

Optimal Protein Podcast with Vanessa Spina
Vanessa Spina
Vanessa Spina is a Sports Nutrition Specialist, Best Selling author, creator of the innovative TONE device, as well as a sought after international speaker. On the Optimal Protein podcast, Vanessa shares how to get effortlessly lean and improve metabolic health and fitness with an optimal protein intake!
Featuring interviews with world renowned and leading edge protein scientists & experts, authors, and people with inspiring transformational stories discussing the best tools for becoming optimizing your metabolic health with whole foods, nutrition, exercise and more!
Featuring interviews with world renowned and leading edge protein scientists & experts, authors, and people with inspiring transformational stories discussing the best tools for becoming optimizing your metabolic health with whole foods, nutrition, exercise and more!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 29, 2025 • 1h 30min
2025's Biggest Body Recomposition, Fat Loss & Protein Breakthroughs
Timeline Mitopure Gummies — The #1 Urolithin A supplement for energy and healthy aging, now in delicious strawberry gummies. Get 20% off at timeline.com/vanessa In today's episode, I'm continuing our Best of 2025 series with a powerful follow-up to Friday's episode. Instead of an interview, this is a curated masterclass pulling together the most important breakthroughs of 2025 in body recomposition, fat loss, and protein metabolism — especially for women navigating perimenopause and midlife metabolic change. You'll hear standout moments from conversations with Dr. Hannah Cabré, Dr. Arny Ferrando, and Dr. Mike Ormsbee, alongside a solo deep dive into one of the most exciting human randomized controlled trials published in 2025 on high-protein diets, accelerated belly-fat loss, and autophagy. Full Episode with Dr. Hannah Cabré Full Episode with Dr. Arny Ferrando Full Episode with Dr. Mike Ormsbee Full Episode on New Study on Protein Fasting Mimicking and Autophagy/Longevity OneSkin is powered by the breakthrough peptide OS-01, the first ingredient proven to reduce skin's biological age. I use the OS-01 Face and Eye formulas daily—they've transformed my skin's smoothness, firmness, and glow. Visit oneskin.co/VANESSA and use code VANESSA for 15% off your first purchase. NEW! Free High-Protein Keto Guide Get delicious high protein meal recipes! Connect with Vanessa on Instagram @ketogenicgirl Get 25% off the Tone Device to try on a PSMF Day! Shop the collection HERE and use the code HOLIDAY25 Get 25% off the Tone LUX Crystal Red Light Therapy collection including the Crystal Mask and accessories the with the code HOLIDAY25 HERE Follow @optimalproteinpodcast on Instagram to see visuals and posts mentioned on this podcast. Link to join the Facebook group for the podcast The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or exercise regimen.

Dec 27, 2025 • 59min
A Personal Announcement + The 5 BIGGEST TAKEAWAYS & Studies From 2025!
Study takeaways start at 18:00 mark Timeline Mitopure Gummies — The #1 Urolithin A supplement for energy and healthy aging, now in delicious strawberry gummies. Get 20% off at timeline.com/vanessa In this special end-of-year solo episode, Vanessa shares a brief personal announcement, followed by the five biggest scientific takeaways from 2025 that reshaped how she thinks about fat loss, longevity, and metabolic health. This episode highlights the studies and expert conversations featured on the Optimal Protein Podcast that had the most meaningful impact this year — including new research on autophagy and protein intake, the real drivers of longevity benefits, menopause-related body composition changes, resistance training, and long-term fat loss maintenance. BOOST YOUR COLLAGEN & ELASTIN with RED LIGHT THERAPY! Save 25% on all Tone Lux Red Light therapy with the code HOLIDAY25! Learn more about the TONE LUX Crystal red light therapy mask and the brand new accessory the TONE LUX CONTOUR for the neck and décollete OneSkin is powered by the breakthrough peptide OS-01, the first ingredient proven to reduce skin's biological age. I use the OS-01 Face and Eye formulas daily—they've transformed my skin's smoothness, firmness, and glow. Visit oneskin.co/VANESSA and use code VANESSA for 15% off your first purchase. Vanessa discusses how using the Tone Device is a proxy for fat loss and autophay on Protein Sparing Modified Fasting (PSMF) days! 👉 Use code HOLIDAY25 for 25% off HERE Get my free NEW high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook Free high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook 👤 Connect with Vanessa: • Instagram: @ketogenicgirl 📱 Follow @ketogenicgirl for the latest studies and strategies on fat loss and protein optimization 📸 Follow @optimalproteinpodcast for episode visuals and updates 💬 Join the Facebook group: Optimal Protein Podcast Community 🎙 The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and not nutritional or medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making major dietary or lifestyle changes.

