Midlife Mayhem

Midlife Mayhem – August 27, 2025
SLU-PP-332, 5-Amino-1MQ, and the Truth About Midlife Muscle & Fat
Hey friends, welcome back to Midlife Mayhem! I’ve just returned from a whirlwind trip through England and Greece—a mix of family remembrance, laughter, tears, chaos, and joy. I’m running on jet lag fumes, but I wanted to sit down and share something important with you today: two breakthrough compounds that could be absolute game-changers for midlife body composition—SLU-PP-332 and 5-Amino-1MQ.
👉 SLU-PP-332 is now available at www.slu332.com👉 5-Amino-1MQ is available at www.5amino.com👉 You can also buy both together at a discounted bundle price on either site.
And don’t forget—my Mastering Midlife program kicks off September 21 – November 1. Learn more and sign up at www.midlifemonth.com.
SLU-PP-332 – The "Exercise Mimicker"
SLU-PP-332 attaches to a receptor on muscle cells and nudges them to burn fat for fuel.
By pushing muscles toward fat oxidation, it increases endurance, mimics the benefits of cardio, and protects muscle mass during calorie restriction.
This is why it’s often nicknamed an “exercise mimicker.”
In animal studies, it improved fat burning, increased endurance, and prevented muscle loss in calorie-restricted conditions.
Caveat: High doses over time may encourage fast-twitch fibers (the power fibers we lose with age) to behave more like slow-twitch endurance fibers. The solution? Always pair SLU-PP-332 with resistance training.
5-Amino-1MQ – The Fat Cell "Brake Remover"
5-Amino-1MQ is a small molecule inhibitor that blocks the enzyme NNMT.
Why that matters: NNMT rises with age and acts like a metabolic brake, making fat cells better at storing fat and slowing NAD+ recycling.
By inhibiting NNMT, 5-Amino-1MQ:
Keeps NAD+ levels higher → better mitochondrial health and energy.
Reduces fat cell size and fat storage.
Lowers inflammation.
Helps preserve muscle through improved cellular energy.
I’ve been taking it for three years with consistent results—including not gaining weight on trips where, historically, I would have put on 3–5 lbs (despite extra eating, less routine, and long-haul flights).
Together: A One-Two Punch
SLU-PP-332 → tells muscles to burn fat as fuel and boosts endurance.
5-Amino-1MQ → prevents fat cells from storing more fat and supports cellular energy.
Different mechanisms, same goal: preserve muscle, burn more fat, and fight midlife metabolic slowdown.
You don’t have to take them together, but combined they offer a unique, complementary strategy.
Why This Matters in Midlife
Midlife frustrations—slower fat loss, muscle loss, stubborn belly fat, fatigue—are exactly what these compounds address.
Unlike GLP-1 weight-loss medications, these compounds don’t rely on suppressing appetite (which often leads to muscle loss you may never regain in midlife).
Instead, they support muscle protection, energy, fat burning, and inflammation reduction—without making it hard to eat protein or train.
My Personal Update
Even during my two-week Europe trip—with flights, disrupted routines, and plenty of restaurant meals—I came back the exact same weight I left.
In the past, I’d always gain several pounds of bloat and fat. Since using 5-Amino-1MQ, that hasn’t happened once in three years of testing it.
Next, I’m excited to test SLU-PP-332 specifically for endurance—since it’s shown to improve performance in longer-duration exercise.
Mastering Midlife – Starts September 21
This is my flagship 6-week program for anyone 40+ who wants to feel sharp, strong, and capable in midlife and beyond.
Format: Two live Zoom coaching calls per week, for three weeks → one week off to catch up → then another two weeks of coaching.
Dates: September 21 – November 1
Access: Full library of 70+ content pieces plus direct access to me throughout.
Cost: $529 (payment plan available).
Sign up: www.midlifemonth.com
Topics we’ll cover include:
Optimized nutrition and why every food in my plans serves a purpose.
Training splits, strength vs endurance, and smarter—not harder—midlife training.
Mitochondrial health, NAD+, mTOR vs AMPK.
