Podcast
The Peptide PhDs Podcast
Hosted by MAKE Wellness · EN
The Peptide PhDs — the show where two science geeks with PhDs turn the complex world of peptides into stories you’ll enjoy. Dr. Mark Bartlett sees peptides as the secret language immune cells use to gossip, negotiate, and sometimes throw shade. Dr. Alan Jones looks at muscle as an endocrine powerhouse, flexing out a vocabulary of peptides that strengthen body and brain.
Each week we break down new discoveries from the lab, chat with guest experts, and unleash our cringy dad jokes. We hope it's a fun way to understand how these tiny molecules have a huge impact on health and wellness.
19episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Conversations Between Brain and Body
2w ago00:56:39Tap to summarizeThis week, The Peptide PhDs are putting your brain on peptides—and no, this is not another scrambled-egg public service announcement. Dr. Mark Bartlett and Dr. Alan Jones break down how peptides and amino acids help create a communication network between the brain and the rest of the body. From the gut-brain axis to inflammation, stress, sleep, nutrition, and muscle signaling, your brain is receiving far more messages than most of us realize.The pair also digs into emerging research on apelin, a muscle-derived signaling molecule that may help explain why exercise can have such a powerful effect on mood and brain function.By the end, one thing is clear: exercise is doing a lot more than burning off lunch. Every walk, hill climb, bike ride, and resistance-training session may be sending valuable messages to your brain. In other words, your muscles are talking—so perhaps it is time to give them something interesting to say."The information discussed on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast."
Transcribe →There's More to Your Body Than Just a Scale
2w ago00:59:25Tap to summarizeAfter a long hiatus, we're back!Dr. Mark and Dr. Alan dive into body composition—aka why the number on the scale is not the whole story, and sometimes not even the right story. Come unpack the difference between weight loss and improving the ratio of lean muscle to body fat, explaining how muscle acts like a metabolic engine while excess visceral fat can drive inflammation, insulin resistance, and long-term health risks. (Basically, your bathroom scale may be dramatic, but your muscle-to-fat ratio is the real plot twist.)The conversation also explores why maintaining muscle mass is one of the biggest keys to aging well, improving health span, and reducing mortality risk. With a mix of research, real-world examples, and a little classic Peptide PhDs banter, this episode makes a strong case for building muscle, managing fat, and treating your body composition like the biological upgrade it is.From air squats to incretin signaling, this one is packed with practical takeaways: lift something, eat enough protein, protect your muscle, and maybe stop letting your couch win the tug-of-war.
Transcribe →The 12 Hallmarks of Aging Part 3: The Final Four
Jun 2300:57:30Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Peptide PhDs, Dr. Mark and Dr. Alan wrap up their three-part tour through the 12 hallmarks of aging by tackling the final four: stem cell exhaustion, altered cellular communication, chronic inflammation, and dysbiosis. Translation: the body’s repair crews get tired, the cellular group chat starts dropping messages, the immune system gets stuck in “red alert,” and the gut microbiome can turn from a well-tended garden into a suspicious gas-station salad bar. The big takeaway is surprisingly empowering: while no one has found the “live to 200 and still crush leg day” button, many drivers of healthy aging are influenced by daily choices. Muscle takes center stage as a major communication organ, releasing myokines that help regulate metabolism, immune balance, brain health, and repair. Resistance training, daily movement, enough protein, micronutrients, hydration, sleep, and a healthy gut microbiome all help reduce biological “static” and give the body’s repair systems a fighting chance. In short, aging may be inevitable, but frailty does not have to RSVP early and your mitochondria would probably appreciate a walk after lunch.
Transcribe →The 12 Hallmarks of Aging Part 2: More Zombie Cells and Removing Loud Cells
May 2800:57:17Tap to summarizeIn part 2 of our Hallmarks of Aging series, the PeptidePhDs are back on the case — detective hats, zombie cells, muscle talk, and all. This episode dives into five more biological “clues” behind aging.From proteins that stop folding properly to cells thatforget how to take out the trash, the conversation makes complex aging science feel surprisingly approachable.The star of the episode? Movement. Again and again,muscle shows up as a major player in healthy aging — supporting metabolism, mitochondrial function, immune communication, and overall resilience. And yes, they also tackle “zombie cells” — thoseretired-but-still-loud cells that refuse to leave the party and stir up inflammation.Science over scrolling, peptides over procrastination, and one more reminder that moving your body might just be one of the best anti-aging strategies we have.
Transcribe →Hallmarks of Aging Part 1 - Aging at the cellular level...and zombie cells?! Oh my!
May 2100:53:33Tap to summarizeEver wonder why we age... at the cellular level? Have you ever heard of "zombie cells"? Well, you should, because they’re currently throwing a party inside your body—and they didn't invite you.This week, Dr. Mark and Dr. Alan kick off a brand-new series breaking down the 12 Hallmarks of Aging—the definitive, science-backed framework researchers use to decode how and why our bodies change over time. Think of it as the ultimate user manual for your biology.In Part 1, the docs unpack the first three culprits behind cellular aging:Genomic Instability: The biological "typos" and DNA damage that quietly pile up over the years.Telomere Attrition: The fraying and shortening of your chromosomes' protective end caps (think of them like the plastic tips on your shoelaces).Epigenetic Alterations: How your daily lifestyle signals actually dial your gene expression up or down.PLUS: They reveal the surprising, heavy-hitting role muscle plays in putting the brakes on all three. (Spoiler alert: strength training isn't just for aesthetics anymore; it’s cellular health insurance.)Oh, and the cellular clock isn't the only thing hitting major milestones. Dr. Alan officially walked the stage for his doctorate this week! Drop a comment to say congrats, Dr. Jones! 🎓🎉
Transcribe →Natural Peptides Explained--and where is Dr. Jones?!
May 800:56:08Tap to summarizeHas Dr. Jones been replaced?! With him away in Barcelona, Dr. Mark flies solo—luckily, Crystal is here to keep him honest!This week, we're diving into a major Science News article asking the big questions: Are peptides truly proven health aids, and is the FDA about to open the door regardless? We break down the facts to give you a clear, science-backed perspective on the future of the industry.Plus, coming off an amazing session with our affiliate community, we're tackling your real-world questions on natural vs. synthetic peptides and how they actually work. Tune in for a fun, science-packed episode!
Transcribe →What's really happening when you're low on energy?
May 100:57:37Tap to summarizeThe mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell. Great. Now that we’ve cleared high school biology, let’s talk about why you’re actually exhausted.Most people think "low energy" is just a sleep deficit. Spoiler alert: It’s usually not. In this episode, Dr. Mark Bartlett and Dr. Alan Jones go sub-atomic to show you what’s really happening inside your engine.We’re breaking down:The ATP Blueprint: How your cells actually build fuel.The Nutrient Gap: Why eating food isn’t the same as having energy.The Movement Paradox: Why a workout can charge your battery instead of draining it.Brain vs. Body: Is it fatigue, stress, or just a lack of "get up and go"?Stop running on fumes and start connecting the dots."The information discussed on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast."
Transcribe →Body Composition Part Deux
Apr 2900:57:41Tap to summarizeDr. Mark Bartlett and Dr. Alan Jones are back on the Peptide PhD Podcast to remind us that weight loss is great, but muscle is better.They continue their deep dive into body recomposition and why building and keeping muscle matters way more than just losing weight. In this episode, they break down the essentials: high-quality protein, the magic of deep sleep, and the risk of losing "the good stuff" while on GLP-1 medications.Plus, they dive into a brand new study proving that muscle health is heart health. If you’re serious about aging strong and staying independent (and being the strongest person in the retirement community one day), this is a must-listen!!
Transcribe →Body Composition Part 1: Don't Trust the Scale
Apr 1700:58:41Tap to summarizeStop letting a piece of bathroom floor plastic gaslight you every morning.In this episode, Dr. Mark and Dr. Alan break down why "losing weight" and "getting healthy" aren't always on speaking terms. If you’ve ever hit your goal weight only to realize you still feel like a bag of smashed potatoes, this one is for you.The highlights:Why body composition is the metric that actually matters (and why the scale doesn't know the difference between fat and hard-earned muscle).Muscle is an Organ: It’s not just for the beach; it’s your body’s most underrated endocrine organ.The GLP-1 Fine Print: Rapid weight loss comes with a "tax." We look at what the research actually says about the trade-offs of the latest weight-loss trend.The "Secret" Basics: A deep dive into nutrient deficiencies, why protein timing is a game-changer, and why your "sleep architecture" matters more than just hitting the snooze button."The information discussed on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast."
Transcribe →Pirate’s Disease, GLP-1s & The Brain’s “Silent Janitor
Mar 3100:56:48Tap to summarizeTurns out, "Pirate’s Disease" isn't just for 17th-century sailors on wooden ships. This week, we’re breaking down why your modern weight loss journey shouldn't leave you looking like a scurvy soldier.In this episode, we cover:The GLP-1 Nutrition Gap: "Yo ho ho" and a bottle of... Vitamin C? Why intense appetite suppression requires a serious strategy for protein and micronutrients.Muscle Preservation: Because "skinny" shouldn't come at the cost of your strength.The Brain’s "Silent Janitor": Meet the Glymphatic System. He mops up your brain’s metabolic mess while you dream, but he only shows up for the night shift if you're actually in deep sleep.Restoration > Sedation: Being "knocked out" by a pill isn't the same as a deep clean. If the janitor doesn't have the right tools, the mental cobwebs stay put.The bottom line: Peptides aren’t magic spells; they’re precision tools that work best when you support your body’s natural chemistry.If you’re ready to choose science over scrolling, this episode is for you!*"The information discussed on this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast."
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