Dec 23, 2025 • 1h 28min
Gut Health, Hormones & Midlife Weight Gain — What Women Need to Know: Cynthia Thurlow, NP
Timeline Mitopure Gummies — The #1 Urolithin A supplement for energy and healthy aging, now in delicious strawberry gummies. Get 20% off at timeline.com/vanessa In this episode of the Optimal Protein Podcast, Vanessa is joined by Cynthia Thurlow, nurse practitioner, bestselling author, and women's health expert, for a deep dive into why fat loss and muscle maintenance become more challenging during perimenopause and menopause. Cynthia explains how hormonal shifts drive anabolic resistance, reduce blood flow and nutrient delivery to muscle, and accelerate changes in body composition. We discuss how to adapt intermittent fasting for female physiology, why over-fasting can backfire in midlife, and the critical role of protein intake in preserving lean mass. The conversation also explores key insights from Cynthia's upcoming book, The Menopause Gut, including how gut health, inflammation, and hormonal balance are deeply connected—and why optimizing the microbiome can improve metabolic health, body composition, and overall vitality in midlife. OneSkin is powered by the breakthrough peptide OS-01, the first ingredient proven to reduce skin's biological age. I use the OS-01 Face and Eye formulas daily—they've transformed my skin's smoothness, firmness, and glow. Visit oneskin.co/VANESSA and use code VANESSA for 15% off your first purchase. NEW! Free High-Protein Keto Guide Get delicious high protein meal recipes! Connect with Vanessa on Instagram @ketogenicgirl Get 25% off Tone LUX Crystal Red Light Therapy collection including the Crystal Mask and accessories the at https://ketogenicgirl.com with the code HOLIDAY25 HERE Follow @optimalproteinpodcast on Instagram to see visuals and posts mentioned on this podcast. Link to join the Facebook group for the podcast The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or exercise regimen.

Dec 20, 2025 • 1h 9min
The New Peptide Science: Reversing Skin Aging, Senescent "Zombie" Cells, Collagen Breakdown & Inflammation — Dr. Alessandra Zonari
Timeline Mitopure Gummies — The #1 Urolithin A supplement for energy and healthy aging, now in delicious strawberry gummies. Get 20% off at timeline.com/vanessa What if the real driver of skin aging isn't wrinkles or sun damage — but "zombie" senescent cells hiding in your skin? In this episode of the Optimal Protein Podcast, Vanessa sits down with Dr. Alessandra Zonari, PhD — a stem cell biologist and longevity scientist — for a fascinating deep dive into the new peptide science behind skin aging, inflammation, and biological age. BOOST YOUR COLLAGEN & ELASTIN with RED LIGHT THERAPY! Save 25% on all Tone Lux Red Light therapy with the code HOLIDAY25! Learn more about the TONE LUX Crystal red light therapy mask and the brand new accessory the TONE LUX CONTOUR for the neck and décollete You'll discover: What senescent "zombie" skin cells actually are — and why they don't just age themselves, but affect the surrounding tissue How inflammation in the skin can quietly accelerate collagen breakdown and visible aging Why skin aging speeds up during fat loss, perimenopause, and menopause How scientists are now measuring the biological age of skin, not just how it looks The surprising role of peptides in signaling skin cells to behave more youthfully Why some common "anti-aging" approaches may miss the real drivers of aging What makes lip skin biologically different — and why it tends to age faster than the rest of the face Why nighttime repair, autophagy, and even red light therapy may matter more than you think This conversation goes far beyond skincare routines. It explores the mechanisms of aging at the cellular level, how lifestyle choices influence skin health, and why skin may be one of the most overlooked markers of longevity. If you're interested in skin health, peptides, collagen, inflammation, fat loss, or aging well, this episode will completely change how you think about your skin. Mentioned in this episode: OneSkin is powered by the breakthrough peptide OS-01, the first ingredient proven to reduce skin's biological age. I use the OS-01 Face and Eye formulas daily—they've transformed my skin's smoothness, firmness, and glow. Visit oneskin.co/VANESSA and use code VANESSA for 15% off your first purchase. Vanessa discusses how red light therapy supports mitochondrial health, muscle recovery, circulation, and skin health as part of an evidence-based approach to fat loss and metabolic optimization. Explore the Tone LUX red light therapy collection at 👉 Use code HOLIDAY25 for 25% off HERE Get my free NEW high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook Free high-protein keto guide: The Keto Reset eBook 👤 Connect with Vanessa: • Instagram: @ketogenicgirl 📱 Follow @ketogenicgirl for the latest studies and strategies on fat loss and protein optimization 📸 Follow @optimalproteinpodcast for episode visuals and updates 💬 Join the Facebook group: Optimal Protein Podcast Community 🎙 The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only and not nutritional or medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making major dietary or lifestyle changes.