Midlife fasting, keto, cardio sweet spots, and recovery.
Hormones: insulin, cortisol, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone.
Pain, perimenopause, andropause, HRT & TRT.
Peptides, biohacks, supplements, and blood work panels.
Bone health, skin health, and processed food dangers.
Midlife is not the beginning of decline—it’s the opportunity window. Addressing body composition, hormones, and energy in your 40s–60s sets you up for vitality into your 70s, 80s, and beyond.
Quick Links
SLU-PP-332 → www.slu332.com
5-Amino-1MQ → www.5amino.com
Mastering Midlife (Sept 21 – Nov 1) → www.midlifemonth.com
Email me anytime with questions: jo@theshrinkshop.com

We tend to think of the liver as “the detox organ.” We imagine green juice cleanses, detox teas, and vague ideas about “flushing toxins.” But your liver is so much more than that — it’s a powerhouse that affects every aspect of your body composition, from how much fat you store to how much energy you have.
And while the liver is incredibly resilient (it can literally regrow after being partially removed), modern lifestyles are pushing it past its limits. That’s why we’re now seeing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) not just in adults, but alarmingly, in children.
In this episode, we’re diving deep into:
1. The Liver’s Role in Fat Storage and Fat Burning
The liver makes fat — it’s not meant to store it.Excess sugar in your diet is converted in the liver into triglycerides (fat) and released into your bloodstream, where it eventually gets stored on your body.
When the liver is overwhelmed and can’t push fat out fast enough, it starts storing it internally — that’s how fatty liver develops.
2. Your Liver as Your Energy Bank
About 75% of stored carbs (glycogen) live in your muscles — but muscle glycogen is locked away for personal use. Your biceps can’t “share” their carbs with the rest of your body.
The liver’s glycogen, however, can be broken down into glucose and released into your blood to keep your energy steady between meals, during sleep, or under stress.
If your blood sugar stays high even when you’ve cut carbs, your liver may be releasing stored glucose — often a sign of insulin resistance.
3. The Liver’s Impact on Hormones
Cortisol clearance: The liver inactivates cortisol, helping prevent the muscle loss, midsection fat gain, water retention, collagen breakdown, and cravings that come with high cortisol.
Thyroid activation: The liver converts inactive T4 thyroid hormone into active T3 — your metabolism’s “go” signal. Poor liver function can mean slower metabolism and stubborn fat.
4. How Modern Lifestyles Damage the Liver
Insulin resistance: A high-carb, low-activity lifestyle keeps insulin elevated. Overexposure makes the liver resistant to insulin’s signal, tricking it into thinking blood sugar is low — so it makes more sugar through gluconeogenesis, adding to the problem.
Leaky gut: Low-fiber, high-sugar, ultra-processed diets damage the gut lining. Toxins and undigested food particles leak into the bloodstream, triggering constant inflammation. That inflammation travels to — and damages — liver cells.
Poor food quality: You can’t out-supplement or out-macro a bad diet. “Weekend junk” and overly restrictive eating both take their toll on gut and liver health.
5. Why This Matters for Body Composition
A healthy liver helps you:
Efficiently use stored energy between meals (no energy crashes)
Convert thyroid hormones for optimal metabolism
Clear cortisol so you preserve muscle and control fat storage
Avoid fat buildup in the liver, which is linked to systemic inflammation and metabolic slowdown
When the liver is struggling, everything from fat loss to hormone balance to workout recovery becomes harder.
Key Takeaway
The liver is a workhorse — but it’s underappreciated and often abused. If your fat loss has stalled, your energy is inconsistent, or your hormones are out of balance, your liver might be the missing link.
📅 Next Live Program – Mastering Midlife (Sept 14 – Oct 25)If you’re ready to reset your metabolism, balance your hormones, and build a lean, strong body in midlife, join me for my ever-popular Mastering Midlife program.
