Episodes
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On this week’s episode, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist Kristen Holmes is joined by Ironman European Champion and Ironman World Championship Bronze Medalist Laura Philipp. Laura is gearing up for the upcoming Ironman World Championship taking place this month in Nice, France. Kristen and Laura discuss Laura’s journey to becoming an Ironman (1:58), training for competition (8:28), using data to improve training (17:50), adjusting training around the menstrual cycle (19:07), Laura’s WHOOP data (29:57), tricks for a good night’s sleep (30:41) and goals going into the 2024 Ironman World Championship (39:44).
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With summer ending, back to school routines happening at home, and the need to get back to healthy habits, we wanted to bring back a fantastic conversation between WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist Kristen Holmes and cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Maya Shankar. Maya is also a former White House Senior Advisor, and creator of the top podcast, A Slight Change of Plans. Kristen and Maya discuss studying violin under Itzhak Perlman (2:22), how a hand injury spurred what Maya calls identity foreclosure (5:21), transitioning to a career in neuroscience (8:48), the endowment effect (16:43), the benefits of the fresh start effect (19:15), how to think about restarting after your goals have been derailed (21:29), the best ways to cement new habits (26:08), the power of data and behavior science (30:18), how to make good decisions (31:57), and the illusion of control (34:49).
Resources:
A Slight Change of Plans
Dr. Shankar's Instagram
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On this week’s episode, WHOOP Founder and CEO Will Ahmed is joined by 3x World Champion, Patrick Mahomes. Patrick is coming off another championship and gearing up for another grueling season in which he and the Chiefs are trying to accomplish something no other team has done before, three-peat as champions. Mahomes is also getting ready for another major life moment, the birth of his third child. Will and Patrick discuss Patrick’s leadership style in 2023 (1:03), staying injury-free (2:46), nutritional habits (4:35), Patrick’s WHOOP data (5:55), preparing for Super Bowl LVIII (9:31), Patrick’s data from the big game (11:11), and a rapid-fire question round (14:37).
Resources:
Patrick’s Instagram
Patrick’s X
Patrick’s Facebook
15 and the Mahomies Foundation
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On this week’s episode, WHOOP Founder and CEO Will Ahmed is joined by Brittany Mahomes. A lifelong athlete, Brittany played pro soccer briefly before shifting her focus to the fitness and wellness space. Brittany is the co-owner of the NWSL’s Kansas City Current, and she was instrumental in bringing the team’s home field, CPKC Stadium, to fruition this spring. Will and Brittany discuss a big announcement from the Mahomes family (1:04), Brittany’s passion for sport and fitness (1:39), Patrick and Brittany’s competitive nature (3:07), Patrick and Brittany’s relationship (3:44), Brittany’s fitness routine (7:02), recovery tips and diet (9:32), co-owning the KC Current (13:33), what people don’t see about the Mahomes family (16:05), and some rapid fire questions (18:44).
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Brittany’s Instagram
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After a number of inquiries about heart rate zones and the best ways to train, we brought back a very popular episode featuring WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist, Kristen Holmes and endurance coach Paul Laursen. Paul is a Zone 2 cardio expert and has competed in 17 Ironman triathlons. He is the Co-Founder and CEO of HIIT Science and co-host of the Training Science Podcast. He’s published over 150 scientific manuscripts and had his work cited more than 15,00 times. Kristen and Paul will discuss how Paul got started training and teaching (3:05), the relationship between the cardiovascular system and the nervous system (6:13), defining the different training zones (10:48), creating a weekly program with cardio zones (24:51), staying balanced with your training (29:08), autonomic recovery and Zone 2 as an active recovery tool (35:17), how Zone 2 can be linked to hormone levels (36:57), Paul’s paper on metabolism and burning fat (41:51), the best medium for Zone 2 training (47:49), training for longevity and VO2 max (50:51), and how Paul thinks about sleep with his athletes (52:38).
Resources:
Paul's Website
Paul’s Twitter
HIIT Science
Autonomic Recovery after Exercise in Trained Athletes
Athletes: Fit but Unhealthy
Fat Oxidation during HIITFollow WHOOP
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On this week’s episode, WHOOP Founder and CEO Will Ahmed is joined by pro golfer Neal Shipley. Neal has had one of the most memorable years in golf so far during 2024. He went back to back as the low amateur at the Masters and the U.S. Open, which included playing Sunday at Augusta alongside Tiger Woods. A couple weeks after the U.S. Open, Neal officially turned pro and has already achieved a Top 20 and a Top 10 finish in only 5 career pro starts on the PGA Tour. Will and Neal discuss Neal’s Masters experience (1:50), Tiger Woods influencing golf (5:49), growing up and falling in love with golf (11:17), the 2023 US Amateur (15:31), the explosion of WHOOP in golf (19:21), Neal’s US Open experience (25:32), playing on the PGA Tour (29:37), building the perfect golfer (33:53), and what’s next for Neal (41:48).
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Neal's Instagram
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On this week’s episode WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist Kristen Holmes is joined by Dr. Megan Rossi, founder of The Gut Health Doctor. Dr. Rossi is considered one of the most influential gut health specialists internationally. A registered dietitian and nutritionist for the last decade with an award-winning PhD in gut health, which was recognized for its contribution to science, receiving the Dean’s Award for outstanding research. Kristen and Dr. Rossi discuss what is a healthy gut (2:47), Megan’s passion for gut health (7:43), the research gaps in the gut health space (12:00), the gut being the center of the problem (18:57), HRV and gut health (21:13), diet supporting a healthy gut (25:16), gut health and sleep (41:41), gut health and stress (46:12), supplements for gut health (53:46), and gut health and exercise (59:53).
Resources:
Stanford Medicine Study on Personal Microbiomes
Dr. Rossi’s Gut Health Quiz
The Gut Health Doctor Website
Dr. Rossi’s Instagram
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On this week’s episode, WHOOP Founder and CEO Will Ahmed is joined by Barry’s Global CEO, Joey Gonzalez. Joey has an incredible story that starts as a client of Barry’s and ends up in the C-suite. Barry’s is known as the original cardio and strength interval workout, revolutionized fitness, and began the boutique movement. In 2018, Gonzalez was named to Fast Company’s Most Creative People in Business list and recently earned his OPM degree from Harvard Business School. Will and Joey discuss Joey’s background and upbringing (2:14), Joey’s first Barry’s class (7:10), what to expect in a Barry’s class (12:25), Joey’s rise through the organization to CEO (19:32), COVID’s impact on Barry’s (33:35), Barry’s today and the vision moving forward (43:58), and Joey’s fitness and nutrition routines (48:22).
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On this week’s episode WHOOP Founder and CEO Will Ahmed is joined by fitness legend Katrin Davíðsdóttir. The Icelandic athlete was crowned the "Fittest Woman on Earth" in both 2015 and 2016 at the CrossFit Games. Her background in gymnastics and track and field led to her strong athletic foundation. In March of 2024, Katrín and fellow WHOOP athlete Annie Thorisdottir, launched Empower by Dóttir to help provide insight and training tips to women throughout their fitness journeys. Will and Katrin discuss Katrin getting started in the fitness world (1:57), what makes a good mentor (5:17), becoming the Fittest Woman on Earth (6:34), work ethic and mindset (16:22), how Katrin uses WHOOP (18:24), Katrin’s Surgery and her rehab (21:29), tools to recover from surgery (30:13), tracking in the WHOOP journal (34:33), and what’s next for Katrin (38:45).
Resources
Katrin's Instagram
Empower by Dóttir
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On this week’s episode, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist, Kristen Holmes and WHOOP SVP, Research Algorithms and Data Emily Capodilupo are here to discuss all things body composition. We’re excited to announce we just launched a new feature in the WHOOP app in partnership with Withings. With the feature, WHOOP members can now calculate their body composition, lean body mass percentage, body fat percentage, and weight. Kristen and Emily discuss the foundation of losing weight (1:25), WHOOP as the home for your health (6:32), the feature integration process (8:54), key terms of body composition (10:06), skinny doesn’t mean healthy (17:41), metrics you will see in the feature (20:09), having a more complete look of your health (23:02), and tips for improving your body composition (30:09).
Learn More:
The New WHOOP Body Composition Feature
Get 20% off a WITHINGS Scale
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On this week’s episode, WHOOP Founder and CEO Will Ahmed is joined by Vincent Hancock. Vincent is a 3 time Olympic Gold medalist and former sergeant in the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit who earned the National Defense Service Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, among other service accolades. He was the first person to win back-to-back gold medals in skeet shooting when he took home gold in Beijing and London. He is also the first person to win 4 World Championship titles in Men’s Skeet. Will and Vincent discuss how Vincent got started shooting (1:36), the sport of skeet shooting (3:31), getting recruited to the US Army Marksmen Unit (7:28), the process of competition (12:55), Vincent’s training program (15:11), the power of a flow state (18:26), how Vincent uses WHOOP (31:58), Vincent’s WHOOP data (39:49), competing at the Olympics (50:04), and what to expect in Paris (1:03:50).
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On this week’s episode WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist Kristen Holmes is joined by Julie Menanno. The licensed marriage and family therapist specializes in Emotionally Focused Therapy for couples. She’s the author of the book, Secure Love, which helps couples create lasting relationships. Additionally, she founded and runs the Bozeman Therapy & Counseling clinic, and The Secure Relationship Coaching. Kristen and Julie discuss how Julie started working with couples (2:15), couples therapy vs individual therapy (5:45), finding optimism in couples therapy (8:04), characteristics of a healthy relationship (11:11), emotionally focused therapy (14:15), the four attachment styles (18:06), practicing secure love (38:27), red flags in a relationship (43:47), and the organization of Julie’s book (48:42).
Resources:
Julie Menanno’s Website
Julie Menanno’s Instagram
The Secure Love Podcast
Julie’s Articles on Disorganized Attachment Theory
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On this week’s episode WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist Kristen Holmes is joined by women’s soccer star, Ali Riley. Ali currently captains the New Zealand National Team and Angel City FC. She has represented New Zealand at 5 FIFA World Cups, 4 Olympic Games, and will be headed to Paris this summer. In 2023, Ali led the New Zealand National Team to the country’s first-ever World Cup match win. Kristen and Ali discuss Ali’s state of mind ahead of Paris (1:35), representing the New Zealand National Team (4:27), life as a student-athlete and national team player (10:27), advocating for yourself (15:28), dealing with nerves (18:23), Ali’s leadership style (21:11), Ali’s professional career (28:57), nutrition and Ali’s cookbook (38:04), using WHOOP to maximize performance (44:34), the power of social media (47:49), Caitlin Clark and women’s sports (58:54), improving longevity in sport (1:02:14), and thinking about a final game (1:05:22).
Resources:
Ali’s Instagram
Ali’s Cookbook
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On this week’s episode WHOOP SVP of Research, Algorithms, and Data, Emily Capodilupo, is back to answer questions from you, our listeners. Our listeners reached out via social media, email, voicemail, and more. Emily joins us to answer questions about how to define and calculate VO2 Max (2:13), how to improve VO2 Max (8:00), how to hydrate and train in the heat (11:40), hydrogen water bottles (17:35), using WHOOP to monitor pregnancy (27:19), and how bulking and high caloric intake impacts HRV (31:30).
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On this week’s episode WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist Kristen Holmes is joined by Australian-born supermodel Bambi Northwood-Blyth. She has worked with some of the most notable brands in fashion like Balenciaga, Chanel, Armani, Vogue, Elle, and more. As a young woman living with Type 1 diabetes since the age of 11, Bambi is an outspoken advocate demonstrating how to manage her condition while simultaneously striving for your dreams. Kristen and Bambi discuss getting into modeling (3:25), being consistent in the fashion industry (7:06), the difference between Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes (10:32), finding your health baseline (14:26), building in mini moments of relaxation (18:55), staying in a healthy and neutral state (23:43), managing a global travel schedule (31:25), Bambi’s new business venture (37:39), dietary habits for diabetics (39:37), and advocacy for diabetes (44:25).
