Live Well Be Well with Sarah Ann Macklin | Health, Lifestyle, Nutrition

In this engaging discussion, Dr. William Li, a physician and researcher renowned for his work on beneficial microbes, reveals astonishing insights about the brain microbiome. He explains how once-thought-sterile areas, like the brain and breast milk, host helpful bacteria. The conversation dives into gut-brain communication through the vagus nerve and the importance of seeing bacteria as mostly beneficial rather than harmful. Li emphasizes the need for humility in medicine, urging listeners to tune into their bodies and adopt biohacking strategies for better health.

Explore the importance of listening to our bodies and recognizing early stress signals to enhance overall well-being. Discover how self-awareness can be a powerful tool in managing health and why compassion towards oneself is crucial for sustainable change. Learn about the impact of social media on inflammation and mental health, and the significance of creating phone-free spaces to foster emotional clarity. Ultimately, redefine success with a gentle approach to self-care and embrace the journey of aging gracefully.

In this engaging discussion, Dr. Tommy Wood, a physician and brain health researcher, delves into his innovative Three S model—stimulus, supply, and support—crucial for cognitive function. He emphasizes cognitive challenges as the primary stimulus for brain adaptation. The conversation explores the significance of key nutrients like omega-3s, B vitamins, and vitamin D in reducing dementia risk while highlighting the vital roles of blood flow and sleep for overall support. Discover how chronic stress and nutrient deficiencies can impact brain health!

In this discussion, guest Andy Galpin, a human performance scientist specializing in metabolism, tackles the pros and cons of GLP-1 weight loss drugs. He shares insights on their effectiveness and the importance of understanding potential side effects like muscle loss. Andy emphasizes that while GLP-1 drugs could revolutionize weight loss, they shouldn’t be seen as a standalone solution. He advocates for a holistic approach, combining medication with nutrition education and strength training to achieve lasting health benefits.

Dr. William Li, a physician-scientist and president of the Angiogenesis Foundation, dives into the profound connection between our gut microbiome and overall health. He discusses groundbreaking insights on how specific gut bacteria like Akkermansia can enhance immunity, influence metabolism, and even impact cancer treatment responses. Li emphasizes the importance of nutrition, linking everyday foods to brain health, and highlights the role of social connections in longevity. He also shares practical advice on beverages and hydration to nurture our bodies effectively.

Explore the intriguing relationship between genetics and Alzheimer's risk with expert insights. Discover how the ApoE4 gene amplifies risk, influenced by lifestyle choices like diet and exercise. Learn about the difference between early-onset and common late-onset Alzheimer's, and why modifying behaviors can significantly reduce genetic risk. Almost half of dementia cases might be preventable through lifestyle changes! Tune in for valuable strategies to live healthier and mitigate risks.

Dr. Andy Galpin, a human performance scientist and expert in sleep research, dives deep into the complex world of sleep. He discusses the alarming global decline in sleep quality despite increased awareness and spending. Andy reveals that waking up around 2–3 a.m. is often linked to physiological factors like stress and high pre-sleep heart rates. He emphasizes that good sleep encompasses more than just duration, and shares practical tips for creating a personalized wind-down routine to enhance sleep quality.

