Peptides Explained

John Garrett

Peptides Explained breaks down the most talked-about peptides and GLP-1 medications in health, fitness, and longevity — including semaglutide, tirzepatide, BPC-157, TB-500, and more.

Hosted by Registered Nurse John Garrett, this podcast explains how these compounds work, why they're popular, what the research shows, and the real risks and side effects — all in plain language.

No bro science. No hype. Just clear, foundational education.

For informational purposes only. Not medical advice.

For Research Peptides;
True-Sciences.com use Pep20 for 20% off
https://www.skool.com/peptides-explained-15

Play

Open in

67 episodes
a few times a week
Avg 20 min
English

Episodes 67

Newest Oldest Longest

All20 Unplayed20 In progress0 Played0

Counted on this page — what you have heard stays on this device, so it is not something the list can be paged by.

August 30 · 19 min· Video
Khavinson Peptide Bioregulators: What Do They Actually Do?
What are Khavinson peptide bioregulators, and what do they actually do? John Garrett examines the Russian research tradition behind organ-derived peptide complexes and synthetic ultrashort peptides. This episode explains the proposed gene-expression mechanism, the claim of tissue specificity, common examples such as Thymalin and Epitalon, the limitations of the human evidence, oral absorption questions, product-quality concerns, safety, and U.S. regulatory status. The science is more interesting than a simple dismissal—but less proven than organ-rejuvenation marketing suggests. This episode is educational and is not medical advice.
August 30 · 21 min· Video
Did Your GLP-1 Stop Working? Appetite, Receptors and Weight-Loss Plateaus
Does a weight-loss plateau mean your GLP-1 receptors have become desensitized? John separates cellular receptor biology from whole-body weight regulation and compares semaglutide, tirzepatide, and investigational retatrutide. We examine appetite suppression, food noise, gastric-emptying tachyphylaxis, metabolic adaptation, switching therapies, and what the clinical evidence can—and cannot—tell us. A plateau is real. "Receptor burnout" is a much bigger claim. Educational only; not medical advice.
August 26 · 19 min
Khavinson Peptide Bioregulators: What Do They Actually Do?
What are Khavinson peptide bioregulators, and what do they actually do? John Garrett examines the Russian research tradition behind organ-derived peptide complexes and synthetic ultrashort peptides. This episode explains the proposed gene-expression mechanism, the claim of tissue specificity, common examples such as Thymalin and Epitalon, the limitations of the human evidence, oral absorption questions, product-quality concerns, safety, and U.S. regulatory status. The science is more interesting than a simple dismissal—but less proven than organ-rejuvenation marketing suggests. This episode is educational and is not medical advice.
August 24 · 21 min
Did Your GLP-1 Stop Working? Appetite, Receptors and Weight-Loss Plateaus
Peptide-solutions.info App.peptidesexplained.info Does a weight-loss plateau mean your GLP-1 receptors have become desensitized? John separates cellular receptor biology from whole-body weight regulation and compares semaglutide, tirzepatide, and investigational retatrutide. We examine appetite suppression, food noise, gastric-emptying tachyphylaxis, metabolic adaptation, switching therapies, and what the clinical evidence can—and cannot—tell us. A plateau is real. “Receptor burnout” is a much bigger claim. Educational only; not medical advice.
August 20 · 18 min
Should You Be Using Peptides? The Honest Answer
Visit Peptide-Solutions.info for more info Check out App.PeptidesExplained.info Should you be using peptides? The honest answer is that not everyone should. Peptides are not a nutritional requirement, a shortcut to better health, or something you need simply because they are trending. But some people do have a defined problem—such as obesity, metabolic disease, an injury, loss of function, a diagnosed hormone-related condition, or another health issue—for which a peptide-based medication or investigational compound may be relevant. In this episode, John Garrett, explains how to decide whether a peptide belongs in the conversation. You will learn how to start with the problem rather than the product, compare FDA-approved, off-label, compounded, experimental, and research-use categories, evaluate human versus animal versus anecdotal evidence, identify better-established alternatives, and build a plan for monitoring and stopping. This episode also points viewers to "The 11 Peptides I Find Most Compelling" and the individual Peptides Explained deep dives for compound-specific education. This content is educational only and is not medical advice. Speak with a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any therapy.
August 18 · 17 min
ARA-290: Can It Repair Small Nerve Fibers?
