Dhru Purohit Show

This episode is brought to you by Maui Nui, One Skin, Branch Basics, and BetterWild.

When we think about longevity, immune health, or aging well, sex is rarely part of the conversation. But this episode challenges that blind spot, revealing why sexual connection and pleasure are fundamental to health, resilience, and how fully we experience life.

Today on The Dhru Purohit Show, Dhru sits down with sex and relationships expert Dr. Nicole McNichols to unpack why sexual pleasure is far more than a “nice-to-have”; it’s a foundational pillar of health, connection, and long-term fulfillment. Dr. McNichols explores how sexual satisfaction influences healthy aging, sleep quality, immune function, and relationship resilience, while dismantling some of the most common myths around desire, mystery, and attraction. This conversation reframes sex as a skill you can cultivate, not a spark you either have or lose, and offers practical insights for couples who want deeper connection, better communication, and intimacy that evolves.

Dr. Nicole McNichols is a renowned professor of human sexuality, author, and speaker with over 20 years of experience bridging science and real-world application to help people better understand sexuality, relationships, and pleasure. Her course, The Diversity of Human Sexuality, is the most popular in the University of Washington's history, enrolling more than 4,000 students annually. She is the author of the upcoming book You Could Be Having Better Sex. Her work has been featured in Psychology Today, The Seattle Times, and Harvard Business Review, and she is the coauthor of Human Sexuality in a Diverse Society and a TEDx speaker. 

In this episode, Dhru and Dr. McNichols dive into: 


Why pleasure is essential for health (00:39)


The link between sexual satisfaction and longevity (2:07)


How sexual connection drives life satisfaction (14:09)


How male and female brains experience desire differently (22:19)


The sex, sleep, immunity connection (28:23)


Why planned intimacy works better than spontaneity (38:40)


Why desire loss doesn’t mean love loss (41:38)


Creating intimacy space by reducing friction (54:17)


Dr. McNichols’ path to becoming a sex educator (1:08:00)


Self-actualization in marriage (1:21:10)


Navigating mismatched desire without resentment (1:25:50)


Why sex matters in long-term relationships (1:34:05)


What happens when sexual wellness is deprioritized (1:40:27)


Final takeaways (1:42:34)

Also mentioned in this episode:


You Could Be Having Better Sex: The Definitive Guide to a Happier, Healthier, and Hotter Sex Life 

For more on Dr. McNichols, follow her on X/Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, or visit her Website.

This episode is brought to you by Maui Nui, One Skin, Branch Basics, and Betterwild.

Right now, Maui Nui Venison is offering my listeners exclusive access to their brand-new Always Summer Sausage, the cleanest, most nutrient-dense lunch meat you’ll find. Just go to mauinuivenison.com/DHRU to get yours today. 

Right now, One Skin is offering my community 15% off; just go to oneskin.co and use the coupon code DHRU to save 15% and give your skin the scientifically proven, gentle care it deserves.

Right now, Branch Basics is offering 15% off the Premium Starter Kit; just go to branchbasics.com and use the coupon code DHRU. Make 2026 your cleanest, healthiest year yet with Branch Basics!

Right now, BetterWild is offering my listeners up to 40% off at BetterWild.com/DHRU. Support your dog’s digestion and allergy defense system today. 

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This episode is brought to you by Bon Charge, BiOptimizers, Our Place, and Cozy Earth.

True progress often isn’t blocked by a lack of effort, but by hidden traps in how we think, strive, and apply our energy. Many of us push harder, stay busier, and demand more from ourselves, only to feel burned out, stuck, or misaligned. Working harder isn’t always the answer, and today’s guest shows us why.

Today on The Dhru Purohit Show, Dhru sits down with psychologist Dr. Diana Hill to explore how the way we use our energy, not just how hard we try, shapes our health, relationships, and sense of purpose. Dr. Hill unpacks why so many high-achievers feel burned out, stuck, or quietly dissatisfied despite doing “all the right things,” and reveals the hidden traps that keep us spinning our wheels, from misusing our strengths to chasing goals that don’t align with our values. She also introduces the idea of wise effort versus forcing change through pressure and self-criticism. This conversation offers a powerful reframe for anyone who feels overextended or misdirected, showing how psychological flexibility and values-based choices can restore vitality, clarity, and a deeper sense of alignment in everyday life.

Dr. Diana Hill is a psychologist and international trainer specializing in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). She helps individuals and organizations build psychological flexibility using science-backed, compassion-driven tools. Diana is the author of four books, including Wise Effort, hosts the Wise Effort podcast, and has been featured in NPR, The Wall Street Journal, Psychology Today, and more—known for making complex psychology practical, clear, and deeply usable.

