The Ty Beal Show

By Ty Beal, PhDHealth & Fitness Nutrition

The Ty Beal Show episodes

November 04, 2025Bridging Research and Policy in Global Nutrition | Purnima Menon, PhD
How do we turn cutting-edge nutrition research into policies that improve people's lives? In this episode of The Ty Beal Show, Purnima Menon, PhD, Senior Director of Food and Nutrition Policy at IFPRI, shares her journey from reading recipe books as a child to becoming a world leader in advancing global nutrition at the intersection of science and policy.
Purnima explains why understanding people—their constraints, motivations, and contexts—is essential to creating meaningful change in food systems. We discuss the challenges of siloed thinking in nutrition, the complexities of sustainable diets, and what it takes to bridge the gap between evidence and action. Purnima brings a deeply human-centered perspective to some of the most pressing questions in food systems transformation.
Highlights from the episode include:
Why understanding people is central to all nutrition change—whether in behavior, programs, or policy
The biggest challenges facing global nutrition today and why we need to move beyond siloed solutions
How dietary choices are shaped by structural constraints at the intersection of water, energy, food, and gender
What it takes to bridge research and policy—and why both matter
The role of policy incentives and political economy in transforming food systems
Dr. Menon brings decades of experience working with influential researchers and policymakers around the world, offering a nuanced perspective that connects evidence to real-world impact. Her work reminds us that privilege comes with responsibility—and that meaningful change requires joining the dots between science, people, and policy.
Find Dr. Purnima Menon at IFPRI and connect with her on X and LinkedIn.
Connect with Ty on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. Read his publications on Google Scholar. Sign up for Ty's Newsletter.
59 min
October 28, 2025Muscle Health, Protein, and Longevity | Stuart Phillips, PhD
How much protein do we really need? And is resistance training more important than we thought? In this episode of The Ty Beal Show, Stuart Phillips, PhD, renowned expert in muscle health and aging at McMaster University, breaks down the science of muscle preservation across the lifespan.
Stuart shares his evolving perspective on protein's role in building and maintaining muscle, explaining why exercise is the true driver of muscle development—and why the current Recommended Dietary Allowance may be setting the bar too low. We discuss optimal protein intake for different life stages, the nuances of plant-based versus animal-based proteins, and why strength training matters far more for longevity than most people realize.
Highlights from the episode include:
Why exercise, not protein alone, is the key to preserving muscle as we age
The difference between strength and power—and why power matters most for preventing falls and maintaining independence
Evidence-based resistance training: what works and how much time you really need to invest
The RDA for protein versus optimal intake—and why the distinction matters globally
Protein requirements across life stages: pregnancy, childhood, older adulthood
Plant-based versus animal-based proteins: separating science from ideology
Safe protein intake ranges for longevity and health
What older adults should prioritize to maintain muscle and function
Dr. Phillips brings a refreshingly balanced perspective grounded in decades of rigorous research—pushing back against both protein minimalism and protein extremism to reveal what the evidence says.
Find Dr. Stuart Phillips at McMaster University. Connect with him on X, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Connect with Ty on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. Read his publications on Google Scholar. Sign up for Ty's Newsletter.
1 hr 8 min
October 21, 2025 Regenerative Grazing, Soil Health, and Climate Change | Paige Stanley, PhD
Can grazing livestock help restore soils, support biodiversity, and even mitigate climate change? In this episode of The Ty Beal Show, rangeland ecologist at Colorado State University, Dr. Paige Stanley, shares her research on regenerative grazing systems and their potential to benefit both landscapes and livelihoods.
Paige explains how well-managed grazing influences soil carbon dynamics, plant communities, and ecosystem resilience—and why not all grazing systems are created equal. We discuss the science behind methane emissions from cattle, trade-offs in land use, and how policy and incentives can help expand regenerative ranching practices that balance productivity with environmental stewardship.
