The Mind-Gut Conversation Podcast

Dr. Emeran Mayer sits down with Taylor Bell, an Ivy League–educated former management consultant turned full-time YouTuber, for a candid conversation on authenticity, ambition, and the health consequences of living out of alignment with your true values.Through her story of leaving a high-pressure corporate career to pursue creative entrepreneurship, Taylor shares what it means to redefine success, listen to your inner voice, and create a life rooted in purpose and well-being.Together, they explore the psychological effects of cognitive dissonance, how chronic stress shows up in the body, especially through the brain-gut-microbiome system, and why self-trust and intentional living are essential for both mental and physical health.Dr. Mayer also discusses the physiological impact of chronic stress, the concept of allostatic load, and practical tools such as diaphragmatic breathing that can help restore balance and resilience in a world of constant pressure and comparison.Key Topics Covered:• The link between cognitive dissonance, stress, and physical health• How authenticity and purpose shape mental well-being• The hidden costs of over-optimization and burnout• Simple ways to live and work with greater intention• Why listening to your body is more powerful than tracking every metric• Breathing techniques to reset the nervous system and calm the mindThis episode is both inspiring and deeply practical — a reminder that true success isn’t about constant achievement, but about alignment, fulfillment, and trusting the wisdom of your own body.As always, we invite you to share your thoughts in the comments and subscribe for more episodes exploring the science of brain–body health.This episode is brought to you by Mayer Nutrition. If you are interested in trying Synaptic Bloom, our high-potency Quercetin + supporting polyphenols blend, you can visit mayernutrition.com, and use our exclusive podcast discount code: MINDGUT for 10% off your first order!Connect with Dr. Mayer:Website: https://www.emeranmayer.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/emeranmayer/X (Twitter): https://www.twitter.com/emeranmayermdFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmeranMayerMD/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emeranmayer/Chapters:0:00 - 2:30 Introduction2:30 - 4:59 Career Shift from Consulting to YouTuber4:59 - 7:25 Synchronicity & Self-Trust7:25 - 17:38 Cognitive Dissonance, Gut Feelings & Finding Your True Passion17:38 - 19:16 Passion & Happiness19:16 - 23:53 Career Stress & Stress Response System23:53 - 25:33 Sponsor: Mayer Nutrition25:33 - 31:05 We've Taken Health Optimization Too Far31:05 - 32:30 Keys to Health & Longevity32:30 - 36:38 Chronic Stress, Brain-Gut-Microbiome System, Allostatic Load36:38 - 41:47 Practical Tips to Better Adapt to Stress41:47 - 46:27 Breathing Techniques Dr. Mayer Teaches His Patients46:27 - 49:01 Closing Remarks, Advice to People Dealing with Career Changes

Dr. Emeran Mayer sits down with Dr. Drew Ramsey, psychiatrist, author, and pioneer in nutritional psychiatry, for a thought-provoking conversation on how we can proactively strengthen and protect our mental health.Drawing from his new book, Healing the Modern Brain: Nine Tenets to Build Mental Fitness and Revitalize Your Mind, Dr. Ramsey explains what it means to develop “mental fitness” and why small, intentional habits around food, sleep, movement, purpose, and connection can transform how we feel and function in the modern world.Together, they explore the roots of today’s mental health crisis, how modern food and technology are reshaping the brain, and what science reveals about our innate capacity for resilience, growth, and joy.Key Topics Covered:• What “mental fitness” really means and how to build it• The Nine Tenets for strengthening the brain and emotional resilience• How diet and the microbiome influence mood and mental health• Why connection, engagement, and purpose are essential for well-being• How modern stressors from processed food to digital overload impact the brain• Practical steps to rewire your brain and revitalize your mindThis episode is both empowering and deeply practical, reminding us that our brains are not just meant to survive the modern world but to grow, connect, and thrive within it.As always, we invite you to share your thoughts in the comments and subscribe for more episodes exploring the science of mind–body health.Connect with Dr. Mayer:Website: https://www.emeranmayer.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/emeranmayer/X: https://www.twitter.com/emeranmayermdFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmeranMayerMD/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emeranmayer/

