
The Neuro Experience
This podcast interviews the best experts in the world to bring emerging themes in athletic performance, neurology, sleep physiology and medicine. Louisa regularly consults for technology development companies, professional athletic organizations and consults with the biggest names in NBA, MLB and NFL. Louisa is on the scientific advisory board of Tonal, Hone Health, Klora and Momentous. Find Louisa on Instagram @louisanicola_
Latest episodes

23 snips
Sep 30, 2022 • 24min
Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Brain Health
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that are required by the human body. There are three main types of omega-3 fatty acids:Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) Found in flaxseed oil and chia seed oilEicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)In short: ALA⇒ EPA⇒ DHAYour body isn’t good at producing omega-3s. That’s why they’re called essential fatty acids—you have to get them from food or supplements.In this solo episode I will: 1. Break down what Omega 3 fatty acids are.2. Talk about 2 studies that were done on the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids and the brain3. Dosage requirements needed to achieve these desired results 4. Where to source your Omega'3's from Sponsors:KETONE-IQ- 20% DISCOUNT - NEUROhttps://hvmn.me/NeuroYou can follow me or contact me here ---Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0Instagram: louisanicola_Twitter : louisanicola_YouTube: Louisa NicolaThe information provided in this show is not medical advice, nor should it be taken or applied as a replacement for medical advice. The Neuro Experience podcast, its employees, guests and affiliates assume no liability for the application of the information discussed.The Neuro Athletics Newsletter Instagram: @louisanicola_Twitter : @louisanicola_YouTube: @Louisa NicolaThe Neuro Experience Podcast is proud to have hosted: Dr Andrew Huberman, Dr Gabrielle Lyon, Dr Layne Norton, Thomas DeLauer, Shawn Stevenson, Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen, Saad Alam, Uma Naidoo, Dr. Lanna Cheuck, Angela Lee Pucci, Jillian Turecki, Dr. Jordan Feigenbaum, Dr. Darren Candow, Dr. Sue Varma, Evy Poumpouras, Dr Casey Means, Renee Deehan, Dr Chris Palmer, Dr Charles Brenner, Dr Joe Zundell, Dr Ray Dorsy, Dr Dale Bredeson, Dr. Ben Bikman

Sep 26, 2022 • 40min
Optimise Your Gut Health with Dr. Kirten Parekh
There are around 40 trillion bacteria in your body, most of which are found in your gut.Collectively, they are known as your gut microbiome, and they’re incredibly important for overall health. However, certain types of bacteria in your intestines can also contribute to many diseases.In this episode I speak with Dr Kirten Parekh from Klora about optimising your gut health so you can have a better performing brain.In this episode we discuss:What is the gut microbiomeWhat is dysbiosis?How does the gut communicate with the brain?What is wrong with our food system ?How does disease in the gut start?What are pre, pro and post biotics?How can we have a better gut microbiome?Sponsors:KETONE-IQ- 20% DISCOUNT - NEUROhttps://hvmn.me/NeuroEight Sleep: $150 off - NEUROhttps://www.eightsleep.com/neuroYou can follow me or contact me here ---Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0Instagram: louisanicola_Twitter : louisanicola_YouTube: Louisa NicolaThe information provided in this show is not medical advice, nor should it be taken or applied as a replacement for medical advice. The Neuro Experience podcast, its employees, guests and affiliates assume no liability for the application of the information discussed.The Neuro Athletics Newsletter Instagram: @louisanicola_Twitter : @louisanicola_YouTube: @Louisa NicolaThe Neuro Experience Podcast is proud to have hosted: Dr Andrew Huberman, Dr Gabrielle Lyon, Dr Layne Norton, Thomas DeLauer, Shawn Stevenson, Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen, Saad Alam, Uma Naidoo, Dr. Lanna Cheuck, Angela Lee Pucci, Jillian Turecki, Dr. Jordan Feigenbaum, Dr. Darren Candow, Dr. Sue Varma, Evy Poumpouras, Dr Casey Means, Renee Deehan, Dr Chris Palmer, Dr Charles Brenner, Dr Joe Zundell, Dr Ray Dorsy, Dr Dale Bredeson, Dr. Ben Bikman

