Weighted vests seem to be the next fitness gimmick, but do they actually work?

In this episode, I break down the science behind weighted vests and why they can be a powerful tool for women over 40 looking to boost fat loss, metabolism, and everyday calorie burn.

I also dive into what the research really says about how adding just 5–10% of your body weight can help increase NEAT (non-exercise activity thermogenesis), preserve muscle as you lose fat, and even support bone health over time.

What you’ll learn:

(01:54) The main reason your resting metabolic rate drops after losing weight.

(02:45) How a 2025 study found that wearing a weighted vest can help preserve metabolism during weight loss.

(03:37) What Peter Attia pointed out about potential movement reduction when wearing vests—and why it matters.

(04:18) The study’s results showing that weighted vests reduce metabolic slowdown without additional workouts.

(05:47) How non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) accounts for up to 30% of your daily energy burn.

(07:11) How to safely start using a weighted vest—beginning with just 5% of your body weight.

(09:12) Why combining a weighted vest with resistance training and protein intake helps maintain long-term results.

Weighted vests aren’t a gimmick—they’re a practical, science-backed strategy for women who want to move smarter, not harder.

Love the podcast? Here’s what to do:

Subscribe to the podcast.

Leave a review.

Text a screenshot to me at 813-565-2627 and wait for a personal reply because your voice is so important to me.

Want to listen to the show completely ad-free?

Go to http://subscribetojj.com

Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today!

When you’re ready, enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year (save 17%!)

Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/weightedvest

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can you tell whether your pelvic floor is tight, weak, or simply not functioning properly?

In this episode, Dr. Rena Malik and I break down the misunderstood world of pelvic floor dysfunction, from tightness and weakness to bladder issues, constipation, sexual pain, and the enormous impact of hormone changes after 40. You’ll hear practical, daily habits that can restore function, improve pleasure, and help you understand how to support this critical part of your health.

Dr. Rena Malik is a board-certified urologist and digital powerhouse known for breaking down taboo topics with humor, clarity, and science-backed truth. With over 500 million views on her YouTube channel, she’s one of the internet’s most trusted voices on pelvic health, sexual wellness, and bladder care.

What you’ll learn:

(00:18) Why pelvic floor dysfunction causes leakage, constipation, and changes in orgasm intensity.

(02:53) How pelvic floor weakness develops from childbirth, heavy lifting, or certain exercise patterns.

(04:14) Why pelvic floor tightness can show up as constipation or painful sex.

(07:43) Why pelvic floor exams are overlooked in women’s healthcare.

(11:48) How some common exercise may worsen pelvic floor tension.

(14:37) Why women with anxiety or a history of pain may need pelvic floor relaxation.

(14:48) How hormone decline and loss of estrogen drive UTIs and pelvic floor symptoms after menopause.

(21:53) Which daily habits, like hovering over toilets, can damage pelvic floor health.

Love the podcast? Here’s what to do:

Subscribe to the podcast.

Leave a review.

Text a screenshot to me at 813-565-2627 and wait for a personal reply because your voice is so important to me.

Want to listen to the show completely ad-free?

Go to http://subscribetojj.com

Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today!

When you’re ready, enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year (save 17%!)

Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/rena

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What’s the most effective way for women over 40 to lose fat without losing muscle?

In this episode, I’m walking you through my complete plan for losing 10 pounds of fat while maintaining—or even building—muscle for women over 40. As our hormones shift, the old “eat less and do more cardio” advice just doesn’t work anymore. I share exactly how to train, fuel, and recover to work with your body, not against it—from resistance training and HIIT workouts to sleep, protein, and smart supplements that support lasting transformation.

What you’ll learn:

(01:53) Why your traditional scale is misleading and what to use instead.

(02:39) How hormonal changes after 40 affect fat storage and muscle loss.

(04:48) The importance of resistance training.

(09:49) Why HIIT is essential for burning fat.

(14:17) The power of daily walking.

