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Harnessing the Power of Cycle-Syncing for Female Productivity with Maggie McDaris

In this episode of Biohacking Eve, Judith speaks with Maggie McDaris, founder of Phase, about the untapped potential of aligning work with female biology. Contrary to popular belief, every phase of the menstrual cycle—menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal—comes with its own surprising cognitive superpowers. We explore how understanding and leveraging these shifts can help women optimise focus, creativity, communication, and decision-making at work, while reducing burnout. Maggie shares insights from neuroscience and endocrinology on why the traditional 9–5 model often clashes with women’s natural rhythms, and how cycle-synching can transform workplace productivity. This conversation is a practical roadmap for women—and the organisations that support them—to harness biology as a strategic advantage.

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction and guest introduction
00:59 The problem with traditional work schedules
02:21 Maggie’s personal burnout story
03:59 Introduction to cycle-synching
05:00 How Phase works
07:27 The four cycle phases and their superpowers
12:38 Phase integration in the workplace
22:19 User feedback and future plans
33:50 Embracing strengths during the luteal phase
35:03 Challenges in building Phase
35:56 Integration and user experience
39:08 Addressing irregular cycles and contraception
41:04 Future of hormone tracking and integration
48:10 Cycle-based vertical opportunities
01:02:33 Cultural and organisational challenges
01:12:30 Medium-budget wellness solutions
01:13:29 High-budget organisational wellness
01:15:59 Cultural shifts for wellness
01:18:24 Phase app: current features and plans
01:20:00 Personal insights and feedback mechanisms
01:23:15 Engaging with Phase: user participation
01:25:41 Lightning round: myths, metrics, and personal hacks
01:37:21 Investments in personal well-being
01:40:56 Future breakthroughs and sentimental reflections

Social Media Links

LinkedIn (Maggie McDaris): Maggie McDaris

Instagram: @maggiemcdaris

📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode

1. Phase.io – Cycle-Aware Productivity App
   
   
   
   • A neuroscience- and endocrinology-informed app that helps women align work and wellbeing with their hormonal cycles.
     
     
     
   • Features: personalized daily insights, “cognitive radar,” workplace integrations (Google Workspace, Office 365), and mobile app.
     
     
     
   • 🌐 Website: Phase.io – Meet the team and learn more about the mission
     
     
     
2. Related Research & Concepts
   
   
   
   • Cycle Syncing – Adapting lifestyle, work, and wellbeing to the four phases of the menstrual cycle.
     
     
     
   • Feasibility Study (University of Greenwich) – Early research validating demand for cycle-aware productivity tools.
     
     
     
   • Cognitive Radar – Mapping six key strengths: energy, focus, motivation, creativity, communication, reflection.
     
     
     
   • Future Integrations – Google Calendar, Office 365, Slack, Asana, Todoist, Reclaim.ai.
     
     
     
3. Referenced Tools & Comparisons
   
   
   
   • Oura Ring – For sleep, stress, HRV, and cycle insights.
     
     
     
   • Headspace & Calm – Examples of integrated wellness resources.
     
     
     
   • Peloton & Zoey – Models for

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Website: www.BiohackingEve.com

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The Invisible Factors Impacting Women’s Health: A Deep Dive with Dr Fady Shmouni

In this episode, we sit down with Dr Fady Shmouni, a physician-scientist trained in endocrinology, internal medicine, and genetics, to explore the often-overlooked, invisible factors affecting women’s health at a cellular level.

Dr Shmouni introduces the concept of the exposome—the full range of environmental exposures that influence our biology—and how these shape women’s long-term wellbeing. We explore the surge in autoimmune conditions, the roles that digital twins and multi-omics may play in female longevity, and practical ways to mitigate everyday environmental toxins such as microplastics, endocrine disruptors, and light pollution.

He also shares insights into hormonal imbalances, the emerging world of peptides, and the potential of digital twin technology to redefine personalised medicine.

Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Dr Fady Shmouni and Personalised Health
00:51 Understanding the Exposome
03:10 Impact of Food and Home Environment on Health
07:37 Lighting and Its Effects on Health
15:52 Measuring and Mitigating Exposome Risks
27:29 Makeup and Cosmetics: Hidden Health Risks
37:37 Autoimmune Disorders in Women
40:34 Epigenetics and Exposome Interaction
44:03 Understanding Exposomes and Genetic Susceptibility
46:04 Early Signs of Autoimmune Disorders in Women
48:09 Hormonal Influence on the Immune System
51:11 Exploring Peptides and Their Benefits
01:01:25 The Future of Medicine: Digital Twins and Multi-Omics
01:14:41 Practical Advice for Women’s Health and Longevity
01:18:02 Closing Thoughts and Curveball Questions

📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode

1. 🌍 The Exposome & Environmental Health
   
   
   
   • Exposome Moonshot Initiative (Washington D.C.) – a global collaboration defining and researching environmental exposures and their impact on long-term health.
     
     
     
   • Government Environmental Databases – lists such as the US “Dirty Dozen” and Clean 15 foods for minimizing pesticide exposure.
     
     
     
   • Key Topics Covered: microplastics, endocrine-disrupting chemicals, circadian lighting, indoor air pollution, cosmetics toxicity, and heavy-metal exposure.
     
     
     
2. 🔬 Testing & Monitoring Tools
   
   
   
   • Ellie Health – Cortisol Test Strips
     Home saliva testing for cortisol and circadian rhythm health.
     (brand mentioned by Fady)
     
     
     
   • Environmental Toxin Tests
     
     
     
     • Heavy metal analysis (mercury, lead, cadmium).
       
       
       
     • Mycotoxin testing for fungal toxins.
       
       
       
     • Microplastic & PFAS testing (dry blood or urine samples).
       
       
       
   • Air Quality Tools
     
     
     
     • CO₂ Monitors and home air sensors (Fady recommends using affordable Amazon devices).
       
       
       
     • Dyson Air Purifier – combines purification and CO₂ tracking.
       
       
       
3. 💡 Wellness & Longevity Technologies
   
   
   
   • Digital Twin Medicine – personalized, data-driven replicas of a patient’s biology using multi-omics (genomics, epigenomics, microbiome, exposome, wearable data).
     
     
     
   • Wearables – Apple Health, smart mirrors, sleep sensors, and circadian lighting systems.
     
     
     
   • Therapeutic Plasma Exchange (TPE) – advanced clinical detoxification method discussed for toxin removal and biological-age reduction.
     
     
     
   • Peptide Therapies – including BPC-157, TB-500, copper peptides, and GLP-1 analogs for recovery, regeneration, and longevity.
     
     
     

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Website: www.BiohackingEve.com

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Rethinking Breast Health: Thermography and Beyond with Emma Thornton

Judith welcomes Emma Thornton, a health entrepreneur and breast cancer survivor, to discuss breast cancer. Emma shares her stage 3 triple-negative diagnosis and why she explored thermography, a radiation-free imaging technique that can detect early signs of breast cancer years before lumps form. She explains limits of mammography, especially for dense breast tissue, and the benefits of thermography as a non-invasive, pain-free alternative. We also cover diet, lifestyle and environmental factors, and practical, actionable steps for earlier detection and prevention

Timestamps

00:00 Introduction to Breast Cancer Awareness
00:58 Emma Thornton's Personal Journey
02:27 The Importance of Early Detection
05:47 Challenges with Current Screening Methods
07:55 Thermography: A New Hope
09:10 Thermography vs. Mammography
09:50 The Thermography Process
16:54 Proactive Breast Health Measures
20:47 The Role of Diet and Nutrition
23:19 Alternative Therapies and Personal Agency
30:42 Rising Breast Cancer Rates and Contributing Factors
32:19 The Impact of Lifestyle and Environmental Factors
33:34 The Role of Trauma and Emotional Health
34:37 Critical Stages in Life and Breast Cancer Risk
40:03 Gut Microbiome and Breast Cancer
42:27 Nutrient Depletion and Cancer
43:05 Mammograms and Cancer Risk
46:05 Alternatives to Mammograms
46:57 Personal Experiences with Breast Cancer
47:32 Proactive Breast Health Measures
48:55 Thermo Check and Early Detection
55:25 Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer
58:04 Advocating for Better Breast Health
01:01:45 Making Preventative Care Accessible
01:04:53 Personal Reflections and Advice
01:06:46 Rapid-Fire Questions and Insights

Social Media Links
Website: https://www.livebrave.com/
LinkedIn:https://l1nk.dev/2ZCyr
Instagram:https://l1nk.dev/1GkQn

📚 Resources Mentioned in This Episode

Thermocheck & Thermography

ThermoCheck Breast Health Scan – A non-invasive, radiation-free, and pain-free alternative for early detection of breast cancer risk. Available at the Natural Doctor Clinic in London with Dr. Nyjon Eccles

Supplements & Supportive Therapies

Vitamin D – Key for gene expression and breast health
Iodine – For hormonal regulation and thyroid support
Medicinal Mushrooms (Turkey Tail, Cordyceps) – Used in cancer recovery protocols (with oncologist approval)
Melatonin (high dose for specific cancer types) – Discussed as supportive, but only under medical guidance
CBD & THC – Used during treatment for pain relief and chemo side-effect management (in legal regions)

Lifestyle & Integrative Approaches Mentioned

Acupuncture
Infrared sauna & red light therapy
Fasting / Keto-based nutrition
Coffee enemas (Gerson therapy)
Lymphatic drainage massage
Epsom salt baths
Vitamin IVs (tailored)

Books / Experts Referenced

Live Brave by Emma Thornton (her own book, mentioned at the end)
Dr. Naomi Potter & Davina McCall – Menopausing (discussed as breaking stigma in women’s health)
Other influential doctors in breast cancer and hormone care: Dr. Rina Men, Dr. Suzanne Gilberg-Lenz, Dr. Kelly Casper

Insta/TikTok: @BiohackingEve
Website: www.BiohackingEve.com