This week in the studio, I'm joined by Dr. Nick Barringer—Army Ranger, performance nutrition expert, and one of the sharpest minds in military and metabolic health. Together, we cut through the noise around today's most controversial nutrition topics. If you’ve ever felt whiplash trying to make sense of conflicting headlines, this episode is your science-based compass.

What’s really going on with artificial sweeteners like sucralose and aspartame? Are seed oils toxic—or just misunderstood? And what’s the actual science behind popular supplements like creatine, testosterone boosters and fat burners?

Dr. Barringer brings two decades of elite military and research experience to help us separate hype from evidence—while sharing real-world tools that help people perform, think, and feel better.

We cover:

• Whether sucralose and other artificial sweeteners damage DNA or gut health
• What to actually worry about with food dyes
• Seed oils, inflammation, and what most people get wrong about them
• Protein and carb dosing for people over 40 (and how to think about fiber and fat)
• Why creatine is still the most underrated supplement for muscle and brain function
• Tactical hydration tips (and how sweat composition varies with diet)
• Hidden risks in testosterone boosters and “fat burners”
• Practical takeaways for elite performance, healthy aging, and being stronger at any age

Who is Dr. Nick Barringer?

Nick Barringer, PhD, is a Nutritional Physiologist with deep experience in both applied and academic settings. He directed the U.S. Military-Baylor Graduate Program in Nutrition, taught at West Point, and was the first active-duty dietitian to graduate U.S. Army Ranger School and serve with the 75th Ranger Regiment. He holds a PhD in kinesiology from Texas A&M, and his research on tactical nutrition has been featured in outlets like Science Daily and Men’s Journal.

This episode is brought to you by:

• ARMRA - Use code DRLYON for 15% off your first order → tryarmra.com/DRLYON
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Find Nick Barringer at:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-barringer-phd-rdn-cscs-cssd-5137789a/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nickbarringer.phd.rdn/
• Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/nickbarringer.phd.rdn/

Find me at:

• Instagram: @drgabriellelyon
• TikTok: @drgabriellelyon
• Facebook: facebook.com/doctorgabriellelyon
• YouTube:youtube.com/@DrGabrielleLyon
• X (Twitter): x.com/drgabriellelyon
• Apply to become a patient – https://drgabriellelyon.com/new-patient-inquiry/
• Join my weekly newsletter –

In this episode, I’m joined by Shaun Noorian—engineer, entrepreneur, and CEO of Empower Pharmacy, the largest compounding pharmacy in the world. With compounded GLP-1s making headlines and lawsuits from Big Pharma intensifying, Shaun joins me to pull back the curtain on the regulatory, financial, and ethical storm brewing behind the scenes.

Are compounded GLP-1s legal? Safe? Who controls drug pricing in the U.S., and why are Americans paying 10x more than Europeans for the same medication? And most importantly—what does all this mean for access, affordability, and patient care?

This episode is a wake-up call. If you care about transparency in medicine, patient rights, or access to life-saving medications, don’t miss this one.

We cover:

• Why compounded GLP-1s are under attack—and what the FDA’s recent moves really means
• How Big Pharma sets drug prices—and why Americans pay up to 10x more than other countries
• The legal battle over semaglutide, regulatory capture, and the influence of pharmaceutical lobbying
• How compounding pharmacies offer personalized care and expand access to life-saving medications
• What’s next for patients, clinicians, and the future of affordable medicine in the U.S.

Who is Shaun Noorian?

Shaun Noorian is the founder and CEO of Empower Pharmacy, the largest compounding pharmacy and 503B outsourcing facility in the United States. A fierce advocate for patient access and affordable care, Shaun has become a leading voice on the role of compounding in medicine and the urgent need for reform in pharmaceutical pricing and regulation.

Forever Strong Summit 2025:

Can’t make it to Houston on April 27th? Grab a Virtual “LIVE Access” Ticket and stream every keynote, panel, and breakthrough moment from the Forever Strong Summit 2025—live from your laptop, wherever you are. You’ll get front-row access to leaders like Dr. Don Layman, Rich Diviney, and Evy Poumpouras—plus priority access to all the recordings so you can revisit the insights anytime.Get your ticket now! https://drgabriellelyon.com/forever-strong-summit-2025/

This episode is brought to you by:

• Puori – Code DRLYON for 20% off sitewide! → puori.com/DRLYON
• Our Place - Code DRLYON for 10% off – https://fromourplace.com
• BON CHARGE – Code DRLYON for 15% off! → boncharge.com/DRLYON
• MUD\WTR - Code DRLYON for up to 43% off – http://mudwtr.com/DRLYON

Find Shaun Noorian at:

• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaun-noorian
• X(Twitter) - http://x.com/shaunnoorian
• Empower Pharmacy - https://www.empowerpharmacy.com/

Find me at:

• Instagram: @drgabriellelyon
• TikTok: @drgabriellelyon
• Facebook: facebook.com/doctorgabriellelyon
• YouTube:youtube.com/@DrGabrielleLyon
• X (Twitter): x.com/drgabriellelyon
• Apply to become a...

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Melanie Cree—physician-scientist, pediatric endocrinologist, and one of the leading researchers redefining how we understand and treat Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). PCOS affects millions of women, yet it's still underdiagnosed, misunderstood, and often mistreated. Dr. Cree cuts through the confusion, offering a deeply scientific yet compassionate look at what’s really driving this complex condition—from insulin resistance and mitochondrial dysfunction to skeletal muscle quality and fertility trajectories across a woman’s lifespan.

We cover:

• Why PCOS isn’t a single disease—and what two phenotypes may explain the full picture
• How muscle, liver, and fat interact in PCOS
• The misunderstood role of testosterone, insulin, and SHBG in diagnosis
• What muscle biopsies reveal about teenage girls with PCOS
• Intramuscular fat, mitochondrial impairment, and the true cost of sedentary muscle
• How early lifestyle and exercise interventions could change the future of PCOS care
• What GLP-1 agonists and amino acid supplements might offer for treatment

Whether you’re a clinician, patient, or advocate for women’s health, this episode will give you a whole new lens on PCOS—and why skeletal muscle may be the most overlooked (and powerful) organ in the conversation.

Who is Dr. Melanie Cree?

Dr. Melanie Cree is a board-certified pediatric endocrinologist and Associate Professor at the University of Colorado and Children’s Hospital Colorado, where she directs a leading multidisciplinary PCOS clinic. Her research bridges metabolic medicine and muscle physiology, with clinical trials exploring semaglutide, amino acid therapy, liver metabolism, and insulin resistance in adolescents.

Forever Strong Summit 2025:

The Forever Strong Summit is a live event on April 27, 2025 in Houston, TX, designed to help you build strength, resilience, and longevity from the inside out. Featuring top minds in medicine, military, and mindset, you’ll walk away with practical tools to upgrade your health, sharpen your focus, and take ownership of your life. Whether you're a clinician, athlete, or simply ready to step into your next level—this is where science meets action. Get your ticket now! https://drgabriellelyon.com/forever-strong-summit-2025/

This episode is brought to you by:

• LMNT – Get your free LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase → DrinkLMNT.com/DRLYON
• Cozy Earth – Get up to 40% off with code DRLYON → cozyearth.com/DRLYON
• OneSkin – Get 15% off with the code DRLYON at → OneSkin.co
• Timeline Nutrition – Get 10% off → timeline.com/LYON

Find Dr. Melanie Cree at:

University of Colorado - https://som.cuanschutz.edu/Profiles/Faculty/Profile/22449

Find me at:

• Instagram: @drgabriellelyon
• TikTok: @drgabriellelyon
• Facebook: facebook.com/doctorgabriellelyon
• YouTube:

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein—orthopedic surgeon, sports medicine expert, and Associate Professor at Duke University—for a powerful and practical conversation about bone and joint health across the lifespan. From the challenges of frozen shoulder and arthritis to the truth about running and menopause hormone therapy, this episode is your definitive guide to staying strong, mobile, and pain-free well into your 40s, 50s, and beyond.

We cover:

• Why your joints and bones start changing after 30—and what to do about it
• The difference between male and female aging (and why 50 hits women harder)
• The role of estrogen in health, inflammation, muscle mass, and osteoporosis
• The truth about running and arthritis: myth vs. reality
• How to actually build stronger bones: plyometrics, impact, and intensity
• Why frozen shoulder happens and how to treat it early
• The supplements Dr. Wittstein actually recommends (and which ones she used to dismiss)
• What we’re learning about GLP-1 medications and their surprising effect on bone and joint health

Whether you’re an athlete, a parent, or entering perimenopause, this conversation is a masterclass in movement longevity and joint and bone preservation.

Who is Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein?

Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein is an Associate Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at Duke University specializing in sports medicine and women's joint health. As a leading researcher and clinician, she’s pioneered work on arthritis, adhesive capsulitis, and the role of hormones in bone and joint aging. She is also co-author of the upcoming book The Complete Bone and Joint Health Plan (May 2025), a practical guide for women who want to move well and stay strong at every stage of life.

This episode is brought to you by:

• Puori – Code DRLYON for 20% off sitewide! → puori.com/DRLYON
• Needed – Code DRLYON for 20% off your first order → thisisneeded.com
• BON CHARGE – Code DRLYON for 15% off! → boncharge.com/DRLYON
• Divi – Get 20% off your first order → diviofficial.com/DRLYON

Find Dr. Jocelyn Wittstein at:

• Duke Health: https://www.dukehealth.org/find-doctors-physicians/jocelyn-ross-wittstein-md
• Instagram: @jocelyn_wittstein_md
• The Complete Bone and Joint Health Plan: Amazon and Barnes & Noble

Find me at:

• Instagram: @drgabriellelyon
• TikTok: @drgabriellelyon
• Facebook: facebook.com/doctorgabriellelyon
• YouTube:youtube.com/@DrGabrielleLyon
• X (Twitter):

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Shane Kronstedt—former Navy SEAL, physician, surgical resident, and most importantly, my husband—for a powerful conversation about discipline, resilience, and the real-life moments that define us. From his early years of martial arts and mixed martial arts to surviving Hell Week and life-or-death missions in Afghanistan and Uganda, Shane shares how pressure creates clarity, why mindset matters most, and what it truly means to lead by example. This deeply personal episode gives you a rare glimpse into the man behind the mission.

We cover:

• Why Shane chose the most dangerous path on purpose—and what it taught him
• What Hell Week is really like (and why most fail)
• His perspective on “one moment of weakness for a lifetime of regret”
• Lessons learned from combat trauma and performing surgery in war zones
• The truth about motivation, mental toughness, and doing things that suck
• Why preparation beats panic and mindset > emotion
• The relationship between high performers, adversity, and identity
• What it’s like building a family, business, and legacy

Whether you’re a parent, athlete, medical professional, or someone who wants to be better under pressure, this episode will challenge you to redefine your limits and commit to something greater than yourself.

Please be advised: This episode contains some strong language and may not be suitable for all audiences.

Who is Shane Kronstedt?

Dr. Shane Kronstedt Shane was a Navy SEAL and combat medic with ten years of active duty service. His time overseas treating patients inspired him to become a surgeon. He deployed to Afghanistan, Europe, the Horn of Africa, and South America. Some of his awards include the Navy Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, The Joint Services Achievement Medal, and Navy Achievement Medal x2. He graduated from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School with AOA Honors in 2023 and is currently a resident in urologic surgery at Baylor College of Medicine.

This episode is brought to you by:

• LMNT – Get your free LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase – DrinkLMNT.com/DRLYON
• AG1 – FREE bottle of D3K2 and 5 free travel packs at DrinkAG1.com/LYON
• OneSkin – Get 15% off with the code DRLYON at https://www.oneskin.co/
• Timeline Nutrition – Get 10% off at https://Timeline.com/LYON

Find me at:

• Instagram: @drgabriellelyon
• TikTok: @drgabriellelyon
• Facebook: facebook.com/doctorgabriellelyon
• YouTube:youtube.com/@DrGabrielleLyon
• X (Twitter): x.com/drgabriellelyon
• Apply to become a patient – https://drgabriellelyon.com/new-patient-inquiry/
• Join my weekly newsletter – https://institute-for-muscle-centric-medicine.ck.page
• Get my book –

Jeff Krasno’s personal health transformation—reversing diabetes, shedding 60 pounds, and reclaiming his health at age 50—is a masterclass in what he calls “good stress.” In this episode, we dive into the simple but powerful idea that discomfort might just be the medicine we all need. Jeff, the founder of Commune and host of the Commune podcast, shares how fasting, cold exposure, resistance training, and attention to modern habits helped him regain his energy, build muscle, and thrive.

Together, we discuss how metabolic dysfunction has become the norm, how adaptive stress responses can be harnessed to reverse chronic illness, and why building muscle is not only the antidote to obesity but also a critical factor in longevity. If you’re interested in reclaiming your vitality and learning how to work with—not against—your biology, this episode will speak to you.

We cover:

• Jeff’s story of personal health transformation at midlife
• What “good stress” is and how to harness it to improve health
• Why chronic ease leads to chronic disease
• Cold therapy, fasting, and training as adaptive stressors
• The importance of resistance training for blood sugar control
• How metabolic dysfunction hides in plain sight
• Practical tips to increase non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT)
• Building muscle as the path to longevity and disease prevention

Who is Jeff Krasno?

Jeff Krasno is the co-founder and CEO of Commune, a masterclass platform for personal and societal well-being. He hosts the Commune podcast, where he’s interviewed luminaries like Deepak Chopra, Gabor Maté, and Matthew McConaughey. Jeff also writes a weekly personal essay called “Commusings,” delivered to over a million subscribers every Sunday. His new project, Good Stress, is an online course, upcoming book, and developing TV series, built on the wellness strategies that helped him reclaim his health after a diabetes diagnosis. He is also the co-creator of the global wellness event series Wanderlust and was selected for Oprah’s SuperSoul100 in 2016.

This episode is brought to you by:

• Puori – Code DRLYON for 20% off sitewide! – https://Puori.com/DRLYON
• ARMRA – Code DRLYON for 15% off! – https://armra.com/DRLYON
• BON CHARGE – Code DRLYON for 15% off! – https://boncharge.com/DRLYON
• MUD\WTR – Code DRLYON for up to 43% off – http://mudwtr.com/DRLYON

Find Jeff Krasno at:

• Website – https://www.jeffkrasno.com
• Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/jeffkrasno
• LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffkrasno
• YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@Commune
• Good Stress (Course & Book) – https://www.goodstress.com

Find me at:

• Instagram: @drgabriellelyon
• TikTok: @drgabriellelyon
• Facebook:

Nelson Vergel’s story is one of resilience, perseverance, and an unrelenting drive to defy the odds. In the mid-1980s, he was handed what many would have considered a death sentence—an HIV diagnosis at a time when there were no effective treatments, no clear answers, and little hope. Today, he is a beacon of knowledge and empowerment for those seeking to take control of their health, whether they are dealing with wasting conditions, hormone deficiencies, or simply aiming for peak performance. Nelson has spent decades researching and advocating for hormone health, muscle preservation, and medical autonomy, particularly for those facing wasting conditions like HIV and cancer. His work has helped shape the conversation around androgen therapies, the role of anabolic agents in aging, and the intersection of GLP-1 medications with muscle loss.

We cover:

• Nelson's personal journey from an HIV diagnosis to hormone optimization
• The history, misconceptions and stigma surrounding anabolic agents
• The differences between various anabolic agents and how they work
• The impact of GLP-1 medications on lean mass and how to mitigate muscle loss
• Best practices for hormone monitoring and optimization

If you want to hear an inspiring story of overcoming the odds to take control of your own health or you’re curious about anabolic therapies and longevity, you can’t miss this one.

Who is Nelson Vergel?

Nelson Vergel is a chemical engineer, author, and health advocate who has made significant contributions to men's health and hormone optimization. His most recent book, Beyond Testosterone, provides a detailed color guide to educate clinicians and patients about the latest advances in the use of testosterone, anabolics, and other therapies to maximize health and productivity.

This episode is brought to you by:

• LMNT - Code DRLYON for a free LMNT Sample Pack! – http://drinklmnt.com/drlyo
• Our Place - Code DRLYON for 10% off – https://fromourplace.com
• Timeline - Code DRLYON for 10% OFF – https://timelinenutrition.com/DRLYON
• OneSkin - Code DRLYON for 15% off! – https://www.oneskin.co/

Find Nelson Vergel at:

• DiscountedLabs.com – Offers affordable blood tests for monitoring hormones and overall health.
• ExcelMale.com – A leading 14-year forum with over 42,000 members discussing TRT, hormone health, supplements, and fitness.
• TRT Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/testosteronereplacement
• Women’s Healthand HRT Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenHRT
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nvergel/
• Amazon –

Dr. James Hill—a expert on obesity, metabolism, and long-term weight management—joins me this week to unpack the biggest challenges in sustainable fat loss. Dr. Hill has spent decades researching weight control and the factors that determine whether people can keep weight off long-term. We discuss the science behind energy balance, metabolic flexibility, and why long-term weight loss is about more than just diet and exercise. He shares insights from his groundbreaking work with the National Weight Control Registry, the role of GLP-1 medications, and why physical activity is the key to preventing weight regain.

We cover:

• The critical differences between weight loss and weight maintenance
• Why physical activity is perhaps more important for keeping weight off than losing it
• The National Weight Control Registry: lessons from long-term weight loss success stories
• How metabolism, muscle mass, and energy expenditure affect weight regain
• The role of protein and resistance training in preserving lean mass
• The impact of GLP-1 medications on weight loss and why most people regain weight after stopping them
• The psychology of weight maintenance: mindset, self-monitoring, and behavior change

If you’ve ever struggled to keep weight off, or you’re interested in the latest research on metabolic health and sustainable weight management, this episode is a must-listen.

Who is Dr. James Hill?

Dr. James Hill is an internationally recognized expert on obesity, metabolism, and weight management. He is the co-founder of the National Weight Control Registry, the largest ongoing study tracking individuals who have successfully lost weight and kept it off long-term. Dr. Hill has published over 400 scientific articles and has led pioneering research on energy balance, metabolic flexibility, and the role of physical activity in weight maintenance. He is a professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and has served as the President of The Obesity Society. His work has been instrumental in shaping modern obesity treatment and prevention strategies.

This episode is brought to you by:

• Puori - Code DRLYON for 20% off sitewide!– https://Puori.com/DRLYON
• Cozy Earth - Code DRLYON for up to 40% off! – https://cozyearth.com/DRLYON
• BON CHARGE - Code DRLYON for 15% off! - https://boncharge.com/DRLYON
• Manukora- Get $25 off the Starter Kit at https://manukora.com/DRLYON

Find Dr. James Hill at:

• International Weight Control Registry https://internationalweightcontrolregistry.org/
• Scholars Profile - https://scholars.uab.edu/6698-james-hill
• Academic Website - https://www.uab.edu/norc/about-us/leadership/executive-committee/james-hill

Find me at:

Instagram: @drgabriellelyon

TikTok: @drgabriellelyon

Facebook: facebook.com/doctorgabriellelyon

YouTube: youtube.com/@DrGabrielleLyon

X: x.com/drgabriellelyon

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