I talk about the gut microbiome the way I talk about an internal ecosystem that literally runs as the core of our health. When your microbiome is strong and diverse, many other systems in the body function better. When it loses diversity you lose functions. The good news is that many of those functions can be restored if we understand what harms the microbiome and what helps it heal. Where the microbiome begins Our microbial story likely starts before birth, but the first maj

I am delighted to connect with Dr. Andrea Matsumura today. Dr. Matsumura, affectionately known as the Sleep Goddess, is a board-certified sleep medicine physician, menopause expert, speaker, and the founder of the Dream Sleep Method.  In our conversation today, we explore how different life stages impact our sleep quality. We discuss the effects of wearable technology, orthosomnia, and sleep stages, and explain why sleep quality is more important than its quantity. Dr. Matsum

I believe we are in the middle of a hidden epidemic: brain inflammation driven largely by what we eat. Excess body fat, largely produced by diets full of ultra-processed foods, creates inflammation that reaches the brain—especially the hypothalamus—and then feeds back, making metabolism, appetite, and fat storage worse. That vicious cycle helps explain why so many of us struggle to lose weight and maintain health. What are ultra-processed foods and why do they matter? Humans

I am thrilled to reconnect with my dear friend, Dr. Stephanie Estima, today. In this episode, we dive into questions from listeners once more, exploring topics that range from navigating the challenges of perimenopause and parenting to shifting perspectives on fasting, nutrition, and changes in hunger and thirst cues, especially during perimenopause and menopause. We also examine how dairy may become an inflammatory food item in midlife, the benefits of hormesis, hormone ther

The problem: an acute care system facing chronic problems Our current medical model was built for acute, life-saving care. That system excels when you need a trauma center, an emergency procedure, or immediate diagnostic intervention. But it was never designed to manage the rising tide of chronic disease driven largely by lifestyle. We are facing a perfect storm: an aging population, growing rates of chronic conditions, and a looming workforce shortage. The American Medical A

I have received many requests for a masterclass on the gut microbiome, so I am excited to share one with you today. In our masterclass today, I discuss the microgenderome, explaining how the gut microbiome changes throughout our lives, during puberty, pregnancy, and perimenopause. I cover the key shifts in the microbiome that occur, especially as estrogen and progesterone fluctuate. I unpack the symptoms women experience that indicate their microbiome may be non-optimized, of

Menopause and the perimenopausal transition are among the most misunderstood and undertreated phases of a woman’s life. Too often decisions about hormones are driven by fear rather than balanced data. I speak from both clinical experience and personal history: I am a clinician who has treated countless women through these transitions and a long‑term breast cancer survivor who has had to make nuanced decisions about hormone therapy for myself. My goal here is simple—give you c

Today, we have another episode in a series of conversations with experts and highly vetted companies. In this episode, we feature   CocoaVia , a brand of cocoa flavanol supplements made from a proprietary cocoa extract that aims to support cognition and heart health. I am delighted to welcome Dr. Amy Shah, who trained at Cornell, Harvard, and Columbia. Dr. Shah is a well-known expert on metabolic health and intermittent fasting. With a background in internal medicine, allergi

I want to talk plainly about what we have gotten wrong for decades when it comes to menopause, hormone therapy, and how fear—especially fear of breast cancer—has shaped care for millions of women. I speak as a clinician and as someone who has lived through breast cancer and premature menopause. My aim here is practical: explain the physiology, clear up the misleading headlines, and give you the context to advocate for better care. How one study changed everything—and why the

As a nurse practitioner, I feel a deep responsibility to my listeners and community to ensure that every guest I bring on shares accurate, evidence-based information. A few months ago, I decided to remove two podcasts from earlier this year to make way for an expert who could speak specifically and authoritatively on breast cancer health. So, I am honored to welcome Dr. Robin Roth today, better known as The Boobie Docs, on her popular breast health social media platform, wher