WHOOP Podcast

How can you improve your sleep this month? On this episode of our How To Series, WHOOP SVP Research, Algorithms, and Data, Emily Capodilupo sits down with Sleep Psychologist, Dr. Shelby Harris, PsyD DBSM. Dr. Shelby Harris is a clinical psychologist, specializing in behavioral sleep medicine. Dr. Harris provides expert insights on optimizing sleep through better bedtime routines, adjusting lifestyle factors like screen time and diet, and creating an ideal sleep environment. She discusses how sleep affects immune function, metabolism, mental health, and weight management while offering practical solutions for common disruptions like nighttime awakenings, stress, and irregular schedules. On this episode, Dr. Shelby Harris is helping WHOOP Podcast listeners learn how to get the best sleep of their life. Emily and Dr. Harris discuss Dr. Harris’s background (00:29), why sleep is important (01:18), misconceptions about sleep hygiene (02:05), how sleep is active (03:20), what habits are bad for sleep (05:58), and the effects of sleep apnea (08:20) and perimenopause (10:05). Dr. Shelby Harris shares the best habits to improve your sleep (12:29), why sleep hygiene involves more than just blocking blue light (15:25), and presents a valuable mental model for measuring normal sleep versus when it's time to seek help from a professional (24:59). Emily and Dr. Harris break down insomnia and how it can be treated (26:26), the importance of sleep during marathon training (30:00), where to start with sleep (35:40), and how WHOOP can help track sleep performance (40:16). Follow Dr. Shelby Harris: Instagram Tiktok Website Support the show Follow WHOOP www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo LinkedIn

Are GLP-1 medications the future of weight loss? On this week’s episode, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance Principal Scientist Kristen Holmes, sits down with Dr. Greg Grosicki, WHOOP Senior Research Scientist to discuss all things GLP-1 and GLP-1 Receptor Agonists (RAs). Dr. Greg Grosicki is a member of the Performance Science team at WHOOP, an accomplished IRONMAN athlete, and holds a PhD in Human Bioenergetics and a Masters Degree in Data Science. Greg’s background focusses on exercise physiology and aims to help people live longer and healthier in order to perform at their peak. Greg recently led a study at WHOOP that looked into the effects of GLP-1 RAs on heart health and responses in health behavior. Kristen and Greg discuss Greg’s journey to WHOOP and his research background (1:32), using exercise physiology to help people live longer and healthier (02:52), and how research at WHOOP will help you live better (06:07). Greg dives into the WHOOP GLP-1 study (10:54), GLP-1 medications access (20:48), and what people should expect from a GLP-1RA (23:09). Kristen and Greg break down GLP-1 RAs, their relationships with food addiction (24:30), Hollywood (26:16), and the idea of microdosing drugs like ozempic (27:10). The episode continues, providing an understanding for the importance of GLP-1 studies and using WHOOP as a tool in this data collection (28:20), the study’s results (32:56), and identifying research bias (35:55). Kristen and Greg discuss the relationship of GLP-1 and cardiovascular health (39:07), the impact of exercise on cardiovascular health (40:28) and maintaining muscle tissue when on GLP-1RAs (43:42). Read the study here: Heart and health behavior responses to GLP-1 receptor agonists: a 12-wk study using wearable technology and causal inference Support the show Follow WHOOP www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes Instagram LinkedIn

What does the road to a college football National Championship look like? On this week’s episode of the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP Founder and CEO Will Ahmed sits down with former Notre Dame Quarterback Riley Leonard. Riley began his college career playing 7 games for Duke as a true freshman in 2021 and was named starting QB in his sophomore season in 2022. In 2023, Riley entered the transfer portal, ultimately transferring to Notre Dame. While Riley almost entered the 2024 NFL Draft, an injury pushed him toward the decision to play at Notre Dame for another season, where he led the Fighting Irish to the National Championship game against Ohio State. Riley will be entering the 2025 NFL Draft in April. In this episode, Will and Riley discuss how Notre Dame approached the 2024/25 season (00:37), Riley’s unconventional preparation for every game (02:16), Riley’s journey through the transfer portal (03:58), injury, rehab, and recovery (04:32), and how Riley uses his beliefs to grow as an athlete (08:55). Riley breaks down Notre Dame’s road to the National Championship (11:16), playoff games against Indiana (16:03), Georgia (17:41) and Penn State (19:22), and the details of the National Championship against Ohio State (21:34). Will walks Riley through his WHOOP Data (23:31) and the importance of sleep consistency as an athlete (28:38). Riley closes out the episode by building the perfect NFL Quarterback (31:16) and giving WHOOP exclusive insight on his next steps in his career (34:01). Resources: Riley Leonard - Instagram Riley Leonard - x Support the show Follow WHOOP www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed Instagram X LinkedIn

This week on the second installment of our How To Series, Kristen Holmes, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist sits down with Dr. Laura Berman. Dr. Laura Berman is a sex, love, and relationship therapist with double Master’s degrees and a PhD from NYU. In her 30 years of practice, Laura has been on a mission to help people improve relationships and sex lives. Her perspective on therapy is one that focuses on mind-body connection as well as a spiritual perspective. Dr. Laura Berman is a columnist for USA Today, New York Times best-selling author, having written 9 books. She was a resident relationship expert on and has had multiple television shows on Oprah Winfrey's network, OWN. Dr. Laura Berman received her undergraduate degree from the University of Vermont, Master’s degree in clinical social work from NYU, and doctorate in health education with a specialty in human sexuality from NYU. She also completed a training fellowship in sexual therapy at NYU Medical Center Department of Psychiatry. On today’s episode, Kristen and Dr. Laura Berman discuss the three layers of intimacy (00:33), cracking the code on identifying your authentic self (03:53), the important obstacles to overcome to have better sex (08:13), Emotional avoidance in atheltes (09:57), understanding self-worth versus self-esteem (12:38), how to remove shame from sex (12:38), how grief can have an effect on intimacy (16:28), and breaking down spiritual barriers to help your sex life (16:28). Dr. Laura Berman presents the importance of maintaining integrity in your energy (37:58), how to overcome your traumas and triggers to unlock this energy (47:56), how HRV and energy frequency are related (52:39), and how dating has changed in the digital age (54:43). Kristen and Dr. Laura Berman close out the episode with highlighting the 3 foundations to build a solid sex life (1:05:02) and Dr. Berman’s tools to help emotional intimacy (1:07:21). Resources: Dr. Laura Berman - Instagram Dr. Laura Berman - X Dr. Laura Berman - Website Dr. Laura Berman - Language of Love Podcast Support the show Follow WHOOP www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed Instagram X LinkedIn

What simple diet changes can help improve long-term health? This week, in the second installment of our Longevity Series, WHOOP SVP, Research Algorithms and Data, Emily Capodilupo sits down with Dr. Federica Amati, Head Nutritionist at ZOE, Nutrition Topic Lead at Imperial College London Faculty of Medicine, and Head of Nutrition Science at Wellfounded Health. Dr. Amati’s primary focus within the health and nutrition space focusses on maternal and early childhood health, women’s health, and the gut microbiome as a modifier for nutrition to improve overall health. ZOE runs the world's largest study in nutrition-science and provides its members with personalized nutrition plans to live healthier. At Zoe, Dr. Amati communicates and provides up-to-date evidence-based research, using food as a tool to transform member health. In this episode, Emily and Dr. Federica Amati discuss Dr. Amati’s journey through medicine to nutrition (00:47), the percentage of health that begins and ends with nutrition (03:28), the surprising additives in today’s food (05:41), why nutrition shouldn’t be about convenience (10:15), why we need to start caring about our gut microbiome (13:57), the benefits of having plants in our diet (16:29), and Dr. Amati’s new “5-a-day” to prioritize in our diet (18:55). Dr. Amati amplifies the need to regain a positive relationship with food (20:57), reframing how we approach food (26:57), the importance of nutrition in the first 1000 days of life (28:32), and understanding food agency (29:24). Dr. Amati highlights the benefits of the Zoe Diet in helping to improve your overall health (31:56) and why it’s never too late to start taking control of your health (39:50). Follow WHOOP www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed Instagram X LinkedIn Resources Dr. Federica Amati Dr. Federica Amati - ZOE ZOE Support the show

Looking to improve sex and intimacy with your partner this Valentine's Day? On this week’s episode, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist, Kristen Holmes is joined by WHOOP SVP Research Algorithms, and Data Emily Capodilupo. Kristen and Emily discuss the impact of love on your neurobiology (00:34), intimacy as a spectrum (2:08), the role of technology in intimacy and the benefits of intimate moments on the body (5:35), the effects of toxic relationships on the body (9:18), and cultural and societal views on sex (13:40). Kristen and Emily answer questions on how working out builds intimacy (16:41), and the best time of day to have sex (21:35). Emily and Kristen finish the episode by discussing the importance of communication in relationships and sex and how WHOOP can positively impact your relationship with your partner (36:02). Resources Follow WHOOP www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes Instagram Follow Will Ahmed Instagram X LinkedIn Support the show Support the show

