The New Microbiome-Metabolism Science & The GLP-1 Connection You Need to Know | Colleen Cutcliffe

WATCH THE FULL-LENGTH VIDEO HERE ON YOUTUBE!

I was so excited to welcome back my friend Colleen Cutcliffe, PhD, co-founder of Pendulum, for this deep dive into the gut microbiome and its role in metabolic health.

Colleen shares the latest research on keystone strains like Akkermansia and Bifidobacterium infantis, explaining how they strengthen the gut lining, support insulin sensitivity, and stimulate your body’s own GLP-1 production. We explore how antibiotics, stress, diet, and even birth impact the gut ecosystem, and why resilience - not perfection - is the real marker of a healthy microbiome.

Together we discuss why so many people struggle with fiber, how meat and polyphenols can still feed the gut garden, the fascinating link between fasting and microbial circadian rhythms, and the differences between probiotic-rich foods and targeted strains. Colleen also breaks down the science behind Pendulum’s formulations and shares her own wellness routines.

This conversation will help you understand the gut in a whole new way - and give you hope that no matter your history, you can rebuild and strengthen your microbiome for lasting health.

Go to pendulumlife.com and use code WILLCOLE to get 20% off all Pendulum membership first orders. Discount applied at checkout.

A few of my favorite things we cover in this episode: 

•  The rise of gut health in mainstream medicine and policy
• What defines a resilient microbiome
• Keystone strains: Akkermansia and Bifidobacterium infantis
• How antibiotics and diet shape the gut for life
• The gut–metabolism connection and short-chain fatty acids (like butyrate)
• Why some people can’t tolerate fiber and how to rebuild resilience
• The role of meat, polyphenols, and fermented foods in microbiome diversity
• Fasting, satiety, and the microbiome’s circadian rhythm
• Natural ways to support GLP-1 production vs. pharmaceuticals
• Colleen’s personal routine and the science behind Pendulum’s products

Links to things we talked about in this episode: 

• Get better sleep, hair and skin with Blissy and use WILLCOLE to get an additional 30% off at blissy.com/WILLCOLE.
• MANUKORA.com/WILLCOLE to save 31% plus $25 worth of free gifts.
• Save 30% off your first subscription order & receive a free six pack of Ketone-IQ with KETONE.com/WILLCOLE.
• Get 20% off, or if you choose the already discounted subscription, you get almost a third off the price! Go now to get this amazing discount: PUORI.com/WILLCOLE.
• Start your love story on Bumble.
• Pique is hooking you up: 20% off for life—yes, FOR LIFE—plus a FREE rechargeable frother and glass beaker when you grab their Pu’er Bundle. Go to Piquelife.com/willcole to grab yours now.

Happy listening and we hope you learned a little bit more on the art of being well!

If you like what you hear, please rate and review the podcast, hit subscribe and pass it along to a friend.

In Health,

Dr. Will Cole