There are significant ethnicity-specific differences in metabolism and heart disease risk that are not often discussed. In this episode we cover:

• A brief overview of insulin resistance (IR) and the renin angiotensin system (aka RAS)
• How IR and RAS present in major ethnic groups like African Americans, Asians (including South Asians), Hispanics, etc.
• My simplistic model for categorizing IR to better explain ethnic risk
• Ethnic-specific lifestyle changes to improve metabolism and reduce heart disease risk

I'm going to explain the interaction between blood pressure, body fat, and sodium by explaining the all important RAAS (renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system). Understanding this system can help you optimize blood pressure, heart, and overall vascular health. We'll discuss the following:

• Understanding how RAAS works
• How body fat interacts with RAAS
• Why sodium is not the root cause of high blood pressure
• The connection between insulin resistance and RAAS
• Lifestyle measures to effectively reduce blood pressure

Understanding the mechanism behind how your body stores and burns fat (aka lipolysis) will help you incorporate lifestyle strategies to help you lose excess body fat. In this episode we discuss:

• The science of burning body fat
• Different types of body fat based on color and location
• Teaching your body to burn excess fat through thermogenesis
• Multiple lifestyle strategies to enhance fat loss

Muscles are a key organ for longevity, yet the majority of patients I see in my clinic suffer metabolically, physically, and even mentally from a lack of optimal muscle strength. Most individuals are also consuming insufficient protein to activate muscle growth. In this episode I discuss:

• The science of muscle growth (aka muscle protein synthesis)
• The role of insulin and mTOR using a Marvel superhero
• Defining optimal protein intake for muscle growth
• Vegetarian vs animal protein
• Fasting, exercise and other lifestyle factors affecting muscle

Ketogenic diets are commonly associated with meat-based diets, but this misconception isolates individuals from accessing this precious metabolic state. In this episode I discuss the following:

• Ketosis explained using an ox-powered waterwheel
• Fat burning/oxidation explained using box cutters
• Why ketones are an incredible energy source
• The health benefits of ketosis explained
• How plant-eaters and meat-eaters can access ketosis

Envy is an emotion very few people like to talk about, but that simmers inside so many of us. I talk about envy openly in this episode and discuss the following:

• Why people avoid discussing envy
• The impact of envy on our emotional health
• My personal experience with envy
• The parenting impact of envy on children
• Toxic competitiveness fueled by envy
• Practical tips on coping with envy

In this episode I use 4 key coenzymes along with storytelling and visualization to help you understand energy metabolism. We'll weave in James Bond's Casino Royale and introduce a "RAP" to help you become a metabolic whiz. Topics include:

• Mitochondria refresher
• Introducing the 4 key coenzymes
• Major metabolic processes that produce energy
• The role of B vitamins in metabolism
• Cutting edge longevity molecules and supplements

In this episode I do my best to provide an objective, science-based mechanism for how plant-based and paleo-type diets can be effective in reversing insulin resistance. I cover the following:

• Molecular overview of insulin resistance
• Case descriptions of how plant-based and paleo-type diets can reverse insulin resistance
• Critical role of mitochondrial horsepower
• Overlap areas with plant-based and paleo-type diets
• Key concepts behind dietary personalization

It's time to introduce the liver into our metabolic framework and understand how it interacts with fat and muscle. We'll discuss:

• The metabolic triad of glucose, fat and muscle
• How the liver regulates glucose with extraordinary precision
• Understanding metabolism when fed, fasted, and in ketosis
• Insulin resistance in the liver and how it's linked to elevated glucose, triglycerides and fatty liver

This episode introduces fat metabolism through signature storytelling that involves ships, TSA agents, and a visit to a pub. We'll cover the following:

• Overlaps in fat and glucose metabolism
• The essence of fat mobilization and storage
• Key hormones for fat storage and burning
• Deeper understanding of insulin resistance and fat gain
• Lifestyle changes to enhance fat burning