That's So Primal

Stop Performing, Start Living

Let’s be real. The modern holiday season is a trap.

It’s designed to turn you into a frantic, consumption-obsessed zombie. You’re running on cortisol, caffeine, and cheap sugar, frantically buying plastic garbage nobody needs, all while documenting the “magic” on Instagram for dopamine hits from strangers.

Meanwhile, the actual people right in front of you—your tribe, your bloodline—are getting the leftover scraps of your attention.

That is weak. That is the opposite of how we were made to operate.

Our ancestors didn’t have “Christmas stress.” They had winter. They had survival. And when they gathered to feast during the darkest days of the year, it meant something. It was a visceral celebration of life, community, and shared strength.

They weren’t checking emails between bites of mammoth. They were present because their survival depended on it.

Your survival might not depend on it anymore, but your soul does. Your legacy does. If you want to lead your tribe, you need to actually be there.

Forget the Hallmark nonsense. Here are 10 ways to be present this Christmas, cut the noise, and be fiercely, primally present this Christmas.

1. SEVER THE DIGITAL UMBILICAL CORD

You know this one is coming. The smartphone is the single greatest enemy of presence ever invented. It isn’t just a distraction; it is a dopamine slot machine designed to hijack your nervous system and spike your cortisol.

When you are with your tribe, the phone doesn’t belong on the table face down. It belongs in another room, preferably locked in a drawer. You cannot connect deeply when you are constantly tethered to the shallow digital noise of the outside world. Be where your feet are.

2. ENGAGE IN TRIBAL PLAY

Humans are meant to move. We learn and bond through physicality. Yet, Christmas turns most people into sedentary blobs on a couch watching other people live violently on TV.

Get up. Get on the floor with the kids. Wrestle. Rough-and-tumble play reduces aggression and builds social intelligence. It forces you out of your head and into your body. Have a snowball fight until your lungs burn. Build something with your hands. It’s grounding. It’s real.

3. GATHER ‘ROUND THE FLAME

There is nothing more ancestral than gathering around fire. For millennia, this was the center of human connection—the place for storytelling, warmth, and safety.

Turn off the television. Light the fireplace. If you don’t have one, get outside around a fire pit. Research from the University of Alabama shows that staring at a fire actually lowers blood pressure and induces a natural relaxation response. It calms the nervous system and invites genuine conversation. Stare at the fire, not a screen.

4. FEAST WITH INTENTION

Modern Christmas eating is mindless grazing on processed garbage. Primal feasting is an event. It’s a celebration of abundance.

When you sit down to the holiday meal, treat it with respect. Look the people across from you in the eye. Chew slowly to activate your parasympathetic nervous system. Taste the animal, taste the earth. Acknowledge the effort it took to bring that food to the table. Don’t just refuel; commune.

5. MASTER THE ART OF THE “HUNT” (IN CONVERSATION)

Most people don’t listen; they just wait for their turn to talk. They’re already formulating their clever response while you’re still speaking.

Be different. Hunt for the real meaning in what your family is saying. Listen with the intent to understand deeply, not to reply quickly. Ask dangerous questions that go beyond surface-level small talk. Find out who these people really are right now.

6. INJECT THE ELEMENTS

Central heating makes us soft. We get drowsy and complacent in perfectly climate-controlled boxes.

Wake up your system. Step outside into the biting cold air for ten minutes without your giant puffy coat. Cold exposure triggers a massive release of norepinephrine and dopamine, resetting your focus almost instantly. Feel the shock. Take a walk in the woods or the snow before the chaos of gift-opening begins. Reconnecting with nature forces you to be present because the elements demand your attention.

7. OFFER TRIBUTE, NOT TRANSACTION

Gift-giving has become a mindless exchange of gift cards and Amazon wish-list items. It’s transactional and sterile.

A primal offering has spirit attached to it. It requires sacrifice—of your time, your skill, or your deep thought. Make something. Write something real. Teach a skill. Give an experience that will strengthen them. The value of a gift isn’t on the price tag; it’s in the presence you put into securing it.

8. MURDER MULTI-TASKING

The “hustle culture” lie tells you that doing three things at once makes you productive. Science confirms that chronic multitaskers have lower cognitive control. It just makes you mediocre at three things simultaneously.

