449. “You Have More Control Than You Think” | Reclaiming Brain Health and Longevity with Dr. Ryan Williamson
Jan 19, 2026
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Ryan Williamson, a board-certified neurologist, Navy veteran, and founder of Transcend Health. With a background spanning clinical neurology, military performance medicine, and executive longevity coaching, Dr. Williamson brings a rare perspective on what it truly takes to protect the brain and extend healthspan. His work centers on prevention over reaction, helping people stay sharp, resilient, and fully engaged long before illness ever enters the picture.
Our conversation explores a simple but confronting truth: modern life is quietly undermining brain health. Dr. Williamson explains how evolutionary biology collides with today’s sedentary, overstimulated environment, and why cognitive decline is often shaped more by habits than by fate. He introduces practical, evidence-based principles that restore balance, from breathwork and sleep to movement, nutrition, and human connection. None are extreme, and all are accessible.
What resonates most is the sense of agency. This episode reframes cognitive health as something we actively build day by day, not something we passively inherit. Small, consistent choices compound into sharper thinking, greater presence, and a longer, more capable life.
The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway
“I really think it's that you as an individual have far more control than you think over your life, over your health, and over any health-related outcome.”
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Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.
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Produced by NOVA
There is incredible potential that lies within each and every one of us to create positive change in our lives (and the lives of others) while achieving our dreams.
This is the Power of You!
