The Ty Beal Show

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.

Heart disease is still the top killer globally—but prevention and innovation are reshaping how we think about risk. In this episode of The Ty Beal Show, cardiologist Dr. Ethan Weiss—Chief Scientific Officer at Marea Therapeutics and long-time UCSF faculty expert—walks us through the intersection of genetics, metabolism, and cardiovascular health. Dr. Weiss explains the concept of cardio-endocrine medicine, where heart disease and metabolic disorders like diabetes are deeply interlinked, and explores how imaging, biomarkers, and genomics are improving risk prediction. We dive into LDL vs ApoB, the role of new lipid therapies, and how personalized prevention looks in practice. Along the way, Dr. Weiss shares his experience with a Mediterranean-style low-carb diet and his take on time-restricted eating. Takeaways from the episode include: Why metabolic disease is inseparable from cardiovascular risk How new tools (imaging, biomarkers, genetics) sharpen our prediction Evidence-based lifestyle and clinical strategies to reduce risk Evaluating low-carb diets, saturated fat, and fasting approaches What the future holds in therapies for lipoprotein(a) and beyond Find Dr. Ethan Weiss at Marea Therapeutics and UCSF. Connect with him on X. Connect with Ty on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. Read his publications on Google Scholar. Sign up for Ty's Newsletter.

Stephan van Vliet, PhD, a Professor of Nutrition at Utah State University, dives into the fascinating world of 'nutritional dark matter'—the hidden compounds in our food that impact our health. He discusses how regenerative agriculture enhances nutrient density, revealing the differences between pasture-raised and grain-fed beef. Stephan shares insights on the unique role of grazing animals in nutrient upcycling and offers practical tips for selecting nutrient-rich foods. His ongoing research promises exciting implications for sustainable food systems and human health.

What does it take to foster a healthy relationship with food for children and adolescents? In this episode of The Ty Beal Show, registered dietitian and certified eating disorder specialist Taylor Aasand explores the complexities of eating disorders like ARFID, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa. Drawing from her practice in Phoenix-Scottsdale, she shares evidence-based strategies for prevention, treatment, and recovery, emphasizing compassionate, family-centered approaches and the power of intuitive eating. What you'll learn: The prevalence and impact of eating disorders in youth, affecting up to 1 in 8 individuals How ARFID differs from picky eating and its severe consequences, like growth stunting Why body image drives anorexia but not ARFID, and how to spot subtle warning signs Practical ways to support recovery, including social media audits and family-style meals How intuitive eating promotes self-compassion and balanced nutrition without restrictive diets Taylor also discusses navigating today’s challenging food environment, offering parents actionable advice on fostering positive food conversations to prevent disordered eating. Find Taylor Aasand’s work at her private practice. Connect with Ty on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. Read his publications on Google Scholar. Sign up for Ty's Newsletter.

What does it take to eat for the health of humans and the planet? In this episode of The Ty Beal Show, Dr. Walter Willett, the world’s most cited nutritionist, gives a sneak peek at the upcoming 2025 EAT-Lancet Commission and provides his take on ultra-processed foods and seed oils. From his family farm in Michigan to leading Harvard's Department of Nutrition for 25 years, Dr. Willett shares the journey that led him to pioneer nutritional epidemiology. At the center of this conversation is the planetary health diet—a flexible framework to address human and planetary health. What you'll discover: The 2025 EAT-Lancet Commission's updated recommendations (releasing October 3rd) How to adapt the planetary health diet from vegan to omnivore preferences The limitations of the NOVA ultra-processed food framework The health effects of seed oils like soybean and canola oil How Dr. Willett's trans-fat research transformed American food policy Dr. Willett addresses the seed oil controversy with decades of research, explaining why these oils have helped reduce heart disease rates since the 1950s. He also reveals why the real drivers of obesity aren't seed oils but sugar-sweetened beverages and refined starches, and how the planetary health diet balances individual health with global sustainability and equity. Find Dr. Walter Willett's research at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and learn more about the EAT-Lancet Commission. Connect with Ty on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. Read his publications on Google Scholar. Sign up for Ty's Newsletter.