

The Superhumanize Podcast
superhumanize.com
Superhumanize and learn how to transform and transcend your human experience, and achieve the highest potential of mind, body and spirit. Our host Ariane Sommer brings you deeply insightful interviews with the global thought leaders in health, personal development, business, biohacking, science and spirituality - to inspire YOU to live your best life ever.
Ariane is a published author, vegan biohacker and wellness entrepreneur, journalist and keynote speaker.
Born in Germany and growing up in diverse places including Sierra Leone, India, Spain, the UK and the United States, Ariane has a unique global perspective on our individual struggles, as well as the challenges we face as the collective human family.
The Superhumanize Podcast was born out of Ariane’s passionate quest to create the ultimate human experience, merging the best of ancient wisdom with cutting edge scientific discoveries and advanced technologies.
Ariane is a published author, vegan biohacker and wellness entrepreneur, journalist and keynote speaker.
Born in Germany and growing up in diverse places including Sierra Leone, India, Spain, the UK and the United States, Ariane has a unique global perspective on our individual struggles, as well as the challenges we face as the collective human family.
The Superhumanize Podcast was born out of Ariane’s passionate quest to create the ultimate human experience, merging the best of ancient wisdom with cutting edge scientific discoveries and advanced technologies.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 15, 2025 • 54min
The Power to Self-Heal: Brandy Gillmore on Sovereignty, Belief, and the Mind-Body Revolution
Today’s guest is someone whose work resonates at the intersection of science, sovereignty, and the extraordinary healing potential of the human mind.Brandy Gillmore is a mind-body healing expert, researcher, and inspirational speaker known for her groundbreaking discoveries on self-healing. After a debilitating injury left her in chronic pain and reliant on a wheelchair and cane, Brandy embarked on a remarkable journey, ultimately using the power of her own mind to heal herself fully.Her story is not just inspirational, it is instructional.Brandy’s book, Master Your Mind and Energy to Heal Your Body, is a #1 Amazon bestseller. It outlines her GIFT Mind-Body Healing™ method, helping readers activate their body’s innate ability to heal, blending neuroscience, emotional intelligence, and practical spirituality. Her work is changing lives and reshaping how people understand what is possible for their health.In this conversation, we explore the mechanics and the mystery of self-healing. We dive into belief, subconscious reprogramming, emotional frequency, and what it means to reclaim the authority we have been taught to give away. Brandy reminds us that healing is not just possible, it is a learnable skill.This is more than a conversation about wellness. It is a powerful remembrance of the gift we all carry: the ability to become our own cure.Episode highlights:03:00 – Brandy's accident and the years of failed treatments09:40 – Breakthrough moment: the multiple personality disorder insight14:30 – How specific emotions and patterns trigger illness19:55 – The “cake recipe” of emotional combinations25:40 – Healing through rewiring vs just positive thinking33:15 – PTSD, trauma, and why some people don’t get sick39:00 – When love, safety, and illness get unconsciously linked45:50 – The subconscious roots of self-sabotage52:10 – How fear is often wired as “protection”57:30 – Step-by-step walk through of the GIFT method1:06:00 – Brandy’s music hack for emotional re-patterning1:12:45 – Final truth: Healing is a skill we must masterResources mentioned:WEBSITE https://brandygillmore.com/BOOK https://brandygillmore.com/master-your-mind-book/FREE MASTERCLASS https://brandygillmore.com/self-healing-masterclass/PODCAST https://brandygillmore.com/podcast-episodes/Guest's social handles:Facebook https://www.facebook.com/brandy.gillmoreInstagram https://www.instagram.com/brandygillmore/X https://x.com/BrandyGillmoreP.S. If you enjoy this episode and feel it helps to elevate your life, please give us a rating or review. And if you feel others may benefit from this podcast as well, spread the word, share and help grow our tribe of Superhumans. When we help heal One, we help heal All. Much gratitude and love.Yours,Ariane