ARA-290, also called cibinetide, is an investigational 11-amino-acid peptide designed from erythropoietin biology to activate tissue-protective signaling without stimulating red-blood-cell production. In this episode, John Garrett, RN, breaks down the innate repair receptor, why ARA-290 has been studied in small-fiber neuropathy, what randomized human trials in sarcoidosis and type 2 diabetes actually found, and why objective nerve-fiber signals are interesting—but not the same thing as an approved therapy. You'll learn: • What ARA-290/cibinetide is • How it differs from full-length erythropoietin • What the innate repair receptor is • Why researchers studied corneal nerve fibers • What the 22-patient pilot trial showed • What the 64-patient phase 2b trial showed • Why pain and nerve-fiber endpoints did not tell exactly the same story • What is known—and not known—about safety • Why online ARA-290 products should not be assumed equivalent to trial material Explore the Peptides Explained app: app.peptidesexplained.info Learn more through Peptide Solutions: peptide-solutions.info Educational content only. ARA-290 is investigational and is not an FDA-approved treatment for neuropathy or any other clinical indication.
August 12 · 15 min
Lipo-C Injections: What Do They Actually Do?
Check out Peptide.Solutions.info/Pathways and submit a request to see what companies I have partnered with to get products. Lipo-C injections are often marketed for fat burning, energy, liver support, or breaking a weight-loss plateau. But "Lipo-C" is not one standardized formula—and real metabolic biology is not the same thing as proven fat loss. In this episode, John Garrett, RN, breaks down the ingredients commonly found in Lipo-C blends, including L-carnitine, choline, methionine, inositol, and B vitamins. We examine what each ingredient actually does, what human studies of L-carnitine suggest, why that evidence cannot automatically be applied to a compounded injection, and the questions to ask before paying for one. You'll learn: • Why two products called Lipo-C may be completely different • How carnitine participates in mitochondrial fatty-acid oxidation • What "lipotropic" does—and does not—mean • Whether Lipo-C is FDA approved • What people report versus what trials establish • Risks, limitations, and when provider involvement matters Explore the Peptides Explained app: app.peptidesexplained.info Learn more through Peptide Solutions: peptide-solutions.info Educational content only. This is not medical advice or a recommendation to use an injectable product.
August 10 · 23 min
FOXO4-DRI: Can It Really Remove Senescent Cells and Reverse Aging?
FOXO4-DRI has been called a "zombie-cell killer," a senolytic peptide, and even a possible anti-aging breakthrough. The mechanism is fascinating—but the claims have moved much faster than the human evidence. In this episode, John explains what senescent cells are, why they are not automatically harmful, and how FOXO4 and p53 help regulate cell survival and cell death. He then breaks down the D-retro-inverso design of FOXO4-DRI, the proposed mechanism, and what the original 2017 research actually found in cultured human cells and mice. The episode also examines what has happened since that first study, why removing senescent cells may produce different effects in different tissues, and what the cancer, tissue-repair, regulatory, and long-term safety questions really look like. The bottom line: FOXO4-DRI is a scientifically credible experimental senolytic with compelling preclinical biology—but it has not been proven to reverse aging or provide clinical benefit in humans. Explore the Peptides Explained App: https://app.peptidesexplained.info Peptide Solutions: If you are interested in checking out Compounded or Research Peptide Sources visit Peptide Solutions. https://peptide-solutions.info This episode is educational and is not individualized medical advice. FOXO4-DRI is experimental and is not an FDA-approved medication.
August 5 · 22 min
ATX-304: AMPK Activation, Metabolic Demand, and the Limits of "Exercise in a Pill"
ATX-304 is often called "exercise in a pill," but it is more accurate to describe it as an investigational oral small molecule that activates AMPK and alters mitochondrial energy demand. John explains the mechanism, the preclinical metabolic findings, the early human signal in type 2 diabetes, the current obesity-development strategy, and the major gaps that remain before anyone can claim it reproduces the health effects of exercise. Batch tested and they have COAs available on all peptides https://www.americanpeptides.us/discount/JOHNATHAN10?ref=SteWwgMLys Or use Johnathan10 at checkout 2. Offline Peptides Based in Texas Batch tested and they have COAs available on all peptides Visit; OfflinePeptides.com/ref/JohnGarrett I am an affiliate with each of these companies. If you use my link I may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. All information on this podcast is for educational and not meant as medical advice.
August 3 · 19 min
Thymosin Alpha 1: What Does It Do?
Thymosin alpha 1—also called Tα1 or thymalfasin—is frequently described online as an "immune-boosting peptide." But that phrase oversimplifies a complicated biological system. In this episode of Peptides Explained, John Garrett breaks down how thymosin alpha 1 may influence dendritic cells, Toll-like receptor signaling, T-cell maturation, natural-killer-cell activity, cytokines, and immune regulation. The episode also reviews where it has been studied, including chronic viral hepatitis, vaccine response, oncology-support settings, severe infection, pancreatitis, and sepsis. The evidence is not uniformly positive. Earlier sepsis trials and pooled analyses suggested benefit, but a large multicenter phase 3 trial involving more than 1,100 adults found no reduction in 28-day mortality. That contrast illustrates why biological mechanisms and small clinical studies must be separated from confirmed patient outcomes. The episode also covers: • What thymosin alpha 1 is • Why "immune modulator" is more accurate than "immune booster" • Innate versus adaptive immunity • Human clinical evidence versus cell and animal research • International approval versus U.S. FDA status • FDA concerns involving compounded thymosin alpha 1 • Potential risks, product-quality concerns, and major unknowns • A responsible decision framework for evaluating immune-peptide claims This content is for education and discussion only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any therapy. Peptides Explained is an affiliate partner with OfflinePeptides.com. If you use the link below, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. PeptidesExplained.info/OfflinePeptides #ThymosinAlpha1 #Thymalfasin #PeptidesExplained #ImmuneSystem #Immunology #PeptideScience #TCells #Longevity #Peptides #MedicalEducation
July 31 · 3 min
**Special Announcement** Healthcare Provider Webinar
The State of Peptides 2026 | Clinician Webinar The peptide landscape is changing rapidly. New research is emerging, regulatory decisions continue to shape clinical practice, and healthcare providers are being asked more questions than ever before. Join Peptide Solutions for a live clinician-focused webinar covering the current state of peptides in 2026. This educational session is designed for physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals interested in understanding the latest developments. • The current peptide and GLP-1 landscape • Recent FDA and PCAC regulatory updates • The most commonly discussed therapeutic peptides • Current evidence and clinical data • Safety, quality, and sourcing considerations • What providers should expect moving forward 📅 August 13, 2026 🕖 7:00 PM Central Time Register: https://peptide-solutions.info This webinar is intended for educational purposes only. Peptide Solutions does not diagnose, treat, prescribe, compound, or dispense medications. Prescription therapies require evaluation and oversight by a licensed healthcare provider. Discussions of research peptides are for educational purposes only and should not be interpreted as recommendations for human use.
July 29 · 48 min
The 11 Peptides I Find Most Compelling
After researching peptide science week after week—and using some compounds personally—I'm answering one of the most common questions I receive: Which peptides do I find the most useful and compelling? This is not a universal ranking or a recommendation to use all 11. Tirzepatide, retatrutide, tesamorelin, ipamorelin, BPC-157, TB-500, GHK-Cu, KPV, PT-141, MOTS-c, and SS-31 occupy very different evidence and regulatory categories. Some are FDA-approved prescription drugs. Some have encouraging human data. Others remain experimental and are supported mainly by animal, cell, mechanistic, or anecdotal evidence. In this episode, we examine the problem each peptide is intended to solve, how it works, what the human evidence shows, where the evidence is weak, known risks, regulatory status, and why each compound made my personal list. This episode is for education and discussion only. It is not medical advice. Always involve a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing a therapy. Peptides Explained is an affiliate partner with OfflinePeptides.com. Visit PeptidesExplained.info/OfflinePeptides. For Peptides through a compounding pharmacy or a telehealth option Visit Peptide-Solutions.info and submit a request for more information.
July 27 · 19 min
Cagrilintide vs GLP-1s: A Different Appetite Pathway?
GLP-1 medications changed obesity treatment, but appetite regulation involves more than one hormonal signal. Cagrilintide is a long-acting analogue of amylin, a pancreatic peptide released alongside insulin that helps regulate satiety, gastric emptying, and post-meal glucagon signaling. In this episode of Peptides Explained, John Garrett breaks down what cagrilintide is, how it differs from GLP-1 receptor agonists, what standalone phase 2 data show, and what the phase 3 CagriSema trials tell us about combining cagrilintide with semaglutide. We also examine the REDEFINE 4 comparison with tirzepatide, common gastrointestinal adverse effects, unresolved questions about long-term outcomes and lean mass, and why online research products should not be treated as equivalent to the pharmaceutical trial material. Cagrilintide remains investigational and is not currently an FDA-approved treatment. This content is educational and is not medical advice. Peptides Explained is an affiliate partner with Offline Peptides. Research-use products are not approved medications and are not intended for human use. Visit: PeptidesExplained.info/OfflinePeptides For information on Compounded Peptides through Premier Pharmacy visit Peptide Solutions and submit a request for more information Visit: Peptide-Solutions.info and submit a request for more information Send a two- to three-minute N=1 video to john@peptidesexplained.info.
July 22 · 20 min
AOD-9604 Explained: Can a Growth Hormone Fragment Burn Fat?
AOD-9604 is often marketed as the "fat-burning fragment" of human growth hormone. But what does it actually do, and did it work in human obesity trials? In this episode of Peptides Explained, John Garrett, RN, breaks down: • What AOD-9604 is and how it differs from full-length HGH • Lipolysis, lipogenesis, and beta-3 adrenergic signaling • Why animal studies looked promising • What the early human trials showed • Why the obesity-development program was discontinued • Whether AOD-9604 raises IGF-1 • Regulatory status, risks, unknowns, and anti-doping concerns • A responsible framework for evaluating experimental fat-loss peptides The central takeaway: AOD-9604 has a plausible preclinical mechanism, but the available human evidence does not establish dependable, clinically meaningful fat loss. This episode is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any therapy. This episode is brought to you by Offline Peptides. If you are interested in Research Peptides Learn more at PeptidesExplained.info/OfflinePeptides. For more information about Peptide Solutions, visit Peptide-Solutions.info. Send your 2–3 minute N=1 video to john@peptidesexplained.info.
July 20 · 15 min
SLU-PP-332 Explained: Exercise Mimetic or Experimental Hype?
SLU-PP-332 is being promoted as an "exercise mimetic" that may increase fat oxidation, endurance, and energy expenditure. But it is not actually a peptide, it is not FDA-approved, and the most compelling evidence comes from cell and mouse research—not human clinical trials. In this episode, John Garrett, RN, explains estrogen-related receptors, mitochondrial energy metabolism, the published preclinical findings, the oral-bioavailability problem, potential risks, regulatory status, and the difference between mimicking selected exercise pathways and replacing physical exercise. This content is for education and discussion only and is not medical advice. SLU-PP-332 is an experimental research compound with no established human therapeutic use. Learn more: PeptidesExplained.info Peptide Solutions: Peptide-Solutions.info Offline Peptides: PeptidesExplained.info/OfflinePeptides Affiliate disclosure: Peptides Explained is an affiliate partner with OfflinePeptides.com. If you use my link, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Send 2–3 minute N=1 videos to john@peptidesexplained.info.
July 16 · 17 min
Why Boomers Are Living Longer But Not Healthier: Where Peptides May Fit Into Healthy Aging
Why are Americans living longer than ever before while spending more years battling chronic disease? In this episode of Peptides Explained, we explore one of the biggest questions in longevity medicine: the difference between lifespan and healthspan. You'll learn why muscle loss, metabolic dysfunction, chronic inflammation, mitochondrial decline, immune aging, and cognitive changes are major drivers of aging—and where peptide research may fit into each of these biological systems. We discuss several categories of peptides currently being investigated, including: • Growth Hormone Secretagogues (Tesamorelin, Ipamorelin, Sermorelin, CJC-1295) • GLP-1 and Metabolic Peptides (Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, Retatrutide) • Anti-Inflammatory Peptides (KPV, Thymosin Alpha-1, BPC-157) • Regenerative Peptides (BPC-157, TB-500, GHK-Cu) • Nootropic Peptides (Semax, Selank, Dihexa) • Mitochondrial Peptides (MOTS-c, SS-31, Epitalon) This episode discusses current science, emerging research, and where evidence is strong—and where it is still evolving. This podcast is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Sponsored by Peptide Solutions Learn more: https://peptide-solutions.info Research Peptides (Affiliate): PeptidesExplained.info/OfflinePeptides Affiliate Disclosure: Peptides Explained is an affiliate partner with Offline Peptides. #Peptides #HealthyAging #Longevity #GLP1 #Retatrutide #Semaglutide #BPC157 #MOTSc #Healthspan #PeptidesExplained
July 12 · 19 min
NAD+ and Cancer: What the Science Actually Says
NAD+ is one of the most talked-about molecules in longevity and wellness. It is marketed for energy, mitochondrial support, cellular repair, brain fog, recovery, and anti-aging. But what happens when we bring cancer biology into the conversation? In this episode of Peptides Explained, we break down the relationship between NAD+ and cancer in clear, responsible language. NAD+ is essential for normal cellular function, DNA repair, mitochondrial energy production, redox balance, and immune signaling. But cancer cells may also rely on NAD+ metabolism to support growth, survival, DNA repair, oxidative stress control, and possible treatment resistance. This episode covers NAD+, NADH, NR, NMN, niacinamide, IV NAD+, NAMPT, PARP enzymes, DNA repair, cancer therapy, human evidence, preclinical evidence, and why active cancer or recent cancer changes the risk discussion. This is not a hype episode and not a fear episode. The real answer is context. NAD+ biology is real. The cancer concern is biologically plausible. The human evidence is incomplete. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before considering any therapy, supplement, peptide, injection, or infusion. Peptides Explained is powered by Peptide Solutions. Learn more: peptide-solutions.info Affiliate disclosure: Peptides Explained is an affiliate partner with Offline Peptides . If you use my link, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. PeptidesExplained.info/OfflinePeptides #NAD #NADPlus #NMN #NR #CancerBiology #LongevityScience #Mitochondria #DNARepair #NAMPT #PARP #PeptidesExplained #PeptideScience
July 8 · 9 min
DSIP Explained: The Sleep Peptide That Science Still Can't Explain
Description Can a tiny peptide discovered nearly 50 years ago hold the key to better sleep? In this episode of Peptides Explained, we explore Delta Sleep-Inducing Peptide (DSIP)—one of the most mysterious compounds in peptide research. Unlike many peptides discussed today, DSIP has no confirmed receptor, conflicting clinical data, and decades of unanswered questions. In this episode you'll learn: ✔️ What DSIP is ✔️ How sleep is biologically regulated ✔️ The fascinating history of DSIP's discovery in the 1970s ✔️ Proposed mechanisms involving GABA, serotonin, dopamine, and the HPA axis ✔️ Human and animal research findings ✔️ Potential side effects and safety considerations ✔️ Why DSIP is not FDA approved and why no major medical organization recommends it for insomnia or other sleep disorders This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. 🌐 Peptide Solutions https://peptide-solutions.info 🧬 Research Peptides (Affiliate Partner) PeptidesExplained.info/OfflinePeptides If you use my affiliate link, I may receive a commission at no additional cost to you. 📧 N=1: Your Real-World Results Have you researched DSIP? Send a 2–3 minute video describing your experience to: john@peptidesexplained.info You may be featured in a future episode. #DSIP #SleepPeptide #Peptides #SleepScience #Insomnia #Longevity #PeptidesExplained #SleepResearch #Neuroscience #Biohacking
July 6 · 30 min
5-Amino-1MQ Explained: NNMT, NAD⁺, and Fat Cell Metabolism
5-Amino-1MQ is often talked about in peptide circles, but it is not actually a peptide. It is a small-molecule NNMT inhibitor being studied for its potential role in nicotinamide metabolism, NAD⁺ biology, methylation, fat-cell function, insulin sensitivity, and liver metabolism. In this episode, John Garrett breaks down the proposed mechanism behind 5-Amino-1MQ, why people are discussing it for fat loss and body composition, and what the current research actually shows. The data is interesting, especially in preclinical studies involving adipocytes, diet-induced obese mice, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, and fatty liver markers. But the human clinical evidence is still limited, and 5-Amino-1MQ is not FDA-approved for fat loss, obesity, metabolic disease, longevity, or body composition. This episode takes a balanced look at the science, the grey-market reality, and how to think about emerging metabolic compounds responsibly. This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before considering any therapy. Peptides Explained is powered by Peptide Solutions. Peptides Explained is also an affiliate partner with Offline Peptides. If you use my link, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. Offline Peptides affiliate link: https://offlinepeptides.com/ref/JohnGarrett/ Podcast website: https://peptidesexplained.info Peptide Solutions: https://peptide-solutions.info
July 3 · 21 min
BPC-157 & TB-500 for Dogs: Healing, Recovery & the Science | Veterinary Series Ep. 1
BPC-157 & TB-500 for Dogs: Healing, Recovery & the Current Science Welcome to Episode 1 of the Peptides Explained Veterinary Series. In this episode, we examine two of the most talked-about peptides in regenerative veterinary medicine—BPC-157 and TB-500. We'll discuss what researchers currently know about these experimental peptides, why they're generating interest among veterinarians and dog owners, how they may influence tendon, ligament, muscle, and connective tissue repair, and where the evidence remains limited. Whether you own an active family pet, a hunting dog, an agility competitor, or a working K9, this episode provides a balanced look at the science while separating evidence from online speculation. Educational only. BPC-157 and TB-500 are experimental compounds and are not FDA-approved veterinary medications. Learn more at https://peptide-solutions.info Peptides Explained is an affiliate partner with Offline Peptides. If you use my link, I may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. https://offlinepeptides.com/ref/JohnGarrett/ Have a real-world experience using peptides with your dog? Send a 2–3 minute horizontal video to john@peptidesexplained.info for a chance to be featured in our "N=1: Your Real-World Results" segment.

Showing 21–40 of 67 episodes