Cortisol is synonymous with stress. However, according to Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett, it isn’t really the ‘stress hormone’ we all think it is. In today’s episode, Dr. Feldman Barrett shares a different view on how the brain handles stress and uncertainty, and that it is always predicting and shaping our reality.She talks about "body budgeting" and how it is linked to depression and anxiety, and her take on SSRIs and mental health made me rethink everything I thought I knew about the "fight or flight" concept.Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett is a university professor, psychologist and neuroscientist. She's one of the most cited scientists in the world, with over 270 published papers. Her work has shaped our understanding of emotions, the mind, and the brain, and she has written two books that break down complex brain science for everyone. If you want to understand your emotions or improve your mental health, you need to hear this, and make sure you add her books to your reading list: "Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain" and "How Emotions Are Made". This episode might just change how you see your brain and emotions, and how you experience things on a daily basis.Sarah Ann***Thank you to my wonderful sponsors!BON CHARGE | Science-backed beauty, wellness and recovery products.https://boncharge.com/LIVEWELL?rfsn=8119877.ae1cd73Use code LIVEWELL for 15% off.OptimallyMe | Personalised insights for optimal health.https://bit.ly/lwbw20/Use code LWBW20 for 20% off.Squarespace |  A website makes it real.http://squarespace.com/LiveWellGet a free trial and use code LIVEWELL for 10% off your first website or domain purchase.***If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:4 Types of Stress: How to Manage Each One | Mo Gawdat & Alice Lawhttps://youtu.be/CknAbrLXuhQ?si=QfT2jnfq2Qxmt46eDr. Shefali: How To BREAK FREE From The Self-Awareness TRAPhttps://youtu.be/k_9oQBSE4uU?si=nWyy0dVEfYc8uu_EMo Gawdat: How To Transform Stress Into Successhttps://youtu.be/5THJeXv5X7s?si=fkAX9baNqJ4isyC0***Let’s be friends!📷 Instagram:  / sarahannmacklin📹 Subscribe:   / @livewellbewellsarah  🐦 Twitter:  / sarahannmacklin  📱 TikTok:  / sarahannnutrition  💌 Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3rUbHyS***Unlock Stress-Busting Recipes: Get My Top 5 Mood-Boosting Meals Now! 🍽️🧘‍♀️ | Click Here to Reduce Stress Deliciouslyhttp://bit.ly/3HDuVxj Fuel Your Mind Weekly: Subscribe to Our Free Mental Wellness Newsletter 🧠💪 | Join Now for Expert Tips, Inspiration, and Self-Care Strategieshttps://view.flodesk.com/pages/63da7b62ecc678190062732d***Highlights:Introduction: Rethinking Emotions (00:00)The Science of Emotions: Challenging Traditional Views (00:50)Pixar's Inside Out: A New Perspective on Emotions (08:36)Emotional Intelligence: Strategies for Managing Feelings (17:00)The Body Budget: How Mood Affects Your Health (23:33)Understanding Mental Health: Depression and Anxiety Explained (28:33)Mindfulness Techniques: Reframing Negative Thoughts (36:37)Diet's Role in Depression and Treatment (42:44)Debunking Common Stress and Cortisol Myths (55:54)Fight, Flight, or Fiction? The Truth About Our Stress Response (01:00:50)Self-Compassion: The Key to Emotional Well-being (01:08:22)Conclusion and Future Research in Emotional Health (01:13:02)

