Episode Summary: S2 Ep17 – Divinia Taylor on Biohacking, Hormonal Health, and Parenting

In this episode of Glad We Had This Chat with Caroline Hirons, host Caroline Hirons engages in a candid and insightful conversation with Divinia Taylor, a renowned biohacking expert and the accidental CEO of the multimillion-pound supplement company, Will Powders. Divinia shares her transformative journey from a 1990s actress and socialite to a leading figure in the biohacking industry, offering listeners a deep dive into personal health, hormonal optimization, and effective parenting strategies amidst personal challenges.

1. Introduction to Divinia Taylor

[00:00] Caroline Hirons

"My guest this week first captured public attention in the 90s as an actress and socialite who was part of the infamous Primrose Hill set... She is Divinia Taylor."

Caroline introduces Divinia, highlighting her shift from the limelight of acting to a passion-driven career in biohacking and nutritional optimization. Divinia recounts her early days in acting and how her interests pivoted toward health and wellness.

2. From Acting to Biohacking

[01:38] Divinia Taylor

"Takes me back."

Divinia reflects on her time in the acting scene, particularly her stint on Hollyoaks in the mid-90s. She discusses the chaotic environment of the entertainment industry and her desire to transition into a more meaningful and health-focused career.

3. Personal Struggles: Alcohol and ADHD

Divinia opens up about her battles with alcohol and ADHD. She explains how hormonal changes, particularly around pregnancy and perimenopause, exacerbated her drinking habits, leading to long-term sobriety challenges.

[05:50] Divinia Taylor

"I started getting pregnant. Well, trying at 28... because I've gone past the invisible line, the point of no return."

She emphasizes the irreversible changes that certain life events can impose, using the metaphor:

"You can't unpickle a gherkin back into a cucumber."

4. Coping Mechanisms and Sobriety

Divinia shares her coping mechanisms during turmoil, such as leveraging anger as a motivator to maintain sobriety. She highlights the importance of mental strength and resilience in overcoming addiction.

[14:26] Divinia Taylor

"And it can... a woman who's angry, let her roar."

5. Navigating Parenting with ADHD

Raising four children while managing ADHD presents unique challenges for Divinia. She discusses strategies to maintain order, such as organizing routines and utilizing biohacking techniques to support both her and her children’s well-being.

[21:10] Divinia Taylor

"Our house is feral."

6. The Birth of Will Powders

Frustrated by the lack of quality supplements, Divinia co-founded Will Powders. She details the company's mission to provide clean, effective supplements that support mental and physical health without the excessive additives found in mainstream products.

[45:38] Divinia Taylor

"Our protein is bone broth... tastes like Mr. Whippy."

7. Biohacking Techniques and Supplements

Divinia delves into specific biohacking techniques that have significantly improved her health:

• Collagen Supplements: Essential for gut health and overall well-being.
• MCT Oil and Ketones: Used to enhance brain function and energy levels.
• Dietary Adjustments: Emphasizing low-carb, high-fat diets to manage blood sugar and reduce cravings.

[35:16] Divinia Taylor

"Reviewed bone broth... our protein is bone broth."

8. Managing Perimenopause through Diet and Lifestyle

Divinia discusses how dietary and lifestyle changes can alleviate perimenopause symptoms. She shares her experiences with hormone detoxification and the role of specific supplements in balancing hormones.

[32:30] Divinia Taylor

"Going through perimenopause... added more magnesium so my sleep was better."

9. Addressing Common Health Myths

The conversation touches on prevalent health misconceptions, such as the overemphasis on fiber for digestive health. Divinia advocates for a balanced approach that includes probiotics and quality proteins to maintain gut integrity.

[70:14] Divinia Taylor

"Fiber has been overemphasized... amino acids are the ones that heal the gut."

10. Practical Parenting Tips Amidst Health Challenges

Divinia provides practical advice for parents dealing with ADHD and hormonal imbalances, emphasizing the importance of structure, dietary management, and open communication with children about their own health needs.

[53:16] Divinia Taylor

"My kid... chronic clinical insomnia... his whole thing is his nutrition."

11. The Importance of Prevention in Managing Pigmentation

Caroline and Divinia discuss pigmentation issues, particularly melasma, and the critical role of prevention through sun protection (SPF) and hormone management.

[72:41] Caroline Hirons

"The biggest thing you do for it is SPF."

12. Final Thoughts and Takeaways

The episode concludes with Divinia emphasizing the necessity of taking control of one’s health through informed choices and biohacking practices. She underlines the significance of clean supplementation and a disciplined approach to diet and lifestyle for overall well-being.

[75:03] Divinia Taylor

"We're quite mental. What could go wrong?"

Notable Quotes

• Divinia Taylor [14:26]: "A woman who's angry, let her roar."
• Divinia Taylor [35:16]: "Our protein is bone broth... tastes like Mr. Whippy."
• Caroline Hirons [72:41]: "The biggest thing you do for it is SPF."
• Divinia Taylor [47:31]: "White knuckling is the horridest, time-consuming, energy-sapping condition you can be in."

Conclusion

This episode offers a profound exploration of Divinia Taylor’s journey through personal struggles and her emergence as a biohacking leader. Listeners gain valuable insights into managing hormonal health, overcoming addiction, and implementing effective biohacking strategies to enhance both personal and familial well-being. Divinia’s authentic storytelling and practical advice make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in holistic health and the power of biohacking.

For more insights and discussions, tune in to Glad We Had This Chat every Monday and Wednesday on your preferred podcast platform. Don’t forget to send your questions to pod@carolinehirons.com for a chance to be featured in future episodes.