The Ultimate Human with Gary Brecka
139. Mike Rashid: Why This Fitness Icon Trains at 5 AM & Fasts All Day To Achieve Peak Performance
11 Feb 2025
What if the most powerful optimization tool wasn’t a supplement or a workout plan, but the psychological resilience forged in life’s crucible of adversity? In this episode, I had a fascinating conversation with fitness icon and entrepreneur Mike Rashid, whose transformation from the volatile streets of Brooklyn’s cocaine-era 80s to building a wellness empire reveals profound truths about human potential and biological optimization. The science behind Mike’s transformation is impeccable - early morning training combined with intermittent fasting creates a powerful neurobiological environment that optimizes hormone profiles and enhances neuroplasticity. What early life challenges could you transform into your greatest competitive advantage? Share your story in the comments below! Join Gary Brecka’s FREE 3-Day Morning Routine Challenge! 🗓️ LIVE February 19-21 👉 Sign up now: https://bit.ly/4gaZ8DK Gain exclusive access to Gary Brecka’s proven wellness protocols: https://bit.ly/4ai0Xwg Connect with Mike Rashid: Website: https://bit.ly/4aS4TnN YouTube: https://bit.ly/4jNu1QU Instagram: https://bit.ly/4jIcwkP TikTok: https://bit.ly/40PtTYe Facebook: https://bit.ly/411WPh1 X.com: https://bit.ly/411HHjD Thank you to our partners: H2TABS - USE CODE “ULTIMATE10” FOR 10% OFF: https://bit.ly/4hMNdgg BODYHEALTH - USE CODE “ULTIMATE20” FOR 20% OFF: http://bit.ly/4e5IjsV BAJA GOLD - USE CODE "ULTIMATE10" FOR 10% OFF: https://bit.ly/3WSBqUa EIGHT SLEEP - SAVE $350 ON THE POD 4 ULTRA WITH CODE “GARY”: https://bit.ly/3WkLd6E STRENGTH TRAINING EQUIPMENT - THE ULTIMATE HUMAN: https://bit.ly/3zYwtSl COLD LIFE - THE ULTIMATE HUMAN PLUNGE: https://bit.ly/4eULUKp WHOOP - GET 1 FREE MONTH WHEN YOU JOIN!: https://bit.ly/3VQ0nzW MASA CHIPS - GET 20% OFF YOUR FIRST $50+ ORDER: https://bit.ly/40LVY4y VANDY - USE CODE “ULTIMATE20” FOR 20% OFF: https://bit.ly/49Qr7WE PARKER PASTURES - PREMIUM GRASS-FED MEATS: https://bit.ly/4hHcbhc AION - USE CODE “ULTIMATE10” FOR 10% OFF: https://bit.ly/4h6KHAD HAPBEE - FEEL BETTER & PERFORM AT YOUR BEST: https://bit.ly/4a6glfo CARAWAY - USE CODE “ULTIMATE10” FOR 10% OFF: https://bit.ly/3Q1VmkC Watch the “Ultimate Human Podcast” every Tuesday & Thursday at 9AM EST: YouTube: https://bit.ly/3RPQYX8 Podcasts: https://bit.ly/3RQftU0 Connect with Gary Brecka: Instagram: https://bit.ly/3RPpnFs TikTok: https://bit.ly/4coJ8fo X.com: https://bit.ly/3Opc8tf Facebook: https://bit.ly/464VA1H Website: https://bit.ly/4eLDbdU Merch: https://bit.ly/4aBpOM1 Newsletter: https://bit.ly/47ejrws Ask Gary: https://bit.ly/3PEAJuG Timstamps: 00:00 Intro of Show 11:05 Getting into Fitness (Boxing and Other Sports) 13:02 Fitness and Strength as Their Foundation 17:24 Mike’s Entrepreneurial Journey 20:05 Morning Routine and Diet 25:31 Passion, Providing Value, and Authenticity 32:49 The Rewards in Serving the Community 36:40 Mentality of Thought-Leaders 38:12 Mike Rashid’s Ultimate Goal 40:56 On Faith and Spirituality 51:49 Number 1 Killer in the US is Food 54:46 Experience with Psychedelics and Intensive Therapy 58:46 Views on MAHA and Public Policies 1:03:16 Social Media is the New Media 1:10:58 Sigmund Freud’s Slave Morality vs. Master Morality 1:15:12 Final Question: What does it mean to you to be an “Ultimate Human?” The Ultimate Human with Gary Brecka Podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast or materials linked from this podcast is at the user’s own risk. The Content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Full Episode
Being in shape is loving yourself. Today is the youngest you will ever be. So start getting crazy about your nutrition, your training, your meditation, your community, all of that. Do that now. There's such a physical connection to the mind. I think if you are weak physically, you have a tendency to be weak mentally. I don't see a separation.
When your mind is healthy, you're going to define what success is and you're going to have success.
I think that we have a pandemic not of mental illness in this country. I think we have a pandemic of a lack of mental fitness.
Adults need to think like children with a lot of things. Limitless. We can do anything. And then we'll add a little discipline to it when we're starting to formulate these ideas. But we got to think creatively like children. You care for yourself.
You're dedicated. You probably have discipline, not just motivation. So just talk about fitness, the foundation for you and how that has shaped you as an entrepreneur.
I have a mentorship community and the foundation is training. It's about more than that, but that's the first. Listen.
Hey guys, welcome back to the Ultimate Human Podcast. I'm your host, human biologist, Gary Brekka, where we go down the road of everything anti-aging, biohacking, longevity, and everything in between. And today we've got a twist on your usual guests, as you probably heard from his background. He's a fitness icon, an entrepreneur, but like many of my guests, passion and purpose-driven individuals.
So welcome to the podcast, Mike Rashid.
Thank you. Thanks for having me.
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