Pretty Curious with Jonathan Van Ness

Emma Stone, Rashida Jones, Pippi Longstocking… what do all these ladies have in common? FRECKLES. They all have freckles. Well honey, freckles got launched into the zeitgeist this fall when Taylor Swift was photographed wearing glitter freckles to a Kansas City game. Yes. GLI-TTER FRE-CKLES. So, just like the rest of the world, we wanted to learn more! That’s why today on the pod, we are welcoming the co-founders of Fazit Beauty: Nina LaBruna & Aliett Buttelman!

Fazit Beauty is best known for their innovative skin patches that address common skin issues with an approach centered in loving your skin in any condition. AND… they make the glitter freckles!

Fazit Beauty is on Instagram @fazitbeauty and on TikTok @fazitbeauty Nina is on TikTok @nina_beautyfounder Aliett is on TikTok @alliettbutts

Follow us on Instagram @CuriousWithJVN to learn more about the products from this episode, or head to JonathanVanNess.com for the transcript. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN.

Find books from Getting Curious and Pretty Curious guests at bookshop.org/shop/curiouswithjvn.

Our Senior Producer is Chris McClure. Our editor & engineer is Nathanael McClure. Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Production support from Julie Carrillo, Anne Currie, and Chad Hall.

Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email [email protected].

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Introducing How to lower cholesterol in 10 days | Prof. Sarah Berry from ZOE Science & Nutrition.

Follow the show: ZOE Science & Nutrition

Forty percent of people in the UK and US have high cholesterol. Knowing how to lower it can be confusing. In today’s episode, we simplify the science of cholesterol, drawing from ZOE’s 2021 PREDICT study, which explored its link to the gut microbiome.

Dr. Sarah Berry explains the differences between ‘good’ and ‘bad’ cholesterol, discusses how cholesterol can impact your health, and shares tips on maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.

Sarah is a professor in the Department of Nutritional Sciences at King's College London and Chief Scientist at ZOE. She is also the lead nutritional scientist on the PREDICT program.

🥑 Learn how your body responds to food 👉 zoe.com/podcast for 10% off

🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily 30

*Naturally high in copper which contributes to normal energy yielding metabolism and the normal function of the immune system

Follow ZOE on Instagram.

Timecodes

00:00 Introduction

01:40 Quickfire questions

04:01 What is cholesterol?

05:50 LDL vs HDL cholesterol

11:35 How diet affects cholesterol

13:55 Which fats should you increase?

16:00 Why do some people have high LDL levels?

18:40 The gut microbiome and cholesterol

20:37 What is ApoB?

24:00 Why don’t all doctors measure ApoB?

25:50 Why triglycerides matter to your health

29:30 Triglycerides and post-meal responses

30:45 Which foods can help lower cholesterol?

33:20 Saturated fat explained

35:30 How refined carbs affect cholesterol

39:50 Can you trust ‘low fat’ food labels?

41:15 The benefits of whole grain carbohydrates and fibre

45:03 Sarah’s personal view on statins

48:13 Cholesterol levels in postmenopausal women

Books by our ZOE Scientists:

Free resources from ZOE:

Mentioned in today's episode

Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here.

Episode transcripts are available here.

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

This week, we have an unbeatable cosmetic chemistry duo - Perry Romanowski & Valerie George from The Beauty Brains Podcast! We’re coming to you today with the 411 on a fundamental element of any skin care routine: cleanser. But what’s the deal with cleanser anyhow? How many kinds of cleansers are there? What are the differences between them? What are they doing on a microscopic level? What kinds of conditions do we need to be aware of when selecting a cleanser? We’re getting into all of that - and much, much more - with Perry & Valerie!

Perry Romanowski is a writer, cosmetic chemist, Inventor, scientist, instructor, futurologist, and thought leader. He’s also the founder of Chemists Corner blog and training program. He also has the longest running streak done while joggling.

Valerie George is a cosmetic chemist, science communicator, educator, leader and avid proponent of transparency in the beauty industry. She works on the latest research in hair color and hair care as Vice President of Research & Development at a leading salon brand. You can follow her on Twitter @thelahobo.

The Beauty Brains Podcast is on Instagram @thebeautybrains2018

Follow us on Instagram @CuriousWithJVN to learn more about the products from this episode, or head to JonathanVanNess.com for the transcript. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN.

Find books from Getting Curious and Pretty Curious guests at bookshop.org/shop/curiouswithjvn.

Our Senior Producer is Chris McClure. Our editor & engineer is Nathanael McClure. Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Production support from Julie Carrillo, Anne Currie, and Chad Hall.

Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email [email protected].

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Introducing What to eat to avoid osteoporosis from ZOE Science & Nutrition.

Follow the show: ZOE Science & Nutrition

🥑 Make smarter food choices. Become a member at zoe.com - 10% off with code PODCAST

Every 12 years, our skeletons undergo a complete transformation.

Prof. Tim Spector and Prof. Cyrus Cooper discuss how to avoid Osteoporosis, a condition where bones become fragile, significantly increases the risk of fractures from minor incidents, often without any noticeable symptoms. Worldwide, it affects one in three women and one in five men over fifty, leading to pain, potential disability and loss of independence.

In today’s episode, Jonathan, Tim and Cyrus ask the question: How can understanding osteoporosis and implementing targeted lifestyle changes enhance bone health and reduce the risk of fractures?

Cyrus Cooper is a Professor of Rheumatology at the University of Southampton, where he is also the Director of the MRC Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit and Vice-Dean of Medicine. In addition, he’s a Professor of Musculoskeletal Science at the Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences at the University of Oxford.

Tim Spector is one of the world’s top 100 most-cited scientists, a professor of epidemiology, and scientific Co-Founder at ZOE. Tim trained originally in rheumatology and epidemiology. 

🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily30+

*Naturally high in copper which contributes to normal energy yielding metabolism and the normal function of the immune system

Follow ZOE on Instagram.

Timecodes

00:00 Introduction

01:21 Quickfire questions

03:08 What is osteoporosis?

06:10 Why might our bones become more fragile as we age?

08:10 Your skeleton renews itself all the time

10:30 Does menopause cause osteoporosis?

12:48 What's it like living with osteoporosis?

15:16 How common is osteoporosis in males?

16:04 What are the symptoms of osteoporosis and at what age should you get checked?

21:40 Some chilling statistics about osteoporosis

23:10 Common myths about the effects of calcium and vitamin D on osteoporosis

27:50 What is the latest science on vitamin D supplementation?

34:10 Can vitamin D and calcium ensure children’s bone density is healthy?

34:55 Osteoporosis treatment options, including new drugs    

37:20 The impacts of HRT on bone density

39:30 What are the downsides to some of these treatments?

43:00 Does physical activity help to prevent fractures?

44:30 Lifestyle impacts: diet and nutrition

49:40 Can exercise make your bones stronger?

55:20 Ideal exercises to prevent osteoporosis

57:10 Cyrus and Tim’s top 3 actions to improve bone health

59:10 Summary

Mentioned in today's episode:

Relevant studies:

Books:

Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here

Episode transcripts are available here.

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

Makeup, Prosthetics, and Hair..oh my! Fellow Ozians! We’ve got more to share from our conversation with the Hair, Makeup, and Prosthetics designer of Wicked, Frances Hannon! We had so much fun talking to Frances, there was no possible way we could fit everything we talked about into one little (green) baby episode. Today, we’re talking more about Elphaba’s HMU, the nuts and bolts of Ozian body doubles & stand-ins, and which collaboration left Frances starstruck. Let’s go down to the Ozdust ballroom….

Famous in the entertainment industry for her ability to transform any face, makeup and hair designer Frances Hannon first entered the realm of film and TV with a job working on the British sketch comedy series "The Kenny Everett Television Show" (on the BBC, 1981-88). Cut to her ongoing collaboration with Wes Anderson which began with 1998’s : “Rushmore.” Hannon quickly became one of the most sought after makeup and hair designers in Hollywood, loved and appreciated by directors and actors alike for her rigorous research. She won an Oscar for her work on Wes Anderson’s The Grand Budapest Hotel, and has worked on major blockbusters like World War Z, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, and most recently…Wicked.

Frances Hannon is on Instagram @frances_hannon_official  and you can follow the Wicked Movie @wickedmovie

Follow us on Instagram @CuriousWithJVN to learn more about the products from this episode, or head to JonathanVanNess.com for the transcript. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN.

Find books from Getting Curious and Pretty Curious guests at bookshop.org/shop/curiouswithjvn.

Our Senior Producer is Chris McClure. Our editor & engineer is Nathanael McClure. Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Production support from Julie Carrillo, Anne Currie, and Chad Hall.

Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email [email protected].

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Introducing Your new menopause toolkit with Dr. Mary Claire Haver & Dr. Sarah Berry from ZOE Science & Nutrition.

Follow the show: ZOE Science & Nutrition

The menopause transition can bring unexpected challenges — the effects can significantly impact daily life and long-term health.

Dr. Mary Claire Haver is a board-certified gynaecologist and a menopause specialist. She's helped thousands of women in perimenopause and menopause to realise their health goals. In today’s episode, she joins Jonathan and ZOE's Chief Scientist Dr. Sarah Berry to shed light on what to expect during these life stages.

Sarah and Mary Claire describe practical strategies for managing symptoms, critical conversations to have with healthcare providers, and how to advocate for yourself effectively in medical settings.

🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily 30

*Naturally high in copper which contributes to normal energy yielding metabolism and the normal function of the immune system

Learn how your body responds to food 👉 zoe.com/podcast for 10% off

Follow ZOE on Instagram. 

Timecodes:

00:00 Introduction

01:33 Quickfire questions

05:53 There is a lack of menopause training in medical school

07:02 Most women are going into menopause blind

07:43 Why menopause symptoms vary

09:30 The hormonal ‘zone of chaos’

11:45 ZOE PREDICT data on menopause symptoms

13:36 How long do perimenopause symptoms last?

17:52 Perimenopause at age 35?

18:34 Why hormone tests are worthless

20:53 The risk of chronic disease after menopause

24:53 Why does menopause increase hunger?

28:39 Why medicine and research is male-dominated

32:34 How to talk to your doctor about menopaue

34:12 Pregnancy research - 10x more extensive than menopause research!

35:14 Mary Claire’s toolkit of strategies for menopause

36:34 What are the long-term health benefits of hormone replacement therapy?

38:36 Is HRT safe for most women?

42:47 Brand new ZOE study results: diet and menopause

49:16 Top 3 tips to help with symptoms

54:34 What is ‘frozen shoulder’ and how can you treat it?

📚 Mary Claire's book

• The New Menopause

📚 Books from our ZOE Scientists

Mentioned in today's episode

Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here

Episode transcripts are available here.

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

Grab your high-heel hiking boots, babes - we have the QUEEN of the outdoors, Pattie Gonia! JVN & Pattie sit down for a good ole pre-election kiki to talk all about the queer the outdoors, Pattie’s drag origin story, and the sad but true degree of separation - their surprising duo appearance in a Trump campaign advertisement. Y’all, you have to hear it to believe it!

Pattie Gonia is a critically acclaimed drag queen, environmentalist and musician. To date, Pattie’s community is more than 1,000,000 people strong. Pattie is also the co-founder of the Outdoorist Oath- a non-profit that gets BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ and femmes into the outdoors through community and education. Recently, Pattie founded the Queer Outdoor and Environmental Job Board - a free tool queer individuals can use to get hired and therefore diversify the fields. Together with her community, they’ve collectively fundraised over $2.5 million dollars for LGBTQIA+, BIPOC and environmental non-profits, completed thousands of miles of hiking and backpacking and raised awareness about the ongoing environmental crisis through their film projects like Won't Give Up, Birds Tell Us & Everything to Lose.

In 2024, Pattie was named in OUT MAGAZINE’s OUT 100 PEOPLE. Pattie’s drag itself is a personal journey of self identity, sustainability, and queering traditional masculine outdoor narratives to explore the natural world.

You can follow Pattie Gonia is on Instagram @pattiegonia on TikTok @pattiegonia and also on their website.

Follow us on Instagram @CuriousWithJVN to learn more about the products from this episode, or head to JonathanVanNess.com for the transcript. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN.

Find books from Getting Curious and Pretty Curious guests at bookshop.org/shop/curiouswithjvn.

Our Senior Producer is Chris McClure. Our editor & engineer is Nathanael McClure. Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Production support from Julie Carrillo, Anne Currie, and Chad Hall.

Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email [email protected].

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Introducing 4 immunity tips for healthy ageing | Dr. Jenna Macciochi from ZOE Science & Nutrition.

Follow the show: ZOE Science & Nutrition

Over the last two years, there’s been a rise in “immune-boosting” foods, supplements and trends. Today's guest, immunologist Dr. Jenna Macciochi, believes the immune system doesn’t need boosting. Instead, it should be balanced.

In this episode, Jenna - a Senior Lecturer in Immunology at the University of Sussex - reveals how your immune system is your body’s housekeeper. Jenna highlights the case for the ‘good bugs’ in our gut microbiome, the role of micronutrients and how our immune system isn’t born, but made.

We'll also tackle the age-old question: do we really need Vitamin C supplements?

🥑 Make smarter food choices. Become a member at zoe.com - 10% off with code PODCAST

🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily 30+

*Naturally high in copper which contributes to normal energy yielding metabolism and the normal function of the immune system

Follow ZOE on Instagram

Timecodes:

01:21 Quickfire questions

04:51 What is the immune system?

06:49 How your immune system works

09:35 What are natural killer cells?

14:18 Is your immune system inherited?

16:42 The impact of sleep and stress 

19:53 Cancer and immunotherapy

28:23 This can trigger inflammation

30:25 Are vitamin C supplements worth it?

31:30 Foods to empower your immune system

40:10 How inflammation affects your brain

44:10 New science of the impact of stress

48:52 Immunity and your body clock

📚 Get Jenna's book Your Blueprint for Strong Immunity

📚 Books by our ZOE Scientists:

The Food For Life Cookbook

Every Body Should Know This by Dr Federica Amati

Food For Life by Prof. Tim Spector

Mentioned in today’s episode:

“Immune Boosting” in the time of COVID: selling immunity on Instagram (2020), published in Allergy, Asthma & Clinical Immunology

Vitamin C for preventing and treating the common cold (2013), published in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

Effects of stress on immune function: the good, the bad, and the beautiful (2014), published in Journal of Immunology Research

Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here.

Episode transcripts are available here.

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].

You know what they say: You’re never fully dressed without a smile! This week on Pretty Curious, we’re talking all things dentistry with an iconic dental practitioner, Park 60 Lex’s Dr. Stephanie Dumanian! We’re talking gingivitis, halitosis, teeth whitening, flossing, fluoride - this list goes ON! Plus - more rapid fire favorites & some splurge and budget cleanser recommendations, and the differences between East Coast & West Coast smiles. Now, say cheese!

Dr. Stephanie Dumanian experienced the transformative power of dentistry at a very young age when a dentist, who thought outside of the box, restored her smile by correcting a dental trauma. The self-confidence which resulted from this treatment changed her life and inspired her to help others. In early 2019, Dr. Dumanian became a partner in Park Lex 60. She took over the practice shortly thereafter and built a loyal following by focusing on aesthetics and function to ensure that her patients can maintain a healthy and harmonious smile, all the while conserving as much of their original teeth. Dr. Dumanian specializes in providing lifelike veneers to her patients using smile design principles and utilizing the latest advancements in photography and digital technology. She subsequently works with a select group of master ceramists, true craftsmen, to deliver aesthetic perfection.

You can follow Park 60 Lex & Dr. Stephanie Dumanian is on Instagram @parklex60dental

Follow us on Instagram @CuriousWithJVN to learn more about the products from this episode, or head to JonathanVanNess.com for the transcript. Jonathan is on Instagram @JVN.

Find books from Getting Curious and Pretty Curious guests at bookshop.org/shop/curiouswithjvn.

Our Senior Producer is Chris McClure. Our editor & engineer is Nathanael McClure. Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Production support from Julie Carrillo, Anne Currie, and Chad Hall.

Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email [email protected].

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Introducing How to eat 30 plants this week | Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Prof. Tim Spector from ZOE Science & Nutrition.

Follow the show: ZOE Science & Nutrition

Thirty plants this week, think you could do it? It might sound a lot, but it’s easier than you think. Fruit, veg, nuts, seeds, even coffee all count as plants.

Legendary chef Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall joins us to share tips on eating more plants. Hugh’s new book ‘How to Eat 30 Plants a Week’ explores the wild world of legumes, grains, herbs and beyond. He explains that getting your thirty plants each week can be simple, fun and delicious.

Joining Hugh is Tim Spector - professor of genetic epidemiology at King’s College London and ZOE’s scientific co-founder. Tim explains why our gut microbiome loves plants, highlighting the importance of polyphenols, healthy fats and fiber.

You’ll finish this episode inspired, empowered and likely... hungry.

🥑 Make smarter food choices. Become a member at zoe.com for 10% off with code PODCAST

🌱 Try our new plant based wholefood supplement - Daily 30

*Naturally high in copper which contributes to normal energy yielding metabolism and the normal function of the immune system

Follow ZOE on Instagram.

Timecodes

00:00 Thirty plants every week?

01:57 Quickfire questions

05:04 What happens when we digest plants?

08:43 Why are plants so different?

11:28 Why eating the rainbow is important 

18:42 Why 30 plants?

22:13 How much fiber should you eat a day?

25:53 The science that proves the power of plants

32:00 How to get more plants in your diet

34:45 How to get more plants on-the-go

38:36 Plant-based cooking made simple

46:45 Are dried and frozen plants just as nutritious?

47:51 How does cooking affect plants

48:56 What to do with your leftovers

49:44 Do mushrooms count as plants?

51:06 How important is organic food? 

55:40 Hugh’s showstopper dish

57:16 Surprise taste-test from Hugh’s garden

Books

Free resources from ZOE:

Mentioned in today's episode

Have feedback or a topic you'd like us to cover? Let us know here.

Episode transcripts are available here.

DISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to [email protected].