The Proof with Simon Hill

• Protect Your Arteries, Protect Your Life: Dr. Laurence Sperling Explains How

  Heart disease doesn’t start when you’re older, it starts early, often without symptoms. In this episode, I speak with Dr. Laurence Sperling, one of the world’s leading experts in preventive cardiology, to explore how to catch heart disease early and stop it in its tracks. We cover cholesterol, blood pressure, calcium scores, lifestyle, and more. This is one of the most practical, empowering episodes on heart health I’ve ever recorded. What we cover: Early detection and the true origins of atherosclerosis How low your cholesterol and blood pressure should really be Understanding ApoB, Lp(a), and genetic risk When it’s worth getting a CT scan Lifestyle and medical interventions that actually work Whether you’re 25 or 65, this conversation is packed with insights that can help you live longer and better by understanding and protecting your cardiovascular system. 0:00:00 – Intro 0:01:24 - Why Prevention Should Start Before Birth 0:10:11 – Is It Genetics or Lifestyle? Understanding Risk 0:16:17 – Public Health Strategy That Prevents Millions of Heart Attacks 0:21:55 - How Geography and Income Impact Heart Disease Risk 0:29:25 – Familial Hypercholesterolemia and Lifetime Cholesterol Exposure 0:34:00 – What Diet and Lifestyle Patterns Lower Risk Long-Term 0:45:49 – LDL, HDL, and the New Science of Non-HDL Cholesterol 0:53:39 - Does High Blood Pressure Still Harm Arteries if ApoB Is Low? 1:05:24 – Lipoprotein(a): The Triple Threat You Should Know About 1:08:22 – When Should You Start Cardiac Risk Assessments? 1:17:23 - Can a Calcium Score of Zero Be Misleading in Younger Adults? 1:23:58 – CT Calcium vs. CT Angiogram: Which Scan Is Right? 1:33:25 - Is Subclinical Atherosclerosis the Same as Heart Disease? 1:40:03 - What Are Optimal LDL and Blood Pressure Levels to Prevent Heart Disease? 1:48:07 – How GLP-1 Drugs Help With Weight and Heart Disease Prevention 1:57:10 – Public Health Policies That Could Save Millions 2:01:19 – Cardiologist-Approved Daily Habits for a Healthy Heart 2:05:20 – Outro This episode is brought to you by: 38TERA Consider 38TERA's DMN prebiotic supplement a daily multivitamin for your gut. Formulated by yours truly and gastroenterologist Dr Will Bulsiewicz. Use code PROOF for 25% off at checkout. LMNT Stay hydrated with LMNT. Try their limited-time Lemonade Salt flavour - salty, tart, and super refreshing. Receive a free LMNT sample pack with any order when you purchase via drinklmnt.com/simon. And if you don’t like it? Full refund — no questions asked. Pique Tea Pique's Nandaka provides sustainable, all-day energy and makes you feel like you’re doing something good for your body! Try Pique and get 20% off plus a FREE starter kit when you shop exclusively at Piquelife.com/simon. Eight Sleep Upgrade your sleep with the Pod 5 Ultra by Eight Sleep. Clinically validated to deliver up to 1 extra hour of quality sleep per night through temperature control and biometric tracking. Use code THEPROOF for $350 off at eightsleep.com/theproof. Try it risk-free for 30 days, with worldwide shipping. Function Health Take charge of your health with advanced blood testing and personalised insights. Function Health provides a practical solution to track key health markers such as cholesterol, blood sugar, and more. For the first 1,000 listeners, new members get a $100 credit when signing up. Head to functionhealth.com/simonhill to claim your credit. Only available to those living in the United States. Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons) Creator of theproof.com Host of The Proof with Simon Hill Author of The Proof is in the Plants Subscribe & Connect: YouTube Apple Podcasts Spotify Instagram: @simonhill Twitter: @theproof Facebook: The Proof with Simon Hill Nourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments Guide and download my Two-Week Meal Plan.

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  2:13:41
• Longevity Through Stress: Unlocking Your Body’s Survival Pathways | Dr. Sharon Horesh Bergquist

  Dr. Sharon Bergquist joins me to explore a powerful reframe: stress isn’t always bad. In fact, certain types of stress, when dosed right, are essential for building resilience and longevity. We talk about “eustress,” hormesis, and how everyday tools like exercise, fasting, and even hot or cold exposure can activate the body’s repair systems at the cellular level. Sharon explains why recovery is just as critical as the stressor itself, and how aligning your lifestyle with your values may be one of the most impactful health moves of all. Overview of the Stress Paradox (00:00) Good Stress vs. Bad Stress: What’s the Difference? (01:55) Understanding Stress: Eustress, Distress & Sustress (04:04) How Stress Changes Your Body’s Baseline Permanently? (09:20) Why Discomfort Is Required for Long-Term Health (11:38) What Is Hormesis and How It Regenerates Your Body (17:00) 7 Repair Systems Activated by Good Stress (17:42) Recovery Matters: The Missing Piece in Stress Resilience (23:44) The Blood Markers That Show If Your Stress Routine Is Working (29:23) The Best Type of Stress for Improving Metabolic Health (33:59) Do Good Stressors Slow Aging (35:18) What Is Psychological Stress and Can It Be Good for You? (41:00) The 5 Good Stressors That Boost Resilience and Longevity (45:55) The Science Behind Phytochemicals and Stress Adaptation (46:22) What Are Phytochemicals? Nature’s Defence Compounds (54:55) Intermittent Fasting Explained: Finding Your Goldilocks Zone (01:00:42) Combining Fasting with Exercise: Best Practices for Balance (01:10:38) High-Intensity Training and Mitochondrial Health Benefits (01:15:18) Heat and Cold Therapy: Saunas, Ice Baths and Hormetic Effects (01:28:02) Psychological Stress and Cellular Health: The Mind-Body Link (01:36:32) Final Takeaways: Building a Resilient, Healthier You (01:43:24) If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by stress or tried to avoid it entirely, this conversation offers a new, empowering perspective. Share this episode with someone who’d benefit from rethinking their relationship with stress. This episode is brought to you by: 38TERA Consider 38TERA's DMN prebiotic supplement a daily multivitamin for your gut. Formulated by yours truly and gastroenterologist Dr Will Bulsiewicz. Use code THEPROOF for a discount at checkout. Function Health Take charge of your health with advanced blood testing and personalised insights. Function Health provides a practical solution to track key health markers such as cholesterol, blood sugar, and more. For the first 1,000 listeners, new members get a $100 credit when signing up. Head to functionhealth.com/simonhill to claim your credit. Only available to those living in the United States. Momentous My go-to supplement brand for protein and creatine is Momentous. Get 20% off your first purchase by using the code LIVINGPROOF at checkout at livemomentous.com Eight Sleep Upgrade your sleep with the Pod 5 Ultra by Eight Sleep. Clinically validated to deliver up to 1 extra hour of quality sleep per night through temperature control and biometric tracking. Use code THEPROOF for $350 off at eightsleep.com/theproof. Try it risk-free for 30 days, with worldwide shipping. Eimele Eimele Essential 8 is a comprehensive multivitamin that is scientifically formulated to complement your plant-rich diet, increase and sustain your energy, and support the immune system, as well as heart and brain health. Follow this link  for 20% off one-time purchases and subscriptions. Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons) • Creator of theproof.com • Host of The Proof with Simon Hill • Author of The Proof is in the Plants Subscribe & Connect: • YouTube • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Instagram: @simonhill • Twitter: @theproof • Facebook: The Proof with Simon Hill Nourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments Guide and download my Two-Week Meal Plan.

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  1:52:34
• Don’t Get Fooled: Thinking Clearly in the Wellness Era | Dr Steven Novella, PhD

  In this episode of The Proof, I’m joined by Dr. Steven Novella, a clinical neurologist at Yale School of Medicine and host of The Skeptics’ Guide to the Universe. Steven has spent decades helping people think more clearly, spot misinformation, and navigate the increasingly noisy world of science, health, and media. Together we explore what it really means to be a skeptic — not a cynic — and why scientific humility is more powerful than absolute certainty. We talk about how to have better conversations with people who believe in conspiracy theories, the psychology behind motivated reasoning, and why embracing “I don’t know” can actually make us more grounded, not less. What we cover: Scepticism vs. denialism Why stories often override facts What science literacy actually looks like The cognitive traps we all fall into How social media fuels misinformation Rebuilding trust in science and institutions If you enjoy this episode, I’d love it if you shared it with someone who values critical thinking and curiosity. 00:00 Introduction 05:48 Sceptic vs. Contrarian: What's the difference? 08:57 Combating Misinformation and Disinformation 12:13 The Role of Critical Thinking 18:06 Why We Reject Facts That Make Us Uncomfortable 21:09 How Echo Chambers Hijack Reality 24:41 The Hardest Choice: Truth or Belonging? 37:54 Why People No Longer Trust Experts 48:16 Debating Pseudoscience 52:53 The Deadly Cost of Misinformation 56:03 The GMO Lies People Still Believe 01:03:00 How to Teach Critical Thinking to Anyone 01:10:00 How to Think, Not What to Think 01:14:34 Why Science Sounds Uncertain and Why That’s a Good Thing 01:23:51 Being Sceptical Doesn’t Make You Automatically Right 01:35:59 The Double-Edged Sword of AI This episode is brought to you by: 38TERA Consider 38TERA's ⁠DMN prebiotic supplement⁠ a daily multivitamin for your gut. Formulated by yours truly and gastroenterologist Dr Will Bulsiewicz. Use code THEPROOF for a discount at checkout. Function Health Take charge of your health with advanced blood testing and personalised insights. Function Health provides a practical solution to track key health markers such as cholesterol, blood sugar, and more. For the first 1,000 listeners, new members get a $100 credit when signing up. Head to ⁠functionhealth.com/simonhill⁠ to claim your credit. Only available to those living in the United States. Momentous My go-to supplement brand for protein and creatine is Momentous. Get 20% off your first purchase by using the code LIVINGPROOF at checkout at ⁠livemomentous.com⁠ Shopify Shopify, the world's leading e-commerce platform, helps you turn browsers into buyers with the internet’s best-converting check out–up to 36% better compared to other leading e-commerce platforms. To boost your conversion rate, and grow your business, sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at ⁠shopify.com/proof⁠. Birch Sleep deeply and wake up refreshed with a Birch Natural Mattress, combining premium natural materials with unbeatable comfort. Rest easy with a 100-night trial and 25-year warranty. Get 20% off sitewide and 2 free Eco-Rest Pillows at ⁠birchliving.com/simonhill⁠. Pique Tea Pique's Nandaka provides sustainable, all-day energy and makes you feel like you’re doing something good for your body! Try Pique and get 20% off plus a FREE starter kit when you shop exclusively at ⁠Piquelife.com/simon⁠. Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons) • Creator of ⁠theproof.com⁠ • Host of ⁠The Proof with Simon Hill⁠ • Author of ⁠The Proof is in the Plants⁠ Subscribe & Connect: • ⁠YouTube⁠ • ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ • ⁠Spotify⁠ • Instagram: ⁠@simonhill⁠ • Twitter: ⁠@theproof⁠ • Facebook: ⁠The Proof with Simon Hill⁠ Nourish your gut with my ⁠Plant-Based Ferments Guide⁠ and download my ⁠Two-Week Meal Plan⁠.

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  1:46:12
• My Take on Carnivore, Longevity Foods, Daily Supplements and Self-Improvement | AMA #2 |The Proof With Simon Hill, MSc, BSc

  In this AMA episode of The Proof, I take your questions on everything from reversing plaque buildup to fasted cardio, the safety of seed oils, and how to bounce back after antibiotics. These episodes are a chance to share where my thinking is currently at grounded in science, but always evolving. In this episode, I cover: Most underrated foods for long-term health Can we reverse plaque in arteries or just slow it down? Seed oils: worth avoiding or overblown fear? Gut health recovery post-antibiotics Fasted cardio for fat loss: what the data says Supplements I take daily (and ones I skip) Carnivore diet, meat and the planet: separating science from spin Key habits for pregnancy, longevity, and daily performance A few thoughts on alcohol, morning routines & personal growth Whether you’re looking to refine your health habits or just curious about the latest science on hot topics, I hope this one helps bring a little clarity and inspiration. Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also support the show by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and sharing your favourite episodes with friends and family. This episode is brought to you by: 38TERA Consider 38TERA's DMN prebiotic supplement a daily multivitamin for your gut. Formulated by yours truly and gastroenterologist Dr Will Bulsiewicz. Use code THEPROOF for a discount at checkout. Eight Sleep Upgrade your sleep with the Pod 4 Ultra by Eight Sleep. Clinically validated to deliver up to 1 extra hour of quality sleep per night through temperature control and biometric tracking. Use code THEPROOF for $350 off at eightsleep.com/theproof. Try it risk-free for 30 days, with worldwide shipping. Function Health Take charge of your health with advanced blood testing and personalised insights. Function Health provides a practical solution to track key health markers such as cholesterol, blood sugar, and more. For the first 1,000 listeners, new members get a $100 credit when signing up. Head to functionhealth.com/simonhill to claim your credit. Only available to those living in the United States. Eimele Eimele Essential 8 is a comprehensive multivitamin that is scientifically formulated to complement your plant-rich diet, increase and sustain your energy, and support the immune system, as well as heart and brain health. Follow https://eimele.com/essential-8/15660280.html. for 20% off one-time purchases and subscriptions. WHOOP Whoop, the most advanced fitness and health wearable available. Your personalised fitness and health coach to recover faster, sleep better, and train smarter. Claim your first month free on join.whoop.com/simon. Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons) • Creator of theproof.com • Host of The Proof with Simon Hill • Author of The Proof is in the Plants Subscribe & Connect: • YouTube • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Instagram: @simonhill • Twitter: @theproof • Facebook: The Proof with Simon Hill Nourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments Guide and download my Two-Week Meal Plan.

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  39:57
• The 3 Best and Worst Things for Your Gut Microbiome - And How to Bounce Back After Antibiotics | Simon Hill, Msc, Bsc

  In this solo episode of The Proof, I explore how to turn your gut into a thriving ecosystem and what might be silently harming it. You’ll learn the top 3 things to do for your microbiome, the 3 biggest mistakes to avoid, and how to support gut recovery after antibiotics. Specifically, I cover: How your microbiome affects immunity, mood, metabolism, and more The best foods and habits to feed your gut My antibiotic recovery protocol Why plant diversity matters more than your diet label Gut health myths (like probiotic hype and “7-day resets”) Signs your gut health is improving without testing Science-backed and practical. No fads, just evidence. How to Transform Your Gut Health Naturally (00:00) What Is the Gut Microbiome? (01:27) How Your Microbiome Supports the Immune System (02:08) The Gut-Brain Connection: How Microbes Influence Mood (03:17) Why the Gut Microbiome Changes Daily — And What It Means for Your Health (04:18) Top Expert-Backed Tips for a Healthy Gut Microbiome (04:43) Why Plant Diversity Is Crucial for Gut Health (05:15) Best Fermented Foods to Improve Gut Health (11:42) How Lifestyle Affects Your Gut Microbiome (15:35) Busting the Biggest Gut Health Myths (18:00) What’s Harming Your Gut? 3 Practices to Avoid (18:54) How to Heal Your Gut After Taking Antibiotics (20:47) Key Takeaways for Long-Term Gut Health Success (28:43) Want to support the show? The best way to support the show is to use the products and services offered by our sponsors. To check them out and enjoy great savings, visit theproof.com/friends. You can also support the show by leaving a review on the Apple Podcast app and sharing your favourite episodes with friends and family. This episode is brought to you by: 38TERA Consider 38TERA's DMN prebiotic supplement a daily multivitamin for your gut. Formulated by yours truly and gastroenterologist Dr Will Bulsiewicz. Use code THEPROOF for a discount at checkout. Pique Tea Pique's Nandaka provides sustainable, all-day energy and makes you feel like you’re doing something good for your body! Try Pique and get 20% off plus a FREE starter kit when you shop exclusively at Piquelife.com/simon. Function Health Track, optimise, and thrive with Function Health. Access 100+ lab tests – five times more than a typical physical – including ApoB and LP(a), no doctor approval needed. Get science-backed insights and track your results over time. Skip the 400,000-person waitlist at functionhealth.com/simonhill. Only available to those living in the United States. Eimele Eimele Essential 8 is a comprehensive multivitamin that is scientifically formulated to complement your plant-rich diet, increase and sustain your energy, and support the immune system, as well as heart and brain health. Follow [this link](https://eimele.com/essential-8/15660280.html.) for 20% off one-time purchases and subscriptions. WHOOP Whoop, the most advanced fitness and health wearable available. Your personalised fitness and health coach to recover faster, sleep better, and train smarter. Claim your first month free on join.whoop.com/simon. Simon Hill, MSc, BSc (Hons) • Creator of theproof.com • Host of The Proof with Simon Hill • Author of The Proof is in the Plants Subscribe & Connect: • YouTube • Apple Podcasts • Spotify • Instagram: @simonhill • Twitter: @theproof • Facebook: The Proof with Simon Hill Nourish your gut with my Plant-Based Ferments Guide and download my Two-Week Meal Plan.

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  35:22

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