

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

Aug 6, 2024 • 1h 5min
Top 3 Breakup Mistakes and How to Overcome Them - Must-Watch!
Are you struggling to move on from a breakup? Don't make these common mistakes!
Amy Chan, the acclaimed author of "Break Up Bootcamp: The Science of Rewiring Your Heart" joins Louisa Nicola today. Amy shares her expert insights on the neuroscience behind heartbreak, practical strategies for healing, and how to rewire your heart for healthier relationships. Discover the science of emotional recovery and learn how to embrace self-love and resilience.
Don’t miss this enlightening conversation that can transform your approach to love and loss.
Subscribe for more episodes featuring top experts in mental health and relationships!
Sponsors for today’s episode:
- Maui Nui Venison - Use code NEURO to get 20% off your first order of fresh venison, jerky, broth, and ‘ohana subscription while supplies last.
https://mauinuivenison.com/pages/NEURO
- Momentous - Use code NEURO to get 20% off your order - https://www.livemomentous.com/neuro
Sign up to the NACC -
https://www.neuroathletics.com.au/hybrid
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
2:21 The connection between breakups and neurology
9:50 What is situationship?
19:48 Role of social media in relationship
20:44 Amy’s breakup story
25:58 7 stages of grief
33:14 How to heal after a breakup?
42:39 How to build a healthy relationship?
54:49 What is attachment theory?
1:03:25 Outro
Find Amy here:
https://www.instagram.com/missamychan/
https://linktr.ee/breakupbootcamp
Sign up to The Neuro Athletics Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0
***
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

6 snips
Aug 6, 2024 • 1h 6min
#352 The Science of a Breakup and Getting Over Your Ex | Amy Chan
Amy Chan, acclaimed author of 'Break Up Bootcamp', dives into the neuroscience of heartbreak and emotional recovery. She compares the pain of breakups to withdrawal symptoms, revealing how grief affects brain chemistry. Amy also discusses the emotional struggles of 'situationships' and the importance of understanding attachment styles. Listeners learn practical strategies for healing, embracing self-love, and fostering resilience in their relationships. This enlightening conversation offers valuable insights for anyone navigating love and loss.

Jul 25, 2024 • 1h 17min
#1 Plastic Surgeon: Breast Implants and Brazilian Butt Lifts (DON'T DO THIS)
Over a million Americans opt for cosmetic surgery annually. Procedures like breast implants and Brazilian butt lifts are now commonplace, but headlines warn of severe risks.
Join Charles and me as we uncover the truths behind breast implant illness, Brazilian butt lift dangers, and the influence of social media on plastic surgery.
Dr. Charles J. Galanis, a double board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills, provides compassionate, personalized care to help you achieve your aesthetic goals safely.
Find Charles here: https://galanisplasticsurgery.com/ and https://instagram.com/charlesgalanismd/
Sponsors for today’s episode:
Apollo Neuro - Use code NICOLA15 and get $40 off - NICOLA15 https://apolloneuro.com/nicola
Go From "Average" Coach To Top 1% Of Human Performance Coaches In The World!
Sign Up Now: https://www.neuroathletics.com.au/hybrid
0:00 Introduction
0:18 Breast cancer screening
6:50 Full body MRIs for cancer detection?
9:17 Charlie - Botox guy?
16:34 Breast implant illness
27:35 Can hormones cause an increase in getting breast cancer?
32:42 Is Botox safe?
40:31 Plastic surgery will become part of skincare?
48:09 Calf implants
51:39 Difference between lifting and tightening
57:11 What is cellulite?
1:01:43 Reconstructive surgery
1:07:37 How to increase Penis size?
1:09:46 Outro
***
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

Jul 25, 2024 • 1h 22min
#351 Facing the Consequences of Plastic Surgery. Breast Implant Illness, Mortality and More | Dr Charles Galanis, MD
Dr. Charles Galanis, a double board-certified plastic surgeon, reveals truths about breast implant illness, Brazilian butt lift risks, and social media's impact on plastic surgery trends. They discuss myths around plastic surgery, importance of evidence-based information, and risks of cosmetic procedures like Botox. The podcast also covers cellulite treatment, gender confirmation surgeries, and the influence of social media on plastic surgery practice.