In this episode, Dhru and Dr. Hill dive into: 


When effort turns against you and pushing harder makes things worse (1:37)


The quiet reason resolutions fail and what your intuition already knows (3:47)


The hidden story we were taught about growth and why it’s misleading (10:55)


How your energy gets drained without you ever noticing (19:02)


The perspective shift that changes how you meet challenges and yourself (25:46)


Dr. Hill’s wake-up moment and the unseen cost of trying too hard (30:52)


Why reaching the goal still leaves something missing (43:30)


What avoiding discomfort is actually costing you (48:07)


Discovering your “genius energy” and what it’s meant for (58:46)


The self-limiting stories that feel true but quietly hold you back (1:17:16)


The subtle trap of chasing goals instead of living your values (1:25:40)


Dr. Hill’s closing insight on trusting your inner compass (1:28:17)

Also mentioned in this episode:


Wise Effort: How to Focus Your Genius Energy on What Matters Most

For more on Dr. Hill, follow her on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Insight Timer, or visit her Website.

This episode is brought to you by Bon Charge, BiOptimizers, Our Place, and Cozy Earth.

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This episode is brought to you by LMNT, Maui Nui, Momentous, and One Skin.

Muscle health shapes far more than our appearance, impacting metabolism, energy, resilience, and aging, yet most of us were never taught how to build it or adopt the mindset to protect it for life. Today’s episode explores why shifting toward a muscle-centric approach isn’t intuitive in modern culture, and how learning to train both the body and the mind may be one of the most important upgrades for long-term health.

Today on The Dhru Purohit Show, Dhru sits down with Dr. Gabrielle Lyon to explore why muscle is far more than a fitness goal; it’s a central driver of longevity, metabolic health, and resilience. Together, they unpack the muscle-centric paradigm and how building strength shapes not only the body but also the mindset, emotional regulation, and identity. Dr. Lyon explains the power of neutrality and discernment in unhijacking reactive thought patterns, shares practical tools for moving from complaint to action, and breaks down how clarity of purpose fuels lasting change. This episode reframes health as a responsibility, not a luxury, and offers a roadmap for building strength that carries through every aspect of life.

Dr. Gabrielle Lyon is a Washington University fellowship-trained physician in nutritional science and geriatrics, board-certified in family medicine, and the founder of the Institute for Muscle-Centric Medicine. She runs a private practice serving leaders, innovators, mavericks, and executives across multiple fields, while also working closely with special operations military personnel, all to shift medicine from an obesity-focused model to a muscle-centric paradigm grounded in high scientific integrity.  She is the bestselling author of Forever Strong and the upcoming Forever Strong Playbook. 

In this episode, Dhru and Dr. Lyon dive into: 


The muscle mandate: why strength is no longer optional for long-term health (1:00)


A mindset shift: how culture quietly reshapes our relationship with strength (2:15)


The missing skill in a reactive, overstimulated world (15:08)


Practicing neutrality: wow to observe thoughts without being hijacked by them (18:57)


Simple tools to break autopilot in real time (32:20)


Your “why”: the hidden driver behind consistency and real change (38:49)


How to interrupt the complaining loop before it drains your energy (52:44)


Capacity versus challenge and determining where growth happens (57:14)


Moving past being stagnant and identifying the areas of growth (1:02:38)

Also mentioned in this episode:


The Forever Strong PLAYBOOK: Rewrite Your Future in Six Weeks


Forever Strong

For more on Dr. Lyon, follow her on Instagram, Facebook, X/Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, or visit her Website.

This episode is brought to you by LMNT, Maui Nui, Momentous, and One Skin.  

Right now, LMNT is offering my listeners a free sample pack with any purchase. Head over to drinkLMNT.com/dhru today.

Right now, Maui Nui Venison is offering my listeners exclusive access to their brand-new Always Summer Sausage, the cleanest, most nutrient-dense lunch meat you’ll find. Just go to mauinuivenison.com/DHRU to get yours today. 

Optimize your energy and mental clarity with the purest form of creatine, made by and used by the best. Head to livemomentous.com and use code DHRU for 35% off your first subscription.

Right now, One Skin is offering my community 15% off; just go to oneskin.co and use the coupon code DHRU to save 15% and give your skin the scientifically proven, gentle care it deserves.

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This episode is brought to you by Puori, Hollow Socks, Fatty15, and Branch Basics.

Light shapes far more than our sleep; it influences our metabolism, hormones, energy, and long-term health. Yet modern life has quietly flipped our light environment upside down: too little sunlight during the day and too much artificial light at night. Today’s episode explores why that mismatch may be costing us far more than we realize.

Today on The Dhru Purohit Show, Dhru sits down with Jonathan Jarecki to explore the critical role of sunlight, especially infrared light, in health and longevity. They break down key studies on sun exposure, including its impact on melatonin production, metabolic health, and overall well-being. Jonathan also shares his 2026 Light Challenge (with beginner and advanced levels) and practical strategies for getting more natural light during the day, reducing artificial light at night, and understanding the health risks of inadequate sun exposure. This episode is a powerful reminder that light isn’t just a backdrop to our lives, it’s a biological signal that shapes long-term health.

Jonathan Jarecki is a pre-medical student, studying Biology and Neuroscience. He’s passionate about preventive medicine, evidence-based wellness, and translating cutting-edge research into practical tools for everyday life, exploring how light, water, and bioelectromagnetism shape health, performance, and longevity.

In this episode, Dhru and Jonathan dive into: 


The importance of light and sun exposure on lifespan (1:05)


ICU infrared LED light study (11:20)


The connection between the sun, mitochondria, and melatonin (24:06)


The 2026 Beginner Light Challenge (34:40)


The role of sunlight exposure in metabolic health (38:56)


A lunch-break habit that can reprogram your biology (56:12)


Why evening sunlight matters more than you think (1:00:23)


The phone settings that protect your brain after dark (1:06:33)


How much light do you actually need each day? (1:09:27)


The Advanced Light Challenge for next-level health (1:11:20)


Sunbathing: misunderstood, demonized, and powerful (1:14:46)


​​Why overhead lights at night are a hidden stressor (1:23:32)


Jonathan’s story and journey into studying light (1:30:46)


Final thoughts and key takeaways (1:35:27) 

Also mentioned in this episode:


2026 Light Challenge


Research links


Strainless Lighting


Amber Vintage Incandescent Light Bulbs


Healthlighting


How to turn on night shift mode on your phone


Try This: Fred Kummerow


Want to Maintain Youthful Skin At Any Age? Top Dermatologist and Skin Cancer Expert Shares His Favorite Skin Tips and Tools

For more on Jonathan, follow him on Instagram, Whole Health’s Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or visit his Website.

This episode is brought to you by Puori, Hollow Socks, Fatty15, and Branch Basics.

Quality protein matters. Get 32% off Puori Grass-Fed Whey Protein and a free shaker when you start a subscription at puori.com/DHRU and use code DHRU at checkout. 

For a limited time, Hollow Socks is offering my community a Buy 3, Get 3 Free Sale. Head to HollowSocks.com for up to 50% off your order.

Fatty15 is offering an additional 15% off its 90-day subscription Starter Kit. Go to fatty15.com/dhru and use code DHRU to replenish your C15 levels for long-term health.

Right now, Branch Basics is offering 15% off the Premium Starter Kit; just go to branchbasics.com and use the coupon code DHRU. Make 2025 your cleanest, healthiest year yet with Branch Basics!

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This episode is brought to you by Bon Charge, One Skin, Maui Nui, and Cozy Earth.

When we think about chronic disease, we don’t always consider the role of emotions. Yet emotional patterns can quietly drive chronic inflammation, which underlies many of today’s most common conditions. Today’s guest shares powerful stories from patients with unexpected diagnoses, revealing how core life habits and major life events often precede, and contribute to, the development of disease.

Today on The Dhru Purohit Show, Dhru sits down with Dr. Ronesh Sinha to explore the often-overlooked emotional factors behind chronic illness, even in people who appear to be doing everything “right” for their health. Dr. Sinha introduces the concept of surprise diseases, explains how emotional patterns shape physical outcomes, and unpacks ideas like “shamily” and emotional immunity. He also shares practical ways to build emotional awareness, why introspection matters, and how open, honest conversations within families can be a powerful tool for long-term health.

Dr. Ronesh Sinha is an internal medicine physician and author of The South Asian Health Solution, who runs a Silicon Valley lifestyle clinic focused on reversing insulin resistance. He serves as Chief Medical Officer for the Silicon Valley Employer Forum, advising major tech companies on health benefits. His work has been featured in Fortune Magazine and the Los Angeles Times, and he hosts the Meta Health Podcast.

In this episode, Dhru and Dr. Sinha dive into: 


The invisible risk shaping our metabolic health (1:05)


How emotional suppression fuels “surprise” diseases (5:47)


Shamily: emotional stability, patterns, and family dynamics (11:55)


What stress really does to the immune system (19:16)


Emotional immunity: the missing layer of health (33:17)


The hidden meaning behind head flicks and body signals (39:32)


Why emotional suppression is like an Instant Pot (47:17)


How subvocalization quietly impacts your health (54:56)


Recognizing emotional patterns tied to your personality (1:00:23)


How our thoughts shape connection and belonging (1:10:05)


Simple introspection and relaxation tools that work (1:12:23)


What happens when vulnerability enters family dynamics (1:16:42)


How emotional authenticity improves well-being (1:22:57)

Also mentioned in this episode:


Try This: 7 Things I’m Doing To Keep My Parents Healthy As They Get Older


7 Ways I’m Helping My Parents Stay Healthy As They Get Older

For more on Dr. Sinha, follow him on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or visit his Website.

This episode is brought to you by Bon Charge, Cozy Earth, One Skin, and Maui Nui.

Right now, Bon Charge is offering my community 15% off. Just go to boncharge.com/DHRU and use code DHRU to save 15%.

Right now, One Skin is offering my community up to 30% off your first three subscription orders; just go to oneskin.co and use the coupon code DHRU and give your skin the scientifically proven, gentle care it deserves.

Right now, Maui Nui Venison is offering my listeners exclusive access to their brand-new Always Summer Sausage, the cleanest, most nutrient-dense lunch meat you’ll find. Just go to mauinuivenison.com/DHRU to get yours today. 

Right now, get 20% off your Cozy Earth sheets and sleepwear. Just head over to cozyearth.com/dhru and use code DHRU.

Sign up for Dhru’s Try This Newsletter
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices