The PhD Journey Unplugged

Dr. Sarah L. Gordon
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Health & Fitness
  • 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. 2d ago

    FIVE DISTINGUISHED GUESTS DISCUSS HEALTH, RESILIENCE, LONGEVITY & HUMAN PERFORMANCE (EPISODE 91)

    EPISODE 91 | WHAT ARE WE TRAINING FOR? An Expert Conversation on Health, Resilience, Longevity & Human Flourishing What does it truly mean to be healthy? Is physical fitness the same as health? Can we experience well-being while living with disease? And how do resilience, personal agency, and the choices we make shape the quality of our lives? In this special milestone episode of The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast, Dr. Sarah Gordon brings together five distinguished returning guests for the podcast's first collaborative panel conversation. Joining the discussion are: Dr. Candace Brown — Associate Professor of Gerontology, University of North Carolina at Charlotte; researcher and ultra-endurance athlete. Dr. Gregory Gibbons — Board-certified emergency medicine physician, endurance athlete, and author of "Do Simple Better: An Evidence-Based Guide to Cutting Through the Chaos of Health and Wellness Advice" (Available on Amazon) Dr. Rehan Tahir — PhD in Health and Human Performance; Founder of Apex Tactical Athletics and strength and conditioning coach. Dr. Maria Simone — Founder and Head Coach of No Limits Endurance Coaching; triathlete and ultra-endurance athlete.Andrew Schubauer — Founder of Mountain Wisdom, LLC; life coach specializing in emotional intelligence, self-efficacy, and optimal performance. Together, these five voices explore the complexity of health beyond physical appearance, athletic achievement, and traditional measures of performance. The conversation challenges us to consider health as an evolving, multidimensional experience influenced by our physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being. Through personal stories and professional insights, the guests examine the relationship between aging, lifestyle behaviors, recovery, stress, and the capacity to adapt when life takes unexpected turns. A central theme emerges: Being physically fit does not necessarily mean being healthy, and living well requires more than simply performing well. The discussion also explores resilience as a process of learning, flexibility, and adaptation. From navigating significant health challenges to reconsidering long-held assumptions about what is possible, the guests reflect on how life experience can deepen our understanding of ourselves. Drawing on Self-Determination Theory, Dr. Gordon introduces the importance of personal agency, intrinsic motivation, and the choices that help us move toward greater well-being and fulfillment. The panel also considers the growing role of artificial intelligence in health and human performance, raising thoughtful questions about technology, informed decision-making, and the continued importance of human connection. Throughout this conversation, one question remains at the heart of it all: What are we training for? Perhaps the answer is not simply greater strength, faster times, or longer lives, but the opportunity to live with greater intention, resilience, connection, and purpose. One Voice. One Story. One Episode at a Time. The PhD Journey Unplugged Podcast Hosted by Dr. Sarah Gordon Founder, The PhD Journey Unplugged, LLC "Strength for the Journey Within." Disclaimer: All information shared on The PhD Journey Unplugged podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be deemed as professional advice.

  2. Oct 25

    THE NERVOUS SYSTEM AND ADAPTATION TO STRESS W/Dr. Beata Kis (EPISODE 90)

    THE NERVOUS SYSTEM AND ADAPTATION TO STRESS: Understanding Stress, Recovery & Human Resilience | A Conversation with Dr. Beata Kis (Episode 90) What happens when the drive to achieve begins to compromise our well-being? How do we recognize when our bodies are asking us to slow down? And can we learn to experience rest and relaxation without feeling that we should always be doing more? In this episode of The PhD Journey Unplugged, I welcome Dr. Beata Kis, physician, author, speaker, and educator, for a thoughtful conversation about burnout, the nervous system, recovery, resilience, and the importance of reconnecting with ourselves. Drawing upon her medical background and personal experience with burnout, Dr. Kis shares how years of professional responsibilities, caregiving, and striving to meet expectations led her to reconsider the relationship between achievement and well-being. Together, we explore how stress can affect our physical and emotional health, why recognizing the body's signals matters, and how developing a healthier relationship with rest may support sustainable human performance. Our conversation also explores Dr. Kis's personal experiences with Yin Yoga, sound baths, and other relaxation practices, along with the importance of approaching recovery with patience and self-compassion. One of the most meaningful reflections from our conversation is her reminder: “Meet with your body exactly where that body is, because the body carries us the entire life.” — Dr. Beata Kis We also consider an important question: Are we so focused on everything we need to accomplish that we sometimes lose sight of what brings us joy, meaning, and fulfillment? Toward the end of our conversation, Dr. Kis introduces a beautiful distinction between the demands of our daily to-do lists and what she calls the wish list from the heart. Perhaps living well is not simply about achieving more. Perhaps it is also about learning when to slow down, listen, recover, and reconnect with what matters most. KEY MOMENTS & REFLECTIONS 04:46 — Body Awareness: Learning to listen to our bodies and emotions 30:18 — Achievement: Understanding how achievement influences our energy 38:39 — Self-Care: The importance of filling our own cup 49:17 — Recovery: Meeting our bodies where they are 56:37 — Resilience: Finding balance between hard work and relaxation 58:40 — The Nervous System: Understanding its protective role 1:03:32 — Reconnection & Purpose: The to-do list and the wish list from the heart A FINAL REFLECTION As an endurance athlete and researcher in health and human performance, I often explore the relationship between pushing ourselves to achieve and allowing ourselves sufficient time to recover. During our conversation, I shared: “We push. We climb mountains. We want to achieve great things, but rest and recovery are so important to get stronger and to stay healthy.” This episode invites us to think differently about resilience—not simply as the ability to keep going, but also as the ability to recognize when we need rest. My sincere gratitude to Dr. Beata Kis for sharing her experiences, perspectives, and insights. The PhD Journey Unplugged Exploring health, human performance, motivation, resilience, and the journey toward living well. Dr. Sarah Gordon Founder & Host, The PhD Journey Unplugged "Strength for the Journey Within." Disclaimer: The views and health-related perspectives expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host or podcast. This episode is intended for general educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. Individual experiences with relaxation and complementary practices should not be interpreted as evidence of established clinical effectiveness. Consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding personal health decisions.

  3. Oct 6

    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.

  4. Oct 4

    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.

  5. Sep 30

    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.

  6. 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.

  7. 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/

  8. 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.

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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
    92
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Dr. Sarah L. Gordon
  • Show Website
    The PhD Journey Unplugged