16 snips
Sep 21, 2022 • 21min
How Resistance Training Impacts Brain Health and Function
During the ageing process, physical capabilities (e.g., muscular strength) and cognitive functions (e.g., memory) gradually decrease. Regarding cognitive functions, substantial functional (e.g., compensatory brain activity) and structural changes (e.g., shrinking of the hippocampus) in the brain cause this decline.From a glance:Dementia affects approximately 47 million individuals globally with projections of 130 million by the year 2050.Late-onset Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for approximately 75% of all cases and is characterized by a progressive decline in cognitive function, memory, and cerebral volume.The pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease is poorly understood; however, aging, genetics, and an individual's diet and lifestyle over several decades appear to be key determinants.Excitingly, growing evidence points towards a relationship between cognition and measures of muscular strength and muscle mass. First part of this episode goes into the brain ageing process and the second half is about the effects of resistance training on brain function. Studies/ references mentioned:1. Wilke J, Giesche F, Klier K, Vogt L, Herrmann E, Banzer W. Acute effects ofresistance exercise on cognitive function in healthy adults: a systematic2. Stillman CM, Cohen J, Lehman ME, Erickson KI. Mediators of physical activityon neurocognitive function: a review at multiple levels of analysis. FrontHum Neurosci. 2016;10:6263. Liu-Ambrose T, Nagamatsu LS, Graf P, Beattie BL, Ashe MC, Handy TC. Resistance training and executive functions: a 12-month randomized controlled trial. Arch Intern Med. 2010;170:170–8You can follow me or contact me here ---Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0Instagram: louisanicola_Twitter : louisanicola_YouTube: Louisa NicolaThe information provided in this show is not medical advice, nor should it be taken or applied as a replacement for medical advice. The Neuro Experience podcast, its employees, guests and affiliates assume no liability for the application of the information discussed. The Neuro Athletics Newsletter Instagram: @louisanicola_Twitter : @louisanicola_YouTube: @Louisa NicolaThe Neuro Experience Podcast is proud to have hosted: Dr Andrew Huberman, Dr Gabrielle Lyon, Dr Layne Norton, Thomas DeLauer, Shawn Stevenson, Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen, Saad Alam, Uma Naidoo, Dr. Lanna Cheuck, Angela Lee Pucci, Jillian Turecki, Dr. Jordan Feigenbaum, Dr. Darren Candow, Dr. Sue Varma, Evy Poumpouras, Dr Casey Means, Renee Deehan, Dr Chris Palmer, Dr Charles Brenner, Dr Joe Zundell, Dr Ray Dorsy, Dr Dale Bredeson, Dr. Ben Bikman

Sep 12, 2022 • 51min
Understanding Modafinil and other Smart Drugs. How they enhance mental performance with Dr Jonathan Wisor, PhD
Cognitive enhancing drugs are claimed to improve cognitive functions such as learning and attention. However, little is known presently about the characteristics of off-prescription cognitive enhancing drug users or their perceived everyday experience with these drugs. Modafinil has been the drugs of desire for a long time now. If you ever saw the Bradley Cooper movie called limitless, you probably wish you had access to this drug. Laboratory studies have even shown that it may have potent antioxidative and neuroprotective effects. Modafinil is also of a high interest to the US military for enhancing alertness and reducing battle fatigue. So why isn’t everybody on this drug? Well In today's podcast, I host a guest who knows more about the science of modafinil than anyone. Dr Jonathan Wisor who is a professor of cell biology at Washington state university and researchers circadian rhythms. Sponsors:Impossible Sleep: - 20% DISCOUNT - NEURO https://bit.ly/3cSvEPr Eight Sleep: $150 off - NEUROhttps://www.eightsleep.com/neuroYou can follow me or contact me here ---Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0Instagram: louisanicola_Twitter : louisanicola_YouTube: Louisa NicolaThe information provided in this show is not medical advice, nor should it be taken or applied as a replacement for medical advice. The Neuro Experience podcast, its employees, guests and affiliates assume no liability for the application of the information discussed.The Neuro Athletics Newsletter Instagram: @louisanicola_Twitter : @louisanicola_YouTube: @Louisa NicolaThe Neuro Experience Podcast is proud to have hosted: Dr Andrew Huberman, Dr Gabrielle Lyon, Dr Layne Norton, Thomas DeLauer, Shawn Stevenson, Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen, Saad Alam, Uma Naidoo, Dr. Lanna Cheuck, Angela Lee Pucci, Jillian Turecki, Dr. Jordan Feigenbaum, Dr. Darren Candow, Dr. Sue Varma, Evy Poumpouras, Dr Casey Means, Renee Deehan, Dr Chris Palmer, Dr Charles Brenner, Dr Joe Zundell, Dr Ray Dorsy, Dr Dale Bredeson, Dr. Ben Bikman