This Christmas, do one thing ferociously well. If you are cooking, just cook. If you are talking to your grandfather, just talk to him. Don’t wrap gifts while watching Netflix and talking on speakerphone. Single-tasking is a superpower in a distracted world.

9. OWN THE MORNING OF THE BIG DAY

If you wake up hungover, rushed, and immediately reacting to screaming kids or demanding relatives, you’ve already lost the day.

Set your alarm 45 minutes earlier than everyone else. Own that silence. Meditate, lift something heavy, journal, drink water. Secure your own oxygen mask first. When you enter the arena of family festivities, enter it grounded, calm, and ready to lead, not just react.

10. ACKNOWLEDGE THE ABUNDANCE (VISCERALLY)

Gratitude isn’t some flaky New Age concept; it’s a survival mechanism. It evolved as a way to reinforce social bonds and ensure group survival.

Take a moment amidst the wrapping paper carnage to stop and actually feel it in your gut. Look at the roof over your head. Look at the food. Look at the people who have your back. Don’t just think it; feel the immense power of having enough. That feeling is the ultimate anchor to the present moment.

THE CALL TO ACTION

Presence isn’t a magical state that just happens. It’s a discipline. It’s a fight against the entropy of modern distraction.

This year, stop performing Christmas for an audience that doesn’t care. Start living it for the tribe that does.

Be strong. Be focused. Be Primally Present.

Instant Pot Smoked Pulled Pork

Instant Pot Smoked Pulled Pork: The Primal Savage Way

Hey y’all, I know what you’re thinking. “Smoked pulled pork in an Instant Pot? Isn’t that heresy?” Well, listen up here you primal warriors. Sometimes you gotta get things done, and sometimes you need dinner on the table fast. This recipe combines the smoky goodness of a traditional smoker with the speed and convenience of the Instant Pot.

Tools:

Ingredients:

Pork shoulder (size of your choice, but keep in mind the cook time will vary depending on weight)
That’s So Primal Pork Seasoning (or mix your own below)
1 cup water

Batch of That’s So Primal Pork Seasoning:

6T Brown Sugar or Coconut Sugar
3T Pepper
2T Garlic Powder
2T Paprika
1T Onion Powder
(This seasoning does not include salt, you’ll need to add salt separately to the pork)

Instructions:

Fire up the Smoke Train: Season your pork shoulder liberally with That’s So Primal Pork Seasoning. Get your smoker fired up to 250 degrees Fahrenheit and let that pork get nice and smoky. Aim for an internal temperature of around 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Partial Primal Patience: Now, here’s where we diverge from the traditional path. Normally, you’d wrap the pork at this point and let it braise low and slow until it falls apart. But we ain’t got time for that! We’re primal savages, not time-wasters!
Instant Pot to the Rescue: Transfer that smoky pork shoulder to your trusty Instant Pot. Add 1 cup of water (gotta create some steam for that pressure cookin’ magic). Here’s the beauty: cook time is 20 minutes per pound of pork. That’s it! No babysitting, no guessing. Just set it and forget it (almost).
Natural Release for the Win: Once the cook time is up, let the pressure release naturally. This lets the flavors continue to develop and keeps that pork nice and juicy.
The Shredding Ritual: Now for the fun part! Pull out that pork and shred it to your desired consistency with some bear claws (or two forks in a pinch). Feel free to add more That’s So Primal Pork Seasoning or your favorite BBQ sauce at this point.
Primal Feast: Primal victory screech! You’ve got yourself some delicious, smoky pulled pork that’s ready to devour on baked potatoes, tacos, or however your primal heart desires.

Primal Notes:

This recipe is all about convenience, but if you have the time, you can definitely smoke the pork for longer for an even deeper smoke flavor.
Leftovers? Primal meal prep win! Store leftover pulled pork in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for longer storage.

So there you have it, folks. Smoked pulled pork, the Primal Savage way. It may not be traditional, but it sure is tasty and efficient. Now get out there and conquer your dinner time struggles!

Mix up your own rub or use That’s So Primal Pork Seasoning

It should look like this with pretty good color, but it for sure isn’t done yet

Load it up in the Instant Pot with 1 cup of water

After it’s done shred with some bear paws and add some more seasoning and salt

Stay Primal

My Primal Evolution

From Paleo to Primal to Animal-Based: My 2025 Dietary Evolution

Hey there, primal peeps! It’s Randall, back again to chat about all things ancestral living and my primal evolution over the past few years. As many of you know, I’ve been on a wild ride with my diet over the years. We started strong on the paleo train, feeling amazing ditching the grains and legumes. Then, I dove deeper into the primal lifestyle, embracing nose-to-tail eating and really connecting with the whole experience of food.

