Ep. 344 Lipid Masterclass: A Deep Dive into Our Cardiovascular Needs with Dr. Thomas Dayspring 

Dr. Thomas Dayspring is certified in internal medicine and clinical lipidology. He is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and the National Lipid Association. He joins me today for the second class in our series of Lipid Masterclasses.
In today’s class, Dr. Dayspring shares valuable insights on cardiovascular health and lipid management. We dive into the complexities of cardiovascular disease, focusing on lipoproteins, atherogenesis progression, and its implications on myocardial infarctions (heart attacks). He explains the mechanisms of ApoB invasion into arterial walls and discusses the critical importance of finding competent healthcare providers, particularly for women navigating the perimenopausal to menopausal transition. He also gets into the limitations of bikini medicine, and we tackle pertinent issues surrounding hormone replacement therapy, including potential side effects and clinical observations.
Dr. Dayspring has a wealth of information to share today, and we have several additional masterclasses coming up to follow this class. Be sure to tune in for those episodes.

Ep. 343 The Autoimmune Cure: Trauma’s Connection to Autoimmunity with Dr. Sara Gottfried

Today, I am delighted to reconnect with Dr. Sara Gottfried, a board-certified physician practicing evidence-based integrative precision and functional medicine. (She last joined me for Episode 211.)
Dr. Gottfried graduated from Harvard and MIT. She is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Integrative Medicine and Nutritional Sciences at Thomas Jefferson University and the Director of Precision Medicine at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health. She is also the author of four New York Times best-selling books, including her recent publication, The Autoimmune Cure.
In our discussion today, we discuss the interrelationship between trauma and autoimmunity, highlighting its prevalence, particularly among women. We dive into the impact of trauma, explaining its correlation with autoimmune conditions and demystifying the role of the PINE network (the Psycho Immune Neuro Endocrine system). We explore triggers for perimenopause and menopause, gender differences specific to the changes in immunity and vulnerability in women, the consequences of burnout in various professions, the shortcomings of conventional allopathic methods in addressing mental health and trauma, and immunomodulation, including vitamins, polyphenols, low-dose Naltrexone, and somatic-based therapies.
With Dr. Gottfried’s invaluable insights into crucial health topics, this episode is a must-listen. Stay tuned for more!

Ep. 342 Understanding Menopause: Hormonal Shifts in Women’s Brains with Dr. Lisa Mosconi

I am delighted and honored today to interview Dr. Lisa Mosconi. She is an Associate Professor of Neuroscience in neurology and radiology at Cornell Medicine and Director of the Women’s BRAIN Initiative and the Alzheimer’s Prevention Clinic at Weill Cornell Medicine, New York Presbyterian Hospital. She is also a globally acclaimed neuroscientist with a Ph.D. in neuroscience and nuclear medicine and the author of the New York Times bestseller The XX Brain and, more recently, The Menopause Brain.
In our conversation, we discuss how women’s brains change during perimenopause and menopause, looking at the significance of puberty, pregnancy, and perimenopause, as well as the lack of medical research on women and medical gaslighting. We explore the concept of bikini medicine and its misconceptions regarding women’s health and hormones alongside the crucial roles of hormones like estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone in our neuroendocrine system. Dr. Mosconi also provides insights into evolving menopausal treatments, including lifestyle interventions.
Dr. Mosconi is an esteemed figure in neuroscience and a prominent voice in women’s health. I am confident you will gain valuable insights and perspectives from my discussion with her today.

Ep. 341 Mastering Your Mind: A Deep Dive into Confidence and Mindset with Craig Siegel

Today’s episode is a true gem! I am thrilled to introduce Craig Siegel, the Wall Street Journal and USA Today Best Selling Author of The Reinvention Formula. Craig is recognized globally as a keynote speaker, TEDx speaker, and host of the CLS Experience Podcast, where he has conversed with some of the most influential figures in the world. Having the privilege of being a guest on his show in 2023, I am delighted to have Craig joining me today to share his remarkable insights and discuss his inspiring journey.
In our conversation today, Craig shares how the pandemic became a catalyst for his evolution, which he refers to as his global awakening. We explore the importance of setting audacious goals and the transformative power of vulnerability. We also look into neuro-linguistic programming and clarify how it can cultivate confidence and reframe your mindset. We also discuss the role of adversity, ego dynamics, and why service implies love, and creates a lasting legacy.
This conversation will infuse your year with invaluable wisdom, and I look forward to additional collaborations with Craig going forward.

Ep. 340 AMA: Creatine’s Impact on Metabolic Health and Wellness with Dr. Darren Candow

Today, I am delighted to reconnect with two previous guests, Dr. Darren Candow.
Dr. Candow is a distinguished professor and an internationally renowned researcher on creatine monohydrate, nutrition, and physical activity who joined me before on Episode 301, where we spoke about creatine.
We are doing an AMA session today, delving into various themes surrounding creatine, from debunking outdated RDA recommendations to exploring the synergies between strength training and creatine efficacy. We look into the cognitive benefits of creatine, exploring how it interacts with caffeine and its implications for bone health, hydration, anabolic resistance, and metabolic health.
I trust you will find today’s AMA session as enlightening and enriching as I did while recording it.

