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.
16episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The 12 Hallmarks of Aging Part 2: More Zombie Cells and Removing Loud Cells
2w ago00:57:17Tap 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!
3w ago00:53:33Tap 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."
Transcribe →Beyond the Gym Bro: The Actual Science of Not Falling Apart
Mar 2700:59:55Tap to summarizeWe usually blame aging on gray hair and sensible shoes, but the real culprit is The Great Muscle Vanishing Act. Science is now proving that muscle isn’t just for mirror selfies—it’s actually your primary organ of longevity and your best defense against "throwing your back out while sneezing."In this episode, we’re diving into the biological levers that control your strength. We’ll explore:The Metabolic Tug-of-War: How your body decides whether to build muscle or cannibalize it for parts.The Resilience Factor: Why muscle is the ultimate currency for staying independent and youthful.Investing in "Future You": Why lifting heavy things today is the best "freedom fund" you can start.Stop the shrink and start the grow. Tune in to learn how to flip the switch on your biology and become the strongest person at the bingo hall.(Link to the paper Dr. Jones and Dr. Mark discuss: The important role of fatty infiltration of skeletal muscle in aging: skeletal muscle function, pathological mechanisms, and intervention - PubMed)"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 →The Other Peptides: What’s Really Behind the Hype?
Mar 2500:58:27Tap to summarizeThis week, we take a closer look at the "gray market" peptides often found in fitness circles. These are not FDA-approved medications or natural bioactives; they are "research use only" compounds that sit in a regulatory legal gray area.We looked past the anecdotes to see what the data really says. Here is the reality of the peptide "Wild West":Clinical Scarcity: Most "miracle" claims are built on animal studies. While promising, you aren't a lab rat—human data remains the gold standard.The Safety Gap: We are currently flying blind on long-term safety.Signaling Disruptions: Some of these compounds don't just "boost" your system; they can override your body’s natural hormonal rhythms.Source Integrity: If a product isn't for human consumption, the manufacturing standards are often unverified.The Takeaway: A persuasive anecdote is not a substitute for clinical evidence.The goal isn't to ignore the potential of peptides, but to ask better questions. Know which receptors are being targeted, who is manufacturing the vial, and what (if any) long-term human data exists.Prioritize your long-term health over short-term hype."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 →The Myths of a Slow Metabolism
Mar 1800:52:45Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we’re debunking the biggest myth in fitness: that turning 30 (or 40, or 50) means your metabolism is headed for a permanent vacation. Spoiler alert: Your internal engine is actually doing just fine! The real issue is that we tend to trade the gym for the couch and muscle for... well, not muscle.What you need to know:Muscle = Currency: It’s the most active tissue you’ve got. Don't let it go bankrupt!Protein is a Love Language: Feed your muscles so they keep working for you.Nap and Walk: It’s not lazy; it’s "metabolic maintenance."Your metabolism isn't broken; it's just waiting for you to invite it back to the party."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 →