What if the qualities you’ve been taught to override are actually the ones keeping you well?To round of 2025, I’m joined by world-leading thinkers including Simon Sinek, Dr. Rick Doblin, Robin Sharma, Professor Nicolau, and Dr. Sarah McKay to explore what truly shapes our wellbeing when the noise fades and the signal becomes clearer.This episode weaves together some of the most powerful moments from conversations across the year. From introversion and energy boundaries, to trauma, inflammation, digital overload, recovery, and the stories we tell about our bodies, this is a reminder that health is not about optimisation, it’s about understanding cost, context, and care.Across neuroscience, psychology, leadership, and physiology, a shared truth emerges. Our systems are intelligent. But they are not limitless. And when we listen earlier, we protect ourselves from paying a higher price later.Here’s What We Dive Into:- How introversion can be a strength in leadership, communication, and meaningful connection.- Why wellbeing is less about right versus wrong, and more about understanding personal cost.- How MDMA-assisted therapy works in the brain to support healing from PTSD — and why context matters more than the compound.- What recovery actually looks like in a world that rewards constant output.- Why strategic rest and “going ghost” can unlock creativity, clarity, and long-term performance.- How social media content — not just screen time — may drive inflammation and immune stress.- Why chronic stress and burnout can permanently shift our inflammatory baseline.- How cultural narratives shape emotional experiences, including PMS and mood changes.Love,Sarah Ann 💛***This episode is sponsored by:NOWATCH: The compassionate health trackerConnecting body and mind with unique stress recovery insights so you can live fully today15% off with code LWBW15 at nowatch.com***Let’s be friends!📷 Instagram: / sarahannmacklin📹 Subscribe: / @livewellbewellsarah 🐦 Twitter: / sarahannmacklin 📱 TikTok: / sarahannnutrition 💌 Newsletter: https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/***Sign up to Sarah’s Compassionate Cure newsletter:Science Simplified, Health Humanised.Join thousands in exploring actionable insights that prioritise compassion, clarity, and real-life impact.https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/👉 Practical beats perfect.Here’s a free 5-recipe PDF I use to support energy and stress during busy weeks.https://open.substack.com/pub/sarahmacklin/p/download-your-free-5-recipes-to-relieve👉 If this resonates, you can join the thousands who readThe Compassionate Cure each week. https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/***If You Enjoyed This Episode, You Might Also Like:Simon Sinek on Leadership, Energy, and Meaningful WorkSimon Sinek: The ADHD Superpower - Why It’s My Greatest AdvantageDr. Rick Doblin on Trauma, Healing, and Psychedelic ScienceHow Psychedelics Change the Brain: MDMA, Psilocybin, Benefits & Risks | Dr. Rick DoblinDr. Sarah McKay on Women’s Brains, Hormones, and Emotional HealthWomen's Brain Health: What Science REALLY Says About Hormones, PMS & Menopause | Dr Sarah McKay***Highlights:00:00:00 Intro00:02:00 My ADHD Superpower - Why it’s my greatest advantage | Simon Sinek00:11:23 How Psychedelics Change the Brain: MDMA, Psilocybin, Benefits and Risks | Dr Rick Doblin00:18:51 Stop Chasing Money: 8 Hidden Forms of Wealth You Need Now | Robin Sharma00:24:05 The Brain Immune Expert: Alert! Social Media is Reprogramming Your Immune System | Dr Dan Nicolau Jr00:39:24 Women’s Brain Health: What Science Really Says About Hormones, PMS, and Menopause | Dr Sarah McKay***Love what you’re hearing?My small ask is to please rate and review Live Well Be Well. This helps the show expand and allows me to keep producing these with the best quality guests. It means a huge amount to me, so thank you.

Inigo San Milan, an exercise physiologist specializing in metabolic physiology, shares insights on identifying Zone 2 training intensity without wearables. He explains the talk-test method and how it relates to lab measurements. Inigo addresses common misconceptions, revealing that exercising at too high an intensity can hinder fat oxidation and weight loss. He emphasizes the importance of balancing Zone 2 training with recovery for improved mitochondrial function and long-term fat burning. Tune in for practical tips on effective fat loss!

Dr. Stacy Sims, an exercise physiologist, discusses female-specific training and the importance of adjusting workouts during perimenopause. Doug Evans, a plant-focused entrepreneur, highlights the benefits of sprouts and sheds light on the misconceptions surrounding seed oils. Dr. Iñigo San Millán explores mitochondrial health through Zone 2 training, emphasizing its role in fat oxidation. These experts reveal actionable insights on holistic health, nutrition, and the intelligent design of our bodies, making for a fascinating conversation.