Podcast
WHOOP Podcast
Hosted by WHOOP · EN
The WHOOP Podcast is all about sharing science-backed insights and strategies from the best in the world at what they do. Learn from Olympic champions, CEOs, bestselling authors, and PhDs about the habits, mindsets, and routines that improve their health, fitness, and resilience. Unpack everything from breakthrough health and nutrition research, life-saving tech advances, longevity hacks, and more—each episode features an empowering conversation you don’t want to miss.
Tune in every Wednesday for a new episode of the WHOOP Podcast.
40episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The Recovery Habits That Drive Performance: Why Training More Isn’t Always Better
5d ago00:51:41Tap to summarizeWelcome back to the WHOOP Podcast’s Science of Human Performance Series! On this week’s episode, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance and Principal Scientist, Dr. Kristen Holmes, sits down with WHOOP SVP of Research, Algorithms, and Data, Emily Capodilupo, to explore the science behind the WHOOP Recovery Score. Emily explains the progression of the recovery algorithm, from the company’s origin to the supporting research that supports it today. Dr. Holmes and Emily identify the key metrics, like heart rate variability, resting heart rate, and sleep performance, that impact your recovery the most. Each physiological signal tracked by WHOOP helps to predict your body’s readiness to adapt to the stressors of the day, boosting injury prevention, immune health, and decision-making. This episode is your essential guide to improving and understanding your recovery. (00:00) Recovery 101: How WHOOP Looks At Recovery(00:58) The Origin of The WHOOP Recovery Score(01:32) What Is The Overtraining Curve?(05:08) Adaptive versus Maladaptive Stress(07:49) Balancing Strain and Recovery (08:18) Recovery for Everyone(10:48) How Recovery Improves Sleep, Immunity, and Mood(15:44) HRV: How Recovery Impacts The Nervous System(21:04) Why Your Recovery Is Low(28:45) Why Recovery Matters For Performance(29:53) The Relationship Between Sleep and Recovery(31:50) Treating Recovery as a Lifestyle(33:21) Strain Coach Explained(40:26) Is A Solid Recovery Routine The Secret To Muscle Growth? (47:07) How Your Recovery Is Measured(49:52) The Correlation Between Recovery, HRV, and Mental HealthSupport the showFollow WHOOP:Sign up for WHOOP Advanced LabsTrial WHOOP for Freewww.whoop.comInstagramTikTokYouTubeXFacebookLinkedInFollow Will Ahmed:InstagramXLinkedInFollow Kristen Holmes:InstagramLinkedInFollow Emily Capodilupo:LinkedIn
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The Science of Human Performance: Your Guide To Better Sleep
2w ago00:53:46Tap to summarizeWelcome Back to the WHOOP Podcast's Science of Human Performance Series! This week, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance and Principal Scientist Dr. Kristen Holmes sits down with WHOOP SVP of Research, Algorithms, and Data Emily Capodilupo for a deep dive into the science behind the WHOOP Sleep Score and the habits that have the biggest impact on restorative sleep.Emily explains why sleep consistency is one of the strongest predictors of performance, recovery, and long-term health, and walks through the four metrics that make up your WHOOP Sleep Score: sleep duration, consistency, efficiency, and sleep stress. Together, Dr. Holmes and Emily unpack how nutrition, exercise, alcohol, stress, and your daily routines influence sleep quality, share practical strategies for falling asleep and staying asleep, and discuss how poor sleep can sometimes be an early signal of underlying health issues.Whether you're looking to better understand your WHOOP data or simply wake up feeling more rested, this episode offers a science-backed framework for building healthier sleep habits that last.01:11 How WHOOP Built The Sleep Algorithm02:17 The 4 Pillars of Sleep: Duration, Consistency, Efficiency, & Stress03:20 The Secret To You Best Night’s Sleep: Sleep Consistency08:06 Sleep Efficiency Explained11:38 Impact of Alcohol on Sleep Quality18:01: How Your Day Shapes Your Night19:34: Exclusive Offer For WHOOP Podcast Listeners20:07: How Sleep Stress Impacts How Rested You Feel24:08: Is Your Sleep Normal?25:48: Why Sedatives Don’t Actually Make You Sleep Better26:59: Defining and Combatting The 2 Types of Insomnia28:57: Light Timing: Benefits of Red Light Therapy on Sleep 30:57: Winding Down Before Sleep: Breathwork & Stress Reduction34:07: Understand Your Health with WHOOP Advanced Labs34:41: Impact of Exercise on Your Ability to Fall Asleep 42:40: How to Prepare for Sleep & Stay Asleep44:28: What Your Lab Results Can Tell You About Sleep 53:40: Creating Contrast Between Day and NightSupport the showFollow WHOOP:Sign up for WHOOP Advanced LabsTrial WHOOP for Freewww.whoop.comInstagramTikTokYouTubeXFacebookLinkedInFollow Will Ahmed:InstagramXLinkedInFollow Kristen Holmes:InstagramLinkedInFollow Emily Capodilupo:LinkedIn
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Gut Health Expert Dr. Amy Shah | How To Reduce Fatigue, Cravings, and Brain Fog
3w ago01:18:41Tap to summarizeWelcome back to the WHOOP Podcast How To Series! This week, Global Head of Human Performance Principal Scientist Dr. Kristen Holmes sits down with double-board certified physician, nutritionist, and gut health expert Dr. Amy Shah to teach you how to fix your gut through nutrition and lifestyle behaviors. Gut health is essential for energy, recovery, and immunity, making it a critical component for overall health and longevity. Dr. Shah reveals the powerful connection between gut health, hormones, and brain function, along with the tools and framework you need to impact your overall performance. The conversation dives into science-backed strategies to help optimize your health from the inside out. From fiber intake to morning sunlight, meal-timing, and movement, this episode will teach you how to fix your gut health in a matter of days.(01:01) Introducing Dr. Amy Shah, Gut Health Expert(02:56) Dr. Shah's Career: (10:43) What Is The Gut-Brain Connection?(15:21) Where To Start When You Experience Low Energy(21:07) Exclusive Offer For WHOOP Podcast Listeners(21:40) The Universal Rules of Gut Health(24:36) The 30-30-3 Diet: The Nutrition Guide For Your Gut(30:18) Exercise's Influence on Gut Health(35:11) Fiber: The Secret Ingredient To Longevity(37:23) How The Gut Helps Hormone Regulation(38:14) Protecting The Immune System(43:17) Refer A Friend To WHOOP(43:54) Reducing Inflammation (And How WHOOP Coach Can Help)(46:03) The Impact of Alcohol on Gut and Brain Inflammation(50:17) Can Spending Time In Nature Improve Longevity?(53:37) Does Food Timing Really Matter For Overall Health?(01:04:07) WHOOP Advanced Labs(01:04:42) Do GLP-1s Impact The Gut?(01:09:53) Intermittent Fasting: Online Fad or Recommended Path to Wellness(01:16:43) Where To Start: Dr. Shah's Best Advice For Regulating Your Gut(01:18:05) Thanks For Listening! Follow Dr. ShahInstagramTikTokWebsiteSupport the showFollow WHOOP:Sign up for WHOOP Advanced LabsTrial WHOOP for Freewww.whoop.comInstagramTikTokYouTubeXFacebookLinkedInFollow Will Ahmed:InstagramXLinkedInFollow Kristen Holmes:InstagramLinkedInFollow Emily Capodilupo:LinkedIn
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The Science of Human Performance: What is Strain?
4w ago00:45:31Tap to summarizeWelcome to the Science of Human Performance Series where we are breaking down the key metric for you to improve your fitness. This week, we’re unpacking Strain with WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist Dr. Kristen Holmes and WHOOP Staff Research Scientist Dr. Greg Grosicki. Together, Dr. Holmes and Dr. Grosicki explore how both cardiovascular and musculoskeletal load are taken into account when measuring a member’s daily strain to help balance training, recovery, and build long-term fitness. The conversation explains the influence of WHOOP Strain on overall fitness goals, from improving fitness to supporting weight management, and increasing VO₂ max. This episode will give practical guidance on your training routine, helping you build the habits necessary for performance, healthspan, and longevity. (00:00) Looking To Gain Fitness? WHOOP Strain Can Help(01:25) What is Strain?(02:07) How Does WHOOP Measure Strain?(03:21) What Is The Neuromuscular System – Why Does It Matter For Strain? (03:57) How Does WHOOP Measure Musculoskeletal Load?(08:09) Creating Impactful Strain Recommendations: WHOOP Coach(11:16) Exclusive Offer For WHOOP Podcast Listeners(11:50) Why Is Strain Measured on a 21-Point Scale?(16:37) The Power of Consistency: Improving Fitness By Following Strain Coach(23:21) Refer A Friend: Get 2 Months Free!(23:56) Is Strain The Biggest Lever For Improving Cardio Health? (24:57) How To Improve Strain (Habits For Busy Individuals)(27:03) Focussing on Heart Rate Zones(29:32) What Does VO2 Max Tell About Strain?(32:21) Building A Fitness Routine: Is Changing Strain Activities More Effective?(39:06) Exclusive WHOOP Advanced Labs Offer(39:40) Can You Still See Fitness Gains With High Strain & Low Recovery? (41:01) Greg & Kristen’s Go-To Strain Activities For Fitness(44:50) Thanks For Listening: New Member Offer & WHOOP Apparel & Accessories DiscountSupport the showFollow WHOOP:Sign up for WHOOP Advanced LabsTrial WHOOP for Freewww.whoop.comInstagramTikTokYouTubeXFacebookLinkedInFollow Will Ahmed:InstagramXLinkedInFollow Kristen Holmes:InstagramLinkedInFollow Emily Capodilupo:LinkedIn
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Debunking Fertility Myths: Dr. Lucky Sekhon's Guide To Understanding Reproductive Health
Jun 1701:01:00Tap to summarizeFertility is often misunderstood. On this episode of the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP SVP of Research, Algorithms, and Data Emily Capodilupo sits down with board-certified reproductive endocrinologist, fertility specialist, and OB-GYN Dr. Lucky Sekhon to separate fact from fiction when it comes to fertility and hormonal health.Together, they explore the real science behind fertility, hormone health, menstrual cycles, sleep, stress, exercise, nutrition, and aging. Dr. Sekhon explains why fertility is deeply connected to overall health, debunks common myths about birth control and conception, and shares what everyone needs to understand about reproductive health.Whether you're trying to conceive, planning for the future, or simply want to better understand your body, this conversation offers empowering insights grounded in science.(01:18) Dr. Lucky Sekhon: Reproductive Endocrinologist & Fertility Expert(05:01) What Most People Don't Know About Getting Pregnant(09:16) Why it Essential To Track Your Cycle?(16:22) Advocating For Your Health: When to See A Physician For Fertility Issues(18:22) How Can WHOOP Data Help Have Effective Conversations With Your Doctor?(21:23) Impact of Sleep on Reproductive Health(22:42) Impact of Stress on Reproductive Health(28:16) How To Manage Stress Levels For Overall Health(30:50) Impact of Exercise on Reproductive Health(34:13) How Much Does Age Really Influence Fertility?(39:06) The Practical Habits Anyone Can Do To Aid Fertility Health(42:09) Myth or Truth: Does Birth Control Cause Infertility (47:44) What Your Menstrual Cycle (And Monthly Symptoms) Say About Your Health(50:00) Essential vs Overhyped: Habits For Someone Trying To Get PregnantFollow Dr. Lucky Sekhon:InstagramLinkedInWebsiteOrder The Lucky Egg by Dr. Lucky SekhonSupport the showFollow WHOOP:Sign up for WHOOP Advanced LabsTrial WHOOP for Freewww.whoop.comInstagramTikTokYouTubeXFacebookLinkedInFollow Will Ahmed:InstagramXLinkedInFollow Kristen Holmes:InstagramLinkedInFollow Emily Capodilupo:LinkedIn
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5 Breathwork Exercises For Stress: Regulate Your Nervous System with World Champion Freediver Alexey Molchanov
Jun 1000:54:04Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP Founder and CEO, Will Ahmed sits down with world-record-holding freediver Alexey Molchanov to explore the extraordinary physical and mental demands of freedriving and the importance of breath work for nervous system regulation. Alexey shares how he developed the ability to dive more than 130 meters in a single breath and the mindset required to remain calm under extreme pressure. He breaks down the breathing techniques, meditation practices, and training methods that help him lower his heart rate, improve recovery, and perform at the highest level. The conversation also covers resilience after failure, visualization, sleep, nervous system regulation, and practical breathwork exercises that anyone can use to manage stress, improve focus, and enhance recovery.(00:00) Get WHOOP FREE for 30 Days (00:32) Alexey Molchanov: World Record Holding Free Diver(03:08) Staying Present: Knowing Your Depth During A Free Dive(04:21) What Happens To the Body During A Free Dive?(06:37) Controlling Your Mind 14 Atmospheres Below Water(09:37) Managing Panic: Staying Present When Things Get Intense(13:13) Alexey’s Guide to Regulating The Nervous System (15:12) The Important Role of Breathwork For Mental Strength(16:45) Breathwork Exercise #1: Strengthening Your Lungs (Inhale Focussed)(17:48) Breathwork Exercise #2: Stretching Your Lungs (Exhale Focussed)(18:59) Breathwork Exercise #3: Increasing Your Mobility(21:11) Breathwork Exercise #4: Calming Your Nervous System(24:45) Breathwork Exercise #5: How To Reset Your Nervous System (FAST)(27:05) Why Is Technique Important For Breathwork?(29:15) Sign Up For WHOOP Advanced Labs Specialized Panels(29:49) How To Use Breathwork In Your Daily Life (and Why You Should)(41:02) Inside The Data: What Alexey Is Tracking Right Now with WHOOP(43:23) Effective Sleep Techniques For Sleep Performance(44:51) Diving Deep: Alexey’s Longest Breath Hold(49:29) Underwater Safety: How Alexey Avoids Blackout & Panic Under Water(53:27) Thanks For Listening: Get Your Exclusive WHOOP OfferSupport the showFollow WHOOP:Sign up for WHOOP Advanced LabsTrial WHOOP for Freewww.whoop.comInstagramTikTokYouTubeXFacebookLinkedInFollow Will Ahmed:InstagramXLinkedInFollow Kristen Holmes:InstagramLinkedInFollow Emily Capodilupo:LinkedIn
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The Myth of The Midlife Crisis: Regaining Control of Middlescence with Barbara Waxman
Jun 300:39:45Tap to summarizeIn this episode, Emily Capodilupo sits down with gerontologist, leadership coach, and author of The Middlescence Manifesto Barbara Waxman to explore the powerful idea of “middlescence” — a transformative stage of life between young and late adulthood. Together, they unpack why midlife isn’t a crisis, but an opportunity for reinvention, alignment, and growth. Listeners will learn how mindset, purpose, relationships, and joy directly impact an individual’s healthspan and longevity. Emily and Barbara share the best strategy to use wearable data as a tool for self-awareness rather than self-judgment. This conversation is full of practical insights on flourishing at every age, redefining success, and building a life that feels both healthy and deeply meaningful.(00:33) Intro to Barbara Waxman(01:00) What is Middlescence? How To Redefine Midlife(03:20) Addressing This New Life Stage & Creating Change(06:22) Coaching People Through Midlife(08:15) Debunking The Concept of the Midlife Crisis(09:57) Key Lifestyle Shifts From a Life Coach(12:23) 7 Lifestyle Levers: Where People Start To Prepare for Middlescence(17:21) Reframing Longevity: Live Better, Not Just Longer(19:37) How Barbara Uses WHOOP Data In Her Practice(25:54) Lifestyle Considerations For A Healthy Life Beyond Longevity & Healthspan(34:51) How People in Their 20s, 30s, 40s,and 50s Can Increase LongevityFollow Barbara Waxman:WebsiteLinkedInSupport the showFollow WHOOP:Sign up for WHOOP Advanced LabsTrial WHOOP for Freewww.whoop.comInstagramTikTokYouTubeXFacebookLinkedInFollow Will Ahmed:InstagramXLinkedInFollow Kristen Holmes:InstagramLinkedInFollow Emily Capodilupo:LinkedIn
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The Science of Happiness: How To Live The Life You Want with Dr. Laurie Santos
May 2701:04:19Tap to summarizeOn this week’s episode of the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist Dr. Kristen Holmes welcomes Happiness Expert and Yale Professor Dr. Laurie Santos to explore what makes humans happy. This science-backed conversation looks at the key mindset, habits and behaviors that drive a person’s happiness, beyond chasing achievements. Dr. Santos shares the information you need to create lasting joy and quiet negative emotions when they arise. Each practical tool shared in this episode will help to overcome stress, perfectionism and create the self-compassion needed to truly improve your everyday life. (00:35) Inside Dr. Laurie Santos’s Record-Breaking Yale Course(02:04) Differentiating Happiness and Joy (And How To Find Both)(03:33) The Importance of Finding Purpose(05:52) What Happens When You Aren’t Aligned With Your True Self(09:54) The Largest Misconception When It Comes To Happiness(11:40) Happiness in Athletes: Overcoming The Need For Achievement (15:05) Quieting A Negative Mindset (18:52) The Key Mental Shift for Fulfillment(21:36) Fighting Back Against Perfectionist Self Talk(24:50) How Social Comparison is Taking Away (29:39) Impactful Effects of Gratitude and Kindness Meditation(32:26) Creating Psychological Safety & How It Impacts Happiness(33:30) What Role of Sleep Play in Happiness?(39:19) Benefits of Scheduling Your Worry(40:30) The Overwhelming Impact of Social Connection on Health and Happiness(41:50) Social Connection For Extroverts vs Introverts(50:39) Happiness in Marriage: Finding Joy Within Yourself and Your Partner (52:25) How Ruminating In Negative Thoughts Can Hinder Growth(55:38) Attention and Intention in Mindfulness and Meditation(01:01:01) How to Dr. Santos Defines A Good Life(01:01:47) 3 Ways To Bring Happiness Into Your Life TodayFollow Dr. Laurie SantosInstagramYouTubeXWebsiteSupport the showFollow WHOOP:Sign up for WHOOP Advanced LabsTrial WHOOP for Freewww.whoop.comInstagramTikTokYouTubeXFacebookLinkedInFollow Will Ahmed:InstagramXLinkedInFollow Kristen Holmes:InstagramLinkedInFollow Emily Capodilupo:LinkedIn
