How much protein do we really need? And is resistance training more important than we thought? In this episode of The Ty Beal Show, Stuart Phillips, PhD, renowned expert in muscle health and aging at McMaster University, breaks down the science of muscle preservation across the lifespan. Stuart shares his evolving perspective on protein's role in building and maintaining muscle, explaining why exercise is the true driver of muscle development—and why the current Recommended Dietary Allowance may be setting the bar too low. We discuss optimal protein intake for different life stages, the nuances of plant-based versus animal-based proteins, and why strength training matters far more for longevity than most people realize. Highlights from the episode include: Why exercise, not protein alone, is the key to preserving muscle as we age The difference between strength and power—and why power matters most for preventing falls and maintaining independence Evidence-based resistance training: what works and how much time you really need to invest The RDA for protein versus optimal intake—and why the distinction matters globally Protein requirements across life stages: pregnancy, childhood, older adulthood Plant-based versus animal-based proteins: separating science from ideology Safe protein intake ranges for longevity and health What older adults should prioritize to maintain muscle and function Dr. Phillips brings a refreshingly balanced perspective grounded in decades of rigorous research—pushing back against both protein minimalism and protein extremism to reveal what the evidence says. Find Dr. Stuart Phillips at McMaster University. Connect with him on X, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Connect with Ty on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Sign up for Ty's Newsletter.

Can grazing livestock help restore soils, support biodiversity, and even mitigate climate change? In this episode of The Ty Beal Show, rangeland ecologist at Colorado State University, Dr. Paige Stanley, shares her research on regenerative grazing systems and their potential to benefit both landscapes and livelihoods. Paige explains how well-managed grazing influences soil carbon dynamics, plant communities, and ecosystem resilience—and why not all grazing systems are created equal. We discuss the science behind methane emissions from cattle, trade-offs in land use, and how policy and incentives can help expand regenerative ranching practices that balance productivity with environmental stewardship. Highlights from the episode include:• How regenerative grazing differs from conventional grazing and why management matters• What the latest research says about grazing’s role in soil carbon sequestration and biodiversity• The methane puzzle—short-lived climate pollutants and strategies to reduce emissions• Opportunities and challenges in scaling regenerative ranching for both ranchers and policymakers Paige brings a nuanced, evidence-based perspective on the role of grazing animals in sustainable food systems—cutting through polarized debates with insights from the field. Find Paige Stanley on X and at her website. Connect with Ty on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Sign up for Ty's Newsletter.

What exactly is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)—and how can evidence-based therapies help people reclaim their lives? In this episode of The Ty Beal Show, Dr. Sara Brungardt, licensed professional counselor and founder of CalmOCD, shares her expertise on diagnosing and treating OCD with proven methods like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Sara explains how OCD differs from perfectionism or personality traits, why intrusive thoughts don’t define a person’s character, and how therapy can rewire the brain’s fear response. We also discuss common myths about OCD, overlaps with eating disorders and anxiety, and how families can best support loved ones navigating recovery. Highlights from the episode include: What distinguishes OCD from ordinary worries or habits How ERP and ACT work to reduce compulsions and anxiety The connection between OCD, eating disorders, and control Practical advice for supporting someone with OCD or seeking treatment Dr. Brungardt offers a compassionate, science-based perspective that brings clarity to a misunderstood condition—and hope to those living with it. Find Dr. Brungardt at CalmOCD.com and on Instagram. Connect with Ty on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Sign up for Ty's Newsletter.

Why do so many U.S. nutrition and health policies seem to favor ultra-processed foods over real, nutrient-dense foods—and what can be done about it? In this episode of The Ty Beal Show, Calley Means—New York Times #1 best-selling author, co-founder of Truemed, and Senior Advisor to the White House on MAHA—unpacks the structural incentives driving chronic disease in America. Calley draws on his experience as a former political consultant for food and pharmaceutical companies to reveal how lobbying and reimbursement systems shape the foods we eat and the treatments we receive. We discuss how misaligned incentives fuel the epidemic of obesity and metabolic disorders, why prevention remains undervalued, and what reforms could redirect billions toward truly health-promoting foods. Highlights from the episode include: How Big Food and Big Pharma shape nutrition guidelines and healthcare spending The impact of ultra-processed foods on children’s health and chronic disease risk Policy and market innovations—like food-as-medicine—that could shift incentives toward prevention Practical steps for individuals and policymakers to support healthier food environments Calley shares an urgent, insider’s perspective on how policy and industry can change to address the root causes of metabolic disease rather than merely treating symptoms. Find Calley Means on X and Instagram, learn more about Truemed at truemed.com, and order Good Energy on Amazon. Connect with Ty on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Sign up for Ty's Newsletter.

Heart disease is still the top killer globally—but prevention and innovation are reshaping how we think about risk. In this episode of The Ty Beal Show, cardiologist Dr. Ethan Weiss—Chief Scientific Officer at Marea Therapeutics and long-time UCSF faculty expert—walks us through the intersection of genetics, metabolism, and cardiovascular health. Dr. Weiss explains the concept of cardio-endocrine medicine, where heart disease and metabolic disorders like diabetes are deeply interlinked, and explores how imaging, biomarkers, and genomics are improving risk prediction. We dive into LDL vs ApoB, the role of new lipid therapies, and how personalized prevention looks in practice. Along the way, Dr. Weiss shares his experience with a Mediterranean-style low-carb diet and his take on time-restricted eating. Takeaways from the episode include: Why metabolic disease is inseparable from cardiovascular risk How new tools (imaging, biomarkers, genetics) sharpen our prediction Evidence-based lifestyle and clinical strategies to reduce risk Evaluating low-carb diets, saturated fat, and fasting approaches What the future holds in therapies for lipoprotein(a) and beyond Find Dr. Ethan Weiss at Marea Therapeutics and UCSF. Connect with him on X. Connect with Ty on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Sign up for Ty's Newsletter.

What are the hidden compounds in our food, and how do farming practices shape their presence? In this episode of The Ty Beal Show, Stephan van Vliet, PhD, Professor of Nutrition at Utah State University, discusses his pioneering work in metabolomics and the concept of "nutritional dark matter"—the thousands of understudied compounds in food that may impact health. Dr. van Vliet shares his journey from studying egg nutrition to uncovering the complexity of phytochemicals and other bioactive compounds in foods like beef, bison, and plants. The conversation explores how regenerative agriculture, with its focus on soil health and biodiversity, enhances nutrient density in crops and livestock, and what this could mean for human health and sustainable food systems. What you'll learn: The meaning of "nutritional dark matter" and why it matters for health How regenerative farming influences phytochemicals in plants and animal products The unique role of grazing animals in upcycling inedible plants into bioavailable nutrients The differences between pasture-raised and grain-fed beef from a metabolomics perspective Practical tips for choosing nutrient-dense foods at the grocery store or farmers market Dr. van Vliet also discusses his ongoing research, including trials comparing regenerative and conventional agriculture, and the potential multi-generational health impacts of dietary patterns. This episode offers insights into how food production systems shape the nutritional quality of what we eat and their broader implications for health and the environment. Find Dr. Stephan van Vliet’s research at Utah State University and learn more about his work at the van Vliet Lab. Connect with Ty on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Sign up for Ty's Newsletter.

What does it take to foster a healthy relationship with food for children and adolescents? In this episode of The Ty Beal Show, registered dietitian and certified eating disorder specialist Taylor Aasand explores the complexities of eating disorders like ARFID, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa. Drawing from her practice in Phoenix-Scottsdale, she shares evidence-based strategies for prevention, treatment, and recovery, emphasizing compassionate, family-centered approaches and the power of intuitive eating. What you'll learn: The prevalence and impact of eating disorders in youth, affecting up to 1 in 8 individuals How ARFID differs from picky eating and its severe consequences, like growth stunting Why body image drives anorexia but not ARFID, and how to spot subtle warning signs Practical ways to support recovery, including social media audits and family-style meals How intuitive eating promotes self-compassion and balanced nutrition without restrictive diets Taylor also discusses navigating today’s challenging food environment, offering parents actionable advice on fostering positive food conversations to prevent disordered eating. Find Taylor Aasand’s work at her private practice. Connect with Ty on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Sign up for Ty's Newsletter.

What does it take to eat for the health of humans and the planet? In this episode of The Ty Beal Show, Dr. Walter Willett, the world’s most cited nutritionist, gives a sneak peek at the upcoming 2025 EAT-Lancet Commission and provides his take on ultra-processed foods and seed oils. From his family farm in Michigan to leading Harvard's Department of Nutrition for 25 years, Dr. Willett shares the journey that led him to pioneer nutritional epidemiology. At the center of this conversation is the planetary health diet—a flexible framework to address human and planetary health. What you'll discover: The 2025 EAT-Lancet Commission's updated recommendations (releasing October 3rd) How to adapt the planetary health diet from vegan to omnivore preferences The limitations of the NOVA ultra-processed food framework The health effects of seed oils like soybean and canola oil How Dr. Willett's trans-fat research transformed American food policy Dr. Willett addresses the seed oil controversy with decades of research, explaining why these oils have helped reduce heart disease rates since the 1950s. He also reveals why the real drivers of obesity aren't seed oils but sugar-sweetened beverages and refined starches, and how the planetary health diet balances individual health with global sustainability and equity. Find Dr. Walter Willett's research at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and learn more about the EAT-Lancet Commission. Connect with Ty on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Sign up for Ty's Newsletter.

What does the science say about plant-based diets, longevity, and cardiovascular health? In this episode of The Ty Beal Show, Dr. Gil Carvalho, research scientist and host of Nutrition Made Simple with over a million monthly viewers, cuts through the noise to reveal what the evidence shows. Dr. Carvalho challenges common assumptions about plant-based eating, explaining why the term itself is misleading and how Mediterranean, pescatarian, and even well-planned omnivorous diets can be equally health-promoting. Drawing from Harvard's landmark healthy aging studies and genetic research, he reveals how optimized nutrition patterns can add 10-12 years to your lifespan—but warns against the dangerous mythology surrounding certain dietary extremes. This deep-dive conversation explores the mechanics of cardiovascular disease, with Dr. Carvalho breaking down why ApoB—not LDL cholesterol—is the gold standard for assessing heart disease risk. He shares his personal experience with genetic risk factors including elevated Lp(a), explaining when imaging tests like coronary calcium scores become valuable and how to optimize lipid levels through diet, lifestyle, and targeted medications. What you'll learn: Why "plant-based" encompasses everything from Mediterranean to vegan diets—and why the distinction may matter less than you think The critical difference between ApoB and LDL cholesterol for predicting heart attacks Why B12 deficiency on vegan diets can cause irreversible nervous system damage How isometric exercises like wall squats can lower blood pressure as effectively as medication Why weight loss consistently improves glucose metabolism regardless of diet type Dr. Carvalho also shares his personal experiments with statin medications, revealing how different drugs affected his insulin resistance and ApoB levels differently, and explains why promising new Lp(a)-lowering medications might revolutionize cardiovascular prevention within the next few years. Whether you're navigating conflicting dietary advice, concerned about cardiovascular risk, or simply want to understand what nutritional science says about plant-based diets, this episode provides evidence-based clarity from one of the field's most trusted science communicators. Find Dr. Gil Carvalho's work at Nutrition Made Simple on YouTube and follow him on X and Facebook. Connect with Ty on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Sign up for Ty's Newsletter.

Can what you eat actually treat depression? In this episode of The Ty Beal Show, Dr. Ally Jaffee, MD, a psychiatry resident doctor and co-founder of NutriTank, reveals the science behind nutritional psychiatry and why your gut health might be the key to mental wellness. Dr. Jaffee, winner of the 2024 Cura Mental Health Advocate of the Year Award, shares her deeply personal journey into psychiatry—from losing her grandfather to suicide at two weeks old to experiencing her own clinical depression during medical school. Her story illuminates the concept of the "wounded healer" in healthcare and how lived experience can enhance, rather than compromise, clinical practice. Drawing from landmark research including the SMILES trial—the first randomized controlled trial to show dietary intervention could put depression into remission—Dr. Jaffee explains how the gut-brain axis creates a bidirectional pathway between our digestive system and mental health. She breaks down why people with inflammatory bowel disease have higher rates of mental illness, and how restoring gut microbiome balance can enhance both mood and medication effectiveness. What you'll learn: Why medical schools barely teach nutrition despite diet being the leading cause of death worldwide The "triple F" approach to brain health: fermented foods, fiber, and fish How NutriTank is revolutionizing medical education across the UK and influencing national health policy Why traditional psychiatric treatment often jumps straight to medication instead of addressing root causes The power of "safe disclosure"—when healthcare providers thoughtfully share their own experiences How social prescription is transforming mental health treatment for young people Why closing "third spaces" like youth centers contributes to rising adolescent loneliness The remarkable story of transforming psychiatric ward culture through cooking programs Dr. Jaffee also addresses the mental health crisis among young people, explaining how creative arts, nature therapy, and non-traditional interventions can succeed where conventional talk therapy fails. From spoken word poetry to surf therapy, she reveals innovative approaches that are helping disconnected youth find community and healing. Whether you're struggling with mental health challenges, curious about the food-mood connection, or interested in how healthcare systems can evolve beyond the "pill for every ill" mentality, this episode offers hope and practical insights from a passionate advocate working to transform both medical education and patient care. Find Dr. Ally Jaffee's work at NutriTank and follow her on LinkedIn and Instagram. Connect with Ty on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Sign up for Ty's Newsletter.

Why do so many conventional treatments fail to solve chronic health problems? In this episode of The Ty Beal Show, Chris Kresser, MS, LAc, former functional medicine practitioner and New York Times bestselling author, reveals how a systems-based approach uncovers and addresses the true drivers of disease—leading to lasting results instead of temporary symptom relief. Drawing on over 15 years of clinical practice, Chris explains the critical differences between functional, integrative, and conventional medicine, sharing remarkable stories of patients who reversed serious autoimmune conditions, avoided major surgery, and reclaimed their health. He breaks down how environmental triggers, gut health, nutrient deficiencies, and lifestyle factors interact to cause chronic illness—and how personalized nutrition and lab testing can uncover the hidden causes conventional ranges often miss. What you'll learn: Why functional medicine asks "why" instead of just suppressing symptoms with drugs or supplements How a patient with severe Crohn's disease avoided intestinal surgery and healed in weeks Why conventional lab ranges often overlook early nutrient deficiencies The most common nutrient shortfalls: potassium, magnesium, vitamin D, EPA/DHA, iron, zinc, and B12 Why there's no one-size-fits-all diet—and how to create a personalized nutrition template The 80/20 principle: why striving for perfection can harm your health How social connection and stress management can be as important as diet for healing Chris also shares his surprising take on vegan, carnivore, and omnivorous diets, explains how lab work can reveal dietary patterns, and tells the story of the "beer and pizza" recovery that transformed a patient's life. Whether you're facing unexplained symptoms, frustrated by conventional treatments, or simply curious about holistic approaches, this episode offers a masterclass in root cause medicine from one of the field's most experienced voices. Find Chris Kresser's work at chriskresser.com and kresserinstitute.com. Connect with Chris on Instagram, X, and Facebook. Connect with Ty on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Sign up for Ty's Newsletter.

Think ultra-processed foods are bad just because they're high in calories? It's not that simple. In this episode of The Ty Beal Show, nutritional biologist and food scientist Marit Kolby, MS, reveals the shocking mechanisms behind why your body treats a 200-calorie apple completely differently than 200 calories from an ultra-processed snack - and it goes far beyond overconsumption. Marit, author of the popular Norwegian book "What and When Should We Eat?", explains how ultra-processed foods disrupt our gut homeostasis, hijack cellular communication, and create a cascade of inflammation that affects everything from nutrient absorption to mental health. Drawing from her background in food science, microbiology, and nutritional biology, she connects the dots between industrial food processing and widespread health problems. What you'll learn: Why ultra-processed foods are "evolutionary novel industrial formulations" that our bodies haven't evolved to handle How food acts as information, not just fuel, and why extracted compounds send the wrong signals The critical difference between eating whole food cells versus processed extracts Why gut inflammation from processed foods blocks iron absorption and creates nutrient deficiencies How cosmetic additives like emulsifiers and artificial colors disrupt the protective gut barrier The "double hit" effect: losing protective compounds while gaining inflammatory triggers Why heating food in plastic containers releases dangerous microplastics into your meals Simple food swaps that don't require complicated recipes or expensive ingredients Marit also reveals why allowing yourself to feel hungry between meals is essential for cellular repair, how ultra-processed foods override natural satiety signals through inflammation, and her surprisingly optimistic view on how easy it can be to transition back to whole foods. Whether you're struggling with mysterious health issues, concerned about your family's diet, or simply want to understand the science behind food processing, this episode offers eye-opening insights from one of the field's leading researchers. Find Marit Kolby on Instagram, X, and LinkedIn. Connect with Ty on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Sign up for Ty's Newsletter.

Why do billions of people suffer from malnutrition in a world that produces enough food to feed everyone? In this episode of The Ty Beal Show, Dr. Lawrence Haddad, World Food Prize winner and executive director of the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), reveals the shocking truth about global malnutrition and what it would actually take to end it. Dr. Haddad, who was appointed Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George by King Charles III for his services to international nutrition, explains why malnutrition isn't just about hunger - it's about justice, access, and inequality. From his early days studying agricultural economics to leading a global nutrition organization, he shares insights from decades of fighting one of humanity's most persistent challenges. What you'll learn: Why 3-4 billion people are deficient in essential nutrients (not just the 800 million who are hungry) The biggest misconceptions about malnutrition and why it affects every country How stunning brain growth in the first 1,000 days makes early nutrition critical for life Why $23 return on every $1 invested in nutrition isn't enough to motivate politicians The hidden potential of workforce nutrition to transform businesses and communities How recent aid cuts could lead to 369,000 additional child deaths annually Why development finance institutions may be the key to replacing traditional aid The role of small and medium enterprises in feeding the world's poor Dr. Haddad also discusses why nutrition remains an "orphan issue" without strong institutional champions, how the private sector brilliantly markets unhealthy foods while governments fail at promoting healthy ones, and his surprising optimism despite massive funding cuts. Whether you're concerned about global inequality, interested in international development, or want to understand why ending malnutrition is both achievable and essential, this episode offers a masterclass from one of the field's most respected leaders. Find Dr. Lawrence Haddad's work at GAIN. Connect with him on LinkedIn. Connect with Ty on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Sign up for Ty's Newsletter.

How do animals impact our environment, and what role should they play in sustainable food systems? In this episode of The Ty Beal Show, Dr. Anne Mottet, agro-economist and global lead for livestock at the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), explores the complex relationships between livestock and climate change, land use, biodiversity, and water resources. Dr. Mottet, who oversees $1 billion in livestock investments and has over 20 years of experience in research and international development, explains why the environmental impact of livestock depends heavily on how and where animals are raised. She discusses why half the land used by livestock can't be converted to crops, how grazing animals can benefit ecosystems when properly managed, and why 1.4 billion people worldwide depend on livestock for their livelihoods. What you'll learn: Why removing livestock from marginal lands can harm biodiversity The difference between methane and CO2 in climate impact How livestock compare to transport in greenhouse gas emissions The role of animals in converting inedible plants to nutritious food How livestock can both improve and degrade soil and water systems Why food waste and production efficiency matter for sustainability The truth about water use in beef production The trade-offs between different types of animal products Dr. Mottet also discusses the social and cultural importance of livestock, from providing savings accounts for people without bank access to enabling crop production through animal traction on half the world's farmland. Whether you're concerned about climate change, curious about sustainable agriculture, or trying to make informed food choices, this episode offers a science-based perspective on both the benefits and risks of livestock in our food systems. Find Dr. Anne Mottet's work at IFAD. Connect with her on X and Instagram. Connect with Ty on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Sign up for Ty's Newsletter.

What if the secret to sustainable weight maintenance isn't counting calories or following strict diets, but understanding which foods naturally make you feel full? In this episode of The Ty Beal Show, Dr. Andreas Eenfeldt, founder and CEO of Diet Doctor, shares his evolution from keto advocate to pioneer of "satiety per calorie" - a revolutionary approach to eating that works regardless of whether you're low-carb, plant-based, or somewhere in between. Dr. Eenfeldt, who built the world's largest keto and low-carb website, reveals why he's moved beyond strict dietary rules to focus on foods that naturally control hunger. Drawing from hundreds of thousands of eating logs and rigorous scientific research, he explains how protein, energy density, fiber, and food processing combine to determine how much we eat. What you'll learn: The benefits and risks of ketogenic and low-carb diets Why some people get dangerously high cholesterol on keto (and what to do about it) How ultra-processed foods are engineered to make us overeat The four key factors that determine how full food makes you feel Why you can succeed with either low-carb high-fat OR high-carb low-fat diets How to navigate social eating while maintaining healthy habits The science behind Andreas's new Hava app and its AI-powered approach to eating Dr. Eenfeldt also shares his personal dietary evolution - how after 20 years of strict low-carb eating, he now enjoys greater flexibility while achieving better results. Whether you're keto-curious, struggling with food cravings, or simply want a more sustainable approach to healthy eating, this episode offers practical, science-based strategies that work in the real world. Find Dr. Andreas Eenfeldt's work at Diet Doctor and try the Hava app for free. Connect with Ty on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Sign up for Ty's Newsletter.

Ever wonder why it's so hard to resist that bag of chips or stop eating when you're full? In this inaugural episode of The Ty Beal Show, neuroscientist and author Dr. Stephan Guyenet reveals the fascinating science behind our eating behaviors and why our brains aren't built for today's food environment. Dr. Guyenet, author of "The Hungry Brain," a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year, breaks down complex topics into clear, actionable insights. You'll discover why hunter-gatherers never struggled with obesity, how ultra-processed foods hijack our brain's reward systems, and why willpower alone isn't enough to overcome modern eating challenges. What you'll learn: The real reason obesity has skyrocketed over the past century How leptin (the hormone you've never heard of) controls your appetite Why diets fail and what brain science tells us about sustainable weight loss The truth about GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and their remarkable effects How to navigate the confusing world of nutrition information Plus, Stephan shares his work at GiveWell, where he helps direct millions of dollars to save lives in the world's poorest countries, and discusses the critical importance of international health aid. Whether you're struggling with your own eating habits, curious about the latest weight loss breakthroughs, or simply want to understand the science behind nutrition headlines, this episode offers evidence-based insights without the hype. Find Dr. Stephan Guyenet on X. Buy his book The Hungry Brain. View popular nutrition book reviews at Red Pen Reviews. Connect with Ty on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Sign up for Ty’s Newsletter.

Tired of conflicting nutrition advice? Nutrition scientist Ty Beal, PhD cuts through the noise with credible, science-backed insights that are actually useful. In this trailer, discover what makes The Ty Beal Show different: no diet fads, no fear-mongering—just practical guidance from leading experts in nutrition, public health, and food systems. Learn why there's no perfect diet for everyone and how to make informed choices about your health. Each week, expect evidence-based conversations delivered in plain language, with facts over fear and understanding over judgment. Ready to take charge of your health? Subscribe now for nutrition science you can trust. New episodes weekly.