If you care about performance, anti-aging, or recovery, you must understand IGF-1 (insulin-like growth factor 1).This “under-the-radar” hormone may be the single best biomarker for your biological age, strength, and ability to recover.In this episode of the Weaponized Body podcast, Dr. Ryan Hewitt breaks down exactly what IGF-1 is, how it works, and how to optimize it naturally.

What You’ll Learn / Highlights

• What IGF-1 actually is, how it’s triggered by growth hormone, and why it’s the real workhorse behind muscle growth and recovery

• Why IGF-1 is a far better lab marker than growth hormone for tracking performance and anti-aging

• The key lifestyle factors that kill IGF-1: poor sleep, low protein, liver dysfunction, insulin resistance, and chronic inflammation

• Optimal IGF-1 ranges for men and women by age—and the danger signs when your number is too low

• Practical strategies to boost IGF-1 naturally: deep sleep, strength training, HIIT, fasting windows, protein intake, micronutrients, and insulin sensitivity

• How stress and cortisol quietly wreck your growth hormone → IGF-1 pathway, and simple ways to get back into parasympathetic “repair mode”

• When medical peptides (like CJC-1295, Ipamorelin, etc.) make sense, and why you should never use them without labs and proper guidance

• Why knowing your IGF-1 level is non-negotiable if you want to stay strong, sharp, and “weaponized” for your family, business, and life

Learn more about Dr. Ryan Hewitt by visiting the following links:

Dr. Ryan Hewitt Website: https://www.drryanhewitt.com/

The Weaponized Body Program: https://www.theweaponizedbody.com/

Weaponized wellness HRT: https://www.weaponizedwellness.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theweaponizeddad/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theweaponizedbody

Most men on TRT are handed aromatase inhibitors—and pay the price. In this episode, Dr. Ryan Hewitt breaks down why crushing estrogen backfires and what real optimization looks like. If you’re searching “TRT aromatase inhibitors,” watch this first.

What You’ll Learn / Highlights

• The real purpose of aromatase inhibitors (AI) like anastrozole/letrozole—and why they’re overprescribed

• Why estrogen is essential for male brain, joints, libido, cardiovascular health, and recovery

• How cookie-cutter dosing creates estrogen spikes (and symptoms) that get “fixed” with AIs

• The precision approach: lowest effective dose + higher injection frequency (micro-dosing)

• Lab strategy: tracking sensitive estradiol (E2) and key biomarkers on a schedule

• Lifestyle levers that reduce excess aromatization (body fat, sleep, training, inflammation)

• Red flags of low estrogen on TRT (joint pain, flat mood, ED) and how to course-correct

Learn more about Dr. Ryan Hewitt by visiting the following links:

Dr. Ryan Hewitt Website: https://www.drryanhewitt.com/

The Weaponized Body Program: https://www.theweaponizedbody.com/

Weaponized wellness HRT: https://www.weaponizedwellness.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theweaponizeddad/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theweaponizedbody

Ever been floored by back pain, literally? Can’t bend over, tie your shoes, or even sit without wincing? You’re not alone. Nearly 80% of people will suffer from debilitating back pain in their lifetime. But what if we’ve been treating it all wrong?

In this no-holds-barred episode of The Weaponized Body Podcast, Dr. Ryan Hewitt pulls back the curtain on the misunderstood world of disc herniation and chronic back pain. With over 18 years of experience, thousands of patient cases, and his own powerful story of injury and recovery, Dr. Ryan delivers a passionate, practical breakdown of why most back problems aren’t a death sentence, but a wake-up call.

You'll learn why MRIs don't always tell the whole story, why conservative care is often your best bet, and how bad habits (not bad luck or bad genes) are behind most spine issues. Dr. Ryan doesn’t just diagnose the problem, he equips you with real, actionable strategies to take control of your spine health, regain your mobility, and avoid a lifetime of pills, injections, or surgery.

What You’ll Learn:

Why MRIs can be misleading and how pain often doesn't match the imaging

The truth about chiropractic care and its science-backed effectiveness

How misuse and disuse are the real enemies of your spine

The power of movement, nutrition, and lifestyle in healing herniated discs

Why most spinal surgeries fail, and how to avoid them

“Movement is a required nutrient. If you’re not using your body properly, your back pain isn’t a mystery, it’s an inevitability.” - Dr. Ryan Hewitt

If this episode spoke to you, share it with someone who’s struggling with back pain. Leave a five-star review, subscribe, and reflect on how your habits are shaping your spine health.

