The Neuro Experience

What if thousands of steps of gentle walking aren’t giving you the brain protection you think they are? In this solo episode, I break down one of the most important exercise studies published in Nature Communications and what it means for your brain, longevity, and Alzheimer’s risk. Tracking over 73,000 people for eight years using wearables, the findings are shocking: one minute of vigorous exercise is worth up to 10 minutes of moderate activity — not the outdated 2-to-1 rule. For diabetes prevention, it’s nearly 10-to-1. For cardiovascular mortality, it’s 8-to-1. And here’s what no one is saying: every outcome measured — heart disease, diabetes, metabolic dysfunction — is an independent risk factor for Alzheimer’s and dementia. I explain why vigorous exercise is so powerful for your brain: shear stress that strengthens blood vessels, lactate that triggers BDNF, muscle fiber recruitment that protects against falls and cognitive decline, and glucose regulation that defends against insulin resistance — a driver of neurodegeneration. Think vigorous exercise is out of reach? Good news: the study defines it as brisk stairs, carrying groceries, or playing actively with your kids. No gym required — just effort. Just 3–4 minutes of vigorous bursts per day can reduce all-cause mortality by 40% and cardiovascular events by nearly 50%. For women over 40, this is critical. Two-thirds of Alzheimer’s cases are women, and perimenopause is a vulnerability window for the brain. Vigorous exercise can partially compensate for declining estrogen by improving glucose regulation, reducing inflammation, and protecting the brain in ways gentle movement cannot. *** Reduce your risk of Alzheimer's with my science-backed protocol for women 30+: https://go.neuroathletics.com.au/brain-code-yt 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: Rho NutritionYou can get 20% off with the code NEURO at https://rhonutrition.com Function HealthVisit https://functionhealth.com/louisa or use gift code NEURO100 at sign-up to own your health. AquaTruGo to https://AquaTru.com now for 20% off using promo code NEURO. TimelineHead to https://www.timeline.com/neuro to get 20% off. Cure HydrationGet 20% off your first order at https://curehydration.com/neuro with code NEURO. *** I'm Louisa Nicola — clinical neurophysiologist — 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 Introduction: The Exercise Intensity Revolution 00:01:02 The Study That Changes Everything 00:04:50 The Flawed Foundation: Why Guidelines Were Wrong 00:06:50 The Real Numbers: 4 to 10 Times More Powerful 00:08:53 The Brain Connection No One Is Talking About 00:15:32 Mechanism 1: Shear Stress and Cerebral Blood Flow 00:17:38 Mechanism 2: Lactate and BDNF Production 00:19:25 Mechanism 3: Type 2 Muscle Fibers and Myokines 00:24:30 Mechanism 4: Glucose Regulation and Mitochondrial Health 00:28:18 VILPA: The 3-Minute Daily Game Changer 00:32:16 Women and Menopause: The Critical Window 00:35:19 Practical Protocols: What to Do Starting Today Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if thousands of men are losing their sexual function treating a cancer that was never going to kill them? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Shawn Zimberg — board-certified radiation oncologist and medical director at Advanced Radiation Centers of New York — to unpack the truth about prostate cancer screening, overtreatment, and what every man over 40 needs to know. Dr. Zimberg reveals that the prostate cancer industry has an overtreatment problem — and genomic testing is exposing which tumors need aggressive treatment and which don’t. We break down why PSA is broken, why Gleason scores don’t tell the full story, and how cadaver studies show men from their 20s to 80s harbor prostate cancer cells that never become clinically significant. We also dive into the science behind radiation therapy, the BioProtect balloon spacer (Dr. Zimberg has performed nearly 2,000 — more than anyone in the world), and the cutting-edge radioligand therapy changing outcomes for stage 4 prostate cancer. If you’re a man, love a man, or work with men in health or performance, this is essential listening. About the guest:Dr. Shawn Zimberg is a board-certified radiation oncologist, medical director at Advanced Radiation Centers of New York, and director of radiation oncology at Bronx Care Hospital. He trained at Memorial Sloan Kettering and has pioneered the use of rectal spacer technology in prostate cancer treatment, having performed nearly 2,000 PioProtect balloon procedures — more than any other physician in the world. *** Reduce your risk of Alzheimer's with my science-backed protocol for women 30+: https://go.neuroathletics.com.au/brain-code-yt 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: Troscriptions — Get 10% off your first order at https://troscriptions.com/neuro or enter code NEURO at checkout. *** I’m Louisa Nicola — clinical neurophysiologist — 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 Introduction: The Prostate Cancer Overtreatment Crisis 00:02:11 Understanding the Prostate: Anatomy and Function 00:04:43 The Cancer Paradox: Size Does Not Equal Risk 00:07:43 Radiation Oncology: The Specialty Explained 00:11:08 Lifetime Risk and Genetic Factors 00:15:32 PSA Testing: The Gold Standard Screening Tool 00:20:36 The Diagnostic Journey: MRI and Biopsy Techniques 00:25:27 The Ejaculation Study: Myth or Reality? 00:33:15 Gleason Scores Decoded: Understanding Aggressiveness 00:37:03 Molecular Profiling: Looking Under the Hood 00:39:27 Treatment Pathways: Surveillance, Surgery, or Radiation 00:41:02 Active Surveillance: When Watching is Appropriate 00:43:31 Stage 4 and Radio Ligand Therapy: The New Frontier 00:48:21 Testosterone and Prostate Cancer: The Complex Relationship 00:52:38 Radiation Therapy Explained: DNA Damage and Healing 00:55:28 The Bioprotect Balloon: Revolutionary Rectal Protection 00:56:07 The Therapeutic Ratio: Maximizing Cure, Minimizing Damage 00:46:39 Robotic Prostatectomy and Surgical Options 01:06:36 Prevention and Early Detection: What Men Need to Know 01:08:28 Closing Thoughts and Where to Find Dr. Zimberg Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I used to think fertility was pure luck — until conversations like this changed everything. I’ve watched women do everything right and still struggle… while others who ignored all the “rules” conceived effortlessly. It’s confusing, emotional, and at times, deeply unfair. But today’s guest, Dr. Natalie Crawford, explains exactly why this happens — and what women actually can control. In this episode, we break down the science of fertility in a way every woman deserves to understand — whether you're 25, 35, or 45. Most importantly, Dr. Crawford reveals the 5 fertility non-negotiables — the foundational biological factors every woman should understand long before she ever tries to conceive. This is one of the most empowering episodes we’ve created — because fertility shouldn’t be a mystery, and women deserve better answers. *** "The Fertility Formula" — Dr. Natalie Crawford’s upcoming book (available now for preorder). About the guest: Dr. Natalie Crawford, MD, is a board-certified OB-GYN and Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility specialist. Known for her evidence-based, compassionate approach, she helps women understand their hormones, fertility, and metabolic health while guiding thousands through IVF, cycle optimization, and reproductive longevity. She is the author of the upcoming book The Fertility Formula.  *** Reduce your risk of Alzheimer's with my science-backed protocol for women 30+: https://go.neuroathletics.com.au/brain-code-yt 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: Cure Hydration You can get 20% off your first order at ⁠https://curehydration.com/neuro⁠ with code NEURO. Huel Get Huel today with this exclusive offer for New Customers of 15% OFF with code neuro at ⁠https://huel.com/⁠neuro (Minimum $75 purchase). Timeline My friends at Timeline are offering 20% off, just for my listeners. Head to ⁠https://timeline.com/neuro⁠ to get started. Hollow Socks For a limited time, Hollow Socks is having a Buy 3, Get 3 Free Sale. Head to ⁠https://Hollowsocks.com⁠ today to check it out. That’s ⁠https://HollowSocks.com⁠ for up to 50% off your order. Jones Road Beauty For a limited time our listeners are getting a free Cool Gloss on their first purchase when they use code NEURO at checkout. Just head to ⁠https://Jonesroadbeauty.com⁠ *** I’m Louisa Nicola — clinical neurophysiologist — 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 – Intro 01:26 – Fertility: Not Luck—It’s Health 03:55 – Inflammation: The Hidden Driver of Infertility 07:36 – AMH Explained: Egg Quantity vs. Quality 08:13 – How Eggs Work: The “Vault” & Aging 09:42 – How Inflammation Damages Eggs & Hormones 19:06 – Why No One Teaches Women to Track Cycles 20:14 – Overtraining, Stress & Losing Your Period 23:53 – IVF Explained: What Really Happens 26:55 – Frozen vs. Fresh Embryos & Success Rates 35:06 – Sperm Quality: The Missing Half of Fertility 49:42 – What Every Woman Should Do at 28 or 38 53:06 – Sleep, Stress & Hormones: The Fertility Non-Negotiables Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if I told you that the moment you break your femur, you have a 30% chance of dying — and a 50% chance of never going home again? In this minisode, I share the most shocking moments from my conversation with orthopedic surgeon and longevity expert Dr. Vonda Wright, and why bone health is one of the biggest blind spots in women’s health. Dr. Wright reveals that “the minute you fall and break this bone… you have a 30% chance of dying from the complications” — pneumonia, UTIs, bedsores — and “a 50% chance of not returning to the home where you came from.” We also break down her viral MRI comparison: the thigh of a sedentary 74-year-old vs. a 40-year-old vs. a 74-year-old triathlete — and how the active 74-year-old looks nearly identical to the 40-year-old. Aging is not the enemy; inaction is. If you’re in your 30s, 40s, or beyond, this is your wake-up call:You can change the trajectory of your health if you start early enough. This episode features highlights from our full conversation, which premiered September 2nd, 2025. Watch the full episode here → https://youtu.be/pUb1z_LJp3g *** 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. *** I’m Louisa Nicola — clinical neurophysiologist — 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 Introduction: The Deadly Truth About Hip Fractures 00:01:08 The Cost of Inaction: Financial and Personal Impact 00:01:28 Building Better Bones: It's Never Too Late 00:02:16 The Power of Resistance Training at Any Age 00:03:00 Starting Early: Lessons for the Next Generation 00:03:22 The Viral MRI: 40-Year-Old vs 74-Year-Old Athletes 00:03:54 Anatomy of Aging: What the MRI Really Shows 00:04:41 Bone as an Endocrine Organ: The Master Communicator 00:05:28 The Silent Crisis: Why We Don't Hear Our Bones 00:06:16 The Menopause Catastrophe: When Estrogen Walks Out Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Millions of women in their 30s–50s are being told they’re “depressed” when their brains and hormones are simply changing. In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz to unpack the truth about midlife mood shifts, rage, and the hormonal fluctuations that mimic depression but aren’t the same. We break down the science of perimenopause, why women are so often misdiagnosed, and how decades of excluding women from research left major gaps in understanding how estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone shape the brain. Dr. Gilberg-Lenz reveals how hormonal changes—starting up to ten years before menopause—can transform mood, cognition, and stress, and how modern science is finally catching up to just how powerfully hormones influence the mind. About the guest:Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz is a board-certified OB/GYN and integrative women’s health expert who blends conventional medicine with Ayurvedic training. A USC-trained physician with a residency at Cedars-Sinai, she supports women from adolescence through menopause and is the author of Menopause Bootcamp (Harper Wave, 2022). Her work focuses on demystifying midlife, challenging ageism in healthcare, and empowering women with science-based guidance. Follow Dr. Gilber-Lenz: Instagram: @askdrsuzanne  *** 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 Visit https://functionhealth.com/louisa or use gift code NEURO100 at sign-up to own your health.  Thrive Market Go to https://ThriveMarket.com/neuro to get 30% off your first order, and a free $60 gift Branch Basics Take 15% off your order at https://branchbasics.com/NEURO with promo code NEURO.   Bubs Natural For a limited time only, our listeners are getting 20% OFF at https://bubsnaturals.com   by using code LOUISA at checkout VuoriGet 20% off your first purchase at https://vuori.com/neuro  Rho Nutrition You can get 20% off with the code NEURO at https://rhonutrition.com *** I’m Louisa Nicola — clinical neurophysiologist — 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 – Intro 02:07 – Early Signs of Perimenopause 03:15 – How Hormones Shift in Your 30s–50s 04:32 – Why Anxiety Spikes in Midlife 07:02 – Antidepressants vs. Hormones 09:27 – How Estrogen Shapes Mood & Neurochemistry 11:23 – PMS, PMDD, Postpartum & Perimenopause Overlap 12:25 – Perimenopause Amplifies Existing Issues 18:00 – Estrogen, Progesterone & Testosterone in the Brain 20:45 – AMH, Egg Quality & Fertility After 40 23:17 – Postpartum vs. Perimenopause at 40+ 26:55 – Getting Pregnant on Hormone Therapy 31:19 – Reinventing the Menopause Narrative 34:25 – Gut Health, Microbiome & Hormones 35:30 – Ayurveda’s Role in Midlife Health 37:10 – The Patient Who Transformed Dr. Gilberg-Lenz’s Path 43:08 – Negative Thoughts, Cortisol & Brain Aging 44:23 – Hormone Chaos, Inflammation & Cognitive Decline 48:23 – When Labs Are “Normal” but Symptoms Aren’t 49:53 – How Perimenopause Should Be Treated 51:55 – The Future of Midlife Women’s Healthcare 56:28 – Why the System Fails Women (and How to Navigate It) 58:02 – GLP-1s, Hormones & Longevity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices