Heart attacks are the leading cause of death among men – yet many don't know how high their personal risk really is. Dr. Umeswaran Arunagirinathan is a cardiac surgeon and explains in this episode why men are particularly vulnerable, which warning signs you should take seriously, and how to keep your heart healthy in the long term. He also talks about his incredible life story: from war refugee to cardiac surgeon in Germany.
Topics in this episode:
- Why men are more likely to suffer from heart disease
- The biggest risk factors for a heart attack
- How to recognize the first signs – before it's too late
- Prevention made easy: Nutrition, exercise & preventive care
- Dr. Umeswaran's impressive journey from refugee to heart surgeon
If you want to protect your heart and understand what truly matters – listen now! 🎧

#29 - From Refugee to Heart Surgeon | Dr. Umeswaran Arunagirinathan at Men's Health
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#57 - The Road to Mr. Olympia - Training and Nutrition | Patrick Teutsch at Men's Health
In this in-depth episode of the Men's Health Podcast, Dr. Jonathan Apasu speaks with Patrick Teutsch, one of Germany's most successful bodybuilders and a current competitor in the prestigious Mr. Olympia competition. Patrick looks back on over 17 years of bodybuilding experience and shares his entire journey from a dissatisfied teenager who simply wanted to get back into sports to the top of the professional strength sport world. Particularly impressive is how Patrick manages to combine his athletic achievements with a demanding professional life and his role as a family man. The podcast offers a wealth of valuable insights for anyone interested in muscle building, fitness, nutrition, and mental strength. Patrick explains in detail what his daily training routine looks like, how he structures bulking and cutting phases, how he plans his diet with up to 4500 calories a day, and what macronutrient distribution he uses. He discusses different training splits, describes how he specifically targets weaknesses such as back width or leg muscles, and why individual adaptation is the key to long-term success. He also explains how to effectively plan between different training phases, what to pay attention to when performing exercises, and how important it is to objectively measure progress—for example, through photo comparisons, training logs, or performance data. A key focus is on the discipline and mindset that bodybuilding requires over many years. Patrick describes bodybuilding as a long-term project that demands patience, structure, and above all, mental strength. He speaks openly about the physical and psychological challenges of the pre-competition diet phase, particularly regarding symptoms such as fatigue, lack of motivation, hormonal imbalances, and sleep disturbances. He demonstrates the importance of planning structured diet phases with refeeds and targeted rest periods to maintain performance and protect health. The podcast also addresses the topic of health in competitive sports: Patrick discusses how he regularly has his blood work and vital parameters such as blood pressure and hormone levels checked, why he maintains close contact with doctors, coaches, and experts, and which blood markers are particularly important to him, such as testosterone, thyroid function, blood lipids, and liver function. The podcast also addresses the critical issue of often neglecting one's own health in strength training and urges all listeners to take an early look at their own preventative healthcare. Patrick explains how men can actively, consciously, and data-drivenly manage their physical development, whether as competitive athletes or health-conscious recreational athletes. This podcast episode not only offers a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of professional bodybuilding, but also provides a wealth of practical tips and concrete recommendations for everyday life. Whether it's about effective training design, healthy nutrition, the right mindset, or long-term health management – this conversation with Patrick Teutsch is a must-listen for anyone who wants to purposefully advance their physical development and gain a deeper understanding of the connections between sport, health, and lifestyle.
