The Neuro Experience

Dr. Rod Mailer, a leading olive oil expert and pioneer in Australia’s olive oil industry, reveals shocking truths about olive oil in this discussion. He clarifies what 'extra virgin' really means and uncovers the risks of adulteration and mislabeling that plague the market. The conversation highlights the health dangers of seed oils versus the benefits of high-quality olive oil. Dr. Mailer also dives into optimal harvesting practices and the impact of freshness on oil quality, encouraging consumers to make informed choices for their diets.

In this engaging discussion, Shawn Stevenson, a well-known nutritionist and author, reveals how social isolation can drastically reduce lifespan. He emphasizes that fostering meaningful relationships is crucial, impacting biological processes like inflammation and immune function. Listeners learn that the quality of social connections matters more than diet or exercise for longevity. Stevenson also shares insights on how loneliness can lead to chronic health issues and the importance of nurturing community ties to enhance emotional and physical well-being.

In this eye-opening episode, I am joined by renowned olive oil expert Dr. Rod Mailer to uncover the shocking truths behind one of the most misunderstood ingredients in our kitchens: olive oil. Together, we explore the science, sourcing, and scandals behind olive oil—what it really means when a bottle says “extra virgin,” how processing and storage impact its quality, and why so much of what we buy may not be what it claims to be. We also dive into the science of why seed oils—like canola, soybean, and sunflower—pose serious health risks, and how they’ve infiltrated modern diets to a dangerous degree. Whether you’re a health-conscious consumer or just want to know what’s actually in your food, this episode will change the way you think about fat. About Dr. Rod Mailer: Dr. Rodney Mailer is a leading expert in olive oil quality and production, instrumental in developing Australia’s olive oil industry. He founded and led the Australian Oils Research Laboratory and has worked globally to combat adulteration and ensure authenticity in extra virgin olive oil. Dr. Mailer continues to help shape international standards for edible oils through his roles with the International Standards Organisation, Codex Alimentarius, and Standards Australia. *** Subscribe to The Neuroscience 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: Fatty15: Get 15% off your 90-day Starter Kit when you visit www.fatty15.com/neuro | Code: NEURO Boncharge: www.boncharge.com | Code: NEURO15 Branch Basics: www.branchbasics.com to shop their Premium Starter Kit and save 15% | Code: NEURO Ketone IQ: www.ketone.com/NEURO for 30% OFF your subscription order + receive a free gift with your second shipment MUD\WTR - The coffee alternative. If you're ready to ditch the crash and sip smarter, go to mudwtr.com and use code NEURO to get 43% off + free shipping. *** 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

Can something really predict how long you'll live—better than your genes? In this eye-opening conversation, I sit down with best-selling author and researcher Shawn Stevenson to reveal the real missing piece in the longevity puzzle — one that researchers say outranks exercise, diet, and even quitting smoking. Drawing from a massive meta-analysis of 300,000+ people, plus insights from Harvard’s 80-year longitudinal study, Shawn explains why the quality of your relationships is the #1 predictor of how long you’ll live — and why “warm social bonds” literally shape your biology, behaviors, and health outcomes. Whether you're optimizing for longevity, brain health, or emotional well-being, this may be the most important health insight you're not paying attention to. What you’ll learn: How loneliness compares to smoking and obesity in terms of health risk The neurological and hormonal effects of deep connection What the longest-lived people on earth have in common socially The difference between quantity and quality of relationships Science-backed strategies to strengthen your social fitness Referenced studies include: Holt-Lunstad et al., 2010 meta-analysis on social isolation and mortality risk The 85+ year Harvard Study on Adult Development Research on oxytocin, inflammation, and the vagus nerve in connection to relationships Follow Shawn: instagram.com/shawnmodel/ *** 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

Explore how deep sleep and oxygen can clear brain fog and sharpen focus. Discover practical tips to optimize brain health, including the importance of strength training. The discussion also highlights the connection between mental wellbeing and physical fitness, emphasizing resilience against cognitive decline. Learn about the unique challenges women face post-menopause regarding estrogen and brain function. This engaging conversation will inspire you to prioritize brain care over hustle culture and enhance your cognitive performance.

Dr. Matt Kaeberlein is one of the world’s most respected scientists in the field of aging biology. In this episode, we unpack the real science of longevity — from mTOR inhibition and rapamycin to calorie restriction, biomarkers of aging, and what most people get wrong about lifespan vs healthspan. We go beyond the hype to ask: What actually works? What’s still theoretical? And where is the frontier of human aging research heading? Topics we cover: The biology of aging: mTOR, autophagy, senescence Rapamycin in humans: What we know and don’t Why extending healthspan matters more than living longer Matt’s views on supplements, diet, and biomarkers The most misunderstood concepts in anti-aging Referenced studies include: Dog Aging Project Interventions Testing Program Rapamycin human trial data *** I’m Louisa Nicola — clinical neuophysiologist — 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

Dr. Matt Kaeberlein, a leading expert on aging biology, dives into the world of longevity supplements, spotlighting the hype around NAD+ IV therapy. He emphasizes the importance of being skeptical of self-proclaimed longevity experts and discusses the need for reliable information. Kaeberlein also critiques popular wellness trends, advocating for foundational health habits over questionable supplements. Additionally, he explores rapamycin's potential in promoting healthy aging, particularly its effects on ovarian function, and touches on the impact of GLP-1 medications on metabolic health.

It’s becoming harder to ignore: much of what we’ve been taught about food is outdated, oversimplified, or flat-out wrong. In this episode, I’m joined by Professor Tim Spector—renowned epidemiologist, gut microbiome expert, and founder of ZOE—to explore how the bacteria living inside us shape everything from chronic disease and metabolism to mood, menopause, and Alzheimer’s. We dive into why calorie counting fails, why probiotics might be useless, and how your gut could be the root of your brain fog, fatigue, and inflammation. Tim’s work is shaking up nutrition science and forcing us to rethink what “healthy” really means. This conversation will challenge the rules you’ve lived by—and show you how to eat for your biology, not someone else’s. *** 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

In this enlightening discussion, Tim Spector, MD, a leading epidemiologist and co-founder of ZOE, reveals how gut health is crucial in preventing chronic diseases and boosting mental wellness. He explains why identical twins can have different health outcomes, the limitations of probiotics, and the power of prebiotics and fermented foods. Listeners will discover the profound link between nutrition and mood, and Tim shares his six essential habits for optimizing gut and brain health, making it clear that what you eat can transform your well-being.

Studies: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40395689/ https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/5/921 https://jissn.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12970-017-0173-z *** A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts: Hone Health – Take control of your hormones with at-home testing designed specifically for men. Get personalized insights and expert guidance to optimize your health and performance. Learn more at: https://honehealth.com/ Momentous – Science-backed supplements trusted by elite athletes and experts. Whether you’re looking to improve recovery, performance, or overall wellness, Momentous has you covered. Use code NEURO for 20% off your order: https://www.livemomentous.com/neuro Troscriptions – Unlock your cognitive potential with precision-dosed nootropics developed by medical experts. Whether you need more focus, clarity, or energy, Troscriptions offers innovative solutions. - Get 10% off: https://troscriptions.com/NEURO - https://troscriptions.com/discount/NEUROMAIL?utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=NeuroMail *** I’m Louisa Nicola — clinical neuroscientist — 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