FIELD NOTES 007: From Fouquet's Spa to White Water Rafting at 38F Degrees
And no Erewhon isn’t REALLY opening in NYC, but you can soon order their smoothie on Postmates (or pay $36K for KITH new members club)
This week we're diving into health data privacy panic (looking at you, Oura), the weird science of eating your way to better skin, and why your brain desperately needs a phone detox.
End of summer was a blur. I turned 35 during a quick NYC stopover at Fouquet's spa (and some amazing Omakase), which was honestly perfect except for one thing that drove me nuts: their shower products look beautiful and fit the decor BUT don't tell you what the hell you're putting on your skin. Like, I get the aesthetic, but I want to know the brand and ingredients.
After that it was straight to Calgary for my closest friends’ wedding (Tara & Sard). Between the beautiful ceremony and an actual rodeo (yes, I can now officially say it's not my first rodeo), it was the kind of weekend that reminds you why you drag yourself across time zones for the people you love. Since I'd never been to Canada, I figured I should stick around and do some nature discovery instead and this is how I ended up in 4 celsius (38F degree) water for almost an hour 🥶
THIS WEEK’S DOWNLOAD
Aka things I stumbled across - some new, some just new to me.
THINGS I LIKED THIS WEEK
Best Read: Eric Topol’s take on the protein haze written to give a science background to the recent the Daily episode on the topic. Punchline? “Simply put, there are no data to support more than 1.6 g/kg/day of protein intake”. And I will leave you with that.
Wellness: white water rafting in Canada in 38 degree water - it was very fun but damn, that’s a one long cold plunge. Fouquet’s Spa in NYC is also really nice - the therapeutic massage was excellent (minus the amenity detail pictured below)
Product: I’ve been on peptide protocol and currently taking BPC 157 + KPV, i.e. a “guttide” in capsule form (most peptides like Ozempic are in needle form). I’m 30 days in, 60 days to go, and so far feeling much better (it lowers inflammation and heals gut)
Best Bite: For my birthday we went to Shion 69 in tribeca and these two fresh from Japan Uni types were 10/10. Note sea urchin is rich in Vitamin C and B12!
📎 ARTICLES THAT CAUGHT MY EYE
🧠 My Take: This is the largest consumer privacy outreach I've seen recently and points to a larger sentiment - privacy of data was always important, but health data privacy hits consumers differently (and rightly so). We're entering an era where more of your health data is out there, and what happened with 23andMe: people gave their genetic data (myself included) to get insights, then learned the data would be sold and used in ways consumers didn't agree to - is scary. The Cut interviews a cybersecurity expert and, needless to say, it's not very reassuring. Their advice: wear wearables less often to create less data. (I did a post on it here)
🧠 My Take: Earlier this year, OpenAI partnered with Retro Biosciences (a longevity biotech backed by Sam Altman) to build a specialized AI model for biology called GPT-4b micro. They just announced breakthrough results - achieving 50x better performance in reprogramming markers specifically tied to Yamanaka factors, the most promising discovery in longevity biotech to date. Why this matters: Yamanaka factors are some of the most exciting discovery in longevity to date. You can read more here as to why. If this performance continues, we're looking at a major leap in accelerating anti-aging therapies, including organ repair and cellular rejuvenation. Honestly, nothing has excited me more recently than this breakthrough!
** Spa at Fouquet’s NYC
🧬 SCIENCE BIT
DETOX YOUR BRAIN: The Study: 72-Hour Smartphone Restriction & Brain Activity.
The study showed despite self reported mood changes, the scans show meaningful brain function changes in neural patterns - particularly those responsible for things like cravings and mood changes.
🧠 My Take: Just as your brain gets negatively affected by even short-term phone use, it's possible to reverse the damage. Julie Fratantoni, PhD, outlines a practical approach in her post on retraining your brain. She recommends a 3-day detox that starts with simply noticing and journaling when you pick up your phone (to create awareness) and progresses to full disconnection. If you think about it, it is not too dissimilar to what fasting does to our body!
2. EAT FOR SKIN: Unilever study links skin microbiome to premature aging and appearance
🧠 My take: This one is very cool! We know skin is the largest organ, and we also now know that caring for your appearance isn't just vanity. Your skin reflects internal imbalances, and the microbiome has emerged as a key internal system that affects skin health. It's not crazy to think we'll actually start seeing foods branded as beauty products on shelves next to serums.
🧠 My take: this is NOT new science but with studies coming out about benefits of working out on aging, it’s important to have a good tangible takway as to what you can do to help yourself. And it’s pretty simple - you need zone 5 (think max out effort) for at least 4 minutes a week and proper strength training (i.e. being mindful of weights and progression).
💸 VCs, M&A, AND STRATEGY SHIFTS
Aug 19, 2025 – SHA Partners with WHOOP for “Leader’s Performance” Program. SHA, a science-backed longevity resort & clinic, announced a collaboration with WHOOP—the wearable performance analytics platform—to integrate real-time data into its “Leader’s Performance” health program. WHOOP
Aug 22, 2025 – Small Luxury Hotels of the World launches Wellbeing Collection Small Luxury Hotels of the World unveiled a curated Wellbeing Collection, spotlighting properties that excel in holistic wellness experiences.
Sep 2, 2025 U.S. Open gets luxe makeover The U.S. Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium is undergoing an $800 million transformation. Upgrades include eight exclusive luxury clubs with custom scents, new courtside suites, and lavish courtside lounges with sommelier services and speakeasy chef tables. The upgrade blends elite and broad fan experiences but transportation remains a concern. New York Post
And this is 35!
Love all of this!!