Lauren Vinopal

Chicago

Writer, comedian, curmudgeon. Bylines at Cracked, Slate, GQ, Men's Health, Vice, Mel and more. For tips/gigs: [email protected]

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Articles

Why Can I Fall Asleep on the Couch and Not in My Bed?

2 days ago | insidehook.com | Lauren Vinopal

I recently had the privilege of watching stand-up comedian Michael Meyers work out some new jokes, one of which hit particularly close to home. The Chicago-based performer said he never sleeps in his bed; he can only fall asleep on his couch.
Should You Use AI for Therapy? We Examine the Pros and Cons.

1 month ago | insidehook.com | Lauren Vinopal

Think of a period when you were struggling with work, your relationship or just going through a hard time. Maybe loved ones suggested therapy, but it wasn’t a practical solution at the time. You couldn’t commit to regular appointments, afford the co-pay or find someone to take your insurance. The unsuccessful search might’ve even made you feel worse. But what if you could’ve just asked ChatGPT to give you advice instead? And better yet, in the voice of famous psychologist Carl Rogers?
Creatine for Brain Health: Boost Memory, Energy and Clarity

1 month ago | insidehook.com | Lauren Vinopal

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of creatine? The supplement has long been lumped in with meathead mythology — blame the branding — but the science tells a different story. As it turns out, creatine is one of the most rigorously studied and broadly beneficial on the shelf.
This Is Your Brain on Creatine

1 month ago | sfgate.com | Lauren Vinopal

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of creatine? The supplement has long been lumped in with meathead mythology — blame the branding — but the science tells a different story. As it turns out, creatine is one of the most rigorously studied and broadly beneficial on the shelf.
This Is Your Brain on Creatine

1 month ago | flipboard.com | Lauren Vinopal

This Is Your Brain on CreatineWhat’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of creatine? The supplement has long been lumped in with meathead mythology — blame the …
What Does Sleep Have to Do With Aging? Everything.

2 months ago | insidehook.com | Lauren Vinopal

Perhaps it’s because they’ve seen it all, but elderly people usually aren’t shy about making dark jokes. One of their stereotypical bits doubles as an explanation for why they wake up so early: They’re running out of time. But in truth, sleeping less as you age is not just about making it to water aerobics at the crack of dawn. It’s a well-documented biological phenomenon.
The Dietary Change That Brought My Energy Back

2 months ago | insidehook.com | Lauren Vinopal

Although I was a vegetarian for seven formative years, from age 17 to 24, I knew more about Taco Bell’s vegetarian menu than I did about macronutrients. When I decided to try meat again, I reverted to my childhood meal of choice, a salami sandwich with yellow mustard. Sure, I had an immediate stomachache, but I also had something I rarely felt, even after five cups of coffee: energy.
Is Weed Addictive? What Science Says About Dependence.

Mar 7, 2025 | insidehook.com | Lauren Vinopal

As a millennial, I’ve seen the reputation of potheads elevate from burnouts buying incense and Grateful Dead shirts at the mall to successful adults who don’t drink but enjoy unwinding and having a good time. The legalized cannabis era has even cultivated a surprising conversational common ground. That family member you’re hoping doesn’t bring up politics at dinner? They’d love to talk gummies instead.
10 Best Mustache Waxes for Styling Your Whiskers to Distinguished Handsomeness

Feb 26, 2025 | mensjournal.com | Lauren Vinopal

Travis Kelce’s magic ‘stache may not have brought him a third Super Bowl ring this year, but the grooming choice did make him look ready to be cast in a reboot of Tombstone. And thanks to other mustachioed celebrities like Justin Bieber and Jason Sudeikis, a new facial hair reality has set in: These guys are bringing the mustache back in a big way. But what you might not understand is the careful art of using mustache wax to perfect the look—and the best mustache wax to get you there.
Nuts Are Nutrient Powerhouses, But How You Eat Them Matters

Jan 17, 2025 | insidehook.com | Lauren Vinopal

Contrary to what the old playground song suggests, beans are not a magical fruit. But nuts might be. With the exception of peanuts, which are actually legumes — and which no one really wants to eat, outside of a vegetarian at a Dodgers game — most nuts are either the seeds of fruits or fruits themselves. Brazil nuts are another gray area, because they are the seeds of Brazil nut trees, but they’re also , so you really should avoid eating more than two a day. Like I said, pretty magical.