What does it take to make it to the Super Bowl? This week, Will Ahmed, Founder and CEO of WHOOP, sits down with Bobby Stroupe, Founder of the Athlete Performance Enhancement Center (APEC) and trainer for three-time Super Bowl champion Patrick Mahomes. Ahead of Super Bowl LIX, Will and Bobby break down Patrick’s health this season versus last (1:11), coaching Patrick through injuries (3:13), and optimizing speed for in-game performance (6:46). Bobby also shares his strategies for improving Patrick's rushing ability as a quarterback (10:20), leveraging WHOOP data for training (11:00), and preparing for the challenge of playing three games in 11 days (14:44). Will and Bobby discuss overcoming the late-season lull (20:40), harnessing Patrick’s “win-ergy,” managing playoff Strain (26:05), handling the hype of Super Bowl LIX (31:06), and the pursuit of a historic three-peat (34:08). Resources Bobby Stroupe Instagram Bobby Stroupe X TeamAPEC.com Follow WHOOP www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed Instagram X LinkedIn Support the show Support the show

What are the risks of heart disease as you age? Dr. Jeremy London is back this week with WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance and Principal Scientist Kristen Holmes to share more insights on the impact of cardiovascular health on longevity! Kristen and Dr. London define blood pressure (00:30) and its effects on cardiovascular events (02:49). Dr. London breaks down the best ways to train to optimize cardio health (05:30), how he prepares for surgery, his position on the responsibility of healthcare professionals to “practice what they preach” (18:13), and systemic issues within healthcare (21:27). Dr. London rounds out the episode by providing tips on the importance of personalizing your health and longevity journey (32:59). Resources: Dr. Jeremy London - Instagram drjeremylondon.com Follow WHOOP www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes Instagram Support the show Support the show

What small lifestyle changes can help you take control of your heart health? This week on the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance and Principal Scientist Kristen Holmes sits down with Cardiothoracic Surgeon, Dr. Jeremy London. Dr. London is board certified in general surgery, vascular surgery, and thoracic surgery. He's gained recognition on social media for his ability to share important health information in a comprehensible way. Kristen and Dr. Jeremy London discuss how Jeremy became a surgeon and social media personality (00:52), the preventability of cardiovascular disease (03:11), the role of genetics play when it comes to heart health (04:14), lifestyle change non-negotiables (5:30) and the small changes Jeremy has made in his own life (19:20). Kristen and Jeremy dissect research on the effects of sleep, breathwork, and stress on the autonomic nervous system (21:18), the important role of sleep on overall health (22:34). How daytime habits influence sleep (25:15), the use of data in monitoring lifestyle changes (29:04) and the impact of sedentary time on cardiovascular health (33:37). Jeremy breaks down the common misconceptions of heart disease (39:30), the impacts of pre-diabetes on the heart (42:04), how patients can measure their own heart health at home (46:59), and why blood pressure matters (47:36). Resources: Dr. Jeremy London - Instagram drjeremylondon.com Follow WHOOP www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed Instagram X LinkedIn Support the show Support the show

How can a plant-based diet help you unlock your health goals? This week, on the first episode of our Longevity Series, WHOOP SVP, Research Algorithms and Data, Emily Capodilupo, sits down with Dr. Michael Greger, Physician, Author, and Speaker on Public Health, to discuss the important health information related to a plant-based diet. Dr. Michael Greger runs the science-backed, non-profit NutritionFacts.org, which aims to bring free, online information on a variety of health topics to public view. He is well known for his stance on utilizing a plant-based diet to aid and reverse symptoms of chronic disease. Emily and Michael discuss the science behind the benefits of a plant-based diet (02:09), what a "plant-based" actually means (5:21), defining the benefits of plant-based diets (06:08), which foods to include in your diet first (09:59), the psychology of adopting new habits (11:40), why you can’t “run off a bad diet” (17:43), what role can supplements play (27:43), and the importance of committing to small changes in behavior to aid longevity (36:36). Resources: Dr. Michael Greger on Instagram Nutritionfacts.org Follow WHOOP www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed Instagram X LinkedIn Support the show

On this week’s episode, WHOOP Founder and CEO Will Ahmed is joined by global tennis star Maria Sakkari. Will and Maria discuss Maria’s journey to becoming a professional tennis player (1:38), the level of independence in tennis (5:55), becoming the #3 player in the world (7:01), how Maria prepares for a big match (7:57), what Maria tracks to be her best (16:58), Maria’s WHOOP data (16:58), some key lessons Maria learned from her injury (20:19) and how to increase longevity as an athlete (23:09). Will and Maria also dive into the importance of protecting mental health as a professional athlete (25:51), Maria’s experience playing Serena Williams for the first time (33:44), and some rapid-fire questions (36:42). Resources: Maria on Instagram Maria on X Follow WHOOP www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed Instagram X LinkedIn Support the show

On this week’s episode, WHOOP Founder and CEO Will Ahmed is joined by best-selling author and happiness expert Arthur Brooks. During the first episode of our How To Series, Will and Arthur discuss how to control your mindset and feel happier. Hear about Arthur’s unconventional background (02:18), the need to become comfortable with the uncomfortable (04:43), key components to setting routine and boosting dopamine (07:25), strivers, happiness, and aging (13:42), intuition and pattern recognition (18:09), breaking down the key components of happiness (20:46), and the importance of embracing unhappiness (25:01). Arthur provides insight on becoming the entrepreneur of your own life (27:45), the balance of unhappiness and happiness (29:55), how aging impacts happiness (33:27), how we need to combat the depression epidemic in young adults (37:40), the key methods to promote happiness (42:50), and how Arthur applies these skills to his own life (47:29). Resources: Arthur’s Website Follow WHOOP www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed Instagram X LinkedIn Support the show

On this week’s episode, we are wrapping up 2024 by revisiting some of our favorite episodes of the year. This year, we spoke to some of the world's top athletes, entertainers, and experts across a variety of topics. Listen to the Best of 2024 WHOOP Podcast moments with Pro Footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo on the importance of talent and work ethic (2:06), Performance Chef, Dan Churchill on elevating performance with nutrition (4:51), Gut Health Doctor, Dr. Megan Rossi on the super 6 of the gut microbiome (9:45), Multi-Platinum Recording Artist, Mike Posner on changing your mindset and life outlook (11:53), Rock climbing Legend, Alex Honnold on visualizing risk and consequence (18:36), Psychologist and Author, Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett on the brain-body connection (21:57), 3x World Champion, Patrick Mahomes on preparation and planning (23:53), NWSL Team Co-Owner, Brittany Mahomes on training after having a baby (25:52), CEO of Parent Data and Best-Selling Author, Emily Oster on the need for parenting research (27:15), Couples therapist, Julie Mennano on the characteristics of a healthy relationship (31:02), and Global Football Star, Virgil van Dijk on navigating a leadership role (33:32). Resources: Cristiano Ronaldo - Episode 272 Dan Churchill - Episode 269 Dr. Megan Rossi - Episode 283 Mike Posner - Episode 273 Alex Honnold - Episode 264 Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett - Episode 262 Patrick Mahomes - Episode 287 Brittany Mahomes - Episode 286 Emily Oster - Episode 297 Julie Mennano - Episode 278 Virgil van Dijk - Episode 295 Follow WHOOP www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes Instagram LinkedIn Support the show

On this week’s episode WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist Kristen Holmes is joined by WHOOP SVP Research Algorithms, and Data Emily Capodilupo. Kristen and Emily are here to help you take on the Holiday Season. That’s right, this is our Holiday Hacks episode. Kristen and Emily discuss mentally and physically preparing for the holidays (3:16), building a buffer (5:52), how we think about the holidays (8:56), travel optimization strategies (16:32), altitude impacting the body (31:38), late-night meals and late-night drinking (40:43), and banking social energy and showing up (46:10). Follow WHOOP www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes Instagram LinkedIn Support the show

On this week’s episode, WHOOP Founder and CEO Will Ahmed is joined by WHOOP SVP, Research Algorithms and Data, Emily Capodilupo for the 2024 Year In Review Episode. As we approach the new year, we want to take some time to look back on our top stats of the last 12 months. Will and Emily discuss the newest WHOOP feature (1:41), the top journal habits (3:35), activities (11:56), parenting activities logged (15:08), and some niche activities logged in cities around the world (16:47). Will and Emily also cover the best and worst Recovery factors of the year (21:33), which day had the top Strain, Sleep, and Recovery statistics (21:33), Recovery boosts and detractors (22:21), which city sleeps the best (35:51), what the top sleep consistency behaviors are (38:40), and a look at some of the WHOOP Athlete’s top activities (40:32). Follow WHOOP www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed Instagram X LinkedIn Support the show

On this week’s episode, WHOOP Founder and CEO Will Ahmed is joined by Founder & CEO of charity: water, Scott Harrison. Scott is the founder and current CEO of Charity: Water, a non-profit that strives to bring clean water to rural communities around the world. Will and Scott discuss Scott’s background (2:07), a decade working in nightlife (4:09), shifting from nightlife to non-profit (17:18), Scott’s first humanitarian mission in Liberia (21:08), and the importance of storytelling (25:20). Scott talks about creating charity: water (34:27), the logistics of bringing water to as many people as possible (40:22), growing charity: water (44:00), Scott’s WHOOP data (56:23), and how to donate to charity: water (1:00:02). Resources: Join The Spring Scott Harrison Instagram Charity: Water Instagram Charity: Water Website Follow WHOOP: www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Support the show

On this week’s episode, WHOOP Founder and CEO Will Ahmed is joined by social media personality and photographer Paul Ripke. Paul became famous for taking pictures of German hip-hop bands, F1 star Lewis Hamilton, and the German National Team that won the World Cup in 2014. Will and Paul discuss how “Average Paul” became a WHOOP ambassador (1:53), building a career as a photographer (5:39), getting banned from FIFA for four years (8:36), the crossroads of luck and opportunity (10:29), what it's like working with the worlds top athletes (17:14), and Paul’s WHOOP data (30:20). Resources: Paul’s Instagram Paul’s YouTube Channel Paul’s Podcast Follow WHOOP www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed Instagram X LinkedIn Support the show

On this week’s episode, WHOOP Founder and CEO Will Ahmed is joined by two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Fintan McCarthy. The Irish Lightweight rower has been dominating the sport for several years now alongside his partner Paul O’Donovan. McCarthy started rowing professionally when he was 15. He's won 3 European Championships, 3 World Championships, and two gold medals at the Tokyo and Paris games. Will and Fintan discuss how Fintan became a rower (1:45), breaking through the pain threshold (3:54), how to effectively train (5:03), training cadence as a pro (6:35), breathwork techniques (8:16), Fintan’s Olympic experiences (13:10), his WHOOP data in Paris (18:35), sleep tips (22:30), winning gold with his partner Paul O’Donovan (26:51), external factors while rowing (31:17), in-race communication tactics (33:09), Fintan’s guide to recovery (37:46), and winning a gold medal (40:55). Resources: Fintan’s Instagram Follow WHOOP www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed Instagram X LinkedIn Support the show

On this week’s episode, WHOOP Senior Vice President of Research, Algorithms, and Data is joined by Economist and Parenting Expert Emily Oster. The pair discusses Emily’s background (1:50) and journey from economist to parenting expert (2:55), the lack of research in pregnancy and parenting (3:45), navigating caution in pregnancy (5:36), receiving pushback from physicians (8:11). Emily Oster gives insight into creating her business, ParentData (12:28), navigating social media (15:56), and presenting some of the biggest surprises in parenting research (19:58). The pair continue to discuss policy changes and parenting aid (21:41), when the best time to have children is (22:15), family planning (28:37), and unpacking some listener Q’s (41:01). Resources: Emily’s Instagram Emily’s TikTok Podcast: Raising Parents with Emily Oster Podcast: Parent Data with Emily Oster ParentData.org Get Emily’s Books Follow WHOOP www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed Instagram X LinkedIn Support the show

On this week’s episode, we have another great listener questions episode for you. WHOOP Senior Sport Scientist Chris Chapman joins us to answer all of your questions on strength training and performance. Chris answers questions around strength training and workout focus (2:17), preventing osteoporosis (8:43), the timing of workouts impacting recovery (12:55), building the ideal training program (16:32), progression through lifting programs (21:08), creatine and other supplements (27:39), and nutritional suggestions for different lifting programs (31:41). Resources: Research Paper on Bone Health Research Paper on Creatine and Disease Research Paper on Creatine and Brain Health Research Paper on Protein WHOOP Podcast #252 with Dr. Darren Candow WHOOP Podcast #218 with Chris Chapman Follow WHOOP www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed Instagram X LinkedIn Support the show