If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, or a mental health crisis, call or text 988, or chat via 988lifeline.org.

Support is available 24/7. You are not alone, and help is available.

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Dr. Gabrielle Lyon sits down with renowned medical correspondent and OB/GYN, Dr. Jen Ashton, for a profoundly personal and candid conversation about navigating life's most intense tragedies while maintaining a public career.

Dr. Ashton bravely opens up about the devastating suicide of her first husband, a world-class surgeon, 18 days after their divorce was finalized. She shares the raw reality of being in clinical shock and how the immense tragedy became an unexpected catalyst for post-traumatic growth.

Dr. Ashton, who holds a Master's degree in Nutritional Sciences, also brings her medical expertise to current health debates:

• The Power of Fitness: Learn how resistance training became Dr. Ashton's lifeline to snap her out of emotional numbness and shock.
• The Hormone Misinformation Crisis: They discuss the flawed data and flawed media that led to 20 years of women being under-treated for menopause after the Women's Health Initiative (WHI).
• GLP-1 Myths: Dr. Ashton breaks down the top myths surrounding GLP-1 medications, the difference between absolute vs. relative risk, and the non-weight related benefits that are just beginning to emerge.
• The Problem with Extremes: They address the societal tendency to seek out quick-fix solutions in health, menopause, and obesity care, arguing that the true sweet spot is in a nuanced, moderate position.
• Finding Love Again: Dr. Ashton shares the unexpected miracle of finding profound love with her current husband, legendary sports executive and TV producer, Tom Werner.

About Jen Ashton: Retiring stiff paper gowns and unrelatable medical advice, Dr. Jennifer Ashton, a Board-certified Ob-Gyn, author, and TV medical correspondent, breaks the barrier between doctor and patient. Affectionately referred to as your all-in-one ‘BFF’/Ob-Gyn, Dr. Jennifer Ashton marries an unparalleled medical background with an accessible‘girl’s-girl’ attitude. Though Dr. Ashton can easily speak to the latest beauty and fashion trends, this Ivy League graduate means business when it comes to women’s health.

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Find Jen Ashton at:

• Book: Life After Suicide - https://a.co/d/0HvOeSH
• IG:

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Dr. Gabrielle Lyon sits down with fertility specialist Dr. Natalie Crawford to tackle the urgent rise in infertility across both men and women. Dr. Crawford, an advocate for proactive reproductive health, reveals why inflammation is hijacking your fertility and why the old dogma that "age is the only factor" for egg quality is dangerously incomplete.

They cover critical, actionable steps—from the most important lifestyle changes you can make before IVF, to the toxic habits that are directly lowering sperm counts and causing miscarriages. Learn the three essential fertility awareness methods (FAMs) and what your doctor is missing when they check your thyroid.

Who is Natalie Crawford:

Natalie Crawford is a double board-certified fertility doctor with a nutrition background, here to help you understand your body and hormones, optimize your lifestyle, and take control of your reproductive future with confidence.

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Find Natalie Crawford at:

• Web: https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/
• https://www.youtube.com/c/NatalieCrawfordMD/videos
• PODCAST
• https://www.nataliecrawfordmd.com/blog-1
• 
  

Find Dr. Gabrielle Lyon at:

• Instagram:@drgabriellelyon
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• Facebook: facebook.com/doctorgabriellelyon
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Disclaimers: This episode includes paid sponsorships.

The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Podcast and YouTube are for general information purposes only and do not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional health care services,...

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Dr. Gabrielle Lyon reveals the biggest mistakes Americans make with their nutrition and body composition, especially after age 40. With 75% of Americans overweight or obese, the problem is clear: excess calories from cheap, processed carbohydrates.

Dr. Lyon dissects the metabolic science, explaining why skeletal muscle—the largest organ—is not designed to dispose of the massive carb loads found in the average American diet. Learn the essential strategies, including the 1:1 Protein-to-Carbohydrate Ratio Rule and the importance of Carbohydrate Tolerance, to design a meal plan that maximizes muscle, controls insulin, and guarantees success.