Dec 15, 2025 • 1h 1min
Why You Can't Diet Forever: Study Results From 10,000 People Who Kept the Weight Off
Timeline Mitopure Gummies — The #1 Urolithin A supplement for energy and healthy aging, now in delicious strawberry gummies. Get 20% off at timeline.com/vanessa Why do so many people lose weight — only to regain it later? In this episode of The Optimal Protein Podcast, Vanessa Spina sits down with Dr. Holly Wyatt, physician, endocrinologist, and longtime researcher with the National Weight Control Registry (NWCR) — the world's largest and longest-running study of people who have lost weight and kept it off. Building on the audience-favorite episode with Dr. James Hill, this conversation focuses on what the data from over 10,000 successful maintainers actually shows — and why staying in fat-loss mode forever is one of the biggest reasons diets fail. OneSkin is powered by the breakthrough peptide OS-01, the first ingredient proven to reduce skin's biological age. I use the OS-01 Face and Eye formulas daily—they've transformed my skin's smoothness, firmness, and glow. Visit oneskin.co/VANESSA and use code VANESSA for 15% off your first purchase. In This Episode, You'll Learn: • Why losing weight and keeping it off require completely different skills • The exact reason staying in fat-loss mode too long backfires • What 10,000 successful maintainers had in common • The identity shift that makes maintenance stick • How environment beats willpower every time NEW! Free High-Protein Keto Guide Get delicious high protein meal recipes! Connect with Vanessa on Instagram @ketogenicgirl Get 25% off Tone LUX Crystal Red Light Therapy collection including the Crystal Mask and accessories the at https://ketogenicgirl.com with the code HOLIDAY25 HERE Follow @optimalproteinpodcast on Instagram to see visuals and posts mentioned on this podcast. Link to join the Facebook group for the podcast The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or exercise regimen.

Dec 12, 2025 • 52min
BREAKING NEWS EXPLAINED: Your Metabolism Isn't "Capped" — What the New Study REALLY Shows
A groundbreaking 2025 study shatters the myth that metabolism plateaus, revealing that increased activity linearly boosts calorie burn. Vanessa explains how exercise and nutrition work together for effective fat loss. Key insights include moving joyfully rather than guilt-driven and the importance of muscle over hormones. Fitness trackers might underestimate calorie burn, but they’re useful for monitoring trends. Vanessa also offers a practical five-point action plan to optimize nutrition and movement for better results.

Dec 8, 2025 • 1h 12min
BREAKING: Your Body Burns More Calories Than We Thought — Dr. Howard on the Groundbreaking Study Rewriting Metabolism
Dr. Howard, a clinician-scientist with expertise in bariatric surgery and metabolism, shares groundbreaking insights from her recent study on energy expenditure. She challenges the long-held belief that our bodies have a fixed calorie budget, revealing that total energy expenditure increases linearly with activity when properly fueled. The conversation highlights the importance of balanced nutrition for effective fat loss, debunks common metabolism myths, and emphasizes training smarter—not harder—paving the way for healthier habits.

