FutureLab Podcast

In this episode of the Future Lab Podcast, hosts Danny Urbinder, Trevor Hendy, and Dr Denise Furness take a deep dive with Donna Aston, a metabolic health and weight management expert, who shares her inspiring journey from being an overweight teenager to transforming her body through strength training and becoming a fitness competitor. Donna discusses her nutritional studies and the development of her science-based program, Aston Rx, which focuses on enhancing metabolic health and promoting long-term well-being. Key topics include the importance of strength training, managing insulin levels, and optimising diet through time-restricted eating and nutrient-dense foods. Aston also emphasises the significance of stress reduction, sleep hygiene, and individualised dietary interventions for achieving and maintaining health. The episode highlights practical insights and real-world applications for enhancing metabolic health and longevity. Thank you for tuning in to today's episode of FutureLab. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favourite podcast platform. For more tips and insights on living a longer, healthier life, follow us on social media and visit our website at https://melrosefuturelab.com/blogs/futurelab-podcast. Stay healthy and see you next time!

In this engaging podcast episode, hosts Danny Urbinder, Dr. Denise Furness, and Trevor Hendy sit down with Dr. Damian Kristoff, a naturopath, chiropractor, and nutrition expert. The discussion delves into Dr. Kristoff's personal journey from studying commerce to becoming a prominent figure in the health and wellness sphere. The conversation highlights the concept of Blue Zones, areas where people live significantly longer lives, and the factors contributing to this longevity, including purpose, engagement, movement, nutrition, and community. Dr. Kristoff shares insights from his experiences in Blue Zones like Ikaria in Greece and Sardinia in Italy, emphasising the importance of integrating simple, natural lifestyle practices to avoid chronic diseases and enhance health span.  The episode also touches on Dr. Kristoff’s professional practice, his future aspirations, and the role of supplementation in modern health regimes.Thank you for tuning in to today's episode of FutureLab. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favourite podcast platform. For more tips and insights on living a longer, healthier life, follow us on social media and visit our website at https://melrosefuturelab.com/blogs/futurelab-podcast. Stay healthy and see you next time!

In this discussion, Pete Evans, a prominent chef and wellness advocate known for his holistic health approach, shares his transformative journey from TV fame to embracing personal truth. He explores his experiences with psychedelics, emphasizing their role in expanding self-awareness and spiritual growth. Pete talks about the impact of societal norms on health and the importance of self-responsibility. He reflects on navigating public criticism and highlights the significance of finding joy in simple pleasures like surfing and cooking for a fulfilling life.

In this episode, our hosts are joined by surfing legend Layne Beachley as she shares insights from her life and career, highlighting her journey through personal struggles, professional triumphs, and the impact of menopause on her health. Beachley reflects on her childhood, the early loss of her mother, learning of her adoption, and how these events fuelled her determination to become a world champion surfer.  She discusses her role in transforming women's surfing, making it more recognised and appreciated, and her emphasis on the uniqueness of women’s contributions to the sport. Beachley also touches on her relationship with her husband Kirk, the importance of emotional support, and her current health regimen. The conversation underscores themes of resilience, authenticity, and the power of embracing one's femininity. Additionally, Beachley promotes her work with the Awake Academy, aimed at helping people live happier, more purposeful lives. Thank you for tuning in to today's episode of FutureLab. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favourite podcast platform. For more tips and insights on living a longer, healthier life, follow us on social media and visit our website at https://melrosefuturelab.com/blogs/futurelab-podcast. Stay healthy and see you next time!

Explore the stress-busting powers of L-theanine, an amino acid from green tea that enhances focus without causing drowsiness. Discover its impressive synergy with lemon balm and how it promotes a relaxed yet alert state through breathwork. Clinical evidence highlights improved stress and cognition with AlphaWave® L-theanine, while practical tips reveal how to combine it effectively with lifestyle choices for optimal well-being. Plus, learn the nuances of sleep’s role in health and how this dynamic duo can be a game-changer for high-stress individuals.

In this episode of Future Lab, hosts Trevor Hendy, Dr Denise Furness, and Danny Urbinder welcome Australian Football League (AFL) player Mason Cox for an in-depth discussion about his extraordinary journey. Mason, originally from Dallas, Texas, shares his unique story of transitioning from playing soccer and basketball to becoming a prominent AFL player for the Collingwood Football Club. He talks about the challenges he faced, including significant injuries like detached retinas and a lacerated spleen, and the incredible support he received from the club, friends, and family. Mason also elaborates on the substantial risk he took to move to Australia, giving up a chemical engineering degree and a secure job, driven by his brother's encouragement to seize a unique and unrepeatable athletic opportunity. Highlights of his career, such as debuting on Anzac Day and starring in the 2018 preliminary final against Richmond, are discussed. Mason reflects on the importance of resilience, support networks, and the journey's impact on his personal growth. The conversation ends with Mason expressing gratitude for the connections and experiences he's gained through AFL and his vision for the future.    Thank you for tuning in to today's episode of FutureLab. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favourite podcast platform. For more tips and insights on living a longer, healthier life, follow us on social media and visit our website at https://melrosefuturelab.com/blogs/futurelab-podcast. Stay healthy and see you next time!

