The Dylan Gemelli Podcast, Episode #112

Guest: Dr. Colleen Cutcliffe, Microbiome Scientist & CEO of Pendulum Therapeutics
Air Date: April 16, 2026
Theme: The Science and Power of the Gut Microbiome — What it Really Means for Your Health, Longevity, and Everyday Wellbeing

Episode Overview

This episode features a thorough and accessible exploration of gut health and the microbiome with Dr. Colleen Cutcliffe, a top expert in the field and co-founder of Pendulum Therapeutics. Dylan and Dr. Cutcliffe break down the concept of the gut microbiome, dispel myths, address common health complaints linked to digestive health, and detail approaches—both natural and supplemental—to optimizing gut function for overall health and longevity.

Dr. Colleen Cutcliffe: Background & Mission

[03:05–05:36]

• Dr. Cutcliffe’s path: Ph.D. in Biochemistry & Molecular Biology from Johns Hopkins, experience in academia, pharma (Parkinson’s drug development), DNA sequencing technology, eventually co-founding Pendulum to focus on the microbiome.
• Inspired by a vision of global health, blending rigorous science with practical interventions.
• Quote:

  “The work being done [at Johns Hopkins] is not just incredibly credible science and research, but also: how do we help humanity?...That was a very inspiring place to go to school.” (04:08, Dr. Cutcliffe)

Why the Gut Microbiome Matters

[06:31–08:15]

• The gut connects to every biological system: Brain, metabolism, immune, allergies, cardiovascular, food sensitivities.
• Dysfunction in gut health can mimic aging or “idiopathic” decline, but it’s often a fixable issue.
• Quote:

  “Through the gut, you can actually impact all of the 11 biological systems in your body.” (06:34, Dr. Cutcliffe)

• Many nagging symptoms (brain fog, poor metabolism, fatigue) can stem from imbalances in the gut.

The Conventional Medical Blind Spot

[08:35–13:02]

• Most primary care doctors lack gut microbiome training; few use diagnostic tests or non-pharma interventions.
• The U.S. medical system is heavily oriented around FDA-approved pharmaceutical drugs, dictated by insurance coverage.
• Nutrition, supplementation, and the microbiome receive little attention in standard medical education.
• Integrative/functional medicine or alternative practitioners are more likely to address microbiome health.
• Quote:

  “If you’re working with a traditional medical doctor...they are not trained in the gut microbiome...they’re not using diagnostic tests regularly, they’re not learning about what the different metabolites are...” (08:36, Dr. Cutcliffe)

The Personal Microbiome: Your Biological Fingerprint

[16:17–17:21]

• The microbiome is unique to each person—a sort of “biological fingerprint.”
• Genetics, environment, diet, and lifestyle shape this ecosystem.

Microbiome Defined—Simply

[17:21–18:44]

• What is it? Collection of bacteria, viruses, fungi living in and on us—especially dense in the gut, also on skin, in nasal passages, etc.
• These microbes are mostly beneficial, acting as barriers and performing essential roles. Excessive hygiene can strip away helpful microbes, affecting immune reactions (e.g., allergies).
• Quote:

  “We are all supposed to be walking around with a layer of microbes on our skin...They’re supposed to be on our skin so that when our body encounters dust, the microbes are metabolizing it. But most of us are showering...” (17:48, Dr. Cutcliffe)

Good & Bad Bacteria: The Balance

[19:30–20:53]

• Example: E. coli is present in everyone; it's usually fine as part of an ecosystem, but isolated (“out of society”) it can become problematic.
• The microbiome is like a “massive manufacturing plant” — each microbe group (“department”) does a job (e.g., GLP-1 stimulation, immunity, metabolism).
• When specific groups are depleted, health issues appear.

What Harms the Microbiome?

[21:16–23:53]

• Biggest culprits:
  • Antibiotics: “Nuclear bomb” effect—wipes out microbial diversity; can lead to obesity and diabetes, as seen in both farm animals & children.
  • Diet: Processed foods (typically from the center of the grocery store) are harmful. Lack of plant fiber, beans, and polyphenols starves good bacteria.
  • Other factors: Aging, stress, circadian rhythm disruption (e.g., travel), hormonal changes, all deplete the microbiome.
• Quote:

  “Antibiotics…you are completely decimating your microbiome. And when your microbiome recovers, it’s oftentimes not the same microbiome you started with.” (21:31, Dr. Cutcliffe)

Can You Fix a Damaged Microbiome?

[24:09–24:28]

• Yes! Lifestyle changes and/or targeted supplements can restore a healthy microbiome and even “change your future health.”
• Redemption is possible regardless of past habits.

Rapid-Fire Gut Offenders

[24:39–28:27]

• Alcohol: Not good for the microbiome.
• Smoking: Alters the lung microbiome; unclear for gut, but likely negative.
• Overtraining: Can harm; the microbiome supports muscle recovery.
• Poor sleep/circadian rhythm disturbances: Bi-directional impact with gut; unstable blood sugar during sleep can stem from gut dysfunction.
• Marijuana: Not enough research, but concern about the rise in usage.
• Ibuprofen/NSAIDs: No strong evidence of major direct microbiome harm, but research ongoing.
• Supplements (protein, creatine, vitamins): Difficult to disrupt the microbiome just by “overdosing” on these; body self-regulates to some extent.

