Welcome, I'm Elle Russ.
I Am Your Go-To Expert for Confidence and Thyroid Health.
Elle is the #1 bestselling author of The Paleo Thyroid Solution and Confident As Fu*k, and the screenwriter of the award-winning documentary film Headhunt Revisited.
Her expertise has been featured in Entrepreneur, Success Magazine, Podcasting Magazine, HuffPost, Mind Body Green, and more.
#1 Bestselling Author &Â Master Coach
My life and career has been defined by reinvention—driven by unexpected challenges and an unrelenting commitment to turning obstacles into opportunities.
Fresh out of college in my early 20s, I thrived as a top Silicon Valley technical recruiter during the tech boom, managing Fortune 500 accounts and generating millions in revenue—until a repetitive strain injury left me with a permanent hand disability. Overnight, I became "unemployable" in the conventional sense—so bad that California rated me as being 40% disabled. But rather than give up, I leaned into my voice, pivoting into voice-over, acting and comedy. I trained at San Francisco’s American Conservatory Theater, performed at Chicago’s legendary Second City, and later became a mainstage performer at ACME Comedy Theatre in Hollywood. I wrote sketch comedy, acted in TV/film, and even penned the screenplay for the award-winning documentary Headhunt Revisited.
Then, another setback: severe hypothyroidism left me suffering with 30+ debilitating symptoms. Frustrated by ineffective mainstream treatments and being dismissed by doctors, I became my own health advocate—researching, self-testing, and ultimately healing myself without a doctor. That hard-won expertise led me to write the #1 bestselling The Paleo Thyroid Solution and create The Ultimate Thyroid Course, the most comprehensive thyroid resource of its kind.
In 2012, Mark Sisson brought me on as host of his Primal Blueprint Podcast (500+ episodes, 20M downloads). For nearly a decade, I helped shape the ancestral health movement while coaching high-achievers—from CEOs to celebrities—on optimizing their health and confidence.
As a coach, I merge my diverse background—philosophy degree and health/mindset expertise, and 2,500+ coaching hours—to help clients reframe limitations, cultivate confidence, reclaim their health, and build lives of resilience and joy. I also host The Elle Russ Show, where I publish solo episodes and interviews with thought leaders on health, wealth, and wisdom.Â
When I’m not working, you’ll find me hiking the Santa Monica Mountains, watching comedy, or laughing with my family (and dog) in our home in Southern California
What Sets Me Apart
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Master Coach:Â 2,500+ hours coaching entrepreneurs, professionals, creatives, athletes, and individuals going through major transitions.
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Life Experience: Born in 1973, I’ve lived through ups and downs that taught me how to adapt, rise, and thrive. Age isn’t just a number—it’s hard-earned wisdom.
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Philosophy Degree (University of California - Santa Cruz): Trained to think critically and solve complex problems—skills I weave into coaching.
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Early Coaching Roots: Certified by the Shanti Project (1996), providing 1:1 support for those facing illness and hardship.
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Proven Impact: Clients often feel lighter and more excited after the first session. I don’t just coach—I help you reframe your mindset and take bold steps.
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A Life I’m Proud Of: Built on fulfillment, love, and joy—not just success.
Mark Sisson
New York Times Bestselling Author & Founder of Primal Kitchen Foods & Peluva Footwear
"Elle has framed her professional life into one dedicated to helping others—both healing and nourishing the physical body and also nurturing the spirit. She will help you help yourself, but you are going to have to do the hard work and the deep reflection. Elle is not about subtlety, soft touches, or nuance. She is dedicated to excellence, transformation, and never looking back, feeling sorry for herself, or turning away from a challenge!"
Gabrielle Reece
Volleyball legend, New York Times Bestselling Author & Inspirational Health and Fitness Leader
"In the confusing world of health and nutrition, The Paleo Thyroid Solution offers simple and easy protocols that can have a great impact on one's journey to wellness."
Dr. Ken Berry, MD
Author of Lies My Doctor Told Me
"Elle Russ, although not a medical doctor, can school just about any doctor on thyroid issues. You would think endocrinologists would have the best understanding of thyroid conditions and medications, but quite often they seem to be the least informed. If you suffer from low thyroid symptoms, or suspect you do, even though your lab results are 'normal' – you need Elle's help."
Dave Asprey
New York Times bestselling author of The Bulletproof Diet and Headstrong
"After 20 years of hacking my own biology to gain more energy than I have ever had, and lose 100 pounds along the way, it's become clear that your thyroid is your body’s energy thermostat. Undiagnosed subclinical thyroid deficiency is a huge problem holding back tens of millions of people from becoming all they can be. Elle Russ has put the pieces together for you."
Cynthia Thurlow
Author of Intermittant Fasting Transformation
"Elle is a true thyroid advocate and is helping to empower patients to not accept the conventional perspectives on thyroid labs and health. Her book, The Paleo Thyroid Solution, was one of the first books that I read, as a clinician, that provided my patients with a resource that they could utilize to help create the wellness path they desired. I'm always learning from Elle and appreciate her endless desire to educate, and inspire patients to live their best lives."
Robb Wolf
New York Times Bestselling Author The Paleo Solution & Wired To Eat
"As a former research biochemist and someone who helps to manage an integrative medical clinic, I feel like I know a fair amount about the thyroid and health. Well, I know enough to recognize someone who leaves my knowledge base in the dust. Whether you are a clinician or just a health-conscious consumer, there is so much for you to learn from Elle."
