The Energy Balance Podcast

Latest Episodes:

BV #28: Retatrutide is WORSE; Mike Israetel & Kinobody Obsessed with GLP-1s May 21, 2026

Show notes

Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide
 The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/
 Theresa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingrootswellness/
 Timestamps:

0:00 – intro

1:32 – Mike Israetel on Retatrutide as the next “miracle drug”

4:06 – concerns with increasing glucagon: thyroid, fat metabolism, reproductive hormones

7:22 – Retatrutide leads to more aggressive weight loss at the expense of health

10:17 – is Retatrutide really healthier for your internal organs (fatty liver, heart, kidney)

11:41 – healthy weight loss does NOT have to be uncomfortable

14:44 – Retatrutide signaling explained: what are the long-term effects?

20:46 – extreme dieting feels terrible for a reason; restriction is not the solution

24:10 –Mike Israetel’s diet explains his view of Retatrutide

27:50 – Kinobody (Greg O’Gallagher) says using GLP-1 medications is “high IQ"

31:29 – are GLP-1s just a “modern day tool” without consequences?

33:22 – is constant food availability the reason for widespread weight gain and obesity?

40:24 – why Greg Gallagher is getting push-back for taking Tirzepatide

43:09 – does “food noise” justify GLP-1s?45:20 – many fitness influencers have body image issues and perpetuate the cycle

50:40 – the truth about being lean/ripped – what’s actually healthy?

57:57 – obsession with body composition as a sign of poor health

1:02:03 – success story: from low-carb fear to feeling better with carbs

1:04:40 – why people are afraid to try carbs again after low-carb and common mistakes people make when reintroducing carbs

BV #27: GLP-1: The Metabolic 'Credit Card' You Can't Pay Back? Apr 27, 2026

Show notes

In this episode we discuss:

 -The truth about GLP-1 receptor agonist weight loss drugs: benefits vs side effects
 Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide
 The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/
 Theresa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingrootswellness/
 Timestamps:

0:00 – intro

0:39 – unpacking Super Bowl ads for GLP-1 weight loss drugs

5:15 – why GLP-1 marketing is falling flat: are people waking up?

10:26 – are pharmaceuticals the solution for the modern food system?

14:40 – GLP-1 commercial downplays potential serious side effects

18:22 – the benefits of GLP-1 agonists for glucose metabolism

19:45 – the major difference between GLP-1 drugs and our own natural GLP-1 hormone

21:49 – GLP-1 drugs lead to increased risk of depression, anxiety, and suicidal behavior

23:37 – gut problems, muscle loss, and 4x faster weight regain (additional side effects from GLP-1 drugs)

25:26 – risk vs. reward for GLP-1 drugs

29:53 –are GLP-1 drugs safe and effective long-term?

33:37 – GLP-1 drugs vs. diet and exercise

38:40 – using GLP-1 drugs for losing the stubborn weight and taking willpower out of the equation

43:13 – the “metabolic benefits” of GLP-1 medications

45:21 – whether it ever makes sense to take GLP-1 drugs for weight loss or improved health

48:31 – weight regain on GLP-1 drugs: are they a sustainable solution?

50:58 – severe undereating leads to faster weight regain, especially body fat

56:14 – weighing the convenience of taking weight loss drugs vs the side effects and long-term costs

58:23 – “food noise” vs. hunger and cravings

1:02:03 – how to get rid of “food noise” and chronic hunger and cravings

1:05:08 – sharing a listener success story: from carnivore and sad to crushing life with a bioenergetic approach

FaceIQ Realizes the Truth & Carnivores Can't Cope Apr 16, 2026

Show notes

Download the free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide/

Timestamps:

0:00 – intro
2:16 – Frost (FaceIQ) on why he transitioned away from carnivore to Ray Peat
4:27 – suboptimal blood test markers (low T3, low testosterone, high ferritin, etc) as a result of low-carb diets
6:20 – whether low T3 and elevated stress hormones are a problem on low-carb diets
11:46 – most people on carnivore experience deteriorating health over time
15:18 – debunking carnivore myths: modern fruit is sweeter, humans should be eating seasonally, and humans are not adapted to high sugar levels in fruits
20:57 – whether an increase in dopamine after eating fruit makes it an addictive drug
22:28 – carnivores don’t understand the Randle Cycle
26:19 – “carbohydrates are addictive”
27:24 – digestive symptoms when reintroducing carbohydrates
31:28 – ”once you start eating carbs you have to keep eating them”
33:05 – ”carbohydrates are not essential”
35:40 – the truth about sugar and glycation
39:07 – why the claim that fructose is toxic is false and the benefits of fructose
40:16 – “high-carb = high blood sugar = high glycation”
41:54 – carnivore excuses for high A1c on low-carb
44:01 – proof that low-carb dieting leads to high stress hormones

BV #26: Carnivore Doctors Don’t Get Insulin, Stress Hormones, and the True Cause of Fat Gain Mar 25, 2026

Show notes

In this episode we discuss:

 -Shawn Baker claims gluconeogenesis is fine – is he right?
-Dr Rob Cywes on carb addiction, insulin resistance, and bariatric surger
 Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide
 The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/
 Theresa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingrootswellness/
 Timestamps:

0:00 – intro

0:47 – Shawn Baker compares gluconeogenesis to cholesterol synthesis – is the comparison valid?

2:47 – is increasing gluconeogenesis through low-carb diets optimal?

6:54 – problems with upregulating gluconeogenesis: stress hormones, ammonia, muscle breakdown, and insulin resistance

10:15 – Shawn Baker’s claim that breathing too much isn’t stressful – is that true?

12:28 – gluconeogenesis as the result of elevated stress hormones – is there a long-term cost?

14:24 – Shawn Baker’s social media post reveals flawed reasoning and a lack of critical thinking

17:47 – what “stress” really means and whether cortisol is always harmful

23:45 – the cost of upregulated gluconeogenesis, elevated glucagon, and low t3 on low-carb diets

25:15 – Dr Rob Cywes’ claim that carbs do no harm, it’s our relationship with them that’s the problem

29:09 – Dr Cywes’ claim that glucagon is more important than insulin

33:33 – you're not addicted to carbohydrates, your body just needs fuel

38:13 – Dr Cywes contradicts himself on carbs and obesity

40:37 – native cultures on high-carb diets don’t have obesity or insulin resistance

43:05 – whether high insulin levels drive fat gain and why low-carb diets don’t prevent insulin excursions

44:51 – is diet properly considered before bariatric surgery?

48:08 – many “high-carb foods” are actually high-fat foods

49:01 – bariatric surgeries ignore other possible root causes of metabolic dysfunction

49:53 – Dr Cywes misunderstands glucagon, insulin, and cellular energy production

56:48 – what Dr Cywes gets right: stress hormones increase in reaction to a cellular energy deficiency

58:57 – elevated glucagon drives insulin resistance and whether glucagon resistance exists

1:03:41 – reversing keto damage: weight loss, gut, and brain health on a bioenergetic approach

BV #25: Carb Confusion: Blood Sugar Spikes, Fat Gain, and the True Cause of Alzheimer’s Mar 19, 2026

Show notes

In this episode we discuss:

 -The calories in calories out model of obesity
-Dr Boz’s take on fruit and blood glucose spikes
-Richard Smith on aging and the NAD+ to NADH ratio
 Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide
 The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/
 Theresa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingrootswellness/
 Timestamps:
0:00 – intro

1:17 – Is fruit evil or is Dr Boz insulin resistant?

5:00 – whether high blood glucose levels drive Alzheimer’s and dementia

7:39 – does glucose automatically get converted to fructose and fat?

10:58 – Dr Boz & Glucose Goddess’s fearmongering about fruit and glucose spikes

14:12 – Dr Boz parrots Robert Lustig: they’re both wrong about fructose

15:43 – concerns with blood sugar spikes when reintroducing carbs and whether using a CGM is worth it

17:32 – less, not more, glucose uptake in the brain creates the conditions for Alzheimer’s disease

20:15 – poor glucose utilization as a driver of Alzheimer’s and dementia

22:48 – reducing carbohydrate intake causes insulin resistance and less metabolic flexibility

26:27 – possible reasons for Dr Boz’s high blood sugar and our advice for Dr Boz

30:31 – our experiences with “keto snacks” and how keto caused intense cravings and binging

33:53 – Richard Smith on keto, NAD+ and aging

35:23 – what Richard Smith misses about glucose and the NAD+ to NADH ratio

41:00 – glucose metabolism leads to a higher NAD+ to NADH ratio than ketone metabolism

44:15 – how low-carb diets can restore the NAD+ to NADH ratio through stress pathways

47:02 – whether ketones are beneficial

49:57 – fats vs carbs: which is the better fuel for the NAD+ to NADH ratio?

