Degrees of Health

Benjamin Hopkins and Eloise Desoutter
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Feb 26, 2025 • 1h 1min

Lucas Aoun | Unpacking the Testosterone Toolbox - Supplements, Microplastics & Performance

Lads, is your: energy low? sex drive fading? motivation struggling? You’re not alone.Testosterone levels are dropping at an alarming rate worldwide - but it’s not just about age. Factors like microplastics, stress, poor sleep, and diet are wreaking havoc on our hormones.But before jumping on TRT, there are powerful lifestyle and supplement-based interventions that can naturally optimise your testosterone and send it sky rocketing once again. We're chatting here with Lucas Aoun, Australia’s leading biohacker and founder of Boost Your Biology, to unpack:💡 The real reasons mens T levels are crashing❌ Why many jump on TRT too soon (and the smarter alternatives)🧊 The wild science of testicle icing (yes, take that pack of peas on the road)🌿 The ultimate natural testosterone stacks🧠 Cutting-edge nootropics, brain hacks, confidence and libidoWe talk tons of supplements too including catuaba, pine pollen, shilajit, boron, methylene blue, taurine, cistanche, magnesium, zinc, tonkat ali, stinging nettle root. Plenty to get stuck into if you're looking to up your T!(Plus a gruelling assault bike challenge to test your limits).Find Lucas:Boost Your BiologyInstagramMentioned in this episode:https://nisupplements.com/Catuapure Supplementhttps://trtfree.com/ - where to find protocols and the supplements Lucas mentions hereWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Feb 12, 2025 • 40min

Dr Mary Newport | Part 2: Fat, Cholesterol & Metabolic Mayhem: What We Thought We Knew

Part 2 of 2. For years, fat has been the villain of the food world. We’ve been told it clogs arteries, sends cholesterol through the roof, and leads to heart disease. But is that actually true? It's about time to give fat a fair trial.Enter Dr Mary Newport. Here, we're discussing Mary's new article (released this month - Feb 2025) analysing 26 studies conducted from 1985 to 2024 with 984 complete datasets - looking specifically at the coconut oil on lipid parameters (total, LDL, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides).Mary helps us to break down the history of the lipid-heart hypothesis (aka: the idea that fat = heart disease), the fact this remains what it states (a hypothesis) and yet our entire food belief system is built from it, what the research actually says, and why things are not be as black and white as fat=bad=avoid.🔍 We cover:✅ The Fat Fear Factor - where did the idea that fat is bad even come from?✅ Coconut Oil & Cholesterol - should we be worried to incorporate more coconut/MCT/olive oil on a keto diet? 🥥✅ Cholesterol 101 - is LDL really the “bad guy,” or is there more to the story?✅ Metabolism & Health - how things like inflammation and blood sugar fit into the picture✅ Fuel for Thought - why Mary is a big proponent of MCT oil for brain healthTune in for a research-backed conversation about fat, cholesterol, keto, and heart health and whether we really have any reason to be side-eyeing that extra few servings of olive oil.The article in discussion:Analysis of 26 Studies of the Impact of Coconut Oil on Lipid Parameters: Beyond Total and LDL CholesterolFind Mary:Website (also find here how to get started with a ketogenic diet)Books by Mary:Clearly KetoAlzheimer’s Disease - What If There Was A Cure? The Complete Book of KetonesThe Coconut Oil & Low-Carb SolutionFind our previous episode with Mary specifically on use of Coconut Oil for Cognitive Function/Decline Prevention - Mary Newport, M.D. | Brain Fuel: How Coconut Oil and MCTs Can Transform the Alzheimer's BrainWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Feb 12, 2025 • 38min

Dr Mary Newport | Part 1: Fat, Cholesterol & Metabolic Mayhem: What We Thought We Knew

