America is unhappy. In fact, we are the unhappiest we've been since the Great Depression, and things show no signs of getting better. Did you know that depression (the disorder, not the economic kind)—which was at epidemic levels even before the start of COVID-19—tripled in just a matter of months once the pandemic hit? Suicide rates are rising among many populations, and Americans seem to have lost hope. Now for the good news: There is a way out, and it starts in your brain. Recently, JJ spoke with her friend Dr. Daniel Amen about his new book, "You, Happy," and why he chose to write it now. Dr. Amen is one of America's leading psychiatrists, and he is on a mission to end mental illness by creating a revolution in brain health. He told JJ that there is a neuroscience to happiness and that it is a daily practice. And, he shared with her what he calls "the 7 neuroscience secrets to becoming 30% happier in just 30 days." We all want to be happier, especially nowadays. Whether we're still reeling from the fallout of a major pandemic or simply struggling to get by in our daily lives and relationships, finding happiness during tough times can be a challenge. And when we aren't working with a strong foundation of health? It can be even harder. Listen as Dr. Amen and JJ discuss the 7 things you can do starting right now to build a strong foundation of happiness—beginning with preserving the physical health of your brain by adopting positive diet and lifestyle habits. From there, Dr. Amen explains how everyone's brain is different, and you'll find out how to take a unique brain assessment quiz to determine how happy you are and how to use targeted strategies to increase your joy. Dr. Amen has been a guest on Ask the Health Expert many, many times over the years, and every time JJ talks to him she is blown away with his incredible knowledge and insight. Don't miss learning about his 7 key strategies that will help you be happier and live longer! Get Dr. Amen’s FREE You, Happier Cookbook  https://jjvirgin.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/You-Happier-Cookbook.pdf

How to be Happier with Dr. Daniel Amen

Well Beyond 40 with JJ Virgin is the podcast for women who want to age powerfully and enjoy the best chapter of their lives.

It’s YOUR turn now to focus on nutrition, wellness, fitness, mindfulness, and beauty.

Refuel your body. Reignite your wellness. Renew your passion. Fall (back) in love with your life, and discover what it means to age powerfully.

Every information-packed episode combines cutting-edge science, pearls of wisdom from JJ’s four decades as a health and wellness leader and the world’s leading experts on weight loss, metabolism, menopause, life transitions and much more. We dive deep into topics like cultivating mindfulness, building strong relationships and setting boundaries, and choosing health…in a nutshell, how we can AGE POWERFULLY into this second half of our lives.

At Well Beyond 40, we empower women in their 40s, 50s, 60, 70s (and beyond!) to defy stereotypes and say, “It's my time now. It's my turn now. It’s my opportunity to step into my best life!”

For four decades, JJ Virgin has helped people lose weight and stop weight regain by eliminating hidden food intolerances and lowering their sugar impact. As a triple-board certified nutrition expert and Fitness Hall of Famer, JJ helps you stay fired up and focused on being your healthiest rockstar self.

In addition to hosting Well Beyond 40, JJ is a prominent TV and media personality. She was co-host of TLC’s Freaky Eaters and the on-camera nutritionist for Weight Loss Challenges on Dr. Phil.

Over the years, JJ has made numerous appearances on PBS, Dr. Oz, Rachael Ray, Access Hollywood, and the TODAY Show. She also speaks regularly and has shared the stage with notables including Seth Godin, Lisa Nichols, Gary Vaynerchuk, Mark Hyman, Dan Buettner, and Mary Morrissey.

JJ is the author of 4 New York Times bestsellers: The Virgin Diet, The Virgin Diet Cookbook, The Sugar Impact Diet, and The Sugar Impact Diet Cookbook.

JJ is also the author of Warrior Mom: 7 Secrets to Bold, Brave Resilience. She regularly writes for major blogs and other publications including mindbodygreen and Medium.

Visit jjvirgin.com for hundreds of free recipes and resources, plus state-of-the-art programs, products, and plenty of support to help you rev up your metabolism, reignite your wellness, and step powerfully into the second half of your life.

Nutrition

Fitness

Health & Fitness

In this enlightening episode, I sit down with my brilliant friend Dr. Richard Johnson to unpack the mysteries of weight gain and explore the unifying theory that brings all the current hypotheses together. We dive into four major diet theories about why it's so hard to lose fat, and how certain foods—especially fructose—can sabotage your metabolism and health even if you're restricting calories. Dr. Johnson shares groundbreaking insights from his research, revealing how fructose impacts fat storage. We discuss the carbohydrate-insulin model, the protein-leverage hypothesis, and how a low-carb diet combined with certain essential nutrients can make a world of difference. You'll also learn about the surprising connection between alcohol and fructose, and how to enjoy alcohol without derailing your progress. If you're tired of struggling with stubborn weight and want to optimize your metabolism for lasting health, this is a must-listen episode! Dr. Johnson's cutting-edge findings will empower you with the knowledge and tools to finally break free from the dieting rollercoaster and achieve the vibrant well-being you deserve. Don't miss out on this transformative conversation! FULL show notes: jjvirgin.com/rick   Dry Farm Wines: https://dryfarmwines.com/jjvirgin   Try RxSugar:  https://rxsugar.com/?rfsn=7896896.603c03&utm;_source=refersion&utm;_medium=affiliate&utm;_campaign=7896896.603c03   Dr. Johnson’s book Nature Wants Us to Be Fat:  https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/691562/nature-wants-us-to-be-fat-by-richard-j-johnson-md/

Rethinking Weight Gain: The Four Diet Theories Explained with Dr. Richard Johnson

In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Chip Conley, founder of the Modern Elder Academy and author of Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age. Chip shares his insights on embracing the power of midlife and reframing the way we think about aging. We dive into the concept of the "modern elder" and how combining curiosity and wisdom can lead to a more fulfilling life. Chip introduces the idea of "middle essence," the midlife equivalent of adolescence, and shares strategies for navigating this transformative period. He also discusses the three stages of transitions and offers practical advice for coping with each stage. We explore the importance of cultivating purpose, harvesting wisdom, and maintaining social connections as we age. If you're in your 40s, 50s, 60s, or beyond and looking for inspiration and guidance on making the most of this exciting chapter of life, this episode is for you. Chip's insights will help you shift your mindset, embrace your potential, and thrive in midlife and beyond.  

Embracing the Power of Midlife: Wisdom and Wellness with Chip Conley

I recently decided I wanted to get in the best shape of my life for my 60th birthday. My original goal wasn't even fat loss; I wanted to put on muscle and improve my overall fitness. But in the process of focusing on strength training, optimizing my nutrition, and making some key lifestyle tweaks, I ended up dropping 10 pounds and 5% body fat... without even trying!   In this episode, I'm sharing the surprising mindset shifts and practical strategies that made all the difference. You'll learn why I actually INCREASED my calories at first, the reason I had to stop working out fasted, how changing my lazy evening wine-and-Netflix routine led to better self-care, and so much more. I'm also revealing the supplements I never skip even when I travel, and the metrics I track to make sure I'm building muscle and losing fat.   If you're looking for motivation and guidance to get fit and feel your best at any age, this is the episode for you! It's not about restriction or doing anything extreme, it's about consistency, nourishing your body, and making sustainable lifestyle upgrades. I can't wait to share what I've learned with you!   FULL show notes: jjvirgin.com/5things Bioimpedance Scale: https://amzn.to/4abj8Cz Food Scale: https://amzn.to/3IBttvS Try Timeline Mitopure: https://www.timelinenutrition.com/partners/jj-virgin Reignite Wellness™ Vitamin D Plus: https://reignitewellness.com/products/vitamin-d-plus Reignite Wellness™ Omega Plus: https://reignitewellness.com/products/omega-plus Reignite Wellness™ Collagen Peptides Powder: https://reignitewellness.com/products/all-systems-glow-collagen Reignite Wellness™ Bone Broth Protein Shakes: https://reignitewellness.com/collections/shakes Reignite Wellness™ ElectroReplenish: https://reignitewellness.com/products/electroreplenish Reignite Wellness™ Amino Power Powder: https://reignitewellness.com/products/amino-power-powder TRX Resistance Training Equipment: Free Shipping on all orders $99+: https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=ml&ti;=931205&pw;=347877 Renpho Bluetooth Tape Measure: https://amzn.to/4aqNG3j Polar Pro Chest Strap: https://amzn.to/43whIAE Join my 7-Day Eat Protein First Challenge: http://jjvirgin.com/7day Magnesium Body Calm: https://reignitewellness.com/products/magnesium-body-calm OmegaQuant Omega-3 Test: https://omegaquant.com/ref/679 use code XBNINBP7JM for 5% off Order Dry Farm Wines: dryfarmwines.com/jjvirgin  

