The History of Hormones with Randi Epstein 

Medical journalist Randi Hutter Epstein takes us on a journey through the unusual history of our body chemicals with a few surprising twists along the way. With curiosity delve into how and why our metabolism, behaviour, sleep, mood swings, the immune system, fighting, fleeing, puberty, and sex, to name just a few, are things our bodies control with hormones. Wake up to the power of our human biology with Randi Epstein.

Guest Bio

Randi is a medical writer, a lecturer at Yale University, Writer in Residence at Yale Medical School, and an adjunct professor at Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.  Her articles have appeared in the New York Times, The Washington Post, among other major publications.  She is also the author of two books:  Get Me Out: A History of Childbirth from the Garden of Eden to the Sperm Bank (released by W.W. Norton, Jan 2010) and more recently AROUSED:  The History of Hormones and How They Control Just About Everything (W.W. Norton, 2018).

Randi lives in New York City with her husband, Stuart Epstein. They have four children.

Topics of discussion 

• A short history of hormones & some radical claims.
• The purpose of hormones – oxytocin, adrenaline, cortisol.
• Tests and other methods to better understanding our hormones.
• How to bring a healthy balance to our hormones.

Quick round questions

Do you have any routines and rituals that you believe contribute to your success?

Exercise.

What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?

Have a little more self-compassion.

How would you define success? What does success look like to you? 

Finding a balance in your life that gives you;

• intellectual stimulation.
• serves others.
• community.
• laughter.

If I would serve you your last meal what would you request?

Ice cream, fresh fish and a salad with feta cheese.

What activity gives you the greatest sense of joy? 

Being with my children.

If you could pick one book to pass down to your children or future generations what book would it be? 

Esio Trot by Roald Dahl

Aroused: The History of Hormones and How They Control Just About Everything by Randi Epstein

What quote, phrase or message would you text or tweet to everyone in the world?

“Get Aroused.”

Do we all have a Hidden Why, a purpose?

Yes, and we have to believe we do.

What does living with passion and purpose mean?

Real connections with people.

What do you believe is the underlying motivation behind everything you do? 

To have long-term goals. Be with my children. Stay out of my comfort zone and continue to trying new things.

How to connect with Randi

Check out her website here. 

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Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

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