Well Beyond 40 – Details, episodes & analysis

Something exciting is happening, and I can’t wait to share it with you! In this special episode, I reveal a game-changing new way for you to enjoy the podcast like never before. Curious? Let’s just say it involves more of what you love—uninterrupted. Tune in to find out what’s new and how you can be part of this exclusive experience.

"Nature has never allowed an injury that she didn't already have a solution to." - Dr. Zach Bush

In this transformative episode, I sat down with Dr. Zach Bush, a physician whose journey from ICU medicine to understanding the human ecosystem has revolutionized how we think about health and healing. We explored the profound connection between human health and our relationship with nature, diving deep into why illness isn't a failure of the body but often a reset mechanism for healing. Dr. Bush shared groundbreaking insights about how our disconnection from nature has led to chronic disease, and more importantly, how we can reverse this through simple, powerful reconnections with the natural world. His message of hope – that we can restore our health and the planet's wellbeing through embracing nature's intelligence – couldn't come at a more critical time for women seeking genuine, sustainable wellness solutions.

What you'll learn:

• Why getting sick isn't a failure of your immune system, but often a necessary reset mechanism

• How our obsession with "killing germs" is actually compromising our health and resilience

• The surprising truth about human biology - we're not just a body, but a complex ecosystem

• Why connecting with nature is more powerful than any biohacking technique

• The revolutionary approach to healing that starts with curiosity and self-discovery

• How women's intuitive, process-oriented nature holds the key to both personal and planetary healing

• The power of witnessing and being witnessed in our healing journey

Love the Podcast? Here’s what to do:

Make My Day & Share Your Thoughts!

• Subscribe to the podcast & leave me a review

• Text a screenshot to 813-565-2627

• Expect a personal reply because your voice is so important to me.

Join 50,000+ followers who make this podcast thrive.

Full show notes: https://www.jjvirgin.com/drzach

Learn more about Dr. Zach Bush: https://zachbushmd.com/ 

Intelligence of Nature - new customers use code VIRGIN for 15% off: https://intelligenceofnature.com/?_ef_transaction_id=&oid=1&affid=425

Journey of Intrinsic Health: http://journeyofintrinsichealth.com

Shop Oura Rings: https://ouraring.com/

Oxiline bioimpedance scale: https://oxiline.shop/product/scale-x-pro/?ref=mza2ntv

Kooru Cold Plunge: https://www.koorucoldplunges.com/ and use code JJVIP500 for $500 off.

Download my FREE Best Rest Sleep Cheat Sheet: https://jjvirgin.com/sleep

The Tapping Solution: https://www.thetappingsolutionapp.com/jj

Episode Sponsors: 

Try Timeline: https://www.timelinenutrition.com/shop?rfsn=7082975.4b75243 Use code JJ10 for 10% off all products

Go to qualialife.com/VIRGINWELLNESS to try Qualia risk free for up to 100 days and code VIRGINWELLNESS for an additional 15% off

Is coconut oil your friend or is it a foe? What about corn and canola oil? In this episode, JJ Virgin takes an in-depth look at dietary fats, debunking the claims made by the American Heart Association about coconut oil and telling you which oils you should choose to fight disease, lose weight, and have great energy. Achieve better health both inside and out by making a shift in the oils you’re using today!  

Key takeaways:

[1:28] Make an oil change to reduce inflammation.

[2:35] American Heart Association claims that saturated fats like coconut oil cause cardiovascular disease.

[3:15] The fats in coconut oil can actually help prevent risk factors for cardiovascular disease and stroke, increase your metabolism and make you feel less hungry. 

[4:34] Coconut oil can help reduce overall cholesterol and triglyceride levels. 

[4:54] American Heart Association claims that coconut oil has no known health benefits.

[5:21] Coconut oil is a proven antibacterial and antifungal that can also help fight disease and aging. It helps speed up wound healing and makes your hair thicker and fuller.

[6:18] Vegetable oils should not be a part of your diet – they are high in omega-6 fatty acids, pro-inflammatory, and easily oxidize.

[6:40] Oxidized fats have been linked to numerous health issues.

[8:03] Always choose organic, unrefined, cold-pressed or expeller-pressed oils in dark bottles.

[8:38] Extra-virgin, cold-pressed coconut oil is one of the best choices

[9:34] Extra-virgin, cold-pressed organic olive oil benefits and uses

[10:22] Avocado oil benefits and uses

[12:45] Grass-fed ghee benefits and ways to cook with it

[13:10] Virgin, unrefined red palm oil is the most popular oil in the world with many benefits, but you need to be sure it comes from a sustainable source.

[14:10] JJ likes macadamia nut oil and walnut oil in salad dressings.

