Functional Flavor

Episode: Dr. Michelle Davenport on Food Processing, AGEs, and Longevity In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Michelle Davenport — a UCSF- and NYU-trained nutrition scientist, dietitian, and former founder of a digital children’s food company (acquired by Jennifer Garner’s Once Upon A Farm). Today, she teaches on social media how people can take control of metabolic health with water-based cooking methods inspired by her family recipes. We exploreMichelle’s path from PhD nutritionist to startup founder and science communicatorThe role of AGEs in aging and chronic diseaseWhy water-based cooking (soups, stews, steaming) helps preserve nutrients and supports metabolic healthHow cultural foods and family traditions can be a blueprint for longevityHer perspective on content creation, simplifying science, and empowering healthier choicesGuest: Dr. Michelle Davenport

Episode: Are Your Probiotics Actually Doing Anything? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Colleen Cutcliffe, PhD biochemist and CEO of Pendulum, to break down the real science of the microbiome — and why most probiotic supplements fall short. We cover: What the microbiome actually is The difference between probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics Why most probiotics never reach your gut The importance of Akkermansia muciniphila and Clostridium butyricum What causes leaky gut and how to fix it How fiber and polyphenols fuel your microbiome Why your gut impacts blood sugar, cravings, and energy This isn’t surface-level advice. It’s a deep dive into what the science really says — and what most supplement companies won’t tell you. If you’ve ever struggled with digestion, energy crashes, or food sensitivities, this episode is a must-watch. Guest: Dr. Colleen Cutcliffe — Co-Founder and CEO of Pendulum Host: Michael Tchao (@michaeltchao) Subscribe for more science-backed conversations at the intersection of food, health, and function. 🎁 Special Offer: For 20% off Pendulum membership first orders, use code MICHAEL20 👉 Visit PendulumLife.com