

The Neuro Experience
Louisa Nicola & Pursuit Network
This podcast interviews the best experts in the world to bring emerging themes in athletic performance, neurology, sleep physiology and medicine. Louisa regularly consults for technology development companies, professional athletic organizations and consults with the biggest names in NBA, MLB and NFL. Louisa is on the scientific advisory board of Tonal, Hone Health, Klora and Momentous. Find Louisa on Instagram @louisanicola_
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 2, 2025 • 1h 13min
This is the Best Way for Women in Their 40's to Stay Strong | ft. Dr. Vonda Wright
Dr. Vonda Wright, a double-boarded orthopedic surgeon and advocate for active aging, discusses crucial health insights for women in their 40s. She explains how women can lose up to 20% of bone density during perimenopause and shares science-backed strategies to combat this decline. From the vital roles of hormones and exercise to the importance of specific nutrients, Dr. Wright emphasizes proactive measures for resilience and strength. She also touches on the connection between bone health and brain function, offering a holistic approach to well-being.

Aug 26, 2025 • 1h 14min
How to Protect Your Body with Oral Health | ft. Dr. Staci Whitman
What if your bleeding gums could be the reason you can’t get pregnant—or why your brain is at risk of Alzheimer’s?
In this groundbreaking conversation with functional dentist Dr. Staci Whitman, we uncover how your oral microbiome impacts far more than just your smile. From fertility struggles and pregnancy loss to Alzheimer’s, cancer, and even depression, the bacteria in your mouth may be silently shaping your entire health span. Dr. Whitman breaks down the science of “leaky gums,” reveals why saliva is the body’s golden elixir, and explains how simple shifts in diet, hygiene, and oral microbiome testing could change the future of medicine. This is not just about teeth—it’s about your brain, hormones, longevity, and life itself.
About Dr. Staci Whitman:
Dr. Staci Whitman is a board-certified pediatric dentist and founder of NoPo Kids Dentistry in Portland, Oregon, where she practices a whole-body, functional approach to children’s oral health. A graduate of Tufts University and OHSU, she has specialized expertise in sleep, airway health, and myofunctional therapy. Dr. Staci is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, a Breathe Institute Ambassador, and an active member of several holistic and biological dentistry organizations. Her mission is simple yet powerful: to create a world without cavities and to empower families with practical, science-backed tools for lifelong health.
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Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for more conversations at the intersection of brain science and performance. I'm committed to bringing you evidence-based insights that you can apply to your own health journey.
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A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts:
Function Health:
Learn more and join using our/my link. The first 1000 get a $100 credit toward their membership. Visit www.functionhealth.com/louisanicola and use code NEURO100 or use gift code NEURO100 at sign-up to own your health.
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I’m Louisa Nicola — clinical neurophysiologist — Alzheimer’s prevention specialist — founder of Neuro Athletics.
My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention.
If you're committed to optimizing your brain — reducing Alzheimer’s risk — and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place.
Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/
Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_
Topics discussed:
00:00:00 Oral health, gum disease & fertility connection
00:02:46 Inflammation & systemic effects
00:06:00 Defining true oral health (nutrition, saliva, airway)
00:08:25 Diet, processed foods & cavities
00:15:00 Saliva, dry mouth & gut health
00:19:49 Oral microbiome testing & treatments
00:24:17 Treatment plan, family transmission & genetics
00:26:30 Alzheimer’s, brain health & strokes
00:33:07 Oral health & cancer links
00:41:50 Inflammation causing pancreatic cancer
00:42:27: Failing dental work and cancer
00:43:37: Fertility & Menopause
00:46:31 Spit test & depression/mood disorders
00:48:39 Oral health toolkit & practical hygiene tips Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aug 26, 2025 • 1h 14min
This Type of Oral Bacteria Increases Cancer Risk | ft. Dr. Staci Whitman
In this conversation, Dr. Staci Whitman, a board-certified pediatric dentist and founder of NoPo Kids Dentistry, delves into the surprising connections between oral health and overall wellness. She explains how oral bacteria can impact fertility, Alzheimer's risk, and even cancer. Discover the importance of saliva as a diagnostic tool, the potential of microbiome testing, and the relationship between dental hygiene and systemic health. Dr. Whitman also shares innovative health tips, emphasizing holistic practices for a healthier mouth and body.

21 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 1h 3min
How Women of 40 Should Train for Fat Loss and Muscle Building with Ben Bruno
In this conversation, personal trainer Ben Bruno, known for his work with stars like Jessica Biel, delves into training strategies for women over 40. He emphasizes the importance of consistency over flashy trends and discusses the three pillars of longevity: strength, mobility, and conditioning. Ben critiques the impact of social media on fitness perceptions and champions realistic goals. He also addresses the unique challenges women face as they age, promoting tailored exercises for muscle building and fat loss, all while highlighting the power of a sustainable approach to training.

