We Do Science

Dr Laurent Bannock
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  • Nutrition
  • Updated weekly

We Do Science is the sport and exercise nutrition podcast hosted by Dr Laurent Bannock, practitioner, educator, researcher, and Founder of The Institute of Performance Nutrition. Relaunching in September 2026 for a new era, the show brings together leading researchers, elite practitioners, educators, and thinkers to explore the science, context, and real-world application of performance nutrition. Each episode goes beyond headlines, protocols, and simplistic advice to examine how evidence is interpreted, challenged, and applied in practice. Topics include sport and exercise nutrition, body composition, protein and muscle, supplements, recovery, endurance nutrition, football nutrition, female athlete nutrition, behaviour change, practitioner development, and evidence-informed decision-making. Originally launched as one of the leading podcasts in the sports nutrition field, We Do Science returns with the same core mission: to bridge the gap between science and practice. Whether you are a sports nutritionist, dietitian, performance practitioner, coach, researcher, student, or serious health and fitness professional, this show is designed to help you think more critically, practise more effectively, and make better decisions in the real world. Serious conversations in sport and exercise nutrition — from science to practice.

  1. 23 hr ago

    The Food Matrix: Rethinking Protein Nutrition | Prof. Nick Burd

    Is more protein always better? In this episode of We Do Science, I’m joined by Professor Nick Burd to explore protein nutrition, muscle adaptation and why the amount of protein we eat is only part of the story. Returning to the podcast after six years, Nick shares insights from his research at the University of Illinois into protein metabolism and the food matrix: how a food’s structure and surrounding nutrients influence the way our bodies respond to it. From eggs and salmon to whey and casein, we examine what we can learn from studying whole foods alongside isolated proteins and supplements. We discuss the difference between maximal and optimal protein intake, why muscle protein synthesis shouldn’t automatically be equated with muscle growth, and how protein strategies may differ between strength and endurance athletes. We also explore anabolic resistance, muscle quality and the questions researchers are still working to answer. Whether you’re a sports nutrition practitioner, coach, athlete or student, this conversation offers a closer look at how to interpret protein research and apply it in practice, with a reminder of the central role of consistent exercise in supporting muscle adaptation. Subscribe to We Do Science for more conversations on the science and practice of performance nutrition. Connect with Nick: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasburd/ Connect with Laurent: Substack: https://substack.com/@laurentbannock Website: https://www.laurentbannock.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurent_bannock Chapters: 01:59 Protein, the food matrix and the questions ahead 03:03 Nick’s background and research 06:25 A career investigating protein metabolism 09:03 Making sense of muscle protein synthesis 12:28 Muscle remodelling versus muscle growth 14:30 How protein research shapes recommendations 16:52 Understanding the protein RDA 23:21 Individual responses and personalised nutrition 25:36 Maximal versus optimal protein intake 29:59 Food first, supplements and questions about timing 31:42 Strength versus endurance athletes 33:20 Looking beyond total protein intake 35:29 Understanding the food matrix 36:08 Lessons from eggs, salmon and minced meat 41:54 Whey, casein and attempts to improve the response 46:58 Exercise, protein and anabolic resistance 50:45 Anabolic resistance in different populations 54:45 Muscle size, strength and quality 59:52 Are we too focused on protein quantity?

    The Food Matrix: Rethinking Protein Nutrition | Prof. Nick Burd

  2. 2 Oct

    Nutrition for Pro Cycling: From Plate to Performance - Dr. Dana Lis & Nicki Strobel

    On this episode of We Do Science, Dr Laurent Bannock welcomes back Dr Dana Lis, registered dietitian and performance nutrition practitioner, alongside chef and nutritionist Nicki Strobel, to discuss their paper Plate to Performance: Culinary Nutrition Support for Professional Road Cycling, part of the UCI Sports Nutrition Project. Drawing on years of experience in elite cycling, Dana and Nicki explain how the culinary nutrition team of nutritionists, chefs and soigneurs turns evidence into food riders will actually eat across Grand Tours, Classics and training camps. The conversation covers the chef–nutritionist relationship, on-bike fuelling, menu planning around stage demands, and how power meter data, doubly labelled water and continuous glucose monitors inform daily decisions. Laurent, Dana and Nicki also discuss educating riders in a decentralised sport, building buy-in across the team, planning for illness, crashes and kitchens without power, and where the journey from science to plate most often breaks down. With lessons that apply well beyond cycling, this episode offers sports nutritionists, chefs, coaches, students and athletes a practical look at how performance nutrition is delivered in the real world. Subscribe for more conversations exploring the science and practice of sports nutrition. Read the paper: Plate to Performance: Culinary Nutrition Support for Professional Road Cycling https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/ijsnem/36/3/article-p335.xml Connect with Dana: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-dana-lis/ Connect with Nicki: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicki-strobel-44b41347/ Connect with Laurent: Substack: ⁠https://substack.com/@laurentbannock⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurentbannock/⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/laurent_bannock⁠ Website: ⁠⁠https://www.laurentbannock.com Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 03:13 Welcoming Dana and Nicki to We Do Science 04:31 Bridging the gap between science and practice 06:35 Dana's background and career 10:08 Nicki's journey from Michelin-star chef to pro cycling 15:20 How the Plate to Performance paper came about 20:38 Why chefs and nutritionists need a shared language 23:18 Cooking on the road: chefs, hotels and logistics 26:27 Prioritising nutrition interventions 28:41 The chef–nutritionist relationship 33:12 On-bike nutrition and the role of soigneurs 38:02 Keeping the evidence intact across the team 42:01 Planning menus around race demands 45:15 Day types, fuelling time points and daily adjustments 49:56 The data behind fuelling decisions 52:55 Energy availability and RED-S in the field 56:16 Turning precise numbers into real meals 59:36 Rider education in a decentralised sport 1:04:06 Building rider buy-in 1:07:11 Working through the rider's support network 1:11:04 Establishing yourself in a new team 1:15:25 When things go wrong on the road 1:17:26 Planning for illness and injury 1:22:09 Where the science breaks down in practice 1:24:47 What Dana and Nicki have changed their minds on

    Nutrition for Pro Cycling: From Plate to Performance - Dr. Dana Lis & Nicki Strobel

  3. 25 Sept

    How to Make Better Sports Nutrition Decisions | Prof. Michael Gleeson

    We Do Science with Dr Laurent Bannock returns, now with video! In this first episode back, Laurent welcomes Professor Michael Gleeson, Emeritus Professor of Exercise Biochemistry at Loughborough University, to explore the four Ps of performance nutrition: personalise, periodise, pre-fuel and prepare. Drawing on his research and experience in sports nutrition, Michael explains how this framework can help practitioners turn scientific evidence into practical decisions for their athletes. The conversation covers carbohydrate fuelling, hydration, gut training and supplements, alongside the importance of adapting nutrition strategies to training demands, individual preferences and the realities of competition. Laurent and Michael also discuss the role of wearables and testing in personalised nutrition, the challenges of supplement marketing, and why more information doesn’t always lead to better decisions. With examples from football and endurance sport, this episode offers sports nutritionists, coaches, students and athletes a practical look at choosing, applying and evaluating nutrition strategies. Subscribe for more conversations exploring the science and practice of sports nutrition. Connect with Michael: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-gleeson-218565b9/ Connect with Laurent: Substack: https://substack.com/@laurentbannock LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurentbannock/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurent_bannock Website: ⁠https://www.laurentbannock.com Chapters: 00:00 Introduction02:47 Welcoming Michael back to We Do Science04:18 Michael’s background and research08:06 Why develop the four P's of performance nutrition?14:18 Using the framework to guide decisions19:40 Personalise: tailoring nutrition to the athlete24:22 Personalisation, testing and getting the basics right30:28 Periodise: matching nutrition to training demands34:11 Gut training and rehearsing competition nutrition37:23 Pre-fuel: preparing for competition43:22 Prepare: hydration, fuelling and supplements49:19 Athlete preferences and practical problem-solving52:27 Cultural considerations and World Cup nutrition55:29 Choosing what belongs in the framework56:35 Supplement evidence and marketing1:03:38 Applying and evaluating the four Ps1:05:35 The future of personalised sports nutrition1:09:05 The future of sports nutrition textbooks

    How to Make Better Sports Nutrition Decisions | Prof. Michael Gleeson

  4. Season 2 Trailer

    We Do Science Returns | Season 2 Trailer

    We Do Science is back — and this time, you can watch as well as listen. Launching Friday 25 September, Season 2 brings a new series of conversations exploring the science and practice of sport and exercise nutrition. Following 182 audio episodes published between 2014 and 2023, this new chapter introduces video on Spotify, with audio available for listeners who prefer to tune in on the move. Watch the trailer for a taste of what’s ahead, and follow We Do Science so you’re ready for the first episode. Explore the original audio archive here on the show page.

  5. 21/04/2023

    "Embracing the Ethos of Scientific Scepticism" with Dr Nick Tiller and Prof Stu Phillips

    Episode 188 of the Institute of Performance Nutrition's "We Do Science" podcast! In this episode, I (Laurent Bannock) discuss "Embracing the Ethos of Scientific Scepticism" with Dr Nick Tiller PhD (Harbor-UCLA, USA) and Prof Stu Phillips PhD (McMaster University, Canada) Discussion Topics Include: Snake oil and fraudulent claims in the health, wellness and sports nutrition industryBad science and its impact on research and practiceWhy being a responsible sceptic requires a comprehensive set of critical thinking skillsWhy having the courage to confront pseudoscience can potentially alter the paradigm, and reverse the current emphasis on marketing over science Key Paper(s) / Book(s) Referred to: How Skepticism (not Cynicism) Can Raise Scientific Standards and Reform the Health and Wellness IndustryBaseless claims and pseudoscience in health and wellness: A call to action for the sports, exercise, and nutrition-science communityThe Skeptic's Guide to Sports Science Related Podcast Episodes: #123 - "Nutrition and single-stage ultra-marathon" with Dr Nick Tiller PhD Check out our other podcasts, publications, events, and professional education programs for current and aspiring sports nutritionists at www.TheIOPN.com and follow our social media outputs via @TheIOPN

    "Embracing the Ethos of Scientific Scepticism" with Dr Nick Tiller and Prof Stu Phillips

  6. 13/04/2023

    "Creatine: Beyond Strength and Power" with Dr Scott Forbes

    Episode 187 of the Institute of Performance Nutrition's "We Do Science" podcast! In this episode, I (Laurent Bannock) discuss "Creatine: Beyond Strength and Power" with Dr Scott Forbes PhD (Brandon University, Canada) Discussion Topics Include: Summary of dietary sources and mechanisms of action of Creatine Monohydrate and its potential impact on adaptions to resistance training, strength, power and muscle hypertrophyEmerging research for novel applications of Creatine on health, cognitive functions, immunity, glycogen storage,  and in particular endurance training and performance Key Paper(s) / Book(s) Referred to: Creatine Supplementation and Endurance Performance (paper currently in final review stage) Related Podcast Episodes: #147 - "Creatine myths and common questions" with Dr Scott Forbes Check out our other podcasts, publications, events, and professional education programs for current and aspiring sports nutritionists at www.TheIOPN.com and follow our social media outputs via @TheIOPN

    "Creatine: Beyond Strength and Power" with Dr Scott Forbes

  7. 06/04/2023

    "Nutrition for the Prevention and Treatment of Sports Injuries in Athletes" with Professor Craig Sale

    Episode 186 of the Institute of Performance Nutrition's "We Do Science" podcast! In this episode, I (Laurent Bannock) discuss "Nutrition for the Prevention and Treatment of Sports Injuries in Athletes" with Professor Craig Sale PhD (Manchester Metropolitan University, UK) Discussion Topics Include: Epidemiology of injuries in athletesThe scientific evidence and relevance to athletesNutrition to prevent and treat muscle injuriesNutrition to prevent and treat bone injuriesNutrition to prevent and treat tendon and ligament injuries Key Paper(s) / Book(s) Referred to: Nutrition for the Prevention and Treatment of Injuries in Track and Field Athletes Related Podcast Episodes: #110 - "Nutrition Support for Exercise Induced Injury" with Professor Kevin Tipton#159 - "Exercise induced muscle damage: What is it, what causes it and what are the nutritional solutions?" with Dr Daniel Owens and Professor Kevin Tipton Check out our other podcasts, publications, events, and professional education programs for current and aspiring sports nutritionists at www.TheIOPN.com and follow our social media outputs via @TheIOPN

    "Nutrition for the Prevention and Treatment of Sports Injuries in Athletes" with Professor Craig Sale

  8. 30/03/2023

    "Restricting Carbs and its Impact on Physical Activity & Metabolism" with Prof Javier Gonzalez

    Episode 185 of the Institute of Performance Nutrition's "We Do Science" podcast! In this episode, I (Laurent Bannock) discuss "Restricting Carbs and its Impact on Physical Activity & Metabolism" with Professor Javier Gonzalez PhD (University of Bath, UK) Discussion Topics Include: Fuel use  and changes during activity and restBlood sugar and insulin responses to sugar and carbohydrate restrictionSugar restriction and blood lactate concentrationsFat oxidation rates after various types of mealsChanges in metabolism as a result of sugar and carbohydrate restriction and wether that actually results in physical activity and total energy intake differencesPros and cons to sugar and carbohydrate restriction for health, body composition and performance Key Paper(s) / Book(s) Referred to: Restricting sugar or carbohydrate intake does not impact physical activity level or energy intake over 24 h despite changes in substrate use: a randomised crossover study in healthy men and women Related Podcast Episodes: #173: "CHO feeding formats: impact on CHO oxidation during exercise" with Dr Mark Hearris#170: "Nutrient timing and metabolic regulation" with Professor James Betts Check out our other podcasts, publications, events, and professional education programs for current and aspiring sports nutritionists at www.TheIOPN.com and follow our social media outputs via @TheIOPN

    "Restricting Carbs and its Impact on Physical Activity & Metabolism" with Prof Javier Gonzalez
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About

We Do Science is the sport and exercise nutrition podcast hosted by Dr Laurent Bannock, practitioner, educator, researcher, and Founder of The Institute of Performance Nutrition. Relaunching in September 2026 for a new era, the show brings together leading researchers, elite practitioners, educators, and thinkers to explore the science, context, and real-world application of performance nutrition. Each episode goes beyond headlines, protocols, and simplistic advice to examine how evidence is interpreted, challenged, and applied in practice. Topics include sport and exercise nutrition, body composition, protein and muscle, supplements, recovery, endurance nutrition, football nutrition, female athlete nutrition, behaviour change, practitioner development, and evidence-informed decision-making. Originally launched as one of the leading podcasts in the sports nutrition field, We Do Science returns with the same core mission: to bridge the gap between science and practice. Whether you are a sports nutritionist, dietitian, performance practitioner, coach, researcher, student, or serious health and fitness professional, this show is designed to help you think more critically, practise more effectively, and make better decisions in the real world. Serious conversations in sport and exercise nutrition — from science to practice.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr Laurent Bannock
  • Years Active
    2014 - 2026
  • Episodes
    185
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Dr Laurent Bannock
  • Show Website
    We Do Science

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