May 5, 2025 • 53min
The Future We Were Meant For: Dr. Riane Eisler on Reimagining Democracy, Power, and Gender to Awaken a New Humanity
Welcome to The Superhumanize Podcast.I’m your host, Ariane Sommer and today, it is my profound honor to welcome back a true visionary, Dr. Riane Eisler.Dr. Eisler is a cultural historian, systems scientist, attorney, and pioneering voice for a future shaped not by domination, but by partnership, by cooperation, empathy, and care.Her groundbreaking books, including The Chalice and The Blade, The Real Wealth of Nations, and Nurturing Our Humanity, have transformed how we view our history, our societies, and the possibilities that await us if we choose a different path.In this conversation, we move fluidly through some of the most urgent and tender questions of our time:The future of democracy, the role of partnership in education and economics, the profound importance of gender equity, and how technology, if guided by the right values, might help us build a more caring world rather than entrench old systems of control.It is not only an intellectual journey.It is a call: to remember who we can be when we choose partnership over power, care over coercion, connection over conquest.Dr. Eisler’s voice is more crucial than ever in this moment of global transformation.I am deeply grateful to share this second conversation with her, and with you.Episode highlights:02:07 Dr. Eisler's Early Life and Trauma05:39 The Partnership vs. Domination System08:40 Impact of Trauma and Gender Stereotypes13:58 Educational Reform and Partnership Education23:54 Gender Equality and Political Power43:11 AI and Ethical Programming47:45 Dr. Eisler's Upcoming Book and Final ThoughtsResources:WEBSITES Riane Eislerhttps://rianeeisler.com/Center For Partnership Systemshttps://centerforpartnership.org/resources/riane-eisler/BOOKShttps://www.amazon.com/stores/Riane-Eisler/author/B00DOIP1WMSOCIAL MEDIALinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rianeeislerFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/CenterforPartnershipInstagram https://www.instagram.com/partnership_systems/YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmIcyO7M_dalSOxCsLN6CewXhttps://x.com/RianeEislerhttps://x.com/CenterforPshipP.S. If you enjoy this episode and feel it helps to elevate your life, please give us a rating or review. And if you feel others may benefit from this podcast as well, spread the word, share and help grow our tribe of Superhumans. When we help heal One, we help heal All. Much gratitude and love.Yours,Ariane

May 2, 2025 • 47min
The Chemistry of Trust: Dr. Paul Zak on the Brain’s Hidden Codes for Belonging and Extraordinary Experience
Welcome to The Superhumanize Podcast.I’m your host, Ariane Sommer and today, we journey into the chemistry of connection, the science of trust, and the hidden forces that shape extraordinary human experiences.My guest is Dr. Paul Zak, neuroscientist, best-selling author, Professor of Economics, Psychology, and Management at Claremont Graduate University, and co-founder of the pioneering company Immersion Neuroscience.Paul’s groundbreaking research has revealed how neurochemicals like oxytocin build trust, shape moral behavior, and fuel human happiness.He is a founding figure in the field of neuroeconomics and a leader in applying neuroscience to real-world domains like organizational leadership, marketing, and experience design.In this conversation, we explore how extraordinary experiences are engineered, how organizations can foster deeper human connection even across virtual spaces, and how emerging technologies like Neuroscience as a Service are transforming industries from healthcare to education to consumer engagement.We also dive into profound frontiers:How understanding trust could enhance therapies,how immersion can create lasting, life-changing experiences, and how the brain’s deepest codes can be honored rather than manipulated.If you have ever wondered how biology, belief, and belonging weave together to shape the human story, this conversation is a portal.Episode highlights:02:50 The Power of Oxytocin in Human Behavior07:26 Practical Ways to Boost Oxytocin12:17 The Role of Social Interactions in Happiness16:58 Innovations in Mental Health and Psychiatry18:52 The Future of Therapeutic Treatments22:13 Engineering Extraordinary Experiences25:07 Reflecting on Customer Experience26:22 The Science Behind Immersion29:04 Applications in Education and Mental Health32:08 The Importance of Social Connections41:59 Leveraging Technology for Creative Industries44:32 Final Thoughts and Future GoalsResources mentioned:WEBSITEShttps://pauljzak.com/ Claremont Graduate University https://www.cgu.edu/people/paul-zak/Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_J._ZakTED TALK https://www.ted.com/talks/paul_zak_trust_morality_and_oxytocin?language=enBOOKS https://pauljzak.com/books/Guest's social handles:LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-zak-91123510/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pauljzakX https://x.com/pauljzakP.S. If you enjoy this episode and feel it helps to elevate your life, please give us a rating or review. And if you feel others may benefit from this podcast as well, spread the word, share and help grow our tribe of Superhumans. When we help heal One, we help heal All. Much gratitude and love.Yours,Ariane

Apr 30, 2025 • 42min
Beyond Genetics: Nikolina Lauc on Glycans, Biological Age, and the Hidden Language of Your Cells
Welcome to The Superhumanize Podcast.I’m your host, Ariane Sommer—and in this episode, we explore a frontier of health that’s been quietly shaping our biology all along: the world of glycans.My guest is Nikolina Lauc, co-founder and CEO of GlycanAge—a pioneering biotech company using glycan biomarkers to measure biological age and predict long-term health outcomes. Her work is helping to shift the paradigm of aging from something we passively endure to something we can actively understand—and even influence.We dive into what glycans are—these complex sugar molecules that modify proteins and silently direct processes like inflammation, immunity, and aging.Nikolina explains how they reveal a layer of biological communication most of us have never heard of… and how listening to that hidden language can help us prevent disease years before it begins.We also explore GlycanAge’s breakthrough menopause biomarker, their personalized approach to longevity, and what it means to raise awareness around women’s health in a data-driven age.If you’ve ever wanted to go deeper than genetics—If you’ve sensed there’s more to your body’s story than your DNA—This episode may open a new door for you.Episode highlights:-What glycans are and why they matter more than genes alone-How chronic inflammation predicts disease up to 10 years in advance-The science behind GlycanAge's biological age test-Why exercise and diet affect everyone differently-The coming revolution in menopause diagnostics-Metformin, biohacking, and the myth of one-size-fits-all longevity-The future of personalized health data and ethical enhancementResources mentioned:Glycan Age https://glycanage.com/Guest's social handles:Nikolina LaucLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikolinalaucInstagram https://www.instagram.com/nikolinalauc/Glycan AgeInstagram https://www.instagram.com/glycanage/X https://x.com/glycanageFacebook https://www.facebook.com/glycanage/YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn1OeXYKa-NmKr9AtczwN4Q

Apr 30, 2025 • 41min
Love, Algorithms, and Avatars: How Technology is Redefining Human Connection with Dr. Liesel Sharabi
"If you spend all your time looking for the perfect person, you’ll struggle. A healthier mindset is to find someone you enjoy — and then work to build the relationship you want."Welcome to The Superhumanize Podcast.I’m your host, Ariane Sommer—and in this episode, we’re stepping into one of the most intimate intersections of modern life: where love meets technology.My guest today is Dr. Liesel Sharabi, a leading researcher at Arizona State University and Director of the Relationships and Technology Lab. Her work dives deep into how digital tools—from dating apps to virtual reality—are reshaping not only how we meet, but how we connect, how we build intimacy, and how we sustain relationships in a rapidly changing world.We explore the future of romantic connection—How algorithms and AI companions are influencing attraction.What happens when first dates take place in virtual reality.And how the seemingly infinite choices on dating apps can sometimes leave us lonelier than before.We also touch on the deeper threads:The psychological impact of swipe culture,The ethical tensions of love in a commodified system,And whether technology is bringing us closer—or quietly rewriting what it means to relate.If you’ve ever wondered how digital culture is shaping the soul of human connection…This conversation is for you.Episode highlights:Virtual reality as a new frontier for first dates and intimacyHow AI companions are changing emotional connectionThe psychological impact of dating app cultureDating app burnout and how to avoid itThe ethics and data privacy concerns of AI-driven romanceCross-cultural perceptions of digital datingThe difference in satisfaction between online and offline-initiated marriagesFuture applications of VR in coaching, touch, and relationship buildingHow younger generations are shaping the norms of modern connectionResources mentioned:Liesel's website https://www.lieselsharabi.com/Dating In the Digital Age https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/dating-in-the-digital-ageGuest's social handles:LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/liesel-sharabiX https://x.com/lieselsharabi

Apr 30, 2025 • 58min
Beyond Cholesterol: Dr. Ronald Krauss on Lipids, Inflammation, and the Hidden Codes of Heart Health
Welcome to The Superhumanize Podcast.I’m your host, Ariane Sommer and today, we’re not just talking about heart health…We’re decoding it.My guest is Dr. Ronald Krauss, one of the most influential voices in cardiovascular research today. A professor of medicine at UCSF and a pioneer in lipidology, Dr. Krauss has reshaped how we understand cholesterol, inflammation, and the subtle particles that move through our blood and, often, determine our fate.In this conversation, we go far beyond the standard cholesterol panel.We explore the deeper nuances like the size and density of LDL particles, the overlooked power of ApoB and Lp(a), and how refined carbohydrates, not saturated fats, may play a much larger role in cardiovascular risk than we've been led to believe.We also enter emerging frontiers:How the gut microbiome shapes the heart, how our genes can guide more precise therapies, and how personalized nutrition may become one of the most powerful tools for prevention in the years to come.This episode is not just for the curious, it’s for those who sense there’s more to the story of heart disease than numbers on a lab report.It’s for those who believe science can be both evidence-based and visionary.And for those of us who know the body carries not just risk, but memory, intelligence, and code.Episode highlights:Why small, dense LDL particles are more dangerous than large onesThe role of ApoB and Lp(a) as underused but powerful heart health indicatorsHow metabolic syndrome and inflammation interconnect with lipid disordersThe surprising truth about saturated fat vs. refined carbsThe promise (and limitations) of personalized nutrition and genomicsHow physical activity and gut health shape lipid metabolismNew frontiers in the fight against dementia linked to cardiovascular functionResources mentioned:Dr. Krauss' Wikipedia page:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ronald_Krauss_(medical_researcher)Dr. Krauss' professional profiles:https://profiles.ucsf.edu/ronald.krausshttps://amecenter.ucsf.edu/people/ronald-krauss-md