(18:59) Recovery strategies: yoga, heart rate variability (HRV) tracking, and the benefits of sauna.

(23:00) JJ’s nutrition plan and optimal protein intake.

(25:46) The best supplements for strength, sleep, and hormonal support.

Love the podcast? Here’s what to do:

Subscribe to the podcast.

Leave a review.

Text a screenshot to me at 813-565-2627 and wait for a personal reply because your voice is so important to me.

Want to listen to the show completely ad-free?

Go to http://subscribetojj.com

Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today!

When you’re ready, enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year (save 17%!)

Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/fullplan

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if joint pain wasn’t “wear and tear” but a reversible inflammatory process?

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Elizabeth Yurth about the groundbreaking science behind inflammation, healing, and how to prevent joint degeneration—long before surgery ever becomes necessary. From peptides and hormone optimization to red light therapy, ketones, and cutting-edge treatments like pentosan polysulfate, Dr. Yurth helps us understand how to turn our bodies into healing machines and age powerfully from the inside out.

Dr. Elizabeth Yurth, MD, is passionate about healing at the cellular level through advanced medical science. As the Chief Medical Officer of Boulder Longevity Institute, she’s been delivering cutting-edge care since 2006. With over 30 years in sports and spine orthopedics, she is trained in anti-aging and regenerative medicine. Dr. Yurth is also a global speaker and founding member of the Seeds Scientific Research and Performance Institute.

What you’ll learn:

(04:44) Why the “wear and tear” theory of arthritis is outdated—and what’s really going on.

(07:59) How hormones like progesterone and testosterone are critical for injury recovery.

(09:27) The science behind peptides for joint healing.

(14:11) The breakthrough drug pentosan polysulfate and how it may be a cure for osteoarthritis.

(26:41) How low-dose aspirin and omega-3s help switch the body into healing mode.

(29:27) Why optimizing hormones and using GLP-1 agonists can prevent joint degeneration.

(43:46) How red light therapy and saunas support recovery.

Love the podcast? Here’s what to do:

Subscribe to the podcast.

Leave a review.

Text a screenshot to me at 813-565-2627 and wait for a personal reply because your voice is so important to me.

Want to listen to the show completely ad-free?

Go to http://subscribetojj.com

Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today!

When you’re ready, enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year (save 17%!)

Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/yurth

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can you connect all the pieces of your health plan into something that actually works?

In this episode, I bring together everything we’ve covered about breaking through weight loss resistance and building a strong, resilient metabolism after 40. I walk you through the exact plan I follow—and teach—to help you eat, move, and recover in ways that truly work long-term. You’ll leave with a simple, sustainable game plan to balance your hormones, build muscle, and finally make your metabolism work for you, not against you.

What you’ll learn:

(00:00) Learn how to put all the key principles of metabolism, nutrition, and movement together into one cohesive daily plan.

(01:54) Discover the “eat by the plate and the clock” method to fuel your body for fat loss.

(02:46) How to calculate and track your ideal protein intake. 

(04:11) How to balance carbs and fats based on your activity level and metabolic needs.

(06:12) The importance of daily movement. 

(08:11) How to properly structure HIIT workouts and recovery days to maximize results.

(09:35) My approach to recovery, stress management, and sleep routines that help stabilize hormones and support metabolic health.

(13:12) How to track your progress through bioimpedance scales, plus sleep and HRV monitors.

Love the podcast? Here’s what to do:

Subscribe to the podcast. 

Leave a review. 

Text a screenshot to me at 813-565-2627 and wait for a personal reply because your voice is so important to me.

Want to listen to the show completely ad-free? 

Go to http://subscribetojj.com

Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today!

When you’re ready, enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year (save 17%!)

Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/alltogether 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What are the most common chronic infections that women may be struggling with, and what can be done about them?

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jaban Moore. We dig into how parasites, mold, and heavy metals silently disrupt your hormones, energy, and brain health—and what real detoxing actually looks like. You’ll learn why annual testing isn’t enough, how to build a toxin-resistant lifestyle, and why nervous system regulation is just as important as any supplement.

Dr. Moore is a former athlete turned functional medicine doctor who helps clients overcome chronic infections, toxic overload, and burnout. He has made it his mission to help others heal naturally and feel strong again through detoxing, gut repair, and nervous system balance.

What you’ll learn:

(01:27) How Dr. Moore’s personal battle with Lyme disease led him into functional medicine.

(06:32) Why toxins and infections can cause early menopause symptoms.

(09:11) How parasites, viruses, and mold spread.

(14:44) How the organic acid test reveals your energy, detox, and microbiome health.

(19:32) The surprising prevalence of parasites and how they mimic common GI and hormonal symptoms.

(33:16) How to perform a parasite cleanse safely using herbal and detox support.

(38:50) Why detoxing is a lifestyle, not a quick fix.

Love the podcast? Here’s what to do:

Subscribe to the podcast.

Leave a review.

Text a screenshot to me at 813-565-2627 and wait for a personal reply because your voice is so important to me.

Want to listen to the show completely ad-free?

Go to http://subscribetojj.com

Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today!

When you’re ready, enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year (save 17%!)

Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/jaban

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you unknowingly sabotaging your metabolism by skipping recovery or getting poor sleep?

In this episode, I take you beyond diet and exercise to reveal the real fat-loss accelerators—sleep, recovery, hormones, and mindset. I share the science behind why stress and poor sleep stall your metabolism, how to align your hormones through smart movement and recovery, and the hidden influences like toxins that create weight-loss resistance. If you’ve ever felt like you’re “doing everything right” but not seeing results, this episode will help you reset your metabolism, restore your energy, and finally thrive well beyond 40.

What you’ll learn:

(2:09) Why recovery, stress, and hormones are the real X factors in metabolism.

(3:25) How deep sleep triggers growth hormone release for fat burning.

(6:07) How sleeping under six hours per night increases obesity risk.

(9:01) My personal nighttime power-down routine. 

(9:23) How chronic stress and cortisol spikes make fat loss nearly impossible.

(11:11) How heart rate variability (HRV) helps you track stress and recovery.

(12:56) The role of perimenopausal hormone shifts—estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone—in muscle loss and insulin resistance. 

(15:01) Why thyroid function, gut health, and toxins can block your metabolism.

(20:09) The power of community and why lasting fat loss is the new normal.

Love the podcast? Here’s what to do:

Subscribe to the podcast. 

Leave a review. 

Text a screenshot to me at 813-565-2627 and wait for a personal reply because your voice is so important to me.

Want to listen to the show completely ad-free? 

Go to http://subscribetojj.com

Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today!

When you’re ready, enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year (save 17%!)

Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/recharge

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can neuroscience and self-talk help you break old habits and form empowering ones?

In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and mindset expert John Assaraf to explore the neuroscience of transformation—how self-talk, visualization, and consistency literally rewire your brain. John shares how he healed from ulcerative colitis, built multimillion-dollar businesses, and created lasting habits using powerful, evidence-based mindset tools. We also talk about what it really takes to change your health, your habits, and your life—starting with how you speak to yourself every single day.

Meet John Assaraf—a neuroscience geek turned mindset master who teaches people how to use their brains to achieve anything. From The Secret to the Innercise app, John has spent decades helping others rewire old patterns, build unstoppable habits, and create success that sticks.

What you’ll learn:

(00:00) How John healed his body through affirmations and belief in self-healing.

(07:33) Why visualization and self-talk reprogram your brain’s focus from disease to health.

(11:19) What new research reveals about negative thinking and daily thought patterns.

(13:25) How to use spaced repetition to build lasting habits.

(17:15) Why being committed to change matters more than being interested.

(21:26) How dopamine and small daily wins reinforce motivation.

(22:22) The “reduce it to the ridiculous” strategy for sustainable habit change.

(46:05) How John’s Innercise app and platforms help retrain your brain.

Love the podcast? Here’s what to do:

Subscribe to the podcast. 

Leave a review. 

Text a screenshot to me at 813-565-2627 and wait for a personal reply because your voice is so important to me.

Want to listen to the show completely ad-free? 

Go to http://subscribetojj.com

Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today!

When you’re ready, enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year (save 17%!)

Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/innercise

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can you exercise smarter after 40 to burn fat, build muscle, and keep your metabolism strong?

In this episode, I break down how to exercise smarter—not harder—so you can ignite your metabolism after 40. I share the three pillars of metabolic fitness: moving more throughout your day, lifting weights to build muscle, and adding short bursts of high-intensity cardio. You’ll learn how to create a powerful workout routine that helps you burn fat, stay strong, and feel amazing—without spending hours in the gym.

What you’ll learn:

(00:00) Discover why cardio alone won’t fix a sluggish metabolism. 

(00:56) Learn how everyday movement can add up to 2,000 calories of extra burn each day.

(02:28) Find out how small daily choices—like taking the stairs—boost fat loss and longevity.

(03:02) Hear about research showing that 12,500 daily steps can reduce body fat and improve health markers.

(06:18) Learn how to train each body part effectively. 

(08:28) Discover how high-intensity interval training (HIIT) outperforms steady-state cardio for fat loss and insulin sensitivity.

(11:16) Get JJ’s full formula for movement, lifting, and recovery so you can stay consistent, strong, and energized.

Love the podcast? Here’s what to do:

Subscribe to the podcast. 

Leave a review. 

Text a screenshot to me at 813-565-2627 and wait for a personal reply because your voice is so important to me.

Want to listen to the show completely ad-free? 

Go to http://subscribetojj.com

Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today!

When you’re ready, enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year (save 17%!)

Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/move2boost

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the most powerful antidepressant isn’t in a pill, but in your sneakers?

In this episode, I speak with Dr. Nicholas Fabiano about the science behind why movement can be as effective as antidepressants. We also explore the social and psychological benefits of staying active and how even small steps can spark powerful change. You’ll also hear fascinating insights about creatine, brain energy, and how lifestyle prescriptions may soon reshape the future of psychiatry.

Dr. Nicholas Fabiano is a psychiatry resident and researcher at the University of Ottawa with a passion for the mind-body connection. Originally from Thunder Bay, he turned a broken arm from an arm-wrestling match into a fascination with how exercise, nutrition, and sleep can transform mental health. Today, his work in lifestyle psychiatry explores how simple daily habits can powerfully impact depression and overall well-being.

What you’ll learn:

(02:57) How Dr. Fabiano’s own injury sparked his passion for exercise and mental health.

(05:42) Why exercise benefits the brain beyond mood.

(07:48) The real science behind exercise and depression, including serotonin, inflammation, and brain growth factors.

(09:11) How the social and psychological aspects of movement can be just as healing as the biological ones.

(11:40) Simple, practical ways to motivate someone struggling with depression to get moving again.

(14:17) Why the best type of exercise is the one you’ll actually do—and how adherence matters more than modality.

(18:45) How Dr. Fabiano “prescribes” exercise using the FITT framework (Frequency, Intensity, Time, Type).

(29:25) The surprising connection between creatine supplementation, brain energy, and depression recovery.

Love the podcast? Here’s what to do:

Subscribe to the podcast.

Leave a review.

Text a screenshot to me at 813-565-2627 and wait for a personal reply because your voice is so important to me.

Want to listen to the show completely ad-free?

Go to http://subscribetojj.com

Click “TRY FREE” and start your ad-free journey today!

When you’re ready, enjoy the VIP experience for just $4.99 per month or $49.99 per year (save 17%!)

Full show notes (including all links mentioned): https://jjvirgin.com/happyworkout

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices