[Sleep] Stress, Psychedelics, and Brain Health w/ Dr. Kirk Parsley, Anders Varner, Doug Larson, and Coach Travis Mash #763

Sep 4, 2024

Dr. Kirk Parsley, a former SEAL and sleep medicine expert, discusses the profound link between sleep, performance, and brain health. He shares insights on aging in high-stress environments, particularly addressing veterans' unique health challenges. The conversation shifts to the overlooked importance of sleep, its impact on mental well-being, and innovative treatments for brain trauma. They also explore the therapeutic potential of psychedelics for stress relief and neuroplasticity, alongside practical tips for improving sleep quality and overall wellness.

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Intro

00:00 • 2min

Aging and Adaptation in the SEALs

02:20 • 9min

The Overlooked Importance of Sleep in High-Stress Environments

11:30 • 5min

The Complexities of Sleep and Brain Health

16:28 • 22min

Exploring the Therapeutic Power of Psychedelics

38:05 • 24min

Enhancing Brain Health for Optimal Performance

01:02:29 • 12min

Challenges of Life: From Rubik's Cubes to Sleep Solutions

01:14:30 • 2min

Exploring Sleep Physiology and Supplements for Enhanced Rest

01:16:06 • 5min

Creating Kid-Friendly Supplements and Podcast Memories

01:21:32 • 3min

Kirk Parsley served as an Undersea Medical Officer at Naval Special Warfare Group One from June 2009 to January 2013. While there, he led the development and supervised the group’s first Sports Medicine Rehabilitation center. He is a former SEAL, and received his Medical Degree from Bethesda, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences (USUHS) in 2004.

He interned in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Balboa Naval Hospital San Diego in 2005 and subsequently completed a Navy residency in Hyperbarics and Diving Medicine in 2006.

Dr. Parsley has been a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine since 2006 and served as Naval Special Warfare’s expert on Sleep Medicine. In addition he is certified in hormonal modulation (Age-Management Medicine).

After leaving the Navy he went into concierge medicine and consulting. He continues to consult for multiple corporations, and professional athletes/teams. Doctor Parsley lectures worldwide on sleep, wellness, and hormonal optimization and is currently completing a book on sleep and health optimization.

His philosophy for wellness is simple; in order to optimize our health and get the most out of our bodies and minds, we must live more closely to the way we evolved as a species. He believes that many diseases and disorders that we accept as “inevitable” in modern society are unnecessary complications of poor sleeping habits, living in a toxic environment, eating foods we were not designed to digest, and allowing stress to overwhelm us. His passion is to help his patients and clients achieve the highest quality of life possible, and realize their health, performance, and longevity goals.

Dr. Parsley spends as much of his spare time as possible with his wife Cindy, and his three beautiful children (Hayden, Cole, and Harper). He has been a competitive athlete his entire life, and enjoys nearly all outdoor activities and sports.

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