15 snips
Dec 5, 2025 • 46min
Shocking New Research on Creatine & Collagen: What Women Need to Know - Benefits, Dosing & More!
Discover the latest research on creatine and collagen – two powerhouse supplements for women! Learn how creatine boosts fat loss, enhances muscle tone, and even benefits cognitive function. Collagen’s surprising impact on biological age reveals its potential for skin rejuvenation and joint health. Plus, stacking these supplements could be a game-changer for healthy aging. Vanessa shares practical dosing tips and insights on their combined effects on longevity and overall wellness, making this an enlightening listen for women seeking optimal health.

Dec 1, 2025 • 1h 18min
Is Intermittent Fasting Sabotaging Your Muscle? The Truth About IF, Carbs & Recovery- Dr. Cas Fuchs
NEW! Support your strength and muscle goals with PUORI Creatine+ — a clean, effective creatine monohydrate supplement enhanced with taurine. Get 20% off at puori.com/VANESSA In this science-packed episode, Dr. Cas Fuchs breaks down the surprising ways intermittent fasting, under-fueling, cold plunges, and low glycogen can quietly sabotage your muscle, strength, and body recomposition goals. We uncover the truth about IF for active women, what really matters for protein timing and distribution, how carbs impact strength performance, and why ice baths may be blunting your gains. If you want evidence-based strategies for fat loss and muscle retention, this episode is essential listening. If you loved Friday's solo episode on Why I Quit Intermittent Fasting, this conversation is the perfect follow-up — because Dr. Fuchs repeatedly emphasizes something Vanessa has discussed in detail 👉 We must prioritize high-quality human research over rodent-based nutritional myths. Dr. Fuchs' work has directly shaped how we understand muscle growth, fat loss, glycogen replenishment, protein quality, cold exposure, heat therapy, and what actually matters when optimizing your body composition, not just your "healthspan." OneSkin is powered by the breakthrough peptide OS-01, the first ingredient proven to reduce skin's biological age. I use the OS-01 Face and Eye formulas daily—they've transformed my skin's smoothness, firmness, and glow. Visit oneskin.co/VANESSA and use code VANESSA for 15% off your first purchase. 🔥 In This Episode: • The truth about protein quality (and what actually matters for recomposition) • Intermittent fasting, meal timing & the real anabolic window • The truth about ice baths — and why they can blunt your gains • Heat therapy: helpful or hype? • Carbs, glycogen & why some workouts feel "flat" • How much carbohydrate women really need to train at their best • Aging, muscle loss & the inspiring 71-year-old lifter • Dr. Fuchs' simple, science-backed formula for fat loss + muscle retention 🔥 CYBER MONDAY IS HERE — LAST DAY TO SAVE 30% OFF SITEWIDE! My biggest sale of the year is live! Get 30% OFF all Tone Devices, red light panels, masks, and more at KetogenicGirl.com with code BF2025. 👉 Shop the sale HERE NEW! Free High-Protein Keto Guide Get delicious high protein meal recipes! Connect with Vanessa on Instagram @ketogenicgirl Get 20% off on the Tone Device breath ketone analyzer or the Tone LUX Crystal Red Light Therapy Mask or the at https://ketogenicgirl.com with the code VANESSA Follow @optimalproteinpodcast on Instagram to see visuals and posts mentioned on this podcast. Link to join the Facebook group for the podcast The content provided in this podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your diet or exercise regimen.

4 snips
Nov 28, 2025 • 48min
Why I Quit Intermittent Fasting & Lost 13+ Lbs of Fat — What I'm Doing Instead
Discover why Vanessa ditched intermittent fasting after years and lost over 13 pounds! She highlights how common fasting benefits are misrepresented and shares new research on protein intake and muscle preservation. Learn about her Protein-Sparing Modified Fast approach that maximizes energy, reduces hunger, and supports ketones for enhanced fat loss. She also reflects on the lifestyle perks of her new routine, including more enjoyable meal times and less social stress. Tune in for an empowering perspective on fat loss and metabolic health!


