Brianna Approved

In episode 16 I discuss the neuroscience of change, or why change is actually so difficult! I discuss the differences between the Reflexive and Reflective functions of brain, parts of the brain that deal with change and the science behind why old habits die hard. I touch on the threat reward system (and why we can’t always see big picture goals when working towards change) and how to actually go a...

In Episode 15 I have my first guest, Reed Davis, Functional Diagnostic Nutrition (FDN) founder. We sit down to talk about functional labs, health entrepreneurs, the difference between health coaching and becoming an FDN practitioner and so much more ! You can watch the full Youtube video at the link below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6H6ILlQkAk&t=1217s  Be sure to follow FDN on Insta...

In Episode 14 of the podcast we are talking herbs for summer heat! I will discuss how herbs can be cooling, different herbal energetics that encompass cooling (including diaphoretic and astringent properties), my favorite herbs during the summer months (plus an added bonus on my must have botanicals for your herbal first aid kit), why you should breakup with someone if they give you yellow roses a...

In episode 13 I discuss a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approach towards summer, which includes emotions associated with summer, balancing “Shen” and identifying what “yang” imbalances look like. I also discuss the Heart in Chinese Medicine (as well as differences in the physical heart vs emotional heart), the fire element and an extra credit at the end, where I give a Botanical Bri Summer Te...

In episode 12 I dive into the concept of Positive Psychology. I start off with the fun fact of the day, which covers why you feel good after doing a good deed, the concept of cultivating positive wellbeing (aka living your best life), different levels of positive psychology and the idea of peace vs happiness. I finish the episode with the five levels of wellbeing. Knowledge Bites: Positive Psychol...

In episode 11 I break down the connection between our heart and our brain, also know as Neuro-cardiology. I discuss HOW your heart communicates with your brain  and why you can actually feel if the “vibes are off with someone” and hormones your heart produces. Of course I give y’all some extra credit at the end of the show and a few FREE ways you can emotionally calibrate your heart/ brain.&n...

Episode 10: Healthy Aging In episode 10 I am discussing the value of aging and ways to optimize aging! I discuss the differences between your biological age and your chronological age, I briefly I discuss epigenetics, longevity genes and factors that can influence healthy aging. I finish the show by going over the 7 dimensions of wellness of personal health! Knowledge Bites - Biological age vs you...

Episode 9: Herbs for Anxiety  In episode 9 I am chatting all things anxiety! As your resident super spaz, I wanted to touch on the actual definition of what anxiety is, why it’s not all bad and how it can be a form of creativity. I will also discuss the link between psychiatric disorders and some other general comorbidities such as sleep disorders and the importance of Emotional Recalibration...

Episode 8: Intro to Adaptogens  In episode 8 I discuss Adaptogens, also known as herbs and botanicals that can help your body “adapt” to stress (in its many forms). I discuss the mechanism of action for adaptogens (aka how they work). I explain why it is important to understand HOW stress impacts you specifically and why that is important fro picking the right adaptogen for your constitutiona...

Episode 7: Glymphatic System In episode 7 I talk all things Glymphatic System Health, aka your brain’s waste removal system! I discuss the importance of sleep for “detoxing” your brain, how impaired glymphatic clearance is linked to dementia, why you need to get to sleep early and the importance of slow wave sleep! I Nerd Alert with Glial Cells and finish off the show with my Health or Hype segmen...

In episode 6 I chat all things Springtime and what that means from a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM standpoint)! I discuss allergies and why they can be related to liver stagnation (or poor liver function), as well as my Knowledge Bites Segment, which goes into more detail about the organs associated with the Spring (hint it is liver and gallbladder) and why it’s a great time for an “emotional...

Episode 5: Plant Compounds 101 In episode 5 of the podcast I am discussing plant compounds and phytochemicals! I get into the basics of plant compounds, specific constituents found in certain foods, why you feel better after spending time in nature (hint, it is due to a specific plant compound) and how you can be “plant based” while still eating meat. I also feature a plant compound MVP, discussin...

Episode 4: PNI 101- Psychoneuroimmunology In today’s episode I am talking all things Psychoneuroimmunology! I break down the connection between your mind and body, how your immune system and hormones are influenced by your brain, as well as how our brain has its own immune system, the connection between inflammation and mood, sickness behavior and reframing stress!  Nerd Alert- Psychoneuroimmunolo...

In today’s episode I dive into the basics of herbal energetics and understanding the different characteristics and properties of various botanicals including flavor, organ affinity and specific actions on the body. I talk about warming vs cooling herbs, as well as specific herbal categories including carminative, diaphoretic, expectorant and demulcent herbs. Botanical Bri- I discuss nervines as we...

In this week’s episode I am talking all things detoxification! I get into the pillars of detoxification, differentiating between “detoxing” and weight loss, discuss the reactions, steps and enzymes required for detoxification and ALL of your detoxification organs. I also go over how to support your body’s natural ability to detox (6 day juice cleanses need not apply), the Chinese Body Clock and op...

In the first episode of the podcast I talk about building a robust immune system, secondary health effects you might be experiencing during a global pandemic and the differences between Vitamin D3 and D2.  -Fun Fact of the Day While I Sip Cafe: Mood Support -Health or hype: Can you really boost your immune system? -Supplement Spotlight: Vitamin D3 Be sure to follow my Instagram @briannadiorio for...

Stay tuned for all the Brianna Approved content!