
From Tennis Pro to Rancher: Marko Babac's Journey to Raising Healthy, Grass-Fed Beef #144
05/21/24 • 60 min
In this episode, we chat with Marko Babac, the founder of Independence Ark Ranch, to explore his remarkable journey from tennis professional to grass-fed beef rancher. Marko shares his motivations for leaving the city life behind and embarking on a mission to raise healthy, natural cattle in the heart of Arkansas.
Throughout the conversation, Marko delves into the numerous health benefits of grass-fed beef, highlighting the importance of allowing cows to graze on pastures as nature intended. He explains how this approach not only improves the quality and taste of the meat but also contributes to a more sustainable and ethical farming practices.
Listeners will gain valuable insights into the process of raising cattle, as Marko discusses the challenges and rewards of starting a ranch from scratch. He shares his experiences acquiring his first cows, navigating the intricacies of rotational grazing, and building relationships with local processors and customers.
Marko also opens up about his personal health journey, discussing how embracing the carnivore diet and focusing on high-quality, grass-fed beef has transformed his life. He shares a powerful story about how his mother was able to overcome health challenges by adopting a meat-based diet, showcasing the potential benefits of this approach.
The episode explores the economics of grass-fed beef, with Marko explaining how Independence Ark Ranch is working to make this premium product more accessible and affordable for consumers. He emphasizes the importance of supporting local ranchers and farmers, and offers advice on how buying in bulk can help individuals save money while enjoying top-quality meat.
Throughout the interview, Marko's passion for his craft and commitment to producing healthy, sustainable food shines through. He offers words of wisdom for aspiring ranchers and health enthusiasts, encouraging them to take control of their food supply and embrace the benefits of natural farming.
Joburg Meats
Keto/Carnivore-friendly meat snacks. Tasty+Clean. 4 ingredients. Use code “iFixHearts” to save 15%.
Chances are, you wouldn't be listening to this podcast if you didn't need to change your life and get healthier.
So take action right now. Book a call with Dr. Ovadia's team.
One small step in the right direction is all it takes to get started.
Stay Off My Operating Table on X:
Learn more:
- Stay Off My Operating Table on Amazon
- Take Dr. Ovadia's metabolic health quiz: iFixHearts
- Dr. Ovadia's website: Ovadia Heart Health
- Jack Heald's website: CultYourBrand.com
Theme Song : Rage Against
Written & Performed by Logan Gritton & Colin Gailey
(c) 2016 Mercury Retro Recordings
Any use of this intellectual property for text and data mining or computational analysis including as training material for artificial intelligence systems is strictly prohibited without express written consent from Dr. Philip Ovadia.
In this episode, we chat with Marko Babac, the founder of Independence Ark Ranch, to explore his remarkable journey from tennis professional to grass-fed beef rancher. Marko shares his motivations for leaving the city life behind and embarking on a mission to raise healthy, natural cattle in the heart of Arkansas.
Throughout the conversation, Marko delves into the numerous health benefits of grass-fed beef, highlighting the importance of allowing cows to graze on pastures as nature intended. He explains how this approach not only improves the quality and taste of the meat but also contributes to a more sustainable and ethical farming practices.
Listeners will gain valuable insights into the process of raising cattle, as Marko discusses the challenges and rewards of starting a ranch from scratch. He shares his experiences acquiring his first cows, navigating the intricacies of rotational grazing, and building relationships with local processors and customers.
Marko also opens up about his personal health journey, discussing how embracing the carnivore diet and focusing on high-quality, grass-fed beef has transformed his life. He shares a powerful story about how his mother was able to overcome health challenges by adopting a meat-based diet, showcasing the potential benefits of this approach.
The episode explores the economics of grass-fed beef, with Marko explaining how Independence Ark Ranch is working to make this premium product more accessible and affordable for consumers. He emphasizes the importance of supporting local ranchers and farmers, and offers advice on how buying in bulk can help individuals save money while enjoying top-quality meat.
Throughout the interview, Marko's passion for his craft and commitment to producing healthy, sustainable food shines through. He offers words of wisdom for aspiring ranchers and health enthusiasts, encouraging them to take control of their food supply and embrace the benefits of natural farming.
Joburg Meats
Keto/Carnivore-friendly meat snacks. Tasty+Clean. 4 ingredients. Use code “iFixHearts” to save 15%.
Chances are, you wouldn't be listening to this podcast if you didn't need to change your life and get healthier.
So take action right now. Book a call with Dr. Ovadia's team.
One small step in the right direction is all it takes to get started.
Stay Off My Operating Table on X:
Learn more:
- Stay Off My Operating Table on Amazon
- Take Dr. Ovadia's metabolic health quiz: iFixHearts
- Dr. Ovadia's website: Ovadia Heart Health
- Jack Heald's website: CultYourBrand.com
Theme Song : Rage Against
Written & Performed by Logan Gritton & Colin Gailey
(c) 2016 Mercury Retro Recordings
Any use of this intellectual property for text and data mining or computational analysis including as training material for artificial intelligence systems is strictly prohibited without express written consent from Dr. Philip Ovadia.
Previous Episode

Lisa Simmons on Keto for Women & Balancing Hormones During Perimenopause and Menopause #143
Meet Lisa Simmons, the latest powerhouse to join the Ovadia Heart Health team. With nearly three decades of nursing expertise and a personal transformation story that's nothing short of remarkable, Lisa brings not just skill but also a deep passion for metabolic health to the table. Her journey from critical care to embracing a ketogenic lifestyle is a master class in personal and professional growth, charting a course from significant weight loss to a holistic approach to health that's sure to resonate with anyone seeking a life-altering change.
In our conversation, we journey through the maze of modern health practices, from the intricacies of hormonal balance to the benefits of strength training. Lisa debunks common nutrition myths, advocating for a deeper understanding of our bodies' needs, particularly through the challenging stages of perimenopause and menopause. Her insights on the underestimated power of proper nutrition and hormone treatments reveal the potential for a complete health transformation, while her approach to weightlifting may just inspire you to pick up those dumbbells.
As we wrap up, Lisa shines a light on the proactive vs. reactive healthcare debate, underscoring the dire need for early intervention and individualized care. Her fresh perspective is nothing short of a clarion call for revolutionizing our approach to health, with telemedicine playing a critical role in the future of nutrition and patient care. Join us as we uncover Lisa's infectious enthusiasm for educating and empowering individuals to take control of their heart health, and discover how you too can join this transformative movement.
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Joburg Meats
Keto/Carnivore-friendly meat snacks. Tasty+Clean. 4 ingredients. Use code “iFixHearts” to save 15%.
Chances are, you wouldn't be listening to this podcast if you didn't need to change your life and get healthier.
So take action right now. Book a call with Dr. Ovadia's team.
One small step in the right direction is all it takes to get started.
Stay Off My Operating Table on X:
Learn more:
- Stay Off My Operating Table on Amazon
- Take Dr. Ovadia's metabolic health quiz: iFixHearts
- Dr. Ovadia's website: Ovadia Heart Health
- Jack Heald's website: CultYourBrand.com
Theme Song : Rage Against
Written & Performed by Logan Gritton & Colin Gailey
(c) 2016 Mercury Retro Recordings
Any use of this intellectual property for text and data mining or computational analysis including as training material for artificial intelligence systems is strictly prohibited without express written consent from Dr. Philip Ovadia.
Next Episode

Revolutionizing Type 1 Diabetes Management with Dr. Ian Lake's Ketogenic Approach - #145
In this episode, Dr. Ian Lake, a GP from the UK, shares his revolutionary approach to managing type 1 diabetes through a ketogenic diet. We explore the science behind insulin dosage, metabolic flexibility, and the challenges of advocating for low carb, high fat diets in the medical community.
Key Takeaways:
- Dr. Lake's personal journey with type 1 diabetes led him to discover the benefits of a ketogenic diet for blood sugar control and overall health.
- Reducing carbohydrate intake and increasing healthy fats can lead to improved HbA1c levels, reduced insulin requirements, and better long-term health outcomes.
- Advocating for low carb, high fat diets in the medical community comes with challenges, but Dr. Lake is dedicated to educating healthcare professionals and patients about this approach.
Resources and Links:
- Dr. Ian Lake's website: https://www.type1keto.com/
- Dr. Philip Ovadia's website
- Jack Heald's profile at Wizard Academy
Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Introduction and Dr. Ian Lake's background 00:02:30 - Dr. Lake's diagnosis with type 1 diabetes 00:08:15 - Conventional diabetes management and its challenges 00:15:00 - Discovering the ketogenic diet and its impact on diabetes control 00:22:00 - The importance of reducing insulin dosage and increasing metabolic flexibility 00:28:30 - Challenges in advocating for low carb, high fat diets in the medical community 00:35:00 - Dr. Lake's efforts to educate and promote the ketogenic approach
About Dr. Ian Lake:
Dr. Ian Lake is a GP in the UK who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in his mid-thirties. After initially following the conventional high carb, low fat diet recommended by guidelines, he discovered the benefits of a ketogenic diet for managing his diabetes. Dr. Lake has since been ad
Joburg Meats
Keto/Carnivore-friendly meat snacks. Tasty+Clean. 4 ingredients. Use code “iFixHearts” to save 15%.
Chances are, you wouldn't be listening to this podcast if you didn't need to change your life and get healthier.
So take action right now. Book a call with Dr. Ovadia's team.
One small step in the right direction is all it takes to get started.
Stay Off My Operating Table on X:
Learn more:
- Stay Off My Operating Table on Amazon
- Take Dr. Ovadia's metabolic health quiz: iFixHearts
- Dr. Ovadia's website: Ovadia Heart Health
- Jack Heald's website: CultYourBrand.com
Theme Song : Rage Against
Written & Performed by Logan Gritton & Colin Gailey
(c) 2016 Mercury Retro Recordings
Any use of this intellectual property for text and data mining or computational analysis including as training material for artificial intelligence systems is strictly prohibited without express written consent from Dr. Philip Ovadia.
Stay Off My Operating Table - From Tennis Pro to Rancher: Marko Babac's Journey to Raising Healthy, Grass-Fed Beef #144
Transcript
Marko Babac was living a typical or maybe slightly super typical urban life in Las Vegas and decided needed to get out of the hustle bustle. So he moved to Florida, lived on the beach. Wife had a great job and then COVID happened and lockdowns happened and everything went to hell. And so he bought some land in Arkansas. That was, A little over three years ago. Next thing you knew, he was a rancher.
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