55:17 – how to support healthy aging and NAD+ levels (hint: not low-carb)

1:00:31 – what the NAD+/NADH ratio actually indicates

1:05:02 – lower blood sugar with a bioenergetic approach

Low-Carb and Fasting Caused Bloating, Low Energy, and Constipation Mar 05, 2026

Show notes

Check out the Energy Balance Mini-Course here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy/

Check out the Energy Balance Food guide here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide/

Check out the Energy Balance Solution here:

https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy-balance-solution/

Timestamps:

0:00 – intro

0:47 – Sean’s professional bodybuilding career and how excessive exercise harmed his health

5:50 – Sean’s experience with various diets (keto, carnivore, fasting, low-carb, carb-cycling, low-fat, etc.)

12:37 – issues with the low-fat craze of the 1980s and the cost of constant diet cycling

18:09 – excess protein slowed Sean’s metabolism and caused major gut issues

24:35 – how the sugar diet helped Sean recover from excess protein intake and low-carb diet stress

29:15 – using colon massage and myofascial release to support digestive health

31:23 – sugar diet results and how it impacted Sean’s bodybuilding competition and sleep

34:36 – muscle loss, lower energy, and cravings on the sugar diet

36:33 – how Sean transitioned to a more balanced approach while listening to his cravings and hunger signals

40:23 – when it comes to exercise, more is NOT always better

42:26 – improved health and freedom from listening to your body with the bioenergetic approach

46:27 – how to reverse autoimmune conditions like ankylosing spondylitis (AS) using a bioenergetic approach

49:04 – Sean’s advice to young athletes on how to support long-term health

50:43 – how Sean overcame health dogmatism

BV #24: Nick Norwitz Says Calories Don’t Cause Obesity. Is He Wrong? Feb 24, 2026

Show notes

In this episode we discuss:

 -The calories in calories out model of obesity
-What really causes fat storage
-Whether there are any concerns with consuming organ meats
 Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide
 The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/
 Theresa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingrootswellness/
 Timestamps:
0:00 – intro
0:56 – Nick Norwitz’s claim that calories don’t cause obesity and whether we agree
6:25 – the value and limitations of calories
14:27 – the true cause of obesity
19:40 – “excess calorie intake causes weight gain” is unhelpful and irresponsible
23:28 – how and when measuring calorie intake can be valuable
27:24 – do calories matter?
32:28 – how “it’s just calories” often places blame on the individual
34:26 – Nick Norwitz on when the calories-in-calories-out model “breaks”
37:28 – hypothyroidism and weight gain resolved using a bioenergetic approach
38:26 – thoughts on organ meats like liver, heart, kidney, stomach, and intestine
42:41 – freeze-dried or desiccated vs fresh organ meat
45:12 – Nutrition with Judy’s claim that “liver is not a superfood”
47:11 – can you overdose micronutrients like vitamin A and copper from organ meats?
49:43 – strategies for including more organ meats in your diet

Vitamin D Still Low Despite Supplementing? RED FLAG Feb 16, 2026

Show notes

Check out the Energy Balance Mini-Course here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy/

Check out the Energy Balance Food guide here: https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide/

Check out the Energy Balance Solution here:

https://www.jayfeldmanwellness.com/energy-balance-solution/

Timestamps:

0:00 – intro

0:25 – why your vitamin D levels are still low despite supplementing

3:17 – the dangers of low vitamin D for bone health & immune function

7:16 – essential nutrients and food sources to resolve low vitamin D

17:25 – top supplement recommendations for optimal vitamin D

BV #23: Keto Raises Stress, Sugar Lowers It (Ray Peat on Fasting & Blood Sugar). Feb 03, 2026

Show notes

In this episode we discuss:

Ray Peat’s ideas about fasting and the stress response
Why relying on fatty acid oxidation is inherently stressful

Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide

The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/

Theresa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingrootswellness/

Timestamps:

0:00 – intro

1:03 – Ray Peat’s view on fasting for 12–15 hours without triggering stress

4:22 – the true definition of stress and how much stress is optimal

9:18 – how the efficiency of glucose metabolism and glycogen storage impacts stress

12:23 – whether we agree that fasting for 12–15 hours doesn’t cause stress in healthy people

17:05 – do hunger signals mean the stress response has already started?

21:08 – the short- and long-term costs of low carb diets

22:22 – finding balance between eating frequently to reduce stress and spacing meals out strategically

24:47 – why meditation, magnesium, and other tools don’t stop physiological stress

27:04 – Ray Peat on what happens when stored glucose (glycogen) runs out

28:53 – hypothyroidism as a driver of poor glucose utilization and liver glycogen storage

31:50 – stress hormones and elevated fatty acid metabolism characterize the stress response

34:50 – ketosis mimics starvation and lowers the metabolic rate

36:50 – sugar is anti-stress and whether sugar is addictive

41:46 – once you add in carbs you won’t go back

44:12 – how your body adapts when you add in carbs following low-carb diets

48:30 – Ray Peat on the harmful effects of fasting

50:14 – the cost of stress and increased fat metabolism

52:06 – the dangers of releasing PUFA from storage and how long it takes to deplete PUFA

55:11 – strategies for protecting against PUFA

1:01:50 – how long it takes to see benefits from lowering PUFA and setting expectations for progress

1:06:00 – binge-eating and food addiction resolved with a bioenergetic approach

1:10:48 – how low-carb and keto diets cause intense cravings and food obsession while a bioenergetic approach resolves them

BV #22: Justine Stenger's Glaring Hypocrisy & Doubling Down on Fat vs. Carbs Jan 27, 2026

Show notes

In this episode we discuss:

Justine’s response to our critique of her arguments against Ray Peat’s work

Free Energy Balance Food Guide: https://jayfeldmanwellness.com/guide

The Nutrition Blueprint: https://mikefave.com/the-nutrition-blueprint/

Theresa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livingrootswellness/

Timestamps:

0:00 – intro

0:32 – recap of Justine Stenger’s claim covered in episode 19

2:26 – Justine’s response to our critique of her post

5:45 – why it’s crucial to separate personal feelings from intellectual discussions, especially when sharing information publicly

10:48 – our goal as health educators is not to shame or discredit individuals

13:33 – how today’s social media environment incentivizes low quality, thoughtless posts

18:30 – why attention and clicks take priority over quality on social media

21:34 – how to discern reliable information and whether we should outsource understanding to specialists

26:49 – how to develop true discernment in a world full of self-proclaimed experts

30:19 – Justine Stenger doubles down on her claim that fats are superior to carbohydrates32:47 –do carbs or fat better supports a compromised metabolic state?

39:45 – Justine contradicts her earlier claim that fat is a cleaner-burning fuel than carbohydrates

43:10 – Justine Stenger’s claim that glucose oxidation is only beneficial during hypoxia or the cell danger response

49:55 – why carbohydrates are the superior fuel source

55:17 – the difference between glucose oxidation and anaerobic glycolysis, and whether Justine is conflating the two

57:28 – how Ray Peat’s metabolic framework drives growth and expansion in society as a whole

1:01:53 – why having metabolic flexibility in a healthy state doesn’t refute our argument that carbohydrates are the superior fuel

1:08:23 – the inherent cost of favoring fat metabolism over carb metabolism, and why restoring carbohydrate utilization is essential for restoring a healthy metabolism

1:13:30 – Justine admits she hasn’t studied Ray Peat’s work

1:19:17 – Justine’s claim that it’s optimal to switch between fuel sources

1:20:55 – Justine’s claim that redox matter more than carbs vs fats

1:25:11 – did we publicly dismantle Justine’s work, and is it okay to critique others?

1:31:26 – Justine’s hypocritical shaming of us for addressing her incorrect claims about Ray Peat’s work and glucose vs. fat metabolism1:39:48 –there is no “Ray Peat Diet”

1:40:20 – how to embrace criticism and whether debates are typically helpful

1:45:04 – the responsibility that comes with being health educators

1:48:33 – common problems with debates and why we aren’t interested in debating Bart Kay

1:52:09 – how the nervous system impacts our ability to think critically

1:52:56 – problems with debates cont’d – are debates truly valuable?

1:57:24 – blood sugar improvements on a bioenergetic approach