Best Ben Grynol Podcasts (2024)

1
#258 - What are glucose and insulin and why do they matter for health? | Dr. Robert Lustig & Ben Grynol 32:54

1h ago32:54

32:54

Excess glucose from food gets stored as fat. And our insulin response drives that fat storage. The goal is for the pancreas to release less insulin but for the body to have a healthy response to it. Dr. Robert Lustig and Ben Grynol discuss the interplay between glucose and insulin, healthy glucose numbers, and the problems with insulin resistance. …

1
#257 - Join the “Good Energy” Levels book club and take charge of your health | Dr. Casey Means & Dr. Robert Lustig 1:04:13

6d ago1:04:13

1:04:13

Why are we spending more on health care every year, yet people are getting sicker? “Good Energy,” a book by Casey Means, MD, details how you can take your health into your own hands with the power of food as medicine. Dr. Casey Means and Dr. Robert Lustig discuss the overarching themes of “Good Energy,” why we need changes in government and health …

1
#256 - How quickly can you change your metabolic health and how long does it last? | Dr. Robert Lustig & Ben Grynol 10:00

14d ago10:00

10:00

About 93% of people in the United States are not metabolically healthy. But metabolic health can be improved quickly and over time with lifestyle changes. Dr. Robert Lustig and Ben Grynol discuss what metabolism is, how to determine metabolic health status, and how and why maintaining metabolic health is crucial. Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate G…

1
#255 - Why you might be a lean mass hyper-responder if you go keto but have high cholesterol | Dave Feldman, Dr. Nick Norwitz & Dr. Dominic D’Agostino 1:40:23

20d ago1:40:23

1:40:23

A lean mass hyper-responder is someone with high LDL and HDL cholesterol and low triglycerides. They are often lean and healthy people who present with strange and alarming lipid numbers after going on the ketogenic diet. Dave Feldman, Dr. Nick Norwitz & Dr. Dominic D’Agostino discuss the LMHR phenotype, whether it’s a concern, whether it’s rare, t…

1
#254 - The writing of ‘Good Energy,’ your guide to taking charge of your metabolic health | Dr. Casey Means & Mike Haney 1:24:34

1M ago1:24:34

1:24:34

Writing an evidence-based nonfiction book requires time, dedication, and a true passion for the content. Dr. Casey Means and her brother Calley Means joined forces to create their book “Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health.” Casey Means, MD, and Mike Haney discuss the book-writing process, insights into cre…

1
#253 - What is insulin resistance and why does it matter? | Dr. Rob Lustig & Dr. Dominic D’Agostino - (Replay) 1:21:32

1M ago1:21:32

1:21:32

Insulin resistance is when cells stop responding to insulin’s signal to uptake glucose. It’s a hallmark of prediabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and other forms of metabolic dysfunction, and it manifests as several chronic disease, ranging from Alzheimer’s to polycystic ovarian syndrome. Dr. Rob Lustig and Dr. Dominic D’Agostino discuss the importance of m…

1
#252 - Why nutrition matters for brain health and how to modify your diet | Dr. Georgia Ede & Dr. Dominic D’Agostino - (Replay) 1:18:20

2M ago1:18:20

1:18:20

The ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that has proven benefits for brain health. Research shows that the keto diet helps ease symptoms of some mental health conditions, including depression and bipolar disorder. But no diet, even keto, is one-size-fits all. Dr. Georgia Ede and Dr. Dominic D’Agostino discuss how diet and brain heal…

1
#251 - How to track your macros for fat loss and muscle gain | Josh Clemente & Dominic D'Agostino 1:47:07

2M ago1:47:07

1:47:07

Not all calories are equal. Tracking your macronutrient intake, using AI capabilities, can help you improve your body composition, facilitate weight loss, and boost exercise performance. The three macronutrients are protein, fat, and carbohydrates, with fiber a subset of carbs. Josh Clemente & Dr. Dominic D'Agostino discuss the new macros-tracking …

1
#250 - Is fructose a driver of Alzheimer’s disease? | Dr. Richard Johnson & Dr. Rob Lustig - (Replay) 1:07:16

2M ago1:07:16

1:07:16

Fructose and its byproduct uric acid may play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s, thanks to an evolutionary adaptation hijacked by the modern diet. Fructose can be directly consumed, or the body can convert high-glycemic carbohydrates and other foods to fructose. Fructose suppresses some cognitive functions. Dr. Richard Johnson and Dr. Rob Lu…

1
#249 - The links between gastrointestinal health, metabolic health, and fertility | Dr. Robin Rose & Ben Grynol - (Replay) 58:59

3M ago58:59

58:59

Gastrointestinal health, metabolic health, and fertility are all linked. The gut microbiome impacts other microbiomes in the body, which can then impact the ability to conceive. Our gut microbiomes are becoming less diverse through modern farming practices and the consumption of processed foods. Dr. Robin Rose and Ben Grynol discuss how gut microbi…

1
#248 - A low-carb diet may boost exercise performance and health | Professor Tim Noakes & Josh Clemente - (Replay) 1:06:12

3M ago1:06:12

1:06:12

High-carbohydrate diets and carbohydrate loading have been long-standing tenets of athletic training and competition, but newer research indicates a low-carbohydrate diet may be more beneficial for performance and overall health. Professor Tim Noakes and Josh Clemente discuss how a fat-adapted body can rely on fat as a fuel source at all exercise i…

1
#247 - Why sleep is one of the key aspects of your metabolic health | Mike Haney & Ben Grynol - (Replay) 28:09

4M ago28:09

28:09

Your sleep routine is one of the most important aspects of your metabolic health. Look for multiple new shows per week on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations about metabolic health and how the Levels startup team builds a wellness movement from the ground up in the health and wellness tech industry. Sign Up to Get Your Free Ulti…

1
#246 - How to keep your blood sugar more stable and why it matters for weight loss and overall health – Tips from Glucose Goddess | Jessie Inchauspé & Dr. Casey Means 1:20:36

4M ago1:20:36

1:20:36

Stable glucose levels are a foundation of feeling and looking your best at any age. When glucose levels are more erratic—with spikes and crashes—cravings, weight gain, low energy, health issues, and more can ensue. Jessie Inchauspé and Dr. Casey Means, thought leaders on the topic of blood sugar, discuss simple hacks for keeping glucose levels more…

1
#245 - Autoimmune disease, multiple sclerosis, holistic protocols, & metabolic health | Dr. Terry Wahls & Dr. Casey Means - (Replay) 51:57

4M ago51:57

51:57

Can a holistic protocol address the root cause of autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis (MS)? We explore how metabolic health is tightly linked to autoimmune diseases and how understanding blood sugar levels and insulin sensitivity is key. Dr. Terry Wahls developed The Wahls Protocol, which helped Dr. Wahls reverse her disease process and hel…

1
#243 - Why sugary drinks can cause weight gain and low energy | Dr. Richard Johnson & Dr. Dominic D’Agostino 1:05:01

5M ago1:05:01

1:05:01

Traditional soft drinks, juice boxes, and energy and sports drinks are loaded with high fructose corn syrup, an ingredient also found in many processed foods. The body processes fructose differently than other sugars, and fructose can lead to weight gain by encouraging the body to store energy. Dr. Richard Johnson and Dr. Dominic D’Agostino discuss…

1
#244 - Where metabolic health and culture converge | Dhru Purohit & Austin McGuffie - (Replay) 59:32

5M ago59:32

59:32

What are the unique metabolic health experiences of South Asian and Black communities? In this candid conversation between serial entrepreneur and health and wellness investor Dhru Purohit and content creator and metabolism mentor Austin McGuffie, they discuss how metabolic health affects their respective communities. Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultim…

1
#242 - Healthy eating for kids | Austin McGuffie & Ben Grynol - (Replay) 50:29

6M ago50:29

50:29

Highly processed food is hard to avoid. It’s especially harder when you’re a parent. For Austin McGuffie and Ben Grynol, they both have 4 kids, and they talk about the challenges of parenting, feeding kids nutritious food, and educating them along the way. Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: ⁠https://levels.link/wnl⁠ Levels helps yo…

1
#241 - How environmental chemicals are making us sick and fat | Dr. Rob Lustig & Dr. Casey Means - (Replay) 1:14:58

6M ago1:14:58

1:14:58

Landmark new research published by Dr. Rob Lustig and dozens of other scientists shows us for the first time the intricate mechanisms of how environmental chemicals directly cause obesity, uncovering the latest research on this class of chemicals called obesogens. In this conversation between Dr. Rob Lustig and Dr. Casey Means, they discuss what pr…

1
#240 - Follow three diet rules to improve health, lose weight, and prevent diseases | Dr. Swaranjit Bhasin & Dr. Casey Means 1:03:44

6M ago1:03:44

1:03:44

What diet should you follow? Metabolic health experts say it doesn’t matter whether you’re keto, vegan, or otherwise if you focus on three simple principles, which will help reduce your risk for cancer and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Dr. Swaranjit Bhasin and Dr. Casey Means discuss the biomarkers to ask your doctor about, why they matter, how…

1
#239 – Big Ag feeds into Big Pharma: Metabolic health benefits from regenerative farming | Dr. Robert Lustig & Ben Grynol - (Replay) 59:26

7M ago59:26

59:26

Since metabolic health is downstream of food production, we need regenerative farming, balanced ecosystems, and to lift the veil of Big Food’s marketing schemes in order to optimize the entire system. Look for multiple new shows per week on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations about metabolic health and how the Levels startup tea…

1
#238 - How regenerative farming boosts soil health and the nutrient content of the plants and animals we eat | Will Harris & Dr. Casey Means 1:08:09

7M ago1:08:09

1:08:09

Regenerative farming replenishes soil nutrients, which in turn, boosts the nutrient content of produce and animal products. It also focuses on animal and land stewardship. However, most farming today employs industrialized practices that deplete the soil, discount animal welfare, and harm humans. Will Harris and Dr. Casey Means discuss regenerative…

1
#237 - Erectile dysfunction may mean chronic disease & early death | Dr. Merrill Matschke & Dr. Casey Means - (Replay) 1:33:34

7M ago1:33:34

1:33:34

Erectile dysfunction can be an early indicator of future cardiovascular disease, endothelial dysfunction, and early death. Learn more in this conversation between urologist and male reproductive specialist and surgeon Dr. Merrill Matschke and Levels Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Casey Means. Look for multiple new shows per week on A Whol…

1
#236 - How keto improves brain health and weight loss and combats chronic disease and disorders such as ADHD | Dr. Annette Bosworth & Dr. Casey Means 1:32:57

8M ago1:32:57

1:32:57

The ketogenic diet fuels the brain and makes the body more metabolically flexible. The keto diet drives ketone production, which serves as fuel for energy as well as an antioxidant to combat oxidative stress. Switching from burning glucose to burning ketones has numerous benefits, including for cognitive decline and ADHD. Dr. Annette Bosworth and D…

1
#235 – Understanding predictive markers of metabolic dysfunction | Dr. Sara Gottfried & Dr. Casey Means - (Replay) 1:28:15

8M ago1:28:15

1:28:15

Dr. Sara Gottfried – a pioneer in health, research, and education – has seen more than 25,000 patients over the past two decades. She's a physician scientist, who graduated from Harvard Medical School and MIT, and completed her Residency at the University of California, San Francisco. Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: ⁠⁠https://le…

1
#234 - Why your workout isn’t working for you and what to do instead for improved metabolic health and body composition | Dr. Gabrielle Lyon & Dr. Casey Means 1:01:43

8M ago1:01:43

1:01:43

Diet and exercise culture tends to prioritize calorie restriction and calorie burning via cardio workouts. While fat loss is beneficial, building and maintaining healthy muscle mass is also crucial for metabolic health and longevity. Dr. Gabrielle Lyon and Dr. Casey Means discuss Lyon’s book “Forever Strong,” why strength-training should be a prior…