This year’s live program includes:
11 live coaching calls over 5 weeks (with a built-in review week so you can catch up)
Meal plans, workouts, and supplement guidance
Deep dives into the 6 hormones that change with age
Sessions on exercise adjustments, nutrition upgrades, HRT/TRT, peptides, biohacks, and more
Men and women welcome — and the results are incredible
We only run this once a year live. Reserve your spot today at:👉 www.midlifemonth.com

We’ve all heard the term GMO — genetically modified organisms — and most of us know it’s controversial. But there’s a newer, slicker technology making its way into our food supply that’s flying under the radar: gene editing. It’s marketed as “natural,” it’s not always labeled, and it’s already on supermarket shelves. The problem? Most consumers have no idea it’s there… or what it could mean for our health.
In this episode, I pull back the curtain on:
What gene editing actually is — how it differs from GMO technology, and why industry insiders argue it shouldn’t require labeling.
The rapid takeover of GMO crops in the U.S., from their quiet introduction to dominating over 90% of certain harvests in less than a decade.
Why Europe bans or strictly controls GMOs under the “precautionary principle” — and why the U.S. does the opposite, requiring proof of harm rather than proof of safety.
The glyphosate connection — and the staggering increases in allowable residues on soy, corn, wheat, and even animal feed (including a 2,000-fold increase on alfalfa).
How altered protein patterns in gene-edited plants and animals could confuse the immune system, potentially leading to chronic inflammation, autoimmune issues, and other long-term health risks.
Examples already in circulation: non-browning mushrooms, disease-resistant bananas, slick-coated cattle, faster-growing salmon, and more.
The labeling loophole: why most gene-edited products don’t have to be labeled in the U.S., and how companies use terms like “bioengineered” or QR codes instead of clear wording.
The eerie historical parallels with cigarettes and opioids — early warning signs ignored, public assurances of safety, and decades before the truth came out.
I also share practical, actionable steps you can take now to reduce your exposure, including how to identify higher-risk foods, what to look for on labels, and why “100% organic” is a very different standard from “organic.”
This isn’t fearmongering — it’s about being informed and proactive before the “monster” grows too big to contain.
📅 Don’t Miss My Next Live Coaching Program – Mastering Midlife
If you want to reclaim your energy, optimize your hormones, and build a lean, strong body in midlife and beyond, now is the time to join the ever-popular Mastering Midlife program.
Live from September 14 – October 25, 2025, this year’s program is bigger and better than ever, with a brand-new pacing designed for busy lives:
11 live coaching calls over five weeks (3 weeks on, 1 week off to catch up, then 2 final weeks)
Expert-led sessions on the six hormones that shift in midlife, how to adapt your training, how to fine-tune your nutrition, plus deep dives into HRT, TRT, peptides, biohacks, skin and muscle health, and more
Structured meal plans, targeted workouts, and supplement guidance included
The chance to connect with a motivated, like-minded community — men and women welcome
Only runs once per year in the live format — payment plan available
Reserve your spot at www.midlifemonth.com and step into the healthiest, strongest version of yourself.

If you’ve ever left Starbucks feeling bloated, sluggish, or… ahem… blocked up for days, you’re not imagining things.In this episode, I dive deep into why Starbucks hits your gut differently than your local coffee shop. From dark roasted beans and ultra-pasteurized milk to highly processed plant-based alternatives and the whole A1 vs A2 milk debate, I break down exactly what’s going on — and why it matters for your digestion, energy, and even your waistline.
I also explain why even if you don’t think you’re lactose intolerant, you might still react to certain dairy proteins — and how a simple milk swap could make a world of difference.
This topic comes straight out of my Tight28 program’s dairy module, so if you’ve been struggling with gut discomfort, unexplained puffiness, or sluggish digestion, you’ll definitely want to listen in.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
☕ The Coffee Factor
Why Starbucks uses very dark roasted beans — and how this affects bitterness, bile release, and gut motility.
How ultra-high volume roasting and older beans can increase oxidized oils — and why oxidized oils = gut irritation.
Why your local café’s medium roast and fresher beans are usually gentler on digestion.