Learn more about Dr. Ryan Hewitt by visiting the following links:

Dr. Ryan Hewitt Website

The Weaponized Body Program

Weaponized wellness HRT

Instagram
YouTube

Most guys on TRT are obsessing over dosage and esters, but almost no one is asking the deeper question: What’s your testosterone swimming in?

In this eye-opening solo episode, Dr. Ryan Hewitt pulls back the curtain on one of the most overlooked but potentially game-changing factors in testosterone optimization therapy (TOT): the carrier oil. Whether you’re injecting cottonseed, grapeseed, sesame, or MCT oil, the type of oil you choose could be impacting your comfort, consistency, and long-term health more than you think.

Dr. Ryan breaks down the critical differences between traditional seed oils and MCT oil, touching on everything from injection feel and viscosity to absorption rate, stability, and even the potential for allergic reactions. He shares why he made the switch to MCT in his own practice, and why you might want to consider it too, especially if you're chasing marginal gains or eliminating seed oils from your diet.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why carrier oils like cottonseed and grapeseed might be sabotaging your TRT results

How MCT oil can improve injection comfort, consistency, and even hormone absorption

The role of preservatives like benzyl alcohol, and why they might be causing site irritation

Why your testosterone therapy should align with your whole-health strategy (including diet)

Key questions to ask your clinician if you’re considering switching to a compounding pharmacy

“You’ve eliminated seed oils from your kitchen, but you’re still injecting them into your body. That doesn’t make sense.” -Dr. Ryan Hewitt

If this episode gave you some clarity or sparked new questions, share it with a friend on TRT and leave a 5-star review. Want help reviewing your labs or diving deeper into your protocol? DM Dr. Ryan on Instagram @theweaponizeddad or email dr.ryan@theweaponizedbody.com.

Let’s keep getting sharper, inside and out.

Learn more about Dr. Ryan Hewitt by visiting the following links:

Dr. Ryan Hewitt Website

The Weaponized Body Program

Weaponized wellness HRT

Instagram

YouTube

Think you're being disciplined by cutting carbs? What if your "clean eating" is actually backfiring on your metabolism, hormones, and energy?

In this bold and eye-opening episode of The Weaponized Body, Dr. Ryan Hewitt dismantles the long-term myths of low-carb diets. While cutting carbs can help you lean out in the short term, what happens when you stay low-carb for months or years? You might be unknowingly tanking your thyroid, elevating stress hormones, and stalling muscle growth, all while thinking you're doing everything right.

Dr. Ryan brings his unique blend of science-backed insight and real-world experience, sharing what he's seen in bloodwork from both athletes and everyday folks. He breaks down how chronic carb restriction can suppress critical hormones like T3, testosterone, IGF-1, and even increase cardiovascular risk due to lipid imbalances. You’ll walk away understanding why low-carb might feel good, until it doesn’t.

In this episode, you'll learn:

How low-carb diets can wreck your thyroid function, even if your labs look “normal”

Why cortisol spikes and poor sleep could be signs of chronic under-fueling

How sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) skyrockets and robs you of free testosterone

The surprising connection between carbs, IGF-1, and your ability to build muscle

Why cycling carbs, not eliminating them, is the smarter long-term strategy

“Discipline without understanding what’s going on under the hood is a surefire path to destruction.” - Dr. Ryan Hewitt

Don’t let misguided discipline derail your performance. If this episode hits home, share it with a friend, journal what symptoms you’re noticing in your own body, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode of The Weaponized Body.

Learn more about Dr. Ryan Hewitt by visiting the following links:

Dr. Ryan Hewitt Website

The Weaponized Body Program

Weaponized wellness HRT

Instagram
YouTube

Guys, it’s time to stop laughing and start listening, because what happens (or doesn’t happen) below the belt every morning might be the most honest health assessment you’ll get all day.

In this episode, Dr. Ryan Hewitt tackles a topic every man knows but few actually understand: Morning Wood (a.k.a. nocturnal penile tumescence). It’s more than just a funny name, it's a powerful indicator of cardiovascular, hormonal, neurological, and metabolic health. Whether you're a man noticing changes or a partner concerned about the signs, this episode unpacks the truth about what your body is trying to tell you each morning.

Dr. Ryan breaks down how morning erections are tied to testosterone levels, sleep quality, cardiovascular function, neurological signaling, and even your mental health. You’ll learn how poor sleep, stress, diet, body fat, medications, and lifestyle choices all play a role, and what you can start doing today to reclaim vibrant health and vitality. This isn’t about shame or jokes. It’s about facts, function, and the path to optimized wellness.

