The conversation debunks the common weight loss advice of solely focusing on calorie restriction, emphasizing instead the critical role of insulin regulation, particularly through carbohydrate intake, and highlighting the benefits of a ketogenic diet and ketones for metabolic health, brain function, and overall well-being.
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One of the problems with weight loss
goals is saying you need to cut calories
in order to get there. Now, I'm not
saying calories don't matter. They are
relevant, but not the most relevant. And
I'm going to talk about evidence to
support that.
>> If someone is listening at home now and
they have the goal of losing some
weight, they want to be in a better
physique, be more healthy. Is this
conversation going to help them
accomplish those goals?
>> I'll make sure that they get what they need.
need.
>> Dr. Benjamin Bickman is one of the
world's leading metabolic and fat cell
scientists. And now he's returned to
expose some of the myths surrounding
weight loss
>> and the surprising impact that one
particular hormone has on our weight,
brain, and mental health.
>> As a metabolic scientist, I wouldn't
want someone to think there is only one
way to lose weight. However, I think
this is the most practical and simplest
strategy, a ketogenic diet. A huge
reason is that when you cut carbs,
insulin comes down. And insulin as a
hormone is the one metabolic hormone to
rule them all. Insulin will tell every
single cell of the body what it needs to
do with energy. And insulin is so
determined to store energy that it is
directing calories to be stored in
tissues like fat or in the liver
>> to make you fat.
>> Yeah. But there's more. Ketones are the
brain's preferred fuel. It can control
anxiety, improve depression. It can help
with attention. In fact, the benefits of
ketones are so extensive that companies
are finding ways so you can drink ketones.
ketones.
>> And I have a bunch of different
exogenous ketone products here, a
variety of different brands and a bunch
of other things here on the table. So,
what the hell is this?
>> If someone is interested in a good,
smart way of losing weight, try that.
>> This is definitely a prop. It tastes
like bleach.
>> I'm so sorry. Oh my god.
>> So, for 2026 to be the year where I
finally get a grip of my health, and I
asked you to make the perfect plan, what
would you prescribe?
>> So, first of all,
I see messages all the time in the
comments section that some of you didn't
realize you didn't subscribe. So, if you
could do me a favor and double check if
you're a subscriber to this channel,
that would be tremendously appreciated.
It's the simple, it's the free thing
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keep everything going in this show in
the trajectory it's on. So, please do
double check if you've subscribed and uh
thank you so much because in a strange
way, you are you're part of our history
and you're on this journey with us and I
appreciate you for that. So, yeah, thank you.
Dr. Benjamin Bickman,
at this time of year, the audience that
are listening right now are thinking a
lot about health and dietary changes
that they can make to make 2026 the best
year of their life to finally be able to
kick that habit. And one of the things
that's front of mind, I think, for all
of my listeners is their relationship
with sugar, with carbs,
>> right? And I guess the second order
things that some people might know
something about like insulin resistance
and all these kinds of subjects. At this
particular moment in the year, if you
had the ear of millions of people as
they're coming into 2026, what is the
most important thing that you would say
to them?
>> Yeah, that's a great question. What a
way to um to get things started. In
fact, I appreciate you even framing the
conversation as if I had the ear because
you've given me the ear of millions of
people. So, I'm going to take it
seriously. The way you frame the
question is really relevant because
within North America, you see a a
pattern, a rhythm to both weight gain
and even insulin resistance as it is
quantified throughout the year where in
the winter months people gain more
weight and are more insulin resistant.
Almost like the hibernating bear, which
becomes demonstrably more insulin
resistant as it gets into hibernation.
We non-hibernating mammals actually see
an echo of the same thing, albeit more
subtly. So, it matters now where
physiologically we're more inclined to
suffer from the consequences of bad
dietary decisions.
And of course, with all the holidays,
we're more likely to be making those bad
dietary decisions. So, my advice would
be to structure your indulgences as
smartly as you can. you know that you're
going to be faced with foods that are
delicious and dare I say addictive.
Don't rely on your own intuition uh to
guide you through eating that know that
your temptation to indulge is going to
be in some instances perhaps greater
than you can control. So, structure your
indulgences. Give yourself a distinct
period of time where you know you're
going to embib in these refined starches
and sugars. And then, if necessary,
recruit help. Have a family member, have
a loved one join you in your plan, and
you tell them, "I don't want to gain the
same weight I gained last year. I don't
want to amplify the consequences of
insulin resistance like I did last year.
Can you please be my my watchman and
help me keep track where today is my day
of indulgence or two days and then on
that Monday remind me please be my
helper um to get back on track. Among
the many problems with the modern diet
is the constant carbohydrate
consumption. It is the one macronutrient
that we have the hardest time
controlling and I would say it's the one
macronutrient that has the most
disastrous consequences in the form in
which we consume it. Now, of course,
carbohydrates is a broad class of food.
Some are just fine and some are not. Of
course, we more focus on the ones that
are not fine. So, my advice would be
structure your indulgences, be mindful
of what you're doing in that you are not
doing yourselves any favor. uh and then
recruit outside help because you will
not be able to rely on your own
intuition to pull you out of what might
become the sort of carbind induced coma.
>> Um I did ask thousands of the listeners
what dietary changes they had planned
for 2026 and what they cared about most.
Funnily keto came up number one then
cutting sugar then weight loss then
fasting more protein whole foods low
carb and calorie control. So this is
going to be a bit of a road map for me.
I'm thrilled to hear that order. Like
when you put out the histogram and
you're looking at the most common
responses, the fact that calorie number
was at the bottom actually kind of
thrills me because this reflects that
the tide is turning that over the past
decades, 60 plus years, the singular
piece of advice when it came to weight
loss and metabolic health was eat less,
exercise more, which is a purely
thermodynamic or a a calorie centric
paradigm. just stating nothing else
matters other than the energy you're
putting in and the energy you're putting
out. We can't possibly account for all
of the energy in the complexity of the
human body. You can have humans eat two
meals that are identical in calorie
number. So purely isocaloric
and there is something called the
thermic effect of food. So when we eat
right now you and I haven't eaten, we're
in a fasted state. Our metabolic rate is
say humming along here. If we were to go
get lunch and eat something in the hours
following just the very act of digesting
we have turned up the metabolic engine
and metabolic rate would go up a little bit.
bit.
>> Metabolic rate meaning
>> meaning the total amount of energy the
body is is expending. In fact metabolism
to I'll come back to this thought in
just a second. As a metabolic scientist
people don't even understand the word
metabolism. Metabolism is
underwhelmingly perhaps nothing more but
nothing less than the sum of every
chemical reaction happening in our
bodies. It's just everything that is
keeping us alive, that is keeping our
neurons firing, my my my muscles moving
as I'm animating on the my hands.
Everything we're doing is metabolism.
And so after we eat, metabolism goes up
a little bit. Again, that's called the
thermic effect of food. And if you give
people two isocaloric meals, so exact
same number of calories. That's what
isocaloric means. same amount of protein
and yet the they differ in their
composition of macronutrients with fats
and and carbs. So the meal that is lower
carb and higher fat, those individuals
will have a much higher metabolic rate
for hours afterwards than the group that
is eating the high carb, low-fat version
of that same caloric meal. And that's
because insulin insulin as a hormone is
the one metabolic hormone to rule them
all. It will determine what the body
does with energy at every single cell.
This is a principle even many very
educated clinicians don't understand.
They think that insulin only controls
blood glucose. That's just the most
obvious thing that it does because we
can prick a finger and measure it or
slap something on our arm and measure
the glucose. Insulin will tell every
single cell of the body from brain cells
to bone cells, liver cells to lung
cells, and everyone in between what it
needs to do with energy. And insulin is
so determined to store energy that it
will slow the metabolic engine of the
body down in order to store more. And so
all of this is my long- winded way of of
saying how thrilled I am that this is an
audience that is shrugging off the old
ideas of a calorie ccentric model of
obesity. Because all of these people,
everyone's interested in losing weight
or maintaining weight, which I admire.
That's a good goal. The size of our fat
cells matters tremendously. So that's a
good goal to want to shrink our fat
cells and be healthier. The fact that
they didn't put controlling calories as
number one and indeed put it at the end
suggests that the word is getting around
that more I would say better more sound
metabolic science is starting to seep
through society where they're more
interested in controlling their macronutrients.
macronutrients.
In other words, their carbs and their
fats than they are controlling their calories.
calories.
>> My brother called you, didn't he?
>> He did.
>> My older brother.
>> Yeah. What did he say?
>> Yeah, he's darling. Well, we we had some
wonderful conversations. Um, he was
interested as a dad, a middle-aged dad,
in in fact indeed checking a lot of the
boxes you just mentioned, which is I
want to be a healthy dad. I want to live
a long, healthy life. One of the
problems with weight loss goals is they
look at the goal. They look at the
weight where they want to get to.
They're looking down the down the road
and saying, "This is where I want to
get, and so I need to cut calories in
order to get there." So there are two
there are two variables that come into
play when it comes to losing weight. And
I've already said said this and I'll
state it again just to be clear. It's a
matter of shrinking fat cells. That's
what happens when someone's losing fat
mass. It's not that you're losing fat
cells. Indeed, you don't want to. That's
a topic for another time. But
liposuction is a perfect example where
you are losing fat mass and yet no
health marker gets better. None. Even
though you've lost, you could go in and
suck out fat cells and you'd say, "I
lost 20 pounds of pure fat. I'm now
going to go to my doctor and get my
blood test and I'm going to be so much
healthier." And yet nothing is
different. If they were diabetic,
they're just as diabetic. So if
someone's looking at their New Year's
goals, and when I spoke with your
brother, it was an echo of this
conversation in a way. I said, "All
right, you need to shrink your fat
cells." Most people only look at the
calorie control. The problem with
calorie control is that we've seen what
it looks like when you only focus on
calorie deprivation. And that is in in a
word hunger. And there was this within
the US there's been this game show over
the years called the greatest loser.
These people one lose a fantastic amount
of weight and yet you never see them
again because they gain it all back. So,
if your weight loss strategy is based on
cutting calories without addressing
insulin, which is the other of the two
variables, then you're going to be
hungry. Dr. David Lewig at Harvard, a
friend and colleague and collaborator,
he published a report looking at the
same kind of dynamic that I outlined a
moment ago, two isocaloric or equal
calorie meals. And he found that when
they ate the meal that spiked insulin,
the what he called I think he called it
total energy availability. So they
measured every calorie molecule in the
blood. So ketones, you know, BHB, they
measured uh lactate, they measured fats,
they measured glucose, and they found
that when with the insulin spiking meal,
the total energy availability went down.
>> What does that mean?
>> Yeah. So in other words, with the
increase in insulin, as I noted a moment
ago, insulin is so determined to store
energy that it is directing calories to
go from the blood to be stored in
tissues like fat or in the liver
>> to make you fat.
>> Yeah, indeed it would. But the problem
is the brain doesn't have that storage
capacity. You know, you could have big
fat cells with lots of energy. You could
have a liver with tons of fat and
glycogen, which is a stored form of
glucose, ready to go, but the brain
doesn't have a big storage reservoir,
and yet it has a high metabolic rate.
And so the brain is constantly relying
on the energy in the blood that it can
use, especially glucose and ketones, the
two primary fuels for the brain. And so
when you spike insulin, you lower your
glucose and you stop your liver from
making ketones. So the two main brain
fuels have gone down,
>> which is why you get brain fog.
>> It certainly lead to some mild cognitive
impairment, but it would also drive
hunger. And so another group found that
if you ate an isocoric breakfast, one
low carb, one high carb, the group that
was on the high carb breakfast was much
hungrier much sooner.
>> And so this
>> Okay. So let me just
>> Yeah. Yeah. The way I understand that is
>> because I've had a meal that's high in
sugar, let's say, or carbs. >> Y
>> Y
>> insulin has come out, it's grabbed all
of the energy from my blood.
>> Yep. That you just ate.
>> That I just ate. It's stored it all
away. And because my brain is getting
its energy from the blood as well, my
brain is being energy deprived in some
way. And so my brain is going
>> within an hour or two, you are hungry.
>> Yes. Even though your fat cells might be
bigger than they've ever been. So that's
the sort of disconnect that you end up
having when you're spiking insulin so
frequently, you may have hundreds of
thousands or even millions of calories
stored on your body in your fat cells
primarily. And yet the brain is saying,
"I'm hungry." We shouldn't be hungry. We
have so much energy that we can use, but
only if we can access it. And this is
where ketones come in. And I hate to
change the topic, but if if a person has
fat and they can burn that fat, then
they're making ketones. And ketones are
the brain's preferred fuel. Let's just
state that with an exclamation mark. And
so if the brain is getting ketones or
even if it has access to plenty of
glucose, it senses, hey, there's no
energy deprivation. We're fine. We don't
need to eat. And that's what these
studies find. And so back to the
conversation with your brother, rather
than focusing on calorie number, focus
on the other variable, which is insulin.
Because if you decide that you're going
to start your fat cell shrinking
journey, so with the first step, you
could say, well, my first step is going
to be cutting calories. But if you
haven't addressed your high insulin,
which you have to have if you've gained
weight, it is impossible.
In fact, this is worth a tangent for
just a moment because I can state this
so emphatically.
You could have all the hormones in the
human body and tens of thousands of
calories coming in every day. And if you
simply remove one single hormone, it is
impossible for that person to get fat.
Totally and completely impossible. Now,
I am a scientist enough that I like to
avoid hyperbolic language. I don't want
to state anything in the extreme. And
yet, in this case, I actually can. I can
revel in all of the um the power of this
declaration which is you simply wipe out
a person's insulin, it is completely
impossible for them to get fat. In fact,
this phenomenon is so real and so
learned if not already known that you
have people with type 1 diabetes.
Imagine the temptation. Let's say you're
a young woman who faces more pressure
than her than her young men
counterparts. She just gets diagnosed
with type 1 diabetes and she has become
used to eating whatever she wants and
being very very skinny. That is one of
the cardinal signs of type 1 diabetes.
The person is just losing weight. In
fact, the early the ancients thought
that as they were making so much urine
because another feature of type 1
diabetes in in an untreated state is
they urinate a lot. That's what the word
diabetes means. It means polyura or a
lot of urine for formation. They thought
that their flesh, their fat, their
substance was turning into liquid and
excreting from their bodies. And so the
person, this this imagine this young
woman, she's say 13 years old. She is
super super skinny, which she likes
because there's such a pressure to be
skinny and she can also at the same time
eat whatever she wants. And then but of
course she feels miserable and indeed it
will kill her. So, she gets diagnosed
with type 1 diabetes and she's put on
insulin therapy and two things happen.
She starts eating less and getting fat.
In fact, they gain people will gain so
much weight that if they're in the
hospital for a few days, they can't
leave the hospital with the same clothes
they came in. That's not to say they're
leaving and then and they're obese, but
they can have easily gained 10 pounds,
15 pounds of fat. So this phenomenon is
known and you have people with type 1
diabetes who abuse that fact and will
deliberately underdose their insulin. So
they can eat whatever they want. They
could go to a Thanksgiving or Christmas
dinner and indulge in all the sweets and
just simply underdose their insulin and
be as skinny as they want to be. Now
there's disastrous metabolic
consequences, but it's just a testament
to the power of insulin. So to finally
answer the question, my advice when I
was speaking with your brother and
anyone listening, don't have your first
step on your fat cell shrinking journey
be low calorie because you will find
that in short order, hunger will win.
And so you'll be right back where you
started. Let your first step be I'm
going to lower my insulin because as I
lower my insulin, I don't have to worry
about hunger first of all. Because if
you're just focusing on lowering
insulin, you can tell the person, and
indeed I am, eat as much protein and fat
as you want because they have little to
no effect on your insulin. So, anytime
you're hungry, eat something with
protein and fat. Um, and then
if you're not hungry, don't eat. But
anytime you're hungry, you don't have
to, it's not deprivation. It's not
hunger, but the low calorie approach is
hunger. You're going to be hungry. So
lower your insulin by controlling your
carbohydrates and and basically whole
fruits and vegetables. Enjoy them. And
this is part of the conversation I had
with your brother.
>> And he called you and told you that he
had had positive results following
watching this conversation and following
your advice.
>> Yeah. I think he said he'd effortlessly
lost 15 or so pounds uh just without
even really worrying about it because
you're not having that gnawing hunger.
>> Yeah. He um he didn't tell me he was
reaching out to you. So, I actually only
found out that he had spoken to you when
he like messaged me one day on WhatsApp
and was like,
>> "I've been chatting to Dr. Benjamin
Bitcoin." I was like, "How did you get
his email? Like, how did you get his
phone number?" So, he must have reached out.
out.
>> He knows people.
>> Okay. Right. Okay. He found a way.
>> Yeah. He knows people.
>> No, but he looks radically different. I
have to say he he's dropped a ton of
weight and um looks fantastic.
>> Well, he was already handsome, so I can
only imagine what he looks like now.
>> That's the genetic component. Um but but
when I look back at the conversation we had
had
the top comment on our previous
conversation is someone saying I was
morbidly obese 68 days ago. I was 280
lbs and pre-diabetic. In these 68 days I
cut out sugar and flour entirely. And I
reduced my calories to about 1,800 a
day. And I'm pleased to know that my
high protein, highfat, low carb diet is
the right path and my blood sugar is now normal.
normal.
>> Yeah. Remarkable. I I don't mean to ever
come across as saying that there's only
one way to lose weight and that anyone
listening who uh is interested in weight
loss would say, "Well, gosh, it looks
like I have to eat a lot of meat and
eggs." And yet, you don't. As much as I
am an a defender of that view, uh I
wouldn't want someone to think there is
only one way to lose weight because we
could both think of people who adopted a
purely plant-based diet and lost weight.
Now, I have some significant concerns
with that diet long term, but even
still, they could say, "Well, I'm eating
100% carbohydrates essentially, and I've
lost weight." I'm not saying calories
don't matter. They do. But it also makes
it a hard long-term strategy. And so if
someone can lower their insulin, I' I'd
alluded to a metabolic advantage and
I'll just revisit that briefly. I'd
mentioned already one of these things,
which is when when insulin is down, the
metabolic rate goes up. And my lab
published a report um finding that part
of that is through the production of
ketones. That when ketones move through
the bloodstream and come to our fat
cells, they will increase our metabolic
rate in our fat tissue by three times.
And we did this in humans. We studied
fat cells in a petri dish. We studied
fat tissue from animal models. And then
we studied fat tissue from humans where
we actually were pulling biopsies of
belly fat from people that were in
ketosis or not. And when they were in
ketosis, their metabolic rate in their
fat tissue was three times higher than
when they weren't than the group that
was not in ketosis. So this suggests
that there's an advantage here that
comes from lowering insulin. So as
insulin comes down, the person will find
that they're just burning weight more
easily. And then one other part of that
is when you're making ketones,
every ketone has a caloric value roughly
similar to that of glucose. And so what
happens now in ketosis or when ketones
are up, you start wasting those ketones
from your body that you're breathing
ketones out or you're urinating ketones
out. And those are calories that are
just coming from your body that would
have had to be burned through exercise
or stored in fat tissue. And yet in the
in a low insulin state, that is so
antithetical to fat storage that the
body just starts literally wasting
energy. So every breath they're taking
out when they're breathing out ketones,
those are calories just coming out of
their body.
>> So let's start then with ketones because
on the list of things that my audience
said they planned to change for the new
year, keto >> Mhm.
>> Mhm.
>> and ketones was top of that list for
someone that's, you know, never heard
the term before. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah.
>> Um, please give me context on on what
exactly it is, but also how it relates
to living a healthy, happy 2026.
>> Right. Right. Well, I am I'm a great
defender of ketones. I think that they
have been one of the more uh
misunderstood molecules in the body for
decades and it is thrilling for me to
see an explosion of research in this
realm looking at the effects of of
ketones in the body. So a ketone is a
molecule that the body will make. Um
many tissues can make it but if you're
measuring it in your blood it's coming
from the liver and ketones are a product
of fat burning. So when insulin is low,
which it must be for the body to make
ketones, that's why it's ketogenesis or
the genesis or the creation of ketones,
to be in a ketogenic state, you must
have low insulin. That's required. Um,
when insulin goes down, you have two
important things happening. First,
starting at the fat cell, then going to
the liver. When insulin is down, the fat
cell is breaking apart its
triglycerides, which is the molecule
that the fat cell stores as fat. So
that's called lipolysis. Lipolysis,
lipid breaking or fat breaking. So you
have in a low insulin state, the fat
cells breaking down as fats. Now those
fats are coming to the liver.
>> So in a low insulin state, you mean if I
was fasting
>> fasting or low carb? >> Okay.
>> Okay. >> Yep.
>> Yep.
>> So the minute I'm low carb or fasting,
then I start producing these things
called ketones.
>> Yeah. Within about 16 hours. So if you
and I went to lunch and we ate a typical
kind of high carb type lunch, a typical
lunch with all kinds of macronutrients
in it, our insulin would go up and then
if we stopped eating then about 16 or so
hours later, we would start making
ketones. That's a long enough period of
time for fat burning to kind of take
over. And so the fat cell is breaking
down its fat. That fat is going to the
liver right here. In fact, so here we
don't have a lot of subcutaneous fat on
this guy here, unfortunately. So on the
outside in the front of the body or
around the middle, we have this fat that
we can pinch and jiggle. That's the
subcutaneous fat. So it would be
surrounding in this model for those
watching, it'd be surrounding the organs
on the outside. That is fat that the
body burns very readily. That fat is
running to the liver in very short
order. So it goes to the liver and now
the liver has some options. The liver is
the I say that the liver is the soccer
mom of nutrient metabolism. It knows
what to do with everything. Whether it's
lactate or glucose or fats or ketones,
the liver can handle all of them. So,
the liver is getting a lot of fat from
fat cells. And it has some options. It
would say, "Well, I can store this fat
or I can burn it." And and how does the
liver decide? Insulin tells it what to
do. And if insulin is down, the liver
cannot store fat. it it has to burn it.
>> So if I'm fasting, if I've been fasting
say for two days for example or I've not
been eating carbs for two days,
>> the liver won't store.
>> It will not. In fact, the liver, it is
so antithetical to fat storage in the
liver that you have human studies where
people have significant fatty liver
disease confirmed through ultrasound
measurements and they can just go on a
ketogenic or a low carb diet for just a
week and if I recall the study
correctly, I think it reduced the liver
fat by like 60%. And compared and which
was significantly more than the high
carb version and so even it was the same
calories. Once again, just further
evidence that calorie number, as much as
I don't calories matter, but just
they're not number one. They they're
they're they they're relevant, but not
as not the most relevant. So, you the
the liver cannot hold on to its fat as
insulin comes down. It must burn it. And
the liver begins within each liver cell,
the liver is burning so much fat that
it's actually it's burning more than it
needs for its own energy. And it's
basically, if you'll allow me to speak a
little silly, the liver begins to say,
"I'm burning more energy than I need. I
wonder how the brain's doing." And the
brain won't burn fat. The brain will
burn ketones. And so the liver starts
creating ketones is as its it's its way
of sharing the energy with the brain. So
a ketone is, to put it very succinctly,
a product of the liver burning a lot of
fat. Anytime you're burning a lot of
fat, you're going to be making ketones.
People have heard of the keto diet. Um,
when you talk about the keto diet,
there's lots of rebuttals.
>> Some people say it's not sustainable.
You can't do it for a long period of time.
time.
>> How do you respond to arguments against keto?
keto?
>> Yeah, that's that's a great question. I
appreciate the concerns. The the stated
concern that they would say it's not feasible.
feasible.
You can say that about any diet. You
really can. And I don't mean to um push
aside people's concerns, but you could
say the same thing about someone going
on a low-fat, lowc calorie diet. That's
not sustainable, and it never is. They
always get off it. And so, anytime a
person is making a dietary change to
improve their metabolic health, every
diet works until you stop doing it. Uh
that might be a maxim that people can
leave with. Um a ketogenic diet because
it's not based on hunger. I think has
the potential to work. But we know there
are people who've done it their whole
lives, right? There are people who from
childhood adopt a ketogenic diet in
order to control their seizures or their
their their epilepsy or people will do
it to control their migraines. Because
if there's one tissue in the body that
thrives in the midst of ketones, it's
the brain. you can almost throw a dart
at a board that lists all of these
chronic brain disorders, whether it's
schizophrenia, whether it's bipolar,
whether it's depression, whether it is
um dementia, like Alzheimer's disease.
Every one of those instances, there's
evidence to show even things like
multiple sclerosis. There's instance
evidence to show improvements in humans
with a ketogenic diet. the brain and to
say that in a different way the central
nervous system loves ketones.
>> I'm just um looking at some of the
people who watched our last conversation
and who have left comments on that
conversation and there's this one chap
here who I'll throw up on the screen
called Shanti. Um he says 35 days of
keto for the first time ever started on
the 2nd of January 2025. It's now the
8th of February and 8 kg or 17.5 lbs
gone. So easy and loving my food
choices. I'm having no more than 20 gram
of carbs per day. I am amazed.
Not felt this good since I was a
teenager. Another 15 kg to go and I know
I'll get there. >> Wow.
>> Wow.
>> That's roughly 37 pounds to go. So
>> that's remarkable.
>> It really really works.
>> Well, it does work. But but I don't mean
to ever, you know, neither you nor I are
going to tell anyone everyone listening
this is the only way to lose weight. But
I think it is the most practical and
simplest because the problem with so
many weight loss strategies is that it
puts you against your own hunger. And
hunger always wins. You have to have a
weight loss journey that doesn't have
hunger being a constant feature. Because
if you're imagining this long walk to
shrinking my fat cells to what this guy
wanted of almost 35 total pounds, I
think is what he's going for. If you're
carrying hunger, it's like it's like a
bag. It's like luggage that you're
dragging along on this journey. The
chains that you're dragging that are
going to make it almost impossible for
you to get there.
>> This sounds almost counterintuitive
because when people hear that you're not
going to have sugar, they assume that
you're therefore going to have loads of
cravings for it. Mhm.
>> But the remarkable thing I discovered
the first time I went on a low carb/
keto diet is I was walking through this
mall in Cape Town where where um I live
sometimes and I saw this concession
stand for like cinnamon rolls.
>> And I thought to myself like I've not
had sugar for, you know, I've not had a
high sugar diet now for a couple of
weeks. I'll just go look at it and see
how I feel. And I walked over and looked
down at it at a food I would absolutely
love and my mouth would water just
thinking about it. I looked down at it
and I had the emotional
urge to buy one was completely gone. And
it's hard to explain.
>> It's hard to explain.
>> Yeah. You you were able to just look at
it and shrug your shoulders.
>> I felt nothing.
>> Yeah. Yeah.
>> And I was and I was really I I found
that really fascinating that I had no
urge, no craving, no desire to buy the
cinnamon roll
>> and it had vanished.
>> Well, this is this is one of the things
where I think the future of as ketone
research in humans continues to evolve.
I there is already evidence showing
profound you can use a ketogenic diet to
help people with eating disorders. This
these are there are published case
studies on this and I think a part of it
is when the brain is so nourished and
consistently nourished
>> by ketones
>> by ketones the brain reaches this new
level of of indifference to what it
knows might be harmful and and that's in
the midst of that answer I have that's
kind of loaded where if you're on a
ketogenic diet the beauty is fuel is
stable ketones are stable even glucose
is stable you're avoiding the massive um
volatility of of glucose. And as much as
so much of of the glucose centric view
is only worried about the high glucose,
high glucose is harmful that it can
induce the glycation of molecules
throughout the body where the glucose is
literally binding things and and
disrupting their function, proteins,
fats. So glucose is harmful, but so too
is the volatility of the glucose where
it's really high, then it's really low,
and then it's really high again. That is
a roller coaster of energy for the brain
where it's you're force-feeding the
brain all this glucose and now you're
depriving it. It's like it's like a form
of abuse on the brain. But when it's a
ketogenic diet, it is stable, consistent
energy. And so it's not surprising to me
that people find they're able to resist
cravings better because the brain is
able to say to the rest of the body,
"No, we don't need that. We're doing
fine. We got energy."
>> What about the heart?
>> Oh my gosh, that's a brilliant question.
So, I would say the brain is number one
tissue that thrives on ketones and I'd
put actually put the heart as number
two. There is a lot of great research. I
would refer people to Gary Lope's work
and others that I just don't know
personally, but I know him. He's at the
University of um Alberta in Edmonton. um
and he has found and others so I'm going
to synthesize their work collectively
that when a person's experiencing heart
failure it's it's a combination of
variables where the heart may not be
able to contract well enough to eject
the blood it has to work a lot harder
for every pump in that case they they
have found that the the heart will shift
its fuel to start relying on ketones to
improve its function but there was a
paper just published this here looking
at a different form of beta
hydroxybutyrate which is the main
ketone. Whenever I've been saying
ketone, I've been thinking of the
molecule beta hydroxybutyrate. When the
liver makes BHB or beta hydroxybutyrate,
it actually comes in two forms that are
mirror opposites of each other in
structure. So the way they're built,
it's referred to as DBHB or LBH. So in
heart failure, the heart muscle itself
like the brain starts relying a lot on
DBHB as its fuel. Then you would say
that begs the question, well what about
the L? This paper that was just found
used a pig heart model which is actually
shockingly close to human anatomy. So
it's a pretty good um corlary here. They
found that with LBH infused into the
cardiovascular system of the pigs,
>> which is ketones,
>> which is a different form of the ketone
that the liver makes. Yeah. So the liver
is making two types of BHB, DBHB and LBHB.
LBHB.
>> And when they profused the
cardiovascular system with LBH, they
found that the what's called ejection
fraction, so the amount of blood coming
out of the left ventricle, which is the
part of the heart that's beating blood
everywhere. So with LBH, they found that
the heart was able to eject 40% more
blood for every beat. But now you would
say, well, it's just because you're
making the heart work harder. No, it was
not at all an effect of the heart
itself. It was because all of the great
arteries like the aorta, right out of
the left ventricle will come the aorta,
which is the main avenue for moving
blood everywhere. The aorta expanded and
all of the great vessels enlarged so
much that the heart was now able to beat
out 40% more blood with every single
beat. So when it comes to someone with
heart failure, I think they are among
the most they should be among the most
interested in testing out the effects of
ketones. Uh even as a personal note, I
am I tend to be kind of high anxiety,
high performance sort of I'm always
thinking of something. No surprise that
I tend and I don't sleep particularly
great and so no surprise that I
sometimes have higher blood pressure. I
one time measured my blood pressure on a
random I went into my dentist and the
dentist has now started measuring blood
pressure. It was 139
over 90ome and I had never been that
high. I couldn't believe it. I'm such a
healthy bloke. How on earth is my blood
pressure this high? And I thought, well,
I'm kind of sleepd deprived. I've had
maybe a little too much caffeine that
morning or whatever. But it was a
concern. And over the next few days, my
blood pressure continued to be higher
than it had ever been. And of course,
I'm getting old enough that I think
these things start to matter. I took a
shot of as an experiment, seeing this
paper that was had just been published
in 2025. I took a few grams worth of
LBH. I drank it and within about an
hour, my blood pressure was like 110
over 70. So, it had this. Now, that's
anecdotal. It's an N of one. Maybe I
just calmed down enough, but I saw an
almost immediate reduction in my blood
pressure. And it could be because of
what they found, which is that all of
the vessels that the heart is beating
into, they expanded. And so every with
every beat of the heart, the heart was
able to eject more blood. And the and
the the wider a blood vessel gets, of
course, the lower the pressure is. And
so that's that could be the mechanism
that explains in my case why my blood
pressure got fixed so quickly. How did
you drink that?
>> Yeah. Yeah. So, there are a few
different ways. As much as we've been
focusing on uh endogenous ketones. So,
I'm pointing to my liver, but here's the
liver. So, when a person is in a
ketogenic state, they're making their
own ketones, we would use the word
endogenous ketogenesis or they're making
ketones in their own body. But it's no
surprise that the benefits of ketones
are getting so extensive that now there
are companies um that are enterprising
individuals that are finding ways to get
into ketosis without having the rigor of
a ketogenic diet. And so you can drink
ketones. And that comes in a few
different forms. Of course, the form I'm
talking about is just straight BHB in in
its two in its two versions. You can get
it in either version, DBHB or LBH.
So, that's just you consuming it in the
way your liver makes it.
>> If you looked in my kitchen cupboard
over there, you'd probably see, frankly,
about 100 different ketone products. Um,
obviously, some of them are the same,
but there's like 100 different units of
ketone products. And here is my ketone
reader, which is where I pick prick my
finger frequently.
>> In fact, you'll be delighted um once you
get one. Nowadays, they make them attachable.
attachable. >> Really?
>> Really?
>> Yeah. So ketones are so easy to measure,
not unlike glucose, that just like
people have continuous glucose monitors
now in Europe, you can get continuous
ketone monitors
>> from where?
>> Next time you're in the UK, get them.
You can't get them here yet. They're not
FDA approved, but there was a company
out of Germany um that sent me one uh
called Sai Bio, Si Bio, and you can just
strap it on and look at your phone and
it's giving you continuous readings. >> Damn.
>> Damn.
>> Yeah, it's very very
>> That is incredible. I'm literally going
to buy that ASAP. Um, but before I get
that, I've been using this little ketone
reader here. >> Yep.
>> Yep.
>> Which I have no affiliation to at all.
Um, and pricking my finger every single
day to see my ketone levels when I'm in
a in a ketogenic state.
>> You talked about exogenous ketones
there. I have a bunch of different
exogenous ketone products here. I know
some people use ketone salts. >> Yep.
>> Yep.
>> I have two different ketone brands here.
>> Yes. Yeah. So, there are there are
different forms. You have two different
forms here. and you mentioned one that
that ought to be described because that
actually is the type of ketone I was
just talking about. So ketone IQ is a
ketone precursor where it's a molecule
called 13b butane dial that will come to
the liver then the liver will metabolize
it um to to a large degree into BHB the
main ketone that we're talking about and
that is the ketone that people want. Um
then the other one, this is an esther.
What's an esther bond is a molecule that
has a a a chemical bond that is broken
when you eat it uh through enzymes. So
you digest that where it's one part BHB,
the straight real ketone, and then it's
one part 13 butane dial, which is the
same precursor, the ketone precursor and
ketone IQ. And so those are two of the
three forms, well maybe four forms. And
then the other two are straight BHB
where it's either a BHB salt where the
BHB molecule is bound to a sodium or a
calcium or a potassium. And you can buy
those in the D or the L form or nowadays
it's the straight acid what's called a
BHB acid where it doesn't have any of
the electrolytes in it where it's you
can get that's what I was referring to a
moment ago when I lowered my blood
pressure. I took the straight a straight
shot of L BHB and you can get that in D
and L forms as well.
>> Okay. So, I've just taken a shot of
Keton IQ.
>> Yeah. So, that's one3 butane dial and
you taste it. Um, right. It has a
particular kind of kick because it's a
it's an alcohol molecule that you know,
you feel it like it it's sort of like
taking a little shot, but your liver
will take that in and then over the next
couple hours it will start converting it
to varying degrees into BHB. And what
I'm going to do is I'm going to quickly
do my blood ketone levels now and we
will see if in 10 minutes time, let's do
10 20 minutes time, there are ketones
flowing in my blood. So I've pricricked
my finger. I've put a little bit of
blood on this little ketone sensor here
and it says that my blood ketone levels
are currently 0.3. >> Yep.
>> Yep. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah.
>> So can you describe for me now that I've
just have had a shot of Ketone IQ, which
by the way I am affiliated with. I have
um I'm an investor in the company. Um
but that's why I brought a variety of
different brands. Yeah.
>> Um can you tell me what's going on
inside my body now that I've just had
one shot of that?
>> Yes. Yes. So now your body is taking in
that main molecule of ketone IQ which is
called 13 butane dol and it's going to
get absorbed from your guts into your
blood and then from your guts it's going
to go to your liver and then the liver
will pull in that molecule and rearrange
it into BHB and then and then release
that into the into the blood
>> which is ketones
>> which is key it will turn it into BHB
the ketone. Yep. And now again there are
different forms that you can take
whether it's the straight 13b butane
dial or whether it's an esther
>> and what's happening from there. So it's
now in my blood. What's happening then?
>> Yeah. So now once the BHB is in the
blood it um anytime BHB is in the blood
it is both fuel and a signaling
molecule. And that last part is often
overlooked. We've been over the course
of this discussion talking a lot about
or I've been referring to the fact that
it's a fuel for any any cell with mitochondria,
mitochondria,
which is everything but red blood cells.
Red blood cells are the only cells with
no mitochondria. But every other cell of
the body will take in BHB, the main
ketone, and use it for fuel. Every
single cell of the body, and do so
gladly. the and it's important to
compare the BHB the ketone against
glucose in many of the biggest tissues
of the body like the muscle or the fat
or even the heart glucose can't just
come in it needs an escort if you will
or it needs permission and that's
insulin so there's this regulating step
there's this this checkpoint where
insulin can say all right you can come
in or not because I'm insulin resistant
or there's not enough insulin or
whatever ketones have no such regulation
they just come in if the cell has mito
mitochondria, the ketones going in. So
that's one effect where the ketone is
metabolized as a fuel giving the cell
literal energy. Number two is the fact
that the BHB can bind to the cell and
there are receptors on cells that will
sense the BHB then the BHB will tell it
to do something.
>> The ketone.
>> Yeah. Yeah. So it's it's which is really
really unique where you have something
that is both a calorie source an energy
source and it acts like a hormone where
it tells cells that's the signaling
effect where it tells cells to to do
something like a moment ago I'd
mentioned how LBH is capable of
expanding the great blood vessels in the
body well in that regard it's acting as
a signaling molecule and increasing the
production of nitric oxide which is a
great visodilator. All these guys that
are taking nitric oxide drugs like
Seialis for whether it's erectile
function or nowadays guys are taking it
to have better blood flow and perform in
the gym and have a better workout. Well,
LBHB might be kind of the way forward
where if you can signal something else
but get the same effect without the
consequences or the side effects that
you get from seialis then that might be
one of the strategies and use of LBH in
the future. So, that's been about 5 or
10 minutes and my blood ketone levels
are now at 0.5. Um, and they're
continuing to climb just from one shot
of Keton IQ. Some people ask me about
sex differences in the ketogenic diet or
a low carb diet generally.
>> Some people are concerned that low carb
diets or ketogenic diets are especially
useful for men but might have a
different set of complications for
women. And we did have a female expert
debate on the show where I asked about
the ketogenic diet for women and the
sort of consensus was that it should be
treated differently for women.
>> Yeah. Yeah. I app I remember I I tuned
into that and I respect it tremendously.
I I really appreciate the view that a
lot of these gals have advocated for
which is that women are not just small
men. The differences between male and
female of course are enormous. Um that
doesn't mean there are differences in
everything. So women are very unique
when it comes to hormones. They women
experience a rhythm of hormones that
there is no equivalent in men because of
the the reproductive burden if you will
or responsibility that a woman has where
she will see changes in hormones that
can reach thousands of times differences
like progesterone levels can change by a
thousand times over the course of the
ovarian cycle. Estrogen levels will
change by multiples. men just don't have
that kind of volatility. Those female
sex hormones do influence metabolism,
but then it matters tremendously which
um phase she is in of her ovarian cycle.
So if she is in the the first follicular
phase, which is a low progesterone,
higher estrogen state,
>> what's the first follicular phase?
>> Yeah. So in the in if you look at the
female fertility phase, um it is like a
200piece orchestra. It is so dynamic.
Whereas men's fertility is like a
barberhop quartet. It sounds nice, but
it's very simple. So, in the first phase
leading up, so she's just had her
menration end, now she's starting the
beginning of a new cycle. That first
phase is called the follicular phase,
which is when her ovaries are having
some follicles or a future a little egg
getting bigger. One will end up becoming
the dominant one, but that is creeping
in higher higher levels of estrogen. And
then she will ovulate with at with the
ovulation that what was a follicle in
her ovary now becomes what's called a
yellow body or a corpus ludium. And so
it's called the ludial phase and that is
defined by very high progesterone and
progesterone changes things. So where I
think the conversation in women is very
relevant and fascinating is that in the
first phase in her follicular phase she
is a fat burning machine. You can
measure she will get into ketosis faster
than her male counterpart and she's
burning more fat than her male
counterpart. In fact, this is one of the
few clinical values where there's a male
version and a female version. This isn't
very common. Many of the typical
metabolic type markers, whether it's
glucose or insulin, triglycerides, LDL,
cholesterol, they're the same across the
sexes with the exception of free fatty
acids. So earlier I had mentioned that
when insulin is low the li the fat cell
is breaking down fat. It's breaking down
that fat as free fatty acids. So the
free fatty acids in a woman are about 40
or 50% higher than in a man
>> during that first phase.
>> Yes. Especially during the first phase
and that's because she's burning more
fat and that helps her get into ketosis
faster. So if you this has been shown in
studies take a male and female have them
start a fast she will get into ketosis
faster than him.
Now during during
>> just during that phase or
>> especially during the phase yeah I I
don't know that they compared and
controlled for the ludial phase but it's
worth noting where I think um fasting
and ketogenic diets start to change.
So it'll keep going up. Yeah.
>> So just another reading point8. >> Yep.
>> Yep.
>> Is ketosis considered what.5?
>> Technically, but frankly I actually call
it ketosis at.3. the moment you can
detect it on one of those blood meters
that I'd say you're in ketosis and I
think 0.3 is the lower limit. So 0.5 is
a little bit of an arbitrary cut off but
that is the classic view. Um, so in in
that in that ludal phase with high
progesterone, progesterone is a hunger
hormone. And so if she's trying to do a
fasting protocol during and her cravings
are going to be higher and her uh she's
going to be hungrier. And so that's
where I think the conversation's very
important is that during her ludal phase
after she has ovulated,
it's going to be harder to stick to a
ketogenic diet. And that's where I think
it might be prudent for her to be a
little generous with herself. um where
uh it might get a little more difficult.
Now, however, some of the concern with
women and ketogenic diets is misplaced.
And I would be remiss if I didn't
mention a study that answered this
question very well in with regards to
cortisol. In fact, I'll state this now.
I already chatted with the team. I would
love to see you bring on a scientist in
the UK named Dr. Isabella Cooper. She
has published a series of studies in
women that are fascinating because of
the the intervention that she's done.
She's taken women who had been adhering
to a ketogenic diet as part of their
normal life. Then for 21 days they have
to adopt the typical high carb diet of
the standard UK guidelines similar to
the US about 55% carbohydrate decidedly
not ketogenic for 21 days. So more than
long enough to detect changes and then
they go back to their diet for 21 days
and they have blood tests again. And so
these are healthy women who go from a
ketogenic diet to a high carb diet back
to a ketogenic diet. And when they
looked at cortisol, when Isabella and
her group measured cortisol levels, no
statistically significant change at any
point. There was just noise and no
trend. Some gals had their cortisol go
down. Some had them go up. But as a
group there was it was just a big messy
flat line.
>> And what does that mean?
>> That takes a lot of wind out of the
sales of of people who say that a
ketogenic diet is a unique stress on
women because people want to invoke and
they'll say, "Well, cortisol goes
through the roof and that's sign of a
significant stress." And yet Isabella's
own data show that cortisol levels
aren't different. that there is no
unique cortisol related stress state of
a ketogenic diet. So I think it's
relevant because it just brings a little
nuance to the conversation. Not to say
men and women are not different. They
absolutely are. But I do believe the the
view that a ketogenic diet is uniquely
stressful in in women but not men, I
think is uh overblown. And and again,
I'm relying on Isabella's own data to
support that. So, coming into 2026 and I
want 2026 to be the year where I finally
get a grip of my health, where I finally
become the person that I know deep down
I could be and I desperately do want to
be. And I asked you, Dr. Ben,
>> to make me a plan,
>> the perfect plan, the perfect diet. I
know everyone's different, so we're
gonna have you gonna have to play with
me here a little bit, but
>> the perfect plan for 2026,
>> what would you prescribe as a diet,
lifestyle choices? Okay. And I'm going
to write it down.
>> Yeah. Yeah. So I would um at the risk of
sounding too self-absorbed
uh I this is I'll kind of describe my
own approach as a metabolic scientist
but please everyone listening appreciate
that I will I'm inserting my own
constraints because my approach is kind
of that of a guy who knows a lot but is
also constrained by my demands in life
but I think a lot of people fit into
that category. So Stephen if you want to
look like a freckled bald wrinkled man
this is what you can do. All right. So,
first of all, zero to little to no carbs
for um breakfast and lunch.
>> Okay. Little to no carbs for breakfast
and lunch. Carbs for breakfast and lunch.
lunch.
>> Yep. You wake up in the morning. Anyone
who's wearing a continuous glucose
monitor will find that their glucose
levels naturally rise in the morning and
that coincides with a mild state of
insulin resistance every morning because
of changes in cortisol and other
hormones. So my view is don't doubly
load to the glucose that's already
happening by eating in the morning with
starchy sugary stuff. So be very strict
with all of your meals up until dinner.
>> So just on point one so I'm clear.
You're saying no carbs but is there
anything that I should be having?
>> Yeah. So any if a person wants to as
much protein and fat as they'd like and
I would say especially for lunch, let
lunch be your biggest meal.
>> Okay. So let's go through those three
points. Yeah.
>> Um why as much protein as I can. Yeah.
Protein and fat.
>> Okay. Why?
>> Yeah. Because they won't have an insulin
effect. And that's the key. Like my
approach to staying lean at 50 years old
and having my wife like what she sees is
keeping my insulin low and and still not
being hungry all the time. And so
protein and fat are the two
macronutrients with carbohydrates being
the third. But protein and fat have
little to no effect on insulin. Fat has
none and protein may have a modest
effect depending on some other
variables. So you want to keep insulin low.
low.
>> So what would would that breakfast look like?
like?
>> So for me, I actually don't eat
breakfast. Uh and and again, this plays
into I'm extremely mindful of my family.
So that's going to come back again when
we get to dinner because we've left that
meal untouched for now.
>> In the morning, I make breakfast for my
kids every morning. Uh and it's
something I remember from my childhood
being raised by my dad and he every
morning it was just structured. And I
think all of my siblings and I have
thrived in life in part because of the
structure we had at the beginning of
every day where we would all eat
breakfast together. We would read
scriptures very briefly. We'd have a
family prayer very briefly and just
review the day. And I think that was my
dad's way of kind of surviving with so
many kids just to sort of check in with everyone.
everyone.
>> You had nine siblings.
>> Yeah. Yeah. There's nine of us. Yeah. Uh
and so we have uh I I'm very big on
that. So breakfast is dad's domain and
my wife cheers me on. Um, so I make
breakfast for the kids and I am sipping
on a cup of yerba mate the whole time. >> Why?
>> Why?
>> Yeah, in part because I like the taste.
There's a good GLP1 effect. So, it helps
me feel a little more satiated. Um, and
it's just a habit. It's a little bit of
a perk, a little pickme up. I don't
drink coffee. I drink yerba mate instead.
instead.
>> What is herb mate?
>> The brand that I get is called Una Mate.
And it's a it's a leaf. It's a South
American tea basically. And you can get
it in any number of ways. This is just a
really convenient and good way to get
it. So I'm sipping on a cup of it would
be someone drinking coffee or tea. I'm
taking yerba mate tea. Um so I don't eat
for breakfast. I find that I'm not
generally hungry for breakfast anyway.
And so I may as well keep my fasted
state going a little longer. So that's
what works for me. And then I would
encourage people to have a big hearty
lunch because if you have a big hearty
lunch, mostly protein and fat, it makes
it easier to taper off later in the day.
Especially in the evening if people are
noticing that they have significant
cravings especially for carbs because
that's the only thing anyone craves in
the evening have a bigger lunch. See if
that helps. >> Okay.
>> Okay.
>> And then sometime around either before
or after have a good resistance workout.
I have my resistance workout in the in
fact Stephen I even have to go a little
earlier. So, my first thing in the
morning is I go on a ruck at 5:00 a.m. I
have my weighted vest and these 15lb
kettle bells and I hike one mile up a
hill and one mile back every morning at
5:00 a.m. And then I get a little work
done and just some personal kind of
reflection and meditation time, if you
will. Then the family wakes up. I'm
making breakfast. The family chaos
begins. I'm sipping on my yerba mate.
Then I go to work. About 10:30 or 11 is
the good time for me. I go down to the
gym on campus and I do my very brief,
very effective, I would say, um,
resistance training and then I go into
the sauna for 12 to 15 minutes, but in
the morning I've done a little ice bath,
too. I didn't mention that. I have an
ice bath on my back patio, a Maroska
Forge, and I love it. It is spectacular.
Um, so then I do a sauna session after
my workout. Then I go eat my big lunch.
>> Why are you doing the ice bath in this
one? Yeah. So, I do I do an ice bath in
the morning because it helps me sleep
better in the evening. I'm a terrible
sleeper. And especially in the northern
hemisphere in the winter, the sun isn't
coming up till 9:00 or so, 9:00 a.m. And
by shocking my body, I get this jolt.
And I think it just helps get my clock
ticking. And so, by the time evening
rolls around, I'm tired and I'm ready
for bed.
>> Okay, I'm just doing my ketone test to
see where it is. We're probably about 30
minutes off me taking that ketone shot.
We'll continue with your day in just two
sec. And I'm now at 0.9.
>> It'll keep going. Yep. Yep. So, you were
08 0.9. Next one will be one, but it
looks like it's starting to curve a
little bit,
>> which isn't surprising. You went up
pretty quick and then it's going to
curve for a bit.
>> And what's going on in my body right now
that I have 0.9
>> K? Yes. So, that is a unit of
measurement called the mill moles. And
so, it's looking at the number of
molecules basically in a given amount of
of your blood. And so you took in that
ketone precursor, the liver converted
it. It's just continuing to convert it
into BHB.
>> BHB being ketones.
>> BHB being the main ketone. Yep.
>> Okay. Yep.
>> And that's making me
>> Well, it's going to make you sharp. Okay.
Okay.
>> So, your brain is now using those
ketones. Your heart would be using the
ketones. Um, and your reliance on
glucose as a fuel for your brain and
your heart would be going down.
>> Wouldn't my hunger be going down?
>> Oh, yeah. Yeah.
>> So, I'm going to be less hungry. But
also the benefits of BHB in the brain
are are myriad where it's been shown to
be an anxolytic. So it can control
anxiety. Uh it can control it can
improve depression. It can help with attention,
attention,
>> memory. I
>> memory. Oh, certainly with cognition. Yes.
Yes.
>> I've read I read about the studies on
dementia patients that
>> Yes. That is it is incredibly we're
entering a kind of dawning of an era of
ketone research where the number of NIH
and NSF funded ketone related projects is
is
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>> So let's go back to the perfect day, the
perfect, the perfect lifestyle for 2026.
So then do my resistance training at
some point after I've had my breakfasts.
>> Well, yes. So whatever for me, I I do
body weight based exercises. So, I don't
like having a big belly of food. And so,
being in a fasted state, my view on
exercising, even that's a debate. Do you
exercise fasted or do you exercise with
fuel? Um, like you take a bunch of carbs
and stuff. My view is it's dependent on
what your goal is. As a middle-aged guy, my goal is not performance. It's not
my goal is not performance. It's not going out and sprinting and showing
going out and sprinting and showing power. It's to live a long healthy life.
power. It's to live a long healthy life. And so, it's a more metabolic focus. If
And so, it's a more metabolic focus. If your if your interest is metabolic, then
your if your interest is metabolic, then I think fasting fa exercising in a
I think fasting fa exercising in a fasted state is very smart. If your goal
fasted state is very smart. If your goal of the exercise is performance, like
of the exercise is performance, like you're a collegiate athlete or you are,
you're a collegiate athlete or you are, you know, you're an elite rugby player
you know, you're an elite rugby player or something, okay, then don't exercise
or something, okay, then don't exercise fasted. Take some fuel before you go
fasted. Take some fuel before you go work out. So for me, I've done my early
work out. So for me, I've done my early morning ruck, my personal kind of
morning ruck, my personal kind of reflection time, ice bath, yerba mate,
reflection time, ice bath, yerba mate, and then my midm morning workout.
and then my midm morning workout. >> Just on that point of exercising fasted,
>> Just on that point of exercising fasted, >> why is that better if your goals are
>> why is that better if your goals are longevity and health,
longevity and health, >> right? Because it's just going to help
>> right? Because it's just going to help you continue to burn fat and improve
you continue to burn fat and improve maintain your insulin sensitivity.
maintain your insulin sensitivity. >> Okay, fine. So, I have my midm morning
>> Okay, fine. So, I have my midm morning workout, then I have a nice big lunch,
workout, then I have a nice big lunch, then I have my afternoon productivity,
then I have my afternoon productivity, and then I get to dinner, and dinner is
and then I get to dinner, and dinner is the main social meal within my home. Um,
the main social meal within my home. Um, and so I have dinner with my family. And
and so I have dinner with my family. And that is carb lunch. Whatever the
that is carb lunch. Whatever the family's eating, I'm eating. I have I
family's eating, I'm eating. I have I have daughters and as a college
have daughters and as a college professor I've seen enough young women
professor I've seen enough young women struggle with eating disorders that I
struggle with eating disorders that I always worried would my incessant
always worried would my incessant talking about diet somehow stimulate
talking about diet somehow stimulate eating disorders and I've never wanted
eating disorders and I've never wanted to become obsessive about it and so I
to become obsessive about it and so I have dinner with my family whatever it
have dinner with my family whatever it is if it's pizza I'm having pizza if
is if it's pizza I'm having pizza if it's pasta I'm having pasta um now my
it's pasta I'm having pasta um now my wife happens to see things kind of the
wife happens to see things kind of the way I do so it's usually meat and
way I do so it's usually meat and vegetables in in some mix and and that's
vegetables in in some mix and and that's my dinner and then ideally
my dinner and then ideally I'm done.
I'm done. >> What time are you having that dinner?
>> What time are you having that dinner? >> Yeah, that's about five or six.
>> Yeah, that's about five or six. >> And you you avoid eating late.
>> And you you avoid eating late. >> Oh yes. In fact, I would submit Stephen,
>> Oh yes. In fact, I would submit Stephen, if we were to look at any one thing
if we were to look at any one thing someone could do, I would say anyone who
someone could do, I would say anyone who says, "Ben, what is the one thing?" If
says, "Ben, what is the one thing?" If I'm putting a question in your mouth,
I'm putting a question in your mouth, I'd say stop snacking in the evening.
I'd say stop snacking in the evening. Anything you can do to not overeat and
Anything you can do to not overeat and go to bed hypoglycemic or elevated or
go to bed hypoglycemic or elevated or spike your blood glucose levels, do it.
spike your blood glucose levels, do it. >> Why?
>> Why? >> That's when people at their weakest.
>> That's when people at their weakest. People, you and I could be hanging out
People, you and I could be hanging out all day walking past a plate of cookies
all day walking past a plate of cookies and not be tempted at all until 7 or
and not be tempted at all until 7 or 8:00 p.m. It's just human nature. And
8:00 p.m. It's just human nature. And yet that is one of the worst times to
yet that is one of the worst times to eat it because when you go to bed
eat it because when you go to bed hypoglycemic, it activates a part of the
hypoglycemic, it activates a part of the nervous system, an aspect of the nervous
nervous system, an aspect of the nervous system called the sympathetic nervous
system called the sympathetic nervous system. That's also known as the fight
system. That's also known as the fight orflight. So when someone we hear a car
orflight. So when someone we hear a car crash right nearby or we hear a gunshot,
crash right nearby or we hear a gunshot, then our immediately our heart starts
then our immediately our heart starts beating faster and harder. Our body
beating faster and harder. Our body temperature climbs and we're stimulated.
temperature climbs and we're stimulated. hypoglycemia will have that effect. And
hypoglycemia will have that effect. And that is terrible timing because when
that is terrible timing because when you're going to bed, you're wanting to
you're going to bed, you're wanting to rely on your what's called your
rely on your what's called your parasympathetic nervous system. The part
parasympathetic nervous system. The part of your the aspect of your nervous
of your the aspect of your nervous system that is calming, it's lowering
system that is calming, it's lowering your heart rate. It's slowing your
your heart rate. It's slowing your heart. It's lowering your blood
heart. It's lowering your blood pressure. It's helping you calm down to
pressure. It's helping you calm down to sleep better. Hypoglycemia
sleep better. Hypoglycemia throws that into opposites. So then
throws that into opposites. So then you're going to bed, you're lying there
you're going to bed, you're lying there wondering why your heart is beating so
wondering why your heart is beating so hard, why you are so hot and
hard, why you are so hot and uncomfortable, and it's because you just
uncomfortable, and it's because you just spiked your blood glucose with a bunch
spiked your blood glucose with a bunch of sugar.
of sugar. >> Is there anything else?