Surprising Foods: What’s Good, What’s Not

[29:58–30:17]

• Bad: Processed foods; middle-aisle groceries.
• Surprise Good: Spices (spicy foods, varied seasonings) are excellent for gut health, despite perceived “upset stomach.”
• Quote:

  “All those different spices…are good for you.” (29:58, Dr. Cutcliffe)

Building Gut Health with Food—First Line of Defense

[30:51–33:16]

• Food (not supplements) should be the first step: fruits, vegetables, beans/lentils, green tea, varied spices.
• Diet alone can often resolve common gut issues—though diet perfection is hard to maintain long term.
• Supplements are a useful “one-two punch” for real-world gaps.

Probiotics, Prebiotics, Postbiotics—What’s What?

[34:22–34:52]

• Probiotic: The live bacteria and yeasts.
• Prebiotic: The food/fiber these organisms eat.
• Postbiotic: The metabolic by-products these organisms produce—e.g., butyrate.
• Quote:

  “Probiotics: that’s the bacteria…Prebiotic is the food…and postbiotic is the stuff they produce.” (34:25, Dr. Cutcliffe)

Do We Need All Three? What’s the Practical Approach?

[34:57–39:14]

• Dietary Fiber (Prebiotic) supplements are vital—most Americans don’t get close to their daily needs.
• Caveat: Ramp up fiber intake slowly to avoid stomach upset.
• Probiotic supplements: Most only help GI issues, not metabolic health.
• Postbiotics: “A little bit of bullshit”—delivery (e.g., for butyrate) is weak; the body prefers to produce these internally, on-site via proper bacteria and fiber.

The Fiber Deep-Dive

[43:18–46:59]

• Types: Both soluble and insoluble are valuable.
  • Soluble: Dissolves in water (like sugar in hot tea).
  • Insoluble: Doesn’t dissolve; gives a lasting fullness and helps digestion.
• Best foods: Fruits, vegetables, lentils/beans, oat beta-glucan (oats), resistant potato starch.
• Supplements: Psyllium husk (“grandma’s Metamucil”) is still excellent—clumps in water because it’s insoluble, so ease into it.
• Quote:

  “Psyllium husk…It’s one of the most well-studied and old school fibers…turns out it’s still good for you.” (46:10, Dr. Cutcliffe)

Special Case: Akkermansia muciniphila

[33:19–33:54]

• An important gut microbe only found in human breast milk. If lost, the only way to replenish is via targeted supplementation.

Pendulum Therapeutics: Science-Driven Innovation

[49:30–57:53]

• Why focus on metabolism and blood sugar? Personal motivation (Dr. Cutcliffe’s daughter’s preemie birth and antibiotic exposure) and research links between antibiotic use and obesity/diabetes.
• Discovery: Certain strains (missing in diabetics) stimulate GLP-1, a critical hormone for blood sugar balance.
• Manufacturing innovation: Created proprietary, oxygen-free production to grow these unique strains (most probiotics die in oxygen).
• Clinical trials: First to show real decrease in A1C and blood glucose spikes in humans—not just mice.
  • A1C dropped by 0.6 points; 33% reduction in blood sugar spikes after 90 days.
• Quote:

  “This is the first and only probiotic out there in the world that can lower your A1C and your blood glucose spikes.” (54:23, Dr. Cutcliffe)

• Challenges: High R&D and manufacturing costs drove early higher pricing; diligent work has reduced cost ($165 to $99/month, with plans for further drops and shelf-stable versions).
• Pendulum is committed to accessibility and real science, not just marketing.

Placebo Effect & Attitude Matters

[41:49–42:53]

• The placebo effect is real; if a supplement makes you feel better and it’s not hurting you, it’s still a benefit.
• Mindset and emotional state strongly influence physical health panel results.

How to Learn More/Connect with Dr. Cutcliffe & Pendulum

[59:34–60:23]

• Website: pendulumlife.com — Education portal, practitioner protocols, nutrition guides, self-quiz for product selection.
• Products recommended: Metabolic Daily (general gut health), Glucose Control (for diabetics), room-temperature-stable options coming soon.

Notable Quotes & Timestamps

• “Through the gut, you can actually impact all of the 11 biological systems in your body.”
  (06:34, Dr. Cutcliffe)

• “Antibiotics…you are completely decimating your microbiome. And when your microbiome recovers, it’s oftentimes not the same microbiome you started with.”
  (21:31, Dr. Cutcliffe)

• “Probiotics: that’s the bacteria…Prebiotic is the food…and postbiotic is the stuff they produce.”
  (34:25, Dr. Cutcliffe)

• "Psyllium husk…It’s one of the most well-studied and old school fibers…turns out it’s still good for you.”
  (46:10, Dr. Cutcliffe)

• “This is the first and only probiotic out there in the world that can lower your A1C and your blood glucose spikes.”
  (54:23, Dr. Cutcliffe)

Memorable Moments

• Dylan’s shock when learning about how skincare routines and hyper-hygiene may harm skin and immune health (18:44).
• Candid take-down of postbiotic supplement marketing: “A little bit of bullshit…the delivery is a huge problem…” (39:14, Dr. Cutcliffe)
• Dr. Cutcliffe comparing butyrate supplement delivery to “scattering a million dollars over Highway 101” instead of handing it directly to you (41:02).
• The insider’s view on building a science-driven company—Pendulum lowered prices instead of raising them, rare in the supplement space (57:09–57:53).

Additional Resources / Where to Find More

• Visit pendulumlife.com for approachable science, practitioner guides, and educational content.
• Take their quiz for personalized gut recommendations.
• Details on fiber, healthy cooking, and supplement info all available on their site.

Summary written in the spirit of the conversation: fact-packed, direct, accessible, and fiercely practical—just like the episode.