Ep. 339 Decoding DNA: Genes, Mood, and Health Impact with Kashif Khan

Today, I have the privilege of engaging with Kashif Khan.
Kashif is the author of The DNA Way. He is also a two-time TEDx speaker, a celebrity longevity coach, and Founder of The DNA Company, an innovative company at the forefront of personalized medicine that has leveraged unique insights into the human genome.
In our conversation today, we dive into the impact of our current healthcare system and share daily practices to help men and women enhance their longevity. We discuss the genome, considerations for bio-individuality and genetics, and how mood and behavior impact our overall well-being. Kashif also addresses some issues women face in midlife, including sleep problems, weight loss resistance, and bone health.
I am sure anyone seeking a deeper understanding of these matters will find our discussion significant and most valuable.

Ep. 338 ‘How to Be the Love You Seek’: Decoding Self-Love and Beliefs with Dr. Nicole LePera

Today, I have the privilege of connecting with Dr. Nicole LePera, the Holistic Psychologist.
Dr. LePera did her clinical psychology training at Cornell University. She has touched the lives of countless individuals seeking growth and transformation through her popular Instagram account and has written several self-help books, including How to Do the Work and How to Be the Love You Seek.
In our discussion today, we dive into the current impact of our childhood experiences, exploring crises of faith, the dark night of the soul, inner child archetypes, and shame. Dr. LePera sheds light on the dynamics of dysfunctional patterns, triggers, and regression while also examining the role of generational and systemic beliefs, trauma, and the emerging science of heart-brain coherence and heart rate variability, sharing practical tips for cultivating presence in our bodies to assist us in processing our emotions.
Dr. LePera’s work has been profoundly instrumental in my personal development journey, and I know you will find our conversation enlightening and enriching.

Ep. 337 Transform Your Life with Practical Optimism with Dr. Sue Varma

Today, I have the pleasure of connecting with Dr. Sue Varma.
Dr. Varma is a privately-practicing board-certified psychiatrist and a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at New York University. She is a nationally acclaimed keynote speaker, medical contributor, media consultant, and advisor to leading television networks and programs.
In our discussion today, we examine the impact of shared life experiences like 9/11 and the pandemic, exploring the role of PTSD and the effects of practical optimism, self-care, and self-reliance. We discuss optimism, its inheritability, and the significance of milestones for women, including transitioning from high school to college, navigating midlife, and addressing feelings of loneliness. We also look into purpose and compassion, the complexities of processing emotions, the challenges of the perfectionism façade, the role of trauma, ACE scores, autoimmunity, and the benefits of mindfulness and meditation.
Stay tuned for more!

Ep. 336 Lipid Masterclass: An Introduction to Lipids and Cholesterol with Dr. Thomas Dayspring

Today, I am excited to share the first class in a series of lipid masterclasses with the amazing Dr. Thomas Dayspring!
Dr. Dayspring is certified in internal medicine and clinical epidemiology and is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and the National Lipid Association. He was previously the Educational Director of a nonprofit organization and has served as the Chief Academic Advisor for two major cardiovascular labs.
Due to the in-depth nature of my discussions with Dr. Dayspring over several sessions, each lasting nearly six hours, it seemed logical to present these masterclasses in segmented chunks to make them easier to understand.
In our first class today, we dive into the fundamentals, exploring what lipids are and how lipids and fatty acids are classified. We cover the physiology and transportation of cholesterol and the role of apoptosis, apo-proteins, and apo-lipoproteins, unravel the differences between HDL, LDL, IDL, and VLDL, and explain how to calculate LDLs and triglycerides for assessing metabolic health. Dr. Dayspring also shares his preferences regarding lab values and the indicators that provide information to help him determine the early risk of cardiovascular disease.
We get into some detailed aspects of physical chemistry in this episode, so I highlight the main clinical points throughout our conversation to make it more understandable.
Be sure to join Dr. Dayspring and me for our next episode in the lipid masterclass series.

Ep. 335 Gut Check: Understanding Gut Diversity, Leaky Gut and Ways to Heal with Dr. Steven Gundry

I am delighted to reconnect with Dr. Steven Gundry today. He last joined me for episode 236.
Dr. Gundry is one of the world’s leading cardiothoracic surgeons and a nutrition pioneer. He hosts the highly acclaimed Dr. Gundry Podcast, on which I was honored to be a featured guest. He is the Founder and Director of the International Heart and Lung Institute Center for Restorative Medicine and the author of several New York Times bestselling books, including his most recent, Gut Check.
In our conversation, we dive into gut diversity, exploring the interrelationship between specific parasitic organisms like toxoplasmosis and behavior. We share information on mitochondrial DNA and polyphenols and uncover the synergistic relationships they share with our gut microbiome. We also get into Resveratrol and Urolithin A and discuss pre-, pro-, and post-biotics, the impact of leaky gut, glyphosate, statin therapy, and Dr. Gundry’s new Gut Check program.
I am honored to facilitate this insightful dialogue with Dr. Steven Gundry and feel confident you will find it as engaging as I did while recording.