Quite Frankly Podcast Appearance - Notes And Fun Facts!

Quite Frankly Podcast Appearance - Notes And Fun Facts!

Quite Frankly Podcast Appearance - Notes And Fun Facts!

Frank had a great thought about sharing a bit of a “cliff notes” newsletter follow-up recapping fun facts and tid-bits from our tangential conversations. I tend to assume that people will just tune out when I go on the tangents that my brain finds fascinating, but… it seems that at least some of you have similar highly curious and tangential brains! ;)

So…we’re going to try this out and if it’s fun for even ONE of you, I’m going to call it worth it. 

Whether you’re a science nerd or just love a good “did you know?” moment, this newsletter is packed with fun facts and insights from our chats. From swarming locusts to the secrets of cellular aging and the dance between nature and nurture, we covered a broad range of fun topics!  Let’s jump in!

 

Episode Recaps: Mollee X Quite Frankly +

I had the pleasure of joining Frank & J of Perpetual Health on two episodes:

Type 3 Diabetes, MAHA Moves, JFK Follow-Up, Extras ft. J Gulinello 3/28/25

Nature's Adderall & Why People Looked Older? ft J Gulinello, Mollee Rucker 5/9/25

On my two appearances we explored everything from the quirky behavior of insects to the profound ways stress impacts aging , all while trying to tie it back to what makes us human + what actionables we can glean.  Below, I’ve highlighted a handful of topics we touched upon, complete with fun facts, links for those who want to go deeper +  insights to keep the conversation going.


1. MTHFR Mutations: Choline, Acetylcholine, ADHD, and Alzheimer’s

We got nerdy about MTHFR gene mutations, which affect how our bodies process folate and choline—two nutrients critical for brain health. These mutations can mess with acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter tied to attention and memory, with big implications for ADHD and Alzheimer’s.

The Science: The MTHFR gene helps convert folic acid into methylfolate, a key player in methylation—a process that supports detoxification, neurotransmitter production, and DNA repair. Mutations like C677T or A1298C (affecting up to 40% of people) reduce MTHFR enzyme activity, leading to low folate and high homocysteine levels. This forces the body to use more choline as a backup methyl donor, depleting choline needed for acetylcholine synthesis. Acetylcholine is vital for focus, learning, and memory. Low choline, often worsened by MTHFR mutations, is linked to ADHD symptoms (like inattention) and Alzheimer’s pathology, where cholinergic dysfunction is a hallmark. Studies show choline supplementation in MTHFR-deficient mice improves autistic-like behaviors, hinting at its role in neurodevelopment. In Alzheimer’s, mouse models suggest lifelong choline reduces disease markers, and human studies link low phosphatidylcholine (a choline derivative) to memory loss. [Ref: Translational Psychiatry, Genetic Lifehacks, Living with MTHFR] 

Fun Fact: About 98% of autistic kids and 90-94% of those with ADHD have an MTHFR mutation! Also, choline is a brain food found in eggs and liver—eat up to keep your acetylcholine flowing. [Ref: Origins Nutritional Therapy] 

Why It Matters: On the show, we connected MTHFR to real-world struggles like focus and memory. If you’ve got an MTHFR mutation, avoiding synthetic folic acid (in fortified foods) and boosting choline-rich foods or supplements like methylfolate and AlphaGPC could help. They can be a game-changers for managing ADHD or protecting against Alzheimer’s risk.

 

2. The Alzheimer’s Nun Study: Faith, Brains, and Longevity

One of my favorite discussions was about the Nun Study, a groundbreaking look at Alzheimer’s through the lives of 678 School Sisters of Notre Dame. These nuns gave us a window into brain health, aging, and resilience.

The Science: Led by Dr. David Snowdon starting in 1986, the Nun Study tracked nuns aged 75+ who donated their brains for research after death. Why nuns? Their uniform lifestyle (similar diets, no smoking, and celibacy) controlled for variables, making it easier to spot what drives brain health. Key findings: nuns with positive emotions and higher linguistic ability in early-life writings (like autobiographies) were less likely to develop Alzheimer’s. Brain autopsies revealed surprises—some nuns with Alzheimer’s pathology (plaques and tangles) showed no symptoms, suggesting “cognitive reserve” from education or mental engagement can protect against decline. Low folate and high homocysteine (tied to MTHFR mutations) also correlated with worse outcomes, linking back to our choline discussion. [Ref: NIH, University of Minnesota] 

Fun Fact: One nun, Sister Mary, lived to 101 with severe Alzheimer’s brain changes but no symptoms—her active mind was like a superpower! Also, nuns who wrote complex sentences in their 20s had healthier brains decades later. 

Why It Matters: The Nun Study shows lifestyle, mindset, and nutrition shape brain health. It’s inspiring to think that staying curious, positive, and mentally active—like our Quite Frankly chats—could build a buffer against Alzheimer’s. Plus, it ties to MTHFR: managing folate and choline might be key for long-term brain protection.

 

3. Crickets & Serotonin: When Grasshoppers Go Biblical

Ever wonder what turns a chill grasshopper into a swarming, world-devouring locust? We had a blast unpacking this on the show, and it’s all about serotonin, the brain chemical that’s not just for humans! 

The Science: Desert locusts (Schistocerca gregaria) can live solo, munching quietly on plants, but under the right conditions—think crowding, scarce food, or too many neighbors—they transform into a swarming nightmare. Research from the University of Cambridge shows that serotonin is the key player here. When locusts get jostled by others (like at a crowded bug party), their serotonin levels spike, triggering changes in behavior and even physical traits. They go from shy loners to bold, gregarious swarmers, forming clouds that can devastate crops. This isn’t about breeding but rather a response to environmental stress, like a biological “flip the switch” moment. [Ref: Cambridge University Research] 

Fun Fact: The transformation is so dramatic it’s like Dr. Jekyll turning into Mr. Hyde—except it’s a grasshopper turning into a locust! In fact, Scientific American compares locust swarms to biblical plagues, and one swarm can cover 460 square miles and eat 423 million pounds of plants in a single day. Talk about a buffet! 

Serotonin’s role in locusts offers insight into how environment shapes behavior in all creatures, including us. Could our own “swarming” moments—like mob mentality or social media pile-ons—have a chemical basis? It’s a reminder that biology and environment are always in conversation.


4. Telomerase Stress Study: Elizabeth Blackburn’s Aging Puzzle

Next, we dove into the groundbreaking work of Nobel laureate Elizabeth Blackburn, who cracked open the secrets of telomeres—the protective caps at the ends of our chromosomes—and their role in aging. This one hit home when we talked about stress, especially for caregivers.

The Science: Telomeres are like the plastic tips on shoelaces, keeping our DNA from fraying. Every time a cell divides, telomeres shorten a bit, and when they get too short, cells can’t function properly, speeding up aging and disease. Blackburn co-discovered telomerase, an enzyme that can rebuild telomeres, slowing this process.

Her research, highlighted in Aging-US, shows that chronic stress—like the kind caregivers face—shortens telomeres faster, accelerating cellular aging. But here’s the hope: stress-reduction practices, like regular exercise, can boost telomerase activity and protect telomeres. One study found that 45 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise three times a week doubled telomerase activity in six months! [Ref: Aging-US, TED Blog] 

Fun Fact: Blackburn’s work earned her the 2009 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, and she’s been called one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People. Her book, The Telomere Effect (co-authored with Elissa Epel), is a must-read for anyone curious about aging smarter. Oh, and did you know telomeres are linked to the “mind-body connection”? Chronic stress doesn’t just mess with your mood—it literally ages your cells! 


5. Book Mentions: Nature, Nurture, and Human Nature

During our chats, I mentioned two fantastic books that I read in my 20’s that had a big impact on how I view what it is to be a human and the underlying proclivities that make us tick. (Apologies for the mix-up on air—I accidentally merged them into one title!)

Here’s the scoop on both:

"Nature Via Nurture: Genes, Experience, and What Makes Us Human" 

by Matt Ridley 

Ridley’s book is a love letter to the dance between genes and environment. He argues that the old “nature vs. nurture” debate is outdated—our genes and experiences work together to shape who we are. From how stress impacts gene expression to why identical twins raised apart can still share eerie similarities, Ridley shows that biology and culture are inseparable. It’s a page-turner that makes complex science feel like a detective story. 

"The Hare and the Tortoise: Culture, Biology, and Human Nature"

by David P. Barash

Barash, a sociobiologist, uses the metaphor of the hare (fast-evolving culture) and the tortoise (slow-evolving biology) to explore human behavior. He dives into why men and women often approach relationships differently, tying it to evolutionary strategies. For example, women tend to prioritize choice and nurturance, while men lean toward risk-taking and competition—patterns rooted in our biological past but shaped by culture.


BONUS! The "Happy Drink" recipe

I shared a story about how I would make “Happy Drinks” for my staff (sometimes customers too!) and more than a few of you reached out asking for the recipe!

Soooo….here it is. It’s quite simple and you can get creative with it in many ways depending upon your personal preference:

1. Two to four mounded tablespoons raw cacao *I personally prefer MORE cocoa (aiming for something like a thick Italian Hot Cacao beverage), but depending upon the cacao you have, the beverage can get a bit gritty with 4 tablespoons.

2. 200-400mg L-Theanine *I get 200mg capsules of L-Theanine and open 1 or 2 depending up the amount of “calm/happy” I’m desiring.

3. 8 -12 oz hot water (just depends upon mug size) 

4. Heavy Cream

5. Vanilla extract (liquid or powder) 

6. Sweetener of choice 

7. Pinch of sea salt

  • Add Cacao, L-Theanine, sweetener and pinch of salt to your mug.
  • Add enough hot water to thoroughly blend with a hand blender. 
  • Add vanilla, more hot water and heavy cream or creamer of your choice. 
  • Add whipped cream if you're in need of extra happy. ;)

 

WHY is the Happy Drink "Happy?"

Firstly, cacao is delicious! But, more importantly than that, cacao is a big part of the “Happy.” Raw Cacao contains a trio of mood-boosting compounds: anandamides, theobromine, + dopamine precursors.

Anandamides, dubbed the "bliss molecule," mimic THC by binding to cannabinoid receptors in the brain, promoting calm and euphoria.

Theobromine, a mild stimulant, boosts energy and mood without caffeine’s jitters while relaxing blood vessels for better circulation and a warm, fuzzy feeling.

Dopamine precursors like tyrosine and phenylethylamine (PEA) support the brain’s production of dopamine, the neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and motivation, delivering a natural emotional lift.

L-Theanine contributs to feelings of happiness by promoting relaxation and reducing stress and anxiety. It achieves this by elevating levels of calming neurotransmitters like GABA, serotonin, and dopamine.

 

Wrapping It Up: Keep the Curiosity Alive!

Thanks for joining me on this whirlwind tour of brain function, nuns, crickets, telomeres, and human nature. Our Quite Frankly chats are all about connecting the dots between science, life, and the mysteries of the universe, and I’m so grateful to be part of it. Want to keep the conversation going? Drop your thoughts in the Quite Frankly community, revisit the episodes, or check out the books and studies we mentioned. And who knows—maybe we’ll be back to unpack more wild facts soon!

Stay Curious!

P.S. Got a favorite topic from the episodes or a fun fact you want to share? Let me know, and maybe we’ll feature it in the next newsletter! 

 

 

 

Relevant links for deeper dives!

1. Elizabeth Blackburn on the telomere effect: ‘It’s about keeping healthier for longer’

This sets up physiological changes in the body which increase risks of the major conditions and diseases of ageing: cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, a weakened immune system and more. But the process is somewhat malleable. It is happening in all of us at some rate, but the rate can change. An enzyme called telomerase can add DNA to the ends of chromosomes to slow, prevent and partially reverse the shortening.

2. The Telomere Effect: A Revolutionary Approach to Living Younger, Healthier, Longer: Blackburn, Dr. Elizabeth, Epel, Dr. Elissa

The New York Times bestselling book coauthored by the Nobel Prize winner who discovered telomerase and telomeres' role in the aging process and the health psychologist who has done original research into how specific lifestyle and psychological habits can protect telomeres, slowing disease and improving life. Have you wondered why some sixty-year-olds look and feel like forty-year-olds and why some forty-year-olds look and feel like sixty-year-olds? While many factors contribute to aging and illness, Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn discovered a biological indicator called telomerase, the enzyme that replenishes telomeres, which protect our genetic heritage.

3. The Telomere Effect: Taking Control of Your Cellular Aging

The Telomere Effect: Taking Control of Your Cellular Aging I just finished reading The Telomere Effect by Dr. Elizabeth Blackburn and Dr. Elissa Epel, and it was enlightening. The authors' discoveries about how telomeres (the endcaps on our chromosomes) affect cellular aging are a major advancement in our

4. Elizabeth Blackburn | Speaker | TED

She received the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2009 for discovering the molecular nature of telomeres, the ends of chromosomes that serve as protective caps essential for preserving genetic information, and for co-discovering telomerase, an enzyme that maintains telomere ends.

5. David P. Barash. The Hare and the Tortoise: Culture, Biology, and Human Nature

The postulated differences in reproductive strategies lead of course to psychological conclusions, and beyond the hoary "Higamous Hogamous, woman monogamous, Hogamous Higamous, man is polygamous" women will have a keen awareness of the consequences of their actions, the most portentous being copulation. Women not only choose (men), they take responsibility for the consequences (children) of their actions. Women, Barash argues, personify the human psychological impulses toward discrimination, choice, the acceptance of limits, nurturance and cooperation.

6. Nature Via Nurture by Matt Ridley

Nature via Nurture chronicles a new revolution in our understanding of genes. Ridley recounts the hundred years' war between the partisans of nature and nurture to explain how this paradoxical creature, the human being, can be simultaneously free-willed and motivated by instinct and culture. Nature via Nurture is an enthralling, up-to-the-minute account of how genes build brains to absorb experience.

7. When Grasshoppers Go Biblical: Serotonin Causes Locusts to Swarm

What makes harmless little green grasshoppers turn into brown, crop-chomping clouds of swarming locusts? Serotonin, according to a study published this week in Science.

8. ADHD May Be Linked to the MTHFR Gene Mutation: What to Know

Some research suggests the MTHFR gene mutation, linked to conditions like depression and bipolar disorder, may play a role in ADHD’s onset, too. Treatments like folate supplementation may help.

9. Choline, An Essential Nutrient Impacted By Genes

Choline is an essential nutrient that a lot of us don’t get enough of. In fact, the majority of the US population doesn’t get enough choline on a daily basis. Insufficient choline can impact mental sharpness, heart health, fatty liver disease, and more.

10. MTHFR and Methylated Vitamins for ADHD: A Superhero Guide

MTHFR stands for "methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase" and is a star player in our bodies. It's a crucial enzyme that helps our bodies process amino acids, the building blocks of proteins.

 


 

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