1
#233 - Big Food, Big Sugar & how they affect our metabolic health today | Dr. Robert Lustig & Ben Grynol - (Replay) 59:51

9M ago59:51

59:51

The history of the Big Food and Big Sugar industries still affect our metabolic health today. Learn more in this conversation between Dr. Robert Lustig and Ben Grynol. Look for multiple new shows per week on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations about metabolic health and how the Levels startup team builds a wellness movement from…

1
#232 - How do you afford nutritious food when you live in a food desert and why investing in nutrition is an investment in yourself | Shawn Stevenson & Dr. Casey Means 1:27:06

9M ago1:27:06

1:27:06

Our environment and culture directly affect the food choices we make. Ultra-processed foods are convenient and cheap, and they’re the main source of foods in food deserts, typically located in underserved communities. Yet ultra-processed foods lead to worsening metabolic health. How do you afford and access nutritious food? Shawn Stevenson and Dr. …

1
#231 – Adaptation and why it’s important to our metabolic health, stress, and trauma | Dr. Casey Means & Dr. Molly Maloof - (Replay) 1:57:26

9M ago1:57:26

1:57:26

Obesity and chronic disease are fallouts from the lack of real human connection. Underneath biomarkers like glucose and physical aspects like mitochondrial dysfunctions are the root causes of disease: hijacked reward pathways, chronic stress due to constant threat mode, and the global human disconnect. Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glu…

1
#230 - How the ketogenic diet may work as a medical therapy for various conditions such as migraine, epilepsy, mental health issues, and more | Beth Zupec-Kania, Denise Potter & Dr. Dominic D’Agostino 1:28:53

9M ago1:28:53

1:28:53

The ketogenic diet is often used as a tool for weight loss and to improve metabolic health. However, it is increasingly being considered, studied, and used as a medical therapy for chronic physical and mental health conditions, and it can be tailored to patients’ specific needs. Beth Zupec-Kania, Denise Potter, and Dr. Dominic D’Agostino discuss th…

1
#229 - Nature Wants Us to Be Fat | Dr. Casey Means & Dr. Richard Johnson - (Replay) 1:12:10

10M ago1:12:10

1:12:10

Dr. Casey Means, Chief Medical Officer of Levels speaks with Dr. Richard Johnson about his book, "Nature Wants Us to Be Fat," as well as his insights on the "survival switch" that drives our body to store fat in response to certain conditions like high fructose, dehydration, umami flavors, and more, and how this all relates to our current metabolic…

1
#228 - Why nutrition matters for brain health and how to modify your diet | Dr. Georgia Ede & Dr. Dominic D’Agostino 1:18:10

10M ago1:18:10

1:18:10

The ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet that has proven benefits for brain health. Research shows that the keto diet helps ease symptoms of some mental health conditions, including depression and bipolar disorder. But no diet, even keto, is one-size-fits all. Dr. Georgia Ede and Dr. Dominic D’Agostino discuss how diet and brain heal…

1
#227 – How 3 chronic conditions are connected to high blood sugar and what you can do | Dr. Ben Bikman & Dr. Casey Means - (Replay) 1:04:02

10M ago1:04:02

1:04:02

From gallbladder issues to tinnitus to fatty liver disease and more, many chronic conditions have links to high blood sugar and insulin resistance. Dr. Ben Bikman and Dr. Casey Means discuss the connections between insulin resistance and ear-nose-and-throat conditions, how insulin resistance increases the risk for gallbladder stones, what non-alcoh…

1
#226 - How do weight-loss medications affect metabolic health? And will Ozempic and other GLP-1s actually solve the obesity crisis? | Dr. Rob Lustig & Dr. Casey Means 51:15

10M ago51:15

51:15

Medications, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and more, have become increasingly popular for weight loss. These drugs are glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, and they mimic a hormone that, among other things, tells the brain a person is full so they eat less. But are they safe, and do they help improve metabolic health? Dr. Rob Lustig and Dr…

1
#225 - How sugar harms kids’ bodies and brains and what parents can do to foster healthier eating habits | Austin McGuffie & Dr. Robert Lustig (Replay) 1:00:04

11M ago1:00:04

1:00:04

We know sugar is bad for kids, so why do parents continue giving it to them? Sugar damage kids’ health and drives behavioral issues. Infants get introduced to sugar early through commercial baby food, and the problem continues with school and birthday treats, soda, and the ultra-processed foods that have taken over the family pantry. Austin McGuffi…

1
#224 - How the keto diet may ease depression in bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions | Iain Campbell, Bret Scher & Dominic D’Agostino 57:19

11M ago57:19

57:19

The ketogenic diet may help reduce depression and other symptoms in bipolar disorder. The ketogenic diet also helps metabolic health and reduces the risk for cardiometabolic diseases. The risk for cardiometabolic diseases is elevated in people with bipolar disorder when compared to the general population. Dr. Iain Campbell, Dr. Bret Scher, and Dr. …

1
#223 - The truth about why keto works & why you may be doing it wrong | Dr. Steven Gundry & Dr. Casey Means - (Replay) 56:09

11M ago56:09

56:09

What you think you know about keto and ketones might be wrong. Keto can be great for weight loss, but there’s a better way to do it by focusing on more diverse plant food, protecting your mitochondria through mitochondrial uncoupling, and focusing on fiber. Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: https://levels.link/wnl 🎙 What Dr. Steve…

1
#222 - Sugar, Soda, and Society: Insider Insights into Coca-Cola, the Metabolic Health Crisis, and Systemic Missteps | Calley Means & Dr. Casey Means 1:29:42

11M ago1:29:42

1:29:42

The United States government subsidizes ultra-processed foods and sugar, and the healthcare system focuses on treating diseases rather than preventing them. These issues are harming kids’ health and leading to crisis-level rates of prediabetes and diabetes in both adults and children. Siblings Calley Means and Casey Means discuss problems with the …

1
#221 - Brain Energy: Does food affect mental health? | Dr. Chris Palmer & Ben Grynol - (Replay) 1:45:32

11M ago1:45:32

1:45:32

How might a keto diet transform not only your metabolic health but may also manage symptoms of mental health disorders like depression, anxiety, PTSD, schizophrenia, and more? Dr. Chris Palmer outlines the principles from his book “Brain Energy” with Ben Grynol in this episode and discusses his journey toward the revolutionary idea that might chang…

1
#220 - Astronaut Scott Kelly on CGMs, the NASA Twins Study & the Impact on Metabolic Health in Earth & Space | Josh Clemente & Scott Kelly 1:04:36

12M ago1:04:36

1:04:36

Continuous glucose monitoring can be a powerful tool for gaining real-time insights into how diet, lifestyle habits, and the many decisions we make daily affect our health. Retired astronaut Scott Kelly tried a CGM for a month and shares his personal insights. Scott Kelly and Josh Clemente discuss how CGM can be used to effect habit change, what Ke…

1
#219 - What half of women will die of, and how to fix it | Dr. Sara Gottfried & Dr. Casey Means - (Replay) 1:16:05

12M ago1:16:05

1:16:05

Why do women have a higher risk of metabolic dysfunction and cardiovascular disease than men, and how do women move forward as empowered patients with their clinicians? Listen to this episode between Levels Advisor, physician, and author 4 New York Times bestsellers Dr. Sara Gottfried and Levels Co-Founder and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Casey Means.…

1
#218 - Fixing the problems with ultra-processed foods | Dr. Tim Harlan & Dr. Rob Lustig 1:02:32

1y ago1:02:32

1:02:32

Ultra-processed foods harm people’s health and have ramifications for the overall health of the planet. While some food processing is necessary for recipes and feeding the globe, the food industry needs to make changes to ensure that processing doesn’t turn foods into harmful substances. Dr. Tim Harlan and Dr. Rob Lustig discuss the harmful ingredi…

1
#217 - Why food cravings are killing us, and how to stop them | Mark Schatzker & Dr. Casey Means - (Replay) 1:23:23

1y ago1:23:23

1:23:23

Why are we craving food more than ever, and how do we overcome it? Mark Schatzker, journalist and author of The End of Craving: Recovering the Lost Wisdom of Eating Well, chats with Dr. Casey Means about the dangers of food cravings. Look for multiple new shows per week on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations about metabolic heal…

1
#216 - The value of biosensing for preventive medicine | Michael Dubrovsky & Josh Clemente 1:12:16

1y ago1:12:16

1:12:16

Biosensing offers people real-time insight into their health status. Regular insight, rather than one-time results at an annual checkup, helps people assess how lifestyle factors are impacting their health, whether they need to make adjustments, and which adjustments might have the most impact. Michael Dubrovsky and Josh Clemente discuss the value …

1
#215 - How diet affects joint health, arthritis, & longevity | Dr. Howard Luks & Dr. Casey Means - (Replay) 1:42:27

1y ago1:42:27

1:42:27

We often think that arthritis, musculoskeletal pain, and degenerative joint issues are an inevitable result of aging—but this is far from the truth. Good metabolic health can have significant positive effects on bones, muscles, and joints, and can improve longevity. Conversely, poor metabolic health accelerates the degeneration of joints and tissue…

1
#214 - Is fructose a driver of Alzheimer’s disease? | Dr. Richard Johnson & Dr. Rob Lustig 1:07:24

1y ago1:07:24

1:07:24

Fructose and its byproduct uric acid may play a role in the development of Alzheimer’s, thanks to an evolutionary adaptation hijacked by the modern diet. Fructose can be directly consumed, or the body can convert high-glycemic carbohydrates and other foods to fructose. Fructose suppresses some cognitive functions. Dr. Richard Johnson and Dr. Rob Lu…

1
#213 - Uric acid is a key cause of weight gain & fat production | Dr. David Perlmutter & Dr. Casey Means - (Replay) 1:21:20

1y ago1:21:20

1:21:20

The elevation of uric acid in the body is a causative mechanism in the development of metabolic diseases and contributes to weight gain and fat production. Uric acid is one of the key links between obesity, diabetes, heart disease, neurologic diseases like dementia, ADHD, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and more. Dr. David Perlmutter talks with …

1
#212 - Managing Type 1 diabetes and thriving with it | Jesse Lavine & Ben Grynol 54:23

1y ago54:23

54:23

Receiving a diagnosis of a chronic condition, such as Type 1 diabetes, can be life-changing. A diagnosis is helpful for understanding the cause of symptoms and how to treat, but managing a chronic condition can take a toll on mental health. Tools like a continuous glucose monitor can help empower people and ease the burden of constant care. Jesse L…

1
#211 - Understanding your cholesterol panel & metabolic health blood tests | Dr. Robert Lustig & Dr. Casey Means - (Replay) 59:13

1y ago59:13

59:13

A metabolic blood test and cholesterol panel can be confusing, so in this ultimate guide, our Chief Medical Officer and Co-Founder Dr. Casey Means talks with Levels advisor and author of Metabolical to give you advice on how to interpret your panels to better understand the status of your metabolic health. Look for multiple new shows per week on A …

1
#210 - Pregnancy & metabolic health: Hormone changes & gestational diabetes | Dr. Azure Grant & Ben Grynol 1:01:50

1y ago1:01:50

1:01:50

How does pregnancy affect your metabolic health at each trimester, from conception to postpartum lactation? Levels Research Design Lead Dr. Azure Grant talks with Ben Grynol about the different phases of pregnancy and how it affects hormones and things you can do to reduce the risk of gestational diabetes. Look for multiple new shows per week on A …

1
#209 - What is insulin resistance and why does it matter? | Dr. Rob Lustig & Dr. Dominic D’Agostino 1:21:32

1y ago1:21:32

1:21:32

Insulin resistance is when cells stop responding to insulin’s signal to uptake glucose. It’s a hallmark of prediabetes, Type 2 diabetes, and other forms of metabolic dysfunction, and it manifests as several chronic disease, ranging from Alzheimer’s to polycystic ovarian syndrome. Dr. Rob Lustig and Dr. Dominic D’Agostino discuss the importance of m…

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