Decoding Health

Dr. Urban A. Kiernan
  • 5.0 (3)
  • MEDICINE
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Step into the world of Decoding Health, where Dr. Urban A. Kiernan and renowned experts delve into a myriad of fields, unraveling the complexities of science and its practical applications in our daily health. This show is committed to illuminating topics ranging from personal health and wellness to cutting-edge biopharmaceutical advancements and beyond.  Join us each week for an enlightening journey through the realms of science and discover the incredible tools that can enhance your everyday life.  Dr. Urban A. Kiernan holds a Ph.D. Bio-Analytical Chemistry from Arizona State University. His use of the title “doctor” or “Dr.” is in relation to himself and solely refers to that degree as an expert who has significantly contributed to his specific field of science. This video is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, and prescription or recommendation. He does not hold any license or credentials for clinical/patient care and any information provided does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Urban A. Kiernan and you. You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician, or equivalent licensed medical provider, and obtain a medical exam, diagnosis, and other recommendations. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and establishment of treatment plan.https://imbiopharma.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/urban-a-kiernan-ph-d-8568b621/

  1. 1D AGO

    Why Natural GLP-1 Disappears So Fast: DPP-4, Half-Life, and How Ozempic-Style Drugs Are Engineered

    Send us a text GLP-1 is a gut-derived hormone designed to signal the pancreas to produce insulin—but in its natural form, it’s notoriously short-lived. In this Decoding Health segment, we break down why endogenous GLP-1 has an ultra-short half-life (about three minutes), and how the enzyme DPP-4 rapidly “clips” incretin hormones by targeting specific amino acids near the N-terminus—effectively destroying the signal before it can last. You’ll learn how GLP-1 receptor agonist drugs were engineered to resist DPP-4 degradation, why DPP-4 inhibitor medications (the “gliptins”) extend incretin activity from a different angle, and why measuring GLP-1 in blood samples is scientifically challenging due to ongoing enzyme activity even after blood is drawn. This episode clarifies the biology behind incretins, insulin signaling, and why drug design focuses on stability—while separating the molecule’s function from the controversy around how these therapies are used today. Are you eager to explore more about health and wellness? Discover an all natural solution to combating the GLP-1 Receptor Agonist craze. Click on the link below and explore the Feel Great System - a clinically proven approach to boosting natural GLP-1 production, suppressing appetite and improving both your metabolism and weight. https://ufeelgreat.com/usa/en/c/LiveFree As a Decoding Health viewer, you get wholesale pricing and a money back guarantee. Give it a try and let us know your results. https://imbiopharma.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/urban-a-kiernan-ph-d-8568b621/ https://www.youtube.com/@DecodingHealthPodcast Thank you to our sponsor - iMetabolic Biopharma Corporation: Together, we can be the next stage in developing a revolutionary approach to drug discovery. We give communities the opportunity to invest in their own health as we improve how drugs are discovered to make them more effective and affordable. Visit https://imbiopharma.com/ to learn more.

    12 min
  2. How To Fix The Food System When Policy Won’t With Dr. Robert Lustig

    4D AGO

    How To Fix The Food System When Policy Won’t With Dr. Robert Lustig

    Send us a text Dr. Robert H. Lustig joins the show to break down why today’s metabolic health crisis is not a personal failure problem, but an environment problem, and how the power structure shaping food, policy, and public health has shifted in ways most people have not tracked. From “poisonous calories” and ultra-processed food to microplastics, reactive species, and artificial sweeteners, Dr. Lustig connects the biochemical dots to the brain, explaining how the amygdala functions like an air-traffic controller for stress and decision-making, what happens when its “brakes” fail, and why our nervous system is increasingly under attack. The conversation moves from diagnosis to solutions, including what it would actually take to fix the food supply, why converting ultra-processed food into real food matters, and how initiatives like getting real food into schools can become a practical lever for change when leadership and institutions stall. Robert H. Lustig, M.D., M.S.L. is Emeritus Professor of Pediatric Endocrinology, and Member of the Institute for Health Policy Studies at UCSF. Dr. Lustig is a neuroendocrinologist, with expertise in obesity, diabetes, metabolism, and nutrition. He is one of the leaders of the “anti-sugar” movement that is changing the food industry. He has dedicated his retirement from clinical medicine to help to fix the food supply any way he can, to reduce human suffering and to salvage the environment, by bringing all stakeholders together around a common vision of metabolic health: protect the liver, feed the gut, support the brain. Dr. Lustig graduated from MIT in 1976, and received his M.D. from Cornell University Medical College in 1980. He also received his Masters of Studies in Law (MSL) degree at University of California College of the Law, San Francisco in 2013. He is the author of the popular books Fat Chance (2012), The Hacking of the American Mind (2017), and Metabolical (2021). He is the Co-Founder and Chief Science Officer of the non-profit Eat REAL, and a member of the Nutrition Task Force of the American Dental Association. He is also the Chief Medical Officer of Biolumen, SnapRecall, and Perfact. http://robertlustig.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-lustig-8904245/ https://www.instagram.com/robertlustigmd/ Are you eager to explore more about health and wellness? Discover an all natural solution to combating the GLP-1 Receptor Agonist craze. Click on the link below and explore the Feel Great System - a clinically proven approach to boosting natural GLP-1 production, suppressing appetite and improving both your metabolism and weight. https://ufeelgreat.com/usa/en/c/LiveFree As a Decoding Health viewer, you get wholesale pricing and a money back guarantee. Give it a try and let us know your results. https://imbiopharma.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/urban-a-kiernan-ph-d-8568b621/ https://www.youtube.com/@DecodingHealthPodcast Thank you to our sponsor - iMetabolic Biopharma Corporation: Together, we can be the next stage in developing a revolutionary approach to drug discovery. We give communities the opportunity to invest in their own health as we improve how drugs are discovered to make them more effective and affordable. Visit https://imbiopharma.com/ to learn more.

    59 min

  3. JAN 22

    New Science, New Guidance: Rethinking Hepatitis B Vaccination at Birth

    Send us a text In this episode of Decoding Health, we examine a recent shift in CDC guidance regarding hepatitis B vaccination recommendations for newborns. Long criticized for lagging behind evolving science, the CDC has now revised its position after reviewing updated risk-benefit data presented during a publicly broadcast panel discussion. Sparked by the birth of the host’s second grandchild, the conversation breaks down how hepatitis B is transmitted, why infection risk for infants born to hepatitis-negative mothers is extremely low, and what new evidence prompted the CDC to remove its universal newborn recommendation in these cases. We explore the concept of biological immune burden, emerging discussions around neurodevelopmental risk, and why updated guidance may take time to reach hospitals and pediatric practices. This episode equips parents and healthcare consumers with the knowledge needed to advocate for informed decision-making during postpartum care, using primary-source evidence directly from CDC proceedings. Are you eager to explore more about health and wellness? Discover an all natural solution to combating the GLP-1 Receptor Agonist craze. Click on the link below and explore the Feel Great System - a clinically proven approach to boosting natural GLP-1 production, suppressing appetite and improving both your metabolism and weight. https://ufeelgreat.com/usa/en/c/LiveFree As a Decoding Health viewer, you get wholesale pricing and a money back guarantee. Give it a try and let us know your results. https://imbiopharma.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/urban-a-kiernan-ph-d-8568b621/ https://www.youtube.com/@DecodingHealthPodcast Thank you to our sponsor - iMetabolic Biopharma Corporation: Together, we can be the next stage in developing a revolutionary approach to drug discovery. We give communities the opportunity to invest in their own health as we improve how drugs are discovered to make them more effective and affordable. Visit https://imbiopharma.com/ to learn more.

    12 min
  4. Protein, Stress, and the Truth About Sustainable Weight Loss With Dana Swope

    JAN 19

    Protein, Stress, and the Truth About Sustainable Weight Loss With Dana Swope

    Send us a text This episode featuring Dana Swope explores the intersection of nutrition, movement, stress, and metabolic health through an open, thought-provoking conversation. The discussion highlights how prioritizing protein and whole foods can reduce overall calorie needs while significantly increasing satiety, signaling a meaningful shift in how we approach sustainable nutrition. The episode also addresses the critical role stress plays in weight loss, reinforcing that meaningful fat loss is nearly impossible when the body remains in a chronic stress state. Beyond food, the conversation expands into movement habits, bone health and hip fracture statistics, the risks of prolonged sitting, and unconventional experiences that challenge perceptions of stress, control, and awareness. Dana also shares her work helping women reset their metabolism, emphasizing that lasting change begins by taking the first step and building consistency over time.  Dana Swope, MBA, RDN, CSOWM, CD/LD is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and Board-Certified Specialist in Obesity and Weight Management. As the founder of Overeating Expert (OE-X), she helps high-achieving Gen X ladies who are exhausted from failed diets and frustrated by their changing bodies finally unlock sustainable weight loss and lasting body confidence. Through her signature OE-X Method, Dana teaches women how to nourish their metabolism, eat real food, and rebuild trust with their bodies — no food rules, no guilt, no confusion. Blending science with mind-body coaching, Dana draws from her training in Intuitive Eating, Mind-Body Medicine, Health & Wellness Coaching, and CBT for Eating Behaviors to help women get unstuck and feel powerful in their skin again. Her mission is simple: to help women stop hiding in their clothes, feel attractive and energized, and show up in life with confidence at every age. https://tiktok.com/@danaswope linktr.ee/OE_X www.linkedin.com/in/dana-swope-weightloss-rdn https://www.facebook.com/danaswopecoaching/ https://www.instagram.com/danaswopecoaching Are you eager to explore more about health and wellness? Discover an all natural solution to combating the GLP-1 Receptor Agonist craze. Click on the link below and explore the Feel Great System - a clinically proven approach to boosting natural GLP-1 production, suppressing appetite and improving both your metabolism and weight. https://ufeelgreat.com/usa/en/c/LiveFree As a Decoding Health viewer, you get wholesale pricing and a money back guarantee. Give it a try and let us know your results. https://imbiopharma.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/urban-a-kiernan-ph-d-8568b621/ https://www.youtube.com/@DecodingHealthPodcast Thank you to our sponsor - iMetabolic Biopharma Corporation: Together, we can be the next stage in developing a revolutionary approach to drug discovery. We give communities the opportunity to invest in their own health as we improve how drugs are discovered to make them more effective and affordable. Visit https://imbiopharma.com/ to learn more.

    49 min

  5. JAN 15

    The Amylase Test: What Your Digestion Is Trying to Tell You

    Send us a text This episode breaks down the Amylase test and its critical role in digestion, metabolic health, and personalized nutrition. The conversation explores how amylase activity impacts carbohydrate processing, energy levels, and blood sugar response, highlighting why a one-size-fits-all approach to diet does not work. Listeners learn how simple indicators like taste response and timing windows can reveal enzyme efficiency, when to pull back on certain carbs, and what low amylase activity may signal about overall metabolic function. The episode reinforces a key takeaway: optimal health is not about eating like an athlete or following trends, but about understanding your own biology and making informed adjustments that support long-term performance and wellness.  Are you eager to explore more about health and wellness? Discover an all natural solution to combating the GLP-1 Receptor Agonist craze. Click on the link below and explore the Feel Great System - a clinically proven approach to boosting natural GLP-1 production, suppressing appetite and improving both your metabolism and weight. https://ufeelgreat.com/usa/en/c/LiveFree As a Decoding Health viewer, you get wholesale pricing and a money back guarantee. Give it a try and let us know your results. https://imbiopharma.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/urban-a-kiernan-ph-d-8568b621/ https://www.youtube.com/@DecodingHealthPodcast Thank you to our sponsor - iMetabolic Biopharma Corporation: Together, we can be the next stage in developing a revolutionary approach to drug discovery. We give communities the opportunity to invest in their own health as we improve how drugs are discovered to make them more effective and affordable. Visit https://imbiopharma.com/ to learn more.

    13 min
  6. True Fasting vs. Intermittent Eating: How Insulin & Autophagy Drive Metabolic Health with Dr. Don Clum

    JAN 12

    True Fasting vs. Intermittent Eating: How Insulin & Autophagy Drive Metabolic Health with Dr. Don Clum

    Send us a text In this episode of Decoding Health, Dr. Urban A. Kiernan is joined by Dr. Don Clum for an in-depth, science-driven discussion on fasting, insulin regulation, and metabolic health—cutting through popular misconceptions to explain what fasting actually is and how it impacts the body. The conversation begins with how early insulin research led to modern fasting protocols and clarifies the difference between time-restricted eating, intermittent fasting, and true fasting. Dr. Clum explains why fasting is an intentional physiological state—not starvation—and how the body shifts between growth and repair depending on nutrient availability. The episode explores when fasting benefits truly begin, how insulin suppression alters cortisol response, and why autophagy plays a central role in cellular repair and metabolic resilience. Listeners will gain a clearer understanding of fasting duration, measurable biomarkers, hormonal responses, and why supplementation alone—such as simply taking vitamin D—cannot replace metabolic signaling. The discussion also highlights fasting’s role in retraining the body’s relationship with food, stress, and recovery, while emphasizing responsible application, biological context, and individual variability. This episode provides a grounded framework for understanding fasting as a metabolic tool—rooted in physiology, timing, and intent—rather than trend-based restriction. Dr. Don Clum is a Chiropractor, a functional fitness expert and a specialist in Advanced Metabolic Nutrition. Dr. Clum designs custom one on one health recovery coaching programs that he delivers online, via Skype, Facebook or over the phone and email. Over the last 5 years Dr. Clum's population health based group programs and teachings have been offered to over a million employees across the United States with great success with weight loss, stress and resilience, metabolic syndrome, sleep improvement, personal fitness, and especially with diabetes prevention.  https://www.youtube.com/@dccdc2b https://www.facebook.com/don.clum.10 https://www.instagram.com/donclumofficial/ https://insulinfriendlyliving.com/ Are you eager to explore more about health and wellness? Discover an all natural solution to combating the GLP-1 Receptor Agonist craze. Click on the link below and explore the Feel Great System - a clinically proven approach to boosting natural GLP-1 production, suppressing appetite and improving both your metabolism and weight. https://ufeelgreat.com/usa/en/c/LiveFree As a Decoding Health viewer, you get wholesale pricing and a money back guarantee. Give it a try and let us know your results. https://imbiopharma.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/urban-a-kiernan-ph-d-8568b621/ https://www.youtube.com/@DecodingHealthPodcast Thank you to our sponsor - iMetabolic Biopharma Corporation: Together, we can be the next stage in developing a revolutionary approach to drug discovery. We give communities the opportunity to invest in their own health as we improve how drugs are discovered to make them more effective and affordable. Visit https://imbiopharma.com/ to learn more.

    58 min

  7. JAN 8

    What The Heck is an Adjuvant?

    Send us a text In this episode of Decoding Health, Dr. Urban A. Kiernan breaks down the science behind vaccine adjuvants—what they are, why they are used, and how they influence immune responses. Drawing from his experience in biotechnology and pharmaceutical research, he explains how adjuvants enhance antibody production and increase the body’s overall biological workload. We explore commonly used compounds such as aluminum salts and newer immune-stimulating agents, while examining concerns around antibody formation beyond the intended antigen. Dr. Kiernan highlights the limitations of short-term safety windows, the complexity of immune system interactions, and the risks of evaluating biological pathways in isolation. This episode emphasizes scientific nuance, transparency, and critical thinking, offering listeners a clearer framework for understanding immune modulation, medical risk, and informed health decision-making. Are you eager to explore more about health and wellness? Discover an all natural solution to combating the GLP-1 Receptor Agonist craze. Click on the link below and explore the Feel Great System - a clinically proven approach to boosting natural GLP-1 production, suppressing appetite and improving both your metabolism and weight. https://ufeelgreat.com/usa/en/c/LiveFree As a Decoding Health viewer, you get wholesale pricing and a money back guarantee. Give it a try and let us know your results. https://imbiopharma.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/urban-a-kiernan-ph-d-8568b621/ https://www.youtube.com/@DecodingHealthPodcast Thank you to our sponsor - iMetabolic Biopharma Corporation: Together, we can be the next stage in developing a revolutionary approach to drug discovery. We give communities the opportunity to invest in their own health as we improve how drugs are discovered to make them more effective and affordable. Visit https://imbiopharma.com/ to learn more.

    15 min
  8. From Skinny Fat to Bariatric Surgery: What Obesity Really Looks Like With Dr. Evan Nadler

    JAN 5

    From Skinny Fat to Bariatric Surgery: What Obesity Really Looks Like With Dr. Evan Nadler

    Send us a text In this episode, Dr. Evan Nadler challenges some of the most common misconceptions surrounding childhood and adolescent obesity—starting with the idea that it’s simply a result of poor diet or lack of willpower. Drawing on more than two decades of clinical, surgical, and research experience, he explains why obesity is a chronic disease, why BMI is an unreliable diagnostic tool, and how true risk should be assessed based on physical and mental health impact. The conversation explores the powerful role of genetics and epigenetics, including how parental health and behaviors before conception can influence a child’s metabolic outcomes. Dr. Nadler addresses uncomfortable realities within modern healthcare, from non-reimbursable obesity diagnoses to institutional resistance, economic incentives, and the growing gap between scientific knowledge and actionable treatment. From “skinny fat” and bariatric surgery outcomes to the misuse of compounded medications and politicized nutrition science, this discussion reframes obesity as a complex, multi-generational condition—one that demands earlier intervention, better systems, and evidence-based action. Dr. Nadler’s mission is simple but ambitious: prevent obesity early enough to make his role unnecessary. Evan P. Nadler MD served as Co-Director of the Children’s National Obesity Programs and Director of the Child and Adolescent Weight Loss Surgery Program at Children’s National Hospital from 2009 until 2023. He was also a tenured Associate Professor of Surgery, and Pediatrics, at The George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences and continues there as an Adjunct Associate Professor .Before moving to Washington DC, he was the Director of Minimally Invasive Pediatric Surgery at the New York University School of Medicine where he participated in US Food and Drug Administration-approved studies using laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in adolescents with obesity. His current pursuits include pediatric obesity treatment program development as a Founder of ProCare Telehealth, authoring a book on obesity, and educating the public about obesity via his YouTube channel, website, and media appearances. Dr. Nadler is an international leader in the field of child and adolescent obesity, has authored multiple publications and textbook chapters on the topic of pediatric bariatric surgery, and was one of the founding members of the Childhood Obesity Committee of the American Pediatric Surgery Association. https://www.obesityexplained.com/ Are you eager to explore more about health and wellness? Discover an all natural solution to combating the GLP-1 Receptor Agonist craze. Click on the link below and explore the Feel Great System - a clinically proven approach to boosting natural GLP-1 production, suppressing appetite and improving both your metabolism and weight. https://ufeelgreat.com/usa/en/c/LiveFree As a Decoding Health viewer, you get wholesale pricing and a money back guarantee. Give it a try and let us know your results. https://imbiopharma.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/urban-a-kiernan-ph-d-8568b621/ https://www.youtube.com/@DecodingHealthPodcast Thank you to our sponsor - iMetabolic Biopharma Corporation: Together, we can be the next stage in developing a revolutionary approach to drug discovery. We give communities the opportunity to invest in their own health as we improve how drugs are discovered to make them more effective and affordable. Visit https://imbiopharma.com/ to learn more.

    1h 5m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Step into the world of Decoding Health, where Dr. Urban A. Kiernan and renowned experts delve into a myriad of fields, unraveling the complexities of science and its practical applications in our daily health. This show is committed to illuminating topics ranging from personal health and wellness to cutting-edge biopharmaceutical advancements and beyond.  Join us each week for an enlightening journey through the realms of science and discover the incredible tools that can enhance your everyday life.  Dr. Urban A. Kiernan holds a Ph.D. Bio-Analytical Chemistry from Arizona State University. His use of the title “doctor” or “Dr.” is in relation to himself and solely refers to that degree as an expert who has significantly contributed to his specific field of science. This video is for general informational purposes only. It should not be used to self-diagnose and it is not a substitute for a medical exam, cure, treatment, diagnosis, and prescription or recommendation. He does not hold any license or credentials for clinical/patient care and any information provided does not create a doctor-patient relationship between Dr. Urban A. Kiernan and you. You should not make any change in your health regimen or diet before first consulting a physician, or equivalent licensed medical provider, and obtain a medical exam, diagnosis, and other recommendations. Always seek the advice of a physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition and establishment of treatment plan.https://imbiopharma.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/urban-a-kiernan-ph-d-8568b621/

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Urban A. Kiernan
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    161
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Decoding Health
  • Show Website
    Decoding Health

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