Podcast Summary: Episode #25 – Dylan Gemelli on The Well Beyond 40 Podcast with J.J. Virgin
Title: Reversing Irreversible Heart Markers, Microdosing GLP-1’s, A Deep Look into Creatine, Peptide CLINIC, Why Muscle Mass Is So Critical, NAD+ Craze, and More!!
Release Date: May 10, 2025
Hosts:
- Dylan Gemelli: Fitness and biohacking expert, cellular health coach, NASM-certified personal trainer, and creator of The Dylan Gemelli Podcast.
- J.J. Virgin: Four-time New York Times Bestselling Author, Certified Nutrition Specialist, and host of The Well Beyond 40 Podcast.
Introduction and Guest Introduction
The episode kicks off with J.J. Virgin introducing Dylan Gemelli, highlighting his expertise in health, fitness, biohacking, and his journey from facing personal health challenges to becoming a leading figure in the wellness industry.
Notable Quote:
JJ Virgin [00:04]: "We're talking all about that, but we're also doing a deep dive into kind of the latest in cardiovascular health, which is such an important topic."
Dylan Gemelli’s Journey into Biohacking and Peptides
Dylan shares his personal transformation story, detailing how he overcame poor lifestyle choices and legal troubles in 2011 to delve deep into the world of biohacking, peptides, and SARMs. His early exploration included studying supplements, testosterone boosters, and experimenting with steroids, which led him to discover peptides and SARMs as safer alternatives for performance enhancement.
Notable Quote:
Dylan Gemelli [03:44]: "I had to start my life over from scratch... I started doing a ton of research... I fell into this world of peptides and SARMs that no one had tapped into."
Understanding Peptides, SARMs, and Nootropics
The discussion moves to defining key terms for the audience:
- Peptides: Chains of amino acids that play various roles in bodily functions. Dylan emphasizes their safety and efficacy when used correctly.
- SARMs (Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators): Compounds that selectively target androgen receptors to promote muscle growth with fewer side effects compared to traditional steroids.
- Nootropics: Supplements that enhance cognitive function, particularly executive functions, memory, creativity, or motivation.
Notable Quote:
Dylan Gemelli [11:29]: "Peptides are really just amino acids formed into a peptide chain... most of these peptides really aren't going to cause you harm unless you absolutely abuse them."
Hierarchy of Health and Integrating Supplements
Dylan outlines his Hierarchy of Health, emphasizing foundational health practices before introducing supplements:
- Basics: Nutrition, adequate sleep, hydration, exercise, stress management, and maintaining healthy relationships.
- Supplements: Addressing micronutrient deficiencies with essentials like creatine, CoQ10, magnesium, and more.
- Advanced Interventions: Utilizing peptides, SARMs, and nootropics to target specific health issues.
Notable Quote:
Dylan Gemelli [14:34]: "I'm always going to start with your basics... but then if we're looking past that and looking at supplements, think there's basic things like creatine that I think everybody should take."
Cardiovascular Health: Beyond Traditional Metrics
A significant portion of the conversation focuses on cardiovascular health, particularly the limitations of traditional cholesterol tests and the importance of markers like ApoB and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]. Dylan shares his personal experience of discovering a heart condition despite leading a healthy lifestyle, underscoring the need for comprehensive testing beyond LDL, HDL, and triglycerides.
Notable Quotes:
Dylan Gemelli [28:55]: "ApoB plays a crucial role in your lipid metabolism and your cardiovascular health... Elevated levels of ApoB are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease."
JJ Virgin [33:05]: "But that is the running school of thought. This test, you test once it's genetic."
Reversing Heart Damage with Advanced Interventions
Dylan passionately argues against the belief that certain heart markers and arterial plaque are irreversible. He discusses his proactive approach in lowering his Lp(a) score through natural and pharmaceutical interventions, including PCSK9 inhibitors and supplements like pomegranate juice and urolithin A.
Notable Quote:
Dylan Gemelli [33:10]: "Just like they tell you you can't reverse plaque in your arteries, which I can tell you I have spoken with and seen firsthand that you most certainly can."
The Role of GLP-1s in Longevity and Metabolic Health
The episode delves into the benefits of microdosing GLP-1s (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 receptor agonists) for enhancing longevity, improving insulin sensitivity, and reducing systemic inflammation without the adverse effects associated with high-dose usage. Both hosts share their positive experiences with GLP-1s, emphasizing their potential as longevity hacks.
Notable Quote:
JJ Virgin [23:08]: "I have friends now going to Buenos Aires to do certain things. It's like, it is crazy what we're not allowed to do."
Innovations in Peptide Administration
Addressing the challenges of peptide administration, Dylan discusses advancements in delivery methods, such as gels and topicals, which offer more convenience and effectiveness compared to traditional injections. He highlights reputable companies like Peptide Pro and Healthgevity, recommending their products for quality and efficacy.
Notable Quote:
Dylan Gemelli [48:52]: "I'll touch on something you brought up earlier... there's a few that do it underground... Peptide Pro is very, very good company."
Importance of Muscle Mass for Overall Health
Both hosts emphasize the critical role of maintaining and building muscle mass, not just for aesthetic purposes but for metabolic health, bone density, and overall quality of life. They caution against extreme measures like steroid use, advocating for sustainable muscle gain through proper training and supplementation.
Notable Quote:
Dylan Gemelli [51:02]: "The more muscle you build, the more fat you're dropping... your quality of life and the way you feel in your blood work will improve."
Advancements in Cellular Health and Mitochondrial Function
The conversation touches on the significance of cellular health, mitochondrial function, and the role of compounds like NAD+ in regulating metabolism, DNA repair, and cellular resilience. They discuss the delicate balance of oxidative stress and its impact on aging and disease.
Notable Quote:
Dylan Gemelli [44:42]: "Redox oxidation is the heart of cellular energy production... NAD+ levels are dropping, impairing mitochondrial function."
Conclusion and Future Directions
Wrapping up, both hosts reaffirm their commitment to educating listeners on advanced health strategies and the importance of personalized interventions. They encourage listeners to prioritize foundational health practices while exploring cutting-edge biohacking techniques under professional guidance.
Notable Quote:
Dylan Gemelli [42:53]: "I'm on a mission to show in the most positive manner just how far off a lot of these people are and to show people there's hope."
Key Takeaways
- Comprehensive Health Approach: Prioritize foundational health practices before integrating advanced supplements and biohacking techniques.
- Advanced Cardiovascular Testing: Move beyond traditional cholesterol tests to include markers like ApoB and Lp(a) for a more accurate assessment of heart health.
- Peptides and SARMs: Utilize these compounds safely under professional guidance to enhance performance, recovery, and overall health.
- Microdosing GLP-1s: Explore low-dose GLP-1s for metabolic health and longevity benefits without significant side effects.
- Muscle Mass Importance: Building and maintaining muscle mass is crucial for metabolic health, bone density, and overall quality of life.
- Cellular Health Focus: Enhance mitochondrial function and regulate redox balance to combat aging and prevent diseases.
Connect with the Hosts:
This episode serves as an invaluable resource for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of advanced health strategies, offering actionable insights from two industry experts dedicated to improving quality of life through informed and innovative approaches.