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Brian MacKenzie  

Human Performance Specialist, Co-Author of New York Times Bestseller "Unbreakable Runner", Co-Founder & President of the Health and Human Performance Foundation

Brian MacKenzie is an innovator in human performance on stress adaptation and a pioneer in the development and application of custom protocols to optimize human health and performance. His approach integrates respiratory, movement, strength, conditioning, and endurance-based training methods to elicit positive results. He has developed protocols that are used to enhance mental and physical performance in world-class Olympic and professional athletes, top executives, and elite military operators. His work also supports individuals with chronic and pathological issues.

MacKenzie's work undergoes continuous scientific testing and improvement at prestigious institutions. He has been involved in research projects at Stanford University School of Medicine, California State University Fullerton, and San Francisco State University. This collaboration highlights the empirical backing of his methodologies in enhancing human resilience and well-being.

A seasoned practitioner, MacKenzie completed the Ironman Canada in 2004, as well as the Western States 100 mile and The Angeles Crest 100 mile runs. He is the co-founder of The Art of Breath, a course offered through SH//FT that teaches a principles-based approach to breathing and performance. As an author, he has co-authored "Power Speed Endurance," the New York Times Bestseller "UnBreakable Runner," and "UnPlugged." His insights have been featured in prominent publications including "Outside Magazine," "Men’s Health," "Runners World," "Triathlete Magazine," "Men’s Journal," and "ESPN Rise." Additionally, his work appears in Timothy Ferriss’ "The 4-Hour Body" and "Tools of Titans," as well as Scott Carney’s "What Doesn't Kill Us."

Currently, MacKenzie serves as the Founder & CEO of Shift and the President and Co-Founder of The Health and Human Performance Foundation. This non-profit organization is dedicated to exploring how innovative practices, such as endurance, strength, and mindfulness, can optimize health and human performance. His clients have included high-profile organizations and individuals, reflecting the widespread applicability and recognition of his work.

Speech Topics


Our Nature: How to Make Stress and Energy Your Superpower with Breath

This talk is about how we can better manage stress and energy through understanding our own physiology through breathing. There are very simple ways to connect back to our innate relationship with nature. We don't need to go outside, or jump in the ocean. Although those are great ways to connect with nature, we have connection in us, just like most other animals on this planet. Our physiology is not unique, and stress physiology really does not differentiate from species to species. So why do we struggle with stress where other animals thrive? Our breath is a direct connection to how we not only move energy, but it is also the most potent way we have to regulate our nervous system. This talk will cover how to learn and understand that process again with some very basic and fundamental approaches.

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