Stress is something we all deal with, but did you know that it affects us in four different ways? Stress can impact us mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually, and in this episode we look into all four modalities and how to recognise them.  Mo Gawdat is a former Chief Business Officer at Google X and a bestselling author, and Alice Law is a stress management expert with a powerful personal story. Together, they're on a mission to take a million people a year out of stress.In this conversation we explore the power of acceptance and how it differs from complacency, why connecting with others is crucial for managing stress, how different generations experience stress, and why we need more compassion. Mo and Alice Law break all of these down for us, sharing insights from their new book "Unstressable". I’m sure this will make you look at stress differently, and maybe you'll try Mo's challenge of setting your alarm for 3PM on Sundays (yes, really!).Sarah Ann***Thank you to my wonderful sponsors!BON CHARGE | Science-backed beauty, wellness and recovery products.https://boncharge.com/LIVEWELL?rfsn=8119877.ae1cd73Use code LIVEWELL for 15% off.OptimallyMe | Personalised insights for optimal health.https://bit.ly/lwbw20/Use code LWBW20 for 20% off.Squarespace |  A website makes it real.http://squarespace.com/LiveWellGet a free trial and use code LIVEWELL for 10% off your first website or domain purchase.***If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:Mo Gawdat: How To Transform Stress Into Successhttps://youtu.be/5THJeXv5X7s?si=fkAX9baNqJ4isyC0Dr. Shefali: How To BREAK FREE From The Self-Awareness TRAPhttps://youtu.be/k_9oQBSE4uU?si=nWyy0dVEfYc8uu_EElevate Your Mindset and Master the 6-Minute Breath Hold Like a Championhttps://youtu.be/I7nhBl8XMXY?si=qN8i6Ksj2d5MWLby***Let’s be friends!📷 Instagram:  / sarahannmacklin📹 Subscribe:   / @livewellbewellsarah  🐦 Twitter:  / sarahannmacklin  📱 TikTok:  / sarahannnutrition  💌 Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3rUbHyS***Unlock Stress-Busting Recipes: Get My Top 5 Mood-Boosting Meals Now! 🍽️🧘‍♀️ | Click Here to Reduce Stress Deliciouslyhttp://bit.ly/3HDuVxj Fuel Your Mind Weekly: Subscribe to Our Free Mental Wellness Newsletter 🧠💪 | Join Now for Expert Tips, Inspiration, and Self-Care Strategieshttps://view.flodesk.com/pages/63da7b62ecc678190062732d***Highlights:Understanding Stress: An Introduction (00:00)What is Stress? Its Definition and Health Effects (00:42)Real-Life Stress: Alice's Personal Journey (05:30)Identifying Stress Sources and Effective Management Techniques (13:58)Embracing Acceptance in Your Stress Reduction Strategy (22:23)The Four Pillars of Stress: Exploring Key Modalities (25:54)Harnessing Positive Self-Talk to Combat Stress (39:38)Rekindling Joy: Lessons from Childhood for Stress Relief (43:01)Coping with Stress in Today's Fast-Paced World (47:02)Stress Across Generations: Evolving Perspectives (58:20)Practical Stress-Busting Techniques for Daily Life (01:06:00)Key Insights for a Less Stressful Life: Closing Thoughts (01:10:30)

Here’s my wonderful conversation with Li Karlsen, a freediver and former Swedish Army captain. She served for 20 years before discovering freediving at 35. Li has broken records, including a 200-metre dive on one breath, and a dive under Greenland's ice. Now she helps others face their fears. We talked about her change from military life to ocean depths, and Li shared how freediving helped her heal and find herself. She gives insights on mindset, self-compassion, and purpose that apply to daily life, and her 'Naked Island Test' might change how you see yourself and others. This talk made me want to push my limits and listen to my inner voice. Whether you're changing your life or want something new, Li's story could inspire you. Let me know if this makes you try something different - maybe not Arctic freediving, but who knows? Sarah Ann 💛 ***BON CHARGE | Science-backed beauty, wellness and recovery products.https://boncharge.com/LIVEWELL?rfsn=8119877.ae1cd73Use code LIVEWELL for 15% off.OptimallyMe | Personalised insights for optimal health.https://bit.ly/lwbw20Use code LWBW20 for 20% off.Squarespace |  A website makes it real.http://squarespace.com/LiveWellGet a free trial and use code LIVEWELL for 10% off your first website or domain purchase.***If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:Nicole Vignola: The 7-Step Process to Rewire Your Brainhttps://youtu.be/JHn8z3w6AFQ Mo Gawdat: How To Transform Stress Into Successhttps://youtu.be/5THJeXv5X7s?si=fkAX9baNqJ4isyC0Dr. Shefali: How To BREAK FREE From The Self-Awareness TRAPhttps://youtu.be/k_9oQBSE4uU?si=nWyy0dVEfYc8uu_E***Let’s be friends!📷 Instagram:  / sarahannmacklin📹 Subscribe:   / @livewellbewellsarah  🐦 Twitter:  / sarahannmacklin  📱 TikTok:  / sarahannnutrition  💌 Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3rUbHyS***Unlock Stress-Busting Recipes: Get My Top 5 Mood-Boosting Meals Now! 🍽️🧘‍♀️ | Click Here to Reduce Stress Deliciouslyhttp://bit.ly/3HDuVxj Fuel Your Mind Weekly: Subscribe to Our Free Mental Wellness Newsletter 🧠💪 | Join Now for Expert Tips, Inspiration, and Self-Care Strategieshttps://view.flodesk.com/pages/63da7b62ecc678190062732d***Highlights:Introduction: The Experience of a 200-Metre Dive (00:00)Mindset and Mental Preparation in Freediving (04:52)Military Background and Emotional Struggles (10:48)The Impact of PTSD and Getting Therapy (15:59)A Life-Changing Car Accident (22:34)Letting Go of the Past and Embracing Change (29:07)Dealing with Self-Criticism and Self-Love (33:44)The Mental Preparation and Challenges of Freediving (39:01)Powerful Tips for Preparing Your Mindset (45:05)How To Go Beyond Your Fears and Find Purpose (55:23)Future Aspirations and Final Thoughts (01:01:49)

