Episodes

  • Ep. 465 Metabolic Health 101: Fat Loss, Toxins, and Seed Oils with Ben Azadi, FDN-P

    Ep. 465 Metabolic Health 101: Fat Loss, Toxins, and Seed Oils with Ben Azadi, FDN-P
    May 14 2025
    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.
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 9 mins
  • BONUS: Healing Power of Touch: Exploring Sensory Methods for Health with Dr. Dave Rabin

    BONUS: Healing Power of Touch: Exploring Sensory Methods for Health with Dr. Dave Rabin
    May 12 2025
    I am delighted to reconnect with Dr. Dave Rabin today. He last joined me for Episode 91 in April of 2020. Dr. Rabin is a board-certified psychiatrist and neuroscientist. He is the Co-founder and CMO at Apollo Neuroscience, the first scientifically validated wearable system to improve heart rate variability, focus, and relaxation, and helps attain meditative states. He is also Co-founder and Executive Director of the Board of Medicine and a psychedelic clinical researcher, currently evaluating the mechanism of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy and treatment-resistant illness. Today, we examine the value of touch and sensory techniques, discussing the distinctions between sympathetic and parasympathetic vagal tone in the autonomic nervous system, changes in sex hormones during perimenopause and menopause, and how that impacts sympathetic dominance, the development of stress responses, and the concept of stress leading to personal growth. We explore the influence of the vagus nerve on systemic health, explaining what HRV is and how it can demonstrate bodily coherence, and we also dive into wearable technologies like Apollo, the disruption of psychedelic interventions, and the impact of trauma on physical and mental well-being. I am confident that you will find today’s engaging discussion with Dr. Dave Rabin eye-opening and enlightening. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How touch helps us connect, bond, and support our autonomic nervous system How finding balance between the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems can help us manage stress and anxiety Techniques for quickly restoring balance to the nervous system Why women experience more anxiety, depression, and heart arrhythmias during perimenopause How breathing techniques can improve heart rate variability The significance of HRV metrics for understanding physical and mental health How the Apollo device activates a healing response within the body The potential of MDMA and other psychedelics hold for trauma healing Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Check out Cynthia’s ⁠website⁠ Submit your questions to ⁠support@cynthiathurlow.com⁠ Connect with Dr. Dave Rabin On his ⁠website⁠ ⁠Apollo⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ X ⁠The Psychedelic Report Podcast⁠ ⁠Your Brain Explained Podcast⁠ Previous Episode Mentioned ⁠Ep. 91 – How To Listen To Your Body and DE-STRESS During COVID-19 – with Dr. David Rabin
    Show More Show Less
    54 mins
  • Ep. 464 Pelvic Floor 101: From Pregnancy to Menopause with Dr. Sara Reardon

    Ep. 464 Pelvic Floor 101: From Pregnancy to Menopause with Dr. Sara Reardon
    May 10 2025
    I am honored to connect with Dr. Sarah Reardon today. She assists women in caring for their pelvic floors as a doctor of physical therapy, a board-certified pelvic floor physical therapist, and a Women's Health Clinical specialist. She is also the Founder and Chief Vagina Officer of the Vagina Whisperer, an online, on-demand pelvic floor workout platform women at all stages of life. In our discussion today, we explore the many contributors to the silent suffering of women, exploring advocacy and screening, pregnancy, the postpartum period, and the transitions of perimenopause and menopause. Dr. Reardon brings clarity to the often-misunderstood pelvic floor, shedding light on everything from vaginal and C-section deliveries and painful sex, to proper pooping and the impact of bladder irritants and incontinence. Dr. Sara Reardon shares many practical and empowering insights today, and her book Floored, A Woman's Guide to Pelvic Floor Health at Every Age and Stage, is a must-read for every woman. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Why does much shame and secrecy exist around women’s pelvic health? Why pelvic floor therapy should be a first-line treatment for women How pregnancy and childbirth affect the pelvic floor The link between pelvic floor muscles, constipation, bladder issues, and painful sex How fatigued pelvic floor muscles can lead to bladder leakage Common signs of pelvic floor dysfunction Helpful strategies for healthy bowel movements How birth and emotional trauma can affect pelvic health Red flags that indicate the need for medical evaluation beyond pelvic floor therapy Top tips for pelvic floor health Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Sara Reardon On her website Instagram Directories: PelvicRehab.com, Academy of Pelvic Health
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Ep. 463 Midlife Body Masterclass: Strength, Bone, Metabolism with Cynthia Thurlow, NP