🥛 The Dairy Factor
The difference between regular pasteurization and ultra-pasteurization — and how extreme heat denatures milk proteins like casein.
Why casein (especially A1 beta-casein) is already hard to digest — and how ultra-pasteurization makes it worse.
Why large latte servings = large dairy hits that can trigger bloating and constipation.
🌱 The Milk Alternative Trap
Why Starbucks oat, almond, and soy milks are highly processed and full of gums and emulsifiers.
How gums/emulsifiers can damage gut lining, worsen leaky gut, and trigger bloating or sluggish digestion.
Why oat milk’s beta-glucans and residual enzymes can ferment in the gut and cause discomfort.
🐄 A1 vs A2 Milk Explained
A1 milk (common in U.S. dairy from Holstein cows) contains a beta-casein variant that releases BCM-7 during digestion.
BCM-7 slows gut motility, irritates the gut lining, and can trigger histamine release → bloating, puffiness, water retention.
A2 milk (from Jersey/Guernsey cows, goats, sheep, buffalo) produces minimal BCM-7 — often eliminating symptoms entirely.
Why switching to A2 can be a game-changer for digestion, even if you’re not lactose intolerant.
Key Takeaways
Starbucks’ combination of dark roast bitterness, ultra-pasteurized A1 milk, and/or processed plant milks can be a “perfect storm” for gut issues.
If you want to keep enjoying coffee without the digestive misery:
Switch to medium roast, freshly ground beans.
Use A2 dairy or goat/sheep/buffalo milk.
Skip processed plant milks with gums/emulsifiers.
Try smaller coffee sizes or Americano-style drinks instead of milk-heavy lattes.
Gut irritation isn’t just about discomfort — it can contribute to systemic inflammation, histamine buildup, and even changes in body composition.
Want to Go Deeper?
This episode barely scratches the surface of what I teach in Tight28, my 28-day program designed to uncover hidden food sensitivities, calm inflammation, and get your digestion — and your body composition — working in your favor.
Check it out here: www.jlcstrong.com
Resources & Links Mentioned
5-Amino-1MQ: www.5amino.com
My upcoming SLU-PP-332 release — stay tuned!
Email me anytime with questions: jo@theshrinkshop.com
If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who’s still wondering why their Starbucks habit might be causing their gut drama.

If you’ve hit a plateau with your workouts… if you're gaining fat despite training hard… or if you're feeling constantly tired and inflamed, your bloodwork might have the answers.
In this episode, we dive into:
What the DHEA-to-cortisol ratio really tells you about stress, recovery, and resilience
The exact numbers you want to see (with examples)
Key blood markers like CK, AST, LDH, CRP, and what they reveal about muscle breakdown
How to interpret patterns that signal overtraining or burnout
Because you don’t build muscle in the gym—you build it when you're recovering properly. Let's make sure you're set up to build, not break down.
🔬 DHEA-to-Cortisol Ratio: What It Means
Hormone Ratio
What It Means
✅ ≥ 10:1
Healthy recovery, strong stress resilience, good environment for fat loss & muscle gain
⚠️ ≤ 5:1
Stress outweighs recovery; may stall progress, impair sleep, increase fat storage
❌ ≤ 2:1
Burnout, poor training response, HPA axis dysfunction, inflammation, fatigue
 
🧮 Example Calculations:
DHEA-S 150 / Cortisol 10 = 15:1 ✅
DHEA-S 90 / Cortisol 18 = 5:1 ⚠️
DHEA-S 40 / Cortisol 22 = 1.8:1 ❌
💪 Blood Markers That Reveal Muscle Breakdown
Marker
Optimal Range
Concern Threshold
What It Indicates
DHEA-S
W: 100–200 / M: 150–300 mcg/dL
<70 (W), <100 (M)
Anabolic status / stress buffer
Cortisol (AM)
8–15 mcg/dL
>23 (stress), <6 (burnout)
Stress response or adrenal fatigue
Creatine Kinase (CK)
30–150 U/L
>500 = intense training, >1,000 = concern
Muscle breakdown marker
AST / ALT
AST <40 / ALT <56 U/L
AST >80 without liver issue = muscle strain
Post-exercise stress or liver burden
LDH
140–280 U/L
>400 U/L
Chronic tissue stress or poor recovery
CRP (hs-CRP)
<1.0 mg/L
>3.0 = systemic inflammation
Inflammation, potential overtraining
Urea / Creatinine
Urea: 10–20 / Cr: <1.2
Depends on hydration, protein, renal function
Contextual clues for stress and protein turnover
 
🧠 What Affects These Markers?
