UNCONDITIONAL

Ultra-processed foods now make up 55% of the daily calories for the average American. How did this happen and should we be concerned?In this episode of Unconditional with Norbie Schickel, we explore how ultra-processed foods took over the modern diet, why they became so popular, and what their rise may have cost us in terms of obesity, metabolic health, hormones, diabetes, and human vitality.We look at the convenience, taste, low cost, shelf stability, and marketing power that made ultra-processed foods nearly impossible to avoid. We also examine the bigger question: is the modern health crisis really just about calories, willpower, and exercise—or has the food itself fundamentally changed?This episode covers the rise of ultra-processed foods, the NOVA food classification system, Brazil’s role in defining UPFs, Kevin Hall’s groundbreaking research, Dr. Weston A. Price’s work on traditional diets, Nestlé’s floating supermarket in the Amazon, and the global shift away from whole, minimally processed foods.If you care about real food, weight loss, metabolic health, nutrition science, obesity, fitness, hormones, or seek answers to the following questions: 1. What are ultra-processed foods? 2. Are ultra-processed foods unhealthy? 3. Do ultra-processed foods cause weight gain? This episode is for you. Subscribe for more conversations on health, fitness, real food, and building an unconditional life.#UltraProcessedFoods #ProcessedFood #MetabolicHealth #FitnessPodcast #HealthPodcastResources Discussedhttps://a.co/d/04pDdnA8https://a.co/d/0bQUaXpjhttps://youtu.be/bqc8AgO9L5c?si=pVhHkRRnXgQ--SoJhttps://youtu.be/CH-vQ2t-y2o?si=lBhfAg9Rrdjuk72ehttps://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/fulltext/S1550-4131%2825%2900360-2?utm_source=chatgpt.comhttps://www.cell.com/cell-metabolism/fulltext/S1550-4131%2825%2900360-2?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Dr. Weston A Price's Nutrition & Physical Degeneration is the most important book ever written on human health and nutrition. Full stop. But how many of the foods and ideas commonly associated with Dr. Price  actually appear in the book or in the traditional populations he studied? The answer may surprise you. Whether you love Price's work, hate it, or have never heard the name... this episode of Unconditional with Norbie Schickel is for you. 00:00 What Everyone Gets Wrong About Weston A Price05:57 Unique Time, Unique Place & Unique Person08:53 The War With Iran10:34 Many Foods Commonly Associated With Dr. Weston A Price Are Wrong19:55 Intervention Diet Was Not Designed To Be Optimal29:10 Dr. Weston A Price Would Have Been Pescatarian 33:50 Weston A Price Did NOT Debunk Plant Based Diets39:08 Dr. Weston A Price - Alcohol, Prohibition & the 1930sLink DiscussedDr. Weston A Price - Part 1 | Apple | Spotify Dr. Weston A Price - Part 2 | Apple | Spotify#ancestraldiet #ancestralnutrition #westonprice #realfoods

Who burns more calories in a day: a sedentary office worker in an average American city, or a highly active African hunter-gatherer who walks 7 miles a day foraging and tracking game?The answer seems obvious, but science tells a completely different—and shocking—story.Welcome back to another mind-blowing episode of Unconditional with Norbie Schickel. This week, we are diving deep into the fascinating phenomenon known as The Exercise Paradox. When researchers compared the daily energy expenditure of these two vastly different groups, they found that they consumed and burned almost exactly the same amount of calories.But what does this mean for you? If exercise doesn't significantly increase our daily calorie burn, is it actually useless for weight loss? Have our fundamental beliefs about metabolism, fitness, and calories been completely turned upside down?In this episode, we explore:The Hunter-Gatherer vs. Office Worker Study: Breaking down the shocking scientific observations that defy common sense.The Truth About Calorie Burn: Why highly active lifestyles don't necessarily equate to higher daily energy expenditure.Exercise and Weight Loss: Unpacking the claim that working out builds muscle and reduces stress, but might not actually help you lose weight.The Consumption Equation: Are our issues with weight management primarily on the consumption side rather than the exercise side?Rethinking Calories: Why we may need to question our most basic ideas regarding human metabolism and energy.Whether you are a fitness enthusiast, someone trying to lose weight, or just curious about human biology, this episode will completely change the way you look at your next workout.Listen now to uncover the truth behind the Exercise Paradox.Links To Sources DiscussedThe Energy Paradox - Scientific American Hunter-Gatherer Energetics and Human Obesity Keywords Exercise paradox, calorie burn, weight loss myths, metabolism, hunter-gatherer vs sedentary, does exercise burn calories, fitness science, energy expenditure, Unconditional Podcast, Norbie Schickel, health and wellness.

The average American gets over 55% of their calories from ultra-processed foods… and for years, many have suspected this plays a major role in weight gain and metabolic dysfunction.But here’s the shocking part…The first randomized controlled trial to actually test this didn’t happen until 2019.Led by top NIH researcher Kevin Hall, the study compared ultra-processed vs. unprocessed diets—matched for calories, protein, fat, sugar, and fiber.Same macros. Same calories.And yet…Participants gained weight on the ultra-processed diet …and lost weight on the unprocessed dietSo what’s really going on?In this episode, we break down: What the study actually proves (and what it doesn’t)  Why participants eating ultra-processed foods consumed ~500 more calories per day  The overlooked role of hunger hormones like ghrelin and PYY  Why this study doesn’t fully settle the “calories in vs. calories out” debate  And the one insight almost no one is talking about We also explore the real-world implications—cost, convenience, and why ultra-processed foods dominate modern diets.If you care about fat loss, metabolic health, or the future of nutrition science… this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.#UltraProcessedFoods #MetabolicHealth #WeightLoss

Is staying natural the smarter path to building muscle, improving fitness, and protecting long-term health? In this episode of Unconditional with Norbie Schickel, we break down the rising trend of steroids, SARMs, peptides, and performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs)—and make a powerful, evidence-based case for staying natty.From TikTok fitness influencers to everyday gym-goers, PED use is becoming mainstream—especially among young men chasing faster gains and aesthetic physiques. But what are the real tradeoffs?This episode explores the hidden risks of steroids and PEDs, including:The link between PED use and body dysmorphiaHow drugs may break the connection between fitness and healthWhy natural lifters are more likely to achieve sustainable, aesthetic physiquesThe unknown long-term health risks of modern performance-enhancing compoundsThe influence of social media, looksmaxxing culture, and pharmaceutical incentivesWe also compare classic physiques like Steve Reeves to modern bodybuilding icons, highlighting how training, expectations, and drug use have reshaped the definition of fitness.If you’re considering steroids, TRT, or other enhancements—or simply want to build muscle naturally, safely, and sustainably—this episode is a must-listen.Key Topics: natural bodybuilding, steroids side effects, SARMs risks, TRT, fitness vs health, muscle building, body image, gym culture, longevity, aesthetics, performance enhancement🎧 Tune in and discover why staying natural might be your best move—for your body, your mindset, and your future.#StayNatty #NaturalBodybuilding #FitnessTruth #SteroidFree #PEDsAwareness

Does eating fat actually make you fat? Or has modern nutrition science gotten the story backwards?In this episode of Unconditional, Norbie Schickel explores one of the biggest debates in modern nutrition: low-carb vs. low-fat diets and whether fat loss really comes down to “calories in, calories out.”The episode revisits the rise of the low-carb movement after Gary Taubes’ influential 2002 article, “What If It’s All Been a Big Fat Lie?”, which challenged decades of dietary advice by arguing that carbohydrates and sugar—not dietary fat—may be the real drivers of obesity and metabolic dysfunction.But when proponents of the carbohydrate-insulin model put their theory to the ultimate test in a gold-standard randomized controlled trial conducted by NIH researcher Kevin Hall, the results appeared to contradict the low-carb hypothesis. Headlines quickly declared victory for low-fat diets.Norbie breaks down what the study actually found—and more importantly, how it was designed. From the surprisingly small sample size to the six-day dietary intervention and calculated fat loss measurements, this episode explores the details that rarely make it into headlines.Along the way, the conversation raises a bigger question: How should we interpret nutrition science—and what counts as real evidence when it comes to health and fat loss?If you’re interested in nutrition science, metabolic health, keto and low-carb diets, the food pyramid debate, and the limits of “following the science,” this episode is a fascinating deep dive.CHAPTERS00:00 Intro: Fat vs Carbs & Gold Standard Science06:04 Science & Nutrition - The Stakes & Context06:42 Calories In Calories Out Is At Stake07:50 The Role Of Dietary Fat & Weight Gain is at Stake08:45 The Role of Science in Nutrition is at Stake11:34 Humans Have Historically NOT Relied On Science For Nutrition17:29 Gary Tuabes vs Kevin Hall - The Big Fat Debate27:18 The Actual Study37:46 The Validity of Fat Burn Measurements40:09 Study Design and Its Implications42:22 The Role of Science in Nutrition#metabolichealth #fatloss #ketodiet #lowcarbdiet #weightlossRESOURCES Kevin Hall PaperBBC Article 

What if the last 10 years of your life are nothing like you imagine?In this episode of Unconditional, Norbie reflects on turning 42 (10.5 leap years) and dives deep into longevity, health span, and how to train for what Dr. Peter Attia calls the Marginal Decade — the final decade of your life that you won’t see coming.Inspired by a powerful centenarian quote featured by Business Insider — “If I think old, I’m going to act old” — this episode explores why mindset alone isn’t enough. You have to physically prepare now for the life you want later.Norbie also addresses the recent controversy surrounding Attia’s association with Jeffrey Epstein, and asks: Can powerful ideas stand apart from flawed people?In This Episode:Why modern fitness culture may be drifting away from real healthThe truth about aging vs. inevitable declineThe “Four Horsemen” most likely to break down as you age: Knees. Hips. Back. Shoulders.How to bulletproof your body for independence in your 70s, 80s, and beyondWhy fixing small pains now is critical for long-term vitalityFeaturing practical insights from:Ben Patrick (Knees Over Toes Guy)Dr. Stuart McGillThis isn’t about aesthetics. It’s about building strength, mobility, and resilience for the final decade of your life — whenever it comes.Train for the long game. Your marginal decade is coming.CHAPTERS00:00 Training For Longevity05:10 The Disgraced Dr. Peter Attia12:02 The Marginal Decade18:30 The Four Horseman Of The Aging Apocalypse23:05 Bulletproofing Knees For Longevity34:20 Bulletproofing Hips For Longevity41:56 Bulletproofing The Back For Longevity42:11 Back Pain Insights From Dr. Stuart McGill48:31 Bulletproofing Shoulders For Longevity52:17 Building a Marginal Decade for LongevityAI OVERVIEWNorbie Schickel explores the concept of longevity, health span, and the importance of training for the 'marginal decade' of life. Drawing on insights from Dr. Peter Attia, Ben Patrick and Dr. Stuart McGill and personal experiences, he emphasizes the significance of maintaining key body systems—knees, hips, back, and shoulders—to ensure vitality and independence in later years.keywordslongevity, health span, marginal decade, aging, fitness, knee health, hip mobility, back pain, shoulder strength#longevity #heathspan #fitover40

We’ve never had more gyms, trainers, or fitness advice—so why are more people overweight than ever? What if the modern fitness gym, and an industry shaped by bodybuilding is actually keeping you from building the lean, ripped and athletic body that you are going for?In this episode of Unconditional with Norbie Schickel, we break down how to build a lean, muscular, athletic physique without relying on expensive gyms, complicated machines, or bodybuilding-style “bro splits.” After personally losing nearly 50 pounds while leaving traditional gym training behind, Norbie explores the simple, brutally effective training methods that transformed his body, energy, and performance.You’ll discover how bodyweight training, resistance bands, and kettlebells can deliver powerful results—helping you burn fat, build muscle, improve mobility, and increase endurance from home or anywhere. We also dive into the hidden influence of bodybuilding on modern fitness, the benefits of HIIT training, and why consistency—not complexity—is the real key to getting ripped and staying healthy long term.Whether your goal is fat loss, muscle gain, functional strength, or longevity, this episode provides practical insights and minimalist tools to help you reclaim your health and build your strongest body—without the gym.Topics covered:• How to build muscle and lose fat without a gym• Bodyweight workouts for strength and fat loss• Resistance bands for progressive overload and mobility• Kettlebell training for power, endurance, and aesthetics• Why HIIT training is so effective for recomposition• Escaping bodybuilding-style training that doesn’t fit your goals• Simple, low-cost tools for lifelong fitness and healthPerfect for listeners interested in: home workouts, kettlebell training, resistance band workouts, calisthenics, HIIT, fat loss, muscle building, functional fitness, longevity, and minimalist fitness.Chapters00:00 Modern Fitness Has Led Us Astray05:59 The Why For This Episode06:27 The Influence of Bodybuilding on Fitness10:07 Bodybuilding Is A Poor Match For Many People20:02 Beyond Bodybuilding: Bands, Bells & Bodyweight Training20:36 Bodyweight Training22:56 The Single Greatest Bodyweight Movement?33:00 Bodyweight Exercises and Variations36:36 Training With Bands42:31 Training With Kettlebells43:01 Kettlebell Movements and Techniques55:41 Kettlebell Movements for Longevity59:08 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsResources ReferencedKettlebell Sport Vs. Hardstyle Anthem AthleticsPavel TsatsoulineCoach Dan JohnnAder Kettlebells (No Affiliation) #fatloss #minimalistworkout #kettlebells #functionaltraining #hiit

The average American consumes about 17 teaspoons of added sugar per day. It’s in candy and soda, sure… but also pasta sauce, ketchup, and nearly everything processed. At a time when over 70% of adults are overweight or obese—and rates of depression and metabolic disfunction are climbing—it’s worth asking:Is sugar at the root of the problem?In this episode of Unconditional with Norbie Schickel, I share my personal story of how sugar—despite being lean and in shape—was destabilizing my mood, affecting my marriage, and turning me into someone I didn’t like.We discuss:Metabolic dysfunction, obesity, and insulin resistanceThe emerging world of metabolic psychiatrySugar, cancer, and why artificial sweeteners may not be the answerWhy willpower is a bad betWhy most substitution strategies failThe two practical shifts that finally helped me break the habitAnd for the parents out there… how I approach sugar with my own kids.No shame. No moralizing. Just effective vs. ineffective—and how to reclaim your health in a world where sugar is everywhere.If sugar has its hooks in you… there’s a way out.CHAPTERS00:00 The Sugar Epidemic10:24  Stakes in Context: The Why Behind Sugar's Impact 10:47 The Link Between Sugar, Obesity & Metabolic Health13:41 Metabolic Psychiatry - The Link Between Sugar & Mental Health18:32 Sugar, Cancer, and Artificial Sweeteners23:02 How I Realized Sugar Was Destroying My Life25:42 Sugar Was Hurting My Brain26:52 Breaking Free: The How of Cutting Sugar27:30 #1 Break The Habit - Substitution With A Twist29:00 Why Substitution Typically Fails 35:31 #2 - Eat More Food - Real Protein, Fats & Fiber35:50 Are Sugar Cravings A Signal For Protein40:15 Navigating Sugar in Daily Life44:05 Teaching Kids About Sugar and Self-ControlAI OVERVIEWIn this episode, Norbie Schickel discusses the pervasive presence of sugar in the American diet, its health implications, and its connection to mental health. He shares personal experiences with sugar addiction and offers strategies for breaking the habit. The conversation also touches on the importance of educating future generations about sugar consumption and making healthier choices.#sugarfree #metabolichealth #mentalhealth

Are young men destroying their hormones to win at Tinder?In 2014, Jeremy Meeks’ mugshot went viral — not because of his crime, but because of his looks. Within months of leaving prison, he was modeling for major fashion brands. A redemption story? Maybe. Or maybe something else.In this episode of Unconditional, Norbie Schickel dives deep into the controversial rise of “looksmaxxing” — a growing movement of young men using everything from fitness and jaw exercises to Botox, testosterone, fillers, anabolic steroids, and even extreme cosmetic surgery to increase their “sexual market value.”Is this rational self-improvement in the age of dating apps? Or are we watching a generation gamble its health in response to distorted online incentives?In this conversation, we discuss:The data behind dating apps and match inequalityWhy the top 10% of male profiles may receive the majority of matchesThe psychology and biology of attractivenessSoft maxing vs. hard maxingTestosterone use in teens and young menThe risks of pharmaceutical “optimization”Social media’s impact on male mental healthPromiscuity, hypergamy, and the future of relationshipsWhether young men are responding logically… or destructivelyThis isn’t mockery. And it isn’t moral panic. It’s an honest engagement with an uncomfortable question:If the system feels rigged, how far should you go to change your odds?For young men navigating modern dating, parents raising sons and daughters, or anyone curious about the intersection of fitness, masculinity, social media, and culture — this is a conversation you can’t ignore.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction -  Looksmaxxing: Logic or Lunacy?05:27 What The Hell Is Lookmaxxing?09:58 The Why. The Case For Looksmaxxing17:23 Soft-Maxxing vs Hard-Maxxing18:49 What Is Bonesmashing?19:30 Looks Are Not Just For Romance 20:33 Modern Dating Apps Are Rigged Against Average Men21:44 The Twin Forces of Hypergamy & Promiscuity22:50 Marriage Has Historically Been A Stabilizing Force For Young Men26:25 The Health Implications of Lookmaxxing30:04 Natural Testosterone And Synthetic Testosterone Aren't The Same33:55 Is Faster Attainment Better?37:00 Pharmaceuticals, Drugs & Looksmaxxing44:27 If The Game Is Rigged, Choose Another Game46:44 Men Massively Outnumber Women On Some Dating AppsAI SummaryIn this conversation, Norbie Schickel explores the themes of physical attractiveness, the phenomenon of looks maxing, and its implications on dating and societal dynamics. He discusses how societal standards of beauty influence personal choices and the rise of pharmaceuticals and cosmetic procedures in the pursuit of attractiveness. The conversation also delves into the skewed dynamics of online dating, the societal implications of attractiveness, and the importance of health and fitness in achieving personal goals.#looksmaxxing #testosterone #menshealthIncrease Testosterone Naturally | 950 Over Age 40 - Without Drugs or TRT | Ep 19Adventure Is the Answer: Freedom & Balance in a World of Screens | Ep 18Smartphones, Social Media & The Anxious Generation | Ep 17