The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Show

In this episode of The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Show, Dr. Lyon is joined by Dr. Russell Surasky, a board-certified neurologist and addiction specialist, to discuss one of the most pressing issues of our time: addiction. With a deeply personal connection to the topic, Dr. Surasky sheds light on the reality of addiction as a chronic brain disease and dispels the myths that have fueled stigma for decades.

Dr. Surasky explains how addiction fundamentally alters brain function, the role of genetic susceptibility, and why opioids—particularly fentanyl—pose an unprecedented threat. He shares actionable insights into treatment options, including the promise of medication-assisted therapies like Vivitrol, and how families and society can better support individuals struggling with addiction.

This episode is essential for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of addiction and how we can combat the opioid epidemic through science, compassion, and innovation.

We dive into:

• Why addiction is a brain disease, not a moral failure or lack of willpower
• The alarming rise of fentanyl and how it has changed the landscape of addiction
• How genetic predispositions influence addiction risk and potential
• The critical differences between physical dependency and true addiction
• Cutting-edge treatments for addiction
• Strategies for families to navigate addiction and support recovery

Who is Dr. Russell Surasky?

Dr. Russell Surasky is a dual board-certified neurologist and addiction specialist who combines his expertise in brain science with a compassionate approach to treating addiction. With years of experience in understanding how substances hijack the brain's reward system, Dr. Surasky has become a leading voice in addiction medicine.

Driven by a personal tragedy, Dr. Surasky works tirelessly to raise awareness about the science of addiction, reduce stigma, and offer hope through innovative treatment options. His mission is to ensure that addiction is understood as a treatable medical condition, not a moral failing.

Find Dr. Russell Surasky at:

Join Dr. Gabrielle Lyon and Dr Christie Ballantyne, one of the world’s leading cardiologists, for an insightful conversation on the science behind cardiovascular health, metabolic wellness, and disease prevention. In this episode, Dr. Ballantyne shares groundbreaking research, the role of genetics, and practical steps you can take to optimize heart health. Whether it’s through diet, exercise, or understanding your unique health profile, this discussion is packed with actionable strategies to help you live a longer, healthier life.

💡 Key Topics Covered:

• How genetics influence heart disease risk
• The power of lifestyle changes for heart and metabolic health
• Breakthroughs in cardiovascular research you need to know

📌 Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction

02:15 - Why genetics play a role in heart disease

07:45 - The link between lifestyle and cardiovascular health

15:20 - Cutting-edge studies in heart and metabolic wellness

20:50 - Practical tips to prevent heart disease

28:00 - The future of cardiovascular medicine

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

The Dietary Guidelines Are Failing Us

In this episode of The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Show, Dr. Lyon is joined by Dr. Donald Layman, a world-renowned expert in protein metabolism and a pioneer in the field of nutritional science. With over 20 years of mentorship between them, Dr. Layman and Dr. Lyon dive deep into the flaws, myths, and future of U.S. Dietary Guidelines, offering a clear path to better health through smarter dietary decisions.

Dr. Layman shares his revolutionary perspective on why protein intake should focus on essential amino acids, how carbohydrates—not fats—are driving metabolic disease, and why outdated nutrition guidelines continue to mislead the public. From breaking down dietary biases to advocating for personalized nutrition, this episode is a must-listen for anyone striving for optimal health.

We dive into:

• The history and evolution of the U.S. Dietary Guidelines, from the Food Pyramid to MyPlate.
• Why "protein" as we know it is an outdated concept—and how essential amino acids are the real focus.
• How processed carbohydrates are the primary drivers of obesity, diabetes, and heart disease.
• The truth about saturated fats and cholesterol—and why the science contradicts public policy.
• How low-carb, high-protein diets outperform standard dietary recommendations in nearly every metric.
• Why nutrient-dense animal proteins are irreplaceable, despite plant-based advocacy.

Who is Dr. Donald Layman?

Dr. Donald Layman is a globally recognized leader in protein metabolism and nutritional science. As Professor Emeritus at the University of Illinois, his groundbreaking research has redefined how we understand the role of protein and amino acids in health and aging. With over 40 years of experience, Dr. Layman has published extensively on topics ranging from muscle metabolism to dietary recommendations.

A long-time mentor and collaborator of Dr. Gabrielle Lyon, Dr. Layman is a trusted voice in advocating for evidence-based dietary practices. His work continues to influence both clinical applications and public health policies worldwide.

Testosterone Matters for Everyone

In this episode of The Dr. Gabrielle Lyon Show, Dr. Lyon sits down with Shalin Shah, CEO of Marius Pharmaceuticals, to explore the science, benefits, and future of testosterone therapy. Shalin has been a driving force behind bringing Kyzatrex, an FDA-approved oral testosterone, to market—making testosterone therapy more accessible and effective for both men and women. From breaking down misconceptions to advocating for better access to hormone therapy, this conversation sheds light on how testosterone plays a crucial role in overall health and wellness.

Shalin shares his journey, discussing how his background in investments and his drive to bring valuable but overlooked health solutions to the mainstream led him to develop Kyzatrex. They dive into the challenges he faced in bringing this groundbreaking therapy to market, and how Marius Pharmaceuticals is striving to change the narrative around testosterone through education and advocacy.

We dive into:

• The common myths about testosterone and its true role in health
• Why oral testosterone is a game-changer, providing a convenient and safe alternative to injections
• The importance of testosterone for women’s health, from muscle mass to mood and cognitive function
• How testosterone therapy can positively impact mental health and metabolic conditions, including diabetes
• The mission behind The Testosterone Project and efforts to make testosterone testing standard practice

Tune in to hear Shalin’s insights into the future of hormone therapy and the steps his team is taking to improve access and education around testosterone. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in health optimization, longevity, or understanding how testosterone therapy can impact overall quality of life.

Who is Shalin Shah?

Shalin Shah is a distinguished leader in the field of metabolic health, specializing in testosterone replacement therapy. As the Chief Executive Officer of Marius Pharmaceuticals, he was instrumental in the development and FDA approval of KYZATREX® (testosterone undecanoate) CIII Capsules, an oral testosterone treatment for adult men with low or no testosterone levels due to certain medical conditions.

With a global investment background, Shalin transitioned into healthcare with a mission to revolutionize the industry through metabolic health. His leadership at Marius Pharmaceuticals is marked by innovative strategies that prioritize consumer access and education. Under his guidance, KYZATREX has been launched via consumer-focused channels that include preeminent national healthcare institutions, private-equity backed medical practices, and national telemedicine platforms.

Shalin’s expertise extends beyond corporate leadership; he is an influential voice in longevity medicine and an advocate for reevaluating testosterone medication regulations. His efforts aim to reshape public perception and education on testosterone therapy and its significance for global health. He believes that oral testosterone replacement therapy has created a much-awaited paradigm shift which is critical for addressing the worldwide men’s (and women’s) health crisis, marked by declining testosterone levels and lower life expectancies. His message is that testosterone replacement therapy is not just about adding years to life, but also about adding life to years.