Thrive State Podcast
The Kien Vuu MD Podcast is a fun and raw conversation with leaders in entertainment, business, sports, science, health, and literature - to explore the mindsets and habits of the world’s highest achievers to learn their secrets to health, wealth, and success. The show will take a 360 view on success to not only reveal secrets to physical, financial, emotional, and spiritual wealth but explore the roles of human resilience, meaningful relationships, parenting, contribution and play. When the Dalai Lama was asked what surprised him most about humanity, he said: “Man. Because he sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money to recuperate his health.” In an era where more and more Americans suffer from chronic disease, this podcast reveals that success is possible without sacrificing health, and empowers to viewer to remember that THEY ARE THEIR BEST MEDICINE.
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273. The Real Reason 1 in 3 People Can't Sleep (And How to Sleep Better) | Dr. Meredith Broderick
08/07/2026
273. The Real Reason 1 in 3 People Can't Sleep (And How to Sleep Better) | Dr. Meredith Broderick
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 restore deep, restorative rest. In this episode, we cover: Why sleep apnea is the most undiagnosed sleep disorder in the world How sleeping pills like Ambien and Zolpidem block your brain's glymphatic "cleaning" system The link between anticholinergic sleep meds and dementia risk Why alcohol, benzodiazepines, and cannabis wreck your sleep architecture How artificial light and modern life decoupled us from our circadian rhythm New GLP-1/GIP medications now FDA-approved for sleep apnea How Ozlo Sleepbuds use audio and biometrics to improve sleep Rapid-fire scores on melatonin, naps, morning sunlight, exercise timing, and temperature How to build a simple, effective wind-down routine Where to actually go for help with a sleep problem Explore Sound Sleep Guru: Follow Doctor V Get the #1 bestselling book Thrive State Download the FREE Longevity & Human Potential Starter Guide Join the Thrive State Membership
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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)
07/15/2026
271. Train Your Nervous System Like an Elite Athlete:The Recovery Secret Every High Performer Needs to Know (W/ Dr. Jo Brown)
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 world-class competitors, Dr. Brown discovered that lasting success isn’t simply about physical ability or mental toughness. It’s about intentionality, nervous system regulation, and consistently recovering well enough to perform again. Together, Dr. V and Dr. Brown break down why so many high achievers stay trapped in “go mode,” how chronic stress quietly erodes performance long before symptoms appear, and the practical tools anyone can use to regulate their nervous system and improve recovery. They also explore the future of performance medicine, including heart rate variability (HRV), wearable technology, vagus nerve stimulation, and why the nervous system may be the last frontier in optimizing human performance. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, executive, athlete, or simply looking for more energy, resilience, and longevity, this conversation offers actionable strategies to help you perform at your highest level without sacrificing your health. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Why nervous system regulation is the foundation of sustainable high performance • The difference between recovery and readiness • Why sleep remains the most underrated recovery tool • What separates legendary athletes from everyone else • Simple nervous system regulation tools you can start using today • How HRV should actually be interpreted • Common signs you’re heading toward burnout • Why stress isn’t the enemy, but poor recovery is • How wearable technology and vagus nerve stimulation are changing recovery • Why showing up as your authentic self improves performance Follow Dr. V: Get the #1 Bestselling Book Thrive State: Download the FREE Thrive State Starter Guide: Join the Thrive State Membership: Learn more about Dr. Jo Brown:
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270. How to Think Like a Child Again (And Why It Matters) | With Nash Fung
06/30/2026
270. How to Think Like a Child Again (And Why It Matters) | With Nash Fung
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 the connection between curiosity and innovation, what children can teach us about creativity, how assumptions limit our potential, and why human connection may become even more valuable in the age of AI. Along the way, Nash reveals surprising lessons from nearly two decades as a crisis counselor, explains what magic teaches us about human perception, and shares practical ways to cultivate more wonder, creativity, and possibility in everyday life. In this episode, we explore: * Why curiosity is the fuel behind innovation and growth * How childhood experiences shape the stories we tell ourselves * The surprising lessons learned from 18 years on a crisis hotline * What magicians understand about memory, perception, and human behavior * Why assumptions are the enemy of curiosity * How children naturally think differently than adults * The role of human connection in an AI-powered future * Simple ways to cultivate curiosity in your work and life If you've ever felt stuck, uninspired, or trapped by old ways of thinking, this conversation offers a refreshing reminder that curiosity may be the doorway to your next breakthrough. Follow Doctor V: Get the #1 bestselling book Thrive State: Download the FREE Longevity & Human Potential Starter Guide: Join the Thrive State Membership: Learn more about Nash Fung:
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269. The Hidden Stage of Stress That's Silently Draining High Performers (And the 60-Second Fix)
06/22/2026
269. The Hidden Stage of Stress That's Silently Draining High Performers (And the 60-Second Fix)