5 Key Takeaways:

Morning Wood reflects the strength of your heart, hormones, sleep, and brain health.

Low testosterone and poor sleep hygiene are major culprits of weakened erections.

Strength training and movement are essential for pelvic floor and vascular health.

Chronic stress, medications, and poor diet all contribute to erectile dysfunction.

Routine lab work is crucial to uncover and address root health issues early.

“Your penis is like a barometer for your heart.” - Dr. Ryan Hewitt

If this episode hit home, share it with someone who needs to hear it. Then rate, review, and subscribe to The Weaponized Body Podcast so you never miss a dose of truth your body’s begging you to hear.

Learn more about Dr. Ryan Hewitt by visiting the following links:

Dr. Ryan Hewitt Website

The Weaponized Body Program

Weaponized wellness HRT

Instagram
YouTube

We often treat gratitude like a Hallmark card sentiment, something soft, seasonal, or saved for Thanksgiving. But what if gratitude is actually one of the most powerful performance enhancers you’re not using? In this raw and real mindset episode, Dr. Ryan Hewitt drops the fluff and exposes the truth: gratitude isn’t a feeling, it’s a discipline. It’s not a noun. It’s a verb. And if you want a stronger mind, stronger relationships, and a stronger life, you need to learn how to practice it.

Dr. Ryan shares his personal story of nearly burning out in his business, marriage, and body, until a simple daily shift rewired everything: the act of naming, feeling, and sharing what he was thankful for. Backed by neuroscience and fueled by hard-earned life experience, this episode unpacks why gratitude isn’t weakness, it’s warfare. Whether you’re leading a team, raising a family, or trying to reclaim your peace, this conversation gives you a blueprint for using gratitude as a daily weapon for clarity, connection, and confidence.

Takeaways:

Gratitude isn’t just a feeling, it’s a daily discipline that rewires your brain for performance and peace.

Practicing gratitude increases dopamine, lowers cortisol, and boosts emotional regulation.

Daily gratitude builds stronger relationships, at home, at work, and in leadership.

The brain is wired to fixate on problems; gratitude helps you train it to also see blessings.

Three tactical practices: morning journaling, in-the-moment rewiring, and daily verbal appreciation.

"Gratitude is not a noun. It’s a verb. It’s one of the most overlooked performance enhancers in your life that you’re probably not using." – Dr. Ryan Hewitt

Your Challenge: Pick one person. For the next 7 days, tell them something specific you're grateful for. Journal it, text it, speak it, just practice it.

Like this episode? Then show some love: share it with a friend, leave a review, or start your own 7-day gratitude challenge. Stay strong. Stay weaponized. See you next week.

Learn more about Dr. Ryan Hewitt by visiting the following links:

Dr. Ryan Hewitt Website

The Weaponized Body Program

Weaponized wellness HRT

Instagram
YouTube

Ever felt like your hormone clinic was running on autopilot? You're not alone, and it’s a big problem.

In this episode of The Weaponized Body Podcast, Dr. Ryan Hewitt pulls back the curtain on the cookie-cutter chaos in the hormone optimization world. With flashy marketing, buzzwords, and “one-size-fits-all” prescriptions becoming the norm, thousands are being misled by clinics that promise peak performance but deliver disappointment, and even danger.

Dr. Ryan shares firsthand stories and clinical insights from years in the trenches, revealing how lazy protocols, outdated science, and impersonal care are wrecking people’s health. From sketchy testosterone dosing to reckless estrogen suppression, minimal lab work, and revolving-door providers, the red flags are everywhere. If you're serious about biohacking, longevity, and living at your highest capacity, this is a must-listen.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

Why testosterone clinics are getting it dangerously wrong, and what to do instead

How improper estrogen suppression could be destroying your joints, heart, and sex drive

The critical lab markers most clinics don’t check (but should)

Why delivery method matters: injections vs. pellets vs. creams

How insurance-based medicine is sabotaging your optimization journey

"If you want to optimize and you're not doing the work, then you're not optimizing. I call those people bio-slackers, not biohackers." – Dr. Ryan Hewitt

Whether you're considering testosterone therapy, already in a program, or supporting someone who is, this episode will help you separate the hype from the health. Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review, because optimized living starts with informed choices.

Learn more about Dr. Ryan Hewitt by visiting the following links:

Dr. Ryan Hewitt Website

The Weaponized Body Program

Weaponized wellness HRT

Instagram
YouTube