Episode Details

What if the biggest metabolism disruptor today is not carbs or calories, but the toxic load you cannot see?

In this episode of the Metabolic Freedom Podcast, Ben Azadi sits down with Mara Labs co-founders David Roberts and Dr. John Gildea for a deep dive into microplastics, detox pathways, and the science of sulforaphane. They break down how microplastics and the chemicals that leach from plastics can interfere with cellular function, including lysosomes, autophagy, inflammation, and hormone signaling. You will learn why sulforaphane is known for activating Nrf2, what that means for detox and repair genes, and why the conversation around metabolic health is also a conversation about toxin exposure.

They also discuss berberine as a tool for metabolic flexibility, blood sugar support, ketosis, and even sleep, plus new product innovations like BarkElite for dogs.

If you want practical strategies backed by research and real-world testing, this one is packed.

Key Topics Covered

• Why microplastics are everywhere and why that matters for metabolism and longevity
• How microplastics may interfere with lysosomes, autophagy, and cellular cleanup
• What sulforaphane is and how it activates the Nrf2 pathway
• Phase 1, 2, and 3 detox explained in plain English
• Why inflammation is often the real root issue behind stubborn fat loss
• Berberine, AMPK, GLP-1 signaling, and metabolic flexibility
• Why late-night eating can wreck sleep and HRV
• The dog angle: joint support, inflammation, and BarkElite

Coupon and Discount 

Mara Labs discount code: FREEDOM

• 25% off from January 19, 2026 through January 26, 2026
• After January 26, 2026: code still works for 15% off

Links & Resources:

Mara Labs (browse products)

• Mara Labs website: https://mara-labs.com

Featured products:

• BrocElite Plus : https://mara-labs.com/products/brocelite-plus
• BerbElite : https://mara-labs.com/products/berbelite
• GLPerfect : https://mara-labs.com/products/glperfect-60-cap-1-bottle
• ResverElite : https://mara-labs.com/products/resverelite
• CurcElite : https://mara-labs.com/products/curcelite
• SleepElite : https://mara-labs.com/products/sleepelite
• BarkElite : https://mara-labs.com/products/barkelite%E2%84%A2-30-caps

Follow Ben Azadi

🌐 Website:⁠⁠⁠ https://www.benazadi.com ⁠⁠⁠

📸 Instagram:⁠⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/thebenazadi ⁠⁠⁠