meta_pixel
Tapesearch Logo
Log in
Boundless Life

Dietary Diversity or Carnivore: Which Fuels Better Health, Longevity, and Performance? Dr. Shawn Baker & Joel Greene Debate

Boundless Life

Ben Greenfield

Self-improvement, Education, Health & Fitness, Fitness

4.65.3K Ratings

🗓️ 27 September 2025

⏱️ 79 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

In this episode we dive into a hotly debated topic: should you eat meat or not? Ben is joined by two powerhouse guests with decades of experience in nutrition and health—Dr. Shawn Baker, best-selling author of The Carnivore Diet and leading carnivore advocate, and Joel Greene, creator of The Immunity Code and champion of dietary diversity.

In this spirited debate, Dr. Baker highlights the benefits of a strict carnivore approach—meat, eggs, some dairy, and minimal plant foods—not only for himself but also for patients managing chronic health issues. He explains why animal-based nutrition can be so effective, breaks down the science of ketosis and gut health, and responds to concerns about long-term effects of fiber-free diets.

Meanwhile, Joel Greene makes the case for dietary variety, drawing from evolutionary biology, clinical research, and personal experience. He explores the synergies of combining animal and plant foods, the role of fiber in gut and immune health, and the ancestral rhythms of scarcity and feasting. Joel argues that even small amounts of diverse foods can offset downsides of strict elimination diets.

Dr. Baker is a physician, athlete, and author known for his straightforward, meat-focused approach to nutrition and his background in strength sports. Joel is the creator of Veep Nutrition, a program targeting gut communities to improve health, used by major employers and featured on the Dr. Phil Show. Author of The Immunity Code, Joel has devoted 50 years to health and anti-aging, pioneering practices like MCTs in the ’80s, keto in the ’90s, and AMPK activation by 2009. At 55, he remains a 100% natural athlete.

Full show notes: https://bengreenfieldlife.com/diversityorcarnivore/

Episode Sponsors:

Unmatched: Outlier by Unmatched is the world's first pre-workout featuring Paraxanthine instead of caffeine, delivering sustained energy and focus without the crash, plus premium ingredients like Cognizin for cognitive enhancement and NO3-T for incredible muscle pumps. Try it at unmatchedsupps.com/bengreenfield with special bulk discounts: 15% off one, 20% off two, or 25% off three.

Xtendlife: Future-proof your health with Xtendlife’s Total Balance—100+ bio-active ingredients in a gender-specific formula designed for longevity and complete daily support. Use code BEN15 at www.xtend-life.com/ben for 15% off sitewide, plus free shipping.

IM8: Ditch the cabinet full of supplements—IM8 packs 92 powerhouse ingredients into one delicious scoop for all-day energy, gut health, and cellular support. Go to IM8Health.com and use code BEN for an exclusive gift—fuel your body the right way!

LMNT: Everyone needs electrolytes, especially those on low-carb diets, who practice intermittent or extended fasting, are physically active, or sweat a lot. Go to DrinkLMNT.com/BenGreenfield to get a free sample pack with your purchase!

Ketone-IQ: Ketone-IQ delivers science-backed performance fuel that increases power output by 19%, reduces fatigue by 10%, and naturally boosts EPO production for better oxygen delivery—trusted by elite athletes like Jon Jones and Olympic champions. Save 30% on your subscription plus get a free gift with your second shipment at Ketone.com/BENG.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcript

Click on a timestamp to play from that location

0:00.0

Diversity in the diet actually allows us to enjoy the benefits of animal foods and completely

0:04.9

nerves any potential liabilities. And it doesn't even have to be a ton. It's just some,

0:10.2

some diversity in the diet. So that's what I would offer. Yeah, that's interesting. Sean,

0:14.4

you got to start dipping your steak in oatmeal? Well, probably not oatmeal. I mean,

0:18.3

and as I said before, you know, and certainly I appreciate Joel's perspective on this.

0:26.7

All right, it is, it's debate time.

0:29.4

I've got two guys who I really respect on the show today.

0:34.0

Two guys who are not only very well well versed in the realm of nutrition,

0:38.7

but also physical beasts in their own right.

0:43.7

I have to admit, ever since I kind of dabbled with bodybuilding back in the day to doing

0:49.8

Ironman triathlon and obstacle course racing and all sorts of crazy masochistic stuff.

0:54.8

I've always kind of liked the way that I feel when I take a pre-workout.

0:58.7

Like a pre-workout that actually gives you like the tingly blood flow.

1:02.9

Like I feel like I could rip apart this barbell with my hands type of feeling.

1:08.2

And there is this guy, he's a friend of mine, Chris Gethon. He's a well-known

1:13.1

bodybuilder, but he's also super into health and biohacking. He sent me a few bottles of this

1:17.7

pre-workout that he made called Outlier. Not only did he put Parazanthine in there, which is like

1:24.3

the kissing cousin of caffeine, that's way better than caffeine. He put cognizant in there for focus and cognitive function during your workout.

1:31.6

NO3T, that's scientifically speaking, a licensed form of betane nitrate, which basically pumps

1:37.7

a whole bunch of blood into your muscles.

1:40.2

I've also been using it before the sauna because you sweat buckets when you take this

1:43.4

step before the sauna. Citroline, fermented citraline, which really supports blood flow as well. This stuff's like

...

Please login to see the full transcript.

Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Ben Greenfield, and are the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Tapesearch.

Generated transcripts are the property of Ben Greenfield and are distributed freely under the Fair Use doctrine. Transcripts generated by Tapesearch are not guaranteed to be accurate.

Copyright © Tapesearch 2026.