Cortisol is the Missing Link in the Wellness Conversation

Other Episodes You Might Like: Previous Episode - The Exercise Crisis Destroying Women's Metabolisms (And How to Fix It with Just 2 Workouts) Next Episode - What’s Too Late for Bone Density More Like This - Acute vs Chronic Stress Effects on Cortisol in Menopause and Beyond Resources: Stress Nation book by Justin Hai reveals how cortisol — the misunderstood Master Hormone — is at the center of it all. Join the Hot, Not Bothered! Challenge to learn why timing matters and why what works for others is not working for you. Understand how sleep relates to your hormones, muscle mass and weight loss with Flipping 50 Sleep Yourself Strong. Cortisol is truly the missing link in the conversation about wellness, health, fitness, fatness, sleeplessness, and the optimal body composition We're going to take a look at how cortisol follows a natural rhythm, and what light exposure, movement, and food timing have to do with getting your energy and focus back. We’ll talk about why most health trends are focused on sleep and hormones, especially in menopause. If you’re struggling about cortisol or want the science-backed information, this episode is for you. Know why cortisol is the missing link. My Guest: Justin Hai is the co-founder of several award-winning wellness companies, including Alastin Skincare (acquired by Galderma), GLO Pharmaceuticals, and Rebalance Health. With a background in industrial design and an MBA from Pepperdine, Justin blends creative vision with real science—holding multiple U.S. patents and has presented to NASA and the Pentagon. He is also a featured expert in the upcoming Amazon Prime documentary sHEALed and a passionate advocate for redefining wellness through the lens of hormonal balance, sleep science, and stress mastery. Questions We Answer in This Episode: 06:00- How did you get so deeply interested in studying cortisol? 07:36 - Why is cortisol high in 2025? 12:17 - What is the value of the double blind IRB (independent review board) studies? 14:24 - What’s changed in the last 30 years that’s spiking our cortisol now?  23:43 - Tell us about Cushing’s. 27:23 - How does social media affect hormones? 30:59 - What are the rebalanced lozenges and how do they work? 34:13 - What’s the difference between menopause and adropause?