The Mind-Gut Conversation

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

How do we reverse the chronic disease epidemic affecting millions of children in the United States? According to Nora LaTorre, it starts with fixing what’s on their lunch tray.As CEO of Eat Real, Nora leads a nonprofit tackling the root causes of poor nutrition through a science-backed, K–12 school certification program aimed at upgrading food in cafeterias nationwide. In this episode, Dr. Mayer and Nora dive into the origins of Eat Real, its success engaging parents and schools, and why mothers are at the center of lasting dietary change. They also discuss the broader landscape of public health, including the federal MAHA initiative (Make America Healthy Again), the role of the food industry, and why nutrition alone isn’t enough to address chronic disease without considering stress, inequality, and food systems reform.In this conversation, you’ll learn:• Why children’s nutrition is the key to long-term public health• How Eat Real’s 360° model of access, awareness, and advocacy works• What measurable health outcomes have been linked to school food changes• The challenges of working within U.S. agriculture and food policy• Whether federal efforts like MAHA are likely to succeedIf you care about the future of our kids’ health, this episode offers both hope and a roadmap.If you enjoyed this episode of The Mind-Gut Conversation, please leave a review - it really helps spread the word & get our show recommended to new viewers. Thank you!

Can a simple stool test help uncover the root causes of gut issues — and guide you toward better long-term health? That’s the bold promise behind Tiny Health, the microbiome testing company founded by Cheryl Sew Hoy. In this episode of The Mind-Gut Conversation, Dr. Emeran Mayer sits down with Cheryl to unpack the science behind gut and vaginal microbiome testing, and why she believes personalized microbiome care is the future of health — from infancy to menopause.They explore the origins of Tiny Health, how it compares to other microbiome tests, and the growing scientific evidence linking stool microbiome profiles to immune health, chronic conditions, and even recovery after antibiotic use.In this conversation, you’ll learn:• How Tiny Health’s test differs from other commercial gut tests• Whether stool testing can detect signs of “leaky gut” and chronic gut inflammation• What role the microbiome plays during menopause and how women can take proactive steps• Why Cheryl believes testing can be useful even for those without symptoms• The evidence behind Tiny Health’s recommendations — and what makes them actionableWhether you’re struggling with gut-related symptoms or simply curious about optimizing your health (or your family’s), this episode delivers practical, science-backed insights.Note: Dr. Mayer is a medical advisor to Tiny Health. Want to learn more, visit our website www.emeranmayer.com

What do alcohol, sleep, diet and “purpose in life” have in common?According to a powerful new study, they’re all modifiable risk factors that may determine your future risk of stroke, dementia and late-life depression — three of the most pressing health challenges of our time.In this episode of The Mind-Gut Conversation, Dr. Mayer breaks down this comprehensive review, which analyzed data from over 180 meta-analyses and ranked risk factors based on their impact on healthy aging and brain health. The findings go far beyond just cholesterol or glucose — and include often overlooked lifestyle and psychological factors like social engagement and chronic stress.In this episode, you’ll learn:1) Which modifiable factors have the greatest impact on dementia, stroke and depression2) Why physical and psychological health are deeply intertwined3) How “purpose in life” scored higher than some traditional clinical markers4) What these findings mean for real-world prevention — and your everyday choicesWhether you’re supporting a loved one or simply planning for your own long-term health, this episode offers evidence-backed clarity on what actually matters most.Want to read the study yourself? Here's the link & PMID reference:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40180437/ PMID: 40180437If you'd like to go deeper into these topics, you can learn more on emeranmayer.com!

Inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis remain among the most difficult chronic conditions to manage — but new science at the intersection of microbiome research and biotechnology may offer hope.In this episode of The Mind-Gut Conversation, I sit down with Dr. Deanna Gibson, microbiome researcher and cofounder of Melius Microbiomics, to explore how genetically engineered microbial medicines could transform the future of IBD treatment — and what it will take for patients and the medical community to embrace them.In this conversation, we explore:· How Dr. Gibson’s research led to the development of BioPersist™ and BioColonize™ for IBD.· Why new microbiome-targeted therapies are urgently needed — especially for younger patients in whom ulcerative colitis is on the rise.· What makes BioPersist™ different from traditional probiotics and current IBD treatments.· How genetically engineered microbial medicines (GEMMs) represent a new generation of gut therapies.· Early research findings that support BioPersist™ as a promising treatment for ulcerative colitis.· Challenges in gaining public trust for novel biotech therapies amid growing skepticism.· Exciting new discoveries in microbiome science — and the future potential for live biotherapeutics beyond IBD.If you’re curious about the exciting direction where gut health research is headed — and how the microbiome may change the way we treat chronic disease — this episode is for you.Tune in and join the conversation!Disclaimer: Dr. Mayer is the Chief Medical Officer of Melius Microbiomics and has been involved in the commercial development of Genetically Engineered Microbial Medicines (GEMMs).

Despite how common IBS is, it remains one of the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed conditions affecting the gut. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with IBS, suspect you might have it or are just curious about the brain-gut connection, this episode is for you.In this episode of The Mind-Gut Conversation, I sit down with my son, Dylan, to tackle some of the most frequently asked questions about IBS — from why gut health is trending to why IBS remains so difficult to treat. It’s an open, honest and evidence-based conversation that brings clarity to a topic that affects millions.In this conversation, we explore:- Why gut health has become such a hot topic — and what that has to do with IBS.- Why the prevalence of IBS hasn’t changed, despite skyrocketing interest in digestive health.- The limits of current diagnostic criteria and what symptoms are being missed.- How IBS fits into a larger picture of brain-gut dysregulation, including anxiety, fatigue and poor sleep.- Whether IBS causes anxiety, or anxiety causes IBS — and what the science says about this “chicken and egg” dilemma.- Why we still don’t have an effective drug treatment for IBS, and what to consider instead.In honor of April being IBS Awareness Month, my in-depth IBS course is 70% off through the end of the month. If you want to go beyond the basics and learn actionable strategies backed by the latest science, you’ll find everything you need at emeranmayer.com.Whether you’re managing symptoms or supporting someone who is, we hope this episode gives you a new perspective on IBS — and a sense of empowerment.Tune in now and join the conversation! We hope you enjoy.Chapters:Introduction 0:00 - 1:18What is behind the gut health craze? 1:18 - 3:35Prevalence of IBS 3:35 - 6:28Limitations of current diagnosis criteria 6:28 - 9:16Anxiety & The Brain-Gut System 9:16 - 15:52Why are there no effective drug treatments for IBS? 15:52 - 18:55Leaving it on a positive note 18:55 - 21:03IBS Resources & Thank You 21:03 - 21:36