even as you age.

Resources:

• Future You by Dr. Mark Young Sr.: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OH7993Q
• The 27 Unbreakable Rules by Dr. Mark Young Sr.: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1968339922
• Ellen Langer’s “Counterclockwise Study” (mindset & aging research): https://www.researchgate.net/publication/334350120

Connect with Dr. Mark Young Sr.:

• Website: https://www.meetmarkyoung.com/

Connect with Mark Young:

• Website: https://themarkyoung.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmlj25/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themarkyoung/

Peptides are being widely promoted as shortcuts to health, fitness, or weight loss. However, before jumping into peptides, you have to make sure you have good health hygiene.

Today, Dr. Mark Young dives into the world of peptides, discussing their growing popularity and the right situation for people to use them. He provides a “readiness checklist” for those considering peptides, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle first.

Because peptides amplify existing biological processes, nobody should use peptides without first being checked for cancer or other progressive health issues. Dr. Mark also discusses the importance of sourcing the best quality peptides and monitoring progress.

The episode focuses on peptide use for individuals over 40, addressing concerns about aging, recovery, sleep quality, and how to optimize your body's natural systems before introducing peptides. Tune in to discover how to incorporate peptides effectively for long-term health benefits.

Resources:

• Eli Lilly (a medicine company that holds patents for major peptides) - https://www.lilly.com/

Connect with Mark Young:

• Website: https://themarkyoung.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmlj25/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themarkyoung/

Aging doesn’t have to mean declining. Discover how you can take charge of your health and longevity, even in your 50s and beyond.

In this episode, Mark Young is joined by Zack Varkaris, a longevity expert, to explore the challenges of aging and the controversial subject of perimenopause, menopause, and the emotional impact of aging. They discuss hormonal changes, how society perceives aging, and how individuals can take proactive steps to ensure a healthier, more vibrant life well into their later years.

Zack also shares his experience in helping individuals through personalized, scientific approaches, including hormone tests, stem cell therapies, and nutrition to combat age-related symptoms.

This episode is an empowering conversation, encouraging listeners to take control of their health and not accept decline as a normal part of aging.

Resources:

• Austin Biotec: https://www.austinbiotec.com/

Connect with Zack Varkaris:

• Website: https://varkaris.com/

Connect with Mark Young:

• Website: https://themarkyoung.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmlj25/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themarkyoung/

Tired of the status quo health advice? Discover why traditional medicine isn't enough and how you can take control of your health today. This episode is a compilation of the most compelling conversations with guest experts Del Bigtree, Jay Campbell, JP Sears, Joe Polish, and Dr. Nathan Goodyear.

Mark and these experts explore how factors like environmental toxins, food quality, and lifestyle choices are contributing to a weakening society, with reduced testosterone levels and increased rates of chronic illness, including cancer and autoimmune diseases. They explore the importance of addressing root causes and how biohacking tools can help mitigate these issues.

The conversation also addresses the rise of self-improvement and empowerment among individuals, particularly fathers, as they step into their roles with newfound purpose. Each guest shares insights on how people can take charge of their health rather than relying solely on pharmaceutical treatments. It's a call to embrace functional and integrative medicine and optimize the body for longevity.

Resources:

• Make America Healthy Again: https://www.mahaaction.com/
• Trust in Physicians and Hospitals Survey - https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2821693

Connect with Mark Young:

• Website: https://themarkyoung.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmlj25/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themarkyoung/

Cancer may not start where most people think, and the first treatment might not have to be a drug. In this episode, Mark Young interviews radiation oncologist turned metabolic health practitioner Dr. Christy Kesslering to explore a radically different view of cancer: not as purely genetic bad luck, but as a metabolic and mitochondrial problem.

Together, they discuss why simply cutting calories or relying on medication isn’t enough and how modern habits damage mitochondria. The conversation also covers ketogenic nutrition, fasting around therapy, sleep, toxins, and how optimizing metabolic health may improve treatment tolerance and outcomes.

The episode ultimately reframes cancer as a signal — a “check engine light”—and emphasizes patient empowerment. Instead of choosing between conventional or alternative care, Mark and Dr. Kesslering explain how combining approaches and supporting the body’s terrain can dramatically change the trajectory of chronic disease.

Resources:

• The Metabolic Approach to Cancer by Nasha Winters - https://www.amazon.com/dp/1603586865
• Biohacking Starts With NO by Sandy Martin - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F9VZHVY3

Connect with Dr. Christy Kesslering:

• Website: https://www.kessrx.com/

Connect with Mark Young:

• Website: https://themarkyoung.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmlj25/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themarkyoung/

Are you on the lookout for the latest biohacking tool? In this episode, Mark Young and Dr. Scott Sherr dive into the intriguing world of methylene blue, exploring its uses, controversies, and the growing buzz surrounding it. Dr. Sherr, a board-certified internist, offers insights into how this industrial dye has evolved into a highly touted health optimization tool.

The conversation explores how methylene blue supports mitochondrial function and energy production and clarifies myths about its risks, particularly the misconception that it can turn your brain blue. Dr. Sherr highlights the benefits of methylene blue, including improved mental clarity and support for mitochondrial health.

Mark and Dr. Sherr also talk about the rise of methylene blue in the biohacking community and its potential for longevity, offering listeners a balanced perspective.

Connect with Dr. Scott Sherr:

• Website: https://troscriptions.com/ and https://homehope.org/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drscottsherr/

Connect with Mark Young:

• • Website: https://themarkyoung.com/
  • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmlj25/
  • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themarkyoung/

Most people treat inflammation as an enemy to be suppressed. But what if it’s actually a vital communication from your body? Today, we sit down with Ayurvedic practitioner and author Dr. Shivani Gupta to decode the "Science of Life", Dr. Shivani goes even deeper into these frameworks in her new book, The Inflammation Code

If you’ve ever felt like your "clean" blood tests aren't telling the whole story, this conversation is for you. We bridge the gap between 5,000-year-old Indian wisdom and modern biohacking to help you achieve "Vibrant Health."

CHAPTERS:

• 01:30 – Who is Dr. Shivani Gupta?
• 03:45 – Why Gut Health is the Center of your Immune System.
• 16:00 – The Biohacker’s Dissonance: High-Tech vs. Modern Toxins.
• 26:15 – Daily Rituals: Tongue Scraping, Oil Pulling, & Intentions.
• 40:10 – The Turmeric Deep Dive: 17,000+ Studies.
• 53:50 – Where to find The Inflammation Code

GET THE BOOK: Dr. Shivani’s new book, The Inflammation Code, launches February 3rd! Stop following protocols and start understanding your body’s framework: www.ShivaniGupta.com

UPGRADE YOUR STACK: After years of obscuring the obvious, Mark is finally adding Dr. Shivani’s "Swiss Army Knife" of herbs to his daily routine. Join the movement and support your vibration. 👉 FusionaryFormulas.com Use Code: YOUNG15 for 15% OFF all first-time orders!

FOLLOW PERFORMANCE DRIVEN LIVING:

• Watch more episodes & subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@performancedrivenlivingpodcast

• Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/performance-driven-living/id1813002543

• Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7ot9njgjicg4lisEErPxYP

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/performancedrivenliving_/?hl=en