Best Tara Nolan Podcasts (2025)

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#571: Is Zone 2 Training Actually Best for Health? – Prof. Brendon Gurd 38:27

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2d ago38:27

38:27

In recent years “Zone 2 training” has gained immense popularity in fitness and health circles, often being proclaimed the “best” cardiovascular training for metabolic health. Zone 2 training is sustained, low-intensity exercise below the lactate threshold that is commonly employed by many elite level endurance athletes, with a variety of proposed p…

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#570: Fructose: Metabolism, Claims & Context for Risk – Scott Harding, PhD 56:52

9d ago56:52

56:52

Fructose has often been labeled a uniquely damaging nutrient, blamed for obesity, diabetes, and other metabolic diseases. But does fructose truly have unique harmful effects or are the risks associated with it related to context and quantity? The episode explores how fructose is metabolized in the body, why it gained a reputation for being problema…

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SNP42: Is Vitamin A Good or Bad for Bone Health? 8:52

16d ago8:52

8:52

Vitamin A is often one of the less-discussed micronutrients in relation to bone health, taking a back seat to nutrients like calcium and vitamin D. Yet this fat-soluble vitamin plays a fundamental role in skeletal development, remodeling, and mineral homeostasis. It influences gene expression in both osteoblasts and osteoclasts, and contributes to …

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#569: The History of Fat, Cholesterol & Heart Disease 1:16:29

23d ago1:16:29

1:16:29

The idea that saturated fat might be harmful to our health has sparked controversy for decades. In recent years, counter-narratives have surged: suggesting that concerns over saturated fat were overblown, that LDL cholesterol doesn’t matter, or that the original diet-heart hypothesis has been debunked. These claims have become especially popular in…

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Cut out all the weird stuff - Certificate of Citizenship with Carmen 47:43

28d ago47:43

47:43

Carmen sent a message saying she got her CoC June 2025 in which I replied -”CoC?” In this episode, Carmen shares about her experience with getting her Certificate of Citizenship (duration 7 months) including speaking with her mom, the adoption agency, and an attorney. We talk about the N- 600 (https://www.uscis.gov/n-600) and also about how she cam…

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#568: Does the Maternal Diet Impact Risk of ADHD & Autism? – David Horner, PhD 45:01

1M ago45:01

45:01

To what extent can maternal nutrition during pregnancy influence a child’s later cognitive or behavioural development? While genetic and environmental factors are known to contribute to neurodevelopmental outcomes such as ADHD and autism, growing attention is being paid to the potential role of prenatal exposures, including dietary patterns. Yet, e…

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#567: Did Big Sugar Hijack the Food Pyramid? Were Low-fat Diets a Scam that Damaged Our Health? 1:09:29

1M ago1:09:29

1:09:29

For decades, dietary guidelines—and the Food Pyramid in particular—have been at the center of heated debates and considerable controversy. These guidelines have often been accused of being influenced by industry interests, oversimplifying nutritional nuance, or even directly contributing to rising obesity and metabolic disease rates. In this episod…

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SNP41: Do Certain Foods Really Cause Inflammation – And Are Anti-Inflammatory Diets the Answer? 16:19

1M ago16:19

16:19

Inflammation has become a nutrition buzzword, often used in extreme or misleading ways. This episode aims to clarify what inflammation is, how it relates to diet and health, and whether specific foods truly provoke inflammatory responses in the body. The episode provides a nuanced, evidence-based look at inflammation and diet. It explains the diffe…

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The next thing after the policy is… I feel like a limited edition doll with Lianna 1:06:17

2M ago1:06:17

1:06:17

Note: Explicit language used a couple of times and not beeped We visit this recording with writer Lianna from winter 2024 and sharing now in summer 2025. Lianna lives outside of the US and adopted from Hunan province. We talk about the Nanchang project and how Chinese adoptee alliance like many other orgs have shifted from parents to adoptee led. A…

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#566: Can We Maintain Weight Loss? Pharmacology and Behavior – Tara Schmidt, RD 51:13