Jul 17, 2024 • 23min
#350: How Inflammation, Micronutrients and Smoking Affect Brain Health
Lifestyle choices like diet and exercise play a crucial role in brain health. Chronic inflammation in young adults can impair cognitive performance. Smoking accelerates cognitive decline, but adopting healthy behaviors can mitigate the impact. Diets rich in omega-3s and antioxidants slow brain aging and improve cognitive function.

Jul 9, 2024 • 54min
Former NFL Athlete Reveals: The Truth About Popular Supplements | Jeff Byers
Jeff Byers is the co-founder and CEO of Momentous, a wellness company offering the highest quality supplements and nutrition designed for everyday performance.
Previously, Jeff was the founder of Amp Human, a high-performance wellness brand. In 2021, Jeff led a merger between Amp Human and Momentous, with both brands becoming one under the latter’s identity with the goal of providing a diverse, best-in-class product suite.
Before his business career, Jeff attended the University of Southern California, where he was a two-time captain and a multiple-year starter for their championship football team. While playing, he graduated with his undergraduate degree in three years and proceeded to earn his master's in business administration before entering the NFL. He had a four-year career in the NFL, mostly for the Carolina Panthers.
In today’s episode we cover:
- The manufacturing process of supplements and the importance of third-party testing.
- Misinformation and deceptive marketing in the supplement industry.
Momentous supplements and their commitment to quality and research.
- Basics of supplementation, including protein powders and complete amino acid profiles.
- Sourcing high-quality ingredients and ensuring transparency in the supplement industry.
- Rigorous standards for third-party testing and certifications in supplements.
- Sourcing and quality of fish oil supplements, and the importance of omega-3s.
- Benefits of creatine for brain health, cognitive function, and general health.
- The potential for new research and better curation in the supplement industry.
Go From "Average" Coach To Top 1% Of Human Performance Coaches In The World!
Sign Up Now: https://www.neuroathletics.com.au/nacc
Sponsors for today’s episode:
- InsideTracker - Use code LOUISA20 for 10% off - https://insidetracker.com/louisa
- Get up to 20% discount on the best supplements from Momentous at https://livemomentous.com/neuro
- Apollo Neuro - Use code NEURO40 and get $40 off - https://apolloneuro.com/
Sign up to The Neuro Athletics Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0
Connect with Jeff:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-byers-06726331
(00:00) Preview and Intro
(03:23) Defining Human Performance
(06:10) Supplements and its Role in Sports Nutrition
(08:53) Plant Protein vs. Whey Protein
(11:25) Importance of Leucine and Casein
(13:06) The Unregulated Supplement Industry
(15:57) Why Ingredient Quality and Sourcing Matters
(19:53) Importance of Ingredient Transparency
(20:52) Third-Party Testing and Certifications
(23:31) Understanding Supplement Labels
(25:55) Barriers to Entry in the Supplement Industry
(29:05) Proprietary Blends in Supplements
(31:48) Benefits and Issues with Fish Oil Supplements
(34:28) Sourcing Fish Oil
(38:02) Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Their Importance
(43:08) Benefits of Creatine
(46:47) How To Use Creatine Properly
(50:02) The Future of Supplements and Related Research Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

4 snips
Jul 9, 2024 • 56min
#349: The Dark Side of Supplements and How To Protect Yourself | Jeff Byers
In this engaging discussion, Jeff Byers, co-founder and CEO of Momentous and former NFL player, dives into the often murky supplement industry. He highlights the critical importance of third-party testing and transparency in sourcing ingredients. The conversation tackles misinformation, particularly around protein supplements and fish oil quality. Jeff also emphasizes the wider view of human performance, linking health, exercise, and nutrition while offering insights into the benefits of creatine for cognitive function. A must-listen for health enthusiasts!

8 snips
Jul 2, 2024 • 1h 58min
#348: Lose Fat and Build Muscle | Alan Aragon
Nutrition researcher Alan Aragon discusses muscle hypertrophy strategies, the anabolic window myth, and debunking protein timing. Topics include plant vs. animal proteins, resistance training, and optimizing muscle growth. The importance of protein intake for muscle maintenance, aging, and overall health is emphasized. Debates on protein powder, women in muscle research, and the impact of macronutrients on muscle synthesis are covered.

Jun 20, 2024 • 1h 16min
Nitric Oxide and Brain Health | Dr. Nathan Bryan
Dr. Nathan Bryan earned his undergraduate Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry from the University of Texas at Austin and his doctoral degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in Shreveport where he was the recipient of the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Research. He pursued his post-doctoral training as a Kirschstein Fellow at Boston University School of Medicine in the Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute. After a two year post-doctoral fellowship, in 2006 Dr. Bryan was recruited to join faculty at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston by Ferid Murad, M.D., Ph.D., 1998 Nobel Laureate in Medicine or Physiology.
During his nine years at UT, Dr. Bryan focused on drug discovery, screening natural product libraries for active compounds. His research led to over a dozen US and international patents. Notably, he was the first to describe nitrite and nitrate as essential nutrients for cardiovascular health and demonstrated an endocrine function of nitric oxide. He discovered compositions that generate and restore nitric oxide in humans, validated by six clinical trials.
In this episode, we cover:
- The role of nitric oxide in maintaining cardiovascular and brain health.
- How nitric oxide production declines with age and its impact on chronic diseases.
- The connection between nitric oxide and diet, highlighting the importance of vegetables.
- The surprising link between oral hygiene and nitric oxide levels, and how mouthwash may harm your health.
- The influence of nitric oxide on hormone regulation and sexual health.
- Myths about nitrates in cured meats and their health effects.
- The risks associated with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and their impact on nitric oxide production.
- The role of nitric oxide in mitochondrial function and overall energy production.
- Dr. Nathan Bryan's actionable tips for enhancing nitric oxide production through diet, lifestyle, and supplementation.
Sign up to The Neuro Athletics Newsletter: https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0
Sponsors:
- Momentous - Use code NEURO to get 20% off your order - https://www.livemomentous.com/neuro
- Apollo Neuro - Use code NEURO40 and get $40 off - https://apolloneuro.com/
Connect with Dr. Nathan Bryan:
Twitter: https://www.instagram.com/drnathansbryan
My Socials:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/
Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_
(00:00) Preview and Introduction
(01:29) What is Nitric Oxide?
(05:27) Impact of Nitric Oxide on Aging
(07:35) Pathways of Nitric Oxide Production
(13:16) Nitric Oxide and Alzheimer’s Disease
(18:38) Challenges in Nitric Oxide Detection
(21:47) Nitric Oxide and Erectile Dysfunction
(27:16) Impact of Exercise on Nitric Oxide Production
(30:37) Role of Oral Microbiome in Nitric Oxide Production
(35:20) Fluoride Causes Health Issues?
(40:40) Nitric Oxide Production Dependency on Diet
(45:30) How Does Nitric Oxide Affect Mitochondrial Function
(48:20) Importance of Nitric Oxide for Health
(50:16) Misconceptions About Cured Meats
(58:18) Impact of Antacids on Nitric Oxide
(01:01:52) Hormonal Component of Nitric Oxide
(01:05:28) Nitric Oxide Supplements
(01:11:34) New Book and Future Research
(01:13:10) Nitric Oxide and Disease Treatment Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

42 snips
Jun 20, 2024 • 1h 18min
#347: Why Nitric Oxide is the Key to Heart and Brain Health | Dr. Nathan Bryan
Dr. Nathan Bryan discusses nitric oxide's role in heart and brain health, highlighting its decline with age and the link to diet. He explores the surprising connection between oral hygiene and nitric oxide levels. Topics include nutrient depletion in the standard diet, nitric oxide in mitochondrial function, and controversies surrounding nitrates in food.


