Everyday Wellness: Midlife Hormones, Health, and Science for Women 35+

I am honored to speak with Dr. John Demartini today. He is an international speaker, philosopher, and bestselling author who founded the Demartini Method, a revolutionary tool in modern psychology.  In our discussion, we break down the anatomy and physiology of self-regulation, examining the impact of trauma and perception, and how to reframe those experiences. We explore dissociation, the moral licensing effect, moral hypocrisy, and how delusion can disempower us. We also dive into the power of prioritization, the role of values, and what it truly means to live authentically. You will love today's valuable, thought-provoking, and insightful conversation with Dr. Demartini. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Demartini explains self-regulation The importance of being accountable, self-regulated, and living by your highest values  Ways we can transform trauma by changing our perceptions and attitudes How the brain creates anti-memories to balance traumatic experiences The freeze response and dissociation as survival mechanisms How the moral licensing effect relates to shame and pride Why we must compare our actions with our highest values rather than comparing ourselves with others Living more authentically Dr. Demartini has an exercise on his website to help identify your highest values and prioritize your actions. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. John Demartini On his website

Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge, a pediatric mental health expert and host of "It’s Gonna Be OK!", returns to discuss the mental health landscape. She explores myo-inositol's role in mood disorders, its link to gut health via the vagus nerve, and stresses the importance of magnesium. The conversation covers coping strategies for OCD and anxiety, empowering families with knowledge, and the impact of trauma on mental well-being. Dr. Roseann emphasizes small lifestyle changes for improvement, promising a holistic approach to mental health.

Dr. Amy Killen, a board-certified physician and expert in bioidentical hormones, joins the discussion highlighting crucial insights for women navigating midlife. She explains the significance of progesterone sensitivity and how estrogen plays a vital role in longevity and heart health. The conversation delves into the impact of hormonal therapies on cognitive function and bone density. Dr. Killen also addresses common misconceptions about oral estrogen and offers practical advice for managing menopause symptoms, including hair loss and effective supplementation strategies.

In a compelling discussion, James Kimmel Jr., a Yale psychiatry lecturer and founder of the Yale Collaborative for Motive Control Studies, uncovers the intricate science of revenge. He explains how revenge impacts the brain and highlights the connection between psychological harm and revenge cravings. James delves into why some individuals are more prone to revenge-driven behaviors and offers insights on overcoming these impulses through forgiveness. He also addresses the role of social media in fueling revenge addiction, presenting valuable interventions for healing.

Louisa Nicola, a neuroscience expert and athleticism advocate, shares her fascinating insights on brain health. She reveals the three pillars for peak performance, emphasizing the critical role of sleep and its effect on the glymphatic system. Louisa explains how perimenopause affects cognitive function, while also debunking common myths about alcohol and its impact on sleep. Listeners will discover powerful strategies for managing jet lag, optimizing nutrition for brain health, and the vital connection between exercise and cognitive performance.

Today, I am thrilled to connect with Charles Piller, an award-winning investigative journalist for Science magazine whose work has also appeared in The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, The Sacramento Bee, and other major publications. Charles is the author of Doctored, and he has been honored with several national journalism awards. In our fascinating conversation, we dive into the trajectory of Alzheimer’s from its early framing as a diagnosis to its modern-day research landscape. We explore the concept of publish or perish within academic research, and we examine the dominant amyloid hypothesis, the forces shaping scientific narratives, and the role of institutions like the FDA, NIH, and research publishing in influencing research priorities. Charles shares his insights on the impact of falsified data and the broader implications for scientific integrity of the doctored images published in Nature in 2006. We also tackle the importance of lifestyle and risk factor modification in preventing neurocognitive decline.  You will not want to miss this compelling conversation with Charles Piller. His book is a gripping must-read on the fraud, arrogance, and tragedy in the quest to cure Alzheimer’s. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: How Alzheimer’s impacts our society and affects the caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s  Charles gives a historical overview of Alzheimer's Some typical symptoms of Alzheimer's How the amyloid cascade hypothesis led to the development of drugs that removed amyloid from the brain but failed to halt or reverse dementia How doctored images can support experimental hypotheses and influence research  Charles highlights the need for more accountability within the scientific field.   How pressure to publish and perverse incentives have influenced Alzheimer’s research Why ethical concerns matter when developing potentially hazardous drugs with limited benefits Charles shares the potential benefits of GLP-1s for cognitive decline. Why a multi-factorial approach to understanding and treating Alzheimer's is essential Charles highlights the importance of self-criticism and humility within the scientific community. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Charles Piller On his website 

Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon from Duke, shares crucial insights on joint and bone health for women aged 40 and up. She discusses the spike in joint pain during menopause, the benefits of hormone therapy, and targeted supplements like curcumin and collagen. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of early DEXA scans and the vital role of exercise in maintaining bone density. Dr. Wittstein also touches on the impact of GLP-1 medications and the importance of personalized health strategies to combat osteoporosis and enhance overall wellness.

Dr. Alessandra Zonari, Co-Founder & CSO of OneSkin, combines her passion for longevity and skin regeneration with scientific expertise. She discusses how OneSkin, an all-female team, is challenging traditional skincare norms. Dr. Zonari reveals how their innovative peptide can reverse biological aging in just five days and how hormonal changes during menopause can impact skin health. The conversation also addresses common misconceptions in skincare and the significance of adapting routines to protect against inflammation and aging.

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Aly Cohen, a board-certified rheumatologist and expert in environmental health, reveals how environmental toxins disproportionately affect women's health at various life stages. She discusses the inadequacies of current U.S. regulations on chemicals and emphasizes the hidden dangers of contaminated tap water. Dr. Cohen highlights the importance of iodine for detoxification and how noise pollution can impact well-being. Her insights encourage proactive health strategies for women, especially during perimenopause and menopause.

Today, I am delighted to reconnect with Ben Azadi, a dear friend and a five-time guest. Ben is on a mission to help one billion people live healthier lives. With over 16 years of experience in the health industry, he is the author of four Amazon best-selling books and is about to release his latest book, Metabolic Freedom.  In our discussion today, we dive into why the calories in, calories out approach is deceptive and ineffective for fat loss. We unpack Ben’s life story, looking at the value of purpose and friendship, how toxins can hinder weight loss, and the benefits of eating less frequently for better metabolic health. We also look at the health consequences of consuming seed oils, the metabolic markers we should be advocating for, and what we could do to combat all the misinformation about health and metabolism within the mainstream health and wellness industry. You will love today’s thought-provoking and insightful discussion with Ben Azadi and may even want to revisit it. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Why the calories-in, calories-out approach is ineffective for weight loss Ben shares his weight loss journey, highlighting the connection between gut health and brain function How environmental toxins disrupt hormone function and lead to insulin resistance and diabetes Some practical tips for reducing your exposure to environmental toxins How ketogenic diets and fasting can reduce insulin resistance and inflammation What is metabolic flexibility? Ben shares his take on seed oils  Which oils are best to use for cooking? Being mindful when choosing who to follow and what information to consume  What you will find in Ben’s latest book, Metabolic Freedom Connect with Cynthia Thurlow   Follow on X Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Ben Azadi On his website Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok Get a copy of Ben Azadi’s latest book, Metabolic Freedom.