Jeff Krasno’s personal health transformation—reversing diabetes, shedding 60 pounds, and reclaiming his health at age 50—is a masterclass in what he calls “good stress.” In this episode, we dive into the simple but powerful idea that discomfort might just be the medicine we all need. Jeff, the founder of Commune and host of the Commune podcast, shares how fasting, cold exposure, resistance training, and attention to modern habits helped him regain his energy, build muscle, and thrive.
Together, we discuss how metabolic dysfunction has become the norm, how adaptive stress responses can be harnessed to reverse chronic illness, and why building muscle is not only the antidote to obesity but also a critical factor in longevity. If you’re interested in reclaiming your vitality and learning how to work with—not against—your biology, this episode will speak to you.
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Who is Jeff Krasno?
Jeff Krasno is the co-founder and CEO of Commune, a masterclass platform for personal and societal well-being. He hosts the Commune podcast, where he’s interviewed luminaries like Deepak Chopra, Gabor Maté, and Matthew McConaughey. Jeff also writes a weekly personal essay called “Commusings,” delivered to over a million subscribers every Sunday. His new project, Good Stress, is an online course, upcoming book, and developing TV series, built on the wellness strategies that helped him reclaim his health after a diabetes diagnosis. He is also the co-creator of the global wellness event series Wanderlust and was selected for Oprah’s SuperSoul100 in 2016.
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Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro & Forever Strong Summit Announcement
02:07 – Meet Jeff Krasno
03:26 – Chronic ease and the rise of chronic disease
05:55 – Adaptive stress responses: why we evolved to need discomfort
07:19 – The comfort traps of modern life
08:24 – Sedentary lifestyles and metabolic consequences
10:10 – Stress, cortisol, and modern triggers
14:05 – What is “good stress”?
15:00 – Jeff’s health breakdown and the first signs of metabolic dysfunction
17:32 – Using a CGM to detect prediabetes
19:25 – The shocking blood sugar results
20:31 – Spiritual and cultural influences on Jeff’s diet
23:37 – How Jeff’s body composition changed
24:44 – The shift to a ketotarian diet
30:09 – Fasting, ketones, and metabolic flexibility
32:55 – Intermittent fasting and circadian biology
35:14 – The combination that moved the needle: fasting + cold exposure
41:21 – Cold plunges and thermogenesis
44:39 – Why cold stress melts fat
48:06 – The motivation behind embracing discomfort
52:00 – Building muscle: the final frontier of Jeff’s transformation
53:27 – Resistance training for metabolic health
54:45 – The trap of “chronic cardio”
57:14 – The difference between losing fat and building muscle
59:23 – How Jeff learned the science through self-experimentation
1:01:01 – From bodyweight training to pull-ups and gym sessions
1:04:28 – Why resistance training finally clicked for Jeff
1:07:47 – Jeff’s recommendations: move more, lift often, live intentionally
1:11:45 – NEAT: the underrated tool for metabolic health
1:12:56 – Jeff’s final thoughts: redefining ease and fulfillment
Disclaimer: The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Podcast and YouTube are for general information purposes only and do not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast, YouTube, or materials linked from this podcast or YouTube is at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professional for any such conditions.
Nelson Vergel’s story is one of resilience, perseverance, and an unrelenting drive to defy the odds. In the mid-1980s, he was handed what many would have considered a death sentence—an HIV diagnosis at a time when there were no effective treatments, no clear answers, and little hope. Today, he is a beacon of knowledge and empowerment for those seeking to take control of their health, whether they are dealing with wasting conditions, hormone deficiencies, or simply aiming for peak performance. Nelson has spent decades researching and advocating for hormone health, muscle preservation, and medical autonomy, particularly for those facing wasting conditions like HIV and cancer. His work has helped shape the conversation around androgen therapies, the role of anabolic agents in aging, and the intersection of GLP-1 medications with muscle loss.
We cover:
If you want to hear an inspiring story of overcoming the odds to take control of your own health or you’re curious about anabolic therapies and longevity, you can’t miss this one.
Who is Nelson Vergel?
Nelson Vergel is a chemical engineer, author, and health advocate who has made significant contributions to men's health and hormone optimization. His most recent book, Beyond Testosterone, provides a detailed color guide to educate clinicians and patients about the latest advances in the use of testosterone, anabolics, and other therapies to maximize health and productivity.
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Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro & Forever Strong Summit Announcement
02:21 - Meet Nelson Vergel
04:34 - Nelson’s journey from HIV diagnosis to hormone health advocacy
08:12 - The role of testosterone and anabolic agents in muscle preservation
14:42 - The stigma and misconceptions surrounding anabolic therapies
18:01 - How nandrolone and oxandrolone compare to testosterone
24:04 - The intersection of GLP-1 medications and muscle loss
30:17 - The importance of resistance exercise alongside hormone therapy
35:07 - Why muscle loss is a serious public health issue
41:55 - How to safely monitor hormones and optimize health
48:00 - The role of compounding pharmacies in hormone replacement therapy
52:47 - What the future holds for anabolic therapies and longevity
1:02:00 - Why personalized medicine is key to effective hormone management
1:09:14 - Final thoughts & where to find Nelson Vergel
Disclaimer: The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Podcast and YouTube are for general information purposes only and do not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast, YouTube, or materials linked from this podcast or YouTube is at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professional for any such conditions.
Dr. James Hill—a expert on obesity, metabolism, and long-term weight management—joins me this week to unpack the biggest challenges in sustainable fat loss. Dr. Hill has spent decades researching weight control and the factors that determine whether people can keep weight off long-term. We discuss the science behind energy balance, metabolic flexibility, and why long-term weight loss is about more than just diet and exercise. He shares insights from his groundbreaking work with the National Weight Control Registry, the role of GLP-1 medications, and why physical activity is the key to preventing weight regain.
We cover:
If you’ve ever struggled to keep weight off, or you’re interested in the latest research on metabolic health and sustainable weight management, this episode is a must-listen.
Who is Dr. James Hill?
Dr. James Hill is an internationally recognized expert on obesity, metabolism, and weight management. He is the co-founder of the National Weight Control Registry, the largest ongoing study tracking individuals who have successfully lost weight and kept it off long-term. Dr. Hill has published over 400 scientific articles and has led pioneering research on energy balance, metabolic flexibility, and the role of physical activity in weight maintenance. He is a professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and has served as the President of The Obesity Society. His work has been instrumental in shaping modern obesity treatment and prevention strategies.
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Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro & Forever Strong Summit Announcement
02:21 - Meet Dr. James Hill
04:34 - Why obesity wasn’t always a major concern
08:12 - The truth about energy balance and weight loss
14:42 - Weight loss vs. weight maintenance: why they require different strategies
18:01 - Why food restriction works for weight loss but fails for maintenance
24:04 - The role of dietary protein and resistance training in weight loss
30:17 - How small changes in energy balance lead to big results
35:07 - Why 150 minutes of exercise per week isn’t enough to maintain weight loss
41:55 - Why most people regain weight after stopping GLP-1 medications
48:00 - How metabolic flexibility influences weight control
52:47 - The importance of tracking body composition over time
1:02:00 - Why exercising your metabolism is key to long-term success
1:09:14 - The underestimated role of mindset in weight management
1:18:27 - The future of obesity treatment: personalized approaches
Disclaimer: The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Podcast and YouTube are for general information purposes only and do not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast, YouTube, or materials linked from this podcast or YouTube is at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professional for any such conditions.
In this episode, Dr. Abraham Morgentaler—an expert in urology and hormone health—helps unpack the biggest myths and misconceptions surrounding testosterone therapy for both men and women. He shares his pioneering research on testosterone replacement therapy, challenging outdated fears about its link to prostate cancer and highlighting the latest findings on how hormone therapy can impact overall health, libido, and longevity. The conversation explores the controversial history of testosterone in medicine, the common mismanagement of hormone deficiencies, and why free testosterone may be one of the most important markers for health.
We cover:
Whether you’re considering testosterone therapy, navigating hormone-related issues, or just interested in optimizing your health, this episode offers critical insights that could reshape your understanding of testosterone and its role in overall well-being.
Who is Abraham Morgentaler?
Dr. Abraham Morgentaler is a leading expert in men’s health and a pioneer in the treatment of testosterone deficiency. His research helped overturn the long-held belief that testosterone therapy increases prostate cancer risk, and he has published over 200 scientific articles on testosterone, prostate cancer, and male sexual health. A Harvard-trained urologist, he is currently the Blavatnik Faculty Fellow in Health and Longevity at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Morgentaler is also the founder of Men’s Health Boston and co-founder of the Androgen Society, and he continues to educate clinicians worldwide through his virtual fellowship and best-selling books on men's health.
This episode is brought to you by:
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Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro & Forever Strong Summit Announcement
02:30 - Meet Dr. Abraham Morgentaler
04:40 - Debunking the Testosterone-Prostate Cancer Myth
11:38 - How a Flawed Study Shaped Decades of Misinformation
19:22 - Testosterone’s Impact on Mood, Energy, and Quality of Life
25:33 - The Truth About Testosterone & Cardiovascular Risks
30:17 - How Mainstream Medicine Got Testosterone Completely Wrong
44:26 - Why Men Are Hesitant About Testosterone Therapy
50:06 - Defining Low Testosterone: What Numbers Actually Matter?
59:54 - Saturation Model: Why More Testosterone Doesn’t Always Equal More Benefit
1:06:19 - Free vs. Total Testosterone—What’s Really Important?
1:19:14 - Why Testosterone Therapy for Women is Still Controversial
1:37:10 - FDA Regulations & the Future of Testosterone Therapy
1:51:06 - Why Men Have Been Misunderstood for Decades
Disclaimer: The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Podcast and YouTube are for general information purposes only and do not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast, YouTube, or materials linked from this podcast or YouTube is at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professional for any such conditions.
Misinformation in nutrition is rampant. From demonizing red meat to hyping plant-based diets, conflicting advice has left many people confused about what’s truly evidence-based. In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Bradley Johnston, an expert in evidence-based nutrition and public health policies, to separate fact from fiction. With nearly 200 peer-reviewed publications, Dr. Johnston has challenged conventional wisdom—including recommendations from major organizations like the World Health Organization. He shares how evidence-based practices should guide our dietary choices, the importance of systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and how cognitive biases influence the research we trust.
Key Points:
If you’ve ever questioned dietary guidelines, nutrition headlines, or conflicting health advice, this episode is a must-listen. Get ready to rethink everything you thought you knew about nutrition.
Who is Dr. Bradley Johnston?
Dr. Bradley Johnston is an Associate Professor at Texas A&M University, specializing in evidence-based nutrition, and the methodology of patient-reported outcomes, randomized clinical trials, systematic reviews, and clinical and public health practice guidelines.
With a PhD in experimental medicine from the University of Alberta and post-doctoral training in evidence-based practice, epidemiology and biostatistics from Oxford and McMaster University, his research focuses on advancing human health research methodology to improve clinical and dietary practice recommendations and public health policies. He co-leads EvidenceBasedNutrition.org and NutriRECS, develops nutrition education resources (e.g. Nutrition Users’ Guides), and currently serves as Co-Chair of the Canadian Pediatric Obesity Management Guidelines, ensuring clinical and public health guidelines are backed and transparently supported by the best available evidence, including end user values and preferences, absolute estimates of effect and the certainty of evidence for estimates of effect. His overall aim is to empower patients, clients and members of the public to make fully-informed health care decisions based on the central tenets of evidence-based practice and policy.
This episode is brought to you by:
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Timestamps:
00:00 - The problem with nutrition misinformation
02:23 - Dr. Bradley Johnston’s background in evidence-based research
07:23 - The history of evidence-based practices in nutrition
12:14 - Why expert biases impact research findings
19:40 - How systematic reviews and meta-analyses work
25:41 - Are we even asking the right nutrition questions?
35:00 - How much evidence is actually needed to make a recommendation?
45:48 - The GRADE approach for evaluating certainty in scientific findings
58:57 - Why animal studies don’t always translate to human health
1:08:23 - Strong vs. conditional recommendations—what do they mean?
1:27:56 - Will AI improve or worsen research quality?
Disclaimer: The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Podcast and YouTube are for general information purposes only and do not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The use of information on this podcast, YouTube, or materials linked from this podcast or YouTube is at the user's own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professional for any such conditions.