- 52 minutes 51 seconds473 | Optimizing Food Choices for Better Nutrition, Energy, Focus, and Fat Loss with Thomas DeLauer
In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom interview nutritionist Thomas DeLauer, who specializes in cognitive nutrition and performance. Thomas shares his journey from corporate healthcare to nutrition advocacy, emphasizing how nutrition and diet impact brain function and mental clarity. He highlights key foods like dark berries, MCT oil, and eggs for cognitive support, discusses metabolic flexibility, and introduces the concept of "energy flux" for improving metabolism. Thomas also offers practical strategies for sustainable lifestyle changes, including managing willpower and optimizing meal timing for peak mental and physical performance.
Needed Discount:
Jen trusted Needed Supplements for fertility, pregnancy, and beyond! Support men and women’s health and nutrition with vitamins, Omega-3, and more. Used by 6,000+ pros. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout!
Thomas's Resources:
We Think You'll Love:
For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/473
What You'll Learn:
2:05 What is Cognitive Nutrition?
8:09 Optimizing Energy and Brainpower
11:09 Foods for Mental Clarity
15:06 Fasting and Ketones for Brain Function
21:52 Understanding Metabolism
28:52 Improving Metabolic Health
32:08 Dieting Without Crashing Your Metabolism
35:20 Intuitive Eating and Whole Foods
38:07 The Importance of Protein and Fiber
42:33 Maintaining Willpower
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
24 August 2026, 3:53 am - 22 minutes 34 seconds472 | Impact of Sarcopenia: The Muscle You Didn't Know You Were Losing
In this episode of the Optimal Body podcast, doctors of physical therapy, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom explore sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength. They explain that while muscle mass peaks around age 25 and gradually declines, sarcopenia is not inevitable. Lifestyle factors like inactivity and poor nutrition significantly accelerate muscle loss. The hosts highlight resistance training as the most effective intervention, citing a 12-week study where sarcopenia prevalence dropped from 35% to zero. They encourage listeners to start strength training and optimize nutrition, framing sarcopenia as an environment- and activity-related condition rather than an unavoidable consequence of aging.
Needed Discount:
Jen trusted Needed Supplements for fertility, pregnancy, and beyond! Support men and women’s health with vitamins, Omega-3, and more. Used by 6,000+ pros. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout!
We Think You'll Love:
For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/472
What You'll Learn:
0:29 Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of muscle mass and strength, increasing risks for falls, diabetes, and other diseases.
1:31 Officially recognized as a disease in 2016, muscle mass peaks around age 25 and declines significantly after age 50.
4:08 Sarcopenia is not inevitable. Sedentary lifestyles and poor nutrition are major contributors, more so than just aging itself.
6:10 The hosts discuss the challenges of maintaining a consistent workout routine while raising young children and feeling exhausted.
7:43 The prevalence of sarcopenia increases significantly with age, rising from 5% in your 60s to over 50% after 80.
9:12 While overall prevalence is similar, women can experience accelerated muscle loss after menopause due to hormonal changes like decreased estrogen.
11:09 Resistance training is the number one evidence-based, non-pharmaceutical treatment for preventing and reversing sarcopenia
12:01 A 12-week study showed a progressive resistance training and nutrition program reduced sarcopenia prevalence from 35% to 0%.
13:29 Strength training reduces muscle breakdown, enhances muscle growth factors, mitigates inflammation, and triggers muscle hypertrophy to build new muscle.
14:22 Improving strength also...
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
10 August 2026, 3:00 am - 49 minutes 37 seconds471 | Understanding Breast Implants Illness and Explant Considerations with Dr Robert Whitfield
In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doctors of Physical Therapy Doc Jen and Doctor Dom sit down with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Robert Whitfield, founder of the Sharpe Method. Dr. Whitfield shares his expertise on breast implant illness (BII), explaining how bacterial contamination, biofilm formation, and genetic factors can contribute to symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, and hormonal disruption. He also explores natural alternatives to breast implants, such as autologous fat transfer. Whether you currently have breast implants or are considering your options, this episode offers valuable, science-backed insights to help you make informed decisions about your body and long-term health.
Dr Whitfield's Resources:
We Think You'll Love:
For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/471
What You'll Learn:
3:46 An explanation of using a patient's own tissue for breast implants reconstruction, comparing it to organ transplants between genetically identical twins.
7:33 Why implant-based reconstruction is the most common method worldwide, especially in community hospitals, due to less required technical support.
9:37 Dr. Whitfield recounts a 2006 case where removing implants and using the patient's own tissue resolved her chronic inflammation symptoms.
11:53 A 2016 case where a patient's only symptom was fatigue, which was linked to a hidden E. coli infection.
15:07 Discussion on the three ways infections can occur with medical devices, with the most common being bacteria entering the bloodstream.
16:17 Explaining how bacteria form biofilm on implants, causing oxidative stress, and how genetics can influence a person's inflammatory response.
20:40 Addressing whether all implant recipients should worry, highlighting the role of genetics, lifestyle, and the challenge of diagnosing symptoms.
21:59 Dr. Whitfield emphasizes prioritizing sleep hygiene, nutrition, and reducing toxin exposure as foundational steps for improving overall health.
28:33 A list of top symptoms associated with breast implant illness, including fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, and gut issues.
32:04 Discussing the psychological and
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
27 July 2026, 3:44 am - 33 minutes 56 seconds470 | "The Truth Behind Aging: A research-backed talk for helping people stay mobile, strong, and active as they age."
In this empowering episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom tackle the realities of aging head-on with research-backed insights. They debunk common fears around MRI findings like disc bulges and osteoarthritis, explaining—using research-backed evidence—that many are normal age-related changes, not reasons to stop moving. From research-backed benefits of weighted vests for improving strength and posture, to the critical role of strength training for bone density and joint health, the hosts emphasize that movement is medicine. Whether managing osteoporosis, herniated discs, or arthritis, a proactive, guided approach to exercise can help you age with strength, confidence, and independence.
Zulu Weighted Vest:
Upgrade your everyday movement with the ZULU Weighted Vest — designed to increase calorie burn, naturally engage your core, and improve posture with every step. Perfect for walks, workouts, and daily errands. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout.
Lifting for Longevity Discount:
Check out our NEW movement longevity course -> Lifting for Longevity! Build your Strength, Mobility, Power, Balance and more regardless of what stage or age you’re at! Podcast listeners get a bonus discount with code OPTIMAL20
We Think You'll Love:
What You'll Learn:
1:54 The Truth Behind Aging
3:42 The Power of a Provider's Words
6:07 Misconceptions About Aging and Exercise
7:13 Understanding MRI Findings
11:07 Knee Osteoarthritis and Exercise
14:21 Running with Osteoarthritis
15:45 Osteoporosis and Heavy Lifting
18:23 The LIFTMOOR Trial for Osteoporosis
20:58 Herniated Discs and Fear of Movement
25:47 Red Flags for Back Pain
27:11 Four Pillars of Healthy Aging
28:19 Pain Monitoring Rules for Exercise
For the full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/470
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
20 July 2026, 3:00 am - 49 minutes 9 seconds469 | The Importance of Walking on Foot & Overall Health with Dr. Courtney Conley
In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, welcome back Doctor Courtney Conley to discuss her new book, Walk. Together, they explore why walking is considered the "sixth vital sign" and how gait speed can predict health issues like cognitive decline. Doctor Courtney breaks down the importance of power in walking, how to improve gait speed for greater efficiency, and why the 10,000-steps goal isn't scientifically based. She also shares practical advice on footwear choices and encourages listeners to start simply — by taking their shoes off at home to reconnect with their feet and build a foundation for better gait speed and movement. It's not just foot health, it's about our movement longevity.
Needed Discount:
Jen trusted Needed Supplements for fertility, pregnancy, and beyond! Support men and women’s health with vitamins, Omega-3, and more. Used by 6,000+ pros. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout!
Dr Conley's Resources:
We Think You'll Love:
For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/469
What You'll Learn:
2:17 Doctor Conley discusses writing her book with a physical therapist and how their different perspectives created a well-rounded final product.
8:04 Walking speed is discussed as a key indicator of overall health, predicting issues like cognitive decline years in advance.
11:11 The conversation shifts from strength to power, explaining how power exercise is a one of the most crucial health tips for efficient gait and everyday movements.
12:36 Doctor Conley offers simple ways to assess and improve walking power, such as tracking steps per minute and walking uphill.
17:50 The mechanics of an efficient gait...
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
13 July 2026, 3:00 am - 27 minutes 51 seconds468 | How Strength Training Protocols Improve Gait Outcome Measures in Older Adults - a research review
In this episode of the Optimal Body podcast, Doctors of Physical Therapy Doc Jen and Doctor Dom explore the critical link between walking speed and overall health in older adults. They discuss research showing that resistance training can significantly improve gait parameters, emphasizing that muscle power is the most important modifiable factor influencing walking speed. The hosts highlight key exercise like calf raises, hip abduction, and squats, stressing the need for progressive overload to stimulate real muscle adaptation and improve gait. They encourage listeners of all ages to prioritize strength training to reduce fall risk, support cognitive health, and improve longevity. Ultimately, the episode underscores health tips on how targeted exercise can improve gait and overall quality of life.
Zulu Weighted Vest:
Upgrade your everyday movement with the ZULU Weighted Vest — designed to increase calorie burn, naturally engage your core, and improve posture with every step. Perfect for walks, workouts, and daily errands. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout.
Needed Discount:
Jen trusted Needed Supplements for fertility, pregnancy, and beyond! Support men and women’s health with vitamins, Omega-3, and more. Used by 6,000+ pros. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout!
We Think You'll Love:
For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/468
What You'll Learn:
2:01 Gait Speed as the Sixth Vital Sign
4:43 Why Walking Speed Matters
6:16 Gait Speed and Longevity
8:50 The Importance of Muscular Power
9:37 Preventing Age-Related Muscle Loss
11:05 Key Findings from the Research
12:42 The Importance of Progressive Overload
15:30 Most Effective Exercises for Gait Speed
16:10 How to Progress Exercises Safely
19:20 Applying These Principles to Daily Life
20:14 Starting a Strength Training Routine
21:41 Training to Failure Explained
23:27 The Value of Supervised Training
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
6 July 2026, 3:00 am - 1 hour 3 minutes467 | Free Yourself From Technology Attachment And Rediscover Human Intelligence with Shannon Algeo
In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom, both doctors of physical therapy, welcome back Shannon Algeo, psychotherapist and author of The Power in Your Hands. Shannon explores how smartphone and social media use mirrors insecure attachment patterns, introducing the concept of technology attachment to explain how people unconsciously turn to technology to manage anxiety, avoid emotions, and seek connection. The conversation covers how virtual interactions lack the embodied cues essential for genuine human bonding, the dangers of solitude deprivation, and the societal nature of technology attachment and the pain of digital addiction. Shannon encourages listeners to exercise compassion, small behavioral experiments, and collective action to help reclaim presence, creativity, and authentic human connection.
Shannon's Resources:
We Think You'll Love:
What You'll Learn from Shannon:
2:31 The Genesis of the Book
4:19 Attachment Theory and Technology Attachment
8:21 Virtual vs. Real World
10:51 Attachment Styles and Social Media
15:44 Negativity Bias Online
19:17 The Dangers of Instant Answers
22:10 The Importance of Solitude
30:08 Parenting in the Digital Age
36:25 The Grief of the Unlived Life
42:08 The Influencer's Dilemma
46:48 Is "Doomscrolling" Actually Relaxing?
52:15 Hope for the Future
58:07 How to Start Disconnecting
For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/467
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
29 June 2026, 3:00 am - 29 minutes 48 seconds466 | Discussing Dr Dom's Pickleball Injury Causing Him Mid Foot Pain
In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom explore foot pain and injury through Dom's personal experience with a Lisfranc ligament tear and two surgeries. Dom shares how a recent pickleball injury during a session triggered sharp midfoot pain, prompting him to self-assess and begin conservative treatment. They discuss potential diagnoses, footwear adjustments, and rehabilitation strategies including mobility work, strengthening exercises, and balance training. The episode highlights the value of physical therapy, direct access care, and structured programs like Gen Health's foot and ankle roadmap for achieving safe, effective long-term recovery after a pickleball injury.
Jen Health Annual Membership Discount:
Huge discount on Jen Health Annual Membership! Podcast listeners get over 50% off with code OPTIMAL10. Access 12 Therapy Plans and start your free trial now—move with us!
We Think You'll Love:
For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/466
What You'll Learn:
3:23 Doctor Dom begins to share his personal experience with his pickleball injury, a recurring foot injury, starting with his history of surgeries.
4:15 Dom details his high school Lisfranc ligament tear, the two surgeries he had, and the hardware placed in his foot.
5:59 Dom describes how a long session of pickleball likely triggered his recent foot pain, causing a sharp mid-arch pain.
7:23 Dom discusses ruling out plantar fasciitis and considering other potential diagnoses like a Lisfranc injury or arthritic flare-up.
9:46 Dom explains his reasoning for not immediately seeking a formal diagnosis, anticipating the likely conservative recommendations he would receive.
11:16 The speakers discuss how switching to more cushioned shoes for high-impact activities might have contributed to their recent foot issues.
13:34 Dom shares the first steps he took for relief, including toe spreading, manual mobilizations, and big toe mobility exercises.
16:06 Dom describes progressing his exercises to include short foot activations, isometric toe flexion, and single-leg stance work to normalize gait.
18:51 Dom explains why his rigid foot needs both mobility work and strengthening through its new ranges to prevent future injury.
20:45 A week after the injury, Dom details his current exercises, including heel raises, single-leg reaches, and what still causes pain.
24:52 The hosts advocate for seeing a physical therapist first for conservative treatment to potentially avoid costly and unnecessary medical procedures.
26:49 Dom outlines his plan to...
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
22 June 2026, 3:00 am - 45 minutes 6 seconds465 | Improve Your Running Form and Reduce Common Pain with Physical Therapist Vikash Sharma
In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom welcome running expert Doctor of physical therapy Vikash Sharma to discuss how to run safely and effectively. They cover key topics like avoiding the "too much, too quickly" trap, using walk-run intervals for beginners, and following the 10% rule for mileage progression. Dr. Sharma also shares valuable advice on strength training exercise (especially calf and hip work), managing common running injuries and pain, and choosing the right footwear. Plus, there's helpful guidance for women returning to running postpartum. A must-listen for anyone looking to run smarter!
Zulu Weighted Vest:
Upgrade your everyday movement with the ZULU Weighted Vest — designed to increase calorie burn, naturally engage your core, and improve posture with every step. Perfect for walks, workouts, and daily errands. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout.
Needed Discount:
Jen trusted Needed Supplements for fertility, pregnancy, and beyond! Support men and women’s health with vitamins, Omega-3, and more. Used by 6,000+ pros. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout!
Dr Sharma's Resources:
- Perfect Stride Website
- Dr Sharma on IG
- Perfect Stride on IG
- Perfect Stride on YT
- Perfect Stride on FB
We Think You'll Love:
For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/465
What You'll Learn:
4:13 Dr. Sharma shares his personal history with running, which started in middle school and became a lifelong passion.
8:19 Dr. Sharma explains that the most common reason for running injuries is doing "too much, too quickly" without proper adaptation.
10:08 Recommendations for beginners include...
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
15 June 2026, 3:00 am - 26 minutes 52 seconds464 | Doc Jen Hurt Her Back Deadlifting! What She Did for Her Back Pain and Sciatic Pain
In this episode of the Optimal Body Podcast, Doctor Dom shares her personal experience of sustaining a minor back injury and developing sciatic pain while deadlifting. She and Doc Jen discuss how even fitness professionals aren't immune to pain and injury, emphasizing that stress, poor sleep, and rushing through movements increase the risk of experiencing issues like sciatic pain. They debunk the myth that deadlifts are inherently dangerous and clarify that disc bulges are common even in pain-free individuals, and not always linked to sciatic pain. Doctor Dom outlines her recovery approach, including breathing, relaxation, and gentle progressive movement. The key message: pain, including sciatic pain, isn't always a sign of serious damage, and mindful movement is essential for recovery.
Lifting for Longevity:
Check out our NEW movement longevity course -> Lifting for Longevity! Build your Strength, Mobility, Power, Balance and more regardless of what stage or age you’re at! Podcast listeners get a bonus discount with code OPTIMAL20
We Think You'll Love:
What You'll Learn:
2:02 Doc Jen's Deadlift Injury
4:04 The Importance of Mindset After Injury
7:17 Deadlifts Aren't Inherently Dangerous
10:19 Pain vs. Actual Tissue Damage
10:57 Disc Bulges in Asymptomatic People
14:27 The Benefits of Deadlifting
16:06 Immediate Steps for Acute Back Pain
18:29 Reintroducing Safe Movement Patterns
23:49 The Reality of Long-Term Maintenance
24:42 Common Mistakes After an Injury
For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/464
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
8 June 2026, 3:00 am - 52 minutes 20 seconds463 | Navigating Peptides, GLP-1, and Weight Loss during Hormonal Shifts in Perimenopause with Dr Aleksandra Gajer
In this episode of the Optimal Body podcast, Doc Jen and Doctor Dom sit down with Doctor Aleksandra Gajer, an expert in sustainable weight loss, longevity, and women's midlife health. Doctor Gajer discusses her journey from emergency medicine to a focus on proactive, preventative care. Key topics include metabolic health, insulin resistance, peptides, hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause, and actionable lifestyle interventions such as post-meal walking and strength training. The discussion highlights GLP-1 medications, the role of peptides in therapy, and how peptide treatments can support metabolic, hormonal and women's health. Health tips including sleep optimization and the importance of personalized, compassionate care—rather than generic advice—are also emphasized for women navigating complex physiological changes, with a special focus on how peptides can be integrated into individualized health strategies.
Zulu Weighted Vest:
Upgrade your everyday movement with the ZULU Weighted Vest — designed to increase calorie burn, naturally engage your core, and improve posture with every step. Perfect for walks, workouts, and daily errands. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout.
Needed Discount:
Jen trusted Needed Supplements for fertility, pregnancy, and beyond! Support men and women’s health with vitamins, Omega-3, and more. Used by 6,000+ pros. Use code OPTIMAL for 20% off at checkout!
Dr Gajer's Resources:
We Think You'll Love:
For full show notes and resources visit https://jen.health/podcast/463
What You'll Learn:
3:21 Doctor Gajer explains her career...
Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
1 June 2026, 3:00 am - More Episodes? Get the App