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

Why Are So Many Young People Getting Cancer?

Cancer used to be something you worried about later in life — but not anymore. More and more young adults are being diagnosed, and doctors are trying to figure out why this is happening. Dr. Sanjay Gupta talks with oncologist Dr. Kimmie Ng about what’s behind this rise, why colorectal cancer is leading the trend, and the signs you shouldn’t ignore. You can find more information and resources at the Young-Onset Colorectal Cancer Center at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. This episode was produce...

Oct 10, 202529 minEp. 530

Can Tiger Balm Help With Aches and Pains?

Does tiger balm, that intense-smelling ointment that we rub into our muscles to relieve aches and pains, actually do anything? We get to the bottom of that on this week’s Paging Doctor Gupta. Plus, can already being on an antibiotic protect you from someone else’s pneumonia? This episode was produced by Andrea Kane and Jennifer Lai. Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Oct 07, 202515 min

Beyond the Headlines of MAHA With the FDA

Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with Dr. Marty Makary, U.S. FDA Commissioner to dig beyond the headlines of this Administration’s latest efforts to “Make America Healthy Again.” This conversation took place on Friday, September 26th, 2025. Our show was produced by Jennifer Lai, with assistance from Leying Tang, Kyra Dahring, Jesse Remedios, and Nadia Kounang. Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices....

Oct 03, 202530 minEp. 528

What the Science Says About Tylenol and Autism

President Trump has linked the use of acetaminophen — brand name: Tylenol — during pregnancy to autism in children. In this episode of Paging Dr Gupta, Dr. Sanjay Gupta answers questions about how strong that association is. Plus, what are the consequences of not treating a fever during pregnancy? Producer: Andrea Kane Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Executive Producer: Steve Lickteig Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adc...

Sep 30, 202514 min

How To Use Technology and Not Lose Our Minds

Is delegating tasks and even thinking to digital devices making us lose our minds, or at least some brain function? Dr. Sanjay Gupta and neuroscientist Baroness Susan Greenfield , Oxford University professor and author of “Mind Change: How Digital Technologies Are Leaving Their Mark on Our Brains,” discuss and debate how screen time might be impacting our human connections and own cognitive abilities. Plus, Greenfield gives us three ways to reclaim our digital independence. Producer: Sofía Sánch...

Sep 26, 202531 min

Kissing Bug Disease Is Spreading; How To Stay Safe

The kissing bug disease — aka: Chagas disease — is slowly becoming endemic in certain parts of the United States. Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains what you need to know about detecting it, treating it and avoiding it. You’ll also learn if it can infect your fur babies, too. Producer: Andrea Kane Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Sep 23, 202514 min

Why You Should Care About Public Health

Public health is, in the words of this week’s guest, “the organized actions of society to make people safer and healthier.” Unfortunately, to some, it feels like the country is waging a war against the very institutions entrusted to carry out that mission. Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with public health expert and former CDC director Dr. Thomas Frieden about the critical and often-invisible role of public health, and what he hopes to accomplish with his new book, The Formula For Better Health . Th...

Sep 19, 202530 min

The Dirty Truth About Showering and Handwashing

Diffusers, with their different scents, are meant to create a mood and relax you. But is it healthy to breathe in mist enhanced by essential oils? Dr Sanjay Gupta digs into that issue on this episode of Paging Dr Gupta. Also, how do you know if you are bathing frequently enough? What about washing your hands? This episode was produced by Kyra Dahring and Andrea Kane. Medical Writer: Andrea Kane; Showrunner: Amanda Sealy; Senior Producer: Dan Bloom; Technical Director: Dan Dzula Learn more about ...

Sep 16, 202512 min

What Ultra-Marathoner Rich Roll Learned From His Chronic Pain

You may feel pain in the body, but it really begins in the brain. To explain, Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down at 92nd Street Y in New York to talk about his new book “It Doesn’t Have to Hurt” with his friend and ultra-marathoner Rich Roll . They also discuss how our brains can create pain proactively and protectively. Plus, how memories might have something to do with your chronic pain – and how to move through, with, and past those painful reminders. Our show was produced by Jennifer Lai, with assis...

Sep 12, 202529 minEp. 522

Can You Eat or Meditate Your Way to Less Pain?

An estimated 51 million Americans live with chronic pain. But our understanding of pain has evolved and so has the ways we can treat and reduce pain. Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains how both diet and meditation can affect the way we experience pain. Our show is produced by Eryn Mathewson, Jennifer Lai, Grace Walker, Lori Galarreta, Jesse Remedios, Sofia Sanchez, Kyra Dahring, and Madeleine Thompson. Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Producer: Dan Bloom Technical Director: Dan...

Sep 09, 202513 min

Can AI Hear Cancer in Your Voice?

