By Benjamin Hopkins and Eloise Desoutter
Welcome to the degrees of health podcast! We believe living well starts with your health. Without it, it's hard for us to show up for the things we love to do. Here, you can join conversations with
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The podcast currently has 46 episodes available.
This episode's information revealed just how much of our 'regulated' nutritional information is either completely outdated or incorrect. Here with Lily Nichols, a renowned dietitian and author who is not afraid to speak on the controversial dietary topics, we discuss where current nutritional guidelines on protein and micronutrients impact overall health and hold us back, particularly for those looking to optimise fertility and metabolic health.
Tune in to get the latest on:
🤰 Nutritional foundations for maternal and child health - pre-pregnancy, pre-natal, and post natal
🍩 Blood sugar regulation and nutrient-dense diets for prospective parents
ℹ️ The actually essential roles of non-essential amino acids
👶🏻 A protein-forward, nutrient dense intake for maternal health and fetal development
🌾 Supplementing vs real foods - the synergies
🧬 How nutrients (like choline, vitamin D, and B12) influence genetic expression from the womb onward
This conversation is a must for prospective parents, and anyone seeking to understand how optimal nutrition intersects with fertility, energy, and lifelong health.
Find Lily:
Website, Blog Posts and Books
Free 1st Book Chapter - Real Food for Pregnancy
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A powerhouse of knowledge, we're joined by Dr. Casey Peavler who invites us to address 3 impending needs: 1. for medicine to become less siloed 2. for doctors never to stop learning or being curious and 3. for patients to not lose their autonomy and agency in health treatments and decisions. Here, Ben and Dr Casey delve into the evolving understanding of cancer treatment, contrasting the traditional somatic mutation theory with the emerging metabolic theory of cancer. The conversation highlights the intricacies and nuances of new and promising routes to understand cancer and its treatment to remission. As with many of our conversations and guests, Casey emphasises the importance of patient agency and the need for informed decision-making in collaboration with healthcare providers.
We discuss:
🥼 Somatic vs. Metabolic Theories of Cancer - why our understanding of cancer needs to evolve and where they both have merit
🤏The Press Pulse Protocol - “starving” cancer cells while strengthening the body
🥥 Exogenous Ketones, Glucose, and Glutamine — Targeting cancer cells’ energy sources for effective treatment
🔅 Chronic low-level sun exposure for Vitamin D - crucial for both cancer prevention and treatment
💊 Dosing strategies - daily dosing of certain medications may be more effective than intermittent dosing for cancer treatment but context is key
🙋 The Power of Patient Agency — Moving from passive recipient to active participant in cancer care
Dr. Peavler urges patients to 'take the wheel' in their health journey. This conversation we hope will inspire you to explore all the avenues available to us when it comes to health, emphasising that you never lose the opportunity to be an agent within your own care - get information, learn, gather resources and identify what looks like a path to health for you. And we'd love to hear from you if you do.
Find Casey:
Integra Medicine
YouTube
Mentioned in this episode:
Books by Dr Fung - The Cancer Code. The Obesity Code.
Study Douglas Wallace
Study Press-pulse: a novel therapeutic strategy for the metabolic management of cancer
Book Defeating Cancer!: The Biological Effect of Deuterium Depletion by Gabor Somlyai
Book The Plant Paradox by Stephen Gundry
Book Keto Fast by Joseph Mercola
Book - Cancer as a Metabolic Disease by Thomas Seyfried
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More keto! We're interested in everything keto at the moment. The different ways to get into ketosis, how the body and brain respond to a ketogenic state, the complexities of exogenous ketones, and what possible benefits and drawbacks a state of ketosis has.
Dr. Brendan Egan this week helps us to dissect the current literature of ketones within the field of exercise performance and recovery, and offers a suggestion to look past ketones as a one-size-fits-all solution. Brendan also shares insight on the future of ketone research and the importance of focusing on foundational health practices.
We cover:
🥜 Natural ketosis - fasting and/or a ketogenic diet
🧪 Exogenous ketones explained: ketogenic precursors (MCTs), salts, esters, and dosage
🔬 The current data on ketosis and performance / recovery - the promising and the no-shows
😟 The potential value of ketosis when the body is really stressed
💪 Muscle protection - mitigating the effects of bed rest
💊 Placebo Power: Impacts performance and supplement perception.
If you're interested in using keto as a dietary intervention for exercise performance, recovery, or as a protective mechanism with reduced mobility or bed rest, have a listen. It certainly could be worthwhile seeing if shifting your body's fuel source helps you in your endeavour.
We'd love to hear from you - have you had any personal results that demonstrate anything similar to or contrary to the current literature?
Mentioned in this episode:
Study Nutritional Ketosis Alters Fuel Preference and Thereby Endurance Performance in Athletes
Study Ketone Bodies Attenuate Wasting in Models of Atrophy
Book Outlive by Peter Attia
Book Surely You’re Joking and What Do You Care What Other People Think? by Richard Feynman
Herology Women's Supplements
Find Brendan:
Google Scholar
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Why are we scheduling dentist appointments but not sex? How do we tackle desire discrepancies—when one of us is in the mood while the other is wondering what’s on Netflix? And why is "performance anxiety" such a thing?!
Ready to dive into the nitty-gritty of what really makes relationships tick? We sit down with Ian Kerner - he’s got the answers to all those questions you probably didn’t ask at your last dinner party. From how common it is for couples to be inches apart physically but miles apart emotionally, to the very real consequences of deprioritising sexual attraction, this conversation is a masterclass in sex and intimacy.
We go into:
📢 Why sexual compatibility should be a top priority in relationships
🪜 Bridging the gap in desire differences
⏰ Performance anxiety and the male obsession with "lasting longer"
👑 The clitoris as queen: closing the orgasm gap
📅 Scheduling sex: Unsexy or genius?
👴👵 Keeping the flame alive in long-term relationships
We see all of you out there experiencing this and not asking the questions. So we did it for you. You're welcome! Watch, listen, take note, maybe even try a new approach. Whether you're in a relationship, looking for one, or just curious, this conversation might start you thinking that there's another way to think about sex for your relationship health - and it could just be better than what you've got now...
And let us know - what do you think? What other questions do you have? "Is it normal that...?" Has it helped? Are there more obstacles?
Find Ian:
Website
Mentioned in this episode:
She Comes First by Ian Kerner
So Tell Me About the Last Time You Had Sex by Ian Kerner
The Erotic Mind by Jack Morin
Study - More Than Just Sex: Affection Mediates the Association Between Sexual Activity and Well-Being
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This podcast episode features an in-depth conversation on metabolic therapies and their potential in cancer treatment, particularly focused on glioblastoma and other glycolytic cancers. Our guest, Dr Dom D'Agostino, a researcher and professor with a diverse background in neuroscience, molecular pharmacology, nutrition and physiology, has a particular interest in metabolic therapies. Dr Dom shares how manipulating the body’s metabolism through the glucose ketone index (GKI), therapeutic ketogenic diets, and redox therapies can improve cancer outcomes by reducing tumour growth and enhancing standard treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. We also explore the synergies of non-toxic therapies such as hyperbaric oxygen, metformin, and IV vitamin C, and how these could potentially reduce the side effects and overall outcomes of cancer treatment.
We cover:
🩺 Standard cancer care with and without metabolic interventions
💊 Managing seizures with ketogenic therapies - a superior alternative to anti-seizure drugs
🍽 The power of fasting and the importance of protein intake in chemotherapy and cancer augmentation
🔥 Why certain cancers are more susceptible to metabolic-based therapies
🔬 How overall mitochondrial health dictates cancer cell transformation
Dom also touches on the fundamental relationship between liver health and cancer growth and metabolic strategies to prevent cancer. If you're interested in the intersection of nutrition and cancer or wondering how far we are from keto becoming part of standard care, this is a must-listen episode.
