The Neuro Experience

Louisa Nicola

The Neuro Experience. Conversations with the greatest minds in Brain Science.

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433 episodes
Updated Thursday

Episodes433

Newest first

March 24 · 1 hr 2 min
Gut Expert: Eating THIS Everyday Protects The Gut from Diseases | Dr Karan
Colorectal cancer is now the No.1 cause of death for people under 50 in the United States. When it is caught early, nine out of ten people survive. When it is caught late, only two out of ten do. Yet most people are not screening, not eating enough fiber, and have no idea how rapidly the gut microbiome is collapsing in modern populations. I sat down with Dr. Karan Rajan, NHS surgeon, gut health expert, and founder of Loam Science, to break down the real biology behind the gut microbiome and why it may be one of the most powerful levers we have for longterm health. We cover the rising colorectal cancer epidemic in young people, why fiber is the single most important thing you can do for your colon, and how the microbiome connects to your brain, heart, hormones, immune system, and even your skin. Dr. Karan also explains how stress, poor sleep, NSAIDs, antibiotics, and proton pump inhibitors silently destroy the gut lining, why the carnivore diet starves your microbiome, the emerging link between gut health and endometriosis, and what the science actually says about microbiome testing, GLP-1 peptides, and supplement quality. Reduce your risk of Alzheimer's with my science-backed protocol for women 30+: https://go.neuroathletics.com.au/youtube-sales-page Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for evidence-based conversations at the intersection of brain science, longevity, and performance. _____ TOPICS DISCUSSED 00:00 Colorectal Cancer Is Now the #1 Killer Under 50 01:24 Why Early Screening Changes Everything 03:19 The Gut Microbiome Explained Simply 05:51 Why Fiber Is the Rent for Your Colon 11:32 The Hadza Tribe and What 100g of Fiber a Day Does 18:45 The Carnivore Diet and What It Does to Your Gut 24:10 Stress, the Vagus Nerve, and Gut Dysfunction 31:20 Sleep, Circadian Clocks, and Your Bowel Health 33:06 The Gut-Cancer Connection 34:12 Cholesterol, the Gut-Heart Axis, and LDL 38:50 Estrogen, Perimenopause, and the Microbiome 43:15 Endometriosis and the Microbiome Trial 48:30 Leaky Gut, NSAIDs, Antibiotics, and PPIs 53:25 GLP-1 Peptides, Semaglutide, and What the Research Says 55:38 Why Supplement Quality Is Mostly Unregulated _______ Thank you to our sponsors Function Health: https://www.functionhealth.com/louisanicola Timeline: http://timeline.com/NEURO Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com/ Cheers Health: https://CheersHealth.com/NEURO Use code NEURO for 20% off Jones Road Beauty: https://www.jonesroadbeauty.com Use code NEURO BASED Bodyworks: https://basedbodyworks.com/ Use code NEURO for 20% off _______ I’m Louisa Nicola - clinical neurophysiologist - Alzheimer’s prevention specialist - founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain- reducing Alzheimer’s risk - and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
March 17 · 1 hr 3 min
What Women Need to Know About Longevity Before It’s Too Late | Dr. Amy Killen
The moment a woman’s hormones begin to decline, the entire body starts aging faster. The brain, heart, bones, immune system, and metabolism are all affected by a single biological shift most doctors barely explain. I sat down with Dr. Amy Killen, physician and leading expert in regenerative and longevity medicine, to explore the science of female aging and why ovarian health may be the true driver of how long women live. We break down the real biology behind menopause, why estrogen is far more than a reproductive hormone, and how hormone loss can accelerate cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, bone loss, and systemic inflammation. Dr. Killen also explains the emerging science behind hormone replacement therapy, the misunderstood relationship between estrogen and breast cancer risk, and why many doctors still are not properly trained to treat menopause. We discuss stem cells, mitochondrial health, and the growing interest in therapies like hyperbaric oxygen, peptides, red light therapy, and plasma exchange, and what the evidence actually says. Reduce your risk of Alzheimer's with my science-backed protocol for women 30+: https://go.neuroathletics.com.au/youtube-sales-page Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for evidence-based conversations at the intersection of brain science, longevity, and performance. _____ TOPICS DISCUSSED 00:00 Why Ovarian Aging Impacts Lifespan 01:24 Why Dr. Amy Killen Focuses on Women’s Longevity 03:19 What Longevity Actually Means in Medicine 04:20 Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Explained 05:51 How Stem Cells Help Repair and Communicate With Tissue 11:32 Hormones, Perimenopause, and Rapid Aging 18:45 Why the Ovaries Are the “Peacekeepers” of Aging 24:10 Hormone Replacement Therapy Explained 31:20 Vaginal Estrogen vs Systemic Estrogen 38:50 Testosterone Therapy in Women 43:15 Longevity Therapies and Mitochondrial Health 48:30 Red Light Therapy, Hyperbaric Oxygen, and Recovery 50:54 Peptides and the Lack of Long-Term Safety Data 53:25 Therapeutic Plasma Exchange and Longevity Research 55:38 The Estrogen and Immune System Connection _______ Thank you to our sponsors Ketone-IQ: https://ketone.com/NEURO Cellure: https://cellure.co/ Use code NEURO Ka’Chava: https://kachava.com Use code NEURO for 15% off your first order Just Thrive: https://justthrivehealth.com/NEURO _______ I’m Louisa Nicola - clinical neurophysiologist - Alzheimer’s prevention specialist - founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain- reducing Alzheimer’s risk - and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
March 10 · 1 hr 5 min
Exercise Expert Reveals: The One Thing Blocking Women From Burning Fat Faster
Zone two has been sold to you as the gold standard for mitochondrial health, fat burning, and longevity. But what if it was built on culture, not science. In this episode, I sit down with Kristi Storoschuk, a PhD researcher whose work is challenging some of the biggest claims in the exercise world right now. We break down why zone two training lacks the scientific evidence everyone assumes it has, why higher intensity zones three and four are actually more potent for mitochondrial adaptation, and why the 80/20 training split from elite athletes was never designed for someone exercising four days a week. We also get into why fasting doesn't activate the same cellular pathways in humans as it does in rodents, why cortisol from exercise is not the same as chronic stress, the truth about fasted exercise for women, and what lactate actually tells us about our metabolic health. Kristi also shares her current research in collaboration with Dr. Andy Galpin and Dr. Tommy Wood on whether lactate threshold can serve as a non-invasive proxy for mitochondrial content. This conversation will completely change how you think about every cardio session you've ever done. Reduce your risk of Alzheimer's with my science-backed protocol for women 30+: https://go.neuroathletics.com.au/youtube-sales-page Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for evidence-based conversations at the intersection of brain science, longevity, and performance. _____ TOPICS DISCUSSED 00:00 Intro: Was Zone Two Built on Culture, Not Science? 03:19 The Three Exercise Intensity Domains (Not Five Zones) 08:00 Zone Two and Fat Burning: What the Research Actually Shows 12:00 Why Women Are Being Scared Away from Zone Three and Four 20:45 Fasting in Rodents vs. Humans: The Research That Changed Everything 24:00 Fasted Exercise and Cortisol: The Real Story for Women 29:00 What Lactate Actually Tells Us About Mitochondrial Health 37:00 VO2 Max, Mitochondria, and Longevity 43:30 Exercise as Your Daily Metabolic Reset 49:00 The Best Cardio Prescription for Healthspan 55:30 How a 73 Year Old Should Think About High Intensity 58:00 How to Know What Zone You're In Without a Monitor 01:02:00 Sex Differences in Exercise: What the Data Actually Says _______ Thank you to our sponsors Function health: https://www.functionhealth.com/louisanicola Timeline: http://timeline.com/NEURO Jones Road Beauty: https://www.jonesroadbeauty.com And Use code NEURO Lifeboost coffee : https://lifeboostcoffee.com/ and Use code NEURO for 10% off Just Thrive: https://justthrivehealth.com/NEURO _______ I’m Louisa Nicola - clinical neurophysiologist - Alzheimer’s prevention specialist - founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain- reducing Alzheimer’s risk - and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
March 4 · 1 hr 12 min
Longevity Surgeon: The Biomarkers That Predict If You'll Get Cancer or Alzheimer's
The surgeon who spent 12 to14 hours a day in the operating room developed diabetes, uncontrolled high blood pressure, and an autoimmune disease that was eating away at his skull and it forced him to confront what medical school never taught him about actually staying healthy. I sat down with Dr. Darshan Shah, board-certified surgeon, founder of Next Health (one of the largest longevity clinic networks in America), and a doctor who had to reverse his own chronic disease to understand the massive gap between Western medicine and the science of health. We explore why surgeons and physicians become some of the sickest people in healthcare, how functional medicine differs from what you learn in medical school, why biomarker testing matters more than your doctor's "you're fine" assessment, and what root cause medicine actually looks like in practice. Dr. Shah also breaks down the AI revolution happening in cardiovascular imaging with Cleerly scans, how his new AI health dashboard reads your bloodwork and medical records to give you proactive guidance, why Yamanaka factors could regenerate damaged nerves in the brain, and what the future of personalized, preventive medicine looks like when you combine AI with real biological data. Reduce your risk of Alzheimer's with my science-backed protocol for women 30+: https://go.neuroathletics.com.au/youtube-sales-page Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for evidence-based conversations at the intersection of brain science, longevity, and performance. _____ TOPICS DISCUSSED 00:00 Intro: The surgeon who developed the diseases he was treating 01:17 From trauma surgeon to longevity doctor: Dr. Shah's journey 04:18 Autoimmune disease, diabetes, and high blood pressure in a surgeon 10:30 Western medicine vs. the science of health 18:45 Why doctors don't learn prevention in medical school 35:20 Next Health clinics and democratizing longevity medicine 52:40 Biomarker testing and why "your labs are normal" is dangerous 01:03:52 AI health dashboard: uploading bloodwork and getting proactive guidance 01:06:45 Cleerly scans and reversing cardiovascular disease with AI imaging 01:10:08 Yamanaka factors, nerve regeneration, and the future of brain health _______ Thank you to our sponsors Function Health: https://www.functionhealth.com/louisanicola Timeline Mitopure: http://timeline.com/NEURO Ka'Chava: https://kachava.com and use code NEURO for 15% off your first order Wayfair: https://www.wayfair.com/ Fenix: https://www.fenixhealthscience.com/ Arey: https://arey.com/ and use code NEURO _______ I’m Louisa Nicola - clinical neurophysiologist - Alzheimer’s prevention specialist - founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain- reducing Alzheimer’s risk - and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
March 3 · 58 min
Mitochondria Expert Reveals: Why Your Immune System Starts Failing in Your 40s (And How to Fix It)
80% of all autoimmune diseases occur in women, and no one can explain why. Cancer cells are always present in your body, but it's only when your T cells go into energy deficit that cancer starts overtaking the system. And here's what almost no one is talking about: the mitochondria in your immune cells are the reason MS, chronic fatigue, neurodegeneration, and even cancer progression happen when they happen. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Anurag Singh, MD, PhD immunologist and Chief Medical Officer of Timeline who spent 20 years studying mitochondria and screened 4000 compounds from pomegranates to discover one molecule that changes cellular aging. We break down immunometabolism, the emerging field linking immune health and metabolism, why your T regulatory cells are the CEOs of your immune system, how mitochondrial dysfunction in immune cells triggers autoimmune conditions, and why rejuvenating mitochondria can get your immune system in check to defeat cancer. We also cover NAD+ (and why NMN and NR supplements don't work the way people think), the creatine sweet spot for muscle quality (500mg-1g, not the 5g everyone's taking), why Parkinson's is linked to paraquat, a mitochondrial toxin used in fertilizers and dry cleaning and how AI is fast-tracking the discovery of next-generation molecules for neurodegeneration. This conversation completely shifted how I think about immune health, brain protection, and what's actually driving the diseases we fear most. Reduce your risk of Alzheimer's with my science-backed protocol for women 30+: https://go.neuroathletics.com.au/youtube-sales-page Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for evidence-based conversations at the intersection of brain science, longevity, and performance. _____ TOPICS DISCUSSED 00:00 Intro: Why 80% of Autoimmune Diseases Occur in Women 01:24 Why Dr. Anurag Became an Immunologist 03:19 Immunometabolism: The Link Between Immune Health and Metabolism 04:20 T Cells, B Cells, and the Thymus Gland 05:51 MS and Autoimmune Disease: The T Regulatory Cell Problem 11:32 Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Immune Exhaustion 18:45 Cancer Cells and T Cell Energy Deficit 24:10 Urolithin A: Screening 4000 Pomegranate Compounds 31:20 Mitophagy and Autophagy: Cellular Housekeeping 38:50 NAD+ vs NMN and NR Supplements: What Actually Works 43:15 Creatine Dosing: The 500mg-1g Sweet Spot for Muscle Quality 48:30 Gut-Brain Connection and Neurodegeneration 50:54 Parkinson's Disease and Paraquat: The Mitochondrial Toxin 53:25 AI in Drug Discovery and Next-Generation Molecules 55:38 Skincare and Mitochondrial Health: Collagen Synthesis _______ Thank you to our sponsors KetoneIQ: https://ketone.com/NEURO for 30% OFF Caraway: Carawayhome.com/neuro10 Jones Road Beauty: https://www.jonesroadbeauty.com - Use code NEURO _______ I’m Louisa Nicola - clinical neurophysiologist - Alzheimer’s prevention specialist - founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain- reducing Alzheimer’s risk - and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
February 17 · 36 min
