Nutrition For Mortals

Episode

• The Scientologist Chiropractor Who Became The Internet’s Biggest Nutrition Influencer 27.05.2026 47mnt

  Donate for World Hunger Day! Dr. Eric Berg has built one of the biggest nutrition empires on the internet. With millions of YouTube subscribers and billions of views, his videos on keto, fasting, “hidden toxins,” and miracle health hacks reach an audience larger than many major media outlets. To his fans, he’s the calm, trustworthy doctor explaining the “real truth” about health that mainstream medicine doesn’t want you to hear. But the deeper we dug into the world of Dr. Berg, the stranger the story became. What starts as nutrition advice quickly turns into an Alice in Wonderland-style rabbit hole filled with anti-establishment wellness messaging, controversial medical claims, and eventually… Scientology. So join us, two registered dietitians, as we unravel the bizarre overlap between influencer wellness culture, algorithm-driven health misinformation, and one of the most controversial organizations in modern history.Want to support the show and get bonus episodes? Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/nutritionformortalsLeave us a voicemail that may be featured on a future episode! Call us at (562)-N4M-POD1 (562-646-7631).We’ve got MERCH! Check it out HEREDon’t want to miss any episodes in the future? Make sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!For feedback or to suggest a show topic email us at nutritionformortals@gmail.comFeel free to contact our real, live nutrition counseling practice**This podcast is for information purposes only, is not a substitute for individual medical or mental health advice, and does not constitute a patient-provider relationship**
• Are Nitrates The Cigarette For Our Buttholes? 13.05.2026 46mnt

  Across headlines, documentaries, and social media posts, nitrate-cured processed meats are often talked about with the same language once used for cigarettes. Bacon, hot dogs, deli turkey, pepperoni—foods many people grew up eating—are now linked in people’s minds with colon cancer and claims that nitrates are “poisoning” us. Meanwhile, Americans consume billions and billions of dollars of processed meat each year. So what gives? How should we think about nitrates and processed meats? And are “uncured” meats really safer? Join us, two registered dietitians, as we explore what the research actually says about the connection between processed meats and cancer risk. Want to support the show and get bonus episodes? Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/nutritionformortalsLeave us a voicemail that may be featured on a future episode! Call us at (562)-N4M-POD1 (562-646-7631).We’ve got MERCH! Check it out HEREDon’t want to miss any episodes in the future? Make sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!Things we talked about and additional reading: Trends in meat consumption in the United States1980 NYT: U.S. Will Not Seek to Ban Nitrite From Foods as a Cause of CancerN-nitrosamines in processed meats: exposure, formation and mitigationIARC Monographs Volume 114 Agents classified by the IARC MonographsIARC Q&AsRole of Nitrite Exposure from Processed Meat Consumption in the Development of CRCCarcinogenicity of consumption of red and processed meatCRC Facts & Figures 2023-2025Geographic and age variations in mutational processes in colorectal cancerTrends in Daily Cigarette Consumption Among Smokers: A Population Study in England, 2008–2023Low-intensity smoking and increased risk of earlier deathFor feedback or to suggest a show topic email us at nutritionformortals@gmail.comFeel free to contact our real, live nutrition counseling practice**This podcast is for information purposes only, is not a substitute for individual medical or mental health advice, and does not constitute a patient-provider relationship**
• MAHA Update! Are We Healthy Again Yet?! [SAMPLE] 06.05.2026 8mnt

  Hear the rest of this episode and access our full back-catalog of bonus episodes on Patreon for only $3!Head to our Patreon to sign up: ⁠patreon.com/nutritionformortals⁠⁠
• Testosterone Maxxing With The Boys 29.04.2026 46mnt

