Ep. 21 - Protein & Longevity: Fueling Strength, Aging Smarter
Health Talk - Your Partner In Health
Release Date: 05/27/2025
Ep. 34 - Folic Acid & Folate: From Heart Health to Brain Health
Health Talk - Your Partner In Health
Most people think of folic acid as just a pregnancy vitamin—but the truth is, folate plays a critical role in health at every stage of life. In this episode of Health Talk: Your Partner in Health, Dr. Caitlin Prickett and Jeffery Runyon break down the science behind folic acid, folate, and methylfolate, and explain why the differences matter more than you think. We’ll explore how folate supports neural development, heart health, and cognitive function, and why certain people with genetic variations (like MTHFR) may need a more active form of B9. You’ll learn about homocysteine, its link...
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Ep. 33 - The Hidden Danger: Why Visceral Fat is Rising and What It Means for Your Health
Health Talk - Your Partner In Health
Visceral fat isn’t just about your waistline—it’s a silent driver of inflammation, insulin resistance, heart disease, fatty liver, and cognitive decline. In this episode of Health Talk: Your Partner in Health, Dr. Caitlin Prickett and Jeffery Runyon explore why visceral fat levels have been rising over the past 40 years, the science behind how it affects your organs and metabolism, and evidence-backed strategies to reduce it. Learn how to measure it, track it, and protect your heart, liver, and metabolism for long-term health.
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Ep. 32 - Beyond the Scale: Unlocking the Secrets of Body Composition with InBody
Health Talk - Your Partner In Health
Most of us focus on the number we see on the bathroom scale — but that single number doesn’t tell the full story of our health. In this episode of Health Talk: Your Partner in Health, Dr. Caitlin Prickett and Jeffery Runyon dive into the science of body composition and explain why understanding your muscle mass, fat distribution, and visceral fat is far more important than weight alone. Together, they break down how the InBody scale works, what its key metrics mean (from skeletal muscle mass to phase angle), and how body composition tracking can transform your health strategy. You’ll...
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Ep. 31 - Your Health Quarterback: Choosing the Right Primary Care Physician
Health Talk - Your Partner In Health
How to Choose a Primary Care Physician (PCP): A Practical Guide — Picking the right PCP can extend your life. In this episode, Dr. Caitlin Prickett explains how to choose your primary care physician, how to verify credentials in minutes; the access and communication questions that matter most; and a 10-question checklist you can use before you book. Evidence-backed talking points plus real-world tips you can act on today.
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Ep. 30 - Growing Up Healthy: What We’ve Learned So Far
Health Talk - Your Partner In Health
What does “being healthy” really mean when you’re eight years old? In this special family episode of Health Talk: Your Partner in Health, Jeffery Runyon and Dr. Caitlin Prickett invite their 8-year-old twins, Jaxson and Piper, to the mic for an honest, funny, and surprisingly wise conversation about growing up in a health-focused home. From favorite snacks and playful family workouts to bedtime routines and handling big emotions, the twins share their own perspectives—while Dr. Prickett adds evidence-based insights drawn from decades of clinical research. Backed by real studies on...
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Ep. 29 - The Medication Overload Epidemic: Polypharmacy in Older Adults
Health Talk - Your Partner In Health
In this episode, Dr. Caitlin Prickett and Jeffery Runyon explore the rising issue of polypharmacy in aging adults—when five or more medications are prescribed concurrently. They discuss the clinical risks, how to recognize medication overload, and the art and science of deprescribing. Backed by recent research, real-life stories, and practical tools, this episode empowers listeners to rethink their medication regimens and partner with their doctors to simplify care.
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Ep. 28 - Cracking the Collagen Code: What You Need to Know About This Vital Protein
Health Talk - Your Partner In Health
Collagen has become one of the most talked-about supplements in the wellness world, but is the hype real? In this episode, Dr. Caitlin Prickett and Jeffery Runyon break down what collagen is, why it's crucial for more than just skin, and how to choose the right supplement. Backed by clinical studies, they’ll explore how collagen impacts joint health, gut integrity, aging, and even sleep. You’ll also learn about the different types of collagen, what to look for in a high-quality product, and whether it actually makes a difference when taken as a supplement.
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Ep. 27 - The Science of Stress: How to Manage the Pressure Without Losing Your Edge
Health Talk - Your Partner In Health
Stress is often labeled as the enemy of health, but is it all bad? In this episode, we dive into the complex science of stress — when it’s harmful, when it’s helpful, and how to manage it so it doesn’t manage you. Dr. Caitlin Prickett breaks down the biological mechanisms of stress, how chronic stress damages the body, and the surprising ways short bursts of stress can build resilience. Jeffery Runyon adds personal insight and practical questions we’ve all asked: “Is it normal to feel this way?” and “What can I do today to feel better?” Tune in for research-backed strategies,...
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Ep. 26 - I Thought I Was Healthy: The Hidden Truth About Everyday Choices
Health Talk - Your Partner In Health
You skip the fries, order the grilled chicken, grab a “plant-based” protein bar, and buy sugar-free snacks—but are you really making healthy choices? In this eye-opening episode of Health Talk: Your Partner in Health, Dr. Caitlin Prickett and Jeffery Runyon uncover the hidden traps in today’s health culture: from seed oils in fine dining restaurants to salt stripped of its minerals, misleading “healthwashing” buzzwords, and the truth about artificial sweeteners. Backed by clinical research and real-life stories, this episode breaks down how food marketing, dining habits, and even...
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Ep. 25 - The Power of Fasting: What the Science Really Says About When (and Why) We Eat
Health Talk - Your Partner In Health
Is fasting just another wellness trend—or a powerful, evidence-based tool for health and longevity? In this episode of Health Talk: Your Partner in Health, Dr. Caitlin Prickett and Jeffery Runyon explore the science behind fasting and how it affects metabolism, inflammation, brain health, and even cancer therapy. From time-restricted eating to fasting-mimicking diets, we unpack what actually works, who benefits, who should avoid fasting, and which social media fads to skip. Backed by clinical research and real-world insights, this episode offers a practical, physician-guided look at how to...
info_outlineIn this episode of Health Talk: Your Partner in Health, Dr. Caitlin Prickett and Jeffery Runyon unpack the science behind protein intake and healthy aging. Whether you're aiming for fat loss, protecting your metabolism, or maintaining your strength through midlife and beyond, protein is essential—especially if you're over 40 or using GLP-1 medications like semaglutide or tirzepatide.
Dr. Prickett shares her clinical insights and personal recommendations on how much protein to consume, when to eat it, and which types of protein support optimal health.
✅ In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why muscle mass declines with age and how to slow that process through protein
Why the RDA for protein is outdated for most adults
Dr. Prickett’s personal recommendation:
“I recommend consuming 1 to 1.5 grams of protein per pound of ideal body weight—especially for those on GLP-1s or anyone 40+ looking to preserve muscle mass and metabolic function.”
Women’s unique protein needs, especially during the luteal phase and after menopause
How to time your protein throughout the day to maximize absorption and muscle protein synthesis
Which proteins Dr. Prickett recommends—including clean, high-quality supplement options
How animal and plant proteins compare, and how to make plant proteins more effective
Supplements and nutrients that improve protein digestion and absorption (like leucine, B vitamins, and vitamin D)
Whether you’re a competitive athlete or simply trying to age well, this episode will give you the tools to fuel your body, build resilience, and protect long-term health with protein.
🧬 Dr. Prickett’s Protein Guidelines Recap:
Target: 1–1.5 grams per pound of ideal body weight
Per Meal: Aim for 25–40g of protein per meal, spread evenly throughout the day
For Women: Increase protein slightly during the luteal phase or perimenopause
For GLP-1 Users: Use shakes or liquid protein for easier digestion; prioritize daily resistance training
Recommended Clean Brands: FlavCity, Truvani, Just Ingredients, Vital Proteins
Avoid: Stevia, gums, natural flavors, and proprietary blends
📚 Referenced Clinical Studies:
Muscle Loss & Aging
Janssen I et al. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2002
Cruz-Jentoft AJ et al. Age Ageing. 2010 (PMC6202460)
Harvard Health: Muscle Mass & Aging
Protein Intake Recommendations
PROT-AGE Study Group. J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2013
Bauer et al. ESPEN Guidelines. Clinical Nutrition. 2013
Paddon-Jones et al. Curr Opin Clin Nutr. 2009
Women's Protein Needs
Smith-Ryan AE et al. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2021 (PMID: 33794937)
Mallinson R et al. JISSN. 2023 (PMID: 37787091)
Minimum protein needs for older women – 2023 preprint (ResearchGate)
Protein Timing & Utilization
Mamerow MM et al. J Nutr. 2014
JISSN Position Stand. JISSN. 2017
Churchward-Venne TA et al. Nutrients. 2016
Protein Quality & Supplements
Tang JE et al. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009
Van Vliet S et al. J Nutr. 2015
Wilding JPH et al. Obesity. 2022 (semaglutide & lean mass loss)
Vitamin D + protein absorption: Am J Clin Nutr, 2022
Leucine & MPS: Front Nutr. 2023 (PMID: 10761008)