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The Dr. Brighten Show

The Dr. Brighten Show

By: Dr. Jolene Brighten
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Dr. Jolene Brighten, a best-selling author, board certified naturopathic endocrinologist, and women’s health expert, hosts The Dr. Brighten Show—a podcast dedicated to igniting transformative conversations in women’s health. Through candid interviews with leading experts, innovators, and thought-leaders, this show brings you groundbreaking research, personal stories, and practical tools to help you confidently navigate your body and hormones. It’s a fun, engaging, and insightful journey designed to empower you with tangible, science-backed insights, so you can live your best, most vibrant life.DrBrighten.com Alternative & Complementary Medicine Hygiene & Healthy Living Physical Illness & Disease
Episodes
  • Your Body Knows: The Hidden Cost of Always Being "The Strong One"

    Your Body Knows: The Hidden Cost of Always Being "The Strong One"
    Jul 14 2026
    What happens when being the strong one becomes the reason your body starts breaking down? In this episode, Dr. Jolene Brighten explains how chronic stress, hypervigilance, nervous system dysregulation, and emotional over-functioning can contribute to burnout, hormone symptoms, autoimmune disease, and chronic illness. For additional resources and references, visit the show notes at https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/being-the-strong-one/ Whether you're the woman everyone depends on, the caregiver, the fixer, or the one who never asks for help, this conversation will help you understand why your body may be asking you to finally put the weight down. Pre-order ADHD and Women by Dr. Jolene Brighten and discover how hormones shape focus, motivation, executive function, and emotional regulation ⁠⁠http://drbrighten.com/adhdandwomen In This Episode You'll Learn: Why "being the strong one" isn't just emotional—it's biological How chronic hypervigilance rewires your nervous system Why capable women often become invisible when they need support most The connection between stress, hormones, autoimmune disease, and burnout Why your symptoms may be your body's way of protecting you—not betraying you Three powerful mindset shifts that can begin your healing today This Episode is Sponsored By Dr. Brighten Essentials Want science-backed supplements formulated by a doctor who actually understands women’s health? 🌿 At Dr. Brighten Essentials, every product is crafted to support your hormones, boost your energy, and help you feel your best—inside and out. From targeted nutrients for glowing skin to essentials that fuel your daily vitality, you’ll get the highest-quality ingredients in forms your body can truly use. Exclusive for podcast listeners: Use code POD15 at checkout for 15% off your order. Shop now https://drbrightenessentials.com LMNT Electrolytes Want a clean, science-backed way to stay hydrated and energized? At LMNT, electrolytes are formulated with a precise balance of sodium, potassium, and magnesium — with no sugar, no artificial ingredients, and no unnecessary fillers. Designed to support hydration, muscle function, and daily energy, LMNT helps you feel your best through workouts, busy days, and everyday life. Exclusive for podcast listeners: Visit http://drinklmnt.com/Brighten to receive a free sample pack with any purchase. Sunlighten Saunas Want a gentle, science-forward way to sweat, recover, and unwind? At Sunlighten, infrared saunas deliver soothing heat that supports relaxation, muscle recovery, and deep, comfortable sweating—without the stifling temps of traditional saunas. With low-EMF tech and options for near, mid, and far infrared, you get a calm, restorative session tailored to your goals. Exclusive for podcast listeners: use the code DRBRIGHTEN to save up to $1,400 on your sauna Shop now https://get.sunlighten.com/drbrighten 👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten: 💻 Website:⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.drbrighten.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📸 Instagram:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎥 TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🧵Threads: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast: Apple: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-brighten-show/id1786362161⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Spotify:...
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    20 mins
  • The Hidden Burnout of ADHD & Autism After Motherhood | MasterChef Vanessa D'Souza

    The Hidden Burnout of ADHD & Autism After Motherhood | MasterChef Vanessa D'Souza
    Jul 9 2026
    Motherhood can expose ADHD and autism in ways many women never expect. In this episode, Dr. Jolene Brighten and Vanessa D’Souza discuss how postpartum hormones, burnout, masking, sensory overload, and relationship dynamics can leave neurodivergent women feeling like they’ve lost themselves—not because they’re failing, but because no one prepared them for what happens after birth. For the complete show notes, research, and resources, visit Dr. Brighten: Vanessa D’Souza joins Dr. Brighten for an honest conversation about why pregnancy may feel easier than postpartum for women with ADHD and autism, how estrogen and progesterone influence executive function, why postpartum burnout is often mistaken for depression, and what partners, families, and healthcare providers need to understand to better support neurodivergent mothers. ✨ In This Episode 🧠 Why ADHD and autism often become much more noticeable after childbirth 🌸 The dramatic hormone shifts from pregnancy to postpartum 🎭 Why masking suddenly becomes impossible 💥 How postpartum burnout differs from postpartum depression 🍼 Breastfeeding, sensory overload, and nervous system regulation 💛 The invisible emotional labor carried by neurodivergent mothers 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Why relationships often become strained after a baby 🏥 How birth environments can affect autistic women 🧬 The role estrogen, progesterone, dopamine, testosterone, and cortisol play in executive function 🚩 Early warning signs of burnout before a complete crash 🛠 Practical ways to better prepare for the fourth trimester 📚 Resources Mentioned 📖 Is This Normal?: https://drbrighten.com/is-this-normal/ 📖 Beyond the Pill: https://drbrighten.com/beyond-the-pill 📖 ADHD & Women by Dr. Jolene Brighten: https://drbrighten.com/adhd-and-women/ 🤝 Connect with Vanessa D’Souza 🌐 Website: https://vanessadsouza.co.uk/ 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.autistic.chef/?hl=en 💜 Connect with Dr. Jolene Brighten 🌐 Website: https://drbrighten.com 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten 📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrJoleneBrighten 💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjolenebrighten ❤️ Enjoying the Show? 👍 Like this video 💬 Share it with someone who needs to hear this conversation 🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a new episode Your support helps us bring more evidence-based conversations about women’s health, hormones, ADHD, autism, and neuroscience to millions of people. Medical Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your qualified healthcare provider before making changes to your healthcare plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Why MasterChef Was the Perfect Storm for My Autism & ADHD | Vanessa D’Souza

    Why MasterChef Was the Perfect Storm for My Autism & ADHD | Vanessa D’Souza
    Jul 7 2026
    High-masking autism in women often goes unnoticed because success can hide disability. In this episode, Dr. Jolene Brighten sits down with MasterChef UK contestant Vanessa D'Souza to discuss autism, ADHD, sensory processing, masking, autistic burnout, and why so many women aren't diagnosed until adulthood. 📖 For show notes, resources, and links mentioned in this episode, visit: https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/autism-and-adhd/ Pre-order your copy of ADHD and Women and unlock exclusive bonuses—including my PMDD Solution Workshop, bonus trainings, downloadable resources, and more before they're gone! 👉 Pre-Order Here: http://drbrighten.com/adhdandwomen You'll Learn Why MasterChef became the perfect storm for autistic burnout Why autism in women is still so frequently overlooked The hidden cost of high masking and why success doesn't mean someone isn't struggling How sensory processing affects food, cooking, and everyday life Why so many women don't receive an autism diagnosis until adulthood What autistic burnout actually feels like—and why recovery can take months The accommodations that can make an enormous difference for autistic adults Why asking for support isn't weakness—it's self-understanding How MasterChef unexpectedly became a platform for autism advocacy Why uncertainty can be more overwhelming than failure for many autistic people How understanding sensory needs can improve quality of life for both children and adults What every healthcare provider, parent, and partner should know about autism in women This Episode Is Brought to You By Dr. Brighten Essentials Radiant Mind Want a science-backed formula created to support women’s brain health through every stage of life. If you’ve ever felt the brain fog of perimenopause or noticed how ADHD can amplify challenges with focus, memory, mood, or sleep, you’re not alone. Radiant Mind combines clinically studied saffron extract, Bacognize® Bacopa, Cognizin® Citicoline, and zinc to help nourish your brain chemistry and support clarity, calm, and resilience. Exclusive for podcast listeners: use the code POD15 for 15% off your order Shop now https://drbrightenessentials.com/products/radiant-mind Pique – Pu’er Tea Duo Gut health isn’t just about probiotics—it’s also about nourishing your microbiome. Pique’s Pu’er Tea Duo delivers polyphenol-rich support to help promote microbial diversity, gut lining health, and balanced digestion. Featuring Green Pu’er for antioxidant support and Black Pu’er for digestion and reduced bloating, it’s an easy daily ritual for whole-gut wellness. Get 20% off at https://piquelife.com/drbrighten to learn more. Shop now http://drbrighten.com/piquelife Follow Vanessa D'Souza Vanessa D'Souza’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the.autistic.chef/ Vanessa D’Souza’s Website: https://vanessadsouza.co.uk/ MasterChef UK’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/masterchefuk/ 👩🏻‍⚕️Follow Dr. Jolene Brighten: 💻 Website: ⁠https://www.drbrighten.com⁠ 📸 Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/drjolenebrighten⁠ 🎥 TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@drjolenebrighten⁠ 🧵Threads: ⁠https://www.threads.net/@drjolenebrighten⁠ 🌟 Grab my free hormone friendly recipes here! ⁠https://drbrighten.com/hormonekit/⁠ 🎧 Subscribe to the Podcast: Apple: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-dr-brighten-show/id1786362161⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5VWcYWJFzi3OnwidT25IXi?si=481df20ef0a6417⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@DrJoleneBrighten⁠ 👉 If you found this episode valuable, drop a comment below to tell us what you loved most, and share it with a friend! Let’s spread the knowledge. 💬✨ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    24 mins
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