249. Mental Inflammation: The Hidden Tax on Energy, Focus & High Performance with Dr Shivani Gupta
Release Date: 01/12/2026
274. Stress Is Aging You Faster Than You Think I Dr. Gregory Burzynski Explains the Science
Thrive State Podcast
What if the future of medicine means doctors stop asking "what's wrong with you" and start asking "what is your body trying to tell you?" In this episode, Dr. V sits down with Dr. Gregoryory Burzynski, an integrative and functional medicine physician (Houston Concierge Medicine, Restore Longevity) who trained in internal medicine before pioneering a more personalized, prevention-first approach to health. Together they unpack why modern medicine reacts too late, what true "thriving" really looks like, and what the next decade of longevity science might bring. In this episode, we cover: ...
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273. The Real Reason 1 in 3 People Can't Sleep (And How to Sleep Better) | Dr. Meredith Broderick
Thrive State Podcast
Ever wonder why you still feel exhausted even after a "full night's sleep"? The answer might be sitting in your medicine cabinet or in a disorder you've never been tested for. In this episode, Dr. V sits down with Dr. Meredith Broderick, a triple board-certified neurologist and sleep medicine physician (one of only four in the world boarded in neurology, sleep medicine, AND behavioral sleep medicine) and founder of Sound Sleep Guru in Seattle. Together they break down why modern life has broken our sleep, why common sleep meds may be doing more harm than good, and what actually works to...
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271. Train Your Nervous System Like an Elite Athlete:The Recovery Secret Every High Performer Needs to Know (W/ Dr. Jo Brown)
Thrive State Podcast
What if the biggest thing holding back your performance isn’t your mindset, your training, or your work ethic, but your nervous system? In this episode of the Thrive State Podcast, Dr. Kien Vuu sits down with Dr. Jo Brown, performance physiotherapist, nervous system expert, and Head of Human Performance at Nuropod, to explore why nervous system regulation may be the missing link between good performance and sustained excellence. Learn more about Nuropod and its work in nervous system regulation and human performance: After working with Olympic champions, NBA players, NFL athletes, and...
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270. How to Think Like a Child Again (And Why It Matters) | With Nash Fung
Thrive State Podcast
What if the biggest thing holding back your growth isn't a lack of knowledge, but a lack of curiosity? In this episode of the Thrive State Podcast, Dr. Kien Vuu sits down with keynote speaker, magician, and innovation expert Nash Fung to explore why curiosity may be one of the most powerful skills for thriving in today's rapidly changing world. From immigrating to the United States as a teenager to overcoming insecurities through magic, Nash shares how curiosity helped shape his journey and ultimately became the foundation of his work with organizations around the world. Together, they discuss...
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269. The Hidden Stage of Stress That's Silently Draining High Performers (And the 60-Second Fix)
Thrive State Podcast
You're getting things done, but at what cost? In this episode of the Thrive State Podcast, Dr Kien Vu breaks down the biology of stress and reveals the hidden middle stage that most high performers are unknowingly living in: a dangerous "coping zone" where productivity masks depletion. He explains why willpower alone won't save you, and introduces a powerful 60-second reset tool called the IMPACT framework to bring you back to your center without adding a single hour to your day. In this episode, we cover: The biological definition of stress and why it's not the enemy you think it is The...
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268. Stop Chasing Success: Here's How to Attract It Instead (W/ Bill Walsh) I Dr Kien Vuu
Thrive State Podcast
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267. Why Loneliness Could Kill You and How Co-Regulation Can Save Your Health & Performance I Dr Kien Vuu
Thrive State Podcast
Most people think mental health is “all in your head,” but your nervous system is constantly syncing with every person in the room. That’s why the right relationships can literally regulate your biology, and the wrong ones can burn you out. In this episode of the Thrive State Podcast, we break down the science of co‑regulation, how human nervous systems connect, calm, and heal each other. You’ll learn why a “best friend at work” isn’t just nice to have, it’s a biological necessity, and why chronic loneliness is as dangerous as smoking a pack a day for your long-term health,...
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266. How to Rewire Your Nervous System and Thrive on Command I Dr Kien Vuu
Thrive State Podcast
Are you exhausted, stressed, or on the edge of burnout? What if your biggest problem isn’t your circumstances… but the unconscious signal your nervous system is stuck in? In this episode of the Thrive State Podcast, Dr. V, triple-board-certified MD and performance & longevity expert, breaks down how your nervous system, epigenetics, and identity are silently shaping your health, relationships, and future. You’ll learn: Why most people are reacting to life instead of consciously living it How your energetic state becomes a signal your cells and relationships...
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265. The Hidden Reason Your Energy and Focus Are Declining (It's Not What You Think) I Dr. Kien Vuu
Thrive State Podcast
Feeling exhausted despite your success? What if the real reason your performance is declining isn't your work ethic, but your recovery? In this episode of the Thrive State Podcast, Dr V breaks down the science of burnout, nervous system regulation, and why so many high performers hit a wall, even when they're doing everything right. From personal burnout and chronic disease to the biology of stress and resilience, this conversation will completely change the way you think about productivity, leadership, and longevity. Together, we unpack a counterintuitive but science-backed truth: the...
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264. You're Optimizing Everything Except the Thing That Runs It All | Dr. Kien Vuu & Stephen Zerfas
Thrive State Podcast
What if the most powerful upgrade you could make isn't your routine, your diet, or your mindset, but your nervous system? In this episode of the Thrive State Podcast, Dr. Kien Vuu sits down with Stephen Zerfas, co-founder of Jhourney, to explore the ancient science of jhana meditation, and how modern retreats are helping top executives, AI researchers, and high performers access peak states of consciousness without drugs, in under a week. Steven's journey started at an all-time low, a broken co-founder relationship, two lost jobs, and a 10-day silent meditation retreat that nearly broke him...
info_outlineAre you tired of the mental fog that slows down your decision making and drains your drive? Most high performers treat fatigue as a cost of doing business, but it is actually a sign of chronic, low grade inflammation. In this episode of the Thrive State Podcast, I sit down with Ayurvedic expert Dr. Shivani Gupta to discuss her new book, The Inflammation Code.
We explore how to identify your unique Elemental Design (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha) and why matching your lifestyle to your biology is the ultimate hack for focus and energy. From the detox window of the circadian clock to the clinical power of turmeric, this episode provides the blueprint to reclaim your peak performance.
In this episode, you will learn:
- The Hidden Tax: How low grade inflammation mimics aging and robs you of your vitality.
- Elemental Design: How to use your body type to optimize your leadership and productivity.
- Circadian Performance: Why fighting nature’s clock causes mental burnout.
Resources:
- Get the #1 Bestseller: Download the 2nd edition of Thrive State at thrivestatebook.com.
- Free Longevity Guide: Download your resource guide at thrivestatestarter.com.
- Follow Me: @doctorvmd
Episode Highlight:
- The Five to Thrive: Shivani’s journey and why Vitality is the theme for 2026.
- Ancient Wisdom for Modern Stress: The 5,000 year old science of Ayurveda and gut health.
- Elemental Design (Doshas): Identifying Vata, Pitta, and Kapha types to personalize your health.
- Circadian Biology: Using nature’s rhythm to flow downstream with your energy.
- PhD Insights on Turmeric: Clinical rituals and the Tea Time is Me Time habit