Aug 12, 2025 • 1h 1min
The $20 Billion Lie: What the Fertility Industry Doesn’t Want You to Know
Vida, co-founder of WeNatal, shares her compelling journey after experiencing multiple miscarriages, which ignited her passion for transforming the fertility narrative. She emphasizes the crucial 'Trimester Zero'—the months prior to conception—as vital for improving fertility outcomes for both partners. The conversation debunks common myths surrounding fertility, especially regarding women's aging and nutrition. Vida also highlights the overlooked role of male health in conception, advocating for shared responsibility in the fertility journey and the importance of lifestyle changes for optimal outcomes.

Aug 7, 2025 • 2min
V02 Max, Does it Even Matter?
Comment GROW for more info Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

5 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 1h 8min
Why “Normal” Cholesterol Isn’t Normal with Dr. Rupy Aujla
In this discussion, Dr. Rupy Aujla, NHS GP and founder of The Doctor’s Kitchen, shares insights on cholesterol's true impact on heart health. He reveals the importance of understanding lipid panels, highlighting apolipoprotein B as a critical risk marker. The conversation delves into personalized dietary changes, emphasizing fiber's magical role and the benefits of plant-based eating. Dr. Aujla also discusses the use of food as medicine and how lifestyle choices, like exercise, can significantly enhance cardiovascular well-being.

36 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 35min
Should Women Skip Zone 2 Training?
Is Zone 2 cardio the golden ticket to health, or are we missing the mark? The discussion dives into why low-intensity cardio might not be effective for women, especially those nearing menopause. Discover how higher-intensity workouts can boost mitochondrial health, brain function, and fat loss. The conversation also covers tailored training strategies for women in their 30s to 60s, highlighting the necessity of varied intensities for optimal body composition and longevity. Get ready to rethink your workout routine!

Jul 24, 2025 • 1h 2min
Woman Heart Attack Signs & Menopause Risk Explained |ft. Dr. Jeremy London
In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dr. Jeremy London—a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon with over 26 years of experience—to uncover the often-overlooked truths about cardiovascular disease, especially in women.
Dr. London shares why menopausal women face triple the risk for heart disease, and what you can do to protect yourself. From the life-saving power of simply moving your body to the three essential tests everyone should be asking for, this conversation breaks down complex health topics into clear, actionable steps.
Whether you’re navigating midlife or looking to take preventative measures, this episode is a must-listen for anyone ready to take control of their heart health.
About Dr. Jeremy London:
Dr. Jeremy London is a Board-Certified Cardiothoracic Surgeon with over 26 years of clinical experience. He earned his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia and completed his surgical training in Denver and Charlotte. A passionate advocate for patient education, Dr. London is on a mission to make health information more accessible through his newsletter, podcast, and social media. He lives in Savannah, Georgia with his wife and their three sons.
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Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for more conversations at the intersection of brain science and performance. I'm committed to bringing you evidence-based insights that you can apply to your own health journey.
***
A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts:
Caraway:
www.caraway.com/neuro for an additional 10% off your purchase
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Topics discussed:
00:00:00: Why women’s cardiovascular risk triples after menopause
00:03:40: Two out of three Alzheimer’s disease patients are women
00:04:47: What are lipid panels
00:05:20: Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of death worldwide
00:06:13: The three buckets of heart disease
00:07:27: Cholesterol
00:08:47: ApoB
00:10:15: Plaque
00:10:53: Lp(a)
00:14:39: Louisa’s mother’s lab results
00:16:09: Going beyond lab work: Screen tests
00:17:39: Cardiac catheterization
00:19:49: Carotid ultrasound
00:21:07: What is atrial fibrillation and how is it diagnosed?
00:26:37: What you can do yourself to diagnose Afib
00:31:14: What was COVID like in the cardiovascular department?
00:35:47: Blood pressure
00:41:48: AI in the medical field
00:48:07: Exercise to minimize risk of cardiovascular disease
00:53:21: Healthy nutrition to minimize risk of cardiovascular disease
00:55:01: Can supplement eliminate plaque?
00:56:09: Changing our lifestyle and diet to mitigate diseases
00:57:31: Sleep quality to minimize risk of cardiovascular disease
***
I’m Louisa Nicola — clinical neurophysiologist — Alzheimer’s prevention specialist — founder of Neuro Athletics.
My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention.
If you're committed to optimizing your brain — reducing Alzheimer’s risk — and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place.
Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/
Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

9 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 1h 2min
Heart Attacks in Women Skyrocket After Menopause: Top Surgeon Reveals 3 Vital Tests
Dr. Jeremy London, a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon with over 26 years of experience, reveals alarming truths about heart health for menopausal women. He discusses why they face triple the risk for heart disease and emphasizes the importance of three vital tests. The conversation highlights the power of exercise in reversing heart aging and managing cholesterol levels. London advocates for better patient education and awareness, making complex health topics accessible. This engaging dialogue encourages proactive steps to protect heart health.


