Chasing Life - podcast cover

Chasing Life

CNN Podcastswww.cnn.com
All over the world, there are people who are living extraordinary lives, full of happiness and health – and with hardly any heart disease, cancer or diabetes. Dr. Sanjay Gupta has been on a decades-long mission to understand how they do it, and how we can all learn from them. Scientists now believe we can even reverse the symptoms of Alzheimer’s dementia, and in fact grow sharper and more resilient as we age. Sanjay is a dad – of three teenage daughters, he is a doctor - who operates on the brain, and he is a reporter with more than two decades of experience - who travels the earth to uncover and bring you the secrets of the happiest and healthiest people on the planet – so that you too, can Chase Life.
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Episodes

Go Outside, Doctor's Orders

How does our relationship with nature affect our health, for better and worse? Dr. Sanjay Gupta explores this idea by pulling from personal experience as a physician, a journalist, and a father. First, he speaks with Dr. Melissa Lem, president of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment. And later, Britt Wray, a mental health researcher and author of Generation Dread: Finding Purpose in an Age of Climate Anxiety. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoi...

Apr 18, 202529 minEp. 500

Is Fluoride in Our Drinking Water Safe?

The decades-long practice of adding fluoride to drinking water is under fire. On this week’s Paging Dr. Gupta, we're sinking our teeth into the latest science, and what that means for you or your family’s dental health. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 15, 202515 min

The Power (and Pitfalls) of a High-Protein Diet

Americans are protein obsessed, but should we be? Renowned nutritionist Dr. Tim Spector sits down with Dr. Sanjay Gupta to share why the focus on protein may mean we’re missing out on another crucial nutrient. Plus, Spector weighs in on other health fads, from low-fat foods to seed oils. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 11, 202527 min

Is Organic Food Really Healthier?

If you’ve ever found yourself at a market with questions about organic foods, you're not alone. We'll tackle that subject on today’s Paging Dr. Gupta and take another call about how to stay up to date on the measles vaccine and other shots at any age. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 08, 202512 minEp. 497

The Secret to Longevity: Keep Moving

We often talk about exercise in the context of cardio or strength training, but there's another pillar of fitness that is especially important as we age: mobility. Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with Dr. Kelly Starrett, physical therapist and co-author of “Built To Move: The Ten Essential Habits to Move Freely and Live Fully,” to break down what mobility is, why it's important, and how we can in fact become more mobile and live pain-free. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/ad...

Apr 04, 202532 minEp. 496

Why Your Brain Loves an Organized Space

Can the way you organize your space affect your mood? Dr. Sanjay Gupta answers a listener’s question about clutter and mental health. Plus, do blue light glasses really work? We break down the science behind digital eye strain and what actually helps. If you want to hear more from therapist KC Davis, check out our episode Is There Such a Thing as the Organized Brain? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Apr 01, 202517 minEp. 495

Why We Need to Embrace Stress

Most of us try to avoid stress at all costs. But Dr. Sharon Bergquist, author of ‘The Stress Paradox,’ says too little stress can be just as bad for you. Bergquist sits down with Dr. Sanjay Gupta to explain the surprising science behind how some stress can make you healthier, and the steps you can take to harness it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 28, 202529 min

Which Cooking Oils Should You Be Using?

Ever find yourself staring at cooking oils in the store, wondering which ones are actually good for you? Dr. Sanjay Gupta clears up the confusion on which oils are healthier. Plus, how much water do you really need each day? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 25, 202511 minEp. 493

Puberty Is Starting Earlier. Should Parents Worry?

Research shows that kids are starting puberty earlier than ever, with the average age now beginning at 8 for girls and 9 for boys. But what does this mean for their long-term health? Sanjay sits down with Dr. Cara Natterson , a pediatrician and expert on adolescent health, to discuss the implications of early puberty, what's driving the shift, and what anyone with a young person in their life needs to know to navigate this crucial time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/...

Mar 21, 202536 minEp. 492

Five Years Later: What We Know About Long Covid

It’s been five years since Covid-19 was declared a pandemic, but for some, the symptoms are still lingering—just how common is that? Plus, if you’ve ever wondered whether natural deodorant is really better for you, Dr. Sanjay Gupta weighs in. Want to learn more about personal hygiene habits? Check out our episode, ' One Doctor's Decision to Stop Showering ’ or read the article, ‘ How often should you shower? Advice from a doctor who bucked social norms.’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit p...

Mar 18, 202514 minEp. 491

Are You Falling for Health Misinformation?

The Covid-19 pandemic unleashed a new level of conspiracy theories and medical misinformation that some dubbed an ‘infodemic.’ Science influencer and infectious disease researcher Laurel Bristow made a name online de-bunking false claims. Now, five years after COVID was declared a pandemic, she joins Dr. Sanjay Gupta to talk about her new approach to spotting shoddy science. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Mar 14, 202530 minEp. 490

Pneumonia Affects Millions Each Year—Here’s How to Stay Safe

Pneumonia is a serious threat; what can you do to lower your risk? Plus, for all the night owls out there, Dr. Sanjay Gupta answers a listener’s question: are your late-night habits lazy, or is there actual science behind them? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 11, 202514 minEp. 489

A Doctor. His Brain Tumor. A New Perspective.

What can a doctor learn from becoming a patient? That’s what Dr. Bobby Mukkamala, a surgeon and president-elect of the American Medical Association, set his mind on when he was diagnosed with a brain tumor last year. Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with his old friend, before and after surgery, to see what Mukkamala’s experience taught him about U.S. healthcare being on the other side of the stethoscope. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Mar 07, 202537 minEp. 488

How Safe Are Your Food Storage Habits?

Have you ever been told to let hot food cool before putting it in the fridge? And what about those "microwave-safe" plastic containers—are they actually safe? Dr. Sanjay Gupta weighs in on these common kitchen debates. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mar 04, 202513 minEp. 487

Measles is Back. How Worried Should We Be?

We haven’t talked much about measles since it was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000. But measles is one of the most contagious viruses on the planet, and lower vaccination rates have given it a chance to spread—just like we’re seeing in West Texas. Dr. Sanjay Gupta traveled there to find out how the outbreak started, what’s being done to contain it, and how the community is coping. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Feb 28, 202519 minEp. 486

What People Should Know About Measles

Measles was considered eliminated in the United States in 2000 — so why is it making a comeback? Dr. Sanjay Gupta reports from West Texas where there’s a growing outbreak to answer your pressing questions on the virus and explain how to protect yourself and your family. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 25, 202515 minEp. 485

Ultraprocessed Foods: How Bad Could They Be?

We’ve all heard that so-called “ultraprocessed” foods aren’t great for us—but why? It turns out scientists are still trying to figure that out. Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with his friend and colleague, CNN’s Meg Tirrell, to talk about her recent visit to the National Institutes of Health, where researchers are studying the effects of these foods in ways that could shape future food policy and change how we shop. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Feb 21, 202533 minEp. 484

A Breakthrough in Pain Management Without Opioids

Big news in pain management, the FDA has approved a new opioid-free pain medication. So how is it different from what’s already out there? Plus, if you missed your flu shot in the fall, is it still worth getting one now? Dr. Sanjay Gupta answers your questions! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 18, 202512 minEp. 483

Relax, Jealousy is Normal

No, you’re not petty for feeling jealous. Research shows humans experience this emotion even before they can crawl. CNN chief medical correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with psychologist Dr. Joli Hamilton to demystify jealousy and why the complex emotion is not only natural but could actually be beneficial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 14, 202530 minEp. 482

Fasting and Fighting Cruise Ship Viruses: What You Need to Know

Curious about intermittent fasting? Dr. Sanjay Gupta answers a listener’s question by breaking down the science and shares his own experience. Plus, with cruise season in full swing, he shares essential tips to help you avoid norovirus and stay healthy on your next vacation. For a deeper dive into intermittent fasting, check out our episode, “ Do Diets Really Work? ” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Feb 11, 202514 minEp. 481

How to Hack Your Brain’s Reward System

What if staying motivated wasn’t about willpower, but strategy? ADHD coach Eric Tivers created the Dopamenu, a personalized menu of small, satisfying activities designed to boost focus, motivation, and well-being. He joins Dr. Sanjay Gupta to explain how this simple strategy helped him manage ADHD and why it might work for anyone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Feb 07, 202529 minEp. 480

Want a Healthier Mocktail? Here’s How

You can find mocktails on just about any menu these days, but can you enjoy the trend without the sugar overload? Dr. Sanjay Gupta answers a listener’s question and shares tips from a mixologist on crafting healthier zero-proof drinks. Want to learn more about alcohol's health impacts? Check out our episode, ' Your Shame-Free Guide to Cutting Back on Booze .’ Need inspiration? Discover 32 of the best nonalcoholic drinks for Dry January and beyond . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcast...

Feb 04, 202511 minEp. 479

What If Healing Your Mind Starts in Your Body?

Trauma has become a buzzword in the zeitgeist over the years, but do we really understand what it means and how it impacts the body? Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with psychiatrist Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, author of The Body Keeps the Score , to explore what both psychologists and the public often get wrong about trauma—and why he believes our bodies hold the key to healing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Jan 31, 202539 minEp. 478

One Doctor's Decision to Stop Showering

Dr. James Hamblin stopped taking regular showers. And no, he didn’t stink. The doctor and journalist joins Dr. Sanjay Gupta to explain why he set out to challenge this social norm and the science behind doing less to stay clean. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 24, 202525 minEp. 477

Feeling Bored? That May Actually Motivate You

Boredom – it’s a state many of us try to avoid. But, in a world full of distractions, maybe it’s time to embrace boredom as a way to spark creativity and reclaim our attention. Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with cognitive neuroscientist James Danckert to explore how boredom affects our health and why it can actually be the motivational jumpstart you need. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 17, 202533 minEp. 476

Letting Go of the Pressure To Be Perfect

It’s the new year, a time when so many of us set out to do more , be better . It can feel overwhelming, and most resolutions end up broken. So what if this year, you tried something different? Dr. Sanjay Gupta sets out to explore surprising ways we can all let go in the new year and still live healthier and happier lives. He kicks this journey off with a conversation about letting go of perfectionism, without lowering your standards. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adc...

Jan 10, 202530 minEp. 475

Can Weight Loss Drugs Impact Your Joy of Food?

Yes, drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro can help people lose weight, but at what cost? Dr. Sanjay Gupta explores why these drugs may not be the right fit for everyone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jan 03, 202527 minEp. 474

How Ozempic Transformed the Way We Look at Obesity

Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, are being called “miracle drugs” with users boasting about their fast results. Dr. Sanjay Gupta takes a deep dive into how they disrupted the entire weight loss industry and changed the conversation about obesity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 27, 202424 minEp. 473

Can Science and God Coexist?

Faith and science may often seem at odds with one another, but renowned geneticist and former NIH director, Dr. Francis Collins, says that he sees science as a form of worship. He talks with Dr. Sanjay Gupta about how he’s interrogated his own beliefs around religion and what he says science can’t measure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dec 20, 202431 minEp. 472

Your Shame-Free Guide to Cutting Back on Booze

Holiday party season is upon us. But before you reach for that second cocktail (or third), let’s take a look at the science behind what alcohol actually does to our bodies with Dr. Jason Kilmer, Associate Professor in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Washington. Plus, we'll unpack the rise of the mocktail movement and whether ‘Dry January’ actually works. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Dec 13, 202428 minEp. 471
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