LEVELS – A Whole New Level

Levels
  • 4.7 (237)
  • HEALTH & FITNESS
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

Levels builds tech that helps people understand how food affects their metabolic health, empowering others with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve health span. We host in-depth conversations with industry thought leaders with research-backed information, so you can take your health into own hands. Connect with us: Become a Member: https://levels.link/wnl YouTube: https://youtube.com/@levels Instagram: https://instagram.com/levels Twitter: https://twitter.com/levels LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/levels TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@levels

  1. 4D AGO

    #291 - Why No Diet Wins (and What 40 Years of Nutrition Research Actually Shows) | Christopher Gardner, PhD, & Mike Haney

    In this episode of A Whole New Level, Christopher Gardner, PhD, joins Mike to discuss his decades in nutrition research, the challenges of conducting randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on diet, and how to communicate complex science to the public. Gardner has led some of the most rigorous research ever comparing dietary approaches in real-world conditions, so his insights about what works (cutting processed food and sugar) and what doesn’t (obsessing about macronutrients) are worth a listen. Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: https://levels.link/wnl In this episode, we cover: What a nutritional interventionist is – someone who studies people who are asked to change their diet, tracking them and taking samples to see what might have changed.How to square widely-accepted lessons about nutrition (i.e., junk food=bad) with the high degree of individuality in diets that work.The concept of "equipoise" in study design, which means making sure both diets being compared are well-represented versions of that diet (e.g., a "kick butt diet A and a crappy diet B" is avoided).The dilemma of communicating single-study results to the public and the role of the Netflix documentary on Gardner’s famous twin study in making science engaging.Dr. Gardner's experience on the Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee and the methodology used to reach conclusions.The focus on ultra-processed foods and the need to message the consensus points of eating more whole foods and vegetables, and avoiding added sugar and refined grains.The learnings from the DIETFITS study, which compared low-carb and low-fat diets among 600 people for a year, and why there was more variation among people within a diet than between the two diets. 🎙 What Dr. Christopher Gardner & Mike Haney discuss: [00:33] Nutritional Interventionist Role [02:17] Shortcomings of Nutrition RCTs [03:59] Garlic Study Example [16:48] Concept of Equipoise in Study Design [21:54] Value of Communicating Single Study Results [28:02] Industry Funding and Transparency [33:11] Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee Methodology [38:48] Ultra-Processed Foods and the Evidence [48:27] Simplicity vs. Complexity in Nutrition [50:24] Consensus on Foundational Diet Components Levels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health. Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health. 🔗 Helpful links Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/ZQ0G_jfwKoM Find us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1 📲 Connect Connect with Christopher Gardner, PhD, on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cgardnerphd/?hl=en

    1h 24m

  2. JAN 15

    #290 - Why Weight Loss Is So Hard to Maintain—Metabolic Adaptation Explained | Dr. Eric Ravussin + Mike Haney

    In this episode of A Whole New Level, Dr. Eric Ravussin, PhD, explains the physiology of energy expenditure, metabolic adaptation, and why the body strongly defends its prior weight. Drawing on decades of research, including the Biggest Loser study, CALERIE, and work with metabolic chambers, Ravussin walks through what actually happens when we lose weight—and why willpower alone isn’t enough. Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: https://levels.link/wnl In this episode, we cover: Why BMI is an incomplete measure of obesityThe difference between preclinical and clinical obesityHow energy expenditure really works (and why larger bodies burn more calories)What metabolic adaptation is—and why it persists long after weight lossWhy exercise alone rarely leads to sustained weight lossHow GLP-1 drugs intersect with appetite, metabolism, and muscle mass 🎙 What Dr. Eric Ravussin & Mike Haney discuss: [04:40] — Rethinking obesity diagnosis [07:00] — Clinical vs. preclinical obesity [11:38] — What ‘energy expenditure’ actually means [15:42] — What metabolic adaptation really is [17:56] — Why bigger bodies burn more calories [26:16] — Lessons from the Biggest Loser study [31:19] — What CALERIE taught us about calorie restriction [40:02] — Why slow, modest weight loss matters [45:10] — Weight loss vs. weight maintenance physiology [53:08] — GLP-1 drugs: promise and limitations [57:49] — Why you can’t exercise your way to weight loss [1:01:33] — The biggest myth about obesity Levels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health. Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health. 🔗 Helpful links: Watch the conversation: ⁠https://youtu.be/UaE0C_l7GMw Find us on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1⁠⁠⁠⁠ 📲 More about Dr. Eric Ravussin: https://www.pbrc.edu/research-and-faculty/faculty/Ravussin-Eric-PhD.aspx

    1h 6m

  3. JAN 1

    #289 - Why Nutrition Science Got It WRONG (and the Case for the Carb-Insulin Model) | Gary Taubes & Mike Haney

    According to investigative science journalist Gary Taubes, much of what we “know” about nutrition is built on weak evidence, bad assumptions, and decades of groupthink. In this episode of A Whole New Level, Taubes joins Mike Haney to examine how nutrition science went off the rails—and why he remains convinced the carbohydrate–insulin model still offers the most coherent explanation for obesity. Taubes explains how observational studies became policy, why randomized trials are often ignored, and why questioning the calorie-balance model remains controversial despite mounting contradictions. The conversation is less about winning an argument and more about how science should actually work—especially when public health is at stake. ⁠Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: ⁠⁠https://levels.link/wnl⁠⁠⁠ 🎙 What Gary Taubes & Mike Haney discuss: [4:10] — How Gary Taubes became interested in “bad science.” [9:45] — Why nutrition science relies too heavily on epidemiology [15:30] — Correlation vs. causation in diet research [22:10] — The problem with the calorie-balance model [29:40] — Introducing the carbohydrate–insulin model [36:55] — Why insulin resistance changes everything [44:20] — Why low-fat advice dominated for decades [52:10] — What randomized trials actually show [1:00:05] — Why dissent is treated as heresy in nutrition [1:08:30] — How bad science survives criticism [1:16:45] — What good nutrition science would require [1:23:20] — Why this debate still matters Levels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health. Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health. 🔗 Helpful links: Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/74WAhHgEk_0⁠ Find us on YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1⁠⁠⁠ 📲 Connect with Gary Taubes: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-taubes-942a6459/ https://garytaubes.com/

    1h 34m

  4. 12/18/2025

    #288 - Women’s Hormones Explained: Energy, Mood, PMS, and Why “Normal” Labs Miss the Problem | Dr. Anjali D’Souza & Mike Haney

    Hormones influence far more than reproduction—they shape energy, mood, metabolism, sleep, and long-term health. In this episode of A Whole New Level, Dr. Anjali D’Souza joins Mike Haney to explain how women’s hormones actually work, why so many symptoms are dismissed as “normal,” and how to interpret labs in a way that reflects real physiology. They discuss why standard hormone panels often miss functional problems, how nutrient status and lifestyle affect hormone signaling, and how symptoms like PMS, fatigue, and brain fog provide meaningful data—not noise. They discuss: Why hormones affect how you feel day to day, not just fertilityThe difference between “normal” lab ranges and optimal functionHow progesterone, estrogen, and cortisol interactWhy PMS is often a signal—not a mysteryHow nutrition, stress, and sleep influence hormone effectiveness Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: ⁠⁠https://levels.link/wnl⁠⁠ 🎙 What Dr. Anjali Dsouza & Mike Haney discuss: [3:45] — Why hormones influence energy, mood, and vitality [7:30] — “Normal” labs vs. how you actually feel [11:40] — Why hormone symptoms are often dismissed [15:05] — Hormones as a lever to move from “fine” to “amazing.” [18:20] — Progesterone, estrogen, and the menstrual cycle [22:10] — Why PMS isn’t random—it’s data [27:35] — Cortisol, stress, and hormone disruption [33:10] — Nutrient status and hormone effectiveness [38:45] — Why labs don’t show tissue-level hormone function [44:30] — Lifestyle changes that support hormone balance [50:15] — Rethinking how we assess women’s hormone health Levels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health. Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health. 🔗 Helpful links: Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/MweLkjvNimo Find us on YouTube: ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1⁠⁠ ⁠https://dcimedicine.com/dr-anjali-dsouza/⁠ ⁠https://www.levels.com/blog/dr-anjali-dsouza-wants-to-help-women-level-up-their-health⁠ 📲 Connect with Dr. Anjali Dsouza: https://www.instagram.com/anjalidsouzamd

    58 min

  5. 12/04/2025

    #287 - Male Hormones and Men’s Health | Dr. Jesse Mills + Mike Haney

    In this episode, Dr. Jesse Mills, Director of the UCLA Men’s Clinic, joins Mike Haney to explain what’s driving that shift and what today’s data-driven approach to men’s health looks like. He breaks down the testosterone “revolution,” what’s really happening in low-T diagnoses, and how lifestyle, sleep, and stress management can influence hormones as much as prescriptions can. They discuss: - How men’s health became its own medical discipline - What testosterone really does—and how to know if it’s low - Primary vs. secondary hypogonadism and how to tell the difference - When testosterone replacement is appropriate (and when it’s not) - Why younger men are now embracing prevention and optimization And listen to Dr. Mills’ new podcast, The Male Room with Dr. Jesse Mills, wherever you get your podcasts. Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: ⁠https://levels.link/wnl⁠ 🎙 What Dr. Jesse Mills & Mike Haney discuss: [2:10] — How men’s health became its own field [8:05] — The generational shift in openness [10:40] — The difference between real medicine and ‘men’s clinics’ [12:00] — Testosterone 101 [18:45] — When low testosterone is reversible [26:50] — Why we need ‘forensic endocrinology’ Levels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health. Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health. 🔗 Helpful links: Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/Zs2CZC2GueA Find us on YouTube: ⁠https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1⁠ 📲 Connect with Dr. Jesse Mills: https://x.com/grurology?lang=en

    1h 45m

  6. 11/20/2025

    #286 - Understanding electrolytes: Decoding blood & urine tests and focusing on the right things | Dr. Rich Joseph + Mike Haney

    Your annual labs can reveal far more than most people realize—if you know how to interpret them. In this episode of A Whole New Level, Dr. Rich Joseph walks through how to read basic blood work like the CBC, electrolytes, and urinalysis, and how to use those numbers as feedback loops, not pass/fail judgments. He explains which values matter most, what trends reveal over time, and how to connect lab data to sleep, training, nutrition, and stress. What the Complete Blood Count (CBC) actually measuresHow to identify early signs of iron or B-vitamin deficiencyWhat white blood cell patterns reveal about immunity and stressHow electrolytes reflect cellular energy, hydration, and training loadWhy urinalysis is underrated (and how to read it quickly)How to use lab trends—not single snapshots—to guide health decisions Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: https://levels.link/wnl 🎙 What Dr. Rich Joesph & Mike Haney discuss: [03:12] — Why basic labs still matter [07:58] — How to read the CBC: Red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets [18:45] — MCV and what it tells us about iron vs. B-vitamin deficiency [24:40] — White blood cells as a window into stress and recovery [44:10] — Electrolytes and cellular energy [1:01:22] — Urinalysis: the overlooked lab with real value [1:09:55] — Using labs as feedback over time Levels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health. Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health. 🔗 Helpful links: Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/cpwB4-_7o-w Find us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1 📲 Connect with Dr. Rich Joseph on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rich-joseph-md-mba-61448b33a/

    1h 5m

  7. 11/06/2025

    #285 - Immune health explained: Inflammation, white blood cells, and resilience | Dr. Sharon Bergquist & Mike Haney

    Your immune system isn’t just about fighting infections—it’s a mirror of your overall metabolic health. In this episode of A Whole New Level, Dr. Sharon Bergquist, physician and Director of Emory’s Healthy Aging and Resilient Aging Center, joins Mike Haney to unpack the science of immune resilience—how chronic inflammation, white blood cell patterns, and metabolism intertwine to shape long-term health. Dr. Bergquist explains why inflammation isn’t always bad, how the immune system ages, and what you can do daily to build resilience. They discuss: The link between metabolic dysfunction and chronic low-grade inflammationHow white blood cell counts reveal immune status and stress levelsWhy gut and liver health are central to immune balancePractical habits that calm inflammation and support immune recoveryWhat it really means to have a “resilient” immune system Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: https://levels.link/wnl 🎙 What Dr. Sharon Bergquist & Mike Haney discuss: [3:24] — How inflammation protects—and harms—your body [10:11] — Why immune health depends on metabolism [17:42] — White blood cells as a window into immune function [24:38] — How the gut and liver shape immunity [32:27] — Why modern lifestyles fuel inflammation [40:55] — How to measure your own inflammation [48:33] — The science of immune aging (inflammaging) [56:22] — Building immune resilience through daily habits [1:03:44] — Why immune balance is better than immune ‘boosting’ [1:11:08] — The hopeful message: immunity is adaptable Levels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health. Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health. 🔗 Helpful links:Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/k1XpdFGVx1o Find us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1 📲 Connect with Dr. Sharon Bergquist on LinkedIn: Dr. Sharon Horesh Bergquist  Dr. Sharon Bergquist: https://drsharonbergquist.com/

    1h 29m

  8. 10/23/2025

    #284 - Glucose metabolism explained: HbA1c, insulin resistance, and strategies for better energy | Dr. Ben Bikman & Mike Haney

    If you want to improve your energy and long-term health, start by understanding how your body uses glucose. In this episode of A Whole New Level, Dr. Benjamin Bikman, scientist and author of Why We Get Sick, joins Mike Haney to unpack the science of glucose metabolism and insulin resistance—and why blood sugar isn’t the whole story. Dr. Bikman explains how insulin regulates energy balance, why HbA1c is only part of the picture, and how chronic high insulin can silently drive weight gain, fatigue, and metabolic disease. He also shares practical ways to lower insulin naturally through diet, exercise, and daily habits. They discuss: Why insulin, not glucose, is the root of metabolic dysfunctionWhat HbA1c and fasting glucose really tell youThe early signs of insulin resistance most people missHow muscle tissue protects against high glucose and insulinWhy low-carb and intermittent fasting aren’t one-size-fits-allPractical nutrition and movement strategies for better metabolic flexibility Sign Up to Get Your Free Ultimate Guide to Glucose: https://levels.link/wnl 🎙 What Ben Bikman, PhD, & Mike Haney discuss: [3:42] — Why glucose isn’t the full story in metabolic health [7:58] — Insulin’s central role in energy and fat storage [13:10] — What HbA1c actually tells you—and what it misses [19:23] — The first signs of insulin resistance most people overlook [25:46] — Why muscle is a “glucose sink” that protects your metabolism [32:15] — How modern diets overload insulin, not just glucose [39:52] — The difference between being lean and being metabolically healthy [46:08] — Simple daily habits that lower insulin naturally [54:41] — Why “normal” lab ranges for insulin are misleading [1:02:17] — Practical steps to build metabolic flexibility and better energy Levels helps you see how food affects your health, empowering you with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve healthspan. Levels Members gain access to the Levels app and continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), providing real-time feedback on how diet and lifestyle choices impact your metabolic health. Look for new shows every month on A Whole New Level, where we have in-depth conversations with thought leaders about metabolic health. 🔗 Helpful links: Watch the conversation: https://youtu.be/2PROANAQkwA Find us on YouTube: https://youtube.com/levelshealth?sub_confirmation=1 📲 Connect: Connect with Dr. Bikman on X: @BenBikmanPhD Dr. Benjamin Bikman: https://benbikman.com/

    1h 46m
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4.7
out of 5
237 Ratings

About

Levels builds tech that helps people understand how food affects their metabolic health, empowering others with the tools needed to achieve health goals and improve health span. We host in-depth conversations with industry thought leaders with research-backed information, so you can take your health into own hands. Connect with us: Become a Member: https://levels.link/wnl YouTube: https://youtube.com/@levels Instagram: https://instagram.com/levels Twitter: https://twitter.com/levels LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/levels TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@levels

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