Plant Proof - Plant Based Nutrition & Inspirational Stories

Episode #323. Oreo cookies or statins – which is more effective in reducing LDL cholesterol? The results from one study might surprise you. Join me as I sit down with Oxford PhD graduate and Harvard Medical student Dr Nick Norwitz to discuss the lipid energy model, what it has to do with Oreos, and how different diets affect your health. You’ll learn about Dr Norwtiz’s health journey, including his experience with inflammatory bowel disease and the ketogenic diet. We discuss cholesterol management and cardiovascular disease risk, lean mass hyper-responders, and statins. This episode is an important and informative reflection on scientific curiosity and misinformation. Specifically, we discuss: Introduction (00:00:00) The Importance of Curiosity in Scientific Progress (04:39) Exploring the Oreo vs. Statin Experiment on Lean Mass Hyper Responders (08:52) Scientific and Clinical Impact of the Oreo Study (25:03) Addressing Criticisms and Misinterpretations of the Study (34:47) Navigating Statin Discussions

Episode #322. Did you know that 30% of cancers are related to obesity? Join me as I sit down with Harvard Professor and endocrinologist Dr Christos Mantzoroz to discuss fatty liver disease, metabolic health, and hormones. You’ll learn about why so many people are obese and whether you can be overweight and healthy. Dr Mantzoroz breaks down budget-friendly ways to evaluate your metabolic health, explains how hormones affect your weight, and offers his insight on how to treat obesity. Overall, this episode is a masterclass in metabolic health and fatty liver disease. Specifically, we discuss: Introduction to The Latest Obesity Research Findings (00:00) The Evolving Understanding of Obesity Science (03:49) Uncovering New Fat Storage Mechanisms (10:57) Modern Techniques for Accurate Body Fat Measurement (15:02) Why Maintaining Weight Loss Is So Challenging (20:01) Evolutionary Insights into Human Fat Storage (25:12) How Leptin Regulates Energy Balance and Health (29:17) New Approaches to Break Through We

Episode #321. You’ve heard me interview hundreds of nutrition experts; now it’s time for me to share my comprehensive views on nutrition, health, and longevity. Join me as I’m interviewed by André Duqum in this conversation originally recorded for the Know Thyself podcast. This episode covers the foundations of healthy eating and my take on common nutrition controversies. You’ll learn how to decode health information you find online, why a plant-focused diet is the best way forward, and how to discover the optimal diet for you. Overall, we discuss what to eat and avoid, when to eat, and how your food choices impact your body and the planet. Specifically, we discuss: Understanding Nutrition Science (04:07) The Role of Observational Studies in Nutrition (09:18) What Is the Most Beneficial Diet for Humans? (13:12) Simon Hill's Personal Journey and Motivation (19:38) Five Pillars of Longevity (27:50) Importance of Protein in the Diet (31:27) Understanding Seed Oils and Polyunsaturated Fats (50:23) Import

Episode #320. Are you part of the 20% of people with this dangerous gene? There’s a cheap, simple test you can do just once in your life to find out. Join me as I sit down with renowned lipidologist Dr Thomas Dayspring to help you understand Lipoprotein(a) and the test that might change your life. In this episode, you’ll learn what Lp(a) is and how it can affect your cardiovascular disease risk through two key pathways. Dr Dayspring unpacks why it’s so important to test, how to ask for this test, and what to do with your results. Specifically, we discuss: Introduction (00:00) Demystifying Lipoprotein(a): An Overview of its Role in Cardiovascular Health (02:54) Genetic Inheritance Patterns and Variability of Lipoprotein(a) (10:11) Drug Development Strategies for Reducing Lipoprotein(a) Levels (14:50) Exploring the Functional Role and Genetic Variations of Lipoprotein(a) (20:27) Inside the Artery Walls: Mechanisms and Structure of Lipoprotein(a) (32:34) A Deep Dive in Production to Measurement of Lipopr

Episode #319. Join me today as I sit down with a very special guest: my dad, Professor Michael Hill, PhD. Dad’s journey as a scientist has inspired my own work and taken our family across the globe, and I’m honoured to host him as he shares his story from early career discoveries to current research. As well as getting an inside look at Dr Hill’s academic career, you’ll learn about microvasculature (very small blood vessels), including what they are and how they impact human health. Dad also shares his experience with a heart attack, offers advice on preventing atherosclerosis, and weighs in on the Ozempic and vaping conversations. Specifically, we discuss: Introduction (00:00) Childhood Memories and Early Interests (03:19) Pursuing a Career in Biochemistry (08:36) Microvasculature and Diabetes Research (12:12) Early Research on Investigating Blood Properties and Diabetes (17:44) Family Stories and Moving to the U.S. (28:47) Returning to Australia and Continued Research (36:39) Exploring Microvessel

Episode #318. 50,000 women. 30 years of follow-up. The results of a new study are in: learn the truth about how your protein intake will affect your long-term health. What kind of protein should you consume? How much? And what difference will it really make on longevity? Today, I’m unpacking the results from the new study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, “Dietary protein intake in midlife in relation to healthy aging - results from prospective Nurses' Health Study cohort”. This new study from researchers at Harvard University and Tufts University has been regularly misinterpreted online, and in this episode, I’ll set the facts straight. Learn the three most important protein takeaways from this study, hear my take on Layne Norton’s interpretation, and crack the code to using protein as a tool for healthy aging. Specifically, I cover: Introduction to Protein and Longevity (00:00) Study Overview and Methodology (01:24) Key Findings on Protein Sources (05:33) Lane Norton's Review and Critique

Episode #317. Are you neglecting your social health without realising it? We know connection is the often-forgotten pillar of wellbeing and longevity – but how much of a difference does it truly make to your physical and mental health? More than you might think. Join me as I sit down with Kasley Killam, a leading expert in social health, to discover the science behind why relationships are so critical to our well-being. In this episode, Kasley Killam paints a comprehensive picture of the importance of social health and how you can foster it. You’ll learn how connection affects physical and mental health, what good social health is, and how to achieve it. We also discuss what to do about difficult relationships, how to build a strong relationship with yourself, and how to fit intentional connection into a busy schedule. Specifically, we discuss: Introduction to Kasley Killam and Her New Book (00:00) What is Social Health? (03:11) The Importance of Social Health (06:17) Mechanisms Linking Social Health and

Episode #316. Overeating is not your fault. But it is in your control – just not in the way you might think. Learn how to overcome food addiction in this conversation with psychiatrist, neuroscientist, and self-mastery expert, Dr Jud Brewer. Learn Dr Brewer’s secret to gaining control over your eating habits (and no, it’s not willpower). Discover why we overeat, the reason you can’t break bad habits, and how to take back your power over food as we unpack the science of behavioural change. Specifically, we discuss: Introduction: Understanding the Brain and Habit Formation (00:13) Key Elements of Habit Formation (02:55) The Brain's Role in Decision-Making and Habit Change (10:02) The Impact of Awareness and Mindfulness on Habit Change (14:58) Analysing Eating Habits and the Food Environment (24:35) Survivorship Bias in Successful Habit Change (27:36) Emotional Eating and Coping Mechanisms (31:17) Addressing Guilt, Shame, and Systemic Failures (36:24) Environmental Influences on Eating Patterns (41:18)

Episode #315. What is ApoB and why should you care? In this latest instalment of our masterclass series, I’ve distilled the essential insights about apolipoprotein B (ApoB) into one informative episode. Join top experts including Dr Thomas Dayspring, Dr William Cromwell, Danny Lennon, Dr Alan Flanagan, and Dr Gil Carvalho as they unravel the significance of ApoB as a crucial marker of cardiovascular health. This episode provides a thorough understanding of why ApoB matters and how it impacts your health. We unpack the essentials of ApoB, covering its role in cholesterol transport and why it's a key marker for heart disease risk. You'll learn how ApoB affects cardiovascular health, from the way it modifies LDL particles to its impact on atherosclerosis and longevity. We discuss the best ways to measure ApoB, its normal levels, and what causes it to rise. The episode also explores the relationship between ApoB and saturated fats, and why it's a more reliable risk marker than LDL cholesterol. By the end, you'll

Episode #314. Science tells us we need relationships to live better, for longer. But how do we cultivate our relationships to benefit ourselves and our loved ones? Join me in Episode #314 as I sit down with IN-Q for an exploration of creativity, self-compassion, and empathy. In this episode, you’ll discover why you should learn to be vulnerable and how to do so. We discuss the danger of loneliness and how to improve life satisfaction, why creativity is a crucial practice for everyone, and how you can truly learn from failure. IN-Q also shares some of his poetry as well as key moments in his journey to where he is today. Specifically, we discuss:: Introduction (0:00) IN-Q Performs His Poem “Growth AKA Goldfish” (1:32) The Importance of Emotional Health and Vulnerability (5:48) Does Expressing Emotions Show Weakness? (12:34) The Creative Process and Overcoming Failure (19:06) From Poetry to Platinum Hits: A Diverse Creative Journey (29:19) The Intention Behind Poetry and Empowering Through Creativity (3

Episode #313. Is your menstrual cycle normal? How is the pill affecting your body? Join me as I sit down with Dr Jen Gunter, a renowned expert in women's health, to answer these questions and many more as we take a deep dive into contraception, the menstrual cycle, and common female health myths. You’ll learn about the key phases of the menstrual cycle and the associated symptoms, discover how different forms of hormonal contraception work and whether they’re safe, debunk a series of pervasive female health myths, and much more. Whether you personally menstruate or use contraceptives or know someone who does – effectively everyone – this episode is an essential listen on female health. Specifically, we discuss: Intro (00:00) The Impact of Disinformation on Women's Health Choices (01:17) Exploring Gaps in Medical Research on Female Physiology (07:17) Navigating Misinformation and Vulnerability in Women's Health (15:52) The Importance of the Menstrual Cycle: A Comprehensive Overview (17:44) Inclusivity a

Episode #312. Vegan vs. omnivore: learn about the Netflix documentary “You Are What You Eat” and the associated twin study with lead researcher, Christopher Gardner PhD. You’ll learn about why Dr Gardner designed the study the way he did, unpack some key findings, and hear his response to criticisms. From publication, this study gained major media attention that was only amplified by the release of “You Are What You Eat”. With popularity comes criticism, in this case from some big names in online nutrition spaces. Hear the truth about the controversy surrounding this study and documentary, straight from the source. Specifically, we discuss: Intro (00:00) Introduction and background on Christopher Gardner's recent twin study (01:36) Navigating the Challenges of Science Communication and Critique (08:28) Introduction to the Twin Study and Its Unique Design (16:36) The Role of Identical Twins and Defining Plant-Based vs. Omnivorous Diets (22:45) Dietary Patterns and Health Outcomes: The Vegan and Omnivor

Some people follow a ketogenic diet seeking to lose weight, feel more energised, or gain control over their eating habits. Others may turn to this diet in an effort to treat conditions such as epilepsy, bipolar disorder, diabetes and inflammatory diseases. Regardless of their reasoning for adopting this eating pattern, a key question remains: is there ever an instance where having high LDL cholesterol levels on a ketogenic diet can be safe? In Episode #311, I’m joined by Dr William Cromwell, MD and Dave Feldman to explore this question. In this discussion, Dr William Cromwell and Dave Feldman share their professional opinions on whether high cholesterol on a keto diet is a problem. We investigate where their opinions align and where they differ, where Dave’s hypotheses diverge from the norm, and what we do and don’t know with the available evidence. We also explore the significance of ApoB, lifespan and healthspan considerations, research Dave is currently conducting, and much more. Specifically, we discuss:

Episode #310. For many of us looking to achieve athletic goals and age healthily, protein is something that is regularly front of mind. Join me as I sit down with Associate Professor Nicholas Burd, a muscle physiologist and researcher, to discuss the latest scientific evidence on protein. From selecting your protein source to choosing an appropriate amount for your goals, Dr Burd shares recent research findings on how to optimise your protein intake. Discover the nuanced difference between optimising and maximising intake, the problem with eating too much protein, and why getting protein from whole foods is important. We also cover protein timing and distribution, supplementation, and much more. Specifically, we discuss: Intro (00:00) Introduction to Nicholas Burd's Work as a Muscle Physiologist (01:32) Exploring Muscle Protein Turnover and Renewal (03:57) Muscle Fibre Hyperplasia vs. Hypertrophy in Humans (08:06) The Role of Protein Metabolism in Muscle Physiology (15:21) Optimal vs. Maximal Protein I

Episode #309. Testosterone: we hear it thrown around constantly as the silver bullet for curing all kinds of symptoms. Join me as I sit down with Dr Adam Hotchkiss, podiatric physician and foot surgeon turned human optimisation specialist, to answer all your burning questions about testosterone, TRT, steroids, and more. This is an important listen for any men considering using steroids to enhance their physique or looking to safely increase testosterone without compromising fertility. We take a deep dive into testosterone in this episode, covering what it is, what’s considered normal and healthy levels in men, and symptoms of low testosterone. Dr Hotchkiss breaks down how lifestyle factors can influence your testosterone, explains how to boost it (and whether you need to), and covers concerns about fertility and heart disease. Specifically, we discuss: Introduction (00:00) Adam Hotchkiss' Journey: From Podiatry to Hormonal Health Optimisation (03:55) Understanding testosterone's functions, symptoms of def

Episode #308. How would Jesus kill an animal? Join me as I sit down with filmmakers Kip Andersen and Kameron Waters to discuss their position on how religion and veganism intersect. Whether you are religious or not, there are many interesting points raised to reflect on further. In their new documentary Christspiracy, Kip and Kameron pose the question: is there a spiritual way to kill an animal? In this episode, they argue what they believe to be the accurate interpretation of what the Bible says about animal liberation, taking us on a journey of what the concept of dominion truly means. We discuss a 2000-year-old cover-up, whether eating meat as a Christian is hypocritical, the truth about regenerative agriculture, and much more. Specifically, we cover: Intro (00:00) Unveiling the Truth Behind Religious Misinterpretations (06:06) Exploring the Daniel Fast: A Christian's Journey to Plant-Based Eating (13:43) Connecting the Dots: The Nazarenes, Mistranslations, and Jesus' Controversial Temple Actions (19:

Episode #307. According to Robin Sharma, eight factors define wealth – and only one of them is money. Join me in today’s episode as I sit down with this leadership expert and bestselling author to unpack what it truly means to be wealthy. You’ll learn about what happy people have in common, how to find more fulfilment, and how to perform a full reset on your life. Robin pulls back the curtain to offer a glimpse of what his habits look like and how you can implement habits to help you become your best self. Plus, discover why you should consider eating out alone, why you should be thinking about death, and plenty more in this insight-packed conversation. In any conversation considering the relationship between money and happiness, it’s important to note that not everyone has the time or resources to commit to self-improvement. If you’re in this camp, you’re far from alone. My advice would be to take the core principles discussed in this episode and find some goals that are reasonable for you. Even if you can o

Episode #306. How can women build muscle, commit to an exercise program, and manage menopause weight gain? Dr Alyssa Olenick returns today to finish our conversation on exercise and recovery for women, answering these questions and many more. You’ll learn how women should be training differently from men, including what you should implement and avoid. We discuss how to grow your booty, how to tell if you’ve trained hard enough, and how to train regularly. Dr Olenick also covers whether cold water immersion is safe and beneficial, what to do about weight gain during menopause, and what you should be supplementing with. Specifically, we discuss: Intro (00:00) Understanding Sex Differences in Training: Tailoring Workouts for Women (01:59) Mastering RPE for Effective Workouts: A Beginner's Guide (13:16) The Ideal Weekly Routine for Booty Gains: Quality Over Quantity (23:34) How do you know if the workout program is effective? (29:07) Navigating Soreness and Recovery in Strength Training (39:02) Cold water

Episode #305. Transform your fitness approach with Dr Alyssa Olenick's expert guidance on female-specific exercise strategies. With most mainstream exercise guidance based on research primarily undertaken on men, this episode offers much-needed insight into how women can optimise their training program. In part one of this two-part series, Dr Olenick brings the research on exercise for women into the spotlight. You’ll learn about how to design an optimal program, including exercise frequency and intensity, what type of training to do, and whether you should be synching training to your menstrual cycle. We also cover when and what to eat, highlighting the importance of carbohydrates, protein, and getting enough calories. Specifically, we discuss: Introduction (00:00) Overview of Alyssa Olenick's Research (04:58) Exploring Gender Disparities in Sports Science Research (07:47) Should Exercise Guidelines Differ for Men and Women? (13:10) Aligning Exercise with Women's Menstrual Cycles: Myth vs. Science (16:

Episode #304. Your friends, family, and partner are helping you live longer. Why? And how? Discover the true importance of relationships in this conversation with clinical psychologist and scientist Professor Marc Schulz. In this episode, you’ll learn about how and why relationships are one of the key factors for health and longevity. Professor Schulz breaks down the key results from the Harvard Study of Adult Development, a study that has been running since 1938, and how you can apply these findings to your life. We cover topics including social fitness, income disparity and longevity, how relationships are formed, the importance of intimacy and vulnerability, and how to improve your health by interacting with strangers. Specifically, we discuss: Intro (00:00) Background of Marc Schulz (00:50) The Significance of Qualitative Research in Psychology (04:50) Introduction to the Harvard Study of Adult Development: A Groundbreaking Inquiry into Human Flourishing (11:30) How do You Know if You're Flourishing