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Welcome to the Science of Human Performance Series where we are breaking down the key metric for you to improve your fitness. This week, we're unpacking Strain with WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist Dr. Kristen Holmes and WHOOP Staff Research Scientist Dr. Greg Grosicki. Together, Dr. Holmes and Dr. Grosicki explore how both cardiovascular and musculoskeletal load are taken into account when measuring a member's daily strain to help balance training, recovery, and build long-term fitness. The conversation explains the influence of WHOOP Strain on overall fitness goals, from improving fitness to supporting weight management, and increasing VO₂ max. This episode will give practical guidance on your training routine, helping you build the habits necessary for performance, healthspan, and longevity. (00:00) Looking To Gain Fitness? WHOOP Strain Can Help(01:25) What is Strain?(02:07) How Does WHOOP Measure Strain?(03:21) What Is The Neuromuscular System – Why Does It Matter For Strain? (03:57) How Does WHOOP Measure Musculoskeletal Load?(08:09) Creating Impactful Strain Recommendations: WHOOP Coach(11:16) Exclusive Offer For WHOOP Podcast Listeners(11:50) Why Is Strain Measured on a 21-Point Scale?(16:37) The Power of Consistency: Improving Fitness By Following Strain Coach(23:21) Refer A Friend: Get 2 Months Free!(23:56) Is Strain The Biggest Lever For Improving Cardio Health? (24:57) How To Improve Strain (Habits For Busy Individuals)(27:03) Focussing on Heart Rate Zones(29:32) What Does VO2 Max Tell About Strain?(32:21) Building A Fitness Routine: Is Changing Strain Activities More Effective?(39:06) Exclusive WHOOP Advanced Labs Offer(39:40) Can You Still See Fitness Gains With High Strain & Low Recovery? (41:01) Greg & Kristen's Go-To Strain Activities For Fitness(44:50) Thanks For Listening: New Member Offer & WHOOP Apparel & Accessories DiscountSupport the showFollow WHOOP:Sign up for WHOOP Advanced LabsTrial WHOOP for Freewww.whoop.comInstagramTikTokYouTubeXFacebookLinkedInFollow Will Ahmed:InstagramXLinkedInFollow Kristen Holmes:InstagramLinkedInFollow Emily Capodilupo:LinkedIn
Episode 399 reviews Phase 2 of Season 15 and introduces the Motivation Loop — the sequence of meaning, belief, attention, action, reward, and recovery that drives sustained effort. The episode explains common loop breakers (loss of meaning, negative thoughts, distracted attention, too much challenge, poor recovery, and no visible progress) and how to diagnose which link is failing. Practical takeaway: identify your gap, reconnect purpose, protect attention, celebrate small wins, and balance challenge with recovery to keep motivation alive. In This Episode 399, We Will Cover: ✅ The Motivation Loop — what it is, why it matters, and how it influences behavior, focus, effort, and achievement. ✅ What Keeps the Loop Alive — the role of meaning, belief, attention, action, reward, recovery, and growth. ✅ What Breaks the Loop — how loss of meaning, negative thoughts, distraction, lack of progress, poor recovery, and burnout weaken motivation. ✅ The Neuroscience of Motivation — why the brain repeats what it rewards and how dopamine reinforces behavior. ✅ The Difference Between Challenge and Burnout — finding the sweet spot where effort creates growth instead of exhaustion. ✅ My Personal Motivation Loop Story — how I watched my own loop begin to break in real time while pushing too hard with hiking and what I learned from it. ✅ How to Repair a Broken Loop — practical strategies to restore motivation before burnout takes hold. ✅ The Anterior Mid-Cingulate Cortex (AMCC) — the brain region associated with persistence, self-regulation, resilience, and doing hard things. ✅ Why Doing Hard Things Grows the Brain — how meaningful challenges strengthen the neural circuits responsible for sustained effort. ✅ Finding Your Gap — using our Brain's Operating System framework to identify where your system may be out of alignment. ✅ The Biggest Lessons from Phase 2: Neurochemistry & Motivation — insights from Bob Proctor, Dr. Caroline Leaf, Dr. John Medina, Dr. Anna Lembke, Dr. Chuck Hillman, and Friederike Fabritius. ✅ What's Next — a preview of Episodes 400 and 401 on Leadership and Trust, and our transition into Phase 3: Movement, Learning & Cognition. Key Question of the Episode "When motivation begins to disappear, have we lost our drive—or is there simply a broken link in the loop?" Aha Moment The goal isn't to push harder. The goal is to identify the broken link, repair it, and keep the loop alive. EP 399: The Motivation Loop: What Keeps It Going—and What Breaks It? Welcome back to the Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast. This week, we're wrapping up Phase 2: Neurochemistry and Motivation. Over the past several months, we've explored some of the most important drivers of human behavior, attention, effort, learning, and performance. Through the work of Bob Proctor, Dr. Caroline Leaf, John Medina, Dr. Anna Lembke, Chuck Hillman, and Friederike Fabritius, we've been focused on one fundamental question: What drives sustained effort and forward movement? Today, I want to zoom out and connect everything we've learned into one simple framework: The Motivation Loop. More importantly, we'll look at: What keeps the loop going What causes it to break How we can strengthen it over time And why doing hard things may actually help grow parts of our brain responsible for persistence and self-regulation. The Brain's Operating System of Human Performance Before we dive into the Motivation Loop, let's remember what we've covered so far. One of the biggest insights from neuroscience is that high performance doesn't happen in one part of the brain. It happens through a sequence. Just like a computer has an operating system, our brains have an operating system for learning, achievement, and human performance. Over the past several months, we've been building that system one phase at a time. Phase 1: Regulation & Safety REGULATE The first question we asked was: "Is the nervous system safe enough to learn?" Before motivation... Before focus... Before performance... The brain must first feel regulated. Through guests like Bruce Perry, Kristen Holmes, Antonio Zadra, and Sui Wong, we learned that: Sleep matters Recovery matters Rhythm matters Our Stress levels matter A dysregulated brain struggles to learn. No regulation. No learning. Phase 2: Neurochemistry & Motivation ENGAGE Once the brain is regulated, we move to the next question: "What drives behavior, focus, and sustained effort?" This is the phase we've just completed. We explored: Dopamine Belief Thought patterns Attention Reward Burnout Energy And perhaps the biggest lesson from this phase was: The brain repeats what it rewards. This became the foundation of what I've called: The Motivation Loop: What Keeps the Loop Going? Looking at this graphic, notice the green side first. The healthy loop begins with: Meaning and Purpose When we know why something matters, effort becomes easier to sustain. This was Bob Proctor's message and the message that launched author Simon Sinek's entire career (Knowing Your Why). People can tolerate enormous challenges when the goal is meaningful. Example: Learning a New Skill Imagine someone deciding to learn a new language. At first: Progress is slow. Mistakes are frequent. The work feels uncomfortable. But they have a purpose. Maybe they want to connect on a deeper level with family. Maybe they want to travel. Maybe they want a new career opportunity. Purpose keeps them engaged long enough to continue with the hard work. Belief Shapes Thought If I believe I can improve, my thoughts become more constructive. This was Dr. Caroline Leaf's work. Our thoughts influence our neurochemistry. Positive thoughts don't guarantee success. But they keep us moving toward it. Attention Drives Growth This was John Medina's contribution. Attention determines what the brain decides matters. The brain learns what we repeatedly focus on. What we attend to, we strengthen. Action Creates Progress Once attention is focused, behavior follows. We study. We practice. We train. We learn. Reward Reinforces Behavior This was Dr. Anna Lembke's work. The reward doesn't have to be huge. Sometimes it's simply noticing progress. The brain says: "That effort produced a result." And the loop continues. Example: Exercise A person begins walking 20 minutes every day. Week 1: No major changes. Week 2: Energy improves. Week 3: Sleep improves. Week 4: Resting heart rate begins dropping. The brain notices progress. The effort feels worthwhile. The loop strengthens. The behavior repeats. We have spent a lot of time on understanding how to keep the loop from breaking. How the Loop Breaks Now let's look at the red side. How the loop breaks. The loop rarely breaks all at once. Usually one link weakens first. Then the others follow. Loop Breaker #1: Loss of Meaning What Happened? A student studies only to pass a test. The test ends. The reason disappears. Motivation disappears. The loop breaks because there is no longer a compelling "why." What Could Have Prevented It? Reconnect to purpose. Instead of: "I have to study for this test." Shift to: "I'm building skills for the future version of myself." Bob Proctor taught us that goals are not just about achievement. They're about growth. Loop Repair Ask: "Why does this matter beyond today?" When meaning returns, motivation returns. Loop Breaker #2: Negative Thought Patterns What Happened? Someone starts a health journey. After a difficult week they think: "I'm failing." "Nothing is changing." "I'll never get there." Their attention shifts toward evidence of failure. The loop weakens. What Could Have Prevented It? Focus on progress instead of perfection. Dr. Caroline Leaf would remind us that thoughts influence neurochemistry. A better question might be: "What is improving that I haven't noticed yet?" Loop Repair Look for small wins. Better sleep More energy More consistency Better habits Progress fuels dopamine. Dopamine fuels effort. Loop Breaker #3: Distracted Attention What Happened? You sit down to work. A text arrives. Then email. Then social media. Then another interruption at your office door. Attention becomes fragmented. Learning slows. Progress slows. Reward disappears. What Could Have Prevented It? Protect your attention. John Medina taught us: Attention determines what the brain decides matters. Loop Repair Create: 30-minute focus blocks Phone-free work periods (with notifications turned off) One-task-at-a-time sessions The brain rewards completion. Not multitasking. Loop Breaker #4: Too Much Challenge What Happened? This one surprises many people. Doing hard things strengthens the brain. But doing impossible things breaks the loop. A person starts: A new diet A new exercise plan A new business A new habit And tries to change everything at once. The challenge becomes overwhelming. What Could Have Prevented It? Start smaller. The AMCC grows when challenges are difficult but achievable. Loop Repair Ask: "What's the smallest difficult thing I can consistently repeat?" Not: "What's the hardest thing I can do today?" Loop Breaker #5: Poor Recovery/Low Energy What Happened? This is actually my hiking example that I've mentioned previously. Everything was working. My recovery improved. My WHOOP age improved 6.4 years younger than my actual age. My fitness improved- v02 max increased. Then I increased the challenge. Longer hikes. More strain. More effort. But not enough recovery time in between. I could actually see the reward disappearing in real time. The effort at the end of these longer hikes felt exhausting instead of energizing. I know that doing difficult things makes my brain stronger, but I was close to giving up on something I really enjoyed. What Could Have Prevented It? Recovery needed to increase alongside challenge. The mistake wasn't hiking, or making the hike more challenging. The mistake was believing: More is always better. Loop Repair Alternate: Hard days Easy days Increase recovery as strain increases. As Friederike Fabritius taught us: Performance isn't built through effort alone. It's built through effort and recovery. Once I put more attention on recovery before pushing again, the broken motivation loop repaired, and the end of those difficult hikes became energizing again (with the right amount of rest). Loop Breaker #6: No Visible Progress What Happened? A salesperson makes: 50 calls 100 calls 150 calls No results. The brain begins asking: "Why bother?" The reward disappears. What Could Have Prevented It? Measure leading indicators instead of outcomes. Instead of focusing only on sales: Track: Calls completed Meetings booked Relationships built Skills improved Loop Repair Celebrate effort metrics. Not just outcome metrics. The brain needs evidence that effort matters. Also, if the strategy you are using is not yielding results, try a different one. Ask others who are having success, what they are doing, and how they are getting results. Once you can identify where your loop is breaking, fixing it requires doing something that you were not doing before. The Big Lesson Every loop break in this phase points back to one question: What link failed? Was it: Meaning? Thoughts? Attention? Progress? Recovery? Challenge? Because the loop rarely breaks all at once. Usually one link weakens first. And the good news is: If you can identify the broken link, you can repair the loop. What About Doing Hard Things? One of the most fascinating concepts we explored this phase was the work surrounding the: Anterior Mid-Cingulate Cortex (AMCC) This area of the brain appears to play an important role in: Persistence Self-regulation Attention control Doing things we don't feel like doing Research suggests this area strengthens when we repeatedly choose meaningful challenges. Not impossible challenges. Not burnout. Not exhaustion. Meaningful challenges. Example Choosing: The workout you don't feel like doing. The difficult conversation you've been avoiding. The presentation that makes you nervous. The study session when you'd rather scroll your phone. Every time we choose effort over comfort, we may be strengthening the neural systems responsible for persistence and researchers also would say, the will to live. The Secret to Keeping the Loop Going After everything we've learned this phase, the answer is surprisingly simple: The loop stays alive when effort feels worthwhile. That means: ✅ Meaning ✅ Purpose ✅ Focus ✅ Progress ✅ Recovery ✅ Challenge But not too much challenge. Because challenge without recovery becomes burnout. And recovery without challenge becomes stagnation. The sweet spot lies in the middle. Instead of blaming ourselves, we can start diagnosing the system to build a stronger, more resilient version of ourselves. How to Use the "Find Your Gap" Framework Whenever you feel: Stuck Unmotivated Burned out Distracted Overwhelmed Plateaued Ask yourself: Which phase is broken? Because the problem is rarely "everything." Usually it's one phase creating a bottleneck for the others. Phase 1 Gap: Regulation & Safety Ask: Am I sleeping well? Am I recovered? Is stress overwhelming me? Is my nervous system regulated? Signs This Is Your Gap Anxiety Exhaustion Brain fog Poor sleep Irritability Example A teacher can't focus. They assume they need more motivation. But they're sleeping 5 hours a night. The real gap isn't motivation. It's regulation. Solution Fix: Sleep Recovery Stress management First. Phase 2 Gap: Neurochemistry & Motivation Ask: Do I still know why this matters? Am I seeing progress? Has the reward disappeared? Have I lost momentum? Signs This Is Your Gap Procrastination Lack of drive Loss of enthusiasm Feeling stuck Example This was your hiking example. You still had the ability. You still had the discipline. You simply stopped feeling rewarded by the effort. Solution Repair the Motivation Loop: Reconnect to purpose Reduce challenge temporarily Improve recovery Look for progress Phase 3 Gap: Movement, Learning & Cognition Ask: Am I moving enough? Am I physically engaged? Am I learning new things? Is my brain being challenged? Signs This Is Your Gap Low energy Mental sluggishness Poor concentration Feeling mentally flat Example Someone spends 10 hours at a desk. Their motivation is fine. Their sleep is fine. But they're sedentary. Movement is the missing ingredient. Solution Move first. The research from Chuck Hillman and John Ratey suggests movement often improves: Attention Mood Learning Memory Phase 4 Gap: Perception, Emotion & Social Intelligence Ask: Am I seeing this situation clearly? Am I understanding others? Do I feel connected? Signs This Is Your Gap Conflict Miscommunication Isolation Emotional reactivity Example A leader thinks: "Nobody supports my vision." But the real issue is communication. The gap isn't motivation. It's perception. Solution Improve: Listening Emotional awareness Perspective-taking Relationships Phase 5 Gap: Integration, Insight & Meaning Ask: Does this align with who I want to become? Am I moving toward something meaningful? Do I have clarity? Signs This Is Your Gap Success without fulfillment Feeling lost Lack of direction Constantly chasing goals Example Someone has achieved everything they wanted professionally. But they still feel empty. The gap isn't performance. It's meaning. Solution Reconnect with: Values Purpose Identity Contribution to the World. The Most Powerful Question At the end of every week, ask: "Where is my gap?" Is it:
2026 - 06 - 02 Kristen Holmes by CurtinFM 100.1 in Perth, Western Australia
On this week's episode of the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist Dr. Kristen Holmes welcomes Happiness Expert and Yale Professor Dr. Laurie Santos to explore what makes humans happy. This science-backed conversation looks at the key mindset, habits and behaviors that drive a person's happiness, beyond chasing achievements. Dr. Santos shares the information you need to create lasting joy and quiet negative emotions when they arise. Each practical tool shared in this episode will help to overcome stress, perfectionism and create the self-compassion needed to truly improve your everyday life. (00:35) Inside Dr. Laurie Santos's Record-Breaking Yale Course(02:04) Differentiating Happiness and Joy (And How To Find Both)(03:33) The Importance of Finding Purpose(05:52) What Happens When You Aren't Aligned With Your True Self(09:54) The Largest Misconception When It Comes To Happiness(11:40) Happiness in Athletes: Overcoming The Need For Achievement (15:05) Quieting A Negative Mindset (18:52) The Key Mental Shift for Fulfillment(21:36) Fighting Back Against Perfectionist Self Talk(24:50) How Social Comparison is Taking Away (29:39) Impactful Effects of Gratitude and Kindness Meditation(32:26) Creating Psychological Safety & How It Impacts Happiness(33:30) What Role of Sleep Play in Happiness?(39:19) Benefits of Scheduling Your Worry(40:30) The Overwhelming Impact of Social Connection on Health and Happiness(41:50) Social Connection For Extroverts vs Introverts(50:39) Happiness in Marriage: Finding Joy Within Yourself and Your Partner (52:25) How Ruminating In Negative Thoughts Can Hinder Growth(55:38) Attention and Intention in Mindfulness and Meditation(01:01:01) How to Dr. Santos Defines A Good Life(01:01:47) 3 Ways To Bring Happiness Into Your Life TodayFollow Dr. Laurie SantosInstagramYouTubeXWebsiteSupport the showFollow WHOOP:Sign up for WHOOP Advanced LabsTrial WHOOP for Freewww.whoop.comInstagramTikTokYouTubeXFacebookLinkedInFollow Will Ahmed:InstagramXLinkedInFollow Kristen Holmes:InstagramLinkedInFollow Emily Capodilupo:LinkedIn
Elite performance is not a personality trait. It is biology, managed intentionally. In this episode of The Game Changing Attorney Podcast, Michael Mogill sits down with Dr. Kristen Holmes, Global Head of Human Performance at WHOOP, to talk about what health tracking should actually do for you. They break down how to use wearable data without getting trapped in day-to-day noise, why sleep consistency beats chasing perfect sleep duration, and how recovery drives the capacity you need for clear thinking, stable energy, and better decisions. If you want the upside of high output without the crash that usually follows, this conversation gives you the framework. Here's what you'll learn: How to read your data in a way that supports better decisions, not more second-guessing What a strong baseline looks like across HRV, resting heart rate, respiratory rate, and VO2 max A simple starting point to stabilize sleep and recovery before you chase optimization If you want to perform like an outlier, start living like your biology matters. (00:00:00) Introduction (00:02:22) Wearables, Data, and Anxiety (00:05:47) HRV, CV, and Adaptation (00:09:55) VO2 Max and "Hard to Die" (00:14:50) LeBron Rules Apply to Everyone (00:16:56) Sleep Consistency Beats Duration (00:20:32) Sleep Debt and "Social Jet Lag" (00:23:01) Why Deep Sleep and REM Matter (00:25:26) Light Diet and Circadian Alignment (00:28:55) Why "Recovery" Isn't the Couch (00:29:39) Capacity, Stress, and Survival (00:32:37) Train Heart and Build Muscle (00:34:49) Heart Rate and Decision Quality (00:41:36) Wearables vs Drinking (00:43:22) The 80/20 Life and Your "Why" (00:47:24) Purpose, Autonomy, Connection (00:51:41) Building Team Capacity at Work (01:02:18) "Aligned": What the Book Covers (01:06:00) Closing ---- Links & Resources: WHOOP Heart rate variability (HRV) Respiratory rate VO2 max Peter Drucker Dr. Russell Foster's TED Talk Rory McIlroy Scott Galloway "Aligned" by Kristen Holmes ---- Learn what sustainable growth can look like for your firm at crispcoach.com. ---- Do you love this podcast and want to see more game changing content? Subscribe to our YouTube channel. ---- Past guests on The Game Changing Attorney Podcast include David Goggins, John Morgan, Alex Hormozi, Randi McGinn, Kim Scott, Chris Voss, Kevin O'Leary, Laura Wasser, John Maxwell, Mark Lanier, Robert Greene, and many more. ---- If you enjoyed this episode, you may also like: 323. James Lawrence - The Power of One More: A Journey of Grit and Determination 170. Mat Fraser - The Fittest Man on Earth 21. Will Ahmed - Unlocking Human Performance
In this special compilation episode, we explore the evolving science of pregnancy, exercise, and recovery through conversations with two innovative voices in women's health: Dr. Shon Rowan and Dr. Lindsey Mathews. Dr. Shon Rowan, an OB-GYN and researcher, shares groundbreaking insights from his work studying heart rate variability (HRV) throughout pregnancy and postpartum. His findings reveal fascinating physiologic adaptations—including measurable changes in HRV and resting heart rate that begin almost immediately after conception, reverse in the weeks leading up to delivery, and may ultimately rebound postpartum to levels even higher than pre-pregnancy. Dr. Lindsey Mathews, a Doctor of Chiropractic and prenatal movement specialist, offers practical guidance on how women can use HRV as a tool to better understand stress, recovery, and readiness—helping inform training intensity during pregnancy and postpartum in a way that honors the body's changing needs. Together, these conversations challenge outdated beliefs about pregnancy and exercise, highlight the incredible adaptability of the female body, and offer a more informed, empowering perspective on movement during one of life's most transformative seasons. In this episode, we discuss: How HRV and resting heart rate change during pregnancy Why postpartum HRV may exceed pre-pregnancy levels Using HRV trends to guide training and recovery Why pregnancy research has historically been limited The future of wearable technology in women's health How exercise can support—not hinder—a healthy pregnancy and recovery Related Episodes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1019070179?i=1000532952176Ep 210 - HRV + Pregnancy with Dr. Shon Rowan Ep 263 - Resilience, Recovery + Performance with Kristen Holmes https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/id1019070179?i=1000564649843 If you like this episode, please subscribe to Pursuing Health on iTunes and give it a rating or share your feedback on social media using the hashtag #PursuingHealth. I look forward to bringing you future episodes with inspiring individuals and ideas about health. Disclaimer: This podcast is for general information only, and does not provide medical advice. I recommend that you seek assistance from your personal physician for any health conditions or concerns.
