Patchwork Podcast

SummaryWe sit down with health coach Tyler Woodward to trace his evolution from a gym‑obsessed teenager to a thoughtful, metabolism‑focused mentor. Tyler candidly shares the missteps of his early dieting days—chasing calories without understanding how metabolism and energy balance truly work—and how those lessons reshaped his approach to nutrition and client care.Together, we unpack the common pitfalls of low‑energy coaching, stressing why adequate caloric intake and hormone balance are non‑negotiable foundations for sustainable progress. Drawing on principles of physiology and Ray Peat–inspired bioenergetics, Tyler highlights the importance of personal experimentation and accountability: thriving isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all.We also dive into real‑world challenges in endurance sports—how altitude, race stress, and recovery demands force us to rethink fueling strategies. Tyler offers practical tips for athletes on optimizing metabolism, tracking progress without getting lost in the numbers, and choosing supplements (or not) with intention, not impulse.By the end of our conversation, you’ll come away with a richer understanding of how modern dietary trends intersect with the body’s innate energy systems—and why tuning into your own physiology is the best roadmap to lasting health and performance.Tyler’s Stuff: https://x.com/Tyler_woodward_ , https://www.instagram.com/tylerwoodward_fit/ Matt’s Stuff: https://x.com/Mqsley , https://becomeuncivilized.com/Mac’s Stuff: https://x.com/meta_boli , https://metrep.substack.com/Lose weight with your DNA: https://patchworkfood.com/Chapters00:00 Introduction to Tyler Woodward01:27 Tyler's Early Fitness Journey05:23 Mistakes in Nutrition and Dieting09:43 The Role of Physiology in Health Coaching11:13 Understanding Metabolism and Energy Levels18:35 Addressing Low Energy States in Clients23:23 Adjusting Caloric Intake and Activity Levels30:08 The Impact of Radiation and Health Choices33:39 Exploring Bioenergetics and Peat's Principles35:53 Exploring Health Principles through Literature39:15 The Importance of Personal Experimentation in Health42:05 Understanding Client Needs and Health Testing45:51 The Role of Hormones and Inflammation in Weight Management48:39 Client Profiles and Their Health Goals49:12 Navigating Caloric Intake and Weight Loss Strategies52:16 Tracking and Measuring Progress in Health Journeys56:04 The Supplement Dilemma: Necessity vs. Excess01:09:51 Backgrounds and Aspirations in Health Coaching01:11:11 Nutrition Challenges in Endurance Sports01:14:50 The Impact of Endurance Racing on Recovery01:18:24 Training Strategies for Endurance Athletes01:19:51 Altitude Training and Its Effects01:23:42 Balancing Macronutrients for Optimal Performance01:26:48 Increasing Metabolism Through Nutrition01:29:15 Practical Tips for Caloric Surplus01:35:14 Creative Ways to Enjoy Food While TrainingTakeawaysTyler's journey began with a desire to get big and muscular.He faced challenges in his fitness journey, including a lack of progress for years.Understanding caloric intake is crucial for energy levels and health.Mistakes in nutrition often stem from high fat and low protein diets.Physiology and chemistry knowledge greatly inform health coaching practices.Low energy states can be addressed by increasing caloric intake gradually.Activity levels should be considered when adjusting caloric intake.Radiation exposure from various sources is often overlooked in health discussions.Bioenergetics principles can guide dietary choices and health improvements.Personal experiences shape one's approach to health and nutrition. The principles of health should be based on personal experimentation.Honesty in health conversations leads to better outcomes.Most people lack a solid foundation in their health journey.Tracking food intake can reveal important insights about metabolism.Hormones are a response to environmental factors, not just isolated issues.Many clients seek sustainable weight loss solutions after failed diets.Caloric intake should be adjusted based on individual needs and goals.Bloating can affect waist measurements, making tracking challenging.Supplements should be used to address specific issues, not as a blanket solution.A solid foundation in health allows for better experimentation with supplements. Nutrition during endurance races often lacks proper fuel options.Recovery strategies are crucial after intense endurance events.Altitude can significantly affect sleep and performance.Balancing macronutrients is essential for optimal athletic performance.Gradual increases in caloric intake can help boost metabolism.Understanding gut health is important for endurance athletes.Creative food choices can enhance enjoyment while training.Monitoring protein intake is vital for muscle recovery.Hydration and electrolyte balance are key during endurance activities.Personal experiences can provide valuable insights into training and nutrition.Keywordshealth coaching, nutrition, metabolism, energy levels, bioenergetics, fitness journey, dietary mistakes, physiology, caloric intake, health choices, health principles, personal experimentation, client needs, hormones, inflammation, weight management, caloric intake, tracking progress, supplements, health coaching, endurance sports, nutrition, recovery, altitude training, metabolism, caloric surplus, macronutrients, cycling, training strategies, performance Get full access to Patchwork Podcast at patchworkfood.substack.com/subscribe

Amber’s Stuff: https://www.mostly-fat.com/ , https://x.com/KetoCarnivoreMatt’s Stuff: https://x.com/Mqsley , https://becomeuncivilized.com/Mac’s Stuff: https://x.com/meta_boli Lose weight with your DNA: https://patchworkfood.com/SummaryIn this episode of the Patchwork Podcast, Amber O'Hearn shares her journey with the carnivore diet, discussing its profound impact on her mental health, weight management, and overall well-being. She delves into the science behind dietary choices, the importance of macronutrient ratios, and the role of supplements like carnitine and vitamin A. The conversation also touches on personal experiences with food tolerance, gut health, and the interplay between genetics and nutrition. Amber emphasizes the need for individuals to listen to their bodies and make informed dietary choices that suit their unique health needs.TakeawaysAmber started the carnivore diet in 2009, which helped her manage weight and mental health issues.The carnivore diet was initially called 'zero carb' and focused on eliminating plant sources.Amber experienced significant improvements in mood and weight after adopting the carnivore diet.She emphasizes the importance of eating enough fat to maintain health on a carnivore diet.Many people struggle with under-eating on restrictive diets, which can lead to health issues.Amber discusses the role of fat in satiety and energy levels.She highlights the potential dangers of megadosing vitamins and the importance of balance.Amber shares her experiences with food tolerance and how it has evolved over time.The conversation explores the connection between diet, gut health, and mental well-being.Amber discusses the significance of carnitine and vitamin A in the diet.Chapters00:00 Amber O'Hearn's Journey Begins02:46 The Carnivore Diet Explained05:53 Challenges and Health Issues09:08 Keto AF: Animal FATs11:49 Understanding Nutritional Needs15:08 The Science of Satiety17:45 Personal Experiences with Diet21:01 Experimenting with Carbohydrates23:57 Reflections on Health and Diet28:59 Understanding Mixed States of Mood Disorders30:14 The Impact of Diet on Mental Health32:22 Resilience Through Dietary Changes34:52 The Connection Between Gut Health and Mood36:58 Exploring the Role of Vitamin A in Health44:00 The Debate on Salt in the Carnivore Diet46:27 Navigating the Complexities of Nutritional Science58:31 Navigating COVID-19 and Vaccination Choices01:01:16 Dietary Influences on Health and COVID Severity01:02:58 Genetic Factors in Nutrition and Health01:06:09 The Role of Choline and Nutritional Deficiencies01:10:57 Exploring Supplementation and Its Effects01:15:32 Carnitine Deficiency and Its Implications01:21:34 Medical Disclaimer Get full access to Patchwork Podcast at patchworkfood.substack.com/subscribe

SummaryIn this episode of the Patchwork podcast, Martha Carlin, CEO of BiotiQuest, shares her transformative journey from the tech industry to a microbiome & Parkinson's researcher due to her husband getting Parkinson's at an early age. She discusses the critical role of the microbiome in health, particularly in relation to Parkinson's disease, and the disconnect between medicine, science research and microbiome research. Martha highlights the impact of glyphosate on health, the interconnectedness of food systems, and the importance of probiotics. She also introduces her product, Sugar Shift, which aims to help regulate sugar cravings and improve metabolic health.Chapters00:00 Martha's Journey into Microbiome Research03:45 The Disconnect Between Medicine and Microbiome09:40 Glyphosate and Food Contamination Challenges15:15 The Role of Microbiome in Parkinson's Disease24:10 The Impact of Environmental Toxins on Health25:37 Genetics and Parkinson's Disease26:36 Endotoxins and Their Role in Disease28:37 Endurance Sports and Gut Health30:25 Metabolic Flexibility and Inflammation32:05 Probiotics: Necessity or Marketing?33:38 The Science of Probiotics37:33 Sugar Shift: A New Approach to Gut Health43:38 Interconnectedness in Health and MedicineKeywordsmicrobiome, probiotics, health, Parkinson's disease, glyphosate, nutrition, gut health, endotoxins, Sugar Shift, metabolic health Get full access to Patchwork Podcast at patchworkfood.substack.com/subscribe

LinksJust Another Peater’s Links: https://linktr.ee/justanotherpeaterLose weight with your DNA: https://patchworkfood.com/SummaryIn this episode of the Patchwork Podcast, Mac engages with Just Another Peater, who shares her transformative journey through health struggles, traditional advice, and the discovery of alternative methodologies. The conversation delves into the impact of hormones, the importance of nutrition, and the individual variations in dietary needs. Peater discusses her experiences with hypothalamic amenorrhea, the role of progesterone, and the significance of intuitive eating. The episode emphasizes the need for personalized health approaches and the challenges of navigating dietary advice in a world filled with conflicting information. In this conversation, the speakers delve into various aspects of health, including metabolism, thyroid health, dietary choices, and the impact of social media on personal journeys. They discuss the importance of understanding hormonal balance, the role of supplements, and the complexities of intuitive eating. The conversation also touches on the significance of testing and biomarkers in health management, as well as the effects of birth control on hormonal health.TakeawaysHealth journeys are often filled with struggles and discoveries.Traditional health advice may not work for everyone.Hormones play a crucial role in overall health and well-being.Dietary changes can lead to significant improvements in health.Individual variation is key in determining dietary needs.Intuitive eating can help in understanding personal health better.Sunlight and vitamin D are important for health, but moderation is key.Tracking food intake can be beneficial but is not always necessary.Understanding the impact of estrogen and progesterone is vital for women.Personal experiences can guide others in their health journeys. Struggles with metabolism can be linked to thyroid health.Social media can serve as a platform for sharing personal health journeys.Dietary choices significantly impact overall health and well-being.Understanding hormonal balance is crucial for managing health issues.Supplements can play a role in addressing specific health concerns.Intuitive eating can be complex and influenced by cravings and dietary habits.Ray Peat's dietary principles offer a unique perspective on nutrition.Energy and structure are interdependent in maintaining health.Birth control can have significant effects on hormonal balance and health.Testing and biomarkers provide valuable insights into personal health. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Health Struggles02:42 The Impact of Nutrition on Health05:35 The Role of Diet in Hormonal Balance08:21 Navigating Health Challenges Post-COVID11:15 Finding Balance in Nutrition14:06 Current Health and Eating Habits17:52 Navigating Thyroid Health and Nutrition19:41 The Journey of Sharing Knowledge on Social Media21:26 Balancing Music, Education, and Personal Growth22:15 Exploring Dietary Practices and Intuitive Eating33:41 Understanding the Bioenergetic Approach to Nutrition37:01 Navigating Dietary Challenges and Intolerances37:32 Understanding Energy Production and Nutritional Needs39:03 The Role of Hormones in Health39:47 Exploring the Impact of Birth Control42:23 The Importance of Testing and Biomarkers43:34 Experimenting with Hormones and Supplements46:14 Regulatory Challenges and Access to Supplements47:40 The Value of Personalized Health Insights49:36 Navigating Health and Hormones52:16 Genetic Insights and Dietary Choices55:02 The Role of Carbohydrates in Weight Management57:53 Individual Variations in Diet and Nutrition01:00:47 Understanding Hormonal Balance and Health01:03:27 Sunlight, Vitamin D, and Personal Needs01:06:10 Medical DisclaimerKeywordshealth, nutrition, hormones, diet, personal journey, wellness, Ray Peat, estrogen, progesterone, individual variation, metabolism, thyroid health, social media, dietary choices, hormonal balance, supplements, intuitive eating, Ray Peat, energy structure, birth control, biomarkers Get full access to Patchwork Podcast at patchworkfood.substack.com/subscribe

LinksBerry Fairy’s X account: http://x.com/galaxynymph/Insta: https://www.instagram.com/peaterpan99/ Lose weight with your DNA: https://patchworkfood.com/SummaryIn this episode of the Patchwork Podcast, host Mac interviews Berry Fairy, a young health enthusiast who shares her unique journey into health and wellness. Starting at a young age, Berry navigated through various health trends, including a plant-based diet, before discovering the Ray Peat approach. The conversation explores her early experiments with health, the impact of social media on health perceptions, family dynamics, and the importance of curiosity in exploring health topics. Berry discusses her dietary changes, the role of supplements, and her creative outlets through social media, all while emphasizing the significance of intuitive eating and body positivity.TakeawaysBerry started her health journey at a young age, experimenting with various diets.She initially followed a plant-based diet influenced by her mother's beliefs.Discovering Ray Peat's approach changed her perspective on nutrition.Social media, especially Twitter, played a significant role in her health education.Berry emphasizes the importance of family support in her health experiments.Curiosity and self-experimentation have been key to her learning process.She advocates for intuitive eating over strict dietary rules.The influence of TikTok on health trends is concerning for younger generations.Berry believes that many teens have unrealized potential due to social media echo chambers.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Berry Fairy's Health Journey02:48 Early Health Experiments and Discoveries05:25 Transitioning to Ray Peat School and New Perspectives08:06 The Role of Family and Social Dynamics11:03 Navigating School Life and Peer Reactions13:55 The Impact of Dietary Changes on Energy and Well-being16:40 Cooking and Eating Habits at Home19:29 Reflections on Body Image and Health22:18 Concluding Thoughts on Health and Nutrition28:51 The Art of Articulation and Calmness30:01 Understanding ADHD and Energy Regulation31:13 Intuitive Eating and Weight Loss32:09 Building a Twitter Following and Creative Outlets34:05 The Role of Supplements in Mental Clarity37:56 Weight Loss Caramel41:21 The Impact of Technology on Social Interaction42:27 Echo Chambers and the Potential of Youth45:55 Navigating Social Media as a Young Creator47:41 The Importance of Curiosity in Adolescence51:18 Medical DisclaimerKeywordshealth journey, Ray Peat, teen health, social media influence, intuitive eating, family support, dietary changes, supplements, body image, creative outlets Get full access to Patchwork Podcast at patchworkfood.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, we delve into the complexities of testosterone, its effects on the body, and the various factors influencing testosterone levels. We discuss the importance of nutrition, the role of stress hormones, and the potential pitfalls of relying solely on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Through case studies, we explore individual experiences with testosterone and muscle development, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to health that includes addressing nutritional deficiencies and understanding the body's energy systems, and how often it isn’t testosterone, or how testosterone levels are a ‘side effect’ of becoming healthier in general. They share personal experiences regarding health journeys, the significance of testing for gut health, and the challenges of weight management. The discussion also touches on the debate over what it means to be 'natty' in the fitness community.LinksHan’s Free Testosterone Book: https://testonation.gumroad.com/l/testosteronebook * TestoTribe Community & Consults* X: https://x.com/HansAmato * Website: https://testonation.com/ Matt: https://x.com/mqsley/Mac: https://x.com/meta_boli/Takeaways* Testosterone is not a magic bullet for health issues.* Nutritional deficiencies can significantly impact testosterone levels.* Stress hormones can lead to a catabolic crisis.* Recovery length can indicate hormonal balance issues.* Animal foods provide essential peptides for health.* TRT may not resolve underlying health problems.* Understanding individual metabolism is crucial for fitness.* A holistic approach to health is necessary for optimal performance.* Experimentation is key to finding what works for your body.* Gut health plays a significant role in hormone production. Choline plays a significant role in weight loss and liver health.* Low testosterone can indicate broader health issues rather than being a standalone problem.* Sleep and sunlight are crucial for overall health and hormone balance.* Vitamin B2 is often overlooked but essential for energy metabolism.* Testing for gut health is vital to address underlying issues.* Weight management can be complicated by metabolic health and hormonal balance.* TRT can be beneficial but should be approached with caution and proper health optimization.* The definition of being 'natty' is subjective and varies among individuals.* Personal health journeys often involve trial and error with various supplements and diets.* Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a long-term commitment that requires ongoing adjustments.Chapters00:00 Understanding Testosterone and Its Impact02:36 Personal Experiences with Testosterone05:32 Case Study: Upper Body Strength Challenges08:19 The Role of Recovery and Hormones11:10 The Myths of Testosterone Replacement Therapy13:51 The Connection Between Gut Health and Testosterone16:53 Exploring Thyroid and Testosterone Interactions19:36 The Importance of Nutritional Deficiencies22:20 Case Study: Overcoming Muscle Gain Plateaus25:16 The Catabolic Crisis Explained34:00 Understanding Catabolic Crisis36:05 The Role of Mitochondria in Metabolism38:25 Genetic Testing and Nutritional Needs40:43 Macronutrient Flexibility and Nutritional Deficiencies42:32 The Impact of Diet on Hormonal Health45:34 The Importance of Micronutrients48:11 Addressing Low Testosterone: A Holistic Approach50:49 Sunlight, UVB and Vitamin D54:48 Han's Catabolic Crisis Story58:57 Understanding Gut Health and SIBO01:01:28 Matt's Case01:06:34 Navigating Hormonal Health and Testing01:10:27 The Challenges of Fat Loss and Muscle Gain01:14:56 Exploring Hormonal Ratios and Their Effects01:17:09 The Debate on Being 'Natty' in Fitness01:22:53 Sustainability and Health in Diet Choices01:27:06 Introduction and Disclaimer01:27:07 Exploring Unique Health Experiments Get full access to Patchwork Podcast at patchworkfood.substack.com/subscribe

Steve shares his transformative journey from dealing with severe back injuries and weight gain to adopting a strict carnivore diet, which he credits for significant health improvements. He discusses the challenges of weight loss, the importance of discipline in maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and the complexities of nutrition, including the impact of food sensitivities and hormonal health. The discussion also touches on broader topics such as the medical system's approach to diet and health, the influence of the environment on eating habits, and the controversial perspectives on ADHD and nutrition. The conversation also touches on inflammation, gut health, metabolism, and the influence of genetics on dietary needs.Steve’s X: https://x.com/gatordadsteve Mac: https://x.com/meta_boli/ Matt: https://x.com/mqsley/Takeaways* Steve's journey began with serious back injuries that led to weight gain.* He adopted the lion diet, consisting solely of meat, which helped him lose weight.* Discipline is crucial in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet.* Steve tracks everything he eats, emphasizing the importance of knowing food intake.* He believes that many health issues, including ADHD, are linked to diet.* The medical system often fails to provide adequate dietary guidance for health issues.* Steve's experience with testosterone therapy highlights the complexities of hormonal health.* He discovered food sensitivities that impacted his health, particularly with nightshades.* The conversation critiques the oversimplification of diets like carnivore and the need for balance.* Steve emphasizes that calories from different sources affect the body differently. Switching from beef to fish can affect testosterone levels.* Peptide differences in food may influence bodily responses.* Real food is often preferred over supplements.* Bone broth and marrow can be nutritious alternatives.* High protein diets may require additional support to maintain metabolism.* Tomatoes can trigger adverse reactions in some individuals.* Organic acid tests can provide insights into metabolic health.* Gut health is crucial for overall well-being and hormone production.* Genetic factors can influence dietary responses and needs.* Fasting can lead to unexpected weight loss without calorie restriction.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Steve's Journey02:55 Overcoming Health Challenges05:36 The Lion Diet Experience08:23 Struggles with Bulking and Cutting11:17 The Role of Testosterone in Fitness14:04 Discipline and Food Choices16:59 The Impact of Processed Foods on Health19:51 Reflections on ADHD and Nutrition22:48 Critique of the Medical System25:22 Navigating Dietary Challenges in Diabetes Management28:27 The Impact of Diet on Thyroid Function32:12 Understanding Carnivore Diet and Its Implications37:02 The Complexities of Caloric Intake and Metabolism42:45 Exploring Food Sensitivities and Gut Health49:40 The Role of Inflammation in Health and Nutrition50:56 Understanding Gut Health and Dysfunction52:36 Exploring Cardiovascular Health and Testing54:04 Navigating Weight Management and Body Composition56:03 The Role of Hormones in Health58:37 Dietary Preferences and Nutritional Strategies01:01:28 The Impact of Protein and Fasting on Hunger01:04:26 The Relationship Between Food Choices and Body Response01:07:01 Genetics and Personalized Nutrition01:08:34 Reflections on Health and Resilience01:15:38 Introduction and Disclaimer01:15:39 Exploring Unique Health Experiments Get full access to Patchwork Podcast at patchworkfood.substack.com/subscribe

Greg Mushen, an expert in testosterone replacement therapy, shares his insightful journey into hormone health. He debunks common myths surrounding TRT, clarifying its differences from anabolic steroids while emphasizing the importance of informed healthcare. The discussion delves into the relationship between testosterone levels and mood, along with the significant role of lifestyle factors. Greg also highlights the complexities of female hormone therapy and the necessity of regular blood work to monitor hormone levels for overall well-being.

In this episode of the Patchwork podcast, Anabology, an anonymous scientist and PhD dropout, discusses his unconventional perspectives on diet, metabolism, and intelligence. The conversation explores his honey diet, theories of IQ, sensory processing, and potential interventions for cognitive enhancement, including neurofeedback and TMS. The hosts and Anabology delve into the complexities of intelligence, the impact of sensory data on brain function, and the challenges of researching these topics in a politically sensitive environment.Links* Anabology’s X account: https://x.com/anabology * Anabology’s website: https://anabology.com/* Mahyar’s X account: https://x.com/meta_boli* Matt’s X account: https://x.com/mqsley/* Lose weight with DNA-customized diet plans from Patchwork: https://patchworkfood.comTakeawaysAnabology dropped out of his PhD to pursue a biotech company.The honey diet is an unconventional approach to nutrition.IQ is often viewed as a fixed trait, but there are ways to potentially improve it.Sensory processing issues can affect cognitive performance.Neurofeedback aims to optimize brain function by targeting specific EEG states.Psychedelics may help in re-encoding traumatic memories.Improving metabolic health can have a positive impact on cognitive abilities.The brain functions as a prediction system, integrating sensory data and expectations.Research on intelligence is often politically sensitive and underfunded.Interventions like TMS may offer new avenues for cognitive enhancement.Chapters00:00 Introduction02:44 Exploring Neurofeedback and IQ Improvement09:14 Theories of Intelligence and Cognitive Processing15:03 Sensory Sensitivity and Neurodiversity21:00 Challenging the Fixed Nature of IQ26:58 Innovative Approaches to Enhance Intelligence30:38 Exploring IQ Testing and Human Variance32:33 Blinking LEDs34:10 Surfing Uncertainty Book35:47 Insights on the Honey Diet: Theories and Experiences35:47 Outro Get full access to Patchwork Podcast at patchworkfood.substack.com/subscribe

Join Anabology, an enigmatic scientist and PhD dropout with a knack for unconventional diet theories, as they unravel the mysteries of the honey diet. Discover how FGF21 plays a pivotal role in metabolism and weight loss. The conversation spans personal dietary journeys, the ethics of longevity research, and the impact of genetic testing on nutrition. Anabology shares intriguing insights about using UV light for weight management and the importance of documenting dietary experiments. Prepare for a thought-provoking dive into personalized nutrition!