

The Dr. Brighten Show
Dr. Jolene Brighten
Dr. Jolene Brighten, a best-selling author, board certified naturopathic endocrinologist, and women’s health expert, hosts The Dr. Brighten Show—a podcast dedicated to igniting transformative conversations in women’s health. Through candid interviews with leading experts, innovators, and thought-leaders, this show brings you groundbreaking research, personal stories, and practical tools to help you confidently navigate your body and hormones. It’s a fun, engaging, and insightful journey designed to empower you with tangible, science-backed insights, so you can live your best, most vibrant life.
Episodes
Mentioned books

6 snips
Feb 27, 2025 • 51min
Why You Need to Stimulate the Vagus Nerve Daily for Brain and Gut Health | Dr. Navaz Habib
Inflammation—it’s a word we hear all the time, but do we really understand what it means? More importantly, do we know how to control it? In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, I sit down with Dr. Navaz Habib, functional medicine expert and best-selling author of Activate Your Vagus Nerve and Upgrade Your Vagus Nerve. Dr. Habib is on a mission to help people optimize their health by harnessing the power of the body’s most underrated superhighway—the vagus nerve. If you’ve ever struggled with brain fog, gut issues, autoimmune disease, or chronic stress, this is the conversation you need to hear.💡 If you found this episode helpful, hit LIKE & SHARE it with someone who needs this!🔔 Subscribe for more expert interviews on optimizing your health!This episode is brought to you by:Lumebox: use the code drbrighten for our exclusive community discount on your purchase. http://drbrighten.com/lumeboxDr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com use code POD15 for 15% off Support our sponsors and help keep this show free and packed with amazing guests!🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 📖 Books by Dr. Navaz Habib:• Activate Your Vagus Nerve – https://amzn.to/3QyGjPF• Upgrade Your Vagus Nerve – https://amzn.to/439vWJB👉 If you found this episode valuable, drop a comment below to tell us what you loved most, and share it with a friend! Let’s spread the knowledge. 💬✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 25, 2025 • 1h 13min
Are Endocrine Disruptor Chemicals Making It Harder to Get Pregnant? | Dr. Lora Shahine
Is Your Environment Secretly Sabotaging Your Fertility? The Truth About Endocrine Disruptor ChemicalsWe’re told to focus on diet, exercise, and supplements when trying to conceive—but what if something else was making it harder to get pregnant? The products we use daily, the air we breathe, and even the water we drink could be exposing us to endocrine disruptor chemicals that wreak havoc on our hormones, menstrual cycles, and ability to carry a healthy pregnancy.In this episode, Dr. Jolene Brighten sits down with Dr. Lora Shahine, a leading fertility specialist, to reveal how endocrine disrupting chemicals are impacting reproductive health, pregnancy loss, and the rising rates of female infertility. From skincare to plastics to hidden toxins in our homes, this conversation is packed with science-backed insights and real-world solutions.🔥 THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:🩸 Lumebox: use the code drbrighten for our exclusive community discount on your purchase. http://drbrighten.com/lumebox🩸 Sunlighten Infrared Saunas: use the code drbrighten to save up to $1,400 on your sauna purchase. https://get.sunlighten.com/drbrightenSupport our sponsors and help keep this show free and packed with amazing guests!🛑 LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED:📖 Countdown by Dr. Shanna Swan – The shocking research on sperm count decline & endocrine disruptors https://amzn.to/4gUo5CP🎙️ Verified Podcast – Johnson & Johnson talc controversy & corporate manipulation https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/introducing-verified-dust-up/id1497379527?i=1000494406434🔬 Stanford Study on BPA & Miscarriage Risk – Groundbreaking fertility research https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4711263/💨 Best HEPA Air Filters – Reduce indoor air toxins affecting your fertility https://amzn.to/4bhSHNn🌿 Dr. Brighten Essentials Supplements – Science-backed support for hormonal balance & fertility https://drbrightenessentials.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 20, 2025 • 45min
How to Increase Testosterone Naturally: Myths, Labs & Proven Strategies | Dr. Geo Espinosa
Want to Know How to Increase Testosterone Naturally? You’re in the Right Place!Testosterone isn’t just the male hormone—it’s essential for energy, focus, libido, muscle growth, and overall vitality. But here’s the problem: men’s testosterone levels are plummeting at an alarming rate. Even more shocking? Young men today have lower testosterone than their grandfathers did at the same age. If you or a man in your life struggles with low energy, brain fog, or a dip in drive, this episode is a must-listen.I’m joined by Dr. Geo Espinosa, a leading expert in men’s health, to break down the truth about testosterone—what actually affects it, what labs your doctor isn’t ordering, and how to optimize it naturally. We also dive into the role of estrogen in men, the biggest mistakes men make when trying to increase their testosterone, and the best foods and supplements for testosterone support.This episode is brought to you by:LMNT: http://DrinkLMNT.com/Brighten receive your exclusive gift with purchaseDr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com use code POD15 for 15% off Support our sponsors and help keep this show free and packed with amazing guests!🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode: - Geo Espinosa’s Supplement line: https://iammrhappy.com/collections/all-supplements- Ashwaghanda Supplement for Testosterone Support: Adrenal Support, save 15% with CODE: POD15 https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/adrenal-support?selling_plan=995360802- The "21 Ejaculations per Month" Study - study that found men who ejaculate at least 21 times per month have a lower risk of prostate cancer: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27033442/- Testosterone Decline in Young Men Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32081788/- Testosterone & Sleep Study – Men who get less than 6 hours of sleep per night have 15% lower testosterone: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4445839/#:~:text=Daytime%20testosterone%20levels%20were%20decreased,of%20the%20US%20working%20population.- Testosterone & Dopamine Connection Study - The role of dopamine in motivation, libido, and brain function, and how testosterone directly influences it: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9312911/- Estrogen in Men Study– Why too much estrogen-blocking (like using aromatase inhibitors) can actually kill libido and lower energy: https://journals.lww.com/ajandrology/fulltext/2016/18030/the_role_of_estradiol_in_male_reproductive.28. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 18, 2025 • 2h 26min
How Brain Inflammation Affects Your Mental Health and Decision-Making | Dr. Austin Perlmutter
Brain inflammation is silently shaping your cognitive health, influencing everything from your mood and memory to your risk of serious conditions like depression and Alzheimer’s. But here’s the good news: you can take charge of your brain’s future. In today’s episode, Dr. Jolene Brighten sits down with Dr. Austin Perlmutter, a leading expert in brain health and neuroplasticity, to reveal how you can harness lifestyle, nutrition, and mindset shifts to optimize your mind.If you’re struggling with brain fog, stress, or memory lapses—or simply want to future-proof your cognitive health—this episode is packed with science-backed solutions you won’t want to miss.This episode is brought to you by:Sunlight Sauna https://drbrighten.com/sunlighten Use the code drbrighten to save up to $1,400 on your sauna purchase. Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com use code POD15 for 15% off Support our sponsors and help keep this show free and packed with amazing guests!🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
Dr. Austin Perlmutter’s Book: – https://amzn.to/4341T5V
Dr. Austin Perlmutter’s research on brain inflammation and depression: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2021.657004/full
Dr. Austin Perlmutter’s research on how polyphenols influence epigenetics/immunity: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1474597/full
Dr. Austin Perlmutter’s research on Parkinson's and pesticides on golf courses: https://health.usnews.com/conditions/brain-disease/parkinsons-disease/connection-between-parkinsons-and-pesticides
Chaotic Forager Instagram: @chaoticforager
Victoria Sampson's episode
Dr. Brighten’s Free Resources on Women's Hormonal Health: https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/
Article: The Connection Between Brain Health and Hormone Balance https://drbrighten.com/brain-health-and-hormone-balance/
Article: Do Hormones Affect Brain Health https://drbrighten.com/hormones-affect-brain-health/
Article: Connection Between Brain Fog and Hormones https://drbrighten.com/brain-fog-and-hormonal-imbalance/
Article: How Does Serotonin Affect Depression: https://drbrighten.com/how-does-serotonin-affect-depression/
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Feb 13, 2025 • 1h 11min
How to improve libido & what is the meaning of libido
Struggling with low libido? You’re not alone! In this episode, we dive deep into what is the meaning of libido, the real reasons behind low sex drive in women, and how to improve libido naturally. If you’ve ever wondered why your desire has changed or how to get it back, this is the video for you!This episode is brought to you by:Coconu https://coconu.com use code DRBRIGHTEN15 for 15% off Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com use code POD15 for 15% off Support our sponsors and help keep this show free and packed with amazing guests!🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
Is This Normal? by Dr. Jolene Brighten – Deep dive into libido, hormones, and women’s health https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/is-this-normal
Beyond The Pill by Dr. Jolene Brighten – Learn about hormonal birth control and libido https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/beyond-the-pill
Myo Inositol Plus by Dr. Brighten Essentials to support sleep and blood sugar https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/myoinositol-plus?_pos=1&_psq=myo+&_ss=e&_v=1.0&selling_plan=995426338
Magnesium Plus by Dr. Brighten Essentials https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/magnesium-plus?_pos=1&_psq=magnesium&_ss=e&_v=1.0&selling_plan=995459106
Vitamin D3/K2 by Dr. Brighten Essentials https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/vitamin-d3-k2?_pos=1&_psq=vitamins&_ss=e&_v=1.0&selling_plan=995885090
Balance Women’s Hormone Support supplement with Vitamin B6 and resveratrol https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/balance?_pos=1&_psq=balance&_ss=e&_v=1.0&selling_plan=995295266
Omega Plus by Dr. Brighten Essentials https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/omega-plus?_pos=1&_psq=omega&_ss=e&_v=1.0&selling_plan=995557410
Dr. Brighten’s Hormone Kit – A meal plan and guide for optimizing your hormones DrBrighten.com/hormonekit
Dr. Brighten’s website for more free resources: DrBrighten.com
Article: 10 Best Supplements for Sleep That Aren’t Melatonin
Podcast episode on Perimenopause – Learn how hormone shifts impact libido https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hrt-for-menopause-perimenopause-benefits-side-effects/id1786362161?i=1000684848205
Subscribe to the Podcast so you don’t miss the Brain Health Episode with Dr. Austin Perlmutter – Brain health and its connection to sexual health
Subscribe to the Podcast so you don’t miss the Thyroid Episode with Dr. Izabella Wentz
Episode with Dr. Victoria Sampson – Oral health and its impact on hormones and libido https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-shocking-truth-about-gum-disease-what-your/id1786362161?i=1000682967249
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Feb 11, 2025 • 1h 41min
Pelvic Congestion Syndrome, Interstitial Cystitis, & Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPPS Disease): How to Finally Get Relief | Dr. Ana Sierra
Are you struggling with chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS) or wondering if pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS) could be the cause of your discomfort? In this episode, we dive deep into the symptoms of pelvic congestion syndrome, the key differences between PCS and CPPS, and the most effective treatment options available.🎙 Our expert guest, Dr. Ana Sierra, is a leading endometriosis surgeon and neuropelviology specialist, sharing cutting-edge insights on how to manage and treat chronic pelvic pain effectively.✅ Don't forget to subscribe for more deep dives into women's health, chronic pain, and expert interviews!📌 Links Mentioned in This Episode:
Dr. Ana Sierra on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dra_anasierra/
Dr. Ana Sierra on Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dra.anasierra
Dr. Ana Sierra on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DraAnaSierraCirugiaGinecologicaMinimaInvasion
I Care Better (Doctor directory for endometriosis and pelvic pain specialists) https://icarebetter.com
Nancy’s Nook (Patient-recommended list of endometriosis specialists) https://www.facebook.com/groups/NancysNookEndoEd/
EndoLatam (Latin American endometriosis resources): https://www.instagram.com/endolatam/?hl=en
Painful Bladder Syndrome and Interstitial Cystitis Article: https://drbrighten.com/what-is-interstitial-cystitis/
Dr. Ram Cabrera’s episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2nbh18QcBbX1qRsulNB90w
This episode is brought to you by:
Coconu https://coconu.com use code DRBRIGHTEN15 for 15% off Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com use code POD15 for 15% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 6, 2025 • 1h 7min
Picky Eating, PANDAS Syndrome, & Anxiety: Is Your Child’s Brain Under Attack? | Dr. Elisa Song
Is your child a picky eater, struggling with anxiety, ADHD, or frequent illnesses? Their gut health could be playing a bigger role than you think! In this eye-opening conversation, Dr. Elisa Song, a Stanford-trained holistic pediatrician, breaks down how the gut microbiome influences everything from immunity and hormones to brain development and mood.We also dive deep into PANS/PANDAS, a terrifying yet underdiagnosed autoimmune brain condition affecting 1 in 200 children, and what parents need to know to get proper treatment.If you’re a parent, grandparent, or caregiver, this episode is a must-watch. Learn how to support your child’s gut health, identify hidden nutrient deficiencies, and advocate for the right medical care.This Episode Is Brought to You By:Chorus: http://chorusforlife.com/drbrighten and receive 10 percent off your order or subscriptionDr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com use code POD15 for 15% off🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED:🔹 Dr. Elisa Song’s Website: https://healthykidshappykids.com/🔹 Dr. Song’s Book: https://amzn.to/3EsfeuI🔹 PANS/PANDAS Testing: https://www.moleculera.com/about-autoimmune-brain-panel/🔹 Dr. Brighten’s Prenatal (Choline-Rich for Brain Health!): https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/prenatal-plus?selling_plan=995786786🔹 Executive Function Workbook for Kids: https://amzn.to/3Es2Z14🔹 ADHD Superpowers Class on OutSchool: https://outschool.com/parents/14cfe14d-4324-4309-8cd6-6327c182b1f1/30ced844-9ccf-4f83-b99b-2deb6622f6fe?signup=false&usid=HqoqZwXS&utm_campaign=share_invite_link🔹 NoPo Dentist in Portland Oregon (dentist who offers ozonated water) https://nopokids.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Feb 4, 2025 • 1h 7min
How to Boost Your Metabolism & Unlock Better Health | Pamela Berrondo
Welcome to another powerful episode of The Dr. Brighten Show! Today, we’re diving into the truth about metabolic health—why most people are struggling with weight loss, energy crashes, and hormone imbalances despite doing all the “right” things. If you’ve ever been told to just "eat less, move more" and felt like that advice didn’t work for you, then you’re going to love this conversation.I’m joined by Pamela Berrondo, a leading expert in women’s metabolic health and co-founder of Mesa Sana, who has helped over 15,000 women reset their metabolism and reclaim their vitality. In this episode, we’re cutting through the confusion around insulin, blood sugar, and hormones to help you understand what’s really holding you back from feeling your best. You’ll also learn how to boost your metabolism with simple yet powerful lifestyle changes.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:We start by breaking down the myths around diet and weight loss, including why the old "calories in, calories out" model is incomplete. Pamela explains why insulin resistance is one of the most underdiagnosed conditions affecting women today and how it plays a massive role in PCOS, infertility, perimenopause, and stubborn weight gain.We also discuss why most doctors miss early signs of metabolic dysfunction and how women can advocate for better testing and personalized nutrition. Pamela shares her personal journey with PCOS, insulin resistance, and hypothyroidism—and the exact lifestyle changes that helped her transform her health.If you’ve ever felt frustrated by slow progress or confused by conflicting health advice, this episode will empower you with clear, actionable steps to take control of your health, optimize your hormones, and finally achieve metabolic balance. You’ll also discover how to boost your metabolism naturally by making small but impactful changes to your daily habits.This Episode Is Brought to You By:Chorus: http://chorusforlife.com/drbrighten and receive 10 percent off your order or subscriptionDr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com/ use code POD15 for 15% off 🛍 Get Dr. Brighten’s Favorite Supplements for Metabolism: Myo Inositol Plus https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/myoinositol-plus📚 Links Mentioned in This Episode:👉 Mesa Sana Cookbook – https://www.amazon.com/Mesa-Sana-Hard-Cover/dp/6079995409👉 Dr. Brighten’s Free Resources – https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit 👉 Recommended Supplements: Berberine https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/adrenal-supportMyo-Inositol https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/myoinositol-plusOmega-3 https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/omega-plusMagnesium https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/magnesium-plusAdaptogens https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/adrenal-supportB Vitamins https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/b-active-plus👉 Research Papers & Articles on Metabolic Health: Metabolic Enhancers to Boost your Metabolism https://drbrighten.com/metabolic-boosters/ Inositol for Weight Loss and Metabolic Health https://drbrighten.com/inositol-for-weight-loss/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 30, 2025 • 58min
Struggling with Sleep & Anxiety? Are Low Progesterone Symptoms to Blame | Dr. Carrie Jones
In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, we take a deep dive into the powerful yet often overlooked hormone, GABA—your brain’s natural brake system. Joining me to discuss why women experience a decline in GABA as they age, the link between progesterone and brain health, and how to optimize your hormones for better mood, sleep, and resilience is hormone expert Dr. Carrie Jones.💡 If you’ve been struggling with anxiety, sleep disturbances, or sudden mood swings, this episode is packed with science-backed insights and practical strategies you can start using today!This episode is brought to you by:Coconu https://drbrighten.com/coconu use code DRBRIGHTEN15 for 15% off your orderDr. Brighten Essentials https://drbrightenessentials.com/: use code POD15 for 15% off🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode: - Dr. Brighten’s Website https://drbrighten.com/- Free Hormone Balancing Recipe Guide Resources https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/- Supplement for Sleep & Anxiety: Adrenal Calm https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/adrenal-calm- L-Theanine Sleep and Mood Support Article https://drbrighten.com/l-theanine-benefits/- How Passion Flower Can Calm Anxiety Article https://drbrighten.com/passionflower-benefits/- How to Boost Low Progesterone Article https://drbrighten.com/boost-low-progesterone/ - Dr. Amy Killen’s episode https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/hrt-for-menopause/👩⚕️Follow Dr. Carrie Jones:- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.carriejones/- Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drcarriejones- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drcarriejones- The Root Cause Medicine Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-root-cause-medicine-podcast/id1589219026- Website: https://www.drcarriejones.com/👩🏻⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjolenebrighten- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten- Website: https://www.drbrighten.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jan 28, 2025 • 2h 44min
POTS Treatment, Fibromyalgia, & Chronic Illness: Science-Backed Remedies That Work | Dr. Brehan Crawford
Are you struggling with chronic illness, post-viral fatigue, or stress that just won’t quit? Wondering how ancient Chinese medicine can revolutionize your health? This episode of The Dr. Brighten Show is a deep dive into how time-tested practices can help you take control of your well-being. Dr. Brighten welcomes Dr. Crawford, an expert in traditional Chinese medicine and integrative health, for a conversation that bridges ancient wisdom and modern science. In it they discuss the power of breathwork, managing complex conditions like long COVID, fibromyalgia, and adenomyosis, along with the medical facts on parasite cleanses. This episode is packed with actionable insights to transform your health. From debunking medical myths to exploring cutting-edge research on diet, movement, and plant-based therapies, this conversation will leave you rethinking everything you thought you knew about your body and its resilience.This episode is brought to you by:Chorus: use code DRBRIGHTEN Sunlighten: Brief description with code/ link.Support our sponsors and help keep this show free and packed with amazing guests!Links Mentioned in Episode:
Brehan Crawford’s Instagram: @crawford_wellness
Brehan Crawford’s Tik Tok: @crawford_wellness
N-Acetyl Cysteine (NAC)
Tibetan Foot Soak – An herbal remedy discussed by Dr. Crawford
Beyond The Pill by Dr. Jolene Brighten – A must-read for women navigating hormone health and coming off hormonal birth control.
The Stress of Life by Hans Selye
Is This Normal by Dr. Jolene Brighten – A guide to understanding what’s normal in women’s health and what’s not.
Near Infrared Light Therapy
Sunlighten Infrared Saunas – A home-friendly option for full-spectrum heat therapy.
Electrolyte Replenishment – Dr. Crawford recommends ensuring proper hydration with natural electrolyte solutions, such as LMNT.
Dr. Ram Cabrera – Mentioned for his expertise in endometriosis and adenomyosis
Dr. Lora Shahine – Mentioned for her expertise in reproductive endocrinology
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