But lately, my body’s been craving something a little…more primal. You could say I’m taking things back to basics. My 2025 plate is all about honoring our hunter-gatherer roots with a focus on animal products – high-quality meat, seasonal fruits, raw dairy when I can tolerate it, and of course, honey – nature’s perfect sweetener.

Meat: The King of the Plate

Meat is the cornerstone of my current diet. Grass-fed, pasture-raised options are my go-to, providing a dense package of protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients. Think juicy steaks, succulent roasts, and flavorful ground meat for creative meals. Variety is key, so I mix it up with different cuts and animals throughout the week.

Fruity Sweetness

Our ancestors weren’t shying away from fruit! In season, I love incorporating berries, melons, and citrus into my day. They provide a natural sweetness and a dose of vitamins and fiber. But remember, fruit is a treat, not a staple, so I keep my portions moderate.

Dairy Goodness

Some days, my body just craves a creamy full fat yogurt or a giant chunk or parmesean cheese. When that happens, I opt for raw dairy products from local farms whenever possible. But listen to your body! If dairy doesn’t agree with you, ditch it. There are plenty of ways to get calcium and healthy fats elsewhere.

Honey: Nature’s Candy

Raw honey is a gift from the bees, and it adds a touch of sweetness to my life without the blood sugar spike of refined sugar. I love drizzling it on fruit, stirring it into yogurt, or even using it in marinades for a touch of caramelized goodness.

The Organ Surprise

Now, here’s where things get interesting. I’m a big believer in nose-to-tail eating, and that includes incorporating organ meats into my diet. Yes, you read that right! Every now and then, I’ll throw some raw, frozen beef liver into my morning smoothie. It might sound crazy, but these nutrient-dense organs are packed with vitamins and minerals that our modern diet often lacks.

It’s All About Experimentation

Remember, this is just a glimpse into my current dietary adventure. Every body is different, and what works for me might not work for you. The key is to listen to your body, experiment with different ancestral-inspired foods, and find what makes you feel your most primal and alive!

Let’s chat in the comments! What does your 2025 plate look like? Are you considering a more animal-based approach? Share your thoughts and experiences – I love hearing from you guys!

Reverse Seared Smoked Skirt Steak

Smoke Signals: Primal Skirt Steak Perfection

Hey there, primal peeps! Today we’re taking a trip to flavortown with a recipe that’s as simple as it is satisfying: Reverse Seared Smoked Skirt Steak. This bad boy is all about maximum taste with minimal effort, perfect for those nights when you want a delicious meal without getting stuck in the kitchen all evening.

Ingredients:

3lb skirt steak (or flap meat)
Salt (generous amount)

Gear Up:

Smoker (charcoal, electric, or gas all work here!)
Wood (hickory, mesquite, or your favorite smoking wood)
Chef knife
Cutting board
Meat thermometer
Cast iron skillet (optional, but highly recommended)

Prime Time:

Prep the Meat: First things first, grab that skirt steak and give it a good trim. We want to remove any excess fat or silver skin that might hinder the smoke penetration. Once it’s nice and clean, hit it with a generous amount of salt. Let it sit out for about an hour to come to room temperature.
Smoke Show: While your steak chills, get your smoker fired up and preheated to 225°F (107°C). Add your favorite wood chips for that smoky kiss.
Low and Slow: Once the smoker is ready, throw that seasoned skirt steak on the grates. Now comes the patience game – let it smoke for about 30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C). This is where the magic happens – the smoke infuses the meat with a deep, rich flavor.
Sear it Up (Optional): This step is all about preference. If you want a nice crust on your steak, heat up a cast iron skillet over high heat. Once it’s screaming hot, sear the skirt steak for about a minute per side. This will give you that beautiful caramelized exterior while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
Rest Easy: No matter if you seared it or not, the final step is crucial. Take that smoky masterpiece off the heat and let it rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender bite.
Slice and Conquer: Now for the grand finale! Grab that sharp knife and slice the steak thinly against the grain. This is key to ensure those long muscle fibers are nice and tender.

Primal Plate Up:

Serve your smoked skirt steak with your favorite sides, like roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad. Don’t forget a drizzle of your favorite sauce or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for an extra pop of flavor.

Season the meat generously with salt and pepper

Load up the meat and smoker for around 30 min

Pull after 30 min and sear on a grill at 500 or in a cast iron pan

Serve with your favorite primal, animal based or paleo sides

This recipe is a winner for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a backyard barbecue with friends. So fire up your smoker, grab some skirt steak, and get ready to experience the primal satisfaction of perfectly smoked meat!

Primal Pro-Tip: Leftover smoked skirt steak makes for incredible tacos or fajitas. Just shred it up, heat it in a pan, and pile it high on your favorite grain free or bougie corn tortillas with all the fixings.

Let us know in the comments below what your favorite way to enjoy smoked skirt steak is!

Going Primal in 2025

Primal Power Up: Conquering the New Year with Primal Habits in 2025

The champagne toasts have faded, the glitter has settled, and 2025 is officially underway. Here at That’s So Primal, we know this is the time of year resolutions are made, and while we’re all for setting goals, we also champion a sustainable, long-term approach to health and well-being and want to help you by going primal in 2025.

So ditch the fad diets and unrealistic expectations. This year, let’s focus on building a foundation of primal health that fuels your body and mind, all year long. Here are seven key primal principles to get you started:

1. Sleep Like Your Caveman Ancestors:

Our modern world, with its constant blue light and late-night scrolling, wreaks havoc on our sleep cycles. But for optimal primal performance, prioritizing sleep is non-negotiable. Aim for 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. Create a relaxing bedtime routine, ditch the electronics before bed, and ensure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet. Remember, sleep is when your body repairs and restores itself, so give it the respect it deserves.

2. Sunshine Makes You Primal:

Our ancestors didn’t have vitamin D supplements – they got their daily dose from the sun! Sunlight exposure regulates our circadian rhythm, boosts mood, and helps our bodies produce essential vitamin D. So, ditch the window shades and soak up some morning rays whenever possible. Even 15-20 minutes a day can make a big difference.

3. Protein is Your Primal Powerhouse:

Our bodies crave protein for building and repairing tissues, producing enzymes and hormones, and keeping us feeling satiated. Ditch the processed, sugary cereals and prioritize high-quality protein sources like grass-fed meats, wild-caught fish, eggs, and organs. Aim for around 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight each day.

4. Move Your Body Like You Mean It:

Our primal ancestors weren’t gym rats, but they were constantly moving – hunting, gathering, and navigating their environment. Find ways to incorporate movement into your daily life. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, go for a brisk walk during your lunch break, or join a local fitness class that gets you moving naturally. The key is to find activities you enjoy and can stick with for the long haul.

5. Connect with Your Tribe:

Humans are social creatures, and strong social connections are vital for our well-being. Make time for meaningful interactions with friends and family. Schedule regular social gatherings, join a club or group, or volunteer in your community. Nurturing your relationships will not only improve your mood but also provide you with a strong support system.

6. Find Your Primal Joy:

What brings you joy? Whether it’s spending time in nature, pursuing a creative hobby, or simply enjoying a good book, make time for activities that bring you happiness and fulfillment. Engaging in activities you love reduces stress, boosts your mood, and adds meaning to your life.

7. Embrace the Call of the Wild:

Reconnect with your primal roots by spending time in nature. Go for a hike, plan a backpacking trip, or simply find a quiet spot to enjoy the beauty of the natural world. Immersing yourself in nature reduces stress, improves mood, and provides a sense of peace and tranquility.

Remember, the key to primal health isn’t about quick fixes or drastic changes. It’s about building a foundation of healthy habits that work for you, in the long run. By prioritizing sleep, sunshine, protein, movement, social connection, joyful pursuits, and a connection to nature, you’ll be well on your way to conquering the new year, the primal way.

Embrace the Primal Path

By embracing these primal principles, you’re not just setting resolutions; you’re embarking on a journey of holistic well-being. Going Primal in 2025 is about honoring your body’s innate wisdom and creating a lifestyle that supports optimal health and happiness. Let’s make this year the year you truly thrive.

Stay Primal,

The That’s So Primal Team

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