The Smart Nutrition Made Simple Show with Ben Brown Testosterone, Peptides, and Performance: The Modern Man’s Guide to Health Optimization
Men are being gaslit about their hormones and it’s costing them their health.
We start this conversation by tackling the stigma around testosterone therapy and how the conventional system often dismisses men who clearly need help. Dr. Jess and I break down how to recognize when low T is more than “just aging,” and what signs actually matter when deciding if Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is right for you. From there, we dive into the world of peptides, how they work, the most common types, and where they fit into a smart optimization plan. And finally, we zoom out to touch on the hidden environmental factors, like toxins, mold, and stress, that can quietly blunt your progress if left unchecked.
If you’ve wondered whether testosterone or peptides are right for you, this episode clears the fog so you can move forward with confidence.
Episode Timestamp
00:00 – Episode Preview
01:05 – Podcast Intro
04:19 – Dr. Jess’s Story: From Pain to Purpose
07:59 – Leaving Conventional Medicine Behind
13:06 – Why She Chose to Focus on Men’s Health
16:56 – The Real Reason Men Turn to Testosterone
18:14 – Unpacking the Stigma Around Testosterone Therapy
20:27 – When TRT Is Needed & What Doctors Miss
22:38 – Normal Labs, Medical Gaslighting & Misdiagnosis
23:47 – The Rise of Low T in Younger Men
24:43 – How Insurance Keeps You From Getting Real Help
27:06 – Is TRT Forever? Quality of Life vs Dependency
30:13 – Why Optimization Is No Longer Optional
31:23 – Should You Start with TRT or Fix Your Lifestyle First?
32:15 – Peptides Explained: What They Are & What They Do
33:58 – Where Peptides Fit into Your Health Stack
34:56 – GLP-1 Drugs: Fat Loss, Muscle Risk & Misinformation
39:02 – Retatrutide vs Semaglutide: Key Differences for Men
42:55 – Who Should (and Shouldn’t) Use GLP-1s
44:40 – Metabolic Flexibility: Why Variety Still Matters
45:53 – Why Peptides Alone Won’t Fix Your Metabolism
47:07 – Hormone Suppression from Stress & Burnout
48:11 – Everyday Toxins That Lower Testosterone
51:11 – Dr. Jess’ Advice and How to Find Her
53:13 – Podcast Outro
Connect with Dr. Jess Folz:
- Dr.Jess’Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doctor_jess_nmd/
- Rugged Gentleman®: https://www.ruggedgent.life/
Links & Resources:
- Connect with Ben on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bodysystemscoaching/
- Learn more about Ben’s coaching program: www.bodysystems.com
- Subscribe to the Smart Nutrition Made Simple Show on Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-smart-nutrition-made-simple-show-with-ben-brown/id1244912234
- Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/4H8vUlwYvKcAXZOv84sFgT
- Low T/Blood Work Guide - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_5M66z7aMO37RYd56qMZRblQuY83IRWU/view