Episodios

  • BONUS: Is this Normal? Understanding Sex, Hormones, Periods and More with Dr. Jolene Brighten

    BONUS: Is this Normal? Understanding Sex, Hormones, Periods and More with Dr. Jolene Brighten
    Jun 9 2025
    In a world where human sexuality often remains shrouded in silence and misinformation, I had the incredible opportunity to engage in a thought-provoking conversation with the esteemed Dr. Jolene Brighton! Renowned as a hormone expert, nutrition scientist, and thought leader in women's medicine, Dr. Brighton's expertise spans multiple disciplines, including naturopathic endocrinology and clinical sexology. With her recent book, Is This Normal, she offers a non-judgmental guide to achieving hormone balance, eliminating unwanted symptoms, and nurturing the sexual desire we all crave. In this enlightening discussion, we explore the cultural factors fueling ignorance around sexuality, the origins of hormone imbalances, the significant impact of lifestyle choices on our hormones, and the often-overlooked role of detoxification. We also delve into the profound implications of oral contraceptives and synthetic hormones on our health and intriguing topics such as PCOS, PMDD, and PMS. With so many questions to explore, this is the first in a series of two podcasts that promise to provide invaluable insights for women at every stage of life. Join me as we embark on this journey to unravel the mysteries of our bodies and empower ourselves with knowledge from Dr. Jolene Brighton's remarkable book, Is This Normal?. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How shame impacts the libido and sexuality of women. Why sex education should include the concept of consent. The impact of coming off oral contraceptives. Changing the narrative for all women. Why do women need more time to get aroused? The mind-body connection. How hormones and menopause influence women’s sexuality. Everything we do in our 20s and 30s affects our transition into perimenopause and beyond. How to avoid endocrine disruptors. Dr. Brighten discusses her 28-day detox program. Some important differentiators between PMS and PMDD. Bio: Dr. Jolene Brighten Dr. Jolene Brighten is a hormone expert, nutrition scientist, and thought leader in women’s medicine. She is board-certified in naturopathic endocrinology and trained in clinical sexology. Dr. Brighten is the author of Is This Normal, a non-judgmental guide to creating hormone balance, eliminating unwanted symptoms, and building the sexual desire you crave. A fierce patient advocate, Dr. Brighten is completely dedicated to uncovering the root cause of hormonal imbalances. She empowers women worldwide to take control of their health and hormones through her website and social media channels. Dr. Brighten is an international speaker, clinical educator, and medical advisor within the tech community. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on ⁠Twitter ⁠Instagram ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Check out Cynthia’s ⁠website⁠ Connect with Dr. Jolene Brighten On her ⁠website⁠ Find Dr. Brighton on social media: @Dr. Jolene Brighten Order your copy of⁠ Is This Normal⁠ Dr. Brighten’s ⁠digital cookbook⁠
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    1 h y 17 m
  • Ep. 472 What Women Aren’t Told About Menopause & HRT with Jaclyn "Jackie" Piasta

    Ep. 472 What Women Aren’t Told About Menopause & HRT with Jaclyn "Jackie" Piasta
    Jun 7 2025
    Today, I am thrilled to reconnect with my friend and colleague, Jackie Piasta. Jackie is a Vanderbilt-trained nurse practitioner. She is board-certified in women's and gender health, and has been practicing since 2010. She serves on medical advisory committees for several foundations and co-hosts the justASK Podcast. In our discussion today, we dive into the challenges menopausal women face with hormone replacement therapy due to the lack of provider education on the effects of oral estrogen, the importance of bio-individuality, and how nuanced messaging can make all the difference for women. Jackie unpacks the latest guidelines from the American Urological Society, which address vulvovaginal, urinary, and sexual health symptoms, and explains the importance of addressing those issues proactively. We also explore fertility tracking in perimenopause, especially for women using long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs), and the latest trends in hormone testing. You will not want to miss this insightful conversation where Jackie sheds light and offers practical guidance on the often-missed details of women’s health. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Why bio-individuality is essential in menopause treatments The challenges OB-GYNs and other clinicians face in staying updated on menopause treatments. Why healthcare providers must become more educated about hormone therapy Jackie explains the historical context surrounding the vilification of oral estrogen. How the new American Urological Society guidelines are now addressing symptoms of perimenopause and menopause Why vaginal laser therapy might be harmful for some individuals Why diagnosing menopause in women using long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) is so challenging Why hormone level labs are needed to guide clinical decision-making on menopause treatments Jackie highlights the need for more research to understand the hormone levels that protect bone health. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Jaclyn Piasta Monarch Health Jackie on all social media: Jackiep_gynnp The justASK Podcast
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    1 h y 7 m
  • Ep. 471 Self-Regulation & Trauma: How Perception Shapes You with Dr. John Demartini

    Ep. 471 Self-Regulation & Trauma: How Perception Shapes You with Dr. John Demartini
    Jun 4 2025
    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
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    1 h y 7 m
  • BONUS: Optimizing Mental Health with Myo-Inositol: Evidence-Based Strategies with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge

    BONUS: Optimizing Mental Health with Myo-Inositol: Evidence-Based Strategies with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge
    Jun 2 2025
    I’m delighted to have Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge back on the show again! She joined me previously on Episode 174. Dr. Roseann is an exceptional pediatric mental health expert who utilizes a combination of traditional and non-traditional modalities for her patient population. She joins me today to discuss the role of Myo-inositol from a mood and mental health perspective. We delve into what Myo-inositol does in the body, what depletes it, and how the gut and brain connect through the vagus nerve. We talk about the mental health benefits of Myo-inositol and how it impacts mood disorders- specifically eating disorders and binge eating, as well as obsessive-compulsive disorder, stress and anxiety, panic attacks, and depression. We also discuss Dr. Roseann’s unique approaches to calming the autonomic nervous system and reducing brain inflammation, the current medical model and its limitations, and the impact of trauma. I sincerely hope you enjoy listening to today’s interesting and informative conversation with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Benefits of Myo-inositol Impact of having low magnesium in the body Protecting yourself from microbiome depletion Why is it essential to listen to your body? Connection between the gut and the vagus nerve The magic in mental health lies in the micro-changes. Where to start when helping a teenager or young adult struggling with OCD, anxiety, or depression Importance of reframing negative thoughts What’s happening when the brain is dysregulated? Examining the brain under stress Root cause of mental illness Ways to improve your brain health The role of trauma in mood disorders Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X ⁠Instagram ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Check out Cynthia’s ⁠website⁠ Connect with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge On her ⁠website⁠ Dr. Roseann’s podcast, ⁠It’s Gonna Be OK!⁠ Ep. 174 Identifying and Treating Your Children's Mental Health: How We Can Be Their Greatest Support with Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge
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    1 h y 6 m
  • Ep. 470 Your Midlife Hormone Survival Guide with Dr. Amy Killen

    Ep. 470 Your Midlife Hormone Survival Guide with Dr. Amy Killen
    May 31 2025
    Today, I am delighted to reconnect with my friend and colleague, Dr. Amy B. Killen, a board-certified physician with expertise in bioidentical hormones, personalized medication, and cutting-edge rejuvenation techniques. In our conversation, we dive into the spectrum of progesterone sensitivity, exploring why estrogen is considered the best longevity drug available and how it reduces the risk of heart disease. We discuss bone health and bioidenticals, outline ways to improve cognition, brain function, and cardiovascular health, and examine the ongoing debate around oral estrogen therapy. Dr. Amy also sheds light on slowing ovarian aging, explains the concept of hair pause and how to address it proactively, and offers her take on overrated or ineffective strategies for navigating perimenopause and beyond. You will not want to miss this insightful episode with Dr. Amy Killen, and I look forward to having her back for another conversation. IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN: Dr. Amy sheds light on the spectrum of progesterone sensitivity. Progesterone treatment options for women with progesterone sensitivity Why estrogen is crucial for longevity How estrogen protects the heart and blood vessels, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease When is the best time to start taking estrogen for optimal cardiovascular benefits? Estrogen and bone strength and flexibility Can starting estrogen treatments early help prevent dementia and cognitive decline? Pros and cons of using a combination of estriol and estradiol Slow ovarian senescence and prevent hormonal changes from affecting your hair health. Bio: Dr. Amy B. Killen, M.D., is a leading physician in regenerative and hormone optimization medicine, specializing in women's health and helping patients navigate their "Queen PhaseTM" with evidence-based interventions. As a board-certified emergency physician turned longevity specialist, she combines cutting-edge treatments, such as stem cell therapy, hormone optimization, and peptides, with practical lifestyle wisdom at her clinics in Utah and Texas, while sharing her expertise through international speaking engagements and educational content creation. Dr. Killen is the Chief Medical Officer of Humanaut Health, a longevity clinic franchise, and founder of the Human Optimization Project (HOP), a female-focused supplement company. She lives in Salt Lake City with her family of five. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Amy Killen On her website HopBox (Supplement Company) Subscribe to Dr. Amy’s Substack
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    56 m
  • Ep. 469 Revenge Addiction: What You Need to Know with James Kimmel Jr., JD

