Brianna Approved

In episode 64 we are talking about the neuroscience behind doing hard things. I also discuss why doing hard things is actually good for your brain, why you should embrace becoming an imperfectionist, and 5 tips for tricking your brain into doing things it doesn’t want to do!

Nerd Alert: Neuroscience of Effort + Willpower  (and parts of the brain associated with both)

__

In episode 63 I sit down with Brendan, a Mental and Metabolic Health Scientist & Researcher, Functional Medicine Educator, Writer, and Speaker. Brendan is the owner and founder of the Metabolic Solutions Institute for Functional Health and Fitness Practitioners and the creator of the Functional Mental Health Practitioner Certificate Course & the creator of The Mental M.A.P.TM, a cutting-edge Lab Panel for Mental Health.

In this episode, we talk about

-Evolution of Functional Medicine 

-The Mental M.A.P. ™

-Overcomplicating Healing 

-Neuroinflammation & Mental Illness 

In episode 62 I sit down with Marni Salup, entrepreneur, triathlete, brand Builder, marketing and PR pro, and thought leader. Marni is also the founder of The Salup Group, founded in 2000, a brand development, partnership, and communications agency, founder of media brand On The Move Media, and creator & host of the Marni On The Move podcast. Marni is the Co-Founder of FIT + LOVE, an experiential marketing company.

In this episode, we discuss growing brand awareness, marketing vs branding, wins and fails analysis, and performance optimization!

In my 60th episode of the podcast, I am sharing some of my favorite tips that will help you 10x your productivity this year!

I explain the differences between habits and routines and give you 4 tips on developing a new (and lasting) habit.

I then share with you 5 techniques for optimizing productivity, including a weekly and daily timebox planner that will upgrade almost every facet of your life! As an added bonus, I tell you how you can download these 2 PDFs for free.

In episode 59 I sit down with Rob Crews, founder and CEO of Complete Game, Player Development Company. We talk about improving mental strength, the importance of knowing and accepting yourself (as both an athlete and a person), the concept of human development instead of just player development, and the importance of being coachable.

In episode 58 I sit down with Kiran Krishnan, microbiologist, researcher, co-founder of Microbiome Labs, and gut-health expert with 20 years of experience in nutrition and dietary supplements. 

In this episode, we discuss :

• What matters most when picking a probiotic (CFUs vs Strains) and why picking the right strain matters
• The importance of microbial diversity
• Manipulating your microbiome
• How other people can influence your microbiome 

In episode 56 we are talking dental health! I sit down with Epic Dental founder and CEO, Donald Bailey. We discuss how to find a good dentist, what causes cavities, why brushing and flossing aren’t the only things that matter for your teeth, and Donal explains the benefits of incorporating xylitol into your daily routine for improved oral health! We also discuss the myths around fluoride, mouthwash and whitening your teeth. 

In episode 55 I discuss one of my favorite herbal relaxants and nervines, California Poppy! I discuss its mechanisms of action, one of the main constituents and its indicated health benefits. I also include a Botanical Bri Tea- my Soothing Poppy Tea! I am also adding a new segment to the show called “Emotional Nutrition” where I give some life advice, wisdom, or things my younger or future self might need to hear. Today we discuss the idea of impermanence & acceptance.

Botanical Bri- California Poppy

Emotional Nutrition - Impermanence & Acceptance 

In episode 54 I sit down with chiropractor Dr. TJ Abrams and Acupuncturist Clint Price to discuss all things creating a healing team! Dr. TJ and Clint both discuss HOW chiropractic care and acupuncture work on the body (mechanism of action), patient compliance, and how both of these modalities can fit into a preventative medicine model. We do a fun rapid-fire question segment at the end where both Dr. TJ and Clint debunk health myths, talk about their health non-negotiables for their morning routines, wellness rules that need to be broken and so much more!

In episode 53 I have my first return guest, Dr. Tina Yang; Acupuncturist, Chinese Medicine Doctor, and Fertility & Women’s Health Specialist.

In this episode, Dr. Tina discusses the adrenal glands, how adrenal health is viewed in Chinese medicine, and the importance of understanding your constitutional type (the TCM version of biochemical individuality) when it comes to creating an adrenal/health protocol. We discuss some herbs to support yin and yang (dealing with adrenals) and she explains HOW acupuncture can benefit your whole-body health.

Katey Kristabelle (faces by Katey on IG) is the founder of Mindful Beauty, a safe no judgment space for you to receive guidance towards skin and soul healing.

Katey is a holistic esthetician specializing in “glowing skin and fluffy brows”. She has been practicing her craft for a decade and believes in treating not only the skin’s surface but looking at how everything is all connected.

In this episode, we talk about all things holistic skincare! Katey explains what being a holistic esthetician means, discusses the importance of your liver and lymphatic system in skin health, strep bacteria as a main culprit behind your acne, and why and how to add Gua sha to your skincare routine! At the end, I ask Katey a few rapid-fire questions in my Skin Savvy Segment, which breaks down some myths (do we need SPF 100, do we need AM/PM skincare, etc.), must-haves, and skin wellness advice!

In this episode, I am talking about getting your mindset right! I discuss the idea of emotional resiliency, the difference between feelings and emotions (and why your feelings don’t always matter), the different parts of the brain involved in feelings and emotions, and why you should absolutely experience some stress and problems in your life! Finally, I finish the show with a few mental health prompts and coping mechanisms for a bad day that you can easily be incorporated into your daily routine.

Knowledge Bites- Feeling Vs Emotions (parts of the brain involved in feelings vs emotions)

___

Befriending Anxiety E-Course

In episode 49 I sit down with Anthony Renna, an expert in the fitness industry for over 20 years. Anthony is the author of Be Like the Best, a guide to reaching the top in the fitness profession. Anthony is also the host of the Strength Coach Podcast, which consists of Interviews with the Top Strength Coaches, Fitness Pros, Nutritionists and Fitness Business Coaches. 

Anthony and I discuss his latest passion project, “50 for 50”, a 50-day body transformation challenge that helps men in their 50’s look better and feel great in just 50 days, without insane long workouts or strict dieting. We also discuss the many surprising benefits of aging, how mental health should become a main priority as your health evolves, the importance of social interactions, and why you don't need to take an extreme approach when trying to reach your fitness goals. We close off the show with some fun and informative rapid-fire questions! 

In episode 48 of the podcast I sit down with Cassie Aurora, a professional astrologer, reiki master, sound healer, and holistic integrative coach. 

In this episode Cassie dives into all things understanding Homeopathy, which includes explaining what Homeopathy actually is (and why she believes it is the medicine of the future), when it might be a good time to integrate this healing modality into your wellness journey, explaining the differences between strength and dosages when choosing a remedy and some life & health advice she would give to all the listeners and her younger self!

In episode 47 I am discussing one of my favorite OG botanicals, ginger root! Since we are in the Autumn season I discus the role of the large intestines from a Chinese Medicine standpoint including its emotional meaning, the physiological importance and function of the large intestines, the connection with the lungs and ways to support it. I next get into Botanical Bri, where I dive into all thing ginger root, a simple but powerful herb. I explain some of gingers herbal energetics, some of the main compounds that have been studied for its benefits, different ways to use ginger and of course I discuss its many benefits!

Knowledge Bites: TCM & Large Intestine

Botanical Bri: Ginger

___

Befriending Anxiety E-Course

In episode 46 we are talking emotional support! I discuss the concept of emotional residue and why things just feel off sometimes. I discuss different categories of emotional support from an herbal perspective. In my Botanical Bri section I dive into one of my favorite herbs to support emotional health, Wood Betony. Lastly I close off the show with 4 tips to reframe your mind when you are going through emotional turmoil.

Fun Fact of the Day, While I Sip Cafe - Emotional Residue 

Botanical Bri- Wood Betony 

___

Befriending Anxiety E-Course

In episode 45 of the podcast (my favorite episode I have recorded to date) I am talking all things change, resistance and acceptance!

I discuss some main reasons why you struggle with change in general, why you need to have “seasons” of emptiness and loneliness in your life to create newness, and how resistance plays a role in struggling with change.

I close out the show by giving 4 tips on how you can actually embrace change, accept newness in your life and create a new life!

___

Befriending Anxiety E-Course

In episode 44, I sit down with Davin Neagle, Success Mindset Coach and we talk all things life and business success!

David explains the importance of failure when scaling your business, the 3 P’s of spending your time and energy, why you need to be alone for some parts of your entrepreneurship journey, the law of non-resistance and being cautious of your thoughts.

We do a few fun rapid fire questions at the end where David gives career and relationship advice to his younger self, his mantra for getting through a tough day and a recent book that he suggests everyone should read!

In episode 43 I sit down with JD Wilson, the founder of Lead U, a company that focuses on creating personalized empowerment experiences for students, school staffs, sports teams, and business corporations.

We discuss how Lead U was created and how to turn your passions and skills into your career. JD explains his concept behind the Word of the Day (and gives an AMAZING example), and why you should figure what your "on the ride home" mentality is and means to you. We also discuss why it is hard to listen to yourself (even if you know best) and we finish some great rapid fire questions!

JD also surprises me with a fun and interactive way to explain what being a leader means.

In episode 42 we are talking about benefits of natural light for supporting your sleep and circadian rhythm. I discuss why you shouldn’t wear your blue light blocking glasses all day if you want to sleep better at night, benefits of natural light earlier in the day for better sleep (why hot girl walks are good for your mood and overall health), I give a brief overview of your circadian cycle, explain what LUX actually means and why blue light isn’t totally bad for us and why the timing of light is just as important as the type of light you are exposed to. Extra credit at the end, I give you 3 tips for naturally increasing melatonin.

Nerd Alert- Melanopsin - Blue light sensors in our retina & blue light

Knowledge Bites- Circadian rhythm 101

Extra Credit- 3 tips to naturally support melatonin levels

___

Befriending Anxiety E-Course

In episode 41 of the podcast I sit down with licensed naturopathic physician, Dr. Adam Rinde, who specializes in complex chronic illness, gut, brain and immune health and nutrigenomics.

Dr. Adam gives the most brilliant definition of functional medicine vs integrative medicine, he explains the field of nutrigenomics, he discusses when it is the right time to run genetic testing, what it means to have “health anxiety” and what he suggests you do every single day to optimize gene expression!

In episode 40 we are talking all things alcohol, what it does to your body, brain and how it impacts your sleep. In the nerd alert section of the show I dive into specific brain pathways involved in drinking and in the knowledge bites section I talk about how to drink smarter.

In this epodes I discuss why your significant other snores more when they drink, why you can’t remember anything the next day (or that night) and what you can do to prevent a pounding headache/ wanting to die vibe after a night of partying. I also discuss how to pre-tox and detox if you chose to drink (aka supporting the liver), what damp living means and why it might be the option for you.

Nerd Alert: Brain Regions Impacted by Alcohol

Knowledge Bites: Drinking Smarter & Hangovers

**Note I misspoke and did not re-record one sentence. I meant to say for every glass of alcohol you should have 1 to 1.5 glasses of water.

__

Befriending Anxiety E-Course

In episode 38 of the podcast I sit down with Tony Pec, The Godfather of Marketing and Francis Volpe, Co-Founders of Y Not You Media, a Forbes Accredited Marketing Agency as well as Y Not Print a merchandise printing company.

The company believes in Y not You, why can’t you become the next big thing!

In this episode we talk all things building a brand, networking and content! Tony and Francis break down the art (and power) of sliding into someones DM’s to build authentic relationships, how to avoid content fatigue, why you should be shaking more hands to make more money and tips for building the backend of your business so you scale!

In episode 37 of the podcast I discuss the main differences between your feelings and your emotions! I talk about what areas of the brain are involved when we experience feelings and emotions, why your feelings don't always matter, conscious vs unconscious feelings and emotions and why being aware of your behaviors, intentions and actions is imperative when you don't "feel" like doing something!

In episode 35, I sit down with Dr. Stephanie Canestraro, chiropractor and owner of the Vagus Clinic, which specializes in the Vagus Nerve and the gut-brain connection.

In this episode Dr. Stephanie Canestraro explains what Lyme Disease is, signs and symptoms to look for and how to manage symptoms. She also discuss the lymphatic system, how to support the immune system (and not overly “boost” it) and of course she breaks down understanding the Vagus Nerve, vagal tone and how it impacts your overall health.

In episode 33 of the podcast I sit down with Dr. Melanie Joy, Holistic Health Specialist, to discuss nervous system health, what living a nourished life means and breaking down the topic of trauma. We discuss how the nervous system holds onto trauma, how unresolved trauma manifests in the body and understanding that love is the best nutrition and how to start applying it daily!

In part 2 of Episode 31 I am breaking down the actual labs, reference ranges and makers to ask your doctor for when addressing the topic of inflammation. A very straight forward episode, be sure to break out your notepad!

Understanding inflammatory lab markers is critical for identifying not only underlying health issues, but also for making individual, root cause and  appropriate lifestyle, dietary and herbal/supplement changes to support optimal health!

Knowledge Bites: Labs to Run for Inflammation

Be sure to follow my Instagram @briannadiorio for all the Brianna Approved educational content!

In part 1 of episode 31 of the podcast we will discuss labs you should be asking your doctor to run if you are concerned with inflammation. Part 2 of this episode (to be released later this week) will discuss which labs you should be running when looking at assessing inflammation makers. I will briefly discuss what inflammation is, why inflammation isn’t all bad (you’d be dead without it) and blood markers you should be aware of. In the Nerd Alert segment of the episode I will discuss the differences between the acute phase and the resolution phase of inflammation and why chronic low grade inflammation can become problematic overtime.

Nerd Alert- Inflammation Basics

Knowledge Bites- Acute vs Resolution Phase of Inflammation

Be sure to follow my Instagram @briannadiorio for all the Brianna Approved educational content!

In episode 30 of the podcast I sit down with Jason Phillips, CEO of the Nutritional Coaching Institute, the coach of coaches and former cover model and professional athlete to a sought-after fitness and nutrition coaches. We discuss the evolution of coaching in todays virtual space, scaling your business, adding value to your clients and learning to finally stop devaluing your services and prices! We also discuss his #neverskipdessert challenge, working on shifting your mindset and how to start adding impact to all areas of your personal and professional life! 

Episode 29 of the podcast is a perfect and timely episode for the New Year resolution gang or really anyone looking to take advantage of the new year, new me mindset (if done correctly).

I start the episode by discussing the benefits of focusing on behaviors and habits, as opposed to just results and goals and help you take a deeper look at HOW the goals you are setting can be impacting other areas of your life.

In the Knowledge Bites segment of the show I dive into 3 FREE things you can start doing right now to improve your health, how to improve your spiritual nutrition and emotional hygiene and why you should do an energy detox/audit!

The Nerd Alert segment of the show gets into the benefits of CoQ10!

Knowledge Bites: 3 Free Health Tips

Nerd Alert: Benefits of CoQ10

Be sure to follow my Instagram @briannadiorio for all the Brianna Approved educational content!

In episode 28 of the podcast I sit down with Dana Monsees, a Dietitian-Nutritionist (MS, CNS, LDN) and Body Image Coach who specializes in helping women with gut issues and burnout from a HAES, non-diet approach. Her philosophy combines neutral nutrition, weight-inclusive care, and her training in integrative and functional nutrition to help women heal their relationship with food and their bodies as a root cause of chronic health conditions.

In this episode we discuss:

-Neutral nutrition 

-Explaining what food freedom means 

-Underlying issues that can contribute to food issues and disordered eating (hint, it is rarely about food)

-Red flags people should look for when working with a coach/nutritionist/dietitian 

In this episode of the podcast I discuss the lung-gut axis, the role of the lungs in Chinese Medicine, why taking a deep breath is good for your emotions and why it’s important to pay attention to your large intestines when you are “eliminating” things/people/thoughts from your life. In the Botanical Bri section of the show I discuss the benefits of Osha Root and I also give you a homework assignment for the week, which will benefit your emotional and respiratory health!

Fun Fact of the Day: Lung-Gut Axis

Knowledge Bites: Lungs from a TCM Standpoint

Botanical Bri: Osha Root

Nerd Alert: Ferulic Acid

Be sure to follow my Instagram @briannadiorio for all the Brianna Approved educational content!

In episode 26 of the Podcast Christina and I dive into leveling up your energetic and spiritual life! Christina explains why people find it so difficult to sit with uncomfortable emotions like sadness and anxiety, why certain emotions like jealousy can actually be helpful and why it is is SO important to make and create space in your life with what is truly in alignment for your best self. We also discuss common energetic blocks she sees in relationship, how to balance male and female energy and why things all of a sudden start to fall into place when you understand divine timing. Christina discusses how to know when you are truly out of alignment, discerning between soul versus ego based thoughts, leaning into your "soul self" and choosing from a soul aligned space.

In Episode 23 I chat with Dash Hudson, Father, Speaker, Author and Mental Health Advocate. We discuss aligning energy with people who resonate with you, explaining what “emotional dehydration” is and how to avoid it, why we stay in uncomfortable situations and patterns that no longer serve us and all things mental/ emotional health!

In episode 22 I continue the conversation around understanding anxiety! I start with Nerd Alert, where I discuss the limbic system, then I get into the main segment of the show, which is understanding the amygdala pathway for anxiety. I  discuss why benzodiazepines won’t help with this kind of anxiety long-term and why you feel bad after having a “rage blackout”. 

I also discuss how the amygdala can unconsciously attach anxiety to situations and objects, as well as helping individuals to become aware of the rapid responses that are experienced by the amygdala pathway; this ideally can help them understand and cope with the physical symptoms and experience of anxiety. 

Nerd Alert- Limbic Brain

Knowledge Bites- Amygdala Pathway for Anxiety

Extra Credit- The best way to deal with Amygdala based anxiety.

In episode 21 I am talking cultivating seasonal wellness, the differences in fortifying vs boosting the immune system, herbal properties for the immune system and identifying “red flags” in your immune system relationship.

In episode 20 I am talking all things anxiety, cultivating emotional well-being and coping skills for all of my recovering super spazes out there! I will start with the fun fact of the day, discuss the difference between helpful and unhelpful anxiety, talk about worrying well, refraining anxiety and doing less to get more out of your health!

In episode 18 I am breaking down cognitive flexibility, essentially being able to go with the flow, having higher resilience when life doesn’t go your way and the ability to adapt our behavior and thinking in response to the environment. As an added bonus I discuss several ways you can improve your cognitive flexibility. In the Botanical Bri segment, I discuss Gotu Kola, an herb known for its ability to support cognitive functions and get into the Nerd Alert section of the show, where I talk about the Anterior Cingulate Cortex (ACC), which is responsible for a host of cognitive functions, including emotional expression, attention allocation, and mood regulation.

Botanical Bri- Gotu Kola

Nerd Alert- Anterior Cingulate Cortex

Knowledge Bites- Cognitive Flexibility