Scientist. Author. Educator. Athlete.
PhD · CNS · LDN · BCHN · FACSM · FACN · FAIS
Connecting nutrition, biochemistry, and psychology to help people feel and perform better.
Dr. Shawn Talbott is a PsychoNutritionist whose work explores how the microbiome, gut, heart, and brain shape mental wellness and physical performance.
He brings that science into everyday life through research, books, coach education, natural product development, and the 3 Waves Wellness Center in Plymouth, Massachusetts.
Science in practice
With a PhD in Nutritional Biochemistry from Rutgers University and entrepreneurship studies at MIT, Dr. Talbott combines scientific research with the practical work of building products, programs, and educational experiences.
His research focuses on natural products, including dietary supplements, herbal medicine, and functional foods, and their roles in microbiome balance, stress resilience, mood, energy, and human performance. His career spans academic teaching, clinical research, product development, and public education.
He founded the 3 Waves Wellness Center in 2021, bringing together nutrition, sleep, movement, nature, and other mental wellness practices. He has trained more than 1,000 students as Certified Mental Wellness Coaches, helping them translate the science of the microbiome–gut–brain axis into practical support for their clients.
His educational work includes two academic textbooks, best-selling books translated into multiple languages, an award-winning documentary, and presentations on the TEDx stage.
Education & professional credentials
Entrepreneurial Masters Program (2007), Entrepreneurship Development Program (2014), and Advanced Certificate for Executives in Management, Innovation, and Technology (2014).
Professional experience
A holistic mental fitness center in Plymouth, Massachusetts, offering individual and corporate retreat experiences focused on the connections between physical and mental wellness.
Designs clinical studies and product development projects to research and evaluate dietary supplements and natural approaches to health.
Developed and delivered the full-semester Maximizing Mental Fitness course and a Mental Wellness Coach certification course covering nutrition, exercise, supplements, the microbiome, and the body–mind connection.
Served on the founding and executive leadership teams, directing research, product formulation, clinical studies, and scientific education.
Taught nutrition and dietary supplement science, directed the Nutrition Clinic, and developed undergraduate, graduate, and online education. Received the Outstanding Instructor Award in 2004.
Research & innovation
Dr. Talbott’s published research spans the microbiome, mood, stress, immune function, sports performance, and metabolism. His product development work has contributed to nutritional products generating more than $1 billion in combined sales.
His patent portfolio includes nutritional formulations addressing gut–brain signaling, mood, focus, and the endocannabinoid system. His applications also cover sleep quality, microbiome metabolism, immune function, and exercise recovery.
He serves on the Board of Directors of the National Association for Nutrition Professionals and has reviewed manuscripts for journals including Nutrients, Frontiers in Nutrition, and Frontiers in Psychology.
Books, film & public education
His academic titles include A Guide to Understanding Dietary Supplements (2003) and The Health Professionals Guide to Dietary Supplements (2007).
The documentary Killer at Large: Why Obesity Is America’s Greatest Threat (2009) received film festival awards and was screened at the White House in connection with Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign.
His public education work also includes TEDx talks, television interviews, and ongoing mental fitness masterclasses.
Explore books & Wild Medicine · Watch masterclass webinars on YouTube
An athlete’s perspective
Shawn is an endurance athlete with more than 100 marathon, ultramarathon, and triathlon finishes, including 24 Ironman events. He has competed in rowing through the U.S. National Team Development Program, cycling through the Olympic Training Center development program in Lake Placid, and triathlon, including two years as a professional.
He won the World’s Fittest CEO title in 2014 and was a member of the 2020 Team USA Triathlon Team in off-road and long-course disciplines.
As a nutrition consultant and educator, he has worked with professional triathletes, members of the Utah Jazz and Real Salt Lake, the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Association during the 2002 Winter Olympics, the U.S. Track & Field Association’s Performance Enhancement Team, and U.S. Olympic Training Centers.
Keep learning
Explore mental wellness coach education, watch a masterclass, or send Dr. Shawn a question.
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