The Paul Taylor Podcast | Expert in Hardiness and Mental Fitness

Today I discuss some recent research showing that circadian rhythm disruption may be behind a whole range of mental health and neurological disorders.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A legendary Professor in the area of Protein metabolism, Don's laboratory works to define protein and amino acid requirements and the interrelationship between dietary protein and carbohydrates in adult health. Their research is focused on the impact of diet and exercise on obesity, type 2 diabetes and the Metabolic Syndrome. Surprisingly little is known about amino acid requirements during exercise or the impact of amino acids on metabolic regulation and Don's lab has helped to define roles of the branched chain amino acids (BCAA) in skeletal muscle metabolism.  They are continuing this research to define mechanisms for control of muscle protein synthesis and differences in dietary protein needs for men versus women and for adults with sedentary versus active lifestyles.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today I review the evidence from a couple of recent studies on the impact of walking and walking speed on disease and mortality risk.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Around 80% of people surveyed believe in the serotonin theory of depression, which has now been categorically disproved by a research paper published in the top academic journal Nature Molecular Psychiatry.  Today, I was fortunate enough to interview one of the researchers who published the paper. Dr Mark Horowitz is a Clinical Research Fellow in the British NHS and an Honorary Clinical Research Fellow at UCL. He has completed a PhD in the neurobiology of depression and the pharmacology of antidepressants at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King’s College London.  Mark was on antidepressants for 15 years as a student and when he tried to come off them, he experienced insomnia, panic attacks, dizziness, anxiety and low mood and he has now used his clinical background to develop strategies to help others come off anti-depressants in a safe manner.  Check him out at https://markhorowitz.org/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today I look at the data emerging around long covid. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Elliot is the Co-Founder and President of A Brighter Day, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping teens manage depression and stress. Every year, millions of teenagers struggle with thoughts of depression, deep sadness, isolation, stress, and the feeling of helplessness. Because of their mental health issues, thousands commit suicide, making it one of the leading causes of death among teens in the US.  Sadly, and too often, the parents of these teens are the last to learn about their child's mental problems, and sometimes it's too late to take action. A Brighter Day aims to stop teen suicide by educating teens and their parents about mental disorders, and providing resources they can use to reach out and communicate when depression and stress are affecting either their own or the lives of those around them. They have helped thousands of teens deal with mental health issues while still allowing them to retain their privacy and dignity. Elliot is also actively involved in several other nonprofit organizations, including the Boys and Girls Club of Contra Costa, and Congregation B’nai Shalom, for which he has helped raise millions of dollars. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today I look at a new study exploring this topic, which disputes common health professional guidelines.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

My guest today is Professor Katherine Boydell, a Professor of Mental Health at the Black Dog Institute. She is also a Professor in Medicine at the University of New South Wales, an Adjunct Professor within the Department of Psychiatry and Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto, and Adjunct Professor, Graduate Program in Theatre at York University, Toronto. You can find out more about body mapping here and by purchasing Katherine's book. You can also check out her ridiculously long list of academic publications here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today I explore the health benefits of magnesium, with a particular focus on recent research on potential cancer-fighting mechanisms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to part 2 of the Mental Toughness podcast. Mental Toughness is a personality trait that determines your ability to perform consistently under stress and pressure, and is closely related to qualities such as character, resilience, grit and perseverance. Professor Peter Clough, a pioneer on research into Mental Toughness further describes a mentally tough person as “someone who is comfortable in their own skin, can take whatever comes along in their stride and mostly enjoy the challenge”. Today I discuss all things Mental Toughness with Peter and his colleagues Doug Strycharczyk and John Perry.  You can but their book, Developing Mental Toughness on Booktopia or Amazon and find out more on their website, including the different versions of the Mental Toughness Questionnaire.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.