Episodes
In this eye-opening episode, I sit down with Chip Conley, founder of the Modern Elder Academy and author of Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age. Chip shares his insights on embracing the power of midlife and reframing the way we think about aging. We dive into the concept of the "modern elder" and how combining curiosity and wisdom can lead to a more fulfilling life. Chip introduces the idea of "middle essence," the midlife equivalent of adolescence, and shares...
Published 04/24/24
If you're over 40 and looking to lose fat while maintaining your hard-earned muscle, protein is your secret weapon. In this episode, I reveal the five protein-packed foods you should be eating every day to boost your metabolism, build lean muscle, and achieve your best body yet. From the incredible benefits of wild salmon and grass-fed beef to the surprising power of Greek yogurt and bone broth, I'll break down the science behind why these foods are essential for women our age—and show you...
Published 04/21/24
Published 04/21/24
In this enlightening episode, I sit down with my brilliant friend Dr. Richard Johnson to unpack the mysteries of weight gain and explore the unifying theory that brings all the current hypotheses together. We dive into four major diet theories about why it's so hard to lose fat, and how certain foods—especially fructose—can sabotage your metabolism and health even if you're restricting calories. Dr. Johnson shares groundbreaking insights from his research, revealing how fructose impacts fat...
Published 04/17/24
I recently decided I wanted to get in the best shape of my life for my 60th birthday. My original goal wasn't even fat loss; I wanted to put on muscle and improve my overall fitness. But in the process of focusing on strength training, optimizing my nutrition, and making some key lifestyle tweaks, I ended up dropping 10 pounds and 5% body fat... without even trying!   In this episode, I'm sharing the surprising mindset shifts and practical strategies that made all the difference. You'll...
Published 04/14/24
If a simple staircase becomes your Everest, it's not just about stamina—it's a hint about your health's future. I'm excited to speak with Dr. Andy Galpin in this episode, who is a true expert in exercise science and peak performance. Dr. Galpin breaks down his essential tips for optimizing health over 40, emphasizing the critical roles of VO2 max, grip strength, and balance exercises in your fitness regimen.  We also touch on the topics of exercise recovery, his FDA-approved do-it-yourself...
Published 04/10/24
In this episode, I dive into the incredible health benefits of a simple activity that we often take for granted: walking. While it may not be considered a strenuous exercise, recent research highlights just how powerful walking can be for our overall well-being and longevity.   I discuss the findings of a study that reveals the optimal number of daily steps needed to significantly reduce the risk of early death from various causes. The episode also explores how adding higher-intensity...
Published 04/07/24
How would you find the motivation and strength to transform your life after experiencing adversity? Join me as I talk with Doug Bopst, an award-winning personal trainer, author of three books, and host of the Adversity Advantage Podcast, who is on a crusade to inspire others to overcome adversity and become the best version of themselves. He’s a former convicted felon and drug addict who spent time in jail for “possession with intent to sell.” While locked in a cell, he slayed his personal...
Published 04/03/24
Dive into a refreshing start to your day with this enlightening podcast episode, where I reveal the secrets to creating the ultimate detox smoothie. Packed with delicious, nutrient-rich ingredients, this smoothie is designed to invigorate your mornings and support your body's natural detoxification processes. I'll guide you through crafting the perfect detox drink, sharing insights on how each ingredient supports your health and well-being. Whether you aim to lose weight fast, maintain a...
Published 03/31/24
Have you noticed changes in your body after hitting 40? Things like unexpected weight gain, an increased craving for sweets, more stress, or challenges to your mental health as you navigate through menopause? If these sound familiar, you're in for a treat. Join me for an enlightening conversation with the remarkable Chalene Johnson, a fitness legend who has gracefully transitioned into a wellness champion.  With Chalene's guidance, you'll discover practical steps to not only safeguard your...
Published 03/27/24
Menopause can make you lose your butt and gain a gut… and believe it or not, your metabolism may not be to blame.  So if the problem isn't metabolism, what is it? That’s what I’m explaining in this episode. Then, I’m sharing proven strategies to build muscle, reduce deep belly fat, enhance insulin sensitivity, and get hormonal weight gain under control—including seven exercises to get things moving in the right direction. Give it a listen right now to start making fat-burning moves...
Published 03/24/24
Do you really know what it’s like to feel great? Dr. Tom O'Bryan is betting you don’t—and that could be a result of toxic exposure. In this conversation, he explains how your body accumulates toxins like microplastics over a lifetime and how they cause low-grade inflammation, odd symptoms, and ultimately, illness. We cover how this phenomenon can potentially affect your thyroid, hormones, and quality of life; what you can do about it; and why even those who eat organic foods and use clean...
Published 03/20/24
Once you hit 40, the rules change. You can’t eat the way you used to and expect the same results. If you want to stay fit and healthy—and who doesn’t?—you’ve got to take a new approach. In this episode, I’m sharing my top healthy eating strategies to help you boost your metabolism, improve your gut health, balance your hormones, and start aging powerfully. You just might end up feeling better than you did at 20! Let’s dive in! Full show notes: jjvirgin.com/dietover40 Subscribe to my...
Published 03/17/24
What do autoimmune conditions, cardiovascular disease, chronic pain, rashes, joint pain, and fatigue have in common?  They’re among the dozens of chronic health conditions associated with childhood trauma. This discovery is revolutionizing medicine, and in this episode, my dear friend Dr. Sara Gottfried joins me to unpack it all. In our discussion, Dr. Gottfried shares both clinical insights and her personal experiences of the ways unresolved trauma can surface in our physical health. We...
Published 03/13/24
Want a really simple way to boost your brain health? Eat more of the right foods. With a few simple tweaks to your diet, you can give your brain the nutrients it needs to function at its best. Even better, these foods are delicious, versatile, and super easy to find. In this episode, I’m telling you which foods to get more of, how they help, and I’m even sharing a few tips for incorporating them into your meals. If you want to keep brain fog, inflammation, and cognitive decline at bay, you...
Published 03/10/24
Do you feel like your brain has a dozen tabs open and you can’t focus on any of them? Maybe you feel anxious, wired, or exhausted, or you notice you just aren’t as productive and good at things as you used to be. If so, you could have a busy brain… and Dr. Romie Mushtaq is here to help. In this fascinating discussion, Dr. Mushtaq, a board-certified physician and neurologist, reveals the connection between neuroinflammation and a laundry list of issues, from stress eating to adult-onset ADD....
Published 03/06/24
Can you get younger-looking skin without expensive treatments? Yes! Sure, lasers, filler, and Botox can be great, but you don’t need them to achieve plump, glowing skin. In this episode, I’m sharing my favorite natural ways to boost your collagen—and they’re all backed by science. From important nutrients to surprisingly helpful habits, with these little-known strategies, you could get your best results yet. Before you book that med spa appointment, listen to this episode! FULL show notes:...
Published 03/03/24
What do hormone imbalances, digestive issues, and breathing have in common? According to Dr. Peter Martone, a neurostructural sleep specialist, they’re all controlled by a nerve you may be damaging in your sleep.    In this episode, he joins me to explain the connection between your sleep, your spine, and your health. He shares how a loss of the cervical-spine curve could cause unexpected chronic symptoms—and what you can do to start turning things around tonight. FULL show...
Published 02/28/24
Can you really look and feel younger? Yes! In this episode, I’m sharing six of my favorite science-backed anti-aging habits—and they go way beyond fighting wrinkles. These practices will get you feeling healthy, energized, and strong. They can improve your quality of life and even your health. But the glowing skin is a great perk. If you want to unlock a more youthful you and discover what it means to age powerfully, this episode is the perfect place to start.    FULL show notes:...
Published 02/25/24
Dr. Bill Campbell is back for part 2! In part 1, we talked about fat-loss myths and facts, anti-aging training, and how to get and stay fit using a lifestyle you can maintain. In this episode, we get into the nuts and bolts of fat loss. Dr. Cambpell reveals the one thing the very lean women he’s studied have in common, the connection between muscle mass and hunger (this one may surprise you!), and what he learned about hormones when he intentionally gained 50 pounds. Plus, Dr. Campbell...
Published 02/21/24
If metabolism doesn’t slow down til your 60s, why can’t you lose weight now?    Look no further than your hormones. These messengers control hunger, how much fat you hold onto, where you store it, how hard it is to burn it, and so much more. In this episode, I’m explaining which hormones you need to keep an eye on, how they interact with each other, and what you can do to maintain balance.    FULL show notes: jjvirgin.com/hormonetruths   Watch the FULL VIDEO on my YouTube Channel:...
Published 02/18/24
How can the average person get and stay in shape without living at the gym?    That’s the question Dr. Bill Campbell, fat-loss expert and professor of exercise physiology, has dedicated his career to answering. He joins me in this episode to share the essential lessons he’s learned while running the University of South Florida’s Physique & Performance Lab. We cover a lot of ground, like fat-loss myths and facts, anti-aging training, and how to get and stay fit using a lifestyle you...
Published 02/14/24
Between dining out, disappointing hotel gyms, and time zone changes, it can be hard to keep up with healthy habits while you’re traveling.   I’ve spent years figuring out sensible strategies that work, and in this episode, I’m sharing my best travel health tips. With a little motivation, some creativity, and a bit of dedication, you can sail through your trip feeling strong and fit.   FULL show notes: jjvirgin.com/healthytravel   Subscribe to my podcast: http://subscribetojj.com   ...
Published 02/11/24
What would happen if you followed a ketogenic diet, but increased the protein? That’s the question biomedical scientist Vanessa Spina set out to answer, and in this episode, we’re exploring her absolutely crazy results and what they taught her about energy, body composition, and lifelong health.   We’re covering so much ground, from macronutrients and ketosis to our vegan pasts (yes, you read that correctly!). Plus, Vanessa shares some fascinating information about mitochondrial...
Published 02/07/24
Seven tweaks, one at a time   We’ve all been there: You’re working out, you’re eating properly, and for seemingly no reason, the scale stops moving. You’ve hit the dreaded plateau.    Before you go to extreme measures, listen to this episode. In it, I’m giving you seven easy changes to things you’re already doing that you can implement right away to get your metabolism moving and your fat loss fired up. Let’s dive in!   FULL show notes: jjvirgin.com/plateau   Subscribe to my podcast:...
Published 02/04/24