Apr 29, 2025 • 41min
Every Breath You Take: Clean Air, Resilience, and the Hidden Forces That Heal — with Helen Christoni
What if the greatest performance enhancer isn't a pill, a device, or a protocol—but the air you're breathing right now? What if the quality of that air is silently shaping your sleep, your focus, your aging… even your future?My guest today is someone who lives at the intersection of wellness, innovation, and purpose. Helen Christoni is a health and wellness expert, educator, and a seasoned executive with over two decades of experience leading transformational brands. She’s currently the Vice President of Business Development & Partnerships at Ideal Living, the force behind AirDoctor, AquaTru, and AromaTru, where she helps connect people worldwide to wellness tech that truly matters. At Ideal Living, the team firmly believes in Wellness Tech that serves a greater purpose, recognizing that access to pure air and clean water is a fundamental right for everyone.At our own Gateway Clinic in Santa Monica, we’ve seen firsthand the impact of using AirDoctor, especially in the wake of California’s wildfires.Helen’s brilliance doesn’t stop at business. She’s a passionate athlete who’s run the Boston Marathon five times, completed three 100-mile ultramarathons, and, this gave me chills: she and her husband became two of only 16,000 people on Earth to complete all six World Marathon Majors, choosing to run Tokyo, Berlin, and Chicago all in the same year after one of the hardest seasons of their lives.This is a conversation about resilience, breath, and the unseen forces that either deplete us, or heal us.Episode highlights:0:00 – What if air is the greatest performance enhancer? 1:45 – Meet Helen Christi: Wellness leader, athlete, changemaker5:20 – Helen’s health crash: Pelvis fractures, early menopause, and severe osteoporosis8:10 – Toxic environments, beauty industry exposure, and the turning point12:15 – Recovery, mentorship, and discovering clean air as medicine15:40 – Running 100-mile races and all six World Marathon Majors18:30 – Why pure air matters for endurance and inflammation21:05 – The "get it done" mindset and leading from trust24:45 – Clean air and water as human rights, not privileges28:00 – Systemic inflammation, detoxing during sleep, and foundational wellness32:20 – Surprising pollutants: Microplastics, VOCs, and how they harm the brain36:30 – Behind the tech: What makes AirDoctor different (Ultra-HEPA, VOC filters)41:50 – Mental health, pollution, and that "heavy" hotel room feeling45:30 – Real-world air disasters and the urgent need for preparedness50:10 – What Helen recommends beyond buying an air purifier52:00 – Where to follow Helen and learn moreResources mentioned:Ideal Living https://idealliving.com/Guest's social handles:LINKEDIN https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-christoni-5416ab5INSTAGRAMHelen Christoni https://www.instagram.com/helenchristoni/AirDoctor Pro https://www.instagram.com/airdoctorpro/AquaTru https://www.instagram.com/aquatru/

Mar 25, 2025 • 51min
The Hidden Power of Stress: Jeff Krasno on The Science of Good Stress & Longevity
What if everything we’ve been taught about stress is wrong? What if, instead of being the enemy, stress could actually be the key to unlocking our resilience, longevity, and purpose?Today's guest, Jeff Krasno, has built his life around reimagining wellness. As the co-founder of Commune, he’s created a global platform for transformational learning. He’s also the visionary behind Luminescence, an event that’s redefining women’s health and longevity—and one I had the pleasure of experiencing firsthand. And now, with his latest book, Good Stress: The Health Benefits of Doing Hard Things, he’s challenging everything we think we know about stress and how it shapes us.In this conversation, we’ll dive into how discomfort can actually be a superpower, the overlooked connection between metabolic health and mental well-being, and what it really takes to build a life—and a community—that thrives. Let’s get into it.Episode highlights:00:25 Meet Jeff Krasnow: Reimagining Wellness01:52 Jeff's Personal Journey and Commitments03:58 The Concept of Good Stress06:33 Jeff's Health Transformation11:16 Practical Techniques for Resilience21:22 Understanding Good vs. Bad Stress28:31 Focus on Women's Health and Luminescence38:20 The Future of Wellness and Longevity45:37 Closing Thoughts and GratitudeResources mentioned:jeffkrasno.comGood Stress: The Health Benefits of Doing Hard ThingsCommune PodcastGuest's social handles:InstagramFacebookP.S. If you enjoy this episode and feel it helps to elevate your life, please give us a rating or review. And if you feel others may benefit from this podcast as well, spread the word, share and help grow our tribe of Superhumans. When we help heal One, we help heal All. Much gratitude and love.Yours,Ariane