Neurophysiologist: Why 30 Minutes of Exercise Changes 13 Types of Cancer
Most people fear cancer, but they're never given a clear explanation of what it actually is, how it progresses, or why metastasis, not the initial tumor, is what kills 90% of people with solid tumors. And here's what almost no one talks about…30 minutes of exercise per day can down-regulate 13 types of cancers. I break down the biology of cancer and metastasis in plain language, then walk you through the evidence linking exercise to cancer outcomes across prevention, treatment, and survivorship. I explain how cancer cells have to physically enter circulation and survive a hostile journey to metastasize, and here's the part that changed how I think about high-intensity exercise: as shear stress increases during vigorous exercise (zone 5, 90%+ max heart rate), survival of circulating tumor cells decreases. I also cover immune surveillance, metabolic signaling, and why this is deeply personal for me. Reduce your risk of Alzheimer's with my science-backed protocol for women 30+: https://go.neuroathletics.com.au/youtube-sales-page Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for evidence-based conversations at the intersection of brain science, longevity, and performance. Topics Discussed 00:00 Intro: Why Cancer Is What Scares Me Most 01:37 Why We're Having This Conversation 03:33 What This Episode Covers: The Three-Part Framework 06:21 What Cancer Actually Is: When Cells Break the Rules 07:25 Metastasis: The Part of the Story No One Explains 27:57 Shear Stress and Circulating Tumor Cells: The Zone 5 Effect 30:16 Immune Surveillance: How Exercise Mobilizes Killer Cells 30:51 Metabolic Signaling: Insulin, IGF-1, and Inflammation 32:16 Limitations: What the Evidence Can and Can't Tell Us 34:37 Practical Framework: Prevention, Treatment, and Survivorship 36:04 Closing: Exercise as Repeated Physiological Stress Thank you to our sponsors Ketone-IQ: https://ketone.com/NEURO IQ BARS: Text NEURO to 64000 to get 20% off all IQBAR products Cure Hydration: http://curehydration.com/NEURO Cellure: https://cellure.co/ and use code NEURO Arrey: https://arey.com/ and use code NEURO _______ I’m Louisa Nicola - clinical neurophysiologist - Alzheimer’s prevention specialist - founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain- reducing Alzheimer’s risk - and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
February 10 · 56 min
Neuroscientist: Why Women Are Being Sold Untested Brain Drugs (The Peptide Lie)
The peptide industry just hit $328 million in imports from China in nine months, and the fastest-growing buyers aren't bodybuilders. They're women in their 30s, 40s, and 50s who were told their labs look "fine" when they know something is deeply wrong.In this episode, I break down why peptides like BPC-157 and TB-500 are being aggressively marketed to women in perimenopause, why there isn't a single randomized controlled trial proving they're safe or effective in humans, and what the actual evidence says about brain fog, muscle loss, joint pain, and metabolic decline. I explore why the "your bloods are normal" dismissal has destroyed women's health, how hormone replacement therapy actually protects your brain when timed correctly, why GLP-1s work when peptides don't, and what protein, sleep, and resistance training do that no research chemical can replicate, because the foundations of brain health will never trend on TikTok, but they're the only things backed by decades of rigorous science. *Reduce your risk of Alzheimer's with my science-backed protocol for women 30+: * https://go.neuroathletics.com.au/youtube-sales-page Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for evidence-based conversations at the intersection of brain science, longevity, and performance. *TOPICS DISCUSSED* 00:00 Intro: Why women are the fastest-growing peptide buyers 07:01 Perimenopause reality: why "your labs look fine" is destroying women's health 15:20 What peptides actually are and the missing human evidence 31:00 Quality control disasters and documented side effects 39:50 What actually works: resistance training, protein, and muscle preservation 44:30 Hormone replacement therapy and brain protection 51:14 GLP-1 receptor agonists: evidence-based use vs. gray market risks *Thank you to our sponsors* Caraway: https://carawayhome.com/neuro10 Timeline Mitopure: http://timeline.com/NEURO Function Health: https://www.functionhealth.com/tcm/louisanicola _______ I’m Louisa Nicola - clinical neurophysiologist - Alzheimer’s prevention specialist - founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain- reducing Alzheimer’s risk - and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
February 3 · 1 hr 10 min
Why Most Women Are Taking Heart Medications Wrong - And Dying From It | Dr. Jayne Morgan
It’s one of the most uncomfortable truths in modern medicine: women’s hearts have been misunderstood, under-researched, and misdiagnosed for decades. I sat down with Dr Jayne Morgan, cardiologist, heart health expert, and one of the leading voices calling out gender bias in cardiovascular medicine, to uncover why women’s heart attacks are still being missed - and what every woman needs to know to protect her brain and heart long before symptoms appear. We explore why women experience heart disease differently than men, how inflammation quietly damages blood vessels, the hidden heart attack signs doctors overlook, and why mammograms, pregnancy history, and menopause all hold critical cardiovascular clues. Dr Morgan explains why “gender-neutral” research has harmed women, how common medications can affect women differently, and why prevention needs to start earlier, not after the first cardiac event. Reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s with my science-backed protocol for women 30+: https://go.neuroathletics.com.au/youtube-sales-page Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for evidence-based conversations at the intersection of brain science, longevity, and performance. ______ TOPICS DISCUSSED 00:00 Intro: Why women’s heart disease is still misunderstood 02:18 How gender bias shaped modern cardiology 05:04 Why women’s heart attacks look different than men’s 08:12 The dangerous myth of “gender-neutral” medicine 11:30 Inflammation, blood vessels, and silent cardiovascular damage 15:02 Hidden heart attack signs on mammograms 18:45 Pregnancy history and long-term heart risk 22:10 Menopause, estrogen loss, and cardiovascular decline 26:40 Why standard heart medications can harm women 30:05 Beta blockers, blood pressure, and female physiology 33:50 The heart-brain connection and dementia risk 38:20 Viruses, shingles, and cardiovascular inflammation 42:05 Why women are dismissed in clinical settings 46:10 Prevention vs reaction in modern healthcare 49:30 What women should demand from their doctors ______ A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts: IQBAR- Fuel your brain and body with IQBAR’s protein bars, hydration mixes, and mushroom coffees. Text NEURO to 64000 to get 20% off all IQBAR products plus free shipping. Cure Hydration - Clean, plant-based electrolytes with no added sugar, hydration that actually works. Get 20% off your first order at curehydration.com/NEURO with code NEURO. Jones Road Beauty- Effortless, skin-first makeup created by Bobbi Brown. Use code NEURO at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a free Cool Gloss with your first purchase. RHO Nutrition- Science-backed supplements designed to support cognitive performance and metabolic health. Visit rhonutrition.com and use code NEURO for exclusive savings. ______ I’m Louisa Nicola - clinical neurophysiologist - Alzheimer’s prevention specialist - founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain - reducing Alzheimer’s risk - and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