2M ago51:13

51:13

GLP-1 receptor agonists have changed the landscape of obesity treatment, offering levels of weight loss once thought unattainable without surgery. But what happens after the weight is lost? And can we really talk about success without talking about maintenance? While much of the public discourse fixates on dramatic weight loss numbers, the harder q…

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#565: How Zinc Insufficiency Impacts Inflammation, Immunity & Aging – Prof. Emily Ho 44:28

2M ago44:28

44:28

Zinc is an essential micronutrient that often flies under the radar, despite being vital for hundreds of enzymes and transcription factors involved in immunity, antioxidant defense, and DNA repair. A surprisingly large segment of the population may not get enough – an estimated 10% of U.S. individuals consume less than half the recommended zinc int…

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#564: Is Protein’s Appetite-Suppressing Power Overstated? 1:11:19

2M ago1:11:19

1:11:19

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the commonly held belief that protein is the most satiating macronutrient. It’s an idea that shows up frequently in both clinical guidance and popular nutrition discourse: if you want to feel fuller, eat more protein. But how robust is that claim when you drill into the details of the evidence? To explore t…

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#563: The Financialization of the Food System – Prof. Martin Caraher 44:27

2M ago44:27

44:27

Global food systems have been increasingly subjected to financial speculation, leading to adverse consequences for growers, consumers, and public health. But what are the systemic vulnerabilities that impact food security, equitable access to nutritious food, and the broader socio-political frameworks influencing these outcomes? Understanding the f…

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SNP40: Do Seed Oils Cause Inflammation & Chronic Disease? 14:48

3M ago14:48

14:48

Seed oils have recently become a hotly debated topic in nutrition, fueled by sensational claims on social media. In this episode, the central theme is examining whether seed oils are truly harmful or if they’ve been unjustly demonized. The discussion tackles prevalent claims – that seed oils drive inflammation, oxidation, and chronic disease – and …

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#562: How to Detoxify Yourself – Quack Asylum Special 1:20:51

3M ago1:20:51

1:20:51

In this Quack Asylum episode, Danny and Alan critically examine the claims surrounding “detoxification protocols” – specialized diets, cleanses, or supplements marketed to eliminate toxins from the body for better health. The central theme is whether these detox plans actually improve health outcomes or if they’re built on pseudoscience and fear. M…

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Quite a ride of emotional distress and intellectual strain with Laur 58:46

3M ago58:46

58:46

I spoke with Laur over the winter break from school and now releasing this episode a little over a month from the Chinese Adoptee Collective first ever conference taking place June 27-29. Laur has lived in various spots throughout the US and works within therapy. Sometimes it can be so difficult to vocalize all the feelings but Laur did so and with…

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#561: Emulsifiers in the Modern Diet: Health Risk or Harmless Additive? 50:41

3M ago50:41

50:41

Emulsifiers are a ubiquitous component of the modern food supply, found in everything from salad dressings and dairy products to pastries and sauces. Traditionally regarded as safe by regulatory agencies, emulsifiers play a vital role in enhancing the texture, stability, and shelf-life of countless processed foods. Yet, in recent years, emerging re…

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#560: Neurodiversity & Nutrition: Choline, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Beyond – Emma Derbyshire, PhD 45:55

3M ago45:55

45:55

Nutrition is increasingly being considered as a modifiable factor that may influence neurodevelopmental outcomes. While severe deficiencies in certain nutrients are known to have dramatic effects, there is growing interest in the potential impact of more subtle insufficiencies — particularly during critical windows such as pregnancy, infancy, and e…

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Do Lipids Increase During Weight Loss? (SNP39) 20:03

4M ago20:03

20:03

This is a segment from one of our Premium-exclusive AMA (ask me anything) episodes, where we answer questions submitted by Premium subscribers. To listen to the full episode, you’ll need to be a Premium subscriber and access the episode on the private Premium feed. Questions Answered in This Episode [02:00] Why does the Mediterranean diet emphasize…

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I’ll change it. If you can find my bio fam with Jenna 49:57

4M ago49:57

49:57

We are both Marylanders who went to CLI in Guilin at different times but were able to meet in NYC twice. Couple years back, I spoke with Jenna over hot chocolate about adoption and then she kindly came to my cozy room in Queens where we recorded this episode. During 2 months of Chinese language study in Guilin, Jenna also went to the city where she…

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#559: Skin Health & Nutrition – Thivi Maruthappu, PhD 45:29

4M ago45:29

45:29

The intersection of nutrition, dermatology, and skin health is an area of growing interest, yet one that remains riddled with misinformation and oversimplified claims. The influence of dietary patterns, specific nutrients, and lifestyle factors on conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and skin aging has been widely debated, with varying level…

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#558: Rethinking Ultra-Processed Foods in the Modern Food System – Duane Mellor, PhD 52:08

4M ago52:08

52:08

Discussions around ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and their role in public health have gained significant traction in recent years. While some advocate for categorizing and regulating these foods due to their potential negative health effects, others argue that such classifications can oversimplify the issue and detract from more actionable dietary c…

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#557: Health Psychology & Eating Behaviour – Prof. Jane Ogden 48:46

4M ago48:46

48:46

In the realm of health psychology, our understanding of eating behaviors extends beyond mere physiological hunger cues. Research indicates that factors such as learned associations, cultural influences, and individual perceptions play pivotal roles in shaping our dietary choices. Recognizing this complexity is essential for developing effective die…

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SNP38: What is Quality Sleep? 22:11

5M ago22:11

22:11

Sleep is one of the most critical yet often overlooked components of health, performance, and overall well-being. Poor sleep quality or insufficient sleep can disrupt circadian rhythms, impair glucose metabolism, and alter hunger signals, leading to increased food intake, reduced insulin sensitivity, and other undesirable outcomes. In this episode,…

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#556: Can We Restore the Gut Microbiome Through Dietary Changes? – Anissa Armet, PhD 1:06:28

5M ago1:06:28

1:06:28

There is research suggesting that industrialization has significantly altered the composition of our gut microbiota, with certain microbial species now absent in many industrialized populations. Given the known associations between gut microbiome diversity and health, researchers have begun investigating whether restoring lost microbial species and…

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So I didn't want to go here with Mimi 1:03:14

5M ago1:03:14

1:03:14

Mimi is a senior in journalism at Ohio University and graduates soon. We connect because Mimi’s thesis project is about how China's one-child policy affects adopted Asian American women. This episode, we talk about OU and all I reminisce on the memories. Mimi went on a heritage trip to China, studied abroad in Hong Kong, and even did some birth sea…

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#555: What Should the Dietary Guidelines Say? – Prof. Christopher Gardner 59:29

5M ago59:29

59:29

Every five years, the U.S. Dietary Guidelines are updated based on the latest scientific evidence to help shape national nutrition recommendations. A panel of experts was assembled to review the existing research, evaluate new findings, and provide recommendations that will inform the next edition of the guidelines. One of the committee members inv…

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#554: Crucial Ideas for Understanding Nutrition Science 1:13:12

5M ago1:13:12

1:13:12

Understanding the complexities of diet-disease relationships requires a nuanced approach to nutritional science. Unlike other scientific disciplines, nutrition research often grapples with the inherent challenges of studying dietary patterns and nutrient intakes in free-living populations over long periods. The cumulative effects of dietary exposur…

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#553: Healthy Habits for Fertility and Reproductive Health – Marjorie Nolan Cohn, RD 40:58

5M ago40:58

40:58

This episode focuses on the intersection of nutrition, lifestyle, and women’s health, with a particular emphasis on managing complex conditions such as PCOS, endometriosis, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Registered dietitian Marjorie Nolan Cohn shares insights from over two decades of clinical practice, highlighting the importance of a…

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#552: Diet & Sleep Interactions – Marie-Pierre St. Onge, PhD 41:04

6M ago41:04

41:04

Over the past couple of decades, renowned researcher Dr. Marie-Pierre St-Onge has uncovered fascinating links between how we sleep and what we eat, revealing how these two lifestyle factors influence energy balance, cardiovascular health, and metabolic function. In this episode we’ll explore Dr. St-Onge’s findings on sleep regularity and its associ…

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In this season of life with Grace 1:20:24

6M ago1:20:24

1:20:24

I was able to catch Grace during a brief break from Phd studies. It’s the holiday season and we spent some time in nostalgia with books from childhood: Boxcar children, Magic Tree House, and Series of Unfortunate events. We also talk about food and other books related to cuisine and also about Andrea Louie (advisor) book How Chinese are You. It was…

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Multivitamin Nihilism: Is it Actually Worthless to Supplement? (SNP37) 17:39

6M ago17:39

17:39

Multivitamin and multimineral supplements have long been a topic of both scientific inquiry and public debate. While they are often marketed as convenient solutions for achieving nutritional adequacy, their true value remains contentious. Are these supplements essential insurance policies against nutrient deficiencies, or are they merely expensive …

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#551: How to Shift from Short-term Dieting to Sustainable Lifestyle Changes – Laurin Conlin 1:02:19

6M ago1:02:19

1:02:19

While the fitness industry often emphasizes short-term goals such as rapid weight loss or aesthetic improvements, a growing body of evidence highlights the importance of fostering long-term habits for health and wellbeing. Understanding how psychological frameworks intersect with physical health behaviors is key to empowering clients and overcoming…

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#550: Eating Disorder Risk in Sport, Wellness & Fitness – Jillian Lampert, PhD, RD 53:10

6M ago53:10

53:10

Eating disorders and disordered eating behaviors represent complex, multifaceted challenges that affect individuals across all demographics, yet they remain widely misunderstood and under-recognized. These issues often extend beyond the stereotypical images associated with eating disorders, touching everything from rigid “clean eating” obsessions t…

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#549: Are We Doomed? Trust, Misinformation, and the Future of Health & Fitness Science – Joe Klemczewski, PhD 1:19:25

7M ago1:19:25

1:19:25

In a world flooded with information, discerning fact from fiction in fitness and nutrition has never been more challenging—or more important. The rise of social media and democratized science has given everyone a platform, but not all voices are equal. How do we navigate a landscape where influencers with massive followings wield the same credibili…

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Am I #adoptedenough with Rina 57:04

7M ago57:04

57:04

In this episode, recorded back in the beginning of Dec 2024, I talk with president of @transracialadoptees at Ohio State, Rina. She also used to host a run podcast and shares more about how running and adoption have formed her identity and how it is always developing. Rina shares about one of her mission trips to Asia during middle school years and…

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IGF-1 and Diet: Cause For Concern? (SNP36) 21:56

7M ago21:56

21:56

IGF-1 (Insulin-Like Growth Factor 1) has emerged as a hot topic in health and nutrition discussions, often linked to longevity, cancer risk, and metabolic health. On one hand, IGF-1 is essential for growth, repair, and metabolic regulation; on the other, it is sometimes associated with disease processes, including cancer and cognitive decline. For …

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#548: Disordered Eating and Body Image in the Fitness Industry – Michelle Carroll 48:07

7M ago48:07

48:07

Fitness pursuits can bring various benefits. However, within the modern fitness industry there is a complex interplay of body image ideals, societal pressures, and disordered eating behaviors. Research continues to illuminate how certain practices and messaging within the industry—such as the overvaluation of leanness or the impact of social media …

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#547: Healthspan, Healthy Ageing & Chronic Disease – Best of 2024 1:06:18

7M ago1:06:18

1:06:18

Healthspan, healthy ageing, and chronic disease are pivotal topics in today’s health discourse, emphasizing not just the length of life but the quality of those additional years. Focusing on healthspan means striving for a longer period of life free from disease and disability, which is increasingly important as global life expectancies rise. Healt…

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#546: Professional Standards & Scope of Practice for Nutrition Professionals – Alex Thomas 59:03

8M ago59:03

59:03

Navigating the complex and often underemphasized requirements of professional standards, legal considerations, and insurance can be challenging for sports nutrition practitioners and personal trainers. Many professionals, especially early in their careers, may overlook or minimize these responsibilities, focusing primarily on the practical and enjo…

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#545: Carbohydrate Metabolism, Performance & Metabolic Health – Prof. Javier Gonzalez 56:58

8M ago56:58

56:58

Carbohydrate metabolism and metabolic health have become central themes in the science of nutrition, with questions about fuel utilization, the impact of different diets, and the potential of ketone supplements driving new research. As researchers continue to uncover how the body adapts to various energy sources, there are emerging insights into ho…

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Appetite and Satiety: Key Concepts and Practical Insights (SNP35) 11:52

8M ago11:52

11:52

Appetite and satiety are fundamental concepts shaping how we eat, why we feel hunger, and what keeps us satisfied after meals. From the biological signals sent by our gut to the psychological influences of food cues, understanding these processes can provide valuable insights into how we manage our food intake. In this episode, we delve into the in…

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By "outgoing" they meant I screamed a lot with Jasmine 1:07:09

8M ago1:07:09

1:07:09

Jasmine works as a freelancer within broadcast journalism and uses her voice to speak about her experiences on various podcasts and other platforms. We talked about mental health from the roots to the current day, home and moving back, and using humor to alleviate the seriousness/ trauma. Follow on Instagram and reach out to @jasmine_moody_ Want to…

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#544: Genetic Variants and Response to Nutrients – Martin Kohlmeier, MD PhD 52:56

8M ago52:56

52:56

In the realm of nutrition science, individual differences are more profound and impactful than many realize. For decades, we’ve developed dietary recommendations with a “one-size-fits-all” approach, assuming that most people respond similarly to specific nutrients. But Dr. Martin Kohlmeier, a pioneer in precision nutrition, challenges this very not…

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#543: Eye Health & Nutrition – Prof. John Nolan 50:46

9M ago50:46

50:46

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of ocular nutrition with Professor John Nolan, exploring how specific nutrients can play crucial roles in preserving eye health, improving vision and supporting cognitive function. With age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affecting millions globally, Professor Nolan sheds light on groundbreaking resea…

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#542: Nutrients for Cognitive Performance in Sports – Prof. Shawn Arent, PhD 1:22:56

9M ago1:22:56

1:22:56

In the world of sports nutrition, understanding how different supplements and nutrients impact not just physical performance but also cognitive function is rapidly gaining traction. Athletes are constantly seeking that competitive edge, and while many are familiar with the benefits of carbohydrates and caffeine for energy and focus, there’s much mo…

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#541: Lean Mass Hyper Responders & the Lipid Energy Model: Do the Claims Stand Up to Scrutiny? 1:29:38

9M ago1:29:38

1:29:38

When discussing cardiovascular health, few topics stir as much debate as cholesterol, particularly in relation to low-carb and ketogenic diets. Recently, there’s been significant attention given to a proposed model that suggests high LDL cholesterol may not pose the same cardiovascular risk in certain individuals, specifically those labeled as “lea…

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Fasting for Health: What Do We Know? (SNP34) 21:04

9M ago21:04

21:04

Fasting has gained immense popularity as a dietary approach, but what does the scientific evidence say about its health benefits? Studies have explored how fasting might influence metabolic markers, energy expenditure, and even aging. However, while fasting shows promise in some animal models, translating these effects to humans is less clear. A ke…

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#540: How Can We Improve Body Image and Self-Esteem Without Physique Change? – Gabrielle Fundaro, PhD & Eric Trexler, PhD 1:01:14

9M ago1:01:14

1:01:14

Body image and self-worth are deeply intertwined concepts that influence how we see ourselves and interact with the world. Many people believe that changing their physique is the key to improving their body image, but is it really that simple? This connection between appearance and self-esteem raises important questions about how we define confiden…

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#539: How Does Carbohydrate Availability Impact Resistance Training? – Cliff Harvey, PhD & Eric Helms, PhD 1:32:54

10M ago1:32:54

1:32:54

Some suggest that, since individual lifts or short-duration efforts don’t rely heavily on glycogen, carb intake might not be critical for strength athletes. If glycogen depletion isn’t a pressing issue, could athletes thrive on lower-carb diets without sacrificing performance? Or could there be overlooked benefits to having greater carbohydrate ava…