In this episode of the WHOOP Podcast How To Series, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance and Principal Scientist, Dr. Kristen Holmes, sits down with renowned longevity expert, Dr. Darshan Shah, to break down how to maximize longevity. The episode focuses on what truly drives healthspan, drawing from Dr. Shah's own experience as a trauma surgeon. Dr. Shah explains why most chronic diseases are preventable and reversible and why lasting change comes from mastering the fundamentals: sleep quality, daily movement, nutrition, stress management, and consistent data tracking. The conversation explores key biomarkers, the dangers of sedentary living, the role of toxins and environment, and the importance of habit formation, purpose, and emotional health. Together, Dr. Shah and Dr. Holmes reframe longevity not as living longer, but as living better— extending vitality, resilience, and performance throughout life.(00:47) Intro to Dr. Darshan Shah, Longevity Expert(01:14) How Chronic Illness Impacted Dr. Shah Firsthand(06:15) Dr. Shah: From Trauma Surgeon to Longevity Focused Lifestyle(09:30) Building Next Health: Dr. Shah's Impact on the Longevity World(13:10) Biggest Barrier For Patients: What Trends Dr. Shah Is Seeing (19:50) The Influence of a Morning Routine on Health and Longevity(21:36) Looking At The Biggest Game Changer: Movement Throughout The Day(24:26) Eliminating The “All or Nothing” Mentality(28:23) Beyond Sedentary Behavior: Habits Declining Longevity(37:18) Best Biomarkers Promoting Longevity(48:04) Optimization Beyond Nutrition, Sleep, and Exercise (Advanced Advice)(52:28) Combatting Trauma and Understanding The Nervous System(56:18) Dr. Shah's Wellness Wheel: 12 Aspects of Health(58:52) Technological Development In Health and Longevity(59:43) Menopause and Longevity: How Women Can Mitigate Symptoms(01:08:18) Policy Changes That Will Aid Health and LongevityFollow Dr. Darshan ShahInstagram WebsiteDr. Shah's Guide to Minimizing Toxic ExposureDr. Shah's Guide to Biomarkers Support the showFollow WHOOP:Sign up for WHOOP Advanced LabsTrial WHOOP for Freewww.whoop.comInstagramTikTokYouTubeXFacebookLinkedInFollow Will Ahmed:InstagramXLinkedInFollow Kristen Holmes:InstagramLinkedInFollow Emily Capodilupo:LinkedIn
On this week's episode of the WHOOP Podcast, the WHOOP Research Series continues, sharing science-backed habits to help you improve your golf game. WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist Dr. Kristen Holmes and WHOOP Staff Research Scientist Dr. Greg Grosicki break down the groundbreaking new research linking recovery, sleep, and biometrics to the real-world performance of elite golfers. Drawing from one of the largest datasets in WHOOP research history, including 35,000+ nights of sleep data from 389 professional tour-level golfers, Dr. Holmes and Dr. Grosicki reveal how small improvements to sleep and recovery can translate to improved golf performance by more than a few strokes. From physical fitness to stress resilience, this study will help you rethink how you approach your golf game, on and off the green. Check out the full WHOOP Research Study here.(00:50) Using WHOOP To Collect Data on 389 Tour Level Golfers(02:00) Breaking Down The WHOOP Golf Study(03:44) Insights From The Largest Golf Data Set (06:29) The Impact of Recovery on a Golfer's Game(12:30) Behind The Methodology: Looking At Key Biometrics Impacting Golfers(18:22) 5 Years Of Tournaments: Patterns in Metrics and Performance(23:49) Why Recovery Isn't Just About Being In The Green(27:04) Associations Between Recovery and Performance Across Sport(32:56) Influential Impacts From HRV and RHR on Fitness and Performance(37:38) WHOOP and Mentality to Improve Your Golf Game(41:34) 3 Key Lessons To Improve Your Golf GameSupport the showFollow WHOOP:Sign up for WHOOP Advanced LabsTrial WHOOP for Freewww.whoop.comInstagramTikTokYouTubeXFacebookLinkedInFollow Will Ahmed:InstagramXLinkedInFollow Kristen Holmes:InstagramLinkedInFollow Emily Capodilupo:LinkedIn
Andrea Samadi revisits a conversation with sleep researcher Antonio Zadra on why the brain dreams, how REM sleep integrates emotions and memories, and the NextUp model (Network Exploration to Understand Possibilities). Learn that dreaming executes integration largely without recall, how remembered dreams can aid reflection, and practical tips—like keeping a dream log and noting emotions—to use sleep-based processing for insight, creativity, and problem solving within Season 15's roadmap from regulation to integration. How the Brain Integrates Insight During Sleep Review of EP 104 (Jan 2021) with Antonio Zadra In this episode, we revisit our conversation with sleep scientist Antonio Zadra to explore why the brain dreams—and how sleep helps us integrate learning, solve problems, and spark creativity. ✅ What You'll Learn in This Episode ✔️ Why dreams are not random—and what purpose they serve ✔️ The NEXTUP model (Network Exploration to Understand Possibilities) and how the brain explores ideas during sleep ✔️ How dreams connect past experiences, present challenges, and future possibilities ✔️ Why the brain is actively working “offline” while you sleep ✔️ How dreaming supports problem-solving and creative insight ✔️ The role of REM sleep in memory consolidation and emotional processing ✔️ Why dreams help regulate stress and emotional experiences ✔️ Why you don't need to remember your dreams for them to be effective ✔️ The truth about dream interpretation (and why there is no universal meaning) ✔️ How to use dream recall as a tool for self-reflection and awareness ✔️ Why insight from dreams often appears later—not in the moment Key Concept
Host Andrea Samadi revisits a 2021 conversation with Dr. Kristen Holmes (VP of Performance Science at WHOOP) to explain how measuring sleep, recovery, and strain transforms performance and resilience. The episode emphasizes that small daily habits in downtime—sleep, HRV, hydration, and strategic movement—create a sustainable competitive advantage. Practical tips include tracking one recovery metric, building a shutdown routine, auditing downtime choices, prioritizing consistent sleep, and balancing strain with recovery so you can train smarter, reduce stress, and improve focus and wellbeing. For today's EP 390, we cover: ✔ What “What gets measured gets improved” really means for performance ✔ How sleep, recovery, and strain work together as one system ✔ Why recovery—not effort—is the true driver of results ✔ The hidden cost of high strain without adequate sleep ✔ How to use data to match your effort to your recovery capacity ✔ The difference between training harder vs. training smarter ✔ Why shorter, intentional workouts can outperform longer sessions ✔ How wearable data (like WHOOP) builds awareness and better decision-making ✔ The connection between overtraining, inflammation, and performance plateaus ✔ How to create sustainable performance through balance, not extremes Welcome back to Season 15 of the Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast. I'm Andrea Samadi, and here we bridge the science behind social and emotional learning, emotional intelligence, and practical neuroscience—so we can create measurable improvements in well-being, achievement, productivity, and results. When we launched this podcast seven years ago, it was driven by a question I had never been taught to ask— not in school, not in business, and not in life: If results matter—and they matter now more than ever—how exactly are we using our brain to make these results happen? Most of us were taught what to do. Very few of us were taught how to think under pressure, how to regulate emotion, how to sustain motivation, or even how to produce consistent results without burning out. That question led me into a deep exploration of the mind–brain–results connection—and how neuroscience applies to everyday decisions, conversations, and performance. That's why this podcast exists. Each week, we bring you leading experts to break down complex science and translate it into practical strategies that we can all apply immediately. Season 15 we've organized as a review roadmap, where each episode explores one foundational brain system—and each phase builds on the one before it. Season 15 Roadmap: Phase 1 — Regulation & Safety Phase 2 — Neurochemistry & Motivation Phase 3 — Movement, Learning & Cognition Phase 4 — Perception, Emotion & Social Intelligence Phase 5 — Integration, Insight & Meaning PHASE 1: REGULATION & SAFETY Staples: Sleep + Stress Regulation Core Question: Is the nervous system safe enough to learn? Anchor Episodes Episode 384[i] — Baland Jalal How learning begins: curiosity, sleep, imagination, creativity Episode 385[ii] — Bruce Perry “What happened to you?” — trauma, rhythm, relational safety Episode 387[iii] Sui Wong Autonomic balance, lifestyle medicine, brain resilience Episode 389[iv] Rohan Dixit HRV, real-time self-regulation, nervous system literacy Episode 390 Dr. Kristen Holmes (Whoop) Recovery Metrics, physiological readiness Episode 391 Antonio Zadra Sleep, dreaming, REM Integration EPISODE 390 — Dr. Kristen Holmes Recovery Metrics, physiological readiness. In Phase 1: Regulation & Safety, we are asking one essential question: Is the nervous system safe enough to learn? And today we cover this topic as we travel back to May 2021 for EP 134[v] when we first met Dr. Kristen Holmes, the VP of Performance Science at Whoop. Back then, I had just turned 50 and purchased the Whoop wearable tracker to help me to improve my weakest link (at the time): Sleep. For today's EP 390 — We revisit this earlier episode with Dr. Kristen Holmes and her work that centers on one powerful truth: What gets measured gets improved. In our original conversation, we explored sleep, recovery, and strain — and how understanding your body's data can transform performance, health, and resilience. This episode bridges physiology and performance — showing how awareness becomes optimization. A lot has changed with the Whoop wearable device in the past 5 years and you don't need to use a wearable to tune into our conversation, to see how we can improve YOUR weakest link (once you have discovered what it is).
On this month's episode of the WHOOP Podcast How To Series, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist Dr. Kristen Holmes sits down with renowned neuroscientist and author of The Stimulated Mind Dr. Tommy Wood. Dr. Holmes and Dr. Wood share the key habits to “future-proof” your brain against dementia, ensuring you stay sharp throughout all stages of life. Dr. Wood highlights the importance of activating your brain, outside of the monotonous routine of daily life through exercise, learning a language or instrument, or picking up a new hobby. This episode will provide you with the key tools, habits, and knowledge to protect your brain health, avoid burnout, and add more life to your years. Be sure to grab a copy of Dr. Tommy Wood's new book The Stimulated Mind here.(01:01) Dr. Tommy Wood's Inspiration Behind Writing The Stimulated Mind(05:10) How The Brain Should Work and How To Test It(08:39) WHOOP Podcast Rapid Fire Questions(10:39) What Learning Does For Your Brain(15:07) Is Your Job Impacting Brain Health?(19:59) Perceptions of Threat and Challenge and Recovering From Each(27:42) What Are The Signals of Mental Burnout? (32:05) Optimizing Cognitive Bandwidth and Avoiding Distraction(41:00) The Hierarchy of Movement(53:13) Connection Between Socialization and Brain Health(56:02) The Brain Health Dashboard: Essential Habits For Everyday LifeFollow Dr. Tommy WoodInstagramWebsiteSupport the showFollow WHOOP:Sign up for WHOOP Advanced LabsTrial WHOOP for Freewww.whoop.comInstagramTikTokYouTubeXFacebookLinkedInFollow Will Ahmed:InstagramXLinkedInFollow Kristen Holmes:InstagramLinkedInFollow Emily Capodilupo:LinkedIn
