LEVELS – A Whole New Level

Protein is often hailed as the ultimate nutrient for health and longevity, but the science suggests it is only half of the equation. While social media influencers debate the minutiae of protein grams, researchers have found that the vast majority of protein's benefits are "baked in" only when combined with physical activity. Without the stimulus of exercise, even the most optimized protein intake fails to move the needle on muscle growth or chronic disease prevention.In this episode of A Whole New Level, Mike Haney sits down with Dr. Stuart Phillips, a researcher who has spent over 25 years at McMaster University studying the intersection of protein, exercise, and human health. Dr. Phillips breaks down why the current RDA for protein is likely too low for optimal health and why the methodology used to set those standards is decades out of date.Dr. Phillips explains the "brick wall" analogy of muscle turnover—where synthesis and breakdown are in a constant tug-of-war—and how lifting weights acts as the primary driver for "the bricklayers". From the impact of anabolic resistance in aging to the truth about protein timing and kidney health, he provides a grounded, data-driven perspective on how to maintain a functional reserve of muscle as we age.Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://levels.link/wnl⁠⁠⁠⁠In this episode, we coverThe RDA Debate: Why the standard 0.8 g/kg recommendation is a "preventing deficiency" baseline rather than an "optimized health" target.The Power of Exercise: Why 80% to 90% of protein's benefits are dependent on physical activity.Muscle as a Storage Depot: Understanding muscle as a functional reserve that dictates disease resistance and survival.Anabolic Resistance: How inactivity and aging make our cells less efficient at using amino acids.The Myth of Timing: Why the "anabolic window" is more like a "garage door" that stays open much longer than once thought.Protein Quality & Source: Comparing animal vs. plant proteins and why the "food matrix" matters more than isolated powders.Kidney Health: De-bunking the 60-year-old hypothesis that high protein intake causes kidney damage in healthy individuals.🎙 What Dr. Stuart Phillips & Mike Haney discuss:[00:00] — Why exercise is the "big driver" of protein's health benefits.[09:00] — Transitioning from the RDA (0.8 g/kg) to an optimized range of 1.2 to 1.6 g/kg.[30:31] — The limitations of "nitrogen balance" as a methodology for protein needs.[44:45] — Muscle as a structural substrate vs. carbs and fats as fuel.[01:10:05] — Anabolic resistance: Why we lose building efficiency as we age.[01:18:15] — The "Compound Interest" of muscle: Why starting early prevents a late-life mobility spiral.[01:28:10] — Hormones and muscle: The differing impacts of testosterone and estrogen during aging.[01:39:15] — Addressing the concerns regarding high protein intake and kidney function.[01:52:10] — Whole foods vs. supplements: Why the "bricklayers" care about amino acids, but the body cares about nutrients.[01:60:12] — Debunking the immediate post-workout protein shake myth.Levels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health.Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.🔗 Helpful linksWatch the conversation: https://youtu.be/twVUPk-B-vg⁠Find us on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠📲 ConnectConnect with Dr. Stuart Phillips on LinkedIn & X: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stuartmphillips/https://x.com/mackinprof

Preconception health is one of the most powerful—yet overlooked—windows for influencing a child’s lifelong wellness. While fertility is often discussed in the context of age or medical intervention, emerging research suggests that the months leading up to conception are a critical "time capsule" for epigenetic health.In this episode of A Whole New Level, Levels Founder and CEO Josh Clemente sits down with Dr. Anne Shippy, a board-certified internal medicine physician and author of The Preconception Revolution. Dr. Shippy brings a unique, systems-based approach to fertility, moving beyond basic labs to uncover the root causes of infertility and chronic disease.Dr. Shippy explains why the "check engine light" of infertility is often a signal of deeper metabolic or environmental imbalances—and why age isn't always the primary driver of reproductive success. Drawing on her engineering background and years of clinical practice, she walks through how toxins, mitochondrial function, and the microbiome interact to shape the health of both parents and their future children.Along the way, the conversation explores the practical "mini-experiments" couples can run to optimize their biology—from tightening blood sugar control with CGMs to auditing the "chemical soup" of modern life. The result is an empowering framework for generational health: shifting the focus from reactive treatments to proactive, data-driven preparation.Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://levels.link/wnl⁠⁠⁠In this episode, we cover• The Preconception Window: Why the 3–12 months before pregnancy are a critical window for epigenetic influence• The Engineering Approach: Applying systems-based, data-driven models to the biochemistry of the body• Environmental Toxins: How PFAS, phthalates, and microplastics in packaging disrupt hormone health• Sperm Health Trends: Understanding the 50% decline in sperm counts and the role of lifestyle in reversing damage• Mitochondrial Function: Why cellular energy production is the foundation of egg and sperm quality• IVF as a Last Resort: Why tuning up the body’s "hospitable environment" should come before invasive procedures• The Role of Glucose: How stable blood sugar improves fertility and passes on better epigenetics to the baby🎙 What Dr. Anne Shippy & Josh discuss[03:35] — Making the career shift from IBM chemical engineer to functional medicine[05:54] — Using CGMs as a series of experiments to optimize preconception health[10:04] — Success stories: Reversing "failed" IVF and infertility in the early 40s[14:48] — Why the children’s health crisis and the fertility crisis share the same root causes[17:22] — The "Time Capsule": How the egg and sperm pass on epigenetic snapshots[20:02] — The minimum timeline: Why three months is the baseline for biological change[22:22] — The impact of processed food packaging on hormone and sperm health in just 21 days[24:50] — Advanced testing: Moving beyond Quest labs to microbiome and toxin panels[29:57] — The "Big Three" environmental shifts: Clean air, clean water, and clean food[42:22] — The "Lightning Round": Prioritizing changes from synthetic fragrances to alcohol and exerciseLevels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health.Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.🔗 Helpful linksWatch the conversation: https://youtu.be/QG4Jxxu_gyEFind us on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1⁠⁠⁠⁠📲 ConnectConnect with Dr. Ann Shippy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annshippymd/https://annshippymd.com/

High cholesterol is one of the most widely discussed—and established—risk factors in medicine. But reams of research now show that while it is key to cardiovascular risk, it is not the whole story.In this episode of A Whole New Level, editorial director Mike Haney sits down with Dr. Ronald Krauss, one of the world’s leading lipid researchers and a pioneer in understanding how different forms of LDL—and the physiological factors around them—affect cardiovascular risk.Dr. Krauss explains why the basic link between cholesterol and heart disease is well established among experts—but also why the standard cholesterol panel often misses the deeper metabolic story. Drawing on decades of research, he walks through how lipoproteins, particle size, triglycerides, and metabolic health interact to determine whether cholesterol actually becomes dangerous.Along the way, the conversation explores why cardiovascular disease remains the leading killer despite statins and decades of research—and how factors like obesity, insulin resistance, and inflammation reshape the lipid landscape in ways that traditional tests may not capture.The result is a clearer framework for understanding cardiovascular risk: not just how much cholesterol is in the blood, but how it’s being transported, how long those particles circulate, and what metabolic conditions are driving them.Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: ⁠⁠⁠https://levels.link/wnl⁠⁠In this episode, we coverWhy the cholesterol–heart disease link isn’t actually controversial among researchersCholesterol vs. lipoproteins: why the particles carrying cholesterol matter more than the number itselfSmall dense LDL: how triglyceride metabolism produces the most harmful particlesApoB and particle counts: why many researchers prefer measuring particles instead of cholesterol massLipoprotein(a): the genetically driven risk factor affecting up to a third of the populationMetabolic syndrome: the cluster of conditions that amplifies cardiovascular riskWhy carbohydrates and metabolic dysfunction can drive harmful lipid patternsThe saturated fat debate: why food context and metabolic health matter more than simple fat categories🎙 What Dr. Ronald Krauss & Mike Haney discuss:[01:09] — Why the cholesterol–heart disease link is largely settled science[02:27] — Why cardiovascular disease remains the world’s leading killer[04:42] — Inflammation and metabolic dysfunction in vascular disease[06:12] — The discovery of small dense LDL and why particle size matters[07:14] — Lipoprotein(a) as a major inherited cardiovascular risk factor[09:18] — “Residence time”: why particles that circulate longer cause more damage[11:24] — ApoB vs LDL-C: measuring particles instead of cholesterol mass[13:31] — The HDL paradox: why raising HDL hasn’t improved outcomes[15:28] — Metabolic syndrome and the five markers that amplify risk[17:16] — Why the saturated fat debate misses the bigger metabolic pictureLevels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health.Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.🔗 Helpful linksWatch the conversation: ⁠https://youtu.be/sS0orvd2TFsFind us on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1⁠⁠⁠📲 ConnectConnect with Dr. Ronald Krauss on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/ronald-krauss-81a38021/

You can’t outrun a bad diet—but it turns out you might not even be able to outrun a good one. In this episode of A Whole New Level, evolutionary anthropologist Dr. Herman Pontzer joins Mike Haney to dismantle the "armchair view" of metabolism and explain why more exercise doesn't necessarily mean more calories burned.Drawing on his groundbreaking research with the Hadza hunter-gatherer community and global meta-analyses, Dr. Pontzer explains the Constrained Energy Model: the phenomenon where our bodies hit a metabolic ceiling and begin "trading off" energy from vital systems like immunity and reproduction to account for physical activity. This conversation reframes weight loss not as a simple math problem of "calories in vs. calories out," but as a dynamic, evolutionary balancing act.Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: ⁠⁠https://levels.link/wnl⁠In this episode, we cover:The Myth of Additive Energy: Why adding a 300-calorie run to your day doesn’t actually result in 300 extra calories burned over the long term.The Hadza Paradox: How hunter-gatherers who walk miles every day burn the same amount of total energy as sedentary Westerners.Metabolic Trading: How your body "pays" for exercise by dialing down inflammation, stress responses, and reproductive hormones.The Business of the Body: Why the human body acts less like a simple machine and more like a corporation reallocating a limited budget.The "Set Point" Debate: Whether our bodies are tracking pounds on a scale or the flow of energy in the gut.Practical Weight Management: Why diet is the primary tool for weight, while exercise is the primary tool for everything else.🎙 What Dr. Herman Pontzer & Mike Haney discuss:[0:01-0:52] The Additive Model vs. The Constrained Energy Model[1:24-2:48] Dr. Pontzer's Book Burn[3:33-4:21] Defining Energy Balance[5:15-6:50] Where the "Armchair View of Metabolism" Breaks Down[7:07-8:50] Comparing the Additive Model to the Constrained Energy Model[16:14-18:12] Energy Accounting: Where Daily Calories Go[18:13-20:57] The Body as a Business Metaphor[22:13-23:47] Specific Ways the Body Compensates for Increased Exercise[24:19-25:27] Modifying the Constrained Energy Limit (Diet and Weightlifting)[47:54-51:23] Diet is Key for Weight ManagementLevels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health.Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.🔗 Helpful linksWatch the conversation: https://youtu.be/6GUWQuT-vRc⁠⁠Find us on YouTube: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1⁠⁠📲 ConnectConnect with Dr. Herman Pontzer on X: https://x.com/HermanPontzer

Heart disease risk isn’t just about cholesterol. In this episode of A Whole New Level, Dr. Matthew Budoff explains why coronary artery calcium (CAC) scoring may be the most important test most people aren’t getting—and why imaging your arteries directly can reveal risk that blood tests alone can miss.Drawing on decades of research and data from the landmark MESA study, Dr. Budoff explains how calcium scoring predicts real cardiovascular events, how plaque actually forms and progresses, and why some people with high cholesterol never develop plaque—while others with “normal” labs do.This episode focuses on how to measure your actual cardiovascular risk, not just estimate it.Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: ⁠https://levels.link/wnlIn this episode, we cover:Why CAC scoring is one of the strongest predictors of future heart eventsWhy cholesterol is critical—but only explains about half of heart disease riskWhy some people with very high LDL have zero plaque—and others with normal labs have dangerous plaqueWhy CAC is best understood as the “tip of the iceberg” of total plaque burdenWhen to escalate to CT angiography and advanced imagingHow plaque regression is possible—and what interventions actually drive itThe future of cardiac risk prediction: Lp(a), inflammation, and AI-driven plaque analysisThis conversation reframes heart risk around what’s actually happening inside your arteries—not just what shows up in bloodwork.🎙 What Dr. Matthew Budoff & Mike Haney discuss:[01:35] — Coronary calcium is the strongest predictor of heart events[02:38] — What a high calcium score actually means for risk[04:00] — Why rising calcium is not “healing.”[11:07] — The role of fat tissue and inflammation in plaque formation[16:37] — Why do many people with high cholesterol have no plaque[17:55] — Why imaging is the only way to truly know your risk[37:07] — Calcium as the “tip of the iceberg” of total plaque burden[~52:00] — Why CAC is the practical first step before advanced imaging[~1:02:00] — When CT angiography adds critical information[~1:14:00] — How plaque regression actually happens in the real world[~1:22:00] — The next frontier: Lp(a) and inflammation as treatment targetsLevels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health.Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.🔗 Helpful linksWatch the conversation: ⁠https://youtu.be/os-RNhIS3jQFind us on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1⁠📲 ConnectConnect with Dr. Matthew Budoff on X: https://x.com/BudoffMdhttps://www.calciumscan.com/

In this episode of A Whole New Level, Christopher Gardner, PhD, joins Mike to discuss his decades in nutrition research, the challenges of conducting randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on diet, and how to communicate complex science to the public. Gardner has led some of the most rigorous research ever comparing dietary approaches in real-world conditions, so his insights about what works (cutting processed food and sugar) and what doesn’t (obsessing about macronutrients) are worth a listen. Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: https://levels.link/wnlIn this episode, we cover:What a nutritional interventionist is – someone who studies people who are asked to change their diet, tracking them and taking samples to see what might have changed.How to square widely-accepted lessons about nutrition (i.e., junk food=bad) with the high degree of individuality in diets that work.The concept of "equipoise" in study design, which means making sure both diets being compared are well-represented versions of that diet (e.g., a "kick butt diet A and a crappy diet B" is avoided).The dilemma of communicating single-study results to the public and the role of the Netflix documentary on Gardner’s famous twin study in making science engaging.Dr. Gardner's experience on the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee and the methodology used to reach conclusions.The focus on ultra-processed foods and the need to message the consensus points of eating more whole foods and vegetables, and avoiding added sugar and refined grains.The learnings from the DIETFITS study, which compared low-carb and low-fat diets among 600 people for a year, and why there was more variation among people within a diet than between the two diets.🎙 What Dr. Christopher Gardner & Mike Haney discuss:[00:33] Nutritional Interventionist Role[02:17] Shortcomings of Nutrition RCTs[03:59] Garlic Study Example[16:48] Concept of Equipoise in Study Design[21:54] Value of Communicating Single Study Results[28:02] Industry Funding and Transparency[33:11] Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Methodology[38:48] Ultra-Processed Foods and the Evidence[48:27] Simplicity vs. Complexity in Nutrition[50:24] Consensus on Foundational Diet ComponentsLevels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health.Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.🔗 Helpful linksWatch the conversation: https://youtu.be/ZQ0G_jfwKoMFind us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1📲 ConnectConnect with Christopher Gardner, PhD, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cgardnerphd/?hl=en

In this episode of A Whole New Level, Dr. Eric Ravussin, PhD, explains the physiology of energy expenditure, metabolic adaptation, and why the body strongly defends its prior weight. Drawing on decades of research, including the Biggest Loser study, CALERIE, and work with metabolic chambers, Ravussin walks through what actually happens when we lose weight—and why willpower alone isn’t enough.Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: https://levels.link/wnl In this episode, we cover:Why BMI is an incomplete measure of obesityThe difference between preclinical and clinical obesityHow energy expenditure really works (and why larger bodies burn more calories)What metabolic adaptation is—and why it persists long after weight lossWhy exercise alone rarely leads to sustained weight lossHow GLP-1 drugs intersect with appetite, metabolism, and muscle mass🎙 What Dr. Eric Ravussin & Mike Haney discuss:[04:40] — Rethinking obesity diagnosis[07:00] — Clinical vs. preclinical obesity[11:38] — What ‘energy expenditure’ actually means[15:42] — What metabolic adaptation really is[17:56] — Why bigger bodies burn more calories[26:16] — Lessons from the Biggest Loser study[31:19] — What CALERIE taught us about calorie restriction[40:02] — Why slow, modest weight loss matters[45:10] — Weight loss vs. weight maintenance physiology[53:08] — GLP-1 drugs: promise and limitations[57:49] — Why you can’t exercise your way to weight loss[1:01:33] — The biggest myth about obesityLevels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health.Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.🔗 Helpful links:Watch the conversation: ⁠https://youtu.be/UaE0C_l7GMwFind us on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1⁠⁠⁠⁠📲 More about Dr. Eric Ravussin: https://www.pbrc.edu/research-and-faculty/faculty/Ravussin-Eric-PhD.aspx

According to investigative science journalist Gary Taubes, much of what we “know” about nutrition is built on weak evidence, bad assumptions, and decades of groupthink. In this episode of A Whole New Level, Taubes joins Mike Haney to examine how nutrition science went off the rails—and why he remains convinced the carbohydrate–insulin model still offers the most coherent explanation for obesity.Taubes explains how observational studies became policy, why randomized trials are often ignored, and why questioning the calorie-balance model remains controversial despite mounting contradictions. The conversation is less about winning an argument and more about how science should actually work—especially when public health is at stake.⁠Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: ⁠⁠https://levels.link/wnl⁠⁠⁠🎙 What Gary Taubes & Mike Haney discuss:[4:10] — How Gary Taubes became interested in “bad science.”[9:45] — Why nutrition science relies too heavily on epidemiology[15:30] — Correlation vs. causation in diet research[22:10] — The problem with the calorie-balance model[29:40] — Introducing the carbohydrate–insulin model[36:55] — Why insulin resistance changes everything[44:20] — Why low-fat advice dominated for decades[52:10] — What randomized trials actually show[1:00:05] — Why dissent is treated as heresy in nutrition[1:08:30] — How bad science survives criticism[1:16:45] — What good nutrition science would require[1:23:20] — Why this debate still mattersLevels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health.Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.🔗 Helpful links:Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/74WAhHgEk_0⁠Find us on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1⁠⁠⁠📲 Connect with Gary Taubes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-taubes-942a6459/https://garytaubes.com/

Hormones influence far more than reproduction—they shape energy, mood, metabolism, sleep, and long-term health. In this episode of A Whole New Level, Dr. Anjali D’Souza joins Mike Haney to explain how women’s hormones actually work, why so many symptoms are dismissed as “normal,” and how to interpret labs in a way that reflects real physiology.They discuss why standard hormone panels often miss functional problems, how nutrient status and lifestyle affect hormone signaling, and how symptoms like PMS, fatigue, and brain fog provide meaningful data—not noise.They discuss:Why hormones affect how you feel day to day, not just fertilityThe difference between “normal” lab ranges and optimal functionHow progesterone, estrogen, and cortisol interactWhy PMS is often a signal—not a mysteryHow nutrition, stress, and sleep influence hormone effectivenessSign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: ⁠⁠https://levels.link/wnl⁠⁠🎙 What Dr. Anjali Dsouza & Mike Haney discuss:[3:45] — Why hormones influence energy, mood, and vitality[7:30] — “Normal” labs vs. how you actually feel[11:40] — Why hormone symptoms are often dismissed[15:05] — Hormones as a lever to move from “fine” to “amazing.”[18:20] — Progesterone, estrogen, and the menstrual cycle[22:10] — Why PMS isn’t random—it’s data[27:35] — Cortisol, stress, and hormone disruption[33:10] — Nutrient status and hormone effectiveness[38:45] — Why labs don’t show tissue-level hormone function[44:30] — Lifestyle changes that support hormone balance[50:15] — Rethinking how we assess women’s hormone healthLevels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health.Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.🔗 Helpful links:Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/MweLkjvNimoFind us on YouTube: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1⁠⁠⁠https://dcimedicine.com/dr-anjali-dsouza/⁠⁠https://www.levels.com/blog/dr-anjali-dsouza-wants-to-help-women-level-up-their-health⁠📲 Connect with Dr. Anjali Dsouza: https://www.instagram.com/anjalidsouzamd

In this episode, Dr. Jesse Mills, Director of the UCLA Men’s Clinic, joins Mike Haney to explain what’s driving that shift and what today’s data-driven approach to men’s health looks like.He breaks down the testosterone “revolution,” what’s really happening in low-T diagnoses, and how lifestyle, sleep, and stress management can influence hormones as much as prescriptions can.They discuss: - How men’s health became its own medical discipline- What testosterone really does—and how to know if it’s low- Primary vs. secondary hypogonadism and how to tell the difference- When testosterone replacement is appropriate (and when it’s not)- Why younger men are now embracing prevention and optimizationAnd listen to Dr. Mills’ new podcast, The Male Room with Dr. Jesse Mills, wherever you get your podcasts.Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: ⁠https://levels.link/wnl⁠🎙 What Dr. Jesse Mills & Mike Haney discuss:[2:10] — How men’s health became its own field[8:05] — The generational shift in openness[10:40] — The difference between real medicine and ‘men’s clinics’[12:00] — Testosterone 101[18:45] — When low testosterone is reversible[26:50] — Why we need ‘forensic endocrinology’Levels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health.Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.🔗 Helpful links:Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/Zs2CZC2GueAFind us on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1⁠📲 Connect with Dr. Jesse Mills: https://x.com/grurology?lang=en

Your annual labs can reveal far more than most people realize—if you know how to interpret them. In this episode of A Whole New Level, Dr. Rich Joseph walks through how to read basic blood work like the CBC, electrolytes, and urinalysis, and how to use those numbers as feedback loops, not pass/fail judgments.He explains which values matter most, what trends reveal over time, and how to connect lab data to sleep, training, nutrition, and stress.What the Complete Blood Count (CBC) actually measuresHow to identify early signs of iron or B-vitamin deficiencyWhat white blood cell patterns reveal about immunity and stressHow electrolytes reflect cellular energy, hydration, and training loadWhy urinalysis is underrated (and how to read it quickly)How to use lab trends—not single snapshots—to guide health decisionsSign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: https://levels.link/wnl🎙 What Dr. Rich Joesph & Mike Haney discuss:[03:12] — Why basic labs still matter[07:58] — How to read the CBC: Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets[18:45] — MCV and what it tells us about iron vs. B-vitamin deficiency[24:40] — White blood cells as a window into stress and recovery[44:10] — Electrolytes and cellular energy[1:01:22] — Urinalysis: the overlooked lab with real value[1:09:55] — Using labs as feedback over timeLevels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health.Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.🔗 Helpful links:Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/cpwB4-_7o-wFind us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1📲 Connect with Dr. Rich Joseph on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-joseph-md-mba-61448b33a/

Your immune system isn’t just about fighting infections—it’s a mirror of your overall metabolic health.In this episode of A Whole New Level, Dr. Sharon Bergquist, physician and Director of Emory’s Healthy Aging and Resilient Aging Center, joins Mike Haney to unpack the science of immune resilience—how chronic inflammation, white blood cell patterns, and metabolism intertwine to shape long-term health.Dr. Bergquist explains why inflammation isn’t always bad, how the immune system ages, and what you can do daily to build resilience.They discuss:The link between metabolic dysfunction and chronic low-grade inflammationHow white blood cell counts reveal immune status and stress levelsWhy gut and liver health are central to immune balancePractical habits that calm inflammation and support immune recoveryWhat it really means to have a “resilient” immune systemSign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: https://levels.link/wnl🎙 What Dr. Sharon Bergquist & Mike Haney discuss:[3:24] — How inflammation protects—and harms—your body[10:11] — Why immune health depends on metabolism[17:42] — White blood cells as a window into immune function[24:38] — How the gut and liver shape immunity[32:27] — Why modern lifestyles fuel inflammation[40:55] — How to measure your own inflammation[48:33] — The science of immune aging (inflammaging)[56:22] — Building immune resilience through daily habits[1:03:44] — Why immune balance is better than immune ‘boosting’[1:11:08] — The hopeful message: immunity is adaptableLevels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health.Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.🔗 Helpful links:Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/k1XpdFGVx1oFind us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1📲 Connect with Dr. Sharon Bergquist on LinkedIn: Dr. Sharon Horesh Bergquist Dr. Sharon Bergquist: https://drsharonbergquist.com/

If you want to improve your energy and long-term health, start by understanding how your body uses glucose.In this episode of A Whole New Level, Dr. Benjamin Bikman, scientist and author of Why We Get Sick, joins Mike Haney to unpack the science of glucose metabolism and insulin resistance—and why blood sugar isn’t the whole story.Dr. Bikman explains how insulin regulates energy balance, why HbA1c is only part of the picture, and how chronic high insulin can silently drive weight gain, fatigue, and metabolic disease. He also shares practical ways to lower insulin naturally through diet, exercise, and daily habits.They discuss:Why insulin, not glucose, is the root of metabolic dysfunctionWhat HbA1c and fasting glucose really tell youThe early signs of insulin resistance most people missHow muscle tissue protects against high glucose and insulinWhy low-carb and intermittent fasting aren’t one-size-fits-allPractical nutrition and movement strategies for better metabolic flexibilitySign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: https://levels.link/wnl🎙 What Ben Bikman, PhD, & Mike Haney discuss:[3:42] — Why glucose isn’t the full story in metabolic health[7:58] — Insulin’s central role in energy and fat storage[13:10] — What HbA1c actually tells you—and what it misses[19:23] — The first signs of insulin resistance most people overlook[25:46] — Why muscle is a “glucose sink” that protects your metabolism[32:15] — How modern diets overload insulin, not just glucose[39:52] — The difference between being lean and being metabolically healthy[46:08] — Simple daily habits that lower insulin naturally[54:41] — Why “normal” lab ranges for insulin are misleading[1:02:17] — Practical steps to build metabolic flexibility and better energyLevels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health.Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.🔗 Helpful links:Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/2PROANAQkwAFind us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1📲 Connect:Connect with Dr. Bikman on X: @BenBikmanPhDDr. Benjamin Bikman: https://benbikman.com/

Alzheimer’s and dementia aren’t just a matter of age or genetics. Increasing evidence shows that metabolic health—particularly insulin resistance—plays a key role in cognitive decline.In this episode of A Whole New Level, neurologist and bestselling author Dr. David Perlmutter joins Mike Haney to explore the links between brain health and metabolism. They discuss the role of insulin resistance and inflammation in Alzheimer’s disease, the biomarkers that can reveal risk decades before symptoms, and how lifestyle interventions can dramatically change your trajectory.Topics include:Key biomarkers for assessing brain health: fasting insulin, A1C, homocysteineWhy targeting inflammation may matter more than targeting amyloid plaquesThe promise and limitations of GLP-1 medications for dementia and Parkinson’sPractical steps you can take now to protect long-term cognitive functionSign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: https://levels.link/wnl 🎙 What Dr. David Perlmutter & Mike Haney discuss:4:12 — Why Alzheimer’s is now called “Type 3 diabetes”9:45 — The role of inflammation in brain health15:22 — Biomarkers that predict dementia risk decades early22:31 — Why mainstream Alzheimer’s drugs fall short29:17 — GLP-1s and brain health36:44 — Lifestyle changes vs. pharmaceuticals44:19 — Why homocysteine matters53:02 — Sleep, circadian rhythm, and brain resilience1:02:38 — Early warning signs you shouldn’t ignore1:15:07 — The hopeful messageLevels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health.Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.🔗 Helpful links:Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/MV_9nyAN1VkFind us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1📲 Connect:Dr. David Perlmutter on X: @DavidPerlmutterDavid Perlmutter, MD: ⁠https://drperlmutter.com/⁠

Longevity is a hot health topic, but what factors move the needle on not only how long you live but how long you experience relatively good health? Some lab and other tests can help assess how healthy you’re aging and provide context for what lifestyle and other changes to make. Dr. Matt Kaeberlein and Mike Haney discuss the tests that help assess healthy aging, how mental health and physical health are intricately connected, which lifestyle factors might expand your health span, and where the research stands on various longevity topics.Get a Free Guide to Understanding Your Lab Results: https://levels.link/wnl 🎙 What Matt Kaeberlein, PhD, & Mike Haney discuss:6:57 — Lifespan vs. health span vs. sick span19:38 — Understanding sick span27:44 — Biomarkers and other tests to assess health span30:58 — The importance of emotional health for longevity35:49 — Cellular tests may not have value for the consumer yet42:24 — On mitochondrial function and telomere length50:34 — Investing in your health1:01:18 — Lifestyle changes can help make a big difference1:09:50 — High vs. low protein1:16:39 — When considering exercise, building muscle is crucial for longevity1:27:37 — The prescription drug rapamycin is not FDA-approved for longevityLevels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health.Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.🔗 Helpful links:Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/OPH5Nb2a69oSubscribe here on YouTube: https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1Find us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1Matt Kaeberlein, PhD: https://www.optispan.life/matt-kaeberleinConnect with Matt Kaeberlein, PhD, on X: https://x.com/mkaeberlein

Your thyroid test results explained: The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that affects many facets of health. When it doesn’t function optimally, symptoms can ensue. That’s where testing comes in, but the results can be tricky to interpret (and treat if necessary) without a knowledgeable clinician. Dr. Angela Mazza and Mike Haney discuss thyroid function, thyroid hormone and related tests and what they mean, treatment for thyroid conditions, the benefits of an integrative approach to thyroid care, and more.Get a Free Guide to Understanding Your Lab Results: https://levels.link/wnl 🎙 What Angela Mazza, DO, & Mike Haney discuss:2:44 — What is endocrinology?4:31 — What does the thyroid do?6:33 — Understanding hyperthyroidism10:08 — The “triangle” of autoimmune disease13:56 — Understanding hypothyroidism16:29 — Thyroid-stimulating hormone21:43 — Considering reverse T327:11 — Thyroid ultrasound37:32 – The importance of individualized thyroid replacement therapy40:53 — The thyroid gland and perimenopause42:49 — Misinformation about the thyroidLevels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health.Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.🔗 Helpful links:Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/HRNKRniVALkFind us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1Angela Mazza, DO: https://www.metaboliccenterforwellness.com/Metabolic Center for Wellness: https://www.metaboliccenterforwellness.com/“Thyroid Talk: An Integrative Guide to Optimal Thyroid Health”: https://www.amazon.com/Thyroid-Talk-Integrative-Optimal-Health/Thyroid Talk community and training: https://www.thrivethyroid.com/Thyroid Talk podcast: https://www.metaboliccenterforwellness.com/copy-of-protocols-1Connect with Angela Mazza, DO, on Instagram: https:// https://www.instagram.com/metaboliccenterforwellness/

Greater accessibility to glucose biosensors has led to their use to improve metabolic health, prevent disease, and feel better. Historically, these biosensors for monitoring glucose were only available with a prescription, often reserved for people with diabetes, but now with brands like Stelo, they are available over the counter. Dom D’Agostino, PhD, and Ben Grynol discuss how biosensors can be a tool for anyone to improve overall health, reduce risk for chronic diseases, manage women’s health including menstrual cycles and the menopause transition, help with fueling strategies for workouts and performance, prevent energy crashes, and more.Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: https://levels.link/wnl🎙 What Dom D’Agostino, PhD, & Ben Grynol discuss:11:49 — Using technology to reduce your risk for health issues14:13 — Metabolic health is a spectrum, and many people don’t know where they stand25:25 — The importance of focusing on trends in your metabolic health30:05 —  Glucose spikes from workouts are normal and a good sign34:13 — Glucose is one of the key biomarkers to track for longevity41:34 — Understanding what a glucose biosensor is56:17 — All calories are not created equal1:01:25 — Using a glucose biosensor for exercise fueling strategies1:04:00 — Using a glucose biosensor to monitor women’s health changes1:23:11 — The rate of glucose absorption matters for metabolic health and how you feel1:31:06 — Making healthy food the default, rather than ultra-processed foodsLevels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health.Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.🔗 Helpful links:Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/mrlnNhxKNgYFind us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1Dominic D’Agostino, PhD: https://drdominicdagostino.com/Dominic D’Agostino, PhD, on X: https://x.com/DominicDAgosti2

Our kidneys filter out waste while retaining substances the body needs, such as electrolytes. Kidney health, which can be assessed with blood and urine biomarker tests, is paramount to overall health. Yet lifestyle, such as the Western diet and other factors, can damage the kidneys, leading to either a slow progression of issues or acute injury. Dr. Rick Johnson and Mike Haney discuss the role of the kidneys, what lifestyle factors affect kidney health, ways to support the kidneys, and what your biomarker results tell you about the function of these crucial organs.Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: https://levels.link/wnl🎙 What Rick Johnson, MD, & Mike Haney discuss:4:26 — Your kidneys are great regulators8:43 — Heat stress affects the kidneys12:04 — The most common causes of kidney disease include diabetes and high blood pressure19:46 — The Western diet is associated with age-related kidney decline 32:25 — The concerns of a high-protein diet in the presence of chronic kidney disease41:15 — Changes in urinary habits or color could indicate chronic kidney disease46:23 — Biomarkers can help assess kidney function53:18 — Serum creatinine as a biomarker of kidney health1:08:13 — Assessing patterns over time is crucial1:10:52 — High albumin in the urine is a sign of kidney disease1:21:26 — Lifestyle changes that support kidney healthLevels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health.Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.🔗 Helpful links:Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/8_QSuYwo5wgSubscribe here on YouTube: https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1Richard Johnson, MD: https://drrichardjohnson.comComprehensive Clinical Nephrology: https://drrichardjohnson.com/books/Connect with Richard Johnson, MD on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drrichardjjohnson/

Your gut microbiome affects everything from your mental health and cognitive function to your immune system and metabolic health. Gut health symptoms, such as bloating, gas, constipation, or diarrhea, could be a sign that you have low species diversity. Dr. Will Bulsiewicz and Mike Haney discuss how the gut and brain communicate, how the gut microbiome affects the gut barrier and therefore your immune system, what to eat to improve the gut microbiome, and what microbiome testing can tell you.Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: https://levels.link/wnl 🎙 What Will Bulsiewicz, MD, & Mike Haney discuss:9:14 — Gut health takes time to improve14:49 — Your gut microbiome informs your gut and overall health18:42 — Lifestyle choices help shape an individual’s gut microbiome24:20 — A compromised gut barrier affects the immune system30:51 — Nutritional strategies can improve the gut microbiome and reduce disease flares 32:46 — The gut and the brain communicate52:27 — A diverse gut microbiome is a sign of good health56:45 — Your gut microbiome informs your bowel movements1:01:46 — When to see a doctor for gastrointestinal symptoms1:05:32 — Increasing fiber helps the gut microbiome1:11:41 — The beneficial byproducts of gut microbes are postbiotics1:14:59 — Eat a wide variety of plant foods to get optimal fiberLevels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health.Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.🔗 Helpful links:Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/iAHOycufGn8Find us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1Will Bulsieweicz, MD, https://theplantfedgut.com/about/Fiber Fueled: https://www.amazon.com/Fiber-Fueled-Plant-Based-Optimizing-Microbiome/dp/059308456XThe Plant Fed Gut: https://theplantfedgut.com/Connect with Dr. Will Bulsiewicz on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theguthealthmd/?hl=en

The pancreas is a complex organ, but some key biomarkers can assess its health. The pancreas is both an exocrine organ (meaning it produces enzymes) and an exocrine organ (meaning it secretes hormones). It’s a key component of your metabolic health and therefore your overall health. Dr. Robert Lustig and Mike Haney discuss key pancreatic blood work to get checked, the differences between diabetes types and what causes them, what insulin resistance is, how to restore mitochondrial function through diet and lifestyle changes, and more.Get a Free Guide to Understanding Your Lab Results: ⁠⁠https://levels.link/wnl⁠⁠Levels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health.Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health.🎙 What Robert Lustig, MD, & Mike Haney discuss:(01:33) — The pancreas is a complex organ(13:20) — Three emergency mechanisms to prevent low blood sugar(18:28) — Why insulin is a crucial biomarker(19:57) — Understanding type 1 diabetes(27:11) — Understanding type 2 diabetes(30:03) — What mitochondrial dysfunction does to the pancreas(31:45) — The links between Alzheimer’s disease and type diabetes(33:07) — Obesity is about mitochondrial dysfunction(36:14) — Testing proinsulin and C-peptide(40:24) — Reversing mitochondrial dysfunction and type 2 diabetes(44:03) — Testing key pancreatic enzymes⁠⁠Transcripts & Show Notes⁠⁠⁠⁠🔗 Helpful links:Watch the conversation: ⁠https://youtu.be/5RnEdiTRYfI?si=GXeqvaXtyDLaXjUHFind us on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1⁠⁠