More than one in four adults struggle to fall or stay asleep and while prescription sleep aids can help, they often come with side effects like grogginess, confusion, and memory impairment. That’s why researchers are increasingly searching for safer, evidence-based alternatives. In this episode of the Orange Pill Podcast, we dive into a fascinating new triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial published in Food Science & Nutrition that explored a standardized Corn Leaf Extract (CLE) as a natural sleep aid. The results were striking. We also explore one of the most intriguing findings of all: while objective brain data showed clear improvements over placebo, both groups felt their sleep had improved - highlighting the powerful difference between perception and measurable physiology. This episode unpacks what this means for the future of natural sleep solutions and why objective clinical tools matter more than ever.

As dementia rates climb worldwide, projected to reach nearly 153 million cases by 2050, diet has emerged as one of the most important modifiable risk factors. But the science behind “brain food” is far more complex than simply avoiding certain foods or adding others. In this final episode of the year, the Orange Pill Podcast takes a deep dive into three surprising scientific findings that are reshaping how we think about diet and long-term cognitive health. In Episode 77, we explore:• Why the inflammatory potential of your overall diet matters more than individual foods• How a massive 25-year study found high-fat cheese and cream were associated with lower dementia risk• Why “healthy eating” isn’t one-size-fits-all  and how race, genetics, and vascular health change outcomes Drawing from large population studies including the Framingham Heart Study, Malmö Diet and Cancer cohort, and the Chicago Health and Aging Project, this episode challenges simplistic narratives and points toward a more personalized, inflammation-aware approach to brain health. As we wrap up the year, this episode invites a more thoughtful question:What does a truly brain-healthy diet look like for you?

Dietary supplements promise strength, focus, resilience, and disease prevention, but how well do we truly understand their benefits and risks? In Episode 76 of the Orange Pill Podcast, we take a deep dive into one of the most comprehensive investigations of supplement use ever conducted: a Department of Defense–commissioned report by the Institute of Medicine examining dietary supplement use among U.S. military personnel- one of the world’s most physically and mentally stressed populations. This episode unpacks the most important and surprising findings, including: • Why supplements are regulated as foods, not drugs, and what that really means for safety• Why “sold on base” does not mean “military-approved”• The proven benefits and real limitations of caffeine as a performance aid• The striking gap between supplement use and disclosure to healthcare providers• Why more clinical research is urgently needed in high-stress populations like the military We also address common misconceptions about FDA oversight, dietary supplement GMPs, and adverse event reporting, revealing a regulatory framework that is often misunderstood by the public. This episode offers critical insights not just for service members, but for consumers, healthcare providers, regulators, and supplement brands alike.

Weight-loss science is having a renaissance. While today’s blockbuster drugs curb appetite by acting on the brain, a groundbreaking new discovery points to an entirely different frontier - one inside the gut. In Episode 75 of the Orange Pill Podcast, we explore a remarkable molecule produced not by our bodies, but by our gut bacteria. It’s called Desaminotyrosine (DAT), and new research suggests it could help the body burn fat faster, cleaner, and without ever decreasing appetite. This discovery points toward a future where weight management isn't about eating less,  but about helping your gut bacteria work smarter. Listen to Episode 75 to learn how your microbiome could become one of the most powerful tools in metabolic health.

In a world where stress is constant and focus feels fleeting, many people turn to L-theanine, the calming amino acid found in green tea. But new clinical research on a purified form, AlphaWave® L-Theanine, reveals a story far more sophisticated than the usual “relaxation without drowsiness” claim. In Episode 74 of the Orange Pill Podcast, we unpack four surprising scientific discoveries that challenge long-held assumptions about L-theanine and how it affects the brain: 1️⃣ It creates a measurable state of “relaxed wakefulness.”A single dose significantly boosts alpha brainwaves - the same patterns seen in meditation. 2️⃣ It sharpens attention, not just calm.In a 28-day clinical trial, participants taking AlphaWave® improved their cognitive reaction speed faster and more consistently than placebo. 3️⃣ It may improve sleep efficiency, not sleep duration.Surprisingly, participants slept less but maintained strong next-day cognitive performance - suggesting more restorative sleep cycles. 4️⃣ Your mindset matters too.The study also showed that placebo participants reported lower stress, highlighting the powerful interplay between biology and belief. This episode paints a new picture of L-theanine as a cognitive state modulator, not just a calming agent - one that helps the brain filter out stress “noise” while elevating focus, clarity, and restorative rest. 🎧 Tune in to Episode 74 to explore the science behind stress, focus, and the future of nootropics.

The global protein crisis is here and science may have just delivered an unexpected solution: a gene-edited fungus that uses 44% less sugar, grows 88% faster, produces clean, complete protein, and still tastes remarkably like meat. In this episode of the Orange Pill Podcast, we dive into groundbreaking new research on Fusarium venenatum, the same fungus behind mycoprotein, and explore how a precise, “scarless” CRISPR edit is reshaping the sustainability, nutrition, and future potential of alternative proteins. From environmental impact to regulatory acceptance to consumer perception, this episode explores how fungi, and gene-edited foods more broadly, may redefine the future of protein on a warming planet.

The supplement aisle is packed with promises - better sleep, stronger immunity, improved focus - but how much of it is truly backed by science? In this episode of the Orange Pill Podcast, we go beyond the marketing noise to explore five surprising truths decades of research have revealed about dietary supplements. From the downfall of once-hyped herbal remedies to the rise of personalized nutrition and the untapped influence of the gut microbiome, this episode challenges the outdated “one nutrient, one solution” mindset. We uncover:• Why some of the biggest studies on popular herbs failed• Why “one-size-fits-all” nutrition simply doesn’t work• How your gut microbes change how supplements behave• The real story behind industry-funded research• How nutrition science has evolved from deficiency prevention to health optimization This is a must-listen for anyone who wants to make smarter, science-driven choices about their health and understand what’s truly shaping the future of supplements.

Most of us trust that the foods we buy are safe and clearly labeled,  but a new bill in Washington may quietly change the rules. In this episode, we break down the “Better Food Disclosure Act of 2025”, a bill introduced by Senator Roger Marshall that promises to strengthen transparency in the food system. At first glance, it looks like progress. But beneath the surface are four major structural issues that critics warn could actually weaken food safety regulation, not strengthen it. We explore:• How new food chemicals could be approved by default if the FDA runs out of time• Why removing unsafe ingredients may become harder than ever• The massive, unfunded workload the bill hands to an already overextended FDA• How “disclosure” doesn’t necessarily mean public transparency With insights from the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), we uncover why some experts are calling this bill a legislative “lobster trap”- easy for chemicals to enter the food supply, nearly impossible to remove them once inside. Join us for Episode 71 as we unpack the fine print and help you understand what this bill could mean for public health and the future of food safety in the U.S.

That “Clinically Proven” label on your favorite supplement might not mean what you think. In this episode, we peel back the curtain on the world of health product research, where not all studies are created equal. Join us as we explore five surprising truths about how health products are tested, from the misuse of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) to the hidden pitfalls of fully virtual trials. You’ll learn why the FDA is cracking down on vague “quality of life” claims, how some trials rely on predicted margins instead of actual data, and why the future of clinical research lies in hybrid trial design, combining scientific rigor with participant convenience. If you’re a supplement brand, formulator, or regulatory professional, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

The U.S. dietary supplement industry is thriving, but beneath the surface of growth lies a rising wave of class action litigation that’s reshaping how brands think about packaging, marketing, and labeling. In this episode of the Orange Pill Podcast, we uncover three emerging legal trends every supplement company should know: 1️⃣ Slack-fill lawsuits - why “empty space” in your packaging could cost millions.2️⃣ Protein spiking claims - the controversy shaking up the protein powder market.3️⃣ “Made in the USA” pitfalls - how global sourcing could land domestic brands in legal hot water.   Compliance with FDA rules is no longer enough. Learn how to protect your brand reputation and stay ahead of these new legal risks reshaping the supplement industry.

The legalization of cannabis has created a billion-dollar problem that technology is only now catching up to solve: how can we accurately measure impairment, not just use? In this episode of the Orange Pill Podcast, we dive into groundbreaking research featuring the Cognalyzer®- a novel EEG-based device that measures brainwave alterations to detect cannabis impairment directly. Unlike traditional methods such as saliva or blood tests, which can penalize sober individuals long after consumption, this technology focuses on what truly matters: the brain’s current state. This episode challenges assumptions, highlights the science, and explores how objective data can pave the way for smarter regulation and safer consumption.

Aggression, from playground fights to serious violence,  has long challenged families and communities alike. But what if one of the simplest, safest, and most effective tools for reducing aggression has been sitting on our dinner plates all along? In this episode, we explore a groundbreaking new meta-analysis spanning nearly 30 years of research that reveals how omega-3 supplementation, the same fatty acids found in fish oil, can reduce aggression by up to 30%. Join us as we unpack: The evidence behind 29 randomized controlled trials How omega-3 helps regulate both “hot” and “cold” aggression Why experts are calling for its immediate implementation And how this simple nutritional step could transform mental health strategies Tune in to discover how a small dietary change could make a big difference in behavior, brain health, and community well-being.

We all try to eat better,  loading up on antioxidant-rich berries, turmeric, and green veggies,  but here’s the surprising truth: many of those “super-nutrients” never make it past your digestive system. In this episode of the Orange Pill Podcast, we explore how nanotechnology is rewriting the rules of nutrition. From nanoencapsulation that protects fragile compounds like curcumin and quercetin, to upcycling food waste into potent new supplements, science is finally addressing the “bioavailability bottleneck.” But with every breakthrough comes new questions, about safety, regulation, and the fine line between innovation and over-engineering our food. Are we entering an era of “programmed nutrition,” and what will it mean for the future of health and wellness?

Fermented foods like cheese, wine, and cured meats are celebrated for their complex flavors, but they may harbor hidden risks. In this episode of The Orange Pill Podcast, we explore the world of biogenic amines (BAs), naturally occurring compounds that can pose health hazards despite their delicious origins. From the “cheese effect” of tyramine to toxic synergy among multiple amines, we discuss why regulating histamine alone isn’t enough. Learn why food safety experts are calling for clear specifications for biogenic amines in foods and dietary supplements, and how manufacturers can proactively protect consumers.

In Episode 64, we continue to unpack the regulatory evolution of cannabis and cannabidiol (CBD) in Canada (continuation of Episode 44) and what’s next for the industry. From the Cannabis Act to proposed pathways that could finally allow CBD Natural Health Products (NHPs) to be sold without prescriptions, this episode dives deep into how Health Canada’s changing stance could reshape accessibility, innovation, and economic opportunity. 

For most Americans, a government shutdown means furloughs, temporary disruptions that end when funding returns. But October 2025 marks a turning point. The Trump administration’s move to issue Reductions in Force (RIFs) across key agencies like HHS, FDA, and the CDC has transformed a short-term budget standoff into a permanent restructuring of the federal workforce. In this episode, we break down: The difference between a furlough and a RIF, and why it matters now more than ever. The scale of workforce reductions and their ripple effects on public health and food safety. The political and economic motivations behind using the shutdown as a tool to shrink government size. Historical parallels to past administrations and what they reveal about the long-term agenda. Tune in to explore how this unprecedented move could reshape America’s public health infrastructure, and redefine the meaning of “non-essential.”

After nearly three years of uncertainty, the FDA has officially reversed its stance on Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMN), the popular anti-aging compound once banned from supplement shelves. In this episode, we unpack the twists and turns that led to the agency’s dramatic U-turn, the key legal reinterpretation that changed everything, and how relentless industry advocacy forced the FDA’s hand. From Citizen Petitions to regulatory chaos, discover what really happened behind the scenes, and why this win for NMN could foreshadow the next big battle in dietary supplement regulation. Tune in to understand the future of NMN, the gaps still left unaddressed, and what this means for innovation in the supplement industry.

Most diets promise weight loss but leave you battling hunger, losing precious muscle, and facing rebound weight gain. But what if there’s another way? In this episode of the Orange Pill Podcast, we break down a recent clinical trial published in Clinical Nutrition Open Science that tested the Bone Broth Diet (BBD), a mix of intermittent fasting, high-protein/low-carb meals, and collagen-rich bone broth.   The results? Surprisingly powerful: ✅ Fat loss with muscle preservation ✅ Reduced hunger and cravings without sacrificing satisfaction ✅ Improved blood sugar, triglycerides, and waist circumference ✅ Built-in flexibility for long-term success   This isn’t just another diet trend — it’s a new perspective on sustainable weight management.

From sourdough bread to kombucha, fermentation has long been a cornerstone of human diets. But what was once a preservation method is now driving some of the boldest innovations in food science. In this episode, we explore five surprising ways fermentation is transforming the future of food—from unlocking hidden nutrition and reintroducing microbial diversity, to turning food waste into gourmet ingredients, breeding microbes for flavor, and even creating animal products without the animal. Fermentation has evolved from an ancient art into a modern marvel, one that promises healthier, more sustainable, and more exciting food for the future.

From farm to fork, our food supply chain is one of the most complex in the modern world. But while we often imagine technology’s role as simply faster machines or warehouse robots, the true disruption is happening in ways we don’t see. In Episode 59 of the Orange Pill Podcast, we uncover four surprising ways AI and IoT are secretly reshaping the food industry—from collapsing product development timelines and predicting real consumer trends, to making food safety proactive and even delivering unexpected green dividends in logistics. You’ll hear how these “invisible” systems are bringing clarity, foresight, and accountability to the food we eat, and why the biggest changes are still just over the horizon.