Nina’s Notes Podcast

Nina Patrick

A weekly, non-technical podcast on health, longevity & psychedelics. www.ninasnotes.xyz

  1. 4d ago

    #189: Why Your Doctor Might Be at Your Next Hotel

    In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Frederik Dierick, a family and sports medicine physician turned founder of Pioneer Wellness Group, to explore how hospitality could become one of the most effective (and most overlooked) tools for helping millions of people live longer, healthier lives. Listen & watch on 🔴YouTube 🟢 Spotify, & 🟣 Apple Podcasts Frederik makes the case that hotels and resorts are uniquely positioned to deliver science-backed longevity care at scale: guests arrive with time, attention, and motivation that almost never exists in a doctor’s office. We dig into what it actually takes to build a luxury wellness experience that’s grounded in real clinical science (not spa-day wellness theater), why nutrition is the most sensitive topic in medicine, where AI fits in as a health accountability partner, and what it will take to democratize longevity so it’s not just for the ultra-wealthy. CHAPTERS * 00:00 The Journey to Longevity Medicine * 05:47 Creating Transformative Experiences in Hospitality * 12:01 Practical Applications of Health in Hospitality * 18:00 The Future of Longevity in Hospitality * 23:57 The Challenges of Personalized Medicine * 29:10 Challenges in Patient Care and Systemic Issues * 38:35 Democratizing Longevity Medicine * 45:07 Nutrition: The Most Sensitive Topic * 51:16 The Future of Health Hospitality ABOUT DR. FREDERIK DIERICK Dr. Frederik Dierick trained as a family and sports medicine doctor before founding Pioneer Wellness Group, a consultancy on a mission to turn hotels and resorts into the world’s most powerful health platforms. He works at the intersection of clinical medicine and hospitality, helping brands build wellness experiences rooted in real science rather than trend-driven spa treatments. CONNECT WITH PIONEER WELLNESS GROUP: * Website: https://www.pioneerwellnessgroup.com * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frederikdierick/ ABOUT NINA’S NOTESNina’s Notes explores the intersection of longevity science, neuroscience, and human optimization. Hosted by Nina Patrick, PhD in pharmaceutical sciences and longevity researcher, each episode translates cutting-edge research into actionable insights for living longer, better. CONNECT WITH NINA’S NOTESNewsletter: www.ninasnotes.xyzLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninapatrick/Website: https://www.ninapatrick.xyz Keywords: longevity, health optimization, hospitality, wellness, science, experience, behavior change, AI health coaching, preventive medicine, luxury wellness Thanks for reading Nina’s Notes! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Nina’s Notes at www.ninasnotes.xyz/subscribe

    53 min
  2. Jul 1

    #188: The 5-Minute Brain Scan That Detects Dementia Early

    Can a 5-minute brain scan detect dementia years before symptoms? Jurij Dreo, co-founder and CTO of BrainTrip, draws on 20+ years of EEG research to reveal how brain activity can be measured, interpreted, and used to catch the earliest signs of cognitive decline and dementia — often before they’re visible or irreversible. In this episode of Nina’s Notes, host Nina Patrick (PhD) and Jurij explore the real potential of EEG technology, why it’s been underused in clinics, and where brain-health diagnostics are headed next. If you care about protecting your memory and measuring your cognitive capital, this one’s for you. 🎙️ Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & YouTube. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – The fascination with the brain 03:49 – Neuroscience vs. genetics in clinical practice 06:17 – Understanding EEG: the hidden talent 11:50 – EEG waves and brain health 18:31 – EEG in cognitive decline & dementia 25:32 – Cogniscore: a new approach to brain health 29:26 – Understanding Cogniscore & cognitive assessment 32:24 – The accessibility of EEG testing 35:34 – Advancements in EEG technology 38:24 – Interpreting cognitive assessment results 44:17 – Next steps after cognitive assessment 45:59 – When to get a Cogniscore assessment 47:43 – Daily practices for brain health 52:01 – The brain of Marie Curie WHAT YOU’LL LEARN * Why EEG beats other brain-imaging tools for early detection * How brain waves reveal your mental and cognitive state * The challenges of turning EEG research into clinical tools * How EEG can flag early dementia and cognitive decline * How AI and machine learning decode EEG data * Network-level brain activity and why it matters * How accessible EEG assessments are right now * The future of EEG for diagnosing brain disorders ABOUT JURIJ DREO Jurij Dreo is a Slovenian leader in neuroscience and brainwave analysis with over 20 years of experience. His work targets one of the defining health challenges of our time: cognitive decline. Through validated brain-monitoring methods, he’s built a system that detects the earliest signs of memory loss — making it possible to intervene before decline becomes irreversible. From clinical research to directing EEG labs, he bridges science and real-world application, setting new standards for how high performers protect and strengthen brain function over time. BrainTrip: https://braintrip.net/BrainTrip LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/braintrip/Jurij Dreo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jurij-dreo-38360b198/ ABOUT NINA’S NOTES Nina’s Notes explores the intersection of longevity science, neuroscience, and human optimization. Hosted by Nina Patrick, PhD in pharmaceutical sciences and longevity researcher, each episode translates cutting-edge research into actionable insights for living longer, better. CONNECT WITH NINA’S NOTESNewsletter: www.ninasnotes.xyz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninapatrick/Website: https://www.ninapatrick.xyz #EEG #BrainHealth #Dementia #CognitiveDecline #Neuroscience #Longevity #BrainTrip #Neurotech #MemoryLoss #NinasNotes #AIinHealthcare #Biohacking #HealthyAging #Neurotechnology #DigitalHealth Get full access to Nina’s Notes at www.ninasnotes.xyz/subscribe

    58 min
  3. Jun 3

    #184: 🎙️ Forget Your VO2 Max. This Scientist Says Your Social Score Matters More.

    Loneliness can cost you up to 20 years of healthy life. More than poor sleep. More than any supplement. And until now, there was no way to measure it. Dr. Axel Schumacher spent 25 years at the forefront of genomics and epigenetic clock research and says your social life is a more powerful longevity biomarker than anything in your bloodwork. In this episode, he walks through the Social Connectivity Value (SCV): a framework he developed to map your social network, identify the relationships that drain your energy, and turn your social health into a number you can actually track. What you’ll learn: * Why loneliness can cost 12–20 years of healthy life (men are hit harder than women) and why the “smoking 15 cigarettes a day” statistic doesn’t change behavior without a way to measure it * How to build a sociogram using Dunbar’s three layers, assign energy values to every person in your life (including the ones dragging you down), and calculate your SCV score * Why looking for a romantic partner through your close friends almost never works, and the “super connector” strategy that statistically gives you access to 150 new people from a single introduction What’s the link between loneliness, AI companions, and living to 150? We get into all of it.Timestamps * 00:05 – Intro * 01:35 – Meet Dr. Axel Schumacher * 02:21 – From Genomics to Social Science (The Pivot) * 04:28 – How Loneliness Affects Your Health Span * 06:36 – The Loneliness Epidemic & Declining Birth Rates * 07:47 – Why Is Social Health So Hard to Measure? * 09:56 – The Holt-Lunstad Meta-Analysis Explained * 10:47 – Introducing the Social Connectivity Value (SCV) * 12:44 – The Sociogram: Mapping Your Social World * 13:13 –Building Your Sociogram: Mapping Social Connections * 14:54 – The Dunbar Layers: Your 3 Social Circles * 15:22 – The Invisible Load: Identifying Energy-Draining Relationships * 17:03 – The Invisible Load of Toxic Relationships * 20:09 – The Role of Family and Close Connections * 22:38 – What Is Your SCV Score? * 24:51 – How Your Nervous System Responds to Others * 28:08 – Tracking Your Social Life Like a Biohacker * 30:44 – Introverts vs Extroverts & Social Energy * 31:49 – AI Companions & The Future of Connection * 35:31 – Should Your Partner Be Everything? * 37:34 – Weak Ties & Super Connectors * 41:37 – The Mathematical Magic of Super Connectors * 42:57 – Rapid Fire: Social Media — Net Positive or Negative? * 43:51 – SCV vs Epigenetic Clocks: Which Matters More? * 44:59 – The Best City for Human Connection * 47:12 – One Weekly Habit to Protect Your Social Health ABOUT DR. AXEL SCHUMACHER: Longevity scientist and epigenetics researcher with over 25 years of experience, believes the most powerful biomarker for how long you live isn’t in your blood it’s in your relationships. After decades at the forefront of genomics and biomarker discovery, he now focuses on quantifying human connection, developing the Social Connectivity Value (SCV), a first-of-its-kind framework to measure your social network as a health metric and longevity tool. RESOURCES MENTIONED: * Website: https://www.grailmaster.com * YouTube ‘Inside the Dating Mind’: https://bit.ly/4s2U2i4 * Axel’s Longevity Protocol: https://bit.ly/4qIL0pZ * Sociogram Preprint with DOI: https://doi.org/10.31235/osf.io/m6h58_v1 * X: https://x.com/TheGrailmaster * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_grailmaster/ * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/draxelschumacher/ ABOUT NINA’S NOTES: Nina’s Notes explores the intersection of longevity science, neuroscience, and human optimization. Hosted by Nina Patrick, PhD in pharmaceutical sciences and longevity researcher, each episode translates cutting-edge research into actionable insights for living longer, better. CONNECT WITH NINA’S NOTES Newsletter: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninapatrick/ Website: https://www.ninapatrick.xyz Thanks for reading Nina’s Notes! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Nina’s Notes at www.ninasnotes.xyz/subscribe

    49 min
  4. #182: 🎙️ What Menopause REALLY Does to the Female Brain with Nahid Zokaei

    May 20

    #182: 🎙️ What Menopause REALLY Does to the Female Brain with Nahid Zokaei

    This week on the Nina’s Notes Podcast, I sit down with Nahid Zoukaei, an Oxford researcher, cognitive neuroscientist, and founder of Cerebella, to explore why menopause may be one of the most overlooked neurological transitions in a woman’s life. We talk about the connection between menopause, brain fog, memory loss, and Alzheimer’s risk, why women are often dismissed when reporting cognitive symptoms, and how hormonal changes can directly affect the brain during midlife. Dr. Zoukaei also shares the science behind estrogen and brain health, the future of non-drug cognitive therapies, and what women can do today to better protect their long-term cognitive health. KEY TOPICS: * How hormonal changes during midlife affect memory, focus, mood, and cognition. * Why menopause-related brain fog is a real neurological symptom, not “just stress.” * Exploring why women make up the majority of Alzheimer’s patients. * How estrogen supports memory, cognition, and overall brain function. * Why women’s midlife health has been historically overlooked in science and healthcare. * How non-drug cognitive interventions may help support women’s brain health. * The importance of sleep, exercise, hearing health, and staying mentally active during midlife. TIMESTAMPS: * 00:00 – Why 60% of Alzheimer’s Patients Are Women * 00:39 – Leaving Academia to Build a Women’s Brain Health Startup * 05:13 – The Menopause–Alzheimer’s Link Explained * 06:27 – Understanding Menopause and Brain Health * 13:55 – Brain Fog Is Not Taken Seriously And What Brain Fog REALLY Means * 17:36 – Women Are Being Gaslit About Menopause Symptoms * 19:18 – Menopause as a Window to Prevent Alzheimer’s * 23:34 – Why Most Brain Training Apps Don’t Work * 29:06 – Building Brain Games for Women in Midlife * 35:11 – Early Symptoms Women Should NEVER Ignore * 38:35 – Why Women’s Health Research Is So Behind * 42:11 – What Women Can Do TODAY for Better Brain Health * 45:41 – Why So Many Women Quit Their Jobs During Menopause * 47:21 – The Worst Advice Doctors Give Women ABOUT NAHID ZOUKAEI: Nahid Zoukaei is a cognitive neuroscientist, Oxford researcher, and Founder of Cerebella, is focused on advancing women’s brain health through science-backed digital therapeutics and non-drug cognitive interventions. After more than a decade researching dementia, cognition, and aging, she now works at the intersection of neuroscience, menopause, and Alzheimer’s prevention helping redefine how women’s cognitive health is understood and supported during midlife. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Website: https://www.cerebella.health/ WhatApp Community: https://chat.whatsapp.com/H5tNvI5LPAE4OmOOeBrHc1 Professor Aimee Spector’s Lab: https://profiles.ucl.ac.uk/1239-aimee-spectorNahid Zoukaei Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nahid-zokaei-b3795563/ ABOUT NINA’S NOTES: Nina’s Notes explores the intersection of longevity science, neuroscience, and human optimization. Hosted by Nina Patrick, PhD in pharmaceutical sciences and longevity researcher, each episode translates cutting-edge research into actionable insights for living longer, better. CONNECT WITH NINA’S NOTES Newsletter: https://www.ninasnotes.xyz LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ninapatrick/ Website: https://www.ninapatrick.xyz Thanks for reading Nina’s Notes! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Nina’s Notes at www.ninasnotes.xyz/subscribe

    53 min
  5. May 6

    #180: 🎙️ She Reversed Her Biological Age with Katrin Dreissigacker

    In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Katrin Dreissigacker, a plastic surgeon turned longevity architect and founder of Epigenedit, to explore why hyperbaric oxygen therapy may be one of the most overlooked tools in longevity science. We talk about her journey from a small village in East Germany to becoming known as the “Queen of Needles,” how she reversed markers of biological aging, improved her VO2 max in midlife, and why oxygen, mitochondria, skin health, resilience, and reinvention are all deeply connected. Key Topics: * Hyperbaric oxygen therapy and its role in longevity * Innovations in aesthetic medicine and needling techniques * The impact of oxygen saturation on aging and skin health * Biomarkers of aging and how hyperbaric oxygen influences them * The use of peptides and biohacking for healthspan extension Timestamps: * 00:00 – Reversing Biological Age? The Power of Oxygen * 00:30 – From East Germany to Elite Medicine * 02:30 – Why She Chose Medicine (Unexpected Path) * 02:57 – What Is Aesthetic Medicine (Beyond Vanity) * 05:14 – “Queen of Needles” & Revolutionizing Fillers * 08:46 – First Encounter with Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy * 11:24 – From Pandemic to Longevity Innovation * 12:43 – Why She Built Her Own HBOT Chamber * 16:22 – Can HBOT Really Improve VO2 Max? * 18:02 – How HBOT Actually Works (Simple Explanation) * 20:11 – Mild vs Medical HBOT: What’s the Difference? * 21:23 – What It Improves: Sleep, Recovery & Aging * 24:00 – How Often Should You Do HBOT? * 26:17 – Risks, Side Effects & Common Fears * 30:40 – The Real Benefits (Why You Don’t Feel It Immediately) * 33:29 – Skin, Collagen & The ‘Glow Effect’ * 36:04 – Who Should NOT Use HBOT? * 38:22 – Peptides: Hype or Breakthrough? * 42:48 – Biggest Misconceptions About HBOT * 44:24 – Most Overused Aesthetic Treatment Today * 47:10 – Daily Habits for Longevity & Energy * 48:08 – What Shows Up on Your Skin the Most? * 49:49 – Reinvent Yourself at Any Age ABOUT DR. KATRIN DREISSIGACKER: Physician, pioneer in aesthetic medicine and Co-Founder of EpigenEdit, believes ageing is not something to fight but something to design. After three decades at the forefront of aesthetics, she now focuses on longevity science, using tools such as mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy to support cellular regeneration, performance, and vitality from within. RESOURCES MENTIONED: * www.epigenedit.com * Instagram: @epigenedit_europe / @katrin_dreissigacker * LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/katrin-dreissigacker * Katrin’s individual practice: www.katrin-dreissigacker.com ABOUT NINA’S NOTES: Nina’s Notes explores the intersection of longevity science, neuroscience, and human optimization. Hosted by Nina Patrick, PhD in pharmaceutical sciences and longevity researcher, each episode translates cutting-edge research into actionable insights for living longer, better. CONNECT WITH NINA’S NOTES Newsletter: www.ninasnotes.xyz LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ninapatrick/ Website: www.ninapatrick.xyz Thanks for reading Nina’s Notes! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Nina’s Notes at www.ninasnotes.xyz/subscribe

    54 min
  6. Apr 1

    #175: 🎙️ INTERVIEW | The Power of Early Prevention and Stem Cells with Dr. Yi Song, Author of The Regeneration Effect and Founder of Zenerchi

    Hey friends, Dr. Yi Song has spent her career bridging Eastern and Western medicine. What she’s found is that most people are already losing the health game before they feel a single symptom. In this conversation, Dr. Song breaks down why treating symptoms is not the same as healing, what stem cell therapy can actually do (and what the industry gets dangerously wrong), and how meditation and energy flow aren’t just ancient metaphysics - they’re measurable, teachable tools for longevity. If you’ve ever wondered whether regenerative medicine is real or hype, or how to find a clinic you can actually trust, this episode will sharpen your thinking. Key Topics: * Why early prevention is the most overlooked lever in healthcare * Stem cell types, functions, and what mesenchymal stem cells can treat * How stem cell production declines with age — and what to do about it * Navigating the unregulated stem cell clinic landscape safely * The six principles of natural longevity from The Regeneration Effect * Meditation, energy flow, and metaphysical states of consciousness Timestamps: * 00:00 The Intersection of Eastern and Western Medicine * 08:05 The Importance of Early Prevention in Healthcare * 13:19 Exploring Stem Cell Therapy and Its Benefits * 16:18 Understanding Stem Cells: Types and Functions * 19:56 Applications of Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Treatment * 22:39 Preventative Measures for Joint Health and Aging * 28:05 The Decline of Stem Cells with Age * 29:17 Skepticism and FDA Approval in Stem Cell Therapy * 30:58 Quality Control in Stem Cell Treatments * 33:45 Identifying Reputable Clinics for Stem Cell Therapy * 35:21 The Importance of Personalized Treatment * 38:12 The Regeneration Effect: Principles for Longevity * 40:46 Six Principles for Health and Longevity * 46:24 Rapid Fire Longevity Questions * 49:52 Myths and Realities of Stem Cell Therapy RESOURCES MENTIONED: The Regeneration Effect Book — https://book.regenerationeffect.com StemCell Therapy Experts — https://stemcelltherapyexperts.com Cell Therapy Experts Podcast — https://youtube.com/CellTherapyExperts Free Regeneration Effect eBook — https://gift.regenerationeffect.com Connect with Dr. Song: https://regenerationeffect.com ABOUT DR. YI SONG: Dr. Yi Song is a regenerative medicine physician and author of The Regeneration Effect. Drawing on decades at the intersection of Chinese medicine and modern science, she guides patients through personalized stem cell protocols and holistic longevity frameworks at StemCell Therapy Experts. ABOUT NINA’S NOTES: Nina’s Notes explores the intersection of longevity science, neuroscience, and human optimization. Hosted by Nina Patrick, PhD in pharmaceutical sciences and longevity researcher, each episode translates cutting-edge research into actionable insights for living longer, better. CONNECT WITH NINA’S NOTES LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ninapatrick/ Website: https://www.ninapatrick.xyz Key Words holistic health, early prevention, stem cell therapy, meditation, longevity, Chinese medicine, regenerative medicine, energy flow, aging, biohacking Get full access to Nina’s Notes at www.ninasnotes.xyz/subscribe

    53 min
  7. Mar 18

    #173: 🎙️INTERVIEW | What Actually Happens at a Psychedelic Retreat?

    Plant medicine is moving from the fringe into the mainstream. In this episode of the Nina’s Notes Podcast, I speak with Danny and Sarah, founders of Behold Retreats, who have guided more than 1,500 people through plant medicine ceremonies around the world. Their participants range from professional athletes and high performers to people seeking deep emotional healing. We explore what actually happens inside a psychedelic retreat, how medicines like ayahuasca, psilocybin, and Bufo are used in ceremonial contexts, and why these experiences are attracting people interested in healing, personal growth, and expanded consciousness. Danny and Sarah also explain the concept of ego dissolution, the importance of integration after psychedelic experiences, and the difference between using these medicines for healing versus expansion. Topics we discuss: • What happens during a plant medicine retreat• The meaning of ego dissolution (sometimes called “ego death”)• The biggest misconceptions about psychedelics• Why athletes and high performers explore plant medicine• Healing versus expansion in psychedelic experiences• Why integration is essential after ceremony Plant medicines have been used for thousands of years in indigenous traditions. Today, they are becoming part of a growing conversation around mental health, consciousness, and human potential. Learn more about Behold Retreats: https://bit.ly/4rwJszz Thanks for reading Nina’s Notes! This post is public so feel free to share it. Get full access to Nina’s Notes at www.ninasnotes.xyz/subscribe

    44 min
  8. Mar 11

    #172: 🎙️ INTERVIEW | You'll Be Disabled at 62 - Unless You Fix This in Your 40s with Roderick Lambert, Founder of Midlife Metabolic Health

    Hey friends, Most longevity conversations focus on labs, supplements, and biomarkers. This week’s guest, Roderick Lambert, goes deliberately upstream of all of that. After 15 years of struggling with obesity and a doctor warning him at 35 that he could have a heart attack within five years, Roderick overhauled his life, lost 24kg in seven months, and never looked back. Today he coaches people aged 40–60 on the root causes of metabolic decline and accelerated aging. The calories in, calories out model isn’t just bad advice. It’s physically inaccurate. You’ll discover: * Why mitochondrial dysfunction is the root cause of most chronic diseases * How fat produces up to 6x more usable energy than glucose * Why the 40–60 window is your last real chance to turn back the clock * The role of light, circadian biology, and coherence in cellular health * Why “you can’t get well in the environment you got sick in” * How to build habits that stick, without willpower Cheers, Nina Timestamps: * 00:00 Roderick’s Journey: 15 Years of Obesity * 05:30 The Doctor’s Warning That Changed Everything * 12:00 Why Calories In/Out Is Inaccurate Physics * 18:00 Mitochondria: Far More Than the Powerhouse of the Cell * 25:00 Accelerated Aging and the 40–60 Window * 31:00 Food First: Fat vs. Glucose as Fuel * 38:00 Light Diet and Circadian Biology * 44:00 Fasting, Movement, and Building Habits * 50:00 Accountability as the Missing Link ABOUT RODERICK LAMBERT: Roderick Lambert is a metabolic health coach and founder of Midlife Metabolic Health. After reversing his own metabolic syndrome in his early 40s, he now works with clients aged 40–60 to address the root causes of accelerated aging through first principles nutrition, light biology, movement, and mindset. ABOUT NINA’S NOTES: Nina’s Notes explores the intersection of longevity science, neuroscience, and human optimization. Hosted by Nina Patrick, PhD in pharmaceutical sciences and longevity researcher, each episode translates cutting-edge research into actionable insights for living longer, better. CONNECT WITH RODERICK LAMBERT Website: https://midlifemetabolichealth.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MidlifeMetabolicHealth/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rodericklambert/ Get full access to Nina’s Notes at www.ninasnotes.xyz/subscribe

    36 min
5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

A weekly, non-technical podcast on health, longevity & psychedelics. www.ninasnotes.xyz

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