In this episode of The Proof, I sit down with show regular Drew Harrisberg to break down four new studies on selenium intake, plant vs. animal monounsaturated fats, workout recovery strategies, and resistance training techniques. But beyond the science, we also tackle a critical issue in the world of health communication: the responsibility of podcast hosts in platforming health claims.
Using recent episodes of Diary of a CEO featuring Dr. Mindy Pelz and Dr. Sarah Berry, we examine how misinformation spreads, why extreme views on topics like seed oils persist, and how listeners can develop a more critical eye when consuming health content.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- The Role of Podcast Hosts in Science Communication
- Why Dr. Sarah Berry’s appearance on Diary of a CEO sparked backlash
- How extreme health narratives gain traction despite evidence
- Do seed oils really cause inflammation?
- The difference between scientific skepticism and reflexive contrarianism
- Why podcast hosts have a responsibility when interviewing experts
- How to Spot Science vs. Pseudoscience: Green Flags (Trustworthy Sources) and Red Flags (Pseudoscience Warning Signs)
- Introduction (00:00)
- Ross Walker: The Comedian Cardiologist (03:23)\
- The Importance of CGM and Misleading Health Advice (12:29)
- Scientific Method and Logical Consistency (24:29)
- Debunking Myths: Seed Oils and Health (32:59)
- The Power of Anecdotes vs. Scientific Evidence (42:54)
- Jordan Peterson and Elon Musk’s Viral Clip (50:13)
- Personal Humility and Dietary Failures (53:07)
- Study on Recovery Modalities: Hot vs. Cold Baths (01:00:56)
- Minimum Effective Dose for Resistance Training (01:19:34)
- Selenium Intake and Brazil Nuts (01:31:14)
- Monounsaturated Fats and Type 2 Diabetes Risk (01:48:32)
- Concluding Thoughts (02:21:01)
Research Breakdown: The 4 Studies We Discuss
Are Brazil Nuts a Reliable Source of Selenium?
Study: Rebecca Simon et al. (2024) • Read here
Do Plant vs. Animal Monounsaturated Fats Affect Diabetes Risk Differently?
Study: Harvard researchers (2024) • Read here
Is Hot or Cold Therapy Better for Recovery After Resistance Training?
Study: Effects of Cold & Heat Therapy on Recovery • Read here
Should You Train to Failure or Leave Reps in Reserve in a Full-Body Workout?
Study: Failure vs. Repetitions in Reserve for Muscle Growth • Read here
Resources & Further Reading
- Study on Linoleic Acid & Lower Disease Risk
- Study on Linoleic Acid & Cardiovascular Health
- Study on Linoleic Acid & Mortality
- Study on Linoleic Acid & Inflammation
- PUFA-Rich Diet & Inflammation Markers
- PUFA vs. SFA & Liver Fat
- New Review on Linoleic Acid & Inflammation
- RCTs on MUFA & Type 2 Diabetes
- Bryan Johnson on overcoming childhood trauma
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More about Drew Harrisberg
Drew Harrisberg is an exercise physiologist with a post-graduate certificate in diabetes education and management, but most importantly – he is a happy and healthy guy thriving with type 1 diabetes. After being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 22, Drew made it his mission to regain control of his health by making positive changes to the way that he lives, eats, moves, and the mindset in which he approaches life. Drew has not only accepted living with diabetes but has also learned to manage it so that it doesn’t manage him.
Drew’s background as a qualified health professional and his personal experience living with type 1 diabetes for over 13 years is what fuels his passion to share everything he learns along the way. which is why he created Drew’s Daily Dose – a home that inspires, empowers, and enables people to thrive rather than simply survive.
Drew is a voice for the diabetes community and is an ambassador for Diabetes Australia, the DANII Foundation and BreakthroughT1D (formerly JDRF). He has also presented a motivational TEDx talk which you can find on Youtube.
Drew’s training program BIGGER STRONGER FITTER is available for The Proof community at 50% off. Use code PROOF50 for 50% off.
Drew’s free e-book titled My Day On a Plate includes four high-protein plant-based recipes and pages of scientific evidence comparing plant-based vs omnivorous diets for building muscle, the impact on the environment, and overall human health.
