The Jason Dunlop Show - Brought to you by Supplements.co.nz

Jason Michael Dunlop

Welcome to The Jason Dunlop Show — your weekly dose of straight-up conversations on supplements, performance, and the science of feeling better, doing better, and living stronger. Hosted by Jason Dunlop, founder of Supplements.co.nz and lifelong performance nerd, this show breaks down the why behind what we take—from multivitamins and creatine to caffeine, protein, adaptogens, and beyond. Whether you're here to fix a deficiency, optimise your edge, or just geek out over ingredient stacks and new research, you're in the right place. No fluff, no hype—just real talk about what works

  1. 3d ago

    Heart Health Supplements — Supporting Your Most Important Muscle

    How often do you actually think about your heart health? Most of us focus on looking good, building muscle, getting strong. But your heart? We treat it like an afterthought. Here's the reality: your heart is the most important muscle you have. It pumps blood 70–100 times per minute, every single day, for your entire life. And heart disease is still the leading cause of death globally. But here's the good news: a lot of it is preventable. In this episode, we're breaking down the supplements that actually support cardiovascular health—and how to build a heart-healthy foundation before there's a problem. You'll learn: Why heart health matters (and why most people ignore it until it's too late)The 6 supplements that support cardiovascular function: omega-3, magnesium, CoQ10, beetroot, hawthorn, and garlicWhat each supplement does for your heart—blood flow, blood pressure, heart rhythm, arterial healthThe tiered approach: which supplements are essential vs. which ones you add for extra supportWhy magnesium is foundational (involved in 300+ processes in your body)The critical point about statins: if you're on statin medications, you need to know about CoQ10How much you actually need: dosing for each supplementThe truth about supplements: they support a healthy lifestyle, they don't replace itWhy starting your heart health journey at 25 is way easier than starting at 55The lifestyle foundation: exercise, diet, stress, sleep—supplements enhance these, not replace themHeart health isn't sexy. It doesn't look good on Instagram. But it's the foundation of everything. You can build the best physique, have the best training, eat all the right foods. But if your heart isn't healthy, none of it matters. Support it. Proactively. Your future self will thank you. Brought to you by Supplements.co.nz#HeartHealth #CardiovascularHealth #Omega3 #Magnesium #CoQ10 #Supplements #Prevention #Wellness #HeartDisease #HealthyHeart #Longevity #Cardiovascular

    8 min
  2. Jun 30

    Elderberry — The Immune Support Your Grandma Was Right About

    You catch a cold. Then another one. Then another one. And you're wondering: is there anything I can actually do about this? Well, yes. And it's something that's been used for literally centuries—and is now backed by modern research. In this episode, we're talking about elderberry—the dark purple berry that looks plain but is packed with serious immune-supporting power. Ancient wisdom meets modern science. You'll learn: What elderberry actually is (and why it's been used for hundreds of years in traditional medicine)The powerful compounds: anthocyanins, flavonoids, polysaccharides, and polyphenolsHow elderberry supports your immune system—it's not about killing viruses, it's about helping your body fight betterThe difference between prevention and treatment (hint: prevention is way more powerful)What it actually feels like to take elderberry (you won't "feel" anything—you'll just get fewer sick days)The impressive research backing it up—multiple clinical studies showing reduced duration and severity of colds/fluWho it's perfect for: frequent cold-catchers, parents, healthcare workers, travelers, stressed people, anyone over 50Real-world scenarios: preventative use during cold season vs. early treatment when you feel something coming onThe timing question: why taking it at the first sign of symptoms is criticalHow to dose it differently for prevention vs. active illnessHow it stacks with vitamin C, zinc, and probiotics for maximum immune supportElderberry works best as prevention—building up your immune resilience so you catch fewer colds in the first place. But it still shows benefit if taken early in illness. If you're tired of being the person who catches every bug, this is worth exploring. My mother always used to say, prevention is better than cure. #Elderberry #immunesupport #coldandflu #prevention #antiviral #wellness #supplements #seasonalhealth #immunity #fluseason #naturalimmunity #healthywinter