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Spencer Matthews: From “Bad Boy” To Breaking World Records as an Elite Athlete
May 2000:54:11Tap to summarizeThis week on the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP Founder and CEO Will Ahmed welcomes TV Personality, Entrepreneur, and Endurance Athlete Spencer Matthews for a candid conversation about transformation, resilience, and pushing human limits. Spencer reflects on his early life, struggles with alcohol and fame, and the turning point that led him to prioritize health, discipline, and purpose. Through endurance challenges like running 30 marathons in 30 days and completing 7 Ironman competitions in 7 continents over 21 days, Matthews shares how consistency, mindset, and self-belief can unlock extraordinary performance. The episode blends personal storytelling with insights on recovery, training, and mental toughness, highlighting how intentional habits and perseverance can fundamentally reshape both body and life.(01:31) Who Is Spencer Matthews?: From TV Personality to Endurance Athlete & Entrepreneur(02:41) Growing Up Around Success(03:49) Spencer’s Experience with Alcoholism and Embracing The “Bad Boy” Persona(09:55) Making A Lifestyle Change: What Drove Spencer To Sobriety(12:52) The Connection Between Addiction and Endurance Athletics(20:02) From Couch to Ultra-Marathoner: Spencer’s Guide To Gaining Fitness(25:00) The Mental Aspect of Running 30 Marathons in 30 Days (29:10) How The Body Adapts To Challenge (Key Recovery Insights)(32:49) Mentally Preparing For An Ironman (Project 7)(34:58) Managing A Negative Headspace(46:17) Spencer’s Experience Using WHOOP Follow Spencer Matthews:IGTikTokUNTAPPED with Spencer MatthewsSupport the showFollow WHOOP:Sign up for WHOOP Advanced LabsTrial WHOOP for Freewww.whoop.comInstagramTikTokYouTubeXFacebookLinkedInFollow Will Ahmed:InstagramXLinkedInFollow Kristen Holmes:InstagramLinkedInFollow Emily Capodilupo:LinkedIn
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Advocating For Your Health Using Wearables and AI with Dr. Mia Chorney and Susan Sly
May 1300:55:31Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP SVP of Research, Algorithms, and Data Emily Capodilupo sits down with Renowned Cardiologist Dr. Mia Chorney and AI Entrepreneur Susan Sly to explore how AI is transforming women’s health– specifically for women going through perimenopause and menopause. Drawing from personal experiences and clinical expertise, this episode unpacks why millions of women are dismissed or misdiagnosed throughout their perimenopause and menopause journey. Dr. Mia Chorney and Susan Sly explain the science behind hormonal changes, and how data, wearables, and AI can provide better support and earlier intervention. The conversation highlights the power of combining technology with empathy to help women better understand their bodies, advocate for their health, and avoid suffering in silence.(00:58) Introducing ThePause.ai Co-Founders: Dr. Mia Chorney & Susan Sly(02:21) Susan Sly’s Journey Becoming an AI Tech Entrepreneur & Innovator(06:02) Dr. Mia Chorney’s Move From Cardiology to AI Forward Medicine(09:16) Why So Many Women Get Dismissed: Perimenopause & Menopause Care(13:23) How Can Women Take Control of Symptoms & Care(19:00) The Women’s Health Initiative Study: Why It’s Detrimental To Menopause Health(21:43) Lifestyle Factors To Ease Menopause Symptoms (24:58) The 104 Symptoms of Menopause & The Impact of Nutrient Deficiencies (42:56) Talking With Your Partner: How To Navigate Conversations Around Menopause (48:02) 2 Key Takeaways For Women Experiencing Menopause(51:55) How Does Menopause Affect Men and What Do They Need To Know? Dr. Mia ChorneyInstagramLinkedInSusan SlyInstagramLinkedInWebsiteThePause.aiWebsiteLinkedInSupport the showFollow WHOOP:Sign up for WHOOP Advanced LabsTrial WHOOP for Freewww.whoop.comInstagramTikTokYouTubeXFacebookLinkedInFollow Will Ahmed:InstagramXLinkedInFollow Kristen Holmes:InstagramLinkedInFollow Emily Capodilupo:LinkedIn
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