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Luc van Loon is an internationally renowned expert in skeletal muscle metabolism. In this episode, Luc starts with an exploration of the roles of insulin and triglycerides in endurance exercise, highlighting their impact on skeletal muscle metabolism, and he offers profound insights into the significance of protein in this context. He elucidates how different protein types and forms influence muscle protein synthesis rates, exploring the nuances of protein absorption, digestibility, amino acid quality, and their implications for performance and recovery. Delving deeper, he differentiates between animal and plant protein sources, unraveling the distinctive properties of various protein types, from the differences between whey and casein to the emerging trends in collagen protein supplementation. Moreover, Luc dissects the intricate connections among physical activity, lean muscle mass, muscle protein synthesis induced by resistance training, and dietary protein.

We discuss:

• Luc’s background and insights about fuel selection during exercise [3:30];
• Fuel utilization during endurance exercise [9:30];
• Fat metabolism, intramuscular lipids, and the nutritional dynamics of endurance sports [17:15];
• The optimal window for replenishing intramuscular fat stores and glycogen post-exercise [25:15];
• Luc’s interest in protein metabolism and exploration of amino acids' dual role as building blocks and signaling molecules in driving muscle protein synthesis [32:15];
• How protein metabolism differs between sedentary individuals and those engaged in predominantly strength training or endurance training [38:45];
• The basics of how proteins are digested and absorbed, and how muscle protein synthesis is measured [50:30];
• How factors like food texture, cooking methods, and protein composition impact muscle protein synthesis, and the importance of protein distribution throughout the day [59:45];
• Differences in whey and casein proteins, and the ability of ingested protein to stimulate muscle protein synthesis [1:03:30];
• Dietary protein distribution and quantity for the maximization of muscle protein synthesis [1:09:00];
• Muscle loss with age and inactivity and the importance of resistance exercise to maintain type II muscle fibers [1:17:15];
• Differences between whey and casein proteins, and the importance of both quantity and quality of protein sources [1:28:30];
• Optimizing muscle protein synthesis: exercise, timing of protein intake, protein quality, and more [1:37:00];
• How to preserve muscle while trying to lose weight [1:46:00];
• Anabolic resistance and overcoming it with physical activity [1:55:45];
• Importance of protein intake and physical activity in hospitalized patients [2:06:30];
• Reviewing the efficacy of collagen supplements [2:13:30];
• Plant-based diets: how to ensure a balance of amino acids, and other considerations [2:20:30];
• Future research: understanding protein metabolism in the brain [2:23:45]; and
• More.

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Paul Conti is an author and practicing psychiatrist who specializes in helping people heal from trauma. In this episode, Paul returns to The Drive to delve into the intricate relationship between emotional health, healthspan, and lifespan. He first challenges common assumptions about the inevitable decline of emotional health with age, providing strategies for conducting a comprehensive audit of internal emotional health. He establishes a framework for the foundation of good emotional health: a balance between the generative drive, the assertive drive, and the pleasure drive. Paul also explores the nuanced dynamics of motivation, happiness, and satisfaction as it relates to material possessions, draws connections between physical and emotional well-being, confronts the impact of negative self-talk, and describes how making peace with our mortality can foster a sense of hope, purpose and well-being. Additionally, Paul offers many practical insights into initiating emotional health improvements and navigating the search for a suitable therapist.

We discuss:

• The importance of prioritizing emotional health as we age [2:45];
• The impact of emotional health on healthspan and how to foster a proactive approach to emotional well-being [7:00];
• The discrepancy between outward success and inner fulfillment, and the importance of a healthy “generative drive” for genuine well-being [13:00];
• A deeper dive into generative drive: impact on human behavior, resilience, purpose, and more [23:15];
• Evaluating one’s inner self: introspection, self-awareness, challenging societal norms, and returning to the basics of physical and emotional well-being [29:00];
• Self-auditing tools: introspection, curiosity, and exploring underlying reasons for unwanted behaviors [41:45];
• Breaking free from destructive cycles by understanding the continuum of self-care and addictive behaviors and remaining curious [50:15];
• Critical self talk: the malleability of one’s inner dialogue and the potential for transformative change with perseverance and self-compassion [1:00:15];
• Slowing the anger response and gaining insights into the underlying triggers to achieve lasting change and self-understanding [1:13:45];
• Foster gratitude and humility by achieving balance between the three drives—assertion, pleasure, and generative [1:20:45];
• The conflict between intellectual understanding and emotional feelings, problematic comparison frameworks, and the importance of living in the present with intentionality [1:24:15];
• How making peace with our mortality can foster a sense of hope, purpose and well-being [1:34:45];
• Advice for finding a compatible therapist [1:43:45];
• The key components of therapeutic progress [1:57:00];
• The caricatures of four common patient phenotypes, and how to get through to them [2:05:30];
• How Paul manages his own well-being and the emotional challenges that come with his line of work [2:15:15]; and
• More.

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In this “Ask Me Anything” (AMA) episode, Peter delves into the crucial yet often overlooked topic of iron and iron deficiency. He explores why iron is indispensable for the body, explains the repercussions of iron deficiency, and sheds light on the prevalence of this issue and who is most susceptible. Peter outlines strategies for increasing iron levels, covering dietary iron, supplementation, and infusion options, while also discussing the suitability of each approach for different individuals. Shifting gears, Peter tackles rapid-fire questions on creatine and sodium, as well as inquiries related to his book.

If you’re not a subscriber and are listening on a podcast player, you’ll only be able to hear a preview of the AMA. If you’re a subscriber, you can now listen to this full episode on your private RSS feed or our website at the AMA #58 show notes page. If you are not a subscriber, you can learn more about the subscriber benefits here.

We discuss:

• Overview of today’s topics and the importance of understanding iron levels in the body [1:45];
• The importance and ubiquity of iron in the body, and the role of the protein called ferritin [4:30];
• The processes of iron absorption, utilization, and transportation [9:30];
• Options for testing iron levels and how to interpret the results [13:45];
• What does it mean to be iron deficient, and how is it different from anemia? [17:15];
• Symptoms of iron deficiency and/or anemia [22:15];
• How prevalent is iron deficiency, and who is most susceptible? [24:30];
• The importance of consuming an adequate amount of iron daily to prevent deficiency [30:30];
• The best way to improve iron levels for someone who is deficient [34:45];
• Iron supplementation: various formulations and potential side effects [37:45];
• Intravenous iron infusion as an alternative to oral supplements -- plus restless legs syndrome and other topics [42:00];
• Iron supplementation: who should and should not consider it [44:00];
• Peter’s approach to creatine and his pre- and post-workout supplements [50:15];
• Navigating sodium intake: effect on blood pressure, who should use precaution, and other considerations [54:45];
• Peter’s thoughts about the potential of writing another book [57:15]; and
• More.

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