Dr. William Li, a renowned physician and scientist, discusses the surprising impact of diet on mental health. He highlights how picky eating can sabotage cognitive function and shares the importance of a varied diet for gut health. The conversation delves into the blood-brain barrier's role in safeguarding your brain and the glymphatic system's detoxifying magic during sleep. Dr. Li also emphasizes lifestyle choices, like movement and socializing, as key factors in maintaining mental resilience and slowing down dementia.

Probiotics are often touted as a staple of gut health, but here Dr. James Kinross discusses the advancement of probiotic science, and how a range of treatments and drugs will shape the future of the microbiome and the gut-brain connection.Listen to the full episode here.Watch the full episode on YouTube here.

Spices as medicine? Today I chat with Kanchan Koya, a Harvard-trained molecular biologist who traded the lab for the kitchen, and now runs Spice Spice Baby and has a cookbook packed with vibrant spice-filled recipes.We dig into the science behind spices - from fighting inflammation to boosting gut health. Did you know a dash of cinnamon could help blood sugar? Or that chilli might extend your lifespan? It could also be our way to fight against chronic diseases.Kanchan shares easy ways to sprinkle more spices into your meals. We talk about building a "food pharmacy" and making cooking joyful.This conversation got me dreaming of how I can explore more recipes with my spice rack.I hope it inspires you to see spices differently, and maybe you'll start your own delicious health experiments in the kitchen after today.Kanchan Koya is a Harvard-trained molecular biologist turned author, podcast host, and nutrition coach. With a PhD from Harvard Medical School, she leverages her scientific expertise to champion the health benefits of ancient spices. Kanchan founded Spice Spice Baby, authored a bestselling cookbook, and hosts the Radical Vitality podcast, blending cutting-edge science with ancient wisdom for vibrant living.Let me know if you try anything new!Sarah Ann***Thank you to my wonderful sponsors!BON CHARGE | Science-backed beauty, wellness and recovery products.https://boncharge.com/LIVEWELL?rfsn=8119877.ae1cd73Use code LIVEWELL for 15% off.OptimallyMe | Personalised insights for optimal health.https://bit.ly/lwbw20/Use code LWBW20 for 20% off.Squarespace |  A website makes it real.http://squarespace.com/LiveWellGet a free trial and use code LIVEWELL for 10% off your first website or domain purchase.***If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:Stanford-trained physician: 5 Nutrients That Supercharge Your Cells (And Why It Matters)https://youtu.be/rFz1WTPMdBE?si=g_5XrF71daLbYv9bDr. Chris Van Tulleken: How Ultra-Processed Foods Are Making Us Sickhttps://youtu.be/6SxK9MFmH4c?si=fwjaECx3YA4MkkNW How to FIX Leaky Gut, Improve Health and Stop Cravings | Dr. James Kinrosshttps://youtu.be/YvupSI_S7_Q?si=_PnU0I87Ch-jkjXyDr. Will Bulsiewicz | Could SIBO be causing your IBS?https://youtu.be/m1bLLptcC2Q?si=8xyPDYXjtd39fXeG ***Join my inner circle: https://sarahannmacklin.com/members-hub-subscribeUnlock Stress-Busting Recipes: Get My Top 5 Mood-Boosting Meals Now! 🍽️🧘‍♀️ | Click Here to Reduce Stress Deliciouslyhttp://bit.ly/3HDuVxjFuel Your Mind Weekly: Subscribe to Our Free Mental Wellness Newsletter 🧠💪 | Join Now for Expert Tips, Inspiration, and Self-Care Strategieshttps://view.flodesk.com/pages/63da7b62ecc678190062732d*****Let’s be friends!📷 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sarahannmacklin📹 Subscribe https://www.youtube.com/@livewellbewellsarah/?sub_confirmation=1🐦 Twitter https://twitter.com/SarahAnnMacklin📱 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sarahannnutrition💌 Newsletter https://bit.ly/3rUbHyS***Highlights:Introduction: Spices in Home Health and Medicine (00:00)The Health Benefits of Spices in Your Kitchen (00:39) Spices and Their Role in Reducing Inflammation (05:46) Turmeric: Comparing Culinary Use and Supplements (07:53) Spices for Improving Gut and Metabolic Health (14:07)Personal Insights: Spices in Culture and Wellness (23:20) Practical Tips for Adding Spices to Your Diet (31:30)Choosing Cinnamon: Health Benefits and Varieties (36:44)Understanding Potential Risks of Spice Overuse (40:06)Spices That Can Help Boost Your Immune System (44:38)Exploring Healthy Spice Blends and Their Uses (48:37)Concluding Thoughts on Spices and Wellness (56:05)

