Unlocking Peak Performance in High-Stress Professions
Wed Jul 23 2025
Welcome to an eye-opening episode of Project Sapient, where we dive deep into high-performance under pressure. This episode features an incredible conversation with Chris Wagner, a neuroscientist and performance coach, and Dave Abarbanel, a U.S. Army Special Forces veteran and endurance athlete—co-founders of SAPIEN Recovery.
Chris holds a Master’s in Neuroscience from Columbia University and has extensive experience as a brain rehabilitation technician and certified exercise physiologist. He’s coached elite athletes across military, collegiate, and professional levels, bringing evidence-based neuroscience to optimize physical and cognitive performance.
Dave’s path brings elite resilience from the battlefield—serving as a Green Beret and an enlisted infantry soldier in the Israeli Defense Forces—paired with sharp strategic thinking from his time at McKinsey & Company and the Wharton School. He’s also an Ironman triathlete who understands performance under the most grueling conditions.
Together, they developed Sapien, a groundbreaking, nutrient-dense supplement formulated to rebalance the nervous system, improve heart rate variability, and sharpen both mental and physical performance. In this episode, we explore the intersection of neuroscience, stress physiology, and nutritional psychiatry—and why it matters for first responders, military professionals, and anyone operating in high-stress environments.
Through personal stories and scientific insight, Chris and Dave unpack how nutrition can be a powerful tool for building resilience, sustaining clarity, and supporting those who protect and serve.
Don’t miss this powerful conversation. Tune in and learn how to fuel your nervous system for optimal performance—on and off the battlefield.
SHOW NOTES:
SAPIEN – Train every day. Recover while you sleep.
SAPIEN Recovery offers a science-driven, whole-food supplement crafted specifically for the nervous system—designed to support recovery, enhance sleep quality, and boost both physical performance and mental resilience
You’ll find:
Nightly recovery blend made from whole foods and targeted nutrients—such as omega‑3 DHA, ashwagandha, curcumin, magnesium, and vitamin D—designed to rebalance the autonomic nervous system and improve sleep, heart rate variability, endurance, strength, and focus.
Clear commitment to quality—no added sugars, fillers, artificial flavors, gluten, dyes, stevia, or monk fruit.
Straightforward product line—choosing between single jars and travel packs, backed by a money-back guarantee if results don’t show within 15 days.
Website: https://sapienrecovery.com/sca_ref=8961943.CDdyQgTmkvI9C
Use coupon code: PROJECTSAPIENT10
CONTACT INFO: dave@sapienrecovery.com
chris@sapienrecovery.com
IG: @sapienrecovery
LinkedIn: @SAPIEN
More
Welcome to an eye-opening episode of Project Sapient, where we dive deep into high-performance under pressure. This episode features an incredible conversation with Chris Wagner, a neuroscientist and performance coach, and Dave Abarbanel, a U.S. Army Special Forces veteran and endurance athlete—co-founders of SAPIEN Recovery. Chris holds a Master’s in Neuroscience from Columbia University and has extensive experience as a brain rehabilitation technician and certified exercise physiologist. He’s coached elite athletes across military, collegiate, and professional levels, bringing evidence-based neuroscience to optimize physical and cognitive performance. Dave’s path brings elite resilience from the battlefield—serving as a Green Beret and an enlisted infantry soldier in the Israeli Defense Forces—paired with sharp strategic thinking from his time at McKinsey & Company and the Wharton School. He’s also an Ironman triathlete who understands performance under the most grueling conditions. Together, they developed Sapien, a groundbreaking, nutrient-dense supplement formulated to rebalance the nervous system, improve heart rate variability, and sharpen both mental and physical performance. In this episode, we explore the intersection of neuroscience, stress physiology, and nutritional psychiatry—and why it matters for first responders, military professionals, and anyone operating in high-stress environments. Through personal stories and scientific insight, Chris and Dave unpack how nutrition can be a powerful tool for building resilience, sustaining clarity, and supporting those who protect and serve. Don’t miss this powerful conversation. Tune in and learn how to fuel your nervous system for optimal performance—on and off the battlefield. SHOW NOTES: SAPIEN – Train every day. Recover while you sleep. SAPIEN Recovery offers a science-driven, whole-food supplement crafted specifically for the nervous system—designed to support recovery, enhance sleep quality, and boost both physical performance and mental resilience You’ll find: Nightly recovery blend made from whole foods and targeted nutrients—such as omega‑3 DHA, ashwagandha, curcumin, magnesium, and vitamin D—designed to rebalance the autonomic nervous system and improve sleep, heart rate variability, endurance, strength, and focus. Clear commitment to quality—no added sugars, fillers, artificial flavors, gluten, dyes, stevia, or monk fruit. Straightforward product line—choosing between single jars and travel packs, backed by a money-back guarantee if results don’t show within 15 days. Website: https://sapienrecovery.com/sca_ref=8961943.CDdyQgTmkvI9C Use coupon code: PROJECTSAPIENT10 CONTACT INFO: dave@sapienrecovery.com chris@sapienrecovery.com IG: @sapienrecovery LinkedIn: @SAPIEN