Overtraining or lack of deloads
Low-carb or low-calorie diets
Emotional stress and poor sleep
Hormonal changes (especially in midlife)
Poor gut health or chronic inflammation
These markers give you insight into whether your training is building your body—or breaking it down.
🧬 New Peptides + Supplements
💊 Now Available: 5-Amino-1MQA powerful compound that supports fat loss, muscle preservation, and energy through NAD+ pathways.
🧪 Coming Late August: SLU-PP-332If you'd like to be notified the moment it's available, email me at 👉 jo@theshrinkshop.com to get on the early bird list.
💻 Looking for a Coaching Program?
I have six powerful programs—covering everything from foundational weight loss to advanced body composition, hormone health, and gut repair. Each one is:
✅ Self-paced✅ Educational✅ Results-driven✅ Can be combined with private coaching for a fully customized experience
👉 Browse the full library at www.jlcstrong.comLet’s find the right fit for your body and your goals.

Midlife Mayhem Podcast – Episode Title: "Midlife Thermostat: Why You're Sweating, Freezing, and Waking Up at 3 A.M."
Hosted by: Joanne Lee Cornish
🎙️ Episode Summary:
In this packed episode, Joanne tackles one of the most frustrating but misunderstood midlife symptoms: temperature dysregulation. Whether you're a woman waking up drenched in sweat or a man with freezing hands and sleepless nights, your body's thermostat might be working against you. Joanne breaks down how hormonal shifts during perimenopause and andropause disrupt thermoregulation—and what you can do to reset the balance.
She also shares the latest on red light therapy, the impact of stress on your nervous system, and how both men and women can support better sleep and energy by working with—not against—their biology.
🧠 Key Topics Covered:
What the hypothalamus does and how it controls your internal thermostat
Why women experience hot flashes and sudden chills during perimenopause
How declining testosterone affects men's ability to regulate temperature
The narrowing thermoneutral zone in midlife and why that matters
Blood sugar crashes, cortisol spikes, and 2–4 a.m. wakeups
How estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone influence your sleep architecture
The nervous system’s role: sympathetic vs. parasympathetic dominance
🔧 Solutions & Biohacks Shared:
Breathwork to calm the nervous system and aid sleep
Red light therapy for increasing melatonin and promoting restful sleep
Small protein-fat bedtime snacks to reduce blood sugar crashes
Supplements that support hormonal balance:
Women: DIM, calcium D-glucarate, magnesium (watch for B6 sensitivity)
Men: Citrulline, beet powder, magnesium, zinc
Why warm socks + cooling bedding may be your best bedtime combo
Grounding sheets, sleep hygiene, and stress management techniques
How resistance training and lowering belly fat helps support testosterone
🔬 Supplement Mentions:
5-Amino-1MQ – Learn more or order at: www.5amino.com
Shrink Shop Sleep Formula – Natural, effective, non-habit forming sleep support: www.shrinkshopsleep.com
📍 Local Deal for Boise Listeners:
Peak Personalized Healthcare is offering DEXA scans for $75 through the end of July. This includes body composition and bone density. Great value!
🧪 Coming Soon:
Joanne teases the upcoming release of SLU-PP-332, a compound known for mimicking muscle contraction and supporting fat oxidation. She's working to offer this at a reasonable price—watch this space.
🔔 Stay Connected:
Email Joanne at jo@theshrinkshop.com to join the mailing list and stay informed about upcoming programs like Mastering Midlife.
Follow Joanne on YouTube (Joanne Lee Cornish) for detailed videos on 5-Amino-1MQ, SLU-PP-332, and more.
💬 Final Takeaway:
Sleep quality, body temperature, and hormone health are deeply connected. Midlife is not the time to ignore these cues—it’s the time to understand them and respond with strategy. Whether you're burning up or freezing out, your body is speaking to you.

I have been meaning to do this podcast for months!
And although I am talking about men and testosterone, ladies please pay attention. Too many men are suffering in silence as their version of menopause (Andropause) is sneaky and subtle and often dismissed.
 
Testosterone isn't just about muscle or libido — it's the foundation of a man’s vitality, strength, confidence, and health. But what happens when it starts to decline… and how can men fight back?
In this cutting-edge episode of Midlife Mayhem, Joanne dives deep into the misunderstood world of male hormones, unpacking why testosterone declines with age, what “normal” actually means, and how lifestyle, labs, and even peptides are helping men take control.
If you're a man over 40 (or you care about one), this is essential listening.
🔍 In This Episode, You'll Learn:
✅ Why testosterone declines with age — and how it’s not just aging✅ What the medical world considers “normal”… and why that’s often useless✅ The real difference between total vs. free testosterone✅ The impact of aromatase (and why belly fat makes everything worse)✅ How SHBG binds and blocks your testosterone — and what to do about it✅ Subtle signs of low testosterone most men miss✅ Top supplements to lower SHBG and aromatase naturally✅ Why TRT might not help if you carry too much fat — and how to fix that✅ The controversial but powerful role of peptides (Kisspeptin, HCG, BPC-157)✅ How the right exercise strategy can increase testosterone✅ The truth about andropause — and why it’s time we talked about it✅ How men are reclaiming their edge with smart lifestyle upgrades and testing
🧪 Mentioned in This Episode:
Key labs to test: Total T, Free T, SHBG, Estradiol, DHT, Hematocrit
Supplements: Zinc, Boron, Magnesium, Vitamin D, Tongkat Ali, DIM, Ashwagandha
Peptides: Kisspeptin-10, HCG, CJC-1295/Ipamorelin, BPC-157
Training focus: Resistance training & HIIT over chronic cardio
Optimization tip: Leaner body = better testosterone balance
🎧 Listen On:
Apple Podcasts
Spotify
Amazon Music
Podbean
All Platforms »
🔗 Resources & Links:
📺 Watch related videos on YouTube: @joanneleecornish
📧 Got questions? Email Joanne directly: jo@theshrinkshop.com
💬 Connect with Joanne:
Instagram: @joanneleecornish
Website: www.jlcstrong.com

🔥 JULY 4TH FLASH DEAL – ENDS MONDAY!Buy 1 bottle of 5-Amino-1MQ and get the 2nd for $100 – that’s a $39 savings!🧬 Boost fat loss, protect muscle, and optimize your body’s performance.👉 Use code JULY4 at checkout at www.5amino.comExpires Monday at noon (MST) – don’t miss it!
This episode is bold, necessary, and deeply personal.
We’re diving into the truth about HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) and HGH (Human Growth Hormone), what women actually need, and why most of what you're told is incomplete, underdosed, or simply outdated.
👀 If you’ve ever been told “your labs are normal” while feeling exhausted, anxious, and like a stranger in your own body—this episode is for you.
🎯 What You’ll Learn:
The real difference between HRT and HGH
Why most doctors underprescribe (and what to do about it)
What bloodwork matters—and what it’s NOT telling you
Why testosterone is essential for women (yes, really)
What happens when your progesterone disappears
The risks and rewards of HGH (and how to do it safely)
Why peptides like CJC, Ipamorelin, and 5-Amino-1MQ might be the smarter option
Why information alone doesn’t create results—but coaching support does
⏳ LAST CHANCE TO JOIN TIGHT28 – We Start Sunday!
Tight28 is my LIVE 28-day program to identify food sensitivities without extreme elimination diets.
No gluten, no dairy, no soy, no added sugar—just clean, powerful results.
🚫 No fluff. No detox gimmicks.✅ Rapid wins, powerful education, and deep coaching support.
⚠️ This live version won’t return until 2027 as I roll out two other programs.👉 Join here before Sunday – you’ll thank yourself later.
👥 COMING SOON: Mastermind Collective
A premium membership that includes:✅ Full access to all my content✅ Weekly live coaching calls✅ A curated community of high-level doers✅ Access to me
This will not be open to everyone—only to those serious about growth, community, and results.💌 Interested? Email jo@theshrinkshop.com or text me directly at 310-704-6569.
🔬 Upcoming Topics on Midlife Mayhem:
Estrogen, fat, and the cortisol lie
Menopause rage & libido myths
Reverse T3, leptin & thyroid issues
Biohacking your face, fillers & fat transfers
Can you reverse aging—or just delay it?
The underground truths elite athletes already know
Subscribe now so you don’t miss these 🔥 episodes.
📺 Watch & Learn:
🧬 My YouTube is packed with hormone, fat loss, and peptide content:▶️ Joanne Lee Cornish on YouTube
🔬 Learn more about 5-Amino-1MQ:👉 www.5amino.com💥 Use code JULY4 to get the second bottle for just $100 through Monday!

Tight28 Starts This Sunday!
This 28-day program is all about reclaiming food quality, reducing inflammation, and resetting your understanding of nourishment. It’s soy-, dairy-, gluten-, and added sugar–free. Learn more at www.tight28.com
🎙️ Episode Overview
In this episode, Joanne breaks down the two dominant eating models:
Homeostatic Eating: eating driven by biological hunger cues
Hedonic Eating: eating driven by pleasure, emotions, and dopamine hits
And then layers in how the rise of weight-loss medications, engineered food, and cultural shifts are shaping the future of our health—one dopamine snack at a time.
🧠 Topics Covered
1. Hedonic vs. Homeostatic Eating
Why most of us are eating for pleasure, not hunger
How the food industry hijacks flavor, texture, sound, and smell to keep us eating
The engineering of hyper-palatable foods that override satiety
2. GLP-1 Medications and Hunger Suppression
Appetite suppression vs. metabolic impact
Can your metabolism still slow down if you’re not hungry? (Spoiler: yes)
3. Cultural Shifts in Movement
Two generations ago: movement was built into life
Now: drive-thrus, delivery, and gym opt-outs
Gen Z: 37% would rather take a pill than move
4. Parental Modeling and the Generational Impact
Kids of inactive parents are 5–6x more likely to be sedentary
The ripple effect: kids never seeing parents exercise means habits disappear entirely
5. The Blue Zone Model
No macros. No medications. Just movement, consistency, and unprocessed food
Rice, legumes, bread, wine, and olive oil—not low carb, just real food
A strong reminder of what health actually looks like
6. What the Food Industry Is Doing (It’s Wild):
Flavor layering and bliss point engineering
Sound design: louder crunch = more satisfaction
Emulsifiers, salt crystal tech, and texture manipulation
Micro-snacks designed specifically for medicated, low-appetite users
Marketing “protein bars” and “health snacks” that are actually dopamine bombs
7. The Leptin and Metabolism Connection
Losing fat lowers leptin, which tells the brain to slow your metabolism
Even if meds suppress appetite, the body still conserves energy
Long-term consequences of rapid weight loss without preserving muscle
8. Generational Futures: What Happens Next?
If hunger is “bad” and satiety comes from a pill, how do we teach nourishment?
If kids never see activity, how will they know it’s vital?
What if inflammation becomes the new “normal”?
💥 Jaw-Dropping Stats
60%+ of U.S. calories now come from ultra-processed foods
1960s men ate 3,000+ calories daily and were leaner—because it was real food
A 2015 study showed fiber alone created weight loss equal to full diet plans
A 2020 review: polyphenol-rich foods reduce fat without changing calorie intake
37% of Gen Z plan to skip the gym and use weight-loss drugs instead
✅ Final Thoughts
We’re not demonizing medication. We’re calling for awareness.If we don’t pay attention now, the next few generations may live in a world where:
Hunger is “bad”
Exercise is forgotten
Health is just a number on the scale
And food is nothing but chemically enhanced pleasure
Ready to reset?Join Joanne inside Tight28 – starting this Sunday. A return to real food, intentional movement, and a body that works—not just looks.

