Optimizing Aging: Exercise Physiology, Mitochondria, and the Science of Better Living with Dr. Robert Musci

Using CPET as a Preventative & Diagnostic Tool in First Responders & Tactical Athletes

In this episode, Andy Simonson is joined by Alex Jesko of Frontline Mobile Health to dive deep into the clinical and preventative power of Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET). With over a decade of hands‑on CPET experience and tens of thousands of tests performed, Alex explains how CPET is used as a frontline tool for risk stratification, annual medical evaluations, and long‑term health monitoring in fire and police departments. They discuss why CPET is the most data‑rich physiological assessment available, how year‑over‑year trending improves diagnostic clarity, and why departments with mandated fitness standards consistently see better outcomes than those without them. Alex also shares career advice for aspiring exercise physiologists looking to make a real clinical impact. Key Topics Covered: * What makes CPET different from traditional exercise testing * CPET as an integrative cardiovascular, pulmonary, and metabolic assessment * Longitudinal CPET data in firefighters and law enforcement * Mandated fitness standards vs. voluntary programs * Risk stratification and preventative medicine in tactical populations * Career advice for exercise physiology students and early professionals Resources Mentioned: Clinical Exercise Testing and Interpretation – Karlman Wasserman et al. Guest Bio: Alex Jesko, Director of Cardiovascular Testing, has over 15 years of experience using CPET in clinical settings. As the CPET Program Manager at Frontline Mobile Health, he oversees cardiopulmonary testing for fire and police departments, leveraging longitudinal data to improve health outcomes and reduce risk in tactical athletes. Connect with Frontline Mobile Health: Frontline Mobile Health offers shadowing opportunities, internships, and career paths for professionals passionate about applied exercise physiology. Contact information available in the show notes. LinkedIn: Alex Jesko LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-jesko-81b594187?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=android_app]

Optimizing Aging: Exercise Physiology, Mitochondria, and the Science of Better Living with Dr. Robert Musci

In this episode of The Electra-Med Edge, host Andy, Clinical Sales Manager at Electra-Med Corporation, sits down with Dr. Robert Musci, Assistant Professor of Health and Human Sciences at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Dr. Musci’s work lives at the intersection of exercise physiology, applied bioscience, and aging research, with a clear and compelling goal: not simply extending lifespan, but improving quality of life as we age. Through both classroom teaching and laboratory research, he focuses on understanding the integrated physiology of the human body and how exercise can be used as a powerful tool for health optimization. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ·       Dr. Musci’s dual role as an educator and researcher at a primarily undergraduate institution ·       How exercise physiology serves as a window into understanding health, disease, and aging ·       An overview of cutting-edge methods for assessing mitochondrial bioenergetic capacity, including high-resolution respirometry ·       How mitochondrial DNA turnover is measured using stable isotope techniques ·       Why translational research matters—and how lab discoveries can meaningfully impact real-world health ·       Dr. Musci’s personal career journey, including lessons learned, pivots along the way, and advice for students and early-career professionals ·       The critical role of mentorship, collaboration, and resilience in building a fulfilling scientific and academic career   Key Takeaways: ·       Exercise is not just training, it’s a scientific lens for understanding the human body ·       Aging research is shifting toward preserving function, independence, and vitality ·       Collaboration across disciplines is one of the most rewarding—and impactful—parts of science ·       Career paths in health and science are rarely linear, and adaptability is a strength   Connect with Dr. Robert Musci: Dr. Musci is always open to collaboration and dialogue within the scientific and academic community. Email: robert.musci@lmu.edu

Experiential Learning, Exercise Physiology & Navigating Career Pathways

In this episode of Electra-Med Edge, host Andy sits down with Mr. Brian Williams, Senior Lecturer and Internship Coordinator at Valdosta State University, to discuss exercise physiology education, experiential learning, and preparing students for real-world careers in health, fitness, and performance science. Brian shares insights from his work teaching undergraduate courses in exercise physiology, psychology, EKG, and professional development, while also overseeing the Exercise Physiology teaching laboratory. The conversation highlights how hands-on learning, internships, and adaptability play a critical role in long-term professional success. Guest Bio: Brian M. Williams is a Senior Lecturer in the Exercise Physiology program within the School of Health Sciences at Valdosta State University. He also serves as the Internship Coordinator and Director of the Humor Performance Lab. Brian teaches coursework in exercise physiology, psychology, exercise testing & prescription, EKG, and professional development, while managing the Exercise Physiology teaching lab used for instructional and research-based experiences. Key Discussion Topics ·  The role of exercise physiology education in healthcare and performance settings · How teaching laboratories support applied learning · Bridging classroom knowledge with real-world internships · Career pathways in performance, academia, and applied science · The reality that “Plan A” doesn’t always work—and that’s okay · Adaptability, evolution, and long-term career development · Mentorship and helping students align experience with career goals Experiential learning isn’t a nice-to-have, it’s a critical component of true career readiness, giving individuals the practical skills and confidence that classrooms alone can’t provide. Internships often act as fast tracks into the professional world, opening doors through real-world exposure, networking, and demonstrated capability far more quickly than traditional job searches. Along the way, it’s important to recognize that career paths are rarely linear; detours, adjustments, and unexpected opportunities are part of the process. Adaptability and patience matter just as much as credentials, because long-term success depends on the ability to learn, adjust, and grow through change. Success isn’t defined by sticking perfectly to a plan, but by evolving when the plan changes. Guest Contact Info: LinkedIn: Brian M. Williams Email: bmwilliams1@valdosta.edu Instagram (Program): @vsu_ep

Gold-Standard Measurement, CKM Research, and Training the Next Generation — A Conversation with Dr. Zacharias Papadakis

In this episode of The Electra-Med Edge, we sit down with Dr. Zacharias Papadakis, Associate Professor of Exercise Physiology & Wellness at Barry University, for a thoughtful discussion on advancing exercise science through precision, rigor, and real-world application. Dr. Papadakis teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in exercise physiology, clinical exercise physiology, and graduate-level statistics, while designing and leading research projects centered on the Network Physiology of Exercise, lifestyle medicine, and physical activity. His work places a strong emphasis on integrating gold-standard human performance testing with reproducible analytics to support both student training and applied research. Key Topics Discussed: • The importance of using gold-standard equipment in research and teaching environments • Why reliability, validity, and accuracy are non-negotiable in human performance testing • Training students to value measurement quality and scientific rigor • Advancing research within the Cardiovascular-Kidney-Metabolic (CKM) framework • Bridging laboratory precision with practical, real-world clinical and performance decision-making • Leveraging wearables, digital health technologies, and statistical analytics to move the field forward Beyond the technical discussion, we also explore Dr. Papadakis’ personal and professional journey—from immigrating to the United States from Greece to building an academic career dedicated to advancing science and mentoring the next generation. His drive to contribute meaningful research and leave a lasting impact on the field underscores the deeper purpose behind his work. This episode highlights how measurement quality, intellectual rigor, and relentless curiosity form the foundation for progress in both education and applied physiology. Connect with Electra-Med: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/electra-med-corporation/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/electramedcorp Website - https://www.electramed.com Email - sales@electramed.com Connect with Dr. Papadakis: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/zachariaspapadakisphd/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/zpapadakis/ Email - zpapadakis@barry.edu

From The Frontlines: Advancing CPET for First Responders with Front Line Mobile Health