Part 1 of 2. For years, fat has been the villain of the food world. We’ve been told it clogs arteries, sends cholesterol through the roof, and leads to heart disease. But is that actually true? It's about time to give fat a fair trial.Enter Dr Mary Newport. Here, we're discussing Mary's new article (released this month - Feb 2025) analysing 26 studies conducted from 1985 to 2024 with 984 complete datasets - looking specifically at the coconut oil on lipid parameters (total, LDL, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides).Mary helps us to break down the history of the lipid-heart hypothesis (aka: the idea that fat = heart disease), the fact this remains what it states (a hypothesis) and yet our entire food belief system is built from it, what the research actually says, and why things are not be as black and white as fat=bad=avoid.🔍 We cover:✅ The Fat Fear Factor - where did the idea that fat is bad even come from?✅ Coconut Oil & Cholesterol - should we be worried to incorporate more coconut/MCT/olive oil on a keto diet? 🥥✅ Cholesterol 101 - is LDL really the “bad guy,” or is there more to the story?✅ Metabolism & Health - how things like inflammation and blood sugar fit into the picture✅ Fuel for Thought - why Mary is a big proponent of MCT oil for brain healthTune in for a research-backed conversation about fat, cholesterol, keto, and heart health and whether we really have any reason to be side-eyeing that extra few servings of olive oil.The article in discussion:Analysis of 26 Studies of the Impact of Coconut Oil on Lipid Parameters: Beyond Total and LDL CholesterolFind Mary:Website (also find here how to get started with a ketogenic diet)Books by Mary:Clearly KetoAlzheimer’s Disease - What If There Was A Cure? The Complete Book of KetonesThe Coconut Oil & Low-Carb SolutionFind our previous episode with Mary specifically on use of Coconut Oil for Cognitive Function/Decline Prevention - Mary Newport, M.D. | Brain Fuel: How Coconut Oil and MCTs Can Transform the Alzheimer's BrainWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jan 29, 2025 • 1h 1min

Dr Marianne Brandon, PhD | Why We’re Having Less Sex - The Latest Scoop on Intimacy, Desire and Tech

Has desire for your partner changed within the course of your relationship? Do you feel like you and your partner are mis-matched in terms of desire? Are you curious to know what you could do differently to change this from a sex therapist with over 27 years experience? Read on. Dr Marianne Brandon, PhD, joins us as we delve into the complex world of sexual dynamics, relationships, and the future of intimacy. As a clinical psychologist, sex therapist, and futurist, Dr. Brandon sheds light on the often-unspoken challenges couples face in long-term relationships, offering fresh perspectives rooted in evolutionary psychology and modern-day realities.We cover:👩‍❤️‍👨 Men and Women - why our sexual wiring is fundamentally different and why understanding this matters🔥 Hijack Your Biology - tapping into primal instincts in safe, trusting relationships📉 Why Desire Fades - the evolutionary reasons long-term relationships kill lust and tips on how to bring it back🤖 Sex Tech & VR Porn - how cutting-edge technology is both enhancing and complicating modern relationshipsDr Marianne says - we can’t solve a problem we don’t understand. This episode helps us understand our evolutionary instincts and just how much they play into our modern lives at, largely, an unconscious level - and rather than trying to suppress, ignore, or repress them, to accept them, give them air time, and an outlet. Find Dr Marianne:Website Podcast - The Sex DoctorsBlog - The Future of Intimacy, Psychology Today Marianne's BooksMentioned in this episode:Female Genital Arousal: A Focus on How Rather than WhyEffects of virtual reality erotica on ejaculate quality of sperm donorsThe Anxious Generation by Jonathan HaidtWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jan 22, 2025 • 49min

Dr Mark Tarnopolsky, MD, PhD | Mitochondrial Mastery: Supplements, Exercise & Longevity Insights

Dr. Mark Tarnopolsky, a leading expert in mitochondrial health at McMaster University, dives deep into the intricate world of mitochondria. He explains their pivotal role in energy production and longevity while dissecting the impact of aging on muscle function. The discussion covers the benefits of endurance vs. resistance training for mitochondrial health and demystifies popular supplements like CoQ10 and urolithin A. Mark shares his personal fitness regimen that keeps his VO2 max impressively high, reminding listeners that there are no shortcuts to optimal mitochondrial function.
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Jan 15, 2025 • 59min

Dr Martin Moore-Ede | Why Your Health Hinges on the Light You See

The light we see is as crucial as the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe. Former Harvard Medical School professor and 40-year leading expert in circadian clocks and human health, Dr. Moore-Ede speaks on why our health hinges on getting the right sort of light at the right time. In this episode, he reveals the dangers of modern LED lighting, which often emits bright but unhealthy "junk light." Just as junk food wreaks havoc on our body, junk light disrupts our circadian rhythms, suppresses melatonin, and contributes to chronic diseases.We cover:💤 The Health Risks of LED Lighting: "junk light" disrupts circadian rhythms, suppresses melatonin, and contributes to chronic diseases💡 Junk Light and Lumens - modern lighting regulations prioritise energy efficiency over human health🕒 Circadian Clocks and Longevity: light is essential for disease prevention and healing👓 Rise of Myopia in Children: indoor living and reduced exposure to natural light are fueling skyrocketing rates of myopia🌈 Blue light blocking glasses - do you have the right sort?🛠️ Practical Solutions for Healthier Lighting: simple changes you can make in your home and your lifeBacked by decades of evidence, Dr Martin Moore-Ede shares the science behind why we must prioritise light in our health, and how to optimise our exposure for immediate benefits, and a longer, healthier life.Find Dr Martin:Book: https://thelightdoctor.com/Website and CampaignSubstackLinkedInInstagramTwitterYouTubeGoogle ScholarMentioned in this episode:Health and Light by John OttSORAA - light bulbsThe Body Electric by Robert Becker and Gary SeldonAvoidance of sun exposure is a risk factor for all-cause mortality: results from the Melanoma in Southern Sweden cohortWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Jan 1, 2025 • 41min

Dr Joseph Cullen, MD | Doubling Survival in Cancer Patients - The Science Behind IV Vitamin C

Here we're speaking with Dr. Joseph Cullen as he discusses his research on high dose intravenous (IV) vitamin C as a treatment for metastatic cancer. The aim in his lab is to show that adding high-dose, IV vitamin C, which is very inexpensive and very well tolerated, can improve treatment for these cancers that are among the deadliest. Joseph highlights the potential for it to transform not just patient outcomes but the entire conversation around alternative therapies. He shares candid insights from his lab’s work on glioblastoma, lung cancer, and pancreatic cancer, as well as ongoing studies into combining vitamin C with other treatments like immunotherapy and radiation.We cover:💡 What makes high-dose IV vitamin C a game - changer in cancer care 📈 Cancer progression and survival outcomes - his research that shows doubling progression-free survival🔍 Mechanisms of action - pro-oxidant in cancer cells, antioxidant in healthy cells👩‍⚕️ Challenges in acceptance - why some oncologists remain skeptical🩺 Who benefits most - which cancers respond best, combining therapies, and where it doesn’t work⚠️ Side effects and safety - what to watch for, including rare risksThe research shows significant promise, but challenges persist. Joseph opens up about the difficulties in securing funding for anything outside pharma-driven drugs and compounds, the skepticism from traditional oncology, and the need for more extensive clinical trials to validate findings. Despite these hurdles, his belief in the therapy’s potential remains steadfast - and his surprise at just how well it works, over and over again, keeps driving him forward. Mentioned in this episode:High-dose IV vitamin C plus chemotherapy doubles survival in advanced pancreatic cancerA randomized trial of pharmacological ascorbate, gemcitabine, and nab-paclitaxel for metastatic pancreatic cancerWhat is metastatic pancreatic cancer?Find Joseph:joseph-cullen@uiowa.edu - Joseph kindly said that oncologists can reach out to him directly to enquire more and request the protocol for patients where appropriateAll Dr Cullen’s papersFree Radical & Radiation BiologyWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Dec 18, 2024 • 1h 15min

Professor Thomas Seyfried | Cancer as a Mitochondrial Metabolic Disease

Meet Professor Thomas Seyfried, the biologist leading a revolution in how we fight cancer and other chronic diseases with metabolic therapies. Author of the acclaimed book 'Cancer as a Metabolic Disease', Professor Seyfried talks through the evolutionary biology behind cancer and the scientific evidence that disproves the consensus theory on the origin of cancer. His focus on the need for mitochondrial health and metabolic therapies opens up the conversation for new avenues of treatment that are less toxic and, quite possibly, more effective.We cover (+much more):🥬 How cancer cells thrive on fermentation - and how this changes treatment approaches📉 The future of cancer care - rethinking research, funding, and patient education🥩 Ketogenic diets and cancer 💊 Glutamine inhibitors and parasite drugs - tools with potential in fighting metastatic cancer⚠️ The cost of traditional care - understanding why metabolic therapies may work better than or in addition to SOC🌍 Why mitochondrial health matters – for cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and moreProfessor Seyfried is astounded by how many cancer patients start to use metabolic therapy only after they've exhausted all other options and they haven't worked. He believes the first thing you need to do is get your body into NK, whatever treatment you choose. For patients, researchers, and anyone interested in the future of cancer care, this episode presents the latest metabolic science and the latest framework for cancer prevention and treatment strategies.You have to ask - are we literally tripping over the truth here? Find Thomas:WebsiteTwitterYouTubeBook - Cancer as a Metabolic DiseaseAll of Professor Seyfried's published workMentioned:Clinical research framework proposal for ketogenic metabolic therapy in glioblastomaAmino Acid and Glucose Fermentation Maintain ATP Content in Mouse and Human Malignant Glioma CellsPress-pulse: a novel therapeutic strategy for the metabolic management of cancerWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Dec 11, 2024 • 1h 2min

L.J. Amaral, MS, RD, CSO | The future of oncology isn’t just in the lab - it’s on your plate

LJ Amaral dives us deep into the world of metabolic therapies and the ketogenic diet as a potential treatment for cancer. LJ shares valuable insights into the promising intersection of diet and cancer care and her pioneering research in the field makes this a must-listen for anyone interested in personalised cancer treatments and improving quality of life through dietary changes.We cover (but so much more too):📖 The Warburg theory - understanding a cancer cells’ glucose dependence🥑 Getting the fat equation right - omega-3s, whole fats, and tips for sticking to a high-fat diet. And why fat matters more than protein here...🫒 Keto vs. Keto for cancer - dramatic tumour reductions and improved patient-reported outcomes in fatigue and cognition💡 Future research - ketosis thresholds, 428 ongoing clinical trials, and personalised metabolic therapies🩺 Patient-centered care in cancer treatment - respecting choices while providing evidence-backed support🌟 BHB and inflammation - how ketones stabilise damaged cells and improve outcomesLJ Amaral’s commitment to extending healthspan and improving quality of life shines through. Her belief in the importance of maintaining hope and collaboration between patients and clinicians is inspiring.Find LJ:Research Gate Mentioned in this episode:Keto Nutrition.org - also see our episode with Dom D’AgostinoCharlie FoundationKeto Mojo by Miriam KalamianTools of Titans by Tim FerrissUntethered Soul by Michael SingerWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Dec 4, 2024 • 1h 4min

Lauren Kennedy-West | From Schizophrenia to Symptom-Free - Metabolic Therapies for Mental Health

What if the way we think about mental health is due for a revolution? Maybe we don’t need to suffer and to 'try to' live well with the big challenges that mental illness can bring - maybe we can actually...live well. In this deeply personal and groundbreaking conversation, Lauren Kennedy-West shares her experience of living with schizoaffective disorder - and historical diagnoses that included depression, bipolar disorder with psychotic features, and an eating disorder - to living symptom-free and off psychiatric medications. What she did? After years of psychotic episodes, anti-depressants, and anti-psychotics, Lauren made a decision not centred on treating the symptoms but on improving her underlying metabolic health. Lauren adopted a strict medical ketogenic diet and metabolic therapies that healed her brain and transformed her life.What if we removed the dogma on how we currently understand mental health - for just a moment - and were to ask 'what if we are wrong?' - what might we be able to see? Heads you win big, tails you don’t lose much. And in Lauren's case, she won bigWe hope this episode serves as a safe space to explore ideas that may challenge the status quo and offer immense hope for anyone thinking "there must be something more I can do". There is. Lauren's story provides powerful insights into what is possible when we address the root causes of mental illness, serving as a beacon of hope and inspiration as to what is possible for a better tomorrow. Find Lauren:WebsiteYouTubeInstagramOnline peer support communities:Metabolic Therapies for Mental DisorderSchizophrenia Peer Support CommunityAdditional resource for Metabolic Therapies for Mental Health:Metabolic Mind websiteMetabolic Mind YouTube channelMentioned in this episode:Gut and Psychology Syndrome by Natasha Campbell-McBrideBrain Energy by Chris PalmerChronometer AppDr. Guido FrankWant to watch this on video? Subscribe on YouTubeInstagram  @degreesofhealthDisclaimer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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