From Meds & Merlot to Macros & Muscle: Alison Wayne at 55 Artwork

Health Is A Skill with Todd Vande Hei

Welcome to the Health is a Skill podcast with host Todd Vande Hei! Todd is the CEO of Stark, which exists to change the future of health and fitness in the communities they serve. For the last 15 years, Todd has been on a journey to discover what it means to be in a state of peak health. After suffering from a series of seizures and being diagnosed with high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation in his early 30’s, Todd decided it was time to make a change. Those changes fell into one of four categories: lifestyle, exercise, nutrition, and stress management. But the biggest thing Todd learned through it all? Health is a skill. You’re not born with it, like some would like you to believe, and it isn’t acquired by simply buying another product or starting that new diet. Health is something you can create for yourself, and over time it is possible to attain peak health.

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Health Is A Skill with Todd Vande Hei

From Meds & Merlot to Macros & Muscle: Alison Wayne at 55

June 05, 2025 • Todd Vande Hei • Episode 67

Ten years ago Alison Wayne measured health by the bathroom scale and a nightly glass of wine.

Today the 55-year-old mom of three rings PR bells, sleeps migraine-free and wears two sizes smaller while weighing 20 lbs more.

Host Todd Vande Hei digs into the mindset shifts, nutrition hacks and family dynamics that rewrote Alison’s future — and why she now sees her 50s as the launchpad, not the slowdown.

Key Points

Reactive → Proactive health – why “not sick” isn’t “healthy.”
Protein as Nature’s Ozempic – 30 g ➜ 130 g and the thermic edge.
Muscle > Scale – heavier, leaner, stronger (and the longevity glutes).
Seed-cycling & HRT – clearing perimenopause migraines without meds.
Quitting SSRIs – the three-week “dark tunnel” and how she emerged.
Family Flywheel – turning soda-drinking sons into macro-tracking gym partners.
Orthopedic Wins – rehabbing rotator cuff, ACL & foot fracture surgery-free.
Ritual Swaps – wine → walks, coffee → steps, lasagna → sweet potatoes.
Women & Heavy Weights – confidence, community and ringing the PR bell.
Healthspan vs Lifespan – designing a life that feels better every decade.

Connect with Stark
Personalized inside‑out health programs at stark.health

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🤔 ABOUT Todd Vande Hei 🤔

Welcome to Todd Vande Hei's channel, where health mastery meets real-life transformation. Join Todd as he shares invaluable insights and practical tips to help you unlock your full health potential.

Whether you're struggling with chronic pain, seeking sustainable weight loss, or simply striving to live your best life, Todd's journey and expertise will inspire and empower you to take control of your health and well-being.

Join our community of health enthusiasts committed to making positive changes and thriving at every stage of life. Let's embark on this journey to vibrant health together!

DISCLOSURE

We focus on optimizing every aspect of your well-being. At Stark, our team of expert trainers, doctors, nutritionists and a complete medical support team, led by CEO Todd Vande Hei, is dedicated to helping you become the BEST version of yourself. We specialize in coaching executives, athletes, pop stars, astronauts and other noteworthy individuals in all forms of exercise, diet, lifestyle, stress management and personalized supplement protocols.

Our methodology is designed to tackle each facet of well-being comprehensively. We believe that optimal health encompasses ten key aspects, which...