The Optimal Bio Podcast

The Provider Series: Irene Burns, PA on Cortisol, Stress, Sleep, and Hormone Health

In this episode of the Provider Series, CEO Tylar Brannon sits down with Irene Burns, PA, from our Pinehurst office, to unpack one of the most misunderstood hormones: cortisol.

Cortisol isn’t the “bad hormone” social media makes it out to be. It’s actually essential for energy, immunity, and brain function. But when it stays elevated for too long due to chronic stress, poor sleep, under-eating, blue light, nutrient deficiencies, or hormonal imbalance, it can contribute to inflammation, anxiety, brain fog, weight gain, and insulin resistance.

Tylar and Irene break down why cortisol is necessary for life, how chronic stress disrupts thyroid and testosterone production, and why symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and lack of motivation are often hormone-related. They also discuss how testosterone calms the nervous system and supports cortisol regulation, as well as simple lifestyle habits that naturally help reset cortisol.

If you’ve been feeling “tired and wired,” inflamed, or unable to focus, this episode will help you understand what’s going on inside your body, and what steps can help you restore balance.

Ready to feel like yourself again?

👉  Schedule a consultation: https://optimalbio.com/contact-us/

The Provider Series: Tanya Nix, NP, on Why Sleep Might Be the Most Important Thing for Your Hormones

In this episode of the Provider Series, CEO Tylar Brannon sits down with Tanya Nix, Nurse Practitioner at our Greenville office, for a deep dive into one of the most important pillars of health: sleep.

They break down what really happens in your body at night, from brain detoxification and immune repair to hormone balance and metabolic health. Tonya explains how cortisol, melatonin, testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen all influence sleep, and why issues often start years before menopause.

They also explore how poor sleep affects mood, fertility, weight, insulin resistance, and long-term disease risk, as well as the lifestyle habits and supplements that can help you get truly restorative rest.

If you’re dealing with brain fog, fatigue, mood swings, weight gain, or irregular cycles, this episode will help you understand why sleep could be the missing link.

👉 Schedule a consultation: https://optimalbio.com/contact-us

The Provider Series: Christian Davis, NP, on Perimenopause, Hormones & Whole-Body Health

In this week's episode of the Optimal Bio Podcast, Tylar sits down with Christian Davis, NP, to break down the science behind perimenopause, the transition years when testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen begin to shift before menopause officially begins.

They explore why symptoms vary widely among women, how genetics and environmental factors play a role, and why hormonal imbalance during perimenopause can impact everything from sleep and mood to cardiovascular and brain health.

They also discuss how personalized bioidentical hormone replacement therapy and lifestyle changes can help restore balance, reduce long-term health risks, and empower women to feel strong, energized, and in control again.

If you’ve ever wondered what’s really behind perimenopausal symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, lack of motivation, or disrupted sleep, this episode is the perfect place to start. Learn how your hormones can help you protect your long-term wellness and feel like yourself again.

👉 Schedule a consultation: https://optimalbio.com/contact-us

The Provider Series: Irene Burns, PA, on PTSD, TBI, and Hormone Health

In this episode of The Optimal Bio Podcast, host Tylar sits down with Irene Burns, PA, from the Optimal Bio Pinehurst office. Listen as they discuss the connection between PTSD, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and hormone health, especially within the military community.

Drawing from her clinical expertise and personal experience as a military spouse, Irene shares how trauma and chronic stress can disrupt hormones like testosterone and cortisol, impacting mood, cognition, sleep, and overall well-being. Together, they explore why these invisible conditions are often overlooked, how Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) can support recovery, and why addressing hormonal balance is essential for healing both body and mind.

Have you ever wondered how hormones influence mental health, energy, and resilience? This conversation is one you won’t want to miss.

👉 Schedule a consultation: https://optimalbio.com/contact-us

The Provider Series: Candi Brown, NP on How BHRT Restores Balance, Energy, and Brain Health

We’re launching our new Provider Series on the Optimal Bio Podcast. In this first episode, CEO Tylar Brannon sits down with Candi Brown, Nurse Practitioner at Optimal Bio’s Wilmington office, to explore the science and real-life results of Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT).

Together, they discuss why testosterone is important for both men and women, how environmental factors impact hormone health, and how restoring balance can improve energy, sleep, brain health, and long-term wellness.

If you have ever wondered what’s behind symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, or mood changes, this episode is the perfect place to start.

Learn how optimizing your hormones can help you think clearly, feel stronger, and feel like yourself again.

Clock Talk Episode 53: Hormones and Your Health after 45

In this episode of Clock Talk, we continue with our age series as Dr. Greg Brannon dives into the benefits of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy in midlife, for both men and women aged 46-60. Listen as he shares his insight on muscle maintenance, osteoporosis prevention, cardiovascular health, Alzheimer’s, and more. 

Clock Talk Episode 52: The Impact of Testosterone Therapy During the Years 31-45

In this episode of Clock Talk, we explore more into how we individualize hormonal therapies across age groups, diving into the 31-45 age group (which comprises 40% of our patient demographic at Optimal Bio.) Listen as Dr. Greg Brannon explains how testosterone begins to decline every year after 30, the symptoms that are experienced by men and women, and how an individualized BHRT plan can alleviate symptoms. Hormone health isn’t just for older people; this age range is a critical window where we can address hormonal imbalances before your symptoms begin to snowball.

Meet the Founder of HomeTurf: Julie Ferrer

In this episode of the Optimal Bio podcast, Tylar Brannon sits down with Julie Ferrer, the founder of HomeTurf, a cycling and strength studio in Raleigh, North Carolina. Hear about Julie’s journey from teaching Zoom workouts in her basement during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 to launching a thriving fitness community. Listen as she opens up about how she balances entrepreneurship with motherhood, prioritizes her mental health, and defines what wellness means to her.

Clock Talk Episode 51: The Impact of Testosterone Therapy on Young Adults (20-30)

How do we individualize bioidentical hormone replacement therapy across age groups in our medical practice? In this episode of "Clock Talk", Dr. Greg Brannon shares more about how BHRT can benefit younger patients aged 20-30. Listen as he breaks down some of the biggest misconceptions about young men needing testosterone, the decline in hormonal levels over generations due to endocrine disruptors, and the impact of hormones on fertility for both men and women.

Clock Talk Episode 50: Dr. Brannon on Diet and Nutrition

In this episode of "Clock Talk", Dr. Brannon dives deep into diet, nutrition, and the myths that have shaped our eating habits. Listen as he shares candidly about his personal experience of being diagnosed as pre-diabetic (despite being physically active) and his discovery of the carnivore diet. He gives his take on other popular diets such as the Mediterranean diet and practices like intermittent fasting, explaining how nutrition should not be approached with a one-size-fits-all mentality.