Highlights from the episode include:
• How regenerative grazing differs from conventional grazing and why management matters
• What the latest research says about grazing’s role in soil carbon sequestration and biodiversity
• The methane puzzle—short-lived climate pollutants and strategies to reduce emissions
• Opportunities and challenges in scaling regenerative ranching for both ranchers and policymakers
Paige brings a nuanced, evidence-based perspective on the role of grazing animals in sustainable food systems—cutting through polarized debates with insights from the field.
Find Paige Stanley on X and at her website.
Connect with Ty on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. Read his publications on Google Scholar. Sign up for Ty's Newsletter.
1 hr 10 min
October 14, 2025Understanding OCD and Evidence-Based Treatment | Sara Brungardt, PhD, LPC
What exactly is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)—and how can evidence-based therapies help people reclaim their lives? In this episode of The Ty Beal Show, Dr. Sara Brungardt, licensed professional counselor and founder of CalmOCD, shares her expertise on diagnosing and treating OCD with proven methods like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Sara explains how OCD differs from perfectionism or personality traits, why intrusive thoughts don’t define a person’s character, and how therapy can rewire the brain’s fear response. We also discuss common myths about OCD, overlaps with eating disorders and anxiety, and how families can best support loved ones navigating recovery.
Highlights from the episode include:
What distinguishes OCD from ordinary worries or habits
How ERP and ACT work to reduce compulsions and anxiety
The connection between OCD, eating disorders, and control
Practical advice for supporting someone with OCD or seeking treatment
Dr. Brungardt offers a compassionate, science-based perspective that brings clarity to a misunderstood condition—and hope to those living with it.
Find Dr. Brungardt at CalmOCD.com and on Instagram.
Connect with Ty on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. Read his publications on Google Scholar. Sign up for Ty's Newsletter.
1 hr 12 min
October 07, 2025U.S. Food Politics and Rethinking Chronic Disease | Calley Means
Why do so many U.S. nutrition and health policies seem to favor ultra-processed foods over real, nutrient-dense foods—and what can be done about it? In this episode of The Ty Beal Show, Calley Means—New York Times #1 best-selling author, co-founder of Truemed, and Senior Advisor to the White House on MAHA—unpacks the structural incentives driving chronic disease in America.
Calley draws on his experience as a former political consultant for food and pharmaceutical companies to reveal how lobbying and reimbursement systems shape the foods we eat and the treatments we receive. We discuss how misaligned incentives fuel the epidemic of obesity and metabolic disorders, why prevention remains undervalued, and what reforms could redirect billions toward truly health-promoting foods.
Highlights from the episode include:
How Big Food and Big Pharma shape nutrition guidelines and healthcare spending
The impact of ultra-processed foods on children’s health and chronic disease risk
Policy and market innovations—like food-as-medicine—that could shift incentives toward prevention
Practical steps for individuals and policymakers to support healthier food environments
Calley shares an urgent, insider’s perspective on how policy and industry can change to address the root causes of metabolic disease rather than merely treating symptoms.
Find Calley Means on X and Instagram, learn more about Truemed at truemed.com, and order Good Energy on Amazon.
Connect with Ty on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. Read his publications on Google Scholar. Sign up for Ty's Newsletter.
43 min
September 30, 2025Preventing heart disease, low-carb diets, and time-restricted eating | Ethan Weiss, MD
Heart disease is still the top killer globally—but prevention and innovation are reshaping how we think about risk. In this episode of The Ty Beal Show, cardiologist Dr. Ethan Weiss—Chief Scientific Officer at Marea Therapeutics and long-time UCSF faculty expert—walks us through the intersection of genetics, metabolism, and cardiovascular health.
Dr. Weiss explains the concept of cardio-endocrine medicine, where heart disease and metabolic disorders like diabetes are deeply interlinked, and explores how imaging, biomarkers, and genomics are improving risk prediction. We dive into LDL vs ApoB, the role of new lipid therapies, and how personalized prevention looks in practice. Along the way, Dr. Weiss shares his experience with a Mediterranean-style low-carb diet and his take on time-restricted eating.
Takeaways from the episode include:
Why metabolic disease is inseparable from cardiovascular risk
How new tools (imaging, biomarkers, genetics) sharpen our prediction
Evidence-based lifestyle and clinical strategies to reduce risk
Evaluating low-carb diets, saturated fat, and fasting approaches
What the future holds in therapies for lipoprotein(a) and beyond
Find Dr. Ethan Weiss at Marea Therapeutics and UCSF. Connect with him on X.
Connect with Ty on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. Read his publications on Google Scholar. Sign up for Ty's Newsletter.
1 hr 10 min
September 23, 2025Nutritional Dark Matter and Regenerative Agriculture | Stephan van Vliet, PhD
What are the hidden compounds in our food, and how do farming practices shape their presence? In this episode of The Ty Beal Show, Stephan van Vliet, PhD, Professor of Nutrition at Utah State University, discusses his pioneering work in metabolomics and the concept of "nutritional dark matter"—the thousands of understudied compounds in food that may impact health.
Dr. van Vliet shares his journey from studying egg nutrition to uncovering the complexity of phytochemicals and other bioactive compounds in foods like beef, bison, and plants. The conversation explores how regenerative agriculture, with its focus on soil health and biodiversity, enhances nutrient density in crops and livestock, and what this could mean for human health and sustainable food systems.
What you'll learn:
The meaning of "nutritional dark matter" and why it matters for health
How regenerative farming influences phytochemicals in plants and animal products
The unique role of grazing animals in upcycling inedible plants into bioavailable nutrients
The differences between pasture-raised and grain-fed beef from a metabolomics perspective
Practical tips for choosing nutrient-dense foods at the grocery store or farmers market
Dr. van Vliet also discusses his ongoing research, including trials comparing regenerative and conventional agriculture, and the potential multi-generational health impacts of dietary patterns. This episode offers insights into how food production systems shape the nutritional quality of what we eat and their broader implications for health and the environment.
Find Dr. Stephan van Vliet’s research at Utah State University and learn more about his work at the van Vliet Lab.
Connect with Ty on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. Read his publications on Google Scholar. Sign up for Ty's Newsletter.
57 min
September 16, 2025Eating Disorders and Intuitive Eating | Taylor Aasand, RD, MPH
What does it take to foster a healthy relationship with food for children and adolescents? In this episode of The Ty Beal Show, registered dietitian and certified eating disorder specialist Taylor Aasand explores the complexities of eating disorders like ARFID, anorexia nervosa, and bulimia nervosa. Drawing from her practice in Phoenix-Scottsdale, she shares evidence-based strategies for prevention, treatment, and recovery, emphasizing compassionate, family-centered approaches and the power of intuitive eating.
What you'll learn:
The prevalence and impact of eating disorders in youth, affecting up to 1 in 8 individuals
How ARFID differs from picky eating and its severe consequences, like growth stunting
Why body image drives anorexia but not ARFID, and how to spot subtle warning signs
Practical ways to support recovery, including social media audits and family-style meals
How intuitive eating promotes self-compassion and balanced nutrition without restrictive diets
Taylor also discusses navigating today’s challenging food environment, offering parents actionable advice on fostering positive food conversations to prevent disordered eating. Find Taylor Aasand’s work at her private practice.
Connect with Ty on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. Read his publications on Google Scholar. Sign up for Ty's Newsletter.
59 min
September 09, 2025The Planetary Health Diet 2 | Walter Willett, MD, DrPH
What does it take to eat for the health of humans and the planet? In this episode of The Ty Beal Show, Dr. Walter Willett, the world’s most cited nutritionist, gives a sneak peek at the upcoming 2025 EAT-Lancet Commission and provides his take on ultra-processed foods and seed oils.
From his family farm in Michigan to leading Harvard's Department of Nutrition for 25 years, Dr. Willett shares the journey that led him to pioneer nutritional epidemiology. At the center of this conversation is the planetary health diet—a flexible framework to address human and planetary health.
What you'll discover:
The 2025 EAT-Lancet Commission's updated recommendations (releasing October 3rd)
How to adapt the planetary health diet from vegan to omnivore preferences
The limitations of the NOVA ultra-processed food framework
The health effects of seed oils like soybean and canola oil
How Dr. Willett's trans-fat research transformed American food policy
Dr. Willett addresses the seed oil controversy with decades of research, explaining why these oils have helped reduce heart disease rates since the 1950s. He also reveals why the real drivers of obesity aren't seed oils but sugar-sweetened beverages and refined starches, and how the planetary health diet balances individual health with global sustainability and equity.
Find Dr. Walter Willett's research at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and learn more about the EAT-Lancet Commission.
Connect with Ty on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. Read his publications on Google Scholar. Sign up for Ty's Newsletter.
1 hr 12 min
September 02, 2025Decoding Plant-Based Diets and Heart Health | Gil Carvalho, MD, PhD
What does the science say about plant-based diets, longevity, and cardiovascular health? In this episode of The Ty Beal Show, Dr. Gil Carvalho, research scientist and host of Nutrition Made Simple with over a million monthly viewers, cuts through the noise to reveal what the evidence shows.
Dr. Carvalho challenges common assumptions about plant-based eating, explaining why the term itself is misleading and how Mediterranean, pescatarian, and even well-planned omnivorous diets can be equally health-promoting. Drawing from Harvard's landmark healthy aging studies and genetic research, he reveals how optimized nutrition patterns can add 10-12 years to your lifespan—but warns against the dangerous mythology surrounding certain dietary extremes.
This deep-dive conversation explores the mechanics of cardiovascular disease, with Dr. Carvalho breaking down why ApoB—not LDL cholesterol—is the gold standard for assessing heart disease risk. He shares his personal experience with genetic risk factors including elevated Lp(a), explaining when imaging tests like coronary calcium scores become valuable and how to optimize lipid levels through diet, lifestyle, and targeted medications.
What you'll learn:
Why "plant-based" encompasses everything from Mediterranean to vegan diets—and why the distinction may matter less than you think
The critical difference between ApoB and LDL cholesterol for predicting heart attacks
Why B12 deficiency on vegan diets can cause irreversible nervous system damage
How isometric exercises like wall squats can lower blood pressure as effectively as medication
Why weight loss consistently improves glucose metabolism regardless of diet type
Dr. Carvalho also shares his personal experiments with statin medications, revealing how different drugs affected his insulin resistance and ApoB levels differently, and explains why promising new Lp(a)-lowering medications might revolutionize cardiovascular prevention within the next few years.
Whether you're navigating conflicting dietary advice, concerned about cardiovascular risk, or simply want to understand what nutritional science says about plant-based diets, this episode provides evidence-based clarity from one of the field's most trusted science communicators.
Find Dr. Gil Carvalho's work at Nutrition Made Simple on YouTube and follow him on X and Facebook.
Connect with Ty on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. Read his publications on Google Scholar. Sign up for Ty's Newsletter.
1 hr 24 min

About The Ty Beal Show

From the publisher's feed

Are you overwhelmed by conflicting nutrition advice? Tired of trying to separate health facts from fleeting fads? I’m Ty Beal, PhD, a nutrition scientist exploring what we eat and how it truly impacts our wellbeing.

On The Ty Beal Show, we cut through the noise. Each week, I’ll be talking with leading experts in nutrition, public health, and food systems—bringing you the latest science in simple, practical terms. We’ll explore why there’s no one perfect diet, how to nourish your body, and ways to help avoid chronic disease.

Here’s the truth: Nutrition shouldn’t be confusing. Our goal is to empower you with knowledge that’s actually useful—so you can feel your best, without the hype. We focus on facts, not fear; understanding, not judgment; and a dose of common sense—and maybe even some humor—along the way.

If you’re ready to take charge of your health with credible, science-backed insights, hit subscribe. Let’s learn and grow together.