>> Is there anything else? Is there, you know, for people that are
Is there, you know, for people that are focused on that 2026 goal of finally
focused on that 2026 goal of finally becoming the person that they know they
becoming the person that they know they can become, is there anything else you
can become, is there anything else you would say to them? Is there any tools
would say to them? Is there any tools they need to buy? Is there any other
they need to buy? Is there any other tricks or tactics or hacks?
tricks or tactics or hacks? >> Yeah. Yeah, I do think that they could
>> Yeah. Yeah, I do think that they could if they were adopting this diet, it's
if they were adopting this diet, it's definitely going to put them into
definitely going to put them into ketosis. That can take a little time to
ketosis. That can take a little time to adjust. So, very relevant to our earlier
adjust. So, very relevant to our earlier conversation. I do think exogenous
conversation. I do think exogenous ketones can help a person transition
ketones can help a person transition into relying on a ketogenic diet more
into relying on a ketogenic diet more readily. And anytime a person's losing
readily. And anytime a person's losing weight, they run the risk of losing some
weight, they run the risk of losing some lean mass at the same time. And we, my
lean mass at the same time. And we, my lab just published a paper about two
lab just published a paper about two weeks ago at the time we're filming
weeks ago at the time we're filming this, finding that in humans in a weight
this, finding that in humans in a weight loss protocol, if they were drinking BHB
loss protocol, if they were drinking BHB or exogenous ketones, they were able to
or exogenous ketones, they were able to retain more muscle mass, more lean mass
retain more muscle mass, more lean mass in the midst of the weight loss. So,
in the midst of the weight loss. So, there could be some strategies like
there could be some strategies like that. But I would also add that there
that. But I would also add that there are some non um physical ones as well.
are some non um physical ones as well. If someone's trying to say, I'm going to
If someone's trying to say, I'm going to be the best version of myself, then
be the best version of myself, then start reading more, too. Read more
start reading more, too. Read more books. You'll be the best. You'll be an
books. You'll be the best. You'll be an even better version as you're losing
even better version as you're losing weight. Um, and your brain is firing on
weight. Um, and your brain is firing on more cylinders than ever before as it's
more cylinders than ever before as it's fueled with ketones. Challenge your
fueled with ketones. Challenge your brain. You had mentioned dementia
brain. You had mentioned dementia earlier. Ketones are a therapy for
earlier. Ketones are a therapy for dementia, but so too is challenging your
dementia, but so too is challenging your brain in the form of um making it learn
brain in the form of um making it learn new things. So, read a good book.
new things. So, read a good book. >> This woman contacted me on the on
>> This woman contacted me on the on November the 11th. When you do a
November the 11th. When you do a podcast, you get lots of feedback. you
podcast, you get lots of feedback. you get like tens of thousands of people
get like tens of thousands of people sometimes per episode
sometimes per episode >> and I can imagine you looking through
>> and I can imagine you looking through everyone finding gems.
everyone finding gems. >> I actually funnily enough I do look at
>> I actually funnily enough I do look at the comment section because it's it's a
the comment section because it's it's a place where I really trust the feedback.
place where I really trust the feedback. So people that comment on these videos
So people that comment on these videos like I really do trust them because they
like I really do trust them because they are typically listeners. They've kind of
are typically listeners. They've kind of been with me on this whole journey. So
been with me on this whole journey. So when they have feedback when they have
when they have feedback when they have you know good or bad feedback on the or
you know good or bad feedback on the or constructive feedback we pay attention.
constructive feedback we pay attention. >> Well Stephen I'm pleased that something
>> Well Stephen I'm pleased that something brought me back. So the comments can't
brought me back. So the comments can't have been too negative. No, they were
have been too negative. No, they were really I mean they were unbelievably
really I mean they were unbelievably positive. But I got this one from on
positive. But I got this one from on LinkedIn from a lady called I'll keep
LinkedIn from a lady called I'll keep her anonymous. Let's just call her Mrs.
her anonymous. Let's just call her Mrs. L.
L. >> Okay.
>> Okay. >> And Mrs. L said, "Hi, Stephen. Thank you
>> And Mrs. L said, "Hi, Stephen. Thank you for the great work you do and the
for the great work you do and the information, insights, inspiration you
information, insights, inspiration you provide. On keto, my husband lasted 8
provide. On keto, my husband lasted 8 hours on a keto diet and was
hours on a keto diet and was unconscious. It turned out he had a
unconscious. It turned out he had a neurodine cancer called insulum."
neurodine cancer called insulum." >> Oh. Oh, yeah. Yeah. No. a neuroendocrine
>> Oh. Oh, yeah. Yeah. No. a neuroendocrine cancer called insulinoma.
cancer called insulinoma. >> I said that's exactly what I said.
>> I said that's exactly what I said. >> Yeah. Yeah. Did I hear a niner in there?
>> Yeah. Yeah. Did I hear a niner in there? Yeah. Something.
Yeah. Something. >> And if the paramedics hadn't intercepted
>> And if the paramedics hadn't intercepted with glucose, going keto would have
with glucose, going keto would have killed him.
killed him. >> Yes.
>> Yes. >> He's amazing. We have three children and
>> He's amazing. We have three children and he volunteers for 50
he volunteers for 50 >> more every weekend. We don't want to
>> more every weekend. We don't want to lose him.
lose him. >> Sorry to share this sad story, but it's
>> Sorry to share this sad story, but it's not the first time I've seen one of your
not the first time I've seen one of your posts or one of your guests talk about
posts or one of your guests talk about ketosis
ketosis and what's worked well. And in this
and what's worked well. And in this case, it was fatal for him. Yes. So, I
case, it was fatal for him. Yes. So, I hope you don't mind, but I wanted to
hope you don't mind, but I wanted to share this with love, respect, and
share this with love, respect, and kindness to hopefully give food for
kindness to hopefully give food for thought, no pun intended, of how you
thought, no pun intended, of how you decide to use your platform and to
decide to use your platform and to provide further context and nuance.
provide further context and nuance. >> Yeah. Yeah.
>> Yeah. Yeah. >> What works for you and thousands of
>> What works for you and thousands of others might not work for everyone. I
others might not work for everyone. I believe it's super important that we
believe it's super important that we share this information and inspiration
share this information and inspiration carefully and in a way that exemplifies
carefully and in a way that exemplifies a growth mindset, not a fixed mindset.
a growth mindset, not a fixed mindset. for example, not fixed one diet or one
for example, not fixed one diet or one way of working for everybody. If you
way of working for everybody. If you read this above all else, please know
read this above all else, please know I'm sending this with the utmost respect
I'm sending this with the utmost respect and kindness and hope. Best
and kindness and hope. Best >> love it. Yeah, what a thoughtful what a
>> love it. Yeah, what a thoughtful what a thoughtful message.
thoughtful message. >> Yeah, it is very thoughtful. I
>> Yeah, it is very thoughtful. I appreciate I appreciate any kind
appreciate I appreciate any kind communication by the way because on
communication by the way because on social media it is so easy just to
social media it is so easy just to become the worst version of yourself
become the worst version of yourself without fear of any consequence. So, she
without fear of any consequence. So, she happened to describe a person who would
happened to describe a person who would probably be the the worst individual. So
probably be the the worst individual. So an insulinoma, she describes a
an insulinoma, she describes a neuroendocrine cancer. An insulinoma is
neuroendocrine cancer. An insulinoma is an insulin secretreting tumor. So
an insulin secretreting tumor. So usually it's the pancreas, which for
usually it's the pancreas, which for those watching is here. Again, imagine
those watching is here. Again, imagine that a part of the pancreas is expanding
that a part of the pancreas is expanding with a tumor, but it's filled with cells
with a tumor, but it's filled with cells that make insulin. So it's a bunch of
that make insulin. So it's a bunch of beta cells, which are the cells that
beta cells, which are the cells that make insulin. And this is a guy who
make insulin. And this is a guy who can't stop making insulin.
can't stop making insulin. Suffice to say, if you now cut your
Suffice to say, if you now cut your carbohydrate consumption and you're
carbohydrate consumption and you're continuing to make tons of insulin,
continuing to make tons of insulin, which is not normal, so this is a very
which is not normal, so this is a very much a disease state, and I appreciate
much a disease state, and I appreciate her stating it as such. It's a cancer,
her stating it as such. It's a cancer, it's a tumor of the pancreas. So, what
it's a tumor of the pancreas. So, what would have happened in him, he cuts the
would have happened in him, he cuts the gluc, he cuts his carbohydrates, but he
gluc, he cuts his carbohydrates, but he can't stop making insulin. So now it's
can't stop making insulin. So now it's actually back to that diet that you and
actually back to that diet that you and I that I mentioned at the beginning of
I that I mentioned at the beginning of our conversation where the people were
our conversation where the people were eating a high carb version or a low carb
eating a high carb version or a low carb version of a diet. When you spike
version of a diet. When you spike insulin, you lower both glucose and
insulin, you lower both glucose and ketones. And that's what happened to
ketones. And that's what happened to him. He would have become hypoglycemic
him. He would have become hypoglycemic and he would almost never make any
and he would almost never make any ketones because he always has high
ketones because he always has high insulin. M
insulin. M >> and so he would have been depriving his
>> and so he would have been depriving his brain of its two fuels in uh lowering
brain of its two fuels in uh lowering the glucose by pushing it into muscle
the glucose by pushing it into muscle and fat and blocking the liver from
and fat and blocking the liver from making ketones. So he's the worst person
making ketones. So he's the worst person anyone with an insulinoma. Of course
anyone with an insulinoma. Of course neither you nor I are giving any medical
neither you nor I are giving any medical advice. Um but if a person has an
advice. Um but if a person has an insulinoma that's like the worst person
insulinoma that's like the worst person to adopt a low carb diet. They have to
to adopt a low carb diet. They have to eat carbs because they're always making
eat carbs because they're always making insulin. They can't stop. What's
insulin. They can't stop. What's interesting is it it appears from what
interesting is it it appears from what she's written that her husband found out
she's written that her husband found out that he had this
that he had this >> Oh, because of adopting the diet.
>> Oh, because of adopting the diet. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. >> Oh my gosh, that's remarkable. Yeah. So,
>> Oh my gosh, that's remarkable. Yeah. So, a person could test this early though,
a person could test this early though, Stephen. So, just what you've been doing
Stephen. So, just what you've been doing now over the past period of time by
now over the past period of time by pricking your finger, if a person
pricking your finger, if a person worried that they had an insulinoma,
worried that they had an insulinoma, they could just on a random morning uh
they could just on a random morning uh or fast for fast for 12 hours or so and
or fast for fast for 12 hours or so and measure your glucose. Um, if you have a
measure your glucose. Um, if you have a continuous glucose monitor, even easier.
continuous glucose monitor, even easier. Look at your glucose. Because in you and
Look at your glucose. Because in you and I, if we fast for 24 hours, our glucose
I, if we fast for 24 hours, our glucose levels stay normal. They just run along
levels stay normal. They just run along like nothing's happened. In a person
like nothing's happened. In a person with an insulinoma, they're getting
with an insulinoma, they're getting lower and lower and lower and lower all
lower and lower and lower and lower all constantly because they can't stop
constantly because they can't stop making insulin and it's always driving
making insulin and it's always driving their blood glucose levels lower. So, a
their blood glucose levels lower. So, a person could determine that on their
person could determine that on their own. This would have been a guy who
own. This would have been a guy who anytime he fasted at all, he would have
anytime he fasted at all, he would have started to feel miserable
started to feel miserable >> cuz she says in the message, "My husband
>> cuz she says in the message, "My husband lasted eight hours on a keto diet and
lasted eight hours on a keto diet and was unconscious. It turned out," which
was unconscious. It turned out," which suggests that they found out
suggests that they found out >> and we hope the husband's doing well.
>> and we hope the husband's doing well. >> Yes.
>> Yes. >> Boy, an insulin is a big deal. My hope
>> Boy, an insulin is a big deal. My hope is that they would be able to identify
is that they would be able to identify the location of the tumor. Um, and you
the location of the tumor. Um, and you can What's cool about cancer is that
can What's cool about cancer is that cancer is such a sugar eater. It eats so
cancer is such a sugar eater. It eats so much glucose that you can inject glucose
much glucose that you can inject glucose into someone that has a little bit of
into someone that has a little bit of radiation to it, not harmful, but then
radiation to it, not harmful, but then you can do an X-ray and see where does
you can do an X-ray and see where does all the glucose go and it would be going
all the glucose go and it would be going to this little lump on the on the on the
to this little lump on the on the on the pancreas. And so hopefully they can cut
pancreas. And so hopefully they can cut it out.
it out. >> What does that say about cancer and
>> What does that say about cancer and sugar?
sugar? >> Oh my. Yeah. So you I know you've had
>> Oh my. Yeah. So you I know you've had the authority on this. So everything I'm
the authority on this. So everything I'm about to say is me quoting Dr. Thomas
about to say is me quoting Dr. Thomas Seaff Freed who is he needs all the
Seaff Freed who is he needs all the attention in the world as he has
attention in the world as he has resurrected
resurrected uh an almost 100-year-old view of cancer
uh an almost 100-year-old view of cancer being a disease of glucose and sugar
being a disease of glucose and sugar metabolism the Warberg effect it's
metabolism the Warberg effect it's called but Dr. Thomas Seaff Freed has
called but Dr. Thomas Seaff Freed has been a champion of of bringing this view
been a champion of of bringing this view into the modern era by finding that
into the modern era by finding that cancer cells rely on glucose as their
cancer cells rely on glucose as their fuel primarily. He also identifies
fuel primarily. He also identifies glutamine. But if you can deprive the
glutamine. But if you can deprive the cancer cell of its fuel, normal
cancer cell of its fuel, normal interventions even like chemotherapies
interventions even like chemotherapies which have terrible rates of success,
which have terrible rates of success, they become suddenly much more
they become suddenly much more effective.
effective. >> In fact, my part of my motivation in
>> In fact, my part of my motivation in adhering to a ketogenic diet is is
adhering to a ketogenic diet is is cancer related. when I my mom passed
cancer related. when I my mom passed away from cancer as a boy and it's been
away from cancer as a boy and it's been one of those diseases that's always
one of those diseases that's always scared me a little bit and I think all
scared me a little bit and I think all right my statistical likelihood of
right my statistical likelihood of getting a cancer in life is going to be
getting a cancer in life is going to be higher than average because of a
higher than average because of a first-degree relative dying from cancer
first-degree relative dying from cancer so one of the reasons and I've already
so one of the reasons and I've already outlived my my my saintly mom now one of
outlived my my my saintly mom now one of the reasons I adhere to a ketogenic diet
the reasons I adhere to a ketogenic diet is I want to do what I can to try to
is I want to do what I can to try to kill any little budding cancer cells by
kill any little budding cancer cells by starving them of their glucose that they
starving them of their glucose that they want
want >> remember when we had him on the show
>> remember when we had him on the show remember the BBC obviously weren't very
remember the BBC obviously weren't very happy that I had him on and said that it
happy that I had him on and said that it was uh
was uh >> no
>> no >> it was misinformation.
>> it was misinformation. >> Oh my gosh, isn't that unfortunate? So
>> Oh my gosh, isn't that unfortunate? So he is the leading authority I would say
he is the leading authority I would say in the world on cancer metabolism and
in the world on cancer metabolism and it's such a shame that his finding and
it's such a shame that his finding and let let me he might have explained this
let let me he might have explained this already but I just want to explain to
already but I just want to explain to everyone as a scientist how thrilled I
everyone as a scientist how thrilled I was to see what he'd done and how
was to see what he'd done and how disruptive it was to the convention. And
disruptive it was to the convention. And let's ad let's admit what we think we
let's ad let's admit what we think we know about cancer isn't working. Cancer
know about cancer isn't working. Cancer rates continue to climb. Cancer
rates continue to climb. Cancer mortality continues to climb. Clearly
mortality continues to climb. Clearly the old views aren't working. He took
the old views aren't working. He took tumor cells and then so cancer cells and
tumor cells and then so cancer cells and then moved over the nucleus because the
then moved over the nucleus because the traditional view is that it's a disease
traditional view is that it's a disease of mutations and all of these genes are
of mutations and all of these genes are in the nucleus the the kind of brain of
in the nucleus the the kind of brain of the cell. He took the nucleus from a
the cell. He took the nucleus from a cancer cell, put it into a healthy cell,
cancer cell, put it into a healthy cell, and then you would think if it's a
and then you would think if it's a disease of the nucleus and all of those
disease of the nucleus and all of those genes, mutations, this cell should have
genes, mutations, this cell should have cancer now. And yet, it didn't. It was a
cancer now. And yet, it didn't. It was a totally normal cell. It didn't matter at
totally normal cell. It didn't matter at all that it now had the nucleus of a
all that it now had the nucleus of a cancer cell. However, when he took the
cancer cell. However, when he took the mitochondria
mitochondria from the the energy factory of the cell
from the the energy factory of the cell that's so disrupted in cancer, he took
that's so disrupted in cancer, he took the mitochondria from the cancer cell,
the mitochondria from the cancer cell, put that into a normal cell. Now, it was
put that into a normal cell. Now, it was a cancer cell.
a cancer cell. But what a disruptive view. It proves
But what a disruptive view. It proves that it's a mitochondrial problem more
that it's a mitochondrial problem more than a nucleus problem. And then it
than a nucleus problem. And then it suggests it it adds evidence to his view
suggests it it adds evidence to his view and th others of us as well that cancer
and th others of us as well that cancer is a metabolic problem.
is a metabolic problem. >> So when when you know publications like
>> So when when you know publications like the BBC attack my guest for saying such
the BBC attack my guest for saying such a thing or for you know for me having
a thing or for you know for me having them on the show and suggest that it's
them on the show and suggest that it's like misinformation or dangerous
like misinformation or dangerous information.
information. >> How how how do you inter how do you
>> How how how do you inter how do you interpret that cuz
interpret that cuz >> oh it's so discouraging. Um I I
>> oh it's so discouraging. Um I I interpret it as we've seen echoes and
interpret it as we've seen echoes and shadows of this in the past five or six
shadows of this in the past five or six years um with the pandemic and
years um with the pandemic and everything related to it where science
everything related to it where science can be very inconvenient um to
can be very inconvenient um to various entities and institutions. Um
various entities and institutions. Um and we see scientists who will
and we see scientists who will compromise themselves to try to receive
compromise themselves to try to receive the funding and the adoration of those
the funding and the adoration of those institutions and entities.
institutions and entities. But it is anti- it is it is an attack.
But it is anti- it is it is an attack. Science is a the pursuit of truth. I I I
Science is a the pursuit of truth. I I I was blessed to do my dissertation work,
was blessed to do my dissertation work, my PhD studies with a wonderful man
my PhD studies with a wonderful man named Lionus Dome. I will love him
named Lionus Dome. I will love him forever. Um one of the things he taught
forever. Um one of the things he taught me, I'd come to him with discouraging
me, I'd come to him with discouraging results. The hypothesis that I'd had
results. The hypothesis that I'd had with regards to fat and insulin
with regards to fat and insulin resistance, it was not supporting. The
resistance, it was not supporting. The data were terrible in this particular
data were terrible in this particular line of experiments. And he wasn't he
line of experiments. And he wasn't he was unflapable. He wasn't upset. He
was unflapable. He wasn't upset. He wasn't angry. He said, "Ben, don't be
wasn't angry. He said, "Ben, don't be upset. That's truth. We are seekers of
upset. That's truth. We are seekers of truth." That's what scientists are. What
truth." That's what scientists are. What a glorious thing to get paid to seek
a glorious thing to get paid to seek truth. It doesn't pay that well, but it
truth. It doesn't pay that well, but it it's a glorious job nonetheless.
it's a glorious job nonetheless. That is what Dr. Thomas Seaf Freed is
That is what Dr. Thomas Seaf Freed is doing. And when I think you have a big
doing. And when I think you have a big entity like the BBC telling a scientist
entity like the BBC telling a scientist who's simply stating his own findings
who's simply stating his own findings that have been peer- reviewviewed by
that have been peer- reviewviewed by other experts in the field, it should be
other experts in the field, it should be beyond it should be he should have every
beyond it should be he should have every platform in the world to talk about
platform in the world to talk about this. Every scientist ought to and it
this. Every scientist ought to and it ought to be scrutinized. Scientists
ought to be scrutinized. Scientists should never think they know the truth.
should never think they know the truth. Even the declarations in the past few
Even the declarations in the past few years of believe the science. No, that
years of believe the science. No, that is anti-scientific.
is anti-scientific. Science is is con a scientist must be so
Science is is con a scientist must be so humble that he or she is constantly
humble that he or she is constantly prepared to dump their hypothesis if
prepared to dump their hypothesis if they've been shown to be wrong.
they've been shown to be wrong. >> And I guess it's important for those
>> And I guess it's important for those ideas to be out there for you to even be
ideas to be out there for you to even be able to scrutinize them and challenge
able to scrutinize them and challenge them,
them, >> especially in something like cancer
>> especially in something like cancer where clearly what we're doing isn't
where clearly what we're doing isn't working. And so let's welcome new ideas.
working. And so let's welcome new ideas. And his evidence is incredibly
And his evidence is incredibly compelling. It's it's so discouraging to
compelling. It's it's so discouraging to hear, but but it is also Stephen perhaps
hear, but but it is also Stephen perhaps a manifestation of a broader opposition
a manifestation of a broader opposition to anything low carb. You just utter the
to anything low carb. You just utter the word ketone to a dogmatic and
word ketone to a dogmatic and conventionally trained dietician. Oh my
conventionally trained dietician. Oh my gosh, you are tempting their wrath. They
gosh, you are tempting their wrath. They will it's it's like the more the more
will it's it's like the more the more educated a person gets, the more rigid
educated a person gets, the more rigid they become from time to time in their
they become from time to time in their ideas. You should never see that in a
ideas. You should never see that in a scientist. A scientist by our by our
scientist. A scientist by our by our through our training, we should be
through our training, we should be humble enough to admit that we don't
humble enough to admit that we don't know everything.
know everything. >> I remember when um they contacted me,
>> I remember when um they contacted me, the journalist at the BBC, and said,
the journalist at the BBC, and said, "We're going to write the story about,
"We're going to write the story about, you know, the misinformation spread by
you know, the misinformation spread by these guests." And I looked at what they
these guests." And I looked at what they had said and this and they made this
had said and this and they made this little documentary did this article and
little documentary did this article and they had found that 0.0
they had found that 0.0 Zero zero 1% of our total recorded hours
Zero zero 1% of our total recorded hours of conversation and transcripts contain
of conversation and transcripts contain things that they thought were could be
things that they thought were could be disputed.
disputed. >> Oh my god.
>> Oh my god. >> And they felt with 0.00
>> And they felt with 0.00 one they would write this big breaking
one they would write this big breaking news story in this article. And I
news story in this article. And I remember thinking oh like that was the
remember thinking oh like that was the day that I that I felt I understood.
day that I that I felt I understood. >> That was the day that I felt I
>> That was the day that I felt I understood how the system works.
understood how the system works. >> You could you peaked behind the curtain.
>> You could you peaked behind the curtain. I got to see behind the curtain and I
I got to see behind the curtain and I was like, "Oh, I thought,
was like, "Oh, I thought, >> you know, I thought that um these like
>> you know, I thought that um these like cuz it's like a big brand and I've grown
cuz it's like a big brand and I've grown up looking at it. I thought like they
up looking at it. I thought like they are so concerned about rigor and the
are so concerned about rigor and the most important thing and balance." And I
most important thing and balance." And I said to the I said to the journalist, I
said to the I said to the journalist, I said um of what you found 0.001
said um of what you found 0.001 because they said you've got a right to
because they said you've got a right to reply. So that was my reply.
reply. So that was my reply. >> They
>> They >> and of course they wouldn't have
>> and of course they wouldn't have published that.
published that. >> They took it out. They took my response
>> They took it out. They took my response out because it was too d it was too like
out because it was too d it was too like you know. Yep. And then obviously the
you know. Yep. And then obviously the other thing they pointed at another
other thing they pointed at another guest that I'd had on and said, you
guest that I'd had on and said, you know, you also had this person on and I
know, you also had this person on and I so I went on I just typed his name in
so I went on I just typed his name in and the word BBC and they'd had him on
and the word BBC and they'd had him on too.
too. >> Oh my god.
>> Oh my god. >> And in fact, when he had came on this
>> And in fact, when he had came on this particular doctor and he had said his
particular doctor and he had said his points of views, the journalist at the
points of views, the journalist at the BBC had just basically said nothing and
BBC had just basically said nothing and that was the end of the segment. When he
that was the end of the segment. When he said it to me,
said it to me, >> then all of a sudden it's a problem.
>> then all of a sudden it's a problem. >> No, I read out the rebuttal from the
>> No, I read out the rebuttal from the British Heart Foundation. I read out all
British Heart Foundation. I read out all of the rebuttals to what he just said,
of the rebuttals to what he just said, but of course the BBC published this
but of course the BBC published this article saying that I'd had him on. They
article saying that I'd had him on. They had had him on too. They' never
had had him on too. They' never rebuttled him. I did. And they and so
rebuttled him. I did. And they and so this was the moment that I thought
this was the moment that I thought >> you're becoming disruptive. To be
>> you're becoming disruptive. To be honest, I suspect a part of it is you
honest, I suspect a part of it is you are the embodiment of a new media. You
are the embodiment of a new media. You know, I I think even beyond the science.
know, I I think even beyond the science. So if this had been in the US, I would
So if this had been in the US, I would have speculated that a part of the their
have speculated that a part of the their concern would have been that you are
concern would have been that you are sharing, you're platforming someone who
sharing, you're platforming someone who is bad for their bottom line because so
is bad for their bottom line because so much of the income that nudes that media
much of the income that nudes that media outlets get in the US is from drug
outlets get in the US is from drug company ads. In the UK, you don't have
company ads. In the UK, you don't have that. Drug companies don't um aren't I
that. Drug companies don't um aren't I don't think they're allowed to air ads
don't think they're allowed to air ads on normal channels. In the UK, I think
on normal channels. In the UK, I think is to a degree happening everywhere.
is to a degree happening everywhere. your platform is probably bigger than
your platform is probably bigger than many of theirs and they might feel
many of theirs and they might feel that's threatening.
that's threatening. >> It's interesting because I try and
>> It's interesting because I try and remain as objective as I can. So in
remain as objective as I can. So in those moments, one of my strategies is
those moments, one of my strategies is to try and understand what the signal is
to try and understand what the signal is versus the noise
versus the noise >> and to take all of this noise and figure
>> and to take all of this noise and figure out exactly um what really really
out exactly um what really really matters as it relates to my genuine
matters as it relates to my genuine mission, which is for the audience that
mission, which is for the audience that decide to tune in every single week and
decide to tune in every single week and day and month to get really great
day and month to get really great information to improve their lives.
information to improve their lives. Yeah. and uh to to be able to strive at
Yeah. and uh to to be able to strive at the things that they care about striving
the things that they care about striving for, whether that's business or
for, whether that's business or entrepreneurship or whether it's their
entrepreneurship or whether it's their health goals or fitness or finance or
health goals or fitness or finance or whatever. And the thing I actually took
whatever. And the thing I actually took away from it is that there is a lot of
away from it is that there is a lot of information um when you're pursuing
information um when you're pursuing science.
science. >> And so the one of the best things we can
>> And so the one of the best things we can do because we know we're going to
do because we know we're going to continue to have lots of different
continue to have lots of different voices on the show is to continue to
voices on the show is to continue to provide more context on what's what's
provide more context on what's what's being said. So, one of the things we've
being said. So, one of the things we've we introduced this year, which I really
we introduced this year, which I really love, is on the screen during these
love, is on the screen during these conversations as you're talking about
conversations as you're talking about different complicated words or you're
different complicated words or you're talking about different studies or
talking about different studies or whatever it might be, those studies will
whatever it might be, those studies will be appearing on the screen for the
be appearing on the screen for the audience to see.
audience to see. >> And I think I think this is a first in
>> And I think I think this is a first in podcasting. I don't think anyone else
podcasting. I don't think anyone else any of the major podcasters have done
any of the major podcasters have done done this kind of thing. But that is
done this kind of thing. But that is something I actually took away from it.
something I actually took away from it. I thought, you know what, we can give
I thought, you know what, we can give our audience even more context so that
our audience even more context so that they have a fuller picture.
they have a fuller picture. >> That's brilliant. So, you know, every
>> That's brilliant. So, you know, every cloud.
cloud. >> Yeah. Yeah. No, it's certainly an
>> Yeah. Yeah. No, it's certainly an opportunity to iterate and say, "All
opportunity to iterate and say, "All right, how could we do it better?" Not
right, how could we do it better?" Not everyone's going to not everyone's going
everyone's going to not everyone's going to take that approach, though.
to take that approach, though. >> Always. And, you know, like it always
>> Always. And, you know, like it always come the question I was asking myself is
come the question I was asking myself is like, "What are we here to do and what
like, "What are we here to do and what is our mission? And what would further
is our mission? And what would further the success of our mission?" And that's
the success of our mission?" And that's one such thing. So, for people, I had a
one such thing. So, for people, I had a lady contact me the other day. She said,
lady contact me the other day. She said, "I listen on Spotify. I didn't realize
"I listen on Spotify. I didn't realize that you were doing these like pop-up
that you were doing these like pop-up things on screen." But, um,
things on screen." But, um, >> but they're there. And also, I mean,
>> but they're there. And also, I mean, there definitely is a reason to watch.
there definitely is a reason to watch. >> Yeah. And in the description as well,
>> Yeah. And in the description as well, there'll be there'll be a link to
there'll be there'll be a link to context as well that you can check out.
context as well that you can check out. >> But getting back to it, um, so 2026,
>> But getting back to it, um, so 2026, you've given me the sort of daily
you've given me the sort of daily protocol to follow. Is there anything
protocol to follow. Is there anything else that we've missed cuz I really want
else that we've missed cuz I really want to make sure that people listening
to make sure that people listening achieve their 2026 health goals. I And
achieve their 2026 health goals. I And you know what those goals are because
you know what those goals are because people message you.
people message you. >> Yeah. Yeah. Oh, yeah. I mean, it's
>> Yeah. Yeah. Oh, yeah. I mean, it's always it's almost always weight loss in
always it's almost always weight loss in some way, shape, or form. No, I think
some way, shape, or form. No, I think that protocol is smart. I mean we didn't
that protocol is smart. I mean we didn't talk I mentioned a little bit about the
talk I mentioned a little bit about the role of exogenous ketones um which I am
role of exogenous ketones um which I am an advocate of uh and I would say if a
an advocate of uh and I would say if a person is able to maybe just sort of
person is able to maybe just sort of look at what other supplements they
look at what other supplements they might be interested in like omega-3 if
might be interested in like omega-3 if they are looking to gain muscle and
they are looking to gain muscle and they're working out and doing some
they're working out and doing some resistance protocols definitely I would
resistance protocols definitely I would say if you're not eating omega-3 rich
say if you're not eating omega-3 rich sources of foods like fish then get a
sources of foods like fish then get a good omega-3 supplement. Omega-3 helps
good omega-3 supplement. Omega-3 helps with muscle building in a very
with muscle building in a very meaningful way. It's It's not just one
meaningful way. It's It's not just one of those It's not just something you
of those It's not just something you take for heart health.
take for heart health. >> We were talking before we started
>> We were talking before we started recording about vitamins.
recording about vitamins. >> Mhm. Yeah. Right. Yeah. So, I was joking
>> Mhm. Yeah. Right. Yeah. So, I was joking with you about how I was listening to
with you about how I was listening to this conversation. So, everything I'm
this conversation. So, everything I'm about to explain, people know that I am
about to explain, people know that I am I'm not an expert. As much as I'm a
I'm not an expert. As much as I'm a metabolism expert, that allows me to
metabolism expert, that allows me to talk about this somewhat intelligently.
talk about this somewhat intelligently. So, let me lay the groundwork here. So,
So, let me lay the groundwork here. So, I was listening to a discussion of a
I was listening to a discussion of a rancher, a person who's growing
rancher, a person who's growing livestock. And of course, just to help
livestock. And of course, just to help the business, you want these animals to
the business, you want these animals to get as big and even fat as possible and
get as big and even fat as possible and then get them off um to to you know,
then get them off um to to you know, just make your money. They found that
just make your money. They found that I'm going to I'm going to mess up these
I'm going to I'm going to mess up these numbers a little bit, but I'm going to
numbers a little bit, but I'm going to be closer than than someone might think.
be closer than than someone might think. >> I'll put them on the screen. So they
>> I'll put them on the screen. So they found that for roughly every six pounds
found that for roughly every six pounds of feed they would give an animal. So
of feed they would give an animal. So for every six pounds of food, you could
for every six pounds of food, you could expect one pound of growth in just
expect one pound of growth in just normal a normal feed of normal just a
normal a normal feed of normal just a mix of the the soy, the corn, whatever
mix of the the soy, the corn, whatever they're eating in in pigs or cattle. And
they're eating in in pigs or cattle. And then if you start adding B vitamin
then if you start adding B vitamin complexes, like a bunch of B vitamins,
complexes, like a bunch of B vitamins, and then the higher that gets, you can
and then the higher that gets, you can go from 3 L pounds of feed is enough to
go from 3 L pounds of feed is enough to get one pound. All up to the point where
get one pound. All up to the point where they could find that they could give the
they could find that they could give the animals for every two pounds of food
animals for every two pounds of food they would eat, they would gain one
they would eat, they would gain one pound. So they had effectively tripled
pound. So they had effectively tripled the efficiency with which the animals
the efficiency with which the animals were able to get fat off of a given
were able to get fat off of a given amount of food. So, one of my concerns
amount of food. So, one of my concerns as a scientist is the degree to which
as a scientist is the degree to which part of our obesity epidemic might be
part of our obesity epidemic might be the degree to which we are consuming too
the degree to which we are consuming too much vitamins, especially B vitamins.
much vitamins, especially B vitamins. And the irony there is that people take
And the irony there is that people take B vitamins because they want their
B vitamins because they want their metabolism to be more efficient. You'll
metabolism to be more efficient. You'll hear that term. And yet, when it comes
hear that term. And yet, when it comes to weight loss, you actually don't want
to weight loss, you actually don't want efficiency. You want inefficiency. Let
efficiency. You want inefficiency. Let me invoke the analogy of an engine. So,
me invoke the analogy of an engine. So, let's imagine that we're sitting in a
let's imagine that we're sitting in a car and we are in drive. We're in gear.
car and we are in drive. We're in gear. We press the accelerator and we see the
We press the accelerator and we see the RPMs going up. That means we're burning
RPMs going up. That means we're burning fuel. The engine's revving. And because
fuel. The engine's revving. And because we're in drive, we're moving. So, we're
we're in drive, we're moving. So, we're actually driving. So, we're getting work
actually driving. So, we're getting work done. That's what we would say is
done. That's what we would say is efficient. And an inefficient metabolism
efficient. And an inefficient metabolism is actually more conducive to weight
is actually more conducive to weight loss because now you're revving your
loss because now you're revving your engine, but you're in neutral. And so,
engine, but you're in neutral. And so, you're not going anywhere. you don't
you're not going anywhere. you don't have to get any work done. So, this
have to get any work done. So, this would that's maybe a little step too far
would that's maybe a little step too far with the metaphor, but B vitamins are
with the metaphor, but B vitamins are essentially making potentially the
essentially making potentially the mitochondria and the cell be so
mitochondria and the cell be so efficient that it's storing more energy
efficient that it's storing more energy better rather than burning it and
better rather than burning it and wasting it.
wasting it. >> Storing more fat.
>> Storing more fat. >> Storing more fat. You see echoes of you
>> Storing more fat. You see echoes of you see hints of this in human studies where
see hints of this in human studies where when they take high doses of niacin in
when they take high doses of niacin in various clinical trials,
various clinical trials, >> what's nice? It's one of the B vitamins
>> what's nice? It's one of the B vitamins or many of the B vitamins, but do you
or many of the B vitamins, but do you see substance in humans of of that
see substance in humans of of that supports this view where high doses of
supports this view where high doses of some of these vitamins do result in
some of these vitamins do result in weight gain? Now, they're not really
weight gain? Now, they're not really wellont controlled studies, but
wellont controlled studies, but nevertheless, combined with the animal
nevertheless, combined with the animal data, it does suggest that there's
data, it does suggest that there's something about maybe people taking too
something about maybe people taking too many of these B vitamins and they're
many of these B vitamins and they're getting fatter for every calorie
getting fatter for every calorie consumed because the body is just
consumed because the body is just storing it too easily.
storing it too easily. >> And you're talking about taking too
>> And you're talking about taking too much. You're not talking about
much. You're not talking about >> taking too much. I'm not talking about
>> taking too much. I'm not talking about like reaching the daily minimum, but
like reaching the daily minimum, but people are going like two or three or
people are going like two or three or four times beyond that nowadays because
four times beyond that nowadays because everything is fortified. You'd mentioned
everything is fortified. You'd mentioned one of the people in the comments
one of the people in the comments mentioned that they cut out flour. Flour
mentioned that they cut out flour. Flour is heavily heavily fortified with B
is heavily heavily fortified with B vitamins. And so every time we're eating
vitamins. And so every time we're eating it, we're getting B vitamins from
it, we're getting B vitamins from everything. And usually it's coming with
everything. And usually it's coming with processed carbohydrates. So one more
processed carbohydrates. So one more reason because you're not going to get
reason because you're not going to get an overload of B vitamins from just
an overload of B vitamins from just steak and eggs. It's going to be
steak and eggs. It's going to be something that's been packaged because
something that's been packaged because it's been fortified with these B
it's been fortified with these B vitamins. So, one of that might be one
vitamins. So, one of that might be one of the reasons why people are getting
of the reasons why people are getting fatter than ever.
fatter than ever. >> I've got this uh pen in front of me. Do
>> I've got this uh pen in front of me. Do you know what this is?
you know what this is? >> That's a GLP-1 medication.
>> That's a GLP-1 medication. >> A Zmpeek.
>> A Zmpeek. >> Ompic. Yeah.
>> Ompic. Yeah. >> I've got an Ampec pen right here. Now,
>> I've got an Ampec pen right here. Now, you've told me lots of different ways
you've told me lots of different ways that I can lose my body fat in 2026,
that I can lose my body fat in 2026, but couldn't I just jab myself with this
but couldn't I just jab myself with this and my hunger will evaporate and I'll
and my hunger will evaporate and I'll lose fat. So that works until it
lose fat. So that works until it doesn't. By that I mean we have really
doesn't. By that I mean we have really really good data now. So briefly on
really good data now. So briefly on GLP1, although I know your audience is
GLP1, although I know your audience is probably very familiar with this by now.
probably very familiar with this by now. GLP-1 is primarily a satiety hormone.
GLP-1 is primarily a satiety hormone. It'll tell the brain that we're done
It'll tell the brain that we're done eating and it will slow down the
eating and it will slow down the intestines significantly. So you'll eat
intestines significantly. So you'll eat food. If you and I were to go eat lunch,
food. If you and I were to go eat lunch, again, I've used that a couple times.
again, I've used that a couple times. Our food would be in our stomach for
Our food would be in our stomach for four to six hours maybe. If we injected
four to six hours maybe. If we injected ourselves with a GLP-1 drug, which puts
ourselves with a GLP-1 drug, which puts an artificial amount of GLP-1 in our
an artificial amount of GLP-1 in our body, boom, we sh it in. It's some we
body, boom, we sh it in. It's some we grab a piece of fat and jab it in. Then
grab a piece of fat and jab it in. Then it would it slows down people's
it would it slows down people's intestines so much that they'll have
intestines so much that they'll have food sitting in there for 24 hours. So,
food sitting in there for 24 hours. So, one of the things people talk about is
one of the things people talk about is what's called ompic burps where they
what's called ompic burps where they just have this kind of belching bubbling
just have this kind of belching bubbling gas because the food is sitting in the
gas because the food is sitting in the stomach for way longer than it's
stomach for way longer than it's supposed to. So, no surprise the people
supposed to. So, no surprise the people are less interested in food. GLP-1 tells
are less interested in food. GLP-1 tells the brain they don't need to eat as much
the brain they don't need to eat as much and slows down the intestines. Now,
and slows down the intestines. Now, however, I said it works until it
however, I said it works until it doesn't.
doesn't. There the main thing it helps people do
There the main thing it helps people do is eat less carbohydrates. It controls
is eat less carbohydrates. It controls cravings particularly. But there was a
cravings particularly. But there was a human paper that found when they
human paper that found when they followed people for 2 years. It was a
followed people for 2 years. It was a beautiful figure. At about 6 months,
beautiful figure. At about 6 months, they found that sweet cravings dropped
they found that sweet cravings dropped significantly. A huge reduction in their
significantly. A huge reduction in their cravings for chocolate and sweets. At 12
cravings for chocolate and sweets. At 12 months, it creeped up a little bit, but
months, it creeped up a little bit, but it was still noticeably below where it
it was still noticeably below where it started. At 2 years, it was right back
started. At 2 years, it was right back to normal. So at two years on the drug,
to normal. So at two years on the drug, the effects of having them not be
the effects of having them not be interested in that plate of cookies now
interested in that plate of cookies now it's gone.
it's gone. >> What's going on there?
>> What's going on there? >> So yeah, it's it's diminishing returns
>> So yeah, it's it's diminishing returns as to invoke a principle of economics.
as to invoke a principle of economics. Doing the same thing again and again and
Doing the same thing again and again and again starts to work less and less and
again starts to work less and less and less. This we see this manifested in
less. This we see this manifested in innumerable different ways of
innumerable different ways of medications. So why do our clinicians
medications. So why do our clinicians why does the doctor tell us to make sure
why does the doctor tell us to make sure we take our full dose of antibiotic?
we take our full dose of antibiotic? Because if we don't, we give it just
Because if we don't, we give it just enough for the bacteria to become
enough for the bacteria to become resistant to it. And now next time we
resistant to it. And now next time we would need two times the amount of B of
would need two times the amount of B of antibiotic we had. So it's it's natural
antibiotic we had. So it's it's natural for the human body to become less
for the human body to become less responsive to a stimulus. And that is so
responsive to a stimulus. And that is so much GLP-1 activation that it's no
much GLP-1 activation that it's no surprise that the body starts to say,
surprise that the body starts to say, "Hey, you're screaming at me too much
"Hey, you're screaming at me too much and I'm going to become deaf to your
and I'm going to become deaf to your signal."
signal." So it starts to work less. And in the UK
So it starts to work less. And in the UK and in the US about 70% of people get
and in the US about 70% of people get off the drug of their own valition at
off the drug of their own valition at two years. They get tired of being on
two years. They get tired of being on the drug because it's basically like a
the drug because it's basically like a constant state of nausea. That's that's
constant state of nausea. That's that's kind of how you'd say it works that if
kind of how you'd say it works that if you're feeling always a little nauseous,
you're feeling always a little nauseous, you just don't really want to snack on
you just don't really want to snack on something and people get tired of
something and people get tired of feeling nauseous. But another two-year
feeling nauseous. But another two-year study, two years appears to be kind of a
study, two years appears to be kind of a magic timeline, found that of of every
magic timeline, found that of of every every pound they lost, 40% of it was
every pound they lost, 40% of it was from lean ma from fat-ree mass.
from lean ma from fat-ree mass. >> What does that mean?
>> What does that mean? >> So that means 60% was coming from fat,
>> So that means 60% was coming from fat, 40% was coming from not fat, including
40% was coming from not fat, including muscle and bone. It would be water as
muscle and bone. It would be water as well, but muscle and bone. And that
well, but muscle and bone. And that matters because imagine if we have an
matters because imagine if we have an older woman. Let's imagine a 60-year-old
older woman. Let's imagine a 60-year-old woman who wants to lose weight and goes
woman who wants to lose weight and goes on a drug.
on a drug. If she's lost weight now and then two
If she's lost weight now and then two years later wants to get off the drug
years later wants to get off the drug like 70% of people do, she will her fat
like 70% of people do, she will her fat mass will come right back, but her lean
mass will come right back, but her lean mass may never come back. That muscle
mass may never come back. That muscle and bone may be gone for good.
and bone may be gone for good. >> Who is it for? Who who would you
>> Who is it for? Who who would you recommend definitely does that does it
recommend definitely does that does it uses it? And for how long with what
uses it? And for how long with what other supplementation? Yeah, my my
other supplementation? Yeah, my my recommendation of the drug is to not
recommendation of the drug is to not currently it's being used for weight
currently it's being used for weight loss where people just say here, jab
loss where people just say here, jab yourself with this and you're going to
yourself with this and you're going to lose weight. Um, and it works. They will
lose weight. Um, and it works. They will absolutely lose weight. But again, the
absolutely lose weight. But again, the concern being that you're going to uh
concern being that you're going to uh lose a lot of lean mass at the same
lose a lot of lean mass at the same time. So my best use of that drug would
time. So my best use of that drug would be using it with two distinct purpose,
be using it with two distinct purpose, two two ways, but for one purpose, which
two two ways, but for one purpose, which is this is a drug that's going to help
is this is a drug that's going to help you learn to control carbohydrates
you learn to control carbohydrates because that's the one macronutrient
because that's the one macronutrient that people are addicted to. They're
that people are addicted to. They're addicted to carbs. We eat too many
addicted to carbs. We eat too many carbs. We're a carb crazed culture. So
carbs. We're a carb crazed culture. So my view is use these drugs to help
my view is use these drugs to help people cure their cravings for
people cure their cravings for carbohydrates.
carbohydrates. >> But then when I stop taking it, isn't it
>> But then when I stop taking it, isn't it going to come back?
going to come back? >> Well, so that's it then. So then you use
>> Well, so that's it then. So then you use it in two different ways. One, you use a
it in two different ways. One, you use a much lower dose than is currently used.
much lower dose than is currently used. what we could call a micro dose, if you
what we could call a micro dose, if you will. Um, so use a lower dose and you
will. Um, so use a lower dose and you cycle it on and off. So what I think
cycle it on and off. So what I think people should be doing, and I'm going to
people should be doing, and I'm going to talk about evidence to support this in
talk about evidence to support this in just a second, go 90 days on the drug at
just a second, go 90 days on the drug at a low dose while receiving coaching or
a low dose while receiving coaching or counseling on how to use a low carb diet
counseling on how to use a low carb diet because they will find it easier than
because they will find it easier than ever to control their carb consumption.
ever to control their carb consumption. Then at the end of 90 days, wean them
Then at the end of 90 days, wean them off the drug and say, "Let's see if
off the drug and say, "Let's see if these habits have stuck." Very often
these habits have stuck." Very often they have. I know many, many people, and
they have. I know many, many people, and again, we're going to be publishing a
again, we're going to be publishing a report on this. I'll touch on that in
report on this. I'll touch on that in just a second, who they've done 90-day
just a second, who they've done 90-day cycle of a lowdose GLP-1 coupled with
cycle of a lowdose GLP-1 coupled with coaching on how to do a low carb diet,
coaching on how to do a low carb diet, and they find that their cravings are
and they find that their cravings are gone and they don't need to be on the
gone and they don't need to be on the drug anymore. Some people will find that
drug anymore. Some people will find that it lasts for a while, and the cravings
it lasts for a while, and the cravings start to come back. All right. Well,
start to come back. All right. Well, let's cycle you back on and try again.
let's cycle you back on and try again. Let's find out what didn't work this
Let's find out what didn't work this time. So, we're about to publish a
time. So, we're about to publish a report. Anyone who wants to see a little
report. Anyone who wants to see a little more about this, I just encourage them
more about this, I just encourage them to go to my site, insulinq.com.
to go to my site, insulinq.com. >> I'll link it below.
>> I'll link it below. >> Great. Um, but we have done a a
>> Great. Um, but we have done a a collaborative work with a group in
collaborative work with a group in Idaho, a clinic in Idaho, where they
Idaho, a clinic in Idaho, where they have done just this. They have people
have done just this. They have people getting low carb counseling with a
getting low carb counseling with a cycled do low dose of GLP1 and the
cycled do low dose of GLP1 and the results vastly outperform those who just
results vastly outperform those who just rely on the drug. Better fat loss and
rely on the drug. Better fat loss and better retention of muscle mass.
better retention of muscle mass. >> And when you say low carb counseling,
>> And when you say low carb counseling, that's just
that's just >> it's just people like me, you know, me
>> it's just people like me, you know, me saying, "Stephen, I'd like to go on a
saying, "Stephen, I'd like to go on a low carb diet." You saying, "Okay,
low carb diet." You saying, "Okay, great. Let's talk about how you can do
great. Let's talk about how you can do it best." Kind of a little bit like what
it best." Kind of a little bit like what we've been doing, but basically just
we've been doing, but basically just like a diet coach.
like a diet coach. >> Okay.
>> Okay. >> But the results have been fantastic. Um,
>> But the results have been fantastic. Um, literally outperforming just the drug
literally outperforming just the drug trials alone.
trials alone. >> Over what period of time?
>> Over what period of time? >> Yeah. So, it's now been we have people
>> Yeah. So, it's now been we have people who have been two to three years.
who have been two to three years. >> Yeah. We'll publish that soon. It's not
>> Yeah. We'll publish that soon. It's not submitted yet.
submitted yet. >> All I had to do was brain dump. Imagine
>> All I had to do was brain dump. Imagine if you had someone with you at all times
if you had someone with you at all times that could take the ideas you have in
that could take the ideas you have in your head, synthesize them with AI to
your head, synthesize them with AI to make them sound better and more
make them sound better and more grammatically correct and write them
grammatically correct and write them down for you. This is exactly what
down for you. This is exactly what Whisper Flow is in my life. It is this
Whisper Flow is in my life. It is this thought partner that helps me explain
thought partner that helps me explain what I want to say. And it now means
what I want to say. And it now means that on the go, when I'm alone in my
that on the go, when I'm alone in my office, when I'm out and about, I can
office, when I'm out and about, I can respond to emails and Slack messages and
respond to emails and Slack messages and WhatsApps and everything across all of
WhatsApps and everything across all of my devices just by speaking. I love this
my devices just by speaking. I love this tool. And I started talking about this
tool. And I started talking about this on my behindthe-scenes channel a couple
on my behindthe-scenes channel a couple of months back. And then the founder
of months back. And then the founder reached out to me and said, "We're
reached out to me and said, "We're seeing a lot of people come to our tour
seeing a lot of people come to our tour because of you. So, we'd love to be a
because of you. So, we'd love to be a sponsor. We'd love you to be an investor
sponsor. We'd love you to be an investor in the company." And so, I signed up for
in the company." And so, I signed up for both of those offers. and I'm now an
both of those offers. and I'm now an investor and a huge partner in a company
investor and a huge partner in a company called Whisper Flow. You have to check
called Whisper Flow. You have to check it out. Whisper Flow is four times
it out. Whisper Flow is four times faster than typing. So, if you want to
faster than typing. So, if you want to give it a try, head over to
give it a try, head over to whisperflow.ai/doac
to get started for free and you can find that link to Whisperflow in the
that link to Whisperflow in the description below. You know, every once
description below. You know, every once in a while you come across a product
in a while you come across a product that has such a huge impact on your life
that has such a huge impact on your life that you'd probably describe as a
that you'd probably describe as a gamecher. And I would say for about 35
gamecher. And I would say for about 35 to 40% of my team, they would currently
to 40% of my team, they would currently describe this product that I have in
describe this product that I have in front of me called Ketone IQ, which you
front of me called Ketone IQ, which you can get at ketone.com
can get at ketone.com as a game changer. But the reason I
as a game changer. But the reason I became a co-owner of this company and
became a co-owner of this company and the reason why they they now are a
the reason why they they now are a sponsor of this podcast is because one
sponsor of this podcast is because one day when I came to work, there was a box
day when I came to work, there was a box of this stuff sat on my desk. I had no
of this stuff sat on my desk. I had no idea what it was. Lily and my team says
idea what it was. Lily and my team says that this company have been in touch. So
that this company have been in touch. So I went upstairs, tried it, and quite
I went upstairs, tried it, and quite frankly, the rest is history. in terms
frankly, the rest is history. in terms of my focus, my energy levels, how I
of my focus, my energy levels, how I feel, how I work, how productive I am.
feel, how I work, how productive I am. Game changer. So, if you want to give it
Game changer. So, if you want to give it a try, visit ketone.com/stephven
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can find Ketone IQ at Target stores across the United States where your
across the United States where your first shot is completely free of charge.
first shot is completely free of charge. I have a bunch of other things here on
I have a bunch of other things here on the table that my team have got me and
the table that my team have got me and they didn't tell me why they've got me
they didn't tell me why they've got me these which I think is useful because
these which I think is useful because this means that I can ask questions that
this means that I can ask questions that the viewer might have. What the hell is
the viewer might have. What the hell is this?
this? >> Yeah. Yeah. So alulose is
>> Yeah. Yeah. So alulose is >> for anyone that can't see it's a white.
>> for anyone that can't see it's a white. >> So if you you could lick it. Lick your
>> So if you you could lick it. Lick your finger. You could put it in. It's going
finger. You could put it in. It's going to taste a little bit like a kind of
to taste a little bit like a kind of diluted sugar. It's just a sweetener.
diluted sugar. It's just a sweetener. >> Okay.
>> Okay. >> It's not quite as sweet as sugar. If it
>> It's not quite as sweet as sugar. If it is actually alulose maybe.
is actually alulose maybe. >> I'm so
>> I'm so >> Maybe it's not. Definitely.
>> Maybe it's not. Definitely. >> Oh, I'm so sorry.
>> Oh, I'm so sorry. >> This is definitely a prop. It tastes
>> This is definitely a prop. It tastes like bleach.
like bleach. >> It's not bleach, is it?
>> It's not bleach, is it? >> No, it tastes awful, though. It tastes
>> No, it tastes awful, though. It tastes like um
like um >> Oh my gosh. Sorry.
>> Oh my gosh. Sorry. >> They labeled it alulose, but it tastes
>> They labeled it alulose, but it tastes like the thing that you use to clean
like the thing that you use to clean your clothes.
your clothes. >> Baking powder.
>> Baking powder. >> Oh, it's baking powder.
>> Oh, it's baking powder. >> Okay. So, at least it's not going to
>> Okay. So, at least it's not going to kill you. Oh my gosh. If it were bleach,
kill you. Oh my gosh. If it were bleach, you need to go rinse your mouth.
you need to go rinse your mouth. >> That was the end of the podcast.
>> That was the end of the podcast. >> Oh my god.
>> Oh my god. >> Yeah. Ben Dickman kills Steve Bartlett.
>> Yeah. Ben Dickman kills Steve Bartlett. >> Okay. I didn't know that. I'm so sorry.
>> Okay. I didn't know that. I'm so sorry. So,
So, >> Alulos. Alulose is a it's a sugar
>> Alulos. Alulose is a it's a sugar replacement. It's what's called a rare
replacement. It's what's called a rare sugar. Um, by that I mean it exists in
sugar. Um, by that I mean it exists in nature. It is a sugar-like molecule. It
nature. It is a sugar-like molecule. It tastes sweet and yet it it is non-
tastes sweet and yet it it is non- metabolizable. It it doesn't get taken
metabolizable. It it doesn't get taken into the body and it's not calories you
into the body and it's not calories you need to worry about. But what it does in
need to worry about. But what it does in the context of this discussion is that
the context of this discussion is that it will go further in the intestines and
it will go further in the intestines and elicit a significant increase in GLP-1
elicit a significant increase in GLP-1 production. So, this would be one of the
production. So, this would be one of the ways that someone listening who may be
ways that someone listening who may be even on a GLP-1 drug and thinking, I
even on a GLP-1 drug and thinking, I need an exit. I want to get off this
need an exit. I want to get off this drug. I can't afford it or I feel
drug. I can't afford it or I feel miserable. I'm tired of the nausea. Um,
miserable. I'm tired of the nausea. Um, using alulose either as a sweetener in a
using alulose either as a sweetener in a coffee or a tea or your baking or
coffee or a tea or your baking or whatever is a way to increase your GLP1
whatever is a way to increase your GLP1 naturally. So, is your mate that I'm I'm
naturally. So, is your mate that I'm I'm drinking now that I start every morning
drinking now that I start every morning with that has been shown. We've
with that has been shown. We've published a couple reports on that. That
published a couple reports on that. That works as well.
works as well. >> And what foods have also in them? Yeah,
>> And what foods have also in them? Yeah, alulose is not something that you're
alulose is not something that you're going to get naturally. It has to be
going to get naturally. It has to be >> added.
>> added. >> Yeah, it's added. But there are some
>> Yeah, it's added. But there are some like there are some yogurts now that
like there are some yogurts now that have it. There are a few supplements
have it. There are a few supplements that will use it as its sweetener and I
that will use it as its sweetener and I encourage that development. It's a good
encourage that development. It's a good sweetener to use.
sweetener to use. >> Okay. This other chemical that my team
>> Okay. This other chemical that my team have got here, which is again, it's a a
have got here, which is again, it's a a white powder.
white powder. >> I'm not going to try it this time just
>> I'm not going to try it this time just in case it's something awful.
in case it's something awful. >> Um says has a label on it that says
>> Um says has a label on it that says collagen peptide. Yeah.
collagen peptide. Yeah. >> Why have they got this?
>> Why have they got this? >> Yeah. So collagen peptides are another
>> Yeah. So collagen peptides are another way to increase GLP-1. So that would be
way to increase GLP-1. So that would be another signal here that if someone is
another signal here that if someone is interested in a good smart way of losing
interested in a good smart way of losing weight, I am a fan of collagen. There
weight, I am a fan of collagen. There was in fact just a paper just published
was in fact just a paper just published this week finding that a mix of collagen
this week finding that a mix of collagen and various amino acids um was very
and various amino acids um was very effective at enhancing skin integrity
effective at enhancing skin integrity and the collagen in the skin. So I'm a
and the collagen in the skin. So I'm a fan of collagen peptides. Are there any
fan of collagen peptides. Are there any supplements that we haven't mentioned
supplements that we haven't mentioned that you're a big fan of in terms of
that you're a big fan of in terms of weight loss?
weight loss? >> Yeah, I'm I already mentioned a Go BHB,
>> Yeah, I'm I already mentioned a Go BHB, so an exogenous ketone source. Uh I do
so an exogenous ketone source. Uh I do take collagen um as well. Um it's called
take collagen um as well. Um it's called iron feather. I love it. Um but also
iron feather. I love it. Um but also omega-3 in addition to other habits like
omega-3 in addition to other habits like the the yerba mate, which I love and
the the yerba mate, which I love and other things like that. I don't call it
other things like that. I don't call it a supplement as much as just a habit.
a supplement as much as just a habit. >> What about creatine?
>> What about creatine? >> Oh, yes. Yes. I I'm I I can't believe I
>> Oh, yes. Yes. I I'm I I can't believe I didn't mention that. I'm very much an
didn't mention that. I'm very much an advocate of creatine. In fact, we have a
advocate of creatine. In fact, we have a study going on right now on it, which
study going on right now on it, which I'll come back to in a second. Um yeah,
I'll come back to in a second. Um yeah, creatine has been um it's kind of the
creatine has been um it's kind of the new thing where its traditional use had
new thing where its traditional use had been in muscle and then now all of the
been in muscle and then now all of the hot evidence is coming out in the brain.
hot evidence is coming out in the brain. So in the muscle evidence, there's two
So in the muscle evidence, there's two things to note. In fact, the first one
things to note. In fact, the first one is generic where creatine, not that
is generic where creatine, not that you're asking this, but people may
you're asking this, but people may wonder how it works. Creatine will be
wonder how it works. Creatine will be taken into a cell and it creates this
taken into a cell and it creates this pool of potential energy called creatine
pool of potential energy called creatine phosphate. Now, earlier I'd mentioned
phosphate. Now, earlier I'd mentioned ATP and I'm holding up three fingers
ATP and I'm holding up three fingers because of the three phosphates on that
because of the three phosphates on that ATP, the triphosphate molecule.
ATP, the triphosphate molecule. When we say contract a muscle or a nerve
When we say contract a muscle or a nerve is sending a signal, you're breaking ATP
is sending a signal, you're breaking ATP apart. You're splitting off one of those
apart. You're splitting off one of those phosphates. Now, you're left with a
phosphates. Now, you're left with a diphosphate, ADP. In order to recycle or
diphosphate, ADP. In order to recycle or regenerate the ATP, you need another
regenerate the ATP, you need another phosphate molecule. And this is where
phosphate molecule. And this is where creatine comes in because creatine has a
creatine comes in because creatine has a phosphate now that it can come and give
phosphate now that it can come and give to the ATP. rapidly recycling ATP
to the ATP. rapidly recycling ATP >> which means
>> which means >> so you're able to restore the energy in
>> so you're able to restore the energy in the cell sooner
the cell sooner >> which means for me on a daily basis
>> which means for me on a daily basis >> on a daily basis would it' be two things
>> on a daily basis would it' be two things uh in the two tissues of interest one
uh in the two tissues of interest one you can get more work out of your muscle
you can get more work out of your muscle in a given unit of time yeah
in a given unit of time yeah >> so if you wanted to have a very
>> so if you wanted to have a very effective 30-minute workout your rests
effective 30-minute workout your rests could be much shorter because of your
could be much shorter because of your ability to regenerate ATP or recover but
ability to regenerate ATP or recover but then the newest area of research is
then the newest area of research is what's happening in the brain where
what's happening in the brain where creatine has been shown to increase
creatine has been shown to increase brain energy and there are some
brain energy and there are some incredible human studies finding that
incredible human studies finding that you take people with cognitive decline
you take people with cognitive decline or some form of early dementia. Give
or some form of early dementia. Give them creatine supplementation and over
them creatine supplementation and over the next few weeks their cognition will
the next few weeks their cognition will improve. So, as much as you have the gym
improve. So, as much as you have the gym bros who are taking it for muscle, which
bros who are taking it for muscle, which I'm sympathetic to, I want big healthy
I'm sympathetic to, I want big healthy muscles, too. Um, more than anything,
muscles, too. Um, more than anything, you and I, we're not getting paid
you and I, we're not getting paid because of our muscles. We're getting
because of our muscles. We're getting paid because of our brains. So, you and
paid because of our brains. So, you and I are taking creatine to have bigger,
I are taking creatine to have bigger, better brains. But in order for the
better brains. But in order for the creatine to saturate the brain, you need
creatine to saturate the brain, you need more. And that's been some of the newest
more. And that's been some of the newest focus where you can get away if you're
focus where you can get away if you're just taking it for muscle purposes, five
just taking it for muscle purposes, five grams is enough of creatine monohydrate.
grams is enough of creatine monohydrate. And if you want to get it to work for
And if you want to get it to work for the brain, you need 10 or 15 grams. So
the brain, you need 10 or 15 grams. So quite a bit more.
quite a bit more. >> I heard this from another guest I had on
>> I heard this from another guest I had on the show and I was really shocked um
the show and I was really shocked um because I didn't think about creatine as
because I didn't think about creatine as being something that could really
being something that could really elevate my cognitive performance. And
elevate my cognitive performance. And from the studies that I've read in the
from the studies that I've read in the research ahead of this conversation, I
research ahead of this conversation, I read that creatine helps your brain stay
read that creatine helps your brain stay sharp, especially when you're in a low
sharp, especially when you're in a low sleep
sleep >> Yes.
>> Yes. >> mode or when you've been working very
>> mode or when you've been working very very hard. So that's a study. There's a
very hard. So that's a study. There's a human study that to sleepd deprived
human study that to sleepd deprived people deliberately had them take
people deliberately had them take creatine versus the placebo and then do
creatine versus the placebo and then do a series of cognitive tests. No
a series of cognitive tests. No surprise, the sleepd deprived people on
surprise, the sleepd deprived people on placebo did very poorly. They're so
placebo did very poorly. They're so tired. They're lethargic. the creatine
tired. They're lethargic. the creatine treatment group performed much better.
treatment group performed much better. >> I heard this and I thought, "Wow, so
>> I heard this and I thought, "Wow, so when I'm like jetlagged or underslept, I
when I'm like jetlagged or underslept, I should be taking my creatine."
should be taking my creatine." >> Yeah. And so, as an underslept dad,
>> Yeah. And so, as an underslept dad, you'll get there soon enough. Um, I take
you'll get there soon enough. Um, I take creatine every morning. It is literally
creatine every morning. It is literally the first thing I I drink.
the first thing I I drink. >> It's hard for um I've noticed just in my
>> It's hard for um I've noticed just in my friendship group when I've talked about
friendship group when I've talked about creatine, it's sometimes hard to
creatine, it's sometimes hard to convince women to take creatine because
convince women to take creatine because there's a sort of prevailing stereotype
there's a sort of prevailing stereotype that it makes you large.
that it makes you large. >> Yeah. Yeah. I wish um cuz then I'd be
>> Yeah. Yeah. I wish um cuz then I'd be jacked. No, no, it doesn't. In fact, I
jacked. No, no, it doesn't. In fact, I think you could make the case that a
think you could make the case that a woman relevant to the cognitive aspects
woman relevant to the cognitive aspects of it should be focused on it more than
of it should be focused on it more than men. So, there are few chronic diseases
men. So, there are few chronic diseases that women suffer from more than men and
that women suffer from more than men and Alzheimer's disease is one of them. So,
Alzheimer's disease is one of them. So, this is a disease that will affect women
this is a disease that will affect women almost double or even triple the rate of
almost double or even triple the rate of it affecting men. In so far as the
it affecting men. In so far as the latest evidence shows that at higher
latest evidence shows that at higher doses, creatine helps with cognition, I
doses, creatine helps with cognition, I think every woman, middle-aged and
think every woman, middle-aged and beyond, should be taking creatine daily.
beyond, should be taking creatine daily. And indeed, on the higher end of that
And indeed, on the higher end of that dose, because that's the dose you need
dose, because that's the dose you need to help your brain.
to help your brain. >> And I read from one particular study, I
>> And I read from one particular study, I think you talked about this on your
think you talked about this on your YouTube channel, that creatine increases
YouTube channel, that creatine increases strength by up to 10% and power output
strength by up to 10% and power output by up to 15% and reduces muscle damage
by up to 15% and reduces muscle damage by 20 to 40% after intense exercise.
by 20 to 40% after intense exercise. >> Yeah. So creatine both acts as an
>> Yeah. So creatine both acts as an energetic source and it changes gene uh
energetic source and it changes gene uh transcription. So there's evidence to
transcription. So there's evidence to show that creatine in muscle stimulates
show that creatine in muscle stimulates what's called myiogenic genes. Myiogenic
what's called myiogenic genes. Myiogenic genes are those genes that promote
genes are those genes that promote muscle protein synthesis and muscle
muscle protein synthesis and muscle growth. So creatine both energizes the
growth. So creatine both energizes the muscle and promotes growth of the
muscle and promotes growth of the muscle. Now a woman may say, "Well, I
muscle. Now a woman may say, "Well, I don't want to get big." You can't get
don't want to get big." You can't get big. The female a female body does not
big. The female a female body does not have the right mix of sex hormones to
have the right mix of sex hormones to get big muscles. All that will happen is
get big muscles. All that will happen is she'll have wonderful healthy strong
she'll have wonderful healthy strong muscles. She does. No woman ever needs
muscles. She does. No woman ever needs to be worried about getting too big in
to be worried about getting too big in muscles. It doesn't happen.
muscles. It doesn't happen. >> Why do vegetarians and vegans need to
>> Why do vegetarians and vegans need to pay more attention to creatine?
pay more attention to creatine? >> Right. That is Yeah. So creatine is one
>> Right. That is Yeah. So creatine is one of the many things, if you'll pardon me
of the many things, if you'll pardon me for saying it, that a vegan would need
for saying it, that a vegan would need to pay attention to. Um so creatine is a
to pay attention to. Um so creatine is a molecule that you can eat. So, if
molecule that you can eat. So, if someone's getting a lot of red meat, you
someone's getting a lot of red meat, you could make the case that they don't need
could make the case that they don't need to supplement, that they're getting more
to supplement, that they're getting more than enough. But if you're not eating
than enough. But if you're not eating red meat, you may not be getting enough.
red meat, you may not be getting enough. And I'd say you probably aren't. And
And I'd say you probably aren't. And there's reason to get it
there's reason to get it >> and
>> and >> to supplement.
>> to supplement. >> Does creatine have an impact on blood
>> Does creatine have an impact on blood sugar levels?
sugar levels? >> No.
>> No. >> Blood sugar spikes at all?
>> Blood sugar spikes at all? >> No.
>> No. >> I would say if someone ever notices, if
>> I would say if someone ever notices, if they're taking a scoop of creatine and
they're taking a scoop of creatine and they see, then it's probably because you
they see, then it's probably because you have some maltodextrin in your creatine
have some maltodextrin in your creatine powder. Do you know I I had my um blood
powder. Do you know I I had my um blood levels done a couple of weeks ago and
levels done a couple of weeks ago and the doctor said to me that I should be
the doctor said to me that I should be careful because they're seeing high
careful because they're seeing high levels of creatine in my kidney.
levels of creatine in my kidney. >> Okay. Yes. So what they would have said
>> Okay. Yes. So what they would have said is they would have seen high levels of
is they would have seen high levels of creatinine.
creatinine. >> That was it.
>> That was it. >> Yeah. But that's important for people to
>> Yeah. But that's important for people to know because that's one of the
know because that's one of the long-standing attacks against creatine
long-standing attacks against creatine has been a high level of creatinine.
has been a high level of creatinine. >> That was it.
>> That was it. >> So creatinine is the metabolite of
>> So creatinine is the metabolite of creatine. So when creatine has lived its
creatine. So when creatine has lived its life and served its purpose, it gets
life and served its purpose, it gets converted into a molecule called
converted into a molecule called creatinine which is actively secreted
creatinine which is actively secreted from the kidneys. Now it's a waste
from the kidneys. Now it's a waste product and the kidneys happily dump it
product and the kidneys happily dump it out. Now in an average person, if
out. Now in an average person, if someone has if you came in and you did a
someone has if you came in and you did a urine test and we found your creatine
urine test and we found your creatine your creatinine levels were really
your creatinine levels were really really high, we would worry, hey, is
really high, we would worry, hey, is this a sign of kidney damage? Are your
this a sign of kidney damage? Are your kidneys allowing too much to get
kidneys allowing too much to get filtered? And and it might be a sign of
filtered? And and it might be a sign of that. However, if a person's taking
that. However, if a person's taking creatine, it is absolutely guaranteed
creatine, it is absolutely guaranteed that they're going to have more
that they're going to have more creatinine coming out, and that's just
creatinine coming out, and that's just because they're metabolizing more of the
because they're metabolizing more of the creatine. There's no reason to be
creatine. There's no reason to be worried about it.
worried about it. >> You talked about a 5-year study that
>> You talked about a 5-year study that found zero kidney changes in athletes
found zero kidney changes in athletes taking up to 20 gram of
taking up to 20 gram of >> which is significant
>> which is significant >> creatine a day.
>> creatine a day. >> Yeah. There's no evidence. I'm unaware
>> Yeah. There's no evidence. I'm unaware of any study that has shown kidney
of any study that has shown kidney damage on creatine supplementation. It
damage on creatine supplementation. It is what we call in science an artifact
is what we call in science an artifact where you see a little hint of a problem
where you see a little hint of a problem and assume it's it's actually causing a
and assume it's it's actually causing a problem when it's actually just a
problem when it's actually just a manifestation of just what you're doing.
manifestation of just what you're doing. >> Ben, I'm going to ask you to close your
>> Ben, I'm going to ask you to close your eyes.
eyes. >> I'm ready.
>> I'm ready. >> Okay. And I'm going to ask you to embody
>> Okay. And I'm going to ask you to embody what I'm about to say. Okay.
what I'm about to say. Okay. >> So, suddenly now you are a let's say
>> So, suddenly now you are a let's say 35year-old
35year-old man and your name is Dave and you have
man and your name is Dave and you have one kid. You have a little bit of extra
one kid. You have a little bit of extra fat around your midsection that you're
fat around your midsection that you're trying to lose. You've been listening to
trying to lose. You've been listening to this podcast for a while. You've heard
this podcast for a while. You've heard lots of things. You haven't managed to
lots of things. You haven't managed to make huge amount of progress. Sometimes
make huge amount of progress. Sometimes you try and then you bounce right back
you try and then you bounce right back >> and you're you're kind of at your wit's
>> and you're you're kind of at your wit's end. You really really want 2026 to be
end. You really really want 2026 to be the year that you finally prove to
the year that you finally prove to yourself, your family, for the sake of
yourself, your family, for the sake of your kids and inspiring them to live a
your kids and inspiring them to live a happy, healthier future. That you can
happy, healthier future. That you can make a change and you can become the
make a change and you can become the strong, healthy, sexy
strong, healthy, sexy >> dad that your family wants you to be and
>> dad that your family wants you to be and that you want to be. You want to finally
that you want to be. You want to finally prove it to yourself after all these
prove it to yourself after all these years of struggling, trying, failing.
What is what is it that that guy or that woman needs to hear to close out this
woman needs to hear to close out this conversation today, Ben?
conversation today, Ben? >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. Um, I appreciate you mentioning the the
Um, I appreciate you mentioning the the the kid. I think you need to have a
the kid. I think you need to have a reason
reason because making change is hard. You have
because making change is hard. You have to have a reason that is that is
to have a reason that is that is motivating you to do it. That goes
motivating you to do it. That goes beyond yourself. That's I should add
beyond yourself. That's I should add that that you'd mentioned a handful of
that that you'd mentioned a handful of internal motivations. You want to feel
internal motivations. You want to feel better. you want to look better. Those
better. you want to look better. Those are all valid, but sometimes it's not
are all valid, but sometimes it's not enough. Have an external reason. And
enough. Have an external reason. And when you're a parent, you have a reason.
when you're a parent, you have a reason. You have a child. You're living for your
You have a child. You're living for your child. So, have a reason for doing what
child. So, have a reason for doing what you're doing that goes beyond your own
you're doing that goes beyond your own motivations and that touches someone
motivations and that touches someone else's life. And then two,
else's life. And then two, you need to find a way to control your
you need to find a way to control your cravings. I think the more I look at the
cravings. I think the more I look at the debates around obesity and weight loss,
debates around obesity and weight loss, um, which is so central to looking and
um, which is so central to looking and feeling better, the more I think you
feeling better, the more I think you have to learn to control what you're
have to learn to control what you're addicted to. And so I would say start
addicted to. And so I would say start with the simplest habit and and change
with the simplest habit and and change it. So, if this is if if Dave, the
it. So, if this is if if Dave, the 35-year-old dad of one, if he finds that
35-year-old dad of one, if he finds that he is starting to drink alcohol in the
he is starting to drink alcohol in the evening and then he's doing other things
evening and then he's doing other things too that he doesn't like, stop doing
too that he doesn't like, stop doing that. Um, and recruit outside help. So,
that. Um, and recruit outside help. So, start with one habit you know you should
start with one habit you know you should change and change it. And then that can
change and change it. And then that can when it comes to changing diet, which is
when it comes to changing diet, which is among the hardest things to do for many
among the hardest things to do for many people,
people, I would say eat a big lunch.
I would say eat a big lunch. Some people don't want to make small
Some people don't want to make small changes because they don't feel
changes because they don't feel consequential enough. It doesn't feel
consequential enough. It doesn't feel like it matters.
like it matters. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. >> You know, and this is one of the things
>> You know, and this is one of the things again I've learned from interviewing so
again I've learned from interviewing so many people is that
many people is that >> all of these habits are like at some
>> all of these habits are like at some level interconnected.
level interconnected. >> And actually when you change one, you
>> And actually when you change one, you influence another.
influence another. >> I totally agree.
>> I totally agree. >> And actually huge change in life starts
>> And actually huge change in life starts with small steps.
with small steps. And so cutting out the alcohol for
And so cutting out the alcohol for example, that's going to have knock-on
example, that's going to have knock-on effects in other areas of life, right?
effects in other areas of life, right? Even like sleep or
Even like sleep or >> he will sleep much better. Yes. So
>> he will sleep much better. Yes. So multiple studies show that with cutting
multiple studies show that with cutting people have a have a mistaken view of
people have a have a mistaken view of alcohol when it comes to sleep where
alcohol when it comes to sleep where they they fall asleep faster but then
they they fall asleep faster but then they sleep worse throughout the rest of
they sleep worse throughout the rest of the night. So there's
the night. So there's >> which then means what?
>> which then means what? >> Yeah. So that men So then you wake up
>> Yeah. So that men So then you wake up the next morning and you're lethargic,
the next morning and you're lethargic, you're tired, your cortisol will be
you're tired, your cortisol will be higher, you will be more insulin
higher, you will be more insulin resistant. So, higher insulin levels
resistant. So, higher insulin levels throughout the day,
throughout the day, >> which means you're going to have
>> which means you're going to have cravings,
cravings, >> which means you'll have cravings. And
>> which means you'll have cravings. And every calorie you consume, you're going
every calorie you consume, you're going to be more likely to store it. So, then
to be more likely to store it. So, then your body is more efficient at getting
your body is more efficient at getting fat on any given amount of calories. So,
fat on any given amount of calories. So, even even something as simple as
even even something as simple as alcohol, which you and I haven't
alcohol, which you and I haven't discussed at all, and and maybe Dave
discussed at all, and and maybe Dave isn't an alcohol drinker, but many
isn't an alcohol drinker, but many people are, uh, that is it has this
people are, uh, that is it has this patina of helping a person's sleep, and
patina of helping a person's sleep, and yet it absolutely does not. And sleep is
yet it absolutely does not. And sleep is a massively relevant variable when it
a massively relevant variable when it comes to uh metabolic health and weight
comes to uh metabolic health and weight loss and just feeling well.
loss and just feeling well. >> What about stress? That's a protagonist
>> What about stress? That's a protagonist in the story that we haven't talked
in the story that we haven't talked about, but I know it dovetales into
about, but I know it dovetales into ketones and
ketones and >> Oh, it sure is. Weight loss.
>> Oh, it sure is. Weight loss. >> So, in fact, it's a perfect segue
>> So, in fact, it's a perfect segue because sleep deprivation, I believe, is
because sleep deprivation, I believe, is the leading cause of stress. And stress
the leading cause of stress. And stress is one of the three cardinal causes of
is one of the three cardinal causes of what I call fast insulin resistance.
what I call fast insulin resistance. When the body becomes insulin resistant
When the body becomes insulin resistant in like hours, stress is one of them.
in like hours, stress is one of them. and poor sleep is the main cause. And so
and poor sleep is the main cause. And so in this case, a person could look, let's
in this case, a person could look, let's say Dave is not sleeping well. There are
say Dave is not sleeping well. There are actually the problem with stress is that
actually the problem with stress is that it's hard to define that they're going
it's hard to define that they're going to bed and they're not feeling very
to bed and they're not feeling very great and they're worried about stuff
great and they're worried about stuff and and if I were to tell him, Dave,
and and if I were to tell him, Dave, reduce your stress.
reduce your stress. >> Well, now he's even more stressed
>> Well, now he's even more stressed because he doesn't know how to do it.
because he doesn't know how to do it. This is where I think another
This is where I think another opportunity for some smart
opportunity for some smart supplementation can come in where there
supplementation can come in where there are these adaptogen like molecules in
are these adaptogen like molecules in nature like ashwagandha. So I just tried
nature like ashwagandha. So I just tried an ashwagandha source in the form of a
an ashwagandha source in the form of a little gummy, a goalie gummy and it had
little gummy, a goalie gummy and it had enough like a full kind of therapeutic
enough like a full kind of therapeutic dose of ashwagandha and it's in the form
dose of ashwagandha and it's in the form of a delicious little gummy you know so
of a delicious little gummy you know so you don't have to take this bitter
you don't have to take this bitter tasting powder from an ashwagandha root
tasting powder from an ashwagandha root you can take a gummy and then you sleep
you can take a gummy and then you sleep a little better because it's been shown
a little better because it's been shown in humans to improve sleep latency
in humans to improve sleep latency improve improve sleep architecture and
improve improve sleep architecture and it could be one of the mechanisms is
it could be one of the mechanisms is that it's just suppressing your cortisol
that it's just suppressing your cortisol response. So if if Dave or anyone is
response. So if if Dave or anyone is feeling that that would just be one more
feeling that that would just be one more strategy to address your metabolic
strategy to address your metabolic health that you would sort of t take the
health that you would sort of t take the small steps you can the little wins and
small steps you can the little wins and maybe he's saying all right I need to
maybe he's saying all right I need to sleep a little better. I'm going to cut
sleep a little better. I'm going to cut my alcohol. I'm going to take a little a
my alcohol. I'm going to take a little a couple of these ashwagandha gummies
couple of these ashwagandha gummies before I go to bed and not eat before I
before I go to bed and not eat before I go to bed so I don't go to bed
go to bed so I don't go to bed hypoglycemic. You'll start to sleep a
hypoglycemic. You'll start to sleep a little better. You'll wake up the next
little better. You'll wake up the next day ready to kind of win the day. Is
day ready to kind of win the day. Is there a relationship with ketones and
there a relationship with ketones and stress?
stress? >> Yeah, there is in that ketones help. So,
>> Yeah, there is in that ketones help. So, ketones are more and more called an
ketones are more and more called an anxolytic. That's a technical term for
anxolytic. That's a technical term for reducing anxiety. It has been shown to
reducing anxiety. It has been shown to be a direct effect. So, BHB, the main
be a direct effect. So, BHB, the main ketone, acts as a signaling molecule and
ketone, acts as a signaling molecule and will come to the brain and reduce the
will come to the brain and reduce the stress hormone signaling.
stress hormone signaling. >> What is the most important thing we
>> What is the most important thing we didn't talk about that we should have
didn't talk about that we should have talked about, Ben?
talked about, Ben? Um,
Um, >> as it relates to that person who's
>> as it relates to that person who's looking to make a change once and for
looking to make a change once and for all,
all, >> one thing I would add, if if we go back
>> one thing I would add, if if we go back to the middle-aged guy who's just trying
to the middle-aged guy who's just trying to be the best version of himself, part
to be the best version of himself, part of it might be his testosterone levels
of it might be his testosterone levels and and that is worth getting checked.
and and that is worth getting checked. So, as much as we focus, you've had in
So, as much as we focus, you've had in the past very good conversations about
the past very good conversations about women's health, including menopause, men
women's health, including menopause, men have their own version of it. um albeit
have their own version of it. um albeit more modest, but we could more
more modest, but we could more technically call it andropause, the male
technically call it andropause, the male version of it. But there is a steady
version of it. But there is a steady reduction in testosterone levels. And if
reduction in testosterone levels. And if he finds that he is tired and he's
he finds that he is tired and he's gaining weight, get your testosterone
gaining weight, get your testosterone checked. If it's actually low, lose a
checked. If it's actually low, lose a little weight and the testosterone will
little weight and the testosterone will boost. But if you need help, there are
boost. But if you need help, there are supplements that can even help with
supplements that can even help with testosterone production that go that you
testosterone production that go that you could use before full-on testosterone
could use before full-on testosterone replacement therapy. Um, but ice bath,
replacement therapy. Um, but ice bath, an ice bath, I know guys who've doubled
an ice bath, I know guys who've doubled their testosterone levels by doing ice
their testosterone levels by doing ice immersion, cold plunge, and then a
immersion, cold plunge, and then a workout after their cold plunge. That's
workout after their cold plunge. That's a wicked awesome combination.
a wicked awesome combination. >> So, there are a couple of tests that
>> So, there are a couple of tests that we've mentioned today. So, I just want
we've mentioned today. So, I just want to summarize some of those tests. Can
to summarize some of those tests. Can people check their insulin levels at
people check their insulin levels at home?
home? >> No.
>> No. >> No.
>> No. >> Not not really. There are some tests
>> Not not really. There are some tests that have been marketed for at home use,
that have been marketed for at home use, but they're quite cumbersome, and I
but they're quite cumbersome, and I would say they're not really ready for
would say they're not really ready for mainstream yet. Okay. So, they have to
mainstream yet. Okay. So, they have to go to a doctor and get their test. You
go to a doctor and get their test. You do.
do. >> And then the testosterone, you can't
>> And then the testosterone, you can't check that at home either. No. I guess
check that at home either. No. I guess you could could you get sent something
you could could you get sent something in the post?
in the post? >> You can. Yeah. So, there's companies in
>> You can. Yeah. So, there's companies in the US, uh, Blok and Joy, for example,
the US, uh, Blok and Joy, for example, there's other services you can use where
there's other services you can use where you go online, sign up, and they send
you go online, sign up, and they send you either a phabotamist or a little
you either a phabotamist or a little thing nowadays that you just snap onto
thing nowadays that you just snap onto your arm, press a little button, and
your arm, press a little button, and it'll fill the tube with blood, and you
it'll fill the tube with blood, and you just ship it back.
just ship it back. >> Are there any tests that you recommend
>> Are there any tests that you recommend my audience get done?
my audience get done? >> Yeah. Yeah. I would say I am an enormous
>> Yeah. Yeah. I would say I am an enormous advocate of measuring insulin. If I
advocate of measuring insulin. If I could change any policy within the
could change any policy within the United States and and worldwide, it
United States and and worldwide, it would be that as much as every blood
would be that as much as every blood test you and I will go into a blood test
test you and I will go into a blood test every time they'll measure our glucose
every time they'll measure our glucose and our lipids like cholesterol and
and our lipids like cholesterol and triglycerides, they'll never measure
triglycerides, they'll never measure insulin. If I could have one change in
insulin. If I could have one change in the US and the UK and everywhere else,
the US and the UK and everywhere else, I'd say add insulin to that panel
I'd say add insulin to that panel because once we get insulin, we can
because once we get insulin, we can measure the fasted level and a person
measure the fasted level and a person wants to see it at around 7 microunits
wants to see it at around 7 microunits per mill or less. That's a really really
per mill or less. That's a really really good sign. So you look at your insulin
good sign. So you look at your insulin alone, but then with insulin and
alone, but then with insulin and glucose, you can do something called the
glucose, you can do something called the hom
hom ha the hom score and that's a really
ha the hom score and that's a really good score of where you fall on the
good score of where you fall on the insulin resistance spectrum. And do you
insulin resistance spectrum. And do you recommend that people try and wear a
recommend that people try and wear a continuous glucose monitor, which is a
continuous glucose monitor, which is a device that costs $ 20, $30, you can get
device that costs $ 20, $30, you can get it on everywhere online that stays on
it on everywhere online that stays on your arm for 14 days and it it monitors
your arm for 14 days and it it monitors your glucose levels, say your blood
your glucose levels, say your blood sugar levels. Do you recommend people do
sugar levels. Do you recommend people do that?
that? >> I do. I I think that the CGM a CGM is
>> I do. I I think that the CGM a CGM is one of the best ways for a person to
one of the best ways for a person to make their own changes. So, if you put a
make their own changes. So, if you put a CGM on your body, you're able to look at
CGM on your body, you're able to look at your phone and see what's happening in
your phone and see what's happening in your blood.
your blood. >> A CGM being a continuous glucose
>> A CGM being a continuous glucose monitor.
monitor. >> A continuous glucose monitor. you're
>> A continuous glucose monitor. you're getting a continuous measurement of your
getting a continuous measurement of your glucose levels. I have seen more people
glucose levels. I have seen more people make changes of their own valition when
make changes of their own valition when they just are wearing a CGM and they
they just are wearing a CGM and they don't need someone to be nagging them.
don't need someone to be nagging them. You know, you're you have that internal
You know, you're you have that internal motivation because you see what's
motivation because you see what's happening in your own body.
happening in your own body. >> For anyone that's never tried it, I
>> For anyone that's never tried it, I highly recommend it. You I'll link a CGM
highly recommend it. You I'll link a CGM below in the comment section. Um I don't
below in the comment section. Um I don't have an affiliation to any CGMs, but
have an affiliation to any CGMs, but when you eat something within minutes,
when you eat something within minutes, usually you can see on your phone your
usually you can see on your phone your blood sugar levels rising. And it's for
blood sugar levels rising. And it's for me it was a really important and
me it was a really important and informative 14 days with the CGM on my
informative 14 days with the CGM on my arm because it I got to try things that
arm because it I got to try things that I have every single day and understand
I have every single day and understand my blood sugar relationship with those
my blood sugar relationship with those things. So I got to try tomato ketchup
things. So I got to try tomato ketchup and then I got to try a Coke Zero and
and then I got to try a Coke Zero and then I don't know cheese and bananas and
then I don't know cheese and bananas and fruit and I got to see within minutes
fruit and I got to see within minutes how much blood glucose was in my blood
how much blood glucose was in my blood and and that informed going forward for
and and that informed going forward for the next couple of years the decisions
the next couple of years the decisions that I made in my life.
that I made in my life. >> Yeah. and people who the nice thing
>> Yeah. and people who the nice thing about it is you can stack it with other
about it is you can stack it with other technologies like let's say you're
technologies like let's say you're wearing a Whoop.
wearing a Whoop. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. >> AD.
>> AD. >> One of the cool things with the CGM is
>> One of the cool things with the CGM is the ability to stack it with other
the ability to stack it with other wearables. Well, where let's say that a
wearables. Well, where let's say that a person notices that they with wearing a
person notices that they with wearing a Whoop that their HRV is suggesting that
Whoop that their HRV is suggesting that they're stressed. And then you look at
they're stressed. And then you look at that at the same time as your CGM. You
that at the same time as your CGM. You may find that what's causing you to feel
may find that what's causing you to feel stressed could be your hypoglycemic
stressed could be your hypoglycemic spike. And you wouldn't have known that
spike. And you wouldn't have known that if it weren't for the CGM. So, I think
if it weren't for the CGM. So, I think there's a lot of utility in stacking
there's a lot of utility in stacking some of these wearables. Someday they're
some of these wearables. Someday they're all going to be in one. Yeah.
all going to be in one. Yeah. >> Um, and they'll crack the code of doing
>> Um, and they'll crack the code of doing that. But, I think it really does lend
that. But, I think it really does lend insight. I made one of the biggest
insight. I made one of the biggest changes to my sleep by wearing a CGM
changes to my sleep by wearing a CGM where I would sleep terribly. I'd be
where I would sleep terribly. I'd be monitoring my stress and find that, wow,
monitoring my stress and find that, wow, every time I sleep really poorly, my
every time I sleep really poorly, my blood glucose, I'd spike my blood
blood glucose, I'd spike my blood glucose in the evening. I'm going to try
glucose in the evening. I'm going to try cutting that out. And sure enough, I it
cutting that out. And sure enough, I it was the single greatest change of my
was the single greatest change of my sleep habits.
sleep habits. >> Ben, we have a closing tradition on this
>> Ben, we have a closing tradition on this podcast that the last guest leaves a
podcast that the last guest leaves a question for the next guest, not knowing
question for the next guest, not knowing who they're leaving it for. The question
who they're leaving it for. The question left for you is, if you could have
left for you is, if you could have anything in the world for the rest of
anything in the world for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
your life, what would it be and why? And you can't say your family.
And you can't say your family. >> Ah, okay. I was going to ask for that
>> Ah, okay. I was going to ask for that clarification. Okay. If I could have any
clarification. Okay. If I could have any one thing, an item that's not a person,
one thing, an item that's not a person, um I would choose to have my uh my
um I would choose to have my uh my scriptures,
scriptures, these holy scriptures, um that I I read
these holy scriptures, um that I I read every day. I believe a lot of my
every day. I believe a lot of my happiness in life has come from my uh my
happiness in life has come from my uh my religious conviction and my belief in a
religious conviction and my belief in a higher power and my faith in God. As a
higher power and my faith in God. As a scientist, it seems like too many people
scientist, it seems like too many people want to describe faith as a negative
want to describe faith as a negative thing. But everything we do is based on
thing. But everything we do is based on faith. Every action we take is a is a
faith. Every action we take is a is a faith in a hope that the consequence
faith in a hope that the consequence will be one we want. And so for me, it
will be one we want. And so for me, it would be my scriptures. Just my way of
would be my scriptures. Just my way of meditating and pondering my position in
meditating and pondering my position in the greater universe and my connection
the greater universe and my connection with what I believe to be a God, a
with what I believe to be a God, a loving heavenly father who cares about
loving heavenly father who cares about me and that I can go to when I feel like
me and that I can go to when I feel like I need help. that goes beyond what I can
I need help. that goes beyond what I can do with my own hands.
do with my own hands. >> What do you think this is all about?
>> What do you think this is all about? This life, what do you think the point
This life, what do you think the point of this all of this is?
of this all of this is? >> Oh, that's a big question. Um, I believe
>> Oh, that's a big question. Um, I believe it is to show our heavenly father that
it is to show our heavenly father that we are capable of more that I have very
we are capable of more that I have very much a very clear um worldview that we
much a very clear um worldview that we have a loving heavenly father that we
have a loving heavenly father that we existed in a premortal state and that
existed in a premortal state and that our bodies this mortal experience is an
our bodies this mortal experience is an experience for us. We've been given this
experience for us. We've been given this much power. These bodies give us some
much power. These bodies give us some power. We have power over life. We have
power. We have power over life. We have power over death and all the temptations
power over death and all the temptations that can come from addictions and habits
that can come from addictions and habits that are unique to this mortal
that are unique to this mortal tabernacle. I think we've been given a
tabernacle. I think we've been given a period of time to show that we can wield
period of time to show that we can wield power and control ourselves.
power and control ourselves. just assuming my my my religious view is
just assuming my my my religious view is very much that just like my as a as a
very much that just like my as a as a father my great hope is that my children
father my great hope is that my children will grow up to be wonderful mothers and
will grow up to be wonderful mothers and fathers that I want them to be able to
fathers that I want them to be able to pattern their lives after what they see
pattern their lives after what they see in my wife and me. I believe that we
in my wife and me. I believe that we have a heavenly father and a heavenly
have a heavenly father and a heavenly mother actually that the we have these
mother actually that the we have these divine parents who want nothing more
divine parents who want nothing more than for their children to grow up and
than for their children to grow up and be like them. And I think this is just
be like them. And I think this is just like my children will have to leave the
like my children will have to leave the home. If I coddled them and protected
home. If I coddled them and protected them and only let them stay in my home,
them and only let them stay in my home, they'd never learn anything. They'd
they'd never learn anything. They'd never grow up because mom and dad are
never grow up because mom and dad are doing everything. This I think mortal
doing everything. This I think mortal life is our divine parents opportunity
life is our divine parents opportunity to show to to help us grow up and then
to show to to help us grow up and then the time will come for us to pass on and
the time will come for us to pass on and we will come back to them. Hopefully
we will come back to them. Hopefully showing that we are ready to continue to
showing that we are ready to continue to learn and progress and be more like
learn and progress and be more like them.
them. >> To what end? For what reason?
>> To what end? For what reason? >> To mimic what our heavenly parents have
>> To mimic what our heavenly parents have been able to do where they they have
been able to do where they they have been able to create a world and populate
been able to create a world and populate it with their spirit children. I want to
it with their spirit children. I want to do that too. I you and I before we
do that too. I you and I before we started recording I joked about how much
started recording I joked about how much I miss babies. I desperately and I do.
I miss babies. I desperately and I do. It is an ache in my soul that my
It is an ache in my soul that my children are not little cuddly babies
children are not little cuddly babies anymore. Now they're darling children
anymore. Now they're darling children nevertheless. But I miss babies. And to
nevertheless. But I miss babies. And to me, heaven is my wife and I whom I love
me, heaven is my wife and I whom I love having a family that never ends. and and
having a family that never ends. and and that we're able to
that we're able to give life to this countless number of
give life to this countless number of future children. Um that someday we'll
future children. Um that someday we'll be born on a world just like us. That's
be born on a world just like us. That's a pretty cosmic grand view. But to me,
a pretty cosmic grand view. But to me, the purpose of life is to show Heavenly
the purpose of life is to show Heavenly Father that we are worthy of more and
Father that we are worthy of more and not just end into a nihilistic blackness
not just end into a nihilistic blackness when we die.
when we die. >> Thank you. We're done.
>> Thank you. We're done. >> My pleasure.
If there's anything we need, it is connection. Especially in the world
connection. Especially in the world we're living in today. And that is
we're living in today. And that is exactly why we created these
exactly why we created these conversation cards. Because on this
conversation cards. Because on this show, when I sit here with my guest and
show, when I sit here with my guest and have those deep, intimate conversations,
have those deep, intimate conversations, this remarkable thing happens time and
this remarkable thing happens time and time again. We feel deeply connected to
time again. We feel deeply connected to each other. At the end of every episode,
each other. At the end of every episode, the guest I'm interviewing leaves a
the guest I'm interviewing leaves a question for the next guest, and we've
question for the next guest, and we've turned them into these conversation
turned them into these conversation cards. And we've added these twist cards
cards. And we've added these twist cards to make your conversations even more
to make your conversations even more interesting. And there are so many more
interesting. And there are so many more twists along the way with the
twists along the way with the conversation cards. This is the brand
conversation cards. This is the brand new edition. And for the first time
new edition. And for the first time ever, I've added to the pack this gold
ever, I've added to the pack this gold card, which is an exclusive question
card, which is an exclusive question from me. But I'm only putting the gold
from me. But I'm only putting the gold cards in the first run of conversation
cards in the first run of conversation cards. So get yours now before the
cards. So get yours now before the limited edition gold cards are all gone.
limited edition gold cards are all gone. Head to the link in the description
Head to the link in the description below.
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