In Today’s Episode: Can Chewing Fix Stress?
Join us as we talk with Erica Berthold, CEO of Prepare Your Mind (PYM) and former collegiate hockey player turned brain health advocate, who shares her insights on how amino acids and daily habits can support mood, resilience, and long-term mental wellness.

Key Takeaways from Today’s Episode:
-How amino acids like GABA can calm your nervous system and build stress resilience over time
-Why delivery methods (like chews) make a huge difference in effectiveness
-The powerful connection between nutrition, brain health, and mental well-being

Questions We Answer in This Episode:
-Can amino acids really improve mood and reduce stress?
-Why does chewing—and even flavor—impact how supplements work?
-How can lifestyle tools like sleep, walking, and nutrition help prevent burnout?

(0:00 ) Introduction: Amino acids and brain health
(0:06 ) Background on Erica Berthold and her journey
(0:30 ) Welcome Erica Berthold
(1:35 ) Erica's athletic challenges and mental health
(2:49 ) Transition to health and wellness industry
(5:25 ) Career-ending injury and recovery
(9:02 ) Brain injuries and emotional impact
(10:17 ) Grieving athletic identity and staying connected to hockey
(13:09 ) High achievement and burnout prevention
(14:05 ) Tools for burnout prevention
(15:25 ) Importance of sleep in mental health
(16:12 ) Recognizing burnout and stress management
(18:40 ) Introduction to Prepare Your Mind (PYM)
(19:26 ) Erica as CEO of PYM and supplement distinctions
(21:19 ) Amino acids and their brain health benefits
(22:53 ) Amino acids vs. adaptogens
(24:30 ) GABA, L-theanine, and PYM's formula adjustments
(26:31 ) Expanding PYM's product line
(28:13 ) Addressing focus and motivation with chews
(29:12 ) Ideal customers and proactive mental wellness
(30:27 ) Generational views on mental health
(31:29 ) Debunking mind-brain separation myth
(32:43 ) Choosing delivery formats for PYM products
(35:10 ) Dosage considerations for safety and effectiveness
(39:01 ) Small batch manufacturing and quality control
(41:51 ) Consulting with doctors and managing potential downsides
(43:15 ) Future research and addressing skepticism
(46:11 ) Understanding Proposition 65 and lead content claim
(48:25 ) Role of experts in product development
(50:53 ) PYM's upcoming products and potential partnerships
(56:32 ) Lightning Lab: Interactive guest segment
(1:02:10 ) Conclusion and discount code for listeners
(1:03:18 ) Lab results: Personal reviews of PYM products
(1:08:39 ) Final thoughts on mental wellness and PYM