I am delighted to connect with Shawn Stevenson today! Shawn is the host of the prolific Model Health Show. He is also a Nutritional Scientist, an author, and a father. Shawn was a top-tier athlete in high school. At fifteen, his hip broke while running a 200-meter time trial. He had some standard of care, but nobody ever asked how an apparently healthy kid broke his hip while running. Two years later, he went to college. Soon after that, he got diagnosed with degenerative disc disease.    In this episode, we get into how his background influenced his career path. We discuss fast-food economies, ultra-processed foods, the impact of subsidized foods on our health, the gut microbiome, and the dangers of seed oils. We dive into metabolic switching, the vagus nerve, and how it impacts food absorption and leaky gut. We talk about brain health, how the brain is influenced by the food we eat, the interrelationship between the brain and metabolic health, insulin sensitivity, and the impact of inflammation on the brain. We also discuss the importance of hydration, electrolytes, and more. IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN: How Shawn developed his passion for discussing nutrition and synthesizing research, and got to where he is today. How changing his thinking changed his life. What are ultra-processed foods? How ultra-processed foods impact the health of the average American citizen. Why so many Americans are obese today The need to understand the connection between the brain and the gut. What is the relationship between our immune system and our gut microbiome? An unusual benefit of extra-virgin olive oil. What can you do to have a healthier brain? The critical importance of high-quality sodium for cognitive function. Why Omega-3s are vital for our brains. Bio: Shawn Stevenson is the author of the USA Today National bestseller Eat Smarter and the international bestselling book Sleep Smarter. He’s also the creator of The Model Health Show, which is featured as the #1 health podcast in the U.S., with millions of downloads each year. A graduate of the University of Missouri–St. Louis and Shawn studied business, biology, and nutritional science and became the cofounder of Advanced Integrative Health Alliance. Shawn has been featured in Forbes, Fast Company, The New York Times, Muscle & Fitness, ABC News, ESPN, and many other major media outlets. Connect with Cynthia Thurlow Follow on X, Instagram & LinkedIn Check out Cynthia’s website Submit your questions to support@cynthiathurlow.com Join other like-minded women in a supportive, nurturing community (The Midlife Pause/Cynthia Thurlow)  Cynthia’s Menopause Gut Book is on presale now! Cynthia’s Intermittent Fasting Transformation Book The Midlife Pause supplement line Connect with Shawn Stevenson On his ⁠website⁠ ⁠The Model Health Show⁠ On ⁠Facebook⁠, ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠YouTube⁠, and ⁠Twitter⁠ Shawn’s books are available on ⁠Amazon⁠.