Longevity Optimization with Kayla Barnes-Lentz

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Dawn Mussallem, DO, an integrative oncologist, lifestyle medicine specialist, cancer survivor, heart transplant recipient, and the newly appointed Chief Medical Officer of Fountain Life. We talk about why cancer rates are rising, what we actually know about prevention, and why early detection matters so much when it comes to long-term outcomes. We also discuss the role of exercise, sleep, fiber, metabolic health, toxins, alcohol, gut health, screening tools, mammograms, full-body MRI, liquid biopsies, and why the basics still matter more than most people want to admit. Dr. Dawn also shares her extraordinary personal story: She is a stage 4 cancer survivor who went through chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant at 26, developed cardiac toxicity from treatment 18 years later, received a heart transplant, and became the first person in the world to run a marathon within a year of receiving a new heart. Join the most comprehensive *female-specific community for health and longevity optimization.* After over a decade dedicated to human performance and women’s health, I created this space to share everything you need to know to optimize health and lifespan. Inside, you’ll get access to exclusive protocols, live Q&As, the latest female longevity science, and a private, supportive community of like-minded women. https://kayla-barnes-lentz.circle.so/checkout/become-a-member If you’re already paying attention to protein, blood sugar, and longevity nutrition, fiber is one of the biggest gaps to fix. Zen Basil makes it simple to add more fiber, minerals, and prebiotic support into your routine with certified edible basil seeds that are tested for glyphosate and over 400 pesticides.Use the code KAYLA20 for 20% off. Dawn Mussallem: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdawnmussallem/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawn-mussallem-do-dipablm-2b360b57/ Website: https://www.fountainlife.com/ #cancerprevention #breastcancer #femalelongevity #womenshealth #longevity #integrativeoncology #cancersurvivorship #earlydetection #breastcancerawareness #hormonehealth #metabolichealth #exerciseandcancer #soyandcancer #perimenopause #menopause #cancerresearch #preventivemedicine #healthoptimization #womenslongevity #fountainlife

Brian Kennedy is one of the world’s leading researchers studying the biology of aging. In this conversation, we break down what longevity science actually shows about extending healthy lifespan and the everyday habits that appear to influence how we age. Dr. Brian shares insights from decades of aging research, explaining how scientists study longevity, how interventions like rapamycin and biological age testing are evaluated, and how lifestyle factors such as exercise, nutrition, fasting, and sleep continue to shape the foundation of long-term health. Join the most comprehensive *female-specific community for health and longevity optimization.* After over a decade dedicated to human performance and women’s health, I created this space to share everything you need to know to optimize health and lifespan. Inside, you’ll get access to exclusive protocols, live Q&As, the latest female longevity science, and a private, supportive community of like-minded women. https://kayla-barnes-lentz.circle.so/checkout/become-a-member 5 key longevity habits discussed in this episode: - Exercise and physical activity - Nutrition and metabolic health - Energy balance and fasting - Sleep and recovery - Longevity interventions and emerging therapies Together, these factors form the foundation researchers believe will have the greatest impact on healthspan as longevity science continues to evolve.

We're back with Dr. Szal! Today we are discussing a variety of topics: Gut health, peptides, hormone health, GLP-1's, bone health and so much more!In this conversation, Dr. Sara G dives into the gut-brain connection and explains how disrupting the microbiome can directly affect mood, anxiety, and overall mental resilience. She breaks down why even a single course of antibiotics can shift the balance of your gut in ways most people never consider, and what that means for how you feel day to day.This is where the gut-brain connection becomes practical, not theoretical. Instead of treating symptoms in isolation, understanding how the microbiome regulates neurotransmitters and inflammation changes the way these issues are approached.Rebuilding that system requires more than random probiotics or diet changes. The Weed, Seed, Feed framework focuses on restoring gut balance in the right order, removing what doesn’t belong, reintroducing beneficial bacteria, and supporting their growth long-term.This episode is sponsored by Zen Basil. Their certified edible basil seeds are designed for human nutrition, deliver 15g of fiber per serving, and are batch-tested for glyphosate and over 400 pesticides. Use code KAYLA20 for 20% off. https://zenbasil.com/shopzenbasil/zenbasilseedbag Join the most comprehensive *female-specific community for health and longevity optimization.* After over a decade dedicated to human performance and women’s health, I created this space to share everything you need to know to optimize health and lifespan. Sara: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saragottfriedmd/ Website: https://saraszalmd.com/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@SaraSzalMD Follow her on Substack: https://saraszalmd.substack.com/

Bérénice Benayoun, PhD, explains why ovarian aging may be one of the earliest and most important drivers of female aging, influencing the brain, immune system, metabolism, and long-term disease risk far beyond reproduction. She breaks down what we actually know so far, including DNA damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, fibrosis, hormonal signaling, and why the ovary appears to age faster than other tissues. We also get into one of the most surprising findings in the field right now: a brand new study from her lab found that post-reproductive gut microbiota unexpectedly improved ovarian reserve and lowered inflammatory signals in young mice, raising a completely new set of questions about the gut-ovary connection and what may eventually be possible for ovarian health. Join the most comprehensive *female-specific community for health and longevity optimization.* After over a decade dedicated to human performance and women’s health, I created this space to share everything you need to know to optimize health and lifespan. Inside, you’ll get access to exclusive protocols, live Q&As, the latest female longevity science, and a private, supportive community of like-minded women. https://kayla-barnes-lentz.circle.so/female-longevity-community In this conversation: -Why the ovary may be the fastest aging organ in the female body -Why menopause is a healthspan issue, not just a fertility issue -DNA damage, mitochondria, fibrosis, and the hallmarks of ovarian aging -The new microbiome finding that surprised even the researchers -Why later menopause predicts longer and healthier life -Rapamycin, hormone therapy, and what may actually help If you’re already paying attention to food, sleep, and overall health, cleaning products are another place where exposure adds up quickly. Branch Basics is a simple way to clean your home with fewer unnecessary ingredients and less clutter under the sink.

Most people can feel when stress is affecting them. Far fewer know whether their body is adapting well or quietly being pushed toward dysfunction. In this episode, Dr. Deb Rivera, PhD in neuroengineering, explains the hidden biological system that helps determine how well your body handles stress. Her research focuses on redox balance and the glutathione ratio, a biomarker that may reveal whether your body is adapting to stress or slowly moving toward dysfunction. Join the most comprehensive *female-specific community for health and longevity optimization.* After over a decade dedicated to human performance and women’s health, I created this space to share everything you need to know to optimize health and lifespan. Inside, you’ll get access to exclusive protocols, live Q&As, the latest female longevity science, and a private, supportive community of like-minded women.

Brain health problems rarely begin where most people look. Memory issues, low mood, poor focus, anxiety, and even early cognitive decline can be driven by hidden inflammation and root-cause imbalances long before they show up the way most people expect. In this episode, Dr. Eboni Cornish explains how chronic infections, mold, toxins, hormones, gut dysfunction, and oral or nasal microbial imbalances can all affect the brain, and why “mental health” often needs to be approached as brain health first. She also shares how tools like brain imaging, inflammation markers, and functional testing can uncover patterns that are often missed in standard workups, while outlining the core foundations that support long-term brain health, including sleep, exercise, omega-3s, vitamin D, hormone balance, gut health, and detox capacity. Join the most comprehensive *female-specific community for health and longevity optimization.* After over a decade dedicated to human performance and women’s health, I created this space to share everything you need to know to optimize health and lifespan. Inside, you’ll get access to exclusive protocols, live Q&As, the latest female longevity science, and a private, supportive community of like-minded women.

Blood sugar stability may be one of the most important levers for long term health, yet most people never look at it.In this episode, I am joined by Jessie Inchauspé, widely known as the Glucose Goddess, to examine what glucose spikes are actually doing inside the body and why they matter even if you are not diabetic.We unpack how glucose spikes can influence your mood, focus, cravings, and energy levels, why blood sugar stability matters even if you are not diabetic, and how seeing your own patterns can completely change the way you approach food.Join the most comprehensive *female-specific community for health and longevity optimization.* After over a decade dedicated to human performance and women’s health, I created this space to share everything you need to know to optimize health and lifespan. Inside, you’ll get access to exclusive protocols, live Q&As, the latest female longevity science, and a private, supportive community of like-minded women. https://kayla-barnes-lentz.circle.so/checkout/become-a-member We also cover:- The biggest glucose mistakes most people make- Why “healthy” breakfasts often lead to energy crashes- How dinner timing impacts deep sleep- The connection between glucose spikes and skin aging through glycation- Simple strategies like food order and walking after meals- How a mother’s glucose levels can influence her baby’s long term metabolic riskUnderstanding your glucose patterns gives you leverage, and small, strategic shifts can compound into measurable long term health improvements.

Women are told to fast, cut carbs, eat high protein, avoid seed oils, and track macros, but most of that advice ignores female physiology. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Deanna Minich, PhD, certified functional medicine practitioner and nutrition scientist. We walk through the Female Longevity Nutrition Protocol she created, including circadian timing, macro ranges by life stage, and how to stop getting whiplash from internet nutrition trends. Join the most comprehensive *female-specific community for health and longevity optimization.* After over a decade dedicated to human performance and women’s health, I created this space to share everything you need to know to optimize health and lifespan. Inside, you’ll get access to exclusive protocols, live Q&As, the latest female longevity science, and a private, supportive community of like-minded women. Deanna Minich: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deannaminich/ Website: https://deannaminich.com/ YouTube: www.youtube.com/@foodandspirit

Cold exposure is not a badge of toughness. It’s a stressor. And if you do it wrong, you can absolutely overdo it. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Susanna Søberg, PhD, scientist and educator specializing in metabolism, cold and heat exposure, and longevity. We break down what cold exposure is actually doing in the body, why brown fat matters for metabolic health, and how women should think about timing cold exposure around PMS, luteal phase, and menstruation. Join the most comprehensive *female-specific community for health and longevity optimization.* After over a decade dedicated to human performance and women’s health, I created this space to share everything you need to know to optimize health and lifespan. Inside, you’ll get access to exclusive protocols, live Q&As, the latest female longevity science, and a private, supportive community of like-minded women.

Pelvic floor problems are not a “just do more kegels” issue.For a lot of women, kegels are either not specific enough, or they make symptoms worse. In this episode, Dr. Stephanie Riley Hahn, pelvic floor physical therapist and founder of Longevity and Pilates, breaks down what pelvic floor dysfunction actually is, how to tell weakness from tightness, and why pressure management and breathing mechanics often matter more than squeezing harder. Join the most comprehensive *female-specific community for health and longevity optimization.* After over a decade dedicated to human performance and women’s health, I created this space to share everything you need to know to optimize health and lifespan. Inside, you’ll get access to exclusive protocols, live Q&As, the latest female longevity science, and a private, supportive community of like-minded women.

Longevity isn’t just workouts, supplements, and recovery tools, it starts with nervous system health. In this episode, Dr. Aimie Apigian explains what trauma actually is (not a label, but a measurable physiological response), how the body shifts from stress into overwhelm, and why “pushing through” often turns into years of avoidance, numbing, and hidden internal strain. She breaks down the biology behind the trauma response, including the role of adrenaline, cortisol timing, and how mitochondrial capacity influences resilience. You’ll also learn her practical, body-based approach to creating “safe enough” in real time, plus the three phases of healing: safety, support, and expansion, so you don’t stay stuck avoiding triggers forever. In this conversation: Stress vs trauma response (and what changes physiologically) Why adrenaline drives the response and cortisol arrives later How the body stores trauma as patterns, not just memories The 3 nervous system states and the thoughts they generate A simple somatic exercise to build safety in the body Why devices/meds can be bridges, not the destination Using biomarkers + wearables without fooling yourself Why modern media can create vicarious trauma Join the most comprehensive *female-specific community for health and longevity optimization.* After over a decade dedicated to human performance and women’s health, I created this space to share everything you need to know to optimize health and lifespan. Inside, you’ll get access to exclusive protocols, live Q&As, the latest female longevity science, and a private, supportive community of like-minded women. Aimie Apigian, MD: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/draimie/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DrAimieApigian Website: https://www.biologyoftrauma.com/ Order her Book “The Biology of Trauma”: https://www.biologyoftrauma.com/book

For the first time in history, ovarian biological age can be measured, and I became the first woman in the world to take the test. Until now, women have had no real way to understand how their ovaries are aging beyond rough estimates like AMH. But this new machine-learning algorithm, trained on over 40,000 real women across different life stages, analyzes hormone biomarkers, body composition, and reproductive history to estimate ovarian age relative to chronological age. This is a massive step forward in female longevity science. In this episode, I walk through what the test measures, how the algorithm works, and what becoming the first data point actually means, not just for me, but for women collectively. We also explore what may be driving ovarian aging in the first place. I also share how I’m now testing specific interventions in isolation, including hyperbaric oxygen therapy, to determine whether we can meaningfully influence ovarian aging over time. Ovarian lifespan is significantly shorter than overall lifespan and once we can measure it, we can begin to understand it. This is only the first step in redefining female longevity. Join the most comprehensive *female-specific community for health and longevity optimization.* After over a decade dedicated to human performance and women’s health, I created this space to share everything you need to know to optimize health and lifespan. Inside, you’ll get access to exclusive protocols, live Q&As, the latest female longevity science, and a private, supportive community of like-minded women. Chris Masterjohn: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z3quYW_pCDU 00:10:48 Study About Ovarian Stiffness Increase https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7681059/#acel13259-sec-0002 00:16:22 Study For Increased PFAS https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41620147/ 00:17:56 Red Light Therapy Study: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1011134424001842?via=ihub

Perimenopause is not just about hormones, it’s a metabolic transition that affects insulin sensitivity, gut health, stress tolerance, and long-term disease risk. In this episode, Cynthia Thurlow, board-certified nurse practitioner and functional medicine expert, explains how women’s metabolism changes in midlife and why insulin resistance, poor stress resilience, and gut dysfunction often appear years before menopause. She breaks down how perimenopause can begin earlier than most women expect, why symptoms vary so widely, and how lifestyle factors like fasting, exercise intensity, sleep, alcohol, and chronic stress interact with hormones during this transition. Join the most comprehensive *female-specific community for health and longevity optimization.* After over a decade dedicated to human performance and women’s health, I created this space to share everything you need to know to optimize health and lifespan.

When cellular energy production is impaired, no diet, supplement, or health protocol can work as intended. In this episode, Dr. Chris Masterjohn, nutrition scientist and expert in micronutrients and metabolism, explains why mitochondrial function is the limiting factor behind stalled progress, persistent fatigue, and supplements that stop working over time. He breaks down why vitamin D supplementation often creates new problems when it is taken without proper nutrient balance, how high doses can disrupt other systems in the body, and why sunlight has biological effects that vitamin D pills alone cannot replicate. Join the most comprehensive *female-specific community for health and longevity optimization.* After over a decade dedicated to human performance and women’s health, I created this space to share everything you need to know to optimize health and lifespan.

In this episode, Dr. Jessica Shepard, board-certified OB/GYN and Chief Medical Officer of Hers, shares that the FDA just removed the black box warning on hormone replacement therapy after 23 years. We discuss what actually happened with the WHI study that created all the fear around estrogen and breast cancer, and why the research never actually supported that narrative. Dr. Shepard explains why you shouldn't wait until menopause to start the HRT conversation and how starting in your perimenopausal years can make all the difference for long-term health. Dr. Shepard shares the essential labs she runs on patients including ApoB, HbA1c, and thyroid optimization, plus the longevity metrics women should be tracking. We also get into supplement recommendations including why she recommends 10 grams of creatine daily, the role of inflammation in aging, and how estrogen is naturally anti-inflammatory which is why women see increased cardiovascular risk and metabolic dysfunction after menopause. Jessica Shepherd's social + website: Website: https://www.jessicashepherdmd.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessicashepherdmd/ Transform Your Health: https://eudemonia.net/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=kayla-podcast&utm_campaign=jessica-shepherd

What if your blood is what’s making you sick and the key to reversing it is removing it? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Khanh Nguyen, a regenerative and anti-aging physician, to explore therapeutic plasma exchange and the rising use of young plasma. We talk detox, autoimmune disease, aging, peptides, and why your blood might be holding you back. Join the most comprehensive *female-specific community for health and longevity optimization.* After over a decade dedicated to human performance and women’s health, I created this space to share everything you need to know to optimize health and lifespan. Inside, you’ll get access to exclusive protocols, live Q&As, the latest female longevity science, and a private, supportive community of like-minded women. Khanh's social + website: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/regenwithdrnguyen/ Website: Austin Regenerative Therapy

Is your environment silently sabotaging your fertility? Dr. Ann Shippy joins the show to reveal how hidden toxins, mold, and overlooked cellular damage may be accelerating ovarian aging and how to reclaim your fertility before it’s too late. From infertility misdiagnoses to rising autism rates, we dive deep into the tests most doctors never run, and the real impact your body’s toxic load has on future generations. Ann Shippy social + website: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annshippymd/ Website: https://annshippymd.com/

Ashley Koff is a registered dietitian and author who spent 20 years discovering that weight and health aren't separate issues, they're connected through "weight health hormones." After her own struggles with restrictive eating despite doing everything "right," a functional medicine doctor helped her understand what was actually broken, and that was, her body's natural hormone function. In this episode, Ashley explains why GLP-1 medications like Ozempic work, who actually needs them, and the critical foundational work required to avoid devastating rebounds. She reveals why current dietary guidelines fail women, shares her free weight health hormone assessment, cuts through the seed oil controversy, and offers practical strategies for eating healthy on any budget. If you're confused about nutrition, frustrated that eating healthy isn't working, or curious about GLP-1 medications, this conversation provides the clarity you've been missing.

In this video, Dr. Will Bulsiewicz shares his transformation from an overweight, depressed gastroenterologist to a gut health expert after meeting his now-wife changed his entire approach to food. He reveals why 95% of Americans are fiber deficient and how this single nutrient could be the key to longevity. Dr. B breaks down the science of the gut microbiome, explains why hyperpalatable foods force us to overeat 500 extra calories per day, and shares actionable strategies for rebuilding your gut health in as little as 3-5 days.

Women don’t fail January — January fails women. Nearly 80% of New Year health goals are abandoned within weeks, not because of discipline, but because most plans ignore female biology. That’s why I created the 30-Day Female Longevity Challenge — a physiology-first way to prepare calmly and build health that actually lasts. Save $50 with code 2026. https://kayla-barnes-lentz.circle.so/checkout/female-longevity-challenge-2026?coupon_code=2026 When you join, you also get one full year access to my female membership for on-going accountability, my monthly AMAs, a female support community, access to my 20 other courses and more!