

Science & Soul with Dr Kristen Holmes
Science & Soul
Science & Soul with Dr. Kristen Holmes is your guide to personal transformation- where cutting-edge performance science meets the depth of the human spirit. Through powerful expertise and insights, Dr. Kristen reveals how you can reclaim agency over your life, align with your values and purpose, and unlock your full potential.For anyone feeling stuck - Dr Kristen Holmes invites you to understand how to flourish in today's complex world.Dr Kristen Holmes is the Global Head Human Performance at WHOOP, a leading human performance company. A three-time All-American athlete and two-time Big Ten Athlete of the Year in field hockey and basketball at the University of Iowa, Kristen was also a seven-year member of the U.S. National Field Hockey Team. As a coach, she led Princeton University to 12 league titles in 13 seasons and a National Championship, making her one of the most successful coaches in Ivy League history.Science and Soul will offer a fresh perspective on human performance- unpacking the capacity of an individual to intentionally behave at a level equal to their physical and emotional potential. This is more than a show - this is an invitation to understand how humans can flourish and thrive in a complex world. Welcome!Instagram: @scienceandsoul & @drkristenholmesTikTok: @scienceandsoulpodLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-holmes/
Episodes
Mentioned books

16 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 55min
The Science Behind Cold Plunges! Why More Women Should Try Cold Therapy!
Cold plunges may be the secret weapon for reducing inflammation and enhancing recovery. Dr. Kristen Holmes explains the science behind cold therapy, including ice baths and cold showers, and their surprising benefits on the body. She discusses how cold exposure can boost mental resilience and outlines the best practices for safely integrating these techniques into your routine. Plus, learn about the role of cold shock proteins in facilitating recovery and why consistency is key to reaping the rewards.

Jun 18, 2025 • 58min
Happiness Doctor: This is Why You'll Divorce at 45! How Loneliness is Slowly Killing You!
Dr. Robert Waldinger, Director of the Harvard Study on Adult Development, dives into the science of happiness and relationships. He explains why many face divorce around 45 and emphasizes the importance of authentic connections for well-being. The discussion reveals how technology and social media impact our happiness, urging listeners to cultivate meaningful relationships and practice radical curiosity. Waldinger also highlights the difference between immediate pleasure and deeper fulfillment, showing that even the toughest circumstances can lead to growth.

7 snips
Jun 11, 2025 • 50min
Do This to Sleep Better! You Must Stop Breathing Through Your Mouth!
Discover how your breathing can transform your health and sleep! Learn about the importance of nasal breathing and how it can reduce stress. Dr. Holmes shares practical breathwork techniques, including diaphragmatic and box breathing, to boost athletic performance. Find out how to assess your breathing with a simple CO₂ tolerance test. Plus, explore the science behind resonance frequency breathing and its benefits. It’s time to breathe your way to better wellbeing!

15 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 56min
Hormone Expert: Why You’re Gaining Weight on HRT! This Fixes Insulin Resistance!
In this insightful discussion, hormone expert Dr. Stephanie Estima sheds light on the misconceptions surrounding Ozempic and its detrimental effects on women's health, particularly fertility and menstrual cycles. She emphasizes the critical role of strength training and muscle building, debunking myths about aging. Dr. Estima advocates for a rested mindset and creating safe spaces for healing. With science-backed strategies, she empowers women to regain control of their bodies and health, addressing the unique challenges faced during perimenopause.

May 28, 2025 • 55min
This is Why You Can’t Control Your Emotions! Stop Living With Fear and Anxiety Today!
Dr. Kristen Holmes encourages listeners to rethink their relationship with fear, suggesting it can guide rather than hinder. She introduces the TEAM framework—Time, Expectations, Attachments, and Memory—as integral tools for emotional resilience. The discussion highlights how unrealistic expectations and dwelling on the past can impact well-being. By fostering trust in ourselves and reframing our emotional attachments, we can build a healthier relationship with our emotions and encourage personal growth.

7 snips
May 21, 2025 • 1h 5min
Alzheimer’s Expert: If You Have This, You Are Protected From Dementia!
Dr. Louisa Nicola, a neurophysiologist and Alzheimer's expert, dives into groundbreaking insights about preventing Alzheimer's. She argues that 97% of cases may be preventable through lifestyle choices, emphasizing the unique risks women face. The discussion reveals how genetics play a role but highlights that lifestyle modifications can significantly reduce risks. Louisa also shares strategies for brain health, including optimal diets, the importance of exercise, and the dangers of toxic protein buildup. This enlightening conversation empowers listeners with actionable tips to protect their brains.

May 14, 2025 • 52min
Your Body is Holding onto Trauma! The Warning Signs You Can’t Ignore
Unresolved trauma can reshape our brains and bodies, leading to lasting effects on well-being. Discover how trauma influences the nervous system and drains energy. Learn the HEAL framework for emotional healing and the power of nature and light. Processing emotions is crucial for recovery and rebuilding self-trust. Solitude and forgiveness are highlighted as pathways to rediscovering self-love and nurturing healthy relationships. Dive into the journey of reclaiming your sense of self and agency.

4 snips
May 7, 2025 • 1h 34min
The Healthy Aging Doctor: These Signs Mean You Have Osteoporosis!
In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Vonda Wright, a leading orthopedic surgeon specializing in mobility and aging, dives into the science behind healthy aging. She discusses why osteoporosis is increasingly common among young women and the alarming health risks of a sedentary lifestyle, including the growing pre-diabetes epidemic. Dr. Wright emphasizes the importance of exercise and shares simple lifestyle changes that can reverse aging signs, like weightlifting and maintaining good sleep. Her insights on holistic health encourage a proactive approach to well-being.

29 snips
Apr 30, 2025 • 48min
Irregular Sleep Is Wrecking Your Health: How To Stop It Before It’s Too Late
Explore the surprising truth about sleep and its profound impact on health. Discover Dr. Holmes' personal sleep struggles and the crucial role of REM sleep for well-being. Learn about major sleep disruptors to avoid and why consistent sleep is vital for hormone regulation. Delve into how regular sleep can boost mental health and the importance of recognizing individual sleep patterns. Plus, get tips on managing stress and enhancing sleep quality with practical tools!

Apr 23, 2025 • 1h 29min
Harvard Psychiatrist: Does This Diet Treat Depression? Rethinking Mental Health Treatments
Conventional psychiatry isn’t working for the millions of people that suffer from treatment resistant mental illness worldwide. Harvard Psychiatrist, Dr. Chris Palmer knows this better than almost anyone, from both his professional experience and seeing his own mother struggle with it. But there may be a light at the end of the tunnel. After seeing startling results in his own patients, Dr. Palmer is calling for a fundamental shift in how we think about and treat mental illness: through our metabolism. Follow me here:www.instagram.com/scienceandsoul www.instagram.com/drkristenholmes/ (00:00) Intro(01:23) Dr. Chris Palmer's Book Dedication (03:02) His Mother's Struggle With Mental Illness (06:13) "She Never Got Better" (08:40) Why Dr. Palmer Became a Psychiatrist (10:08) Success Rate of Treating Psychotic and Bipolar Disorders (12:02) Treating Depression With SSRIs (13:04) Rise in SSRI Use With Age (15:05) How Well Do Antidepressants Work? (16:39) Treatment-Resistant Depression (18:47) Conventional Approach to Treating Mental Illness (22:28) Overprescription of Medication (25:39) Can Brain Scans Help Treat Mental Illness? (31:04) Misconceptions About Mental Health (31:20) Trigger Warning (31:41) Can Trauma Cause Mental Illness? (33:32) Adverse Childhood Experiences (35:11) Treating Trauma Alone Doesn't Resolve Mental Illness (38:08) Shopify Ad (39:11) WHOOP Ad (40:24) Link Between Diet and Mental Health (42:02) Dr. Palmer's Experience With Metabolic Syndrome and Mental Illness (46:12) Connection Between Sleep and Psychological Functions (48:57) Bringing the Keto Diet to His Patients (50:29) Patient Case Study 1: Years of Depression and Suicidal Thoughts (55:47) Patient Case Study 2: Schizoaffective Disorder (01:02:34) How Many Patients Have Both Mental and Metabolic Disorders? (01:05:39) Using GLP-1 Medication for Mental Illness (01:06:59) Is There a Link Between GLP-1s and Suicidality? (01:07:57) Finding the Right Dosage (01:10:10) Role of Medication in Treatment (01:12:50) Disagreement Over Best Lifestyle Diets (01:17:08) Current Studies on the Keto Diet (01:19:43) Different Impacts of the Ketogenic Diet by Gender (01:24:21) What Does It Mean to Be Human? (01:26:12) Huel Ad Sponsored by:Shopify - http://SHOPIFY.CO.UK/KRISTEN WHOOP - https://join.whoop.com/gb/en/SCIENCE/ Huel - https://huel.com/kristen SYNCIDMB01DER8FMYE9LN Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices