Plant Proof - Plant Based Nutrition & Inspirational Stories

Some people follow a ketogenic diet seeking to lose weight, feel more energised, or gain control over their eating habits. Others may turn to this diet in an effort to treat conditions such as epilepsy, bipolar disorder, diabetes and inflammatory diseases. Regardless of their reasoning for adopting this eating pattern, a key question remains: is there ever an instance where having high LDL cholesterol levels on a ketogenic diet can be safe? In Episode #311, I’m joined by Dr William Cromwell, MD and Dave Feldman to explore this question. In this discussion, Dr William Cromwell and Dave Feldman share their professional opinions on whether high cholesterol on a keto diet is a problem. We investigate where their opinions align and where they differ, where Dave’s hypotheses diverge from the norm, and what we do and don’t know with the available evidence. We also explore the significance of ApoB, lifespan and healthspan considerations, research Dave is currently conducting, and much more. Specifically, we discuss:

Episode #310. For many of us looking to achieve athletic goals and age healthily, protein is something that is regularly front of mind. Join me as I sit down with Associate Professor Nicholas Burd, a muscle physiologist and researcher, to discuss the latest scientific evidence on protein. From selecting your protein source to choosing an appropriate amount for your goals, Dr Burd shares recent research findings on how to optimise your protein intake. Discover the nuanced difference between optimising and maximising intake, the problem with eating too much protein, and why getting protein from whole foods is important. We also cover protein timing and distribution, supplementation, and much more. Specifically, we discuss: Intro (00:00) Introduction to Nicholas Burd's Work as a Muscle Physiologist (01:32) Exploring Muscle Protein Turnover and Renewal (03:57) Muscle Fibre Hyperplasia vs. Hypertrophy in Humans (08:06) The Role of Protein Metabolism in Muscle Physiology (15:21) Optimal vs. Maximal Protein I

Episode #309. Testosterone: we hear it thrown around constantly as the silver bullet for curing all kinds of symptoms. Join me as I sit down with Dr Adam Hotchkiss, podiatric physician and foot surgeon turned human optimisation specialist, to answer all your burning questions about testosterone, TRT, steroids, and more. This is an important listen for any men considering using steroids to enhance their physique or looking to safely increase testosterone without compromising fertility. We take a deep dive into testosterone in this episode, covering what it is, what’s considered normal and healthy levels in men, and symptoms of low testosterone. Dr Hotchkiss breaks down how lifestyle factors can influence your testosterone, explains how to boost it (and whether you need to), and covers concerns about fertility and heart disease. Specifically, we discuss: Introduction (00:00) Adam Hotchkiss' Journey: From Podiatry to Hormonal Health Optimisation (03:55) Understanding testosterone's functions, symptoms of def

Episode #308. How would Jesus kill an animal? Join me as I sit down with filmmakers Kip Andersen and Kameron Waters to discuss their position on how religion and veganism intersect. Whether you are religious or not, there are many interesting points raised to reflect on further. In their new documentary Christspiracy, Kip and Kameron pose the question: is there a spiritual way to kill an animal? In this episode, they argue what they believe to be the accurate interpretation of what the Bible says about animal liberation, taking us on a journey of what the concept of dominion truly means. We discuss a 2000-year-old cover-up, whether eating meat as a Christian is hypocritical, the truth about regenerative agriculture, and much more. Specifically, we cover: Intro (00:00) Unveiling the Truth Behind Religious Misinterpretations (06:06) Exploring the Daniel Fast: A Christian's Journey to Plant-Based Eating (13:43) Connecting the Dots: The Nazarenes, Mistranslations, and Jesus' Controversial Temple Actions (19:

Episode #307. According to Robin Sharma, eight factors define wealth – and only one of them is money. Join me in today’s episode as I sit down with this leadership expert and bestselling author to unpack what it truly means to be wealthy. You’ll learn about what happy people have in common, how to find more fulfilment, and how to perform a full reset on your life. Robin pulls back the curtain to offer a glimpse of what his habits look like and how you can implement habits to help you become your best self. Plus, discover why you should consider eating out alone, why you should be thinking about death, and plenty more in this insight-packed conversation. In any conversation considering the relationship between money and happiness, it’s important to note that not everyone has the time or resources to commit to self-improvement. If you’re in this camp, you’re far from alone. My advice would be to take the core principles discussed in this episode and find some goals that are reasonable for you. Even if you can o

Episode #306. How can women build muscle, commit to an exercise program, and manage menopause weight gain? Dr Alyssa Olenick returns today to finish our conversation on exercise and recovery for women, answering these questions and many more. You’ll learn how women should be training differently from men, including what you should implement and avoid. We discuss how to grow your booty, how to tell if you’ve trained hard enough, and how to train regularly. Dr Olenick also covers whether cold water immersion is safe and beneficial, what to do about weight gain during menopause, and what you should be supplementing with. Specifically, we discuss: Intro (00:00) Understanding Sex Differences in Training: Tailoring Workouts for Women (01:59) Mastering RPE for Effective Workouts: A Beginner's Guide (13:16) The Ideal Weekly Routine for Booty Gains: Quality Over Quantity (23:34) How do you know if the workout program is effective? (29:07) Navigating Soreness and Recovery in Strength Training (39:02) Cold water

Episode #305. Transform your fitness approach with Dr Alyssa Olenick's expert guidance on female-specific exercise strategies. With most mainstream exercise guidance based on research primarily undertaken on men, this episode offers much-needed insight into how women can optimise their training program. In part one of this two-part series, Dr Olenick brings the research on exercise for women into the spotlight. You’ll learn about how to design an optimal program, including exercise frequency and intensity, what type of training to do, and whether you should be synching training to your menstrual cycle. We also cover when and what to eat, highlighting the importance of carbohydrates, protein, and getting enough calories. Specifically, we discuss: Introduction (00:00) Overview of Alyssa Olenick's Research (04:58) Exploring Gender Disparities in Sports Science Research (07:47) Should Exercise Guidelines Differ for Men and Women? (13:10) Aligning Exercise with Women's Menstrual Cycles: Myth vs. Science (16:

Episode #304. Your friends, family, and partner are helping you live longer. Why? And how? Discover the true importance of relationships in this conversation with clinical psychologist and scientist Professor Marc Schulz. In this episode, you’ll learn about how and why relationships are one of the key factors for health and longevity. Professor Schulz breaks down the key results from the Harvard Study of Adult Development, a study that has been running since 1938, and how you can apply these findings to your life. We cover topics including social fitness, income disparity and longevity, how relationships are formed, the importance of intimacy and vulnerability, and how to improve your health by interacting with strangers. Specifically, we discuss: Intro (00:00) Background of Marc Schulz (00:50) The Significance of Qualitative Research in Psychology (04:50) Introduction to the Harvard Study of Adult Development: A Groundbreaking Inquiry into Human Flourishing (11:30) How do You Know if You're Flourishing

Episode #303. Two years ago, Axel Schurawlow was finishing his fifth round of chemotherapy. Today, he sits down with me to share the lessons he’s learned from staring death in the face. From reckoning with the delicate nature of our existence to making the most of the time we have left, Axel has a lot to teach about reframing your mindset to live a full life. You’ll learn about what it’s like to hear that you have five days left to live, and how Axel found the strength to fight. Axel explains how your life will change when you lean on the people you love, set goals, and step out of the victim mentality. Regardless of whether you’ve lived a fulfilling life or are just getting started, Axel’s perspective on life might just change yours. Specifically, we discuss: Intro (00:00) Understanding Cancer Diagnosis: Immediate Reactions (01:33) How to Stay Motivated During Recovery (06:52) The Importance of Therapy and Support from Loved Ones (11:28) How a Life-Threatening Diagnosis Can Teach You About Fear and Pur

Episode #302. Learn everything you need to know about fasting from some of the world’s leading authorities. From addressing common myths to offering specific guidance on how to make time-restricted eating work for you, this episode is a masterclass on using fasting as a powerful tool for enhancing health and longevity. This episode features highlights from past episodes with Dr Courtney Peterson, Dr Emily Manoogian, Dr Satchin Panda, and Dr Valter Longo to give you a comprehensive understanding of fasting. We cover everything from the essentials of fasting to its synchronisation with circadian rhythm, the metabolic advantages it offers, and how to implement it for maximum benefit. Specifically, we discuss: Introduction to Time-Restricted Eating and Fasting Concepts (01:39) How Circadian Rhythms Influence Meal Timing (05:46) Exploring the Metabolic Advantages of Time-Restricted Eating (13:52)\ Comparing Late vs Early Time-Restricted Eating Effects (21:17) Comparing Calorie Restriction vs Time-Restricted

Episode #301. Have you started preparing your body for your older years? Or are you already in your older years, wondering how you can best protect yourself from falls and maintain strength and function? Join me as I sit down with Associate Professor Justin Keogh to learn about what sarcopenia is and how you can prevent it. You’ll learn who is at risk for sarcopenia, when to take action to prevent it, and how to move forward if you are facing it already. Dr Keogh identifies the two most important factors for staying strong and mobile, the gold-standard training protocol you should aim for, and other ways you can get the most bang for your buck with exercise. Specifically, we discuss: Intro (00:00) Understanding Sarcopenia: An Overview and Early Signs (01:29) Key Risk Factors and Predictors of Longevity in Sarcopenia (13:15) Muscle Function in Aging: From Centenarians to Muscle Mass Loss (19:18) The Role of Physical Activity in Managing Sarcopenia: Exercise Myths and Facts (25:03) Sarcopenia Across the

Episode #300. How does body image fit into our picture of overall health? When does negative self-image become body dysmorphic disorder? And does veganism align with a positive relationship with food? Discover the answers to these questions and many more in this conversation with Associate Professor Gemma Sharp. You’ll learn about body dysmorphic disorder (also called body dysmorphia), who falls into this category, and who is at risk for it. We discuss the impact of social media on body image, the prevalence and treatment of eating disorders, and harmful trends in the media. You’ll also discover the facts about body image in vegans, cosmetic interventions, and how AI might be the answer to overwhelmed mental health services. Specifically, we discuss: Introduction (00:00) Exploring Interest in Body Dysmorphic Disorder with Gemma Sharp (01:35) Understanding Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Definition, Prevalence, Onset, and Causes (04:20) The Influence of Social Media on Body Image (09:01) The Role of Social Med

Episode #299. Could psychedelics be the answer to the mental health crisis? Join me as I sit down with psychologist and academic, Dr Stephen Bright, to examine the prevalence of drug usage, what this means in the context of mental health, and how psilocybin and MDMA might be the future of mental health treatment. You’ll learn about the most common drugs in Australia, including cannabis, cocaine, MDMA, and psychedelics. We discuss how these drugs are portrayed in the media, why workplace drug screening may be harmful, and current and upcoming research in the field of psychedelics as a medical treatment option. Dr Bright also shares his views on how decriminalisation and legalisation can help protect vulnerable people. Specifically, we discuss: Introduction to the Podcast (0:00:00) Stephen Bright: Journey into Psychedelic Research (0:01:24) Trends in Drug Use Across Australia and Western Nations (0:06:52) Detecting Cocaine and Cannabis: Health Impacts (0:15:56) Legal Status of Synthetic Cannabis (0:18:35)

Episode #298. Ever wondered why you just can’t stop eating certain foods? Psychologist Tera Fazzino, PhD has the answer. Discover the science of hyper-palatable foods, how they’re making their way into your kitchen, and where they overlap with the tobacco industry in this insight-packed conversation. You’ll leave this episode with a better understanding of why hyper-palatable foods are so prevalent, what to look out for, and how you can better navigate the grocery store. Dr Fazzino also breaks down the policy-level change she would want to see to create a healthier food landscape for everyone. We cover: Introduction to Hyperpalatable Foods and Brain Reward Systems (00:00) Exploring Brain Reward Mechanisms Triggered by Hyperpalatable Foods (02:45) The Influence of Hyperpalatable Foods on Brain Reward Functions (12:58) Food Addiction Explored: A Psychological or Physical Issue? (17:01) Identifying Susceptibility Factors in Food Addiction (20:59) The Impact of Mental Health on Consuming Hyperpalatable Foo

Episode #297. Think hypnosis is for stage shows and witches? Think again. Learn from Stanford Professor David Spiegel about how this revolutionary treatment approach can help break bad habits, manage pain, and improve a range of conditions from insomnia to IBS. You’ll learn what clinical hypnosis is, how it works, and how it differs from meditation. Dr Spiegel also addresses some common fears and misconceptions about this practice, explaining the research and how it fits in with psychotherapy and clinical guidelines. Tune in to discover whether hypnosis might be a good approach for you and how to get started. Specifically, we discuss: Intro to Hypnosis with Stanford's David Spiegel (00:00) Exploring Hypnosis with Stanford Professor David Spiegel (01:53) The Science of Hypnosis Demystified (09:12) Examples of Hypnosis in Smoking Cessation (13:17) Clinical Hypnosis: Control and Perspective Shift (18:10) Pain Management Through Hypnosis (21:46) Hypnosis in Treating PTSD and IBS (30:33) Role of Hypnosis

Episode #296. Looking to lose weight and gain muscle with science-backed insights? Tune in to this conversation with nutrition researcher Alan Aragon to unpack the nuances of achieving optimal body composition. You'll gain a deeper understanding of how to effectively use nutrition – balancing calories, protein, fats, carbohydrates, and even alcohol – to enhance your physique. Discover the crucial role of resistance training, the importance of supplementation, and the myths around fasting and keto diets in muscle building and weight loss. Alan's expertise will empower you with practical, science-backed strategies for sustainable body composition changes, whether you're looking to lose weight, build muscle, or both. Specifically, we discuss: Introduction to Body Composition and Fitness Science (00:00) How Alan Aragon's Passion for Fitness Shapes His Evidence-Based Approach (3:34) Debunking the Anabolic Window: Fact or Fiction? (7:32) Impact of Meal Timing on Body Composition: A Scientific Analysis (12:28)

Episode #295. Set yourself up for success in 2024 with the next instalment of The Proof’s 2023 highlights. Recap key points for physical and mental health success, from aging and exercise to climate change and psychology. This episode offers a comprehensive rundown from some of the best scientists and experts in the game. You’ll hear from Dr Matt Kaeberlein, Dr Andrew Steele, Dr Charles Brenner, Dr Inigo San Millan, Drew Harrisberg, Dr Susanna Soeberg, Dr Stacy Sims, Chris MacAskill, George Monbiot, Jillian Turecki and Dr Judson Brewer. Specifically, we discuss: Intro (00:00) Understanding Aging: Definitions and Key Hallmarks (01:21) Introduction to Senolytics: What You Need to Know (15:18) The Science of Cellular Aging: Causes and Effects (29:14) Decoding Energy Zones: Insights and Implications (41:36) Effective Workout Strategies: Using Target Heart Rate (53:56) Tailored Training: Menstrual Cycle Considerations for 30-Year-Old Women (1:09:53) Beginner's Guide to Cold Water Immersion: Techniques and

Episode #294. Hit the ground running in 2024 by pressing play on this must-listen episode. Hear the most valuable insights from 19 guests of The Proof, all packed into one episode that brings you the best of each one. 2023 was absolutely loaded with expert advice from some of the best researchers and practitioners in the world, and this episode combines many of them to bring you a powerful tool to have in your arsenal. This episode will take you on a curated journey through 2023’s most important moments, including the must-knows about nutrition, fats, cardiovascular health, metabolic health, cancer and nutrition, and gut health. You’ll hear from: Dr Alan Flanagan, Dr Ayesha Sherzai, Dr Christopher Gardner, Dr Dena Sherzai, Dr Gil Carvalho, Dr Inigo San Millan, Dr Joel Fuhrman, Dr Krystle Zuniga, Dr Matthew Nagra, Dr Mohammed Alo, Dr Neil Iyengar, Dr Philip Calder, Dr Roy Taylor, Dr Stephan Guyenet, Dr Suzanne Devkota, Dr Thomas Dayspring, Dr Urvi Shah, Dr Walter Willet, and Dr Will Bulsiewicz. We discuss: I

Episode #293. What can health-conscious people learn from the Seventh-day Adventist Church? Join me as I sit down with Distinguished Professor Gary Fraser, a cardiologist and leading nutrition scientist, to discover the science on why Seventh-day Adventists have better health outcomes. You’ll learn key highlights from Professor Fraser’s 40+ year research and practice career, including BMI and mortality in the Adventist population, the risks and benefits of dairy consumption, omega 3s, and a variety of other health indicators. We also evaluate the key differences between omnivore, pescatarian, vegetarian, and vegan diets, and examine the conspiracy theories that are often projected onto this population. We discuss: Intro (00:00) Discovering Gary Frazier's Scientific Career (02:04) What Influences a Scientist's Change of Mind? (08:17) How to Avoid Bias in Nutritional Data Analysis (15:07) Exploring the Seventh-Day Adventist Perspective on Nutrition and Lifestyle (20:46) Investigating Longevity in Vegetar

Episode #292. Break through the complexity of women’s health in this masterclass featuring Dr Susan Davis AO, Dr Stacy Sims, and Dr Jen Gunter. Centred around menopause and hormone replacement therapy (HRT), this episode cuts through the noise to bring you what you really need to know about women’s health. Drawing from the best of four highly acclaimed episodes, we offer a comprehensive exploration of menopause's multifaceted impact on health. Discover practical strategies, informed by top experts, to guide you through this transformative life stage with confidence. We discuss: Intro (00:00) What is Menopause? An Essential Definition (02:17) Impact of Hysterectomy on Menopause (04:25) Birth Control Pills & Their Impact on Menopause (05:48) In-Depth Analysis: The Perimenopause Phase (06:11) Understand Menopause Symptoms (07:11) Menopause Uncovered: What's Happening to Women? (12:15) Taking Control: Proactive Menopause Management (28:24) Effective Menopause Management: Expert Guidelines (32:47) Explo