Learn more#39 - The NVRSTP Community: Running, Fitness and Mental Strength
In this exciting episode of the men's health podcast, we learn all about NVRSTP from Munich, a unique community that is far more than just a running club. The founders and members of NVRSTP—a movement that combines running, fitness, ice swimming, and mental health—offer deep insights into their philosophy and the development of their community. In conversation with Jonathan, they explain how they have managed to grow not only as a sports community but also as a platform where people from different walks of life come together, support each other, and talk about often uncomfortable but important topics. NVRSTP is the answer to the growing demand for a healthy, active lifestyle that promotes both physical fitness and mental strength. What makes this community so special? It's not just about running itself, but about integrating mental health into members' daily lives. At NVRSTP, topics such as resilience, stress management, and overcoming mental blocks are regularly discussed. The founders emphasize the importance of openly discussing mental health in a safe environment—a topic often neglected in traditional sports communities. The NVRSTP concept appeals not only to ambitious athletes but also to beginners who want to build a healthy routine step by step. The community demonstrates that it's not just about peak athletic performance, but also about personal development and mutual support. Events range from group runs open to everyone to those that combine functional training with mental coaching. The high level of accessibility is particularly impressive: everyone, from complete beginners to experienced runners, is warmly welcomed into the NVRSTP community and motivated to achieve their own goals. Another highlight is NVRSTP's vision of expanding beyond Munich to other European cities. They are committed to international growth, making it possible for anyone interested in health and fitness to become part of the NVRSTP community. Whether in Barcelona, Hamburg, or another city, NVRSTP offers a place to exercise and connect with like-minded individuals. In this episode, you'll learn why taking the first step is crucial, how small routines can improve your health, and why NVRSTP is more than just a sports club. If you're looking for a new approach to fitness that strengthens you both physically and mentally, then be sure to tune in! NVRSTP offers the support you need to achieve your health goals – whether you're just starting out or are already an experienced athlete.
Learn more#75 - Rotation - How to train truly functionally | Gravity coach Manuel Guarrera at Men's Health
In this episode of the Men's Health Podcast, Dr. Jonathan Apasu speaks with Manuel Guarera, founder of Gravity Coach, about the hidden cause of many training problems in men. Although many train regularly and take their routines seriously, most feel stiffer, less flexible, or struggle with pain that persists despite muscle building as they age. Manuel explains why traditional training often misses the mark when it comes to the body's natural functioning and why returning to natural movement and rotation is key to true performance and freedom from pain. The body is evolutionarily designed to constantly work in opposition during movement—arms and legs swing in different directions, and rotation originates in the spine. Ignoring these movement principles in training will, in the long run, block the body's natural dynamics. In the interview, Manuel describes how, after years of intensive training, he discovered that muscle strength alone isn't enough to keep the body healthy and flexible. Instead, coordination, rotation, and conscious movement are crucial for making stability and strength truly practical for everyday life. Single-leg exercises, such as split squats, single-leg Romanian deadlifts, or half-kneeling cable presses, promote balance and genuine core stability because they improve the interplay between the pelvis and shoulders. This principle, often referred to as the serape effect, ensures that power flows elegantly and efficiently through the body—instead of making it rigid. Another key topic is natural running, which involves running with natural foot mechanics and minimalist shoes. Manuel explains why barefoot shoes and forefoot running techniques can be beneficial when introduced with patience and conscious adaptation. The goal is to understand the body's foundation—the feet—once again as active sensors that stabilize movements and efficiently transfer energy. Besides training and exercise, the importance of breathing is also crucial. The interplay between the diaphragm and pelvic floor is just as important for men as for women, but is often neglected. Conscious breathing after training activates the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting recovery and hormonal balance. Especially after intense workouts, a five-minute focus on breathing helps release tension in the torso, stabilize blood pressure, and improve regeneration. Dr. Apasu and Manuel emphasize that intelligent training doesn't mean doing less, but training smarter. It's about bringing the principles of natural movement back into the gym, complementing linear exercises with rotational patterns, and rethinking the connection between mind, breath, and body. Understanding how movement works in all three planes—sagittal, frontal, and transverse—allows you to optimize your training in the long term and prevent injuries. This episode offers practical tips on how men can rethink their training routines and bring more mobility, strength, and ease into their daily lives through conscious adjustments. It shows that training is more than just building muscle—it's a tool for experiencing your body again as a functional, complex system. Anyone wanting to understand how to train and how the body is truly structured will find valuable insights and concrete approaches to sustainable men's health here.
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