Jj Virgin Lifestyle Show

How can neuroscience and self-talk help you break old habits and form empowering ones? In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and mindset expert John Assaraf to explore the neuroscience of transformation—how self-talk, visualization, and consistency literally rewire your brain. John shares how he healed from ulcerative colitis, built multimillion-dollar businesses, and created lasting habits using powerful, evidence-based mindset tools. We also talk about what it really takes to change your health, your habits, and your life—starting with how you speak to yourself every single day. Meet John Assaraf—a neuroscience geek turned mindset master who teaches people how to use their brains to achieve anything. From The Secret to the Innercise app, John has spent decades helping others rewire old patterns, build unstoppable habits, and create success that sticks. What you’ll learn: (00:00) How John healed his body through affirmations and belief in self-healing. (07:33) Why visualization and

How can you exercise smarter after 40 to burn fat, build muscle, and keep your metabolism strong? In this episode, I break down how to exercise smarter—not harder—so you can ignite your metabolism after 40. I share the three pillars of metabolic fitness: moving more throughout your day, lifting weights to build muscle, and adding short bursts of high-intensity cardio. You’ll learn how to create a powerful workout routine that helps you burn fat, stay strong, and feel amazing—without spending hours in the gym.   What you’ll learn: (00:00) Discover why cardio alone won’t fix a sluggish metabolism.  (00:56) Learn how everyday movement can add up to 2,000 calories of extra burn each day. (02:28) Find out how small daily choices—like taking the stairs—boost fat loss and longevity. (03:02) Hear about research showing that 12,500 daily steps can reduce body fat and improve health markers. (06:18) Learn how to train each body part effectively.  (08:28) Discover how high-intensity interval training (HIIT)

What if the most powerful antidepressant isn’t in a pill, but in your sneakers? In this episode, I speak with Dr. Nicholas Fabiano about the science behind why movement can be as effective as antidepressants. We also explore the social and psychological benefits of staying active and how even small steps can spark powerful change. You’ll also hear fascinating insights about creatine, brain energy, and how lifestyle prescriptions may soon reshape the future of psychiatry. Dr. Nicholas Fabiano is a psychiatry resident and researcher at the University of Ottawa with a passion for the mind-body connection. Originally from Thunder Bay, he turned a broken arm from an arm-wrestling match into a fascination with how exercise, nutrition, and sleep can transform mental health. Today, his work in lifestyle psychiatry explores how simple daily habits can powerfully impact depression and overall well-being. What you’ll learn: (02:57) How Dr. Fabiano’s own injury sparked his passion for exercise and mental heal

If you’ve been unintentionally slowing down your metabolism by eating the wrong foods, what can you do about it? In this episode, I’ll show you how to use food as fuel to reignite your metabolism—especially during midlife. You’ll learn why protein is your metabolism’s best friend, how carbs and fats can either work for or against you, and how gut health shapes your body’s ability to burn fat. With this episode, my goal is to help you move beyond counting calories and start eating in a way that truly powers your energy, your hormones, and your long-term vitality. What you’ll learn: (01:51) Why protein is the foundation of a fast, strong metabolism—and why most women over 40 are under-eating it. (03:28) The science behind how protein preserves lean muscle and prevents metabolic slowdown during weight loss. (05:00) How to build your plate with protein first, followed by non-starchy vegetables, fiber-rich carbs, and healthy fats. (08:34) The dangers of ultra-processed foods. (10:04) How to time your

In this episode, I sit down with my friend and powerhouse advocate for women’s health, Dr. Mariza Snyder, to talk about her latest book, The Perimenopause Revolution, and more. Dr. Mariza and I dive into the chaos, confusion, and opportunity that midlife brings—and why perimenopause is so much more than “just aging.” Together, we explore how to rebuild energy, protect your metabolism, and thrive through hormonal transitions using science-backed strategies that truly work. Dr. Mariza Snyder is a bestselling author and women’s health expert who’s written nine books on hormones, metabolism, and essential oils. She’s also the host of the top-rated Energized with Dr. Mariza podcast and has become a trusted voice helping millions of women reclaim their vitality through practical, research-based guidance. What you’ll learn in this episode:  (03:32) Why perimenopause starts long before symptoms “officially” show up—and how to spot the early warning signs. (05:47) Why it’s never too late to build muscle, pro

Welcome to episode #1 of my new series: Metabolism Makeover Giveaway!  ENTER TO WIN: https://gleam.io/VppYG/jjs-metabolism-makeover-giveaway  Join me, JJ Virgin, in this 5-part series where each episode tackles the real reasons weight loss stalls in midlife, from muscle loss and food choices to exercise, hormones, stress, and recovery. This series is about reclaiming your metabolism, building muscle, balancing hormones, healing your gut, and breaking free from weight-loss frustration. Remember: you have to get healthy to lose weight, not lose weight to get healthy. Enter HERE: https://gleam.io/VppYG/jjs-metabolism-makeover-giveaway  P.S. The more engagement on each video and steps you complete through our Giveaway platform, the higher chances you have of winning! GOOD LUCK! In this episode, I break down why traditional dieting methods fail women over 40 and reveal why focusing on muscle is the true key to a stronger, faster metabolism. Drawing on my decades of experience as a nutrition expert

How can GLP-1 medications reduce inflammation and improve long-term health outcomes for you beyond weight loss? In this episode, JJ talks with thyroid and metabolic health expert McCall McPherson about the powerful connection between GLP-1 medications, inflammation, and thyroid function. Together they reveal why these therapies are about far more than weight loss and how they can unlock vitality, restore balance, and protect long-term health. This conversation will open your eyes to the overlooked truth about thyroid testing, the real benefits of GLP-1s, and practical strategies to age powerfully. McCall McPherson has helped thousands of women regain energy and confidence through her Modern Thyroid Clinic and Modern Weight Loss. A TEDx speaker, Inc. 5000 entrepreneur, and host of the Modern Thyroid and Wellness podcast, McCall blends cutting-edge science with compassion to give women real answers and life-changing results. What you’ll learn: (00:50) Why weight loss alone isn’t the full story of GL

In this episode, I break down the science of building a fat-loss-friendly plate. I share why protein is your anchor, why fiber is a game changer, and how healthy fats and slow, low carbs keep your body satisfied and your metabolism strong. With practical tips, research-backed insights, and my own tried-and-true strategies, I make it simple to eat in a way that supports fat loss without sacrificing muscle or sanity. What you’ll learn: (01:00) Why being in a caloric deficit is non-negotiable for fat loss. (02:52) How ultra-processed foods impact metabolism, hunger, and fat-burning hormones. (06:09) Why eating protein first sets the stage for fat loss success. (08:03) How the protein leverage hypothesis explains overeating on low-protein diets. (10:30) Why adults over 30 need more protein and how to calculate your target intake. (14:45) The critical role of fiber in satiety, gut health, and detox during fat loss. (19:46) Why healthy fats are essential for hormones, brain health, and satiety. (25:21)

How can you transform stress and anxiety into creative energy? In this episode, JJ Virgin talks with actor, teacher, and author Josh Pais to explore the surprising connections between emotions, health, and creativity. Josh shares how his struggles with anxiety led him to discover a new way of understanding feelings as vibrations rather than problems to fix. Together, they dive into how presence, play, and embracing the full range of human sensations can unlock creativity, authenticity, and better health.   Josh Pais is an actor (Joker, TMNT, and 150+ other film and TV credits) and the creator of Committed Impulse, a training method used by top performers, entrepreneurs, and Navy SEALs to master presence and overcome anxiety. His book, Lose Your Mind: The Path to Creative Invincibility, teaches practical tools to unlock creative flow and emotional resilience. Josh blends science and storytelling to help people show up fully alive—on stage, in business, and in life. What you’ll learn in this episode:

It’s not tofu versus steak. It’s both. There’s a battle raging in the health world over plant vs. animal protein—but the truth is, this isn’t an either/or game. It’s about combining the best of both to fuel muscle, metabolism, and longevity. In this episode, JJ Virgin breaks down the science of protein for women over 40 and shows how to use both plant and animal proteins to: 1. Hit your macros without overeating calories. 2. Burn fat while protecting hard-earned muscle. 3. Balance hunger hormones and control cravings. 4. Boost energy, brain health, and longevity with key nutrients. 5. Build delicious, satisfying meals that fit your lifestyle. What you’ll learn: (0:45) Why protein is more than fuel—it’s your body’s construction crew for muscles, skin, enzymes, and immune health. (2:30) How inadequate protein intake leads to muscle loss, slowed metabolism, and accelerated aging. (5:10) The role of protein in muscle protein synthesis and why your body needs more after age 40. (7:20) How protein boo

"I struggled to complete the fifth pushup, and I was horrified because it used to be 50 on my knuckles per set. What happened to me?" - Eric Edmeades I've been fascinated by ancestral nutrition since my early days studying with Dr. Loren Cordain, but nothing prepared me for what I learned from Eric Edmeades, who has spent 15 years living with the Hadza people in Tanzania. As an honorary member of one of the last true hunter-gatherer tribes, Eric has witnessed firsthand what our bodies were designed for—and why our modern approach to ancestral health for women is missing critical pieces. His insights about their three-day limit on depression, their natural relationship with food scarcity and abundance, and their incredible physical resilience have completely shifted how I think about midlife health challenges. What Eric discovered about their seasonal eating patterns and why they never develop the diseases plaguing our society will make you question everything about your current wellness routine. Pick one "h

Download my Ultimate Creatine Guide for Women before listening so you can read along and get the most out of the episode. You know that feeling when you discover something that completely changes your perspective on health? That's exactly what happened to me with creatine. For years, I avoided this supplement because of outdated misconceptions, but the research on creatine benefits for women over 40 has blown me away. Here's the reality: we actually need creatine MORE than men do, yet most of us are walking around severely deficient. We have less muscle mass to store creatine, we're not eating nearly enough animal protein to get adequate amounts from our diet, and we're dealing with unique stressors like hormonal fluctuations and sleep deprivation that drain our energy reserves even faster. When I finally tried the right form of creatine - and yes, the form matters tremendously - it was like flipping an energy switch I didn't even know existed. No more afternoon coffee crashes, better workouts, sharper ment

"All animals on earth and humans will eat until they get enough protein. You're basically gonna eat and eat and eat until you get enough protein. And only then are you gonna stop eating." - Dr. Ted Naiman I've been studying nutrition for decades, but when I discovered Dr. Ted Naiman's work on protein leverage, everything clicked into place. He is a brilliant primary care physician who grew tired of watching his patients gain weight despite trying every diet available. So he did what any good engineer would do - he reverse-engineered the entire obesity epidemic to find the real solution. What he discovered about protein for weight loss in women over 40 is absolutely game-changing, and it explains why you might be struggling despite doing "everything right." The simplicity of his approach will make you wonder why no one taught you this decades ago, and what he reveals about satiety will completely transform how you think about hunger.   What you’ll learn: How to stop the constant battle with hunger by u

The intermittent fasting craze has left so many of us confused about whether we should eat breakfast or skip it entirely. I've watched women swing from one extreme to the other - from grabbing a muffin and latte on the run to forcing themselves to wait until noon to eat their first meal. But here's what I've learned after years of working with women in midlife: there's no one-size-fits-all answer, but there IS a sweet spot that works for most of us. When I see women struggling with energy crashes, afternoon cravings, and that constant feeling of being "hangry," I often trace it back to how they're starting their day. The truth about breakfast for women over 40 is that it sets your metabolic tone for the entire day - and that can either work for you or against you. When you understand how to break your fast properly (and yes, even if you eat at 10 AM, you're still breaking a fast), you can stop that blood sugar roller coaster before it even starts and finally feel in control of your hunger and energy again.