5 Things I STOPPED Doing to Lose 10 Pounds This Year

If a simple staircase becomes your Everest, it's not just about stamina—it's a hint about your health's future. I'm excited to speak with Dr. Andy Galpin in this episode, who is a true expert in exercise science and peak performance. Dr. Galpin breaks down his essential tips for optimizing health over 40, emphasizing the critical roles of VO2 max, grip strength, and balance exercises in your fitness regimen.  We also touch on the topics of exercise recovery, his FDA-approved do-it-yourself sleep lab, and his upcoming podcast, “Perform with Andy Galpin.”  Discover how boosting your fitness level can empower you to breeze through your daily activities and maintain a high quality of life as you age. FULL show notes: jjvirgin.com/andy Subscribe to my podcast Learn more about Dr. Andy Galpin: https://www.andygalpin.com/ Listen to Perform with Dr. Andy Galpin: https://lnk.to/perform Subscribe to Dr. Andy Galpin’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@drandygalpin Learn 5-Minute Physiology: https://www.andygalpin.com/5-minute-physiology Learn 25-Minute Physiology: https://www.andygalpin.com/25-minute-physiology Learn 55-Minute Physiology: https://www.andygalpin.com/55-minute-physiology Visit Absolute Rest: https://www.absoluterest.com/ Visit BioMolecular Athlete: https://www.biomolecularathlete.com/ RAPID Health Optimization: https://rapidhealthreport.com/ Learn about VO₂ Max: https://www.healthline.com/health/vo2-max Study: Strength and multiple types of physical activity predict cognitive function independent of low muscle mass in NHANES 1999–2002 Reignite Wellness™ Omega Plus: https://store.jjvirgin.com/products/omega-plus Reignite Wellness™ Amino Power Powder: https://store.jjvirgin.com/products/amino-power-powder Reignite Wellness™ Extra Fiber: https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/supplements/products/extra-fiber Reignite Wellness™ Curcumin Chews: https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/supplements/products/curcumin-chews Reignite Wellness™ Protein First Enzymes: https://store.jjvirgin.com/products/protein-first-enzymes Reignite Wellness™ Brownie Crunch Protein Bars: https://store.jjvirgin.com/products/brownie-crunch-protein-bar Visit AxioForce: https://axioforce.com/  

Why Your Breathing Pattern Might Be the Ultimate Health Clue with Dr. Andy Galpin

In this episode, I dive into the incredible health benefits of a simple activity that we often take for granted: walking. While it may not be considered a strenuous exercise, recent research highlights just how powerful walking can be for our overall well-being and longevity.   I discuss the findings of a study that reveals the optimal number of daily steps needed to significantly reduce the risk of early death from various causes. The episode also explores how adding higher-intensity walking can further improve body composition and metabolic health markers.   Throughout the episode, I share my personal tips and tricks for incorporating more walking into your daily routine, making it easier to reach your step goals consistently. I also discuss how getting a walking pad has been a game-changer for me in terms of increasing the intensity of my walks.   Whether you're a seasoned walker or just starting to embrace this simple yet effective form of physical activity, this episode will inspire you to prioritize walking as a key component of your health and longevity strategy.   FULL show notes: jjvirgin.com/walkingpads   Study: Association of Healthy Lifestyle With Years Lived Without Major Chronic Diseases:  https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/2763720   Walking Pad: https://amzn.to/3vccaOV   Urevo Walking Pad: https://amzn.to/3Pkj4J0   TRX Resistance Training Equipment: Free Shipping on all orders $99+:  https://www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=ml&ti;=931205&pw;=347877   Shop Xiser: https://xiser.com/   Shop Oura Rings: https://ouraring.com/   Track your protein & macros with Cronometer App: ​​https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=766203&u;=523525&m;=61121&urllink;=&afftrack;=   Shop Apple Watches: https://amzn.to/43dn8QV   Aduro Sport Weighted Vest: https://amzn.to/4aSOVIM  Check out the products I recommend in my Amazon storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/jj.virgin

How to be Happier with Dr. Daniel Amen

Download our free app to listen on your phone