FoundMyFitness

Get access to more than 200 episodes of my premium podcast (The Aliquot) when you sign up as a FoundMyFitness Premium Member Most of us are pursuing happiness exactly the wrong way. Overuse of technology is creating a meaning deficit, rewiring our brains away from purpose. In this episode, Dr. Arthur Brooks explains why relentless device use prevents us from asking the critical questions that define our lives, why high achievers often feel profoundly empty, and how the "striver's curse" makes satisfaction fleeting. He also shares his five-step protocol for managing negative affect and explains why suffering, when approached correctly, is a potent catalyst for personal growth. Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (06:44) The three macronutrients of happiness (08:37) Why chasing pleasure alone won't make you happy (12:48) The role of struggle in achieving satisfaction (15:56) Why happiness requires unhappiness (18:18) The Pleistocene brain—why pleasure is meant to be shared (20:57) Does avoiding boredom rob you of meaning? (25:27) Why satisfaction doesn't last—the striver's curse (28:59) The four idols that won't make you happy (32:19) How to uncover what's secretly driving you (41:50) Why you need a reverse bucket list (43:59) Can you train gratitude like a muscle? (48:41) How can we teach gratitude to children? (51:09) Are you a mad scientist, cheerleader, judge, or poet? (57:41) Is your workout routine secretly mood therapy? (1:00:43) Arthur Brooks' daily five-step happiness protocol (1:04:59) The three questions that reveal the meaning of life (1:08:36) Is technology robbing us of meaning? (1:14:32) How a tech detox rewires your brain for meaning (1:19:30) Is your brain starved for beauty? (1:22:29) Finding your ikigai—aligning passion, skill, and service (1:27:19) Turning involuntary suffering into meaningful growth (1:35:42) Why observing emotions makes them manageable (1:38:17) How to reverse relationship drift (1:44:52) Why dating apps might be keeping you single (1:49:56) How to rebuild friendships you've neglected (1:58:44) Can a person learn to be happy? (2:01:54) When do pharmacological treatments help—and when do they fail? (2:05:02) Is exercise as powerful as antidepressants? (2:07:39) How getting a PhD rewires your brain for problem-solving (2:09:32) Is staying curious the secret to aging well? (2:14:05) Why constant stimulation makes life boring (2:16:31) How to optimize your social media feed for happiness (2:20:13) Does happiness depend on your coping skills? (2:21:01) Is love the ultimate predictor of happiness? (2:22:30) Why shared interests matter after kids (2:24:03) How to thrive after your peak years Show notes are available by clicking here Watch this episode on YouTube

Dr. Charles Brenner, biochemist who discovered nicotinamide riboside and studies NAD biology. He discusses why tissue NAD falls with age and illness. He walks through how infection, obesity, sleep disruption, and circadian timing affect NAD. He clarifies which NAD precursors, delivery methods, and timing actually raise NAD and who might benefit from supplementation.

Brady Holmer, an endurance athlete and exercise physiologist, shares eye-opening insights about exercise and longevity. He reveals that just one minute of vigorous exercise can provide the benefits of up to ten minutes of moderate activity. They discuss the limitations of traditional exercise guidelines and the incredible potency of vigorous workouts in reducing mortality and disease risks. Brady also introduces concepts like VILPA—brief, intense movements that can drastically improve health, making it clear that intensity matters more than we thought!

Dr. Michael Grandner, a sleep scientist and director at the University of Arizona, shares his expertise on overcoming insomnia without medication. He discusses the importance of distinguishing between poor sleep and insomnia, and how condition arousal can turn your bed into a wakefulness zone. Listeners learn practical strategies like stimulus control and sleep restriction therapy. Grandner also highlights the role of morning light and caffeine timing in enhancing sleep quality, while debunking myths around sleep trackers and supplements.

Derek from MPMD, founder of the YouTube channel More Plates More Dates and co-founder of Merrick Health, dives deep into the world of testosterone. He highlights the critical role testosterone plays in both men's and women's health, discussing its effects on muscle mass and motivation. Derek evaluates popular supplements like ashwagandha, clarifying what's scientifically backed. He also explores testosterone replacement therapy’s benefits, risks, and the importance of monitoring key biomarkers for maintaining hormonal health.

This special preview dives into exogenous ketones and their potential to reduce performance anxiety. The host shares insights on their daily coffee routine, from bean selection to brewing tips. Discussion includes optimal supplement dosages for enhancing mitochondrial health and egg quality. Learn about the risks associated with popular greens powders and heavy metals. With personal anecdotes and expert advice, this sneak peek invites listeners to explore health in a fun and engaging way.

Dr. Ben Bikman, a Professor of Cell Biology at Brigham Young University, delves into the often-overlooked issue of insulin resistance. He discusses how dietary choices, particularly refined carbs and fats, contribute to metabolic dysfunction. Bikman explores the effectiveness of low-carb diets and exercise, emphasizing strength training's superiority over cardio for improving insulin sensitivity. He also addresses the long-term implications of popular weight-loss medications like GLP-1 agonists, urging a balanced approach that combines lifestyle changes for sustainable health.

Discover how coffee can be a powerful ally in longevity, potentially reducing epigenetic age by up to one year. Learn which brewing methods and types—like filtered over French press—can significantly reduce cholesterol risk. Explore the surprising ways coffee protects DNA from damage and its potential to lower cancer risk. Helpful tips on maximizing antioxidants based on roast type and brewing method abound. Plus, find out how certain supplements can enhance coffee's cognitive effects while avoiding dairy to keep its benefits intact.

Explore the fascinating role of vitamin D as a steroid hormone that regulates a significant portion of our genome. Discover that up to 70% of Americans are deficient, increasing their dementia risk. A groundbreaking study shows that vitamin D supplementation can cut dementia risk by 40%, especially for those with genetic predispositions. Learn how vitamin D affects cognitive function, the importance of optimal blood levels, and why women may benefit more. Uncover insights on how it directly supports brain health and combats aging.

Join Dr. Andy Galpin, a top expert in muscle physiology and nutrition, as he unveils his cutting-edge protocols for optimizing athletic performance. He dives into the crucial distinctions between eating for performance versus longevity. Learn about the impact of fasted training, why nutrient timing may not be a priority for everyone, and the real benefits of carb intake before workouts. Galpin also unpacks the importance of supplements like omega-3 fatty acids and the science behind effective recovery strategies, offering insights straight from the world of elite athletes.