Aug 29, 2022 • 47min
How to Use Temperature to Improve Athletic Performance with Dr Craig Heller, PhD
Current evidence indicates cold water immersion may be the most effective method of pre-cooling to improve endurance performance in hot conditions, although practicality must be considered. Ice slurry ingestion appears to be the most promising practical alternative.Dr. Craig Heller, Professor of Biology at Stanford University and world expert on the science of temperature regulation.In this episode Dr. Heller explains how heat impairs muscular and mental performance, and how to cool the brain and body to reduce inflammation and to enhance performance. Dr. Heller teaches us the best ways to Coll our body down during performance, and how to use the precise timing and location of cooling on our body to greatly enhance endurance and weight training performance. He describes how cooling technology discovered and engineered in his laboratory has led to a tripling of anaerobic performance and allowed endurance athletes to run further and faster, as well as to eliminate delayed onset muscle soreness.If you’re interested in understanding the science behind cold water immersion, ice baths and how training in the cold weather than this is the episode for you.Craig's Cool Mitt - https://www.coolmitt.com/company/about-usSponsors:Eight Sleep: $150 off - NEUROhttps://www.eightsleep.com/neuroYou can follow me or contact me here ---Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0Instagram: louisanicola_Twitter : louisanicola_YouTube: Louisa NicolaThe information provided in this show is not medical advice, nor should it be taken or applied as a replacement for medical advice. The Neuro Experience podcast, its employees, guests and affiliates assume no liability for the application of the information discussed.The Neuro Athletics Newsletter Instagram: @louisanicola_Twitter : @louisanicola_YouTube: @Louisa NicolaThe Neuro Experience Podcast is proud to have hosted: Dr Andrew Huberman, Dr Gabrielle Lyon, Dr Layne Norton, Thomas DeLauer, Shawn Stevenson, Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen, Saad Alam, Uma Naidoo, Dr. Lanna Cheuck, Angela Lee Pucci, Jillian Turecki, Dr. Jordan Feigenbaum, Dr. Darren Candow, Dr. Sue Varma, Evy Poumpouras, Dr Casey Means, Renee Deehan, Dr Chris Palmer, Dr Charles Brenner, Dr Joe Zundell, Dr Ray Dorsy, Dr Dale Bredeson, Dr. Ben Bikman

Aug 15, 2022 • 57min
Understand Your Hormones for Improved Health with Dr Kyle Gillette, MD
Hormones are like a symphony, with each one acting as a specialized instrument to keep our bodies in tune. But as we age, those instruments start to get a little rusty. Small changes over time create a variety of imbalances, until one day we wake up realizing we’re flat and out of tune. This leads to things like menopausal symptoms in women, hair loss and belly fat in men, thyroid dysfunction, bone loss, and so much more. That’s why it’s never too early, or too late, to start optimizing hormonal balance.To day I am interviewing Dr. Kyle Gillett, MD, a dual board-certified physician in family medicine and obesity medicine and an expert in optimizing hormone levels to improve overall health and well-being in both men and women.In this episode we discuss:PART I The 6 pillars of hormone optimisation What genetic tests tell us about hormones Sleep and hormone production PART IIFemale hormone optimisation Hormones and fertility Hormone optimisation for female athletes Metabolic syndrome in women The menopausal women- what is happening and the link between Alzheimers Disease What tests women should be orderingPART III Male hormone optimisationLow sperm count and low testosterone levels Fertility - sperm count Why men take testosterone and is this leading to cancer?Sleep optimisation The episode is rich with scientific mechanisms and tools for you all to consider.Find Kyle here:InstagramSponsors:KETONE-IQ- 20% DISCOUNT - NEUROhttps://hvmn.me/NeuroCUREDnutrition: 20%off - NEUROhttps://bit.ly/3OPahvkEight Sleep: $150 off - NEUROhttps://www.eightsleep.com/neuroThe Neuro Athletics Newsletter Instagram: @louisanicola_Twitter : @louisanicola_YouTube: @Louisa NicolaThe Neuro Experience Podcast is proud to have hosted: Dr Andrew Huberman, Dr Gabrielle Lyon, Dr Layne Norton, Thomas DeLauer, Shawn Stevenson, Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen, Saad Alam, Uma Naidoo, Dr. Lanna Cheuck, Angela Lee Pucci, Jillian Turecki, Dr. Jordan Feigenbaum, Dr. Darren Candow, Dr. Sue Varma, Evy Poumpouras, Dr Casey Means, Renee Deehan, Dr Chris Palmer, Dr Charles Brenner, Dr Joe Zundell, Dr Ray Dorsy, Dr Dale Bredeson, Dr. Ben Bikman

9 snips
Aug 1, 2022 • 59min
Eat and Sleep Smarter with Shawn Stevenson
Shawn Stevenson, host of The Model Health Show and author of Sleep Smarter, joins Louisa to discuss sleep, health, diet and exercise. In this episode we discuss: What is the brain made of?Best nutrients for brain healthMagnesium and how magnesium can help reverse brain ageing Foods for brain health and ageing What is oleocanthal-rich EVOO and its relation to the BBBHow to fight inflammation Neuroinflammation and the damaging effects it has on our brainLowering neuroinflammation Studies mentioned:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/201521/Sponsors:CUREDnutrition: 20%off - NEUROhttps://bit.ly/3OPahvk Eight Sleep: $150 off - NEUROhttps://www.eightsleep.com/neuroKETONE-IQ- 20% DISCOUNT - NEUROhttps://hvmn.me/NeuroFind Shawn here:YOUTUBE: http://bit.ly/2FCGkvRFACEBOOK: http://bit.ly/2p5p9wAINSTAGRAM: http://bit.ly/2p9eBvOPODCAST: https://apple.co/2k4F2SIWEBSITE: https://themodelhealthshow.comYou can follow me or contact me here ---Newsletter: httpsThe Neuro Athletics Newsletter Instagram: @louisanicola_Twitter : @louisanicola_YouTube: @Louisa NicolaThe Neuro Experience Podcast is proud to have hosted: Dr Andrew Huberman, Dr Gabrielle Lyon, Dr Layne Norton, Thomas DeLauer, Shawn Stevenson, Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen, Saad Alam, Uma Naidoo, Dr. Lanna Cheuck, Angela Lee Pucci, Jillian Turecki, Dr. Jordan Feigenbaum, Dr. Darren Candow, Dr. Sue Varma, Evy Poumpouras, Dr Casey Means, Renee Deehan, Dr Chris Palmer, Dr Charles Brenner, Dr Joe Zundell, Dr Ray Dorsy, Dr Dale Bredeson, Dr. Ben Bikman

4 snips
Jul 12, 2022 • 53min
Stress Proof Your Brain - Dr Mithu Storoni MD, PhD
The brain is a fascinating and complex organ. It’s the primary control center for our whole body, and it can be affected by stress in many different ways. Stress itself is an important part of life – it helps us prepare for danger or respond to emergencies. But when we’re constantly stressed out, that’s when our brain starts to pay the price. This blog post will explore how stress affects your brain, both positively and negatively, so you can develop strategies to reduce your brain’s vulnerability to its harmful effects.In this episode I speak with Dr Mithu Storoni, an eye surgeon & neuroscience researcher-turned writer. She is the author of "Stress Proof". This episode taught me so much about the neurobiology of stress and how to combat stress in your life. Find Mithu here:InstagramHer websiteStress Proof BookKETONE-IQ- 20% DISCOUNT - NEUROhttps://hvmn.me/NeuroYou can follow me or contact me here ---Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0Instagram: louisanicola_Twitter : louisanicola_YouTube: Louisa NicolaThe information provided in this show is not medical advice, nor should it be taken or applied as a replacement for medical advice. The Neuro Experience podcast, its employees, guests and affiliates assume no liability for the application of the information discussed.The Neuro Athletics Newsletter Instagram: @louisanicola_Twitter : @louisanicola_YouTube: @Louisa NicolaThe Neuro Experience Podcast is proud to have hosted: Dr Andrew Huberman, Dr Gabrielle Lyon, Dr Layne Norton, Thomas DeLauer, Shawn Stevenson, Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen, Saad Alam, Uma Naidoo, Dr. Lanna Cheuck, Angela Lee Pucci, Jillian Turecki, Dr. Jordan Feigenbaum, Dr. Darren Candow, Dr. Sue Varma, Evy Poumpouras, Dr Casey Means, Renee Deehan, Dr Chris Palmer, Dr Charles Brenner, Dr Joe Zundell, Dr Ray Dorsy, Dr Dale Bredeson, Dr. Ben Bikman

Jul 7, 2022 • 59min
Strength Training & Nutritional Differences Between Men & Women with Dr Stacy Sims
Stacy Sims, MSC, PHD, is a forward-thinking international exercise physiologist and nutrition scientist who aims to revolutionise exercise nutrition and performance for women.She has directed research programs at Stanford, AUT University, and the University of Waikato, focusing on female athlete health and performance and pushing the dogma to improve research on all women.In this episode we discuss: WOMEN ARE NOT SMALL MEN Why women are different to menScientific controversy around studying womenWhat we don't knowBEST WAY FOR WOMEN TO TRAINMuscle and womenHormones and women Best way for women to trainReproduction and exerciseBEST WAY FOR WOMEN TO EATNutritional requirements for womenShould we train in a fed state or on an empty stomach?How much protein do we need?When is the right time to eatFind Stacy HereInstagramHer websiteSponsors:Eight Sleep: $150 off - NEUROhttps://www.eightsleep.com/neuroHVMN- 20% DISCOUNT - NEUROhttps://hvmn.me/NeuroYou can follow me or contact me here ---Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0Instagram: louisanicola_Twitter : louisanicola_YouTube: Louisa NicolaThe information provided in this show is not medical advice, nor should it be taken or applied as a replacement for medical advice. The Neuro Experience podcast, its employees, guests and affiliates assume no liability for the application of the information discussed.The Neuro Athletics Newsletter Instagram: @louisanicola_Twitter : @louisanicola_YouTube: @Louisa NicolaThe Neuro Experience Podcast is proud to have hosted: Dr Andrew Huberman, Dr Gabrielle Lyon, Dr Layne Norton, Thomas DeLauer, Shawn Stevenson, Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen, Saad Alam, Uma Naidoo, Dr. Lanna Cheuck, Angela Lee Pucci, Jillian Turecki, Dr. Jordan Feigenbaum, Dr. Darren Candow, Dr. Sue Varma, Evy Poumpouras, Dr Casey Means, Renee Deehan, Dr Chris Palmer, Dr Charles Brenner, Dr Joe Zundell, Dr Ray Dorsy, Dr Dale Bredeson, Dr. Ben Bikman

4 snips
Jun 14, 2022 • 1h 50min
Skeletal Muscle & Fat Loss for Longevity with Layne Norton, PhD
Layne Norton, Ph. D., is a scientist, pro natural bodybuilder, raw elite powerlifter, and physique coach, among other things. He received his BS in Biochemistry, and his PhD in Nutritional Sciences. He is a current IPF and USAPL world and national record-holder in squat (668 lb).“I always tell people, I don't think I would've had the success I did in business or social media or academia if I hadn't done weightlifting because that taught me so much about other things in life.” —Layne NortonIn this episode we discuss:MUSCLE/ WEIGHT LIFTING The keys to preserving muscle and losing fat Why is skeletal muscle so important for longevity and brain health?What’s really driving muscle growth: intrinsic vs. systemic factors, IGF, and hormone signalingThe important role of inflammation from exerciseWOMEN vs MENMost studies done on men Women training on empty stomach Clarifying the role of cortisol—a misunderstood hormoneProtein and amino acids amounts needed to build muscle SCIENTIFIC INTEGRITY What is a scientific paperHow to read scienceWhat is fake and what is not FOOD/ DIETEnergy: are all calories equal? How much we are burning va how much we actually burn Mascros Genes / blood work and specific diets Tracking meals and counting calories Find Layne here:YouTubeInstagramWebsiteSponsors:Eight Sleep: $150 off - NEUROhttps://www.eightsleep.com/neuroHVMN- 20% DISCOUNT - NEUROhttps://hvmn.me/NeuroYou can follow me or contact me here ---Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0Instagram: louisanicola_Twitter : louisanicola_YouTube: Louisa NicolaThe information provided in this show is not medical advice, nor should it be taken or applied as a replacement for medical advice. The Neuro Experience podcast, its employees, guests and affiliates assume no liability for the application of the information discussed.The Neuro Athletics Newsletter Instagram: @louisanicola_Twitter : @louisanicola_YouTube: @Louisa NicolaThe Neuro Experience Podcast is proud to have hosted: Dr Andrew Huberman, Dr Gabrielle Lyon, Dr Layne Norton, Thomas DeLauer, Shawn Stevenson, Dr. Rocio Salas-Whalen, Saad Alam, Uma Naidoo, Dr. Lanna Cheuck, Angela Lee Pucci, Jillian Turecki, Dr. Jordan Feigenbaum, Dr. Darren Candow, Dr. Sue Varma, Evy Poumpouras, Dr Casey Means, Renee Deehan, Dr Chris Palmer, Dr Charles Brenner, Dr Joe Zundell, Dr Ray Dorsy, Dr Dale Bredeson, Dr. Ben Bikman