In this episode of The Mind–Gut Conversation, Dr. Emeran Mayer sits down with Will Bulsiewicz, board-certified gastroenterologist, New York Times bestselling author, and one of today’s leading voices in microbiome science.
Drawing from his newest book, Plant-Powered Plus, Dr. Bulsiewicz explores why chronic, low-grade immune activation has become so widespread—and how modern lifestyles are keeping our immune system permanently switched on.
Together, they examine the deep connections between diet, the microbiome, the immune system, and inflammation, unpacking how evolutionary mismatches, ultra-processed foods, low fiber intake, chronic stress, and social disconnection are reshaping human health. The conversation moves beyond symptoms to address root causes, highlighting why restoring health requires rethinking how we eat, live, and connect.
This wide-ranging discussion blends cutting-edge science with clinical insight, offering a grounded, practical perspective on how small, sustainable changes can meaningfully reduce inflammation and support long-term well-being.
Topics discussed include:
• What inflammation really is—and why it’s no longer just an acute response
• How the gut microbiome and immune system interact
• The role of fiber, polyphenols, and microbial metabolites in regulating inflammation
• Why modern environments clash with human biology
• How lifestyle factors like stress, loneliness, and purpose influence immune health
This is a practical, evidence-based discussion for anyone seeking to understand how modern lifestyle factors shape immune health, inflammation, and long-term well-being.
Please leave any comments or feedback on the episode — we’d love to hear your thoughts.
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This episode is brought to you by Mayer Nutrition. If you are interested in trying Synaptic Bloom, our high-potency Quercetin + supporting polyphenols blend, you can visit mayernutrition.com, and use our exclusive podcast discount code: MINDGUT for 10% off your first order!
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Connect with Dr. Mayer:
Website: https://www.emeranmayer.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emeranmayer/
X (Twitter): https://www.twitter.com/emeranmayermd
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emeranmayer/
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Chapters:
0:00 – Introduction
3:00 – Purpose, Medicine, and the Evolution of Gut Health
7:00 – What Inflammation Really Is
12:30 – Modern Life and the Immune System
18:00 – The Gut Microbiome and Immune Activation
26:00 – Diet, Fiber, and Microbial Health
38:21 – Mayer Nutrition
40:15 – Lifestyle, Stress, and Social Connection
49:00 – Technology, Medicine, and the Future of Health
1:05:00 – Practical Takeaways and Closing Reflections
In this episode of The Mind-Gut Conversation, Dr. Emeran Mayer sits down with Dr. Lauren DeDecker, a board-certified internal medicine physician with training in nutrition and integrative medicine, to explain how gut health is approached in real-world primary care.
They discuss why fiber and plant diversity remain foundational for digestive and metabolic health, how microbiome research reshaped modern medicine, and why popular diet trends often miss the bigger picture. The conversation also covers SIBO, common gut-related diagnoses, and how GLP-1 medications are changing what we understand about appetite, inflammation, and metabolism.
Key Topics Covered:
• Gut health and the brain-gut-microbiome system
• Fiber, fermented foods, and microbiome diversity
• SIBO, overdiagnosis, and gut symptoms
• Popular diets: carnivore, keto, Mediterranean
• GLP-1 medications, appetite regulation, and inflammation
This is a practical, evidence-based discussion for anyone interested in supporting gut health — whether navigating digestive concerns personally or working with patients in a clinical setting.
Please leave any comments or feedback on the episode — we’d love to hear your thoughts.
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Connect with Dr. Mayer:
Website: https://www.emeranmayer.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/emeranmayer/X (Twitter): https://www.twitter.com/emeranmayermdFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmeranMayerMD/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emeranmayer/
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Chapters:
0:00 – Introduction to Gut Health & Integrative Medicine
1:30 – From Conventional Medicine to Integrative Care
6:30 – Why Gut Health Became Mainstream (Microbiome Science)
12:30 – Fiber, Plant Diversity & Foundational Gut Health
18:45 – Diet Trends Explained: Carnivore, Keto & Mediterranean
22:30 – SIBO, Gut Symptoms & Overdiagnosis
31:45 – GLP-1 Medications, Appetite & Metabolism
41:15 – The Future of Gut Health & Lifestyle Medicine
In this episode of The Mind-Gut Conversation, Dr. Emeran Mayer sits down with Wolfgang Puck, one of the most iconic chefs of our time, for an intimate conversation about the life experiences, creative influences, and personal philosophy that shaped his extraordinary career.
