Building a Human Health Protocol — Brain Optimization, Data & the Future of Performance 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.

All Episodes

Health Is A Skill with Todd Vande Hei

Building a Human Health Protocol — Brain Optimization, Data & the Future of Performance

January 15, 2026 • Todd Vande Hei • Episode 38

In this episode, Todd Vande Hei sits down with Thoryn Stephens, co-founder and CEO of BrainOne, to explore a simple but powerful idea: most people aren’t unhealthy because they lack data — they’re unhealthy because they lack structure.

Thoryn shares how a personal injury and a disappointing recovery plan from elite orthopedic care sparked his mission to standardize human health protocols using neuroscience, biometrics, and behavior change. Together, Todd and Thoryn unpack how structured micro-habits, wearable data, biomarkers, and even voice analytics can be used to optimize brain health, performance, and long-term resilience.

This conversation spans everything from dementia prevention and sleep optimization to stress, community, masculinity, and why modern life is quietly working against human biology — and what we can do about it.

In This Episode, Todd & Thoryn Discuss:

Why more data doesn’t equal better health without a protocol
How BrainOne uses biometrics, biomarkers, and behavior to drive change
The role of micro-habits in brain optimization and longevity
Dementia risk factors — and how 30–40% may be modifiable
Stress, sleep, and the hidden cost of high performance
Social isolation, technology, and declining brain health in young people
Why community, nature, and routine matter as much as supplements

⚡ Final Takeaway
Health isn’t about guessing — it’s about structure. When you give the brain a clear protocol, performance and resilience follow.

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 h...