Optimizing Brain Health & Recovery with Kristen Willeumier, PhD and Alice Nguyen, NMD Artwork

Health Is A Skill with Todd Vande Hei

Welcome to the Health is a Skill podcast with host Todd Vande Hei! Todd is the CEO of Stark, which exists to change the future of health and fitness in the communities they serve. For the last 15 years, Todd has been on a journey to discover what it means to be in a state of peak health. After suffering from a series of seizures and being diagnosed with high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation in his early 30’s, Todd decided it was time to make a change. Those changes fell into one of four categories: lifestyle, exercise, nutrition, and stress management. But the biggest thing Todd learned through it all? Health is a skill. You’re not born with it, like some would like you to believe, and it isn’t acquired by simply buying another product or starting that new diet. Health is something you can create for yourself, and over time it is possible to attain peak health.

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Health Is A Skill with Todd Vande Hei

Optimizing Brain Health & Recovery with Kristen Willeumier, PhD and Alice Nguyen, NMD

March 20, 2025 • Todd Vande Hei • Season 3 • Episode 11

How do concussions, repetitive head trauma, and strokes impact long-term brain health? Neuroscientist Dr. Kristen Willeumier and naturopathic physician Dr. Alice Nguyen join Todd Vande Hei for an eye-opening discussion on brain resilience, recovery, and performance.

Dr. Willeumier explains the dangers of subconcussive impacts—those repeated hits that don’t cause immediate symptoms but lead to long-term neurological damage. She breaks down the science of neuroplasticity, the role of tau protein in CTE, and how modern therapies like hyperbaric oxygen can support brain repair.

Dr. Nguyen provides a functional medicine perspective, detailing the key supplements, lab tests, and lifestyle changes that optimize cognitive function. She shares the exact protocol Todd followed before and after his stroke, offering valuable insights into the power of omega-3s, glutathione, and mitochondrial support.

This episode is packed with actionable strategies to protect your brain, enhance mental clarity, and age with cognitive resilience. Whether you’re an athlete, recovering from an injury, or simply looking to perform at your best, these insights are essential.

Get access to Todd’s free health resource: https://podtodd.com

Learn more about Stark at: https://www.stark.health

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction to Dr. Kristen Willeumier & Dr. Alice Nguyen
03:10 The Hidden Dangers of Repetitive Head Trauma
07:35 How Subconcussive Impacts Lead to Long-Term Brain Damage
12:15 The Science of CTE & Tau Protein Accumulation
18:00 Stroke vs. Concussions: Key Differences in Recovery
22:45 Strategies for Neuroplasticity & Brain Repair
28:30 The Role of Supplements in Cognitive Function
34:20 How TRT Influences Brain Performance
40:50 The Importance of Diet in Neurological Health
46:15 Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Brain Recovery
51:40 Practical Steps to Maintain Cognitive Longevity
58:10 Closing Thoughts & Where to Find Dr. Willeumier & Dr. Nguyen