Peak Performance Life Podcast

Show notes: (0:00) Intro (1:05) Dr. Joanna Moncrieff and the serotonin myth (2:45) How SSRIs were marketed and what the research found (8:58) What may really cause depression (13:16) Trials, placebo, and emotional numbing (19:46) Withdrawal, dependence, and long-term risks (27:50) Concerns about teens on SSRIs (29:53) Better ways to help people with depression (37:43) Final takeaway (39:42) Where to find Dr. Moncrieff Who is Dr. Joanna Moncrieff? Dr. Joanna Moncrieff is a psychiatrist, academic, and author. She is a Professor of Critical and Social Psychiatry at University College London and also works as a consultant psychiatrist in North East London. Her work focuses on the history, philosophy, and politics of psychiatry, especially how psychiatric drugs are used, understood, and explained to the public. She is also a founding member and co-chair of the Critical Psychiatry Network. Dr. Moncrieff is known for her research and writing on antidepressants and psychiatric medication, and her recent book, Chemically Imbalanced: The Making and Unmaking of the Serotonin Myth, examines the history of the serotonin theory of depression and the evidence behind it. Connect with Dr. Joanna: Website: https://joannamoncrieff.com/ X: https://x.com/joannamoncrieff Grab a copy: https://tinyurl.com/2xx3r5my Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram

Show notes: (0:00) Intro (1:04) Dr. Naidoo's background and why she joined nutrition psychiatry (4:27) Real patient story on anxiety, travel, and gut imbalance (9:17) Foods that harm gut and mental health (13:47) CALMS foods that support anxiety and mood (16:39) Lifestyle habits that improve mental health (26:16) Her honest view on SSRIs and safe deprescribing (31:08) The S.A.W. method for feeling better every day (35:38) Going extremely low carb (42:04) Where to find Dr. Uma (42:39) Outro Who is Dr. Uma Naidoo? Dr. Uma Naidoo is a trained psychiatrist, professional chef, and nutrition specialist who serves as Director of Nutritional & Metabolic Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital and Director of Nutritional & Lifestyle Psychiatry at the Massachusetts General Hospital Psychiatry Academy. She is also an Instructor in the Department of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. In her role as a clinical scientist, she founded and directs the first hospital-based clinical service in Nutritional Psychiatry in the United States. Dr. Naidoo is also the author of This Is Your Brain on Food and Calm Your Mind with Food. Connect with Dr. Uma Website: https://umanaidoomd.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/umanaidoomd/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/drumanaidoo/ Grab a copy: https://umanaidoomd.com/pages/calm-your-mind-with-food Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram

Show notes: (0:00) Intro (1:15) From modeling success to discovering inner happiness (5:47) Why meditation feels hard and what it really does (8:29) Creating "spaciousness" between reaction and response (12:20) Why most people struggle to stay consistent with meditation (15:16) Different types of meditation explained simply (20:35) The tortoise approach to building lasting habits (25:01) Inside The Year You Transform and its life challenges (31:30) Examples of challenges: addiction-free, forgiveness, and more (38:09) How stress affects the brain and body (41:11) Why meditation could be the "toothbrush" of mental health (45:55) Where to follow Light Watkins and learn meditation (47:12) Outro Who is Light Watkins? Light Watkins is an American meditation teacher, author, and speaker known for helping people simplify mindfulness and personal growth. He grew up in Alabama and first worked in advertising before moving to New York City to pursue modeling. During that time, he discovered yoga and meditation, which sparked a deep interest in inner well-being and spiritual practice. He later studied meditation in the Vedic tradition, including time in India with a meditation teacher, and eventually began teaching meditation in Los Angeles. Watkins gained recognition for his approachable style and has since taught workshops, retreats, and keynote talks around the world. He is the author of several bestselling books, including Bliss More, The Inner Gym, Knowing Where to Look, Travel Light, and The Year You Transform, all focused on mindfulness, happiness, and living with greater presence. Connect with Light Watkins Website: https://www.lightwatkins.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lightwatkins/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/lightwatkins Grab a copy: https://www.lightwatkins.com/books Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram

Show notes: (0:00) Intro (1:19) Tim Spector and the Twins Study (3:11) Discovering the gut microbiome's role in health (8:56) The study showing huge differences in food responses (17:37) Practical steps to improve gut health (19:12) Why eating 30 different plants a week matters (21:43) The power of fermented foods (22:41) Protein vs fiber and what most people miss (30:33) Beans, legumes, and gut health explained (34:41) Why there is no single "superfood" (45:08) How the ZOE gut health test and app work (49:55) Outro Who is Tim Spector? Tim Spector is a British epidemiologist, medical doctor, and professor of genetic epidemiology at King's College London. He is widely known for his research on genetics, nutrition, and the gut microbiome, and he founded the long-running TwinsUK study, which has followed thousands of twins to better understand how genes and lifestyle influence health and disease. Over time, his work shifted toward exploring how gut microbes affect metabolism, immunity, and overall wellbeing, leading him to co-found the health science company ZOE, which focuses on personalized nutrition and large-scale nutrition research. Spector is one of the most cited scientists in his field and is also a bestselling author of books on diet and gut health, including The Diet Myth, Spoon-Fed, Food for Life, and Ferment. His research and public work aim to help people understand how food, microbes, and lifestyle shape long-term health. Connect with Tim Spector Website: https://zoe.com/en-gb LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timspector/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tim.spector/ Tune in to his podcast: https://zoe.com/podcast Grab a copy: https://www.tim-spector.com/tim-spector-books/ Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram

Show notes: (0:00) Intro (1:39) Why Alzheimer's is often overdiagnosed (3:25) The breakthrough discovery (8:39) 40-factor checklist (11:47) The impact of social engagement (15:52) The Five Pillars of Brain Health (18:53) What is brain training? (24:39) The best exercise for brain health (27:39) The "silent killer" of the brain (36:14) Mediterranean diet and brain inflammation (41:20) Reducing amyloid plaques (44:40) Most powerful brain foods (48:19) How to become a "Brain Super Ager." (51:44) Outro Who is Dr. Majid Fotuhi? Dr. Majid Fotuhi is a neurologist, neuroscientist, and professor with over 35 years of experience specializing in brain health, memory, neuroplasticity, and Alzheimer's prevention. He earned his PhD in neuroscience from Johns Hopkins University, completed medical training at Harvard Medical School, and finished his neurology residency at Johns Hopkins, where he now serves as an adjunct professor. His research has been widely published and cited internationally. Dr. Fotuhi developed a 12-week program that has helped thousands of patients with memory loss, brain fog, concussion, mild cognitive impairment, and early Alzheimer's disease. His work has been featured by major media outlets, including CNN, NBC News, Today, ABC News, The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Times. Connect with Dr. Majid Website: https://drfotuhi.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/neurogrow-brain-fitness-center/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/dr_fotuhi/ Pre-order the book: https://drfotuhi.com/pre-order/ Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram

Show notes: (0:00) Intro (0:49) Meet Dr. Jeffrey Gladden (2:25) Hitting a health wall in his 50s (6:08) Discovering thyroid and genetic issues (16:01) Hormone therapy fears and facts (20:23) Why aging is exponential (32:23) "Wake up 27 every day" mindset (38:34) Boosting cellular energy and mitochondria (44:23) How to work with Gladden Longevity (47:48) Outro Who is Dr. Jeffrey Gladden? Dr. Gladden the visionary founder of Gladden Longevity and Advanced Performance Center, initially practiced as an interventional cardiologist before pivoting his focus from late-stage interventions to preventing heart issues and unlocking ageless potential. Seamlessly blending science, wisdom, and innovation, he's unraveling the secrets of Living Young for a Lifetimeâ„¢, harmonizing Life Energy, Longevity, Health, and Human Performance. Beyond pioneering research, Dr. Gladden enjoys adventures in surfing, biking, hiking, snowboarding, and guitar playing. Amid these pursuits, he treasures moments with loved ones. Jeff's dedication to inspiring vitality echoes through his work, driven by an unwavering commitment to guiding individuals toward embracing their potential and creating an enduring legacy in the world. Connect with Dr. Gladden Website: https://gladdenlongevity.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gladdenlongevity Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Gladdenlongevity/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/gladdenlongevity/?hl=en Grab a copy: https://tinyurl.com/m7cm6cy3 Tune in: https://gladdenlongevity.com/podcast/ Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram

Show notes: (0:00) Intro (0:58) Dr. Jess' journey from hospitalist to functional medicine (2:58) Conventional vs. root cause medicine (4:22) Can you change your genes? (7:14) Parasites: exposure, testing, and prevention (14:26) Environmental toxins and the Total Tox Test (18:19) Mold symptoms and home testing (31:33) Sauna, sweating, and detoxing BPA (36:59) Nervous system stress and chronic illness (40:40) Root canals and hidden health risks (45:43) Where to find Dr. Jess (46:51) Outro Who is Dr. Jess Peatross? Dr. Jessica Peatross is a previously board-certified internal medicine physician turned functional medicine expert who helps patients heal by addressing the overlooked root causes of illness, like stealth infections, toxins, and trauma. After struggling with anxiety, hormone imbalance, and mitochondrial dysfunction, she left conventional medicine to focus on solutions mainstream care often misses. She's best known for her KILL•BIND•SWEAT method, a natural detox protocol that uses herbs, binders, and sweating to support drainage and recovery. Thousands have used her approach to get off pharmaceuticals and reclaim their health. Dr. Jess is trained in Gerson Therapy, Ozone Therapy, Nutrigenomics, and Functional Medicine. She's also the founder of WellnessPlus, a digital platform offering root-cause protocols, video courses, and expert-led education on issues like Lyme, mold, parasites, and hormone health. She also runs a successful clinic and formulates products at Aegis Formulas. Now a global speaker and educator, Dr. Jess empowers people to become their own best healers, combining science, intuition, and lifestyle tools that support lasting wellness. Connect with Dr. Peatross Website: https://drjess.health/ https://wellnessplus.com/ https://aegisformulas.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.jess.md/ Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram

Show notes: (0:00) Intro (1:14) What led Dr. Cole to functional medicine and early telehealth (6:13) Why many "healthy" people still feel unwell (11:15) The top 3 blood tests you should ask for (18:58) How inflammation is the real issue (28:21) The "Inflammatory Core 4" foods to cut out (35:26) Carbs, ketosis, and finding what works for your body (40:45) Surprising household toxins that may be harming your health (45:20) Practical steps to reduce exposure and feel better faster (48:48) Where to find Dr. Cole (49:58) Outro Who is Dr. Will Cole? Dr. Will Cole is a leading functional medicine expert who consults people around the world via webcam, having started the first functional medicine telehealth centers in the world. Named one of the top 50 functional and integrative doctors in the nation, Cole specializes in clinically investigating underlying factors of chronic disease and customizing a functional medicine approach for thyroid issues, autoimmune conditions, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders, and brain problems. He is the host of the popular The Art of Being Well podcast and the New York Times bestselling author of Intuitive Fasting, Gut Feelings, Ketotarian, and The Inflammation Spectrum. Connect with Dr. Cole Website: https://drwillcole.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drwillcole/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drwillcole Tune in: https://drwillcole.com/podcast/ Grab a copy: https://drwillcole.com/books-home-page/ Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life - https://buypeakperformance.com/ Peak Performance on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/livepeakperformance/ Peak Performance on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/livepeakperformance

Show notes: (0:00) Intro (0:40) From firefighter to author: Caroline's backstory (2:25) Why society tells us to slow down after 60, and why we shouldn't (5:09) The science: how our beliefs about aging shape how we age (12:21) The 5 pillars of healthy aging (17:15) Nature's healing power: from tree chemicals to birdsong (23:46 The psychology of awe and how it rewires your brain (35:06) Caroline's mom: biking into her 80s (42:00) Outdoor activities don't have to be extreme (45:06) How to take the first step (46:58) Where to find Tough Broad and follow Caroline Paul (47:50) Outro Who is Caroline Paul? Caroline Paul is an American author and former San Francisco firefighter, known for her adventurous spirit and bestselling books. Born in New York City in 1963, she grew up in New York, Paris, and Connecticut, and studied communications and journalism at Stanford University. In 1988, she joined the San Francisco Fire Department, where she was one of the first women in the department and specialized in search and rescue. After 13 years, she shifted her focus to writing. Her books include Fighting Fire (a memoir), Lost Cat, East Wind, Rain, The Gutsy Girl, You Are Mighty, and Tough Broad: From Boogie Boarding to Wing Walking, How Outdoor Adventure Improves Our Lives as We Age. She is also known for her TED Talk on bravery in girls and is a longtime member of the Writers Grotto in San Francisco. Caroline is the identical twin of actress Alexandra Paul and continues to live in San Francisco. Connect with Caroline Paul Website: https://www.carolinepaul.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/caroline.paul.750/ IG:https://www.instagram.com/carolinembpaul Grab a copy of her books: https://www.carolinepaul.com/tough-broad Preorder her new book, Why Fly: https://tinyurl.com/d6kxa33j Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram

Show notes: (0:00) Intro (0:49) Dr. Shah's background and personal health crisis (4:55) The most important biomarkers: hs-CRP, A1C, ApoB (7:46) How to track inflammation and metabolic health (13:00) Home tools: bioimpedance scale, grip strength meter (21:09) Nutrition basics: just cut ultra-processed foods (27:09) Hidden toxins in your air, water, and skincare (34:37) Longevity circuit: sauna, cryotherapy, hyperbaric oxygen (38:11) Therapeutic plasma exchange and next-gen biohacking (40:01) Dr. Shah's top 3 health tips anyone can start today (41:18) Where to find Dr. Shah (42:11) Outro Who is Dr. Darshan Shah? Darshan Shah, MD is a health and wellness specialist, well-known, board-certified surgeon, published author, tech entrepreneur, and founder and CEO of Beautologie and Next Health. As an expert on all body systems, he has performed over 10,000 surgical procedures, including trauma surgery, general surgery and plastic/reconstructive procedures. As a health and wellness specialist, he has advised thousands of patients on how to optimize their well-being and extend their lifespan, culminating in the creation of Next Health, the first health optimization and longevity center to offer life-extending and enhancing technology and treatments in a beautiful, welcoming environment. Connect with Dr. Shah Website: https://www.drshah.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darshanshahmd IG: https://www.instagram.com/darshanshahmd/ Grab your free Biomarker guide: https://www.drshah.com/biomarkers Tune in: https://www.drshah.com/extend Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram

Show notes: (0:00) Intro (1:07) Caroline's personal story of grit and recovery (4:22) What real grit looks like (and how to build it) (7:07) Why adults lose their sense of zest, and how to get it back (10:01) Why SMART goals don't work (14:03) The science behind happiness before success (17:43) How to actually flourish (even in tough times) (21:18) Why "do your best" leads to the worst results (28:12) Learning goals vs. performance goals (29:31) The six pillars of setting a "big goal" (37:36) The jargon mismatch syndrome (42:05) Why goal-setting advice often fails women (43:44) "Goals Gone Wild", what happens when you skip the learning phase (47:12) Where to find Caroline and her resources (48:26) Outro Who is Caroline Adams Miller? Caroline Adams Miller is an executive coach, bestselling author, and keynote speaker known for her work on goal setting, grit, and positive psychology. She graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University and was part of the first graduating class in the Master of Applied Positive Psychology program at the University of Pennsylvania. Caroline has written several acclaimed books, including My Name is Caroline, Creating Your Best Life, Getting Grit, and Big Goals, many of which have been translated into multiple languages. Her personal journey of overcoming bulimia in her twenties has inspired countless others. She frequently speaks at global events, teaches in executive education programs, and has been featured in major media outlets for her research-driven insights on success, resilience, and personal growth. Connect with Caroline: Website: https://www.carolinemiller.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolineadamsmiller IG: https://www.instagram.com/carolineadamsmiller/?hl=en Grab a copy: https://biggoalsbook.com/ Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram

Show notes: (0:00) Intro (1:03) Dr. Garley's background and why sleep became his passion (3:14) 85% of people with sleep apnea don't know they have it (5:20) What a modern home sleep test looks like (7:17) How untreated sleep apnea shortens lifespan (12:54) Are sleep medications helping or harming you? (18:00) Magnesium and other common sleep aids (24:30) The gold standard for insomnia: CBT-I (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia) (26:45) What "better sleep" really means (29:51) The ideal sleep environment: cool, dark, and quiet (31:39) Do sleep trackers actually help or stress you out? (36:51) Is there a "magic" sleep window before midnight? (38:53) Morning sunlight and your body's internal clock (42:00) The real problem with phone use before bed (45:30) How to get help from Dr. Garley and The Better Sleep Clinic (46:17) Outro Who is Dr. David Garley? Dr David Garley is a Sleep Expert and Managing Director of The Better Sleep Clinic. He originally trained in respiratory medicine and qualified as a member of the Royal College of Physicians before moving to primary care, where he continued his specialist interest in sleep medicine. He is passionate about sleep health and greatly motivated by the profound impact that the restoration of good sleep can have on the quality of life of his patients. The Better Sleep Clinic is an online sleep clinic that diagnoses and treats a wide variety of sleep disorders and specialises in obstructive sleep apnea. They offer online appointments with consultant sleep specialists and send out home sleep tests to be carried out in the comfort of your own home. Gold standard treatments for sleep disorders are provided through a friendly, patient-centred and personalised service. Connect with Dr. Garley Website: https://www.thebettersleepclinic.co.uk/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-garley-tbsc/?originalSubdomain=uk Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram

Show notes: (0:00) Intro (0:37) Charlie's backstory: escaping trauma and rebuilding from rock bottom (3:41) The truth about mindset and why it matters more than motivation (4:34) The 5 Ks framework (7:39) How limiting beliefs get wired in and how to rewire them (14:04) The "integrity gap" and why we feel stuck (16:55) Our mind as a goal-serving mechanism (22:08) Morning routines that actually work (27:58) Living by principles, not preference (33:07) What confidence really means (34:46) Why community and support are essential (39:59) Charlie's tools, programs, and how to connect (44:17) Outro Who is Charlie Smith? Charlie Smith is a keynote speaker, mental performance consultant, and coach who helps individuals and organizations build confidence, overcome challenges, and perform at their best. He is the founder of the "My Life…My Pen" platform and host of the Overcome Outloud podcast, where he shares tools and stories to inspire personal growth and ownership. Charlie's work is deeply rooted in his own journey—surviving a traumatic childhood, overcoming addiction, and rebuilding his life after a successful 30-year career in business and real estate. Today, he trains executives, athletes, and teams to develop mental skills, resilience, and habits that support lasting success. His programs focus on practical strategies that help people make real change from the inside out. Connect with Charlie: Website: https://charliesmithspeaks.com/ IG: https://instagram.com/charliesmithspeaks Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life Peak Performance on Facebook Peak Performance on Instagram

Show notes: (0:00) Intro (0:41) Who is Dr. Michael Snyder, and what does he do? (3:44) Catching type 2 diabetes early through personal health tracking (5:59) Why knowing your health baseline matters more than one-time scans (8:49) Using smartwatches to detect illness before symptoms (12:02) Tracking health on a budget (17:04) Why glucose monitors may be the most powerful health tool (18:26) Diabetes subtypes and why one diet does not work for everyone (20:57) Figuring out your diabetic type (24:57) Diet and foods for diabetes (31:55) GLP-1 drugs, benefits, risks, and who they help most (40:26) Genetics vs. epigenetics (44:41) Current studies (46:00) DNA sequence and DNA methylation (48:27) Outro Who is Dr. Michael Snyder? Michael Snyder, PhD, is a professor at Stanford University School of Medicine, former chair of Genetics, and director of the Stanford Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine. He is a leader in genomics and personalized health, known for using DNA, blood data, imaging, and wearable devices to track health early and prevent disease. His research focuses on studying people while they are healthy to catch problems before symptoms appear. Dr. Snyder has published hundreds of scientific papers, launched multiple health tech companies, and authored Genomics and Personalized Medicine: What Everyone Needs to Know. His goal is to shift medicine from sick care to true health care. Connect with Dr. Snyder Website: https://med.stanford.edu/content/sm/snyderlab.html/ Links and Resources: Peak Performance Life - https://buypeakperformance.com/ Peak Performance on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/livepeakperformance/ Peak Performance on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/livepeakperformance