Épisodes

  • Ep. 481 Alcohol’s Impact on the Brain, Hormones, and Cancer Risk with Dr. Brooke Scheller

    Ep. 481 Alcohol’s Impact on the Brain, Hormones, and Cancer Risk with Dr. Brooke Scheller
    Jul 9 2025
    I am delighted to reconnect with Dr. Brooke Scheller today. She is a doctor of Clinical Nutrition, an author, and the founder of Functional Sobriety, a nutrition-based program for alcohol reduction. In our discussion, we explore current trends and shifts in alcohol use and what it means to be sober-curious. Dr. Scheller shares insights on how to have conversations about alcohol use with teenagers and young adults, on recognizing the signs of blackouts and binge drinking, and on the brain changes and elevated cancer risks associated with alcohol use. She also offers her perspective on using GLP-1s to reduce or prevent alcohol cravings, highlights the physiological differences in how alcohol affects men and women, and clarifies how to support the natural detoxification pathways of the body when consuming alcohol or navigating a sober-curious lifestyle. This valuable and insightful conversation with Dr. Brooke Scheller is essential listening for anyone seeking a healthier approach to alcohol use. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How awareness and acceptance of sobriety and reduced alcohol consumption are growing The value of approaching alcohol reduction as a proactive health decision The long-term effects of alcohol on cortisol levels and overall health The importance of addressing your relationship with alcohol before counseling teenagers or young adults on alcohol use The potential neurological risks and brain effects of long-term alcohol use How alcohol use is linked to seven types of cancer The potential benefits and limitations of GLP-1s for managing alcohol cravings The different ways in which alcohol affects men and women Some simple ways to support detoxification Bio: Brooke Scheller, DCN, CNS Dr. Brooke Scheller, Doctor of Clinical Nutrition, stands at the forefront of a transformative movement in health and wellness. As the esteemed founder of Functional Sobriety and the author of "How to Eat to Change How You Drink," Dr. Scheller has dedicated her career to revolutionizing the approach to alcohol recovery and holistic well-being. Inspired by her journey to sobriety in 2021, Dr. Scheller embarked on a mission to empower others to reclaim their lives through nutrition and functional medicine. Drawing upon her extensive expertise, she crafted an innovative approach that not only liberates individuals from the grips of alcohol but also fosters profound improvements in brain health, mood regulation, energy levels, focus, gut health, and hormone balance. In 2022, Dr. Scheller launched Functional Sobriety, a groundbreaking approach that has since garnered global recognition and acclaim. Serving as a beacon of hope for those seeking an alcohol-free lifestyle, Functional Sobriety provides a comprehensive platform encompassing a supportive wellness community, educational resources on alcohol recovery through nutrition, and pioneering custom supplement solutions tailored for both the sober and the sober-curious. Beyond her role as a visionary entrepreneur, Dr. Scheller is a motivational speaker, captivating audiences with her passionate advocacy for functional nutrition, alcohol-free wellness, and the transformative power of sobriety. For further insights and guidance on your journey to wellness, connect with Dr. Brooke Scheller on Instagram (@drbrookescheller) or visit her websites at brookescheller.com and functionalsobriety.com. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Brooke Scheller On her website Book website Instagram Substack
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    57 min
  • BONUS: Ozempic: Exploring the Benefits and Uses - A Comprehensive Review with Dr. Tracy Gapin

