Fitness Confidential

Episode 2692 - Vinnie Tortorich and Chris Shaffer discuss news on GLP-1 use and blindness, health with GenZ, and leaving the world better than we found it. https://vinnietortorich.com/2025/09/better-than-we-found-it-episode-2692 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS   YOU CAN WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE - Better Than We Found It Discussion about aging, or rather *not* aging, and some of the trends that have happened. (3:00) Is Ozempic (or other semaglutides) affecting vision? (12:30) There is a specific eye condition (called NAION) that can be aggravated by semiglutides and cause permanent blindness. It is still being studied; however, people who are obese or have diabetes are at a higher risk of GLP-1s. Just be aware: if you are on a GLP-1 and have any changes in your vision, consult your doctor right away. Drugs such as these should be considered a last resort, not a first resort, and the side effects are why.(22:00) There is some good news that Gen Z is pushing back against processed foods and fake meat. (25:00) The more whole foods you have, the less likely you are to need certain drugs, especially for weight loss. (29:00) They discuss how misinformation turns into a trend. (32:00) A recent fitness competition between RFK Jr. and the Secretary of Defense. The video is linked below. (37:00) Vinnie analyzes the form and how off they were. He, however, is still glad the Presidential Physical Fitness is back. A challenge like this is a noble goal, but it must be done correctly. If we all just focused on improving health and helping others, we’d be leaving the world better than we found it. (52:00) If you are interested in the NSNG® VIP group, it will be reopening soon. But you can get on the wait list - More News If you are interested in the NSNG® VIP group, it will be reopening soon. But you can get on the wait list - Don’t forget to check out Serena Scott Thomas on Days of Our Lives on the Peacock channel.  “Dirty Keto” is available on Amazon! You can purchase or rent it . Make sure you watch, rate, and review it! Eat Happy Italian, Anna’s next cookbook, is available!  You can go to  You can order it from .  Anna’s recipes are in her cookbooks, website, and Substack–they will spice up your day!  Don’t forget you can invest in Anna’s Eat Happy Kitchen through StartEngine.  Details are at Eat Happy Kitchen.    PURCHASE  DIRTY KETO (2024) The documentary launched in August 2024! Order it TODAY! This is Vinnie’s fourth documentary in just over five years. Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere:  Then, please share my fact-based, health-focused documentary series with your friends and family. Additionally, the more views, the better it ranks, so please watch it again with a new friend! REVIEWS: Please submit your REVIEW after you watch my films. Your positive REVIEW does matter! PURCHASE BEYOND IMPOSSIBLE (2022) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere:  REVIEWS: Please submit your REVIEW after you watch my films. Your positive REVIEW does matter! FAT: A DOCUMENTARY 2 (2021) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere:  FAT: A DOCUMENTARY (2019) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere:

Dive into the behind-the-scenes world of reality TV as the hosts dissect the Netflix docuseries, revealing the dark side of shows like 'The Biggest Loser.' They explore exploitative contracts, questionable practices, and the emotional toll on contestants. Personal stories add depth, including a chilling encounter with a show doctor. The discussion also touches on caffeine's effects in sports and offers a humorous nod to the challenges of hand modeling. Buddy up with their insights for a compelling look at fitness and authenticity in entertainment!

Episode 2690 - Vinnie Tortorich welcomes guest Tim Mallien for an update, discusses struggling with consistency, then having an epiphany, and more. https://vinnietortorich.com/2025/08/having-an-epiphany-tim-mallien-episode-2690 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS YOU CAN WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE - Having An Epiphany Tim shares the background of his health journey. (4:00) The mind can play tricks on you, and you don’t always realize how the weight creeps up. He tried several ways of losing weight, and had some success, but the weight would always return. He enjoyed running; however, he hit a point where he could no longer do it due to damage to his hip. Finally, he got a hip replacement, but was told he wouldn’t run again. (23:00) Tim went into a deep depression and felt like a shell of himself. Stress from work took a toll, and he started gaining weight again. (32:00) He made changes and described having an epiphany of how he could move forward. Tim has lost 115 pounds since starting again, and his wife has lost 70 pounds. Words of Wisdom: (43:00) Firstly, if you are depressed, get help from a counselor, doctor, pastor, etc. Tim has learned to speak up when he is struggling instead of "eating his feelings." Having the support of his family and close friends has made a big difference. You can find Tim on X at @Fleeing400 Now Pure Coffee Club is available on the Pure Vitamin Club website! Go to If you are interested in the NSNG® VIP group, Vinnie plans to open it again soon! You can get on the wait list - More News Don’t forget to check out Serena Scott Thomas on Days of Our Lives on the Peacock channel.  “Dirty Keto” is available on Amazon! You can purchase or rent it . Make sure you watch, rate, and review it! Eat Happy Italian, Anna’s next cookbook is available!  You can go to  You can order it from .  Anna’s recipes are in her cookbooks, website, and Substack–they will spice up your day!  Don’t forget you can invest in Anna’s Eat Happy Kitchen through StartEngine.  Details are at Eat Happy Kitchen.  PURCHASE  DIRTY KETO (2024) The documentary launched in August 2024! Order it TODAY! This is Vinnie’s fourth documentary in just over five years. Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere:  Then, please share my fact-based, health-focused documentary series with your friends and family. Additionally, the more views, the better it ranks, so please watch it again with a new friend! REVIEWS: Please submit your REVIEW after you watch my films. Your positive REVIEW does matter! PURCHASE BEYOND IMPOSSIBLE (2022) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere:  REVIEWS: Please submit your REVIEW after you watch my films. Your positive REVIEW does matter! FAT: A DOCUMENTARY 2 (2021) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere:  FAT: A DOCUMENTARY (2019) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere:

