Episodes

  • Bill Campbell: The Physique Enhancement Professor

    Bill Campbell: The Physique Enhancement Professor
    May 11 2026

    In this episode, Dr. Layne Norton sits down with Professor Bill Campbell, PhD — Director of the Performance & Physique Enhancement Laboratory at the University of South Florida and a leading researcher on body composition, high-protein diets, and resistance training adaptations.

    They discuss Bill’s high-protein studies in women (including physique athletes, contest prep, older adults, and time-restricted eating), sex differences in muscle growth and training adaptations, the menstrual cycle’s impact on performance, intermittent energy restriction, refeeds and diet breaks, and one major belief he completely changed his mind on (meal frequency).

    Packed with practical, evidence-based insights on optimizing body composition, fat loss, and strength.

    SPONSORS

    • Workout Builder – Customized training programs for all experience levels: https://biolayne.com/workout-builder

    • Team Biolayne – One-On-One Coaching: https://biolayne.com/online-coaching

    LAYNE'S COMPANIES

    Carbon Diet Coach: https://joincarbon.com/podcast

    Outwork Nutrition: https://outworknutrition.com

    REPS Research Review: https://biolayne.com/reps

    Workout Builder: https://biolayne.com/workout-builder

    Team Biolayne: https://biolayne.com/online-coaching

    Physique Coaching Academy: https://physiquecoachingacademy.com

    FOLLOW LAYNE

    http://www.facebook.com/laynenorton

    http://www.twitter.com/biolayne

    http://www.instagram.com/biolayne

    TIMESTAMPS

    0:00:00 - Intro

    0:02:53 - Career History

    0:10:58 - What is the Focus of Your Lab?

    0:15:48 - Physique Coaching Academy

    0:16:49 - High vs Low Protein Study

    0:36:45 - REPS Research Review

    0:40:19 - Animal vs Human Studies

    0:43:22 - Importance of Leucine

    0:45:55 - Arginine & Growth Hormone

    0:49:14 - Should Women Train Differently

    0:54:34 - Device Trackers vs Subjective Feelings

    0:57:38 - Squats

    1:04:48 - Injuries

    1:07:41 - Training Volume

    1:13:30 - Refeeds and Diet Breaks

    1:32:32 - Meal Frequency

    1:36:25 - Outro

    SHOW NOTES

    https://biolayne.com/podcasts/dr-layne-norton-podcast/
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 39 mins
  • AMA 04 - Cortisol, Seed Oils, Insulin, Biggest Loser and More

    AMA 04 - Cortisol, Seed Oils, Insulin, Biggest Loser and More
    Apr 27 2026

    In this listener Q&A, Layne dives deep into your most-asked questions on training, nutrition, and practical science. As always, he breaks down the actual research and gives no-BS, evidence-based takeaways you can actually use.

    Topics covered in this episode:

    • Does cortisol cause fat gain? Plus the impact of low-calorie dieting on cortisol

    • Sucralose and gut health – new research on dysbiosis, glucose/insulin levels, and the role of Blautia

    • Do seed oils increase inflammation? Comprehensive look at linoleic acid studies, systematic reviews, and clinical trials

    • Insulin, high-glycemic carbs, and fat storage – what do overfeeding studies actually show?

    • Is “natural” always better? The naturalistic fallacy explained

    • Is resistance training safe and effective for kids? What the science says for youth training

    • Creatine dosing for women vs. men – do women need a different amount?

    • Does cardio interfere with building muscle? Latest meta-analyses on concurrent training

    • Layne’s honest take on The Biggest Loser Netflix documentary

    • And more!

    Whether you’re chasing muscle gains, fat loss, or just cutting through the noise, this episode delivers the science-backed answers.

    SPONSORS

    • REPS - Research Explained in Practical Summaries: https://biolayne.com/reps

    • Workout Builder – Customized training programs for all experience levels: https://biolayne.com/workout-builder

    LAYNE'S COMPANIES

    Carbon Diet Coach: https://joincarbon.com/podcast

    Outwork Nutrition: https://outworknutrition.com

    REPS Research Review: https://biolayne.com/reps

    Workout Builder: https://biolayne.com/workout-builder

    Team Biolayne: https://biolayne.com/online-coaching

    Physique Coaching Academy: https://physiquecoachingacademy.com

    FOLLOW LAYNE

    http://www.facebook.com/laynenorton

    http://www.twitter.com/biolayne

    http://www.instagram.com/biolayne

    TIMESTAMPS

    0:00:00 - Intro

    0:01:08 - Bulking/Cutting vs Recomp?

    0:08:00 - Does Cortisol Cause Fat Gain?

    0:11:51 - REPS Research Review

    0:12:41 - Does Sucralose Harm Your Gut?

    0:15:42 - Do Seed Oils Cause Inflammation?

    0:21:24 - Insulin and Fat Storage?

    0:25:48 - Workout Builder

    0:26:43 - Is Natural Always Better?

    0:31:42 - Can Women Over 60 Grow Their Glutes?

    0:33:31 - Is Resistance Training Healthy for Kids?

    0:35:53 - Dosing Creatine for Women vs Men?

    0:37:00 - Stacy Sims Content?

    0:40:30 - Alcohol and Body Composition?

    0:42:45 - Does Cardio Interfere with Building Muscle?

    0:45:57 - Thoughts on New Biggest Loser Documentary?

    0:54:04 - Outro

    SHOW NOTES

    https://biolayne.com/podcasts/dr-layne-norton-podcast/
    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
  • Blood Flow Restriction Training with Jeremy Loenneke

    Blood Flow Restriction Training with Jeremy Loenneke
    Apr 13 2026

    In this episode, Dr. Layne Norton interviews Professor Jeremy Loenneke — one of the world’s top researchers on blood flow restriction training. They break down how BFR actually works, why metabolite accumulation appears to be the primary driver of its muscle-building effects, practical self-application techniques, and whether expensive cuffs are even necessary.

    Jeremy also shares his latest thinking on the hypertrophy vs. strength relationship, why muscle may be an underrated health marker (just like fat once was), his biggest concerns about the replication crisis in exercise science, and how he responds to critics who call BFR “gimmicky.”

    Whether you’re an athlete chasing gains, a coach, or just training smarter, this is a must-listen deep dive into the science and real-world application of BFR.

    SPONSORS

    • Workout Builder – Customized training programs for all experience levels: https://biolayne.com/workout-builder

    • Team Biolayne – One-On-One Coaching: https://biolayne.com/online-coaching

    LAYNE'S COMPANIES

    Carbon Diet Coach: https://joincarbon.com/podcast

    Outwork Nutrition: https://outworknutrition.com

    REPS Research Review: https://biolayne.com/reps

    Workout Builder: https://biolayne.com/workout-builder

    Team Biolayne: https://biolayne.com/online-coaching

    Physique Coaching Academy: https://physiquecoachingacademy.com

    FOLLOW LAYNE

    http://www.facebook.com/laynenorton

    http://www.twitter.com/biolayne

    http://www.instagram.com/biolayne

    TIMESTAMPS

    0:00:00 - Intro

    0:05:27 - Background on BFR

    0:12:30 - BFR Effects

    0:18:38 - BFR Protocols

    0:23:18 - Workout Builder

    0:24:14 - Preferences = Consistency

    0:28:36 - BFR and Injuries

    0:31:39 - BFR vs Regular Training

    0:41:57 - Mechanisms

    1:04:51 - Team Biolayne

    1:05:43 - Training to Failure

    1:10:50 - Don’t Get Stuck in the Details

    1:16:35 - BFR Safety

    1:20:41 - Recommendations to Start

    1:27:30 - Strength vs Hypertrophy

    1:49:58 - Study Design & Replication

    2:04:14 - Final Question

    2:15:52 - Outro

    SHOW NOTES

    https://biolayne.com/podcasts/dr-layne-norton-podcast/
    Show More Show Less
    2 hrs and 19 mins
  • The Most Overhyped Supplements of All Time

    The Most Overhyped Supplements of All Time
    Mar 30 2026

    It’s here—the last episode of Dr. Layne Norton’s no-nonsense supplement series! In this finale, Layne takes a hard, evidence-based look at some of the most overhyped supplements in fitness and bodybuilding. He cuts through the marketing claims, examines the actual research, and tells you exactly what works, what doesn’t, and who (if anyone) should actually be spending money on these products.

    In this episode, Layne covers:

    • BCAAs – Do they build muscle, boost strength, or speed recovery more than just eating enough total protein?
    • HMB – Why the “like deca” claims from the ’90s never panned out, and what it actually does (and doesn’t) do
    • Glutamine & Arginine – Poor bioavailability, gut-first metabolism, and why they rarely deliver the muscle-building or performance benefits promised
    • Ecdysterone & Turkesterone – The “natural steroid” hype meets high-quality human RCTs
    • Electrolytes – When they actually matter (and when plain water is sufficient)
    • “Better” Creatine forms (CEE, buffered creatine, HCl, etc.) vs. good old Creatine Monohydrate – spoiler: you’re usually just paying 2–4× more for the same (or worse) results

    Layne breaks down the bold claims vs. reality for each supplement, explains what the science shows they actually do in the body, and identifies the very narrow populations who might see real benefit.

    Stop wasting money on supplements that underdeliver. Focus on what actually moves the needle.

    SPONSORS

    • Outwork Nutrition - Evidence-Based Supplements to Support Your Hard Work: https://outworknutrition.com

    • Carbon Diet Coach – 14 day free trial: https://joincarbon.com/podcast

    LAYNE'S COMPANIES

    Carbon Diet Coach: https://joincarbon.com/podcast

    Outwork Nutrition: https://outworknutrition.com

    REPS Research Review: https://biolayne.com/reps

    Workout Builder: https://biolayne.com/workout-builder

    Team Biolayne: https://biolayne.com/online-coaching

    Physique Coaching Academy: https://physiquecoachingacademy.com

    FOLLOW LAYNE

    http://www.facebook.com/laynenorton

    http://www.twitter.com/biolayne

    http://www.instagram.com/biolayne

    TIMESTAMPS

    0:00:00 - Intro

    0:03:10 - BCAAs

    0:11:38 - HMB

    0:19:46 - Glutamine

    0:24:56 - Arginine

    0:31:10 - Ecdysterone and Turkesterone

    0:34:18 - Electrolytes

    0:42:32 - Alternate Forms of Creatine

    0:51:03 - Honorable Mentions

    0:55:42 - Outro

    SHOW NOTES

    https://biolayne.com/podcasts/dr-layne-norton-podcast
    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • Supplement Series: Tier 2

    Supplement Series: Tier 2
    Mar 16 2026
    The Dr. Layne Norton Podcast is back with Part 2 of the highly anticipated Supplement Series! In Episode 23, Layne dives deep into his Tier 2 supplements — the ones with solid (but not quite elite) evidence for supporting strength, power, endurance, recovery, body composition, stress management, sleep, and overall training performance.Building on the Tier 1 foundations from Episode 22 (creatine, whey protein, and caffeine), Layne breaks down the science, mechanisms, optimal dosing, timing, safety profiles, and real-world takeaways for these promising options. No hype, just evidence-based insights to help you decide what's worth adding to your stack.In this episode, Layne covers:Ashwagandha — Boosts strength, lean mass, testosterone, recovery, sleep, and stress management as a powerful adaptogen.Betaine (Trimethylglycine) — Potential improvements in body composition, strength, power output, and recovery.Rhodiola Rosea — Enhances resistance training performance, endurance, VO2 max, fatigue resistance, recovery, and cognition.Citrulline (including Citrulline Malate) — Increases muscular endurance, reps to failure, nitric oxide production, and reduces fatigue.Beta-Alanine — Buffers acidity for better performance in high-intensity efforts (1–10 minutes), more reps in resistance training.Tart Cherry Extract — Reduces DOMS, speeds strength/power recovery, and lowers inflammation/oxidative stress markers.Melatonin — Improves sleep quality (with indirect benefits for body composition and recovery via better rest).Taurine — Supports endurance, acute power/strength, and recovery from muscle damage/DOMS.Carnitine — Aids recovery, reduces soreness, boosts power/volume, and may enhance high-intensity performance.Magnesium — Benefits exercise performance, recovery, and sleep — especially if you're deficient.Layne references key studies, meta-analyses, practical dosing protocols, side effects to watch for, and who might benefit most.Whether you're chasing PRs, better recovery, or optimized health, this episode cuts through the supplement noise with Layne's no-BS, science-first approach.SPONSORS• Outwork Nutrition - Evidence-Based Supplements to Support Your Hard Work: https://outworknutrition.com• David Protein - Buy 4 cartons, get 1 FREE at: https://davidprotein.com/pages/layneLAYNE'S COMPANIESCarbon Diet Coach: https://joincarbon.com/podcastOutwork Nutrition: https://outworknutrition.comREPS Research Review: https://biolayne.com/repsWorkout Builder: https://biolayne.com/workout-builderTeam Biolayne: https://biolayne.com/online-coachingPhysique Coaching Academy: https://physiquecoachingacademy.comFOLLOW LAYNEhttp://www.facebook.com/laynenortonhttp://www.twitter.com/biolaynehttp://www.instagram.com/biolayneTIMESTAMPS0:00:00 - Intro0:04:05 - Conflict of Interest0:05:17 - Ashwagandha0:13:52 - Outwork Nutrition0:15:28 - Betaine0:20:59 - Rhodiola Rosea0:25:04 - Citrulline0:30:46 - David Protein0:32:21 - Beta-Alanine0:37:26 - Tart Cherry0:42:18 - Melatonin0:45:24 - Taurine0:47:24 - L-Carnitine0:51:35 - Magnesium0:54:34 - OutroSHOW NOTEShttps://biolayne.com/podcasts/dr-layne-norton-podcast/
    Show More Show Less
    56 mins
  • Supplement Series: Tier 1

    Supplement Series: Tier 1
    Mar 2 2026
    The Dr. Layne Norton Podcast is back with the start of a brand-new Supplement Series! In Episode 22, Layne kicks things off by diving deep into his Tier 1 supplements — the ones with the strongest scientific evidence for real-world benefits in performance, body composition, strength, recovery, and even cognition.This episode covers the true MVPs that Layne considers essential (or close to it) for most people training hard:Creatine Monohydrate — Why it's called the most effective ergogenic aid ever, how it boosts lean mass, strength, repeated sprint/power performance, and even helps cognition (especially under stress like sleep deprivation). We bust myths about kidneys, water retention, and non-responders, plus practical dosing (5 g/day, loading optional).Whey Protein — The gold-standard for hitting leucine thresholds and maximizing muscle protein synthesis. How it supports lean mass gains, preserves muscle in a deficit, improves recovery and training volume over time — and why total daily protein matters way more than perfect timing.Caffeine — One of the most reliable acute performance boosters out there. It cranks up strength, power, endurance, repeated sprints, alertness, and reduces perceived effort — especially when fatigued. We cover optimal dosing (3–6 mg/kg), timing, habituation, sleep trade-offs, and who should be cautious.Layne breaks down the mechanisms, key meta-analyses, practical takeaways, dosing/timing strategies, safety profiles, and who might need to be careful with each one. No hype, no BS — just evidence-based insights to help you cut through the supplement noise.SPONSORS• Outwork Nutrition - Evidence-Based Supplements to Support Your Hard Work: https://outworknutrition.com• Carbon Diet Coach – 14 day free trial: https://joincarbon.com/podcastLAYNE'S COMPANIESCarbon Diet Coach: https://joincarbon.com/podcastOutwork Nutrition: https://outworknutrition.comREPS Research Review: https://biolayne.com/repsWorkout Builder: https://biolayne.com/workout-builderTeam Biolayne: https://biolayne.com/online-coachingPhysique Coaching Academy: https://physiquecoachingacademy.comFOLLOW LAYNEhttp://www.facebook.com/laynenortonhttp://www.twitter.com/biolaynehttp://www.instagram.com/biolayneTIMESTAMPS0:00:00 - Intro0:01:24 - Tier 1 Supplement List0:02:25 - Industry Shenanigans0:04:01 - Tier 1 Criteria0:04:56 - Conflicts of Interest0:09:10 - How Creatine Works0:13:09 - Creatine Physical Benefits0:19:55 - Outwork Nutrition0:21:22 - Creatine Physical Benefits Contd.0:23:48 - Creatine Cognitive Benefits0:27:23 - Creatine Safety0:30:51 - Forms of Creatine0:32:18 - How to Take Creatine0:34:15 - Creatine Non-Responders0:35:19 - Misc Considerations0:36:11 - Whey Protein Quality0:38:04 - Muscle Protein Synthesis0:39:09 - Whey Protein Research0:40:00 - Protein Intake0:42:27 - Protein Health and Safety0:43:16 - Forms of Whey Protein0:47:13 - Whey Protein Dosing0:49:05 - Misc Considerations0:50:42 - Carbon Diet Coach0:51:42 - How Caffeine Works0:53:23 - Research Outcomes0:57:03 - Timing/Dosing0:57:30 - Cognitive Effects0:58:06 - Health Considerations0:58:57 - Training Recommendations1:00:44 - More Dosing1:03:11 - Caffeine + Creatine1:04:18 - Misc Considerations1:05:10 - Closing Thoughts1:06:21 - OutroSHOW NOTEShttps://biolayne.com/podcasts/dr-layne-norton-podcast/supplement-series-tier-1-episode-22
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 7 mins
  • The Science of Muscle Building with James Krieger

    The Science of Muscle Building with James Krieger
    Feb 16 2026

    In this episode, I’m joined by James Krieger, editor of REPS (Research Review for Exercise & Physique Science), to break down what the meta-analyses really say about building muscle.

    We cover:

    • The single most important driver of hypertrophy

    • The dose–response relationship between volume and muscle growth

    • Is there a cap to effective volume?

    • Training to failure: necessary or overrated?

    • Frequency: how often should you train a muscle?

    • Stretch-mediated hypertrophy and long-length partials

    • Why some volume studies appear to “disagree”

    If you’re tired of social media hot takes and want to understand what the totality of evidence actually shows, this episode is for you.

    James and I also discuss how we evaluate research quality and why context matters when interpreting studies, something we do every month inside the issues of REPS, where we break down the latest exercise and physique research so you don’t have to.

    If you want deeper dives into the actual studies discussed in this episode (and many more), check out REPS at https://biolayne.com/reps

    SPONSORS

    • REPS - Research Explained in Practical Summaries: https://biolayne.com/reps

    • Workout Builder – Customized training programs for all experience levels: https://biolayne.com/workout-builder

    LAYNE'S COMPANIES

    Carbon Diet Coach: https://joincarbon.com/podcast

    Outwork Nutrition: https://outworknutrition.com

    REPS Research Review: https://biolayne.com/reps

    Workout Builder: https://biolayne.com/workout-builder

    Team Biolayne: https://biolayne.com/online-coaching

    Physique Coaching Academy: https://physiquecoachingacademy.com

    FOLLOW LAYNE

    http://www.facebook.com/laynenorton

    http://www.twitter.com/biolayne

    http://www.instagram.com/biolayne


    TIMESTAMPS

    0:00:00 - Intro

    0:02:39 - James Background

    0:04:01 - OG Message Boards

    0:06:24 - Who To Listen To

    0:15:01 - REPS

    0:15:53 - Hypertrophy

    0:26:02 - Compound vs Isolation Movements

    0:33:05 - Subjective Feelings on Training

    0:37:50 - Training Flexibility

    0:43:22 - Training Volume

    0:47:05 - Defining Sets

    0:51:59 - Volume Analysis

    1:02:27 - Research Challenges

    1:08:12 - Workout Builder

    1:09:08 - Study Discrepancies

    1:16:55 - High vs Low Volume

    1:22:40 - Time Constraints

    1:25:15 - Volume Cycling

    1:30:11 - Volume Adaptation

    1:34:37 - Range of Motion

    1:44:35 - What Have You Changed Your Mind On

    1:59:36 - Outro


    SHOW NOTES
    Show More Show Less
    2 hrs and 1 min
  • Study Deep Dive: Does Aspartame Increase Insulin?

    Study Deep Dive: Does Aspartame Increase Insulin?
    Feb 2 2026

    In this episode, Layne Norton, PhD, dissects the landmark 2025 systematic review & meta-analysis in Advances in Nutrition: "The Effects of Aspartame on Glucose, Insulin, and Appetite-Regulating Hormone Responses in Humans". (PMID: 40381807)

    This episode is perfect if you've heard claims like "diet soda spikes insulin," "artificial sweeteners cause diabetes," or "aspartame is toxic" — Layne uses this gold-standard review to separate science from fear-mongering.

    If you're into evidence-based nutrition, skeptical of viral health scares, or just want to know if your Diet Coke habit is secretly wrecking your metabolism — this episode has the receipts.

    Subscribe for more deep-dive breakdowns of the latest research, and drop a comment: Do you use aspartame? Has this changed your view?

    SPONSORS

    • Outwork Nutrition - Evidence-Based Supplements to Support Your Hard Work: https://outworknutrition.com

    • David Protein - Buy 4 cartons, get 1 FREE at: https://davidprotein.com/pages/layne

    LAYNE'S COMPANIES

    Carbon Diet Coach: https://joincarbon.com/podcast

    Outwork Nutrition: https://outworknutrition.com

    REPS Research Review: https://biolayne.com/reps

    Workout Builder: https://biolayne.com/workout-builder

    Team Biolayne: https://biolayne.com/online-coaching

    Physique Coaching Academy: https://physiquecoachingacademy.com

    FOLLOW LAYNE

    http://www.facebook.com/laynenorton

    http://www.twitter.com/biolayne

    http://www.instagram.com/biolayne


    TIMESTAMPS

    0:00:00 - Intro

    0:02:53 - What is Aspartame

    0:05:15 - Health Claims

    0:11:26 - How Aspartame is Metabolized

    0:14:15 - HRCTs

    0:15:56 - Outwork Nutrition

    0:18:06 - Study Overview

    0:19:25 - Inclusion Criteria

    0:31:43 - Results

    0:40:38 - David Protein

    0:42:13 - Results Cont.

    0:49:51 - Discussion

    0:58:53 - Conclusion


    SHOW NOTES

    https://biolayne.com/podcasts/dr-layne-norton-podcast/study-deep-dive-does-aspartame-increase-insulin-episode-20
    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 2 mins