Premier Cardiovascular Health and Performance Podcast

#29: The Grit and Grace of Dr. Tommy Martin - A discussion on family, faith, health, and training.

Episode Summary

Dr. Tommy Martin is the kind of doctor who makes you feel seen—because he's been there. Raised in a small Missouri town, he fought through poverty, family addiction, and being called “the most unathletic kid” by his own college coach. Now he’s a med-peds doc, Ironman athlete, father of two, and one of the internet’s most trusted voices in health. This is the story of how life broke him open—and how he used every scar to build something beautiful.

Episode Notes

Some people chase success. Others earn it the hard way.

In this episode, Dr. Chris Huff sits down with Dr. Tommy Martin—a man whose life has been anything but easy, but who continues to show up with grit, empathy, and a relentless desire to help others thrive.

They talk about:

• What it was like growing up poor in a tiny town, watching his parents battle addiction.
• How football became his lifeline—and how one coach’s harsh words lit a fire in him.
• The unexpected, divine moment that changed his path from coach to physician.
• What it's like raising a son with a rare genetic condition, and why advocacy has become his mission.
• Why he’s made it his job to fight health misinformation—one video at a time.

And then there’s the athletic stuff:

• Running a marathon with a 40-pound vest.
• Running a 5K under 6-minute pace while pushing a double stroller.
• Training for Ironmans before sunrise.

But here’s what makes Tommy really special:

He doesn’t do any of this for applause. He does it because he believes in showing up for people—especially when they’re struggling.

This conversation is full of heart, humor, and straight talk about life, medicine, parenting, and what it takes to become the kind of person your younger self would be proud of.

Dr. Tommy Martin’s Bio

Dr. Tommy Martin is a dual board-certified Internal Medicine and Pediatrics physician, currently serving as a hospitalist at Boston Children's Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. A graduate of St. George's University School of Medicine, he completed his residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. 

Beyond his clinical roles, Dr. Martin is a passionate advocate for health education, leveraging his platform to disseminate evidence-based medical information and combat misinformation. His efforts have been recognized by organizations such as the World Health Organization, where he has served as a keynote speaker. Balancing his professional life, Dr. Martin is also an accomplished Ironman triathlete and devoted family man.

📱 TikTok: @dr.tommymartin

📸 Instagram: @dr.tommymartin

📘 Facebook: facebook.com/Dr.TommyMartin

▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/@Dr.TommyMartin

🎥 Clapper: @dr.tommymartin

📕 Children’s Book: MD for Kids: Pediatrics (on Amazon)

Top 3 Actionable Takeaways

• Empathy comes from experience – and it’s one of the most powerful tools in healthcare (and life).
• Consistency beats talent – whether you’re training for a marathon or trying to show up for your family.
• We need more truth-tellers – especially in healthcare. Don’t be afraid to speak up, even if your voice shakes.

Let’s Connect:

Work with me: Premier Cardiovascular Health

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.huff.9480

Instagram: @hufcm