Nick Barringer is an expert on nutrition and performance for the tactical athlete. Nick Barringer currently serves as the Program Director for the Army-Baylor University Master’s Program in Nutrition. Barringer has a Doctorate degree in Kinesiology from Texas A&M University and received his undergraduate degree in dietetics from the University of Georgia. Barringer previously served as an assistant professor at the United States Military Academy at West Point and as the Regimental Nutritionist and as a member of the Ranger Athlete Warrior (RAW) program at the 75th Ranger Regiment. Nick has gone through physically demanding courses such as Ranger School, Survival Evasion Resistance Escape(SERE), Airborne, Air Assault as well as having deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan.

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Find Nick at:

• https://www.instagram.com/nickbarringer.phd.rdn
• 
  

Find Dr. Gabrielle Lyon at:

• Instagram:@drgabriellelyon
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• YouTube: youtube.com/@DrGabrielleLyon
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• Join my weekly newsletter – https://institute-for-muscle-centric-medicine.ck.page
• Pre-order my new book -

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In this empowering episode, Dr. Gabrielle Lyon sits down with the incredible mother-daughter duo, Michelle and Joan MacDonald, to share the blueprint for radical physical transformation at any age. Joan, who began her journey nearing 71 years old, proves it's never too late, while coach Michelle, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), cuts through the noise on training, nutrition, and mindset.

They tackle deeply personal topics, including Michelle's 15-year struggle with a severe eating disorder and the shame that surrounds women's health. This is a must-watch to learn the non-negotiable pillars for building a strong, resilient, and healthy body, no matter your starting point.

Michelle MacDonald is a trailblazer in the global movement to redefine aging and female

empowerment through strength. As the founder of The Wonderwomen, a world-class coaching

brand built on her signature methodology, The Fitness Model Blueprint™, Michelle has

transformed thousands of women—inside and out—with evidence-based strategies that merge

mindset, muscle, and metabolic mastery.

Joan MacDonald (Fitness Icon and Mother)

At 70, Joan MacDonald was getting winded walking up a flight of stairs and now, at 74, she is doing weighted pull-ups and 200 lb hip thrusts.

This episode is sponsored by:

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Chapters:

0:00 - The ED Crisis: Michelle’s 15-Year Battle & Recovery

2:04 - Joan Started Lifting at 71: Debunking the Age Myth

6:16 - Pillars of Transformation: Mindset, Sleep, Food

8:52 - Finding Your "Why": Aesthetics vs. Longevity

12:01 - Why Strength Training Must Come First

14:28 - Grittiness: The Secret to Joan's Radical Success

24:54 - Hard Truths: The "Nursing Home" Speech That Changed Joan's Life

26:47 - The Transformation Container: Non-Negotiables for Success

47:03 - Disordered Eating: When to Get Expert Therapy vs. Coaching

50:11 - GLP-1s and the "Food Noise" Solution

58:12 - 3 Essential Beginner Exercises (Joan's Choices)

1:04:22 - Strength Goals: The 3 Exercises a Strong 40-Year-Old Must Master

1:10:29 - The Hip Thrust: #1 Glute Builder and Muscle Mandate

1:14:09 - Training is a Skill: How to Prevent Injury

1:19:11 - Core Strength: Why Glutes and Abs Prevent Falls

1:33:37 - Training the Individual: Why Age Doesn't Matter

1:37:29 - Nutrition Blueprint: Protein First for Satiety and Adherence

Find Michelle at:

https://www.instagram.com/yourhealthyhedonista/

http://MichelleMacdonaldOfficial.com

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wonder-women-official/id1677831398

Find Joan at:

https://www.instagram.com/trainwithjoan

https://www.trainwithjoanofficial.com

Find Dr. Gabrielle Lyon at:

- Instagram:@drgabriellelyon

- TikTok: @drgabriellelyon

- Facebook: facebook.com/doctorgabriellelyon

- YouTube: youtube.com/@DrGabrielleLyon

- X (Twitter): x.com/drgabriellelyon

- Apply to become a patient – https://drgabriellelyon.com/new-patient-inquiry/

- Join my weekly newsletter – https://institute-for-muscle-centric-medicine.ck.page

- Pre-order my new book - https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1668085623...

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In this compilation episode, Dr. Gabrielle Lyon is joined by the top experts in Testosterone and men's health treatments.

You'll learn:

• Why aging alone doesn't drop T levels and why acquisition of conditions like obesity is the real culprit.
• Why the standard "low T" cutoff is misleading and why you must check your Free Testosterone.
• How erectile dysfunction is a sensitive marker of overall health and heart risk.
• The efficacy of Cialis/Viagra for both erections and cardiac protection, and the risks of unchecked influencer advice on steroids.
• The direct link between muscle mass, exercise, and sexual function—and why the penis is the "first to go" when overall health declines.

Chapter Markers:

0:00 - Testosterone is a Brain Hormone

0:40 - Debunking the Myth: Male Menopause (Andropause) Doesn't Exist

1:33 - The Dangers of Unchecked Influencer Advice on Testosterone

3:07 - Defining Testosterone Deficiency: Symptoms vs. Signs

5:10 - The Arbitrary Number: Why Guidelines Disagree on Low T

8:29 - Free Testosterone: The Most Reliable Indicator of Male Health

15:28 - TRT vs. Steroids: Defining the Line and Risks

18:59 - The Real Risks of TRT: Infertility and Hematocrit

22:36 - The Shocking Backstory: Challenging the Prostate Cancer Myth

26:40 - Erectile Dysfunction (ED) and Lifestyle Modification

29:21 - Shockwave Therapy for ED: The Science and the Cash Business

33:53 - Penile Tissue Atrophy and Venous Leak

37:25 - The Role of Muscle Mass, Sarcopenia, and Sexual Function

39:41 - The Single Best Marker for Male Health: Erectile Function

42:02 - The Science of Cialis and Viagra (PDE5 Inhibitors)

45:49 - The Viagra Story: From Heart Drug to ED Cure

50:50 - Tadalafil (Cialis) as a Triple-Threat Drug (Cardiac, Urinary, Sexual)

53:57 - The Role of Testosterone in Female Sexual Function

55:20 - Hypogonadism: Diagnosis, Treatment, and Fertility Risk

About the guests:

Dr. Abraham Morgentaler is an Associate Clinical Professor of Urology at Harvard Medical School and founder of Men's Health Boston. He is an internationally recognized expert in men's health, particularly known for his pioneering work in testosterone therapy. Dr. Morgentaler is credited with reversing the long-held belief that testosterone therapy causes prostate cancer and is the author of several books on men's health.

• YouTube
• LinkedIn
• T4L Education
• X/Twitter

Dr. Tobias Kohler is the co-founder of the Erectile Restoration Outcomes Study (EROS) penile implant registry. In addition to his clinical and research activities, Dr. Kohler is active in education, providing mentorship to residents and fellows.

• Mayo Clinic
• ResearchGate
• LinkedIn

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In this fascinating episode, Dr. Gabrielle Lyon talks with neuroscientist Dr. Ben Rein, PhD (author of Why Brains Need Friends), about the science of social connection, emotion, and cognitive health. Dr. Rein, an expert in neurobiology and psychedelic research, reveals the cutting-edge studies that explain why loneliness is as damaging as smoking and how our digital world is affecting our brain's ability to connect.

They discuss the neurochemistry of love, the controversial use of MDMA in therapy, and whether AI can ever truly replace human intimacy. This conversation provides an essential look at the biological drivers of happiness, performance, and long-term brain health.

Chapter Markers:

0:00 - MDMA (Molly): The History & Therapeutic Benefits

5:59 - The Legal Status of MDMA for PTSD

6:44 - The Safety and Effectiveness of MDMA in Clinical Trials

8:29 - PTSD (The Amygdala Alarm)

9:41 - How MDMA Soothes the Amygdala to Access Memory

11:42 - Is There an Alternative to MDMA? (Ketamine's Mechanism)

13:16 - Ketamine and Neuroplasticity for Depression

15:48 - Botox and Empathy:

18:12 - The Problem of Volume: How Screens Depersonalize Interaction

19:48 - The Virtual Disengagement Hypothesis Explained

25:00 - Defining Cognitive and Emotional Empathy

29:43 - MDMA's Link to Serotonin & Social Reward

31:04 - Do SSRIs Have Pro-Social Effects?

36:10 - The Science of Likability and "Easy to Read" Faces

40:10 - Top 3 Ways to Be More Likable

49:49 - The Likability Gap: Why You Underestimate How Well-Liked You Are

56:59 - The Neurobiology of Oxytocin, Dopamine, and Serotonin

1:09:23 - The Goldilocks Zone of Empathy

1:15:58 - Narcolepsy

1:18:16 - Alcohol: Why the Neurotoxin is Bad for Brain Health

1:21:47 - Exercise and Neurogenesis

1:22:27 - Sex, Orgasm, and Oxytocin Release

1:25:06 - Oxytocin During Childbirth

Who is Ben Rein:

Dr. Ben Rein is an award-winning neuroscientist and Chief Science Officer of the Mind Science Foundation, where he supports early-career researchers in neuroscience. He earned his PhD from SUNY Buffalo and completed postdoctoral training at Stanford University, publishing over 20 peer-reviewed papers on autism, empathy, MDMA, and digital behavior. Recognized by the NIH, the Society for Neuroscience, and Sigma Xi, he also serves as a scientific advisor to more than 20 organizations. With over one million followers and 75 million video views, Dr. Rein is celebrated for making neuroscience accessible to the public and has been featured by outlets such as Good Morning America, ABC News, and PopularMechanics.

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Find Ben Rein at:

• Website: https://www.benrein.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.benrein/#
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@dr.benrein?lang=en
• Facebook:

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In this explosive episode, Dr. Gabrielle Lyon sits down with relationship expert Marianne Brandon to confront the modern crisis of intimacy and sexual wellness. They dive into how the digital world—including porn, AI companions, and VR technology—is creating an evolutionary mismatch that clashes with our primal needs for bonding, leading to rising loneliness and sexual dysfunction.

Dr. Lyon and Marianne Brandon explore the science behind what truly impacts performance, from erectile dysfunction (ED) and hormonal imbalances to the neurological effects of stress. This is a must-watch for couples, parents, and anyone navigating romance in the digital age.

----------

Chapter Markers

0:00 - Intro

0:49 - The Primal Need for Sex vs. The Digital World

1:10 - The Hidden Cause of Erectile Dysfunction (ED)

2:10 - The Loneliness Crisis: Gen Z, AI, and Intimacy

3:50 - Do Women and Men Experience Desire Differently?

5:15 - Stress is the #1 Libido Killer

6:30 - Porn and AI: Is Sexting with a Bot Cheating?

8:05 - The Surprising Impact of VR Porn on Sperm Quality

9:30 - Action Plan: The #1 Move to Improve Your Sex Life Today

Who is Marianne Brandon:

Dr. Marianne Brandon is a licensed clinical psychologist and a diplomate in sex therapy, recognized for her expertise in technologies impact on intimacy, evolutionary influences on human sexuality, and cultivating a more exciting sexual connection in long-term relationships. Dr. Brandon is best known for her forward-thinking work on the future of intimacy through blogging, lecturing, and podcasting. Her popular Psychology Today blog, “The Future of Intimacy,” explores emerging trends in technology and human connection. As a continuing education provider, she lectures on sex tech’s impact on intimacy as well as the impact of technology on humanity. Together with her husband, urologist Dr. Abraham Morgentaler, she co-hosts the podcast “The Sex Doctors,” bringing expert insight and candid dialogue to listeners on all aspects of sex, relationships, and technology’s transformative role in our lives. Drawing from nearly three decades of clinical experience, she offers psychotherapy focused on relationship issues and sexual concerns, with a reputation for blending clinical skill and compassionate care.

This episode is brought to you by:

- BodyHealth -

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Find Marianne Brandon at:

- https://www.drbrandon.net/

- https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariannebrandon-59224513

- https://x.com/drbrandon

Find Dr. Gabrielle Lyon at:

- Instagram:@drgabriellelyon

- TikTok: @drgabriellelyon

- Facebook: facebook.com/doctorgabriellelyon

- YouTube: youtube.com/@DrGabrielleLyon

- X (Twitter): x.com/drgabriellelyon

- Apply to become a patient – https://drgabriellelyon.com/new-patient-inquiry/

- Join my weekly newsletter – https://institute-for-muscle-centric-medicine.ck.page

- Pre-order my new book - https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1668085623

Disclaimer: The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Podcast and YouTube are for general information purposes only and do not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast, YouTube, or materials linked from this podcast or YouTube is at the user's own risk. The...

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In this episode, Dr. Gabrielle Lyon sits down with Dr. Heidi van den Brink; one of the only scientists in the world studying the ovarian transition from fertility to menopause. Together, they unpack what textbooks and wellness influencers often miss: the biology behind how your ovaries, uterus, metabolism, and nutrition interact across every stage of a woman’s life.

Dr. Heidi reveals the never-before-seen dynamics of the ovarian cycle, how follicles develop in “waves,” and what really happens during the menopause transition. They discuss how undernutrition, obesity, and metabolic health shape reproductive hormones; why early menarche and delayed ovulation matter for long-term health; and the surprising connection between your gut microbiome, bile acids, and fertility.

If you’ve ever been told to “balance your hormones” with seed cycling, apps, or supplements, this episode separates myths from mechanisms. It’s a masterclass in understanding the science of your hormones and how to truly support reproductive health through every decade of life.

Chapter Markers

0:00 - Can You Get Pregnant While on Your Period?

1:21 - Intro to Dr. Heidi & Ovarian Cycle Research

3:39 - The Uterine Cycle vs. The Ovarian Cycle

6:19 - Follicle Waves: The Hidden Drama in Your Ovaries

10:38 - Novel Discovery: Follicle Waves in the Luteal Phase

12:00 - Why One Follicle is Selected for Ovulation

13:17 - Does Nutrition Affect Ovarian Function?

14:48 - The Variation in Menstrual Cycles (It's Not Always 28 Days)

17:23 - The Impact of Obesity on the Ovarian Cycle

18:11 - The Problem of Luteal Phase Defects & Fertility

24:52 - Ovarian Morphology as a Bio-Marker of Health

26:54 - How Undernutrition Affects Ovarian Health

31:56 - The Metabolic Tipping Point of PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)

33:26 - The Myth of the "String of Pearls" Ovary

35:25 - The Menopause Transition & Rogue Follicles

39:04 - Can We Predict Menopause by Scanning Ovaries?

45:59 - Early Menarche (First Period) and Long-Term Disease Risk

48:33 - The Surprising Link Between Puberty Timing and Environment

52:28 - The Role of Leptin in Reproductive Health

55:50 - Debunking the Myth: Can Nutrition Cure PCOS?

59:07 - PCOS Diet Myths (Fruit, Timing, and Supplements)

1:04:40 - Fish Oil for Menstrual Cramps (Dysmenorrhea)

1:08:37 - Breakthrough: Bile Acid, The Gut Microbiome, and Ovulation

1:11:50 - Closing Remarks

Who is Heidi Vanden Brink:

Dr. Vanden Brink is a reproductive physiologist with over a decade of research in nutrition, metabolism, and female reproductive health. Her work focuses on how diet and metabolic conditions like obesity influence reproductive development during adolescence, with the goal of preventing disorders such as PCOS.

Find Heidi Vanden Brink at:

• Texas A&M University: https://nutrition.tamu.edu/people/vanden-brink-heidi/
• Google Scholar: