Resilience in Action: Training, Wellness, and Mental Strength Beyond the Frontline
Release Date: 06/12/2025
Decoding Your Metabolic Health: A Deep Dive into MVX Testing
Proven Health Alternatives
In this episode of Proven Health Alternatives, I sit down with Dr. Darren Schmidt to explore one of the most promising tools in functional medicine today: the MVX Plus test. Launched in 2025, this next-gen blood panel goes far beyond standard labs—offering a deeper lens into chronic inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, nutrient deficiencies, and more. Dr. Schmidt breaks down the six core markers—from GlycA to citrate to branched-chain amino acids—and explains how they uncover hidden vulnerabilities affecting your healthspan. We also dive into practical insights, like the importance...
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How to Anti-age Through Your Immune System
Proven Health Alternatives
In our latest episode of Proven Health Alternatives, I sit down with Dr. Austin Perlmutter for a deep dive into the science of longevity—what it really means to live not just longer, but better. We explore the crucial difference between lifespan and healthspan, why brain health is central to aging well, and how lifestyle choices like nutrition, movement, and environmental exposures directly shape our future. Dr. Perlmutter also shares insights on immune reprogramming, the rising trend of “quick-fix” longevity hacks, and why true health takes more than just hype. If you’re looking for...
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Strong and Smart: How to Avoid Injuries and Train for a Lifetime
Proven Health Alternatives
In this episode, I sit down with legendary coach and Hall of Fame weightlifter Dan John to talk all things strength, health, and longevity. Dan shares decades of hard-earned wisdom—from the foundational exercises he swears by to how real food, rest, and smart supplementation fuel a life well-lived. We go beyond reps and routines to explore aging with strength, the underrated power of simplicity in fitness, and why consistency trumps complexity every time. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting your wellness journey, Dan’s no-nonsense approach offers a playbook for staying...
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Resilience in Action: Training, Wellness, and Mental Strength Beyond the Frontline
Proven Health Alternatives
In this episode, I sit down with Detective Jay Lacayo to explore the intense physical and mental demands faced by SWAT and ESU officers. Jay takes us through the grueling journey to join these elite units—from passing the legendary Cooper Test to mastering high-pressure scenario training. His insights reveal how martial arts, mental sharpness, and evolving tactics shape what it truly means to be part of these specialized teams. But this conversation goes beyond the badge. Jay stresses the importance of continuous education and rigorous testing to keep officers at their best, a principle I...
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Empowering Natural Healing from IBD
Proven Health Alternatives
In this powerful and eye-opening episode, I sit down with Dane Johnson — Founder of Crohn’s Colitis Lifestyle and the visionary behind the S.H.I.E.L.D. program — to unpack the real-life strategies that helped him reclaim his health after a near-death battle with Crohn’s disease. With authenticity and purpose, Dane shares how he turned suffering into strength, leveraging natural medicine, functional nutrition, and integrative therapies to not just survive IBD — but thrive. His S.H.I.E.L.D. framework (Supplements, Herbs, Imagination, Exercise, Lifestyle, Diet) is a testament to...
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Lifestyle and Herbal Medicine to Heal Lyme Disease
Proven Health Alternatives
In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Myriah Hinchey, a functional medicine practitioner specializing in chronic illness and immune dysfunction, to explore the complex world of autoimmunity through the lens of Lyme disease and stealth pathogens. We dive into how these microbes evade the immune system, disrupt the body’s internal balance, and target areas of weakness — from old injuries to inflamed tissues. Dr. Hinchey explains how this leads to persistent inflammation, neurological symptoms, and gut dysfunction, often without obvious signs of infection. You’ll learn why a root-cause...
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You Need An Oil Change
Proven Health Alternatives
Can fish oil really transform your health? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Charles Sefcik, a board-certified chiropractic neurologist and certified clinical nutritionist, to explore one of the most powerful and underrated tools in functional medicine: omega-3s. We break down how EPA and DHA support your brain, hormones, metabolism, and inflammation pathways—and why most people aren’t getting nearly enough from food alone. We also share what to look for in a quality fish oil supplement, how to avoid common pitfalls like oxidation and poor sourcing, and why testing your fatty acid...
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Thyroid Transformation Quick-Start
Proven Health Alternatives
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Heather Stone, a leading functional medicine practitioner with over 20 years of experience, to unpack why so many thyroid issues go undiagnosed or mismanaged. We go beyond the standard TSH lab test to explore the real drivers of thyroid dysfunction — from gut imbalances and hormone shifts to environmental triggers often overlooked in conventional care. You’ll hear why medication alone rarely resolves symptoms long term, and why a precision-based, root-cause approach is essential for lasting healing. We dive deep into Hashimoto’s, autoimmune...
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Neuroception - Feeling Safe in Order to Heal
Proven Health Alternatives
In this episode, I chat with Dr. Pedram Shojai to dive into the fascinating connection between your gut and your overall health. We break down neuroception — how your body subconsciously scans for safety — and why it plays such a critical role in healing and performance. We get into the gut’s “second brain,” the enteric nervous system, and how it drives your physical and mental well-being without you even realizing it. Dr. Shojai also shares real-world insights on tackling dysbiosis, understanding gut-immune symbiosis, and how simple lifestyle shifts can radically improve your...
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The Rainbow Diet
Proven Health Alternatives
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Deanna Minich — a nutrition scientist and author of the Rainbow Diet — to talk about a topic we don’t hear nearly enough about: the power of color in our food. We dive into what food colors actually do in the body, how they impact everything from mood to memory, and why most of us are walking around with a “color deficiency” without even realizing it. Dr. Minich breaks down the functional role of phytonutrients in a way that’s easy to understand, yet incredibly eye-opening. She also challenges conventional diet labels (vegan, carnivore, etc.)...
info_outlineBut this conversation goes beyond the badge. Jay stresses the importance of continuous education and rigorous testing to keep officers at their best, a principle I strongly support for all healthcare and wellness professionals. He also shares his deep commitment to mental health, detailing his work with outreach programs tackling substance abuse and homelessness—reminding us that wellness isn’t just physical, but also mental and community-centered.
Together, we dive into holistic wellness approaches, the role of training regimens, and how modern policing must adapt to new technologies and social dynamics. Whether you’re curious about law enforcement or passionate about health and resilience, this episode offers valuable lessons on discipline, self-care, and the evolving nature of service.
Key Takeaways:
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Path to SWAT/ESU: Jay elucidates the career progression to SWAT roles, involving rigorous physical tests like the Cooper Test, and the crucial importance of mental fitness.
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Martial Arts for Law Enforcement: Emphasizes Brazilian Jiu Jitsu's effectiveness for police officers, aiding in weapon retention and reducing injury potential during altercations.
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Wellness and Training: Advocates for a structured fitness regime combined with combat training and the integration of mental health strategies for enhanced performance.
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Future of Law Enforcement: Predictions about technological advancements in policing, potentially involving drones and robotics amid a declining workforce interest.
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Community and Mental Health: Describes his role in the mental health outreach initiative and his dedication to supporting peers and community members with mental health challenges.
Officer Jay Lacayo is a seasoned law enforcement professional with 18 years of service in New York City and White Plains. He began his career with the NYPD in 2005 before joining the White Plains Police Department in 2007, where he’s become a key figure in critical incident response and mental health outreach.
A certified SWAT Operator and NYS EMT, Officer Lacayo spent a decade with the Emergency Services Unit, expertly handling high-stress situations involving barricaded subjects, emotionally disturbed persons, and suicidal individuals. His calm presence and ability to build rapport have earned him multiple awards, including the Westchester County Police Honor Award, Meritorious Duty Awards, and a Lifesaving Award.
Now part of the Mental Health Outreach Team, Officer Lacayo bridges the gap between individuals in crisis and the services they need. His work continues to reflect a deep commitment to safety, empathy, and community trust.
This episode is sponsored by Professional Co-op®, where clinicians gain exceptional access to industry-leading lab services without the hefty price tag—since 2001, they’ve been redefining what efficient, patient-focused support looks like. Imagine no hidden fees, no minimums, and only paying for completed tests. Experience lab services that not only meet but also exceed your expectations. Join the co-op trusted by countless licensed clinicians nationwide. Visit www.professionalco-op.
This episode is also made possible by Functional Medicine University. FMU is a fully online, self-paced training program in functional medicine, founded in 2006 by Dr. Ron Grisanti. With students in all 50 U.S. states and 68 countries globally, FMU has become a cornerstone in advanced clinical education for healthcare practitioners. The curriculum is led by Dr. Grisanti, alongside contributions from over 70 distinguished medical experts on FMU’s advisory board. Graduates earn the prestigious Certified Functional Medicine Practitioner (CFMP®) credential upon completion. FMU is also a nationally approved provider of continuing education for a wide range of licensed professionals, including MDs, DCs, DOs, NDs, acupuncturists, PAs, NPs, nurses, dietitians, pharmacists, and dentists. Whether you're looking to expand your clinical knowledge or bring a functional approach to your practice, FMU offers the tools, guidance, and certification to help you thrive. Visit www.
For over 50 years, NutriDyn has been a leader in functional nutrition, supporting healthcare practitioners with science-based supplements and unparalleled education. Since 1973, they’ve pioneered practitioner-exclusive formulas backed by rigorous testing and built on the latest research—delivering quality and peace of mind in every bottle. NutriDyn is more than just a supplement provider. They’re committed to empowering practitioners through world-class educational resources, including national conferences, workshops, and seminars led by industry thought leaders. From clinical support to dedicated sales reps, NutriDyn offers an integrated approach to help elevate your practice and patient outcomes. Trusted. Transparent. Practitioner-focused. Join NutriDyn’s wellness community and discover functional nutrition tailored for you—create your account today to take the first step toward better health: https://nutridyn.com/