    Ep. 463 Midlife Body Masterclass: Strength, Bone, Metabolism with Cynthia Thurlow, NP
    May 7 2025
    We have a mashup episode today, with four leading experts sharing valuable insights to help women maintain bone density, muscle mass, and optimal health as menopause approaches. Dr. Vonda Wright highlights the importance of early intervention with proper nutrition, impact exercise, and strength training to prevent osteoporosis and muscle loss as estrogen levels decline. Dr. Stacy Sims explores the role of resistance training and high-intensity exercise in improving bone density and metabolic health during menopause. Dr. Shannon Ritchey discusses the benefits of building muscle gradually with safe strength training techniques. Debra Atkinson shares exercise protocols for women in perimenopause and postmenopause, focusing on strength training, recovery, and the benefits of high-impact exercises and hormone replacement therapy. Join us for expert advice on how women can strategically strengthen their bones, build muscle, and optimize their health as they transition from perimenopause to menopause and beyond. ⁠Ep. 386 Muscle Strength in Menopause: Key Tests & Lifestyle Measures with Dr. Vonda Wright⁠ Dr. Wright highlights the importance of building bone and muscle health early. She explains that consistent nutrition, impact exercise, and strength training are essential to prevent osteoporosis and muscle loss as estrogen declines with age. ⁠Ep. 406 Protein, Creatine, and Training for Menopause and Beyond with Dr. Stacy Sims⁠ Dr. Stacy Sims emphasizes the importance of heavy resistance training, high-intensity exercise, and targeted lifestyle adjustments for menopausal women to improve bone density, muscle mass, and metabolic health. ⁠Ep. 456 Why Muscle Matters: Metabolism, Myths & More with Dr. Shannon Ritchey⁠ Dr. Shannon Ritchey advises women to focus on building muscle gradually and safely, explaining that muscle growth takes time and proper training, and strength training is the cornerstone of a fitness routine. ⁠Ep. 321 Muscle, Bone & Joint Health in Menopause with Debra Atkinson⁠ Debra Atkinson discusses exercise protocols for women in perimenopause and postmenopause, looking at the benefits of strength training for bone health and the importance of recovery, highlighting the benefits of high-impact exercises, hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and vibration plates. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on ⁠Twitter⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠ & ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Check out Cynthia’s ⁠website⁠ Submit your questions to ⁠support@cynthiathurlow.com⁠ Connect with Dr. Vonda Wright On her⁠ website⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠,⁠ Instagram⁠,⁠ X⁠, and⁠ LinkedIn⁠ Leave a message on VIP Phone Number 407-232-2334 Connect with Dr. Stacy Sims On her⁠ website⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ ⁠TikTok⁠ Connect with Dr. Shannon Ritchie On the⁠ Evlo Fitness website⁠ ⁠The Dr. Shannon Show Podcast⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ and⁠ TikTok⁠ Connect with Debra Atkinson On her ⁠website⁠ ⁠YouTube⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, and ⁠Facebook⁠
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 4 mins
  • BONUS: What Is C60? Supercharge Brain, Mood, and Skin Health with Jessica MacNaughton, MBA

    BONUS: What Is C60? Supercharge Brain, Mood, and Skin Health with Jessica MacNaughton, MBA
    May 5 2025
    You are in for a special treat today! We have the first episode in our new series of sponsored podcasts, and we are kicking things off with Jessica McNaughton, the CEO and Co-founder of C60 Power. Jessica is a true trailblazer in the world of health innovation. She is renowned for her ability to demystify complex information and challenge conventional wisdom while delivering practical, effective, and accessible wellness solutions fueled by her passion for transformative health. In our discussion, we explore C60, which is considered a super antioxidant, with studies suggesting that it is 100 to 1000 times more powerful than traditional antioxidants like vitamin C or E. We define what C60 is, what antioxidants are, and how they support the body and protect the mitochondria. Jessica explains how C60 gets created in the lab and walks us through the protocols for pairing C60 with fasting or intermittent fasting, looking at its potential for biohacking and how it supports athletic performance, cognitive clarity, mood, and even pet wellness. We also explore the benefits of C60 for women in perimenopause and menopause due to its role in supporting pregnenolone, the precursor molecule for all hormones. You will not want to miss this enlightening and information-packed conversation with its actionable insights and takeaways to support your journey to better health. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Value of C60 for middle-aged women How C60 supports pregnenolone The unique way C60 is structured C60 and energy, providing mental clarity and immune support Inflammation and C60 Mitochondrial health/support of athletic performance with C60 Improving the lives of pets with C60 Using C60 for better skin health How C60 can reduce oxidative damage to bones and support brain health Benefits of C60 as an adjunct to HRT Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Jessica MacNaughton On⁠ the C60 website⁠ ⁠The scientific research⁠ on C60 How C60 supports animals (⁠www.whatisc60.org⁠) (****Link does not work) C60 on⁠ YouTube⁠
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 1 min
  • Ep. 462 Protein, Hormones, and Midlife: What You Must Know with Dr. Stephanie Estima, DC

    Ep. 462 Protein, Hormones, and Midlife: What You Must Know with Dr. Stephanie Estima, DC
    May 3 2025
    Today, I am thrilled to connect with my dear friend and colleague, Dr. Stephanie Estima. Dr. Estima and I have similar audiences with many of the same concerns, so we decided to join up for a special episode where we can provide accurate answers to questions from the women in both our communities. In our discussion, we dive into several topics we often get asked about on social media, including weight gain, insulin sensitivity, and how to identify where we are in terms of peak fertility years, perimenopause, or menopause. We discuss the significance of protein, looking at ways to increase our protein intake, the benefits of intermittent fasting, and when to consider doing that. We also explore how stress and hormones affect us in middle age, and we unpack some relevant research on fat loss and ways to fuel ourselves for exercise. You have much to learn from today’s insightful and empowering conversation with Dr. Stephanie Estima! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How the fear-driven content in wellness circles can cause anxiety instead of providing solutions Why previously effective diets may need to change during menopause Vilifying carbs and negative consequences if a keto diet or fasting is maintained long term How menopause impacts the gut microbiome Perimenopause and menopause are just natural stages of life and not indicators of decline. Strength training and why it’s never too late to start Benefits of eating protein first in meals Practical advice for managing health challenges during menopause Acute stress vs. chronic stress Will fasting intermittently before exercising burn more fat than fasting afterward? The importance of adopting a balanced approach to exercise and nutrition Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Stephanie Estima On Instagram On her weekly podcast, Better! With Dr. Stephanie
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Ep. 461 Solving & Preventing Chronic Disease with Health Coaching with Dr. Sandra Scheinbaum

