"When you heal your gut, you're not just improving digestion – you're protecting your brain and cognitive function for decades to come. The gut-brain connection is so powerful that what's happening in your microbiome today could determine your brain health at 75 or 80." - Dr. Partha Nandi

World-renowned gastroenterologist and New York Times bestselling author Dr. Partha Nandi joins me for a fascinating deep dive into the incredible connection between our gut and brain health. After witnessing his father's devastating stroke despite having no obvious risk factors, Dr. Nandi embarked on a mission to understand how gut health influences cognitive function, memory, and brain aging. What he discovered will transform how you think about protecting your mind as you age. Through groundbreaking research and clinical experience, Dr. Nandi reveals why healing your gut could be the key to preventing conditions like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and stroke – and why the choices you make today about diet, stress, and lifestyle impact your brain health decades from now.

What you'll learn:

• Why your gut microbiome is considered your "second brain" and how it communicates with your actual brain

• The surprising connection between stress, gut inflammation, and cognitive decline

• Simple dietary changes that can help protect both your gut and brain health

• Why community, spirituality and movement are crucial pillars for maintaining a healthy gut-brain connection

• How to recognize signs that your gut health may be compromising your cognitive function

• Early warning signs of gut issues that could impact your brain health

• The five key pillars for optimal gut-brain health that anyone can implement

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

The statistics about aging can be frightening – from plummeting bone density to cognitive decline and muscle loss. But I'm here to tell you there's a revolutionary approach to aging that turns these scary numbers on their head. Today, I share how a positive mindset alone can add 7.5 years to your life, and why resistance training is non-negotiable for women over 40. We dive deep into why those little pink dumbbells aren't really serving you, and how incorporating power moves like jumping can actually reverse bone loss. I break down the science behind why high-intensity interval training becomes more crucial as we age, and reveal the game-changing benefits of creatine HCL for both brain and body health.

What you'll learn:

• Why your mindset about aging could add years to your life

• The shocking truth about how much protein women really need as they age

• How to build power and strength without living in the gym

• The three-pronged approach to aging powerfully that starts with proper recovery

• Why traditional "aging gracefully" advice is holding you back from your best years

Love the Podcast? Here’s what to do:

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

"It's a victim mindset to identify yourself with something that's holding you back." -Ben Azadi

I had an incredible in-person conversation with Ben Azadi that's going to revolutionize how you think about your metabolism. Ben's journey from obesity and depression to becoming a leading voice in metabolic health proves what I've always said - mindset shifts must come before lasting physical transformation. We dug deep into the science of metabolic flexibility and why it's absolutely critical for women over 40. No more confusion about carbs or lengthy fasts - Ben breaks down exactly how to train your body to efficiently use both fat and sugar for fuel, plus the game-changing connection between your thoughts and cellular health that most doctors never discuss.

What you'll learn:

• The proven mindset strategy that must precede physical transformation (skip this and you'll keep hitting the same wall)

• Why being stuck in sugar-burning mode is aging you faster - and how to fix it

• The truth about ketosis - it's a tool, not a lifestyle (and how to use it correctly)

• A revolutionary approach to exercise that builds metabolic resilience without burnout

• The hidden danger in restaurant foods that's sabotaging your health (and how to avoid it)

• Why your thoughts literally program your DNA and impact inflammation

• How to use hormetic stress strategically for better aging

Love the Podcast? Here’s what to do:

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• Subscribe to the podcast & leave me a review

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

Recent headlines about GLP-1 medications like Ozempic have created more confusion than clarity for women seeking sustainable weight loss solutions. As someone who's spent decades helping women transform their bodies, I'm diving deep into what the research actually reveals about these medications – both the surprising benefits and the critical precautions. More importantly, I'm sharing the essential foundation every woman needs before considering any weight loss approach, whether using GLP-1s or not. You'll discover why protecting your muscle mass is non-negotiable after 40, how to measure your progress beyond the scale, and the exact protocol I use with clients to ensure healthy, sustainable fat loss while maintaining metabolism.

What you'll learn:

• The unexpected benefits of GLP-1s beyond appetite suppression, including inflammation reduction and potential mood improvement

• Why muscle mass matters more than your scale weight, especially as you age

• Essential strategies to protect your metabolism during weight loss

• The critical role of protein timing and resistance training in body transformation

• How to properly track your progress using more than just the scale

• Natural alternatives that can help support your body's own GLP-1 production

• The truth about rapid weight loss and why slower is actually faster for lasting results

Love the Podcast? Here’s what to do:

Make My Day & Share Your Thoughts!

• Subscribe to the podcast & leave me a review

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• Expect a personal reply because your voice is so important to me.

Join 50,000+ followers who make this podcast thrive.

Want to listen to the show completely ad-free?

• Go to subscribetojj.com

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

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

"I'm absolutely convinced that creatine is something everyone needs to be on. When you look at how it impacts cellular energy, strength, brain fog, and aging - it's really a game changer, especially for women in midlife." - Mark Faulkner

As a pioneer in creatine research, Mark Faulkner brings groundbreaking insights about what may be the most misunderstood and underutilized supplement for women's health. In this eye-opening conversation, Mark shares how his journey from developing NFL steroid testing to becoming America's only creatine manufacturer led to revolutionary discoveries about this powerful compound. We dive deep into why the common forms of creatine can cause uncomfortable bloating for 76% of women - and how his innovative creatine HCL formulation is changing the game with superior absorption and none of the typical side effects.

What you'll learn:

• Why creatine isn't just for bodybuilders - it's essential for brain health, immune function, and cellular energy at every age

• The truth about creatine absorption and why the standard forms may be causing unnecessary bloating and water retention

• How creatine can be a powerful ally during perimenopause and menopause for maintaining muscle, bone density and mental clarity

• The groundbreaking research showing creatine's potential for supporting cognitive health and fighting neurodegeneration

• Why American manufacturing and rigorous testing protocols matter when it comes to supplement quality and safety

Love the Podcast? Here’s what to do:

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Full show notes: https://www.jjvirgin.com/Faulkner

In this game-changing episode, I'm challenging everything you thought you knew about exercise after 40. Forget the old rules about cardio being queen – I'm sharing why resistance training is actually your secret weapon for burning fat, building stronger bones, and even creating new brain neurons. Drawing from my background in Exercise Physiology at USC and the latest research, I break down why it's never too late to start lifting weights (yes, even at 85!), and how to begin safely and effectively. You'll discover why those gym machines aren't just for twentysomethings, and how building muscle becomes your metabolic superpower. Plus, I reveal the surprising truth about getting "bulky" (spoiler alert: it's probably not what you think), and share my fool-proof strategy for starting your strength training journey today.

What you'll learn:

• Why resistance training trumps cardio for fat loss, heart health, and longevity after 40

• The fascinating science behind myokines and how they boost brain health and immunity

• Essential baseline measurements to track your strength training progress

• A practical breakdown of the three main movement patterns for total body transformation

• How to progress safely from beginner to advanced resistance training

• The truth about muscle building for women over 40 and why "getting bulky" is a myth

• The optimal combination of resistance training and daily movement for best results

Love the Podcast? Here’s what to do:

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Full show notes: https://www.jjvirgin.com/strengthtrainingafter40

Oxiline bioimpedance scale: https://oxiline.shop/product/scale-x-pro/?ref=mza2ntv

Dumbbells: https://amzn.to/3wVXDYf

Hand Grip Dynamometer: https://amzn.to/48OI2a1

Download my free Resistance Training Cheat Sheet: https://jjvirgin.com/resistance

Try SHEatine: https://reignitewellness.com/collections/all/products/sheatine-capsules

Episode Sponsors:

Try Timeline: https://www.timelinenutrition.com/shop?rfsn=7082975.4b75243 Use code JJ10 for 10% off all products

Go to qualialife.com/VIRGINWELLNESS to try Qualia risk free for up to 100 days and code VIRGINWELLNESS for an additional 15% off

"When I was a professional dancer, I felt the worst in my body when I probably looked my best to the outside world. That's when I knew something had to change." - Jennifer Joy Jimenez

In this energizing episode, I sat down with Jennifer Joy Jimenez, transformational leader and founder of the Brave Thinking Institute's health and wellbeing division, to explore how conscious movement can revolutionize both physical and emotional wellbeing after 40. Jennifer shares her powerful journey from professional dancer battling body shame to pioneering Transcendance, an innovative blend of movement, mindfulness, and energy healing. The science is clear - social dance can decrease Alzheimer's risk by up to 76% while flooding our bodies with mood-boosting hormones. We dive deep into how incorporating just minutes of mindful movement daily can transform stress, unlock creativity, and reignite joy at any age. Jennifer reveals practical strategies for breaking free from rigid exercise mindsets and embracing movement as medicine for both body and soul.

What you'll learn:

• How conscious dance can activate happy hormones and reduce stress in just minutes a day

• The profound mind-body connection and its role in healing trauma

• Why movement is essential for maintaining cognitive function and reducing dementia risk

• Simple ways to incorporate playful movement into your daily routine

• The science behind using dance for emotional and physical wellbeing

• How to break free from perfectionist exercise patterns

• Practical strategies for connecting with your body's innate wisdom

Love the Podcast? Here’s what to do:

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• Subscribe to the podcast & leave me a review

• Text a screenshot to 813-565-2627

• Expect a personal reply because your voice is so important to me.

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In today's deep dive, I'm breaking down the science of menopause belly fat and sharing game-changing strategies that actually work. As women enter perimenopause, the triple threat of low estrogen, elevated insulin, and high cortisol creates the perfect storm for accumulating dangerous visceral fat around our organs. But armed with the latest research, I'm revealing why your daily movement patterns matter more than you think, the surprising impact of protein timing on fat loss, and how simple strategies like cold exposure can help activate fat-burning pathways. I'm also sharing critical insights about hormone replacement therapy and why it could be the missing piece in your metabolic puzzle. If you're ready to understand and tackle menopause belly fat with science-backed solutions that work, this episode is your roadmap to success.

What you'll learn:

• The crucial difference between subcutaneous and visceral fat, and why location matters for your health

• How the triad of hormones (estrogen, insulin, and cortisol) impacts belly fat storage during menopause

• The science-backed sweet spot for HIIT training that specifically targets visceral fat

• Why protein timing and amount can make or break your fat loss efforts

• The surprising connection between hydration, stress, and your body's fat-storing mechanisms

Love the Podcast? Here’s what to do:

Make My Day & Share Your Thoughts!

• Subscribe to the podcast & leave me a review

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• Expect a personal reply because your voice is so important to me.

Join 50,000+ followers who make this podcast thrive.

Full show notes: https://www.jjvirgin.com/menopausebellyfat

7-Day Eat Protein First Challenge: http://jjvirgin.com/proteinfirst

Oxiline bioimpedance scale: https://oxiline.shop/product/scale-x-pro/?ref=mza2ntv

Kooru Cold Plunge: https://www.koorucoldplunges.com/ and use code JJVIP500 for $500 off.

Download my free Resistance Training Cheat Sheet: https://jjvirgin.com/resistance

Sunlighten Sauna: https://get.sunlighten.com/JJVirgin use promo code JJVIRGIN when requesting pricing information for $600 off.

Download my FREE Best Rest Sleep Cheat Sheet: https://jjvirgin.com/sleep

Tape Measure: https://amzn.to/3wQw4Q2

TRX Resistance Training Equipment: Free Shipping on all orders $99+: https://trxtraining.sjv.io/EKrvrP

Dry Farm Wines: dryfarmwines.com/jjvirgin

Study: Visceral Fat: What Is It?: https://www.webmd.com/diet/what-is-visceral-fat

Study: Adipose tissue in health and disease: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7776562/

Study: Adipose Tissue Distribution, Inflammation and Its Metabolic Consequences, Including Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cardiovascular-medicine/articles/10.3389/fcvm.2020.00022/full

Study: Is the goal of 12,000 steps per day sufficient for improving body composition and metabolic syndrome? The necessity of combining exercise intensity: a randomized controlled trial: https://consensus.app/papers/is-the-goal-of-12000-steps-per-day-sufficient-for-improving-chiang-chen/676d54b152e25c6b80e07f6a12b02fc0/

Study: Physical activity and healthy ageing: A systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal cohort studies: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/physical-activity

Study: Physical Activity: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/physical-activity

Study: Body Fat Percentage: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/body-fat-percentage

Study: A reduced ratio of dietary carbohydrate to protein improves body composition and blood lipid profiles during weight loss in adult women: https://consensus.app/papers/a-reduced-ratio-of-dietary-carbohydrate-to-protein-layman-boileau/01653d342eab51adbb319a1a1b45079f/

Episode Sponsors:

Try Timeline: https://www.timelinenutrition.com/shop?rfsn=7082975.4b75243 Use code JJ10 for 10% off all products

Go to qualialife.com/VIRGINWELLNESS to try Qualia risk free for up to 100 days and code VIRGINWELLNESS for an additional 15% off