JRE #1101 – Chris & Mark Bell

This podcast delves into the world of health, fitness, and nutrition, with Joe Rogan hosting Chris Bell and Mark Bell, two individuals with unique perspectives shaped by their experiences with bodybuilding, powerlifting, and personal health struggles. Provocative topics like the benefits and drawbacks of various diets, the use of supplements and steroids, and the complexities of the modern food industry are explored. Underlying themes highlight the importance of finding a personalized approach to health, embracing personal responsibility, and the enduring power of mental fortitude in navigating life’s challenges.

Podcast Topics

1. Chris Bell’s Carnivore Diet Journey:

• Chris Bell’s transition from ketogenic diet to a carnivore diet, motivated by Sean Baker’s podcast appearance on Joe Rogan Experience.
• Bell’s experience with increased muscle mass, reduced inflammation, and improved overall health on a carnivore diet.
• Bell’s struggle with mental challenges during initial stages of the carnivore diet and his subsequent inclusion of fruit based on scientific research.
• Bell’s emphasis on personal experimentation and the need for individualization in diet choices.

2. The Carnivore Diet Debate:

• Rogan’s skepticism about the carnivore diet due to the lack of long-term scientific studies and his belief in a balanced approach to nutrition.
• Bell’s perspective on the need for conscious choices when embracing a carnivore diet, considering potential overconsumption of meat and the potential benefits of supplementing with fruit and vegetables.
• Discussion on the “Pure” study, which found that vegetables are generally neutral in terms of heart health benefits.
• The potential pitfalls of relying solely on anecdotal evidence and the importance of scientific research.

3. The Role of Protein in Muscle Growth:

• Bell’s belief that he wasn’t consuming enough protein on the ketogenic diet, which hampered his ability to build muscle.
• The misconception that high protein intake can disrupt ketosis, and Bell’s experience with metabolic flexibility allowing him to consume more protein without negative effects.
• Bell’s emphasis on the importance of sufficient protein intake for maintaining muscle mass and achieving optimal health.
• The need to personalize protein intake based on individual needs and goals.

4. The Importance of Healthy Fats:

• Bell’s preference for rib-eye steaks and high-fat cuts of meat due to their naturally occurring fat content.
• The difference between grass-fed and grain-fed beef, with grass-fed being higher in omega-3 fatty acids, but potentially less palatable.
• Discussion on the role of saturated fat in heart health, contrasting with prevailing dietary guidelines.
• Bell’s preference for Costco meat due to its quality and affordability.

5. The Debate on Organic Food:

• The question of whether organic food is truly superior and the loose definition of “organic” in the food industry.
• Bell’s preference for grass-fed beef, despite the cost difference, as a way to ensure the animal has consumed its natural diet.
• The potential for overconsumption of marbled meat, like Wagyu and Kobe, which may not be ideal for long-term health.
• The need for transparency and clear labeling in the food industry.

6. The Impact of Refined Carbohydrates and Sugar:

• The dangers of consuming high levels of refined carbohydrates and sugars, particularly in combination with saturated fat.
• The role of refined carbohydrates and sugars in promoting inflammation, insulin resistance, and contributing to chronic diseases.
• The prevalence of obesity and metabolic diseases in developed nations, with a direct correlation to increased consumption of processed foods.
• The importance of making conscious choices about food and understanding the impact of dietary choices on long-term health.

7. The Carb Window Myth:

• The shifting perspective on the “carb window” and the belief that it may not be as crucial for muscle growth and recovery as previously thought.
• The potential for achieving similar results with consistent carbohydrate intake throughout the day rather than solely after workouts.
• The need to consider individual responses to carbohydrates and the role of metabolic flexibility.
• The importance of evidence-based decision making in training and nutrition.

8. The Importance of Intermittent Fasting:

• The benefits of intermittent fasting, including reduced hunger, improved metabolic flexibility, and potentially aiding in weight loss.
• Bell’s experience with reduced food cravings and a sense of freedom from being overly dependent on food after adopting intermittent fasting.
• The potential of intermittent fasting as a tool for managing cravings and promoting long-term adherence to dietary goals.
• The need to consider individual needs and preferences when implementing intermittent fasting.

9. The Challenges of Cheat Meals:

• Bell’s approach to occasional “cheats” on his carnivore diet, often involving healthier foods or small indulgences.
• The potential for overeating, even with healthy foods, to trigger cravings for less healthy options.
• The importance of moderation and mindful consumption, even when indulging.
• The need to focus on long-term health goals rather than short-term gratifications.

10. The Importance of a Healthy Gut Microbiome:

• Bell’s emphasis on the importance of probiotics, citing his children’s resilience to colds and the benefits of kimchi for gut health.
• The potential negative effects of ibuprofen on the gut microbiome and overall inflammation.
• The crucial role of gut health in overall well-being and its connection to various health issues.
• The need to consider the impact of dietary choices and lifestyle habits on gut microbiome health.

11. The Role of Genetics and Individualized Nutrition:

• The recognition that every individual’s body responds differently to various dietary approaches.
• Bell’s experience with his daughters’ different reactions to lactose, illustrating the variation in individual tolerances.
• The importance of personalized nutrition plans tailored to individual needs and goals.
• The challenges of providing generalized nutritional advice due to the complexity of individual biochemistry and lifestyle factors.

12. The Rise of Veganism and Its Ideological Roots:

• The origins of veganism within the Seventh Adventist Church and its religious and moral underpinnings.
• The issue of proselytizing within the vegan community, with a tendency to judge and shame those who don’t adhere to the ideology.
• The acknowledgment of the cruelty of factory farming and the need to promote ethical and humane treatment of animals.
• The importance of separating dietary choices from rigid ideologies and emphasizing individual needs and preferences.

13. The Importance of Whole Foods:

• Bell’s belief in prioritizing whole, unprocessed foods, even when indulging in occasional cheats.
• Bell’s perspective on the potential dangers of processed foods, particularly those high in refined carbohydrates and sugars.
• The importance of understanding food labels and identifying potentially harmful ingredients.
• Bell’s preference for foods that don’t require extensive nutrition labels, reflecting their natural state.

14. The Power of Mental Fortitude and Overcoming Addiction:

• Bell’s personal journey with drug and alcohol addiction, highlighting the role of the ketogenic diet in aiding his recovery.
• The benefits of a ketogenic diet for improving cognitive function and supporting mental clarity.
• Bell’s emphasis on the importance of a “white belt mentality” in life, remaining open to learning and continually evolving.
• The significance of personal responsibility in overcoming addiction and the power of support systems.

15. The Opioid Epidemic and the Role of Kratom:

• Discussion on the opioid epidemic in the United States and the role of prescription painkillers in driving addiction.
• Bell’s personal experience with opioid addiction and his subsequent use of Kratom to manage pain and support recovery.
• Bell’s advocacy for the legalization and proper regulation of Kratom, emphasizing its potential benefits for pain management and addiction treatment.
• The importance of responsible marketing and testing of Kratom to mitigate potential risks associated with contamination and misuse.

16. The Potential of Ibogaine and Psilocybin:

• The potential of Ibogaine as a treatment for opioid addiction and its documented success in aiding recovery.
• Bell’s experience with friends who have benefited from Ibogaine treatment and his advocacy for its legalization and controlled use.
• The potential of psilocybin (magic mushrooms) as a treatment for mental health conditions, particularly PTSD, and its ongoing research.
• The need for ongoing research and understanding of these substances to explore their potential therapeutic applications.

17. The Importance of Physical Activity and Exercise:

• Bell’s commitment to regular exercise, including hill sprints, sled pushing, and various cardio routines.
• The benefits of challenging workouts for building muscle, improving cardiovascular health, and enhancing mental well-being.
• Bell’s perspective on the importance of warming up thoroughly before intense workouts, particularly for older individuals.
• The need for personalized exercise routines tailored to individual needs and limitations.

18. The UFC and the Evolution of MMA:

• Discussion on the UFC and the ongoing evolution of MMA, including the need for more weight classes.
• Bell’s observations on the dominance of athletes with long limb structures in MMA and their strategic advantages.
• Bell’s perspective on the importance of wrestling in MMA and the need for fighters to have a well-rounded skillset.
• Bell’s admiration for Khabib Nurmagomedov’s dominance in the lightweight division and his exceptional wrestling skills.

19. The Importance of Support Systems and Community:

• Bell’s acknowledgment of the importance of support systems in overcoming addiction and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
• Bell’s story of how his brother, Chris, provided support during his addiction recovery and how the bond deepened during this challenging period.
• The value of having a community of like-minded individuals who provide motivation and accountability.
• The importance of reaching out for help when struggling, acknowledging that no one can do it alone.

20. The Importance of Experimentation and Finding What Works:

• Bell’s emphasis on the importance of personal experimentation in finding what works best for individual needs and goals.
• The recognition that a “one-size-fits-all” approach to health and fitness doesn’t exist.
• The need for ongoing learning and adaptation as new information emerges.
• The encouragement to embrace a journey of personal discovery and exploration in the pursuit of optimal health and well-being.

Memorable Quotes

• “I think any of these things can be done too far.” – Chris Bell acknowledges the potential pitfalls of extreme dietary approaches.
• “I think there’s a certain point where you just kinda have to say, okay, I’ll just have steak on a plate, like, essentially.” – Chris Bell reflects on the mental discipline required for a carnivore diet.
• “I feel like I’m not, you know, attached to food. I don’t need food all the time. I used to think about food all the time.” – Chris Bell describes the liberating effects of intermittent fasting on his relationship with food.
• “I think the average American is just trying to feed themselves. You know, they’re just trying to they’re hungry and they’re tired.” – Joe Rogan offers a compassionate perspective on the struggles of the average American.
• “Get rid all the fucking sugar. That’s number 1.” – Joe Rogan emphasizes the importance of reducing sugar consumption as a foundational step toward better health.