Zoe Bingley-Pullin joins the hosts of FutureLab, Danny Urbinder, Dr Denise Furness, and Trevor Hendy, to discuss hormone health, with a special focus on perimenopause and menopause. This engaging and informative conversation covers the important role of pathology tests in understanding your body throughout this transition. Zoe also emphasises the critical role of diet, including phytoestrogens and protein intake, lifestyle changes, and practical cooking tips to improve overall well-being. Zoe shares personal experiences and insights from her new book 'Eat Your Way to Healthy Hormones,' emphasising simplicity in preparing nutritious meals. The discussion also explores exercise regimens, such as weight-bearing activities, and supplements like magnesium and adaptogenic herbs for adrenal and hormone support. Zoe's passion for food and holistic health runs through the discussion, aiming to inspire listeners to make simple but impactful health choices.Thank you for tuning in to today's episode of FutureLab. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favourite podcast platform. For more tips and insights on living a longer, healthier life, follow us on social media and visit our website at https://melrosefuturelab.com/blogs/futurelab-podcast. Stay healthy and see you next time!

In this extraordinary episode of FutureLab, hosts Trevor Hendy, Danny Urbinder, and Dr. Denise Furness are joined by surfing icon Kelly Slater, 11-time world champion, to explore the intersection of longevity, peak performance, and visionary thinking.Kelly reflects on how his relentless drive and ability to see where surfing could evolve—often five to ten years ahead of his peers—redefined the sport. With insights into his legendary flow state, he shares how being present and fully connected to the ocean allowed him to achieve momentous victories in his career. From preparation to mindset, Kelly reveals the secrets behind his competitive edge and how he’s maintained greatness over decades.The conversation takes a deep dive into Kelly’s health journey, highlighting his cutting-edge approach to diet, exercise, and supplementation, as well as an analysis of his biological age and how he continues to slow the pace of ageing. The discussion also ventures into his vision for the future of surfing, the challenges of parenthood, and the life lessons that shaped his philosophy on living with purpose and longevity.This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration on achieving greatness, sustaining peak performance, and staying ahead of the curve in sport, health, and life.Thank you for tuning in to today's episode of FutureLab. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favourite podcast platform. For more tips and insights on living a longer, healthier life, follow us on social media and visit our website at https://melrosefuturelab.com/blogs/futurelab-podcast. Stay healthy and see you next time!

In this candid discussion, Trevor opens up about his journey from a young athlete driven by external validation and early heartbreak to a celebrated champion who ultimately found a deeper purpose. He reflects on how his initial competitive fire, born from trauma and a desire for approval, led him to monumental success. Yet, as his career progressed, Trevor began experiencing profound moments of connection with the ocean—moments that revealed a spiritual dimension to his life and work. This pivotal realisation shifted his focus from pursuing external accolades to embracing inner fulfilment and holistic well-being. Throughout the episode, Trevor shares insights on the power of vulnerability, the importance of intuition, and the role of personal transformation. Today, he mentors others with a focus on true inspiration, moving beyond external power, greed, and control to promote genuine well-being. Thank you for tuning in to today's episode of FutureLab. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favourite podcast platform. For more tips and insights on living a longer, healthier life, follow us on social media and visit our website at https://melrosefuturelab.com/blogs/futurelab-podcast. Stay healthy and see you next time!

In this episode of FutureLab, we sit down with neuroscientist and exercise physiologist Paul Taylor to explore the critical role of resilience in modern life and the profound effects of today's lifestyles on well-being. Paul takes us on his journey from the British military to becoming a health and fitness expert, shedding light on how exercise enhances both cognitive and physical health.We dive into key areas like balancing stress and recovery, the impact of unhealthy habits such as poor diet and excessive screen time on mental health, and the rising levels of anxiety among teenagers. Paul also explains the role of dopamine in food addiction, the importance of resilience developed through controlled stress, and how gratitude can be a transformative practice.This conversation offers both practical strategies and deeper philosophical insights, underscoring the importance of exercise, nutrition, and sleep in achieving a balanced, fulfilling life.Thank you for tuning in to today's episode of FutureLab. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favourite podcast platform. For more tips and insights on living a longer, healthier life, follow us on social media and visit our website at https://melrosefuturelab.com/blogs/futurelab-podcast. Stay healthy and see you next time!