    10 min
  3. Jun 11

    Tart Cherry Extract — The Recovery Secret Athletes Keep Quiet About

    You finish an intense workout and the next day you're barely able to move. Your muscles are screaming. You're stiff. You're sore. And you're wondering if it's even worth training that hard. What if there was something that could actually speed up recovery, reduce soreness, and help you bounce back faster—without being a drug, without being sketchy, and without weird side effects? In this episode, we're breaking down tart cherry extract—the simple, natural supplement that elite athletes use but hardly anyone talks about. You'll learn: What tart cherry extract actually is (and why Montmorency cherries are special)How anthocyanins, melatonin, and polyphenols work together to support recoveryWhy tart cherry addresses multiple recovery systems—not just oneWhat it actually feels like to take tart cherry (you won't feel it working, but you'll notice you're less sore)The sleep connection: how it improves sleep quality, especially after evening trainingWhy elite endurance and strength athletes have been using it for years (backed by research)The real-world scenarios: post-workout recovery vs. sleep supportThe dosage, timing, and why consistency matters more than perfectionThe bonus benefits beyond training: joint health, cardiovascular support, antioxidant protectionHow it stacks with other recovery supplementsTart cherry isn't about forcing your system harder. It's about supporting your natural recovery process so your body can actually do what it's supposed to do. Most people sacrifice recovery for more training. Smart athletes optimize both. Recovery isn't weakness. Recovery is when you actually get stronger. #recovery #musclesoreness #sleep #athleticperformance #DOMS #training #fitness #supplements #postworkout #soreness #sleepquality

    9 min
  4. Jun 3

    Omega-3s Explained — Why Fish Oil Is The Essential Nutrient Everyone's Missing

    This is a special one—our first episode with friends! In this conversation, we're diving deep into one of the most underrated nutrients in the world: omega-3s. Featuring Kimmi and Kelly, talking Nordic Naturals, we're breaking down the science of fish oil, EPA vs DHA, why your body can't make this stuff on its own, and why it might be the single most important supplement you're not taking. You'll learn: What omega-3s actually are—and why every cell in your body requires themThe difference between EPA and DHA (and which one you need for mood, mental health, brain function, and more)Why diet alone probably isn't cutting it (and the contamination concerns with regular fish)How much EPA + DHA you actually need daily (spoiler: most people aren't getting close)Why pregnancy is a game-changer for fish oil supplementationWhat to look for in a high-quality fish oil—testing, purity, triglyceride form, and oxidation levelsThe vegetarian/vegan omega-3 options (and why they might not be as effective)Why your pets need omega-3s tooHow to choose the right Nordic product for your specific needsThe sustainability story behind Nordic Naturals—and why their ethics matterWhether you're an athlete looking for recovery, a parent supporting your kids' brain development, pregnant or planning to be, or just someone who wants to support long-term health—omega-3s belong in your stack. #Omega3 #FishOil #EPA #DHA #NordicNaturals #pregnancy #mentalhealth #brainfood #supplements #wellness #cardiovascular #essentialfattyacids

    32 min
  5. May 27

    Beetroot Powder — The Performance Fuel You're Probably Ignoring

    Ever hit that wall halfway through a workout where your muscles just run out of gas? You've got the motivation. You've got the plan. But your body's limiting what you can actually do. What if there was a simple, natural supplement that could improve blood flow, oxygen delivery, and endurance—without caffeine, without stimulants, without any jitters? In this episode, we're talking about beetroot powder—the vegetable you probably ignored as a kid that's actually one of the smartest performance tools in the supplement world. You'll learn:• What beetroot powder is (and why it tastes like beets—spoiler: it does)• How dietary nitrates convert to nitric oxide—the compound that changes everything• Why nitric oxide dilates blood vessels, improves blood flow, and enhances oxygen delivery• What it actually feels like to take beetroot (you won't feel a "kick," but you'll notice you can go longer)• The impressive research backing it—used by elite endurance athletes for years• Who it's perfect for: endurance athletes, cardio enthusiasts, lifters wanting better muscle endurance• How to time it: 60–90 minutes before your workout for peak nitric oxide levels• Why it pairs perfectly with caffeine (focus + endurance = the ultimate combo)• The bonus benefit: improved cardiovascular health and lower blood pressure (beyond just performance) Beetroot powder isn't about pushing harder with stimulants. It's about improving the delivery system so your body can actually perform. Performance isn't just about pushing harder. It's about working smarter—and beetroot helps your body work more efficiently. Brought you by Supplements.co.nz #BeetrootPowder #performance #endurance #nitricoxide #bloodflow #preworkout #cardiovascular #fitness #athleticperformance #supplements #running #cycling

    10 min
  6. May 14

    Turkey Tail — The Immune Guardian Mushroom

    How often do you actually think about your immune system? Most of us only pay attention when we're already sick. But your immune system is working 24/7—and most of us are completely neglecting it. What if you could support your immune system proactively, not just reactively? In this episode, we're talking about Turkey Tail mushrooms—one of the most researched, most respected immune-supporting supplements on the planet. This isn't fringe wellness stuff. This is serious immune science. You'll learn: What Turkey Tail actually is (and why it looks like turkey feathers)The impressive research behind it—over 400 clinical studies and medically approved in Japan since the 1980sHow polysaccharopeptides (PSK and PSP) help modulate and support immune functionWhy it's not about "boosting" immunity, but helping it function better—more balanced, responsive, and effectiveThe gut-immune connection: why 70% of your immune system lives in your gut (and how Turkey Tail supports both)What it actually feels like to take Turkey Tail (you won't feel dramatic changes, but you'll notice you're not getting sick as often)How to use it for preventative support vs. recovery supportWhy it stacks so well with other functional mushroomsTurkey Tail isn't about treating symptoms. It's about building resilience so your body can handle whatever comes its way. Most people approach health reactively: "I got sick, what do I take?" But that's like waiting for your car to break down before doing any maintenance. Turkey Tail is preventative maintenance for your immune health. Not just when you're sick. Every single day. Brought to you by Supplements.co.nz #TurkeyTail #immunesupport #guthealth #wellness #supplements #immunehealth #mushroomsupplements #prevention #resilience #health #microbiome #antioxidants

    10 min
  7. May 8

    Reishi — The Relaxation Mushroom

    When was the last time you felt truly calm? Not "scrolling on the couch" calm—but deep, nervous-system-level calm where your shoulders aren't up around your ears, your jaw isn't clenched, and your brain isn't running at a thousand miles per hour. Yeah. It's been a while, hasn't it? We live in a world designed to keep us in a constant state of stress. And your body wasn't built to operate like this. In this episode, we're talking about Reishi mushrooms—the "mushroom of immortality" that's been used for over 2,000 years to support relaxation, balance, and resilience. You'll learn: What Reishi actually is (and why it was reserved for royalty and monks)How it works as an adaptogen—supporting your body's stress response without sedating youWhy it helps regulate cortisol and balance your nervous systemThe sleep connection: how Reishi helps you relax into sleep naturally (not by knocking you out)Why it's one of the most researched mushrooms for immune supportWhat it actually feels like to take Reishi (subtle at first, then you notice you're just... calmer)How to use it for evening relaxation vs. daily stress managementWhy pairing it with caffeine creates the perfect balance (activation + recovery)Reishi doesn't sedate you. It helps your body remember how to actually rest and recover. This isn't about pushing harder. It's about recovering better. Because recovery is where the magic happens—that's when your body rebuilds, your mind resets, and you get stronger, sharper, and more resilient. In a world that never stops demanding more from you, supporting your ability to truly rest might be the most important thing you do. Rest isn't weakness. It's how you get stronger. Brought to you by Supplements.co.nz #Reishi #stress #relaxation #sleep #adaptogens #nervousystem #burnout #recovery #immunesupport #calm #wellness #mushroomsupplements

    10 min
  8. Apr 30

    Cordyceps — The Mushroom That Fuels Your Engine

    You're halfway through your workout and you hit that wall. Every rep feels twice as heavy. Your legs are done. You're thinking about skipping the last set. We've all been there. What if there was something that could help you push through—not by artificially spiking your energy, but by supporting how your body produces and uses energy at a cellular level? Enter Cordyceps mushrooms. And yes, the origin story is wild. In this episode, we're breaking down the fungus that's been used for centuries to support vitality, stamina, and endurance—and what modern science is revealing about how it actually works. You'll learn: What Cordyceps actually is (and why its origin story sounds like The Last of Us)How it supports ATP production—the energy currency of your cellsWhy it improves oxygen utilization and endurance (not fake energy, real cellular-level energy)What it actually feels like to take Cordyceps (subtle at first, then you notice)How it supports endurance, recovery, lactate clearance, and time to exhaustionWhy it's not just for athletes—it's for anyone who's tired a lotThe immune-supporting benefits you might not expectHow to stack it with caffeine for sustainable energy without the crashThis isn't about revving your engine harder. It's about making sure your engine runs efficiently in the first place. Caffeine gives you a temporary boost. Cordyceps supports sustainable energy. In a world where everyone's running on fumes, supporting your body's ability to produce and use energy efficiently might be one of the smartest investments you can make. Brought to you by Supplements.co.nz #Cordyceps #energy #endurance #athleticperformance #supplements #fatigue #recovery #ATP #mitochondria #stamina #wellness #mushroomsupplements

    10 min

About

Welcome to The Jason Dunlop Show — your weekly dose of straight-up conversations on supplements, performance, and the science of feeling better, doing better, and living stronger. Hosted by Jason Dunlop, founder of Supplements.co.nz and lifelong performance nerd, this show breaks down the why behind what we take—from multivitamins and creatine to caffeine, protein, adaptogens, and beyond. Whether you're here to fix a deficiency, optimise your edge, or just geek out over ingredient stacks and new research, you're in the right place. No fluff, no hype—just real talk about what works