WHOOP Podcast

WHOOP
  • 4.6 (53)
  • Fitness
  • Updated Weekly

The WHOOP Podcast is all about sharing science-backed insights and strategies from the best in the world at what they do. Learn from Olympic champions, CEOs, bestselling authors, and PhDs about the habits, mindsets, and routines that improve their health, fitness, and resilience. Unpack everything from breakthrough health and nutrition research, life-saving tech advances, longevity hacks, and more—each episode features an empowering conversation you don’t want to miss.Tune in every Wednesday for a new episode of the WHOOP Podcast.

  1. The Science of Human Performance: What is Strain?

    1d ago

    The Science of Human Performance: What is Strain?

    Welcome to the Science of Human Performance Series where we are breaking down the key metric for you to improve your fitness. This week, we’re unpacking Strain with WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist Dr. Kristen Holmes and WHOOP Staff Research Scientist Dr. Greg Grosicki. Together, Dr. Holmes and Dr. Grosicki explore how both cardiovascular and musculoskeletal load are taken into account when measuring a member’s daily strain to help balance training, recovery, and build long-term fitness. The conversation explains the influence of WHOOP Strain on overall fitness goals, from improving fitness to supporting weight management, and increasing VO₂ max. This episode will give practical guidance on your training routine, helping you build the habits necessary for performance, healthspan, and longevity. (00:00) Looking To Gain Fitness? WHOOP Strain Can Help (01:25) What is Strain? (02:07) How Does WHOOP Measure Strain? (03:21) What Is The Neuromuscular System – Why Does It Matter For Strain?  (03:57) How Does WHOOP Measure Musculoskeletal Load? (08:09) Creating Impactful Strain Recommendations: WHOOP Coach (11:16) Exclusive Offer For WHOOP Podcast Listeners (11:50) Why Is Strain Measured on a 21-Point Scale? (16:37) The Power of Consistency: Improving Fitness By Following Strain Coach (23:21) Refer A Friend: Get 2 Months Free! (23:56) Is Strain The Biggest Lever For Improving Cardio Health?  (24:57) How To Improve Strain (Habits For Busy Individuals) (27:03) Focussing on Heart Rate Zones (29:32) What Does VO2 Max Tell About Strain? (32:21) Building A Fitness Routine: Is Changing Strain Activities More Effective? (39:06) Exclusive WHOOP Advanced Labs Offer (39:40) Can You Still See Fitness Gains With High Strain & Low Recovery?  (41:01) Greg & Kristen’s Go-To Strain Activities For Fitness (44:50) Thanks For Listening: New Member Offer & WHOOP Apparel & Accessories Discount Support the show Follow WHOOP: Sign up for WHOOP Advanced Labs Trial WHOOP for Free www.whoop.com Instagram TikTok YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn

    46 min
  2. Debunking Fertility Myths: Dr. Lucky Sekhon's Guide To Understanding Reproductive Health

    Jun 17

    Debunking Fertility Myths: Dr. Lucky Sekhon's Guide To Understanding Reproductive Health

    Fertility is often misunderstood. On this episode of the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP SVP of Research, Algorithms, and Data Emily Capodilupo sits down with board-certified reproductive endocrinologist, fertility specialist, and OB-GYN Dr. Lucky Sekhon to separate fact from fiction when it comes to fertility and hormonal health. Together, they explore the real science behind fertility, hormone health, menstrual cycles, sleep, stress, exercise, nutrition, and aging. Dr. Sekhon explains why fertility is deeply connected to overall health, debunks common myths about birth control and conception, and shares what everyone needs to understand about reproductive health. Whether you're trying to conceive, planning for the future, or simply want to better understand your body, this conversation offers empowering insights grounded in science. (01:18) Dr. Lucky Sekhon: Reproductive Endocrinologist & Fertility Expert (05:01) What Most People Don't Know About Getting Pregnant (09:16) Why it Essential To Track Your Cycle? (16:22) Advocating For Your Health: When to See A Physician For Fertility Issues (18:22) How Can WHOOP Data Help Have Effective Conversations With Your Doctor? (21:23) Impact of Sleep on Reproductive Health (22:42) Impact of Stress on Reproductive Health (28:16) How To Manage Stress Levels For Overall Health (30:50) Impact of Exercise on Reproductive Health (34:13) How Much Does Age Really Influence Fertility? (39:06) The Practical Habits Anyone Can Do To Aid Fertility Health (42:09) Myth or Truth: Does Birth Control Cause Infertility  (47:44) What Your Menstrual Cycle (And Monthly Symptoms) Say About Your Health (50:00) Essential vs Overhyped: Habits For Someone Trying To Get Pregnant Follow Dr. Lucky Sekhon: Instagram LinkedIn Website Order The Lucky Egg by Dr. Lucky Sekhon Support the show Follow WHOOP: Sign up for WHOOP Advanced Labs Trial WHOOP for Free www.whoop.com Instagram TikTok YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn

    1h 1m
  3. 5 Breathwork Exercises For Stress: Regulate Your Nervous System with World Champion Freediver Alexey Molchanov

    Jun 10

    5 Breathwork Exercises For Stress: Regulate Your Nervous System with World Champion Freediver Alexey Molchanov

    In this episode of the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP Founder and CEO, Will Ahmed sits down with world-record-holding freediver Alexey Molchanov to explore the extraordinary physical and mental demands of freedriving and the importance of breath work for nervous system regulation. Alexey shares how he developed the ability to dive more than 130 meters in a single breath and the mindset required to remain calm under extreme pressure. He breaks down the breathing techniques, meditation practices, and training methods that help him lower his heart rate, improve recovery, and perform at the highest level. The conversation also covers resilience after failure, visualization, sleep, nervous system regulation, and practical breathwork exercises that anyone can use to manage stress, improve focus, and enhance recovery. (00:00) Get WHOOP FREE for 30 Days  (00:32) Alexey Molchanov: World Record Holding Free Diver (03:08) Staying Present: Knowing Your Depth During A Free Dive (04:21) What Happens To the Body During A Free Dive? (06:37) Controlling Your Mind 14 Atmospheres Below Water (09:37) Managing Panic: Staying Present When Things Get Intense (13:13) Alexey’s Guide to Regulating The Nervous System  (15:12) The Important Role of Breathwork For Mental Strength (16:45) Breathwork Exercise #1: Strengthening Your Lungs (Inhale Focussed) (17:48) Breathwork Exercise #2: Stretching Your Lungs (Exhale Focussed) (18:59) Breathwork Exercise #3: Increasing Your Mobility (21:11) Breathwork Exercise #4: Calming Your Nervous System (24:45) Breathwork Exercise #5: How To Reset Your Nervous System (FAST) (27:05) Why Is Technique Important For Breathwork? (29:15) Sign Up For WHOOP Advanced Labs Specialized Panels (29:49) How To Use Breathwork In Your Daily Life (and Why You Should) (41:02) Inside The Data: What Alexey Is Tracking Right Now with WHOOP (43:23) Effective Sleep Techniques For Sleep Performance (44:51) Diving Deep: Alexey’s Longest Breath Hold (49:29) Underwater Safety: How Alexey Avoids Blackout & Panic Under Water (53:27) Thanks For Listening: Get Your Exclusive WHOOP Offer Support the show Follow WHOOP: Sign up for WHOOP Advanced Labs Trial WHOOP for Free www.whoop.com Instagram TikTok YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn

    54 min
  4. The Myth of The Midlife Crisis: Regaining Control of Middlescence with Barbara Waxman

    Jun 3

    The Myth of The Midlife Crisis: Regaining Control of Middlescence with Barbara Waxman

    In this episode, Emily Capodilupo sits down with gerontologist, leadership coach, and author of The Middlescence Manifesto Barbara Waxman to explore the powerful idea of “middlescence” — a transformative stage of life between young and late adulthood. Together, they unpack why midlife isn’t a crisis, but an opportunity for reinvention, alignment, and growth. Listeners will learn how mindset, purpose, relationships, and joy directly impact an individual’s healthspan and longevity. Emily and Barbara share the best strategy to use wearable data as a tool for self-awareness rather than self-judgment. This conversation is full of practical insights on flourishing at every age, redefining success, and building a life that feels both healthy and deeply meaningful. (00:33) Intro to Barbara Waxman (01:00) What is Middlescence? How To Redefine Midlife (03:20) Addressing This New Life Stage & Creating Change (06:22) Coaching People Through Midlife (08:15) Debunking The Concept of the Midlife Crisis (09:57) Key Lifestyle Shifts From a Life Coach (12:23) 7 Lifestyle Levers: Where People Start To Prepare for Middlescence (17:21) Reframing Longevity: Live Better, Not Just Longer (19:37) How Barbara Uses WHOOP Data In Her Practice (25:54) Lifestyle Considerations For A Healthy Life Beyond Longevity & Healthspan (34:51) How People in Their 20s, 30s, 40s,and 50s Can Increase Longevity Follow Barbara Waxman: Website LinkedIn Support the show Follow WHOOP: Sign up for WHOOP Advanced Labs Trial WHOOP for Free www.whoop.com Instagram TikTok YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn

    40 min
  5. The Science of Happiness: How To Live The Life You Want with Dr. Laurie Santos

    May 27

    The Science of Happiness: How To Live The Life You Want with Dr. Laurie Santos

    On this week’s episode of the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist Dr. Kristen Holmes welcomes Happiness Expert and Yale Professor Dr. Laurie Santos to explore what makes humans happy. This science-backed conversation looks at the key mindset, habits and behaviors that drive a person’s happiness, beyond chasing achievements. Dr. Santos shares the information you need to create lasting joy and quiet negative emotions when they arise. Each practical tool shared in this episode will help to overcome stress, perfectionism and create the self-compassion needed to truly improve your everyday life.  (00:35) Inside Dr. Laurie Santos’s Record-Breaking Yale Course (02:04) Differentiating Happiness and Joy (And How To Find Both) (03:33) The Importance of Finding Purpose (05:52) What Happens When You Aren’t Aligned With Your True Self (09:54) The Largest Misconception When It Comes To Happiness (11:40) Happiness in Athletes: Overcoming The Need For Achievement  (15:05) Quieting A Negative Mindset  (18:52) The Key Mental Shift for Fulfillment (21:36) Fighting Back Against Perfectionist Self Talk (24:50) How Social Comparison is Taking Away  (29:39) Impactful Effects of Gratitude and Kindness Meditation (32:26) Creating Psychological Safety & How It Impacts Happiness (33:30) What Role of Sleep Play in Happiness? (39:19) Benefits of Scheduling Your Worry (40:30) The Overwhelming Impact of Social Connection on Health and Happiness (41:50) Social Connection For Extroverts vs Introverts (50:39) Happiness in Marriage: Finding Joy Within Yourself and Your Partner  (52:25) How Ruminating In Negative Thoughts Can Hinder Growth (55:38) Attention and Intention in Mindfulness and Meditation (01:01:01) How to Dr. Santos Defines A Good Life (01:01:47) 3 Ways To Bring Happiness Into Your Life Today Follow Dr. Laurie Santos Instagram YouTube X Website Support the show Follow WHOOP: Sign up for WHOOP Advanced Labs Trial WHOOP for Free www.whoop.com Instagram TikTok YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn

    1h 4m
  6. Spencer Matthews: From “Bad Boy” To Breaking World Records as an Elite Athlete

    May 20

    Spencer Matthews: From “Bad Boy” To Breaking World Records as an Elite Athlete

    This week on the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP Founder and CEO Will Ahmed welcomes TV Personality, Entrepreneur, and Endurance Athlete Spencer Matthews for a candid conversation about transformation, resilience, and pushing human limits. Spencer reflects on his early life, struggles with alcohol and fame, and the turning point that led him to prioritize health, discipline, and purpose. Through endurance challenges like running 30 marathons in 30 days and completing 7 Ironman competitions in 7 continents over 21 days, Matthews shares how consistency, mindset, and self-belief can unlock extraordinary performance. The episode blends personal storytelling with insights on recovery, training, and mental toughness, highlighting how intentional habits and perseverance can fundamentally reshape both body and life. (01:31) Who Is Spencer Matthews?: From TV Personality to Endurance Athlete & Entrepreneur (02:41) Growing Up Around Success (03:49) Spencer’s Experience with Alcoholism and Embracing The “Bad Boy” Persona (09:55) Making A Lifestyle Change: What Drove Spencer To Sobriety (12:52) The Connection Between Addiction and Endurance Athletics (20:02) From Couch to Ultra-Marathoner: Spencer’s Guide To Gaining Fitness (25:00) The Mental Aspect of Running 30 Marathons in 30 Days  (29:10) How The Body Adapts To Challenge (Key Recovery Insights) (32:49) Mentally Preparing For An Ironman (Project 7) (34:58) Managing A Negative Headspace (46:17) Spencer’s Experience Using WHOOP  Follow Spencer Matthews: IG TikTok UNTAPPED with Spencer Matthews Support the show Follow WHOOP: Sign up for WHOOP Advanced Labs Trial WHOOP for Free www.whoop.com Instagram TikTok YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn

    54 min
  7. Advocating For Your Health Using Wearables and AI with Dr. Mia Chorney and Susan Sly

    May 13

    Advocating For Your Health Using Wearables and AI with Dr. Mia Chorney and Susan Sly

    In this episode of the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP SVP of Research, Algorithms, and Data Emily Capodilupo sits down with Renowned Cardiologist Dr. Mia Chorney and AI Entrepreneur Susan Sly to explore how AI is transforming women’s health– specifically for women going through perimenopause and menopause. Drawing from personal experiences and clinical expertise, this episode unpacks why millions of women are dismissed or misdiagnosed throughout their perimenopause and menopause journey. Dr. Mia Chorney and Susan Sly explain the science behind hormonal changes, and how data, wearables, and AI can provide better support and earlier intervention. The conversation highlights the power of combining technology with empathy to help women better understand their bodies, advocate for their health, and avoid suffering in silence. (00:58) Introducing ThePause.ai Co-Founders: Dr. Mia Chorney & Susan Sly (02:21) Susan Sly’s Journey Becoming an AI Tech Entrepreneur & Innovator (06:02) Dr. Mia Chorney’s Move From Cardiology to AI Forward Medicine (09:16) Why So Many Women Get Dismissed: Perimenopause & Menopause Care (13:23) How Can Women Take Control of Symptoms & Care (19:00) The Women’s Health Initiative Study: Why It’s Detrimental To Menopause Health (21:43) Lifestyle Factors To Ease Menopause Symptoms  (24:58) The 104 Symptoms of Menopause & The Impact of Nutrient Deficiencies  (42:56) Talking With Your Partner: How To Navigate Conversations Around Menopause  (48:02) 2 Key Takeaways For Women Experiencing Menopause (51:55) How Does Menopause Affect Men and What Do They Need To Know?  Dr. Mia Chorney Instagram LinkedIn Susan Sly Instagram LinkedIn Website ThePause.ai Website LinkedIn Support the show Follow WHOOP: Sign up for WHOOP Advanced Labs Trial WHOOP for Free www.whoop.com Instagram TikTok YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn

    56 min
  8. How AI Is Shaping the Future of Medicine with Vivek Natarajan

    May 6

    How AI Is Shaping the Future of Medicine with Vivek Natarajan

    On this month’s episode of the WHOOP Podcast Longevity series, WHOOP SVP of Research, Algorithms, and Data Emily Capodilupo sits down with Google Deepmind AI Researcher Vivek Natarajan to explore how large language models are transforming healthcare and biomedical research. Emily and Vivek discuss AI’s potential to both accelerate scientific discovery, such as developing new treatments and understanding diseases, and expand access to care globally by delivering medical guidance more equitably. The episode examines how AI can augment, rather than replace, doctors by improving diagnostics, increasing efficiency, and enabling more personalized care, while highlighting the importance of trust, safety, and human connection as these technologies evolve.  (00:47) Understanding The Intersection of Large Language Models and Biomedicine (02:26) How To Approach AI in the Healthcare Landscape (05:52) What Is The Role of the Doctor as AI Becomes More Popular (09:39) What Does The Future of AI Healthcare Look Like?  (12:51) Clinical Care: Where Can AI Assist? (16:03) Exploring The Dangers of AI  (18:43) Process of Teaching Physicians and Users To Use AI  (22:22) What Are The Areas of Concern Over AI? (24:12) Regulation and Pace of Development (26:51) Gaining and Maintaining Trust While Building AI Algorithms (30:38) The Impact of AI on Research (37:44) Biggest Misconception Regarding AI in Healthcare Follow Vivek Natarajan: LinkedIn Support the show Follow WHOOP: Sign up for WHOOP Advanced Labs Trial WHOOP for Free www.whoop.com Instagram TikTok YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn

    41 min
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Hosts & Guests

4.6
out of 5
53 Ratings

About

The WHOOP Podcast is all about sharing science-backed insights and strategies from the best in the world at what they do. Learn from Olympic champions, CEOs, bestselling authors, and PhDs about the habits, mindsets, and routines that improve their health, fitness, and resilience. Unpack everything from breakthrough health and nutrition research, life-saving tech advances, longevity hacks, and more—each episode features an empowering conversation you don’t want to miss.Tune in every Wednesday for a new episode of the WHOOP Podcast.

Information

  • Creator
    WHOOP
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    379
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 WHOOP Podcast
  • Show Website
    WHOOP Podcast

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