Fitness Confidential With Vinnie Tortorich

Episode 2706 - Vinnie Tortorich and Anna Vocino discuss the recent documentary about the "Liver King," and how it is "ick on the highest level." https://vinnietortorich.com/2025/10/ick-on-the-highest-level-epsiode-2706 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS YOU CAN WATCH ALL THE PODCAST EPISODES ON YOUTUBE - Ick On The Highest Level Anna and Vinnie recently watched the documentary about the "Liver King," whose real name is Brian Michael Johnson. Vinnie identified Liver King as a steroid user early on. Anna didn’t pay much attention to the Liver King before. (4:00) The documentary revealed egregious lies and unsafe practices. Dessicated liver supplements can be great for you if you choose not to eat liver. But just like many other supplements, there are good brands and bad brands. (6:15) Anna created a list of takeaways from the documentary. The documentary is called “Untold: The Liver King” and is currently available on Netflix. (8:15) What you see is not what you get. Vinnie and Anna call out what d

Episode 2705 - Vinnie Tortorich and Chris Shaffer welcome call-in guests to discuss motivation, snacking, and to get the help you need to hit your goals. https://vinnietortorich.com/2025/10/get-the-help-episode-2705 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS   YOU CAN WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE - Get the Help Motivation and hitting the ground running are important. (2:30) Vinnie shares his Porsche story; it helped him decipher what he really wanted. (5:30) He discussed how he finds help to improve his goals. Get the help you need! (13:00) Shelli is the first guest. (14:00) She heard Vinnie on Mike Rowe; however, her motivation kicked in after several family members died of heart disease. Luckily, her daughter has learned a good, healthy lifestyle. You don’t have anything if you don’t have your health! (23:00) Maria is the second guest to join the call. (33:00) She’s changed her habit just through listening to Vinnie. She’s never had a weight issue, but she feels better overall. Rand is the next guest.

Episode 2704 - Vinnie Tortorich and Chris Shaffer discuss coffee culture, the decline of keto, and its popularity, climate concerns, and more. https://vinnietortorich.com/2025/09/the-decline-of-keto-episode-2704 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS   YOU CAN WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE - The Decline of Keto Vinnie shares how he came up with his French Roast. (2:00) Chris was never part of the coffee shop culture. They discuss a recent discussion on X about coffee: It’s heart-healthy! There have been other things that have been demonized, like meat; however, it’s often based on conclusions from poor epidemiological studies. (12:15) Epidemiological studies can be unreliable, and data can be manipulated. (16:00) Nina Teicholz uncovered information in her research that exemplifies this in her book Big Fat Surprise, which is available in Vinnie’s Book Club. (17:00) A small German study reports that the keto diet can help mental health. (18:00) Dr. Chris Palmer and Dr. Georgia Ede have both studied dietary l

Episode 2703 - Vinnie Tortorich and Anna Vocino provide a refresh for your NSNG® 101 knowledge as we enter the start of "Sugar Season." https://vinnietortorich.com/2025/09/the-start-of-sugar-season-episode-2703 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS YOU CAN WATCH ALL THE PODCAST EPISODES ON YOUTUBE - The Start of Sugar Season Labor Day (in the United States) recently happened. (3:00) The challenge is to celebrate but to get back on track. And it’s “Pumpkin Spice” season—the “Jaws of the Fall.” (8:00) Football season and Halloween also add to the challenge. But Anna has your back on the football food! Go to her Substack blog and find a ton of dip recipes! Get Vinnie’s e-book to get started with NSNG®! (28:00) It’s always a great time to review the information in it! NSNG® stands for No Sugars, No Grains—the rule is simple, and you can lose weight if you follow it. Vinnie explains how carbs and fats work in your body. (32:00) ONE OF Vinnie's favorite books by Gary Taubes, Why We Get Fat and What to Do

Episode 2702 - Vinnie Tortorich and Dr. Lisa Strohman discuss what is happening to us as a society because of social platforms, information silos, and more. https://vinnietortorich.com/2025/09/what-is-happening-to-us-dr-lisa-strohman-episode-2702 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS   YOU CAN WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE - What Is Happening To Us There is intense conversation in this episode, and it is not intended for children. Listener discretion is advised. Dr. Lisa Strohman is an attorney, a clinical psychologist, and the founder of Digital Citizen Academy. Trying not to get political, but this discussion addresses mental health issues, particularly around shootings. (3:00) We are at a place where we do not accept ideological differences—why is this? (7:00) Social media platforms are a big influence. They discuss some of the details regarding the Charlie Kirk shooting; some of the references have to do with gaming. (11:00) The current tech climate allows for a huge expansion of communication and infl

Episode 2702 - Vinnie Tortorich and Chris Shaffer welcome call-in guests to discuss overeating healthy food, fat as fuel, sleep apnea, and muscle is king. https://vinnietortorich.com/2025/09/muscle-is-king-episode-2702 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS   YOU CAN WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE - Muscle Is King Vinnie has issues with snakes. (3:00) Jim is the first call-in guest, who discovered Vinnie’s podcast through Mike Rowe. (5:30) There is such a thing as overeating even of healthy foods. Vinnie shares an example of how even NSNG-friendly foods can sneak in too often. Jim asks about balancing fats and proteins. (19:00) Everyone in diet culture wants rigid, perfect ratios, but just find a good average that works for you. (20:15) Anna is the next guest and shares how she started NSNG®. (26:30) She has come a long way and is now running ultramarathons. She has also changed her life in other areas that have helped, including reducing alcohol. There are still ultrarunners who load up with high-carb gels

Episode 2701 - Vinnie Tortorich and Chris Shaffer discuss tobacco, rebranding "active recovery", and share another good reason to exercise. https://vinnietortorich.com/2025/09/another-good-reason-to-exercise-episode-2701 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS   YOU CAN WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE - Another Good Reason to Exercise Smoking, second-hand smoking, and chewing tobacco. (3:00) Zone Zero refers to low-impact exercises, such as yoga and other gentler activities. (23:00) Even housework is good movement. However, to gain muscle, you need to be doing regular strength training. If your job requires loading and moving heavy objects (like farm work), that is often sufficient. They discuss what is meant by “active recovery.” (28:30) The belief that “more is better” is not necessary. You can get in a solid workout with fewer sets. (31:00) They discuss an article that reports how exercise can reverse cancer cells. (35:00) HIIT training seems to help. Chris delineates how the studies were done. The level o

Episode 2700 - Vinnie Tortorich and Anna Vocino discuss reversing symptoms of disease. Anna is cooking and reminds you, "Don't miss it, Make it!" https://vinnietortorich.com/2025/09/dont-miss-it-make-it-episode-2700 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS YOU CAN WATCH ALL THE PODCAST EPISODES ON YOUTUBE - Don't Miss It, Make it! Anna’s going to be cooking NSNG®-friendly chicken parmesan in this episode and and you can view YouTube She is also making her Marinated Chicken Thighs and a Cheesy Broccoli side dish! Anna's recipes are available in her cookbooks, which are available on Amazon, as well as her Substack (blog). You don't have to miss your favorite foods. So don't miss it, make it! Vinnie just had a consultation with a caller who told him why she decided to try Vinnie’s advice. (3:00) Many people are surprised by how much better they feel once the inflammation has subsided. For example, following NSNG® can often help alleviate heartburn, and foods like tomatoes can be reintroduced. (5:00) Anna is

Episode 2699 - Vinnie Tortorich and Chris Shaffer welcome call-in guests to discuss improved health, gaining muscle, and no more roller coaster diets. https://vinnietortorich.com/2025/09/no-more-roller-coaster-diets-episode-2699 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS   YOU CAN WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE - No More Roller Coaster Diets Lori is the first guest. (2:00) Can’t anyone get a coffee around here? (3:00) Lori has been getting certified in functional nutrition. (9:00) Her focus is on women aged 50 and older. They discuss various diet influencers from decades past, such as Susan Powter. She shares some of her health backstory and about yo-yo dieting. (15:00) She has lost weight, is on no medications, and feels better at 62 than she did at 35. (20:00) Mike and Rebecca are up next. (30:00) They discovered Vinnie through Mike Rowe. Rebecca started before Mike, but they are both NSNG®. Mike wants to know how to gain weight (in muscle). (33:00) The only way to put on lean muscle mass is to lift he

Episode 2698 - Vinnie Tortorich and Chris Shaffer discuss mixed messages in nutrition, MAHA, and the need to stop the insanity. https://vinnietortorich.com/2025/09/stop-the-insanity-episode-2698 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS   YOU CAN WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE - Stop the Insanity Chris and Vinnie strategize on how to get more followers using AI. (2:00) They discuss Catholic school sex ed from when Vinnie was in school. (10:00) Using this as an example of contradictory messaging and hypocrisy. Mixed messages are the reasons behind many of the issues in the health of society today. (16:00) There are claims that obesity isn’t related to personal choice. (17:30) Disadvantaged communities struggle since so many processed foods are cheap, and that can be true. (18:00) The other claim has to do with poor gut health, which Vinnie doesn’t believe. (18:30) Vinnie believes it has to do with misinformation and following the federal dietary guidelines. MAHA appears to be divisive for various reasons.

Episode 2697 - Vinnie Tortorich and Anna Vocino discuss health concerns, remapping the taste buds, and grocery store challenges and reviews. https://vinnietortorich.com/2025/09/remapping-the-taste-buds-episode-2697 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS YOU CAN WATCH ALL THE PODCAST EPISODES ON YOUTUBE - Remapping the Taste Buds Vinnie and Anna have been doing the Fitness Confidential podcast for 14 years! (2:30) They’re considering doing a call-in show with both Anna and Vinnie. Vinnie mentioned a caller he had recently spoken to, named Scott. Scott, his wife, and son have lost a combined 500 pounds so far! (7:00) He summarized the issue Scott had with a false report on him to the authorities. A long-distance relative thought there was abuse happening because they were following a “crazy diet.” Testosterone replacement therapy and the concerns Vinnie has with it. (14:30) The right foods, proper rest, weight training, and other natural alternatives can help with hormonal function. (16:00) Vinnie is no

Episode 2696 - Vinnie Tortorich and Chris Shaffer host a call-in show with a discussion around combating aging, managing Type 1 diabetes, and more. https://vinnietortorich.com/2025/09/managing-type-1-diabetes-episode-2696 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS   YOU CAN WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE - Managing Type 1 Diabetes Vinnie has been a lifelong athlete and has some aches and pains. (2:30) Vic is the first call-in guest. (9:00) They chat about being neighbors in New Orleans. Vic has been NSNG® for a while and is close to his goal. (14:00) He asks Vinnie about stretching and flexibility. Vinnie understands the benefits of fasting, but his concern is that it should be done healthily so it doesn’t become disordered eating. (22:00) Mike is the next guest and shares his background, including his experience with Type 1 diabetes. (27:00) He was following the suggested protocol from nutritionists, but was gaining weight. He went full-on NSNG® and lost 60 pounds in approximately three months. They discuss

Episode 2695 - Vinnie Tortorich and Chris Shaffer discuss a listener's bizarre health report, how labeling lies matter, and not limiting your goals. https://vinnietortorich.com/2025/09/labeling-lies-matter-episode-2695 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS   YOU CAN WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE - Labeling Lies Matter Scott, a listener, was in horrible shape, but a family member called CPS services because they were worried for his well-being. (2:00) They thought he was going through a mental health challenge because he was eating healthfully and trying to become active. Protective Services observed him for 3 months to ensure nothing was wrong. But now, the family is on board. (7:00) The ridiculous viewpoint appears to be that a person must be mentally unstable for trying to eat low-carb and for eating more healthfully. (11:00) Vinnie’s “Dirty Keto” documentary was prophetic. Companies had started marketing products labeled “keto” that were still junk. (17:00) Lawsuits are popping up based on claims made

Episode 2694 - Vinnie Tortorich and Anna Vocino share "bodyweight exercises 101" for beginners, plus discuss how to give advice in social media forums. https://vinnietortorich.com/2025/09/bodyweight-exerc…101-episode-2694/ PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS YOU CAN WATCH ALL THE PODCAST EPISODES ON YOUTUBE - Bodyweight Exercises 101 Anna and her husband, Loren, do a comedy act together—make it a point to see it, if possible. (2:00) The topic today is bodyweight exercises. (3:00) There are great resources on the internet, like Jerry Tiexiera. Dr. Ben Bocchicchio is great at doing sets to failure and body weight. Vinnie gives a list of bodyweight exercises and ways to get started with them. (8:00) Some of the exercises may be better viewed on YouTube. Squats, lunges, Bulgarian split squat, glute bridge Remember the phrase “slow is smooth, smooth is fast.” Slowing down and doing the moves thoughtfully will help you see results faster. (19:50) Vinnie discusses variations in push-ups and pull-ups, especi

Episode 2693 - Vinnie Tortorich and Chris Shaffer host a call-in show with a discussion around school lunches, salt intake, leg strength, and more. https://vinnietortorich.com/2025/09/lunches-and-leg-strength-episode-2693 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS   YOU CAN WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE - Lunches and Leg Strength Today’s episode is a Call-in show, but first, Vinnie addresses the recent tragic shooting at a Catholic parish in Minnesota. Listener discretion is advised if you have children present. (2:00) PSA: If you feel like you are depressed or are struggling, please reach out to get professional help!(3:00) The first guest is Ty. (5:00) Vinnie and Ty chat about video gaming and getting into fitness. (8:00) Ty has also been a fitness trainer as well. He works in a school, and he and Vinnie discuss school lunches. (16:00) The contents are typically high in grains and starches. Make your kid’s lunch a priority and send them to school with a homemade lunch; better yet, have them learn to make th

Episode 2692 - Vinnie Tortorich and Chris Shaffer discuss news on GLP-1 use and blindness, health with GenZ, and leaving the world better than we found it. https://vinnietortorich.com/2025/09/better-than-we-found-it-episode-2692 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS   YOU CAN WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE - Better Than We Found It Discussion about aging, or rather *not* aging, and some of the trends that have happened. (3:00) Is Ozempic (or other semaglutides) affecting vision? (12:30) There is a specific eye condition (called NAION) that can be aggravated by semiglutides and cause permanent blindness. It is still being studied; however, people who are obese or have diabetes are at a higher risk of GLP-1s. Just be aware: if you are on a GLP-1 and have any changes in your vision, consult your doctor right away. Drugs such as these should be considered a last resort, not a first resort, and the side effects are why.(22:00) There is some good news that Gen Z is pushing back against processed foods and fake me

Episode 2691- Vinnie Tortorich and Anna Vocino discuss the docuseries "Fit for TV" and its behind-the-scenes revelations and exploitations. https://vinnietortorich.com/2025/09/revelations-and-exploitations-episode-2691 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS YOU CAN WATCH ALL THE PODCAST EPISODES ON YOUTUBE - Revelations and Exploitations After a chat about hand modeling and voiceover actors, they discuss the Netflix docuseries “Fit for TV.” (2:00) The Biggest Loser, when originally aired, was exploitive. (8:30) The contestants weren’t paid very well, and the trainers were questionable. The episodes were grueling to watch because of the treatment of the contestants. (16:00) They discuss some of the tactics the show used to get contestants. Contracts were complicated and presented in a manner that rushed contestants into signing. (18:00) They’d sign away their image rights, and the production company would own it. Vinnie shares his experience with the show’s doctor (in a separate incident). After having V

Episode 2690 - Vinnie Tortorich welcomes guest Tim Mallien for an update, discusses struggling with consistency, then having an epiphany, and more. https://vinnietortorich.com/2025/08/having-an-epiphany-tim-mallien-episode-2690 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS YOU CAN WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE - Having An Epiphany Tim shares the background of his health journey. (4:00) The mind can play tricks on you, and you don’t always realize how the weight creeps up. He tried several ways of losing weight, and had some success, but the weight would always return. He enjoyed running; however, he hit a point where he could no longer do it due to damage to his hip. Finally, he got a hip replacement, but was told he wouldn’t run again. (23:00) Tim went into a deep depression and felt like a shell of himself. Stress from work took a toll, and he started gaining weight again. (32:00) He made changes and described having an epiphany of how he could move forward. Tim has lost 115 pounds since starting again, and his

Episode 2689 - Vinnie Tortorich and Chris Shaffer discuss how things are moving in a better direction with Gen Z, animal protein, the reduction of alcohol use, and more. https://vinnietortorich.com/2025/08/moving-in-a-better-direction-episode-2689 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS   YOU CAN WATCH THIS EPISODE ON YOUTUBE - Moving In A Better Direction Gen Z appears to be the generation that is pushing back against fake meat. (4:00) Many vegan restaurants are adding back meat; the demand for meat is still there. The theories are widespread; however, it all boils down to wanting both real animal protein and fruits and veggies. (13:00) Vinnie has nothing against vegans; he is simply for better health, which includes various animal proteins. There is a “reverse-engineered” process to make cheese. A genetically modified strain of E. coli is used to produce casein from scratch, enabling the creation of vegan cheese. (27:00) Blue Zones are areas that predominantly eat fresh, whole foods—yes, even meat; however

Episode 2688 - Vinnie Tortorich and Anna Vocino motivate and challenge you to always be learning, ramp up your goals, and look at the long game. https://vinnietortorich.com/2025/08/always-be-learning-episode-2688 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS YOU CAN WATCH ALL THE PODCAST EPISODES ON YOUTUBE - Always Be Learning The history behind the phrase “Life into living and do it with enthusiasm.” (2:00) Vinnie shares how he got interested in cycling. (7:15) Goals are goals—set your mind to it. It doesn’t apply to just losing weight—always be learning and challenging yourself! (16:00) Nothing gets done without starting on Day 1. (16:45) You don’t know what you can do until you try! Things people say to you can often stick with you for life. (21:30) Anna shares some of her motivated moments with mentors. They discuss the importance of delayed gratification and the value of putting in the hours. (27:00) Eat Happy Kitchen is for everyone, and several of the sauces are vegan. (46:30) Anna’s sauces are in several