  Across TikTok, Reddit, and podcast circuits, young men are being sold a blueprint for increasing their testosterone. Known as ‘T-maxxing’, this trend is a mix of diet rules, supplement stacks, gym routines, and lifestyle hacks all centered around boosting testosterone as the ultimate marker of health. But behind the steak, organ meats, and anti-soy rhetoric is a more complicated story—one that blends kernels of physiology with a heavy dose of misinformation, cherry-picked science, and cultural anxiety. So join us, two registered dietitians, as we unpack the science of testosterone, break down the foods and supplements at the center of T-maxxing, and explore the deeper cultural forces driving this trend—from body image to belonging to the pressure to “optimize” masculinity—even when that pressure is built on shaky science and unrealistic ideals.Want to support the show and get bonus episodes? Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/nutritionformortalsLeave us a voicemail that may be featured on a future episode! Call us at (562)-N4M-POD1 (562-646-7631). We’ve got MERCH! Check it out HEREDon’t want to miss any episodes in the future? Make sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!Things we talked about and additional reading: Testosterone in hunter-gatherer men #1Testosterone in hunter-gatherer men #2Secular trends in testosterone over timeCholesterol intake not associated with total testosterone levels in menAssociations between vitamin D status and testosterone levels in menAssociations between omega-3 FA and testosterone levels in men Fish Intake and Serum Testosterone Levels in Older MalesHuberman Partners with Momentous Supplements Andrew Huberman’s Mechanisms of Control | NY MagTongkat Ali meta-analysis Testosterone and human behavior Testosterone causes both prosocial and antisocial status-enhancing behaviors in human malesTestosterone and cortisol “dual hormone hypothesis”Experiment with manipulated “win” or “loss” on androgens and psychology in men Gynecomastia and soy case report #1 Gynecomastia and soy case report #2Meta-Analysis: intake of soy on reproductive hormones in men Are Soy isoflavones truly a public health concern?Gynecomastia from meat in Italian school Gynecomastia from meat in Puerto Rican Children For feedback or to suggest a show topic email us at nutritionformortals@gmail.comFeel free to contact our real, live nutrition counseling practice**This podcast is for information purposes only, is not a substitute for individual medical or mental health advice, and does not constitute a patient-provider relationship**
• Let’s Talk About Youngevity… 15.04.2026 49mnt

  Joel Wallach built an empire on a wild promise: that EVERY single human disease is simply the result of a mineral deficiency. Through his lectures and various supplement companies, his message reached millions and made him a central figure in one of the most controversial corners of the wellness world. From his “90 essential nutrients” claim to the spread of COVID-19 pseudoscience, this story isn’t just unusual—it’s a case study in how confidently presented misinformation can evolve, expand, and ultimately shape the way people think about health.  So join us, two registered dietitians, as we dig into the science, the saga, and the spectacle of the multi-level marketing machine that is Youngevity. Want to support the show and get bonus episodes? Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/nutritionformortalsLeave us a voicemail that may be featured on a future episode! Call us at (562)-N4M-POD1 (562-646-7631). We’ve got MERCH! Check it out HEREDon’t want to miss any episodes in the future? Make sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!Things we talked about and additional reading: Dead Doctors Don’t Lie BookDead Doctors Don’t Like VHSThe Wallach RevolutionThe 90 Essential MineralsYoungevity WebsiteMore on Ultratrace MineralsYoungevity and FTC TroubleYoungevity DelistedFor feedback or to suggest a show topic email us at nutritionformortals@gmail.comFeel free to contact our real, live nutrition counseling practice**This podcast is for information purposes only, is not a substitute for individual medical or mental health advice, and does not constitute a patient-provider relationship**
• From Protein Bars to Jeffrey Epstein [SAMPLE] 08.04.2026 9mnt

  Hear the rest of this episode and access our full back-catalog of bonus episodes on Patreon for only $3!Head to our Patreon to sign up: ⁠patreon.com/nutritionformortals⁠⁠
• Are These Foods SECRETLY Trying to KILL YOU Until You Are Dead? 01.04.2026 23mnt

  Released April 1st, 2026In this episode, we sit down with a totally real, definitely credible “expert” and author of Are These Foods SECRETLY Trying to KILL YOU Until You Are Dead?, a groundbreaking exposé claiming that the true enemies of human health have been hiding in plain sight all along: tomatoes, mozzarella, and bread. In this very serious interview, our special guest will walk us through how these everyday foods are waging a coordinated attack on your body—from the “acidic chaos” of tomatoes, to the “mucus-forming menace” of mozzarella, to bread, which he assures us is basically just “edible sabotage.” So join us, as we use dramatic language, say big words and cherry-pick a whole bunch of science all in an attempt to sound  confident, convincing and intelligent. Want to support the show and get bonus episodes? Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/nutritionformortalsLeave us a voicemail that may be featured on a future episode! Call us at (562)-N4M-POD1 (562-646-7631). We’ve got MERCH! Check it out HEREDon’t want to miss any episodes in the future? Make sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!For feedback or to suggest a show topic email us at nutritionformortals@gmail.comFeel free to contact our real, live nutrition counseling practice**This podcast is for information purposes only, is not a substitute for individual medical or mental health advice, and does not constitute a patient-provider relationship**
• Adrenal Fatigue and Cortisol Confusion 18.03.2026 43mnt

  Cortisol is one of the most misunderstood hormones on the internet. From adrenal fatigue to diet recommendations to supplement suggestions, claims abound regarding what you should be doing to regulate your stress response. But is there actually evidence to support these diet and supplement recommendations? And what behaviors truly help support and normalize cortisol levels? Join us, two registered dietitians, as we explore the origins of the adrenal fatigue theory, the science behind the body’s stress response, and why real endocrine conditions like Adrenal Insufficiency are very different from the wellness version of “burned-out adrenal glands.”Want to support the show and get bonus episodes? Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/nutritionformortalsLeave us a voicemail that may be featured on a future episode! Call us at (562)-N4M-POD1 (562-646-7631). We’ve got MERCH! Check it out HEREDon’t want to miss any episodes in the future? Make sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!Things we talked about and additional reading: Adrenal Fatigue (Book by James Wilson)Adrenal Fatigue Article #1Endocrine SocietyCortisol and PhysiologyDieting and CortisolDepression and CortisolCortisol and Caffeine Stress and CVDCortisol RhythmCortisol and Weight GainCortisol, Weight and AgingNutrition and CortisolDangers of Glandular SupplementsFor feedback or to suggest a show topic email us at nutritionformortals@gmail.comFeel free to contact our real, live nutrition counseling practice**This podcast is for information purposes only, is not a substitute for individual medical or mental health advice, and does not constitute a patient-provider relationship**
• Nutrition Myths That Refuse To Die [SAMPLE] 11.03.2026 9mnt

  Hear the rest of this episode and access our full back-catalog of bonus episodes on Patreon for only $3!Head to our Patreon to sign up: ⁠patreon.com/nutritionformortals⁠⁠
• Red Wine, The French Paradox and The Truth About Alcohol and Health 04.03.2026 38mnt

  For decades, the French Paradox has suggested that a diet loaded with cheese, butter, and other saturated fats can coexist with low rates of heart disease—if you just sip a little wine. But, as with many nutrition headlines, the truth is far more complicated. So join us, two registered dietitians, as we explore how red wine became a “health” beverage, unpack what the science really says about alcohol and health, and examine why resveratrol, observational studies, and the way health data is recorded can make it tricky to separate fact from fiction.Want to support the show and get bonus episodes? Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/nutritionformortalsLeave us a voicemail that may be featured on a future episode! Call us at (562)-N4M-POD1 (562-646-7631). We’ve got MERCH! Check it out HEREDon’t want to miss any episodes in the future? Make sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!Things we talked about and additional reading: 1991 60 Minutes Episode2009 60 Minutes Episode2003 Sirtuin Article Resveratrol Article #1Resveratrol Article #2Resveratrol Article #3Resveratrol Article #4Resveratrol Article #5French Paradox Article #1French Paradox Article #2Red Wine and Cardiovascular HealthAlcohol and Cancer RiskAlcohol and Cancer Risk #2Alcohol and Cancer Risk #3Alcohol and Other Disease RiskAlcohol and All Cause MortalityStanford Report Alcohol and HealthRisk Increase of Alcohol IntakeFor feedback or to suggest a show topic email us at nutritionformortals@gmail.comFeel free to contact our real, live nutrition counseling practice**This podcast is for information purposes only, is not a substitute for individual medical or mental health advice, and does not constitute a patient-provider relationship**
• Dietitians React: Blue Zones Docuseries (Live to 100: Secrets of The Blue Zones) [SAMPLE] 23.02.2026 8mnt

  Hear the rest of this episode and access our full back-catalog of bonus episodes on Patreon for only $3!Head to our Patreon to sign up: ⁠patreon.com/nutritionformortals⁠⁠
• The Blue Zones Story Keeps Getting Weirder 18.02.2026 53mnt

  Are there really places in the world where people routinely live past 100—and if so, do they hold the secret to longevity? Enter the Blue Zones. From Sardinia to Okinawa, these regions have been held up as proof that specific diets and lifestyles can dramatically extend life. But it turns out, the Blue Zones story isn’t as straightforward as it sounds. So join us, two Registered Dietitians, as we explore the fascinating, unexpected, and surprising story of the Blue Zones—and unpack what they can (and can’t) teach us about health and longevity.Want to support the show and get bonus episodes? Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/nutritionformortalsLeave us a voicemail that may be featured on a future episode! Call us at (562)-N4M-POD1 (562-646-7631). We’ve got MERCH! Check it out HEREDon’t want to miss any episodes in the future? Make sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!Things we talked about and additional reading: Life Magazine, September 196660 Minutes 1975 Archived Video Caucasus and Altay Longevity: A Biological or Social Proble? 1974Longevity and Age Exaggeration in Ecuador, 1979Identification of Extreme Longevity in Sardinia, 2004The Blue Zone (The Original Book), 2008Hemispheric Influence on Hair Whorl Saul Justin Newman’s IgNobel Prize Winning Research [Preprint]The Longevity of Blue Zones: Myth or Reality The Validity of Blue Zones Demography: A Response to CritiquesAdventist Health Acquires Blue Zones For feedback or to suggest a show topic email us at nutritionformortals@gmail.comFeel free to contact our real, live nutrition counseling practice**This podcast is for information purposes only, is not a substitute for individual medical or mental health advice, and does not constitute a patient-provider relationship**
• Send This To Your Doctor 04.02.2026 44mnt

  If you’ve ever left a medical appointment feeling dismissed, judged, or like your body size became the diagnosis... then this episode is for you — and honestly, for your doctor too. In today’s episode, we’re talking about the very real stigma larger-bodied people face in health care settings—and how often weight bias gets in the way of actual care. We’re joined by you, our listeners, through powerful voicemails sharing both painful and healing experiences with doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers. From being told to “just lose weight” to finally being listened to and taken seriously, these stories highlight what’s broken, what’s possible, and the power of weight inclusive care.Want to support the show and get bonus episodes? Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/nutritionformortalsLeave us a voicemail that may be featured on a future episode! Call us at (562)-N4M-POD1 (562-646-7631). We’ve got MERCH! Check it out HEREDon’t want to miss any episodes in the future? Make sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!Additional Reading: Journal Articles: Weight-Inclusive vs Weight-Normative ApproachNature Med: Joint International Consensus Statement for Ending Stigma of ObesityWeight Science: Evaluating The Evidence for a Paradigm ShiftImpact of Weight Bias and Stigma on Quality of CareBMJ: Weight Stigma and Bias: Standards of Care in Overweight and ObesityObesity Stigma: Important Considerations for Public HealthPediatrics: Stigma Experienced by Children and Adolescents with Obesity Pervasiveness, Impact, and Implications of Weight Stigma Assessing Weight Stigma Interventions Systematic Review of RCTsObesity Stigma: Cases, Consequences, and Potential SolutionsWeight Discrimination and Risk of Mortality Books:Health At Every Size by Lindo BaconIntuitive Eating by Tribole and ReschBody Respect by Bacon and AphramorWhat We Don’t Talk About When We Talk About Fat by Aubrey GordonFearing the Black Body by Sabrina StringsThis Is Body Grief by Jayne MattinglyThe Body Is Not An Apology by Sonya Renee TaylorMore! Weight Neutral Provider Lead ListAssociation For Size Diversity and Health Association For Weight And Size Inclusive MedicineFor feedback or to suggest a show topic email us at nutritionformortals@gmail.comFeel free to contact our real, live nutrition counseling practice**This podcast is for information purposes only, is not a substitute for individual medical or mental health advice, and does not constitute a patient-provider relationship**
• The NEW Food Pyramid 21.01.2026 55mnt

  The new dietary guidelines are out, and if you felt a mix of confusion, skepticism, and mild dystopian dread… you’re not alone. From the upside-down food pyramid (yes, South Park called it) to a big reversal on saturated fat, these new guidelines are chock-full of both nutrition and philosophical issues. So join us, two Registered Dietitians, as we dig into concerns around ‘healthy fats’, conflicts of interest and a blatant disregard of health equity and real-world access to food. Want to support the show and get bonus episodes? Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/nutritionformortalsLeave us a voicemail that may be featured on a future episode! Call us at (562)-N4M-POD1 (562-646-7631). We’ve got MERCH! Check it out HEREDon’t want to miss any episodes in the future? Make sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!Things we talked about and additional reading: Eat Real FoodPress ConferenceNew Dietary GuidelinesExpanded New Dietary GuidelinesAmericans Don’t Meet GuidelinesDietary Guidelines AppendicesFor feedback or to suggest a show topic email us at nutritionformortals@gmail.comFeel free to contact our real, live nutrition counseling practice**This podcast is for information purposes only, is not a substitute for individual medical or mental health advice, and does not constitute a patient-provider relationship**
• The Optimization Trap [SAMPLE] 14.01.2026 9mnt

  Hear the rest of this episode and access our full back-catalog of bonus episodes on Patreon for only $3!Head to our Patreon to sign up: ⁠patreon.com/nutritionformortals⁠⁠
• Non-Diet Hormone Health (with Gregory Dodell, MD) 07.01.2026 39mnt

  In diet culture, hormones are frequently blamed for everything from weight gain and fatigue to irregular periods and mood changes. Scroll long enough and you’ll find promises to “balance your hormones” through food rules, cleanses, or cutting out entire macronutrients. But what actually supports hormone health, and what’s just another diet in disguise? In this episode, Matt sits down with endocrinologist Dr. Gregory Dodell for a grounded conversation on hormone health, GLP-1 medications and how to approach endocrinology through a non-diet lens. Want to support the show and get bonus episodes? Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/nutritionformortalsLeave us a voicemail that may be featured on a future episode! Call us at (562)-N4M-POD1 (562-646-7631). We’ve got MERCH! Check it out HEREDon’t want to miss any episodes in the future? Make sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!Where to find Dr. Dodell:IG: everything_endocrinePractice: www.centralparkendocrinology.comFor feedback or to suggest a show topic email us at nutritionformortals@gmail.comFeel free to contact our real, live nutrition counseling practice**This podcast is for information purposes only, is not a substitute for individual medical or mental health advice, and does not constitute a patient-provider relationship**
• Terrible Moments in Diet Culture History (Part 1) Holiday Release! 24.12.2025 1j

  Happy Holidays! Today we are sharing a full bonus episode as a little holiday gift. You can hear Part 2 and access our full back-catalog of bonus episodes on Patreon for only $3!⁠patreon.com/nutritionformortals⁠⁠
• Unfortunate Nutrition Trends of 2025 & Our 2026 Predictions! [SAMPLE] 17.12.2025 5mnt

  Hear the rest of this episode and access our full back-catalog of bonus episodes on Patreon for only $3!Head to our Patreon to sign up: ⁠patreon.com/nutritionformortals⁠⁠
• Was There A Great Sugar Conspiracy? (Part Two) 10.12.2025 38mnt

  Leave us a voicemail that may be featured on a future episode! Call us at (562)-N4M-POD1 (562-646-7631).  *Right now we are asking for stories about times when a doctor’s care didn’t feel very… caring. Perhaps there was an over-focus on weight/BMI and an under-focus on why you were seeking care? Were you given questionable nutrition, diet, or exercise advice? Were assumptions made about your behaviors based on limited information? Give us a call and share your story! This week wraps up our two-part deep dive into one of nutrition’s most talked-about controversies: the idea that “Big Sugar” reshaped health policy, redirected blame toward dietary fat, and helped create the low-fat food era many of us grew up in. Did the sugar industry really “rewrite the rules of health” and how does this story end?! Join us, two Registered Dietitians, as we finish our time-traveling investigation and reveal the truth behind the controversy.Want to support the show and get bonus episodes? Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/nutritionformortalsWe’ve got MERCH! Check it out HEREDon’t want to miss any episodes in the future? Make sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!Things we talked about and additional reading: The 2016 Cristin Kearns JAMA article The Mother Jones piece Letter #1Letter #2Letter #3Letter #4Letter #5Letter #6Letter #7Letter #8 The 1967 NEJM Article (part 1)The 1967 NEJM Article (part 2)Financial disclosure history in researchYudkin’s The Slimming Business, 19581977 Dietary Goals Report Science article, 2018  (Big thanks to DM Johns and G Oppenheimer for their writing on this subject) Kearns et al letter to Science and response from authors For feedback or to suggest a show topic email us at nutritionformortals@gmail.comFeel free to contact our real, live nutrition counseling practice**This podcast is for information purposes only, is not a substitute for individual medical or mental health advice, and does not constitute a patient-provider relationship**
• Was There A Great Sugar Conspiracy? (Part One) 26.11.2025 32mnt

  This episode kicks off our two-part deep dive into one of nutrition’s most talked-about controversies: the idea that “Big Sugar” reshaped health policy, redirected blame toward dietary fat, and helped create the low-fat food era many of us grew up in. Did the sugar industry really “rewrite the rules of health” or is there more to this story? Join us, two Registered Dietitians (and friends!) as we embark on a time travelling investigation and get to the bottom of this! Want to support the show and get bonus episodes? Join our Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/nutritionformortalsWe’ve got MERCH! Check it out HEREDon’t want to miss any episodes in the future? Make sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!Things we talked about and additional reading: The 2016 Cristin Kearns JAMA article The Mother Jones piece Vice TV Report- How The Sugar Industry Keeps You Hooked October 1967 Sugar Association meeting notes 1954 Henry Hass speech transcript, “What’s New in Sugar Research”Introduction of Diet-Heart Hypothesis by Ancel Keys1964 Report to the SRF by John Hickson For feedback or to suggest a show topic email us at nutritionformortals@gmail.comFeel free to contact our real, live nutrition counseling practice**This podcast is for information purposes only, is not a substitute for individual medical or mental health advice, and does not constitute a patient-provider relationship**