January 27 · 56 min
Expert Urologist Reveals the Hormone Making Women Look 10x Younger | Dr. Kelly Casperson
I sat down with Dr. Kelly Casperson, urologist, women’s health advocate, and a leading voice fighting for equality in healthcare, to explore what’s really happening to women’s bodies and brains during perimenopause and menopause. We discuss why UTIs spike after menopause, how vaginal estrogen actually works (and why the FDA finally removed the black box warning), the truth about HRT and dementia prevention, and why estrogen receptors in your brain matter more than you think. We also unpack why blood work interpretation matters more than ever, how compounding pharmacies work, the shingles vaccine and dementia connection, and why women need to stop waiting for permission to take control of their health. Reduce your risk of Alzheimer's with my science-backed protocol for women 30+: https://go.neuroathletics.com.au/youtube-sales-page Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for evidence-based conversations at the intersection of brain science, longevity, and performance. _______ TOPICS DISCUSSED 00:00 Intro: Why women’s hormone health is misunderstood 02:10 Who Dr. Kelly Casperson is and why women’s sexual health became her focus 05:10 Hormone Replacement Therapy explained (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone) 08:30 Vaginal estrogen, UTIs, and restoring tissue health 12:40 Vaginal estrogen vs systemic estrogen and the FDA warning myth 15:20 Estrogen receptors, skin aging, and visible signs of hormonal decline 18:30 Estrogen, the brain, and Alzheimer’s risk in women 22:10 Why hormone research is conflicting and often fails women 26:00 Sleep, hot flashes, inflammation, and brain health 30:00 Testosterone in women: beyond libido and muscle 33:40 Compounding pharmacies and personalized medicine 38:00 Inflammation, viruses, vaccines, and dementia risk 43:00 The breakdown of modern healthcare and why women feel dismissed 47:30 Blood testing, data ownership, and the future of women’s health _______ A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts: Timeline Mitopure Gummies: Don't let another year go by feeling less than your best. Grab 35% off your one month subscription of Mitopure Gummies at Timeline.com/neuro35. That's Timeline.com/neuro35 while the offer lasts. Function Health: Own your health for $365 a year. Learn more and join using my link. Visit www.functionhealth.com/louisa and use gift code LOUISA for a $25 credit toward your membership. Ka'Chava: Rewild your nutrition at kachava.com and use code NEURO. New customers get twenty dollars off an order of two bags or more! Wayfair: Get organized, refreshed, and back on track this new year for WAY less. Head to Wayfair.com right now to shop all things home. Every style. Every home. _______ I’m Louisa Nicola - clinical neurophysiologist - Alzheimer’s prevention specialist - founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain - reducing Alzheimer’s risk - and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
January 23 · 1 hr 10 min
What Actually Happens to Your Brain When You Start Fasting | Dr Mindy Pelz
It's a controversial topic, fasting, especially for women. Dr. Mindy Pelz was teaching women to fast primarily because they wanted to lose weight, but what she was witnessing was women saying things like, "I lost weight, but my hair's falling out. I don't have a period anymore. I sat down with Dr. Mindy Pelz, New York Times bestselling author of Age Like a Girl, hormone expert, and the voice redefining fasting for women - because doing it wrong can wreck your health. We explore why fasting affects women differently, how ketones can restore brain function during menopause, and why understanding your hormonal cycle is critical for metabolic health, cognitive performance, and longevity. Reduce your risk of Alzheimer's with my science-backed protocol for women 30+: https://go.neuroathletics.com.au/youtube-sales-page Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for evidence-based conversations at the intersection of brain science, longevity, and performance. _____ TOPICS DISCUSSED 00:00 Intro 01:50 What put Dr. Mindy Pelz on the map 03:14 The truth about fasting vs intermittent fasting 05:13 How the brain uses glucose vs ketones 07:25 Why the brain "eats itself" during menopause 10:14 What is mitophagy and cellular autophagy 13:11 Why autophagy is the body's repair system 15:24 The 12-hour vs 17-hour vs 72-hour fast 17:23 Why women's cycles are disrupted by fasting 19:59 The fasting cycle for women 21:05 Lactate as a fuel source for the brain 23:01 Hemoglobin A1C and insulin resistance 27:36 Understanding CGM data correctly 30:13 Where women should start at 48 32:01 HRT: personal decision or necessity? 34:15 The nervous system shift during perimenopause 38:48 The grandmother hypothesis and evolutionary sensitivity 41:09 The "menopause divorce" phenomenon 44:18 Dementia, Alzheimer's, and women46:17 Dopamine, novelty, and neuroplasticity47:23 Cold water immersion and trauma rewiring51:19 Cold water and cortisol for women53:51 Exercise, BDNF, and brain health55:21 Serotonin, light exposure, and sleep58:00 Glycine, bone broth, and longevity01:02:26 Preparing for perimenopause and menopause 01:04:24 Acetylcholine, storytelling, and memory 01:08:38 Why eggs and cholesterol matter for the brain _______ A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts: Ketone-IQ: Mental clarity that lasts - without the crash. Visit https://ketone.com/NEURO for 30% OFF your subscription order - PLUS receive a free gift with your second shipment or find Ketone-IQ at Target stores nationwide and get your first shot free! IQBAR: The New Year gives us all a chance to reset. Maximize your brain and body's potential with IQBAR's protein bars, hydration mixes, and mushroom coffees. Text NEURO to 64000 to get 20% off all IQBAR products, plus FREE shipping. Caraway: Visit Carawayhome.com/neuro10 or use code neuro10 at checkout to take an additional 10% off your next purchase. Caraway. Non-Toxic cookware made modern. Cure Hydration: For The Neuro Experience listeners, you can get 20% off your first order at curehydration.com/NEURO with code NEURO. Cure is FSA/HSA approved, so you can use your FSA or HSA funds to stay hydrated the smart way. Jones Road Beauty: Use code NEURO at jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! _______ I’m Louisa Nicola - clinical neurophysiologist - Alzheimer’s prevention specialist - founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain- reducing Alzheimer’s risk - and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
January 13 · 1 hr 4 min
Intense Exercise Is Wrecking Your Testosterone | Dr Paul Turek
Most people assume they’re healthy until something breaks. The problem is that dysfunction shows up in your biology years before symptoms appear. I sat down with Dr. Paul Turek to break down what modern biomarkers actually reveal about your health, performance, and long term disease risk. We explore why “normal” lab ranges can be misleading, why guessing based on symptoms fails, and how early signs of metabolic dysfunction, inflammation, and nutrient deficiencies quietly shape how you feel, train, and age. This conversation is about testing and not guessing. We spoke about how to understand what’s happening inside your body before problems become diagnosed. And about taking ownership of your health data at any age, not reacting once it’s too late. Reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s with my science-backed protocol for women 30+: https://go.neuroathletics.com.au/youtube-sales-page Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for evidence-based conversations at the intersection of brain science, longevity, and performance. Topics discussed.... 00:00 Intro 01:18 Why most people miss early signs of dysfunction 03:42 Why symptoms appear years after biological dysfunction 06:15 What modern blood biomarkers actually reveal about health 09:48 Metabolic dysfunction and early insulin resistance 13:12 Inflammation markers and long-term disease risk 16:30 Why “normal” lab ranges can be misleading 19:55 Nutrient deficiencies that quietly impact energy and cognition 24:05 How biomarkers influence training, recovery, and performance 28:10 Male and female differences in interpreting lab data 32:20 Hormones, aging, and proactive health monitoring 36:05 Why guessing based on symptoms fails 39:45 Taking ownership of your health data at any age 44:05 Longevity, prevention, and performance through testing 48:20 When to test, how often, and what actually matters 52:10 The future of personalized medicine and early intervention 56:00 Final takeaways on testing vs reacting A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts: Function: Visit https://functionhealth.com/louisa or use gift code NEURO100 at sign-up to own your health. Timeline: Don’t let another year go by feeling less than your best. Grab 35% off your one month subscription of Mitopure Gummies at Timeline.com/neuro35 Kion: Support strength, recovery, and muscle as you age with essential amino acids. Get 20% off at https://getkion.com/neuro I’m Louisa Nicola, clinical neurophysiologist, Alzheimer’s prevention specialist, and founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you’re committed to optimizing your brain, reducing Alzheimer’s risk, and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed.Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theneuroexperience_/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@louisanicola_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
January 8 · 6 min
Breathing Expert Reveals The First Signs of Dementia… | Mike Feldstein
In this episode of The Neuro Experience, I sit down with Mike Feldstein to explain how indoor air quality affects the brain and nervous system. They break down why indoor air is often more polluted than outdoor air and how modern buildings trap particles and chemicals. The conversation also covers airflow, off-gassing from everyday materials, and the realities of mould and environmental testing. Discover: • Why indoor air can be 10x more polluted than outdoor air • How airflow and building design influence air quality • What VOCs, metals, and mold particles actually mean biologically • Why air and mold testing is often misleading • How detox culture can increase nervous system stress 📺 Watch the full episode here - https://youtu.be/932rUIBP4SM?si=TyggvjFr1hFG3SP5 Follow The Neuro ExperienceInstagram - ⁠https://www.instagram.com/theneuroexperience_/⁠TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@louisanicola Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
January 6 · 28 min
7 Principles to Rewire Your Brain to Maximize Progress in 2026 (Neuroscience Backed)
Most people fail at their goals not because they lack discipline but because they are working against their own neurobiology. After spending over a decade studying the brain I have learned this. Your brain does not change based on what you want. It changes based on the conditions you create for it. This episode is not about motivation. It is about understanding how your brain actually learns adapts and transforms at a structural level so you can make 2025 the year things permanently shift. Reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s with my science backed protocol for women 30 plus. https://go.neuroathletics.com.au/youtube-sales-page Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for conversations at the intersection of brain science and performance. Each episode delivers evidence based insights you can apply to your own health journey. Topics discussed 00:00 Intro 02:38 Why Most People Fail at Personal Development 03:21 Your Prefrontal Cortex and the Brain Architecture Problem 04:56 What Is Neuroplasticity and How Your Brain Changes 05:40 Sponsor Rho Nutrition 06:55 Principle One Identity Over Goals and Your Brain’s Reality Filter 09:40 Principle Two The 48 Hour Window of Neuroplasticity 13:05 Principle Three Decision Fatigue and Why Willpower Is Finite 15:28 Principle Four Lower Your Activation Threshold for Success 19:16 Principle Five Emotion Encodes Memory Ten Times Stronger Than Logic 21:42 Principle Six Stop Fighting Your Environment and Redesign It 24:11 Principle Seven Your Brain Changes While Resting Not Working 26:24 Recap Seven Neuroscience Backed Principles for 2026 Sponsors A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Cure Hydration Get twenty percent off your first order at https://curehydration.com/NEURO Use code NEURO Cure is FSA and HSA approved so you can use your benefits to stay hydrated smarter. Ka’Chava Rewild your nutrition at https://kachava.com Use code NEURO New customers receive twenty dollars off two bags or more through the thirty first. Rho Nutrition Your brain can only perform at the level your biology allows. Get twenty percent off Liposomal Glutathione with code NEURO at https://rhonutrition.com/discount/NEURO Ketone IQ Get thirty percent off your subscription and a free gift with your second shipment at https://ketone.com/NEURO Or find Ketone IQ at Target stores nationwide. About Louisa I am Louisa Nicola clinical neurophysiologist Alzheimer’s prevention specialist and founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity peak performance and brain disease prevention. If you are committed to optimizing your brain reducing Alzheimer’s risk and staying mentally sharp for life you are in the right place. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_ Twitter https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 30, 2025 · 58 min
I Asked a Neuroscientist How to Avoid Dementia. His Answer Changed Everything | Dr. Tommy Wood
