On this week’s episode of the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist, Dr. Kristen Holmes sits down with Rachel Otto, the first female operator of the United States Secret Service Counter Assault Team. Rachel recounts her journey from playing Division I volleyball at The Citadel, to her experience in law enforcement, becoming a federal agent in New York City, and protecting various heads of state. Rachel shares what it takes to protect the President and Vice President, from maintaining elite readiness for split-second decision making to managing sleep consistency across time zones. Dr. Holmes and Rachel breakdown the recovery, fitness, and discipline needed to thrive in a highly demanding, high-stakes job.

(00:47) Meet Rachel Otto: First Female United States Secret Service Counter Assault Agent

(02:57) Skillset & Training Of A Counter-Assault Agent

(05:06) WHOOP Podcast Rapid Fire Questions

(06:00) Rachel’s Experience at The Citadel

(12:03) Operating In A Male-Dominated Field & Adapting To Environments

(14:27) Rachel’s Experience as a Law Enforcement Officer

(16:22) The Mental Aspect: How To Stay Focused In A High Stress Environment

(18:55) Crucial Lifestyle Choices To Show Up As A Federal Agent

(24:05) Becoming a Federal Agent

(27:51) Maintaining Consistency and Discipline

(37:45) What It's Like Protecting The President

(41:54) Circadian Rhythm, Sleep & Tracking Metrics

(50:39) Rachel’s Training: CrossFit, Hyrox, and Exercise Snacks

(59:02) Advice For Young Girls Getting Into The Field

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On this month's edition of the WHOOP Podcast How To Series, WHOOP Global Head of Human Performance, Principal Scientist, Dr. Kristen Holmes sits down with Registered Sports Dietician, Angie Asche to explore what it really means to fuel for performance as an athlete. Angie has worked with a variety of professional athletes in the MLB, NHL and more, optimizing their nutrition habits to perform at their peak.

Angie outlines the importance of prioritizing the three macronutrients – carbohydrates, proteins, and fats – and how to ensure you’re getting the right amount of each. This episode dives into why the timing of meals is so important, explaining the impacts nutrition has on sleep and recovery. Angie and Dr. Holmes unpack the fine line between aesthetics and performance and how under-fueling affects both male and female athletes.

(00:50) WHOOP Rapid Fire Q’s

(01:50) Prioritizing Macronutrients As An Athlete

(03:17) Under Fueling: Balancing Aesthetics and Performance

(05:11) Common Symptoms of Under Fueling

(06:58) Impact of Under Fuelling On Sleep and Recovery

(07:42) Fasting’s Impact on Performance

(09:42) Importance of Nutrient Timing

(12:24) Late-Night Eating: How Does It Impact Sleep and Recovery?

(15:39) Food Sensitivity Tests: Are They Worth The Hype?

(19:02) Knowing Inflammation: Chronic Versus Acute

(23:47) Do You Need To Supplement Nutrients As An Athlete?

(27:16) Supplement Absorption and Daily Nutrition

(32:35) Benefits of Prebiotics & Probiotics

(33:57) Why Your Body Needs Fiber & Where To Get It

(35:07) How To Track Macros

(38:46) Intuitive Eating: What Your Body Needs & When

(40:48) Long-Term Effects of Under Fueling

(41:46) The Nutrients Many Female Athletes Are Missing

(44:51) Nourishment Over Numbers: Changing Mindsets On Restrictive Eating

(49:30) Metabolic Health: The Nutrients To Improve Your Metabolism

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On this week’s episode of the WHOOP Podcast, WHOOP SVP of Research, Algorithms, and Data Emily Capodilupo sits down with Dr. Angela Holliday-Bell, physician and certified sleep specialist, to discuss the importance of sleep training from infancy to adulthood. Dr. Holliday-Bell explains how building consistent sleep habits supports long-term health by reducing risks like cardiovascular disease, anxiety, and depression, while also improving daily energy, focus, and creativity. Dr. Holliday-Bell shares her insights from her own experience sleep training her infant and breaks down the variety of methods parents can use to help their children sleep through the night. Emily and Dr. Holliday-Bell discuss the need for setting solid sleep routines for your toddler, teen, and evolving with these habits as your children grow up. Ultimately, Dr. Holliday-Bell reveals the key to supporting your child’s sleep is supporting your own.

(00:54) Dr. Angela Holliday-Bell’s Background and Intro

(03:18) WHOOP Rapid Fire Q’s

(04:03) Importance of Regulating Your Own Sleep to Help Your Child

(05:42) How You Sleep As A Child Impacts Your Sleep As An Adult

(06:31) Skills & Behaviors You Need For Your Child’s Sleep Routine

(09:36) The Three Habits To Try Before Seeking Help From Your Pediatrician

(10:30) Life Through Sleep Stages: Newborn, Infancy, and Adulthood

(15:52) How To Sleep Train Your Toddler

(17:22) Importance of Whole Family Sleep Hygiene

(20:30) Common Misconceptions About Sleep and Sleep Training

(30:50) What To Look For In A Sleep Specialist

(33:50) Sleep For Teens: How To Ensure Your Teen Is Sleeping Effectively

(36:58) Sleep Patterns and Puberty: How Parents Can Help?

(42:40) How To Reduce Sleep Deprivation

(47:55) Wearables and Sleep Tracking for Parents & Kids

(49:15) Dr. Holliday-Bell’s Message For Kids, Teens, & Parents

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