[15:16] Sesame oil is high in omega-6 fatty acids, but it has a great flavor in Asian recipes.

[15:43] Canola oil should be avoided – it’s a highly refined and processed oil that can easily become rancid.  

[18:50] Lose more weight and keep it off by starting your day with a healthy shake.

[19:02] Listener’s question: How do you improve hair health?

[20:41] Hypothyroidism, estrogen imbalance, and low iron levels can all affect your hair.

Mentioned in this episode:

JJVirgin.com/products

Facebook page @JJVirgin Official

Instagram @JJVirgin Official

JJ interviews Tony Wrighton about simple, amazingly quick Neuro Hacks (NLP techniques) to reduce stress and put you in position to take better advantage of any situation. Whether it’s a job interview, traumatic memory, or getting to sleep quicker, Tony has a technique to shift you from stress and fear to a relaxed and confident mood. JJ & Tony explore tapping, The Rock Star Phobia Cure, The Betty Erickson technique, and more!

Key Takeaways:

[1:15] Tony Wrighton’s career briefing.

[2:35] What is NLP? Neuro Linguistic Programming or Neuro Hacking intro

[4:55] The “hero’s journey” behind the influence of NLP in Tony Wrighton’s life.

[7:22] The value of reducing your stimulation level to increase performance and identifying what works.

[9:44] You can reduce your cortisol level up to 27% by tapping.

[9:58] Creating a “Relax” playlist to use music as a healing power to flip from stress to relax.

[12:08] How do you treat long-term stress? It’s all about how you perceive the world.

[13:04] The Rockstar Phobia Cure - Tony’s dissociation technique to recover from traumatic and stressful experiences. 

[15:12] Using NLP/Neuro Hacking for improving your sleep.

[17:25] First, cut out the caffeine! Look into genetic testing to find out how you process caffeine and other foods.

[18:03] Prepare to sleep in the right way: occupy your senses. Try the “Betty Erickson” technique: notice 3 different things you can see; 3 things that you can hear; and 3 things you can feel or touch. Do this for an entire minute to reduce stress in any situation.

[21:18] Daily meditation makes the biggest difference in Tony’s life. It sets the brain and emotions up to receive tremendous opportunities.

[26:01] Sugar is hiding everywhere, which sugars to lose? Read the “Sugar Impact diet” book.

[26:43] Listeners’ questions: What can I do to stop falling off the program?

[27:22] What is your purpose behind the program?

Mentioned in this episode:

TonyWrighton.com

Podcast : Zestology

JJVirgin.com/books

Facebook JJVirgin Official

What would happen if you followed a ketogenic diet, but increased the protein?

That’s the question biomedical scientist Vanessa Spina set out to answer, and in this episode, we’re exploring her absolutely crazy results and what they taught her about energy, body composition, and lifelong health.

We’re covering so much ground, from macronutrients and ketosis to our vegan pasts (yes, you read that correctly!). Plus, Vanessa shares some fascinating information about mitochondrial health—what it means, why it matters so much, and what you can do to improve it. Be prepared to have your mind blown.

FULL show notes: jjvirgin.com/ketogenicgirl

Try my protein calculator: http://jjvirgin.com/proteinfirst

Subscribe to my podcast: http://subscribetojj.com

Read my book, Sugar Impact Diet: https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/books/products/sugar-impact-diet-paperback-book

Learn more about Vanessa Spina: https://ketogenicgirl.com

Get Tone LUX Red Light Therapy: https://ketogenicgirl.com/collections/tone-lux

Listen to The Optimal Protein Podcast: https://ketogenicgirl.com/pages/podcast-fast-keto-with-ketogenic-girl

Read Keto Essentials: https://amzn.to/3SkAiYj

Study: Epilepsia: The modified Atkins diet: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19049584/

Reignite WellnessTM All-In-One Shakes: https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/shakes

Reignite WellnessTM Amino Power Powder: https://store.jjvirgin.com/products/amino-power-powder

Study: Obesity Reviews: Obesity: The protein leverage hypothesis: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15836464/

Study: Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism: Protein "requirements" beyond the RDA: implications for optimizing health: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26960445/

Track your protein & macros with Cronometer App: ​​https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=766203&u=523525&m=61121&urllink=&afftrack=

Reignite WellnessTM Collagen Peptides Powder: https://store.jjvirgin.com/collections/supplements/products/all-systems-glow-collagen

Download my free Resistance Training Cheat Sheet: http://jjvirgin.com/power

Watch Best Strength Training Routine for Women Over 40 (+ Free Workout Plan!): https://youtu.be/jFVN1g7_6yY

NordicTrack Select-a-Weight adjustable dumbbells: https://amzn.to/3S4hD1A

Read Mighty Mito by Susanne Bennett: https://amzn.to/3U4GtRQ

Kooru Cold Plunge: Go to https://www.koorucoldplunges.com/ and use code JJVIP500 for $500 off