    BONUS: Ozempic: Exploring the Benefits and Uses - A Comprehensive Review with Dr. Tracy Gapin
    Jul 7 2025
    I am honored to reconnect with Dr. Tracy Gapin today. He is a board-certified urologist and men’s health expert. The current state of metabolic health in the United States and most Westernized countries has sparked a great interest in a GLP1 agonist, AKA Semaglutide Ozempic. I wanted to speak with a clinician who actively uses this medication. Dr. Gapin and I discuss what this drug class represents. (These are synthetic peptides.) We speak about Semaglutide, Ozempic, Wegovy, and oral Rybelsus. We get into current research, side effects, who should not take these medications, the mechanisms of action specific to the pancreas and beta cells, reductions, gastric emptying, and the upregulation of satiety. We discuss changes in the brain regarding leptin and how these drugs work. We also talk about weight loss resistance, and I answer questions from listeners. From my perspective, it all comes back to basics. I believe that if we are to prescribe these medications, we must help our patients understand how lifestyle impacts weight-loss resistance and metabolic health. I loved that Dr. Tracy spent some time talking about the specific ways he works with his patients, even before prescribing medications. He also explains how important he feels this drug has been for his patients. I approached today’s conversation with an open mind, and I hope you will do the same. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: GLP1 agonists, and how they help Dr. Tracy motivate his patients to lose weight What are GLP1 agonists, and how do they work? Physical benefits of GLP1 agonists Who is Semaglutide not appropriate for? Common side-effects of GLP1 agonists How those who fail to implement lifestyle changes when they stop using Semaglutide may regain all the weight they lost Hydration while using Semaglutide Protein intake when taking Semaglutide How to follow the metrics that matter Factors that could hinder successful weight loss What Dr. Tracy does to ensure his patients do not regain the weight they lost after they stop using Semaglutide Listener questions: Why is a diabetic drug being used for non-diabetics? Does this drug target muscle versus fat in terms of weight loss? For how long do most patients take it? Are there unique characteristics in perimenopausal and menopausal women that must be accounted for differently? Bio: Dr. Tracy Gapin is a board-certified urologist and a world-renowned expert in men’s health and performance, as well as the founder of the Gapin Institute, the global leader in High-Performance Health. He has over 20 years of experience focused on men’s health optimization, human performance, and longevity, providing executives & entrepreneurs a personalized path to fulfill their highest potential. He’s been featured in Entrepreneur, Dave Asprey’s Biohacking Conference, and as a TEDx speaker. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on⁠ Twitter⁠,⁠ Instagram⁠ &⁠ LinkedIn⁠ Check out Cynthia’s⁠ website⁠ Connect with Tracy Gapin On his⁠ website⁠ ⁠Gapin Institute⁠
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    53 min
  • Ep. 480 Can You Reverse Menopause? What the Science Says with Zora Benhamou

    Ep. 480 Can You Reverse Menopause? What the Science Says with Zora Benhamou
    Jul 5 2025
    I am thrilled to connect with Zora Benhamou today. She is a gerontologist and biohacker, dedicated to challenging stigmatized views of menopause and ageist stereotypes. She is also the host of the Hack My Age podcast, which focuses on empowering women navigating the menopause transition through biohacking techniques. In our discussion, we cover various factors that influence menopausal timing and question whether it is possible to reverse menopause. We dive into midlife biohacks, such as blood-flow restriction bands, that deliver real results, and explore health optimization, how people become super agers, and the benefits of peptides, exosomes, and HRT. We also examine the issue of loneliness and clarify why mindset is crucial for aging with resilience. This conversation is full of insights and takeaways, so you will likely return to it more than once. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Factors that could influence the menopause transition How stress and trauma can impact menopause timing The necessity of cultivating positive relationships How loneliness affects health Importance of challenging the brain with new activities as we age Zora explains where gadgets fit into her biohacking pyramid The value of training with blood flow restriction bands A closer look at the benefits of peptides How a positive attitude toward aging can lead to a longer lifespan Power of finding joy and humor in challenging times Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Zora Benhamou On her website
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    1 h et 11 min
  • Ep. 479 The Ultimate Progesterone Masterclass for Women with Cynthia Thurlow, NP

    Ep. 479 The Ultimate Progesterone Masterclass for Women with Cynthia Thurlow, NP
    Jul 2 2025
    We have a mashup episode today with Dr. Lindsey Berkson and Dr. Scott Sherr sharing their insights on the powerful role progesterone plays in overall health and its critical connection to the brain and nervous system. Dr. Berkson highlights how progesterone supports brain function, immunity, cardiovascular health, nerve repair, and gut integrity and explains how chronic stress and environmental toxins contribute to widespread progesterone deficiency, even in young people. She also challenges outdated hormone practices and stresses the importance of maintaining optimal levels throughout life. Dr. Sherr clarifies how progesterone enhances the calming neurotransmitter GABA, explaining that as progesterone declines, GABA activity drops, leading to anxiety, sleep issues, and mood changes. He recommends natural ways to support GABA and highlights the benefits of using safe, plant-based modulators instead of alcohol or sedatives that deplete GABA and can cause dependency. Join us for expert advice on balancing hormones, calming the nervous system, and supporting your body through hormonal transitions. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Lindsey Berkson On her website Find Dr. Berkson’s books on Amazon Connect with Dr. Scott Sherr Hyperbaric Medical Solutions Health Optimization Medicine and Practice Dr. Scott Sherr on Instagram Troscriptions One Base Health
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    1 h et 12 min
  • BONUS: Eat Like A Human: What Should We Eat? with Dr. Bill Schindler

    BONUS: Eat Like A Human: What Should We Eat? with Dr. Bill Schindler
    Jun 30 2025
    I’m excited to connect with Dr. Bill Schindler today! He is the author of Eat Like a Human: Nourishing Foods and Ancient Ways of Cooking to Revolutionize Your Health. He is also an internationally known archaeologist, primitive technologist, chef, and co-founder of Modern Stone Age Kitchen. Dr. Schindler is all about helping people understand ancestral approaches to maximizing safety, nutrient density, and bioavailability. In this episode, we delve into his background and explore topics such as what we should eat, milestones related to ancestral health perspectives, nutrient density, bioavailability, and how technology has influenced our eating habits today. We also discuss plant toxins, organ meats, dairy, bug protein, and more. I loved Dr. Schindler’s book, Eat Like a Human: Nourishing Foods and Ancient Ways of Cooking to Revolutionize Your Health, and I highly recommend checking it out! I hope you enjoy listening to our fascinating conversation. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: From being a wrestler to having an evolutionary perspective on food, how we interact with it, and living a paleolithic lifestyle How important evolutionary milestones have impacted the way most people eat. Most of us have become severely disconnected from our food system. What plant toxins do to our bodies, and what we can do to make them less toxic The biggest problem with oxalates. Changes that may contribute to people becoming intolerant to dairy What is the difference between raw milk and pasteurized and homogenized milk? How to safely get the maximum nutrition from dairy Ways to prepare organ meats and offal to make them more appetizing. We can benefit from including insects in our diet. Dr. Schindler explains what he and his family are doing at the Modern Stone Age Kitchen. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on ⁠X⁠ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠ Check out Cynthia’s⁠ ⁠website⁠⁠ Connect with Dr. Bill Schindler On his websites:⁠ ⁠www.eatlikeahuman.com⁠⁠ or⁠ ⁠www.modernstoneagekitchen.com⁠⁠ ⁠⁠The Eastern Shore Food Lab Non-profit⁠⁠ Follow Dr. Schindler online: @Dr. Bill Schindler and @Modern Stone Age Kitchen Eat Like a Human: Nourishing Foods and Ancient Ways of Cooking to Revolutionize Your Health is available in print, audio, or digital from any major online book supplier. Or order a signed copy from⁠ ⁠Dr. Schindler’s website⁠⁠.
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    1 h et 4 min
  • Ep. 478 Thyroid Truths: Labs, Adrenals & Appetite Explained with McCall McPherson, PA-C

    Ep. 478 Thyroid Truths: Labs, Adrenals & Appetite Explained with McCall McPherson, PA-C
    Jun 28 2025
    Today, I am thrilled to reconnect with McCall McPherson, the visionary behind Modern Thyroid Clinic, a thyroid-centered functional medicine practice, and the owner and Chief Hope Giver of Thyroid Nation. She is also a frequent guest on podcasts and summits and is the host of the Thyroid Nation Podcast. In our discussion, we explore common thyroid misconceptions, the importance of lab timing, the impact of defensive ideologies and traditional allopathic medicine within endocrinology, and the connection between thyroid and adrenal health. McCall shares some of her favorite methods of support, highlighting the importance of resting your way out of adrenal health issues, and offers her take on various lifestyle measures and alcohol use. We also dive into appetite regulation, hunger, metabolic hibernation, and recent research on microdosing with GLP-1s. This conversation with McCall McPherson is exceptionally valuable and worth revisiting more than once. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why thyroid testing must be done when levels peak Various challenges with the traditional endocrinology approach How we need a broader understanding of thyroid health beyond TSH levels alone Some common misconceptions surrounding thyroid health How T3 and T4 impact thyroid health outcomes McCall clarifies the concept of normal thyroid levels, highlighting the need for optimal thyroid function The link between thyroid and adrenal health What happens when people in a prolonged hypothyroid state go into metabolic hibernation? Some helpful strategies for supporting adrenal health The benefits of microdosing with GLP-1s How alcohol affects thyroid and adrenal health Bio: McCall McPherson is the founder of Modern Thyroid Clinic, a thyroid-centered functional medicine practice in Austin, Texas, and the owner and Chief-Hope-Giver of Thyroid Nation. She is a physician assistant, TEDx speaker, and a thyroid expert, having been a thyroid patient herself. Her passion is helping women rebuild their lives from the devastating effects of thyroid and hormonal disorders. Her philosophy is simple: There is no reason to still have thyroid symptoms. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with McCall McPherson Modern Thyroid Clinic On Instagram and TikTok Modern Thyroid and Wellness Podcast Thyroid Lab Guide
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    1 h et 2 min
  • Ep. 477 Breaking the Silence: Abuse, Trauma & Healing with Eamon Dolan

    Ep. 477 Breaking the Silence: Abuse, Trauma & Healing with Eamon Dolan
    Jun 25 2025
    I am honored to connect with Eamon Dolan today. Eamon is a book editor and is currently the Vice President and Executive Editor at Simon and Schuster. In our conversation, we discuss Eamon's book, The Power of Parting, where he explores the often-overlooked realities of abuse, shedding light on the lack of education and understanding of various types of abuse, including physical, sexual, psychological, and neglect. We explore the effects of shame, the silent conspiracy that surrounds abuse, and ways in which neuroplasticity and intentional parenting can help break generational cycles. We examine the effects of complex PTSD, adverse childhood experiences, and the connection between early trauma and physical ailments like autoimmune disorders, reproductive challenges, and digestive issues. We also reflect on our roles in childhood, how abuse shapes the developing brain, the dangers of gaslighting, and the traits of narcissistic personality disorder. In this candid and personal conversation, I share my childhood and what I witnessed while growing up with Eamon, hoping to offer clarity, comfort, and a sense of connection to anyone facing similar challenges. The Power of Parting is an essential read, particularly for those of us navigating the lasting effects of childhood abuse. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: The culture of silence surrounding abuse has led to many cases going unheard and unreported Neurological and psychological effects of abuse Humans are wired to form family bonds with strangers. How abusive and chaotic environments often become normalized for those living within them Why survivors of abuse need to reframe their family relationships Statistics on abuse survivors and the likelihood of breaking abuse cycles Traumatic stress disorder vs.PTSD? Gaslighting is not benign. How abused children tend to rationalize mistreatment, believing it comes from love Holding family members to the same standards as friends Breaking free from toxic relationships Bio: Eamon Dolan has worked as an editor at HarperCollins, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, and Penguin Press. He is currently Vice President & Executive Editor at Simon & Schuster. He’s also a professional photographer whose work has been shown at the International Center of Photography and elsewhere. He lives in Brooklyn, New York. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Eamon Dolan On Instagram Eamon’s book, The Power of Parting, can be bought from most good bookstores.
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    1 h et 13 min
  • BONUS: A Unique Perspective on Perimenopause and Menopause with Dr. Louann Brizendine

    BONUS: A Unique Perspective on Perimenopause and Menopause with Dr. Louann Brizendine
    Jun 23 2025
    I was happy to connect with Dr. Louann Brizendine today! She is the founder of the Women’s Mood and Hormone Clinic at UCSF. She completed her degree in Neurobiology at the University of California, Berkeley, graduated from Yale School of Medicine, and completed her internship and residency at Harvard Medical School. She also served on the faculty of Harvard University and the University of California, San Francisco. Dr. Brizendine founded the Women’s Mood and Hormone Clinic at UCSF. Her New York Times bestseller, The Female Brain, and its follow-up, The Male Brain, continue to be read worldwide. Today, we dive deeply into her new book, The Upgrade: How the Female Brain Gets Stronger and Better in Midlife and Beyond, which was released in April 2022. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: The transition and the upgrade stage of life explained Celebrating the transitional time of life and not fearing it How hormones help guide behavior Transition Stages 1,2,3 and what they mean Then onward to the 3 stages of "The Upgrade" Estrogen fluctuations that affect sleep Be aware of caffeine in your food and drinks and how it may affect your sleep. If you are having a problem staying asleep, you may want to cut back on alcohol or drink it earlier in the day. The Women’s Health Initiative - (almost 20 years ago) disastrous misinterpretations and negative implications it caused by instilling fear in women to not use Estrogen - including osteoporosis, brain fog, anxiety, and sleep disruptions Hormone Replacement Therapy - now viewed as a positive and much-needed step in women’s health Women between the ages of 40-50 should get a bone density scan as one of the determining factors of whether or not to begin hormone replacement therapy. Dr. Brizendine suggests that women should not be fearful of using therapies today to help balance hormones. Cynthia discusses the loss of cognition later in life as another correlative symptom of not receiving needed hormones. Dr. Brizendine advocates doing your own research regarding HRT and not depending only on information from major pharmaceutical companies. Cynthia and Dr. Brizendine discuss the importance of keeping an open mind when it comes to synthetic hormones because of the good they can do. If you are not well and do not feel like you can go on, please, immediately, seek out a doctor who can prescribe medications or hormones to help your particular and unique situation. Be your best and do not suffer in silence any longer. Cynthia says the transitional time of life should and can be a very good time in your life. Consider reading Dr. Brizendine’s book(s) to learn more and to keep it as a valuable resource. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, ⁠Instagram⁠ & ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Check out Cynthia’s ⁠website⁠ Connect with Dr. Brizendine ⁠Website⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠ ⁠TikTok⁠ Dr. Louann Brizendine’s Books ⁠The Upgrade⁠ (newest book) ⁠The Female Brain⁠ ⁠The Male Brain⁠ Resource Mentioned ⁠NAMS - North American Menopause Website
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    1 h et 3 min