The Dr. Brighten Show

Dr. Jolene Brighten
The Dr. Brighten Show

Dr. Jolene Brighten, a best-selling author, naturopathic endocrinologist, and women’s health expert, hosts The Dr. Brighten Show—a podcast dedicated to igniting transformative conversations in women’s health. Through candid interviews with leading experts, innovators, and thought-leaders, this show brings you groundbreaking research, personal stories, and practical tools to help you confidently navigate your body and hormones. It’s a fun, engaging, and insightful journey designed to empower you with tangible, science-backed insights—so you can live your best, most vibrant life.

  1. 1D AGO

    From Neglect to Disease: How Trauma Rewires Your Body & Triggers Autoimmune Disease | Dr. Sara Szal

    Autoimmune disease is on the rise, and the statistics are staggering—four out of five people with autoimmune diseases are women. Yet, despite the growing prevalence, research funding lags behind, women’s symptoms are often dismissed, and many suffer for years before receiving a diagnosis. In this eye-opening episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, I sit down with the brilliant Dr. Sara Szal—Harvard and MIT graduate, New York Times bestselling author, and leading voice in precision medicine. Together, we dive into the complexities of autoimmune disease, what is the cause of autoimmune disorder, the hidden gender bias in healthcare, and why so many women are struggling with undiagnosed health conditions. This episode is brought to you by:  Chorus: https://chorusforlife.com/drbrighten and receive 10 percent off your order or subscription Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com use code POD15 for 15% off  Lumebox: https://drbrighten.com/lumebox  use code drbrighten for our exclusive community discount on your purchase. Support our sponsors and help keep this show free and packed with amazing guests! 🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:  - Dr. Sara’s Website: https://www.saragottfriedmd.com/ - Dr. Sara’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saragottfriedmd/?hl=en - Dr. Sara’s Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrGottfried/featured - Dr. Sara’s podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/treated-with-dr-sara/id1799034638 - Dr. Sara Szal’s book, The Autoimmune Cure: https://amzn.to/3Dlh54l - Ace Score Questionnaire – A tool for assessing childhood trauma and its health impacts https://www.saragottfriedmd.com/discover-your-ace-score/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 5m
  2. 6D AGO

    When Are You Most Fertile? Cycle Myths Busted | Elina Bergland

    Are you tracking your cycle correctly? Only 13% of women ovulate on day 14—so what does that mean for you? In this episode, I sit down with Elina Berglund, co-founder of Natural Cycles, the first FDA-cleared birth control app. We’re busting myths about ovulation, fertility tracking, and how understanding your body can empower your reproductive health. This episode is brought to you by:  Natural Cycles use code DrBrighten to get 15% off an annual subscription plus a free Bluetooth thermometer. https://www.naturalcycles.com/join-me-plan?utm_campaign=podcast&utm_medium=organic&utm_content=jolene-brighten&utm_source=podcast&code=DrBrighten&name=Dr.%20Jolene%20Brighten&percentage=15 Support our sponsors and help keep this show free and packed with amazing guests! 🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:  Elina Berglund’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elinascherwitzl/ Natural Cycles Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturalcycles/ Article: Ovulation Signs Every Woman Should Know https://drbrighten.com/ovulation-signs/ Article: Phases of the Menstrual Cycle https://drbrighten.com/phases-of-the-menstrual-cycle/ Beyond The Pill by Dr. Jolene Brighten https://amzn.to/3becjT7 Healing Your Body Naturally After Childbirth by Dr. Jolene Brighten http://amzn.to/2dngRJX My previous episode on Perimenopause Explained https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hu1_qSeAzc0 Study: Time to pregnancy recognition among FDA users https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01443615.2024.2337687 Study: Time to pregnancy using a FDA fertility awareness mobile app https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01443615.2024.2337687 Study: Detecting variations in ovulation and menstruation during COVID https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0258314 Study: Association between menstrual cycle length and the COVID vaccine (US cohort) https://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/fulltext/2022/04000/association_between_menstrual_cycle_length_and.2.aspx Study: Impact of Covid vaccination on menstrual bleeding https://obgyn.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1471-0528.17471 Study: Association between menstrual cycle length and COVID vaccine (global) https://bmjmedicine.bmj.com/content/1/1/e000297 Study: Timing of COVID vaccine and effects on menstrual cycle changes https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38412506/ Study: Association between menstrual cycle pattern regularity and changes in menstrual bleeding following COVID vaccine (Secondary Analysis) https://srh.bmj.com/content/early/2024/12/31/bmjsrh-2024-202564 👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten: 💻 Website: https://www.drbrighten.com 📸  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten 🎥 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten 🧵Threads: https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten 🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/ 🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast:  Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-brighten-show/id1786362161 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5VWcYWJFzi3OnwidT25IXi?si=481df20ef0a6417 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drjolenebrighten 👍 Enjoyed this episode? Don’t forget to like, subscribe & share! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 12m
  3. MAR 4

    Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: What Your Doctor Should Evaluate After a Miscarriage | Dr. Gerard Barroso

    This powerful episode dives into miscarriage warning signs and what your doctor must check for recurrent pregnancy loss. If you've ever felt frustrated with the lack of answers around fertility, what causes miscarriages, or reproductive health, you are not alone.  Today, I’m sitting down with Dr. Gerardo Barroso Villa, a world-renowned fertility expert, to unpack everything you need to know about cutting-edge reproductive science, unexplained infertility, and the crucial role both partners play in conception. Whether you’re trying to conceive, planning for the future, or just want to understand your body better, this conversation is packed with jaw-dropping insights that could change how you approach your reproductive health forever. 📚 Links & Resources Mentioned: 👨🏽‍⚕️  Dr. Gerardo Barroso Villa’s Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/drgerardobarroso 📸  Dr. Gerardo Barroso Villa’s Clinic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clinicanascere 🏥  Dr. Gerardo Barroso Villa’s Clinic: https://agenda.nascere.org.mx/en/  🔷 Emma, ERA, and Alice Tests for Endometrial Microbiome and Infection: https://www.invitra.com/en/endometrio-test/endometrio/  💊 Supplements for Fertility Optimization: Myo-Inositol & D-Chiro Inositol – Used for PCOS, supports egg quality and insulin sensitivity​. Check out Myo-Inositol Plus by Dr. Brighten Essentials https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/myoinositol-plus Lactobacillus Probiotics – Essential for restoring the reproductive microbiome, especially after antibiotics​. Check out Women’s Probiotic by Dr. Brighten Essentials https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/womens-probiotic Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Supports anti-inflammatory responses in the reproductive system​. Check out Omega Plus by Dr. Brighten Essentials https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/omega-plus Vitamin D – Plays a role in hormonal balance and implantation​. Check out Vitamin D3/K2  by Dr. Brighten Essentials https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/vitamin-d3-k2 🔗 Signs of Miscarraige Article: https://drbrighten.com/common-causes-and-signs-of-miscarriage/ 🔗 How to Boost Fertility Article: https://drbrighten.com/factors-that-effect-female-fertility/ 🔗  What Role Does Diet Play in Male Fertility Article: https://drbrighten.com/super-antioxidant-smoothie-boosts-male-fertility/ 🙌 This episode is brought to you by: Chorus: Visit http://chorusforlife.com/drbrighten and receive 10% off your order or subscription Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com use code POD15 for 15% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 20m
  4. FEB 27

    Why You Need to Stimulate the Vagus Nerve Daily for Brain and Gut Health | Dr. Navaz Habib

    Inflammation—it’s a word we hear all the time, but do we really understand what it means? More importantly, do we know how to control it? In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, I sit down with Dr. Navaz Habib, functional medicine expert and best-selling author of Activate Your Vagus Nerve and Upgrade Your Vagus Nerve. Dr. Habib is on a mission to help people optimize their health by harnessing the power of the body’s most underrated superhighway—the vagus nerve. If you’ve ever struggled with brain fog, gut issues, autoimmune disease, or chronic stress, this is the conversation you need to hear. 💡 If you found this episode helpful, hit LIKE & SHARE it with someone who needs this! 🔔 Subscribe for more expert interviews on optimizing your health! This episode is brought to you by: Lumebox: use the code drbrighten for our exclusive community discount on your purchase. http://drbrighten.com/lumebox Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com  use code POD15 for 15% off  Support our sponsors and help keep this show free and packed with amazing guests! 🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:   📖 Books by Dr. Navaz Habib: • Activate Your Vagus Nerve – https://amzn.to/3QyGjPF • Upgrade Your Vagus Nerve – https://amzn.to/439vWJB 👉 If you found this episode valuable, drop a comment below to tell us what you loved most, and share it with a friend! Let’s spread the knowledge. 💬✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    51 min
  5. FEB 25

    Are Endocrine Disruptor Chemicals Making It Harder to Get Pregnant? | Dr. Lora Shahine

    Is Your Environment Secretly Sabotaging Your Fertility? The Truth About Endocrine Disruptor Chemicals We’re told to focus on diet, exercise, and supplements when trying to conceive—but what if something else was making it harder to get pregnant? The products we use daily, the air we breathe, and even the water we drink could be exposing us to endocrine disruptor chemicals that wreak havoc on our hormones, menstrual cycles, and ability to carry a healthy pregnancy. In this episode, Dr. Jolene Brighten sits down with Dr. Lora Shahine, a leading fertility specialist, to reveal how endocrine disrupting chemicals are impacting reproductive health, pregnancy loss, and the rising rates of female infertility. From skincare to plastics to hidden toxins in our homes, this conversation is packed with science-backed insights and real-world solutions. 🔥 THIS EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY: 🩸 Lumebox: use the code drbrighten for our exclusive community discount on your purchase. http://drbrighten.com/lumebox 🩸 Sunlighten Infrared Saunas: use the code drbrighten to save up to $1,400 on your sauna purchase. https://get.sunlighten.com/drbrighten Support our sponsors and help keep this show free and packed with amazing guests! 🛑 LINKS & RESOURCES MENTIONED: 📖 Countdown by Dr. Shanna Swan – The shocking research on sperm count decline & endocrine disruptors https://amzn.to/4gUo5CP 🎙️ Verified Podcast – Johnson & Johnson talc controversy & corporate manipulation https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/introducing-verified-dust-up/id1497379527?i=1000494406434 🔬 Stanford Study on BPA & Miscarriage Risk – Groundbreaking fertility research https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4711263/ 💨 Best HEPA Air Filters – Reduce indoor air toxins affecting your fertility https://amzn.to/4bhSHNn 🌿 Dr. Brighten Essentials Supplements – Science-backed support for hormonal balance & fertility https://drbrightenessentials.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 13m
  6. FEB 20

    How to Increase Testosterone Naturally: Myths, Labs & Proven Strategies | Dr. Geo Espinosa

    Want to Know How to Increase Testosterone Naturally? You’re in the Right Place! Testosterone isn’t just the male hormone—it’s essential for energy, focus, libido, muscle growth, and overall vitality. But here’s the problem: men’s testosterone levels are plummeting at an alarming rate. Even more shocking? Young men today have lower testosterone than their grandfathers did at the same age. If you or a man in your life struggles with low energy, brain fog, or a dip in drive, this episode is a must-listen. I’m joined by Dr. Geo Espinosa, a leading expert in men’s health, to break down the truth about testosterone—what actually affects it, what labs your doctor isn’t ordering, and how to optimize it naturally. We also dive into the role of estrogen in men, the biggest mistakes men make when trying to increase their testosterone, and the best foods and supplements for testosterone support. This episode is brought to you by: LMNT: http://DrinkLMNT.com/Brighten receive your exclusive gift with purchase Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com  use code POD15 for 15% off  Support our sponsors and help keep this show free and packed with amazing guests! 🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:   - Geo Espinosa’s Supplement line: https://iammrhappy.com/collections/all-supplements - Ashwaghanda Supplement for Testosterone Support: Adrenal Support, save 15% with CODE: POD15 https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/adrenal-support?selling_plan=995360802 - The "21 Ejaculations per Month" Study -  study that found men who ejaculate at least 21 times per month have a lower risk of prostate cancer: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27033442/ - Testosterone Decline in Young Men Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32081788/ - Testosterone & Sleep Study – Men who get less than 6 hours of sleep per night have 15% lower testosterone: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4445839/#:~:text=Daytime%20testosterone%20levels%20were%20decreased,of%20the%20US%20working%20population. - Testosterone & Dopamine Connection Study - The role of dopamine in motivation, libido, and brain function, and how testosterone directly influences it: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9312911/ - Estrogen in Men Study– Why too much estrogen-blocking (like using aromatase inhibitors) can actually kill libido and lower energy: https://journals.lww.com/ajandrology/fulltext/2016/18030/the_role_of_estradiol_in_male_reproductive.28. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    45 min
  7. FEB 18

    How Brain Inflammation Affects Your Mental Health and Decision-Making | Dr. Austin Perlmutter

    Brain inflammation is silently shaping your cognitive health, influencing everything from your mood and memory to your risk of serious conditions like depression and Alzheimer’s. But here’s the good news: you can take charge of your brain’s future. In today’s episode, Dr. Jolene Brighten sits down with Dr. Austin Perlmutter, a leading expert in brain health and neuroplasticity, to reveal how you can harness lifestyle, nutrition, and mindset shifts to optimize your mind. If you’re struggling with brain fog, stress, or memory lapses—or simply want to future-proof your cognitive health—this episode is packed with science-backed solutions you won’t want to miss. This episode is brought to you by: Sunlight Sauna https://drbrighten.com/sunlighten Use the code drbrighten to save up to $1,400 on your sauna purchase.  Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com  use code POD15 for 15% off  Support our sponsors and help keep this show free and packed with amazing guests! 🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:   Dr. Austin Perlmutter’s Book: – https://amzn.to/4341T5V Dr. Austin Perlmutter’s research on brain inflammation and depression: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neurology/articles/10.3389/fneur.2021.657004/full Dr. Austin Perlmutter’s research on how polyphenols influence epigenetics/immunity: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2024.1474597/full Dr. Austin Perlmutter’s research on Parkinson's and pesticides on golf courses: https://health.usnews.com/conditions/brain-disease/parkinsons-disease/connection-between-parkinsons-and-pesticides Chaotic Forager Instagram: @chaoticforager Victoria Sampson's episode Dr. Brighten’s Free Resources on Women's Hormonal Health:  https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/ Article: The Connection Between Brain Health and Hormone Balance https://drbrighten.com/brain-health-and-hormone-balance/ Article: Do Hormones Affect Brain Health https://drbrighten.com/hormones-affect-brain-health/  Article: Connection Between Brain Fog and Hormones https://drbrighten.com/brain-fog-and-hormonal-imbalance/ Article: How Does Serotonin Affect Depression: https://drbrighten.com/how-does-serotonin-affect-depression/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    2h 26m
  8. FEB 13

    How to improve libido & what is the meaning of libido

    Struggling with low libido? You’re not alone! In this episode, we dive deep into what is the meaning of libido, the real reasons behind low sex drive in women, and how to improve libido naturally. If you’ve ever wondered why your desire has changed or how to get it back, this is the video for you! This episode is brought to you by: Coconu https://coconu.com use code DRBRIGHTEN15 for 15% off  Dr. Brighten Essentials: https://drbrightenessentials.com  use code POD15 for 15% off Support our sponsors and help keep this show free and packed with amazing guests! 🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:   Is This Normal? by Dr. Jolene Brighten – Deep dive into libido, hormones, and women’s health https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/is-this-normal Beyond The Pill by Dr. Jolene Brighten – Learn about hormonal birth control and libido https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/beyond-the-pill Myo Inositol Plus by Dr. Brighten Essentials to support sleep and blood sugar https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/myoinositol-plus?_pos=1&_psq=myo+&_ss=e&_v=1.0&selling_plan=995426338 Magnesium Plus by Dr. Brighten Essentials https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/magnesium-plus?_pos=1&_psq=magnesium&_ss=e&_v=1.0&selling_plan=995459106 Vitamin D3/K2 by Dr. Brighten Essentials https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/vitamin-d3-k2?_pos=1&_psq=vitamins&_ss=e&_v=1.0&selling_plan=995885090 Balance Women’s Hormone Support supplement with Vitamin B6 and resveratrol https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/balance?_pos=1&_psq=balance&_ss=e&_v=1.0&selling_plan=995295266 Omega Plus by Dr. Brighten Essentials https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/omega-plus?_pos=1&_psq=omega&_ss=e&_v=1.0&selling_plan=995557410 Dr. Brighten’s Hormone Kit – A meal plan and guide for optimizing your hormones DrBrighten.com/hormonekit Dr. Brighten’s website for more free resources: DrBrighten.com Article: 10 Best Supplements for Sleep That Aren’t Melatonin Podcast episode on Perimenopause – Learn how hormone shifts impact libido https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hrt-for-menopause-perimenopause-benefits-side-effects/id1786362161?i=1000684848205 Subscribe to the Podcast so you don’t miss the Brain Health Episode with Dr. Austin Perlmutter – Brain health and its connection to sexual health Subscribe to the Podcast so you don’t miss the Thyroid Episode with Dr. Izabella Wentz  Episode with Dr. Victoria Sampson – Oral health and its impact on hormones and libido https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-shocking-truth-about-gum-disease-what-your/id1786362161?i=1000682967249 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 11m
5
out of 5
27 Ratings

About

Dr. Jolene Brighten, a best-selling author, naturopathic endocrinologist, and women’s health expert, hosts The Dr. Brighten Show—a podcast dedicated to igniting transformative conversations in women’s health. Through candid interviews with leading experts, innovators, and thought-leaders, this show brings you groundbreaking research, personal stories, and practical tools to help you confidently navigate your body and hormones. It’s a fun, engaging, and insightful journey designed to empower you with tangible, science-backed insights—so you can live your best, most vibrant life.

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