The Science of Stress & Sleep For Optimal Performance with Dr. Bill von Hippel

This week on the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist, Dr. Kristen Holmes sits down with Dr. Gina Poe, neurobiologist and expert in REM sleep and memory consolidation. Together, Dr. Holmes and Dr. Poe unpack what actually happens when you’re asleep and why sleep is essential not just for memory, but emotional resilience, longevity, and high performance. This episode breaks down the different stages of sleep and how they reshape the brain, regulate the nervous system, and actually clean the brain. Dr. Holmes and Dr. Poe provide insight on daily habits to optimize sleep quality, including timing, exercise, and stress regulation.(00:23) Introduction to Dr. Gina Poe(00:58) Dr. Poe’s Journey to Sleep Research (06:58) Sleep Timing in Relation to The Body’s Physiological Rhythm(12:29) Sleep Pressure and Melatonin Production(14:52) REM Sleep Reshaping the Brain Each Night(21:03) Effects of Short Sleep Cycles (30:17) Relationship Between Skipped Sleep Cycles and Neurodegenerative Disease(31:36) The Importance of Sleep Spindles & Exercise on Sleep Performance(40:46) How Sleep Spindles Change Over A Lifespan(43:44) Daily Practices That Promote Healthy Sleep (49:15) Shift Work, Sleep Cycles, & Human Growth Hormone(55:01) Metabolism and Sleep Cycles: What Happens To The Body’s Energy Storage(59:21) Dr. Poe’s Dream Sleep Study(01:01:09) What Healthy Sleep Looks Like(01:05:38) Rapid Fire TakeawaysDr. Gina Poe:XRelated Episodes:The Science of Stress & Sleep For Optimal Performance with Dr. Bill von HippelSpotifyAppleYouTubeHow to Sleep Better with Dr. Shelby HarrisSpotifyAppleYouTubeSupport the showFollow WHOOP: www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn

Looking to improve your VO₂ Max? This week’s episode gives you everything you need to know about one of the latest WHOOP Metrics. WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist, Dr. Kristen Holmes sits down with WHOOP Senior Research Scientist, Dr. Greg Grosicki to define VO₂ Max and offer insights on its importance for healthspan and human performance. As part of the How To Series, Dr. Grosicki shares his knowledge on how VO₂ Max affects musculoskeletal load, metabolic flexibility and aerobic capacity, and the important training tips to improve this metric. (00:50) How WHOOP Captures VO₂ Max(05:04) Studying VO₂ Max: Creating The Dataset (6:05) Developing The WHOOP VO₂ Max Feature(9:08) How WHOOP Studies VO₂ Max(10:46) Defining VO₂ Max(12:08) Impact of Musculoskeletal Load on VO₂ Max(19:32) The Physiological Factors Determining VO₂ Max(26:07) Inner Ad(26:40) What Is An Optimal VO₂ Max(31:27) Performance and Increasing VO₂ Max(40:13) Metabolic Flexibility(41:39) Training For VO₂ Max(48:16) Quality of Reps As It Relates to VO₂ Max(49:39) Impact of Training ConsistentlyRelated episodes: Paul Larsen - Zone 2 Training:SpotifyAppleSupport the showFollow WHOOP: www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn

This month, on the WHOOP Podcast Longevity Series, WHOOP SVP of Research, Algorithms, and Data, Emily Capodilupo sits down with Dr. Linda Fried. Dr. Fried is a geriatrician, Dean of Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, and Founder of Experience Corps, a nationwide volunteer program for adults over the age of 50 to become literacy tutors in elementary schools. Emily and Dr. Fried discuss the effects of frailty, how to prevent it, and ways to take control of the aging process. Dr. Fried also discusses her path to public health, the lifestyle changes that promote longevity, and the powerful role of purpose and intergenerational connection in healthy aging.(00:30) Dr. Fried on Defining and Researching Frailty(05:44) Identifying Frailty & Frailty Prevention(07:57) Manifestations of Aging in 20 & 30 Year Olds(08:58) How Much of The Aging Process Is Within Our Control?(11:34) Dr. Fried’s Journey to Public Health(13:58) Positive Lifestyle Impacts on Longevity(16:10) Experience Corps: Influence of Volunteer Work on The Aging Population(24:27) What Society Is Missing To Support Healthy Aging(25:44) Re-connecting Across Generations(34:02) The Starting Points for ChangeDr. Linda Fried:LinkedInExperience CorpsSupport the showFollow WHOOP: www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn

Dr. Jessica Shepherd returns to the WHOOP Podcast for this month’s episode of the How To Series. Dr. Shepherd joins WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist, Dr. Kristen Holmes to redefine menopause. Dr. Jessica Shepherd is an OBGYN, menopause expert, and author of Generation M, guiding women through the various stages and lifestyle changes that come with menopause and peri-menopause. Dr. Holmes and Dr. Shepherd bring attention to the symptoms to look out for, create an understanding of the power of early preparation, and establish the importance of strength training and protein intake to support hormonal health. This episode brings to light the need for advocacy in the health space for menopause and peri-menopause care.(00:37) Introducing Dr. Jessica Shepherd(01:14) Reframing Menopause: Dr. Shepherd Personal Mission(03:22) Recognizing The Signs: Symptoms of Perimenopause & Menopause(04:10) Staying Ahead of Symptoms(06:55) What Women in Their 30s Should Know(09:26) Protein & Power: Building Strength for Hormonal Health(12:14) The Positive Role of Daily Activity(15:11) Menopause As A Metabolic Disease(19:12) Lifestyle Changes To Promote Metabolic Health(23:10) Important Biomarkers for Hormonal Health(29:44) Dr. Shepherd’s Toolkit For Women with Perimenopause(33:11) Estrogen Creams: Benefits and Practices(36:01) Understanding Hormone Replacement Therapy(39:27) Estrogen’s Effects on Cognitive Health, Sleep, & Longevity(42:14) When To Start Taking Estrogen(45:27) The Healthy Choices That Ease Menopause Symptoms(47:57) Birth Control & Peri-Menopause: Detecting Symptoms(51:15) Advocacy for Peri-Menopause and Menopause Care(55:15): Centering Dialogue Around Menopause(01:00:35): The Future of Research in Women’s Health(01:05:52): WHOOP as a Tool for Support(01:10:10) Exercise Options to Improve Overall Health(01:11:37) Dr. Shepherd’s Closing MessageDr. Jessica Shepherd:WebsiteInstagram LinkedInChanging the Conversation Around Menopause with Dr. Jessica ShepherdSpotifyApple PodcastsYoutubeSupport the showFollow WHOOP: www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn

Brittany Mahomes returns on this week’s episode of the WHOOP Podcast! Brittany joins WHOOP Founder and CEO, Will Ahmed, to reflect on welcoming her third child and expanding her family with Super Bowl Champion, Patrick Mahomes. As a former professional athlete, Brittany shares the important role health and fitness play in her and her children’s lives. Brittany outlines her top tips for new moms, the important role of WHOOP in helping her stay fit, and what it means to be a mother of three. (00:28) Unboxing WHOOP MG: Menstrual Cycle Insights, & Healthspan(01:41) Brittany on Becoming a Mother of Three(02:40) The Secret to Restful Sleep While Pregnant(03:48) Brittany’s Top Tips for New Moms(04:39) Brittany’s Go To Exercises While Pregnant(05:25) WHOOP Data and Pregnancy(06:23) Brittany’s WHOOP Metrics(07:10) Labor Preparation and Expectations(08:15) Brittany’s Post-Partum Experience(09:00) The Importance of Breathing Exercises(10:37) Regaining Energy After Giving Birth(11:21) Diet Evolution: Pregnancy to Post-Partum(12:16) Stress Management as a Mother of Three(13:09) Brittany’s Favorite WHOOP Feature(13:28) Brittany’s Wake Up Call(14:37) Passing Down a Focus on Health and Fitness To Your KidsFollow Brittany:InstagramXSupport the showFollow WHOOP: www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn

On this week’s episode of the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance Principal Scientist, Dr. Kristen Holmes, sits down with WHOOP Senior Scientist Dr. Bill von Hippel to discuss the science behind stress and sleep and its impact on performance. Dr. Bill von Hippel is a scientist, author, and renowned social psychologist and evolutionary specialist. In today’s episode, Dr. Holmes and Dr. von Hippel discuss cardiac responses to threats and challenges and the core 4 circadian behaviors that help sleep consistency. (00:36) Intro to Cardiac Responses and Daily Threats and Challenges(03:08) Using WHOOP to Conduct Studies(09:09) Stress Monitor: Understanding Stress vs Challenge(11:10) Stress + Sleep Data on Shiftworkers(23:27) Low Fit vs High Fit: Use Case for Strain Coach (32:26) Amplifying Effects of Exercise(37:18) HRV-CV as a Predictor of Strain Load(43:03) Behaviors That Improve Sleep(51:06) Core 4: Circadian Behaviors That Help Sleep Consistency(58:49) The Impacts of Social Jetlag(01:02:53) Negative Impacts of Oversleeping(01:07:2) High HRV Indications and HRV ImprovementsReferences:WHOOP Wear Frequency StudyShiftwork Biometric Analysis StudyDr. Bill von Hippel:LinkedInThe Social Paradox: Autonomy, Connection, and Why We Need Both to Find HappinessThe Social Leap: The New Evolutionary Science of Who We Are, Where We Come From, and What Makes Us HappySupport the showFollow WHOOP: www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn

What is water-based cooking and how can it aid your longevity? On this week’s episode of the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance Principal Scientist, Dr. Kristen Holmes, sits down with Nutrition Scientist and Registered Dietician, Dr. Michelle Davenport. Dr. Michelle Davenport specializes in improving metabolic health through her science-proven water-based cooking method. Her research studies the impact of Advance Glycation End Products, or AGEs, which are molecules formed when sugars non-enzymatically bind to proteins or lipids. Dr. Holmes and Dr. Davenport dive into the impact of AGEs on aging, chronic illness, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, and how water-based cooking might just be the key to slowing these effects.(00:35) Dr. Michelle Davenport’s Water-Based Cooking(03:05) Metabolic Health And Food Culture in The United States(05:39) What is Water-Based Cooking?(06:49) Using Water-based Cooking As A Dietary Strategy(10:06) Dr. Davenport’s Favorite Marinade To Try This Summer(10:47) What are AGEs and How Do They Accelerate Aging?(14:09) Benefits of Antioxidants and Anti-inflammatory Foods(16:33) Why Are Life Expectancies Decreasing In America? Reason #1 Processed Food(19:24) Reason #2: Lacking Culture Around Food in The US(21:38) Reason #3: We Need To Understand The Basics(29:25) Michelle’s Wake Up Call with Nutrition(33:04) What Are The Biomarkers For Damage Caused By AGEs?(35:08) AGEs: The Effects On Neurodegenerative Disease(38:58) What Can You Start Doing Today To Reduce AGEs?(42:12) Water-Quality in Water-Based Cooking(44:20) Dr. Davenport’s Go To MealsFollow Dr. Michelle Davenport:WebsiteInstagramLinkedInSupport the showFollow WHOOP: www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn

What does it take to be at the top of your game – and how long can you stay there? On this week’s episode of the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP Founder & CEO, Will Ahmed, sits down with the world's most prolific footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo, to discuss the important role of recovery, sleep, and discipline in Cristiano’s life. Cristiano reveals his impressive WHOOP Age – the newest feature available on WHOOP Peak and WHOOP Life. Will and Cristiano discuss the various ways Cristiano uses WHOOP to fuel greatness and stay at the top of his game. (00:12) Cristiano Ronaldo x WHOOP MG Unboxing(00:45) Cristiano’s Impressive WHOOP Age(01:37) How Steps Impact Cristiano's Lifestyle(02:15) Cristiano’s Top Sleep Habits(04:00) International Travel’s Impact On Sleep(04:52) Career Perspectives At Age 40 vs Age 25(05:54) How WHOOP Has Aided Cristiano’s Recovery(06:42) Top Recovery Behaviors For Healthspan(08:44) Cristiano’s Secrets to Low Stress(10:18) The Impact of Time Spent in Heart Rate Zones (12:03) Tips to Slow Your Pace of Aging(12:53) Cristiano’s Wake Up call(18:55) What WHOOP Means to Cristiano’s LifestyleHealthspan is not available for users under the age of 18.Follow Cristiano Ronaldo:InstagramYoutubeXFacebookSupport the showFollow WHOOP: www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn

This week on the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP Founder and CEO Will Ahmed sits down with WHOOP SVP of Research, Algorithms, and Data Emily Capodilupo to break down an exciting new feature: Healthspan with WHOOP Age and Pace of Aging. Developed in collaboration with the Buck Institute for Research on Aging, WHOOP has created the ultimate longevity metric to understand your physiological age, measuring varying components of sleep, strain, and fitness. Will and Emily introduce the 9 metrics that make up your WHOOP Age and Pace of Aging: sleep consistency, hours of sleep, time in heart rate zones 1-3 and 4-5, strength training, steps, VO₂ Max, resting heart rate, and lean body mass. Healthspan with WHOOP Age and Pace of Aging is now available with WHOOP Peak and WHOOP Life memberships. Healthspan is not available for users under the age of 18.(00:00) What is Healthspan?(8:27) WHOOP Partnership with the Buck Institute(9:30) Why Healthspan? What does WHOOP measure to create this metric? (13:57) WHOOP Age and Pace of Aging (19:16): The 9 Metrics of Healthspan (19:46) Sleep Consistency (23:22) Hours of Sleep(27:28) Time in HR Zones 1-3 and HR Zones 4-5(31:39) Strength Training(35:31) Steps(38:28) VO₂ Max(41:15) Resting Heart Rate(44:14) Lean Body Mass(45:37) The Healthspan Algorithm(48:28) Heathspan Page & The Health Tab(49:12) Coaching people toward a healthier and longer life Support the showFollow WHOOP: www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn

WHOOP 5.0 and WHOOP MG have arrived. On this episode of the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP Founder and CEO Will Ahmed sits down with Chief Product Officer Ed Baker to unpack the all-new WHOOP experience. They introduce the new devices — 5.0 and MG — and break down the three new WHOOP memberships. From 14+ day battery life to powerful new features like on-demand ECG readings, daily Blood Pressure Insights, Healthspan, and Women’s Hormonal Insights, this episode covers it all. Plus, get a first look at our new WHOOP Apparel & Accessories. Whether you're upgrading or just getting started, this is your guide to everything 5.0 and MG.(00:00) Say Hello to WHOOP 5.0 and WHOOP MG(00:13) 4.0 vs 5.0: Hardware Advancements (00:52) 14-Day Battery Life and The New Wireless Powerpack(02:18) WHOOP MG(04:47) Healthspan and WHOOP Age(11:35) Heart Screener with ECG(14:37) Blood Pressure Insights(16:07) VO2 Max(17:30) New and Improved Women’s Health Features(19:03) Advanced Sleep Metrics(22:06) Navigation and App Insights(24:25) Accessories and Apparel: A New Look For WHOOP(27:59) WHOOP Membership Tiers Breakdown(36:13) Gift Kit & Upgrade Benefits(37:33) Will & Ed’s Favorite WHOOP MetricGet your WHOOP 5.0 now at WHOOP.comThe ECG feature is not intended for users with known arrhythmias other than AFib or users under 22 years old. It is not recommended for users with a cardiac pacemaker, ICDs, or other implanted electronic devices. This is a medically regulated feature and is not currently available in every region. Go to https://www.whoop.com/feature-availability/ to check if it's available in your region.Blood Pressure Insights is not a medical device and cannot diagnose or manage medical conditions. It does not provide medical advice. Always consult your doctor for health concerns and never delay or modify medical care based on its information. Menstrual Cycle Insights should not be used for conception or contraception, and all phases, including the ovulatory phase, are estimates. Menstrual Cycle Insights is not a medical device and cannot diagnose or manage medical conditions. It does not provide medical advice. Always consult your doctor for health concerns and never delay or modify medical care based on its information.Healthspan is not available for users under the age of 18.Support the showFollow WHOOP: www.whoop.com Trial WHOOP for Free Instagram TikTok YouTube X Facebook LinkedIn Follow Will Ahmed: Instagram X LinkedIn Follow Kristen Holmes: Instagram LinkedIn Follow Emily Capodilupo: LinkedIn