Fact Fueled Fitness with Dr. FitSpan explores one question: How do we build the capacity to live a bigger life?
Hosted by Dr. Michael Donovan, PhD - physiologist, speaker, and performance coach, the show brings together scientists, physicians, athletes, and high performers to unpack the physiology, psychology, and philosophy of human performance.
From strength and endurance to focus, resilience, and longevity, each episode blends evidence-based science with real-world experience. The goal isn’t just to extend lifespan. It’s to expand your FitSpan - the years you're strong, capable, adventurous, and fully in the game.
Train like an outlier. Think like a scientist. Live like it matters.
The Intersection of Performance and Health with Dr. John Rusin
Dr. John Rusin and Dr. Michael Donovan discuss the intersection of performance and longevity, emphasizing the importance of building a body that not only performs well but also sustains health over the long term.
Dr. Rusin shares insights from his extensive experience in high-performance athletics and his transition to focusing on health and longevity for everyday individuals.
The discussion covers the six essential characteristics of health and performance, the often-overlooked importance of power training, the evolution of fitness trends, and the impact of pharmaceuticals on the fitness industry.
They also explore the impact of conditioning and ego in training, the rise of new training modalities, and the relevance of health metrics in longevity.
The discussion also highlights common mistakes and blind spots in training, as well as strategies for navigating pain effectively.
Find Dr. Rusin here: https://www.drjohnrusincoaching.com/ (https://www.drjohnrusincoaching.com/)
Instagram: @drjohnrusin (https://www.instagram.com/drjohnrusin/?hl=en#)
Connect with Dr. Michael Donovan here: https://factfueledfitness.com/ (https://factfueledfitness.com/)
21 Sept 2026
Critiquing Modern Therapy Culture with Richard Blake, PhD
Dr. Michael Donovan and Dr. Richard Blake delve into the complexities of modern relationships, therapy culture, and the practice of breath work. They explore the misconceptions surrounding breath work, the placebo effect, and the critique of therapy culture, emphasizing the importance of understanding trauma and mental health. They also touch on cultural shifts from dignity to victim culture, the role of self-awareness, and the justification of estrangement in familial relationships and explore the increasing phenomenon of family estrangement, the fallibility of memory influenced by therapy, and the role of social contagion in shaping victim narratives.
Find Richard here: Website: https://richardlblake.com/ (https://richardlblake.com/)
Instagram: @the_breath_geek
Connect with Dr. Michael Donovan here: https://factfueledfitness.com/ (https://factfueledfitness.com/)
14 Sept 2026
Longevity vs. Performance: Finding the Right Balance with Dr. Jeff Graham, MD
Dr. Michael Donovan and Dr. Jeff Graham explore the complex landscape of health, wellness, and longevity. They discuss the intersection of conventional medicine and functional approaches, emphasizing the importance of mental health, social connections, and the need for a balanced approach to fitness that includes recovery.
They delve into the complexities of metabolic health, insulin resistance, and the importance of data in health optimization and discuss the significance of understanding individual health metrics, the balance between longevity and performance, and the role of challenges in maintaining fitness.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
2 ratings
Host of Performance Lab: Brains, Brawn, and Beyond?
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