Sick of being told your labs are “normal” when you KNOW something's off? In today's episode, I'm joined by functional medicine expert Dr. Robin Berzin to talk about what it really means to take control of your health in midlife. Dr. Berzin shares the early warning signs to watch for and how to better interpret your health data so you can catch imbalances before they become bigger issues. You'll learn how to advocate for yourself, understand key lab markers, and explore why supportive options like supplementation and HRT could be game-changers for you. We're reframing health as an ongoing, flexible practice—not a rigid destination—helping you release perfection and stay curious about what your body needs. Tune in here to feel empowered and take your health into your own hands with confidence! Dr. Robin Berzin Dr. Robin Berzin the founder and CEO of Parsley Health, America's leading holistic medical practice designed to help women overcome chronic conditions. As a pioneer in functional medicine, she founded Parsley to address the rise of chronic disease in America through personalized holistic medicine. She stresses the importance of not only medications and treatments, but more so why food, lifestyle, and proactive diagnostics are just as essential– if not more. Since founding Parsley in 2016, Dr. Berzin has seen 80% of patients improve or resolve their chronic conditions within their first year of care, showing the life-changing value of making modern holistic medicine accessible to everyone. IN THIS EPISODE How to navigate feeling dismissed by your doctor Why “normal” doesn't always mean normal The massive benefits of a functional medicine approach Proactively testing hormone levels earlier than you may think Tracking your metrics to better understand your body Managing stress in your body and mind during midlife How to realistically fit healthy habits into your busy routine Supplementation to support your body through midlife transitions Hormone Replacement therapy and GLP-1 use in perimenopause & beyond QUOTES “A lot of times, the labs may technically fall within the normal range, not the optimal range– normal range being based on an average of Americans today, and 60% of Americans have at least one chronic condition, 40% have two. So our averages have drifted over time to kind of reflect a sick population.” “Whether it's aging parents or kids growing up, or something happening career-wise… all of that puts pressure on a physical system that's in dynamic change hormonally, and I think we have to recognize that.” “Proactive, preventive medicine is where we're going. Proactive testing is required to practice that type of personalized preventive care, and I believe that HRT is going to become the default rather than the exception.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Order my new book: The Perimenopause Revolution https://peri-revolution.com/ Robin's Website Robin on Instagram Parsley Health Website RELATED EPISODES #661: When ‘Normal' Isn't Normal: How to Be Heard (and Taken Seriously) at the Doctor's Office #650: Unlock Your Health: The Ultimate Biomarker & Lab Blueprint to Thrive in Midlife and Beyond #541: Why Functional Labs Are a Game Changer for Your Health with Dr. Kela Smith #527: The Science Of Energy Production and Recovery & How To Balance Out Cortisol and Melatonin with Kristen Holmes
Midlife is the time to measure, understand your body, and take proactive steps to support your future self. In this episode, I'm diving into the massive metabolic shift that happens during perimenopause—and why this stage of life is the perfect time to build true metabolic resilience. We explore how metabolism doesn't respond to punishment or extremes, but instead thrives on consistent biological rhythms and supportive daily signals. Even small, simple habits can create powerful changes when practiced consistently. Because over time, these small shifts can stabilize energy, reduce inflammation, and help eliminate those frustrating crashes. If you're ready to feel deeply supported in midlife, this episode will give you the roadmap to start today! IN THIS EPISODE One of the MOST important upgrades of your life Preventing chronic disease and protecting your heart and brain health Defining your own habits that bring you energy and clarity Navigating hormone shifts and other physiological changes happening in midlife Building life-changing habits that you can be consistent with What to expect from my new FREE jumpstart program! QUOTES “I am more committed than ever to protecting my metabolic and brain health. Even on the hard days, because at the center of everything, your energy, your mood, your weight, your resilience, is your cellular energy, your cellular capacity is what's determining the symptoms.” “I believe a big part of our midlife journey is building daily habits that protect our cellular energy.” “Perimenopause is the most rapid intervention window for body composition change. A 2020 study showed the greatest decline in lean muscle mass occurs during perimenopause.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Kickstart your Energy in my FREE 7-day Jumpstart Program HERE! https://go.drmariza.com/lp/reignite-your-energy/ Order my newest book: The Perimenopause Revolution HERE! https://peri-revolution.com/ RELATED EPISODES 728: Why Brain Fog Isn't Random: The Hormone Shift Behind It 727: The Missing Link in Perimenopause: How to Rebuild Energy, Resilience & Hormonal Harmony with Dr. Deanna Minich 725: Exhausted, Wired & Not Yourself? The Hormone Havoc Causing Midlife Burnout with Dr. Amy Shah #632: The Secret to Optimal Sleep, Resilience, Performance and Emotional Wellbeing with Dr. Kristen Holmes
Welcome to the WHOOP Research Series, where we breakdown into the extensive, scientific research conducted by the WHOOP Performance Science team. On this week's episode, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist, Dr. Kristen Holmes sits down with WHOOP Senior Research Scientist Dr. Greg Grosicki to unpack the latest WHOOP Research Study on Heart Rate Variability Coefficient of Variation or HRV-CV. Using data from 21,000+ WHOOP members and 2 million nights of sleep, Dr. Holmes and Dr. Grosicki reveal why day-to-day stability in your HRV may matter more than the number itself. HRV-CV proves to outperform traditional metrics in detecting the real impact of alcohol, sleep consistency, and metabolic health, making it a great measure of healthspan. By looking deeper into the study, Dr. Holmes and Dr. Grosicki explains how HRV-CV can help you program your training smarter, improve your healthspan and build autonomic resilience. This episode unpacks how measuring HRV-CV isn't just about performance, but risk stratification and understanding your physiology over-time, not just day-to-day. (01:11) Intro To The Study: Why Is HRV-CV Important? (04:09) HRV-CV and Risk Stratification(08:28) Definition of HRV-CV(11:40) What HRV-CV Indicates in Athlete Recovery(14:26) Breaking Down The WHOOP Study(17:13) HRV-CV Trends in Shift Workers(21:21) Why Is HRV-CV an Important Biomarker?(25:18) HRV-CV Trends in Individuals on GLP-1 Medications(26:29) The Weather vs. The Climate: HRV vs. HRV-CV(33:41) The Results: Breaking Down the Data(36:37) How HRV-CV Responds to Certain Behaviors(39:38) Trends Between HRV-CV Between Age, Biological Sex, and Body Mass Index(49:54) How To Improve HRV-CV(56:39) New Research Roles and Opportunities at WHOOPReferences:American Journal of Physiology PublicationHRV-CV: The Key Metric for Lifestyle Consistency and StabilitySupport the showFollow WHOOP: Sign up for WHOOP Advanced Labs Trial WHOOP for Free www.whoop.com Instagram TikTok YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn
It was a tumultuous week on the streets and in the courts, with panelists Kristen Holmes, Juliette Kayyem, and Josh Marshall joining Harry to break it all down. ICE's reign of terror in Minnesota continues, even as top Trump officials sing a softer tune after nationwide outrage over the death of Alex Pretti. The panel marches through the latest fallout from Pretti's killing, as well as the newest attempts by the DOJ to advance Trump's agenda elsewhere, from the arrest of Don Lemon to the shocking raid on a Georgia election office. Mentioned in this episode: Kristen's reporting: https://www.cnn.com/profiles/kristen-holmes-bio Juliette's writing in the Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/author/juliette-kayyem/ Josh's analysis: https://talkingpointsmemo.com/author/josh_m Also, check out some big changes coming to the Talking Feds Substack: https://harrylitman.substack.com/p/big-changes-for-the-talking-feds Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
You can ALWAYS get stronger, no matter your age. In this episode, I'm joined by muscle-centric medicine expert Dr. Gabrielle Lyon to reframe how you think about your health—starting with muscle. Life gets busy and chaotic, especially when you're juggling kids, work, and everything in between. So Dr. Lyon breaks down how to simplify your focus and double down on what truly moves the needle for your health. At the center of it all? Skeletal muscle– the key driver of metabolic health, strength, and resilience as we age. She explains why protecting and building muscle isn't about aesthetics—it's about safeguarding your heart, brain, and long-term vitality. We're here to remind you that strength training is really about training for your future self, and it can be easier than you may think. Ready to boost your strength and confidence in midlife? This is an episode you don't want to miss!
Welcome back to the WHOOP Podcast! To kick off the New Year, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist, Dr. Kristen Holmes, sits down with 2x HYROX World Champion, Meg Martin. Meg joins the WHOOP Podcast to share what it really takes to push your physical and mental limits—without burning out. Meg shares how a childhood in gymnastics and sports aerobics built her discipline, why most people overdo intensity in their workouts, and how she and her husband balance elite performance with a focus on recovery and longevity. Meg and Dr. Holmes dives into sickness, travel, immune resilience, sleep, and why mindset work is the real secret behind achieving PRs. Meg presents the idea of “fears week”, a habit she has implemented in her coaching technique to help her clients grow on and off the HYROX course. Whether you're looking to compete in HYROX, or hoping to build a stronger focus on mental strength, this episode provides you with the habits and mindset shifts to push your performance limits. (00:47) Meg Martin's Journey to HYROX(02:11) What Is HYROX? (03:32) Building Mental Toughness For HYROX(04:43) “You Have To Love To Hurt” Why Athletes Are Drawn To HYROX(08:07) The Mindset Of A World Champion(10:29) Navigating Illness and Injury As An Athlete(14:48) How Meg Thinks About Sleep, Rest, And Recovery(18:16) Building A Supportive Team & Community(21:59) Incorporating Mindfulness in Coaching (27:54) Finding Happiness & Purpose To Overcome Fears(30:19) HYROX Training True or False Questions(36:29) Volume and Intensity Training As A HYROX Athlete(40:17) How To Build Your Pacing Instincts in HYROX(44:17) Being A Business Owner and Full-Time Athlete(46:55) A Message To New HYROX Athletes: Tips and TechniquesFollow Meg Martin:InstagramYouTubeTikTokSupport the showFollow WHOOP: Sign up for WHOOP Advanced Labs Trial WHOOP for Free www.whoop.com Instagram TikTok YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn
We had an incredible year on the WHOOP Podcast and to celebrate we're looking back on some of the conversations that inspired us, challenged us, and helped us better understand what it means to perform at our peak. This year, we sat down with world-class thought leaders, athletes, and creators – each sharing lessons on health, mindset, and the science of human potential. From Olympic gold medalists and Grand Slam champions to cardiologists, nutrition scientists, and happiness experts, this Best of 2025 episode brings together the most powerful insights shared on the podcast this year. Will Ahmed, Dr. Kristen Holmes, and Emily Capodilupo revisit standout moments on happiness, recovery, women's health, and more.You'll hear Arthur Brooks on the simple habits of the happiest people, Dr. Rangan Chatterjee on turning everyday frustrations into opportunity, Aly Raisman on emotional recovery, Rich Roll on meditation and self-awareness, Cristiano Ronaldo on balancing training and lifestyle, Aryna Sabalenka bringing joy to the competitive sport of tennis, Rory McIlroy on pressure as a privilege, and Mike White on surviving grueling production schedules. We also dive deep into health and longevity with Lucy Davis, Dr. Jessica Shepherd, Stef Williams, Dr. Jeremy London, and Dr. Michelle Davenport—covering strength training, hormones, heart health, and realistic nutrition for busy lives.(01:08) Arthur Brooks On How to be Happier - Episode 304(05:45) Dr. Rangan Chatterjee On Habits to Reframe Your Mindset - Episode 319(07:11) Aly Raisman On Feeling Validated and Accepting Exhaustion - Episode 349(09:37) Rich Roll On Meditation and Calming the Mind - Episode 343(13:05) Cristiano Ronaldo On Finding Balance in Life and Training - Episode 324(15:47) Aryna Sabalenka On Having Fun to Perform at Your Best - Episode 338(18:43) Rory McIlroy On Performing Under Pressure - Episode 318(20:41) Mike White On Staying Healthy on Set - Episode 317(23:16) Lucy Davis On Creating a Positive Environment For Women in Sports - Episode 334(25:43) Dr. Jessica Shepherd On Why Women Need Strength Training - Episode 328(28:30) Stef Williams On Endometriosis and Mitigating Symptoms Through Lifestyle - Episode 354(33:51) Dr. Jeremy London On Lifestyle Changes to Promote Cardiovascular Health - Episodes 307 & 308(37:38) Dr. Michelle Davenport On Nutrition Hacks for Busy Individuals - Episode 325Support the showFollow WHOOP: Sign up for WHOOP Advanced Labs Trial WHOOP for Free www.whoop.com Instagram TikTok YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn
This week on the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist, Dr. Kristen Holmes sits down with dual-sport national team athlete and exercise physiologist Dr. Heather Logan-Sprenger. The two take a deep dive into one of the most underrated and often forgotten about habits for human performance: hydration.Dr. Logan-Sprenger shares how growing up in Northern Ontario, watching her dad water flowers and her cat grow winter fur, quietly planted the seeds for a lifelong fascination with physiology, stress, and adaptation. From competing for Team Canada in both ice hockey and road cycling to suffering from heat stroke mid–PhD on hydration, her experience and education show just how fragile — and adaptable — the human body really is.Dr. Holmes and Dr. Logan-Sprenger identify what mild dehydration does to your metabolism, brain, and overall performance, and how hydration needs shift across the menstrual cycle. This episode will teach you the simple hydration strategies, how to calculate your sweat rate at home, and when electrolytes actually matter.(01:07) Dr. Heather Logan-Sprenger Intro: Background in Sport & Physiology(01:49) Training, Nutrition, & Hydration: Unpacking Your Body's Needs(08:06) National-Level Athlete to PhD(10:51) WHOOP Podcast Rapid Fire Questions(13:08) Training At Altitude: Hydration Dos and Don'ts (14:49) The Physiology of Heat Stroke(20:33) Correlation Between Hydration and Carbs While Training(24:51) How The Menstrual Cycle Affects Hydration (31:19) Mechanisms of Dehydration: What Happens To The Body(36:52) Cognitive Disadvantages Of Dehydration(38:56) Dehydration's Effects On The Cardiovascular & Thermoregulatory System(40:35) Dehydration's Effects On The Brain (41:29) Measuring Your Sweat Rate As An Athlete(45:39) Essential Habits To Teach Kids and Athletes About Hydration(49:20) Overhydrating and Mineral Loss with Hydration(53:45) Debunking Hydration Myths(55:54) Heart Rate, Lactate, and Power Output's Relationships to Hydration(59:48) Dr. Logan-Sprenger's Ideal Hydration Study: Mitochondrial Hypoxia and Metabolism(01:05:23) OutroFollow Dr. Heather Logan-SprengerLinkedInInstagramPeakgenicsSupport the showFollow WHOOP: Sign up for WHOOP Advanced Labs Trial WHOOP for Free www.whoop.com Instagram TikTok YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn
This week on the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist, Dr. Kristen Holmes sits down with fitness entrepreneur and creator of WeGlow, Stef Williams. The two discuss building an empowering global community, navigating endometriosis, redefining movement, and Stef's pregnancy journey. Stef opens up about her path from athlete to influencer, the realities of running multiple businesses, her evolving relationship with health and mindset, and how intentional lifestyle choices helped her reclaim her wellbeing. This episode highlights the power of a positive mindset, training, and understanding your body to feel stronger, more connected to your health and wellness goals. (00:00) Cold Open(00:43) Intro(02:36) Rapid Fire Questions(07:14) Stef's Background and Building WeGlow(12:26) Fighting Exercise Burnout(14:02) Common Misconceptions In The Fitness Industry(16:21) Inner Ad(16:34) Stef's Day In The Life: Entrepreneur and Fitness Influencer(20:40) Ins and Outs of Running The Business(25:20) Pregnancy, Balancing A Career, and Lifestyle Changes(28:22) How Stef Uses WHOOP For Her Health and Wellness(33:09) Inner Ad(33:42) Managing Endometriosis: Signs and Symptoms(39:02) Nutrition, Lifestyle, and Preventative Care with Endometriosis(45:09) Cycle Tracking and Navigating Pregnancy with Endometriosis(50:25) Getting A Diagnosis and Mindset Training(51:30) Stef's Goals and Motivations (56:10) Stef's Advice For Women in Training and Business(58:33) Kristen's Advice For Expecting Mothers(01:00:51) OutroStef Williams InstagramTikTokYouTubeLinkedInFacebookWeGLOWSupport the showFollow WHOOP: Sign up for WHOOP Advanced Labs Trial WHOOP for Free www.whoop.com Instagram TikTok YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn
On this week's episode of the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance Principal Scientist, Dr. Kristen Holmes and WHOOP SVP of Research, Algorithms and Data, Emily Capodilupo sit down to give you an exclusive look into the WHOOP 2025 Year in Review. Emily and Dr. Holmes share the numerous features released by WHOOP this year, including WHOOP Age and Healthspan, advances in AI and WHOOP Coach capabilities, WHOOP Advanced Labs, and more – all in the effort to add 1 billion healthy years to WHOOP member's lives. Emily and Dr. Holmes give an inside look into the development of each new feature, the science that powers them, and the ways members can continue to use WHOOP to significantly improve their health and wellbeing. Emily shares her own experience and goals of lowering her WHOOP Age, while Dr. Holmes shares how Healthspan significantly motivated her and her family to make significant behavior changes toward a better future. Together, Emily and Dr. Holmes unpack global trends of 2025, including the healthiest country by WHOOP Age Delta, Recovery, and the rise of specific activities and sports across the entire WHOOP Community. Emily matches outstanding WHOOP Data from some of our partners and previous podcast guests and teases some exciting WHOOP developments coming in 2026. Check out your WHOOP 2025 Year In Review in the app now!(00:10) WHOOP 2025 YIR(00:48) Impact of WHOOP Age and Healthspan(06:41) Behind The Algorithm: What It Took To Create WHOOP Age(09:50) Inside WHOOP Coach with Memory(14:14) WHOOP Advanced Labs(23:54) Women's Health and Cycle Tracking On WHOOP(28:22) 2025 Superlatives(29:35) How Strength Training Has Impacted Longevity & Healthspan(30:00) Impact of Sleep Consistency on Overall Health(33:05) Training To Live Better: What Do We Need?(37:02) True or False: Sleep Edition(38:48) Crowning The Healthiest Country by WHOOP Age Delta(46:52) Most Logged Strain Activities for 2025(47:37) Looking Ahead to 2026WHOOP Year In Review 2025Support the showFollow WHOOP: Sign up for WHOOP Advanced Labs Trial WHOOP for Free www.whoop.com Instagram TikTok YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn
On this week's episode of the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist, Dr. Kristen Holmes sits down with Rachel Otto, the first female operator of the United States Secret Service Counter Assault Team. Rachel recounts her journey from playing Division I volleyball at The Citadel, to her experience in law enforcement, becoming a federal agent in New York City, and protecting various heads of state. Rachel shares what it takes to protect the President and Vice President, from maintaining elite readiness for split-second decision making to managing sleep consistency across time zones. Dr. Holmes and Rachel breakdown the recovery, fitness, and discipline needed to thrive in a highly demanding, high-stakes job. (00:47) Meet Rachel Otto: First Female United States Secret Service Counter Assault Agent(02:57) Skillset & Training of A Counter-Assault Agent(05:06) WHOOP Podcast Rapid Fire Questions(06:00) Rachel's Experience at The Citadel(12:03) Operating In A Male-Dominated Field & Adapting To Environments (14:27) Rachel's Experience As A Law Enforcement Officer(16:22) The Mental Aspect: How To Stay Focused In A High Stress Environment(18:55) Crucial Lifestyle Choices To Show Up As A Federal Agent(24:05) Becoming A Federal Agent(27:51) Maintaining Consistency and Discipline (37:45) What It's Like Protecting The President(41:54) Circadian Rhythm, Sleep & Tracking Metrics(50:39) Rachel's Training: CrossFit, HYROX, and Exercise Snacks(59:02) Advice For Young Girls Getting Into The FieldSupport the showFollow WHOOP: Sign up for WHOOP Advanced Labs Trial WHOOP for Free www.whoop.com Instagram TikTok YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn
On this month's edition of the WHOOP Podcast How To Series, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist, Dr. Kristen Holmes sits down with Registered Sports Dietician, Angie Asche to explore what it really means to fuel for performance as an athlete. Angie has worked with a variety of professional athletes in the MLB, NHL and more, optimizing their nutrition habits to perform at their peak.Angie outlines the importance of prioritizing the three macronutrients – carbohydrates, proteins, and fats – and how to ensure you're getting the right amount of each. This episode dives into why the timing of meals is so important, explaining the impacts nutrition has on sleep and recovery. Angie and Dr. Holmes unpack the fine line between aesthetics and performance and how under-fueling affects both male and female athletes.(00:50) WHOOP Rapid Fire Q's(01:50) Prioritizing Macronutrients As An Athlete(03:17) Under Fueling: Balancing Aesthetics and Performance(05:11) Common Symptoms of Under Fueling(06:58) Impact of Under Fuelling On Sleep and Recovery(07:42) Fasting's Impact on Performance(09:42) Importance of Nutrient Timing(12:24) Late-Night Eating: How Does It Impact Sleep and Recovery?(15:39) Food Sensitivity Tests: Are They Worth The Hype?(19:02) Knowing Inflammation: Chronic Versus Acute(23:47) Do You Need To Supplement Nutrients As An Athlete?(27:16) Supplement Absorption and Daily Nutrition(32:35) Benefits of Prebiotics & Probiotics(33:57) Why Your Body Needs Fiber & Where To Get It(35:07) How To Track Macros(38:46) Intuitive Eating: What Your Body Needs & When(40:48) Long-Term Effects of Under Fueling(41:46) The Nutrients Many Female Athletes Are Missing(44:51) Nourishment Over Numbers: Changing Mindsets On Restrictive Eating(49:30) Metabolic Health: The Nutrients To Improve Your MetabolismFollow Angie Asche:InstagramLinkedInXWebsite Support the showFollow WHOOP: Sign up for WHOOP Advanced Labs Trial WHOOP for Free www.whoop.com Instagram TikTok YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn
From sleep to shift work, jetlag to stress, Helen gets the lowdown from Dr. Kristen Holmes, Global Head of Human Performance at WHOOP. Plus, we talk specialist vet care, meet the 10-year old author navigating diabetes at primary school, and as the world marks Women's Entrepreneurship Day, we ask why it's still harder to find funding for female run businesses.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On this episode of the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist Dr. Kristen Holmes sits down with Team USA Track Star, Colleen Quigley, to discuss training as an Olympian, recovery, and building a healthy athlete culture. Colleen shares her experience as a NCAA Division 1 athlete at Florida State to becoming an Olympian in the steeplechase and professional Triathlete before ultimately rediscovering her passion for middle-distance running. After years in the sport, Colleen opens up about launching her professional track team, Team Meridia, empowering athletes to take control of their careers, build their personal brand, and foster authentic partnerships. Dr. Holmes and Colleen walk through the science of a proper recovery routine and its importance in preventing burnout and injury. Dr. Holmes unveils Colleen's impressive WHOOP Age and how Colleen uses WHOOP as a crucial tool for her longevity as an athlete.(00:38) Colleen Quigley: Track Star & Steeple-Chase Specialist(03:43) Colleen's Aspirations In Sport(06:59) Injuries & Overtraining: The Culture of Track & Field (08:20) Building a Brand: Partnerships, Personal Story, and Team Dynamics(11:58) Creating a Team: Introducing Team Meridia(19:57) Colleen's Upcoming Training Goals(27:17) WHOOP & Tech in Mitigating Overtraining(34:14) Cycle Tracking While Training: Why It's Important For Women's Health(40:28) Colleen's WHOOP Age & Longevity Insights(42:31) Longevity As An Athlete: Important Role of Strength Training (46:21) Colleen on Recovery: Maintaining A Calm Nervous System(53:10) Health Benefits of Being Present & In The MomentFollow Colleen Quigley:InstagramTikTokXWebsiteFollow Team Meridia:InstagramWebsiteEpisode References:Using Data to Navigate Ironman Training with Laura Philip: AppleSpotifyYouTubeSupport the showFollow WHOOP: Sign up for WHOOP Advanced Labs Trial WHOOP for Free www.whoop.com Instagram TikTok YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn
As women in midlife, we're constantly juggling all the things. So, what can we do to balance all of our to-dos without feeling totally burnt out? In this episode, we're diving into the reality of energy changes during midlife and why committing to your own well-being is non-negotiable. I've invited Dr. Kristen Holmes– an expert in optimizing human performance, especially in women– to share her powerful strategies for enabling autonomic control so you can feel your best in your body. We're talking: Boosting mitochondrial energy Improving recovery and metabolic health And feeling fully resourced every. single. day We'll break down the simple yet impactful habits you can start to help you reclaim your vitality—even with a packed schedule. Because the truth is, no one is looking out for you the way YOU can. It's time to prioritize yourself, show up fully, and start feeling amazing again! Dr. Kristen Holmes Dr. Kristen Holmes is the Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist at WHOOP. She engages with industry-leading researchers to better understand individual and team biometric and performance data to drive product innovation, strategy, and coaching. Kristen blends her academic and applied background in athletics, coaching, performance technology, psychology, and exercise physiology to drive research, partnership, and product development initiatives to strengthen WHOOP. IN THIS EPISODE Core behaviors that enable autonomic control The importance of HRV metrics for health, fitness, and wellness Surprising insights from WHOOP data The science behind sleep for optimal recovery Non-negotiable habits for boosting your energy Your autonomic nervous system and your stress response Incorporating movement easily into your daily routine QUOTES “If we focus on improving the health of our autonomic nervous system, we're going to then improve not only our competitive advantage just as a human but most importantly our survival advantage.” “I think it's really important for us to have the resilience to overcome the stressors and to show up for the people we love in this world.” “It's a cross we bear in perimenopause and menopause. We can't afford to wing it. And that's why I think this data can be really helpful.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Use code THRIVE15 and get 15% off on your Berkeley Life order https://berkeleylife.pxf.io/Vxvdja Dr. Kristen's Instagram Dr. Kristen's NEW Podcast: Science and Soul Dr. Kristen's Linked In WHOOP Podcast with Kristen Holmes Try WHOOP HERE! RELATED EPISODES #527: The Science Of Energy Production and Recovery & How To Balance Out Cortisol and Melatonin with Kristen Holmes #626: Own Your Morning to Feel Energized and Ready to Show Up for Your Day with Liz Plosser #599: How to Wake Up Feeling Well Rested by Optimizing Sleep & Your Sleep-Wake Cycle with Lynne Peeples 580: Mastering Your Sleep, Metabolism and Overall, Health in Midlife with Cynthia Thurlow
Education, Health & Fitness and Sports - The Line
This week on the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist Dr. Kristen Holmes sits down with Dr. Martha Beck, world-renowned sociologist, bestselling author, and life coach, to explore what it means to live in alignment with your true self.Dr. Beck shares what her journey from academia at Harvard to becoming one of the world's most sought-after life coaches taught her about life's purpose. Together, Dr. Beck and Dr. Holmes discuss how living out of alignment can lead to physical and emotional distress, why the body often knows the truth before the mind, and how reconnecting with your inner self can restore clarity and fulfillment.Dr. Beck's wisdom will leave you rethinking success, redefining happiness, and inspired to create a life that feels truly your own. Get Off The WHOOP Advanced Labs Waitlist: The first 100 members to tap this link will unlock early access to WHOOP Advanced Labs.**Open the link on the same device as your WHOOP app.(00:48) Dr. Martha Beck: Background in Sociology and the Meaning of Life(03:03) Dr. Beck's Pivot from Sociologist to Life Coach(05:19) The Need to Drop Illusions: How To Overcome Limitations(08:26) WHOOP Podcast Rapid Fire Questions(09:24) The Physiology of Integrity: Accessing Your True Self(16:06) Signs That You Are Ignoring Your True Self(20:03) How The Loss of Integrity Fuels Addiction(23:37) How to Find Your Life Purpose(25:49) Where To Start: Find Your Truth and Live Your Best Life(33:58) High Achievers: How To Set Healthy Goals(36:37) Raising Future Generations To Be In Line with Their Passions(38:41) The Decision Matrix: Making Decisions That Align With Your True-Self(41:42) Gaining Control of Your Fears and Anxiety(45:47) Importance of Solitude and Self-Awareness in Finding Your Truth(49:13) Finding Solitude in a Technologically Connected World(58:16) Understanding Data and Your Body's Signals For Your Mental HealthFollow Dr. Martha Beck:InstagramFacebookYouTubeTiktokSupport the showFollow WHOOP: Sign up for WHOOP Advanced Labs Trial WHOOP for Free www.whoop.com Instagram TikTok YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn
On this week's episode, I was invited to explore what's next in health, movement, and longevity, live from the Healf HX25 event. Hosted by Dr. Kristen Holmes, Chief Performance Officer at WHOOP, I was joined in conversation with Kayla Barnes-Lentz, a leading voice in female health optimisation and one of the most publicly measured women on the planet.Together, through our own experiences and expertise, we discussed empowered movement, biohacking, the importance of tracking personal signals and biggest movement sins including that one change that will transform your results. Kayla discusses the latest research shaping the future of longevity, her daily biohacking protocols, and top biomarker recommendations for anyone starting their own longevity journey.// MORE FROM BRYONY // Use code BEYOND30 to get a free 30-days on the Pilates By Bryony app here.Visit pilatesbybryony.com and shop our products here. Follow me on Instagram @bryonydeery @pilatesbybryony. Watch Beyond the Mat on YouTube. Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
GET OF THE ADVANCED LABS WAITLIST: The first 100 members to tap this link will unlock early access to WHOOP Advanced Labs.**Open the link on the same device as your WHOOP app.This week on the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist, Dr. Kristen Holmes sits down with two members of the WHOOP Medical Advisory Board and experts on longevity and functional medicine, Dr. Robin Berzin and Dr. Dan Henderson. Dr. Holmes, Dr. Berzin, and Dr. Henderson discuss how the new WHOOP Advanced Labs feature can be a game changer for the future of personalized medicine. The panel unpacks what longevity really means and how to maximize healthspan. Dr. Berzin uses her experience in functional medicine to outline root-cause illness, while Dr. Henderson offers insight on data-driven prevention, lab testing and how behavior change impacts your overall health. The panel dives into the empowerment members will gain from biometric tracking in providing the tools for data collection, self-understanding, and implementing habits to proactively control their health. From insulin sensitivity and metabolic health to inflammation, hormones, and the power building muscle mass, this episode explores the biomarkers that matter most for long-term vitality.(00:00) Introductions: The WHOOP Medical Advisory Board Panel(00:55) What Does “Longevity” Really Mean?(03:00) Biomarkers: The 65 Important Metrics Measured with Advanced Labs(04:42) Understanding The Biomarkers That Matter Most(11:34) Insulin and Glucose: Mastering Your Metabolism(15:28) Women's Health and Hormones: What Biomarkers Matter? (23:26) Behavior Change and Motivation: How To Implement Lifestyle Changes(31:54) What Is Root Cause Medicine?(34:23) Benefits of Functional Medicine(36:17) Looking At Your Body as An Ecosystem(37:12) Navigating Challenges in the Healthcare System(38:32) Empowering Self-Experimentation(40:32) The Future of Preventative Medicine(42:51) Building Muscle For Longevity(47:20) The Role of Wearables in Understanding Your Health(56:05) The Importance of Sleep and Exercise For LongevityDr. Robin Berzin:InstagramFacebookXDr. Dan HendersonLinkedInSupport the showFollow WHOOP: www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Sign up for WHOOP Advanced Labs Instagram TikTok YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn
Kristen Holmes has worn every hat in the world of performance, including athlete, coach, scientist, and innovator.Today, she's setting the standard at WHOOP.At the University of Iowa, she was a two-time First-Team All-American, the 1996 Big Ten MVP, and even pulled double duty on the women's basketball team. From there, she rose to the U.S. National Field Hockey Team, earning a spot as an Olympic alternate in 1996 and competing in the 1998 World Cup.When her playing days concluded, Kristen turned her competitive fire into coaching. From 2003 to 2015, she led Princeton University's field hockey program to a staggering 12 Ivy League titles, 11 NCAA tournament appearances, and the crown jewel of them all, first NCAA field hockey championship by an Ivy League team, in 2012. Then, in 2016, she joined WHOOP, where she's now the Global Head of Human Performance and Principal Scientist. With a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Queensland, she's helping athletes, executives, and everyday performers unlock their best through the science of recovery, sleep, and HRV.In just the past few months, Kristen helped launch Project FASTT, a groundbreaking collaboration to close the research gap on female athletes. She's sharing her knowledge on the WHOOP Podcast and Science & Soul.Tap into the Kristen Holmes Special. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and giving us a five-star review! I would also appreciate it if you share it with your friend who you think will benefit from it. Comment the word “PODCAST” below and I'll DM you a link to listen. If this episode blesses you, please share it with a friend!S H O W N O T E S-The Run Down By The Running Effect (our new newsletter!): https://tinyurl.com/mr36s9rs-BUY MERCH BEFORE IT'S GONE: https://shop.therunningeffect.run-Our Website: https://therunningeffect.run -THE PODCAST ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClLcLIDAqmJBTHeyWJx_wFQ-My Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therunningeffect/?hl=en-Take our podcast survey: https://tinyurl.com/3ua62ffz
Three top-notch journalists—Emily Bazelon, Susan Glasser, and Kristen Holmes—join Harry to analyze the stunning news of a ceasefire in Gaza, the indictment of New York Attorney General Letitia James, and Trump's latest attempts to put troops on city streets. Will Trump have the attention span to ensure his deal endures, and why did he lash out at Kristen for asking about it? Are judges finally starting to wake up to the administration's far-fetched declarations of emergencies? And what revelation about the James indictment shocked Harry most? Mentioned in this episode: Emily's reporting: https://www.nytimes.com/by/emily-bazelon Susan's latest column: https://www.newyorker.com/news/letter-from-trumps-washington/trump-the-self-styled-president-of-peace-abroad-makes-war-at-homeKristen's reporting: https://www.cnn.com/profiles/kristen-holmes-bioCNN's story about Lindsey Halligan not coordinating the James indictment with DOJ brass: https://www.cnn.com/2025/10/10/politics/lindsey-halligan-no-coordinate-letitia-james-indictment-doj Judge Karin Immergut's ruling: https://www.portland.gov/federal/documents/10-4-2025-state-city-v-trump-temporary-restraining-order-granted/download Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist, Dr. Kristen Holmes sits down with women's health expert Dr. Mariza Snyder. Dr. Snyder and Dr. Holmes break down some common misconceptions in peri-menopause and menopause care, and share actionable tools and insights to regain control of your hormones. Dr. Snyder shares her personal journey navigating perimenopause, the warning signs to watch for, and how tracking data with WHOOP can empower women to better understand their bodies. This episode covers everything from cycle tracking and lifestyle habits that can reduce symptoms, to the role of exercise and nutrition, and the impact of alcohol and stress hormones like cortisol. Learn the practical routines for building a symptom-free lifestyle and the baseline knowledge every woman should have by age 30.(00:21) Dr. Snyder's Personal Relationship with Perimenopause and Menopause(03:17) The Warning Signs of Perimenopause(08:21) Role of Data in Understanding Your Body(11:51) Navigating The Healthcare System: Advocating for Perimenopause Treatment(17:31) Finding Solutions to Perimenopause Symptoms(19:15) Starting the Conversation Around Perimenopause Symptoms With Your Partner(22:33) Cycle Tracking: Seeing The Early Signs of Perimenopause(28:34) Easing Symptoms: Incremental Lifestyle Habits To Feel Your Best(36:17) Parenting the Next Generation: Healthy Habits and PCOS Management(42:47) Cortisol-Awakening Response: What Is It and How Can You Test For It?(49:56) Exercise's Role In Symptom Management(01:00:31) Baseline Knowledge For Every Woman To Know By 30(01:04:04) Daily Routines For A Symptom-Free Lifestyle(01:10:03) WHOOP Podcast Rapid Fire Q's(01:11:22) Hormones, Birth Control, & HRT(01:16:12) How Alcohol Is Altering Hormones During Perimenopause(01:27:06) Dr. Snyder's Perimenopause RevolutionFollow Dr. Mariza Snyder:InstagramLinkedInFacebookWebsite The Perimenopause Revolution & BooksSupport the showFollow WHOOP: www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn
This week on the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist, Dr. Kristen Holmes, sits down with Chantelle Otten, world-renowned psycho-sexologist, author, and advocate for evidence-based conversations around sexual wellbeing, mental health, and relationships. Chantelle and Dr. Holmes break the taboo around sex in this episode, promoting a more holistic view of sexual health, highlighting the importance of intimacy, desire, and emotional regulation. This episode combines the importance of data and self-awareness, using tools like WHOOP, to support stress management and sleep, and how they contribute to confidence, connection, and satisfaction in and out of the bedroom. 00:27: Chantelle Otten: Psycho-sexology and Why It's Important07:00: WHOOP Podcast Rapid Fire Q's08:20: Importance of Stress and Sleep Management on Your Sexual Health11:30: Unlocking Your Sex Life15:19: Best Practices to Self-Audit: How to Stay Grounded21:21: How to Detect Red Flags In Your Environment24:27: Best Ways To Facilitate Conversations With An Intimate Partner28:36: Creating Safety in Intimacy29:28: Peri-Menopause and Menopause's Effect on Relationships 37:36: Navigating Performance Pressure45:53: The Rules of Curiosity: Responsive and Spontaneous Desire51:23: The Two Key Takeaways That Will Change Your Sex LifeFollow Chantelle Otten:InstagramTiktokWebsiteSupport the showFollow WHOOP: www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn
What separates good from great in high-pressure environments? On this episode of the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist, Dr. Kristen Holmes, sits down with Rachel Vickery, world-renowned performance consultant. Having spent decades working with elite athletes, military operators, Fortune 500 executives, and emergency physicians, Rachel has cracked the code on understanding and regulating the nervous system to ensure optimal performance when stakes are high. Dr. Holmes and Rachel explore how physiology, behavior, and mindset intersect, and why mastering the nervous system is the key to unlocking peak performance. From breathing mechanics and physiological control, to cultivating curiosity and trust under pressure, this conversation dives deep into the science and skills you need for taking on your next challenge.(00:48) Rachel Vickery on Human Performance(01:41) WHOOP Podcast Rapid Fire Q's (02:50) Essential Breathing Techniques To Use Under Pressure(11:38) Keeping The Body and Mind Calm: What To Do and Why It's Important(15:56) Navigating Fear and Maintaining Positive Self Talk(21:04) How To Train Your Physiology To Aid a Positive Mindset(27:03) Where Data Comes Into Play: Measuring Performance Traits and Habits(34:29) Maintaining a Solid Foundation: High Performance No Matter The Occasion(50:40) Co-regulating: Maintaining Your Cool in a Team Environment(57:10) Advice For Athletes & Coaches: Easing Physiological Effects in a High Pressure Environment(01:11:25) Operating with Trust: How Does This Benefit High Performers?(01:14:57) Learning From Common Traits Relating to Performance AnxietyFollow Rachel Vickery:WebsiteRelated WHOOP Podcast Episodes:Podcast 245: Mental Toughness with Elite Performance Coach Rachel VickeryPodcast 319: Daily Practices to Reset Your Mind, Body, and Identity with Dr. Rangan ChatterjeeResources:Study: 'Cyclic sighing' can help breathe away anxietySupport the showFollow WHOOP: www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn
Tired of dragging yourself through the day, relying on endless cups of coffee just to function? Then you'll want to hear this conversation. This episode is all about reclaiming your sleep—and with it, your energy, mood, and vitality. Sleep is more than just the hours you clock in bed, it's about how you feel when you wake up. And don't you want to feel clear-headed and energized every morning? We'll dive into practical steps you can start tonight, from heading to bed just 15 minutes earlier to stepping outside for a moment of morning sunlight, or even supporting your body with magnesium before bedtime. You'll hear why sleep is such a big pillar in feeling alive and how small changes can make a massive difference in midlife and beyond. Tune in, reclaim your rest, and don't forget to grab your copy of The Perimenopause Revolution in the show notes! IN THIS EPISODE The impact a healthy sleep routine has on your overall health What's really happening during midlife sleep The negative implications of sugar and alcohol before bed Optimizing your circadian rhythm with lifestyle modifications Balancing cortisol, melatonin, and other hormones for sleep A sleep routine that sets you up for success Morning routines to establish a healthy sleep cycle Tips for optimizing your bedroom environment for better sleep QUOTES “Elevated evening cortisol is strongly associated with delayed sleep onset, shortened sleep duration, and increased nighttime awakenings. So just know that this is real and this is happening to so many of us, particularly in perimenopause.” “A randomized control trial in the menopause journal showed that oral micronized progesterone significantly improves sleep quality and reduces nighttime awakenings in perimenopausal women.” RESOURCES MENTIONED ⬇️ Pre-order "THE PERIMENOPAUSE REVOLUTION" here
We begin today's show during another lengthy, wide-ranging press conference by President Trump, this one coming after he announced the latest Kennedy Center honorees. Our in-depth analysis of his comments begins with CNN's Kristen Holmes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On this week's episode of the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist Dr. Kristen Holmes sits down with Lucy Davis, HYROX athlete, ultra-marathon runner, and content creator. Lucy shares the fitness, wellness, and recovery strategies that power her elite performance, including how she maintains a high HRV, rebounds from intense strain, and keeps her WHOOP Age under 18. Lucy opens up about her training strategy, mental health journey, and mission to empower women through sport. Whether you're new to fitness or chasing the podium, this episode offers valuable insights to help you build strength, resilience, and recovery. (00:21) How Lucy Davis Rebounds From High Strain(05:29) WHOOP Podcast Rapid Fire Q's(08:48) Lucy's RHR, HRV, And Recovery Recommendations(11:42) Mastering Fitness as a Hybrid Athlete(14:14) Training Harder to Improve Hyrox Times(14:57) Lucy's Longevity Secrets and WHOOP Age(19:48) Lucy's Relationship with Strength Training(22:00) Staying Grounded While Travelling and Training(31:16) Mastering Mindset Entering Competition(33:33) Hyrox, World Records, and Going For More(37:10) Body Image, Health, and Mentality(39:17) Empowering Women Through Sport and Fitness(42:11) Inspiring Athletes and Promoting Participation in SportLucy Davis:InstagramYouTubeTikTokSupport the showFollow WHOOP: www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn
What happens to your body—and your behavior—when you start wearing WHOOP every day?In this episode, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist, Dr. Kristen Holmes is joined by WHOOP Senior Research Scientist, Dr. Greg Grosicki to break down the results of a groundbreaking new study conducted by WHOOP, analyzing the data from 12,000 WHOOP members over 12 weeks. The study reveals a clear relationship between WHOOP wear frequency and improvements in key health and performance metrics like sleep consistency, duration, and quality, RHR and HRV, and overall physical fitness. Dr. Holmes and Dr. Grosicki break down the study, science, and implications of the findings on long-term health and longevity.The Study:Wearing WHOOP More Frequently Is Associated with Better Biometrics and Healthier Sleep and Activity PatternsRelated Episodes:Understanding GLP-1: The Latest Research From WHOOP with Dr. Greg GrosickiSpotifyAppleYouTubeImproving VO₂ Max For Longevity and Performance with Dr. Greg GrosickiSpotifyAppleYouTubeSupport the showFollow WHOOP: www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn
This week on the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist, Dr. Kristen Holmes sits down with Dr. Gina Poe, neurobiologist and expert in REM sleep and memory consolidation. Together, Dr. Holmes and Dr. Poe unpack what actually happens when you're asleep and why sleep is essential not just for memory, but emotional resilience, longevity, and high performance. This episode breaks down the different stages of sleep and how they reshape the brain, regulate the nervous system, and actually clean the brain. Dr. Holmes and Dr. Poe provide insight on daily habits to optimize sleep quality, including timing, exercise, and stress regulation.(00:23) Introduction to Dr. Gina Poe(00:58) Dr. Poe's Journey to Sleep Research (06:58) Sleep Timing in Relation to The Body's Physiological Rhythm(12:29) Sleep Pressure and Melatonin Production(14:52) REM Sleep Reshaping the Brain Each Night(21:03) Effects of Short Sleep Cycles (30:17) Relationship Between Skipped Sleep Cycles and Neurodegenerative Disease(31:36) The Importance of Sleep Spindles & Exercise on Sleep Performance(40:46) How Sleep Spindles Change Over A Lifespan(43:44) Daily Practices That Promote Healthy Sleep (49:15) Shift Work, Sleep Cycles, & Human Growth Hormone(55:01) Metabolism and Sleep Cycles: What Happens To The Body's Energy Storage(59:21) Dr. Poe's Dream Sleep Study(01:01:09) What Healthy Sleep Looks Like(01:05:38) Rapid Fire TakeawaysDr. Gina Poe:XRelated Episodes:The Science of Stress & Sleep For Optimal Performance with Dr. Bill von HippelSpotifyAppleYouTubeHow to Sleep Better with Dr. Shelby HarrisSpotifyAppleYouTubeSupport the showFollow WHOOP: www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn
Looking to improve your VO₂ Max? This week's episode gives you everything you need to know about one of the latest WHOOP Metrics. WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist, Dr. Kristen Holmes sits down with WHOOP Senior Research Scientist, Dr. Greg Grosicki to define VO₂ Max and offer insights on its importance for healthspan and human performance. As part of the How To Series, Dr. Grosicki shares his knowledge on how VO₂ Max affects musculoskeletal load, metabolic flexibility and aerobic capacity, and the important training tips to improve this metric. (00:50) How WHOOP Captures VO₂ Max(05:04) Studying VO₂ Max: Creating The Dataset (6:05) Developing The WHOOP VO₂ Max Feature(9:08) How WHOOP Studies VO₂ Max(10:46) Defining VO₂ Max(12:08) Impact of Musculoskeletal Load on VO₂ Max(19:32) The Physiological Factors Determining VO₂ Max(26:07) Inner Ad(26:40) What Is An Optimal VO₂ Max(31:27) Performance and Increasing VO₂ Max(40:13) Metabolic Flexibility(41:39) Training For VO₂ Max(48:16) Quality of Reps As It Relates to VO₂ Max(49:39) Impact of Training ConsistentlyRelated episodes: Paul Larsen - Zone 2 Training:SpotifyAppleSupport the showFollow WHOOP: www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn
Dr. Jessica Shepherd returns to the WHOOP Podcast for this month's episode of the How To Series. Dr. Shepherd joins WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist, Dr. Kristen Holmes to redefine menopause. Dr. Jessica Shepherd is an OBGYN, menopause expert, and author of Generation M, guiding women through the various stages and lifestyle changes that come with menopause and peri-menopause. Dr. Holmes and Dr. Shepherd bring attention to the symptoms to look out for, create an understanding of the power of early preparation, and establish the importance of strength training and protein intake to support hormonal health. This episode brings to light the need for advocacy in the health space for menopause and peri-menopause care.(00:37) Introducing Dr. Jessica Shepherd(01:14) Reframing Menopause: Dr. Shepherd Personal Mission(03:22) Recognizing The Signs: Symptoms of Perimenopause & Menopause(04:10) Staying Ahead of Symptoms(06:55) What Women in Their 30s Should Know(09:26) Protein & Power: Building Strength for Hormonal Health(12:14) The Positive Role of Daily Activity(15:11) Menopause As A Metabolic Disease(19:12) Lifestyle Changes To Promote Metabolic Health(23:10) Important Biomarkers for Hormonal Health(29:44) Dr. Shepherd's Toolkit For Women with Perimenopause(33:11) Estrogen Creams: Benefits and Practices(36:01) Understanding Hormone Replacement Therapy(39:27) Estrogen's Effects on Cognitive Health, Sleep, & Longevity(42:14) When To Start Taking Estrogen(45:27) The Healthy Choices That Ease Menopause Symptoms(47:57) Birth Control & Peri-Menopause: Detecting Symptoms(51:15) Advocacy for Peri-Menopause and Menopause Care(55:15): Centering Dialogue Around Menopause(01:00:35): The Future of Research in Women's Health(01:05:52): WHOOP as a Tool for Support(01:10:10) Exercise Options to Improve Overall Health(01:11:37) Dr. Shepherd's Closing MessageDr. Jessica Shepherd:WebsiteInstagram LinkedInChanging the Conversation Around Menopause with Dr. Jessica ShepherdSpotifyApple PodcastsYoutubeSupport the showFollow WHOOP: www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn
Your 40s and beyond should NOT be a time of resignation… These years should be a time for you to show up and become who you truly want to be in this world That's why in this episode, I'm joined by Dr. Christine Maren– a board-certified functional medicine physician and fellow mom– to unpack what's really happening during perimenopause and how you can reclaim your energy, strength, and clarity. We're diving into: How hormones impact your gut health The powerful role of lifting heavy weights Why consistent daily habits are your secret weapon How subtle lifestyle changes can lead to major transformations over time We'll help you understand why you're not broken– your body is simply asking for a new kind of support. Dr. Maren has tons of tips to help you learn to show up for yourself with compassion and intention. It's time to stop spinning your wheels and start stepping into your next chapter with confidence, because you deserve to feel like you again! Christine Maren, D.O. Dr. Christine Maren is a board-certified physician and the founder of a virtual functional medicine practice where she treats women struggling with hormone imbalances, thyroid dysfunction, gut issues, autoimmune conditions, and perimenopause/menopause transitions. She is certified by the Institute for Functional Medicine (IFMCP), board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine (ABFM), and has advanced training through The Menopause Society and A4M. She sees patients in Colorado, Michigan, and Texas. IN THIS EPISODE The benefits of exercise and strength training in perimenopause Supplements for immune and dietary support Combining HRT and lifestyle strategies for optimal health How hormones affect your gut microbiome in perimenopause Diet and nutrition recommendations for gut health Navigating the misinformation around HRT Workout tips for staying consistent Ways to support your gut health during hormonal changes QUOTES “It could help your mood and your motivation. It can help you sleep better so you can actually work out, because sleep is really the first priority. It can help you feel like yourself again and get you back to a better baseline.” “It's kind of like that in perimenopause. You can't just do HRT– you also gotta work on your diet and your sleep and lift weights and move your body.” “There are some really important points about estrogen and how it affects your gut health...” RESOURCES MENTIONED Dr. Christine Maren's Website: Accepting patients in CO, MI, & TX Dr. Maren's Socials: Instagram Facebook RELATED EPISODES #635: The Connection Between Your Gut, Inflammation, Mood, and How to Start Healing Your Microbiome with Tina Anderson #632: The Secret to Optimal Sleep, Resilience, Performance and Emotional Wellbeing with Dr. Kristen Holmes #636: Improve Your Mood, Clear Brain Fog & Reverse Autoimmune Disease by Healing Your Microbiome with Dr. Steven Gundry #515: The Connection Between Gut Health and Hormone Balance with Dr. Vincent Pedre
Breaking news tonight, Israel has launched "preemptive strikes" against Iran targeting its nuclear program and its long-range missile capabilities, an Israeli military official said. Sirens sounded across Jerusalem as a state of emergency was declared in Israel. CNN's Oren Liebermann joins 360° from Jerusalem, Kristen Holmes has the White House reaction from Washington, DC. Plus, Anderson talks with former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On this week's episode of the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance Principal Scientist, Dr. Kristen Holmes, sits down with WHOOP Senior Scientist Dr. Bill von Hippel to discuss the science behind stress and sleep and its impact on performance. Dr. Bill von Hippel is a scientist, author, and renowned social psychologist and evolutionary specialist. In today's episode, Dr. Holmes and Dr. von Hippel discuss cardiac responses to threats and challenges and the core 4 circadian behaviors that help sleep consistency. (00:36) Intro to Cardiac Responses and Daily Threats and Challenges(03:08) Using WHOOP to Conduct Studies(09:09) Stress Monitor: Understanding Stress vs Challenge(11:10) Stress + Sleep Data on Shiftworkers(23:27) Low Fit vs High Fit: Use Case for Strain Coach (32:26) Amplifying Effects of Exercise(37:18) HRV-CV as a Predictor of Strain Load(43:03) Behaviors That Improve Sleep(51:06) Core 4: Circadian Behaviors That Help Sleep Consistency(58:49) The Impacts of Social Jetlag(01:02:53) Negative Impacts of Oversleeping(01:07:2) High HRV Indications and HRV ImprovementsReferences:WHOOP Wear Frequency StudyShiftwork Biometric Analysis StudyDr. Bill von Hippel:LinkedInThe Social Paradox: Autonomy, Connection, and Why We Need Both to Find HappinessThe Social Leap: The New Evolutionary Science of Who We Are, Where We Come From, and What Makes Us HappySupport the showFollow WHOOP: www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn
What is water-based cooking and how can it aid your longevity? On this week's episode of the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance Principal Scientist, Dr. Kristen Holmes, sits down with Nutrition Scientist and Registered Dietician, Dr. Michelle Davenport. Dr. Michelle Davenport specializes in improving metabolic health through her science-proven water-based cooking method. Her research studies the impact of Advance Glycation End Products, or AGEs, which are molecules formed when sugars non-enzymatically bind to proteins or lipids. Dr. Holmes and Dr. Davenport dive into the impact of AGEs on aging, chronic illness, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, and how water-based cooking might just be the key to slowing these effects.(00:35) Dr. Michelle Davenport's Water-Based Cooking(03:05) Metabolic Health And Food Culture in The United States(05:39) What is Water-Based Cooking?(06:49) Using Water-based Cooking As A Dietary Strategy(10:06) Dr. Davenport's Favorite Marinade To Try This Summer(10:47) What are AGEs and How Do They Accelerate Aging?(14:09) Benefits of Antioxidants and Anti-inflammatory Foods(16:33) Why Are Life Expectancies Decreasing In America?: Reason #1 Processed Food(19:24) Reason #2: Lacking Culture Around Food in The US(21:38) Reason #3: We Need To Understand The Basics(29:25) Michelle's Wake Up Call with Nutrition(33:04): What Are The Biomarkers For Damage Caused By AGEs?(35:08): AGEs: The Effects On Neurodegenerative Disease(38:58) What Can You Start Doing Today To Reduce AGEs?(42:12) Water-Quality in Water-Based Cooking(44:20) Dr. Davenport's Go To MealsFollow Dr. Michelle Davenport:WebsiteInstagramLinkedInSupport the showFollow WHOOP: www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn
On this month's installment of our Longevity Series, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist, Dr. Kristen Holmes, sits down with Dr. Adrian Cois. Dr. Cois is an Australian-born Emergency Physician and Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine, currently practicing in Portland, Oregon. Dr. Cois has an extensive background as a strength and conditioning coach, working with 5 professional Australian sports teams before completing his medical residency at Oregon Health and Science University. Dr. Cois joins the WHOOP podcast to discuss his TedX presentation on the cultural comparison of healthcare in Australia versus the United States and how this impacts longevity. Dr. Holmes and Dr. Cois discuss:(00:25) Dr. Cois's background in Medicine(01:47) Reframing Trauma in Emergency Care(05:26) Frontline Healthcare Workers' Challenges with Personal Health and Wellness (07:46) Cultural Differences between the US and Australia(10:28) Importance of Implementing Preventative Medicine (18:27) Areas for Improvement in the US Healthcare System(21:17) Best Methods to Motivate Individuals to Take Control of Their Health(25:29) The Existing Health Culture in Australia (30:04) Light Behavior and The Benefits of Time Spent Outside. (31:30) Lessons Americans Can Learn From Australians(33:58) Implementing Health Culture(35:12) The Relationship Between Sleep Quality and Shift Work (41:27) How Americans Can Improve Their Health (41:54) Habit Changes For Your Health Follow Dr. Adrian Cois:InstagramLinkedInSupport the showFollow WHOOP: www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed:Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn
On this month's installment of the How To Series, WHOOP Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist Dr. Kristen Holmes sits down with Dr. Rangan Chatterjee to discuss the key components to behavior change and growth. Dr. Rangan Chatterjee is an author, physician, presenter, and podcast host from the UK, known for his stance on progressive medicine. He has over 20 years of experience in the medical field, receiving his concurrent medical and immunology degrees from University of Edinburgh in 2001. Dr. Chatterjee is one of the most recognizable physicians in British Media, known for his work with the BBC as lead resident doctor on BBC Breakfast and as a regular commentator on BBC Radio. Dr. Chatterjee is the author of six books since 2017. His overall goals in the health space are to simplify health to be comprehensive to all, approaching health using progressive medicine to reduce and prevent chronic disease, and challenge modern health tools and information.In today's episode, Dr. Holmes and Dr. Chatterjee discuss the need to wake up to the things that are tying you down (0:40), the important role of solitude and self-reflection in growth (06:57), and how to find your inner calm (10:27). This episode investigates using WHOOP as a tool to increase internal knowledge on behavior change (13:41), the ways of reframing the mind to find the positive (19:17), and how this reframing can make habit forming easy (25:59). Dr. Chatterjee discusses the importance of anticipating adversity in your life (26:39) and how living with your values can lead to a happier life (33:30), the routine questions you should be asking yourself (36:20). Dr. Chatterjee walks Dr. Holmes through a few lessons from his latest book, like The Freedom Exercise (40:10), understanding your core truths (45:07), and the small changes that can lead to larger behaviour changes (48:22). Dr. Chatterjee and Dr. Holmes close out the episode by discussing the ways to create an active routine that works for you (52:51), the ability to embrace discomfort (1:01:48), using identity as a map for behavior change (1:07:03), and creating your identity by choosing your values (1:14:30). Order Dr. Chatterjee's latest book here. Follow Dr. Rangan ChatterjeeInstagramYouTubeFacebookTikTokXWebsitePodcast: Feel Better Live MoreSupport the showFollow WHOOPwww.whoop.comTrial WHOOP for FreeInstagramTikTokXFacebookLinkedIn Follow Will AhmedInstagramXLinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo LinkedIn
As women in midlife, we're constantly juggling all the things. So, what can we do to balance all of our to-dos without feeling totally burnt out? In this episode, we're diving into the reality of energy changes during midlife and why committing to your own well-being is non-negotiable. I've invited Dr. Kristen Holmes– an expert in optimizing human performance, especially in women– to share her powerful strategies for enabling autonomic control so you can feel your best in your body. We're talking: Boosting mitochondrial energy Improving recovery and metabolic health And feeling fully resourced every. single. day We'll break down the simple yet impactful habits you can start to help you reclaim your vitality—even with a packed schedule. Because the truth is, no one is looking out for you the way YOU can. It's time to prioritize yourself, show up fully, and start feeling amazing again! Dr. Kristen Holmes Dr. Kristen Holmes is the Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist at WHOOP. She engages with industry-leading researchers to better understand individual and team biometric and performance data to drive product innovation, strategy, and coaching. Kristen blends her academic and applied background in athletics, coaching, performance technology, psychology, and exercise physiology to drive research, partnership, and product development initiatives to strengthen WHOOP. IN THIS EPISODE Core behaviors that enable autonomic control The importance of HRV metrics for health, fitness, and wellness Surprising insights from WHOOP data The science behind sleep for optimal recovery Non-negotiable habits for boosting your energy Your autonomic nervous system and your stress response Incorporating movement easily into your daily routine QUOTES “If we focus on improving the health of our autonomic nervous system, we're going to then improve not only our competitive advantage just as a human but most importantly our survival advantage.” “I think it's really important for us to have the resilience to overcome the stressors and to show up for the people we love in this world.” “It's a cross we bear in perimenopause and menopause. We can't afford to wing it. And that's why I think this data can be really helpful.” RESOURCES MENTIONED Visit oneskin.co/ENERGIZED and use code ENERGIZED for 15% off your first purchase Dr. Kristen's Instagram Dr. Kristen's NEW Podcast: Science and Soul Dr. Kristen's Linked In WHOOP Podcast with Kristen Holmes Try WHOOP HERE! RELATED EPISODES #527: The Science Of Energy Production and Recovery & How To Balance Out Cortisol and Melatonin with Kristen Holmes #626: Own Your Morning to Feel Energized and Ready to Show Up for Your Day with Liz Plosser #599: How to Wake Up Feeling Well Rested by Optimizing Sleep & Your Sleep-Wake Cycle with Lynne Peeples 580: Mastering Your Sleep, Metabolism and Overall, Health in Midlife with Cynthia Thurlow
In our hyper-connected modern world, where we have access to artificial light around the clock, we've drifted far from our body's natural rhythms. But what if reconnecting with these internal clocks could be the key to unlocking better health, more energy, and even a longer life? Feel Better Live More Bitesize is my weekly podcast for your mind, body, and heart. Each week I'll be featuring inspirational stories and practical tips from some of my former guests. Today's clip is from episode 479 of the podcast with scientist and researcher Dr Kristen Holmes. Kristen is Global Head of Human Performance and Principal Scientist at WHOOP and a Science Advisor to Levels Health and Arena Labs. In this clip, we explore the world of circadian biology and she shares how reconnecting with our body's natural rhythms could help us reclaim our energy and optimise our health. Thanks to our sponsor https://www.drinkag1.com/livemore Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore For other podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com. Show notes and the full podcast are available at drchatterjee.com/479 DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to constitute or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.