Rephonic
Artwork for Optimal Protein Podcast

Optimal Protein Podcast with Vanessa Spina

Vanessa Spina
Fat Loss
Protein
Protein Intake
Metabolic Health
Nutrition
Resistance Training
Body Recomposition
Protein-Sparing Modified Fasting
Body Composition
Red Light Therapy
Muscle Protein Synthesis
Ketogenic Diet
Women's Health
Essential Amino Acids
Aging
Ketosis
Intermittent Fasting
Protein Metabolism
Creatine
Collagen

Vanessa Spina is a Sports Nutrition Specialist, Best Selling author, creator of the innovative TONE device, as well as a sought after international speaker. On the Optimal Protein podcast, Vanessa shares how to get effortlessly lean and improve metabolic health and fitness with an optimal protein intake! Featuring interviews with world renowned and leading edge protein scientists & experts, author... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes541Founded9 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
NutritionFitnessHealth & Fitness

Listen to this Podcast

Artwork for Optimal Protein Podcast

Latest Episodes

Can you lose body fat while gaining lean tissue—even during a calorie deficit? And could the quality of your protein change how well you recover and protect muscle?

Vanessa is joined by exercise and nutrition researcher Dr. Drew Gonzalez to explore... more

Vanessa breaks down the biggest scientific takeaways and most actionable gems from her recent conversation with body-composition expert and author Lyle McDonald.

Why does fat come off easily from some areas while other areas seem determined to hold... more

Why does body fat disappear quickly from certain areas while seeming almost impossible to lose from others?

BACK TO SCHOOL SALE! For a limited time, save 40% sitewide at ketogenicgirl.com with code BACKTOSCHOOL40, including the Protein-Sparing Modi... more

Vanessa breaks down the biggest scientific takeaways and most actionable gems from her recent conversation with Dr. Lee Breen, one of the world's leading researchers in protein metabolism, resistance training and skeletal muscle health across the lif... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

Similar Podcasts

People also subscribe to these shows.

Recent Guests

Dr. Drew Gonzalez
Exercise and nutrition researcher directing the Occupational Performance and Nutrition Lab at Sam Houston State University
Sam Houston State University, Occupational Performance and Nutrition Lab
Episode: New Study on Creatine During Fat Loss and Body Recomposition: Dr. Drew Gonzalez
Amanda Paluch
Associate Professor of Kinesiology, University of Massachusetts Amherst
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Episode: Do You Really Need 10,000 Steps to Lose Fat? The Science of Walking & Body Recomposition: Dr. Amanda Paluch
Dr. Cassandra Evans
Registered dietitian and researcher focusing on protein, body composition, and women's health
Helena and Afera
Episode: Eat More Protein, Lose More Fat? The Surprising Science of Body Recomposition: Dr. Cassandra Evans
Dr. Sara Oikawa
Researcher exploring protein, skeletal muscle, body composition, and recovery
McMaster University; formerly Stu Phillips Lab; Enhanced Medical Nutrition / Enroute
Episode: The Science of Losing Fat Without Losing Muscle: Dr. Sara Oikawa
Craig Emmerich
Author and nutrition researcher; co-author of a self-published nutrition book with Maria Emmerich
ketomeria.com
Episode: PSMF Series: The Fat Loss Spectrum: PSMF, Keto, Carnivore & Finding What Actually Works | Craig Emmerich
Børge Fagerli
Creator of the Myo-Reps method, researcher and fitness expert
Independent researcher/creator of Myo-Reps
Episode: Build Muscle in 70% Less Time? The Myo-Reps Method for Fat Loss & Body Recomposition with Børge Fagerli
Brad Schoenfeld
Professor and researcher discussed in interview
Graduate Programs in Exercise Science, team of researchers (as discussed)
Episode: How to Lose Fat & Build Muscle at the Same Time: 7 Body Recomposition Rules
Dr. Brad Schoenfeld
World-leading expert in muscle hypertrophy, resistance training, and body recomposition
Cornell University (research), various collaborations
Episode: The Science of Body Recomposition: How to Lose Fat & Build Muscle with Dr. Brad Schoenfeld
Dr. Ty Beal
Global nutrition scientist and research advisor at Gain (Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition)
Gain
Episode: Are Micronutrient Gaps Making You Hungrier? Protein, Satiety & Body Composition with Dr. Ty Beal

Host

Vanessa Spina
Host of The Optimal Protein Podcast, focused on protein-centered nutrition and metabolic health; author and speaker.

Reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars from 1.2k ratings
  • Good info, but she’s over valuing her information

    I like listening to her podcasts, but have to say, $180 for recipes is ridiculous. Tell me of another cookbook that costs that much! She’s pricing herself way too high for this information. Think of how many sales you would have and how many people you could help if you priced it at 20 or 30 bucks - more inline with a cookbook. She’s not very business savvy. She thinks she’s Ely Lilly…

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    tag1rn3455
    United States3 months ago
  • Misinformation

    Vanessa made an episode about the fasting and completely misconstrued the facts.

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    fdyjm
    Australia4 months ago
  • 10 min intro too long

    Takes forever to get to show!! Can’t always fast forward, adds and rambling for 10 min is too long.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    Ruski 4.
    United States7 months ago
  • Good science

    Vanessa is smart and well studied making her recommendations backed by science. I do wish she would provide links to the studies mentioned (e.g., Lucy Burns study) in her recent episode

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    EileenofSeattle
    United States10 months ago
  • Clear and Informative

    Vanessa has the best guests and information available for anyone following a keto or lower carb diet. She has such a talent for explaining studies in layman’s terms. I never write reviews but listening to her podcast Thai morning (PSMF) I just got so much out of it.

    Thanks, Vanessa 🙏🏻😎

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Fitnessnut 62
    United Statesa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners praise science-backed insights and clear explanations of studies.
Some feedback highlights balance of education and practical application, with occasional mentions of promotions.
Guests are high-caliber and topics stay focused on protein and metabolism.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

New Study on Creatine During Fat Loss and Body Recomposition: Dr. Drew Gonzalez
Q: What did the study on creatine during a calorie deficit involve and what questions were you hoping to answer?
The study combined caloric restriction with structured training and creatine supplementation, assessing lean tissue retention, fat loss, cognitive function, and broader health markers to see if creatine could improve body recomposition and brain health during a deficit.
Are You Losing Muscle Instead of Fat? The Protein Strategy That Protects Lean Mass: Dr. Leigh Breen
Q: How does protein source (animal vs plant) affect muscle synthesis in older adults?
In middle-to-older age, both plant- and animal-based proteins can support muscle remodeling if overall protein intake is sufficient and varied; whey tends to elicit a higher leucine response, but plant proteins can be effective when consumed with strategic planning and training.
Are You Losing Muscle Instead of Fat? The Protein Strategy That Protects Lean Mass: Dr. Leigh Breen
Q: What is your opinion on higher protein intakes during weight loss to ensure quality fat loss and lean mass preservation?
The consensus from reviews suggests around 2.0–2.2 g/kg/day to protect lean mass, but in real-world settings, many people may benefit from somewhat lower intakes that are still protective and more feasible, especially when combined with resistance training.
Eat More Protein, Lose More Fat? The Surprising Science of Body Recomposition: Dr. Cassandra Evans
Q: So how much protein do you think we actually need during body recomposition, and how should we prioritize nutrition here?
The evidence suggests aiming for about 1.5 to 2.5 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, focusing on distributing protein across multiple meals and snacks rather than trying to hit a huge target in one meal; consistency and long-term adherence are key.
PSMF Series: How Hormones Change Fat Loss, Muscle & Metabolism After 40 with Maria Emmerich
Q: Why is protein so important during menopause compared to earlier in life?
Protein is essential because aging can reduce digestion efficiency and muscle turnover; adequate protein supports muscle maintenance, tissue repair, and metabolic health, helping preserve lean mass and drive fat loss even as hormones shift.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Optimal Protein Podcast

What is Optimal Protein Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

The show centers on protein-forward nutrition, metabolic health, and evidence-based strategies for fat loss and lean mass preservation. Host Vanessa Spina interviews leading researchers, clinicians, and authors to translate complex studies into practical guidance on protein intake, fasting strategies, training, and hormonal health. Episodes often mix science with actionable tips, real-world applications, and sponsor integrations. Noteworthy is the consistent emphasis on high-protein approaches and the exploration of cutting-edge topics like PSMF, muscle maintenance during aging, and health optimization through lifestyle levers. Potential listeners include fitness enthusiasts, health professionals, and busy individuals seeking science-backed... more

Where can I find podcast stats for Optimal Protein Podcast?

Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for Optimal Protein Podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to Optimal Protein Podcast and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.

How many listeners does Optimal Protein Podcast get?

Rephonic provides a full set of podcast information for four million podcasts, including the number of listeners. View further listenership figures for Optimal Protein Podcast, including podcast download numbers and subscriber numbers, so you can make better decisions about which podcasts to sponsor or be a guest on. You will need to upgrade your account to access this premium data.

What are the audience demographics for Optimal Protein Podcast?

Rephonic provides comprehensive predictive audience data for Optimal Protein Podcast, including gender skew, age, country, political leaning, income, professions, education level, and interests. You can access these listener demographics by upgrading your account.

How many subscribers and views does Optimal Protein Podcast have?

To see how many followers or subscribers Optimal Protein Podcast has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

How many episodes of Optimal Protein Podcast are there?

Optimal Protein Podcast launched 9 years ago and published 541 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Optimal Protein Podcast?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for Optimal Protein Podcast?

Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for Optimal Protein Podcast from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.

View all the reviews in one place instead of visiting each platform individually and use this information to decide if a show is worth pitching or not.

How do I access podcast episode transcripts for Optimal Protein Podcast?

Rephonic provides full transcripts for episodes of Optimal Protein Podcast. Search within each transcript for your keywords, whether they be topics, brands or people, and figure out if it's worth pitching as a guest or sponsor. You can even set-up alerts to get notified when your keywords are mentioned.

What guests have appeared on Optimal Protein Podcast?

Recent guests on Optimal Protein Podcast include:

1. Dr. Drew Gonzalez
2. Amanda Paluch
3. Dr. Cassandra Evans
4. Dr. Sara Oikawa
5. Craig Emmerich
6. Børge Fagerli
7. Brad Schoenfeld
8. Dr. Brad Schoenfeld

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

Find and pitch the right podcasts

We help savvy brands, marketers and PR professionals to find the right podcasts for any topic or niche. Get the data and contacts you need to pitch podcasts at scale and turn listeners into customers.
Try it free for 7 days