What if 70% of cognitive decline is optional — and you've been told the wrong story about aging? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Tommy Wood — neuroscientist, performance researcher, and author of The Stimulated Mind — to dismantle the myth that brain decline is inevitable. Dr. Wood reveals why most people are treating their brains like trucks when they should be treating them like Formula One cars — and how that mindset shift changes everything. We unpack the truth about cognitive function: it doesn't have to decline. Studies show that for most people, brain performance can stay stable from your 50s into your 80s and beyond. But here's what no one is saying: the average decline we see is driven by a minority of people who experience severe deterioration — not the majority. That means the trajectory you're on is largely within your control. Dr. Wood breaks down his 3S Model for Brain Health — Stimulus, Supply, and Support — a framework that simplifies the overwhelming noise around brain optimization. We discuss why retirement accelerates cognitive decline by 40%, how resistance training protects white matter and executive function, why being unkind to yourself creates chronic inflammation that accelerates dementia risk, and the shocking role of allostatic load in brain aging. This conversation will change how you think about your brain. It's not about doing 40 things perfectly. It's about understanding the core mechanisms — and making strategic changes that shift the entire system in your favor. About the guest: Dr. Tommy Wood is a neuroscientist, performance researcher, and author of The Stimulated Mind. He holds a PhD in physiology and neuroscience from the University of Cambridge and an MD from the University of Oslo. Dr. Wood has worked with Formula One drivers, elite athletes, and high performers across industries to optimize brain health and cognitive longevity. His work focuses on translating cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for peak performance and dementia prevention. *** Reduce your risk of Alzheimer's with my science-backed protocol for women 30+: https://go.neuroathletics.com.au/brain-code-yt Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for more conversations at the intersection of brain science and performance. I'm committed to bringing you evidence-based insights that you can apply to your own health journey. *** I'm Louisa Nicola — clinical neurophysiologist — Alzheimer's prevention specialist — founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain — reducing Alzheimer's risk — and staying mentally sharp for life, you're in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ Topics discussed: 00:00:00 Introduction: The Cognitive Decline Choice 00:08:38 The Supplement Myth: Why 500 Dollars a Month Wo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 23, 2025 · 39 min
The Science of Vigorous Activity: Why 30 Minutes of This Exercise Is Worth 4 Hours of Walking
What if thousands of steps of gentle walking aren’t giving you the brain protection you think they are? In this solo episode, I break down one of the most important exercise studies published in Nature Communications and what it means for your brain, longevity, and Alzheimer’s risk. Tracking over 73,000 people for eight years using wearables, the findings are shocking: one minute of vigorous exercise is worth up to 10 minutes of moderate activity — not the outdated 2-to-1 rule. For diabetes prevention, it’s nearly 10-to-1. For cardiovascular mortality, it’s 8-to-1. And here’s what no one is saying: every outcome measured — heart disease, diabetes, metabolic dysfunction — is an independent risk factor for Alzheimer’s and dementia. I explain why vigorous exercise is so powerful for your brain: shear stress that strengthens blood vessels, lactate that triggers BDNF, muscle fiber recruitment that protects against falls and cognitive decline, and glucose regulation that defends against insulin resistance — a driver of neurodegeneration. Think vigorous exercise is out of reach? Good news: the study defines it as brisk stairs, carrying groceries, or playing actively with your kids. No gym required — just effort. Just 3–4 minutes of vigorous bursts per day can reduce all-cause mortality by 40% and cardiovascular events by nearly 50%. For women over 40, this is critical. Two-thirds of Alzheimer’s cases are women, and perimenopause is a vulnerability window for the brain. Vigorous exercise can partially compensate for declining estrogen by improving glucose regulation, reducing inflammation, and protecting the brain in ways gentle movement cannot. *** Reduce your risk of Alzheimer's with my science-backed protocol for women 30+: https://go.neuroathletics.com.au/brain-code-yt Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for more conversations at the intersection of brain science and performance. I'm committed to bringing you evidence-based insights that you can apply to your own health journey. *** A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts: Rho Nutrition You can get 20% off with the code NEURO at https://rhonutrition.com Function Health Visit https://functionhealth.com/louisa or use gift code NEURO100 at sign-up to own your health. AquaTru Go to https://AquaTru.com now for 20% off using promo code NEURO. Timeline Head to https://www.timeline.com/neuro to get 20% off. Cure Hydration Get 20% off your first order at https://curehydration.com/neuro with code NEURO. *** I'm Louisa Nicola — clinical neurophysiologist — Alzheimer's prevention specialist — founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain — reducing Alzheimer's risk — and staying mentally sharp for life, you're in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ Topics discussed: 00:00:00 Introduction: The Exercise Intensity Revolution 00:01:02 The Study That Changes Everything 00:04:50 The Flawed Foundation: Why Guidelines Were Wrong 00:06:50 The Real Numbers: 4 to 10 Times More Powerful 00:08:53 The Brain Connection No One Is Talking About 00:15:32 Mechanism 1: Shear Stress and Cerebral Blood Flow 00:17:38 Mechanism 2: Lactate and BDNF Production 00:19:25 Mechanism 3: Type 2 Muscle Fibers and Myokines 00:24:30 Mechanism 4: Glucose Regulation and Mitochondrial Health 00:28:18 VILPA: The 3-Minute Daily Game Changer 00:32:16 Women and Menopause: The Critical Window 00:35:19 Practical Protocols: What to Do Starting Today Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 16, 2025 · 1 hr 9 min
How Cancer Treatment Is Destroying Men’s Sexual Function | Dr. Shawn Zimberg
What if thousands of men are losing their sexual function treating a cancer that was never going to kill them? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Shawn Zimberg — board-certified radiation oncologist and medical director at Advanced Radiation Centers of New York — to unpack the truth about prostate cancer screening, overtreatment, and what every man over 40 needs to know. Dr. Zimberg reveals that the prostate cancer industry has an overtreatment problem — and genomic testing is exposing which tumors need aggressive treatment and which don’t. We break down why PSA is broken, why Gleason scores don’t tell the full story, and how cadaver studies show men from their 20s to 80s harbor prostate cancer cells that never become clinically significant. We also dive into the science behind radiation therapy, the BioProtect balloon spacer (Dr. Zimberg has performed nearly 2,000 — more than anyone in the world), and the cutting-edge radioligand therapy changing outcomes for stage 4 prostate cancer. If you’re a man, love a man, or work with men in health or performance, this is essential listening. About the guest: Dr. Shawn Zimberg is a board-certified radiation oncologist, medical director at Advanced Radiation Centers of New York, and director of radiation oncology at Bronx Care Hospital. He trained at Memorial Sloan Kettering and has pioneered the use of rectal spacer technology in prostate cancer treatment, having performed nearly 2,000 PioProtect balloon procedures — more than any other physician in the world. *** Reduce your risk of Alzheimer's with my science-backed protocol for women 30+: https://go.neuroathletics.com.au/brain-code-yt Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for more conversations at the intersection of brain science and performance. I'm committed to bringing you evidence-based insights that you can apply to your own health journey. *** A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts: Troscriptions — Get 10% off your first order at https://troscriptions.com/neuro or enter code NEURO at checkout. *** I’m Louisa Nicola — clinical neurophysiologist — Alzheimer’s prevention specialist — founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain — reducing Alzheimer’s risk — and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ *** Topics discussed: 00:00:00 Introduction: The Prostate Cancer Overtreatment Crisis 00:02:11 Understanding the Prostate: Anatomy and Function 00:04:43 The Cancer Paradox: Size Does Not Equal Risk 00:07:43 Radiation Oncology: The Specialty Explained 00:11:08 Lifetime Risk and Genetic Factors 00:15:32 PSA Testing: The Gold Standard Screening Tool 00:20:36 The Diagnostic Journey: MRI and Biopsy Techniques 00:25:27 The Ejaculation Study: Myth or Reality? 00:33:15 Gleason Scores Decoded: Understanding Aggressiveness 00:37:03 Molecular Profiling: Looking Under the Hood 00:39:27 Treatment Pathways: Surveillance, Surgery, or Radiation 00:41:02 Active Surveillance: When Watching is Appropriate 00:43:31 Stage 4 and Radio Ligand Therapy: The New Frontier 00:48:21 Testosterone and Prostate Cancer: The Complex Relationship 00:52:38 Radiation Therapy Explained: DNA Damage and Healing 00:55:28 The Bioprotect Balloon: Revolutionary Rectal Protection 00:56:07 The Therapeutic Ratio: Maximizing Cure, Minimizing Damage 00:46:39 Robotic Prostatectomy and Surgical Options 01:06:36 Prevention and Early Detection: What Men Need to Know 01:08:28 Closing Thoughts and Where to Find Dr. Zimberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 9, 2025 · 1 hr 3 min
Why ‘Doing Everything Right’ Still Won’t Get You Pregnant | Dr. Natalie Crawford
I used to think fertility was pure luck — until conversations like this changed everything. I’ve watched women do everything right and still struggle… while others who ignored all the “rules” conceived effortlessly. It’s confusing, emotional, and at times, deeply unfair. But today’s guest, Dr. Natalie Crawford, explains exactly why this happens — and what women actually can control. In this episode, we break down the science of fertility in a way every woman deserves to understand — whether you're 25, 35, or 45. Most importantly, Dr. Crawford reveals the 5 fertility non-negotiables — the foundational biological factors every woman should understand long before she ever tries to conceive. This is one of the most empowering episodes we’ve created — because fertility shouldn’t be a mystery, and women deserve better answers. *** "The Fertility Formula" — Dr. Natalie Crawford’s upcoming book (available now for preorder). About the guest: Dr. Natalie Crawford, MD, is a board-certified OB-GYN and Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility specialist. Known for her evidence-based, compassionate approach, she helps women understand their hormones, fertility, and metabolic health while guiding thousands through IVF, cycle optimization, and reproductive longevity. She is the author of the upcoming book The Fertility Formula. *** Reduce your risk of Alzheimer's with my science-backed protocol for women 30+: https://go.neuroathletics.com.au/brain-code-yt Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for more conversations at the intersection of brain science and performance. I'm committed to bringing you evidence-based insights that you can apply to your own health journey. *** A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts: Cure Hydration You can get 20% off your first order at ⁠https://curehydration.com/neuro⁠ with code NEURO. Huel Get Huel today with this exclusive offer for New Customers of 15% OFF with code neuro at ⁠https://huel.com/⁠neuro (Minimum $75 purchase). Timeline My friends at Timeline are offering 20% off, just for my listeners. Head to ⁠https://timeline.com/neuro⁠ to get started. Hollow Socks For a limited time, Hollow Socks is having a Buy 3, Get 3 Free Sale. Head to ⁠https://Hollowsocks.com⁠ today to check it out. That’s ⁠https://HollowSocks.com⁠ for up to 50% off your order. Jones Road Beauty For a limited time our listeners are getting a free Cool Gloss on their first purchase when they use code NEURO at checkout. Just head to ⁠https://Jonesroadbeauty.com⁠ *** I’m Louisa Nicola — clinical neurophysiologist — Alzheimer’s prevention specialist — founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain — reducing Alzheimer’s risk — and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ *** Topics discussed: 00:00 – Intro 01:26 – Fertility: Not Luck—It’s Health 03:55 – Inflammation: The Hidden Driver of Infertility 07:36 – AMH Explained: Egg Quantity vs. Quality 08:13 – How Eggs Work: The “Vault” & Aging 09:42 – How Inflammation Damages Eggs & Hormones 19:06 – Why No One Teaches Women to Track Cycles 20:14 – Overtraining, Stress & Losing Your Period 23:53 – IVF Explained: What Really Happens 26:55 – Frozen vs. Fresh Embryos & Success Rates 35:06 – Sperm Quality: The Missing Half of Fertility 49:42 – What Every Woman Should Do at 28 or 38 53:06 – Sleep, Stress & Hormones: The Fertility Non-Negotiables Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 4, 2025 · 7 min
The Deadly Truth About Bone Loss: What Women Never Get Told | Dr. Vonda Wright
What if I told you that the moment you break your femur, you have a 30% chance of dying — and a 50% chance of never going home again? In this minisode, I share the most shocking moments from my conversation with orthopedic surgeon and longevity expert Dr. Vonda Wright, and why bone health is one of the biggest blind spots in women’s health. Dr. Wright reveals that “the minute you fall and break this bone… you have a 30% chance of dying from the complications” — pneumonia, UTIs, bedsores — and “a 50% chance of not returning to the home where you came from.” We also break down her viral MRI comparison: the thigh of a sedentary 74-year-old vs. a 40-year-old vs. a 74-year-old triathlete — and how the active 74-year-old looks nearly identical to the 40-year-old. Aging is not the enemy; inaction is. If you’re in your 30s, 40s, or beyond, this is your wake-up call: You can change the trajectory of your health if you start early enough. This episode features highlights from our full conversation, which premiered September 2nd, 2025. Watch the full episode here → https://youtu.be/pUb1z_LJp3g *** Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for more conversations at the intersection of brain science and performance. I'm committed to bringing you evidence-based insights that you can apply to your own health journey. *** I’m Louisa Nicola — clinical neurophysiologist — Alzheimer’s prevention specialist — founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain — reducing Alzheimer’s risk — and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ Topics discussed: 00:00:00 Introduction: The Deadly Truth About Hip Fractures 00:01:08 The Cost of Inaction: Financial and Personal Impact 00:01:28 Building Better Bones: It's Never Too Late 00:02:16 The Power of Resistance Training at Any Age 00:03:00 Starting Early: Lessons for the Next Generation 00:03:22 The Viral MRI: 40-Year-Old vs 74-Year-Old Athletes 00:03:54 Anatomy of Aging: What the MRI Really Shows 00:04:41 Bone as an Endocrine Organ: The Master Communicator 00:05:28 The Silent Crisis: Why We Don't Hear Our Bones 00:06:16 The Menopause Catastrophe: When Estrogen Walks Out Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 2, 2025 · 1 hr 8 min
You’re Not Depressed—You’re Hormonal: The Hidden Women’s Health Crisis | Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz
Millions of women in their 30s–50s are being told they’re “depressed” when their brains and hormones are simply changing. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz to unpack the truth about midlife mood shifts, rage, and the hormonal fluctuations that mimic depression but aren’t the same. We break down the science of perimenopause, why women are so often misdiagnosed, and how decades of excluding women from research left major gaps in understanding how estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone shape the brain. Dr. Gilberg-Lenz reveals how hormonal changes—starting up to ten years before menopause—can transform mood, cognition, and stress, and how modern science is finally catching up to just how powerfully hormones influence the mind. About the guest: Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz is a board-certified OB/GYN and integrative women’s health expert who blends conventional medicine with Ayurvedic training. A USC-trained physician with a residency at Cedars-Sinai, she supports women from adolescence through menopause and is the author of Menopause Bootcamp (Harper Wave, 2022). Her work focuses on demystifying midlife, challenging ageism in healthcare, and empowering women with science-based guidance. Follow Dr. Gilber-Lenz: Instagram: @askdrsuzanne *** Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for more conversations at the intersection of brain science and performance. I'm committed to bringing you evidence-based insights that you can apply to your own health journey. *** A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts: Function Health Visit https://functionhealth.com/louisa or use gift code NEURO100 at sign-up to own your health. Thrive Market Go to https://ThriveMarket.com/neuro to get 30% off your first order, and a free $60 gift Branch Basics Take 15% off your order at https://branchbasics.com/NEURO with promo code NEURO. Bubs Natural For a limited time only, our listeners are getting 20% OFF at https://bubsnaturals.com by using code LOUISA at checkout Vuori Get 20% off your first purchase at https://vuori.com/neuro Rho Nutrition You can get 20% off with the code NEURO at https://rhonutrition.com *** I’m Louisa Nicola — clinical neurophysiologist — Alzheimer’s prevention specialist — founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain — reducing Alzheimer’s risk — and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ Topics discussed: 00:00 – Intro 02:07 – Early Signs of Perimenopause 03:15 – How Hormones Shift in Your 30s–50s 04:32 – Why Anxiety Spikes in Midlife 07:02 – Antidepressants vs. Hormones 09:27 – How Estrogen Shapes Mood & Neurochemistry 11:23 – PMS, PMDD, Postpartum & Perimenopause Overlap 12:25 – Perimenopause Amplifies Existing Issues 18:00 – Estrogen, Progesterone & Testosterone in the Brain 20:45 – AMH, Egg Quality & Fertility After 40 23:17 – Postpartum vs. Perimenopause at 40+ 26:55 – Getting Pregnant on Hormone Therapy 31:19 – Reinventing the Menopause Narrative 34:25 – Gut Health, Microbiome & Hormones 35:30 – Ayurveda’s Role in Midlife Health 37:10 – The Patient Who Transformed Dr. Gilberg-Lenz’s Path 43:08 – Negative Thoughts, Cortisol & Brain Aging 44:23 – Hormone Chaos, Inflammation & Cognitive Decline 48:23 – When Labs Are “Normal” but Symptoms Aren’t 49:53 – How Perimenopause Should Be Treated 51:55 – The Future of Midlife Women’s Healthcare 56:28 – Why the System Fails Women (and How to Navigate It) 58:02 – GLP-1s, Hormones & Longevity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 1, 2025 · 24 min
A Neurophysicist's Holiday Health Guide to Boost Your Brain, Energy, Sleep & Longevity
If you’re heading into the holidays feeling drained or unfocused, this episode is your reset button. Before the year ends, I’m sharing my personal health gift guide—the real tools and rituals I use to support my brain, boost my energy, and improve my sleep. I walk you through the five pillars I rely on: mitochondrial support circadian rhythm, environment and light hygiene lymphatic drainage for clearer thinking sleep optimization blood work From red light therapy and blue-light–blocking tools to electrolytes, creatine, nontoxic cookware, and the blood work I swear by—these are the science-backed wellness picks I’m gifting to myself and the people I love. Let’s head into the new year feeling stronger, clearer, and truly supported. *** Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for more conversations at the intersection of brain science and performance. I'm committed to bringing you evidence-based insights that you can apply to your own health journey. *** A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts: Boncharge: Red Light Face Mask for 25% off sitewide - no code needed. Head to https://boncharge.com/products/red-light-face-mask?rfsn=8835559.ace3e64 Time-line: Save 30% on your Longevity Routine today! This sale ends 12/1 so head to https://www.timeline.com/promotions/bfcm-nutrition?utm_source=neuroexperience&utm_medium=Newsletter&utm_campaign=BFCM&utm_term=TOF&utm_content=Nutrition for 30% off. *** Products mentioned: Brain Code: https://go.neuroathletics.com.au/brain-code Urolithin a: https://www.timeline.com/partners/neuro-athletics Happy Light: https://a.co/d/ePBIExx Boncharge light bulbs: https://boncharge.com/products/full-spectrum-light-bulb Boncharge blue light blocking glasses: Boncharge Blue Light Blocking glasses Boncharge red light panel: https://boncharge.com/products/demi-red-light-device EightSleep: https://www.eightsleep.com/product/pod-cover/ Supplements: Myo-inositol L-theanine GABA Magnesium L-threonate Vibration plate: https://a.co/d/gBsVZ0Z Hyperice Normatec Boots: https://hyperice.com/products/normatec-3-legs/ Creatine: https://puori.com/neuro Cookware: https://Carawayhome.com/neuro Blood work: https://functionhealth.com/louisa I’m Louisa Nicola — clinical neurophysiologist — Alzheimer’s prevention specialist — founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain — reducing Alzheimer’s risk — and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ Topics discussed: 00:00 – Holiday Message & Why Brain Span Matters 01:44 – The Five Pillars of My Wellness Rituals 03:23 – Mitochondrial Health 101 (Foundational Tools) 05:09 – Urolithin A & How I Support Mitochondria 07:44 – Light, Circadian Rhythm & Brain Performance 09:34 – My Night Ritual: Melatonin & Blue Light Blocking 13:25 – Why I Use Red Light & Infrared Therapy Daily 15:41 – Sleep Rituals for Deep Recovery 17:52 – Lymphatic Drainage for Brain Fog & Alzheimer’s Risk 19:45 – Creatine for Energy & Sleep Deprivation Support 20:47 – Micro Habits: Hydration, Breathwork & Training 22:52 – Non-Toxic Cooking: Why I Switched to Caraway 23:35 – Bloodwork Every Four Months (My #1 Health Gift) 24:07 – Final Thoughts & Holiday Wishes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices