March 2025
My Favorite Podcasts
I listen to a lot of podcasts and I'm often asked what my favorites are. Some podcasts I'll listen to every episode (The Morgan Housel Podcast) and others I'll skim to hear my favorite format (e.g. Q&A) or interviewee. The ones I love I'll "favorite" and listen to again and again. Here are twelve of my favorites over the last year and an episode I favorited for each.
The Morgan Housel Podcast: The Most Important Financial Skill: Getting the Goalpost to Stop Moving (Spotify | Apple)
Modern Wisdom: Kevin Kelly: 22 Habits to Follow For A Happy Life (Spotify | Apple)
The Drive: Training for the Centenarian Decathlon (Spotify | Apple)
Raising Good Humans: How to Build Resilience in Kids (Spotify | Apple)
The Ready State: Tommy Woods: Brain Health, Novel Stimuli, and Actionable Advice to Keep You Sharp As You Age (Spotify | Apple)
All the Hacks: How to Invest in Startups, Private Equity, and More (E119) (Spotify | Apple)
Daily Dad: Keep The Main Thing The Main Thing (Spotify | Apple)
Perform with Dr. Andy Galpin: Nutrition to Support Brain Health & Offset Brain Injuries (Spotify | Apple)
The Dr. Hyman Show: Why Brutal Honesty Is The Secret To Living A Happier, More Authentic Life (Spotify | Apple)
Experimental History: Underrated Ways of Changing the World (Spotify | Apple)
The Growth Kit: 8 “Healthy” Foods That Aren’t Actually Healthy (Spotify | Apple) (Shameless plug here.)
What are your favorite podcasts? Leave suggestions in the comment section of the article version of this.
Live well,
Brian
🎙️ The Growth Kit (Podcast)
🥇 Best of the Month
“Stop taking things so seriously.
No one is getting out of this game alive.
Literally.
In 3 generations, no one will even remember your name.
If that doesn’t give you liberation to just drop your problems and find some joy, I don’t know what will.
Life is inherently ridiculous and guaranteed to end sooner or later.
So you might as well enjoy the ride.”
—Chris Williamson
🎧 Podcast: How To Be Rich By J. Paul Getty by Founders Podcast
📖 Book: Shift: Managing Your Emotions--So They Don't Manage You by Ethan Kross
🎁 Product: Gardyn Studio. An easy, beautiful, and “smart” indoor garden to brighten up a room (bonus: great for your health). We just got this for the house and it is awesome.
❓ Question of the Month
Q: Why do my joints ache when the weather changes?
A: You’re not imagining it—many people report increased joint pain with shifts in weather, especially during cold, damp, or stormy conditions. While science hasn’t fully cracked the code, several theories help explain the connection between joint pain and weather changes.
🌡️ Barometric Pressure Drops: The most common explanation is a drop in barometric pressure, which occurs before a storm or cold front. Lower pressure means less air pressing against your body. This subtle change can allow tissues to expand slightly, which may irritate joints—especially those affected by arthritis or past injury. That swelling or stiffness can trigger discomfort, especially in knees, hips, and hands.
❄️ Cold & Damp = Stiffer Tissues: Cold weather can cause muscles and tendons to tighten, which may increase stiffness and reduce circulation to already-sensitive joints. Moisture and dampness may amplify this by increasing inflammation in joints with underlying wear and tear, like osteoarthritis.
🧠 Sensory Sensitivity: There’s also a neurological angle: people with joint pain or chronic inflammation may be more sensitive to environmental changes, similar to how some people get migraines with changes in light or sound. The nervous system essentially “feels” shifts in temperature or pressure more intensely.
🔧 What You Can Do
Stay Warm: Use layers, warm baths, and even heating pads on stiff joints.
Stay Active: Gentle movement (like walking, yoga, or resistance bands) keeps circulation flowing and reduces stiffness.
Hydrate Well: Cold weather can still lead to dehydration, which affects joint lubrication.
Anti-inflammatory Support: Omega-3s, turmeric, and magnesium can support joint health.
Compression Sleeves: For knees, wrists, or elbows—they help with warmth and pressure support.
If joint pain worsens or becomes chronic, it's worth checking in with a physician to rule out arthritis, tendon issues, or inflammatory conditions.
Got a question? Email me: contact@mindbodydad.com.
💡 Things I’ve Learned
🧠 Mind
Brain Development Doesn’t Stop at 25
I was taught that the brain matures and plateaus around age 25. But research suggests brain development continues well beyond the twenties—and possibly for a lifetime. Scientists tracking structural, functional, and connectivity changes found that while some brain regions stabilize in the early 20s, others continue evolving well into the 30s and beyond. Structural changes like gray matter reduction and white matter growth don’t hit a clear stopping point. Meanwhile, brain network efficiency and decision-making abilities improve into adulthood. This challenges the idea of a fixed “maturity” age and has implications for policy, neuroscience, and how we define adulthood.
Do this: Rethink the idea of a “fully mature” brain. Keep learning, adapting, and challenging yourself—your brain is still evolving.
More Progress, Less Happiness?
This is a great read by Jack Raines called The Cost of Progress. Over the last two centuries, humanity has made unprecedented advancements—longer lifespans, technological breakthroughs, and greater freedoms. Yet, depression, loneliness, and dissatisfaction are at all-time highs. The hedonic treadmill keeps us chasing more, while the decline of religion has left many searching for meaning. Progress has made life easier, but it has also disrupted traditional structures that gave us purpose, stability, and belonging. Many people are tired of this disconnected, digital existence. They crave real experiences, deeper relationships, and a sense of meaning beyond material success.
Do this: Focus on real-world connections and meaningful commitments instead of endless options. Prioritize depth over breadth in relationships, work, and life.
Uncertainty - Doubt = Suspense
A study on "anomalous suspense" shows that people can feel uncertainty about events they already know the outcome of. In three experiments, researchers found that when a story introduced an obstacle to a well-known fact, like George Washington's election, participants took longer to verify the truth immediately after reading. This delay persisted even after a short gap but disappeared once the suspense was resolved. Curiosity follows an inverted U-shaped curve—we are least curious when we have no idea about an answer or when we are completely certain, but curiosity peaks when we think we know something but aren’t sure. This likely explains why we still feel suspense when we know how a story ends but don’t know exactly how the character overcomes the obstacles to get there.
Do this: Pay attention to how movies, books, and news headlines build suspense, even when the ending is obvious. Great storytelling isn’t just about what happens—it’s about how it unfolds.
💪 Body
New Research: Constipation May Precede Depression
Did you know your gut health and mental health are more connected than you think? A study of over 12,000 adults found that people with constipation (fewer than three bowel movements per week) were more than twice as likely to experience major depression—even after adjusting for diet, lifestyle, and medical factors. Another study from the UK Biobank (with nearly 450,000 participants) found that constipation increased the risk of depression by 48% over a 12-year period.
The gut-brain axis is a two-way street. Constipation may not just be a symptom of depression—it could actually trigger it. While these studies don’t prove cause and effect, they highlight the importance of gut health in mental well-being. If you struggle with constipation, it’s worth addressing both your digestive and emotional health. Your brain and gut are more connected than you think.
Do this: Prioritize gut-friendly habits like fiber-rich foods, hydration, and stress management. If constipation persists, don’t ignore it—consider it a potential red flag for both physical and mental health. Here are some more ways to address it.
Sauna Benefits: Boost Bone and Muscle Health in 12 Sessions
A study of 23 healthy young men showed that 12 sessions of high-temperature sauna baths (100°C/212°F) resulted in a 7.7% increase in bone mineral density and a 6.17% boost in bone mineral content. Muscle mass also improved slightly by 1.07%. While the muscle mass is minimal, I was surprised by the improvements in bone density and mineral content. Granted, it’s a small study, however, there is no shortage of reasons to use a sauna from mimicking the effects of exercise and supporting detoxification to reducing inflammation and aiding in the management of conditions like cardiovascular disease, depression, and chronic pain—all while promoting relaxation, improving brain health, and enhancing recovery.
Do this: Find a way to get sweaty. Saunas are great but so are hot tubs, steam rooms, and even hot baths and showers if there are no other options. I use this sauna blanket from HigherDose.
Cold Plunging: What’s Proven, What’s Not
A review of 11 studies (3,177 participants) analyzed the effects of cold water immersion (CWI) and found both benefits and limitations. Brief cold exposure significantly reduced stress—but only for about 12 hours. Regular cold showers were linked to 29% fewer sick days, and some evidence suggested improvements in sleep quality and overall well-being, however, claims about immune system boosts and mood enhancement remain unproven.
Do this: The cold can be a great hormetic stressor but don't believe all of the hype. Start with ending each of your showers with at least a couple minutes of as-cold-as-possible water. This alone can be good but consider taking it a step further with a cheap, at-home cold tub.
🎯 Dad
Can Infant Sun Exposure Reduce MS Relapse?
A study of 334 children with pediatric MS found that 30+ minutes of daily summer sun in infancy lowered relapse risk by 33%. Sun exposure during the mother’s second trimester also had a protective effect. Even after adjusting for season of birth, sunscreen use, and MS meds, early sun exposure remained beneficial, however, sunlight later in life had no impact.
Do this: Let babies get safe, daily sun (30 min, no burns) to support immune health. Pregnant? A little sun in the second trimester may help, too.
Study Links Excessive Screen Use and Parental Stress to Child Behavioral Issues
A recent study from New Zealand reveals that higher maternal stress levels and excessive screen time during early childhood are associated with increased behavioral problems in children. The research, titled "The effect of income on New Zealand children's behaviour: The influence of maternal stress and children's screen use," utilized data from the Growing Up in New Zealand study. Findings indicate that children exposed to four or more hours of screen time daily exhibited more behavioral issues, a trend not attributable to socio-economic differences. Additionally, lower household incomes were linked to elevated maternal stress, which in turn correlated with increased behavioral problems in children.
Do this: Use screens less.
Can a Mother's Diet Shape Her Baby's Future Taste Preferences?
A comprehensive review published in the Annual Review of Nutrition explores how a mother's diet during pregnancy can influence her baby's future taste and smell preferences. The review, titled "Does Maternal Diet Influence Future Infant Taste and Odor Preferences? A Critical Analysis," synthesizes five decades of research on fetal flavor learning. It reveals that by the end of gestation, fetuses can detect a wide range of flavors from the maternal diet transmitted through the amniotic fluid. This early exposure may enhance the acceptance of these flavors after birth. While most studies focus on odor learning, there's limited evidence suggesting fetuses can also learn about taste properties. Further research is needed to determine if these prenatal experiences lead to lasting dietary habits beyond infancy.
Do this: If you're pregnant, consider incorporating a variety of healthy foods into your diet. This diverse exposure may help your baby develop a preference for these flavors, potentially easing the introduction of healthy foods during weaning.
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