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 3 stages of stress: Anticipation, Coping, and Exhaustion and how to identify where you are The sleep paradox: why 8 hours of rest still leaves high performers waking up depleted Why high achievers are the most vulnerable to burnout and why it hits them the hardest The science of recovery: why growth never happens during stress, only after it How to engineer micro-recovery moments into your day without losing productivity The IMPACT Framework: a 60-second reset practice to ground your nervous system anywhere, anytime Ready to stop running on empty? Take the 7-day challenge: find one friction point in your day and add a micro-recovery moment before it. Then share this episode with a high performer in your life who needs to hear this. Follow Doctor V Get the #1 bestselling book Thrive State Download the FREE Longevity & Human Potential Starter Guide Join the Thrive State Membership
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268. Stop Chasing Success: Here's How to Attract It Instead (W/ Bill Walsh) I Dr Kien Vuu
06/15/2026
268. Stop Chasing Success: Here's How to Attract It Instead (W/ Bill Walsh) I Dr Kien Vuu
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267. Why Loneliness Could Kill You and How Co-Regulation Can Save Your Health & Performance I Dr Kien Vuu
06/08/2026
267. Why Loneliness Could Kill You and How Co-Regulation Can Save Your Health & Performance I Dr Kien Vuu
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, resilience, and performance. In this episode, we cover: What co‑regulation is and how your nervous system “talks” to other people’s The difference between co‑regulation and emotional contagion Why having a “best friend at work” boosts engagement, resilience, and retention The shocking stat: chronic loneliness and the mortality risk of smoking 15 cigarettes a day Why high performers and leaders are often the most lonely and dysregulated A practical audit for your relationships (who calms your system, who constricts it) Scripts and practices to ask for support and co‑regulate with others How generosity and vulnerability attract safe, regulating relationships How to become the “strongest signal in the room” — calm, grounded, and contagious in the best way Whether it's a breathing exercise with your spouse or simply being a calm presence for your team, small acts of co-regulation can ripple out and transform the health of everyone around you. Follow Doctor V Get the #1 bestselling book Thrive State Download the FREE Longevity & Human Potential Starter Guide Visit Dr. V’s website
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266. How to Rewire Your Nervous System and Thrive on Command I Dr Kien Vuu
05/18/2026
266. How to Rewire Your Nervous System and Thrive on Command I Dr Kien Vuu
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 constantly respond to The role of the default mode network and old emotional wounds in your daily reactions The IMPACT Framework: I Am, Pause, Awareness, Choice, Take Action Practical tools to regulate your nervous system (including 4–7–8 breathing) How to create micro-moments of pause that shift you from survival into creation Why healing is not just supplements and protocols, but changing the signal you live from How to live in the Thrive State of health, longevity, and peak performance Follow Doctor V Get the #1 bestselling book Thrive State Download the FREE Longevity & Human Potential Starter Guide Join the Thrive State Membership Learn more about Jhourney retreats:
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265. The Hidden Reason Your Energy and Focus Are Declining (It's Not What You Think) I Dr. Kien Vuu
05/12/2026
265. The Hidden Reason Your Energy and Focus Are Declining (It's Not What You Think) I Dr. Kien Vuu
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 athletes, executives, and leaders who perform at the highest levels aren't just working harder, they're recovering smarter. In this episode, we dive into: Why high performers burn out even when they're "successful" The science of nervous system dysregulation and how it silently tanks your energy and focus How chronic stress creates the same biological damage as chronic disease Breathwork, sleep optimization, and micro recovery rituals that actually move the needle The difference between rest and true recovery and why most people never experience the latter Why hustle culture is costing you performance, not buying it This conversation challenges everything you've been told about what it takes to succeed and asks a bigger question: 👉 Are we blaming our workload… when the real issue is that we've forgotten how to recover? If you've been feeling exhausted, overwhelmed, reactive, or disconnected despite your success, this episode will give you a new lens on what's happening beneath the surface. Because peak performance isn't built in the grind. It's built into the recovery. Follow Doctor V Get the #1 bestselling book Thrive State Download the FREE Longevity & Human Potential Starter Guide Visit Dr. V’s website
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264. You're Optimizing Everything Except the Thing That Runs It All | Dr. Kien Vuu & Stephen Zerfas
05/04/2026
264. You're Optimizing Everything Except the Thing That Runs It All | Dr. Kien Vuu & Stephen Zerfas
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 before it changed everything. What he discovered in those final hours became the foundation for a company dedicated to solving one of humanity's oldest and most overlooked problems: nervous system mastery. If you've ever felt like you're running on autopilot, surviving instead of thriving — this conversation is for you. In this episode, we explore: Why your nervous system is the most under-optimized system in your life What Jhanas are and why elite performers are calling them "MDMA without the drug" The #1 reason most people plateau in meditation (and how to fix it) Why time management is actually pain management How AI is being used to scale personalized meditation coaching to millions A live guided meditation experience you can follow along with Steven also walks us through a live jhana practice — so stay until the end for a 7–10 minute experience that could open a door you didn't know existed. Follow Doctor V Get the #1 bestselling book Thrive State Download the FREE Longevity & Human Potential Starter Guide Join the Thrive State Membership Learn more about Jhourney retreats:
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263. How Ubiquinol Reverses Aging and Fatigue | Dr. Kien Vuu
04/27/2026
263. How Ubiquinol Reverses Aging and Fatigue | Dr. Kien Vuu
Still tired no matter what you try? The problem might not be your schedule—it might be your cells. In this episode of the Thrive State Podcast, we explore why energy, aging, and performance all begin at the cellular level—and how declining levels of ubiquinol may be a hidden reason behind fatigue, brain fog, and accelerated aging. As we get older, our bodies naturally produce less ubiquinol—the active form of CoQ10 that fuels your mitochondria (your cells’ energy engines) and protects against oxidative stress. When this drops, your energy drops with it. But this isn’t just about aging—it’s about how you live. In this episode, we break down: • Why cellular energy declines with age (especially after 30–35) • How oxidative stress damages your mitochondria and accelerates aging • The critical role of ubiquinol in energy production and cellular protection • How poor lifestyle habits drain your body’s ability to produce ubiquinol • Simple habits that support natural ubiquinol production (nutrition, sleep, movement, stress reduction) • When to consider supplementation or medications that include ubiquinol for additional support The key takeaway? You don’t just “run out of energy”—you lose the ability to produce it at the cellular level. By supporting your body’s natural production of ubiquinol—and reducing the oxidative stress that depletes it—you can begin to restore energy, protect your cells, and slow the aging process from the inside out. Because real energy doesn’t come from caffeine… it comes from healthy, functioning cells. Follow Doctor V Get the #1 bestselling book Thrive State Download the FREE Longevity & Human Potential Starter Guide Join the Thrive State Membership #Ubiquinol #CellularEnergy #Mitochondria #AntiAging #FatigueFix #OxidativeStress #Longevity #EnergyBoost #HealthOptimization #ThriveState
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262. Why Connection Is the Real Competitive Advantage | Dr. Kien Vuu & Thom Singer
04/20/2026
262. Why Connection Is the Real Competitive Advantage | Dr. Kien Vuu & Thom Singer
Feeling more disconnected than ever? AI is getting smarter, but are we becoming less human? In this episode of the Thrive State Podcast, Dr. Kien Vuu sits down with keynote speaker and relationship expert Thom Singer to explore a growing problem in the age of artificial intelligence: the loss of real human connection. As AI continues to transform how we work, communicate, and think, many people are unknowingly losing the very skill that will matter most in the future, our ability to connect, build trust, and show up with presence. This conversation goes beyond technology and into what it truly means to be human in a hyper-connected, digitally distracted world. In this episode, we explore: • Why AI and technology may be weakening human connection • The difference between networking and meaningful relationships • How to build trust and authentic presence in a distracted world • Why connection—not intelligence—will define future success • The hidden cost of digital dependence on your relationships and well-being • How to reconnect with yourself and others in a deeper way Thom Singer shares decades of insight on professional relationships and explains why “who you know” is no longer enough, it’s about how you show up, how you engage, and how you create real connection. Because in a world where everything is becoming automated… your humanity is your greatest advantage. Follow Doctor V Get the #1 bestselling book Thrive State Download the FREE Longevity & Human Potential Starter Guide Join the Thrive State Membership
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261. Why Your Body Is Breaking Down After 35 | Dr. Kien Vuu & Stephen Heurer
04/13/2026
261. Why Your Body Is Breaking Down After 35 | Dr. Kien Vuu & Stephen Heurer
Feeling older after 35? What if the real reason your body is breaking down… isn’t aging, but interference? In this episode of the Thrive State Podcast, I sit down with nutritionist Stephen Heuer to explore what really happens to your body after 35, and why so many people begin to experience fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, slower metabolism, and declining energy despite doing “all the right things.” Together, we unpack a controversial but fascinating perspective on how modern life may be accelerating biological aging—and what you can do to take back control. In this episode, we dive into: • Why energy, metabolism, and recovery decline after 35 • The truth behind bone loss and osteoporosis • Gut microbiome dysfunction and its role in aging and inflammation • The difference between ionic calcium and traditional supplementation • How antibiotics, toxins, and environmental exposures impact your body over time • The deeper connection between biology, energy, and long-term healing This conversation challenges the conventional narrative around aging and asks a bigger question: 👉 Are we blaming age… when the real issue is interference? If you’ve been dealing with chronic symptoms, low energy, stubborn weight gain, or feeling like your body isn’t responding the way it used to—this episode will give you a new lens on what’s happening beneath the surface. Because after 35, it’s not just about getting older. It’s about understanding what’s interfering with your body’s ability to function, repair, and thrive. Follow Doctor V Get the #1 bestselling book Thrive State Download the FREE Longevity & Human Potential Starter Guide Visit Dr. V’s website
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260. How Burnout, Stress & Chronic Inflammation Are Signals, Not Symptoms | Dr. Kien Vuu & Dr. Ann Maria Heston
04/06/2026
260. How Burnout, Stress & Chronic Inflammation Are Signals, Not Symptoms | Dr. Kien Vuu & Dr. Ann Maria Heston
What if your fatigue, burnout, and chronic inflammation aren’t problems to fix, but signals asking you to change the way you live? In this episode of the Thrive State Podcast, I sit down with double board-certified physician Dr. Ann Maria Hester to explore a powerful shift in how we understand health, disease, and healing. After years in traditional internal medicine, Dr. Hester recognized a deeper truth: many of the conditions we struggle with today are not inevitable. They are the result of how we live, think, and relate to the world around us. My conversation with her goes beyond surface-level wellness advice. It dives into the science and psychology of lifestyle medicine, and the often-overlooked role of identity, belief, and consciousness in shaping our biology. If you’ve ever felt stuck despite knowing what to do for your health, this episode will challenge how you think about change, and show you why knowledge alone isn’t enough. In this episode, we explore: • Why burnout, brain fog, and chronic inflammation are signals, not failures • The six pillars of lifestyle medicine and how they drive long-term health • How chronic stress rewires the brain and impacts your body • The connection between identity, belief systems, and behavior change • Why information alone doesn’t create transformation • How meaning, faith, and connection can become powerful forms of medicine • The truth about healing as an active, daily practice, not a passive process This episode is a reminder that healing isn’t about fixing what’s broken. It’s about realigning with who you are, and consciously choosing how you live. If you’re ready to take ownership of your health and step into a more intentional, energized way of living, this conversation will give you a new framework to start. Follow Doctor V Join the Thrive State Community Download the FREE Longevity & Human Potential Starter Guide Visit Dr. V’s website
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259. The Doctor Who Healed Herself: Reversing Cancer, Autoimmune Disease & Obesity Through Identity Work | Dr. Marianne Pinkston
03/30/2026
259. The Doctor Who Healed Herself: Reversing Cancer, Autoimmune Disease & Obesity Through Identity Work | Dr. Marianne Pinkston
Dr. Marianne Pinkston is a board-certified family and functional medicine physician with nearly 30 years in solo practice, based in San Antonio, Texas. After personally overcoming rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, diabetes, and obesity, she transformed her practice and launched New Bloom, a personalized functional medicine platform focused on helping women reclaim their health, identity, and vitality. She is also the host of the Dr. P Better Life podcast, now in its fourth year. - New Bloom: - Podcast: - Instagram: Key Takeaways: Chronic stress and adverse childhood events (ACEs) create a biological environment of inflammation that drives autoimmune disease, cancer, obesity, and metabolic disorders. Survival mode — the state of constantly being in fight-or-flight — is the root cause, not just a symptom, of most chronic disease. Identity is medicine. Changing your body requires changing the story you tell yourself about who you are and what you deserve. Emotional eating, people-pleasing, and overworking are survival mechanisms rooted in childhood experiences — not character flaws. Boundaries are not walls. They are a form of self-love that creates the biological conditions for healing. Dr. Pinkston lost 120 pounds over two years, reversed her diabetes and cancer, and is now an athlete at 57. Functional medicine addresses root causes — stress, identity, lifestyle, nutrition — rather than managing individual symptoms in isolation. Dr. Pinkston's Best Medicine: gratitude, paying it forward, and using lived experience to guide others. Resources Mentioned: - New Bloom: - Dr. P Better Life Podcast: - Film: *The Martian* (Matt Damon) — on solving one problem at a time - Book: *Gone With the Wind* — on resilience and perseverance
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258. 1-Day Brain Reset for Depression, Anxiety & Burnout with Dr. Georgine Nanos and Dr. Judson Brandeis
03/23/2026
258. 1-Day Brain Reset for Depression, Anxiety & Burnout with Dr. Georgine Nanos and Dr. Judson Brandeis
Dr. Georgine Nanos is a board-certified family physician based in Encinitas, California, and the North American Medical Director for Exo Mind — the world's most advanced TMS device. She has been practicing medicine for 24 years and pioneered the world's first single-day TMS protocol, publishing the landmark study in 2024. Her clinic, Kind Minds TMS, offers the full spectrum of TMS treatments from performance optimization to treatment-resistant depression. - Website: - Instagram: @drgeorginenanos Dr. Judson Brandeis is a board-certified urologist, men's health specialist, and author of *The 21st Century Man*. Based in Northern California, he has integrated the Exo Mind TMS system into his practice and recently launched Global Men's Wellness — an AI-powered Men's Health large language model trained on curated medical literature. - Website: - AI Platform: Key Takeaways: TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) uses safe magnetic pulses — no electricity — to stimulate the dorsal lateral prefrontal cortex, the brain's emotional control center. The traditional 40-day TMS protocol has been condensed into a single day with equal or better outcomes. Dr. Nanos' published trial showed a 90% response rate and 72% remission rate — more than double the remission rate of antidepressants. TMS is not just for depression. It treats anxiety, PTSD, burnout, brain fog, insomnia, perimenopausal symptoms, and performance optimization. The one-day protocol costs approximately $10,000–$12,000 and is not covered by insurance (cash pay only for accelerated protocols). TMS creates a "window of neuroplasticity" — the brain is most receptive to new patterns immediately after treatment. Dr. Brandeis' personal experience: woke up 15–20% happier, more creative, with greater mental clarity — sustained for months. Dr. Nanos' Best Medicine: sleep and exercise. Resources Mentioned: - Kind Minds TMS: - Exo Mind TMS Device: - Brandeis MD: - Global Men's Wellness AI: - Book: *The Happiness Project* — Gretchen Rubi - Book: *The 21st Century Man* — Dr. Judson Brandeis
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257. The Hidden Psychology Behind Burnout and Resilience with Alli Covington
03/16/2026
257. The Hidden Psychology Behind Burnout and Resilience with Alli Covington
In this episode of the Thrive State Podcast, Alli Covington shares how she blends fitness, psychology, and technology to help individuals and organizations truly thrive. She unpacks why most corporate wellness programs miss the mark, how identity and mindset drive lasting behavior change, and why daily gratitude and simple mantras can literally rewire your brain. Alli also reveals her ambitious vision for global workplace health, the story behind her career pivot, and how her role as a mom fuels her mission. Key Highlights: Why “training the head” makes training the body easier The hidden flaws in typical corporate wellness programs How Alli uses an app, community, and fractional Chief Health Officer model The power of identity, mindset, and gratitude in transforming health
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256. The Small Habit That Changes Everything with Light Watkins
03/09/2026
256. The Small Habit That Changes Everything with Light Watkins
Why do most people quit their resolutions by February? Because they sprint. In this episode of the Thrive State Podcast, I sit down with Light Watkins, author of The Year You Transform, to explore the tortoise approach to lasting transformation. Light shares a practical framework for change that actually sticks: Why 7-day experiments outperform long-term resolutions How infant steps beat heroic leaps Gratitude as a biological anchor The power of forgiveness sequencing Why awareness is more powerful than willpower The difference between being anti-something and pro-awareness Most people plan for their perfect day. Light teaches you how to optimize for your average busy day. That small shift changes everything. Follow @doctorvmd Get Thrive State (2nd Edition): Download free longevity tools:
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255. Bringing the Aloha Energy to Life and Business | Wing Lam on Conscious Leadership
03/02/2026
255. Bringing the Aloha Energy to Life and Business | Wing Lam on Conscious Leadership
What if the real edge in life and business is not strategy… but energy? In this episode of the Thrive State Podcast, I sit down with Wing Lam, founder and CEO of Wahoo’s Fish Taco, to explore what it truly means to bring the Aloha energy into how we live and lead. Aloha is not just a greeting. It is presence. It is a shared breath. It is generosity and grounded leadership. And from a biological perspective, it matters more than most people realize. We explore: • Why energy is biological, not just philosophical • How identity shapes health, leadership, and longevity • The connection between stress, cortisol, and emotional states • Building culture through authenticity • Why your presence is your competitive advantage in the age of AI Everything is energy. The tone you bring into a room. The thoughts you repeat. The emotional baseline you live from. That energy becomes chemistry in your body and culture in your company. If you want stronger health, better relationships, and more aligned success, this conversation will expand your perspective. Follow @doctorvmd Get the #1 bestselling book Thrive State (2nd Edition): Download free longevity and performance resources:
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254. The Dark Side of Success (No One Talks About This) | Marshall Faulk
02/23/2026
254. The Dark Side of Success (No One Talks About This) | Marshall Faulk
Success looks powerful from the outside. But what happens after you reach the top? In this episode of the Thrive State Podcast, I sit down with NFL Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk to explore something rarely discussed publicly: The identity crisis that follows peak performance. We discuss: The hidden biological cost of hustle culture Why achievement can create chronic stress What happens when your primary identity disappears Reinventing yourself after success How your energetic state influences your DNA and mitochondria Your identity is not just psychological. It is biological. Every belief you hold creates a neurochemical cascade that affects your nervous system, immune function, and mitochondrial health. If your identity is built on performance, proving yourself, or constant productivity, your body may remain in survival mode long after the external success is achieved. This conversation is about conscious reinvention. Because success without alignment can quietly cost you your health. In This Episode You Will Learn How identity influences gene expression and longevity The biological impact of chronic stress Why elite athletes struggle after retirement The science behind energy and mitochondrial function How to consciously evolve your identity Resources Download the free Longevity and Performance Starter Guide: Get the 2nd Edition of Thrive State: Join the Thrive State Membership: Follow @doctorvmd for daily insights on longevity and performance.
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253. Heal Chronic Illness by Changing Your “Signal” (Not Just Diet) | Dr. Kien Vuu
02/16/2026
253. Heal Chronic Illness by Changing Your “Signal” (Not Just Diet) | Dr. Kien Vuu
Is chronic illness really about food alone? What if the real root cause is the signal your body is receiving every day? In this episode of the Thrive State Podcast, Dr. Kien Vuu explores a powerful concept in longevity science: chronic disease is often driven not just by diet, but by the biological signals we send through stress, sleep, relationships, mindset, and environment. Drawing from functional medicine, neuroscience, and emerging longevity research, Dr. V explains how your body is constantly listening. Every thought, every interaction, every stress response sends a biochemical signal that either promotes inflammation or supports healing. In this episode, you will learn: Why chronic illness is often a signaling problem How stress hormones influence gene expression The connection between the default mode network and inflammation Why social isolation increases mortality risk How to shift your internal environment to activate healing If you are struggling with autoimmune issues, metabolic dysfunction, burnout, or chronic inflammation, this episode will change how you think about recovery. Follow Doctor V for more longevity insights: Get the 2nd Edition of Thrive State, a #1 Amazon bestseller: Download the free Longevity and Performance Starter Guide:
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252. From Collapse to Control: Steve White on Healing the Brain, Taking Ownership of Health, and Living On Purpose
02/02/2026
252. From Collapse to Control: Steve White on Healing the Brain, Taking Ownership of Health, and Living On Purpose
What if healing is not something that happens to you but something you actively participate in every single day? In this episode of the Thrive State Podcast, I sit down with Steve White, founder of Brae 100 and HomeTeams, to explore what real healing actually looks like beyond the clinic walls. Steve shares the moment in nature that changed the trajectory of his life, why forgiveness may be one of the most powerful biological interventions we have, and how discipline outperforms motivation when it comes to lasting transformation. We break down the science behind agency, community, and caring, including how stress physiology, inflammation, and immune function are influenced by mindset, behavior, and connection. This conversation is a reminder that the most important medicine often happens in the other 23 hours of your day. If you are navigating chronic illness, supporting someone you love, or looking to reclaim ownership of your health and purpose, this episode will meet you exactly where you are. 👉 Follow Doctor V on Instagram @doctorvmd 👉 Get the #1 Amazon bestselling book Thrive State (2nd Edition) at thrivestatebook.com 👉 Download free longevity and human potential resources at thrivestatestarter.com Episode Highlights: The moment of being lost and the wake-up call in nature Remembering who you are when life pulls you off course Forgiveness as a biological and spiritual reset Why caring for others improves immune function and health Cynicism, belief, and why imagination matters in healing Discipline over motivation and how real change actually happens The 23-hour rule and reclaiming agency over your health Healing as a team sport and the HomeTeams model Why nature remains the most powerful medicine
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251. From KetoCon to Hack Your Health: How Robin Switzer Bet on Herself to Build a Health Movement
01/26/2026
251. From KetoCon to Hack Your Health: How Robin Switzer Bet on Herself to Build a Health Movement
What happens when you stop playing it safe and trust your inner knowing? In this episode of the Thrive State Podcast, Dr. Kien Vuu sits down with Robin Switzer, founder and CEO of Hack Your Health, to explore what it really means to bet on yourself and turn personal healing into a global movement. Robin shares her deeply personal journey from metabolic dysfunction, emotional eating, and identity patterns that no longer served her, to becoming a trusted leader in the health optimization space. Along the way, she reveals the hidden tax of disconnection, the courage required to follow intuition when logic says play it safe, and why learning to pause may be the most powerful medicine of our time. After COVID, when many would have walked away, Robin faced one of her most defining moments. She lost a business partner and chose to use her own 401K to keep the mission alive. There was no safety net, only conviction. This conversation is about becoming. It is about choosing purpose over fear, listening to your inner guidance, and leading with clarity in uncertain times. In this episode, you will learn: The Power of the Pause: How creating space between stimulus and response restores clarity and agency Identity Before Biology: Why lasting healing starts beyond weight, diets, and symptoms From Healing to Mission: How trusting intuition can transform personal struggle into collective impact Resources: 📘 Get the #1 Bestseller Thrive State (2nd Edition): thrivestatebook.com 🧬 Free Longevity Guide: thrivestatestarter.com 📲 Follow Dr. V: @doctorvmd Episode Highlights Five to Thrive: Robin’s non-negotiables for energy and clarity The Weight of Identity: Breaking free from emotional eating and diet culture Betting on Herself: Cashing out a 401K to protect a movement The Messy Middle: Moving from unconscious patterns to conscious choice What’s Next in Health: Hormones, peptides, and personalized medicine
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250. Stop Starving, Start Living: Metabolism, Hormones & the Truth About Women’s Health with Dani Conway
01/19/2026
250. Stop Starving, Start Living: Metabolism, Hormones & the Truth About Women’s Health with Dani Conway
Are you tired of the "eat less, exercise more" mantra that leaves you fatigued and frustrated? In this episode of the Thrive State Podcast, I sit down with nutrition expert Dani Conway to debunk the biggest myths in women's health. We dive deep into why traditional diet culture fails women over 40 and how shifting from chronic restriction to nutrient density can actually unlock your best body and energy yet. We discuss the power of resistance training over cardio, the essential role of animal fats for hormone health, and why your "nervous system" might be the hidden reason you aren't seeing results. It’s time to stop starving and start living. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why "Eat More to Weigh Less" is a metabolic game-changer. The importance of hitting 100g of protein daily for hair and skin health. How to navigate the "Silent Crisis" of fatigue and weight gain in your 40s. Resources: Get the #1 Bestseller: Download the 2nd edition of Thrive State at . Free Longevity Guide: Download your resource guide at . Follow Me: @doctorvmd Episode Highlight: The Five to Thrive: Dani’s journey from 65 lbs overweight to her leanest, strongest self at 49. Breaking the "Starvation" Cycle: Why diet culture and "fat-free" myths are ruining women’s metabolisms. The Foundations of Fuel: The "100g Protein Rule" and why animal fats are non-negotiable for hormones. Beyond the Plate: Using lab testing and nervous system regulation to break through weight loss plateaus. Sustainable Success: Tactical tips for busy women to batch cook and prioritize their health.
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249. Mental Inflammation: The Hidden Tax on Energy, Focus & High Performance with Dr Shivani Gupta
01/12/2026
249. Mental Inflammation: The Hidden Tax on Energy, Focus & High Performance with Dr Shivani Gupta
Are 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
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248. The Joy Deficit: Why High Performers Are Burning Out — And How to Fix It | Dianna Moore
12/08/2025
248. The Joy Deficit: Why High Performers Are Burning Out — And How to Fix It | Dianna Moore
We are living through a Joy Crisis. Leaders, physicians, high achievers, and everyday humans are waking up successful on paper, yet spiritually, emotionally, and energetically empty. In this episode, Dr. V sits down with executive coach Dianna Moore to uncover why joy has quietly faded from modern life and how to bring it back with intention. Dianna spent 25 years in aerospace, moved into executive leadership, later became COO of a venture-backed startup, and now coaches high-stakes leaders in medicine, technology, and cybersecurity. Her journey did not begin with joy. It began with survival. At 18, she was a young mother in college with a baby on her hip. Achievement became her fuel. Later, she realized achievement and joy were not the same thing. This conversation blends science, wisdom, personal experience, and real leadership insight. It offers a grounded path to reclaiming joy in a world that rewards burnout. What We Cover: What Joy Really Is - Not happiness, not distraction, not numbing. Joy is a deeper internal state tied to meaning, purpose, nervous system balance, and long-term health. The Joy Deficit in Modern Leadership - Medical leaders, cybersecurity executives, and corporate teams often operate in chronic stress without emotional recovery. Joy has disappeared from everyday language and the results show up in burnout, isolation, and strained relationships. Success Versus Joy - Dianna explains how achievement became her identity. Promotions and accomplishments created momentum, yet not fulfillment. Joy had to be cultivated separately. What Joy Looks Like Somatically - Dr. V breaks down how joy affects inflammation, hormones, mitochondrial function, and healing potential. This is where mindset, biology, and longevity truly connect. Simple Practices to Rebuild Joy - Helping others, movement, strength training, reconnecting with your childhood imagination, and returning to purpose. These accessible practices help you reignite joy even in difficult seasons. The Top Joy Killer: Comparison - One of Dianna’s most powerful insights at 25:04. Comparison drains energy, confidence, and presence. It is one of the fastest ways to shut down joy. What You Will Learn Why joy is a performance strategy and not a luxury How to identify signs of a hidden joy deficit Ways high performers accidentally numb instead of nourish How to tell the difference between comfort, happiness, and true joy Why meaningful relationships matter more than professional success Daily practices that create noticeable joy in under five minutes How reconnecting with your childhood self restores creativity and vitality About Dianna Moore Executive Coach and Founder of Moore Joy Group specializing in leaders in medicine, cybersecurity, technology, and the C-suite moorejoygroup.com Connect with Dr. V Learn the Thrive State Method at kienvuu.com Follow @doctorvmd on all platforms Get the number one bestselling book Thrive State at thrivestatebook.com Download your free Longevity Starter Kit at thrivestatestarter.com
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247. Beauty, Identity & The Soul: A Conscious Conversation About Changing Your Body Cosmetically with Dr. Susan Chobanian
12/01/2025
247. Beauty, Identity & The Soul: A Conscious Conversation About Changing Your Body Cosmetically with Dr. Susan Chobanian
Hey Thrivers! Dr. V here, tackling a topic that is often labeled "shallow," but is anything but. I sit down with the internationally-renowned facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Susan Chobanian, to explore the deeper truths beneath "beauty"—truths about identity, biology, confidence, and self-expression. This transformative conversation is for anyone who has questioned the role of external appearance in their overall well-being. We uncover why cosmetic surgery isn't just about vanity, but about the patient's desire to succeed and live authentically. We dive deep into: Why "vanity" is often misunderstood and why cosmetic surgery is really about vitality and success. The profound connection between an external shift (like rhinoplasty) and an internal biochemical shift. The surprising link between nasal function and your cardio-respiratory health. How to consciously decide if a cosmetic change is aligned with your true self. Dr. Chobanian's integrative approach using peptides and LED light therapy for holistic rejuvenation. This episode will completely rethink what transformation means to you. Watch and start thriving! Download your FREE Rich Resource Guide for exercises, longevity, and human potential resources: thrivestatestarter.com Buy the #1 Amazon Bestseller, the 2nd edition of Thrive State: thrivestatebook.com Follow Doctor V on all platforms: @doctorvmd
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246. The Moment She Took Her Power Back: Healing Trauma by Rewriting Reality with Marina Galán
11/22/2025
246. The Moment She Took Her Power Back: Healing Trauma by Rewriting Reality with Marina Galán
What if the most painful moment of your life became the doorway to your liberation? In this powerful episode, Doctor V sits down with transformational teacher Marina Galán to explore the moment she confronted her childhood abuser and discovered a new understanding of trauma, consciousness, healing, and personal power. Her story is raw, brave, and full of insight. This conversation will shift how you see your past, your emotions, and your ability to create a new reality. In this episode, you’ll learn: How childhood experiences shape identity and long-term emotional patterns Why trauma lives in the meaning we create, not just the event The moment Marina confronted her abuser and the unexpected truth she discovered Why forgiveness can happen in an instant How feelings act as a real-time feedback system What consciousness, thought, and sensation have to do with emotional healing Practical awareness tools for dissolving old patterns How to reclaim your power and rewrite your story Follow Doctor V on Instagram & TikTok: @doctorvmd Get the #1 bestselling Thrive State (2nd Edition): Download your FREE Longevity & Human Potential Starter Kit: Learn more about Marina: marinagalan.com Explore the Three Principles Community: 3pgc.org Episode Highlight: Parenting, presence, life rhythms, and the foundations of consciousness Marina’s viral post and the story behind the conversation Childhood trauma, silence, and the identity shaped by suffering The confrontation: the unexpected response that shifted everything Forgiveness, insights, and the “Santa Claus moment” Triggers, emotional feedback, and learning from feelings How identity filters create suffering and shape biology Getting lost and finding yourself again Two questions that dissolve suffering in the moment Marina’s mission
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245. Reprogram Your Field: The Hidden Practice to Heal & Perform at Your Peak with Liz Larson
11/17/2025
245. Reprogram Your Field: The Hidden Practice to Heal & Perform at Your Peak with Liz Larson
If you’ve ever wondered why you keep replaying the same emotional patterns — or why certain reactions feel “automatic” even when you know better — this episode is a game-changer. In “Reprogram Your Field: The Hidden Practice to Heal & Perform at Your Peak,” Doctor V sits down with Cognomovement co-creator Liz Larson to reveal how your eyes, sensations, energy field, and nervous system store your emotional history… and how you can reprogram it in seconds. Inside this episode, you’ll learn: Why your energetic field holds onto emotional patterns How trauma gets encoded before you’re even born The surprising role your eye positions play in accessing memories Why your sensations — not your thoughts — control your behavior How to interrupt an emotional loop instantly How Cognomovement uses movement, vision, and energy to transform your state Why changing your field changes your performance, relationships, and health This conversation is deeply practical, incredibly empowering, and filled with tools you can begin using TODAY to elevate your life. 👉 Follow Doctor V: @doctorvmd 👉 Grab the #1 bestselling book Thrive State (2nd Edition): 👉 Download your FREE Human Potential Starter Guide: Episode Highlights: Five to Thrive Warm-Up: Childhood purpose, influential books, and why eye movement impacts emotion. How Trauma Programs Your Field Before Birth: Epigenetics, inherited stress, early nervous system wiring. Why Emotional Loops Repeat (And How to Break Them): Somatic programming, eye patterns, unconscious cycles. Sensation → Thought → Field: How Patterns Run Your Life: Energy fields, Tesla’s feedback loops, meaning-making. Consciousness, State Change & Reprogramming Your Field: Self-awareness, parent-child nervous system entanglement, perception shifts. The Cognomovement Method Explained: Eye positions, hemispheric balance, somatic pattern interruption. Healing Pain & Boosting Performance Through Nervous System Reset: Body torsion release, athletic performance gains, structural alignment.
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244. Dr. Kien Vuu x David Meltzer: Unlocking Longevity Through Purpose and Energy
11/10/2025
244. Dr. Kien Vuu x David Meltzer: Unlocking Longevity Through Purpose and Energy
In this powerful solo episode of the Thrive State Podcast, Dr. Kien Vuu—longevity physician, human potential expert, and best-selling author of Thrive State—breaks down the Three States of Human Potential and how each one shapes your health, mindset, and destiny. Discover: How chronic stress keeps you trapped in the “Survival State” Why many high-achievers get stuck in “Striving Mode” The science-backed tools to access your Thrive State—where purpose, vitality, and longevity meet 🎧 Listen now and learn how to shift your biology, emotions, and mindset to live longer, stronger, and happier. 📘 Grab Dr. V’s #1 Amazon Bestseller Thrive State (2nd Edition) at 📥 Download your FREE Longevity Starter Guide at 🌐 Explore more tools at 📲 Follow Dr. V @doctorvmd Episode Highlights: What Are the Three States of Human Potential The Survival State – How Chronic Stress Hijacks Your Health The Striving State – When Success Becomes Stress The Thrive State – Living with Purpose, Presence & Peak Energy The Biology of Thriving – Hormones, Emotions & Cellular Health Simple Shifts to Move from Surviving to Thriving
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243. Dr. Jeff Gross: Regenerative Medicine and the Future of Healing — A Doctor’s Guide to What’s Coming Next
11/03/2025
243. Dr. Jeff Gross: Regenerative Medicine and the Future of Healing — A Doctor’s Guide to What’s Coming Next
Can you really regenerate your body and slow the aging process? In this episode of the Thrive State Podcast, Dr. Kien Vuu sits down with Dr. Jeff Gross, a pioneering neurosurgeon and expert in regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy, to uncover how science is redefining longevity. They explore the truth behind stem cell research, how cellular rejuvenation actually works, and why regenerative medicine isn’t just the future—it’s happening now. Whether you’re curious about biohacking, optimizing health, or reversing the signs of aging, this episode is packed with life-changing insights. 📘 Get Dr. V’s #1 Bestseller “Thrive State” 2nd Edition: 📥 Download your FREE Longevity Resource Guide: 🌐 More at: 📲 Follow Dr. V @doctorvmd Episode Highlights: Dr. Jeff Gross and the Power of Regenerative Medicine How Stem Cell Therapy Works and What It Can Do for the Human Body From Surgery to Regeneration: Why Dr. Gross Transitioned His Practice Cellular Repair and the Science of Anti-Aging Common Myths About Stem Cells and Regenerative Treatments The Role of Lifestyle and Mindset in Healing and Longevity Future of Medicine: Personalized Health, Longevity, and Human Potential
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