Dr. Emeran Mayer welcomes Peter Crone, widely known as The Mind Architect, for a profound conversation on healing trauma, dissolving limiting subconscious beliefs, and unlocking human potential.Peter shares how early life experiences shape the subconscious mind, often creating patterns of fear, anxiety, and self-judgment that hold us back. He explains how shifting awareness and reframing our narratives can open the door to greater freedom, love, and authentic living. Their dialogue bridges Eastern philosophy with modern psychology, offering practical steps to move beyond suffering into resilience and possibility.You’ll also hear how the science of the subconscious intersects with personal transformation, and why cultivating presence can help us break free from being controlled by the past or the future.Key Topics Covered:• Letting go of past and future narratives that shape behavior• The roots of feeling “not good enough” and how to transcend it• Redefining peace as success through radical acceptance• Insights from Eastern philosophy and modern psychology• How trauma imprints the subconscious and shapes behavior• Living with more presence, authenticity, and easeThis episode is both a roadmap and an invitation. By releasing limiting beliefs and healing hidden wounds, we can expand into our fullest human potential.As always, please leave any questions or comments below.We hope you enjoy the episode!This episode is brought to you by Mayer Nutrition. If you are interested in trying Synaptic Bloom, our high-potency Quercetin + supporting polyphenols blend, you can visit mayernutrition.com & use our exclusive podcast discount code MINDGUT for 10% off your first order.Connect with Dr. Mayer:Website: https://www.emeranmayer.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/emeranmayerX: https://www.x.com/emeranmayermdFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmeranMayerMD/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emeranmayer/Chapters:00:00 – Introduction01:32 – Peter Crone’s journey and life lessons04:56 – Spirituality, Buddhism, and Eastern influences11:36 – Living in the present and letting go of the past19:13 – Trauma, healing, and the power of choice25:55 – Reprogramming the subconscious mind29:14 – Advertisement: Mayer Nutrition30:51 – Why we feel “not good enough”33:32 – Success, suffering, and hidden drivers of achievement36:41 – Personal reflections and growth37:38 – Psychedelics and altered states of awareness44:27 – The brain as a prediction machine51:26 – Aging, vitality, and redefining time56:14 – Closing thoughts

Dr. Emeran Mayer welcomes Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, physician, author, and women’s health advocate, for an in-depth discussion on menopause, hormone therapy, and the integration of holistic practices into modern medicine.Dr. Gilberg shares her path into women’s health, including the creation of the Menopause Bootcamp to address the lack of education and awareness around menopause. She explains why estrogen plays a vital role in women’s health beyond reproduction and how the Women’s Health Initiative reshaped, and sometimes restricted, perceptions of hormone therapy. The conversation also examines gender bias in medical research, the need for updated guidelines, and the emerging potential of psychedelics in women’s health care.You’ll also hear why community, education, and holistic practices matter so much for empowering women, and how simple lifestyle shifts can improve resilience, wellbeing, and long-term health.Key Topics Covered:• How menopause awareness and conversations are evolving• The significance of estrogen for women’s overall health• The Women’s Health Initiative and its impact on hormone therapy use• How gender bias continues to shape medical research and care• The therapeutic potential of psychedelics in women’s health• Practical holistic practices women can integrate into daily lifeThis conversation highlights the future of women’s health: by blending science, holistic care, and community education, we can better support women through every stage of life.We hope you enjoy!Chapters:00:26 Introduction to Dr. Suzanne Gilberg's Journey06:25 The Shift in Menopause Conversations10:37 Understanding Estrogen and Its Impact15:20 The Women's Health Initiative and Hormone Therapy20:25 Future Directions in Women's Health Research27:00 The Central Role of the Gut29:42 Gender Bias in Medicine34:26 Exploring Psychedelics in Women's Health46:10 Integrating Holistic Practices into Daily Life

Dr. Emeran Mayer welcomes Professor Felice Jacka, founder of the Food & Mood Centre and a global leader in nutritional psychiatry, for an in-depth discussion on how diet influences mental health and brain function.Felice shares the groundbreaking research that launched an entire field, from the first studies linking diet quality to depression, to clinical trials demonstrating how dietary changes can improve major depressive disorder. She also takes us beyond the plate, showing how agriculture, soil health, and food systems play a critical role in shaping both human and planetary health.You’ll also hear about her efforts to bring nutritional psychiatry into medical guidelines and education worldwide, and why simple, evidence-based changes, like cutting back on ultra-processed foods and adding more whole grains and legumes, can profoundly affect mood and resilience.Key Topics Covered:• What is nutritional psychiatry and why it matters• How dietary patterns influence depression, anxiety, and cognition• The SMILES and CALM trials: diet as a therapeutic tool• The impact of ultra-processed foods on the microbiome and brain• How soil biodiversity affects nutrient density and mental health• Practical, evidence-based dietary shifts for everyday lifeThis conversation offers both hope and clarity: by improving diet quality, we can not only enhance individual mental health but also address the broader challenges of food systems and planetary well-being.As always, please leave any questions or comments below. We hope you enjoy the episode!Connect with Dr. Mayer:Website: ⁠emeranmayer.com⁠Instagram: ⁠@emeranmayer⁠X: ⁠@EmeranMayerMD⁠YouTube: ⁠Emeran Mayer, MD⁠Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Nutritional Psychiatry05:50 The Complexity of Food and Mental Health11:59 The Impact of Industrial Food Systems18:06 Lifestyle Interventions in Mental Health Treatment30:18 Nutritional Psychiatry Training and Resources38:13 Evidence of Dietary Interventions in Mental Health45:49 Challenges in Changing Dietary Habits57:24 Whole Grains: The Key to Better Health

Dr. Emeran Mayer welcomes Martin Picard, PhD, mitochondrial biologist and systems thinker, for a fascinating conversation on the hidden role of mitochondria in health, stress, and consciousness.Martin explains how mitochondria, far beyond being simple “powerhouses of the cell”, are dynamic regulators of energy, emotion, and resilience. He explores their symbiotic relationship with the gut microbiome and how this ancient partnership influences inflammation, mental health, and overall well-being.You’ll also hear about Martin’s concept of “intrinsic health,” a field-like state that integrates biology, energy flow, and human experience. Together, he and Dr. Mayer discuss why understanding energy as the potential for change may reshape how we think about health, stress, and even consciousness itself.Key Topics Covered:• The evolutionary story of mitochondria and their link to the gut microbiome• Why energy is best understood as flow rather than a fixed resource• The impact of stress on mitochondrial health and resilience• How intrinsic health connects science with lived experience• A new paradigm for understanding mental and physical well-beingDiscover how mitochondria and the microbiome together form the foundation of vitality, and why a holistic, systems-based view of health is essential for true well-being. Enjoy!Connect with Dr. Mayer:Website: ⁠emeranmayer.com⁠Instagram: ⁠@emeranmayer⁠Twitter/X: ⁠@EmeranMayerMD⁠YouTube: ⁠Emeran Mayer, MD⁠Episode Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Mitochondria and Microbiome05:26 The Evolutionary Significance of Mitochondria10:35 Energy Dynamics in Biological Systems15:30 Consciousness and Energy: A Philosophical Exploration20:51 The Human Experience and Health22:37 Bridging Biology and Human Experience23:31 Mitochondria and Human Emotions25:28 The Complexity of Mental Health28:58 Intrinsic Health: A New Paradigm36:21 Measuring Intrinsic Health46:10 Stress, Energy, and Health

Dr. Emeran Mayer welcomes Dan Buettner, National Geographic explorer, Emmy award-winning filmmaker, and founder of the Blue Zones, for an illuminating conversation on the secrets of longevity.Dan explains why people in Blue Zone communities, like Ikaria, Greece, and Nicoya, Costa Rica, live significantly longer, healthier lives, and why it has little to do with genetics. Instead, he shares how their environments naturally support better choices: more movement, plant-based eating, strong social ties, and a deep sense of purpose.You’ll also hear about the proven success of Blue Zone initiatives in U.S. cities like Fort Worth and Los Angeles, where simple changes in policy and urban design have reduced obesity and improved community health. Dan also tackles popular longevity “hacks,” the importance of happiness, and why beans may be the most powerful superfood on your plate.Key Topics Covered:• The origins and science behind the Blue Zones• Diet and lifestyle patterns that extend life by up to a decade• Why changing your environment beats trying to change your willpower• How happiness and community are linked to health• What U.S. cities can learn from the world’s healthiest populationsDiscover the evidence-based practices that can help you live longer, healthier, and happier starting today.Connect with Dr. Mayer:Instagram: ⁠@emeranmayer⁠Twitter/X: ⁠@EmeranMayerMD⁠YouTube: ⁠Emeran Mayer, MD⁠Website: ⁠emeranmayer.com⁠TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - 0:51 Introduction0:51 - 2:13 Who is Dan Buettner?2:13 - 4:47 What explains longevity in the Blue Zones?4:47 - 7:02 This is a fake Blue Zone7:02 - 10:00 Blue Zone diet/lifestyle10:00 - 13:15 Our bodies aren't optimized for our modern lifestyle13:15 - 15:20 Modern medicine & epidemic of chronic disease15:20 - 17:57 Why is Singapore so healthy?17:57 - 19:20 Thoughts on MAHA movement19:20 - 21:11 Transforming US cities into Blue Zones21:11 - 22:52 Are certain longevity factors more important than others?22:52 - 24:35 What kind of diet does Dan follow24:35 - 27:36 Thoughts on biohacking, rapamycin, metformin27:36 - 29:02 Dan's new book - Blue Zone Kitchen29:02 - 32:08 Issues with an older & older population32:08 - 33:40 Relationship between longevity & happiness33:40 - 34:37 Thanks for listening

Dr. Mayer unpacks groundbreaking research on how men and women differ in their responses to stress, emotional stimuli, and gut sensations. Drawing from studies at UCLA’s Oppenheimer Center, the conversation highlights key differences in brain-gut communication, revealing how neural pathways influence both emotional and physical health.You’ll learn why women are more prone to conditions like IBS, how heart rate variability reflects emotional processing, and why men tend to show more action-oriented responses to stress. Dr. Mayer also explores the growing potential of personalized therapy—tailored to biological and psychological differences—to transform how we treat chronic gut-brain conditions.Key Topics Covered:• Sex-based differences in stress response patterns• Brainstem connectivity and gut sensitivity• Emotional awareness and heart rate variability• Chronic disease and the gut-brain connection• Personalized therapies based on genderUnderstanding these sex-based differences isn’t just fascinating—it’s essential for developing more effective, tailored approaches to brain-gut health. Tune in to explore how science is reshaping the way we treat mind and body together.Connect with Dr. Mayer:Website: ⁠⁠emeranmayer.com⁠⁠Instagram: ⁠@emeranmayer⁠Twitter/X: ⁠@EmeranMayerMD⁠YouTube: @EmeranMayerMD

SIBO—Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth—has become a buzzword in the gut health space, often blamed for symptoms like bloating, gas, and fatigue. But how much of the hype is supported by solid science?In this episode of The Mind-Gut Conversation, Dr. Mayer critically examines the growing SIBO narrative. Drawing from decades of clinical experience and the latest peer-reviewed evidence, he breaks down what SIBO actually is, who it truly affects, and why breath tests and antibiotic treatments like rifaximin are far less reliable—and more commercially driven—than many believe.In this episode, you’ll learn:Why true SIBO is rare and typically linked to structural or motility disordersWhy current diagnostic tests are flawed and often misusedHow intestinal gas production is a normal part of digestion—not necessarily a problemWhy rifaximin may relieve symptoms without ever addressing SIBOThe role of microbial diversity, short-chain fatty acids, and the broader brain-gut microbiome systemWhether you’ve been diagnosed with SIBO or are simply curious about one of the most misunderstood topics in gut health, this episode separates myth from medicine.Thank you for your interest!--------------Connect with Dr. Mayer:Instagram: @emeranmayerTwitter/X: @EmeranMayerMDYouTube: Emeran Mayer, MDWebsite: emeranmayer.com

In this episode of The Mind-Gut Conversation, I’m thrilled to sit down with Dr. Stephen Sideroff, an internationally recognized psychologist, professor at the UCLA Geffen School of Medicine, and expert in resilience and peak performance. Stephen’s groundbreaking new book, The 9 Pillars of Resilience: The Proven Path to Master Stress, Slow Aging & Increase Vitality, couldn’t come at a more important time.We live in a world where chronic stress has become the norm—and it’s taking a major toll on our mental and physical well-being. In our conversation, Stephen offers a powerful framework for dealing with chronic stress by building true resilience—not just bouncing back, but adapting, evolving, and thriving in the face of life’s challenges.Together, we explore:• Why the stress response, once an evolutionary advantage, now contributes to many chronic diseases• The role of early life experiences in shaping our internal models for how we react to stress and the world• How cultivating resilience is the key to mastering stress and protecting long-term brain and body health• The importance of contemplative practices like mindfulness, equanimity, and non-reactivity• Scientific evidence showing that building resilience can actually slow aging and promote neuroplasticity• What resilient centenarians can teach us about healthy longevity—even in the face of traumaStephen’s 9 Pillars offer a roadmap for developing emotional flexibility, building stronger connections with ourselves and others, and accessing a deeper sense of vitality. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or simply curious about how to support your well-being as you age—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Thank you for being a part of our growing community. If you find this episode valuable, I encourage you to share it with anyone navigating stress or looking to live a longer, more vibrant life.Learn more at emeranmayer.comFollow Dr. Mayer:YouTube: @EmeranMayerMDInstagram: @emeranmayerX (Formerly Twitter): @EmeranMayerMDFacebook: @emeranamayerLinkedIn: @emeranmayerTikTok: @emeranmayer