"The women have been very intuitive. They know when something's not right. And I give credit to the patients for not listening to folks telling them that there's nothing wrong." - Dr. Robert Whitfield If you've ever felt like your body was trying to tell you something but medical professionals dismissed your concerns, what would it mean to finally have validation and a path forward? I've been wanting to have this conversation for years, but I waited until I could sit down with the right expert - someone who would validate what so many women have been experiencing but were told was "all in their heads." When I connected with Dr. Rob Whitfield, a world-renowned holistic plastic surgeon who's become a leading voice in breast implant illness women are facing, I knew we had to dive deep into this topic that's affecting thousands of women but still isn't being taken seriously by many in the medical community. What started as Dr. Whitfield treating cancer patients led to a groundbreaking discovery - he was findin

After 30+ years of helping women transform their bodies, I'm sharing the exact fat loss strategy that actually works—and it's not what you've been told. If you're tired of the "eat less, exercise more" approach that left you exhausted and metabolically damaged (like it did for 95% of people who try it), this episode is your game-changer. I'm breaking down why calories aren't just calories, how to protect your precious metabolism-boosting muscle during fat loss, and the specific workout and nutrition formula that helps women over 40 build muscle while burning fat—without spending hours in the gym or feeling deprived. Drawing from my work with thousands of clients and the latest metabolic research (including what really happened to those Biggest Loser contestants), I'm giving you my complete blueprint for sustainable fat loss. This isn't about quick fixes—it's about creating a body composition that supports you as you age powerfully. I'll walk you through my personal daily eating routine, the exact resistance

"Trauma becomes a burden that the body carries…and it's up to you to decide, do I still want to carry this or do I want to put it down?" - Dr. Aimie Apigian You know how some women say they sailed through menopause like it was no big deal, while others struggle intensely with symptoms that seem to come out of nowhere? I used to think it was just hormones and genetics, but what I've discovered through my conversation with Dr. Aimie Apigian completely shifted my perspective on trauma healing women over 40. Here's what blew my mind: that autoimmune condition, the weight that won't budge, the anxiety that hits during perimenopause, the gut issues that seemed to appear overnight - they might not just be about declining hormones. They could be your body finally revealing trauma that's been stored in your tissues for years, waiting for the right biological trigger to surface. And menopause? That's often the perfect storm that brings it all to light. Dr. Aimie, a double board-certified physician and author of "The

After decades in the health industry, I'm on a mission to get rid of traditional scales. Here's why: We've been focusing on the wrong metric for far too long, and it's doing real metabolic damage, especially to women over 40. In this episode, I'm diving into everything I've learned about body composition through my doctoral studies and 30+ years of experience working with thousands of women. The truth is, muscle is your organ of longevity, and starting around age 30, we can lose up to 1% of our muscle mass each year - that loss doubles after 60. But here's what I've discovered: when you shift your focus from weight loss to body recomposition, everything changes. I'm sharing my exact protocol for measuring what really matters (hint: it's not the number on your scale), including the specific tools I use at home and the professional assessments that give you the complete picture. Plus, I'll reveal how my husband dropped 27 pounds of fat while gaining 24 pounds of muscle in just 8 months using these strategies. 

"We have allowed about 10,000 additives into our food supply. In the EU, they allow around 300 to 400 additives depending on what country you're looking at. 300 to 400 versus 10,000 is a large leap." - Courtney Swan The shocking truth about what's really in our food will make you rethink everything sitting in your pantry right now. After spending time in Europe and feeling amazing while eating "everything," I knew something was fundamentally broken with our American food system. My guest today, integrative nutritionist and food activist Courtney Swan, reveals the disturbing reality that we're consuming 10,000 food additives compared to just 300-400 in Europe. For women over 40 already battling hormonal changes, weight challenges, and energy dips, these hidden toxins in our everyday foods are sabotaging our health in ways we never imagined. Courtney breaks down exactly which ingredients are causing inflammation, disrupting our hormones, and keeping us feeling tired and bloated - plus gives us a practical road

Join me in the JJ Virgin Lifestyle Community Facebook group! I get it - your social media feeds are absolutely flooded with the latest "miracle" solutions, and honestly, it can feel overwhelming trying to figure out what's actually worth your time, money, and energy. As women over 40, we don't have the luxury of experimenting with every trend that promises transformation. We need real results, not just pretty packaging. That's exactly why I decided to dive deep into the top 10 health trends women over 40 are asking me about most. From apple cider vinegar shots to red light face masks, I'm giving you the unfiltered truth about what works, what doesn't, and what might just surprise you. Some of these trends have genuine science behind them, while others are basically expensive ways to feel like you're doing something healthy. Here's what really struck me while researching this - so many of us are desperately seeking that one thing that will finally make us feel vibrant and confident again. But the truth is,