The Dylan Gemelli Podcast – Episode #58

Featuring Catharine Arnston Part 2: The Mighty Mitochondria! Masterclass on Mitochondria, Autophagy, Mitophagy, Senescent Cells, Cellular Renewal, Algae Benefits & More!

Date: October 16, 2025
Host: Dylan Gemelli
Guest: Catharine Arnston (Founder, ENERGYbits)

Episode Overview

This powerhouse interview is the much-anticipated second part of Dylan’s deep dive with Catharine Arnston, founder of ENERGYbits and advocate for algae’s transformative role in cellular and mitochondrial health. The episode delivers a rich, no-nonsense, science-backed exploration of how maintaining robust mitochondria is foundational for longevity, performance, and overall well-being—with special emphasis on the unique benefits of spirulina and chlorella algae. Dylan and Catharine break down complex cellular processes (autophagy, mitophagy, senescent cells, apoptosis), debunk supplement industry myths, and explain in practical terms how nutrient-dense algae feeds and protects your cellular “power plants”—the mitochondria—for optimal health, disease protection, and vibrant energy, especially as we age.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why Mitochondria Matter—At Every Age

• [11:46] Catharine: “Think of your mitochondria as the lights in a building—and the building’s electricity. When the power goes out, you can’t function. That energy… is ATP, generated by mitochondria. When mitochondrial function declines, so does your quality of life.”
• Our mitochondria generate the ATP that powers everything—physical movement, brain function, heartbeat, digestion, repair, and daily detoxification.
• After age 30, key antioxidant defenses (notably superoxide dismutase, SOD), sex hormones, and protective nutrients start declining sharply; after 40, the decline is precipitous.

2. Mitochondrial Damage, Aging, and Chronic Disease

• [13:20] The root cause of most chronic diseases (cancer, dementia, fatigue, brain fog) can be traced to mitochondrial dysfunction.
• As ATP is generated, damaging free radicals (especially superoxide—the most powerful radical in the body) are created as a byproduct.
• The inner membrane of mitochondria is nearly impenetrable to most antioxidants—which is why “classic” antioxidants like vitamin C and E do not stop mitochondrial aging.

Quote:
“Virtually no antioxidants can get inside the inner membrane of the mitochondria... That’s why vitamin C and E have zero impact on extending longevity.”
—Catharine Arnston [16:15]

3. Superoxide Dismutase (SOD): The Master Mitochondrial Protector

• [18:20] SOD is “the golf umbrella” for your mitochondria, neutralizing superoxide radicals into oxygen and water—substances your cell needs.
• SOD production drops to near zero after age 40, leaving mitochondria unprotected and accelerating cellular aging.
• Algae, especially raw spirulina, has the world’s highest concentration of SOD—but only if it is not heat-damaged in processing.

Quote:
“After 40, you have virtually no superoxide dismutase being produced anymore... The great thing is, spirulina has the highest concentration of SOD in the world—but only if you avoid heat exposure.”
—Catharine Arnston [19:45–21:10]

4. ATP, Electron Transport Chain, and the Domino Effect of Poor Nutrition

• [24:39] Dylan asks for a deep dive into ATP production:
  • ATP is generated through the electron transport chain (ETC), which operates like a relay race inside mitochondria.
  • Eating too many carbs—without enough nutrient “protection”—causes “leakage” in the ETC, more free radicals, mitochondrial swelling, and eventual cell death (necrosis).
  • Healthy cells die gracefully (apoptosis), but sick cells die catastrophically, spilling toxins (necrosis) and causing more cellular damage.

Analogy: “It’s like asking Tom Brady to throw a pass in a stadium that’s four times as big as it should be—you lose energy, performance drops, and mitochondria get wiped out.”
—Catharine Arnston [26:50]

5. The Role of Algae: Nature’s Evolutionary Solution

• [33:00] Spirulina is not a plant, but a cyanobacteria—one of the oldest forms of life; its structure is nearly identical to our mitochondria.
• Superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and other nutrients in spirulina are rapidly absorbed into cells and mitochondria, bypassing common digestive breakdown.
• Only raw, low-heat-processed spirulina (such as ENERGYbits) contains the necessary active enzymes for genuine mitochondrial protection.

6. Autophagy, Mitophagy, and Senescent Cells: Keeping Cells Young & Clean

• [38:00] Definitions:
  • Autophagy: The cell’s housekeeping process—clearing out waste, broken parts, and toxins (“like cleaning a teenager’s messy room”).
  • Mitophagy: The mitochondrial version—repairing, merging (fusion), or making new mitochondria (fission).
  • Senescent Cells: Old, toxic, “zombie” cells that can't die properly and cause chronic inflammation.

Quote:
“Cancer and senescent cells can’t self-destruct with apoptosis… But the blue pigment in spirulina—phycocyanin—can identify these cells and help trigger their healthy removal. Mother Nature gave us this in algae!”
—Catharine Arnston [46:30–48:30]

• Powerful synergy: Spirulina helps stimulate healthy cell renewal and removal of dysfunctional cells, actively supporting both autophagy and detox.

7. Spirulina and Chlorella: Why You Want Both

• [52:25+]
  • Spirulina: “Your offensive playbook”—energy, focus, ATP, mitochondrial health, muscle and brain support. Highest protein in the world, SOD-rich.
  • Chlorella: “Your defense playbook”—immune protection and deep cleansing. Highest chlorophyll, detoxifies heavy metals, pesticides, lactic acid; supports gut biome; stimulates peristalsis (great for bowel movements).
  • For best results: Spirulina in the morning/pre-workout (“nourishment in”), Chlorella at night/post-workout (“toxins out”).

Quote:
“Spirulina is for nourishment in, chlorella is for toxins out. Spirulina is the AM algae, chlorella is the PM algae… Energy before your game, recovery after your game.”
—Catharine Arnston [53:00–55:40]

• Combine for full-spectrum benefits—athletes, stressed adults, kids, and even pets.

8. Practical Guidance—How Much, How Often, How to Choose

• [59:00+] Protein, vitamins, minerals, and unique antioxidants in just a small handful replace many supplements. Dosage can be tailored: small daily amounts for maintenance; higher for athletes or detox.
• No lectins or oxalates, so safe for carnivores or sensitive eaters.
• Algae can significantly lower supplement and grocery costs; supports environments where regular vegetable consumption is difficult.
• Important: Quality and process matter—most commercial spirulina and chlorella are ineffectual due to high-heat processing.

9. Special Algae Product Variations

• BeautyBits = EnergyBits: Both are the same raw spirulina, just with different branding. VitalityBits is a 50:50 blend of spirulina & chlorella for all-in-one simplicity.
• Consume as tablets (swallowed or chewed); kids and even pets can benefit.

10. A Personal and Mission-Driven Approach

• Catharine’s commitment started with helping her sister fight breast cancer and has extended to a global mission of empowering others through cellular and mitochondrial health.
• Continual learning and integrity set her—and brands like ENERGYbits—apart from typical supplement companies.

Quote:
“I didn’t find algae… Algae found me. After 15 years, I’m more passionate than ever because I know more now.”
—Catharine Arnston [07:16]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the supplement industry:
  “It is so difficult to sift through… You can really tell the difference between someone selling a product and someone who truly believes, lives, and exudes it—and that’s you, Catharine.”
  —Dylan Gemelli [06:15]
• On healthy cell death:
  “Apoptosis is what you want—a cell that knows it’s time to retire, divides into small cells with healthy DNA, no drama. Necrosis is the explosion—scattering toxins everywhere.”
  —Catharine Arnston [27:49]
• On longevity:
  “After 40, chronic disease just blows through the roof… It’s as easy as opening your mouth and taking a handful of spirulina tablets. It’s food, not a supplement or drug—it does all these things, naturally.”
  —Catharine Arnston [41:00, 49:30]

Segment Timestamps (Highlights)

• 02:59 – Catharine’s background, natural health PhD, and “mitochondriac” obsession.
• 11:46 – The importance of mitochondria: analogy & function
• 16:15 – Why standard antioxidants don’t protect mitochondria; the drop-off after age 40.
• 19:45 – SOD explained; connection to longevity and disease resistant
• 24:39 – The electron transport chain “relay race” and how carb overload damages mitochondria
• 38:00 – Definitions: autophagy, mitophagy, senescent cells; how spirulina supports all
• 46:30 – Phycocyanin’s role in removing cancer & senescent cells: the science and research
• 52:25 – Spirulina and chlorella explained, when and why to use both; practical athlete protocols
• 65:15 – BeautyBits vs. EnergyBits vs. VitalityBits explained (product differences)
• 69:08 – Catharine’s closing passion, energy, and personal commitment to truth in science

Resources, Discount Codes, and Further Learning

• ENERGYbits: energybits.com
  20% off code: GEMELLI
• Instagram: @energybits
• Katherine’s website: katharinearnston.com
• Recommended for: Anyone interested in cellular health, athletic performance, longevity, brain and gut health, or seeking a clean, science-based supplement alternative.

Takeaways

• Mitochondrial health is the true cellular foundation for longevity, vitality, and resistance to aging and disease.
• Spirulina (raw, not heat-processed) is nature’s most potent, fastest-absorbing, and scientifically validated source of mitochondrial protection and renewal.
• Chlorella powerfully cleanses and supports immune/gut health—together, they provide full-spectrum, all-ages cellular care.
• Autophagy, mitophagy, and healthy cell death aren’t just buzzwords—they are accessible daily with simple nutrition and lifestyle habits.
• Truth, continual learning, and personal passion set the leaders in this space apart—Dylan and Catharine exemplify this in every minute of the conversation.

For more episodes, expert guides, and trusted science, subscribe to The Dylan Gemelli Podcast or visit energybits.com.