WHOOP Podcast

On this week’s episode WHOOP Founder and CEO Will Ahmed is joined by fitness legend Katrin Davíðsdóttir. The Icelandic athlete was crowned the "Fittest Woman on Earth" in both 2015 and 2016 at the CrossFit Games. Her background in gymnastics and track and field led to her strong athletic foundation. In March of 2024, Katrín and fellow WHOOP athlete Annie Thorisdottir, launched Empower by Dóttir to help provide insight and training tips to women throughout their fitness journeys. Will and Katrin discuss Katrin getting started in the fitness world (1:57), what makes a good mentor (5:17), becoming the Fittest Woman on Earth (6:34), work ethic and mindset (16:22), how Katrin uses WHOOP (18:24), Katrin’s Surgery and her rehab (21:29), tools to recover from surgery (30:13), tracking in the WHOOP journal (34:33), and what’s next for Katrin (38:45). Resources Katrin's Instagram Empower by Dóttir Follow WHOOP www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed Instagram X LinkedIn Support the Show.

On this week’s episode, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist, Kristen Holmes and WHOOP SVP, Research Algorithms and Data Emily Capodilupo are here to discuss all things body composition. We’re excited to announce we just launched a new feature in the WHOOP app in partnership with Withings. With the feature, WHOOP members can now calculate their body composition, lean body mass percentage, body fat percentage, and weight. Kristen and Emily discuss the foundation of losing weight (1:25), WHOOP as the home for your health (6:32), the feature integration process (8:54), key terms of body composition (10:06), skinny doesn’t mean healthy (17:41), metrics you will see in the feature (20:09), having a more complete look of your health (23:02), and tips for improving your body composition (30:09). Learn More: The New WHOOP Body Composition Feature Get 20% off a WITHINGS Scale Follow WHOOP www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram 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 Vincent Hancock. Vincent is a 3 time Olympic Gold medalist and former sergeant in the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit who earned the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, among other service accolades. He was the first person to win back-to-back gold medals in skeet shooting when he took home gold in Beijing and London. He is also the first person to win 4 World Championship titles in Men’s Skeet. Will and Vincent discuss how Vincent got started shooting (1:36), the sport of skeet shooting (3:31), getting recruited to the US Army Marksmen Unit (7:28), the process of competition (12:55), Vincent’s training program (15:11), the power of a flow state (18:26), how Vincent uses WHOOP (31:58), Vincent’s WHOOP data (39:49), competing at the Olympics (50:04), and what to expect in Paris (1:03:50). Resources: Vincent Hancock's Instagram Follow WHOOP www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed Instagram X LinkedIn Support the Show.

On this week’s episode WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist Kristen Holmes is joined by Julie Menanno. The licensed marriage and family therapist specializes in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples. She’s the author of the book, Secure Love, which helps couples create lasting relationships. Additionally, she founded and runs the Bozeman Therapy & Counseling clinic, and The Secure Relationship Coaching. Kristen and Julie discuss how Julie started working with couples (2:15), couples therapy vs individual therapy (5:45), finding optimism in couples therapy (8:04), characteristics of a healthy relationship (11:11), emotionally focused therapy (14:15), the four attachment styles (18:06), practicing secure love (38:27), red flags in a relationship (43:47), and the organization of Julie’s book (48:42). Resources: Julie Menanno’s Website Julie Menanno’s Instagram The Secure Love Podcast Julie’s Articles on Disorganized Attachment Theory Follow WHOOP www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram 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 women’s soccer star, Ali Riley. Ali currently captains the New Zealand National Team and Angel City FC. She has represented New Zealand at 5 FIFA World Cups, 4 Olympic Games, and will be headed to Paris this summer. In 2023, Ali led the New Zealand National Team to the country’s first-ever World Cup match win. Kristen and Ali discuss Ali’s state of mind ahead of Paris (1:35), representing the New Zealand National Team (4:27), life as a student-athlete and national team player (10:27), advocating for yourself (15:28), dealing with nerves (18:23), Ali’s leadership style (21:11), Ali’s professional career (28:57), nutrition and Ali’s cookbook (38:04), using WHOOP to maximize performance (44:34), the power of social media (47:49), Caitlin Clark and women’s sports (58:54), improving longevity in sport (1:02:14), and thinking about a final game (1:05:22). Resources: Ali’s Instagram Ali’s Cookbook Follow WHOOP www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes Instagram LinkedIn Support the Show.

On this week’s episode WHOOP SVP of Research, Algorithms, and Data, Emily Capodilupo, is back to answer questions from you, our listeners. Our listeners reached out via social media, email, voicemail, and more. Emily joins us to answer questions about how to define and calculate VO2 Max (2:13), how to improve VO2 Max (8:00), how to hydrate and train in the heat (11:40), hydrogen water bottles (17:35), using WHOOP to monitor pregnancy (27:19), and how bulking and high caloric intake impacts HRV (31:30). Follow WHOOP www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed Instagram X LinkedIn Support the Show.

On this week’s episode WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist Kristen Holmes is joined by Australian-born supermodel Bambi Northwood-Blyth. She has worked with some of the most notable brands in fashion like Balenciaga, Chanel, Armani, Vogue, Elle, and more. As a young woman living with Type 1 diabetes since the age of 11, Bambi is an outspoken advocate demonstrating how to manage her condition while simultaneously striving for your dreams. Kristen and Bambi discuss getting into modeling (3:25), being consistent in the fashion industry (7:06), the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes (10:32), finding your health baseline (14:26), building in mini moments of relaxation (18:55), staying in a healthy and neutral state (23:43), managing a global travel schedule (31:25), Bambi’s new business venture (37:39), dietary habits for diabetics (39:37), and advocacy for diabetes (44:25). Resources: Bambi's Instagram Follow WHOOP www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram 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 tennis star Bethanie Mattek-Sands. The 9-time Grand Slam champion, commonly known as America’s Rock Star of Tennis, Bethanie has brought a charismatic and eccentric energy to the sport, which has propelled her to 31 titles throughout her career. Kristen and Bethanie discuss how Bethanie started tennis at a young age (2:47), leaning into her true identity on and off the court (7:58), prioritizing recovery (13:48), the biggest impacts and tools for Bethanie’s health (20:45), breathwork (35:29), how Bethanie resets away from tennis (38:42), using data to optimize performance (42:17), the state of women’s sports (51:06), and what’s next for Bethanie (54:25). Resources: Bethanie’s Instagram The Art of Learning by Josh Waitzkin Follow WHOOP www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram 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 multi-platinum recording artist Mike Posner. Mike’s songs have been streamed more than 10 billion times, and his pop single "I Took A Pill In Ibiza” was nominated for “Song of The Year” at the 2017 Grammys. Mike has now found a new passion for health and wellness and spirituality. Will and Mike discuss how Mike got into music (2:36), developing a chip on your shoulder (8:10), getting his music career started (9:36), becoming a real celebrity (17:18), the switch to owning his own identity (20:10), walking away from material fame (27:00), grief as a remarkable reset (36:13), walking across America (40:46), climbing Mt. Everest (46:36), how Mike uses WHOOP (1:03:20), and advice to give yourself (1:08:49). Trigger warning: this episode contains content about suicide Resources: Mike’s Facebook Mike’s Instagram Mike’s TikTok Mike’s X Follow WHOOP www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram 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 the world’s best footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo. The legendary athlete is now an investor and Global Ambassador for WHOOP. The 5x Ballon d’Or and 5x Champions League winner describes WHOOP as a tool he cannot live without in order to perform at his peak. Will and Cristiano discuss Cristiano’s first memory playing football (1:23), being motivated by his father (2:55), talent vs. work ethic (4:19), being at the top for so long (6:56), how Cristiano uses WHOOP (8:08), his recovery modalities (13:35), mindfulness and visualization (16:22), and his partnership with WHOOP (18:35). Resources: whoop.com/cr7 Cristiano's Website Cristiano's Instagram Support the Show.

On this week’s episode WHOOP Founder and CEO Will Ahmed is joined by Dermot Whelan. Dermot is an award-winning Radio and TV Broadcaster, Author, Comedian, Podcast Host, and Meditation Expert. As the host of The Mind Full Podcast, Dermot is sharing his wealth of knowledge and teachings around meditation, stress management, positivity, and more. Will and Dermot discuss how Dermot found comedy (1:35), his first time doing stand-up (8:15), developing material (11:07), finding meditation (15:50), Dermot’s 16-second meditation technique (23:33), meditation sparking Dermot’s health kick (31:24), how society views meditation (36:54), how Dermot uses WHOOP (40:50), and the power of fulfillment (48:07). Resources: Dermot’s Website Dermot’s Instagram The Mind Full Podcast Dermot’s Book Support the Show.

On this week’s episode WHOOP Founder and CEO Will Ahmed is joined by barre3 Co-Founder and CEO Sadie Lincoln. Barre3 is a fitness company focused on teaching people to be balanced in body and empowered from within. Beyond running her company and being a global spokesperson, Sadie still enjoys teaching barre3 classes to many of her founding clients in her hometown of Portland, Oregon. Will and Sadie discuss how Sadie got into barre (1:38), the biggest difference from the first barre3 studio to now (4:23), what makes barre unique (7:16), teaching and coaching clients (12:15), using WHOOP (17:00), Sadie teaching classes (21:52), work-life balance with a loved one (24:35), what it means to be inside your body (27:41), the difference between being a founder and CEO (37:32), and advice to other female CEOs (39:27). Resources: barre3.com Sadie’s Instagram Support the Show.

On this week’s episode WHOOP Founder and CEO Will Ahmed is joined by Performance Chef and Podcast Host Dan Churchill. The Australian native is now the Chef at The Osprey in Brooklyn and the host of The Epic Table Podcast. With a Master's Degree in Exercise Science, Dan blends his expertise in fitness and wellness with his passion for healthy cooking and has become the face of nutrition-based performance. Dan is here to talk about his latest book Eat Like a Legend and his experience running the Boston Marathon. Dan and Will discuss how Dan treats his body and mind (2:15), physical strain vs. mental strain (9:15), becoming a chef (11:58), moving from Australia to America (20:33), Dan’s new book Eat Like a Legend (24:45), top meals for performance (29:10), what’s next for The Osprey (34:18), running the Boston Marathon (40:27), and weight loss tips (49:04). Resources: Dan's Website Dan’s Instagram 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. The pair is here to talk about the link between sleep, stress, and blood pressure. Kristen and Emily will be talking about an upcoming study conducted by our team here at WHOOP, that you our listeners and members can be a part of. Kristen and Emily discuss an overview of the study (1:50), why we are conducting this study (4:32), the protocols of the study (12:14), the power of big data collections (22:34), breaking down stress (26:35), how anxiety impacts sleep (32:27), how we perceive stress (39:55), and understanding sleep patterns (49:16). Resources: Harvard Health: Stress Response What Happens to the Body During Stress Email Research Study Navy Seal Box Breathing Dr. Rangan Chatterjee: Breathing Techniques Support the Show.

On this week’s episode WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist Kristen Holmes is joined by Lori Locust. Lori is entering her sixth season coaching in the NFL and her second season with the Titans. Prior to arriving in Tennessee, she spent four seasons as an assistant defensive line coach at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers where she won a Super Bowl in 2021. Kristen and Lori discuss preparing for the NFL season (3:01), learning a playbook (6:20), getting her first shot at coaching (9:27), Coach Lo’s perspective on the game (13:20), starting in the NFL (16:08), integrating with the Tampa Bay staff (28:10), Tom Brady joining the Buccaneers (28:10), preparation and mindset before the Super Bowl (32:07), Lo’s coaching style (34:32), defining success (36:42), shedding the stigma of “just ticking a box” (38:32), barriers for women in sport (41:04), the future of women in the NFL (46:57), meditation and self-reflection (50:04). Resources: Coach Lo’s Instagram Support the Show.

On this week’s episode, WHOOP Founder and CEO Will Ahmed is joined by Jason McCarthy the Co-Founder and CEO of GORUCK. Jason served in Special Forces after 9/11. He founded GORUCK in West Africa with his wife Emily, a Case Officer for the CIA, and a napkin sketch for a rucksack that could thrive in Baghdad and NYC. He also proudly serves on the Board of Directors of the Green Beret Foundation. Will and Jason discuss how Jason joined the military (2:30), having accountability for the country (11:45), the idea for GORUCK (16:25), what is in a go bag (19:35), starting the business (21:20), defining rucking and its benefits (25:53), what’s next for GORUCK (31:28), baseline and extreme rucks (33:14), developing mental toughness (35:49), advice to future Green Berets (39:41), and how Jason uses WHOOP (41:36). Resources: GORUCK Website Support the Show.

As Women’s History Month comes to an end, we wanted to answer your questions around women’s health. Who better do that than WHOOP SVP, Data Science and Research, Emily Capodilupo. Emily answers questions about menstrual cycle physiology (2:05), how to use WHOOP to better understand your cycle (3:55), nutritional habits during your period (4:50), how cycles can impact HRV (6:35), supplements to take during your cycle (8:58), birth control methods (12:12), long-term impacts of birth control (14:45), birth control impacting athletic performance (16:08), preparing the body for pregnancy (21:03), and sleeping tips while pregnant (24:16). Support the Show.

On this week’s episode, WHOOP Founder and CEO Will Ahmed is joined by rock climbing legend Alex Honnold. You probably know Alex from the incredible Netflix documentary Free Solo where Alex scaled the famous El Capitan mountain face. Alex joins us to discuss his next greatest challenge a route called, Bachelor Party, and it’s graded 9a/5.14d. This is going to be the most challenging climb of Alex’s career and he will be wearing WHOOP throughout his training and during the climb. Will and Alex discuss some major life updates from Alex (1:40), a day in the life for Alex (8:18), pulling back from free soloing (9:44), risk and consequence (12:56), dealing with negative thoughts (22:30), the flow state of climbing (25:24), how life has changed since becoming a father (29:44), getting nervous (32:15), Alex’s next challenge “The Road to 9a” (35:06), his hiking journal (48:21), and his role as a public figure (52:03). Support the Show.

On this week’s episode, with World Sleep Day right around the corner, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist, Kristen Holmes is here to guide you through a Non-Sleep Deep Rest (NSDR) session. This session will help you prepare for sleep and enter a state of relaxation to promote a higher quality night’s sleep. If you are a WHOOP member, you can track this activity in the WHOOP app. So be sure to have that activity started as you listen to this episode. Kristen will explain what NSDR is (1:30), the numerous benefits of NSDR (2:26), and lead listeners on a guided NSDR session (3:54). Support the Show.

On this week’s episode, WHOOP VP of Performance Science, Principal Scientist, Kristen Holmes is joined by Lisa Feldman Barrett, PhD. Dr. Feldman Barrett is a University Distinguished Professor of psychology at Northeastern University with appointments at the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH). She is among the top 1% most-cited scientists worldwide over the past five years and has authored two best-selling science books, How Emotions are Made: The Secret Life of the Brain and Seven and a Half Lessons About the Brain. Kristen and Dr. Feldman Barrett discuss how Dr. Feldman Barrett got started in the field (3:35), realizing her research was taking shape (11:56), the human brain (16:25), modernity impacting brain evolution (24:17), affect and arousal (42:17), Seven and a Half Lessons on the Brain (53:41), people thinking about emotions (55:22), and what Dr. Feldman Barrett is obsessing over (1:00:39). Resources: Dr. Feldman Barrett's Website Support the Show.