The Ty Beal Show

Frédéric Leroy, PhD, a food science expert and author, dives into the heated debate on animal-source foods. He reveals the nutritional risks of strict vegan diets, particularly for vulnerable groups like infants. Leroy critiques the EAT-Lancet report for its narrow focus on plant-based policies and introduces his 'Nourishment Table' for balanced eating. He argues for ethical omnivorism, emphasizing the need for a nuanced perspective on livestock's role in sustainable diets, while debunking myths surrounding saturated fats and processed meats.

What do we know about health, nutrition, and medicine — and how confident should we be? In this episode, Dr. Gordon Guyatt, the clinician-scientist who coined the term evidence-based medicine and co-created the GRADE framework, breaks down why so much health and nutrition guidance rests on weak foundations. We dig into the hierarchy of evidence, why observational studies so often mislead us, and what went wrong with hormone replacement therapy and antioxidant vitamins. Dr. Guyatt also explains the intense backlash to the NutriRECS red-meat guidelines and why overstating certainty erodes trust in both science and public health. We also explore the growing influence of health influencers, why acknowledging uncertainty is essential, and how AI could both help and harm evidence-based decision-making. From the limits of nutrition research to the future of trustworthy guidelines, this conversation offers a clear, honest look at what we know — and what we don’t. If you want rigorous, hype-free insight into how evidence should inform health decisions, this episode is for you. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction 01:10 What evidence-based medicine actually means 04:28 When low-quality evidence misleads (HRT, antioxidants) 07:29 Why most nutrition research is low certainty 11:29 The NutriRECS red-meat guidelines and backlash 17:55 How the nutrition field overstates certainty 21:02 Influencers and misinformation 23:42 AI’s role in evidence-based decision-making 31:58 Why uncertainty and humility matter 32:34 Advice for clinicians and researchers 37:14 How to make recommendations with low-quality evidence Dr. Gordon Guyatt X: https://x.com/GuyattGH LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/guyattgh McMaster University: https://experts.mcmaster.ca/people/guyatt Connect with Ty X: https://www.x.com/TyBealPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tybeal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tybealphd Newsletter: https://www.tybeal.com

Why do ultra-processed foods make us eat more — even when calories, sugar, fat, and protein are matched? In this episode, Dr. Kevin Hall, author of Food Intelligence and one of the most influential scientists in metabolism and obesity research, breaks down the mechanisms driving overeating — and shares brand-new findings from his latest NIH study. We dig into energy density, hyper-palatability, dopamine, food addiction, food policy, and how we can redesign the food system for real health impact — without hype or ideology. If you want clear, evidence-based answers about why we eat what we eat, this episode is for you. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Food Intelligence 02:55 Dr. Kevin Hall's Journey in Nutrition 06:02 Understanding Food Intelligence 08:49 The Landmark Study on Ultra-Processed Foods 11:59 Critiques and Implications of the Study 14:56 Triangulating Evidence in Nutrition Research 18:10 Ongoing Research and Future Directions 20:49 Key Findings from Recent Trials 24:00 The Role of Food Industry in Nutrition 34:57 Incentivizing Healthy Food Choices 38:25 Understanding Ultra-Processed Foods and Health 41:49 The Neurobiology of Food Addiction 46:23 Exploring Dopamine Responses to Food 48:21 Energy Density and Hyper-Palatability 54:11 The Role of Food Environment in Diet Choices 01:00:09 Navigating the Future of Food Systems 01:08:29 Re-engineering Food for Healthier Options 01:12:03 The Carrot and the Stick Approach 01:18:22 The Role of GLP-1s in Obesity Management 01:24:19 Political Momentum for Food System Change 01:30:32 Challenges in Implementing Food Policies Dr. Kevin Hall X: https://x.com/KevinH_PhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinhall4 Website: https://www.kevinhallphd.com Book — Food Intelligence: https://a.co/d/8uRXuAv Connect with Ty X: https://www.x.com/TyBealPhD LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tybeal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tybealphd Newsletter: https://www.tybeal.com

What is the definition of an ultra-processed food (UPF), and where did the concept originate? Why is the Nova classification system both a groundbreaking public health tool and a source of intense debate? And how can we use this framework to build healthier food systems around the world? In this episode of The Ty Beal Show, Dr. Carlos Monteiro, the Brazilian epidemiologist who coined the term "ultra-processed food" and developed the revolutionary Nova classification system, joins Ty for a timely discussion. Recorded on the day of its release, they break down the new Lancet series on UPFs and human health, which Dr. Monteiro co-authored. Dr. Monteiro shares the fascinating story of how observing Brazil's rapid rise in obesity led his team to identify a new category of foods—not just "junk," but sophisticated, engineered formulations designed to replace traditional diets. We delve into the most common critiques of the UPF concept, including the heterogeneity of the category and the challenges of identification, and Dr. Monteiro offers sharp, evidence-based rebuttals. He also outlines a pragmatic path for policy, explaining why solutions must be tailored to a country's stage of dietary transition and why we cannot rely on industry-led reformulation. Highlights from the episode include: The origin story of the Nova classification system and its core principles A direct response to the major scientific and industry-led criticisms of the UPF concept Why comparing individual UPFs in observational studies is flawed—and what the evidence shows Practical, simplified markers for identifying UPFs in policy (think: flavors, colors, and artificial sweeteners) Key takeaways from the new Lancet series on ultra-processed foods and human health The critical difference between promoting traditional diets in some countries and rebuilding entire food systems in others The parallel between the UPF dietary pattern and the celebrated Mediterranean diet pattern Why mobilizing civil society is key to countering corporate power and passing effective policies Dr. Monteiro brings five decades of epidemiological expertise to one of the most critical issues in modern nutrition, making a powerful case that addressing the ultra-processing of our food supply is essential to combating diet-related disease globally. Find the new Lancet Series on Ultra-Processed Foods and Human Health online at The Lancet. Connect with Dr. Carlos Monteiro on X. Connect with Ty on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook. Sign up for Ty's Newsletter.

Join Dr. Chris van Tulleken, a physician and BBC broadcaster, as he dives deep into the world of ultra-processed foods. Discover the striking effects of his month-long diet consisting of 80% UPFs, leading to rapid weight gain and hormonal shifts. He discusses how food companies design products for overconsumption and the controversies surrounding UPF definitions. Chris also proposes thoughtful policy changes like nutrient warning labels and taxation, all while striving to balance healthy eating within his family life.

How do we turn cutting-edge nutrition research into policies that improve people's lives? In this episode of The Ty Beal Show, Purnima Menon, PhD, Senior Director of Food and Nutrition Policy at IFPRI, shares her journey from reading recipe books as a child to becoming a world leader in advancing global nutrition at the intersection of science and policy. Purnima explains why understanding people—their constraints, motivations, and contexts—is essential to creating meaningful change in food systems. We discuss the challenges of siloed thinking in nutrition, the complexities of sustainable diets, and what it takes to bridge the gap between evidence and action. Purnima brings a deeply human-centered perspective to some of the most pressing questions in food systems transformation. Highlights from the episode include: Why understanding people is central to all nutrition change—whether in behavior, programs, or policy The biggest challenges facing global nutrition today and why we need to move beyond siloed solutions How dietary choices are shaped by structural constraints at the intersection of water, energy, food, and gender What it takes to bridge research and policy—and why both matter The role of policy incentives and political economy in transforming food systems Dr. Menon brings decades of experience working with influential researchers and policymakers around the world, offering a nuanced perspective that connects evidence to real-world impact. Her work reminds us that privilege comes with responsibility—and that meaningful change requires joining the dots between science, people, and policy. Find Dr. Purnima Menon at IFPRI and connect with her on X and LinkedIn. Connect with Ty on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. Read his publications on Google Scholar. Sign up for Ty's Newsletter.

Stuart Phillips, PhD, a Professor of Kinesiology at McMaster University, dives into muscle health and protein's role in aging. He reveals that exercise beats protein alone in preserving muscle as we age, emphasizing resistance training's crucial role. Discussions include optimal protein needs across life stages, the importance of power in preventing falls, and how to structure effective strength training sessions. He also explores plant versus animal proteins and critiques the adequacy of current dietary recommendations.

Can grazing livestock help restore soils, support biodiversity, and even mitigate climate change? In this episode of The Ty Beal Show, rangeland ecologist at Colorado State University, Dr. Paige Stanley, shares her research on regenerative grazing systems and their potential to benefit both landscapes and livelihoods. Paige explains how well-managed grazing influences soil carbon dynamics, plant communities, and ecosystem resilience—and why not all grazing systems are created equal. We discuss the science behind methane emissions from cattle, trade-offs in land use, and how policy and incentives can help expand regenerative ranching practices that balance productivity with environmental stewardship. Highlights from the episode include: • How regenerative grazing differs from conventional grazing and why management matters • What the latest research says about grazing’s role in soil carbon sequestration and biodiversity • The methane puzzle—short-lived climate pollutants and strategies to reduce emissions • Opportunities and challenges in scaling regenerative ranching for both ranchers and policymakers Paige brings a nuanced, evidence-based perspective on the role of grazing animals in sustainable food systems—cutting through polarized debates with insights from the field. Find Paige Stanley on X and at her website. Connect with Ty on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. Read his publications on Google Scholar. Sign up for Ty's Newsletter.

What exactly is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)—and how can evidence-based therapies help people reclaim their lives? In this episode of The Ty Beal Show, Dr. Sara Brungardt, licensed professional counselor and founder of CalmOCD, shares her expertise on diagnosing and treating OCD with proven methods like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Sara explains how OCD differs from perfectionism or personality traits, why intrusive thoughts don’t define a person’s character, and how therapy can rewire the brain’s fear response. We also discuss common myths about OCD, overlaps with eating disorders and anxiety, and how families can best support loved ones navigating recovery. Highlights from the episode include: What distinguishes OCD from ordinary worries or habits How ERP and ACT work to reduce compulsions and anxiety The connection between OCD, eating disorders, and control Practical advice for supporting someone with OCD or seeking treatment Dr. Brungardt offers a compassionate, science-based perspective that brings clarity to a misunderstood condition—and hope to those living with it. Find Dr. Brungardt at CalmOCD.com and on Instagram. Connect with Ty on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. Read his publications on Google Scholar. Sign up for Ty's Newsletter.

Why do so many U.S. nutrition and health policies seem to favor ultra-processed foods over real, nutrient-dense foods—and what can be done about it? In this episode of The Ty Beal Show, Calley Means—New York Times #1 best-selling author, co-founder of Truemed, and Senior Advisor to the White House on MAHA—unpacks the structural incentives driving chronic disease in America. Calley draws on his experience as a former political consultant for food and pharmaceutical companies to reveal how lobbying and reimbursement systems shape the foods we eat and the treatments we receive. We discuss how misaligned incentives fuel the epidemic of obesity and metabolic disorders, why prevention remains undervalued, and what reforms could redirect billions toward truly health-promoting foods. Highlights from the episode include: How Big Food and Big Pharma shape nutrition guidelines and healthcare spending The impact of ultra-processed foods on children’s health and chronic disease risk Policy and market innovations—like food-as-medicine—that could shift incentives toward prevention Practical steps for individuals and policymakers to support healthier food environments Calley shares an urgent, insider’s perspective on how policy and industry can change to address the root causes of metabolic disease rather than merely treating symptoms. Find Calley Means on X and Instagram, learn more about Truemed at truemed.com, and order Good Energy on Amazon. Connect with Ty on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. Read his publications on Google Scholar. Sign up for Ty's Newsletter.