PodcastsHealth & WellnessThe Dr. Brighten Show

The Dr. Brighten Show

Dr. Jolene Brighten
The Dr. Brighten Show
Latest episode

127 episodes

  • The Dr. Brighten Show

    Daily Protein Intake for Women: Why You Don’t Need 200 Grams (And What to Do Instead)

    26/02/2026 | 24 mins.
    If you feel like "protein" has become a competitive sport on your social media feed, you are not alone. Between the "What I Eat In A Day" videos and the pressure to carry hard-boiled eggs in your purse, the message is clear: more is better. But for the woman in perimenopause, "more" is not a strategy: it is a recipe for burnout. You do not need to eat like a bodybuilder to save your muscle. You need to eat like a woman who understands her changing hormones and the daily protein intake for women that actually works.

    In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, I examine the science behind daily protein intake for women and explain how declining estrogen, shifts in insulin sensitivity, and age-related anabolic resistance change your protein requirements. We discuss whether 1.2 to 1.6 grams per kilogram is sufficient, when higher protein targets may be appropriate, how protein distribution across meals impacts muscle protein synthesis, and why extreme recommendations can crowd out fiber and negatively affect gut and thyroid health.

    If you are trying to determine the right daily protein intake for women in perimenopause — whether you should aim for 90 grams, 120 grams, or more — this episode provides a research-informed, nuanced framework rather than a one-size-fits-all number.

    This Episode Is Brought to You By

    Dr. Brighten Essentials 

    Want science-backed supplements formulated by a doctor who actually understands women’s health? 🌿 At Dr. Brighten Essentials, every product is crafted to support your hormones, boost your energy, and help you feel your best—inside and out. From targeted nutrients for glowing skin to essentials that fuel your daily vitality, you’ll get the highest-quality ingredients in forms your body can truly use.

    Exclusive for podcast listeners: Use code POD15 at checkout for 15% off your order.

    Shop now https://drbrightenessentials.com

    LMNT Electrolytes —Want a clean, science-backed way to stay hydrated and energized? At LMNT, electrolytes are formulated with a precise balance of sodium, potassium, and magnesium — with no sugar, no artificial ingredients, and no unnecessary fillers. Designed to support hydration, muscle function, and daily energy, LMNT helps you feel your best through workouts, busy days, and everyday life.

    Exclusive for podcast listeners: Visit http://drinklmnt.com/Brighten to receive a free sample pack with any purchase.

    Shop now http://drinklmnt.com/Brighten

    👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

    💻 Website:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drbrighten.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    📸  Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    🎥 TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    🧵Threads: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast:

    Apple: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-brighten-show/id1786362161⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5VWcYWJFzi3OnwidT25IXi?si=481df20ef0a6417⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@drjolenebrighten⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    👉 If you found this episode valuable, drop a comment below to tell us what you loved most, and share it with a friend! Let’s spread the knowledge. 💬
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
  • The Dr. Brighten Show

    Divorce Rate in America: Why Women File & What Menopause Has to Do With It

    24/02/2026 | 48 mins.
    Let’s talk about the divorce rate in America without the blame games, the “men are trash” hot takes, or the tired advice that sounds good on a mug but falls apart the minute a kid pukes at 2 a.m.

    Here’s the reality: divorce is common, but it’s not random. Patterns show up again and again—especially in midlife. And if you’re hearing more conversations about menopause and divorce, that’s not because hormones “ruin women.” It’s because midlife can amplify everything that was already fragile: emotional disconnection, uneven mental load, and intimacy that feels more like pressure than connection.

    The full article (which is based on my conversation with therapist Leann Borneman on The Dr. Brighten Show) can be found here
    https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/menopause-and-divorce/ with all the links mentioned in this episode.

    This Episode Is Brought to You By

    Dr. Brighten Essentials Radiant Mind—a science-backed formula created to support women’s brain health through every stage of life. If you’ve ever felt the brain fog of perimenopause or noticed how ADHD can amplify challenges with focus, memory, mood, or sleep, you’re not alone. Radiant Mind combines clinically studied saffron extract, Bacognize® Bacopa, Cognizin® Citicoline, and zinc to help nourish your brain chemistry and support clarity, calm, and resilience. 

    Shop now https://drbrighten.com/radiant/

    Coconu

    Want body-safe, hormone-friendly intimacy products you can trust? 🥥 At Coconu, everything is made with organic, plant-based ingredients and free from hormone disruptors, harsh chemicals, and synthetic additives. From luxurious lubricants to intimate essentials, Coconu is designed to support comfort, confidence, and connection — helping you feel your best in your most personal moments.

    Exclusive for podcast listeners: Use code DRBRIGHTEN15 at checkout for 15% off your order.

    Shop now https://coconu.com/?srsltid=AfmBOooMIqrz83hshHQKhKgBI10ExK2Q2Erh3DUCLJ-BTwC79XgO4WrL

    Leann Borneman resources:

    Leann Borneman’s website resources: Partner Intimacy Menu https://www.bornemancoaching.com/product-page/partner-intimacy-menu and ADHD-informed Bedroom Check-in https://www.bornemancoaching.com/product-page/adhd-informed-bedroom-check-in-digital-pdf-download

    Leann Bourneman’s Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bornemanpsychotherapy

    Leann Bourneman;s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bornemanpsychotherapy/

    Leann Bourneman’s Website: https://www.bornemancoaching.com/

    👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

    💻 Website:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drbrighten.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    📸  Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    🎥 TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    🧵Threads: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast:

    Apple: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-brighten-show/id1786362161⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5VWcYWJFzi3OnwidT25IXi?si=481df20ef0a6417⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@drjolenebrighten⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    👉 If you found this episode valuable, drop a comment below to tell us what you loved most, and share it with a friend! Let’s spread the knowledge. 💬
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
  • The Dr. Brighten Show

    Colon Cancer Is Rising in Younger Adults — 5 Ways to Protect Yourself Now

    19/02/2026 | 25 mins.
    When news broke about James Van Der Beek colon cancer, it forced a conversation many people have been avoiding. Colon cancer has long been considered a disease of older adults. But that narrative is outdated. Rates are climbing in younger people. Women are being diagnosed earlier. And far too many are told their symptoms are “just stress,” “just IBS,” or “just hormones.”

    In this episode, we unpack what’s really happening with colon cancer trends, what the symptoms of colon cancer actually look like (especially in women), and what you can do right now to lower your risk. This is not fear-based medicine. This is informed, proactive prevention rooted in science. We break down colon cancer screening options, the data on early-onset disease, and the often-overlooked causes of colon cancer—from dietary patterns to microbiome shifts to hormone changes in midlife.

    By the end of this episode, you’ll understand how to protect yourself and your family with clarity instead of confusion.

    This Episode Is Brought to You By

    Dr. Brighten Essentials https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/womens-probiotic is formulated to support healthy digestion, vaginal microbiome balance, and everyday immune function—simple, daily care for women.A balanced microbiome is foundational for feeling your best—from digestion to confidence.Quality you can trust: third-party tested; manufactured in a cGMP facility

    Exclusive for podcast listeners: use the code POD15 for 15% off your order

    Sunlighten Saunas

    Want a gentle, science-forward way to sweat, recover, and unwind?  At Sunlighten, infrared saunas deliver soothing heat that supports relaxation, muscle recovery, and deep, comfortable sweating—without the stifling temps of traditional saunas. With low-EMF tech and options for near, mid, and far infrared, you get a calm, restorative session tailored to your goals.

    Exclusive for podcast listeners: use the code DRBRIGHTEN to save up to $1,400 on your sauna

    Shop now https://get.sunlighten.com/drbrighten

    Fygg — a dentist-developed oral care brand on a mission to “Feed Your Good Guys.” Fygg makes science-backed, microbiome-friendly oral care products — like fluoride-free toothpaste and remineralizing varnish — that support a balanced oral microbiome without harsh chemicals, foam, or unnecessary ingredients. Developed by dentists and grounded in research, Fygg helps strengthen enamel, maintain oral health, and promote a healthier mouth for the whole family.

    Use code DRBRIGHTEN for 15% off of their products (both one-time and subscription)

    Shop now https://fygg.sjv.io/ragbBv

    👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

    💻 Website:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drbrighten.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    📸  Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    🎥 TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    🧵Threads: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast:

    Apple: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-brighten-show/id1786362161⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5VWcYWJFzi3OnwidT25IXi?si=481df20ef0a6417⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@drjolenebrighten⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    👉 If you found this episode valuable, drop a comment below to tell us what you loved most, and share it with a friend! Let’s spread the knowledge. 💬
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
  • The Dr. Brighten Show

    Why You’re Gaining Weight in Midlife: Ozempic, Muscle Loss, and Longevity | Dr. Mary Pardee

    17/02/2026 | 1h
    Midlife weight gain is often blamed on a “slowing metabolism.” But the science tells a different story.

    Between ages 20 and 60, your metabolism barely changes. What does change? Muscle mass. Exercise habits. Hormonal signaling. Cardiovascular risk. And increasingly, the conversation around GLP-1 medications like Ozempic.

