Extending Health Span Through Lifestyle Medicine, Movement, and Nature With Dr. Scott Hardin

In this episode of the podcast, Craig Caudill sits down with Dr. Scott Hardin for an in depth conversation about what it means to live well, not just live longer. Rather than focusing on lifespan alone, the discussion centers on extending health span, staying physically capable, mentally sharp, and resilient as we age.

The conversation blends medical insight with real world application, connecting modern lifestyle medicine with movement, outdoor activity, and practical habits that support long term wellness.

What This Episode Covers

This episode explores several core topics related to health, longevity, and performance in daily life, including:

• The difference between lifespan and health span and why it matters
  

• The pillars of lifestyle medicine and common gaps in modern health

• Movement as medicine and why functional movement matters more than machines

• The health benefits of outdoor activity, hiking, and rucking

• Shinrin yoku or forest bathing and nature based wellness

• The impact of ultra processed foods on long term health

• Dietary fiber as the most overlooked nutritional deficiency

• Hydration, minerals, and electrolyte balance

• Blue Zones and patterns found in long lived cultures

Movement, Judo, and Lifelong Capability

A unique element of this conversation is a shared appreciation for judo as a lifelong movement practice. Craig and Dr. Hardin discuss how skill based movement builds balance, coordination, strength, and awareness over time. Judo serves as a powerful example of movement that supports both physical and mental health, particularly as people age.

The discussion highlights why purposeful movement, especially movement practiced over decades, plays a critical role in maintaining independence and resilience.

Practical Wellness Without Extremes

This is not a conversation built around extreme protocols or rigid rules. Instead, Dr. Hardin offers grounded insight into how small, consistent habits influence long term outcomes. Topics like embracing healthy discomfort, reducing reliance on convenience, and reconnecting with natural movement patterns are presented in a way that listeners can realistically apply.

The focus remains on sustainability, adaptability, and building a body that supports an active and meaningful life.

Who This Episode Is For

This episode is for anyone who cares about:

• Aging well instead of simply aging longer

• Staying physically capable into later decades of life

• Improving health through movement, nutrition, and environment

• Understanding wellness beyond trends and fads

• Applying medical insight to real world living

Fix yourself!

If this conversation resonates with you, explore additional education through Nature Reliance School, both online and in person. The best classroom has no walls.