Mar 6, 2025 • 50min
Unmasking the Food Industry: Jen Smiley on the Deceptive Practices of Food Labeling
Are the foods you trust actually sabotaging your health? Today, we venture into the murky world of food labeling—a realm where "natural" and "organic" often mask hidden dangers. Joining us is Jen Smiley, the trailblazing founder of "Wake Up and Read the Labels." With a mission to unveil the truth behind ingredient lists, Jen has empowered countless individuals to reclaim their well-being through genuine, informed choices.In this episode, we'll dissect the deceptive tactics employed by the food industry, explore the long-term health implications of seemingly benign additives, and uncover the psychological manipulations that influence our dietary decisions. Jen will also shed light on the discrepancies between U.S. food regulations and those of other nations, offering actionable insights to navigate these complexities.This conversation challenges the status quo of the food industry and will equip you with the knowledge to make truly nourishing choices, whether you are a seasoned biohacker or just embarking on your health journey.Episode highlights:00:28 Meet Jen Smiley: Unveiling Food Industry Secrets02:43 Understanding Misleading Labels: Non-GMO and Organic04:35 The Hidden Dangers of Food Additives07:12 Regulatory Loopholes and Consumer Confusion11:33 The Importance of Local and Organic Foods17:36 Long-term Effects of Additives on Health24:03 Practical Steps for Healthier Eating25:55 Starting a Clean Eating Journey26:15 Benefits of Clean Eating27:03 Clean Eating Tips and Swaps34:01 Psychological Manipulation in Food Marketing41:46 Future of Food Transparency47:58 Empowerment Through Better Choices49:08 How to Connect with JenResources mentioned:Jen Smiley Official WebsiteClean Eating AcademyGuest's social handles:InstagramFacebookP.S. If you enjoy this episode and feel it helps to elevate your life, please give us a rating or review. And if you feel others may benefit from this podcast as well, spread the word, share and help grow our tribe of Superhumans. When we help heal One, we help heal All. Much gratitude and love.Yours,Ariane

Feb 26, 2025 • 47min
Breaking the Chains: Dr. Adi Jaffe on Rethinking Addiction and Recovery
What if everything we’ve been told about addiction is wrong? What if the problem isn’t the substance or the behavior—but the pain underneath it?Dr. Adi Jaffe knows this firsthand. Once caught in his own battle with addiction and even spending time in jail, he didn’t just rebuild his life—he reshaped the way we think about recovery. A former UCLA lecturer, TEDx speaker, and the author of The Abstinence Myth and Unhooked, Dr. Jaffe challenges the traditional “one-size-fits-all” approach to addiction and mental health. His company, IGNTD, is helping people break free from destructive cycles—not through shame or rigid rules, but by addressing the real reasons behind compulsive behaviors.In this episode, we’re going deep—talking about why addiction is often misunderstood, the biggest mistakes people make in recovery, and how we can rethink not just addiction, but transformation itself.Episode highlights:01:38 Dr. Jaffe's Personal Journey with Addiction03:15 Questioning Traditional Recovery Models05:28 The Flaws in Current Addiction Treatment08:17 Rethinking Addiction as a Syndrome17:26 The Concept of Rock Bottom in Recovery21:02 The Role of Psychedelics in Addiction Treatment25:37 The Importance of Integration in Psychedelic Therapy26:26 Personalized Care and Controlled Settings26:53 Misconceptions About Psychedelics29:54 Ibogaine and Its Impact on Addiction31:33 Understanding the Root Causes of Addiction33:11 Addressing Social Anxiety and Addiction45:01 The Role of Authenticity in Healing46:05 Conclusion and ResourcesResources mentioned:Adi's WebsiteThe Abstinence MythUnhooked: Free Yourself from Addiction ForeverGuest's social handles:InstagramFacebookTwitterLinkedInP.S. If you enjoy this episode and feel it helps to elevate your life, please give us a rating or review. And if you feel others may benefit from this podcast as well, spread the word, share and help grow our tribe of Superhumans. When we help heal One, we help heal All. Much gratitude and love.Yours,Ariane


