After an unexpected break, Framed and Bound returns with a new episode focusing on writer-director Robert Towne's 2006 adaptation of John Fante's novel Ask the Dust! Joining host Tobias Carroll for this episode is Constance Squires, author of Low April Sun, available wherever books are sold. Discussed this episode: the ideal director to adapt John …

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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 …

In this episode of Framed & Bound, host Tobias Carroll and guest Lee Matthew Goldberg discuss the 1990 film Misery, an adaptation of Stephen King’s novel of the same name. It’s also the third King adaptation to be covered on this podcast. One of these days, we’ll get to Secret Window. Discussed in this episode: the greatness of Kathy Bates, Rob Rei…

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…

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…

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…

The first Framed & Bound episode of 2025 is, appropriately enough, about one of the wintriest movies ever made. This time out, Tobias Carroll and guest Jesi Bender discussed the 1980 film The Shining, an adaptation of Stephen King’s novel of the same name. It may be the sole cinematic podcast in which you’ll hear both The Killing of a Sacred Deer a…

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 …

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 …

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

After a brief delay due to, well, current events, there’s a new episode of Framed & Bound. This time out, Drew Buxton joins Tobias Carroll to get very metafictional as they discuss 2022’s Adaptation, featuring two of Nicolas Cage’s best performances. Discussed: writing about wrestling, Brian Cox’s agelessness, Charlie Kaufman’s work as a director, …

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…

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…

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…

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…

Framed & Bound is back with a look at the 1987 film Barfly, directed by Barbet Schroeder and written by Charles Bukowski. Host Tobias Carroll and guest William Lessard discuss the pros and cons of Bukowski adaptations, Mickey Rourke’s career, and the Stallone family. You can find out more about William Lessard on his website. Our new logo is by Mac…

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…

Omega-3 fatty acids are often viewed as beneficial or, at worst, neutral supplements when it comes to supporting cardiovascular health, lowering triglycerides, and offering anti-inflammatory effects. Much of the focus in recent years has centered on understanding how significant these benefits are, particularly for heart health, with many studies h…

On the sixteenth episode of Framed and Bound, David James Keaton joined host Tobias Carroll to discuss the 1987 film Best Seller, starring Brian Dennehy and James Woods. Turns out we were not the only ones to find the end credits song to be a little bit stylistically jarring, as this review makes clear. You can find Keaton at his website; his lates…

This is an “ask me anything” (AMA) episode with Dr. Stephan Guyenet, an expert in obesity neuroscience and eating behavior. This episode was originally published on Sigma Nutrition Premium. If you’re interested in subscribing to Sigma Nutrition Premium, then check all the details here. Questions Answered: [04.27] If we surgically remove adipose tis…

Questions Answered in This Episode [02:28] Caffeine metabolism and individual variation. [14:47] High-sodium electrolyte supplements & recreational trainees. [32:55] Is a “too low” BMI a problem? [41:38] Are claims about vegan diets being nutritionally insufficient overblown? [51:33] Familial hypercholesterolemia & further lipid-lowering [58:05] Me…

On this week’s episode of Framed and Bound, South Brooklyn Exterminating author Ian S. Maloney joins host Tobias Carroll to unravel the twisty conspiracies of David Fincher’s 1997 film The Game — and explain what it has to do with the publishing industry. The Criterion Collection’s page for the film has some terrific analysis of the film’s themes a…

In the world of combat sports, optimizing performance extends beyond physical training and nutrition—sleep plays a critical role. Maladaptive sleep behaviors, such as inconsistent sleep schedules and inadequate sleep duration, can significantly impair an athlete’s performance by reducing cognitive function, reaction time, and recovery ability. Unde…

To many, meta-analyses are seen as a research tool that is often regarded as the pinnacle of evidence in nutrition science. But is this accurate? What exactly makes a meta-analysis reliable or flawed? How can we distinguish between a well-conducted study and one that might mislead even the most well-intentioned reader? In this episode, through thre…

In the latest episode of Framed & Bound, guest Caroline Hagood and host Tobias Carroll discussed The Forty-Year-Old Version, writer/director/star Radha Blank’s engaging look at a playwright reckoning with art, ethics, and definitions of success. There’s been a lot of excellent writing on the film, including Neal Minow at RogerEbert.com, Alison Will…

The debate between animal-based and plant-based meat alternatives (PBMAs) has garnered significant attention, especially concerning their impact on cardiovascular health. As PBMAs become increasingly popular, questions about their nutritional profiles and long-term health implications have emerged. Are these alternatives genuinely healthier than tr…

In the ongoing exploration of weight loss strategies, the timing of food intake has emerged as a fascinating area of study. While traditional advice often focuses on what we eat, growing evidence suggests that when we eat could also play a crucial role in weight management. This concept, known as chrononutrition, examines how our body’s internal cl…

On episode 13 of Framed & Bound, host Tobias Carroll and guest Dmitry Samarov discussed the 2018 film Can You Ever Forgive Me? In 2008, Julie Bosman at The New York Times wrote about the publication of the memoir that inspired the film — and what some of the real-life buyers of author Lee Israel’s forged letters felt about her years after the fact.…

The impact of omega-3 fatty acids on chronic disease risk has been a topic of considerable interest and research. The VITAL trial, which assessed the effects of vitamin D and omega-3 supplements on various health outcomes, including cardiovascular disease and cancer, provided insightful findings. Additionally, numerous other supplement trials have …

In the realm of nutrition science, few topics have sparked as much debate and evolution in understanding as the impact of dietary fat on cardiovascular health. Dr. Alice Lichtenstein, a renowned expert in nutrition and cardiovascular disease, brings clarity to this complex field. Her extensive research at several prestigious institutions has been p…

In the realm of nutrition science and health, understanding the intricate relationship between various factors and health outcomes is crucial yet challenging. How do we determine whether a specific nutrient genuinely impacts our health, or if the observed effects are merely coincidental? This intriguing question brings us to the core concepts of co…

Regression to the Mean (RTM) is a statistical phenomenon where extreme values on one measurement tend to move closer to the average on subsequent measurements due to natural variability. In this Premium-exclulsive episode, Danny gives an explanation of this concept with some examples in nutrition research. Subscribe to Sigma Nutrition Premium Go to…

On the 12th episode of Framed & Bound, host Tobias Carroll and Christian Niedan of Screen Sounds discuss the 1956 film Storm Center, about book banning in a small town. There’s also a fascinating trailer for the film that can be found on YouTube — which literally shows the final scene of the movie. Niedan interviewed Walter Bernstein about his expe…