Resources:
Bambi's Instagram
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On this week’s episode WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist Kristen Holmes is joined by tennis star Bethanie Mattek-Sands. The 9-time Grand Slam champion, commonly known as America’s Rock Star of Tennis, Bethanie has brought a charismatic and eccentric energy to the sport, which has propelled her to 31 titles throughout her career. Kristen and Bethanie discuss how Bethanie started tennis at a young age (2:47), leaning into her true identity on and off the court (7:58), prioritizing recovery (13:48), the biggest impacts and tools for Bethanie’s health (20:45), breathwork (35:29), how Bethanie resets away from tennis (38:42), using data to optimize performance (42:17), the state of women’s sports (51:06), and what’s next for Bethanie (54:25).
Resources:
Bethanie’s Instagram
The Art of Learning by Josh Waitzkin
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On this week’s episode WHOOP Founder and CEO Will Ahmed is joined by multi-platinum recording artist Mike Posner. Mike’s songs have been streamed more than 10 billion times, and his pop single "I Took A Pill In Ibiza” was nominated for “Song of The Year” at the 2017 Grammys. Mike has now found a new passion for health and wellness and spirituality. Will and Mike discuss how Mike got into music (2:36), developing a chip on your shoulder (8:10), getting his music career started (9:36), becoming a real celebrity (17:18), the switch to owning his own identity (20:10), walking away from material fame (27:00), grief as a remarkable reset (36:13), walking across America (40:46), climbing Mt. Everest (46:36), how Mike uses WHOOP (1:03:20), and advice to give yourself (1:08:49).
Trigger warning: this episode contains content about suicide
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Mike’s Facebook
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On this week’s episode WHOOP Founder and CEO Will Ahmed is joined by the world’s best footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo. The legendary athlete is now an investor and Global Ambassador for WHOOP. The 5x Ballon d’Or and 5x Champions League winner describes WHOOP as a tool he cannot live without in order to perform at his peak. Will and Cristiano discuss Cristiano’s first memory playing football (1:23), being motivated by his father (2:55), talent vs. work ethic (4:19), being at the top for so long (6:56), how Cristiano uses WHOOP (8:08), his recovery modalities (13:35), mindfulness and visualization (16:22), and his partnership with WHOOP (18:35).
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whoop.com/cr7
Cristiano's Website
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On this week’s episode WHOOP Founder and CEO Will Ahmed is joined by Dermot Whelan. Dermot is an award-winning Radio and TV Broadcaster, Author, Comedian, Podcast Host, and Meditation Expert. As the host of The Mind Full Podcast, Dermot is sharing his wealth of knowledge and teachings around meditation, stress management, positivity, and more. Will and Dermot discuss how Dermot found comedy (1:35), his first time doing stand-up (8:15), developing material (11:07), finding meditation (15:50), Dermot’s 16-second meditation technique (23:33), meditation sparking Dermot’s health kick (31:24), how society views meditation (36:54), how Dermot uses WHOOP (40:50), and the power of fulfillment (48:07).
Resources:
Dermot’s Website
Dermot’s Instagram
The Mind Full Podcast
Dermot’s BookSupport the show
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On this week’s episode WHOOP Founder and CEO Will Ahmed is joined by barre3 Co-Founder and CEO Sadie Lincoln. Barre3 is a fitness company focused on teaching people to be balanced in body and empowered from within. Beyond running her company and being a global spokesperson, Sadie still enjoys teaching barre3 classes to many of her founding clients in her hometown of Portland, Oregon. Will and Sadie discuss how Sadie got into barre (1:38), the biggest difference from the first barre3 studio to now (4:23), what makes barre unique (7:16), teaching and coaching clients (12:15), using WHOOP (17:00), Sadie teaching classes (21:52), work-life balance with a loved one (24:35), what it means to be inside your body (27:41), the difference between being a founder and CEO (37:32), and advice to other female CEOs (39:27).
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barre3.com
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