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

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Submit your questions to ⁠[email protected]⁠

Connect with James Kimmel Jr.

On his⁠ website⁠

Buy a copy of James’ latest book,⁠ The Science of Revenge⁠

⁠SavingCain.org⁠: Preventing Murd

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

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⁠ ⁠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

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  

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Check out Cynthia’s website

Submit your questions to [email protected]

Connect with Charles Piller

On his website 

Today, I am delighted to connect with Dr. Joycelyn Wittstein, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and associate professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Duke who conducts NIH-funded research into post-traumatic knee arthritis. She has shared presentations at many prestigious medical conferences, and her work has appeared in peer-reviewed journals. 

In our discussion, we dive into many of the joint pain symptoms Dr. Wittstein sees in her perimenopausal and menopausal patients, and we look at the impact of specific, targeted supplementations, including curcumin, collagen peptides, and creatine monohydrate. We explore effusions, the effects of osteoarthritic risk factors like prior injuries, obesity, the perimenopause to menopause transition, and the impact of GLP-1s on joint symptoms and bone physiology. We discuss REDS (Relative Energy Deficiency Syndrome) and the causes of osteoporosis, and Dr. Wittstein also shares what she does to protect her bones and why she believes DEXA scans must get done early in the aging trajectory, why fractures can be problematic, and the significance of exercise and bone-building foods.

You will not want to miss today’s valuable and super action-oriented conversation with Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

How women in their mid-40s and 50s often experience an acute increase in joint pain 

How hormone therapy can help women improve their bone health, prevent osteoporosis, and overcome joint pain  

Dr. Wittstein recommends supplements for reducing joint inflammation

Various foods that can drive inflammation and cause joint health problems  

How the inflammatory state of obesity impacts joint health

The benefits of GLP-1s for those with joint pain from inflammation

Why early bone density screening is essential for women in their 40s

How creatine monohydrate improves cognitive function and muscle mass

The value of strength training and balance exercises for improving joint health

The best foods and beverages for bone-building

Bio: Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein

I am an associate professor of orthopaedic surgery at Duke University Medical Center. I completed residency in 2009 and a fellowship in sports medicine in 2010 at Duke. Prior to medical school, I studied nutritional science at Cornell University. My practice focuses on sports medicine, with a particular interest in treating female athletes across the lifespan. I am currently president of the Forum: Women in Sports Medicine. I am part of the core leadership of the Duke Female Athlete Program. I am also a clinician researcher with NIH-funded studies of ACL and meniscus injuries and post-traumatic arthritis in knees. I am a co-author of the Complete Bone and Joint Health Plan, which was released on May 6, 2025. On a personal note, I am a former collegiate gymnast, lifelong athlete, and mom of five. I live in Raleigh, NC, with my husband, Tal Lassiter, who is also an orthopedic surgeon.

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

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Submit your questions to [email protected]

Connect with Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein

On the Duke Health website

Instagram

The Complete Bone and Joint Health Plan, co-authored by Jocelyn Wittstein, MD, and Sydney Nitzkorski, MS, RD, is available on Amazon or Barnes and Noble, and from most bookstores.

Today, we have another episode in our series of thoughtfully curated companies. This episode is sponsored by OneSkin, a company founded and led by an all-female team of PhD-level scientists. OneSkin is redefining how we think about aging, starting with the skin, our largest organ.

I am delighted to introduce Dr. Alessandra Zonari as our guest today. Dr. Zonari is far from your typical scientist. She is a true visionary with a passion for longevity, skin regeneration, and an occasional karaoke jam. With degrees in biology and stem cell biology and a doctorate in skin regeneration and tissue engineering, Dr. Zonari brings a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective to our conversation today.

Join us to learn more about OneSkin and how their products can reverse the effects of biological aging, helping your skin become stronger and more resilient as you age.

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

Dr. Zonari shares her mission to understand how skin can age healthier and stronger and reduce the risk of inflammation and diseases. 

How the female-led research team at OneSkin brings a unique perspective to skincare

How the OneSkin peptide can reverse 2.5 years of biological aging in just five days

The unique way in which they test their products and measure biological aging at OneSkin 

How estradiol loss during menopause exacerbates the accumulation of senescent cells and causes inflammation

Some common misconceptions about skincare for women in perimenopause and menopause

How lifestyle choices influence the aging process of the skin 

Why we must protect the skin from environmental stressors to slow the aging process 

How your skin cells can get reprogrammed to return to a youthful state

How OneSkin developed a hair care line to address hair loss and thinning

The importance of self-love and nourishing your body 

ABOUT OneSkin: 

Founded and led by an all-woman team of PhD-level scientists, OneSkin is transforming the way we think about aging, starting with the body’s largest organ, the skin. Our proprietary OS-01 (oh ess one) peptide is the first ingredient to reverse the biological age of skin by targeting cellular senescence, a key driver of aging. By targeting cellular senescence, the OS-01 peptide switches off the damaged cells that contribute to lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. The result? Skin that looks and behaves younger. Our products are designed for young and mature skin, because it is never too early or too late to invest in your skin health! We create next-level skin care.

BIO: Alessandra Zonari, PhD, OneSkin Co-Founder & CSO

Alessandra is not your typical scientist. She is a visionary with a passion for longevity, skin regeneration, and the occasional karaoke jam. Growing up in a close-knit family in Brazil, Alessandra saw her grandparents struggle with age-related diseases, and she soon became fascinated by the possibility of using stem cells to redefine the aging process. After earning degrees in biology and stem cell biology and a doctorate in skin regeneration and tissue engineering, Alessandra joined OneSkin in 2017 as a founding member and Chief Scientific Officer. Her contributions include 20+ papers, three patents, and the development of their proprietary OS-01 peptide.

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

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Check out Cynthia’s website

Submit your questions to [email protected]

Connect with Dr. Alessandra Zonari

On the ONESKIN website

ONESKIN on Instagram

Interested in trying OneSkin for yourself? Visit oneskin.co/CYNTHIA and use code CYNTHIA for 15% off your first purchase!

I am honored to connect with Dr. Aly Cohen today. She is a board-certified rheumatologist, an integrative medicine physician, and one of the country's leading medical and legal experts in environmental health. 

We began our conversation today exploring the role of federal agencies, including the EPA and FDA, in regulating environmental toxins and their impact on public safety. Dr. Cohen discusses her rheumatology training and explains how our environments affect our immune systems, clarifying why tap water is problematic, how water treatment plants fail to filter out most contaminants, and how pregnancy, childhood, teen years, perimenopause, and menopause are critical stages for toxin exposure. She reveals how many of the laws for processed foods are outdated and ineffective, and how the concept of GRAS (generally regarded as safe) has no real value, and also dives into changes in nutritional value and soil quality, how medications impact our gut microbiome and disease susceptibility, why iodine is essential for detoxifying the lymphatic and glymphatic systems, and how noise pollution affects our health. 

This conversation with Dr. Aly Cohen is invaluable, and her book, resources, and works are particularly significant for this community.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU WILL LEARN:

How the gaps in federal protections outweigh the measures currently in place

The cumulative effects of toxin exposure on the immune system, particularly for women in perimenopause and menopause

Why tap water is unsafe for drinking

Why reverse osmosis filtration is the best option 

Why young people should learn about toxin exposure before becoming pregnant

How estrogen loss during menopause impacts the immune system 

The poor nutritional value of processed foods and the lack of effective regulation surrounding them

How medications affect the gut microbiome and immune function

The benefits of iodine for detoxification and thyroid health

Why noise pollution is problematic for our mental health

Connect with Cynthia Thurlow  

Follow on Twitter, Instagram & LinkedIn

Check out Cynthia’s website

Submit your questions to [email protected]

Connect with Dr. Aly Cohen 

On her website

TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn

Dr. Cohen’s new book, Detoxify, is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and from most local booksellers.

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  

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LinkedIn

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Submit your questions to [email protected]

Connect with Ben Azadi

On his website

Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, TikTok

Get a copy of Ben Azadi’s latest book, Metabolic Freedom.

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 ⁠[email protected]⁠

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

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  

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Check out Cynthia’s website

Submit your questions to [email protected]

Connect with Dr. Sara Reardon

On her website

Instagram

Directories: PelvicRehab.com, Academy of Pelvic Health 

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 ⁠[email protected]⁠

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