Find Dom:
Website
Metabolic Health Summit
Metabolic Health Summit YouTube
Mentioned in this episode:
Cancer cases attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors
Fasting Cycles Retard Growth of Tumors and Sensitize a Range of Cancer Cell Types to Chemotherapy
Ketones inhibit mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species
The Ketogenic Diet and Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Prolong Survival
Ketone supplementation decreases tumor cell viability and prolongs survival of mice with metastatic cancer
Metabolic management of glioblastoma ...with a restricted ketogenic diet
Clinical trials in progress
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Are you struggling with hair loss and not sure where to start? Or perhaps you have a hormone profile back that you want to work to improve? Whether you’re dealing with hair loss, want to optimise your hormonal profile towards a specific goal, or just want to feel at your best, this episode is packed with a science-backed medical perspective to provide you with the information to make decisions that support your journey to better health.
James O'Hara, a nurse practitioner with a keen specialisation in preventative medicine, explores the science behind hair loss, hormonal balance, and how lifestyle choices impact these areas, and our overall well-being. If you’re seeking practical solutions for improving both your vitality and appearance, this episode is for you.
Key Discussion Points:
🔍 Root causes of hair loss – from iron deficiency to hormonal imbalances in men and women
⚖️ Balancing hormones and hair loss treatments – exploring total testosterone, DHT, dutasteride and finasteride
📚 Stacking for regrowth – combining lifestyle changes with other interventions e.g. microneedling, nutrient optimisation, red light
🥗 Diet and testosterone – how fat, carbs, and supplements can influence hormone levels
🔄 Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) – who might benefit, and the risks involved
🧠 Cognitive Performance – Enhancing brain function with caffeine, Modafinil, and other low-risk tools
James emphasises the importance of a holistic approach, reminding us that no single treatment fits all. It’s about personalisation according to the individual, stacking therapies, managing lifestyle, and optimising nutrition for desired health outcome and long term well-being.
Find James:
Gillet Health Podcast
Website
Mentioned in this episode:
Study - Acute administration of roflumilast enhances sensory gating in healthy young humans
Study - Acute administration of roflumilast enhances immediate recall of verbal word memory in healthy young adults
Study - Acute treatment with the PDE4 inhibitor roflumilast improves verbal word memory in healthy old individuals
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PART 2! If you or someone you love is affected by Alzheimers, this is for you. If you believe you’re at risk genetically or you want to prevent your own cognitive decline, this is also for you. If you’re curious about the role of ketones and the ketogenic diet in brain health, this is absolutely for you.
Find Mary Newport:
Website and Books
Mentioned in this episode:
Use of medium chain triglyceride (MCT) oil in subjects with Alzheimer's disease
Study of the ketogenic agent AC-1202 in mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease
Dr Stephen Cunane. Can Ketones Help Rescue Brain Fuel Supply in Later Life?
Low-fat versus ketogenic diet in Parkinson's disease:
Study due 2025: Refueling the post COVID-19 brain: potential role of ketogenic medium chain triglyceride supplementation: an hypothesis
A short history of saturated fat: the making and unmaking of a scientific consensus
Lauric acid promotes neuronal maturation mediated by astrocytes in primary cortical cultures
Metabolical by Robert Lustig
Cancer as a Metabolic Disease by Thomas Seyfried
Ravenous by Sam Apple
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PART 1! If you or someone you love is affected by Alzheimers, this is for you. If you believe you’re at risk genetically or you want to prevent your own cognitive decline, this is also for you. If you’re curious about the role of ketones and the ketogenic diet in brain health, this is absolutely for you.
Dr. Mary Newport, neonatologist, author and certified Ketogenic Nutrition Specialist, shares her personal story of using a ketogenic diet to support her late husband, Steve, in his battle against early-onset Alzheimer’s. She explains the science behind ketones and how they serve as an alternative fuel for the brain. This episode doesn’t only offer insight into how ketones can improve cognitive function, mood, and overall quality of life, it also provides a very valid explanation for how they can be used to improve already existing cognitive decline.
We cover (but so much more too):
🧠 The brain-energy gap – how ketones bridge the gap
🥥 MCT oil and coconut oil – their structures and unique role in producing ketones
🍼 The connection between MCTs in breast milk and infant brain development
🔥 Ketones: anti-inflammatory, appetite-suppressing, and brain-protective properties
🩺 Can ketones prevent Alzheimer’s in high-risk individuals?
🔬 Research on ketone esters and future treatments for cognitive decline
Dr. Newport also touches on the need for more research into the use of ketones for Alzheimer's, the impact on inflammation and cerebral blood flow, and the challenges to traditional low-fat dietary guidelines. She emphasises the potential of ketogenic diets to improve brain health both in slowing the development of Alzheimer's and as a preventative measure, and discusses her upcoming book on dietary guidelines and brain ageing.
Find Mary:
Website and Books
Mentioned in this episode:
Reference list on Mary Newport's website
Full reference list can be found in Part 2
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If you feel like life is slipping by and you're unsure how to live with purpose or intention, this episode is for you. William B. Irvine - author, philosopher, teacher and practicing Stoic - shares profound insights on how Stoicism offers a coherent framework for living a fulfilled life. Bill encourages us to embrace discomfort, fail forward, and live authentically—not for social approval but for personal fulfilment. Whether you're new to Stoicism or a seasoned practitioner, this conversation offers actionable insights to help you master the art of living well.
🧠 The psychology of Stoicism: controlling negative emotions, not avoiding all feelings
⚖️ Hedonic treadmill: why chasing happiness may not lead where you think or want
🎯 Living by your values: how Stoicism and Zen Buddhism align in focusing on what truly matters
🌀 Negative visualisation: a Stoic practice for cultivating gratitude and perspective
🔄 Reframing challenges: using a positive mindset to turn obstacles into opportunities
Listen in here if you are interested in carefully rethinking the assumptions of everyday life and how they affect all realms of your health.
Find Bill:
Website
Mentioned in this episode:
Book - A Guide to the Good Life: The Ancient Art of Stoic Joy by William B. Irvine
Book - On Desire by William B. Irvine
Book - The Stoic Challenge: A Philosopher's Guide to Becoming Tougher, Calmer, and More Resilient by William B. Irvine
Book - Walden by Henry David Thoreau
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Mental health - we all have it. Yep, even you.
We are all getting so good at looking after the various aspects of our physical health - nutrition, types of exercise, light exposure, cold baths - whatever your bag is, we're here for it. And many are catching on that the same approach can be used to look at aspects of our mental health. There are things we know make us feel great and then things we do that make us feel... well, not so great. We're human and we have and will continue to get that balance wrong a lot. But we believe part of getting it wrong a little less is being aware of what those things are. Enter the world of therapy that can help us with this process of discovery, identification and support in understanding our rationale behind behaviours that no longer serve us present day and illuminating a world in which we might be able to make differences choices.
Here, we're speaking with Dr. Mitesh Patel discussing mental health and psychiatry. Mitesh talks about the pyramid of sound foundational principles - what we can do to foster sound mental health - and offers a unique perspective of what this field of work is highlighting at the moment. We cover:
💭 Mistruths around what it means to mentally well
💛 Emotional language mapping for young children in schools
🚫 Social media diets
🥽 The future of psychiatry - in-person, telehealth therapy, VR therapy
🛠️ Psychedelics for positive change - micro dosing, assisted therapies, guided trips
Find Mitesh:
Mentioned in this episode:
*Study - Interconnected Dynamics of Sleep Duration, Social Media Engagement, and Neural Reward Responses in Adolescents
Film - Her
Film - Ready Player 1
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The podcast currently has 46 episodes available.