#300 Louisa Nicola - Peptides, Cancer and the Deadly Habits That Lead to Alzheimer’s
4/30/20263 hr 8 min
Louisa Nicola is a neurophysiologist, performance specialist, and founder of Neuro Athletics, a company focused on brain optimization and neurophysiology for elite performers. A former professional triathlete, Nicola’s early career in endurance sport shaped her belief that peak performance is driven as much by the brain as by the body. Her transition from elite competition to neuroscience was fueled by a desire to understand the neurological foundations of reaction time, resilience, recovery, and long-term cognitive health. Through Neuro Athletics, she works with professional athletes, sports organizations, executives, and high performers to implement measurable brain-based training protocols. Her work includes cognitive performance testing, visual processing and reaction training, nervous system regulation, and concussion recovery strategies. Nicola emphasizes objective brain metrics over subjective feedback, bringing scientific rigor to performance optimization. She is also the host of The Neuro Experience podcast, where she interviews leading neuroscientists, physicians, and longevity experts. A significant focus of her public work centers on Alzheimer’s prevention and cognitive decline. Nicola advocates for early baseline testing, cardiovascular and metabolic health, strength and aerobic training to increase BDNF, sleep optimization, inflammation reduction, and lifelong cognitive engagement. She frequently highlights the disproportionate risk women face in Alzheimer’s disease and calls for greater awareness around hormonal and midlife cognitive vulnerability. Nicola frames brain health as a lifelong discipline, connecting elite performance principles with long-term cognitive resilience and positioning brain optimization not as a reactive measure, but as a proactive strategy beginning in early adulthood. Shawn Ryan Show Sponsors: Head to https://Superpower.com and use code SRS at checkout for $20 off your membership. Unlock your new health intelligence. 100+ biomarkers. Every year. Detect early signs of 1,000+ conditions. #superpowerpod If you’re serious about selling to the Department of War, go to https://SBIRAdvisors.com and mention Shawn Ryan for your first month free. Live better longer with BUBS Naturals. Get 20% OFF on collagen, MCT creamers, and more with code SHAWN at https://bubsnaturals.com/srs Louisa Nicola Links: IG - https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_ Website - https://www.neuroathletics.com.au X - https://x.com/louisanicola_ YT - https://www.youtube.com/@LouisaNicola LI - www.linkedin.com/in/louisanicola Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Clips
Showing 10 of 12Transcript preview
First 90 secondsShawn Ryan· Host0:00
I didn't really think about how much my mattress was affecting me until I switched it. You just get used to whatever you've got and don't realize how off it is until you fix it. And that's what happened when I got a Helix. On the first couple of nights, I could already tell the difference. I wasn't tossing around, wasn't waking up throughout the night. I was just sleeping better and actually getting some real rest. One thing I like is they don't do a one-size-fits-all mattress. You take a quick sleep quiz, and they match you to what actually fits how you sleep, and it shows. It's been a big upgrade from what I was using before. They've got free shipping, 120-night sleep trial, and a lifetime warranty, so there's really no risk at all in trying it. Go to helixsleep.com/srs for 25% off sitewide. That's helixsleep.com/srs for 25% off sitewide. Make sure you enter our show name after checkout so they know who sent you. Helixsleep.com/srs. [instrumental music plays] Louisa Nicola, welcome to the show.
Louisa Nicola· Guest1:09
Oh, it's so good to be here.
Shawn Ryan· Host1:11
It's good to have you. So, uh, yeah, I saw you, I think it was on Diary of a CEO's podcast, and you were talking about Alzheimer's. And, uh, I've been looking for somebody to talk about Alzheimer's because that and cancer are pretty much my biggest fears in life.