The PhD Journey Unplugged

Dr. Sarah L. Gordon
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Updated Daily

Dr. Sarah Gordon is the founder and host of The PhD Journey Unplugged, a platform dedicated to exploring the intersection of health, human performance, and the lived experience of pursuing excellence. Through reflective, evidence-informed conversations, her work focuses on sustainable performance, personal growth, and caring for the whole person along the journey toward success. The podcast brings together researchers, clinicians, athletes, coaches, and leaders to share perspectives that bridge science, experience, and meaningful human development.

  1. 21h ago

    LONGEVITY WITH PURPOSE: A CONVERSATION WITH TONY MEDRANO, CEO, LONGEVITY AI (EPISODE 89)

    Episode 89 | Longevity With Purpose: What Are We Living Longer For? A Conversation with Tony Medrano, Co-Founder & CEO, Longevity AIWhat if longevity isn't simply about adding more years to our lives—but about creating more healthy, meaningful years in which we can continue doing what we love?In Episode 89 of The PhD Journey Unplugged, Dr. Sarah Gordon sits down with Tony Medrano, Co-Founder & CEO of Longevity Plan AI, for a wide-ranging conversation about longevity, healthspan, resilience, technology, and what it means to take greater ownership of our health.Tony shares his journey from Harvard and service as a U.S. Naval officer to Stanford, Silicon Valley entrepreneurship, and endurance sport. He also reflects on beginning his fitness journey later in life, being hit by a car just six weeks before his first Ironman, and ultimately finding a way forward—going on to complete additional Ironman triathlons and continuing to train at age 55. Together, Sarah and Tony explore how AI, wearable technology, health data, digital twins, and emerging areas such as peptides are changing the way people think about aging and personalized health. But the conversation also asks a deeper question: How do we pursue longevity without turning our lives into another set of performance metrics?For Tony, there is no single path. Whether your goal is competing in an Ironman, walking your dog, playing with your grandchildren, or simply remaining active and independent, he believes the most sustainable approach is creating a “happy path”—choosing activities you enjoy that are aligned with the life you want to continue living. The conversation eventually returns to one of the most important influences in Tony's life: his mother, an elementary school teacher for 45 years, and the love of learning she helped cultivate in him. Tony describes learning as both powerful and pleasurable—and as an essential part of understanding ourselves and making choices that work for our individual lives. And when Sarah closes with the signature question of The PhD Journey Unplugged—“What are we training for?”—Tony's answer captures the heart of the episode:"To be an example for others, inspiring people to keep training into their 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s."Because perhaps the real goal isn't simply longevity.It's longevity with purpose.Topics include: longevity and healthspan • AI and personalized health • wearable technology and digital twins • resilience • Ironman training • peptides and emerging science • learning across the lifespan • intrinsic motivation • healthy aging • sustainable human performance • purposeGuest: Tony MedranoCo-Founder & CEO, Longevity Plan AIlongevityplan.aiHost: Dr. Sarah GordonFounder & Host, The PhD Journey UnpluggedStrength for the journey within.All information in The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be deemed professional advice.

  2. 2d ago

    FROM SETBACK TO SOLUTION: RESILIENCE, INNOVATION & THE STORY BEHIND XLEG (EPISODE 88)

    Episode 88 | FROM SETBACK TO SOLUTION: Resilience, Innovation & the Story Behind XLEG What happens when one of the hardest chapters of your life becomes the beginning of something you never imagined? In Episode 88 of The PhD Journey Unplugged, Dr. Sarah Gordon sits down with Reid Robinson, Founder and Inventor of XLEG, for a powerful conversation about resilience, recovery, innovation, and finding purpose through adversity. After a devastating accident, Reid endured 13 surgeries over approximately two and a half years. During his own recovery, frustration with traditional crutches led him to recognize a problem: he didn't need something to support his entire body—he needed something to support his injured leg. That realization eventually became XLEG. But this episode is about much more than an invention. Reid shares the grit it took to keep moving forward, the process of teaching himself new skills and building his first prototype, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the meaning he has found in hearing how XLEG has helped others regain mobility and participate in important moments in their lives. Along the way, our conversation explores grit, purpose, self-belief, growth, and longevity—and the possibility that some of our greatest challenges can ultimately shape who we become. As Reid reflects: "Have faith in yourself because you’re tougher than you think.” And when I ask my signature question, “What are we training for?”, his answer brings the journey full circle: "I’m training for the next day. I’m training for my health—my health and longevity.”This is a story of resilience built on grit, purpose, longevity, self-belief, and growth. Episode 88: FROM SETBACK TO SOLUTION — Resilience, Innovation & the Story Behind XLEGA A Conversation with Reid Robinson, Founder & Inventor of XLEG The PhD Journey Unplugged One voice. One story. One episode at a time. Thank you, Reid Robinson, for your time on The PhD Journey Unplugged podcast. In Gratitude, Dr. Sarah Gordon Founder Disclaimer: All information shared on The PhD Journey Unplugged podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be deemed as professional advice.

  3. 6d ago

    THE STRENGTH TO ADAPT: WOMEN, AGING & SUSTAINABLE PERFORMANCE (EPISODE 87)

    Episode 87 | THE STRENGTH TO ADAPT: Women, Aging & Sustainable Performance What does it mean to perform well when the body we are training is changing? In Episode 87 of The PhD Journey Unplugged, Dr. Sarah Gordon sits down with Brandy R. Parsley, FNP, IFMCP, for an honest and educational conversation about women, aging, strength, recovery, and sustainable human performance. Brandy brings an extensive background in clinical and functional medicine, hormonal health, fitness, and human performance. A lifelong athlete herself, she has worked with individuals ranging from professional athletes and Navy SEALs to executives and everyday people seeking to improve their health and quality of life. Together, Sarah and Brandy explore what begins to change physiologically for women as they age—and why continuing to do exactly what has always worked may no longer produce the same results. Their conversation moves through hormones, stress and cortisol, menopause, muscle loss, endurance versus strength training, sleep, recovery, metabolic health, and the importance of looking at the whole person rather than a single number or symptom. Perhaps most importantly, this conversation challenges the idea that strength always means pushing harder. Sometimes sustainable performance requires something different: slowing down, listening to the body, building strength, recovering well, and having the courage to adapt. Because the question isn't simply: How long can we keep pushing? It's how do we continue doing the things we love for as long as possible—and what are we really training for? Episode 87: The Strength to Adapt — Women, Aging & Sustainable Performance A Conversation with Brandy R. Parsley, FNP, IFMCP The PhD Journey Unplugged Real conversations. Real stories. One episode at a time. All information shared on The PhD Journey Unplugged podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be deemed professional advice.

  4. Sep 22

    TRAIN. RECOVER. PERFORM. THE POWER OF SLEEP. A CONVERSATION WITH DR. KIRK PARSLEY, M.D., FORMER NAVY SEAL, PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT PHYSICIAN

    Episode 86: Train. Recover. Perform. The Power of Sleep | A Conversation with Dr. Kirk “Doc” Parsley, M.D. Former Navy SEAL, Performance Enhancement Physician What if the key to better performance, greater resilience, and long-term health isn't training harder—but sleeping better? In this episode of The PhD Journey Unplugged, Dr. Sarah Gordon welcomes Dr. Kirk “Doc” Parsley, former Navy SEAL and performance enhancement physician, for a conversation about the essential role of sleep in human health and performance. Drawing on his experiences with Navy SEALs and his work in sleep and performance medicine, Dr. Parsley explores why sleep is more than simply rest. It is the foundation that supports exercise, nutrition, stress management, and our ability to recover and perform. Together, we explore the connection between sleep and physical recovery, psychological resilience, sustainable performance, and the importance of preparing our bodies for tomorrow.As Dr. Parsley reminds us:“The whole reason I go to sleep tonight is to repair and to prepare for tomorrow.”Whether you're an endurance athlete, a high performer, or simply someone seeking to live a healthier life, this conversation invites you to reconsider the role sleep plays in your daily life.Train. Recover. Perform. And remember: recovery is part of the journey.It was an absolute honor to have Dr. Parsley on The PhD Journey Unplugged podcast.In Gratitude,Dr. Sarah L. GordonFounder & HostThe PhD Journey Unplugged, LLC"Strength for the Journey Within."Subscribe to The PhD Journey Unplugged for conversations exploring health, human performance, motivation, and living well across the lifespan.To learn more about Dr. Parsley, visit docparsley.comAll information shared on The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be deemed as professional advice.