Voices are powerful. They can signal that we’re feeling sick, show our age, and reveal our secrets. One day, with the help of artificial intelligence, they might even be able to help doctors diagnose us. Dr. Yaël Bensoussan is an assistant professor of otolaryngology at the University of South Florida, and the director of the USF Health Voice Center. She talks to Dr. Sanjay Gupta about what kind of medical information our voices contain, and how she’s using AI to listen for diseases like Parkins...

Sep 05, 202530 min

Is Your Immune System Ready for Fall? Here’s How to Support It

Can years teaching in a classroom make you less likely to get sick? Dr. Sanjay Gupta answers a listener’s question about immunity and shares smart strategies for supporting your immune system as cold and flu season kicks off. Plus, how you can get better sleep – and more of it – this fall. Our show is produced by Eryn Mathewson, Jennifer Lai, Grace Walker, Lori Galaretta, Jesse Remedios, Sofia Sanchez, Kyra Dahring, and Madeleine Thompson. Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Sen...

Sep 02, 202517 minEp. 519

The Lessons of Katrina: Coping With the Next Crisis

1,800 lives lost and hundreds of thousands displaced. But the storm left behind more than physical damage. It exposed the lasting psychological toll disasters can take. Nearly 20 years later, catastrophic weather events have only become more common. Dr. Stefan Schulenberg, a leading expert on disaster mental health, explains how trauma lingers, what resilience really looks like, and what Katrina can teach us about facing the crises ahead. This episode was produced by Lori Galarreta Showrunner: A...

Aug 29, 202532 min

The Belly Fat You Actually Need to Worry About

Not all belly fat is created equal. Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains what makes some belly fat “toxic,” how to know if you have it, and what you can do to reduce it. Then, he tackles a follow-up question on the new blood pressure guidelines, including what lifestyle changes really work. Our show is produced by Eryn Mathewson, Jennifer Lai, Grace Walker, Lori Galaretta, Jesse Remedios, Sofia Sanchez, Kyra Dahring, and Madeleine Thompson. Medical Writer: Andrea Kane Showrunner: Amanda Sealy Senior Produc...

Aug 26, 202513 min

Exploring the Brain with 10-Year-Old ‘Sean the Science Kid’

At 10 years old, brainiac 'Sean the Science Kid ' Atitsogbe already has plenty in common with Dr. Sanjay Gupta: He loves to learn and explain science to his million-plus Instagram followers. He's an advocate for positivity. And when he grows up, he wants to be a ("neuro-cardio") surgeon. So, Dr. Gupta passes the mic and lets Sean interview him about the things on his heart and brain. Our show is produced by Eryn Mathewson, Jennifer Lai, Grace Walker, Lori Galaretta, Jesse Remedios, Sofia Sanchez...

Aug 22, 202529 min

The New Healthy Blood Pressure Rules

Nearly half of Americans have high blood pressure — and the guidelines for managing it just changed. Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains the new rules, including surprising advice on alcohol. Plus, he answers a listener’s follow-up: does the recommended daily dose of “morning sunlight” change when it’s cloudy, rainy, or even snowing? New blood pressure guidelines recommend an earlier start to treatment and skipping alcohol , CNN, August 14, 2025 Guideline for the Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Man...

Aug 19, 202513 min

Parenting Has Changed. Here’s What You Need To Know

Feeling overwhelmed as a new parent? Sleep-deprived and drowning in advice? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Parenting can have many different approaches and let’s face it, has changed a lot since you were an infant. Dr. David Hill, pediatrician, author, and AAP spokesperson, breaks down the new baby basics on sleep, feeding, car seats—and answers rapid-fire questions about what’s different now. Our show is produced by Eryn Mathewson, Jennifer Lai, Grace Walker, Lori Galaretta, Jesse Remedios, Sof...

Aug 15, 202528 minEp. 514

Sanjay: No, That’s Not Me Hawking Cures

There’s an ad going around on social media claiming Dr. Sanjay Gupta has discovered a natural cure for Alzheimer’s. Spoiler: it’s a deepfake. Sanjay breaks down how to tell when AI is faking it and answers a listener’s question about spotting signs prostate cancer has spread. Paging Dr Gupta is a production of CNN Podcasts. Our podcast is produced by Eryn Mathewson, Jennifer Lai, Grace Walker, Lori Galaretta, Jesse Remedios, Sofia Sanchez, Kyra Dahring, and Madeleine Thompson. Andrea Kane is our...

Aug 12, 202512 min

Beyond Smiley Faces: A New Way to Diagnose Pain

One of the most challenging aspects of treating chronic pain is the fact that there’s no objective way to measure it – no number or test like blood pressure or cholesterol. But soon we might have something more specific than the scale of happy face to sad face. Dr. Sanjay Gupta talks with Dr. Prasad Shirvalkar, a physician and researcher who’s implanting electrodes in patients’ brains to better understand how pain is processed—and how we might one day stop it at the source. Learn more about your...

Aug 08, 202529 min

Can You Lower Your Risk for Dementia?

Close to #1 on anyone’s list for healthy aging is avoiding dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. From diabetes to learning a new language, Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains some of the factors that can impact your risk and what you can do about it. Paging Dr Gupta is a production of CNN Podcasts. Our podcast is produced by Eryn Mathewson, Jennifer Lai, Grace Walker, Lori Galaretta, Jesse Remedios, Sofia Sanchez, Kyra Dahring, and Madeleine Thompson. Andrea Kane is our medical writer, our senior produ...

Aug 05, 202511 min

It's Not Your Metabolism's Fault

Three-quarters of U.S. adults are overweight or obese. But Kevin Hall, a former researcher at the National Institutes of Health and one of the world’s top experts in food science, is on a mission to take the shame out of weight gain. He joins Sanjay to talk about his new book, Food Intelligence: The Science of How Food Both Nourishes and Harms Us , and why our many misconceptions about metabolism are distracting us from the real drivers of the obesity crisis. Learn more about your ad choices. Vi...

Aug 01, 202531 minEp. 510

Here's Why You May Be a Mosquito Magnet

Are you always the one getting eaten alive while everyone else walks away bite-free? Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains why some people attract more mosquitoes and shares tips on how to avoid getting bitten including which repellents actually work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 29, 202512 minEp. 509

How to Avoid Mosquito Bites and the Diseases They Carry

Man’s deadliest predator takes more than a million lives each year and is no bigger than your fingernail. To mark mosquito season, history professor Dr. Timothy Winegard sits down with Dr. Sanjay Gupta to unpack how we can use lessons from the past to fight mosquitoes in the future. Plus, find out how you can make your blood a little less appetizing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 25, 202527 min

Is Frozen Produce Healthier Than Fresh?

You’ve likely stood in the grocery aisle wondering—what’s actually healthier: fresh or frozen produce? And when it comes to salt, should you stick with regular or go for pink Himalayan? Dr. Sanjay Gupta breaks it down, so you know exactly what to grab next time you hit the store. Chasing Life is a production of CNN Podcasts. Our podcast is produced by Eryn Mathewson, Jennifer Lai, Grace Walker, Lori Galaretta, Jesse Remedios, Sofia Sanchez, Kyra Dahring, and Madeleine Thompson. Andrea Kane is ou...

Jul 22, 202512 minEp. 507

Should You ‘Lean Into’ Your Chronic Pain to Relieve It?

Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with researcher and clinical therapist Dr. Eric Garland to explore how mindfulness meditation can be as effective as opioids in treating chronic pain – without any of the side effects. They break down the science behind how leaning into pain, rather than avoiding it, can actually rewire the brain and provide lasting relief. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 18, 202526 minEp. 506

When to Blame Aging—and When Not To

Is it just part of getting older, or something you shouldn’t ignore? From your balance to the ringing in your ears, Dr. Sanjay Gupta explains what’s normal, what’s not, and what to do about it. Chasing Life is a production of CNN Podcasts. Our podcast is produced by Eryn Mathewson, Jennifer Lai, Grace Walker, Lori Galaretta, Jesse Remedios, Sofia Sanchez, Kyra Dahring, and Madeleine Thompson. Andrea Kane is our medical writer, our senior producer is Dan Bloom, Amanda Sealy is our showrunner, Dan...

Jul 15, 202515 minEp. 505

Did you take your vitamins today? Maybe you don’t have to

Navigating supplement offerings, in a store or online, can be overwhelming. There’s a pill or a potion for everything, from losing weight to boosting brain power. But how do you know what you need? Join Dr. Sanjay Gupta for a conversation with supplement safety expert Dr. Pieter Cohen to learn how these add-ons are policed and what to look for on the label. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Jul 11, 202532 min

Do We All Have a ‘Cancer Gene’?

After losing both parents to bone cancer, one listener wants to know what that means for their own risk. Dr. Sanjay Gupta breaks it down—then tackles another question millions wonder about: Is taking a sleep pill every night worse than waking up over and over again? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 08, 202517 minEp. 503

How Surgeons Balance Hope with Honesty

Every day, in hospitals across the country, surgeons make countless life-or-death decisions. For those who operate on children, those stakes can feel even higher. Dr. David Sandberg, author of “Brain and Heart: The Triumphs and Struggles of a Pediatric Neurosurgeon,” sits down with Sanjay, a fellow neurosurgeon, to swap stories from the operating room and give a glimpse into how surgeons think under pressure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Jul 04, 202531 minEp. 502

A Doctor-Approved Guide to the Sun This Summer

Dr. Sanjay Gupta is here with your summer sunlight guide — exactly when it’s safe to soak up some unfiltered sun, how to truly protect your eyes, and sunscreen mistakes you might be making. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jul 01, 202516 minEp. 521
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