#16 Michael Jay Palser: What's a Human Hybrid?

#19 Paul Abbott & Michael Lombard: Self-Currency

Paul Abbott is 60, raised on the move. His father’s career relocated the family every three years or so through Paul’s childhood. He attended Washington and Lee, started his career at Milliken & Company working night shifts in textile plants in the South, eventually built a “rollercoaster ride” of a career across real estate and finance. Today he’s based in Austin, and calls this stage of his life “Act Three.” He’s been married to his wife Lynn for thirty-nine years. People call him Chief. Michael Lombard, 36, is the great-great-grandson of Nicholas Lombard, who with his brother started Lombard Bros. in Waterbury, Connecticut, in 1923. It was one of the first motor carriers in the United States, and one of the largest in the Northeast before it was sold in 1984. Mike served in the United States Marines as a Fire Direction Controlman in the artillery, deployed to Afghanistan from 2010 to 2011. After the Marines he attended the University of New Haven on the GI Bill. In 2020, he moved to Texas with his wife, got his CDL, and became the first Lombard to drive a truck since the company sold. Today he is Partner Development Manager at Truck Parking Club, hosts The Lombard Trucking Show podcast, advocates for trucker health through the nonprofit Project 61, and has completed three Ironmans. He’s also seriously into history, especially Napoleon. We had no shared agenda going in. What emerged over two and a half hours was a conversation about identity and the cost of refusing the boxes you’ve been put in. Mike talks about losing a hundred pounds, the death of a fellow Marine that triggered it, and what it’s like to carry a family name that built and lost an empire. Paul talks about a nomadic childhood, the identity crisis he says he’s been in his whole life, and the framework that’s helped him navigate it — “you are the currency”: the idea that who you are is the thing you actually bring to a room, not the title, the résumé, or the credentials. Paul Abbott Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chief_abbott [https://www.instagram.com/chief_abbott] Michael Lombard Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lombardtrucking [https://www.instagram.com/lombardtrucking] The Lombard Trucking Show: Companion Substack Piece: https://mitchellpenningroth.substack.com/publish/post/198163382 Note: My first multi-guest episode in-person. Production quality is still a work in progress here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mitchellpenningroth.substack.com [https://mitchellpenningroth.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

#18 Brad Womack: Double Take ⚭

Brad Womack, 53, is a two-time lead on ABC’s The Bachelor (Seasons 11 and 15, 2007 and 2011, respectively). He grew up in Atlanta, GA, and later Livingston, TX, is an identical twin, worked the oil fields following high school, and eventually got into the bar business in Austin — before stumbling into the lead role of one of the most-watched franchises on television after a chance conversation. Five days later, he was in a room with the president of ABC. But this episode isn’t about The Bachelor. It’s about what it does to a person’s interior to become a national projection screen — to have millions of people think they know who you are. It’s about being a twin, and how identity works under pressure. Being the Bachelor is one of the most psychologically singular experiences a person can have. There is essentially no comparable template for it. You are simultaneously a private person, a romantic protagonist, and a public figure, all at once, for an audience of tens of millions. Most people never have to reckon with the gap between who they are and who the world has decided they are. Brad had to do it twice. That gap, and what it does to a person’s sense of self, is what I wanted to explore. I’m also a fraternal twin, from Tipton, IA — a town of about 3,000 people. Brad grew up in Livingston, TX, population around 6,500. There’s something specific about coming from a place that small that I don’t think you fully understand unless you’ve lived it, and the same goes for being a twin. That shared context made for an unusually honest conversation. The “Double Take” in the title refers to the dualities at play. Brad as The Bachelor twice; two twins talking to each other; two people from small towns; Brad as others defined him versus Brad defining himself; Brad under the national microscope versus Brad in retrospect. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mitchellpenningroth.substack.com [https://mitchellpenningroth.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

#17 Dr. Lorenzo Leggio: GLP-1s & Addiction

Episode 17 — Dr. Lorenzo Leggio Note: At times, this conversation gets technical. I’ve tried to keep things accurate while also taking the time to explain what we’re talking about. The video version of this episode includes annotations that you may find helpful, along with links to relevant concepts, people, and ideas for anyone who wants to go deeper. Feel free to reach out in the comments or on social media — I’m happy to help. Dr. Lorenzo Leggio (MD, PhD) is among the most prominent addiction medicine researchers in the United States. His current roles at the National Institutes of Health: Clinical Director and Deputy Scientific Director of NIDA’s Intramural Research Program; Chief of the joint NIDA/NIAAA Clinical Psychoneuroendocrinology and Neuropsychopharmacology Section (which he founded in 2012); Chief of the NIDA Translational Addiction Medicine Branch (founded 2020). He holds adjunct professorships at Brown University, Johns Hopkins, and Georgetown. His research sits at the intersection of addiction neuroscience, endocrinology, and the gut-liver-brain axis. His lab’s work on GLP-1 receptor agonists — the drug class that includes semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) — as potential treatments for alcohol and substance use disorders is one of the most scientifically and culturally relevant areas in addiction medicine right now. It bridges the Ozempic story with addiction treatment in a way that has genuinely caught the public’s attention, and mine — I’ve been following this space for several years. Dr. Leggio trained in internal medicine in Rome, completed his postdoc at Brown University’s Center for Alcohol and Addiction Studies, transitioned into a faculty role at Brown, and was then recruited to the NIH, where he has primarily worked since. A special thanks to Max Dennis for helping coordinate this episode and for lending a hand setting up when I arrived. Links Integrating Psychological and Pharmacological Treatments for Addictive Disorders [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35672113-integrating-psychological-and-pharmacological-treatments-for-addictive-d] — book co-edited by Dr. Leggio [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35672113-integrating-psychological-and-pharmacological-treatments-for-addictive-d] Concepts Referenced in This Episode GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glucagon-like_peptide-1] — A hormone produced in the gut and certain brainstem neurons that regulates appetite, blood sugar, and insulin secretion. The basis for the current generation of obesity and diabetes drugs, and the central molecule in Dr. Leggio’s addiction research. GIP (Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gastric_inhibitory_polypeptide] — A related gut hormone and the other major incretin. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors simultaneously. Incretin [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Incretin] — The class of gut-derived hormones, including GLP-1 and GIP, that stimulate insulin release in response to food. The incretin concept is the pharmacological foundation that all of these drugs are built on. Nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solitary_nucleus] — A brainstem region that serves as a primary relay station for signals from the gut, cardiovascular system, and lungs. GLP-1 is produced by neurons here, and it plays a key role in how these drugs affect the brain. Blood-brain barrier [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blood%E2%80%93brain_barrier] — The selective barrier separating the brain’s circulation from the rest of the body. Relevant here because one of the open questions in GLP-1 research is exactly how and where these drugs act on the brain, and whether they cross this barrier directly or work through other pathways. GCG gene [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glucagon] — The gene encoding proglucagon, the precursor protein that gets cleaved into GLP-1, GLP-2, glucagon, and related peptides depending on which tissue is doing the processing. Gila monster / exenatide [https://www.nia.nih.gov/news/exendin-4-lizard-laboratory-and-beyond] — The origin story of the first GLP-1 drug. In the early 1990s, researchers discovered that the Gila monster’s saliva contained a peptide (exendin-4) structurally similar to human GLP-1 but far more stable. That peptide became exenatide (Byetta), the first FDA-approved GLP-1 receptor agonist, approved in 2005. Liraglutide [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liraglutide] — A second-generation GLP-1 receptor agonist (brand names Victoza and Saxenda) developed by Novo Nordisk. Once-daily injection; a major step forward from exenatide in terms of clinical manageability and efficacy. Ghrelin [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghrelin] — A gut hormone often called the “hunger hormone.” Dr. Leggio’s lab has also studied ghrelin as a potential target in alcohol use disorder, making it part of the broader gut-brain axis story. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mitchellpenningroth.substack.com [https://mitchellpenningroth.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

#16 Michael Jay Palser: What's a Human Hybrid?

Michael Palser is a functional training specialist with over 25 years in the fitness and wellness industry and the creator of the Human Hybrid Project — a training philosophy and way of life built on three pillars: function, mindset, and purpose. The Human Hybrid Project is his distillation of 50,000+ hours of training, every book he’s read, every seminar he’s attended, and perhaps most importantly, every mistake along the way. Michael is also the author of BECOMING, a book structured around what it means to become a whole man. And he’s a musician — the vocalist and guitarist behind T E N Ǝ T, a concept-driven rock project created alongside producer and visual architect Khary Alexander. T E N Ǝ T blends guitar-driven modern rock with cinematic depth and dark emotional weight. “It is the sound of transformation unfolding.” The debut single “GHOSTS” is the opening chapter of a larger narrative exploring identity, the Hero’s Journey, shadow, and the process of becoming. Michael performs “Ghosts” live at the end of the episode. I wrote a bit about this episode ⁠here⁠ [https://open.substack.com/pub/mitchellpenningroth/p/behind-the-artworkmight-ramble-podcast?r=64jkhr&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true]. Links to Michael’s stuff: * ⁠T E N Ǝ T⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/artist/7a9ItYR8MkMzBnxIeQiYWk?si=pm4_v2huRFKDO-5asQyIqg⁠] * ⁠Human Hybrid Project ⁠ [https://humanhybridproject.com/] * ⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Michael-J-Palser/dp/B0F6MXX1Z5⁠]BECOMING [https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Michael-J-Palser/dp/B0F6MXX1Z5⁠]⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Michael-J-Palser/dp/B0F6MXX1Z5⁠] * ⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Week-Journal-Michael-Palser/dp/B0G5PX5LRQ⁠]BECOMING [https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Week-Journal-Michael-Palser/dp/B0G5PX5LRQ⁠]: 8 Week Journal⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Week-Journal-Michael-Palser/dp/B0G5PX5LRQ⁠] * ⁠Instagram⁠ [⁠https://www.instagram.com/human.hybrid.project/⁠] Books & Concepts Mentioned: * ⁠4 stages of competence⁠ [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Four_stages_of_competence⁠] * ⁠Mirror Theory (psychological idea)⁠ [https://www.chabad.org/library/article_cdo/aid/716555/jewish/The-Mirror-Theory.htm] * ⁠The Hero’s Journey (mythological narrative)⁠ [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hero's_journey⁠] * ⁠The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell⁠ [https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/the-hero-with-a-thousand-faces-by-joseph-campbell/250178/item/2642171/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=us_shopping_zombies_hvfl_2155271854&utm_adgroup=&utm_term=&utm_content=719329521330&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21855271854&gbraid=0AAAAADwY45j5lhX3Bc3wnrKFYEdKbA1u2&gclid=CjwKCAjw-J3OBhBuEiwAwqZ_h4uXGRgUHuPmdz6wTZhbs_-M4n63IERXzVkoSkOQLHmaaL6wcMERmRoCHLUQAvD_BwE#idiq=2642171&edition=2287541] * ⁠The Way of the Superior Man by David Deida⁠ [https://www.amazon.com/Way-Superior-Man-Challenges-Anniversary/dp/1622038320] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mitchellpenningroth.substack.com [https://mitchellpenningroth.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

#15 Dr. Michela Marinelli: Addiction Neuroscience

Michela Marinelli obtained her Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Neuroscience at the University of Bordeaux 2 (France). After a postdoctoral fellowship in the United States, she was hired as an Assistant Professor by the INSERM (the French equivalent to the American NIH). Three years later, in 2003, she was recruited by the Dept. of Cellular & Molecular Pharmacology at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science, in North Chicago. After ten years at that University, she moved to the University of Texas at Austin, where she currently works as an Associate Professor. Dr. Marinelli’s main research seeks to understand the neurobiological bases of drug addiction. The team uses a “systems approach,” which means that they examine and integrate information across multiple levels of analysis. These variables are studied in rodent models, and they range from the cellular level (neuronal activity, using electrophysiological techniques), to the molecular level (protein expression), to the whole animal level (behavioral studies, such as drug self-administration). Dr. Marinelli is also involved in two additional projects. The first examines errors in published data. The second focuses on alternatives to restraints and seclusions in schools, and on the lack of evidence-based science for currently employed de-escalation techniques in schools and psychiatric settings. Dr. Marinelli has published over 50 publications in peer-reviewed journals and her work has been cited over 8,000 times. In addition to her research, Dr. Marinelli is invested in service, having served over 20 times on study sections and on NIDA’s Board of Scientific Counselors. Dr. Marinelli also has a passion for teaching. She was the Director of the Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Pharmacology at Rosalind Franklin University, and is currently a Graduate Student Advisor for Graduate Students in Neuroscience at UT Austin. Dr. Marinelli also directs and teaches numerous courses to medical, graduate, and undergraduate students. These include communication skills, interprofessional education, experimental design and data analysis, neurological and psychiatric conditions, neuropharmacology, pharmacology, and physiology. The undergraduate course “Analytical Skepticism” earned her the “Texas 10” teaching award, which is given to the ten most-inspiring professors at UT Austin. Links: - ⁠https://sites.utexas.edu/marinelli/**⁠ [https://sites.utexas.edu/marinelli/**] - ⁠https://www.texasscientist.cns.utexas.edu/articles/futile-punishment**⁠ [https://www.texasscientist.cns.utexas.edu/articles/futile-punishment**] - ⁠https://cns.utexas.edu/news/accolades/neuroscience-professor-wins-prize-promoting-scientific-rigor⁠ [https://cns.utexas.edu/news/accolades/neuroscience-professor-wins-prize-promoting-scientific-rigor**] - ⁠https://cns.utexas.edu/news/features/misinformation-brain-and-tricks-analyzing-data-accurately⁠ [https://cns.utexas.edu/news/features/misinformation-brain-and-tricks-analyzing-data-accurately**] - ⁠https://medium.com/the-alcalde/introducing-the-2020-texas-ten-b4dadc2c0eb3⁠ [https://medium.com/the-alcalde/introducing-the-2020-texas-ten-b4dadc2c0eb3**]⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3y2FQ7Mlumg**] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit mitchellpenningroth.substack.com [https://mitchellpenningroth.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]