Episode 2689 - Vinnie Tortorich and Chris Shaffer discuss how things are moving in a better direction with Gen Z, animal protein, the reduction of alcohol use, and more. https://vinnietortorich.com/2025/08/moving-in-a-better-direction-episode-2689 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS   YOU CAN WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE - Moving In A Better Direction Gen Z appears to be the generation that is pushing back against fake meat. (4:00) Many vegan restaurants are adding back meat; the demand for meat is still there. The theories are widespread; however, it all boils down to wanting both real animal protein and fruits and veggies. (13:00) Vinnie has nothing against vegans; he is simply for better health, which includes various animal proteins. There is a “reverse-engineered” process to make cheese. A genetically modified strain of E. coli is used to produce casein from scratch, enabling the creation of vegan cheese. (27:00) Blue Zones are areas that predominantly eat fresh, whole foods—yes, even meat; however, that part is often not discussed. (34:00) COVID news: There’s been a backlash against alcohol based on overuse during the lockdown years. (39:00) There’s a downward trend in alcohol consumption. Side note: Vinnie might get his first piña colada on a long-delayed vacation. The VIP group will reopen soon.  It’s another tool you can use to meet your goals. Workouts will be added soon! If you are a member, you get access to the videos for free! Vinnie holds group consultation calls twice a month, where members can ask anything. If you are interested in the NSNG® VIP group, it will be reopening soon. But you can get on the wait list - More News If you are interested in the NSNG® VIP group, it will be reopening soon. But you can get on the wait list - Don’t forget to check out Serena Scott Thomas on Days of Our Lives on the Peacock channel.  “Dirty Keto” is available on Amazon! You can purchase or rent it . Make sure you watch, rate, and review it! Eat Happy Italian, Anna’s next cookbook, is available!  You can go to  You can order it from .  Anna’s recipes are in her cookbooks, website, and Substack–they will spice up your day!  Don’t forget you can invest in Anna’s Eat Happy Kitchen through StartEngine.  Details are at Eat Happy Kitchen.    PURCHASE  DIRTY KETO (2024) The documentary launched in August 2024! Order it TODAY! This is Vinnie’s fourth documentary in just over five years. Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere:  Then, please share my fact-based, health-focused documentary series with your friends and family. Additionally, the more views, the better it ranks, so please watch it again with a new friend! REVIEWS: Please submit your REVIEW after you watch my films. Your positive REVIEW does matter! PURCHASE BEYOND IMPOSSIBLE (2022) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere:  REVIEWS: Please submit your REVIEW after you watch my films. Your positive REVIEW does matter! FAT: A DOCUMENTARY 2 (2021) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere:  FAT: A DOCUMENTARY (2019) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere:

Episode 2688 - Vinnie Tortorich and Anna Vocino motivate and challenge you to always be learning, ramp up your goals, and look at the long game. https://vinnietortorich.com/2025/08/always-be-learning-episode-2688 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS YOU CAN WATCH ALL THE PODCAST EPISODES ON YOUTUBE - Always Be Learning The history behind the phrase “Life into living and do it with enthusiasm.” (2:00) Vinnie shares how he got interested in cycling. (7:15) Goals are goals—set your mind to it. It doesn’t apply to just losing weight—always be learning and challenging yourself! (16:00) Nothing gets done without starting on Day 1. (16:45) You don’t know what you can do until you try! Things people say to you can often stick with you for life. (21:30) Anna shares some of her motivated moments with mentors. They discuss the importance of delayed gratification and the value of putting in the hours. (27:00) Eat Happy Kitchen is for everyone, and several of the sauces are vegan. (46:30) Anna’s sauces are in several stores. Go to her website and use the store locator to find the store closest to you. Vinnie explains how you’ll be able to join the NSNG® VIP group when it reopens soon! If you are interested in the NSNG® VIP group, register here! More News If you are interested in the NSNG® VIP group, register here! Don’t forget to check out Serena Scott Thomas on Days of Our Lives on the Peacock channel.  “Dirty Keto” is available on Amazon! You can purchase or rent it . Make sure you watch, rate, and review it! Eat Happy Italian, Anna’s next cookbook, is available!  You can go to You can order it from . Anna’s recipes are in her cookbooks, website, and Substack–they will spice up your day! There's a new NSNG® Foods promo code you can use! The promo code ONLY works on the NSNG® Foods website, NOT on Amazon. https://nsngfoods.com/   PURCHASE  DIRTY KETO (2024) The documentary launched in August 2024! Order it TODAY! This is Vinnie’s fourth documentary in just over five years. Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere: Then, please share my fact-based, health-focused documentary series with your friends and family. Additionally, the more views, the better it ranks, so please watch it again with a new friend! REVIEWS: Please submit your REVIEW after you watch my films. Your positive REVIEW does matter! PURCHASE BEYOND IMPOSSIBLE (2022) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere: REVIEWS: Please submit your REVIEW after you watch my films. Your positive REVIEW does matter! FAT: A DOCUMENTARY 2 (2021) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere: FAT: A DOCUMENTARY (2019) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere:

Episode 2687 - Vinnie Tortorich welcomes Dr. Laura Buchanan to discuss fears behind the Women's Health Initiative and the many benefits of hormone therapy. https://vinnietortorich.com/2025/08/benefits-hormone-therapy-episode-2687 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS YOU CAN WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE - The Benefits of Hormone Therapy Lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the number of medications a person needs to take. (2:30) The number of drugs that are being prescribed keeps increasing; however, how much and for how long can the body take multiple medications without further debilitating the body? (7:00) Vinnie has questions about hormones. (14:00) The Women’s Health Initiative announcement was based on incorrect information and a flawed study. The downside is that fear still surrounds it many decades later, so women have been denied treatment options. Dr. Buchanan explains how the study was done and the flaws within it. Hormone Therapy can be so impactful for a woman’s life. (28:30) There are many options available today for estrogen, progesterone, and, if necessary, testosterone. Treatment can increase quality of life. Both transdermal and vaginal estrogen can be highly effective for all kinds of symptoms. (34:00) Vinnie asks about DHEA. (41:00) DHEA is more complicated because it's the precursor to the other hormones. Bioidentical hormones are regulated appropriately by the FDA. Testosterone does not appear to increase prostate cancer risk. However, if you are on treatment for metastatic prostate cancer, it should not be taken. (54:00) Systemic estrogen (as in patches) is approved for bone loss prevention. (57:00) It also helps decrease cardiovascular risk, anxiety and depression, dementia, diabetes, and many other health issues. The closer you start it to menopause, the more helpful it is. You can find Dr. Laura Buchanan on X at @laurabuchananmd  She is also available through the website:   If you are interested in the NSNG® VIP group, Vinnie plans to open it again soon! You can get on the wait list - More News Don’t forget to check out Serena Scott Thomas on Days of Our Lives on the Peacock channel.  “Dirty Keto” is available on Amazon! You can purchase or rent it . Make sure you watch, rate, and review it! Eat Happy Italian, Anna’s next cookbook is available!  You can go to  You can order it from .  Anna’s recipes are in her cookbooks, website, and Substack–they will spice up your day!  Don’t forget you can invest in Anna’s Eat Happy Kitchen through StartEngine.  Details are at Eat Happy Kitchen.    PURCHASE  DIRTY KETO (2024) The documentary launched in August 2024! Order it TODAY! This is Vinnie’s fourth documentary in just over five years. Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere:  Then, please share my fact-based, health-focused documentary series with your friends and family. Additionally, the more views, the better it ranks, so please watch it again with a new friend! REVIEWS: Please submit your REVIEW after you watch my films. Your positive REVIEW does matter! PURCHASE BEYOND IMPOSSIBLE (2022) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere:  REVIEWS: Please submit your REVIEW after you watch my films. Your positive REVIEW does matter! FAT: A DOCUMENTARY 2 (2021) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere:  FAT: A DOCUMENTARY (2019) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere:

Episode 2686 - Vinnie Tortorich and Chris Shaffer discuss the NSNG® VIP group, electrolyte drinks, and a way to build character through fitness. https://vinnietortorich.com/2025/08/way-to-build-character-episode-2686 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS   YOU CAN WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE - A Way to Build Character The VIP group will reopen soon. (7:00) It’s another tool you can use to meet your goals. Workouts will be added soon! Vinnie holds group consultation calls twice a month, in which members can ask anything. If you are interested in the NSNG® VIP group, it will be reopening soon. But you can get on the wait list - You have to be able to guide yourself—it all comes down to you. (10:00) People still use COVID as an excuse for becoming overweight and out of shape. The time is over—take control of yourself! Honor the fact that you are alive by taking your health into your own hands. (20:00) They discuss the origin of Gatorade. (25:00) It’s morphed over the years and changed formulations, and not always in great ways. The Presidential Physical Fitness test is returning to schools. (41:30) They discuss one of the reasons it was stopped, which was to reduce competition. It’s also an opportunity for kids to train for hard things, build resilience, and build character. (55:00) More News If you are interested in the NSNG® VIP group, it will be reopening soon. But you can get on the wait list - Don’t forget to check out Serena Scott Thomas on Days of Our Lives on the Peacock channel.  “Dirty Keto” is available on Amazon! You can purchase or rent it . Make sure you watch, rate, and review it! Eat Happy Italian, Anna’s next cookbook, is available!  You can go to  You can order it from .  Anna’s recipes are in her cookbooks, website, and Substack–they will spice up your day!  Don’t forget you can invest in Anna’s Eat Happy Kitchen through StartEngine.  Details are at Eat Happy Kitchen.    PURCHASE  DIRTY KETO (2024) The documentary launched in August 2024! Order it TODAY! This is Vinnie’s fourth documentary in just over five years. Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere:  Then, please share my fact-based, health-focused documentary series with your friends and family. Additionally, the more views, the better it ranks, so please watch it again with a new friend! REVIEWS: Please submit your REVIEW after you watch my films. Your positive REVIEW does matter! PURCHASE BEYOND IMPOSSIBLE (2022) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere:  REVIEWS: Please submit your REVIEW after you watch my films. Your positive REVIEW does matter! FAT: A DOCUMENTARY 2 (2021) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere:  FAT: A DOCUMENTARY (2019) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere:

The hosts dive into the troubling trend of weight loss drug abuse, spotlighting the emotional factors behind overeating. They break down the science of sugar, explaining its effects on body metabolism and clarifying misconceptions about carbohydrates. A dynamic discussion covers the balance between sugar needs for different activities and the dangers of excess. Anecdotes from road trips add humor, alongside reflections on dietary habits and the ethics of prescription medications. Listeners are provided with practical tips for better nutritional choices.

Episode 2684- Vinnie Tortorich welcomes "rogue" dietitian Shannon Davis, and they discuss hitting the tipping point, PE in schools, and weight loss drugs. https://vinnietortorich.com/2025/08/the-tipping-point-with-Shannon-Davis-episode-2684 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS YOU CAN WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE - The Tipping Point Shannon Davis is a registered dietitian, but she describes herself as a “rogue” dietitian. (1:30) She has worked in organ transplant centers. Fatty liver disease is a carbohydrate or sugar problem, but patients were never taught that. Patients had always been told it was a problem with fat, protein, or fried foods. Dietitians need to be reflective and question the information they are recommending. (3:30) As a pharmaceutical rep, she realized she was peddling meds and not helping, and she hit her tipping point. (5:00) She discovered the low-carb and ketogenic health space, and now she feels she has found her purpose in teaching a healthy lifestyle. They discuss misinformation regarding carbs and “complex carbs.” (14:00) Shannon reviews her medical education and what she was advised to teach diabetics about carbs. (15:00) Besides interventions in dietary guidelines and metabolic health, The Presidential Physical Fitness Test for students should be required in schools again. (33:00) Kids have become sedentary, and they become adults who sit in cubicles. (42:00) The amount of medications prescribed for metabolic health is skyrocketing. (45:00) Weight Loss Medications Shannon is not opposed to medications; however, she firmly believes there is a place for them when truly necessary. (49:00) However, GLP-1s are overprescribed without a full understanding of their side effects, and oftentimes for minor weight loss. For example, hyperplasia: fat cells get smaller, but they multiply. This means that when you get off the drug, you will gain fat back, and in larger amounts. Side effects are loss of muscle and bone, digestive paralysis, optic nerve damage, erectile dysfunction, suppressed autophagy, and much more. There are natural ways to boost your own body’s GLP-1. (57:00) You can find Shannon Davis on Instagram @sldavis6580 Her website is here: If you are interested in the NSNG® VIP group, Vinnie plans to open it again soon! You can get on the wait list - More News Don’t forget to check out Serena Scott Thomas on Days of Our Lives on the Peacock channel.  “Dirty Keto” is available on Amazon! You can purchase or rent it . Make sure you watch, rate, and review it! Eat Happy Italian, Anna’s next cookbook is available!  You can go to  You can order it from .  Anna’s recipes are in her cookbooks, website, and Substack–they will spice up your day!  Don’t forget you can invest in Anna’s Eat Happy Kitchen through StartEngine.  Details are at Eat Happy Kitchen.    PURCHASE  DIRTY KETO (2024) The documentary launched in August 2024! Order it TODAY! This is Vinnie’s fourth documentary in just over five years. Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere:  Then, please share my fact-based, health-focused documentary series with your friends and family. Additionally, the more views, the better it ranks, so please watch it again with a new friend! REVIEWS: Please submit your REVIEW after you watch my films. Your positive REVIEW does matter! PURCHASE BEYOND IMPOSSIBLE (2022) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere:  REVIEWS: Please submit your REVIEW after you watch my films. Your positive REVIEW does matter! FAT: A DOCUMENTARY 2 (2021) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere:  FAT: A DOCUMENTARY (2019) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere:

Episode 2683 - Vinnie Tortorich and Chris Shaffer discuss advertising, the Beyond Meat rebranding, and how a better diet means better results, and more. https://vinnietortorich.com/2025/08/better-diet-means-better-results-episode-2683 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS   YOU CAN WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE - A Better Diet Means Better Results The Billy Joel documentary is super-engaging. (2:00) It’s on HBO Max, and you must have an HBO Max account if you want to view it on Amazon. The documentary is in two parts and is called “Billy Joel: And So It Goes.” Vinnie addresses the Sydney Sweeney American Eagle jeans ad. (10:45) The outcry on social media appears to be unfounded. Beyond Meat has made a branding change and has shortened its name to just “Beyond.” (29:00) Vinnie’s documentary “Beyond Impossible” addresses issues with fake meat. They discuss other fake foods and ingredients, including JUST “eggs.” (32:15) The FDA allows marketing on labels to include misinformation. Proteins from things like legumes are not equal to the complete amino acids and ratios of animal protein. (38:00) They review the “new and improved” recipe by Beyond. (40:00) Pure Coffee Club has a fun announcement. (42:00) Vinnie understands what it means to be overweight, eat cheap foods, and have a sugar addiction. (48:30) There’s a revelation about changes to some brands of canned tuna. (52:00) They discuss an article in Sports Illustrated that states that exercise helps with weight loss. There needs to be clarification: weight loss doesn’t happen unless you’re eating the proper diet. (55:00) Eating the proper ratio of fat and protein will magnify weight loss. Exercise alone while eating a ton of carbs will not help your body burn fat for weight loss. The article was trying to emphasize that if you are on a diet, the more you exercise, the less muscle you lose, which helps your metabolism. (58:15) A better diet means better results. In the 1950s, people were often leaner because we were a less sedentary society. (1:00:00) More News If you are interested in the NSNG® VIP group, it will be reopening soon. But you can get on the wait list - Don’t forget to check out Serena Scott Thomas on Days of Our Lives on the Peacock channel.  “Dirty Keto” is available on Amazon! You can purchase or rent it . Make sure you watch, rate, and review it! Eat Happy Italian, Anna’s next cookbook, is available!  You can go to  You can order it from .  Anna’s recipes are in her cookbooks, website, and Substack–they will spice up your day!  Don’t forget you can invest in Anna’s Eat Happy Kitchen through StartEngine.  Details are at Eat Happy Kitchen.    PURCHASE  DIRTY KETO (2024) The documentary launched in August 2024! Order it TODAY! This is Vinnie’s fourth documentary in just over five years. Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere:  Then, please share my fact-based, health-focused documentary series with your friends and family. Additionally, the more views, the better it ranks, so please watch it again with a new friend! REVIEWS: Please submit your REVIEW after you watch my films. Your positive REVIEW does matter! PURCHASE BEYOND IMPOSSIBLE (2022) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere:  REVIEWS: Please submit your REVIEW after you watch my films. Your positive REVIEW does matter! FAT: A DOCUMENTARY 2 (2021) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere:  FAT: A DOCUMENTARY (2019) Visit my new Documentaries HQ to find my films everywhere: