Nina’s Notes Podcast

Hey friends,I'm giving a talk tonight at a beach party

Hey Friends,Two weekends ago I made a decision that felt both radical and oddly frightening.I put my phone in a drawer and committed to leaving it there for 48 hours.No checking notifications, no scrolling through social media, no quick Google searches.Just me, reconnecting with the world without my phone.Here's how it went.

INTERVIEW | Unlocking Your Flow State with Dr. Shama Rahman, CEO of NeurocreateI'm thrilled to welcome an extraordinary guest to the Nina's Notes Podcast to expand upon insights she gave me when I wrote #119: Hacking Focus and Flow.Dr. Shama Rahman is a true polymath. She is a neuroscientist, entrepreneur, tech innovator, and award-winning musician. With a PhD in neuroscience from Imperial College London, she's dedicated her career to understanding human creativity and cognition, and applying those insights to technology and business.Shama is the founder and CEO of NeuroCreate, which aims to help individuals achieve flow states through innovative tools and neurofeedback. Her work sits at the intersection of neuroscience, artificial intelligence, and human creativity.But that's not all, Dr. Rahman is also an accomplished sitarist, TEDx speaker, and she was named as one of the Top 20 Inspiring Women in Tech.In this episode, we'll explore the importance of understanding flow, the role of AI in enhancing creativity, and practical techniques for achieving flow in daily life.Listen to the episode on

Hey Friends,It's been a long time, nearly 2.5 years since I started this newsletter, and I want to introduce myself to my 2,340 readers.So, hi again! I'm Dr. Nina Patrick, the author of Nina's Notes, a weekly health & science newsletter and podcast.My journey into longevity and health science started during my PhD, where I studied epigenetics, the code that sits on top of our DNA.Epigenetics controls which genes are turned on or off, and epigenetics is influenced by our environment.I also explored the neurotoxicity of MDMA (ecstasy) in the rat brain, which was my first real dive into how substances impact longevity and neurobiology.After my PhD, I worked in biotech startups in Silicon Valley, then launched my own at-home diagnostics company in Berlin, helping people track health biomarkers through urine tests.I also run Longevity Wednesdays, a Lisbon-based community for professionals in longevity, where we host events on everything from panels on which longevity supplement we should take, to building the investment case for women's health.Through this work, I've become fascinated by the intersection of longevity, wellness, and psychedelics.And over time, I've developed my Six Pillars of Longevity.These are the foundations I live by, and today, I want to share them with you.Listen here.

Your heart has its own brainThe HeartMath Institute found that the heart communicates with the brain in 4 ways:

Struggling to break a habit? Blame your brain.Your habits can run on autopilot, controlled by the basal ganglia, your brain's habit HQ.The more a habit is repeated, the stronger the neural pathway becomes.But change is possible.The key to changing habits is to leverage environmental cues, celebrate small wins, and prioritize rest.Listen to my full article here about hacking your brain to change habits.

This month's guidebook is sponsored by TejoMed and it is all about Men's Health.Focusing on how to optimize health in midlife, the Men's Health after 40 guidebook covers:* The Science of Male Aging: Understanding What Happens After 40* Fuel for Strength: The Male Nutrition Program for Energy and Vitality* The Power of Muscle Training* Cardiovascular Health: How to Protect Your Heart* Preventive Healthcare: What Tests and Checkups Do You Actually Need?* Sexual Health and Libido: What Every Man Should Know* Prostate Health: Essential Information for Men* Key TakeawaysDownload the guidebook at: https://ninapatrick.xyz/guides/

Freedivers push physiological boundaries and unlock profound inner experiences. Together with Amánda Argot Efthimiou, I dive into the effects of freediving on your biology, neurology and consciousness.Science meets meditation beneath the waves.Listen to the whole article here on the Nina's Notes Podcast.

Hey Friends,Help me make this year of Nina's Notes great by filling out this quick survey. Share your feedback about Nina's Notes and share some information about you so I can create the content you want to read.It will take just 3 minutes to complete.Thank you! Thank you!On this episode I sit down with Keith C Ellis, PhD, an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry at Virginia Commonwealth University and a natural products chemist.He is the founder and CEO of Science-Driven Supplements, where he uses his knowledge of physiology, pharmacology, drugs, and natural products to create products to tackle big public health challenges.Keith was frustrated with the treatment options for long COVID, and used his expertise in natural product chemistry to reverse engineer a solution based on the positive results shown from using anticoagulant drugs to treat long COVID.The resulting product is called CircuGuard, which combines three natural ingredients that target the same biological pathways as triple anticoagulant therapy, in a dose which is safe for over-the-counter use.Listen to the episode on

The breakthroughs we're seeing in psychedelic medicine today started with non-profit organizations taking risks that others wouldn't.Three organizations leading the charge are Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS), OPEN Foundation and Champalimaud Foundation.Psychedelic research faces unique hurdles, such as Schedule I drug classification, complex regulatory requirements, and historical stigma. Traditional funding sources (pharma, government and academia) often avoid these high-risk, long-term investments, which is where non-profits can make big strides. They tend to be mission-driven, patient-focused, and have a long-term commitment to research.Check out my latest Nina's Note to learn how these organizations push psychedelic research forward and act as bridge-builders between science and public understanding.

Hey Friends,Happy New Year!Welcome back to a new year of Nina's Notes.I publish every Wednesday, so make sure you are subscribed to get hot & fresh health and science content in your inbox each week.P.S. This content looks way better via email. If you're reading this on LinkedIn, head over to the newsletter site to get registered to receive the newsletter in your inbox.In this episode, I chat with Grace Blest-Hopley, PhD, the CEO of Hystelica, CSO of NWPharma and a Reserve Officer for the British Army.We discuss her company, Hystelica, whose mission is to research, advocate and educate for safe and effective psychedelic use for women.They are currently running an observational study looking at the impact of microdosing psychedelic substances on menopausal symptoms. They are recruiting participants in the study. If you wish to take part, you can get in touch here.Beyond Hystelica, we discuss Grace's military experience and her work with the Heroic Hearts Project, which supports veterans through psychedelic therapy and the importance of community support to bring psychedelic therapies to veterans.Key Takeaways:* Grace's work with Heroic Hearts Project focuses on using psychedelics to support veterans with PTSD. Grace believes that understanding the military experience is crucial for addressing PTSD effectively.* Hystelica was founded to address the lack of research on psychedelics and women's health.* The gender data gap in research is a significant issue. Research needs to focus on women's specific health needs and women's health should not be seen as niche.* Understanding the menstrual cycle is essential in research, and microdosing psychedelics may help alleviate menopause symptoms.* Patient advocacy is vital in the psychedelic research space.Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Substack Podcasts.Recommended Timestamps* 00:00 Introduction and Grace's Background* 06:04 Military Experience and Leadership Development* 12:02 Heroic Hearts Project and Its Impact* 22:01 Research Initiatives and Data Collection* 29:07 Future Directions and Collaborations* 36:30 Designing the Studies at Hystelica & Observational Insights* 44:48 The Gender Data Gap in Medical Research* 49:57 Innovative Tools for Women's Health ResearchWhere to find Grace Blest-Hopley, PhD:* Hystelica* Impact of Microdosing Psychedelics on Menopausal Symptoms Study* Heroic Hearts* LinkedinWhere to find Nina Patrick, PhD:* Newsletter* LinkedIn* WebsiteThanks for listening to Nina's Notes #115. If you like this newsletter & podcast, click the share button and send it to a friend.Edited by Wright Time Publishing Get full access to Nina's Notes at www.ninasnotes.xyz/subscribe

Metabolic psychiatry shows a clear connection between metabolic health and mental health.It starts with food. Ketogenic diet and lifestyle changes are showing promise in treating various mental disorders. Read more about this new field of metabolic psychiatry in my latest Note.

From heart health to brain function, sex affects us in fascinating ways. It can boost mood, relieve pain, and even enhance sleep. Studies show that it lights up our brain's reward system, releasing feel-good hormones like dopamine and oxytocin. And the benefits don't stop there.Sex can improve cognitive function as we age and support emotional well-being. My latest article is about how these powerful connections between mind and body can shape our health and happiness.

Are we on the brink of immortality?

Are you struggling with sleep?

Attending music festivals can be life-changing, but it's important to prioritize health! From hydration to smart supplement strategies, recovery is key. I explore the best supplements for post-party recovery and brain health in this latest article. Stay safe, and enjoy the music! 

Did you know brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) have been around for over 20 years?

This is your brain on love.Love activates some of the most primal regions of the brain, such as the caudate nucleus, ventral tegmental area, amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. These areas work together to release dopamine, oxytocin, and adrenaline, creating a euphoric sense of purpose.Love can also affect our cognitive functions. During the early stages of love, the prefrontal cortex, responsible for logic and decision-making, may slow down, leading to impulsive behavior and irrational thinking. Additionally, serotonin levels may drop, contributing to obsessive thoughts and appetite changes.While the initial excitement of new love fades over time, the love can evolve into a deeper, more committed bond.

Ever heard of Quaaludes? This popular drug in the 60s & 70s has a fascinating history. Curious about its rise, fall, and lasting impact? Check out my latest article to learn more.

The FDA rejected MDMA-assisted therapy for PTSD last week. A major setback for psychedelic medicine, but certainly not a complete surprise to insiders and the team at Lykos Therapeutics after the decision in June by the FDA's Psychopharmacologic Drugs Advisory Committee.The FDA asked Lykos to complete more studies, so now we will wait to see how Lykos works hand-in-hand with the FDA to make sure the trial design fits their criteria.Lykos, and parent company MAPS, have been researching MDMA-AT for PTSD and working to get MDMA-AT approved for nearly two decades.This is a setback, but definitely not the end for these breakthrough therapies.

Can canines crack the aging code?In my latest Nina's note, I cover two research projects that think dogs will help with aging.Dog Aging Project studies dog health to unlock secrets for longer, healthier lives for our furry friends & us! Biotech startup, Loyal, has received promising FDA feedback on their lifespan extension drug for dogs.

Can hyperbaric chambers reverse aging at the cellular level?Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) uses pressurized oxygen to potentially reverse two hallmarks of aging: telomere shortening & cellular senescence.Recent evidence suggests that HBOT can reverse telomere shortening 20% faster than other lifestyle interventions.My most recent Nina's Note explores the science of HBOT & the experience itself.Could this become a staple at med spas in the future?

PTSD affects 6% of people in the U.S., with women at higher risk than men. Women often experience PTSD due to traumatic events like sexual assault. Current treatments, like SSRIs, fail for many patients.We need better solutions.MDMA-assisted therapy (MDMA-AT) shows promise, with studies indicating it may be particularly effective for women, leading to significant symptom reduction and remission rates.Despite recent advisory panel doubts, the FDA's final decision on MDMA-AT's approval remains pending. 

In this episode my guest is Hélène Guillaume, founder and CEO of the award winning company, Wild AI.Hélène shares her personal journey as an athlete and how she discovered the impact of hormonal fluctuations on her performance. Her experience as an elite athlete drove her to start Wild AI to help women optimize their training schedules based on their menstrual cycle and enhance their performance.Hélène and Wild AI are helping close the gender data gap and are leaders in fighting gender bias inequality.Listen to this episode to learn about how insanely powerful the female body is and how Wild AI can help women deeply understand their bodies.Key Takeaways:* Understanding and training with the female reproductive cycle can optimize performance and reduce negative symptoms.* There is a gender data gap in medical research and more studies need to include women to address their specific health needs.* The gender data gap in medical research leads to biased and irrelevant outcomes for women's health.* Birth control methods impact the body differently and understanding these effects can help women make informed choices.* Embracing the natural changes in the female body can lead to empowerment and improved overall well-being. * Misconceptions and myths about women's health, nutrition, and fitness need to be corrected.* There is a lack of education and support for postpartum women and more research is needed in this area.* Advancements in technology and personalized health insights have the potential to greatly benefit women's health.

The average U.S Adult sits for 9.5 hours a day. And…recent research shows a link to increased dementia risk at 10 hours of sitting.

☀️ Summer's approaching fast (it's already here in Portugal!), so let's talk about sunscreen.A good sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA & UVB rays, both of which contribute to skin aging, burns, and cancer risk. What you want in a sunscreen:• Look for Zinc oxide and Micronized Zinc Oxide (which is cosmetically safe)• Always choose an SPF 30 or higher to block 97% of UVB rays.• Opt for reef-safe sunscreens without Oxybenzone and Octinoxate to protect marine ecosystems. Plus, exciting news from Stanford University shows potential for a new type of biodegradable sunscreen using bacteriophages to absorb harmful UV rays, very promising for the next generation of sunscreen!

Hi Friends,   It's Nina's Note #80!In honor of this milestone, I have something new for you today, a debut interview for the Nina's Notes Podcast. On this inaugural episode, I am thrilled to welcome Michael Geer, a visionary determined to redefine our approach to aging.