

The Metabolic Link
Dr. Dominic D'Agostino PhD, Dr. Angela Poff PhD, and Victoria Field
Welcome to The Metabolic Link, a medical and science podcast that explores the common thread of metabolism in health and disease. Join Dr. Dominic D'Agostino PhD, Dr. Angela Poff PhD, and Victoria Field as they dive into the latest research on metabolic health and therapy alongside some of the world’s leading experts. They'll also discuss how this science is being applied in the real world. This is where science meets society.
Episodes
Mentioned books

8 snips
Apr 11, 2025 • 60min
The Metabolic Impact of GLP-1s on Obesity | Spencer Nadolsky, DO | Ep.65
Join us for a FREE Live Q&A with Dr. Spencer Nadolsky on April 22nd at 9am PT / 12pm ET! Your first seven days are free, and as a member of The Metabolic Initiative, you’ll gain access to exclusive, ad-free episodes, hundreds of expert-led videos on metabolic health and therapy, CME opportunities, and more here!In this episode of The Metabolic Link, Dr. Dominic D’Agostino sits down with Dr. Spencer Nadolsky—board-certified obesity and lipid specialist, former NCAA heavyweight wrestler, and founder of Vineyard—to explore one of the most hotly debated and often misunderstood tools in modern medicine: GLP-1 receptor agonists.Together, they take a deep dive into how these drugs work, who they’re for, and why they might not always be a magic bullet. Dr. Nadolsky shares clinical insights into the real-world use of semaglutide, tirzepatide, and combination therapies, breaking down everything from appetite regulation and side effects to muscle loss, mood changes, and the potential future of prevention.They also tackle pediatric obesity, long-term use vs. off-ramping, and the critical role of resistance training and nutrition for protecting muscle mass while on these medications.Special thanks to the sponsors of this episode:✅ Genova Connect – Get 15% off any test kit with code METABOLICLINK here✅ Fatty15 – Get 15% off a 90-day Starter Kit here (use code METABOLICLINK)✅ Zocdoc – Find and instantly book a top-rated doctor here✅ Puori – Get 20% off supplements with code METABOLICLINK here🧠 Learn more about Dr. Nadolsky → drspencer.com💥 Don’t forget to RSVP for the live Q&A on April 22!🎟️ membership.metabolicinitiative.com/drspencerIn every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!You can find us on all your major podcast players here and full episodes are also up on our Metabolic Health Summit YouTube channel!Find us on social: Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.

39 snips
Mar 25, 2025 • 1h 7min
Reversing Heart Disease Through Metabolic Health | Philip Ovadia, MD | Ep.64
Dr. Philip Ovadia, a renowned cardiac surgeon and founder of Ovadia Heart Health, dives into the crucial link between metabolic health and heart disease prevention. He challenges the traditional focus on cholesterol, advocating for a greater emphasis on insulin resistance and inflammation. Ovadia emphasizes the power of lifestyle changes and advanced testing, like Coronary Artery Calcium Score scans, to proactively manage heart health. His journey from obesity to wellness fuels a passionate call for a holistic approach, reshaping our understanding of heart disease.

16 snips
Mar 11, 2025 • 1h 5min
The Mitochondrial Link to Mental Illness | Ana Andreazza, PhD | The Metabolic Link Ep.63
Dr. Ana Andreazza, a Professor at the University of Toronto and an expert in mitochondrial function, discusses the revolutionary connections between mitochondria and mental health. She highlights her pioneering research on mitochondrial dysfunction in psychiatric disorders, particularly bipolar disorder. Delving into innovative models like 3D brain organoids, she reveals how mitochondrial health impacts mood and metabolism. The conversation also covers potential treatments, including mitochondrial transplantation and the role of substances like metformin and C15 fatty acids.

20 snips
Feb 27, 2025 • 37min
Optimizing Metabolic Health | MHS Panel Discussion | The Metabolic Link Ep. 62
In this engaging discussion, Amanda Decker, a nurse practitioner specializing in weight management, and Ben Bikman, an expert on GLP-1 therapy, delve into optimizing metabolic health. They explore the long-term effects of GLP-1 medications on fat and muscle, challenging traditional views on dieting and metabolism. The conversation also addresses the impact of diet and exercise on nerve function and lipid profiles. Listeners will gain insights into the myths surrounding high-protein diets and the crucial role of the microbiome in weight management.

10 snips
Feb 11, 2025 • 1h 32min
Targeting Cancer Metabolism: The Future of Oncology | Dr. Tomás Duraj | The Metabolic Link Ep. 61
Dr. Tomás Duraj, a physician-scientist specializing in cancer metabolism, discusses revolutionary insights on targeting cancer through its metabolism. He explains how mitochondrial dysfunction underpins cancer development and explores the Warburg effect, emphasizing the need to target both glucose and glutamine metabolism. Duraj advocates for ketogenic therapy combined with standard treatments to create a hostile environment for tumors. He also highlights innovative imaging techniques and the potential for broader applications of metabolic strategies across various cancer types.

10 snips
Jan 29, 2025 • 1h 7min
A Ketogenic Approach to Type 1 Diabetes | Dr. Ian Lake | The Metabolic Link Ep.60
Dr. Ian Lake, an NHS physician and type 1 diabetes advocate, delves into his transformative shift to a ketogenic diet after his diagnosis at 36. He discusses how reducing insulin volumes and optimizing glucose levels radically improved his health. Ian highlights his endurance feats, running 700 miles on keto, and the benefits of metabolic flexibility. He also explores the importance of minimizing insulin for mental health and cancer implications, while sharing insights from his type 1 diabetes retreats that educate and inspire others toward low-carb living.

Jan 14, 2025 • 42min
Chad Vanags | Patient Perspective: Why I Don’t Trust You & How We Can Fix It | The Metabolic Link Ep.59
Chad Vanags, a former SaaS executive turned patient advocate, shares his raw journey facing stage-4 lung cancer. He critiques the shortcomings of the cancer care system, emphasizing the need for improved communication and patient trust. Chad discusses how he embraces a proactive, metabolic approach to his health, integrating nutrition, mindset, and physical fitness into his regimen. His insights challenge the status quo and call for a collaborative revolution in how we approach healing, empowering patients in their journeys.

Dec 31, 2024 • 1h 11min
Journal Club: The Ketogenic Diet Reshapes Cancer Metabolism & the Gut Microbiome | Ep.58
Become a member of The Metabolic Initiative to access exclusive ad-free episodes and earn CMEs here. In this journal club episode, host Victoria Field is joined by Dr. Angela Poff and Dr. Dominic D’Agostino to dive into two groundbreaking studies shaping our understanding of metabolism and its role in health and disease. The team explores the nuances of a recent randomized controlled trial on ketogenic diets, free sugar restriction, and their effects on glucose tolerance, lipid metabolism, and the gut microbiome. Then, they tackle a cutting-edge study uncovering the molecular mechanisms of ketogenic diets in reshaping cancer metabolism through lysine beta-hydroxybutylaration.From the clinical implications of these findings to the potential of ketone supplementation, this episode is packed with insights for researchers, clinicians, and health enthusiasts. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn how these discoveries could shape the future of precision medicine.🔍 Study 1: Ketogenic diet but not free-sugar restriction alters glucose tolerance, lipid metabolism, peripheral tissue phenotype, and gut microbiome: RCT🔍 Study 2: Ketogenic diet reshapes cancer metabolism through lysine β-hydroxybutyrylationReferenced study related to cardiometabolic health - Carbohydrate Restriction-Induced Elevations in LDL-Cholesterol and Atherosclerosis: The KETO TrialSpecial thanks to the sponsors of this episode: Genova Connect: Receive 15% off any of their tests with code metaboliclink hereFatty15: Get 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit with the code METABOLICLINK hereMaui Nui: Get 15% off your first order of Maui Nui with the code METABOLICLINK by visiting this linkIn every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!You can find us on all your major podcast players here and full episodes are also up on our Metabolic Health Summit YouTube channel!Find us on social: Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.

Dec 16, 2024 • 1h 3min
Thriving Beyond Schizophrenia: A Story of Healing with Metabolic Therapy | Lauren Kennedy West | Ep.57
Join our free Live Q&A with Lauren on December 18th and become a member of The Metabolic Initiative to access exclusive ad-free episodes and earn CMEs. Register here!In this episode of The Metabolic Link, host Victoria Field sits down with Lauren Kennedy West, a passionate mental health advocate and social worker who was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder in 2016. Lauren reveals her extraordinary journey of using metabolic therapy to not only manage but reverse debilitating symptoms, transforming her life in ways she once thought impossible.This deeply compelling conversation delves into Lauren’s personal story, the stigma surrounding mental health, and the challenges of balancing medications with metabolic therapy. Lauren also shares her mission to bring metabolic therapy to the forefront of mental health treatment, redefining possibilities in the field of metabolic psychiatry.Lauren’s bravery and advocacy are sparking new conversations about recovery and shining a light on the untapped potential of metabolic approaches to mental health. Don’t miss this inspiring episode—and be sure to join Lauren for a Live Q&A on December 18th through The Metabolic Initiative platform. Learn more here!Special thanks to the sponsor of this episode: Genova Connect: Gain access to advanced lab tests in the comfort of your own home. Receive 15% off any test with code metaboliclink by clicking here.AG1: New subscribers get a FREE $76 gift when you sign up. You’ll get a Welcome Kit, a bottle of D3K2 AND 5 free travel packs in your first box. Visit this link.Ned: Get 15% off Ned products with code METABOLICLINK by visiting this link.In every episode of The Metabolic Link, we'll uncover the very latest research on metabolic health and therapy. If you like this episode, please share it, subscribe, follow, and leave us a comment or review on whichever platform you use to tune in!You can find us on all your major podcast players here and full episodes are also up on our Metabolic Health Summit YouTube channel!Find us on social: Instagram Facebook YouTube LinkedIn Please keep in mind: The Metabolic Link does not provide medical or health advice, but rather general information that does not serve as a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional. Never delay in seeking medical advice from an appropriately licensed medical provider for any health condition that you may have.

36 snips
Dec 10, 2024 • 59min
The Science of Allulose | MHS Panel Discussion | The Metabolic Link Ep.56
Join Richard Johnson, a Professor of Medicine specializing in metabolic health, and Andrew Koutnik, a Research Scientist at Samsung Diabetes Research Institute, as they dive into the fascinating world of allulose. They discuss how this natural sweetener influences glucose levels and aids in weight management. The conversation covers its effects on insulin sensitivity and appetite regulation, potential benefits for individuals with metabolic disorders, and even its safety for pets. Plus, they share personal anecdotes and recent research findings that make allulose a game-changer!


