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Optimal Protein Podcast with Vanessa Spina

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

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

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Latest Episodes

Can you build muscle without bulking—and could stored body fat help fuel the process?

Dr. Milo Wolf joins me to unpack new research on the energetic cost of building muscle and what it means for losing fat while gaining or preserving muscle, even f... more

Does increasing fat burning automatically mean losing more body fat? And what would we need to measure to know whether an intervention preserves muscle?

In this Friday solocast, I'm revisiting my conversation with Dr. Amie Hornaman to unpack the re... more

What is T2, and why have researchers been investigating its effects on metabolism?

In this episode of the Optimal Protein Podcast, I'm welcoming back Dr. Amie Hornaman to explore 3,5-diiodothyronine, commonly called T2—a lesser-known thyroid hormon... more

Burn More Fat—But Are You Losing It? 7 Takeaways on Metabolic Flexibility & Protecting Muscle

Does becoming a better fat burner automatically mean you're losing more body fat? And do higher ketones mean better results?

In today's episode, I'm unp... more

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Recent Guests

Dr. Mike T. Nelson
Dr. Mike Nelson, PhD in exercise physiology; researcher and clinician focusing on metabolic flexibility and sports nutrition
Independent researcher/Dr. Mike T. Nelson
Episode: Burning Fat vs. Losing Fat: Metabolic Flexibility Explained with Dr. Mike T. Nelson
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
Lyle McDonald
Researcher and author focused on fat loss, body composition, and nutrition
Body Recomposition / Author
Episode: The Stubborn Fat Solution: How to Mobilize Lower-Body Fat with Lyle McDonald
Dr. Leigh Breen
Leading researcher in protein metabolism, resistance training, and skeletal muscle health
Leicester Diabetes Centre, University of Leicester
Episode: Are You Losing Muscle Instead of Fat? The Protein Strategy That Protects Lean Mass: Dr. Leigh Breen
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
Protein scientist and researcher focused on body composition, women's health, and nutrition
Episode: Eat More Protein, Lose More Fat? 7 Science-Backed Body Recomp Lessons
Dr. Sara Oikawa
Protein researcher
Canada (McMaster University)
Episode: Can You Build Muscle While Losing Fat? The Science of Body Recomposition
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

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 States4 months ago
  • Misinformation

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

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    fdyjm
    Australia5 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 Statesa year 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.

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Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Burning Fat vs. Losing Fat: Metabolic Flexibility Explained with Dr. Mike T. Nelson
Q: What role does protein play in preserving lean mass during fat loss?
Protein is crucial for preserving lean mass during fat loss, with higher protein intakes (potentially up to 1 gram per pound of body weight in extremes) providing amino acids to protect muscle while in a deficit, especially when combined with resistance training.
Burning Fat vs. Losing Fat: Metabolic Flexibility Explained with Dr. Mike T. Nelson
Q: Can you lose fat while not being metabolically flexible if you are in a caloric deficit?
Yes, you can lose fat with a caloric deficit even if metabolic flexibility is limited, but it tends to be less comfortable and harder to maintain because hunger, energy, and training quality may suffer; improving flexibility makes adherence easier and helps preserve lean mass.
Burning Fat vs. Losing Fat: Metabolic Flexibility Explained with Dr. Mike T. Nelson
Q: What is metabolic flexibility and why does it matter for fat loss?
Metabolic flexibility is the body's capacity to efficiently use both carbohydrates and fats as fuel and to switch between them quickly. It matters for fat loss because it supports greater energy system versatility, allowing for better performance, easier adherence to a deficit, and the ability to lean on fat stores during lower-intensity periods while keeping carbohydrate use available for high-intensity workouts.
The Stubborn Fat Solution: How to Mobilize Lower-Body Fat with Lyle McDonald
Q: What makes stubborn body fat different physiologically from other fat stores?
Stubborn fat stores have varying densities of adrenergic receptors (more alpha-2 in stubborn areas, especially in hips and thighs for women) and poorer blood flow, which together hinder mobilization; improving beta-receptor activity and blood flow, while mitigating alpha-2 inhibition, helps mobilize fat from these areas.
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.

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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

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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.

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What guests have appeared on Optimal Protein Podcast?

Recent guests on Optimal Protein Podcast include:

1. Dr. Mike T. Nelson
2. Dr. Drew Gonzalez
3. Lyle McDonald
4. Dr. Leigh Breen
5. Amanda Paluch
6. Dr. Cassandra Evans
7. Dr. Sara Oikawa
8. Craig Emmerich

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