Mitochondrial dysfunction is a key concept that emerges across multiple podcast episodes, as it has been linked to a range of health issues including mental disorders, long COVID, and autism.

For example, in the episode How Regular Marijuana Use, Ultra-Processed Food, and Lack of Sleep are Poisoning Our Mitochondria and What We Can Do To Reclaim Our Energy and Brain Health With Dr. Chris Palmer, the host discusses Dr. Palmer's 'Brain Energy' theory, which posits that many mental disorders stem from metabolic dysfunction and mitochondrial toxicity. Similarly, in the episode EP. 152: Exercise & Long COVID | Quick + Dirty, Dr. Tina Moore explains how mitochondrial dysfunction contributes to the fatigue and exercise intolerance experienced by individuals with long COVID.

Across the episodes, the role of mitochondrial health in brain development, function, and chronic disease is a central theme, with experts highlighting the potential for lifestyle and metabolic interventions to address underlying mitochondrial dysfunction.