Dr. Louise Newson, a GP and hormone specialist, joins Sarah Ann to delve into the transformative power of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT). They discuss dispelling the stigma surrounding HRT for women of all ages, emphasizing the need for personalized care and education. Sarah shares her life-changing journey with HRT, highlighting its profound effects on her well-being. They also touch on the importance of understanding hormonal fluctuations and the challenges women face in accessing proper hormone-related healthcare.

Today, I sit down with Sharmadean Reid, a leader in the worlds of beauty, tech, and media. With a 20-year career that includes launching an innovative salon as well as founding a beauty tech startup, Sharmadean has consistently broken barriers. She was the first black woman to raise £1 million in VC funding in the UK and was awarded an MBE in 2015 for her contributions to the beauty industry. We discuss Sharmadean's remarkable journey, touching on self-worth, purpose, and the redefinition of success. Sharmadean shares her experience balancing motherhood, relationships, and business, and we learn how she reflects on moving from seeking external validation to finding inner peace. Her current projects include a series of essays about equity, and a TV show about female founders, continuing her work across women's power and ownership in business and life.I hope that this also prompts you to reflect on your own path to living well and being well.Sarah Ann***Thank you to my wonderful sponsors!BON CHARGE | Science-backed beauty, wellness and recovery products.https://boncharge.com/LIVEWELL?rfsn=8119877.ae1cd73Use code LIVEWELL for 15% off.OptimallyMe | Personalised insights for optimal health.https://bit.ly/lwbw20/Use code LWBW20 for 20% off.Squarespace |  A website makes it real.http://squarespace.com/LiveWellGet a free trial and use code LIVEWELL for 10% off your first website or domain purchase.***If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:Mo Gawdat: How To Transform Stress Into Successhttps://youtu.be/5THJeXv5X7s?si=Xvc7BIxEccGBzY9fDr. Shefali: How To Break FREE From The Self-Awareness TRAPhttps://youtu.be/k_9oQBSE4uU?si=ZslZKEPPNgfBeCR1Simon Sinek: How to Be a Better Friend and Why It Mattershttps://youtu.be/3JCjOQv9Y5EUnleash Your Success Potential: Empower Yourself With Focus & Productivity Expert Shane Parrishhttps://youtu.be/T32AJw4TvVI?si=3WjQpRRwLAq7C8PC***Join my inner circle: https://sarahannmacklin.com/members-hub-subscribeUnlock Stress-Busting Recipes: Get My Top 5 Mood-Boosting Meals Now! 🍽️🧘‍♀️ | Click Here to Reduce Stress Deliciouslyhttp://bit.ly/3HDuVxjFuel Your Mind Weekly: Subscribe to Our Free Mental Wellness Newsletter 🧠💪 | Join Now for Expert Tips, Inspiration, and Self-Care Strategieshttps://view.flodesk.com/pages/63da7b62ecc678190062732d*****Let’s be friends!📷 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/sarahannmacklin📹 Subscribe https://www.youtube.com/@livewellbewellsarah/?sub_confirmation=1🐦 Twitter https://twitter.com/SarahAnnMacklin📱 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@sarahannnutrition💌 Newsletter https://bit.ly/3rUbHyS***We explore: Sharmadean's Journey: From Beauty Industry Pioneer to Author (00:00)Redefining Self-Worth: The Power of Boundaries and Self-Reflection (02:45)The Path to Purpose: Navigating Personal Growth and Business Success (12:12)Breaking Cycles: Confronting Intergenerational Trauma (18:02)Balancing Act: The Three B's - Boyfriend, Baby, and Business (22:01)Future Focus: Merging Economic Independence with Creativity (27:33)Rediscovering Passion: The Importance of Childhood Interests (33:53)Healing Journey: Exploring Various Methods of Self-Discovery (41:13)Mind-Body Connection: Bridging Science and Spirituality (49:09)Social Norms: Challenging Expectations and Embracing Authenticity (54:12)Beyond Achievements: Defining Self-Worth in a New Light (57:21)Living Well, Being Well: Freedom of Choice as the Ultimate Goal (01:00:22)

Dr. Tommy Wood, a researcher with a Ph.D. in physiology and neuroscience, dives into the fascinating world of creatine and its surprising cognitive benefits. He reveals how creatine not only boosts athletic performance but also plays a crucial role in brain health, particularly for those dealing with sleep deprivation. The discussion covers key research findings, dosage recommendations, and the best food sources and supplements for enhancing cognitive function. Prepare to rethink your morning caffeine fix!

Can consciousness transform our lives and relationships? My recent conversation with Dr. Shefali would suggest so. What began as a discussion about self-awareness evolved into a deep exploration of how consciousness can transform every aspect of our lives, from our relationships to our sense of purpose. Dr. Shefali not only offers insights and strategies, but we confront truths such as: Are we self-aware? How can we reclaim power in relationships? Why is understanding our shadow essential? Whatever the main relationships in your life, be it romantic, professional or as a parent, this episode will shine a light on how you can show up with self-awareness and authenticity. Dr. Shefali is a NYT bestselling author of books on conscious parenting and living. Oprah calls her "revolutionary" and "the best child expert" she's interviewed, and her message has reached millions through social media and appearances. This conversation gave me a new perspective on conscious living and tools for self-discovery, and I hope you take away from this as much as I did.I look forward to hearing your thoughts, Sarah Ann***Thank you to my wonderful sponsors!BON CHARGE | Science-backed beauty, wellness and recovery products.https://boncharge.com/LIVEWELL?rfsn=8119877.ae1cd73Use code LIVEWELL for 15% off.OptimallyMe | Personalised insights for optimal health.https://bit.ly/lwbw20/Use code LWBW20 for 20% off.Squarespace |  A website makes it real.http://squarespace.com/LiveWellGet a free trial and use code LIVEWELL for 10% off your first website or domain purchase.***If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:Simon Sinek: How to Be a Better Friend and Why It Mattershttps://youtu.be/3JCjOQv9Y5EBetter Sex EVERY TIME? Dr Rena Malik Tells You Howhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C8HJAH5plVwGet Over a Breakup, Fix Your Broken Heart & How To Practice Emotional First Aid | Guy Winchhttps://youtu.be/ocUJTFUOitA?si=IqJbNuvvk4MU562XHolistic psychologist Explains How Your Trauma Is Not What You Think It Is with Dr Mariel Buquéhttps://youtu.be/5FJ8h5kd2HI?si=UwxBt5cCOCoRlf5S***Join my inner circle: https://sarahannmacklin.com/members-hub-subscribeUnlock Stress-Busting Recipes: Get My Top 5 Mood-Boosting Meals Now! 🍽️🧘‍♀️ | Click Here to Reduce Stress Deliciouslyhttp://bit.ly/3HDuVxj Fuel Your Mind Weekly: Subscribe to Our Free Mental Wellness Newsletter 🧠💪 | Join Now for Expert Tips, Inspiration, and Self-Care Strategies*****Let’s be friends!📷 Instagram📹 Subscribe🐦 Twitter📱 TikTok💌 Newsletter***In this episode of Live Well, Be Well, we challenge conventional wisdom and cover these: Welcome to Conscious Living: Introducing Dr Shefali (00:00) What is Consciousness? Exploring Authentic Self-Awareness  (00:24)The Gift of Pain: Turning Suffering into Personal Growth (08:40)Reclaiming Your Power in Relationships: A Path to Authenticity (15:19)Rethinking Self and Purpose: Moving Beyond Cultural Illusions (20:14)Embracing Change: Why Our Purpose Evolves Over Time (27:46)The AI Revolution: Balancing Progress and Human Connection (32:38)Understanding Your Shadow: The Key to Wholeness (38:25)Taking Responsibility: The Heart of Personal Empowerment (45:52)Living Authentically: Finding Joy in Alignment (48:23)Your Conscious Living Toolkit: Key Takeaways and Resources (53:59)