    Ep. 461 Solving & Preventing Chronic Disease with Health Coaching with Dr. Sandra Scheinbaum
    Apr 30 2025
    I am thrilled to reconnect with a friend and colleague, Dr. Sandy Scheinbaum. She assists in training people to become functional medicine health coaches, and she helps practitioners and businesses hire them as she believes health coaches are the key to combating chronic disease and reducing healthcare costs. Dr. Scheinbaum is also an educator, clinical psychologist, author, and public speaker with over 50 years of experience. Her latest book is called Your Health Coach Will See You Now. In our discussion, we dive into the limitations of allopathic medicine in addressing chronic disease and the looming shortage of over 130,000 physicians by 2030. We explore the impact of burnout and job dissatisfaction among providers, look at what defines patient-centered care, and discuss how health coaches can improve emotional wellness, support chronic disease management, and increase patient self-efficacy. We also examine the benefits of partnering with health coaches to solve the worsening mental health crisis in the United States and the standards to consider when working with a health coach. I believe you will find this insightful discussion with Dr. Scheinbaum particularly relevant when considering the state of primary care in our country today. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: The limitations of our current medical model, which was designed specifically for acute care Why lifestyle factors must be looked at when managing chronic diseases How the shortage of primary care providers affects patients Why so much burnout and job dissatisfaction exists among healthcare providers Health coaches and support of licensed healthcare providers to improve patient care How health coaches can help patients feel more connected and supported, and improve their overall well-being Why a team approach with health coaches working alongside healthcare providers is required How bedside manner has eroded in the current medical model Challenges of accessing mental health care today Importance of looking for only nationally board-certified health coaches who are licensed Bio: Dr. Sandra Scheinbaum Dr. Sandra Scheinbaum trains people to become Functional Medicine health coaches and helps practitioners and businesses hire them because she believes that health coaches are key to combating chronic disease and reducing healthcare costs. As Founder and CEO of the Functional Medicine Coaching Academy (FMCA), Sandra is a leader in the field of health coaching education. An educator, clinical psychologist, author, and public speaker for nearly 50 years, she founded FMCA at age 65 because, rather than retiring, she is on a mission to grow the health coaching profession so that millions of people can get the support they need to lead healthier lives. Her latest book, Your Health Coach Will See You Now: Creating a Healthier Future Together, advocates for health coaching as a critical component of primary care. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on Twitter Instagram LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Connect with Dr. Sandra Scheinbaum On her website (Functional Medicine Coaching Academy) Instagram Your Health Coach Will See You Now, by Dr. Sandra Scheinbaum, is available on Amazon or Barnes and Noble.com
    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • BONUS: Mitochondria and the Impact of Hormone Imbalances in Perimenopause and Menopause with Dr. Carrie Jones

    BONUS: Mitochondria and the Impact of Hormone Imbalances in Perimenopause and Menopause with Dr. Carrie Jones
    Apr 28 2025
    I am happy to reconnect with Dr. Carrie Jones today! (She was with me before in ⁠Episode 106⁠, in July of 2020.) Dr. Jones is an internationally recognized speaker, consultant, and educator on the topic of women's health and hormones. She has her Master's in Public Health and was one of the first to become board-certified through the American Board of Naturopathic Endocrinology and currently serves on the board. I like to think of Dr. Jones as the Queen of Hormones! In today’s episode, we dive into common hormone imbalances that occur in perimenopause and menopause. We discuss the difference between healthy and non-healthy mitochondria, the impact of toxins on our hormones, and thyroid function. We talk about the impact of puberty, pregnancy, post-partum, and perimenopause on our immune system. We also get into non-thyroidal illnesses, the role of skeletal muscle, things that no longer serve us in middle age, and why we tend to become more weight loss-resistant with age. I hope you enjoy listening to my conversation with Dr. Carrie Jones as much as I did recording it! Stay tuned for more! IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: Understanding our changing hormones as we approach perimenopause or menopause. What happens to our mitochondria as we transition to menopause? Ways to support mitochondrial health. How hormonal shifts affect thyroid function. Why do we need to test for the less common autoimmune markers? Why we may still feel terrible after taking medication for an underactive thyroid. When to start advocating for additional thyroid testing. Why is the DUTCH urine test helpful as we approach menopause? Things, other than medications that may impact the ability to process estrogen properly. The most popular tests for gut health. The truth about testosterone. Why is it essential to have a healthy amount of skeletal muscle as we age? Three weight loss-resistant issues most people do not know about. Bio: Carrie Jones, ND, FABNE, MPH is an internationally recognized speaker, consultant, and educator on the topic of women's health and hormones with over 20 years in the industry. She has her Master’s in Public Health and was one of the first to become board certified through the American Board of Naturopathic Endocrinology and currently serves on the board. She was the Medical Director for the DUTCH Test for several years, and currently, she is the Head of Medical Education at Rupa Health and host of the Root Cause Medicine podcast. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on ⁠Twitter⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠ & ⁠LinkedIn⁠ Check out Cynthia’s ⁠website⁠ Connect with Dr. Carrie Jones On her ⁠website⁠ On ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, and ⁠TikTok⁠
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 6 mins