    In this episode, we unpack the real drivers of midlife weight gain, the surprising data on muscle loss and mortality, the nuanced role of GLP-1 drugs in long-term health, and what actually improves lifespan and healthspan.

    If you’ve wondered:


    Is my metabolism broken?


    Is Ozempic helping or hurting long term?


    Why is muscle suddenly such a big deal?


    What actually prevents heart disease and dementia?

    This episode connects the dots.
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
  • The Dr. Brighten Show

    Discover Your Energy Archetype and How to Increase Energy | Hadlee Garrison

    12/02/2026 | 1h 20 mins.
    If you’ve ever asked yourself, Why am I so tired when I’m doing everything right? — this episode is for you.

    From clean eating and HIIT workouts to supplements and sleep tracking, many women are doing “all the things” and still waking up exhausted, crashing mid-afternoon, and lying awake at night unable to wind down. The missing piece may not be discipline, motivation, or another wellness hack — it may be that you’re trying to increase energy in a way that doesn’t match your body.

    In this conversation, we explore a powerful framework: energy archetypes. Instead of generic advice like “just rest more” or “just push harder,” you’ll learn how your unique pattern of depletion determines what actually restores you. Drawing from Ayurveda, behavior change science, and modern physiology, we break down the three core energy archetypes and how to work with your nervous system — not against it.

    This Episode Is Brought to You By

    Dr. Brighten Essentials 

    Want science-backed supplements formulated by a doctor who actually understands women’s health? 🌿 At Dr. Brighten Essentials, every product is crafted to support your hormones, boost your energy, and help you feel your best—inside and out. From targeted nutrients for glowing skin to essentials that fuel your daily vitality, you’ll get the highest-quality ingredients in forms your body can truly use.

    Exclusive for podcast listeners: Use code POD15 at checkout for 15% off your order.

    Shop now https://drbrightenessentials.com

    LMNT Electrolytes —Want a clean, science-backed way to stay hydrated and energized? At LMNT, electrolytes are formulated with a precise balance of sodium, potassium, and magnesium — with no sugar, no artificial ingredients, and no unnecessary fillers. Designed to support hydration, muscle function, and daily energy, LMNT helps you feel your best through workouts, busy days, and everyday life.

    Exclusive for podcast listeners: Visit http://drinklmnt.com/Brighten to receive a free sample pack with any purchase.

    Sunlighten Saunas —Want a gentle, science-forward way to sweat, recover, and unwind?  At Sunlighten, infrared saunas deliver soothing heat that supports relaxation, muscle recovery, and deep, comfortable sweating—without the stifling temps of traditional saunas. With low-EMF tech and options for near, mid, and far infrared, you get a calm, restorative session tailored to your goals.

    Exclusive for podcast listeners: use the code DRBRIGHTEN to save up to $1,400 on your sauna

    Shop now https://get.sunlighten.com/drbrighten

    Hadlee Garrison’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/happyhealthyhadlee/

    Hadlee Garrison’s Website: https://www.happyhealthyhadlee.com/

    Hadlee Garrison’s energy quiz: https://hadlee.kit.com/energyquiz

    Schedule a discovery session with Hadlee: https://calendly.com/hadlee/healthgoalssession

    👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten:

    💻 Website:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drbrighten.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    📸  Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    🎥 TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    🧵Threads: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast:

    Apple: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-brighten-show/id1786362161⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    Spotify: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5VWcYWJFzi3OnwidT25IXi?si=481df20ef0a6417⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    YouTube:⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@drjolenebrighten⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

    👉 If you found this episode valuable, drop a comment below to tell us what you loved most, and share it with a friend! Let’s spread the knowledge. 💬
    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More Health & Wellness podcasts

About The Dr. Brighten Show

Dr. Jolene Brighten, a best-selling author, board certified naturopathic endocrinologist, and women’s health expert, hosts The Dr. Brighten Show—a podcast dedicated to igniting transformative conversations in women’s health. Through candid interviews with leading experts, innovators, and thought-leaders, this show brings you groundbreaking research, personal stories, and practical tools to help you confidently navigate your body and hormones. It’s a fun, engaging, and insightful journey designed to empower you with tangible, science-backed insights, so you can live your best, most vibrant life.
Podcast website

Listen to The Dr. Brighten Show, ZOE Science & Nutrition and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app

Get the free radio.net app

  • Stations and podcasts to bookmark
  • Stream via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
  • Supports Carplay & Android Auto
  • Many other app features
Social
v8.7.0 | © 2007-2026 radio.de GmbH
Generated: 2/27/2026 - 10:30:30 AM