Puck reflects on his difficult childhood in Austria and how the kitchen became both refuge and calling. He shares the pivotal moments — working under a visionary French chef, discovering the power of simple dishes made from exceptional ingredients, and redefining California cuisine — that built the foundation of his global culinary empire.
Together, they explore:
• How early adversity shaped Puck’s resilience and drive
• The pivotal mentor who transformed his relationship to flavor and hospitality
• Why simplicity, curiosity, and world-class ingredients remain his guiding principles
• The evolution of American dining and why taste is central to healthier eating
• How passion, purpose, and creativity fuel energy and longevity well into his 70s
This conversation reveals the mindset behind a cultural icon — one who continues to innovate, inspire, and live fully through his craft.
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Connect with Dr. Mayer:
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LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emeranmayer/
Chapters:
00:00 – Early Hardship & Discovering the Kitchen
08:40 – Mentorship in France & Shaping a Culinary Philosophy
14:00 – Coming to America: Reinvention in New York & LA
23:20 – Creating California Cuisine & Building Spago
31:30 – Flavor, Health, and the Future of Eating
49:50 – Passion, Curiosity & Longevity
In this episode of The Mind-Gut Conversation, Dr. Emeran Mayer sits down with Kate Scarlata, RDN, an internationally recognized dietitian, bestselling author, and leading authority on dietary therapies for IBS and chronic digestive disorders.
Drawing from her personal medical journey and decades of clinical experience, Kate offers a deeply insightful and refreshingly nuanced look at some of the most debated topics in gut health today.
Together, they explore the real therapeutic value of the Low FODMAP diet, who it helps, who it doesn’t, and why its success hinges on personalization rather than restriction.
The conversation moves through major controversies in the field, including SIBO over-diagnosis, the confusion around non-celiac gluten sensitivity, the true causes of bloating, and the myth of detox diets.
Throughout, Kate emphasizes a balanced, science-guided, and compassionate approach that prioritizes patient well-being, food enjoyment, and quality of life over dogma.
Key Topics Covered:
• The Low FODMAP diet: benefits, misconceptions, and why personalization matters
• SIBO: over-diagnosis, breath test pitfalls, and when treatment does make sense
• Non-celiac gluten sensitivity: separating nocebo effects from true reactions
• Bloating: dietary vs. physiological vs. stress-related causes
• Why detox culture misses the point—and what the body’s built-in detox systems already do
This is an honest, evidence-informed, and highly practical discussion for anyone navigating digestive symptoms, or for clinicians seeking a more grounded way to help their patients thrive.
Please leave any comments or feedback on our Podcast in the comments, we'd love to hear what you think about it.
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This episode is brought to you by Mayer Nutrition.
Synaptic Bloom, our high-potency Quercetin + supporting polyphenols blend, supports your brain, heart, and immune system through your gut microbiome.
Learn more at mayernutrition.com, and use our exclusive podcast discount code: MINDGUT for 10% off your first order!
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Connect with Dr. Mayer:
Website: https://www.emeranmayer.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emeranmayer/
X (Twitter): https://www.twitter.com/emeranmayermd
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmeranMayerMD/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emeranmayer/
Chapters:
00:00 – Welcome & Kate Scarlata’s Story
04:40 – How Personal Experience Shaped Her Career
06:05 – The Low FODMAP Diet: What People Get Wrong
10:16 – How to Personalize Dietary Therapy
15:16 – SIBO: Why It’s Overdiagnosed
18:22 – When SIBO Is Real (and When It Isn’t)
24:50 – Understanding Bloating & Symptom Patterns
29:32 – Gluten Sensitivity: Myth, Nocebo, or Something More?
36:45 – Beyond Diet: Stress, Motility & the Gut–Brain–Microbiome System
44:50 – The Truth About Detox Culture
47:23 – Supporting Gut Health Through Daily Habits
50:14 – How Kate Eats & Lives Today
52:31 – Final Thoughts
Dr. Emeran Mayer sits down with Taylor Bell, an Ivy League–educated former management consultant turned full-time YouTuber, for a candid conversation on authenticity, ambition, and the health consequences of living out of alignment with your true values.
Through her story of leaving a high-pressure corporate career to pursue creative entrepreneurship, Taylor shares what it means to redefine success, listen to your inner voice, and create a life rooted in purpose and well-being.
Together, they explore the psychological effects of cognitive dissonance, how chronic stress shows up in the body, especially through the brain-gut-microbiome system, and why self-trust and intentional living are essential for both mental and physical health.
Dr. Mayer also discusses the physiological impact of chronic stress, the concept of allostatic load, and practical tools such as diaphragmatic breathing that can help restore balance and resilience in a world of constant pressure and comparison.
Key Topics Covered:
• The link between cognitive dissonance, stress, and physical health
• How authenticity and purpose shape mental well-being
• The hidden costs of over-optimization and burnout
• Simple ways to live and work with greater intention
• Why listening to your body is more powerful than tracking every metric
• Breathing techniques to reset the nervous system and calm the mind
This episode is both inspiring and deeply practical — a reminder that true success isn’t about constant achievement, but about alignment, fulfillment, and trusting the wisdom of your own body.
As always, we invite you to share your thoughts in the comments and subscribe for more episodes exploring the science of brain–body health.
This episode is brought to you by Mayer Nutrition. If you are interested in trying Synaptic Bloom, our high-potency Quercetin + supporting polyphenols blend, you can visit mayernutrition.com, and use our exclusive podcast discount code: MINDGUT for 10% off your first order!
Connect with Dr. Mayer:
Website: https://www.emeranmayer.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emeranmayer/
X (Twitter): https://www.twitter.com/emeranmayermd
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmeranMayerMD/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emeranmayer/
Chapters:
0:00 - 2:30 Introduction
2:30 - 4:59 Career Shift from Consulting to YouTuber
4:59 - 7:25 Synchronicity & Self-Trust
7:25 - 17:38 Cognitive Dissonance, Gut Feelings & Finding Your True Passion
17:38 - 19:16 Passion & Happiness
19:16 - 23:53 Career Stress & Stress Response System
23:53 - 25:33 Sponsor: Mayer Nutrition
25:33 - 31:05 We've Taken Health Optimization Too Far
31:05 - 32:30 Keys to Health & Longevity
32:30 - 36:38 Chronic Stress, Brain-Gut-Microbiome System, Allostatic Load
36:38 - 41:47 Practical Tips to Better Adapt to Stress
41:47 - 46:27 Breathing Techniques Dr. Mayer Teaches His Patients
46:27 - 49:01 Closing Remarks, Advice to People Dealing with Career Changes
Dr. Emeran Mayer sits down with Dr. Drew Ramsey, psychiatrist, author, and pioneer in nutritional psychiatry, for a thought-provoking conversation on how we can proactively strengthen and protect our mental health.
Drawing from his new book, Healing the Modern Brain: Nine Tenets to Build Mental Fitness and Revitalize Your Mind, Dr. Ramsey explains what it means to develop “mental fitness” and why small, intentional habits around food, sleep, movement, purpose, and connection can transform how we feel and function in the modern world.
Together, they explore the roots of today’s mental health crisis, how modern food and technology are reshaping the brain, and what science reveals about our innate capacity for resilience, growth, and joy.
Key Topics Covered:
• What “mental fitness” really means and how to build it
• The Nine Tenets for strengthening the brain and emotional resilience
• How diet and the microbiome influence mood and mental health
• Why connection, engagement, and purpose are essential for well-being
• How modern stressors from processed food to digital overload impact the brain
• Practical steps to rewire your brain and revitalize your mind
This episode is both empowering and deeply practical, reminding us that our brains are not just meant to survive the modern world but to grow, connect, and thrive within it.
As always, we invite you to share your thoughts in the comments and subscribe for more episodes exploring the science of mind–body health.
Connect with Dr. Mayer:
Website: https://www.emeranmayer.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emeranmayer/
X: https://www.twitter.com/emeranmayermd
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmeranMayerMD/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emeranmayer/
Dr. Emeran Mayer welcomes Peter Crone, widely known as The Mind Architect, for a profound conversation on healing trauma, dissolving limiting subconscious beliefs, and unlocking human potential.
Peter shares how early life experiences shape the subconscious mind, often creating patterns of fear, anxiety, and self-judgment that hold us back. He explains how shifting awareness and reframing our narratives can open the door to greater freedom, love, and authentic living. Their dialogue bridges Eastern philosophy with modern psychology, offering practical steps to move beyond suffering into resilience and possibility.
You’ll also hear how the science of the subconscious intersects with personal transformation, and why cultivating presence can help us break free from being controlled by the past or the future.
Key Topics Covered:
• Letting go of past and future narratives that shape behavior
• The roots of feeling “not good enough” and how to transcend it
• Redefining peace as success through radical acceptance
• Insights from Eastern philosophy and modern psychology
• How trauma imprints the subconscious and shapes behavior
• Living with more presence, authenticity, and ease
This episode is both a roadmap and an invitation. By releasing limiting beliefs and healing hidden wounds, we can expand into our fullest human potential.
As always, please leave any questions or comments below.
We hope you enjoy the episode!
This episode is brought to you by Mayer Nutrition. If you are interested in trying Synaptic Bloom, our high-potency Quercetin + supporting polyphenols blend, you can visit mayernutrition.com & use our exclusive podcast discount code MINDGUT for 10% off your first order.
Connect with Dr. Mayer:Website: https://www.emeranmayer.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emeranmayer
X: https://www.x.com/emeranmayermd
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmeranMayerMD/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emeranmayer/
Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction
01:32 – Peter Crone’s journey and life lessons
04:56 – Spirituality, Buddhism, and Eastern influences
11:36 – Living in the present and letting go of the past
19:13 – Trauma, healing, and the power of choice
25:55 – Reprogramming the subconscious mind
29:14 – Advertisement: Mayer Nutrition
30:51 – Why we feel “not good enough”
33:32 – Success, suffering, and hidden drivers of achievement
36:41 – Personal reflections and growth
37:38 – Psychedelics and altered states of awareness
44:27 – The brain as a prediction machine
51:26 – Aging, vitality, and redefining time
56:14 – Closing thoughts
Dr. Emeran Mayer welcomes Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, physician, author, and women’s health advocate, for an in-depth discussion on menopause, hormone therapy, and the integration of holistic practices into modern medicine.
Dr. Gilberg shares her path into women’s health, including the creation of the Menopause Bootcamp to address the lack of education and awareness around menopause. She explains why estrogen plays a vital role in women’s health beyond reproduction and how the Women’s Health Initiative reshaped, and sometimes restricted, perceptions of hormone therapy. The conversation also examines gender bias in medical research, the need for updated guidelines, and the emerging potential of psychedelics in women’s health care.
You’ll also hear why community, education, and holistic practices matter so much for empowering women, and how simple lifestyle shifts can improve resilience, wellbeing, and long-term health.
Key Topics Covered:
• How menopause awareness and conversations are evolving
• The significance of estrogen for women’s overall health
• The Women’s Health Initiative and its impact on hormone therapy use
• How gender bias continues to shape medical research and care
• The therapeutic potential of psychedelics in women’s health
• Practical holistic practices women can integrate into daily life
This conversation highlights the future of women’s health: by blending science, holistic care, and community education, we can better support women through every stage of life.
We hope you enjoy!
Chapters:
00:26 Introduction to Dr. Suzanne Gilberg's Journey
06:25 The Shift in Menopause Conversations
10:37 Understanding Estrogen and Its Impact
15:20 The Women's Health Initiative and Hormone Therapy
20:25 Future Directions in Women's Health Research
27:00 The Central Role of the Gut
29:42 Gender Bias in Medicine
34:26 Exploring Psychedelics in Women's Health
46:10 Integrating Holistic Practices into Daily Life
Dr. Emeran Mayer welcomes Professor Felice Jacka, founder of the Food & Mood Centre and a global leader in nutritional psychiatry, for an in-depth discussion on how diet influences mental health and brain function.
Felice shares the groundbreaking research that launched an entire field, from the first studies linking diet quality to depression, to clinical trials demonstrating how dietary changes can improve major depressive disorder. She also takes us beyond the plate, showing how agriculture, soil health, and food systems play a critical role in shaping both human and planetary health.
You’ll also hear about her efforts to bring nutritional psychiatry into medical guidelines and education worldwide, and why simple, evidence-based changes, like cutting back on ultra-processed foods and adding more whole grains and legumes, can profoundly affect mood and resilience.
Key Topics Covered:
• What is nutritional psychiatry and why it matters
• How dietary patterns influence depression, anxiety, and cognition
• The SMILES and CALM trials: diet as a therapeutic tool
• The impact of ultra-processed foods on the microbiome and brain
• How soil biodiversity affects nutrient density and mental health
• Practical, evidence-based dietary shifts for everyday life
This conversation offers both hope and clarity: by improving diet quality, we can not only enhance individual mental health but also address the broader challenges of food systems and planetary well-being.
As always, please leave any questions or comments below. We hope you enjoy the episode!
Connect with Dr. Mayer:
Website: emeranmayer.com
Instagram: @emeranmayer
X: @EmeranMayerMD
YouTube: Emeran Mayer, MD
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Nutritional Psychiatry
05:50 The Complexity of Food and Mental Health
11:59 The Impact of Industrial Food Systems
18:06 Lifestyle Interventions in Mental Health Treatment
30:18 Nutritional Psychiatry Training and Resources
38:13 Evidence of Dietary Interventions in Mental Health
45:49 Challenges in Changing Dietary Habits
57:24 Whole Grains: The Key to Better Health
Dr. Emeran Mayer welcomes Martin Picard, PhD, mitochondrial biologist and systems thinker, for a fascinating conversation on the hidden role of mitochondria in health, stress, and consciousness.
Martin explains how mitochondria, far beyond being simple “powerhouses of the cell”, are dynamic regulators of energy, emotion, and resilience. He explores their symbiotic relationship with the gut microbiome and how this ancient partnership influences inflammation, mental health, and overall well-being.
You’ll also hear about Martin’s concept of “intrinsic health,” a field-like state that integrates biology, energy flow, and human experience. Together, he and Dr. Mayer discuss why understanding energy as the potential for change may reshape how we think about health, stress, and even consciousness itself.
Key Topics Covered:
• The evolutionary story of mitochondria and their link to the gut microbiome
• Why energy is best understood as flow rather than a fixed resource
• The impact of stress on mitochondrial health and resilience
• How intrinsic health connects science with lived experience
• A new paradigm for understanding mental and physical well-being
Discover how mitochondria and the microbiome together form the foundation of vitality, and why a holistic, systems-based view of health is essential for true well-being. Enjoy!
Connect with Dr. Mayer:
Website: emeranmayer.comInstagram: @emeranmayer
Twitter/X: @EmeranMayerMD
YouTube: Emeran Mayer, MD
Episode Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Mitochondria and Microbiome
05:26 The Evolutionary Significance of Mitochondria
10:35 Energy Dynamics in Biological Systems
15:30 Consciousness and Energy: A Philosophical Exploration
20:51 The Human Experience and Health
22:37 Bridging Biology and Human Experience
23:31 Mitochondria and Human Emotions
25:28 The Complexity of Mental Health
28:58 Intrinsic Health: A New Paradigm
36:21 Measuring Intrinsic Health
46:10 Stress, Energy, and Health
Dr. Emeran Mayer welcomes Dan Buettner, National Geographic explorer, Emmy award-winning filmmaker, and founder of the Blue Zones, for an illuminating conversation on the secrets of longevity.
Dan explains why people in Blue Zone communities, like Ikaria, Greece, and Nicoya, Costa Rica, live significantly longer, healthier lives, and why it has little to do with genetics. Instead, he shares how their environments naturally support better choices: more movement, plant-based eating, strong social ties, and a deep sense of purpose.
You’ll also hear about the proven success of Blue Zone initiatives in U.S. cities like Fort Worth and Los Angeles, where simple changes in policy and urban design have reduced obesity and improved community health. Dan also tackles popular longevity “hacks,” the importance of happiness, and why beans may be the most powerful superfood on your plate.
Key Topics Covered:
• The origins and science behind the Blue Zones
• Diet and lifestyle patterns that extend life by up to a decade
• Why changing your environment beats trying to change your willpower
• How happiness and community are linked to health
• What U.S. cities can learn from the world’s healthiest populations
Discover the evidence-based practices that can help you live longer, healthier, and happier starting today.
Connect with Dr. Mayer:
Instagram: @emeranmayer
Twitter/X: @EmeranMayerMD
YouTube: Emeran Mayer, MD
Website: emeranmayer.com
TIMESTAMPS:0:00 - 0:51 Introduction0:51 - 2:13 Who is Dan Buettner?2:13 - 4:47 What explains longevity in the Blue Zones?4:47 - 7:02 This is a fake Blue Zone7:02 - 10:00 Blue Zone diet/lifestyle10:00 - 13:15 Our bodies aren't optimized for our modern lifestyle13:15 - 15:20 Modern medicine & epidemic of chronic disease15:20 - 17:57 Why is Singapore so healthy?17:57 - 19:20 Thoughts on MAHA movement19:20 - 21:11 Transforming US cities into Blue Zones21:11 - 22:52 Are certain longevity factors more important than others?22:52 - 24:35 What kind of diet does Dan follow24:35 - 27:36 Thoughts on biohacking, rapamycin, metformin27:36 - 29:02 Dan's new book - Blue Zone Kitchen29:02 - 32:08 Issues with an older & older population32:08 - 33:40 Relationship between longevity & happiness33:40 - 34:37 Thanks for listening
Dr. Mayer unpacks groundbreaking research on how men and women differ in their responses to stress, emotional stimuli, and gut sensations. Drawing from studies at UCLA’s Oppenheimer Center, the conversation highlights key differences in brain-gut communication, revealing how neural pathways influence both emotional and physical health.
You’ll learn why women are more prone to conditions like IBS, how heart rate variability reflects emotional processing, and why men tend to show more action-oriented responses to stress. Dr. Mayer also explores the growing potential of personalized therapy—tailored to biological and psychological differences—to transform how we treat chronic gut-brain conditions.
Key Topics Covered:
• Sex-based differences in stress response patterns
• Brainstem connectivity and gut sensitivity
• Emotional awareness and heart rate variability
• Chronic disease and the gut-brain connection
• Personalized therapies based on gender
Understanding these sex-based differences isn’t just fascinating—it’s essential for developing more effective, tailored approaches to brain-gut health. Tune in to explore how science is reshaping the way we treat mind and body together.
Connect with Dr. Mayer:
Website: emeranmayer.com
Instagram: @emeranmayer
Twitter/X: @EmeranMayerMD
YouTube: @EmeranMayerMD
SIBO—Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth—has become a buzzword in the gut health space, often blamed for symptoms like bloating, gas, and fatigue. But how much of the hype is supported by solid science?
In this episode of The Mind-Gut Conversation, Dr. Mayer critically examines the growing SIBO narrative. Drawing from decades of clinical experience and the latest peer-reviewed evidence, he breaks down what SIBO actually is, who it truly affects, and why breath tests and antibiotic treatments like rifaximin are far less reliable—and more commercially driven—than many believe.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why true SIBO is rare and typically linked to structural or motility disorders
Why current diagnostic tests are flawed and often misused
How intestinal gas production is a normal part of digestion—not necessarily a problem
Why rifaximin may relieve symptoms without ever addressing SIBO
The role of microbial diversity, short-chain fatty acids, and the broader brain-gut microbiome system
Whether you’ve been diagnosed with SIBO or are simply curious about one of the most misunderstood topics in gut health, this episode separates myth from medicine.
Thank you for your interest!
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Connect with Dr. Mayer:
Instagram: @emeranmayer
Twitter/X: @EmeranMayerMD
YouTube: Emeran Mayer, MD
Website: emeranmayer.com
In this episode of The Mind-Gut Conversation, I’m thrilled to sit down with Dr. Stephen Sideroff, an internationally recognized psychologist, professor at the UCLA Geffen School of Medicine, and expert in resilience and peak performance.
Stephen’s groundbreaking new book, The 9 Pillars of Resilience: The Proven Path to Master Stress, Slow Aging & Increase Vitality, couldn’t come at a more important time.
We live in a world where chronic stress has become the norm—and it’s taking a major toll on our mental and physical well-being. In our conversation, Stephen offers a powerful framework for dealing with chronic stress by building true resilience—not just bouncing back, but adapting, evolving, and thriving in the face of life’s challenges.
Together, we explore:
• Why the stress response, once an evolutionary advantage, now contributes to many chronic diseases
• The role of early life experiences in shaping our internal models for how we react to stress and the world
• How cultivating resilience is the key to mastering stress and protecting long-term brain and body health
• The importance of contemplative practices like mindfulness, equanimity, and non-reactivity
• Scientific evidence showing that building resilience can actually slow aging and promote neuroplasticity
• What resilient centenarians can teach us about healthy longevity—even in the face of trauma
Stephen’s 9 Pillars offer a roadmap for developing emotional flexibility, building stronger connections with ourselves and others, and accessing a deeper sense of vitality. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or simply curious about how to support your well-being as you age—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
Thank you for being a part of our growing community. If you find this episode valuable, I encourage you to share it with anyone navigating stress or looking to live a longer, more vibrant life.
Learn more at emeranmayer.com
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How do we reverse the chronic disease epidemic affecting millions of children in the United States? According to Nora LaTorre, it starts with fixing what’s on their lunch tray.
As CEO of Eat Real, Nora leads a nonprofit tackling the root causes of poor nutrition through a science-backed, K–12 school certification program aimed at upgrading food in cafeterias nationwide.
In this episode, Dr. Mayer and Nora dive into the origins of Eat Real, its success engaging parents and schools, and why mothers are at the center of lasting dietary change. They also discuss the broader landscape of public health, including the federal MAHA initiative (Make America Healthy Again), the role of the food industry, and why nutrition alone isn’t enough to address chronic disease without considering stress, inequality, and food systems reform.
In this conversation, you’ll learn:
• Why children’s nutrition is the key to long-term public health
• How Eat Real’s 360° model of access, awareness, and advocacy works
• What measurable health outcomes have been linked to school food changes
• The challenges of working within U.S. agriculture and food policy
• Whether federal efforts like MAHA are likely to succeed
If you care about the future of our kids’ health, this episode offers both hope and a roadmap.
If you enjoyed this episode of The Mind-Gut Conversation, please leave a review - it really helps spread the word & get our show recommended to new viewers. Thank you!
Can a simple stool test help uncover the root causes of gut issues — and guide you toward better long-term health? That’s the bold promise behind Tiny Health, the microbiome testing company founded by Cheryl Sew Hoy.
In this episode of The Mind-Gut Conversation, Dr. Emeran Mayer sits down with Cheryl to unpack the science behind gut and vaginal microbiome testing, and why she believes personalized microbiome care is the future of health — from infancy to menopause.
They explore the origins of Tiny Health, how it compares to other microbiome tests, and the growing scientific evidence linking stool microbiome profiles to immune health, chronic conditions, and even recovery after antibiotic use.
In this conversation, you’ll learn:
• How Tiny Health’s test differs from other commercial gut tests
• Whether stool testing can detect signs of “leaky gut” and chronic gut inflammation
• What role the microbiome plays during menopause and how women can take proactive steps
• Why Cheryl believes testing can be useful even for those without symptoms
• The evidence behind Tiny Health’s recommendations — and what makes them actionable
Whether you’re struggling with gut-related symptoms or simply curious about optimizing your health (or your family’s), this episode delivers practical, science-backed insights.
Note: Dr. Mayer is a medical advisor to Tiny Health.
Want to learn more, visit our website www.emeranmayer.com
What do alcohol, sleep, diet and “purpose in life” have in common?
According to a powerful new study, they’re all modifiable risk factors that may determine your future risk of stroke, dementia and late-life depression — three of the most pressing health challenges of our time.
In this episode of The Mind-Gut Conversation, Dr. Mayer breaks down this comprehensive review, which analyzed data from over 180 meta-analyses and ranked risk factors based on their impact on healthy aging and brain health. The findings go far beyond just cholesterol or glucose — and include often overlooked lifestyle and psychological factors like social engagement and chronic stress.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
1) Which modifiable factors have the greatest impact on dementia, stroke and depression
2) Why physical and psychological health are deeply intertwined
3) How “purpose in life” scored higher than some traditional clinical markers
4) What these findings mean for real-world prevention — and your everyday choices
Whether you’re supporting a loved one or simply planning for your own long-term health, this episode offers evidence-backed clarity on what actually matters most.
Want to read the study yourself? Here's the link & PMID reference:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40180437/
PMID: 40180437
If you'd like to go deeper into these topics, you can learn more on emeranmayer.com!
Inflammatory bowel diseases like ulcerative colitis remain among the most difficult chronic conditions to manage — but new science at the intersection of microbiome research and biotechnology may offer hope.
In this episode of The Mind-Gut Conversation, I sit down with Dr. Deanna Gibson, microbiome researcher and cofounder of Melius Microbiomics, to explore how genetically engineered microbial medicines could transform the future of IBD treatment — and what it will take for patients and the medical community to embrace them.
In this conversation, we explore:
· How Dr. Gibson’s research led to the development of BioPersist™ and BioColonize™ for IBD.
· Why new microbiome-targeted therapies are urgently needed — especially for younger patients in whom ulcerative colitis is on the rise.
· What makes BioPersist™ different from traditional probiotics and current IBD treatments.
· How genetically engineered microbial medicines (GEMMs) represent a new generation of gut therapies.
· Early research findings that support BioPersist™ as a promising treatment for ulcerative colitis.
· Challenges in gaining public trust for novel biotech therapies amid growing skepticism.
· Exciting new discoveries in microbiome science — and the future potential for live biotherapeutics beyond IBD.
If you’re curious about the exciting direction where gut health research is headed — and how the microbiome may change the way we treat chronic disease — this episode is for you.
Tune in and join the conversation!
Disclaimer: Dr. Mayer is the Chief Medical Officer of Melius Microbiomics and has been involved in the commercial development of Genetically Engineered Microbial Medicines (GEMMs).
Despite how common IBS is, it remains one of the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed conditions affecting the gut. Whether you’ve been diagnosed with IBS, suspect you might have it or are just curious about the brain-gut connection, this episode is for you.
In this episode of The Mind-Gut Conversation, I sit down with my son, Dylan, to tackle some of the most frequently asked questions about IBS — from why gut health is trending to why IBS remains so difficult to treat. It’s an open, honest and evidence-based conversation that brings clarity to a topic that affects millions.
In this conversation, we explore:
- Why gut health has become such a hot topic — and what that has to do with IBS.
- Why the prevalence of IBS hasn’t changed, despite skyrocketing interest in digestive health.
- The limits of current diagnostic criteria and what symptoms are being missed.
- How IBS fits into a larger picture of brain-gut dysregulation, including anxiety, fatigue and poor sleep.
- Whether IBS causes anxiety, or anxiety causes IBS — and what the science says about this “chicken and egg” dilemma.
- Why we still don’t have an effective drug treatment for IBS, and what to consider instead.
In honor of April being IBS Awareness Month, my in-depth IBS course is 70% off through the end of the month. If you want to go beyond the basics and learn actionable strategies backed by the latest science, you’ll find everything you need at emeranmayer.com.
Whether you’re managing symptoms or supporting someone who is, we hope this episode gives you a new perspective on IBS — and a sense of empowerment.
Tune in now and join the conversation! We hope you enjoy.
Chapters:Introduction 0:00 - 1:18
What is behind the gut health craze? 1:18 - 3:35
Prevalence of IBS 3:35 - 6:28
Limitations of current diagnosis criteria 6:28 - 9:16
Anxiety & The Brain-Gut System 9:16 - 15:52
Why are there no effective drug treatments for IBS? 15:52 - 18:55
Leaving it on a positive note 18:55 - 21:03
IBS Resources & Thank You 21:03 - 21:36
Are probiotics really the key to unlocking better gut health? Or are they just another overhyped wellness trend? These are some of the most common questions I get after giving a talk or meeting with a patient.
In this episode of The Mind-Gut Conversation, I sit downwith Dr. Zain Kassam, Chief Medical Officer at Seed Health and a pioneer in the field of microbiome therapeutics. If you’ve ever been curious about how probiotics work, how to choose a high-quality supplement, or whether they actually do more than your diet already provides—this is the episode you’ve been waiting for.
In this conversation, we explore:
• Why the probiotic market is booming—and how Seed Health is setting a new scientific standard.
• The critical differences between synbiotics, probiotics and naturally fermented foods.
• Are most probiotics backed by real science, or is the supplement industry skipping clinical rigor?
• Can probiotics actually go beyond a healthy diet to offer additional health benefits?
• How to navigate the sea of probiotic options: what to look for, what to avoid and what actually matters.
Dr. Kassam brings a rare blend of scientific depth and real-world experience. He received his MPH from Harvard, completed post-doctoral training at MIT, and has co-founded two foundational microbiome companies—OpenBiome and Finch Therapeutics—before joining Seed. His work has redefined the role of the microbiome in medicine, from establishing the first public stool bank to exploring bioengineered probiotics for chronic disease.
If you’re interested in gut health, skeptical about supplement marketing, or just want to understand what’s real and what’s hype when it comes to probiotics, don’t miss this one. Tune in now and join the conversation!
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This episode is brought to you by Seed. Supporting your gut health is a journey—one that includes diet, exercise and lifestyle.But sometimes, life gets in the way, and we could use a little extra support. That’s why I recommend Seed’s DS-01®—a probiotic with clinically studied strains and a prebiotic that support gut health, immunity, and heart health.
Use my code MAYER25 for 25% off your first month of Seed, or visit the link here.
Disclaimer: Dr. Mayer is a member of Seed's scientific board.
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Learn more at emeranmayer.com
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Chapters:0:00 - 1:18 Introduction1:18 - 7:43 What makes Seed different?7:43 - 12:25 The current state of microbiome science12:25 - 17:30 The multi-billion dollar probiotic market17:30 - 28:00 The future of probiotics & what research is showing28:00 - 29:38 Advertisement29:38 - 35:14 Why has 'gut health' become so popular?35:14 - 40:03 Do healthy people need to take a probiotic?40:03 - 41:47 When you should take a probiotic41:47 - 43:22 Does DS-01 replace a healthy diet & lifestyle?43:22 - 47:08 Why should someone choose Seed's DS-01 over another company's probiotic47:08 - 49:30 Are more microbes in a probiotic really beneficial?49:30 - 52:04 More context on why Seed is a leader in the space52:04 - 52:33 Ending