    Ep. 469 Revenge Addiction: What You Need to Know with James Kimmel Jr., JD
    May 28 2025
    Today, I am delighted to connect with James Kimmel Jr., a Yale psychiatry lecturer, a lawyer, and the founder and co-director of the Yale Collaborative for Motive Control Studies. In our conversation, we explore the science of revenge, examining how it affects the brain and identifying risk factors that could contribute to extremes in revenge activity. James shares his journey from childhood to law and academia and offers his perspective on the intersection of justice, neuroscience, and human behavior. We talk about forgiveness, exploring how it reshapes the brain, counteracts revenge addiction, and serves as a tool for healing. We also cover specific interventions, including the non-justice system and the warning signs for extremes in addictive behaviors. This invaluable and insightful conversation with James Kimmel Jr. is an incredible resource for moms everywhere. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How revenge impacts the brain How psychological harm can lead to revenge cravings The link between addiction and revenge-seeking Why some individuals are more at risk for revenge-seeking than others Some common forms of revenge-driven behavior What does a revenge attack look like? James shares how revenge motivated his choice to become a lawyer and how he came to do the work he does now The benefits of forgiveness as an antidote to revenge cravings How social media platforms exploit the addictive process of revenge-seeking Interventions and support systems for managing revenge addiction Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on ⁠X⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Check out Cynthia’s ⁠website⁠ Submit your questions to ⁠support@cynthiathurlow.com⁠ Connect with James Kimmel Jr. On his⁠ website⁠ Buy a copy of James’ latest book,⁠ The Science of Revenge⁠ ⁠SavingCain.org⁠: Preventing Murd
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    1 h y 3 m
  • Bonus: How to Improve Your Brain Health and Performance with Louisa Nicola

    Bonus: How to Improve Your Brain Health and Performance with Louisa Nicola
    May 26 2025
    I am excited to connect with one of my favorite neuroscience experts today! Louisa Nicola is at the intersection of neuroscience and athleticism. She helps to bring a fresh understanding of what it takes to achieve peak performance through science-based tools and methods. She is also the host of The Neuro Experience podcast, which focuses on brain health, neuroscience, longevity, and athletics. Louisa knows how to take complicated subjects related to brain physiology and hormones and explain them so that people can fully understand and appreciate them. In this episode, she and I dive into her background. We discuss her three pillars for peak performance, alcohol, and how sleep impacts the glymphatic system. We get into strategies for better sleep, the perimenopausal brain, how chronobiology impacts sleep, how to address jet lag, and how exercise improves brain performance and health. We also discuss the best foods and supplements for brain health and how creatine enhances performance. I hope you enjoy listening to today’s conversation as much as I did recording it! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How an accident shifted the trajectory of Louisa’s life. Louisa unpacks the various stages of sleep and explains why sleep is so important. How sleep impacts the glymphatic system. Some common characteristics of perimenopause. Some simple ways to aid the penetration of naturally secreted hormones into the brain. How blood pressure fluctuations impact the brain. What is jet lag, and how can we combat it? How does alcohol affect the brain? Louisa explains cardiac remodeling. The value of different types of exercise for brain health. The difference between physical activity and exercise. How our food choices impact our brain health. How to mitigate the effects of traumatic brain injuries. How does creatine monohydrate improve brain performance? Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X ⁠ ⁠Instagram ⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Check out Cynthia’s ⁠website⁠ Connect with Louisa Nicola On X and ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠The Neuro Experience Podcast⁠ Book mentioned ⁠The XX Brain⁠ by Dr. Lisa Mosconi
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    1 h y 2 m
  • Ep. 468 The Alzheimer’s Research Crisis with Charles Piller

    Ep. 468 The Alzheimer’s Research Crisis with Charles Piller
    May 24 2025
    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
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    1 h y 5 m
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