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It's that time of year again! In this episode, Rhett & Link are going through their top 10 moments of the year, and what a year it has been. Thank you to OURA for sponsoring part of this episode. Discover how OURA can help you better understand your long-term health and wellness at ouraring.com/ear. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
If you decide to pick one up, you can get $500 off your purchase by using the code HUNTERW at checkout on the Bimini site. You can check out the different models here. I have the Nanojet Eco (Eco for home, Pro/All-In for facilities).
Natalia Chappell is the founder of Natalia Chappell & Co, a UK-based consultancy helping luxury and lifestyle brands scale sustainably. Previously, she led marketing for THG's luxury division, working with brands like Coach and Ralph Lauren across price points from hundreds to thousands of pounds.In this episode of DTC Pod, Natalia breaks down what it really takes for US brands to win in the UK—and why so many get it wrong. She shares the full-funnel mistakes she sees premium brands make over and over, why some household US names thrived in Britain while others quietly retreated, and what's actually driving results on Meta right now. She also gets into how to connect with younger consumers who think differently about spending, and why the old playbook of polished content isn't cutting it anymore. Plus, her journey from corporate marketing leader to female founder, and what she wishes more people understood about building a business as a woman.Episode brought to you by StordInteract with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Lessons from high-growth UK e-commerce brands 2. Creating sustainable, holistic marketing strategies3. Using data and analytics to drive channel mix decisions4. Optimizing for paid and organic synergy5. Landing page and website audit best practices6. UGC, influencer, and creator partnership frameworks7. Onboarding and managing creators for conversion and brand fit8. Navigating UK logistics, customs, and local expectations9. How to adapt brand voice and content for UK consumer10. UK cultural moments and how to plan campaigns around them11. Success stories (Drunk Elephant, Ralph Lauren, Coach) and why some US brands flop12. Digital-first approaches to brand building13. Upcoming trends—partnership ads, authentic content, and Gen Z consumers14. Supporting and growing as a female founder in e-commerceTimestamps00:00 Introduction to DTC POD and episode with Natalia Chappell01:18 Natalia's background: fashion, digital marketing, luxury brand experience03:26 Lessons learned building luxury and beauty e-commerce teams05:16 Becoming a female founder and launching Natalia Chappell & Co07:22 The type and scale of brands Natalia's agency works with09:07 Optimizing paid-to-organic mix for sustainable growth12:12 Data, analytics, and the importance of first-party data integrity13:33 Why understanding inventory and offer depth matters before scaling ads16:26 Building a marketing flywheel that feeds itself18:50 Audience segmentation, CRM, and conversion optimization20:08 Attribution modeling and keeping data integrations clean22:29 Organic growth: auditing website, SEO, landing pages, and reviews24:03 Content strategy: authentic UGC, influencers, and the UK market26:58 Equipping creators for conversion, not just reach29:25 Structuring affiliate and creator programs, commissioning vs. flat fees33:01 Logistics: Warehousing, customs, and UK delivery expectations36:54 Adapting voice, copy, and calendar to resonate in the UK38:34 Brand case studies: Drunk Elephant, Coach, Ralph Lauren41:09 Why some US brands struggle in the UK (Forever 21, etc.)44:21 Trends to watch: partnership ads, content authenticity, Gen Z targeting47:25 Where to find and connect with Natalia ChappellShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more. Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• #243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTokNatalia Chappell - Founder of Natalia Chappell & Co.Blaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic
Kat and Ian are FRESH off of an AI training, but first we obviously have a couple detours: Kat's dad's fear of the government (he's okay); Oura ring might be selling our data (they still haven't); and the ocean (Ian's not about it.) After we cover the hard hitting news, Kat and Ian recap their AI training and (surprisingly) drop a little knowledge. Check out 11:06 for tips on how to structure prompts into your GPT and 13:51 for notes on creating parameters for responses. And finally, Ian educates Kat on the actual name of Cisco's AI Tool (yikes) 16:08. Learn more about Cisco's AI solutions for SMBs: www.cisco.com/c/en_uk/solutions/…mall-business.html
Today, Josh is joined by Mythical Kitcheneer Vee to discuss the meals that you need to skip on leg day and the ones you might want to go for. Thank you to Oura for sponsoring a portion of today's episode. Discover how Oura can help you better understand your health and sleep.ouraring.com/hotdog Leave us a voicemail at (833) DOG-POD1 Check out the video version of this podcast: http://youtube.com/@mythicalkitchen To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Almost two years to the day, it's happened again. In this episode, Rhett & Link catch up after spending Thanksgiving apart – with Link having a mountain biking accident, and Rhett having an eventful plane ride home, courtesy of his dogs. Thanks to OURA for sponsoring part of this episode. Discover how OURA can help you better understand your long-term health and wellness at ouraring.com/ear. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Die Redmi Note 15 Serie ist gestartet, zumindest haben das die deutschen Händler entschieden. Denn Xiaomi hat die Geräte noch gar nicht für den globalen Markt vorgestellt, trotzdem gibt es sie jetzt schon zu kaufen. Daher haben wir jetzt auch schon einen detaillierten Einblick, was uns Xiaomi hier nun bietet. Wieder die idealen Smartphones zum schmalen Preis?Redmi Note 15 4G: Xiaomis Budget-Smartphone legt Frühstart hin ► https://www.china-gadgets.de/redmi-note-15-4g-xiaomi-smartphone/Redmi Note 15 5G ► https://mobile.1und1.de/xiaomi-redmi-note-15-5gRedmi Note 15 Pro 5G ► https://mobile.1und1.de/xiaomi-redmi-note-15-pro-5gHandel kommt Xiaomi zuvor: Redmi Note 15 Pro+ 5G startet früher als gedacht ► https://www.china-gadgets.de/redmi-note-15-pro-plus-5g/Xiaomi 17 Ultra: Kommt es noch dieses Jahr? | Erste Fotos + Kamera-Specs ► https://www.china-gadgets.de/xiaomi-17-ultra-smartphone/Samsung Galaxy Z TriFold: Ein neues Zeitalter für Foldables! ► https://www.china-gadgets.de/samsung-galaxy-z-trifold-smartphone/A rift emerges between Samsung's phone and memory divisions ► https://www.sammobile.com/news/rift-emerges-between-samsung-phone-memory-divisions/Paukenschlag: Samsung kassiert schallende Ohrfeige im Streit mit Oura, mit potenziell großen Auswirkungen auf den Wearable-Markt ► https://www.notebookcheck.com/Paukenschlag-Samsung-kassiert-schallende-Ohrfeige-im-Streit-mit-Oura-mit-potenziell-grossen-Auswirkungen-auf-den-Wearable-Markt.1172309.0.htmlNubia Fold startet mit Snapdragon 8 Elite und 49% größerem Akku als Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 zum kleineren Preis ► https://www.notebookcheck.com/Nubia-Fold-startet-mit-Snapdragon-8-Elite-und-49-groesserem-Akku-als-Samsung-Galaxy-Z-Fold7-zum-kleineren-Preis.1176051.0.htmlChinese brands watched the iPhone Air flop and canceled their own plans – report ► https://9to5mac.com/2025/11/27/chinese-brands-watched-the-iphone-air-flop-and-canceled-their-own-plans-report/Joybuy ► https://www.joybuy.de/RuhrBeat ► https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CtGqci1ZXGMPluribus ► https://tv.apple.com/de/episode/wir-sind-eins/umc.cmc.3qfbkp7tcby9ylcjpx2km05p7?showId=umc.cmc.37axgovs2yozlyh3c2cmwzlza&action=playSmartEpisodeStranger Things ► https://www.netflix.com/de/title/80057281?source=35&fromWatch=true
Today, Josh is joined by Emily Fleming to talk about their love for energy drinks and how much caffeine is.. too much. Thanks to OURA for sponsoring part of this video. Discover how OURA can help you better understand your long-term health and wellness at http://ouraring.com/hotdog. *This episode was shot after Nicole left for maternity leave, but don't worry, she'll be in a few more episodes this year!** Leave us a voicemail at (833) DOG-POD1 Check out the video version of this podcast: http://youtube.com/@mythicalkitchen To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode, the world's #1 pickleball player, Ben Johns, joins Anders Varner, Doug Larson, Travis Mash, and Dr. Mike Lane to unpack what it really takes to stay at the top of one of the fastest-growing sports on the planet. Ben walks through the insane travel schedule, the perpetual in-season demands, and the growing physical toll of a sport played in deep athletic stances, high-velocity lateral movements, and multi-hour tournament days. For the past year, Ben has partnered with RAPID Health Optimization to build a data-driven system around sleep, recovery, hydration, nutrition, and personalized strength and conditioning giving him a competitive edge in a sport where consistency and longevity are becoming just as important as pure skill. The team breaks down how RAPID reverse-engineered the physiology of pickleball by analyzing metabolic demands, movement patterns, travel stress, and tournament structure. Ben shares what has changed the most: HRV-driven sleep routines, hydration and electrolyte protocols, rapid-turnaround nutrition systems during six-day competition blocks, and gym programming that prioritizes leg strength, acceleration, deceleration, rotational power, and the ability to repeatedly produce peak output with minimal fatigue. With only an eight-week "off-season" each year, Ben's entire training plan now revolves around precision dosing of fatigue, auto-regulation, and strategic recovery backed by data from Oura, lab analysis (blood, stool, saliva, urine) and the RAPID coaching team. Finally, the conversation moves into the strategic side of dominance: pattern recognition, the metagame of adjustments, and the ability to keep learning in a young sport where the rules of mastery are still being written. Ben explains how having a full-stack performance team allows him to focus on playing, developing new skills, and outlasting opponents who aren't managing sleep, travel, workload, or recovery with the same level of precision. If you want an inside look at how the best player in the world trains, prepares, and stays healthy and how RAPID Health Optimization builds elite longevity systems for professional athletes this episode is a must-listen. Links: Ben Johns on Instagram Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram
Era uma publicação sobre o combate à SIDA e na imagem apareciam apenas pessoas negras, o que gerou polémica e comentários negativos. E a estátua de Pavarotti, que ficou presa numa pista de gelo. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Era uma publicação sobre o combate à SIDA e na imagem apareciam apenas pessoas negras, o que gerou polémica e comentários negativos. E a estátua de Pavarotti, que ficou presa numa pista de gelo. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lots of alligators. In this episode, Rhett & Link find out what wacky Florida man story happens on their birth date, Link tells an interesting story from his college days where he took a blind woman through Wisconsin, and they talk about their admiration for funeral directors. Discover how OURA can help you better understand your long-term health and wellness at ouraring.com/EAR. Leave us a voicemail at 1-888-EARPOD-1 for a chance to be featured on the show! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Learn more about Brodie's Research Database & AI Assistant
The season 16 finale — Tom entrusts his Oura ring results to ChatGPT; Lindsey drops some knowledge about Magnesium and responds to the news of Trump removing nursing from "professional degrees"; Mamdani visits the Oval Office; MTG resigns.
Martin Forde is the co-founder and partner at Highline Brands, a retail brokerage built for modern CPG and emerging brands. As the first sales hire at Dr. Squatch, he helped lead the brand's Walmart launch—which did over $50M in year one and set the foundation for a $1.5B exit to Unilever.In this episode of DTC Pod, Martin shares the full playbook for making the leap from DTC to retail. He breaks down how to evaluate which channels make sense, what buyers actually care about (hint: it's not your brand), how to pitch them, and how to choose the right brokerage partner. He also gets into the operational side: how deals are structured, why retail timelines take longer than most founders expect, and what actually drives velocity on shelf.Episode brought to you by StordInteract with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. When to consider retail (and when you're not ready)2. Independent retail vs. major retailers: where to start3. The old DTC-first playbook vs. the new hybrid approach4. Understanding your consumer and choosing the right retailer5. What buyers actually care about (hint: category growth, not your brand)6. Three ways to reach buyers: cold outreach, inbound, or through a broker7. Why and when to say no to a retailer8. How brokers work: deal structures, retainers vs. commission, red flags9. The 9-12 month timeline from first conversation to shelf10. Merchandising and digital tactics that drive velocity on shelfTimestamps00:00 Martin Forde's background and experience in CPG03:14 Launching and scaling brands into retail04:20 Key lessons from Dr. Squatch retail rollout07:30 Dr. Squatch's early days and pent-up retail demand09:39 Defining “why retail” and evaluating retail opportunities10:38 Understanding independent retail channels and platforms15:14 Retail supply chain basics: MOQs, case packs, and 3PLs17:46 Testing and iterating supply chain through small-scale channels18:56 Leveraging online marketplaces (Faire, Thrive, Bubble)23:33 Deciding when to break into retail; timing and strategy24:44 Comparing DTC-first and direct-to-retail playbooks29:28 Raising capital, prepping for retail, and first retail sale process30:57 How to approach retail buyers and pitch34:03 Different ways to reach retail buyers: direct outreach, inbound, brokerages39:51 Working with brokers: models, deal structures, and choosing a partner50:29 Preparing retail pitch materials and buyer presentations51:39 Identifying category white space and incremental value54:53 Merchandising and digital tactics for retail success57:06 Where to connect with Martin Forde and closing thoughtsShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more. Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• #243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTokMartin Forde - Co-Founder of Highline BrandsBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic
People love their fitness trackers, and the Oura Ring is one of the most popular out there. The U.S. Military also loves Oura, which is Oura's biggest contract. With the Department of Defense integrated Palantir's AI into cloud access for Oura, a lot of people are nervous that the US government will have access to their health data... but will they? We explore how government versus regular cloud works and catch up on so much more! Don't miss this episode!
Today, Josh and Nicole are answering the age old question – what's the ultimate cheese for a burger? Thanks to OURA for sponsoring part of this episode. Discover how Oura can help you better understand your health and sleep. ouraring.com/hotdog Leave us a voicemail at (833) DOG-POD1 Check out the video version of this podcast: http://youtube.com/@mythicalkitchen To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tom Hale is the CEO of health tech company Oura. Producing one of the most prominent wearables out there (The Oura Ring), Oura is working to improve health and wellness through sustainable behavior change. In this episode, Hale and host Anne Hancock Toomey discuss his journey from working as a bike mechanic in Reno, Nevada, to a career spanning some of the most notable tech companies of the past 20+ years: Macromedia, Adobe, Linden Lab (creator of Second Life), HomeAway, and SurveyMonkey. He discusses the transformative impact of Oura's smart ring on his personal health, as well as his professional mission to shift healthcare towards preventative care through technology and AI. Hale also reflects on the lessons learned from his diverse career, emphasizing the importance of human-centric leadership, accountability, and ambition. The conversation offers valuable insights into the future of health tech and the power of mission-driven companies. 3:18 Early Life and Influences 7:31 First Jobs and Formative Experiences 10:11 Career Beginnings and Influences 13:27 Macromedia and Adobe: Lessons in Leadership 18:27 Linden Labs and the Early Metaverse 21:33 Joining HomeAway: The Birth of Vacation Rentals 25:24 Lessons from SurveyMonkey and the Importance of Brand 27:18 Joining Oura 32:37 The Vision for Oura and Healthcare Transformation 34:33 Leadership Insights and Lightning Round Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on Good Things with Brent Lindeque, we dive into something genuinely exciting: Discovery has become the first health insurer in the world to reward you for sleep. Yes… sleep! And I get to unpack all of it with Robert Attwell, CEO of Discovery Insure. A couple of weeks ago, I joined the Discovery team at their media launch, where they announced their brand-new sleep benefit (going live in February 2026) and handed us the Oura Ring... making us the very first South Africans to try it. I've been wearing mine for a month now and I'm obsessed. Sure, my watch tracks a lot but the ring goes deeper: sleep cycles, readiness, temperature, recovery and all our sleeping habits. In this episode, Robert and I talk about: ✨ How the Oura Ring fits into Discovery's ecosystem ✨ What the upcoming sleep benefits actually mean for South Africans ✨ Why good rest is directly linked to safer driving ✨ And how small lifestyle shifts can create massive positive change If you're curious about sleep tech, Oura, Discovery, or how to turn rest into rewards… this episode is for you. Good Things Guy Article
"As a physician in training, we have been trained to believe that we are the leaders of every team. That we should know more than anyone in the room, or we must not be a good doctor. Throw that out." Dr. Saria Saccocio spent months during COVID not sleeping, trying to solve every problem herself while managing care for 1.3 million people. She was drowning under the weight of leadership until she had an epiphany that would fundamentally change how she leads: "Maybe I don't have to have all the answers myself. Perhaps I'm not the only one who comes up with solutions." That realization—that her medical training had actually taught her the wrong leadership model—became the foundation of her approach as Chief Medical Officer of Essence Healthcare. Five years later, she describes watching her team shift "from a brain drain to a recharge," becoming one of the most creative and innovative teams she's ever led. Dr. Saccocio's leadership philosophy centers on what she calls "let go and lead"—a mantra she returns to whenever anxiety creeps in. "Leading is not always directing," she explains. "Leading is inspiring, empowering and enabling everyone to sit at the table, speak up, show up, and do things. Build everyone else's confidence." After a year with Essence, she's most proud not of her own decisions but of "the work that they do, the creativity that they have now that they're working across swim lanes and doing things together." This approach hasn't just prevented burnout—it's unlocked innovation. From eliminating prior authorizations through physician collaboration to providing Oura rings to Medicare Advantage seniors, Essence Healthcare's solutions emerge from empowered teams, not top-down mandates. What makes Dr. Saccocio's perspective particularly powerful is her refusal to abandon clinical practice. After two decades as a family physician, she still sees patients at a free clinic, maintaining what she calls "a sacred relationship" that keeps her grounded in the vulnerability patients experience. Her closing advice to women leaders is deceptively simple but hard-won: "Don't forget to be you. Let's stop trying to be someone else. You are at that table because you are you. Bring your whole self to work. Bring your whole self wherever you go." Key Insights: Why physician training teaches the wrong leadership model—and how to unlearn it How "let go and lead" prevents burnout while unlocking team creativity Why continuing clinical practice makes you a better executive leader The shift from brain drain to recharge: building teams that energize each other How to lead without directing: inspiring, empowering, and enabling others Why bringing your whole self to work is the most revolutionary leadership act The connection between seeing whole people as patients and leading whole people as teams About the Guest: Dr. Saria Saccocio is Chief Medical Officer at Essence Healthcare, a 21-year-old regional Medicare Advantage plan with consistently high star ratings. A practicing family physician for over two decades, she previously held leadership roles at CareMore Health, Elance Health, Securas, Carilion Health, and LifePoint Hospitals. She continues seeing patients at Greenville Free Medical Clinic. Recorded live at Nashville Sessions conference. Health Podcast Network Chapters 00:00 - Redefining Physician Leadership 01:11 - Why ESSENCE Healthcare 04:04 - Navigating Medicare Advantage Disruption 12:35 - Why She Still Practices Medicine 18:33 - OURA Rings and Digital Health Literacy 24:28 - Leadership Evolution: The COVID Moment 29:33 - Bring Your Whole Self to Work Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Saria Saccocio on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify
That is NOT what you expect to hear at a magic show. In this episode, Link catches Rhett up about his latest rendezvous to the Magic Castle where he retells a wild story. Plus, the two decide what their favorite decade was and why, as well as give some pointers to combat someone trying to rage-bait you. Thank you to Oura for sponsoring a portion of today's episode. Discover how Oura can help you better understand your health and sleep. ouraring.com/ear Leave us a voicemail at 1-888-EARPOD-1 for a chance to be featured on the show! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode of LIFTS, Matthew and Mohammed sit down with Hazlo founder Sam Moore to explore the cultural, psychological, and physiological shift away from alcohol. They dive deep into the rise of sober‑curious culture, the influence of wearables on health behavior, the real effects of alcohol on mood and sleep, and the explosive growth of alcohol alternatives. Sam shares his personal journey from high‑stress corporate drinking culture to building Hazlo: a functional beverage designed to elevate mood, focus, and presence without the physical cost of alcohol. Key topics include: • Gen Z's 25% lower alcohol consumption and the rise of sober‑curious culture. • How wearables like Oura are changing the conversation about alcohol's impact. • Why alcohol affects sleep, mood, HRV, readiness, and long‑term inflammation. • Sam Moore's journey from heavy social drinking to mindful performance‑based habits. • The science behind Hazlo's functional ingredients and how they alter mood and focus. • The future of THC beverages, kava, kratom, and the broader alcohol‑alternative space. • How habit formation, ritual, and psychology influence drinking behavior. • Why alcohol usage may eventually resemble cigarettes in regulation and perception. • The shift toward "situational consumption" different drinks for different environments.
Episode 378 revisits Dr. Shane Creado's science-driven advice on sleep, strategic napping, and why sleep is foundational for health, hormones, immunity, and performance. Learn practical nap protocols (10–20 minutes or 90-minute recovery naps), timing, environment tips, and how to protect your morning from cortisol-spiking habits like checking phones. The episode also shows how combining a short nap with the Silva Method — setting an intention and entering alpha — can boost creativity, insight, and problem-solving. It concludes with actionable routines to improve sleep consistency, support shift workers, and make sleep a strategy for better productivity and well-being. Welcome back to SEASON 14 of The Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast, where we connect the science-based evidence behind social and emotional learning and emotional intelligence training for improved well-being, achievement, productivity and results—using what I saw as the missing link (since we weren't taught this when we were growing up in school), the application of practical neuroscience. I'm Andrea Samadi, and seven years ago, launched this podcast with a question I had never truly asked myself before: (and that is) If productivity and results matter to us—and they do now more than ever—how exactly are we using our brain to make them happen? Most of us were never taught how to apply neuroscience to improve productivity, results, or well-being. About a decade ago, I became fascinated by the mind-brain-results connection—and how science can be applied to our everyday lives. That's why I've made it my mission to bring you the world's top experts—so together, we can explore the intersection of science and social-emotional learning. We'll break down complex ideas and turn them into practical strategies we can use every day for predictable, science-backed results. This week, in our review of EP 72 with Shane Creado, MD and his book Peak Sleep Performance for Athletes and will learn: How strategic napping, morning brain habits, and even the Silva Method all work together to reset your brain, boost performance, and transform your health from the inside out. Clip 1: The Science of Strategic Napping In Clip 1, Dr. Shane Creado explains why every cell in the body follows its own circadian rhythm—and why humans were historically wired for polymodal sleep, with natural dips in alertness that make afternoon naps biologically appropriate. You'll learn: Why the “post-lunch crash” is actually a melatonin rise, not just fatigue Why old advice to “avoid naps” is outdated How short, intentional naps can boost alertness, learning, mood, and performance The simple rules behind strategic napping: length, timing, and environment This clip lays the groundwork for using naps as a tool—not a crutch—for better brain function. Clip 2: Your Morning Cortisol Curve & Hidden Sleep Dangers Clip 2 shifts the focus to the first moments of your day. Dr. Creado warns that checking your phone the moment you wake up spikes cortisol and sends your brain into danger mode, increasing anxiety and disrupting emotional regulation for the entire day. You'll also learn: Why shift work fragments DNA Why the WHO classifies shift work as a possible carcinogen How sleep protects your hormones, immune system, gut health, and long-term aging This clip reinforces that sleep is foundational biology, not optional or replaceable. How This All Connects to The Silva Method We close the episode by tying these insights back to our most-listened-to series—the Silva Method. Both Dr. Creado's strategies and Silva's techniques point to the same powerful truth: When we intentionally shift the brain into restorative states—through sleep, strategic napping, or Alpha/Theta training—we unlock higher performance, creativity, intuition, and emotional stability. You'll see how: Strategic naps naturally guide the brain into Alpha and Theta brainwave patterns Morning routines that protect your cortisol curve mimic Silva's “mental housecleaning” Sleep resets the brain in the same way Silva exercises reset focus, clarity, and intuition Both methods teach us to work with the brain, not against it Together, the science of sleep and the mental training of Silva give you a complete framework for building peak performance from the inside out. Episode 378: Featuring Dr. Shane Creado (Integrating the Silva Method[i] for Increased Creativity-Nap Integration) For today's Episode 378, we continue with our review of past episodes as we make connections to prior learning with whatever it is that we are currently working on this year. I'll create a roadmap at the end of this season so this pathway will make sense to us (I hope!) as we piece together important parts of our success puzzle and begin to bring them to life. As we review these episodes, you'll notice that around the time of the pandemic, around 2020, our interviews took a turn towards health and wellness, and to stay on track, I created a framework of our Top 5 Health Staples on Episode 87[ii], which eventually evolved into our Top 6 Health Staples when we added stress reduction to help us to boost our physical and mental health. This week, we're going back to one of my favorite interviews with the inspiring Dr. Shane Creado, who we first met on EP 72[iii] in July 2020 on the topic of “Sleep Strategies that Will Guarantee a Competitive Advantage.” Dr. Creado is a double board-certified sleep medicine doctor and psychiatrist who practices functional sleep medicine, integrative psychiatry, and sports psychiatry. He brings all of these specialties together to uncover the underlying factors that sabotage our sleep and then treats them comprehensively, helping people to achieve their health and performance goals with sleep at the forefront. To quickly review his background: Dr. Creado completed an undergraduate degree in physical therapy, went on to earn his MD, and then completed a fellowship in Sleep Medicine at the University of Wisconsin, recognizing the huge overlap between sleep and psychiatric issues. He believes in optimization, not normalization, and devotes his work to optimizing brain health in professional athletes, executives, and anyone interested in peak performance. We did a deep dive into his book Peak Sleep Performance for Athletes: The Cutting-Edge Sleep Science That Will Guarantee a Competitive Advantage on EP 71[iv] so that, when he came on EP 72, we could maximize our time together, by asking the most practical questions to help all of us move the needle with our sleep. How did I come across Dr. Creado? I first heard him on Dr. Daniel Amen's Brain Warrior's Way Podcast, since he worked closely with Dr. Amen at that time. At that point I was just beginning to learn how to track and improve my own sleep. This conversation with him actually happened about a year before our interview with Dr. Kristin Holmes,[v] VP of Performance Science at WHOOP, and before I began officially measuring my sleep data with a wearable device. A few months after this interview, Dr. Creado reviewed my brain scan results from Dr. Amen's Clinics and told me that my brain showed the same pattern as someone who was sleep deprived (which we shared on EP 84[vi]). That feedback sent me searching for what else I could do to improve this crucial health staple: sleep. This episode opened the door for me to meet many other leaders in health and wellness and ultimately led to our deep dive into the six health staples that are scientifically proven to improve our mental and physical well-being. This was all years before our popular series on The Silva Method[vii] (still our most-listened-to series on this podcast), where we covered how to improve our creativity and innovation with sleep, and also before our review of The Fisher Wallace Brain Stimulator[viii] that held the top spot for years (with the topic of improving sleep). But it all really began with conversations like this one—with Dr. Shane Creado—on achieving peak performance with our sleep. So let's go back to March 2020 and revisit what Dr. Creado had to say about sleep. VIDEO 1 – Click Here to Watch Dr. Creado reminds us that every cell in our body has its own circadian rhythm. When we understand this, it becomes clear what we need to do to support healthy sleep. He explains that historically, human sleep has been polymodal—people would sleep a few hours early in the night, wake for a bit, then sleep again in the early morning, and often nap in the afternoon. This pattern lines up with how melatonin behaves in the body: it rises at night, dips, and then shows a slight rise again in the afternoon. So when you feel sleepy after lunch, it's not just the food—it's your melatonin rising and your brain asking for a recharge. Key Takeaways from Dr. Shane Creado Dr. Creado challenges older sleep-hygiene advice that says to avoid naps altogether. In his words, that's “pretty much wrong.” Naps can be incredibly helpful—as long as you're strategic about them: Know how long you're going to nap Be deliberate about when and where you do it These are the keys to strategic napping, which we'll explore more as we revisit this powerful conversation. But first, let's put strategic napping into action. Put These Tips into Action 1. Keep Your Nap Between 10–20 Minutes (Power Nap) Short naps prevent you from dropping into deep sleep. This helps you wake up refreshed—not groggy—and boosts alertness, memory, and mood. 2. Use the 90-Minute Cycle Only When Needed A full 90-minute nap allows you to complete an entire sleep cycle. Use this only if you're: recovering from sleep debt jet-lagged coming off a night of fragmented sleep Avoid these longer naps late in the day. 3. Nap Before 3:00 PM Align your nap with the natural melatonin rise that occurs in the early afternoon. This prevents nighttime sleep disruption and supports your circadian rhythm. 4. Create a Consistent Nap Environment Set up conditions that your brain recognizes as “rest time”: dark or dim lighting comfortable temperature (lower temperatures are recommended) quiet or white noise reclining or lying down if possible Consistency trains the brain to drop into restorative rest efficiently. 5. Use a Caffeine Nap (If It Works for You) Drink a small amount of caffeine (like green tea or half a cup of coffee) immediately before a 10–20 minute nap. The caffeine kicks in right as you wake, giving you a double boost. 6. Set an Alarm Helps you avoid drifting into deep sleep and waking up groggy. This trains your brain to trust short naps and prevents oversleeping. 7. Observe Your Afternoon Melatonin Dip If you feel naturally sleepy between 1:00–3:00 PM, this is your biological nap window. Don't fight it—leverage it (if you can). 8. Don't Nap to Escape Stress Use napping as a performance tool, not an emotional coping mechanism. If you're lying down to escape anxiety, use breathwork or a 5-minute mindfulness break instead. 9. Track Your Sleep Response Everyone's nap sensitivity is unique. Track how naps affect your: nighttime sleep alertness mood work performance training or athletic performance If you want to dive deep, measure it: WHOOP, Oura, or any wearable can help determine your best nap duration and timing. 10. Combine Naps With Movement A short walk before or after a nap enhances the circadian benefit and clears residual grogginess. PUTTING THESE TIPS INTO ACTION: By now, we've all heard that napping is not a sign of laziness—it's a strategic tool for combating the sleep epidemic we're facing. Sleep deprivation can impair the brain as much as being under the influence, which is why even short, well-timed naps can play a powerful role in restoring our cognitive performance, mood, and overall health. I had to look to see what Matthew Walker[ix] (also known as the Sleep Diplomat) had to say about napping, compared to Dr. Creado's view, since I was studying both at the same time. If you look at this chart I've added in the show notes, you can see that Dr. Creado's philosophy helps you to nap for performance; (which makes sense to me since Dr. Creado advises athletes) and Matthew Walker helps you to nap without harming your nighttime sleep. His advice also made sense to me as he advises the general population, and the statistics don't lie. Most of us are sleep deprived. Both sleep experts believe in the power of taking naps, and they both lean towards napping for less than 20 minutes for power napping that avoids grogginess. While not all work environments are built to support this research, that surrounds napping before 3pm, there are companies that are embracing this research, you can Nap on the Job at These 10 Companies[x] Google PricewaterhouseCoopers Ben & Jerry's Cisco Potato Zappos Nike Uber White & Case Thrive Global If you like this option, you're in good company. Many organizations are already embracing future-focused workspaces with this research in mind. Arianna Huffington, now the founder of Thrive Global, has been one of the loudest voices calling attention to the sleep-deprivation crisis. She wrote the best-selling book The Sleep Revolution[xi] to highlight the science behind sleep and why our culture must change. Huffington points to research showing that naps boost the immune system, lower blood pressure, increase learning capacity, improve memory, and enhance our ability to perform complex tasks (Yahoo Finance). Companies adopting nap rooms and rest pods aren't being trendy—they're aligning their workplaces with well-established neuroscience and physiology. And this brings us full circle, because Dr. Shane Creado was emphasizing these same science-backed principles long before workplace culture caught up, showing us exactly how sleep—and even strategic napping—can become a powerful tool for peak performance. And here's where today's episode takes a powerful turn. We are going back to our MOST downloaded Series, The Silva Method, to now implement this method into Dr. Creado's tip for napping, to increase our creativity, innovation and productivity. The Silva Method & The 20-Minute Nap Where Creativity, Insight & Neuroscience Meet** Now that we know what to do from Dr. Creado's research—use short, strategic naps to support performance—the next step is to take this deeper and connect it to the most transformative tool that we've covered in our 7 years of hosting this podcast: The Silva Method. This is where the magic happens, as theory meets practice. What José Silva taught decades ago about guiding the brain into the Alpha state (a mental state of calm wakefulness, that is distinct from the high-frequency beta waves of a busy, alert mind) aligns perfectly with what neuroscience shows happens in a 20-minute nap. And it also explains why so many innovators—Einstein, Edison, Dalí, Tesla, Da Vinci—used structured micro-naps or “drifting states” to solve complex problems. They weren't just resting. They were deliberately entering the insight zone. Edison used metal balls to wake himself the moment he crossed into Theta (the brain state of deep relaxation that's a gateway to creativity, inspiration and new ideas). Dalí held a key over a plate for the same purpose. Einstein was known for multiple micro-naps throughout the day. Da Vinci mapped polyphasic sleep schedules to stay in that creative borderland between wake and sleep. They had discovered what both neuroscience and the Silva Method confirm: The moments between wakefulness and sleep—Alpha and early Theta—are the brain's most fertile ground for new ideas. **If you have not yet listened to the 4 PART SERIES on The Silva Method[xii], I highly encourage it as we do go into detail on HOW to start this practice, and learn how to train your brain to accomplish outstanding results that truly will shock you. How This Works? The Silva Method adds conscious intention. Before entering the Alpha, State you plant a question, problem, or intention—something that you want to solve, or learn more about. Then during the nap-like drift, the brain naturally reorganizes information, makes connections, and surfaces insights. When you return to Beta (full wakefulness), those insights often rise effortlessly. I've been doing this practice for 26+ years now, and I can tell you that it takes practice. In the beginning, I didn't have control of what was showing up on the screen of my mind during these short naps, and I had a difficult time understanding what certain things (or insight that were flashing on the screen of my mind) really meant. This will take practice, but it's well worth the time spent. A 20-minute nap and The Silva Method are using the same brain states—one intentionally, one biologically. Combined, they become a powerful creativity tool. Why This Works (Neuroscience + Silva) ✔ The brain enters Alpha/Theta — insight frequencies ✔ Cortisol drops — freeing cognitive resources ✔ The Default Mode Network activates — your “creative network” ✔ The nap resets your mental clarity ✔ The Silva Method gives the mind a specific task (whatever it is you are looking to solve). Together, they create a simple, natural protocol for breakthrough thinking. How To Use The Silva Method with a 20-Minute Nap to Improve Creativity? Here's a simple protocol that we can all use: Set an intention “Show me a solution for ___.” “Give me a creative idea for ___.” Enter Alpha (Silva Method) Use the 3–2–1 countdown or your preferred Silva relaxation method. Drift for 15–20 minutes You don't need full sleep—just hover between wake and sleep. Wake & Write Capture any images, ideas, feelings, or impressions immediately. This is truly one of the fastest ways to reset the brain, boost creativity, and spark intuition—because it aligns neuroscience with intention. The insights that you discover here are life-changing. Start writing down the ideas you “see” and “feel” and you will begin to find solutions to problems or ways forward in your daily life. VIDEO 2 Click Here to Watch Which brings us to our 2nd clip from Dr. Creado who reminds us about an important habit (that I have yet to master). Dr. Creado explains the deeper biological consequences of poor sleep with a powerful reminder: “If you immediately go to social media or your work emails as soon as you wake up, your cortisol levels are boosted even more. You go straight into danger mode and anxiety mode, and that's how you start your day.” He goes on to give an example many people don't realize the seriousness of: “Shift work actually causes fragmentation and breaks in your DNA. It sets people up for an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. The World Health Organization has even designated shift work as a possible carcinogen—a cancer-causing behavior.” Most people think a few hours of lost sleep just makes them groggy or irritable, but as Dr. Creado explains, the consequences go much deeper: “This goes down to your very DNA. Sleep is your anchor. It can stave off aging. It can prevent obesity and inflammation. It can boost your immune system. It can delay menopause. It can upregulate testosterone and growth hormone levels, suppress stress hormones, and even regulate your gut flora.” This section reinforces the core theme of your episode: sleep is foundational biology—not a luxury—and optimizing it has ripple effects across every major system of the body. Key Takeaways from Dr. Shane Creado's 2nd Clip Avoid social media and emails immediately upon waking. They spike cortisol and activate “danger mode,” increasing anxiety from the moment your day begins. Shift work is biologically damaging. It fragments DNA, increases risk of heart attacks and strokes, and is recognized by the WHO as a possible carcinogen. Sleep is not optional—it's your biological anchor. It stabilizes your entire internal system, including mood, hormones, metabolism, and immunity. Poor sleep accelerates aging. Adequate sleep can slow (and even reverse) biological wear, protecting long-term health. Sleep regulates critical hormones. It boosts testosterone and growth hormone while reducing stress hormones like cortisol. Your gut depends on your sleep. Quality sleep helps maintain healthy gut flora, which influences everything from mood to inflammation to immunity. Put These Tips Into Action Here are simple, science-backed steps you can start today to optimize your sleep: 1. Protect the First 30 Minutes of Your Morning No social media No emails No news Use this time for grounding: hydration, sunlight, breathwork, or light movement. Dr. Creado is far from the only expert emphasizing this point—best-selling author Brendon Burchard includes it as one of his core High Performance Habits, reminding us that how we start our morning sets the tone for our entire day. 2. If You're a Shift Worker, Control What You Can Keep a consistent sleep–wake schedule when possible Use blackout curtains and cool temperatures Nap strategically to offset circadian disruption Prioritize sleep hygiene even more than daytime workers (This population is often overlooked. It came up with Dr. Creado, as well as with our interview with Kelly Roman how many people with shift work should be given extra support). 3. Build a Nighttime Routine That Signals “Safety” to the Brain Dim lights 60–90 minutes before bed Reduce screens Use calming cues: stretching, reading, warm shower, or meditation Keep a consistent bedtime 4. Use Strategic Napping to Lower Stress Hormones 10–20 minutes in the early afternoon Set an alarm to avoid deep-sleep grogginess A “caffeine nap” can boost alertness if well-tolerated 5. Strengthen Your Hormone Health Through Sleep Consistency Aim for 5–8.5 hours per night Regular sleep schedules support testosterone, growth hormone, and metabolic stability 6. Support Your Gut Through Rest Quality sleep = more balanced gut flora Try to eat your final meal 2–3 hours before bed Avoid heavy meals late at night 7. View Sleep as the Foundation for Everything Else Instead of seeing sleep as something to “fit in,” shift your mindset: Sleep is the strategy that makes all your other strategies work better. REVIEW AND CONCLUSION — Episode 378 PART 1 of our REVIEW with Dr. Shane Creado Key Insights From Video 1: Your Biology Wants You to Nap Dr. Creado reminded us that every cell in the body runs on its own circadian rhythm, and historically, humans slept in multiple phases—including early afternoon naps aligned with our melatonin's natural rise. He challenged outdated sleep-hygiene rules that discouraged napping and instead showed us how strategic naps—short, intentional, and well-timed—can restore energy and boost performance. We covered practical strategies for making napping work in real life, from 10–20 minute power naps to full 90-minute cycles when recovery is needed, emphasizing timing, environment, and consistency. Napping for Performance vs. Protecting Nighttime Sleep To deepen this topic, we compared Dr. Creado's approach with Matthew Walker's. Both agree that short naps (under 20 minutes) offer the best everyday benefits, though their philosophies differ: Creado teaches you to nap for performance, especially for athletes and high performers. Matthew Walker teaches you to nap without disrupting nighttime sleep, focusing on the general population. And while not all workplaces support napping, many leading companies now do—Google, Cisco, Zappos, Nike, Uber, PwC, and more—reflecting research championed by leaders like Arianna Huffington, who has long warned that sleep deprivation is a cultural crisis. Naps, she notes, improve immunity, blood pressure, learning, memory, and performance. Organizations adopting nap rooms aren't following a trend—they're following neuroscience. Key Insights From Video 2: Protect Your Morning Brain In our second clip, Dr. Creado warns about a habit many of us (including myself) struggle with: checking the phone immediately upon waking. This single behavior spikes cortisol and sends the brain into “danger mode,” setting the tone for an anxious, reactive day. He also described the biological risks of shift work—including DNA fragmentation and increased risk of heart attack and stroke—conditions serious enough that the WHO classifies shift work as a possible carcinogen. His message was clear: Sleep is your anchor. It affects aging, inflammation, immunity, hormone balance, and even gut health. Dr. Creado reminded us that sleep isn't a luxury—it's foundational biology. When we optimize sleep, we improve every system in the body: our hormones, immunity, focus, mood, and even our longevity. And when we take what he taught and combine it with the intentional practice of The Silva Method, we unlock something even more powerful. A simple 20-minute nap becomes more than rest—it becomes a doorway into the Alpha state where creativity, insight, and intuition live. This is why so many innovators throughout history used micro-naps to solve problems. The Silva Method simply adds conscious intention. And when we pair intention with the brain's natural rhythms, we create one of the most reliable pathways for breakthroughs. And watch how your best most innovative and creative ideas begin to rise to the surface. With that thought, we will close out this episode, and we will see you next week, with PART 2 of our interview review with Dr. Creado. We have only scratched the surface of our review of this important health staple of sleep. See you next week. REFERENCES: [i] Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast EPISODE #261 PART 1 of Apply the Silva Method for Improved Intuition, Creativity and Focus. https://andreasamadi.podbean.com/e/a-deep-dive-with-andrea-samadi-into-applying-the-silva-method-for-improved-intuition-creativity-and-focus-part-1/ [ii] Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast EPISODE #87 with Andrea Samadi on “The Top 5 Brain Health and Alzheimer's Prevention Strategies” https://www.achieveit360.com/the-top-5-brain-health-and-alzheimers-prevention-strategies-with-andrea-samadi/ [iii] Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast EPISODE #72 with Dr. Shane Creado on “Sleep Strategies that will Guarantee a Competitive Advantage.” https://andreasamadi.podbean.com/e/dr-shane-creado-on-sleep-strategies-that-will-guarantee-a-competitive-advantage/ [iv] Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast EPISODE #71 with Dr. Shane Creado on “A Deep Dive into Dr. Creado's Peak Sleep Performance for Athletes” https://andreasamadi.podbean.com/e/self-regulation-and-sleep-with-a-deep-dive-into-dr-shane-creados-peak-sleep-performance-for-athletes/ [v] Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast EPISODE 134 with Dr. Kristin Holmes, VP of Performance Science from Whoop.com https://andreasamadi.podbean.com/e/kristen-holmes-from-whoopcom-on-unlocking-a-better-you-measuring-sleep-recovery-and-strain/ [vi] Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast EPISODE 84 “Andrea's SPECT Image Brain Scan Results” https://andreasamadi.podbean.com/e/how-a-spect-scan-can-change-your-life-part-3-with-andrea-samadi/ [vii] Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast EPISODE #261 PART 1 of Apply the Silva Method for Improved Intuition, Creativity and Focus. https://andreasamadi.podbean.com/e/a-deep-dive-with-andrea-samadi-into-applying-the-silva-method-for-improved-intuition-creativity-and-focus-part-1/ [viii] Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast EPISODE 120 “Andrea's Personal Review of The Fisher Wallace Wearable Medical Device for Anxiety, Depression and Sleep/Stress Management” https://andreasamadi.podbean.com/e/personal-review-of-the-fisher-wallace-wearable-medical-device-for-anxiety-depression-and-sleepstress-management/ [ix] https://www.sleepdiplomat.com/ [x] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/nap-job-10-companies-100300632.html [xi] https://www.amazon.com/Sleep-Revolution-Transforming-Your-Night/dp/110190402X The Sleep Revolution, Published by Arianna Huffington April 4, 2017 [xii] Neuroscience Meets Social and Emotional Learning Podcast EPISODE #261 PART 1 of Apply the Silva Method for Improved Intuition, Creativity and Focus. https://andreasamadi.podbean.com/e/a-deep-dive-with-andrea-samadi-into-applying-the-silva-method-for-improved-intuition-creativity-and-focus-part-1/
In this week's Digital Health Roundup, Medtech Insight's Marion Webb highlights her interviews with leaders at brain-computer interface developers Synchron and INBRAIN about funding, clinical trials and partnerships. Brian Bossetta discusses Oura's goal to secure US FDA clearance for a blood pressure feature for its smart ring. Elizabeth Orr highlights an FDA expert panel considering regulation of generative AI tools for mental health and Shubham Singh shines a light on Choice's efforts to develop a new form of contraceptive for women.
Enterprise Ireland is leading a 20-strong delegation of high-growth Irish technology companies to Slush 2025, Europe's premier start-up and venture capital event. Slush, widely regarded as the largest gathering of venture capital under one roof, is a key platform for Irish start-ups seeking to accelerate their expansion and secure investment. The Nordics have emerged as Enterprise Ireland's fastest-growing export region for Enterprise Ireland supported companies, with client exports reaching €2.1 billion in 2024, up 24% on 2023. Finland is leading the charge as its most dynamic market. Against this backdrop, Irish innovators are leveraging Slush to deepen commercial ties and showcase cutting-edge technologies across AI, fintech, and sustainability. With Nordic markets driving export growth and Finland emerging as a hub for tech collaboration, Enterprise Ireland's presence at Slush underscores Ireland's ambition to position its start-ups at the forefront of European innovation. Momentum in Irish Tech Investment Ireland's start-up ecosystem continues to attract global attention, underscored by strong investment flows and landmark deals. Earlier this year, Tines, the AI-powered work automation platform, became Ireland's latest unicorn following a $125 million Series C round. This success story exemplifies the ambition of Irish companies attending Slush, many of which are scaling internationally and forging strategic partnerships in the Nordics. As part of the Slush programme of events, Enterprise Ireland will host an Irish Innovation event, featuring a fireside chat with George Ardagh of Tines as well as Enterprise Ireland Head of Scaling Finance Karole Egan and leading voices from global finance. The event will spotlight Ireland's vibrant tech ecosystem and its role in shaping global innovation. Among the Irish delegation at Slush are: EVERYANGLE, whose Vision AI technology powers retail giants including H&M, Samsøe Samsøe, and IKEA franchise partners. Fresh from winning Cisco's Global AI Innovation Award, EVERYANGLE is set to unveil its new product, Horizon, designed to transform in-store behaviour into data-driven growth. Otonomee, the customer support outsourcing specialist, has partnered with Finland's Oura to scale global operations during a period of exceptional growth for the health-tech leader. JustTip, Europe's fastest-growing digital tipping platform, is expanding its footprint through a partnership with Sweden's Surfboard Payments, reinforcing its mission to deliver transparent and instant gratuity management across hospitality. Marker Video, the content marketplace platform is launching their Marker Video app. With 10,000 verified users already onboarded and pilot campaigns underway with HelloFresh and Unilever, the app combines human-verification technology with instant user payments. This enables Marker Video to deliver the scale and authenticity modern brands demand, solving one of advertising's fastest-growing challenges. Leading the Irish delegation at Slush, Finland, Viktor Wagner Heide, Senior Market Advisor at Enterprise Ireland Nordics said; "Slush is a proven launchpad for Irish innovation, offering a unique opportunity to connect with international investors and partners. With exports by Enterprise Ireland-backed companies to the Nordics growing by 24% last year, this platform turns ambition into global growth and strengthens Ireland's position as a leader in Europe's technology landscape." Other Irish company participants at Slush 2025 include, BrightBeam, Capella, Chirp, CitySwift, Coroflo, Cytidel, EVE, HR Duo, Luna Systems, Marker Video, Mavarick AI, NoFrixion, Payemoji, Peroptyx, Provizio, Recruitroo and Tines. Full profiles are available in the Irish Innovation Directory. See more stories here.
MOPs & MOEs is powered by TrainHeroic, the best coaching app on the planet. Click here to get 14 days FREE and a consult with the coaches at TrainHeroic to help you get your coaching business rolling on TrainHeroic. MOPs & MOEs delivers our training through TrainHeroic and you can get your first 7 days of training with us FREE by clicking here.To continue the conversation, join our Discord! We have experts standing by to answer your questions.This episode covers two primary topics: First, we chat about wearable technology, its evolving accuracy, and how to implement it to change health and fitness behaviors at scale. Second, we discuss the challenges of doing business with the military, particularly in the technology space where innovation is rapid and constant.Geoff Wylde leads ŌURA's Human Performance team, delivering technology solutions that help tactical and critical workforce communities optimize physical and mental readiness. Beginning with an illness‑monitoring initiative for the U.S. Air Force, his team has expanded Oura's programs for first responders, active‑duty military, and veterans to include athletic performance, fatigue risk management, chronic stress management, and holistic health and well‑being. Before ŌURA, Geoff led programs on technology policy and industrial strategy at the World Economic Forum and spent a decade in strategy consulting at PricewaterhouseCoopers.Outside of work, Geoff volunteers and serves on the board of Healing Waters, a nonprofit that brings chronically ill and at‑risk communities into nature through camping and whitewater rafting in Northern California.Here's a peer reviewed validation study that compares the sleep/HRV accuracy of Garmin Fenix 6, Oura Generation 3, Oura Generation 4, Polar Grit X Pro, and Whoop 4.0.
Send us a textIn this episode of The Autoimmune RESET Podcast, VJ shares her top five health apps that genuinely make a difference — for clients and for her own daily routine. From gut–brain retraining to nervous system regulation and sleep optimisation, these tools are practical, science-backed, and designed to help you build consistency without burnout.You'll learn how apps like Nerva, Yuka, Sweat, Insight Timer, and Rise can support every pillar of autoimmune health — helping you calm the nervous system, lower your toxic load, build metabolic resilience, and work with your body's natural rhythms.VJ also shares how she integrates these tools personally, how clients use them successfully in practice, and why sometimes, the smallest changes create the biggest shifts.✨ Plus — if you're listening in real time, don't miss her free mini-series on vagal tone happening this week, where she dives into the science behind the gut–brain–immune axis and teaches simple, evidence-based techniques to regulate your nervous system. She'll be going live next week to answer all your vagal tone questions. You can join The Autoimmune Forum here. Listen in to discover:Why gut-directed hypnotherapy (Nerva) is one of the most powerful tools for gut–brain healingHow Yuka helps you detoxify your daily routine without overwhelmWays to weave movement into your day using Sweat — even if you're short on timeHow Insight Timer can shift your physiology in just five minutes a dayWhy Rise (and tools like Oura) can transform sleep, energy, and hormonal balanceWhether you're on a gut healing journey, managing autoimmunity, or simply ready to uplevel your wellbeing, this episode will give you practical, easy-to-implement tools to support your body — one small step at a time.
This episode covers: • Cocoa Extract Cuts Heart Deaths A massive COSMOS trial found that older adults taking high flavanol cocoa extract daily saw a 27 percent reduction in cardiovascular deaths along with drops in inflammation markers like HSCRP. Women showed unique anti inflammatory cytokine shifts, pointing to a broader longevity effect. Dave explains why cocoa extract is becoming a foundational nutrient for vascular health rather than a dessert ingredient. Source: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/09/250926135957.htm • AI Stethoscope for Home Diagnostics Lapsi Health's Keikku 2.0 just became the first FDA cleared AI powered digital stethoscope for both clinicians and home users. It records heart and lung sounds, analyzes them instantly, and flags early warning signs before symptoms appear. Dave breaks down why tools like this move you from reactive to predictive medicine and why they belong in every quantified self toolkit. Source: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lapsi-health-unveils-keikku-2-0-worlds-first-fda-cleared-digital-stethoscope-with-integrated-ai-scribe-302585083.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com • Beef Organ Supplements Surge Beef organ supplements have exploded more than 8,000 percent this year, driven largely by women reporting improvements in energy, hormones, mood, and skin. Liver, kidney, and heart deliver vitamin A, heme iron, B12, copper, and choline that modern diets often lack. Dave covers sourcing concerns, purity standards, and why this shift reflects a move from fear based nutrition to evolutionary nutrition. Source: https://www.verywellhealth.com/beef-organ-supplement-11710185?utm_source=chatgpt.com • Spirulina for Collagen and DNA Protection New research highlights spirulina's ability to support collagen production, reduce oxidative stress, protect DNA, and improve glucose and lipid balance. It is becoming a staple of eco focused anti aging routines and is driving the viral green stacking trend with chlorella and chlorophyll. Dave explains why spirulina functions as a clean daily defense against oxidative stress. Source: https://www.news-medical.net/news/20250707/Is-Spirulina-the-Next-Anti-Aging-Superfood.aspx • Health Data Privacy Reform A new Senate bill aims to extend HIPAA level protections to wearables, genomic tools, glucose monitors, and wellness apps. The goal is to give users control over who sees their biometrics, how they are stored, and whether they can be sold. Dave outlines why this matters for anyone using Oura, Whoop, CGMs, or genetic testing and why your biology should belong to you and not the cloud. Source: https://natlawreview.com/article/federal-healthcare-update-november-7-2025 All source links provided for easy reference to the original reporting and research above. This is essential listening for fans of biohacking, hacking human performance, functional medicine, and longevity who want actionable tools from Host Dave Asprey and a guest who embodies what it means to age with energy, clarity, and vitality. Dave Asprey is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, founder of Bulletproof Coffee, and the father of biohacking. With over 1,000 interviews and 1 million monthly listeners, The Human Upgrade brings you the knowledge to take control of your biology, extend your longevity, and optimize every system in your body and mind. Each episode delivers cutting-edge insights in health, performance, neuroscience, supplements, nutrition, biohacking, emotional intelligence, and conscious living. New episodes are released every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday (audio-only), and Sunday (BONUS). Dave asks the questions no one else will and gives you real tools to become stronger, smarter, and more resilient. Keywords: cocoa extract, flavanols, heart health, nitric oxide pathways, COSMOS trial, AI stethoscope, digital diagnostics, Keikku device, predictive health tech, beef organ supplements, women's hormonal health, nutrient dense foods, ancestral nutrition, spirulina benefits, collagen support, oxidative stress defense, green stacking, chlorella pairing, DNA protection, wearable privacy laws, HIPAA reform, biometric data rights, longevity news, biohacking updates Thank you to our sponsors! Essentia | Go to https://myessentia.com/dave and use code DAVE for $100 off The Dave Asprey Upgrade. ECHO Water | Go to http://echowater.com/dave and use code DAVE10 for 10% off your ECHO Flask. 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It's In the News.. a look at the top headlines and stories in the diabetes community. This week's top stories: It's World Diabetes Day and we have a LOT of news to get to! Daily oral insulin tested to prevent T1D, mothers and sons and a T1D link, stem cell updates, Tandem Android news, Omnipod's workplace campaign and more! Find out how to submit your Community Commercial Find out more about Moms' Night Out Please visit our Sponsors & Partners - they help make the show possible! Learn more about Gvoke Glucagon Gvoke HypoPen® (glucagon injection): Glucagon Injection For Very Low Blood Sugar (gvokeglucagon.com) Omnipod - Simplify Life Learn about Dexcom Check out VIVI Cap to protect your insulin from extreme temperatures The best way to keep up with Stacey and the show is by signing up for our weekly newsletter: Sign up for our newsletter here Here's where to find us: Facebook (Group) Facebook (Page) Instagram Twitter Check out Stacey's books! Learn more about everything at our home page www.diabetes-connections.com Reach out with questions or comments: info@diabetes-connections.com Episode transcription with links: Hello and welcome to Diabetes Connections In the News! I'm Stacey Simms and every other Friday I bring you a short episode with the top diabetes stories and headlines happening now. It's world diabetes day! It is marked every year on 14 November, the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin along with Charles Best in 1922. WDD was created in 1991 by International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and the World Health Organization and became an official United Nations Day in 2006 with the passage of United Nations Resolution 61/225. There will be a ton of stuff in your feeds today and that's great! I'm going to keep this to a pretty normal in the news episode.. although I do have my own World Diabetes Day announcement – I want YOUR community commercials. You could have an ad for your event or your blog or your project right here! There's a post on the website explaining it all and I'll come back at the end of the episode and tell you more. XX The Primary Oral Insulin Trial (POInT) is the first large-scale clinical trial to test whether giving at-risk children daily oral insulin could prevent or delay type 1 diabetes (T1D). Conducted by researchers from Helmholtz Munich and the Technical University of Munich across five European countries, the study enrolled more than 1,000 children with a genetic risk for T1D. Results published in The Lancet show that while oral insulin did not prevent the development of islet autoantibodies—an early sign of diabetes—it was safe and well tolerated. Importantly, researchers found that some children who received oral insulin developed diabetes more slowly than those given a placebo, suggesting potential protective effects in certain genetic subgroups. Further analysis revealed that the response to treatment depended on the child's insulin gene variant. Children with genetic versions that raise diabetes risk appeared to benefit, showing delayed onset of the disease, while those without the risk variant did not. These findings point toward a future of personalized prevention, where genetic screening could help identify which children might benefit most from oral insulin. Researchers will continue following the participants until age 12 to assess long-term effects. The study marks a major milestone in decades of diabetes prevention research, highlighting both the promise and complexity of developing tailored, early interventions against type 1 diabetes. XX Joint US-Chinese research looking at generating new beta cells from stomach cells. Upon turning on the "genetic switch," the human stomach cells were converted to insulin-secreting cells within the mice and resembled pancreatic beta cells with respect to gene and protein expression. Encouragingly, when those experiments were done with diabetic mice, insulin secreted from the transformed human cells helped control blood sugar levels and ameliorated diabetes. The scientists hope that a similar approach can be taken to convert cells from a patient's own stomach into insulin-secreting cells directly within the body. Importantly, additional studies are needed to address if this approach is safe and effective to be used in patients. https://www.technologynetworks.com/cell-science/news/human-stomach-cells-tweaked-to-make-insulin-406694 XX A new study in Nature Metabolism may help explain why children born to mothers with type 1 diabetes are less likely to develop the disease early in life compared to those whose fathers or siblings have it. Researchers looked at nearly 2,000 mothers and their children and found that kids whose moms have type 1 diabetes show changes in their DNA that may actually help protect them. These aren't genetic mutations, but epigenetic changes — chemical tags that turn certain genes on or off. The study found these changes in genes tied to the immune system and type 1 diabetes risk, suggesting that a mother's condition during pregnancy can shape her child's immune response in a protective way. Scientists identified more than 500 areas of DNA where these changes occurred, many in regions that control how the body's immune system works. Most of the changes appeared to calm down the kind of overactive immune response that leads to type 1 diabetes. Researchers even created a "methylation score" to help measure this protective effect. They say the next step is to confirm these results in more diverse groups and figure out exactly how these DNA changes help prevent early diabetes. https://www.news-medical.net/news/20251110/Maternal-type-1-diabetes-may-protect-children-from-developing-the-disease.aspx XX A new study from Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University reveals that sons born to mothers with type 1 diabetes may develop early vascular dysfunction—independently of metabolic health. The finding may help shape future strategies to prevent cardiovascular disease early in life. Children of women with type 1 diabetes are known to be at increased risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. This new study, published in Cell Reports Medicine, is the first to show that the risk is linked to early dysfunction in blood vessel cells in sons, even before any metabolic issues arise. The team is now investigating the long-term effects of maternal diabetes, with a particular focus on why sons seem to be affected earlier than daughters. https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-11-sons-mothers-diabetes-early-vascular.html XX A new study presented at Kidney Week 2025 has shown that the drug finn-uh-near-own a nonsteroidal mineralocorticoid-receptor antagonist, significantly reduced albuminuria—a key marker of kidney damage—in people with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). This is the first major breakthrough for this population in more than 30 years. Researchers found that patients taking finerenone saw a 25% average reduction in albuminuria compared to placebo, an improvement that suggests a lower long-term risk for dialysis or kidney transplant. The phase 3 FINE-ONE trial involved 242 adults with T1D and CKD, and results showed benefits as early as three months. The drug was generally well tolerated, with side effects similar to those seen in patients with type 2 diabetes, though mild hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) was slightly more common. Experts say the findings could change the way doctors treat kidney complications in type 1 diabetes, an area that hasn't seen new therapies since the early 1990s. Currently, treatment options rely on blood pressure and blood sugar management, along with renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors. Finerenone, which is already approved for type 2 diabetes-related CKD, targets overactivation of a receptor that drives kidney damage. Based on these results, Bayer plans to seek FDA approval in 2026 for use in people with T1D and CKD. Researchers and clinicians alike are calling the study "groundbreaking," noting that it opens the door to future research on how finerenone might not just slow kidney decline—but possibly prevent it altogether. https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/finerenone-offers-hope-kidney-disease-type-1-diabetes-2025a1000uzi?form=login XX This week, Tandem Diabetes Care (Nasdaq:TNDM) announced a major milestone for its Mobi miniature durable insulin pump system. San Diego-based Tandem revealed that it received FDA approval for the Android version of its Mobi mobile app. Clearance brings Mobi — which the company describes as the world's smallest, durable automated insulin delivery system — to more users. The pump, which pairs with Tandem's Control-IQ+ algorithm, previously worked with iOS software. Tandem — one of the largest diabetes tech companies in the world — expects to begin a limited rollout next month, followed by full commercial availability in early 2026. This marks the latest milestone for the company, which continues to expand its offerings and widen its reach within the diabetes patient population. We had a great interview with Tandem on our previous episode, but as I said at the time, it was coming before their earnings call. So here's an update: The company plans to submit the tubeless mobi to the fda before the end of this year.. possible approval and shipping date is hoped for by middle of 2026. Trials for their fully closed loop next-generation algorithm which we tlkaed abou ton the show should be launched in 2026 The Sigi patch pump will be developed and launched as a next-generation version of the Mobi Great job by Dr. David ? Ahn – he posted on IG after getting a message from tandem CEO John Sheridan? 1. First, the Tandem X3 *is* still absolutely in development, contrary to my speculation In yesterday's video. As many of you appropriately pointed out, there is definitely a market for a 300 unit pump, a pump with a screen, and a pump that does not require smartphone control. So from our brief chat, the sense I got that is that the X3 would be more of a refresh of the X2 with newer components, such as a USB-C connector and better memory, rather than a total redesign from the ground up. In terms of timing, all I could get was that it was "not too far distant in the future," which could mean anything I guess, but at least it's still on the way! 2. Next up, he also reassured me that they are working closely with Dexcom to support the G7 15 Day sensor within the next few months. I suspected as much, but it's always good to hear confirmation. 3. Lastly, he did confirm that Tandem is far along in developing a Caregiver/Follow app to allow the remote viewing of glucose and insulin data from a Tandem pump. He explained that it will be based on Sugarmate, the popular diabetes data dashboard app that Tandem acquired back in Jun 2020. While I don't know if every feature will make it into the Tandem caregiver app, Sugarmate is well-liked for its highly customizable dashboard and highly configurable alerts. Sugarmate even has the option to send a text message or phone call for urgent lows. Regardless, a true follow/Caregiver app will be welcomed with open arms by all caregivers and Tandem users who use Libre 3 Plus. https://time.com/7318020/worlds-top-healthtech-companies-2025/ XX Senseonics submits Eversense 365 – their year long implantable CGM for a CE mark, European Approval and expect to launch there soon. Eversense will be integrated with the sequel twist pump – again I'm hearing soon but no timeline. Intersting to note that one year inseration was approved in the US just about a year ago, so the first patients will be having their CGMs changed out – for the first time – pretty soon. https://www.drugdeliverybusiness.com/senseonics-q2-2025-sales-beat-ce-mark/ XX A confusing study out of Rutgers - these researcher say metformin reduces some of the key benefits normally gained from regular physical activity. These include improvements in blood vessel health, physical fitness, and the body's ability to regulate blood sugar. Since 2006, doctors have typically encouraged patients with elevated blood sugar levels to combine metformin with exercise, expecting that the two proven treatments would produce stronger results together. However, the new research suggests this may not be the case. In this study, Exercise alone improved vascular insulin sensitivity, meaning blood vessels responded better to insulin and allowed more blood flow to muscles. This matters because insulin's ability to open blood vessels helps shuttle glucose out of the bloodstream and into tissues, lowering blood sugar after meals. But when metformin was added, the improvements shrank. The drug also diminished gains in aerobic fitness and reduced the positive effects on inflammation and fasting glucose. The findings don't mean people should stop taking metformin or exercising, Malin said. Instead, it raises urgent questions for doctors about how the two treatments can be combined and the need for close monitoring. Malin hopes future research will uncover strategies that preserve the benefits of both. https://scitechdaily.com/popular-diabetes-drug-metformin-may-cancel-out-exercise-benefits-study-warns/ XX XX https://www.medtechdive.com/news/Revvity-Sanofi-diabetes-test-Kihealth-seed-round/802133/ XX Dexcom recalled an Android app for its G6 glucose sensor due to a software problem that could cause the app to terminate unexpectedly. The issue could cause users to miss alarms, alerts or notifications related to estimated glucose values, according to a Food and Drug Administration database entry posted Oct. 30. The glucose sensor and the app are still available, but Dexcom required users to update the app to a new version. Dexcom began the recall on Aug. 28. The FDA designated the event as a Class 1 recall, the most serious kind. Dexcom sent a notification to customers in September about the software bug, which applies to version 1.15 of the G6 Android app. To use the app, customers must update it to a new version, according to the entry. https://www.medtechdive.com/news/dexcom-recall-g6-cgm-app/804630/ XX https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/automated-insulin-delivery-boosts-glycemic-control-youth-2025a1000ub3 XX Tidepool partners with smart ring maker OURA.. press release says: to support a groundbreaking dataset intended to be broadly available for diabetes research, with participation limited to individuals who opt in through Tidepool. Tidepool will pair biometric data from Oura Ring – sleep, activity, heart rate, temperature trends, and menstrual cycles – with diabetes device data, including continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) and insulin pumps. The result will provide researchers with an unprecedented dataset to accelerate the development of new clinical guidelines, next-generation diabetes technology, and personalized care models. Recruitment is expected to launch in early 2026 through an IRB-approved study. By opting in to this study, participants consent to sharing their data with Tidepool's Big Data Donation Project, where data is de-identified and, with participant consent, shared with academics, researchers, and industry innovators to accelerate diabetes research. https://aijourn.com/tidepool-collaborates-with-oura-to-advance-inclusive-diabetes-research-through-wearables/ XX Eli Lilly launches two new clinical trials for baricitinib. These phase 3 trials will investigate whether the drug can delay T1D onset or progression and will open for recruitment soon. Baricitinib has the potential to extend the "honeymoon period" of T1D, meaning that it could preserve remaining insulin-producing beta cells earlier in disease progression. More beta cells mean better blood sugar management—and potentially reduced long-term complications. JAK inhibitors, including baricitinib, are already FDA-approved for other autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, alopecia, and more. JAK signaling pathways are associated with overactive immune responses, so blocking this pathway may turn down the immune response. The phase 2 Breakthrough T1D-funded BANDIT study was key in showing that this drug is safe and effective in T1D. Importantly, baricitinib is a once-daily oral pill—meaning its use is simple and easy. https://www.breakthrought1d.org/news-and-updates/two-new-trials-baricitinib-to-delay-t1d/ XX Insulet is taking diabetes awareness into the workplace. Having found 79% of people with diabetes have faced bias or misunderstanding at work, the medtech giant is rolling out a range of resources intended to trigger changes in how workplaces approach the condition. Lots going on for Diabetes Awareness month.. some notables.. Insulet's "The Day Diabetes Showed up to Work" campaign. based on a survey of almost 10,000 people 79% of people with diabetes have faced bias or misunderstanding at work,. Almost 90% of people with diabetes surveyed reported experiencing barriers at work due to their condition, and more than 40% of people with diabetes and caregivers said they have workplace-related anxiety tied to the metabolic disease. Around one-quarter of respondents reported fears that diabetes could limit opportunities or lead to workplace discrimination and judgment, and a similar proportion of people said they conceal their condition. https://www.fiercepharma.com/marketing/widespread-workplace-challenges-people-diabetes-spark-insulet-campaign XX New directive issued by the Trump administration could mean people seeking visas to live in the U.S. might be rejected if they have certain medical conditions, including diabetes or obesity. The guidance, issued in a cable the State Department sent to embassy and consular officials and examined by KFF Health News, directs visa officers to deem applicants ineligible to enter the U.S. for several new reasons, including age or the likelihood they might rely on public benefits. The guidance says that such people could become a "public charge" — a potential drain on U.S. resources — because of their health issues or age. The cable's language appears at odds with the Foreign Affairs Manual, the State Department's own handbook, which says that visa officers cannot reject an application based on "what if" scenarios, Wheeler said. The guidance directs visa officers to develop "their own thoughts about what could lead to some sort of medical emergency or sort of medical costs in the future," he said. "That's troubling because they're not medically trained, they have no experience in this area, and they shouldn't be making projections based on their own personal knowledge or bias." Immigrants already undergo a medical exam by a physician who's been approved by a U.S. embassy. https://www.npr.org/2025/11/12/nx-s1-5606348/immigrants-visas-health-conditions-trump-guidance XX SAN DIEGO---Nov. 14, 2025—DexCom, Inc. (NASDAQ: DXCM), the global leader in glucose biosensing, today unveiled 16 new diabetes advocates to represent people living with diabetes globally as part of Dexcom's World Diabetes Day campaign. The advocates – ranging from ages six to 68, spanning various types of diabetes, and hailing from four continents and five countries – were selected from 1,000 open call submissions based on their experiences advocating for people with diabetes in their communities. While each person's experience with diabetes is unique, they share a common passion for advocacy – and use of Dexcom's glucose biosensing technology. "Through advocacy, I strive to show others, especially children and newly diagnosed patients, that diabetes is not a limitation but an opportunity to grow stronger, inspire resilience and pursue ambitious goals," said Maria Alejandra Jove Valerio, one of Dexcom's new advocates. "What began as a diagnosis at age seven has grown into a lifelong mission to uplift others." This effort represents the first time Dexcom has sourced voices from the broader diabetes community specifically for its World Diabetes Day campaign, reinforcing Dexcom's history of and commitment to giving real people with diabetes a platform to share their story on a global stage. Through engaging, editorial-style portraits and deeply personal stories, the campaign highlights each advocate's personal experience with diabetes, what misconceptions about diabetes they'd like to dispel and how they want to inspire others with diabetes to discover what they're made of. To prepare for the spotlight, the group of advocates met in Los Angeles for a World Diabetes Day photoshoot which included a surprise visit from Grammy-nominated artist, actor, producer and Dexcom Warrior Lance Bass and author, producer, actress and Stelo*Ambassador Retta. This visit offered the advocates an opportunity to exchange stories and personal perspectives on the meaning of diabetes advocacy and how they live it each day. Behind the lens at the shoot was another member of the diabetes community—photographer Tommy Lundberg who lives with Type 1 diabetes. "Directing this photoshoot was nothing short of inspiring. Each of these advocates has a unique an XX On what would have been the 100th birthday of its visionary founder Alfred E. Mann, MannKind Corporation (Nasdaq: MNKD), in partnership with Alfred E. Mann Charities and The Diabetes Link, announced the launch of the Centennial Al Mann Scholarship. The new program will distribute $100,000 in scholarship funds to support at least 10 young adult students living with diabetes as they pursue higher education in life sciences. Launched in Diabetes Awareness Month, the scholarship program honors Alfred E. Mann's enduring legacy of innovation, philanthropy, and his lifelong commitment to improving the quality of human life through medical advancement. Deeply passionate about giving back, Mr. Mann believed that his success should continue to serve humanity long after his passing, a belief that lives on through this initiative. Each scholarship recipient will be awarded up to $10,000, distributed in annual installments of $2,500 throughout the course of their studies. Depending on the length of their degree program, recipients may receive between two and four installments (up to the full $10,000 per student). The first awards will be made for the 2026 academic year. "Al Mann dedicated his life to helping people with serious medical conditions live longer, healthier lives. This scholarship is a reflection of that spirit," said Michael Castagna, PharmD, Chief Executive Officer of MannKind Corporation. "By supporting students living with diabetes who are pursuing careers in the life sciences and adjacent fields, we're honoring Al's legacy and investing in the future of innovation and care. This program is about giving back to the community we serve and empowering the next generation to carry forward Al's mission of making a meaningful difference in people's lives." Alfred E. Mann Charities and MannKind will partner with The Diabetes Link to launch the program to serve young adults (aged 18-22) living with either type 1 or type 2 diabetes with their higher education goals. Those eligible will include incoming freshmen and current students pursuing 2- or 4-year degrees. The application window will open in early 2026, and for those interested in receiving notifications, an early interest form is available. More information about the scholarship will be shared on thediabeteslink.org. "We're honored to partner with MannKind to expand access to higher education for young adults with diabetes," said Manuel Hernández, Chief Executive Officer of The Diabetes Link. "At a time when the cost of college continues to rise, this scholarship helps ease the financial burden and carries forward the spirit of Al Mann, whose vision and legacy continue to inspire us." Mr. Mann was MannKind's Chairman of the Board from 2001 until his passing in February 2016 and served as Chief Executive Officer from November 2003 until January 2015. Driven by a desire to improve lives and fill unmet medical needs, for more than six decades he founded 17 companies and developed breakthrough medical devices, including insulin pumps, cochlear implants, cardiac pacemakers and retinal prostheses. In 1997, Mr. Mann saw the potential of a dry powder insulin formulation to change the way diabetes is treated and invested nearly $1 billion to help bring Afrezza® (insulin human) Inhalation Powder to market. About MannKind MannKind Corporation (Nasdaq: MNKD) is a biopharmaceutical company dedicated to transforming chronic disease care through innovative, patient-centric solutions. Focused on cardiometabolic and orphan lung diseases, we develop and commercialize treatments that address serious unmet medical needs, including diabetes, pulmonary hypertension, and fluid overload in heart failure and chronic kidney disease. With deep expertise in drug-device combinations, MannKind aims to deliver therapies designed to fit seamlessly into daily life. Learn more at mannkindcorp.com. About Alfred E. Mann Charities, Inc. Alfred E. Mann Charities, Inc. became active in 2016, following the passing of the organization's benefactor, Alfred E. Mann. Throughout his life, Al was passionate about philanthropy and was dedicated to prolonging and improving the quality of human lives through innovation in the fields of healthcare and the use of medical devices. It was important to Al that his success and assets continue to better human lives even after his own passing. Alfred E. Mann Charities, Inc. (formerly known as Alfred E. Mann Family Foundation) has similarly placed its primary focus on healthcare and medical innovation, as our organization believes this is where we can have the greatest impact on humanity and human health throughout the world. Alfred E. Mann Charities, Inc. is also dedicated to promoting arts, culture, education, and community development across Los Angeles and throughout the world in order to best serve people and this planet. Learn more at aemanncharities.org. About The Diabetes Link The Diabetes Link is the only national nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young adults living with diabetes. Founded by and for young adults, The Link serves this community through peer support, leadership opportunities, and practical, evidence-based resources designed for real life. Its network of campus and community chapters, active online community, and robust Resource Hub help young adults navigate the transitions of early adulthood while managing diabetes. The organization envisions a future where every young adult living with diabetes has
Do you have an Apple watch? Fitbit? Oura ring? Woop? Wearables have taken over in the past decade with claims that by constantly monitoring our heart rate, sleep, respiration, and ...
血糖値などの生体データの可視化が健康意識を高める一方、サイバー攻撃によって「ビールが店頭から消える」事件も発生。CODE BLUEなどのイベントや、障害対応訓練「カオスエンジニアリング」を通じて、テクノロジーの恩恵とリスク、そして自衛の重要性を再認識しました01:27 血糖値測定器でリアルタイムに血糖値を計測中 - 食べるものによって血糖値の上昇に顕著な違い03:11 OURA Ringのアプリが血糖値センサー Stelo(スティーロ)と連携して血糖値データを見られるようになった05:23 OURAの新型セラミック版が7万4000円で従来モデルから2万円以上値上がり10:52 アサヒビールへのサイバー攻撃の影響でコンビニに「アサヒ製品は全商品入荷していません」という貼り紙13:13 アラスカ航空で”IT Outage”(システム障害&ダウン)になり、全機が飛ばなくなる事態が発生15:27 病院へのハッキングで全システムが止まり、カルテも投薬量も分からず治療不能、ER受け入れも不能になった事例16:14 「CODE BLUE」注目のセッション:Kindleの電子書籍ダウンロードで侵入される脆弱性16:39 「CODE BLUE」注目のセッション:Googleカレンダーの招待送信で乗っ取られる17:42 26歳以下の若手セキュリティ専門家が世界中から集まり技術力を競う世界大会「ICC Tokyo」が初めて日本で開催19:10 ハッキング競技の可視化:SFアニメ風の表現や、宇宙の惑星を模した表現など多め21:08 ドラマ「ブラッディマンデー」で、劇中で使われているOSやコマンドで何をやっているか専門家が解説23:42 インターポールの捜査官として暴走AIをかいくぐりながら捜査を行うワークショップを実施(実際の訓練プログラムをアレンジ)28:34 freee社で、ある日突然業務システムを止めて(インシデント対応の)訓練をおこなった29:04 カオスエンジニアリング - 予告なしに通常業務のシステムを止めて対応する訓練エピソード内で取り上げた情報へのリンク: OURAとSteloの連携 サイバーセキュリティ国際会議 CODE BLUE International Cybersecurity Challenge TOKYO 2025テック業界で働く3人が、テクノロジーとクリエイティブに関するトピックを、視点を行き交わしながら語り合います。及川卓也 @takoratta プロダクトマネジメントとプロダクト開発組織づくりの専門家関信浩 @NobuhiroSeki アメリカ・ニューヨークでスタートアップ投資を行う、何でも屋上野美香 @mikamika59 マーケティング・プロダクトマネジメントを手掛けるフリーランスhttps://x-crossing.com
Tech Briefs lyssnare Lova undrar vad som händer med alla den data vi matar in i löpar-appar, Garmin-klockor och Oura-ringar? I allt större utsträckning berättar vi för olika devices hur vi mår och presterar i alla möjliga olika lägen. Sophia Sinclair berättar om sin perfekta graf, Björn Jeffery har en klocka som talar om när han håller på att bli sjuk, vilket inte är bra för hans hypokondri. Henning Eklund ljuger om sin hälsa för trännigsappen. Har du en fråga till podden? Mejla den till techbrief@svd.se
Chris Tahmazis (@christahmazisfit) is a football performance specialist and strength coach. When his own playing career came to an end he took up coaching and hasn't looked back. He's currently opening his first facility in Melbourne to continue training athletes and high performers in an expanded setting.When you get so many good things in your life through sports, it's only natural to want to pass it along. From staying out of trouble, being involved in your community and generally feeling physically amazing while others feel “old”, the list is endless. Chris has experienced all of these things and only wants to give back now.We discuss how training - and even more specifically, training like an athlete - is the real key to longevity. Chris also lays out a roadmap of how to get there if you're just getting started (or, re-started). Many people only in their 30's say they start to feel older, and this just simply isn't true if you're training and taking care of your body well. We also discuss why and how to use your fitness data like Whoop bands or Oura rings, simple strategies for improving your nutrition, and why all kids should be involved in sports. To keep up with everything Chris has going on, follow him on IG and Youtube. The best way to support the podcast is to share the episode with a friend. You can support yourself and the podcast by applying for 1:1 online coaching here. Grab my FREE Protein Cheat Sheet HERE. Grab my FREE Muscle Building Workout HERE. Join 1000's of others in receiving the best fitness tips, tools and tactics for free via the Sunday Meal Prep newsletter. Share this episode with a friend who would enjoy or benefit from it! Comments, questions, and feedback are greatly appreciated. If you enjoy this podcast, I would be extremely grateful if you subscribed and left a short review on iTunes or rating on Spotify. It really helps to spread the message and ultimately help more people. Website danielyores.com Connect with me on Instagram @danielyoresConnect with me on X @danielyores Podcast Cover Art by @octopuslegss
Learn how to use your HRV along with three other essential recovery metrics to train smarter and recover better. Then try the CoachCat App → free for your first 30 days https://fascatcoaching.com/app Coach Frank Overton (the BigCat), founder of FasCat Coaching and creator of the CoachCat App, breaks down what HRV really means, why single-day numbers don't tell the whole story, and how to actually use HRV to train smarter. You'll learn: ✅ What HRV really measures ✅ Why daily HRV scores can be misleading ✅ The importance of trends (7-day, 1-month, 6-month) ✅ How sleep, training stress, and how you feel matter just as much ✅ The four pillars of real recovery ✅ How CoachCat's AI Coaching Intelligence analyzes your data and gives daily guidance — just like a real coach Whether you use Whoop, Oura, Garmin, or Apple Watch… HRV is powerful only if you know how to use it correctly. This video & podcast shows you how to take control of your recovery and confidence in your training.
Oisin O'Connor is the CEO and co-founder of Recharge, the leading subscription management platform powering 75% of all Shopify subscriptions. Under his leadership, Recharge has become a critical infrastructure partner for over 30,000 brands, reaching 100 million subscribers and $100 million ARR.In this episode of DTC Pod, Oisin pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to win with subscriptions in today's DTC landscape. He shares insider strategies for subscriber growth, optimizing retention, and leveraging Recharge's newest AI-powered tools to minimize churn. Oisin also shares specific benchmarks every brand should measure, real-world examples of subscription funnels that convert, and actionable experiments operators can run to unlock long-term profitability and scale.Episode brought to you by StordInteract with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. Evolution of subscriptions in physical product e-commerce2. How to spot and create product-market fit 3. Differentiators that set Recharge apart from early competitors4. The compounding power of subscriptions for long-term growth5. Unit economics, LTV vs CAC, and why retention is king6. What best-in-class subscription brands do differently7. Optimizing conversion funnels for subscriber growth8. Subscription benchmarks: churn rates, retention, and second order metrics9. Reducing churn with data, cancellation flows, loyalty, and rewards10. Automations and integrating Recharge with supply chain and 3PL operations11. Leveraging AI Concierge for customer retention and support12. Evolving customer experience and the need for seamless subscription management13. How Recharge guides merchants with data, support, and innovation14. Experiments and mistakes founders make launching subscription brandsTimestamps00:00 Oisin's background, founding story, and early agency experiments04:06 The rise of Shopify and the breakthrough with Recharge05:19 The subscription model: initial skepticism and quirky early adopters06:47 Technical challenges in enabling subscriptions on Shopify09:00 First major subscription brand success story10:15 Compounding growth through subscriptions11:36 Legacy brands and decades-long customer retention13:06 Building DTC businesses with sustainable unit economics14:37 Lessons from TV advertising history and the narrowing of scalable models16:29 Key traits of successful subscription businesses17:09 Product, recurring need, and conversion strategy18:27 Understanding subscriber value and optimizing acquisition19:26 Retention: keeping customers post-acquisition 19:52 High-performing brands and funnel design20:05 Subscription by default, offers, upsells, and cross-sells21:39 Conversion tactics from PDP to post-checkout22:38 Benchmarks for healthy churn and retention23:06 How top brands reduce churn and track performance24:58 Recharge tools: analytics, cancellation flows, Klaviyo integration26:41 Rewards and automations to boost retention27:33 Automate flows for backend fulfillment and logistics28:20 Launching AI SMS concierge for subscriber experience29:40 Reducing customer service friction and delighting shoppers32:15 Customer experience as a core differentiator34:04 The competitive subscription landscape: Recharge's position35:41 Product innovation, support, and actionable guidance37:16 Data-driven product innovation and merchant success38:04 The future of subscription, retention, and platform innovation40:38 Biggest mistakes founders make with subscriptions41:58 Experiments founders should run with Recharge42:58 Where to connect with Oisin for advice and mentorshipShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more. Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• #243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTokOisin O'Connor - Co-Founder and CEO of RechargeBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic
Adrenal fatigue. Burnout. Stress overload. If you've ever wondered why you feel "tired but wired," can't sleep, or just can't get your energy back, Dr. Kristy Harvell is going to dig into what's really happening with your adrenals, and what you can actually do about it. * What adrenal fatigue is (and why so many women struggle with it) * Stress types: lifestyle, emotional, environmental, and even pathogens * How your adrenals affect everything from hormones to mitochondria to mood * Tools like muscle testing, HRV tracking, the Oura ring, and EMF reduction * Practical steps to calm your fight-or-flight response and heal Hosted by Leanne Vogel. Coaching and other supports available at: https://shop.healthfulpursuit.com/ Podcast Sponsors, links and offers available at: https://www.healthfulpursuit.com/podcast/ Bioactive Peptides: https://www.healthfulpursuit.com/make
Send us a textMost lab reports end with a shrug: “You're fine.” We think you deserve better than fine. This conversation is a practical guide to reading your blood work with confidence, using trends over time, and translating numbers into action you can stick with. Brent from Sage Healthspan joins us to unpack why “normal” ranges aren't the goal in a metabolically unwell population, how a closed-data AI can protect privacy while clarifying your results, and which overlooked biomarkers can change your prevention plan.We walk through the markers that move the needle. For cardiovascular risk, ApoB outperforms total cholesterol, while Lp(a) can reveal a genetic risk hidden in standard panels and point you toward a timely calcium score. Men should treat PSA as a low-friction lifesaver rather than an afterthought. Women deserve complete hormone panels, not piecemeal tests that miss the bigger picture. We also break down composite markers, ratios, and biological age as motivators—useful not as verdicts, but as guides to your next best step.The episode connects labs with real life. Sleep, training load, season, and environment all shape your biology. Wearables like Oura can inform when to push or pull back; vitamin D shifts with sunlight; fasting changes testosterone; and context matters as much as the number itself. We share how Sage ingests historical labs, normalizes units, explains biomarkers in plain English, and even drafts smart questions you can email to your doctor so every appointment counts. The aim is simple: lower friction, improve clarity, and build health agency that compounds over time.If you're ready to move from “okay” to optimal, tune in and learn how to centralize your data, fill panel gaps affordably, and make better daily choices backed by evidence. Subscribe, share with a friend who's ready to own their health, and leave a review to help more listeners find the show.Support the showLearn More at: www.Redefine-Fitness.com
Watch the FULL podcast here: https://youtu.be/bj0-zUDFkxcWorried that your HRV looks “low” on your wearable? I ask what a low HRV actually means, why different devices produce different numbers, and when a change is worth paying attention to.This clip explores how to interpret heart rate variability without getting lost in the daily noise. We discuss why HRV is a legitimate health metric with decades of research behind it, yet the absolute score is not comparable across devices or people because different technologies use different calculations. I'm taking a closer look at establishing a personal baseline over 21–30 days, why a four-day rolling view can reduce anxiety, and why consistent shifts over seven or more days matter more than one-off dips. We cover the role of genetics (around 20 percent of HRV), how lifestyle often explains age-related changes, and sex differences including a dip in the 40–50 window likely linked to menopause that later rebounds in the dataset referenced. You'll also hear why stability can reflect resilience, why big swings can be a red flag even when the number is “high,” and how resting heart rate and overnight respiratory rate fit into the bigger picture. I share my own readings (HRV around 10–13 on one device, resting heart rate at 45) and experiences using No Watch, Oura, and Eight Sleep, plus a mention of devices commonly used for HRV. As a nutritionist and health communicator, I focus on practical takeaways: use one device consistently, track trends, and avoid cross-device comparisons.***This episode is sponsored by: NOWATCH: Health tracking reimaginedKnow your body, trust yourself.15% off with code LWBW15 at nowatch.com***Sign up to Sarah's Compassionate Cure newsletter: Science Simplified, Health Humanised. Join thousands in exploring actionable insights that prioritise compassion, clarity, and real-life impact. https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/***Let's be friends!
Dr. Saria Saccocio, Chief Medical Officer at Essence Healthcare, is using AI to enhance care and services for patients who are enrolled in Medicare Advantage programs. One application is to analyze data related to health equity, care authorization, and to address biases. Their AI agent is being used to interact with patients, offering them the option to access a human. Integration with wearables, such as the Oura Ring, focuses on identifying clinically useful information to prevent physicians from being overwhelmed by data. Saria explains, "Medicare Advantage plans are absolutely that. It's an advantage because of the additional benefits that exist and the opportunity to connect with our members is rather unique. In fact, what I'll share with you and the audience is that AI has been a focus for us and a priority as we continue to expand the focus on quality and engagement with our members so that they have their best quality life possible to them. AI is a major piece of this work to make that happen. I can give you a couple of examples. In fact, when it comes to health equity, CMS has recently required Medicare plans to ensure that we are analyzing our data through a health equity lens. This year, in fact, we're focused on authorizations, authorizations of care. We want to make sure that it is critical to our members and AI. I see an opportunity to recognize any blind spots or implicit bias." "I think that every human being has a capability for technology. And what's critical is that we meet them where they are, that we understand what they want, what they need out of technology. I think that works as well as providers. As you see all of these AI developers starting up companies and solving problems, the conversation that we're having every day at Lumeris and at Essence Healthcare is what does the patient want? What does that member need for quality of care? And then engage and include the providers in that conversation. What makes their job easier? Because one of the challenges with new technology is that we can also reach a point of technology exhaustion. So I'll give an example of our relationship with Oura ring, the wearable device that tracks for sleep, for health, for heart rate, and a number of different measures." #EssenceHealthcare #MedicareAdvantage #HealthAI #OuraRing #DigitalHealth essencehealthcare.com Download the transcript here
Dr. Saria Saccocio, Chief Medical Officer at Essence Healthcare, is using AI to enhance care and services for patients who are enrolled in Medicare Advantage programs. One application is to analyze data related to health equity, care authorization, and to address biases. Their AI agent is being used to interact with patients, offering them the option to access a human. Integration with wearables, such as the Oura Ring, focuses on identifying clinically useful information to prevent physicians from being overwhelmed by data. Saria explains, "Medicare Advantage plans are absolutely that. It's an advantage because of the additional benefits that exist and the opportunity to connect with our members is rather unique. In fact, what I'll share with you and the audience is that AI has been a focus for us and a priority as we continue to expand the focus on quality and engagement with our members so that they have their best quality life possible to them. AI is a major piece of this work to make that happen. I can give you a couple of examples. In fact, when it comes to health equity, CMS has recently required Medicare plans to ensure that we are analyzing our data through a health equity lens. This year, in fact, we're focused on authorizations, authorizations of care. We want to make sure that it is critical to our members and AI. I see an opportunity to recognize any blind spots or implicit bias." "I think that every human being has a capability for technology. And what's critical is that we meet them where they are, that we understand what they want, what they need out of technology. I think that works as well as providers. As you see all of these AI developers starting up companies and solving problems, the conversation that we're having every day at Lumeris and at Essence Healthcare is what does the patient want? What does that member need for quality of care? And then engage and include the providers in that conversation. What makes their job easier? Because one of the challenges with new technology is that we can also reach a point of technology exhaustion. So I'll give an example of our relationship with Oura ring, the wearable device that tracks for sleep, for health, for heart rate, and a number of different measures." #EssenceHealthcare #MedicareAdvantage #HealthAI #OuraRing #DigitalHealth essencehealthcare.com Listen to the podcast here
Eppy 147: Role ModelDear listeners, welcome back to OK Boomer! We're always thankful to share our laughter, quirks, and faith with you—and this episode quickly became one of our favorites. Our conversation just flowed, with a few surprise detours into patience, tissues, and yes...fork sizes (spoiler: Laura definitely has a favorite fork).Jean shares her doctor's chamomile tea recommendation for better sleep, but is it worth the nighttime wakeups? Maybe melatonin is the better path. We also talk about our fascination with Oura rings, keeping up with tech trends while still staying true to our Boomer selves.We even chatted about Role Model, the singer whose music has captured younger generations—a fun reminder of how culture shifts but good storytelling through song always connects.Most importantly, we reflect on the role models who shaped us and how faith continues to guide our lives. A warm, lighthearted episode sprinkled with humor, heart, and honesty.
Zeke Bronfman is the co-founder and CEO of The Absorption Company, a brand pioneering highly bioavailable supplements engineered for optimal nutrient absorption. With a background in health and wellness entrepreneurship—including a previous successful beverage exit—Zeke leads a team on a mission to address a major gap in supplement efficacy by focusing on real, measurable impact for consumers.In this episode of DTC Pod, Zeke details the journey of building The Absorption Company from inception to rapid retail success in outlets like Erewhon. He talks about the science behind absorption, launching with a powerful community-driven strategy, and the importance of brand-led product innovation. Zeke also offers practical advice on supply chain management, leveraging celebrity co-founders, and lessons learned about optimizing e-commerce for long-term growth.Episode brought to you by StordInteract with other DTC experts and access our monthly fireside chats with industry leaders on DTC Pod Slack.On this episode of DTC Pod, we cover:1. The founding story of The Absorption Company2. Why most supplements fail—and how absorption is the next frontier3. Creating a viral pre-launch private Instagram community4. Setting a brand apart with science-backed, lifestyle-driven design5. Early product development and MVP lessons6. Direct-to-consumer subscription as a growth engine7. Amazon, TikTok Shop, and the online channel mix8. The strategic approach to selective retail partnerships9. Managing the supply chain: co-packers, fulfillment, and scaling ops10. How to keep operations simple, resilient, and cost-effective11. Lessons in traffic acquisition: organic, paid, and influencer mix12. Celebrity founder advantages, limits, and effective deployment13. Funding, initial capital requirements, and brand investment14. Biggest founder learnings and operational takeaways15. What's ahead: innovation pipeline and future growthTimestamps00:00 Intro to Zeke Bronfman and The Absorption Company02:44 The absorption problem in supplements04:40 Why bioavailability is the future of wellness supplements06:11 Bringing the brand to life: Team, tech, and community-building07:47 The private Instagram launch strategy and viral pre-sale09:27 The power of exclusivity and early consumer engagement11:12 Product MVP and standout branding decisions13:26 Early sales strategy: DTC, Amazon, retail mix15:04 Why big-box retail isn't always the right move17:57 Scaling DTC: Subscription, platform choices, and LTV19:04 Driving traffic: Paid, organic, influencer, and celebrity co-founder impact20:38 TikTok Shop: Affiliate, Live, and what works (and doesn't)22:36 Capital, startup costs, and launching with impact25:32 Building a scalable supply chain and minimizing complexity27:25 Fulfillment operations and splitting inventory29:00 Entering boutique/strategic retail as a marketing lever30:52 Biggest learnings and missteps scaling Absorption Company33:13 Lessons using celebrity/influencer as a brand amplifier36:10 What's next: Upcoming innovations and business growth36:50 Where to follow Absorption CompanyShow notes powered by CastmagicPast guests & brands on DTC Pod include Gilt, PopSugar, Glossier, MadeIN, Prose, Bala, P.volve, Ritual, Bite, Oura, Levels, General Mills, Mid Day Squares, Prose, Arrae, Olipop, Ghia, Rosaluna, Form, Uncle Studios & many more. Additional episodes you might like:• #175 Ariel Vaisbort - How OLIPOP Runs Influencer, Community, & Affiliate Growth• #184 Jake Karls, Midday Squares - Turning Your Brand Into The Influencer With Content• #205 Kasey Stewart: Suckerz- - Powering Your Launch With 300 Million Organic Views• #219 JT Barnett: The TikTok Masterclass For Brands• #223 Lauren Kleinman: The PR & Affiliate Marketing Playbook• #243 Kian Golzari - Source & Develop Products Like The World's Best Brands-----Have any questions about the show or topics you'd like us to explore further?Shoot us a DM; we'd love to hear from you.Want the weekly TL;DR of tips delivered to your mailbox?Check out our newsletter here.Projects the DTC Pod team is working on:DTCetc - all our favorite brands on the internetOlivea - the extra virgin olive oil & hydroxytyrosol supplementCastmagic - AI Workspace for ContentFollow us for content, clips, giveaways, & updates!DTCPod InstagramDTCPod TwitterDTCPod TikTokEzekiel Bronfman - Co-Founder and CEO of The Absorption CompanyBlaine Bolus - Co-Founder of CastmagicRamon Berrios - Co-Founder of Castmagic
We explore how wearables and AI are colliding with training and recovery, why trimming junk volume can accelerate gains, and how lifestyle patterns like the Amish offer a blueprint for lower obesity and better longevity. We also stress sleep fundamentals, data privacy tradeoffs, and a training split that actually fits life.• Oura's funding shift toward a health operating system• Data privacy lessons from 23andMe and acceptable risk• Wearable accuracy limits and calorie burn myths• Using trends over single data points for decisions• Legs push pull split to manage fatigue and recovery• Cutting junk volume for better muscle and less pain• AI-assisted bloodwork review for clearer insights• Amish lifestyle patterns and obesity comparisons• Sleep maxing hype versus proven fundamentals• Eccentric tempo research and practical training takeawaysCheck us out on DiscordSupport the showCheck out Overclock and Protein Protocol hereWant to know more about coaching? Book a call with Ben here Where to find usWe Hack Health: TwitterWe Hack Health: InstagramWe Hack Health: Discord
Dr. Elina Berglund, particle physicist turned femtech pioneer, unpacks how Natural Cycles (code: BIOHACKING) is transforming women's health through data, wearables, and AI. Dr. Elina shares how her search for a hormone-free birth control method led to creating the world's first FDA-cleared digital contraceptive. Today, Natural Cycles is expanding far beyond fertility — into perimenopause, menopause, and even male contraception research. If you're a modern, health-curious woman who wants to understand your hormones from your first period to menopause — through science you can actually trust — this episode is your roadmap. WE TALK ABOUT: 07:00 – Dr. Elina's journey from CERN physicist to femtech founder 11:30 – How Natural Cycles helps women avoid or plan pregnancy naturally 14:15 – The power and limits of wearables like Oura and the new Natural Cycles Band 24:05 – Postpartum tracking and why breastfeeding moms still need data 29:05 – The perimenopause feature and how temperature reveals hormonal shifts 37:15 – Data privacy, GDPR, and protecting sensitive health data 40:30 – AI innovations and future possibilities for male contraception 45:10 – The importance of fertility education for teens SPONSORS: CaloCurb (get 10% OFF) is my go-to, 100% plant-based alternative to Ozempic—helping you feel full sooner, snack less, and finally trust your body again without needles, drugs, or yo-yo diets. Join me in Costa Rica for Optimize Her, a 5-night luxury women's retreat in Costa Rica with yoga, healing rituals, and biohacking workshops—only 12 spots available. RESOURCES: Trying to conceive? Join my Baby Steps Course to optimize your fertility with biohacking. Free gift: Download my hormone-balancing, fertility-boosting chocolate recipe. Explore my luxury retreats and wellness events for women. Shop my faves: Check out my Amazon storefront for wellness essentials. Natural Cycles website (code: BIOHACKING) and Instagram LET'S CONNECT: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook Shop my favorite health products Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music
Live from W3Fit North America, Matthew Januszek and Mohammed Iqbal sit down with guests Star Sage and Loryn Huff to discuss the latest fitness industry trends. From billion-dollar wearable valuations to AI-powered recovery and celebrity-backed fitness ventures, this panel explores the future of wellness. Key Topics: Oura's $11B valuation and the future of wearables. Closed vs. open data ecosystems in fitness tech. Tom Brady's AI-powered massage company and scalability concerns. The evolving role of recovery as an essential moat for gyms. Dua Lipa's investment in Pilates and Gen Z engagement. How premium clubs deliver longevity, not just sweat. Celebrity partnerships vs. real consumer impact. Industry identity, intentionality, and member retention strategies.
This week on Binchtopia, Eliza returns from her off-grid era to dive into the history and evolution of body technology, from ancient tracking rituals to Silicon Valley's quantified self movement. The girlies break down Fitbits, Oura Rings, Prenuvo scans, and sleep apps to examine how our obsession with optimizing the body blurs the line between health, surveillance, and control. Digressions include Taylor Swift's public clowning, Nicki Minaj and Cardi B beefing with each other's kids, and the biological necessity of annihilation anxiety. This episode was produced by Julia Hava and Kylie Finnigan and edited by Livi Burdette. SOURCES A Panopticon on My Wrist: The Biopower of Big Data Visualization for Wearables Beyond Human: Lifelogging and Life Extension Denial of Death by Ernest Becker Effectiveness of wearable activity trackers to increase physical activity and improve health: a systematic review of systematic reviews and meta-analyses Exploring the impact of commercial wearable activity trackers on body awareness and body representations: A mixed-methods study on self-tracking Full-body MRIs: Peace of mind for some, "bane of my existence" for others Health Wearables, Gamification, and Healthful Activity I covered my body in health trackers for 6 months. It ruined my life. Interventions Using Wearable Activity Trackers to Improve Patient Physical Activity and Other Outcomes in Adults Who Are Hospitalized Know Thyself: Tracking Every Facet of Life, from Sleep to Mood to Pain, 24/7/365 Memex: A Romantic Theoretical Tool for Thought Orthosomnia: Are Some Patients Taking the Quantified Self Too Far? Perceptions of Wearable Health Tools Post the COVID-19 Emergency in Low-Income Latin Communities: Qualitative Study Prevalence of Orthosomnia in a General Population Sample: A Cross-Sectional Study Ring of power: Oura will soon be worth $11b Self-Tracking by Gina Neff & Dawn Nafus Terror Management Theory The double-edged sword of self-tracking: investigating factors of technostress in performance-oriented cycling and triathlon The Quantified Self by Deborah Lupton The Rise of Wearable Devices during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review Wearable Devices Can Increase Health Anxiety. Could They Adversely Affect Health? Wearable Devices to Improve Physical Activity and Reduce Sedentary Behaviour: An Umbrella Review Wearable systems without experiential disruptions: exploring the impact of device feedback changes on explicit awareness, physiological synchrony, sense of agency, and device-body ownership White Noise by Don Delillo Will a Full-Body MRI Scan Help You or Hurt You?
This week we're looking at the rising pressure to lose weight and why so many people are turning to risky quick fixes. We unpack the growing backlash against Ozempic, now facing over 1,800 lawsuits in the US for severe side effects like stomach paralysis and vision loss. We revisit the 5am Club and ask if the 8am Club is a smarter, more sustainable routine for real life. We share new research showing that the benefits of nature depend on how you experience it, and simple ways to make time outdoors more restorative. And we explore the booming world of wellness wearables, from Oura rings to Apple Watches, and whether they really motivate us to change our habits. Recommendations Rhi's new book : Pre order The Fibre Formula https://geni.us/TheFibreFormula Bought to You by Chemistry' podcast, by the Royal Society of Chemistry: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/brought-to-you-by-chemistry/id1621110309 Science Vs Podcat: ‘Is There Really a Plastic Spoon in our Brains' https://open.spotify.com/episode/2ZwZsCnG2BkTzPxo5tujOB Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Why Sora is all anyone can talk about, both the new social network and the new AI model. Satya Nadella is still Microsoft's CEO but he's taken some things off his plate. Oura gets colorful, and a hardware company that we've not spoken about in years is back, with AI onboard. OpenAI's Sora app lets friends swap AI video cameos (Axios) OpenAI made a TikTok for deepfakes, and it's getting hard to tell what's real (The Verge) Satya Nadella appoints a new CEO to run Microsoft's biggest businesses (The Verge) Oura adds colorful ceramic rings and charging case to lineup (The Verge) I got sweaty with Peloton's new Bike and Tread — but Peloton IQ is just as impressive (Tom's Guide) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sushi is surging in America, specifically grocery store sushi… because convenience is king.Oura just hit a $11B valuation selling their tech rings… and it's thanks to women and soldiers.Oklo stock has risen 1,500% in the last year… even though it has zero revenue (it's nuclear!)Plus, Ben Stiller is launching a soda brand… and Chick-fil-A is too?$META $KRUS $SPYWant more business storytelling from us? Check out the latest episode of our new weekly deepdive show: The untold origin story of… Saturday Night Live
Episode 676: Toby and Kyle dive into two big trials tackling Big Tech. First, the FTC is alleging Amazon makes Prime too complicated to cancel. Then, it's a redux of the Justice Department accusing Google of holding a monopoly over digital advertising. Plus, President Trump makes claims that Tylenol is linked to autism. Meanwhile, Toby investigates what's behind Beli, the new Gen Z restaurant review app that is the ‘anti-Yelp'. 00:00 - Talenti jars take some effort 3:20 - FTC targets Amazon 7:00 - Google's antitrust trial part deux 11:00 - Tylenol maker has a PR headache 17:30 - Oura ring booms 22:00 - Beli eats Yelp 25:00 - Sprint Finish! You can try reMarkable Paper Pro Move for 100 days for free. If it's not what you're looking for, get your money back. Get your paper tablet at https://www.remarkable.com today Get your MBD live show tickets here! https://www.tinyurl.com/MBD-HOLIDAY Presale code LETSRIDE Subscribe to Morning Brew Daily for more of the news you need to start your day. Share the show with a friend, and leave us a review on your favorite podcast app. Listen to Morning Brew Daily Here: https://www.swap.fm/l/mbd-note Watch Morning Brew Daily Here: https://www.youtube.com/@MorningBrewDailyShow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices