Most of us think protein is just about building muscle—but what if we’ve been getting it wrong all along? In this eye-opening episode, host Louisa sits down with Angelo Keely, co-founder and CEO of Kion, to uncover the real science behind protein, amino acids, and muscle health.

Angelo explains why essential amino acids—not just protein—are the critical drivers of muscle maintenance, recovery, and even longevity. He breaks down the shocking truth about how different protein sources actually compare, why aging adults need more than the RDA suggests, and how supplements like amino acids can prevent muscle loss—even without exercise. 

Whether you’re a midlife woman trying to protect bone density, an athlete looking for an edge, or simply someone who wants to age stronger—this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.

About the guest:

Angelo is the co-founder and CEO of Kion, a lifestyle and supplement company built around optimizing health and energy through essential nutrients. With a lifelong passion for nutrition and performance, he’s on a mission to educate people about the powerful science of amino acids and help them live stronger, healthier, and longer lives. 

Discover Kion:

Instagram: @kion

Visit getkion.com/neuro for 20% off.

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Subscribe to The Neuro Experience for more conversations at the intersection of brain science and performance. I'm committed to bringing you evidence-based insights that you can apply to your own health journey.

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A huge thank you to my sponsors for supporting this episode. Check them out and enjoy exclusive discounts:

OSEA 

Get 10% off your first order sitewide with code NEURO at OSEAMalibu.com. You’ll get free samples with every order, and free shipping on orders over $50. 

Ketone IQ

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Wildgrain

For a limited time, Wildgrain is offering my listeners $30 off the first box - PLUS free Croissants in every box - when you go to Wildgrain.com/NEURO to start your subscription. 

Cozy Earth

Head to cozyearth.com and use my code NEURO for 40% off!

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Puori

Go to puori.com/NEURO and use the code NEURO at checkout for 20% off

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I’m Louisa Nicola — clinical neuroscientist — Alzheimer’s prevention specialist — founder of Neuro Athletics.

My mission is to translate cutting-edge neuroscience into actionable strategies for cognitive longevity, peak performance, and brain disease prevention.

If you're committed to optimizing your brain — reducing Alzheimer’s risk — and staying mentally sharp for life, you’re in the right place.

Stay sharp. Stay informed. Join thousands who subscribe to the Neuro Athletics Newsletter → https://bit.ly/3ewI5P0

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louisanicola_/

Twitter : https://twitter.com/louisanicola_

Topics discussed:
00:00:00 - Intro

00:01:33 - confusion around protein, fat loss

00:02:36 - Carbs/fat = fuel vs protein = structure; macronutrient primer 

00:04:29 - Protein turnover & amino acids (house remodel analogy) 

00:08:29 - Protein beyond muscle00:11:02 - Energy storage vs “amino reservoir”; why low protein costs muscle 

00:13:25 - Nuance in intake advice; social/media oversimplification00:17:18 - “Protein isn’t equal”

00:18:27 - What EAAs are; “essential” vs “non-essential”; leucine as trigger 

00:21:15 - Comparing foods: plant vs dairy/eggs vs. meat

00:25:05 - Protein potency ladder

00:27:15 - Louisa’s protein plan; bioavailability clarification; why EAAs hit faster

00:30:28 - Aging & leucine-enriched EAAs

00:35:22 - Steak “not very anabolic” alone; training vs nutrition 

00:36:11 - NASA bed-rest studies

00:38:09 - Building muscles with amino acids and no exercise controversy 

00:40:46 - Angelo’s backstory & founding Kion

00:43:31 - Practical playbook (midlife female)

00:50:08 - GLP-1 weight-loss caveat

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