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The Neuro Experience

The Neuro Experience

By: Louisa Nicola & Pursuit Network
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 This podcast interviews the best experts in the world to bring emerging themes in athletic performance, neurology, sleep physiology and medicine. Louisa regularly consults for technology development companies, professional athletic organizations and consults with the biggest names in NBA, MLB and NFL. Louisa is on the scientific advisory board of Tonal, Hone Health, Klora and Momentous. Find Louisa on Instagram @louisanicola_© 2025 The Neuro Experience Hygiene & Healthy Living Physical Illness & Disease
Episodes
  • How Women of 40 Should Train for Fat Loss and Muscle Building with Ben Bruno

    How Women of 40 Should Train for Fat Loss and Muscle Building with Ben Bruno
    Aug 19 2025
    This week, I am joined by Ben Bruno—a Los Angeles–based trainer whose client roster ranges from professional athletes to musicians, actors and models. Known for his no-nonsense approach, Ben believes that while every person is different, the principles of good training remain the same: simple, consistent, and effective work tailored to the individual. In this conversation, Ben cuts through the noise of social media fitness trends and breaks down what really works for building strength, staying mobile, and aging well. With nearly two decades of experience, he’s trained stars like Jessica Biel and Chelsea Handler, yet his message applies to anyone with a goal, a positive attitude, and the willingness to work hard. In this episode, Ben Bruno shares why consistency and the basics always outperform flashy trends, and how real-world training differs from what we see online. He breaks down the three pillars of longevity—strength, mobility, and conditioning—explains why full-body workouts often work best, and highlights the key exercises everyone should master. Ben also dives into how women can stay strong and confident into midlife, the dangers of comparison culture, and why sustainable, smart training beats gimmicks every time. *** Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for more conversations at the intersection of brain science and performance. I'm committed to bringing you evidence-based insights that you can apply to your own health journey. *** A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts: Function Health: Learn more and join using our/my link. The first 1000 get a $100 credit toward their membership. Visit ⁠www.functionhealth.com/louisanicola⁠ and use code NEURO100 or use gift code NEURO100 at sign-up to own your health. Troscriptions: Go to www.troscription.com/neuro | Code: NEURO for 10% your first order Ketone IQ: Go to https://ketone.com/NEURO for 30% OFF your subscription order + receive a free gift with your second shipment. Timeline: Head to timeline.com/neuro to get 20% off Beam: Visit https://shopbeam.com/TNE and use code TNE to get our exclusive discount of up to 35% off Honeylove: Save 20% Off Honeylove at honeylove.com/NEURO ***Where to find Ben Bruno Instagram: benbrunotraining Twitter: @benbruno1 Fitness app: https://benbruno.com/start/ *** I’m Louisa Nicola — clinical neuroscientist — Alzheimer’s prevention specialist — founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain — reducing Alzheimer’s risk — and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ Topics discussed: 00:00: Consistency over quick fixes; Jessica Biel & Chelsea Handler’s long-term training 05:18: Social media fitness vs. real-world training; flashy trends vs. basics 07:18: Longevity & aging 11:09: Full-body training vs. body-part splits; flexibility & practicality 14:11: Unrealistic fitness standards 20:05: Nutrition & biohacking noise 26:05: Exercise dose & sustainability: overtraining risks, exercise as medicine 29:00: Men vs. women in training; goals vs. needs; injury considerations 35:00: Progressive overload, RPE (rate of perceived exertion), strength testing 42:07 : Essential exercises: Bulgarian split squat, chin-ups (vs. squats/deadlifts) 44:11: Core training, injury prevention, importance of rotational strength Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 3 mins
  • The $20 Billion Lie: What the Fertility Industry Doesn’t Want You to Know