In this episode of Electra-Med Edge, we sit down Connor Benson, CSCS, Exercise Physiologist, with Front Line Mobile Health, a team delivering comprehensive health screenings to first responders across nine states. We discuss how the Lode Corival Cycle Ergometer is used in delivering large-scale cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) in mobile and clinical settings to support standardized, repeatable CPET testing for firefighters, law enforcement, and EMS agencies. The conversation covers practical considerations, data consistency, and how objective testing helps advance first responder health, safety, and performance. Key Topics: • CPET testing for first responder populations • Mobile and field-based testing challenges • Cycle ergometry for occupational health • Data consistency across multiple agencies • Expanding CPET capabilities and research Connect with Electra-Med: LinkedIn -   / electra-med-corporation  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazRLb080dlFmR2piX2dtYXN4dUk4VEl6Q3VaUXxBQ3Jtc0ttQXRvdExsMGNaM2p3a2E5QlQ0RGZkYl93bi02VVRGeURpdG9GLVdCY3ZHTllka2tYRlBmendjRFQ4NEo5OXgtcEhaLUhfMGhWZG1xX3MwUkRQRUt0a2FwcUg4eVEtZHotalQya0JLT29BczcwVHVkZw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fcompany%2Felectra-med-corporation%2F&v=qkklXmqZaro] Instagram -   / electramedcorp  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbUtocy03WDN1SzJMMnpIRGRGX0wtc3YzSmhTZ3xBQ3Jtc0trejJURGMxcTJPNmZKYkpndkJyR1RzVi02UzRpSjFtdWZBSUZsMGN3TnFqTWljb0Q2UWVJbVVVVHdSWnBSbWJWaVhTYTRzLTllaGtvZmUtb1c2Mkxab1JSOVRkYjZpekRoMjlUZmRtTlZnbGpCSHZndw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Felectramedcorp&v=qkklXmqZaro] Website - https://www.electramed.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbXVObFVPOVhNa0h6REZQWnFrVFgyUGF3S2VrUXxBQ3Jtc0trbWwxVUY4d1dYNDVYaGZmNk40NlQ4WDVCN3A0SzhKRnIwZUJXVm53TGk4dldtQzNGUm9GRnd3Q3pMQjU5RkptRGNnckwxRUpaeEdCdm1ScUZRWkVLYnlRSFBBdzl4SUtSbmFSZnlEYk5DaEdTSHVJWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.electramed.com%2F&v=qkklXmqZaro] Email - sales@electramed.com Connect with Conner and Front Line Mobile Health: LinkedIn -   / connerbenson93  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVRHYjNXRFgyYnBKbUh0c0JrSGd2dGZ5VndHUXxBQ3Jtc0tuWU1CcFUwcE0ybjRlTHJQdXYyQ1JkWm1jX1VDbzh0bF9hNThJTVM3S1BvWFg2eGZfbEFLVHNvNno4aEVONEppLXAySW1xX3ZrZ2N5YUJxM25TT2poS3liRDk0MzRMdm83UWJTa1dzTlBQOU03Zy1Kcw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fconnerbenson93%2F&v=qkklXmqZaro] Instagram -   / frontlinemh  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbXdncXRIQVlPX0oxTWtqZEo3OTAtUC1feElBd3xBQ3Jtc0tuZzFOMUJjbWtVRS1QU2E4MVM5T3RNUmdDX0lWMjRwODNLalQ1VVpNV2RnT3JEdUNBclhwY19ZbG1MZEUxZURPZXJEZzZSQjF0d1prOUVOVUNLWmhoa2oteUVKbzNObHlDZHJXbHB0eGhHYWxnNnItcw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Ffrontlinemh%2F&v=qkklXmqZaro] Website - https://www.frontlinemobilehealth.com/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjRuQXRQVU1DcGg0NjZhV01LWWwxRjF0aXdzZ3xBQ3Jtc0tsYVU2RVRDSDFFT1FyOGplVC15b0NvLTVuc05SX0pDM1VuX1NyZS1YSXFrd1M0TmtUWlBXZUVDNDdEVlR0S08zVEM0V0tzSkU0LUZMMmVobkxqOW9hM0dOTzhZb3FlNEI4dmhIQU14WTF3bzVqc2U5OA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.frontlinemobilehealth.com%2F&v=qkklXmqZaro]