🎙️ Midlife Mayhem Show Notes: Zonulin & Leaky Gut — Why You Can’t Not Be Affected
📆 Tight28 starts July 6–August 2!Enjoy your gluten-filled 4th of July… then join us for 28 days of discovery, education, and possibly the biggest physical and mental relief you didn’t know you needed. 👉 Tight28.com
🔬 Episode Topic: Zonulin – The Gatekeeper of Your Gut (And Why You’re Not Immune)
In today’s episode, we’re getting real about zonulin—what it is, what it does, and why it might be quietly wrecking your health (yes, even if you feel “fine”).
Unlike a food sensitivity (which affects some), zonulin affects everyone. It’s not subjective. It’s not up for debate. And it might just be turning your digestive system into a fishnet factory.
🧠 What You’ll Learn:
What is zonulin?A protein made in the small intestine that controls your gut’s tight junctions (think: gatekeeper).
Cheesecloth vs. Fishnet Stockings AnalogyA visual breakdown of what a healthy gut lining should be doing… and what happens when zonulin is chronically elevated.
The Origin StoryDiscovered by Dr. Alessio Fasano (Italian gastroenterologist), zonulin was the missing link in how gluten triggers immune responses, even in non-celiacs.
Why It’s a Universal ProblemZonulin loosens your gut lining in everybody, not just those with gluten sensitivity. When that lining opens too wide, stuff gets into your blood that shouldn’t. Your immune system freaks out. Cue: inflammation, fatigue, mood swings, brain fog, skin issues, and more.
Enter LPS (Lipopolysaccharides)When zonulin opens the gates, LPS—an inflammatory toxin from normal gut bacteria—sneaks in. It’s been linked to insulin resistance, autoimmune conditions, and chronic fatigue.
Zonulin Triggers
Gluten (especially gliadin)
Bacterial overgrowth (E. coli, salmonella, SIBO)
Toxins & inflammation
Why the Body Even Makes ZonulinIt’s a defense mechanism—but it backfires when activated daily by diet. Occasional gluten = recoverable. Daily gluten = chronic gut permeability.
Kevin’s Case StudyGluten out, inflammation gone. Kevin lost 15 lbs in 10 days—pure inflammation and water. Not fat. Just normalized gut havoc.
🧪 Can You Test Zonulin?
Yes.
Stool Test (GI Map, Doctor’s Data): Measures zonulin in the gut
Blood Test (Serum Zonulin): Measures zonulin that’s leaked into the bloodstream—often high in autoimmune or chronically inflamed individuals
💥 Key Takeaways:
Zonulin ≠ Sensitivity.It’s a biological mechanism. It works the same in everyone.
Gluten increases zonulin. Period.Doesn’t matter if you “feel fine”—your gut lining is still impacted.
This is reversible.Remove the irritants, and the results are often shockingly fast.
🎯 Ready to Discover What You've Normalized?
Join me for Tight28 (July 6–August 2)We dive into:
Food reactivity
Histamine & inflammation
Gut-brain-skin connections
How to feel actually better—without going full-on monk mode
👉 Tight28.comLet’s clean up your gut without a “cleanse.” Just smart, scientific education with a side of sass. 🎯
📣 Final Thoughts:
If you eat gluten regularly and think you're unaffected—you're not.Zonulin guarantees it.And you can feel better than you do right now.
🎧 Listen. Learn. Question Everything.That’s Midlife Mayhem.
🔗 Tight28.com | Starts July 6#MidlifeMayhem #Tight28 #GutHealth #Zonulin #FoodSensitivities #BodyComposition #Inflammation #GlutenFacts #LeakyGut #LPS #GlutenFreeCurious #MidlifeStrong