    The $20 Billion Lie: What the Fertility Industry Doesn’t Want You to Know
    Aug 12 2025
    In this powerful and eye-opening conversation, we sit down with the founders of WeNatal, a company redefining preconception health for both women and men. Together, we dive into the overlooked science of Trimester Zero—the 3 - 4 months before trying to conceive—and why this time frame can be a game-changer for both natural conception and IVF outcomes. From egg and sperm quality to the role of mitochondria, epigenetics, and environmental toxins, this episode breaks down the science, dispels myths, and provides tangible, realistic steps you can take to optimize your fertility—without the stress of perfectionism. We also unpack why the conversation around fertility needs to shift from being a “women’s health” issue to a team sport. *** About the WeNatal Founders: After experiencing heartbreaking miscarriages just one week apart, best friends Vida and Ronit were devastated—and confused. Both healthy, taking standard prenatal vitamins, and yet with no answers from their doctors beyond “it’s random” or “it’s your age,” they began digging deeper. In their search, they uncovered a glaring gap in the conversation: the male partner’s health. Half the equation was being left out entirely. Determined to change the fertility journey for themselves and others, they poured over the research, worked with leading experts, and developed a science-backed prenatal system for both women and men. What started as a deeply personal mission has now grown into WeNatal, a movement to empower couples with the knowledge, tools, and products to support conception, pregnancy, and the lifelong health of future generations. *** Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for more conversations at the intersection of brain science and performance. I'm committed to bringing you evidence-based insights that you can apply to your own health journey. *** A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts: Boncharge: Go to https://boncharge.com | Code: NEURO15 for 15% off Caraway: https://caraway.com/neuro for an additional 10% off your purchase LMNT: Use code drinklmnt.com/neuro to get a free 8-count Sample Pack of LMNT’s most popular drink mix flavors with any purchase. Thrive Market: Go to ThriveMarket.com/neuro to get 30% off your first order, and a free $60 gift. OSEA: Get 10% off your first order site wide with code NEURO at https://OSEAMalibu.com. You’ll get free samples with every order, and free shipping on orders over $50. *** I’m Louisa Nicola — clinical neuroscientist — Alzheimer’s prevention specialist — founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain — reducing Alzheimer’s risk — and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ Topics discussed: 00:00:00 — The #1 thing ruining women’s fertility 00:03:09 — Trimester Zero: preconception importance00:05:14 — Male fertility: sperm quality & regeneration 00:06:42 — Epigenetics & passing traits to children 00:08:36 — Role of mitochondria in egg quality 00:10:46 — Myth-busting egg quantity vs. quality & aging 00:12:07 — Environmental changes & food nutrient depletion 00:17:10 — Plastics, toxins & lifestyle adjustments 00:21:25 — AMH (Anti-Müllerian Hormone) misconceptions 00:28:08 — Fertility industry concerns & preparing for conception 00:32:01 — Biological vs. chronological age in fertility 00:38:09 — IVF, diet changes & improved outcomes 00:42:01 — Key supplements: CoQ10, PQ, omega-3s 00:48:48 — Supplement regulation & quality control Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 1 min
  • Why “Normal” Cholesterol Isn’t Normal with Dr. Rupy Aujla

    Why “Normal” Cholesterol Isn’t Normal with Dr. Rupy Aujla
    Aug 5 2025
    In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Rupy Aujla, an NHS GP and the founder of The Doctor’s Kitchen, an app that includes doctor-approved recipes to cook at home. In this conversation, we dive into why cardiovascular disease remains the #1 killer worldwide, the connection between cholesterol and heart health, how fiber acts as a “magical nutrient” for the body, how to introduce it into your daily meals, and the role of lifestyle choices in preventing illness and supporting long-term brain and heart health. *** About Dr. Rupy Aujla: After suffering a significant heart condition, he dove deep into the science of nutritional medicine and was able to reverse his condition through food and lifestyle. In 2015, he launched The Doctor’s Kitchen as a way to teach people how to cook their way to better health and to showcase the medicinal effects of eating well. The incredible “Doctor’s Kitchen” cooking app has over 1000 delicious, science-backed recipes and 20 brand new ones added each month. There’s also a handy meal planner that will personalise recipes based on your preferences. It actually suggested a delicious looking salmon poached in harissa coconut sauce, and olive and date braised chicken, which suit my personal dietary needs and all sound great. You can download and use the app completely for free using this link. *** Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for more conversations at the intersection of brain science and performance. I'm committed to bringing you evidence-based insights that you can apply to your own health journey. *** A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts: David’s Protein: Buy four cartons and get your fifth one completely free | Head to https://davidprotein.com/pages/neuro Ketone IQ: Go to https://ketone.com/NEURO for 30% OFF your subscription order + receive a free gift with your second shipment. FIGS: You can get 15% off your first order at https://wearfigs.com with the code FIGSRX. Caraway: https://caraway.com/neuro for an additional 10% off your purchase MUD\WTR: The coffee alternative. If you're ready to ditch the crash and sip smarter, go to https://mudwtr.com and use code NEURO to get 43% off + free shipping. *** I’m Louisa Nicola — clinical neuroscientist — Alzheimer’s prevention specialist — founder of Neuro Athletics. My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention. If you're committed to optimizing your brain — reducing Alzheimer’s risk — and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place. Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/ Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ *** Topics: 00:02:43: Lipid panels & overlooked markers 00:05:21: Atherosclerosis explained 00:08:13: Misleading “normal” cholesterol panels 00:10:48: Why heart disease remains #1 killer & prevention timeline 00:12:51: Cholesterol & Alzheimer’s; LDL targets for brain health 00:15:12: Cholesterol causality, very low LDL safety 00:19:23: Statins & pharmacological interventions 00:26:02: Ultra-processed foods & saturated fats 00:29:26: Fiber’s role in lowering LDL 00:32:05: How fiber binds bile acids & removes cholesterol 00:33:29: Gut microbiome & short-chain fatty acids from fiber 00:35:05: Lowering ApoB, LDL by eating plant-rich foods, portfolio diet 00:37:15: Oats & heart health 00:41:51: Pesticides in fruits and vegetables 00:45:37: Eggs and cholesterol 00:48:18: Soy 00:53:55: Balanced eating 00:57:40: Stress, sleep & cardiovascular disease 00:59:55: Memorable patient stories, family member with stent 01:04:04: How to reduce risk of heart attack or stroke with diet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 8 mins
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