  5. Sep 18

    DESIGNING A NEW PATH TO HEALTH: ONE CHOICE AT A TIME (EPISODE 85)

    Episode 85 | Designing a New Path to Health: One Choice at a TimeWhat if changing our health doesn’t require changing everything at once?In Episode 85 of The PhD Journey Unplugged, Dr. Sarah Gordon welcomes Cherie Calbom, MS, CN, an internationally recognized nutritionist, author, and longtime pioneer of the juicing movement, known to millions as “The Juice Lady.”Cherie takes us back to the beginning of her own health journey and shares how experiencing significant illness as a young woman ultimately changed the direction of her life. What began as a search for answers became a lifelong commitment to nutrition, whole foods, juicing, education, and helping others take a more active role in their health.Throughout this conversation, Sarah and Cherie explore the nutritional power of fresh fruits and vegetables, what juicing can add to a healthy lifestyle, the importance of variety in our diets, and how to make sense of an increasingly complicated food environment. They also discuss processed foods, reading labels, seed oils, and why becoming informed about what we put into our bodies matters.But the conversation ultimately moves beyond nutrition.It becomes a discussion about the relationship between the choices we make today and the life we hope to live tomorrow.As Cherie beautifully shares:“As you prepare your body today, it’s the body you’ll have tomorrow.”And when Sarah asks the signature question of the podcast—“What are we training for?”—Cherie’s answer brings health, purpose, and longevity together:“I am training to finish that purpose, that course, that goal, and I want to run my race till the end.”Episode 85 is a conversation about nourishing the body, remaining curious, making informed choices, persevering through difficult seasons, and recognizing that caring for our health is about more than simply living longer. It is about being able to continue showing up for the people, experiences, and purpose that give our lives meaning.Perhaps a new path to health doesn’t begin with perfection.It begins with one choice at a time.Guest: Cherie Calbom, MS, CNHost: Dr. Sarah GordonThe PhD Journey UnpluggedLearn More About Cherie CalbomCherie is the author of numerous books on juicing, nutrition, and wellness and is widely known for her decades of work as “The Juice Lady."Website: Cherie Calbom — The Juice Ladyhttps://juiceladycherie.comhttps://juiceladycherie.com/the-truth-about-seed-oils/

  6. Sep 16

    BEYOND THE A1C: BLOOD SUGAR, METABOLIC HEALTH AND ENDURANCE PERFORMANCE (EPISODE 84)

    Episode 84 | BEYOND THE A1C: Blood Sugar, Metabolic Health & Endurance Performance What if understanding your blood sugar is about much more than simply knowing your A1C? In Episode 84 of The PhD Journey Unplugged, Dr. Sarah Gordon sits down with Dr. Jason Shumard, DC, a functional medicine practitioner specializing in Type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and metabolic health, for an educational conversation about what may be happening beneath the numbers. Dr. Shumard shares the deeply personal story that led him to this work and explains the fundamental relationship between glucose, insulin, the cells, and energy production. The conversation explores why blood sugar can rise, how insulin resistance develops, and why looking beyond traditional markers may provide a broader picture of metabolic health. For athletes, the discussion goes a step further. Dr. Shumard explores the importance of mitochondrial health, glucose utilization, fueling, hydration, electrolytes, recovery, and the different metabolic demands placed on endurance athletes compared with those who are more sedentary. But ultimately, this conversation is about something bigger than blood sugar.It is about becoming more informed and intentional about the choices we make for our health—before our bodies force us to pay attention.As Dr. Shumard reminds us:“You have the control to invest in your health.”And perhaps that is where prevention begins: learning to recognize the body's “check-engine lights,” becoming curious about what is happening beneath the surface, and taking care of the body that allows us to keep doing the things we love.In this episode, we explore: blood sugar and glucose; insulin and insulin resistance; Type 1 vs. Type 2 diabetes; A1C and metabolic health; mitochondrial health and endurance performance; exercise and oxygen; hydration and electrolytes; nutrition and recovery; prevention and personal responsibility; and sustainable human performance across the lifespan.About Dr. Jason Shumard, DCDr. Shumard holds a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a Doctorate of Chiropractic and has pursued postgraduate education in functional endocrinology and clinical nutrition. His work focuses particularly on helping individuals better understand Type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, and the underlying factors associated with rising blood sugar. He works virtually with clients across the United States.To learn more about Dr. Jason Shumard, visit https://www.drshumard.com/This conversation is intended for education and general information and should not replace individualized medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All information shared on The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast is for general informational purposes only. Strength for the journey within.

  7. Aug 31

    STRONG AT EVERY AGE: EMPOWERING WOMEN TO DISCOVER WHAT THEY ARE CAPABLE OF DOING

    Episode 83 — Strong at Every Age: Empowering Women to Discover What They Are Capable of Doing What happens when we stop thinking about strength simply as something physical—and begin to see it as a pathway toward confidence, courage, connection, and possibility? In Episode 83 of The PhD Journey Unplugged, I sit down with Stacy Rhea, mountain cycling racer and active lifestyle coach, for an inspiring conversation about helping women discover just how strong—and capable—they really are. Stacy’s journey reminds us that becoming strong is not about chasing a particular age, appearance, or definition of fitness. It is about continuing to challenge ourselves, learning what our bodies and minds are capable of, finding communities that encourage us, and having the courage to keep showing up. Through Stacy’s experiences in cycling, coaching, and life, we explore the relationship between physical strength and something much deeper: the confidence to try, the resilience to get back up, the willingness to step outside our comfort zones, and the freedom that can come from discovering new possibilities within ourselves. This conversation is especially meaningful for women navigating the changes that come with age. Rather than viewing aging as a reason to become smaller, quieter, or less adventurous, Stacy offers another possibility: we can continue becoming. We talk about strength, movement, mountain biking, confidence, community, resilience, aging, and the importance of creating environments where women feel supported enough to try something they may never have imagined themselves doing. Perhaps one of the most important messages from our conversation is this: Strength isn't only about what our bodies can do. It can change the way we see ourselves. At every age, there are still opportunities to learn, grow, challenge ourselves, connect with others, and discover something new about who we are capable of becoming. Keep showing up. Keep discovering. Keep becoming. Thank you, Stacy, for sharing your journey and for encouraging women to discover their own strength. To learn more about my guest, Stacy Rhea, please visit: rollingwithrhea.com In Gratitude for this platform to educate and motivate us all to live our best lives. - Dr. Sarah Gordon The PhD Journey Unplugged Strength for the Journey Within

  8. Aug 27

    LIFE LESSONS FROM TRADITIONAL HAWAIIN OUTRIGGER CANOE PADDLING (EPISODE 82)

    Episode 82 | Life Lessons from Traditional Hawaiian Outrigger Canoe Paddling: A conversation with David Schofield, Head Coach and Founder of New Hope Canoe Club Ministry AtlanticWhat can six paddlers, one canoe, and the changing conditions of the water teach us about how to live? In Episode 82 of The PhD Journey Unplugged, Dr. Sarah Gordon sits down with David Schofield, Head Coach and Founder of New Hope Canoe Club (NHCC) Ministry Atlantic, for a conversation about traditional Hawaiian outrigger canoe paddling—and the lessons it offers about strength, trust, teamwork, humility, resilience, belonging, and community. At its heart, this conversation is about much more than paddling. In an outrigger canoe, six individuals bring their own strengths and abilities to the water, but the canoe moves most effectively when they learn to listen, synchronize, trust one another, and paddle as one. And perhaps life asks the same of us. We cannot control the wind. We cannot control the water. We cannot always control the conditions we encounter. But we can choose how we respond, how we support the people beside us, and whether we continue moving forward together. David shares the Hawaiian values embodied in Aloha—kindness, unity, graciousness, humility, and patience—and how these principles extend from the canoe into our relationships, communities, and everyday lives. Sarah also reflects on her own introduction to outrigger paddling and the powerful experience of discovering something many of us spend our lives searching for: the feeling of becoming part of something larger than ourselves. Together, Sarah and David explore the connections between movement, community, successful aging, service, faith, human flourishing, and the fundamental human need to belong. And ultimately, the canoe leaves us with a simple but powerful reminder:We don't just live to paddle. We paddle to live.To learn more about NHCC, visit www.newhopeatlantic.org.NHCC is excited to announce its inaugural outrigger canoeing event on October 17th, 2026, in Lewes, DE. To learn more about this event and future events, please visit www.newhopeatlantic.org/race.All information shared on The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be deemed professional advice.

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About

Dr. Sarah Gordon is the founder and host of The PhD Journey Unplugged, a platform dedicated to exploring the intersection of health, human performance, and the lived experience of pursuing excellence. Through reflective, evidence-informed conversations, her work focuses on sustainable performance, personal growth, and caring for the whole person along the journey toward success. The podcast brings together researchers, clinicians, athletes, coaches, and leaders to share perspectives that bridge science, experience, and meaningful human development.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Sarah L. Gordon
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    90
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Dr. Sarah L. Gordon
  • Show Website
    The PhD Journey Unplugged