The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Show

In this episode, Dr. Alexis Wood, a leading researcher at Baylor College of Medicine, joins me to unpack insights into childhood nutrition, genetics, and cognitive health. Dr. Wood's work bridges genetics, dietary practices, and brain development, highlighting how early-life nutrition can shape lifelong outcomes. We explore cutting-edge research, practical strategies for parents, and the surprising factors influencing children's cognitive and metabolic health.

We cover:

• Why childhood nutrition and genetics have been historically overlooked—and what it means for your family.
• ADHD and diet: Separating fact from fiction.
• Debunking popular diet myths: What the research actually says about red meat and processed foods.
• Cognitive self-regulation: The hidden link between diet, obesity, and ADHD.
• Precision nutrition & metabolomics: The future is more than one-size-fits-all advice.

Whether you're a parent, educator, or health professional, this conversation offers guidance on navigating the complex relationship between nutrition, genetics, and childhood development.

Who is Dr. Alexis Wood?

Dr. Alexis Wood, Ph.D., F.A.H.A., is an Associate Professor of Pediatrics–Nutrition at Baylor College of Medicine’s USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center. Her research integrates genetics, child development, and nutrition, focusing on how genetic factors influence responses to diet and behavior.

This episode is brought to you by:

• PaleoValley - Get 15% off at https://paleovalley.com/drlyon
• ARMRA – Use code DRLYON to get 15% off your first order at https://tryarmra.com/DRLYON
• Our Place - Use code DRLYON for 10% off sitewide – https://fromourplace.com/DRLYON
• Timeline - Get 20% off your order of Mitopure - https://timeline.com/LYON

Find Dr. Alexis Wood at:

• Linked In - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lekkiwood/
• Baylor College of Medicine - https://www.bcm.edu/people-search/alexis-wood-33281
• USDA/ARS Children's Nutrition Research Center - https://www.bcm.edu/research/research-centers/usda-ars-childrens-nutrition-research-center
• Alexis Wood Lab - https://www.bcm.edu/research/faculty-labs/alexis-lekki-wood-lab

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 –

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. David Klurfeld—longtime USDA scientist and one of the few insiders to publicly challenge the WHO's classification of red meat as a carcinogen. We go deep into the flawed evidence behind the infamous 2015 IARC report, why nutritional epidemiology often fails to prove causality, and how a small group of researchers helped shape global policy with low-quality science. If you've ever felt confused about meat, saturated fat, or dietary guidelines, this conversation will help you think critically about what “counts” as evidence—and who gets to decide.

We cover:

• Dr. Klurfeld’s personal journey and lessons from a career in public health
• Why the 2015 IARC red meat classification was based on weak and inconsistent evidence
• How observational studies and “allegiance bias” mislead nutrition science
• The politics of dietary guidelines and the role of the USDA and WHO
• What the media got wrong—and why red meat remains a nutrient-dense food

Whether you're a clinician, dietitian, or simply trying to make better nutrition decisions, this episode is a powerful reminder that bias, groupthink and weak data can distort science and mislead the public. We need to be discerning about the nutrition and health advice we follow.

Who is Dr. David Klurfeld?

Dr. David Klurfeld is a nutritional scientist and former National Program Leader for Human Nutrition at the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service. He also served as Professor and Chair of Nutrition and Food Science at Wayne State University and Associate Editor of The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. He has authored more than 200 scientific publications and was one of 22 experts invited to the 2015 IARC working group on red meat and cancer. He is a longtime advocate for scientific integrity in public health policy.

This episode is brought to you by:

• LMNT- Free Sample Pack with any purchase, visit https://DrinkLMNT.com/DRLYON
• Timeline - Get 20% off your order of Mitopure - https://timeline.com/LYON
• MUD\WTR - Use code DRLYON to get up to 43% off your starter kit - https://mudwtr.com/DRLYON
• Needed - Use code DRLYON for 20% off your first order - https://thisisneeded.com

Find Dr. David Klurfeld at:

• Indiana University Bloomington - https://publichealth.indiana.edu/about/directory/David-Klurfeld-dmklurfe.html
• Google Scholar - https://scholar.google.ca/citations?user=Ym5Og20AAAAJ&hl=en
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-klurfeld-812845209/

Find me at:

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

Dr. Larry Lipshultz. is one of the world's leading experts in men's reproductive health. In this week's episode, we discuss testosterone therapy, male fertility, and the hidden environmental factors threatening men’s health. Dr. Lipshultz shares groundbreaking insights into why male fertility is declining, common myths surrounding testosterone and prostate cancer, and innovative strategies to safely enhance men's reproductive and overall health.

We cover:

• The alarming 50% drop in male fertility since the 1980s—and what’s driving it
• Testosterone therapy myths: prostate cancer, fertility, and what’s actually true
• Practical treatments for restoring fertility while on testosterone therapy
• Anabolic agents: risks, benefits, and smart use
• Personalized, patient-centered care to optimize male reproductive and overall health

If you care about men's health, fertility, or hormone optimization, this conversation is a must-listen.

Who is Dr. Larry Lipshultz?

Dr. Lipshultz’s research focuses on male reproductive dysfunction, testosterone therapy, cardiovascular risk, and the genetics of infertility. He has pioneered innovations in testicular sperm extraction, vasectomy reversal, and testosterone optimization therapies. With over 460 peer-reviewed publications and as co-author of a foundational textbook on andrology, his contributions have significantly enhanced diagnostic approaches in male infertility. An early recipient of the American Urological Association Research Scholar award, he advocates for integrative andrologic health as a foundation for lifelong wellness.

This episode is brought to you by:

• Puori - Get 20% off sitewide with Code DRLYON - https://Puori.com/DRLYON
• Cozy Earth - Use code DRLYON for up to 40% off - https://cozyearth.com
• Timeline - Get 20% off your order of Mitopure - https://timeline.com/LYON
• Manukora - Get $25 off the Starter Kit - https://manukora.com/DRLYON

Find Dr. Lipshultz at:

• Website - https://www.larrylipshultz.com/
• Baylor College of Medicine - https://www.bcm.edu/people-search/larry-lipshultz-25437
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/larry-lipshultz-md-93977344/

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 –

What if your biggest challenge isn’t motivation but missing structure? In this episode, I sit down with Brian Johnson to unpack the science and philosophy of lasting behavior change. We explore the power of ancient wisdom, stoicism, and the neuroscience of excellence, and why most wellness apps fail to deliver real transformation.

Brian shares his personal journey from startup success to creating a global movement around character, discipline, and identity-based habits. We talk about the science of anti-fragility, how muscle mirrors virtue, and why the gap between who you are and who you could be is the true source of suffering. Whether you're a high performer or someone who wants to stop breaking promises to yourself, this conversation will help you build the structure to show up as your best—no matter the circumstance.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why most behavior change fails—and what the science says works
• The philosophy of Areté: how to close the gap between potential and action
• How ancient stoicism aligns with modern recovery, resilience, and muscle
• Why building muscle is a metaphor (and mechanism) for building character
• The true definition of anti-fragility—and how to train it

If you're ready to bridge the gap between knowing and doing, this episode is the roadmap you've been looking for.

Who is Brian Johnson?

Brian Johnson has spent half of the last 25 years as a Founder/CEO and the other half as a Philosopher. As a Founder/CEO, he’s made crowdfunding history and built and sold two market-leading social platforms. As a Philosopher, he created Philosopher’s Notes, wrote the bestselling book Areté: Activate Your Heroic Potential, and developed a protocol integrating ancient wisdom, modern science, and practical tools that has been scientifically proven to help people change their lives. Brian is featured in the documentary Finding Joe on the modern Hero’s Journey and has trained some of the world’s most elite performers. He lives in the country outside of Austin with his wife and two kids and is all in on fulfilling Heroic’s mission to help create a more noble and virtuous world in which 51% of humanity is flourishing by 2051.

This episode is brought to you by:

• LMNT- Free Sample Pack with any purchase, visit https://DrinkLMNT.com/DRLYON
• AG1 - FREE bottle of AG D3K2, an AG1 Welcome Kit + 5 travel packs with your first order – https://drinkAG1.com/DRLYON
• OneSkin - Use Code DRLYON for 15% off OneSkin – https:// www.oneskin.co
• Timeline - 20% off your order of Mitopure visit https://timeline.com/LYON

Find Brian Johnson at:

• Learn more about Brian Johnson and Heroic and get some free content just for my listeners: heroic.us/drlyon 
• Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@heroicbrian
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heroicbrian/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heroicbrian/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heroicbrian/
• YouTube:

When it comes to performance, more isn’t always better. In this episode, I sit down with conditioning expert Joel Jamieson to explore the science of recovery, aerobic fitness, and how to use heart rate variability (HRV) to train smarter. They dive into why elite athletes recover so quickly, the long-term value of zone 2 training, and how HRV reflects your resilience—not just your readiness. Joel shares lessons from two decades of working with fighters, Olympians, and NFL players, along with powerful insights from his own cardiovascular health journey. Whether you’re a high performer or simply want to live longer and stronger, this episode is packed with practical takeaways.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What HRV actually tells you—and what it doesn’t
• Why aerobic fitness is one of the strongest drivers of recovery and longevity
• The surprising downside of too much strength training
• How to monitor training load and avoid overtraining
• Why lifestyle stress matters more than your workout

This episode will change the way you think about training—and reveal why recovery deserves a central role in your performance strategy.

Who is Joel Jamieson?

Joel Jamieson is a leading coach and educator in recovery-based training and heart rate variability (HRV). With over 20 years of experience working with professional athletes, including NFL players and world champion fighters, he’s known for translating complex performance science into practical tools. He’s the creator of Morpheus, a system that helps tailor training to daily recovery status, and the founder of 8WeeksOut, a resource for conditioning and performance education.

This episode is brought to you by:

• Puori - Code DRYLYON to get 20% off sitewide - https://Puori.com/DRLYON
• MUD\WTR - Code DRLYON to get up to 43% off your starter kit - https://mudwtr.com/DRLYON
• BON CHARGE - Code DRLYON to get 15% off your entire order - https://boncharge.com/DRLYON
• ARMRA - Code DRLYON to get 15% off your first order - https://tryarmra.com/DRLYON

Find Joel Jamieson at:

• Instagram: @coachjoeljamieson
• 8WeeksOut: https://8weeksout.com/
• Morpheus: https://trainwithmorpheus.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 patient – https://drgabriellelyon.com/new-patient-inquiry/
• Join my weekly newsletter –

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Ty Beal—global nutrition researcher and Senior Technical Specialist at the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN)—to uncover the hidden epidemic of micronutrient deficiencies worldwide. From food access and affordability to ultra-processed diets and nutrient bioavailability, we explore how modern food systems are failing billions and what needs to change to truly make the world healthier.

We cover:

• Why 3 billion people can’t afford a healthy diet—and how that affects nutrient status
• The most common global and U.S. micronutrient deficiencies (and why they’re often overlooked)
• Why women and children are especially vulnerable during pregnancy, infancy, and adolescence
• The role of ultra-processed foods in displacing nutrient-rich options
• How bioavailability, anti-nutrients, and the “food matrix” impact your real nutrient intake
• Why plant-based diets aren’t always safer—and the hidden risks of nutrient shortfalls
• The science behind biofortification, food system reform, and why animal-source foods stil matter
• What the U.S. gets wrong about food guidelines, global trade, and nutritional equity

Whether you care about maternal health, child development, or just making better nutrition decisions, this is a vital conversation about nutrient density, food justice, and global health.

Who is Dr. Ty Beal?

Dr. Ty Beal is a Senior Technical Specialist and global nutrition scientist at the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) where he leads research on global food systems, nutrient inadequacy, and diet quality. His work bridges science and policy to help address the world’s most pressing nutrition challenges—especially among vulnerable populations. He’s published extensively on micronutrient gaps, ultra-processed foods, and global dietary patterns, and is one of the most cited voices on nutrition equity in developing nations.

This episode is brought to you by:

• LMNT – Code DRLYON for a free LMNT Sample Pack! → https://drinklmnt.com/drlyon
• Timeline – Get 10% OFF Mitopure with code DRLYON → https://timelinenutrition.com/LYON
• Ned – Get 15% off with code DRLYON → https://helloned.com
• Our Place – Get 10% off sitewide with code DRLYON → https://fromourplace.com/DRLYON

Find Dr. Ty Beal at:

• GAIN Health - https://www.gainhealth.org/ty-beal
• Google Scholar - https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=3y5uHRIAAAAJ&hl=en
• X (Twitter) - https://x.com/TyRBeal
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tybeal/

Find Me at:

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

In today's episode, I had the chance to speak to muscle physiology researcher and science communicator Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple. Together, we unpack the common claims around hormones and training—from whether you should change your workouts based on your cycle, to the real effects of fasted cardio and birth control on performance and muscle growth. We also explore how menopause affects body composition, what the science actually supports when it comes to training differences between men and women, and why some of the most persistent myths about women’s physiology are based more on assumption than evidence.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why women’s physiology is not a limitation for building muscle
• Whether training around your menstrual cycle or avoiding fasted workouts is necessary
• The truth about oral contraceptives and their impact on performance, hypertrophy, and strength
• How menopause affects body composition—and what you can do about it
• Why consistency and progressive overload matter more than hormone fluctuations
• How much protein and resistance training women actually need—and when to eat it

This conversation is for every woman who’s been told her physiology is too complicated to train effectively. It’s not. The science is finally catching up—and Lauren is helping lead the charge.

This episode is brought to you by:

• Puori – Get 20% off with code DRLYON - https://puori.com/DRLYON
• Cozy Earth – Use code DRLYON for up to 40% off - https://cozyearth.com
• BONCHARGE – Get 15% off with code DRLYON - https://boncharge.com/DRLYON
• OneSkin – Get 15% off with code DRLYON - https://oneskin.com

Find Dr. Colenso-Semple at:

• Instagram - @drlaurencs1
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurencolensosemple/
• X/Twitter - @drlaurencs1

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 – https://drgabriellelyon.com/forever-strong/

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to the episode and what it covers: hormones, menstrual cycles, birth control, and muscle growth.

01:00:29 – Training volume and progressive overload: what actually matters for hypertrophy.

01:02:51 – Fasted training and cortisol: where the

In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Abbie Smith-Ryan—one of the leading researchers in exercise physiology and women’s metabolism—to unpack the science of how women should be training through perimenopause, postmenopause, and beyond. We dive into the physiological changes that impact body composition, performance, and recovery—and how to adjust training and nutrition to match.

We discuss:

• How high-intensity interval training (HIIT) improves VO₂ max, fat oxidation, and muscle quality in women
• Whether fasted training helps or hurts, and why so many women are under-fueled
• What the science really says about lifting heavy and building muscle over 40
• Nutrient timing, rest intervals, and why sex-based differences in physiology matter
• What we still don’t know about hormone therapy, protein needs, and female-specific adaptations

If you’re navigating training, muscle loss, or metabolic changes through midlife, this conversation will give you clarity, confidence, and evidence-based strategies you can actually use.

Who is Dr. Abbie Smith-Ryan?

Dr. Abbie Smith-Ryan is a leading expert in exercise physiology and sports nutrition, currently serving as Associate Chair for Research and Director of the Applied Physiology Lab at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Her research focuses on evidence-based exercise and nutrition strategies to improve body composition, cardiovascular health, and metabolic function—particularly in women, perimenopausal and postmenopausal populations, and those with obesity. She has authored over 200 peer-reviewed publications and led numerous NIH- and industry-funded clinical trials. Recognized as a top scientist in her field, Dr. Smith-Ryan is also a dedicated educator and mentor, passionate about translating science into actionable strategies that enhance health and performance.

This episode is brought to you by:

• LMNT - Code DRLYON for a free LMNT Sample Pack! – https://drinklmnt.com/drlyon
• Timeline - For 10% OFF your order of Mitopure – https://timelinenutrition.com/LYON
• Needed - Code DRLYON for 20% off your first order - https://thisisneeded.com
• Divi - Code DRLYON for 20% off your first order https://diviofficial.com/DRLYON

Find Dr. Abbie Smith-Ryan at:

• Website - https://asmithryan.com/
• Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/asmithryan/
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbiesmithphd/

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 –

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
• Manukora -  Use code DRLYON for $25 off the Starter Kit → manukora.com/DRLYON
• OneSkin – Get 15% off with code DRLYON → OneSkin.co
• Ned - 15% off with code DRLYON → helloned.com

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 –