Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MD - podcast cover

Extend Podcast with Darshan Shah, MD

Darshan Shah, MDdrshah.com
Extend with Darshan Shah, MD is a podcast dedicated to cutting-edge science, research, tools, and protocols designed to help you extend your healthspan. Starting my medical journey at 16 and becoming one of the youngest doctors in the country, studying and training at the Mayo Clinic, Harvard Business School, Singularity University and other prestigious institutions, becoming a board certified surgeon and accumulating over two decades of practice, I have discovered that a mere 20% of health knowledge yields 80% of the results. That's why this podcast is all about cutting through the noise on how to turn back the aging clock. I interview world-renowned medical practitioners, doctors, experts, and thought leaders, offering you a step-by-step guide and actionable advice to proactively avoid disease and optimize your health. Plus, I share weekly solo episodes giving you quick, digestible protocols for successfully extending your healthspan.
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Episodes

72. Dr. Pedram Shojai: Why Your Physical Symptoms Are a Spiritual Wake-Up Call

What if the root cause of burnout, inflammation, and hormone dysfunction isn't just physical—but energetic? In this episode of Extend, I sit down with Dr. Pedram Shojai—Taoist monk, doctor of Oriental medicine, and author of The Urban Monk—to explore how ancient wisdom meets modern health. We unpack why true healing requires addressing your qi (life force), how emotional stagnation leads to physical disease, and why regulating your energy is just as important as optimizing your bloodwork. From t...

Jun 19, 202536 minEp. 72

71. Dr. Michael Breus: Why "Feeling Fine" Doesn't Mean You're Sleeping Well

What if your exhaustion, brain fog, or cravings aren't a motivation problem—but a sleep problem no one's diagnosed yet? In this episode of Extend, I'm joined by Dr. Michael Breuss, a sleep specialist, and we dig into why so many high performers are chronically under-recovered, why sleep disorders go undetected for years, and how wearables are both helping and hurting. We talk about why 8 hours might be the wrong goal, how your chronotype should determine your schedule, why snoring isn't harmless...

Jun 17, 20251 hr 32 minEp. 71

70. Kelly Gores: Why Most People Stay Sick (And How to Finally Shift It)

Most people focus on physical health. But after years of practicing medicine, I've seen this truth again and again: you can't heal your body if your mind and nervous system are stuck in survival mode. In this episode of Extend, I sat down with Kelly Gores, creator of HEAL and founder of WellSet, to explore how trauma, stress, and emotional blocks drive chronic disease—and what it really takes to heal. We dive into the science behind the placebo effect, how intuition works, why regulating your ne...

Jun 12, 202546 min

69. Dr. Kara Fitzgerald: This Hack Reversed Biological Age by 3 Years in Just 8 Weeks

What if aging isn't just inevitable—but programmable? In this episode of Extend, I sit down with Dr. Kara Fitzgerald, pioneering epigenetic researcher and author of Younger You, to explore how your daily choices—food, movement, sleep, stress—can literally rewire your genes to slow down aging. We unpack her groundbreaking study showing biological age reversal in just 8 weeks without drugs, injections, or extreme protocols. You'll learn how DNA methylation impacts everything from inflammation to l...

Jun 10, 20251 hr 8 min

68. Jen Batchelor: The Real Reason You're Burned Out (And It's Not Your Job)

Most people are treating stress with the wrong tools, and it's silently sabotaging their longevity. In this episode of Extend, I sit down with Jen Batchelor, Ayurvedic health optimizer and co-founder of Kin Euphorics, to talk about what your nervous system actually needs to feel calm, connected, and well. We dive into what adaptogens are really doing in your body, why saffron might be one of the most powerful neuroprotective tools available, and how homeostasis—not hustle—is the key to better en...

Jun 05, 202535 minEp. 68

67. Chris Mirabile: How to Reverse Your Biological Age (and Why Your Doctor Isn't Talking About It)

What if your real age isn't on your driver's license—but buried in your biology? In this episode of Extend, I'm joined by Chris Mirabile, founder of NOVOS and one of the few people actually slowing down his pace of aging. We break down why the average person is aging faster than they realize, and how mainstream medicine is decades behind when it comes to prevention. We get into the 12 hallmarks of aging, why free radicals aren't your enemy, how biological clocks really work, and the lifestyle an...

Jun 03, 20251 hr 48 min

66. Steve Martocci: Inside the $50B Supplement Scam, But With a Fix

Most supplements don't work. Some might actually harm you. That's the hard truth no one in the $50 billion supplement industry wants to say out loud—but we will. In today's episode of Extend, I'm joined by Steve Martocci, co-founder of SuppCo, to expose what's really going on behind the labels. We break down why "clinically dosed" means nothing, why the FDA isn't protecting you, and how two identical bottles can deliver completely different outcomes. We also dive into the myth of "FDA-approved" ...