Sunlighten Sauna: https://get.sunlighten.com/JJVirgin use promo code JJVIRGIN when requesting pricing information for $600 off

Joovv red light therapy: https://joovv.com/products/joovv-go-2-0

Tanita scale: https://amzn.to/3U4GtRQ

Get Vanessa’s Keto for Beginners: Free ebook! : https://ketogenicgirl.com/pages/free-ebook

Feeling achy, moody, or depressed? Not recovering from your workout as fast as you used to? JJ dives deep into the subject of hormone imbalance - especially the sex hormones estrogen, progesterone & testosterone. Learn how to read the signs of both low and high imbalances. The importance of checking your thyroid and adrenals, watching your diet,  insulin considerations, improving the quality of your sleep, and handling stress. There are smart, natural choices to help keep your hormones cycling in the best possible ways! 

Key takeaways:

[1:22] For women: How to know that your Estrogen is low?

[2:12] For men: How do you know if your Testosterone is low?

[3:05] High estrogen has risks, too! Here are some warning signs.

[3:58] Look for these symptoms indicating low progesterone.

[4:40] High progesterone symptoms include being tired and sleepy.

[5:59] The low sex drive & difficulty building muscle with low testosterone can also bring on depression symptoms, so correcting that imbalance has more benefits than you might think.

[7:20] Thyroid is critical with hormone balance.

[9:00] What are the signs that your adrenals are working well?

[10:35] Your blood sugar balance is vital! Here’s how you can learn how many and what kind of carbs you can handle.

[10:25] Taking Vitamin D with K helps with insulin sensitivity; fish oil is also a terrific option.

[12:20] Are you digesting your protein well? Here are the enzymes you can take to help out.

[13:30] Good sleep is critical - if you’re having trouble, Sleep Candy is here to help.

[15:40] How do you handle stress? “The Miracle Mindset” has some great tools, including burst training, tapping, and more.

[17:11] What best supports you when detoxing?

[18:48] What herbs can help in getting your hormones balanced?

[20:47] Listener question: How long do I need to take hormones if I eat healthy? Keeping estrogen at healthy levels, eating well, using supplements correctly, and then use the lowest dose possible. Don’t overdo it!

[22:58] Gratitude exercise — writing down 3 things that you are grateful for every morning helps set your day in an unbelievably positive direction. Your mindset really can be your greatest ally.

Mentioned in this episode:

JJVirgin.com/hormoneguide

JJVirgin.com/products

Facebook JJVirgin official

JJ Virgin shares the perfect strategies & hacks to get you back on track when life tries to derail you from pursuing your health goals. She gives specific advice for each of the most common situations, including: during and after being sick or injured; travel challenges; and (of course) those well-meaning family and friends. Check out JJ’s Mindset CPR and other strategies and you’ll always have an effective way to turn your situation around!

Key Takeaways:

[1:26] Why do we get off course? Getting sick, injuries, travelling, and family crises are the most obvious, but it’s a surprising common problem that some of us actually don’t feel we are worthy! 

[2:16] When you are sick or injured it is even more important to take better care of yourself. And sorry, but “comfort foods” are definitely NOT the answer…

[2:31] If you are sick, have bone broth! Check this article for a deeper dive: http://www.getjjv.com/bone-broth

[3:10] Get more protein — L-glutamine in particular can help when you are sick or injured.

[3:24] The worst thing you can do is to turn to sugar; it lowers your immune system.

[4:01] Fever or achy joints are signs for you NOT to workout.

[4:50] Start moving again — easy exercising — when you feel weak, but getting better.

[6:13] Plan ahead when you are travelling — take your blender!

[7:20] Try to know the places where you will go, Whole Foods can be delivered, too!

[8:43] Make sure you have a gym in your hotel, not a fitness room!

[9:20] Friends and family: if they are not with you in your health choices, do not try to evangelize them, just be the best role model.

[10:33] Setting boundaries with your family.

[12:18] When you have a purpose that is big enough, you can push through obstacles, and build resilience. What are your reasons? WHY are those reasons important to you?

[13:30] Check out my blog article “Ten Ways to Supercharge Your Metabolism” for more tips:

JJVirgin.com/meta10

[14:30] Try extra fiber for healthy weight loss!

[15:20] Listeners’ questions: Overcoming Self-sabotage

[17:41] Becoming aware of your self-talk – it’s much more dangerous than you think. Cancel the criticism!

Mentioned in this episode:

JJVirgin.com/meta10

JJVirgin.com/products

Samantha Skelly has walked the path of the dieting obsession herself, and after several years of awareness and work, she discovered the truth behind achieving a better emotional and physical relationship with her body. Now with her book, “Hungry for Happiness,” and her program, she aims to help women that are ready to stop using food as a drug, and instead, use emotional pain to heal. You can put an end to your unhealthy relationship with food, gaining your self trust again; accepting and loving yourself in the process. You are worthy!

Key takeaways

[:55] Samantha Skelly´s career briefing.

[3:04] Samantha’s life story, and how she was using food as a drug.

[6:03] Physical weight on our bodies is a representation of the emotional weight we are carrying.

[7:03] How to use the pain to heal, and not numb it with food. Feel compassion and heal, and start not to need food to numb the emotions.

[7:59] The process to take someone from being unaware of their body, to awareness between physical and emotional hunger.

[9:01] Your body can guide you, we can tend to overanalyze instead of listening to our bodies.

[10:30] Ask yourself: How much time do you spend thinking about your body  and your weight?

[11:42] How is your relationship with pain? Do you tend to suppress it? Can you embrace it?

[12:25] How long does it take to get back “food freedom”?

[13:40] 6 months long program; this is not a quick fix, it takes work to achieve a sustainable transformation.

[15:20] Start with acceptance, and set an intention of transformation.

[16:06] Free videos  with simple exercises at JJVirgin.com/hfh to start to deal with your feelings.

[17:20] Crossfit makes Samantha feels powerful everyday.

[18:40] The right digestive enzyme for you has been developed by JJ Virgin.

[19:45] Sweet tooth is tied to emotions, sugar momentarily makes you “feel good.”

[21:26] Get rid of your sweet tooth: Sour helps, lemon juice before meals is a great way to help with cravings.

Mentioned in this episode

Hungryforhappiness.com

JJVirgin.com/hfh

JJVirgin.com/products

Facebook page JJVirgin official

Dr. Heidi Hanna, member of the Mindset Academy and expert on the very current topic of stress, helps us understand what is stress, and the effects that toxic levels of stress can have on our bodies. Dr. Hanna gives simple and easy to put into fast action tools to deal with stress. Listen to this podcast, and start decreasing stimulation and increasing nourishment; you might even find out that your weight loss resistance has to do more with stress than with your nutrition or exercise habits. Discover Dr. Hanna´s gift to JJ’s audience, and laugh your way out of stress!

Key Takeaways:

[:55] Dr. Heidi Hanna career briefing

[2:34] What is stress?

[5:23] Capacity can make us more resilient to deal with stress.

[5:57] Isolation is one of the worse things for health.

[6:40] When the brain perceives we do not have social support, there is a toxic reaction.

[7:20] What does stress do to the body?

[7:48] Three different types of stress: tame, tolerable, or toxic.

[9:58] Chronic toxic stress will start to atrophy brain cells in the prefrontal cortex and memory center, and increase cells in the amygdala, or threat response area.

[12:03] Why are we so stressed out?

[13:11] Technology is too much for our brain to process.

[14:08] How to set boundaries to technology.

[14:35] Weight problems and the relationship with stress.

[15:06] Simple things you can do to decrease stimulation and increase nourishment.

[16:40] Change your mindset in three simple steps: gratitude, curiosity, and humor.

[19:56] Quiet exercise is the best thing that combines meditation and workout.

[20:50] FInd humor for 21 days in the gift that Dr. Hanna has for the audience.

[21:52] Are you digesting protein well? JJVirgin Digestive enzymes can help you.

[23:12] How to get rid of sugar cravings.

Mentioned in This Episode:

JJVirgin.com/stress

JJVirgin.com/products

Facebook JJVirginofficial

Tana and Daniel Amen are experts in brain health, and they deliver practical and simple ways for you to have a healthy brain, and consequently, a better quality of life. Daily small habits you can start practicing today — what are you waiting for? Listen to this podcast, and become aware of your negative and positive habits. Start today to uplevel your health and your life!

Key Takeaways:

[1:45] Daniel Amen’s career briefing

[2:38] Tana Amen´s career briefing

[3:40] How they got the idea of including the word “war” in the title of their book.

[5:15] MASTERY acronym

[6:53] What are the worst habits that people are doing that can hurt their brain?

[9:20] Tiny habits everyday that can transform your life.

[10:20] The food relationship is like other relationships.

[11:35] Are your habits serving you or hurting you?

[12:40] What are the habits you can start practicing today?

[14:15] Why drinking water is the best for your brain.

[14:45] Today is going to be a great day.

[16:33] Your children will do what you do, not what you tell them.

[19:00] How to achieve a better quality sleep?

[19:40] How do you help recovering from a brain injury?

Mentioned in This Episode:

Thebrainwarriorswaypodcast.com

JJVirgin.com/products

Facebook page @JJVirginOfficial