May 29, 20251 hr 7 minEp. 66

65. Dr. Austin Perlmutter: Why You're Addicted to Bad Habits (And How to Reverse It)

What if the reason you can't focus, feel chronically overwhelmed, or keep slipping into the same unhealthy habits… isn't a discipline problem, it's your brain's biology working against you? In this episode of Extend, I'm joined by Dr. Austin Perlmutter, board-certified internal medicine physician and neuroscientist, to explore how inflammation hijacks your brain's decision-making and what you can do to take back control. We dig into why modern life wires your brain for reactivity over intention,...

May 27, 20251 hr 55 minEp. 65

64. LP(a): The Massively Important, But Totally Overlooked Biomarker of Heart Attacks, Strokes, and Heart Disease

In this episode of Extend, we're digging into one of the most dangerous—and most overlooked—drivers of heart disease: LP(a). You could have a clean lifestyle, normal labs, and still be at high risk for a heart attack or stroke. Why? Because LP(a) isn't included in standard cholesterol tests—and 1 in 5 people have elevated levels without knowing it. I break down what LP(a) actually is, why it's more inflammatory and damaging than LDL, and how it contributes to plaque, heart attacks, strokes, and ...

May 22, 202518 minEp. 64

63. Charles Brenner: NAD, Energy, and Longevity: The Secret Nobody Told You About

What if the reason you're tired, inflamed, or not recovering the way you used to has nothing to do with aging, and everything to do with your NAD system being under attack? In this episode of Extend, I'm joined by Dr. Charles Brenner, the scientist who discovered nicotinamide riboside (NR) and one of the leading experts on NAD metabolism. We unpack why NAD is so critical for energy, repair, and resilience, and why simply "taking NAD" isn't the solution most people think it is. We also break down...

May 20, 20251 hr 12 minEp. 63

62. David Nurse: How to Rewire Your Brain for Success (Without Hustling Harder)

Most people know mindset matters, but almost no one knows how to actually train it for better health, performance, and longevity. In today's episode of Extend, I'm joined by David Nurse, NBA mindset coach and best-selling author. We dive deep into why mindset is the real missing piece in most health optimization plans, and how flow states, identity shifts, and daily systems can radically change your outcomes. We also break down why your mindset is the ignition switch for success, how to tap into...

May 15, 202534 min

61. Dr. Aly Cohen: The #1 Detox Mistake You're Probably Making (and What Actually Works)

What if the hidden toxins in your everyday life are secretly sabotaging your health, hormones, and longevity? Most people underestimate how deeply their health is impacted by toxins—and conventional medicine isn't addressing the root of the issue. In this episode of Extend, I'm joined by Dr. Aly Cohen, renowned integrative rheumatologist, environmental health expert, and author of the upcoming book, Detoxify. We uncover the shocking truth about the tens of thousands of unregulated chemicals lurk...

May 13, 20251 hr 40 minEp. 61

60. Cholesterol Myths You Still Believe (And What to Track Instead)

In this episode of Extend, we're rethinking everything you've been told about cholesterol. For decades, the focus has been on lowering LDL, but that's only part of the story. The truth? LDL and total cholesterol are outdated metrics. If you're still relying on those alone to assess your heart health, you're missing the bigger picture. I'll break down why ApoB is the single most important number to track when it comes to cardiovascular disease, and how it gives a much clearer view of your real ri...

May 08, 202522 min

59. Joel Greene: The Nutrition Secret That Reverses Fatigue and Brain Fog

What if the secret to better energy, fat loss, and gut health wasn't more discipline… but a smarter strategy? Most people are hacking the wrong system—and it's backfiring. In this episode of Extend, I'm joined by Joel Greene, creator of the VEEP Nutrition System and one of the most innovative minds in metabolic health. We break down the science behind fat loss, blood sugar regulation, gut health, and why conventional diet advice is failing most people. We dive into how your microbiome controls m...

May 06, 20251 hr 21 minEp. 59

58. Ricky Silver: What the Food Companies Don't Want You to Know

What if our food system wasn't designed for our health, but for shelf life, convenience, and corporate profit? In today's episode of Extend, I'm joined by Ricky Silver, CEO of Daily Harvest, who brings a rare inside-the-industry view of how our food system really works, and how we can change it. We explore how government subsidies, processed foods, and industrial farming practices have led to the chronic disease crisis we're facing today. We dig into why frozen organic produce is a nutritional p...

May 01, 202540 min

57. Shawn Wells: Shocking Truth About Supplements: Most Are Useless

What if the reason your supplements aren't working has nothing to do with your body—and everything to do with what's in the bottle? In this episode of Extend, I'm joined by biochemist and ingredient formulator Shawn Wells, a leading voice in evidence-based supplementation and mitochondrial health. Together, we uncover why so many products fail to deliver results, how to build a smarter, personalized stack, and what most people get completely wrong about vitamins, probiotics, and biohacking. We g...

Apr 29, 20251 hr 43 min

56. Zora Benhamou: Struggling with Menopause? Here's the Solution You Need

What if menopause didn't have to be a challenge, but an opportunity? In this episode of Extend, I'm joined by Zora Benhamou, host of the Hack My Age podcast, to challenge the common narrative around menopause. Zora shares a refreshing perspective that empowers women to see this stage of life as a chance for reinvention, growth, and better health. We discuss the science behind hormone therapy, the importance of muscle-building and stress management, and how women can navigate menopause without fe...

Apr 24, 202531 minEp. 56

55. Jim Kwik: The Real Reason You're Tired, Distracted, and Forgetful

Brain fog, forgetfulness, and lack of focus are becoming the norm, but they don't have to be. In this episode of Extend, I'm joined by Jim Kwik, a world-renowned brain coach and author of the bestselling book Limitless, to uncover how to unlock your brain's full potential. We dive into the science of neuroplasticity, daily habits that sabotage your memory, and how to reclaim focus in a world of constant distraction. Jim shares actionable tools to improve learning, strengthen cognitive performanc...

Apr 22, 20251 hr 28 min

54. What If High Blood Pressure Is Slowly Killing You?

In today's episode of Extend, we're tackling a crucial health issue: high blood pressure. Often called the "silent killer," high blood pressure increases your risk for heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, and more. But what if you could prevent these risks before they escalate? I'll break down why measuring your blood pressure at home is far more effective than relying on a single doctor's visit. You'll also learn about the SPRINT trial and why keeping your blood pressure at 120/70 can signif...

Apr 17, 202515 minEp. 54

53. Dr. Alok Trivedi: You're Not Lazy—You're Wired That Way (Here's How to Change It)

Ever feel stuck, even when you're doing all the right things? In this episode, Dr. Shah sits down with Dr. Alok Trivedi, also known as Dr. Rewire, to explore how our unresolved traumas, subconscious beliefs, and identity patterns silently shape our health, habits, and happiness. You'll discover how trauma wires into the nervous system, why mindset work often fails without deeper emotional integration, and how behavioral reprogramming can unlock personal and professional breakthroughs. Dr. Trived...

Apr 15, 20251 hrEp. 53

52. Dr. Greg Kelly: Stop Wasting Money on Supplements! Here's What Actually Works…

With shelves full of flashy promises, it's time to cut through the noise. In this episode, Dr. Shah and Dr. Greg Kelly explore what science actually says about supplements—and what your body truly needs to perform at its best. You'll learn how nootropics, adaptogens, and probiotics influence brain health, stress resilience, and longevity. Backed by clinical research, Dr. Kelly unpacks the key mechanisms behind compounds that support cognitive performance, neuroplasticity, and the gut-brain conne...

Apr 10, 202548 minEp. 52

51. Dr. Navaz Habib: Your Nervous System is Under Attack—Here's How to Fix It

Inflammation drives nearly every chronic disease, yet most people overlook a key player in regulating it: the vagus nerve. This critical nerve connects brain to body, controlling digestion, heart rate, immunity, and recovery. But chronic stress shuts it down, leading to poor vagal tone, dysregulated inflammation, and reduced resilience. In this episode of Extend, I sit down with Dr. Navaz Habib to explore how vagus nerve activation can reduce inflammation and improve healthspan. We dive into pra...

Apr 08, 20251 hr 35 minEp. 51

50. 50% of Heart Disease Is Diagnosed Too Late—Here's How to Avoid It

Heart disease is still the number one cause of death, yet most people don't realize how preventable it actually is. In this solo episode of Extend, I'm kicking off our new series on preventative medicine by breaking down the essential tests and metrics you need to know to protect your heart. I'll walk you through the four key areas I evaluate in every patient—ischemia, blood pressure, electrical function, and cardiac capacity—and explain how you can assess your own risk starting today. You'll al...

Apr 03, 202517 minEp. 50

49. Andrew Lacy: The Key to Catching Major Health Issues Early (And Why Most People Miss It)

Most people don't think about their health until something goes wrong—but what if you could catch potential issues before they become a problem? Studies show that up to 70% of serious health conditions are preventable with early detection, yet traditional healthcare often focuses on treating symptoms rather than identifying root causes. Taking a proactive approach to your health could mean adding years to your life—and life to your years. In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Lacy, the founder...

Apr 01, 20251 hr 45 min

48. Rajeev Kapur: AI & Healthcare—The Revolution No One Is Ready For

In today's episode, I sat down with Rajeev Kapur, an AI expert and author of AI Made Simple, to explore the rapidly evolving role of AI in medicine. We dive into how AI is enhancing diagnostics, optimizing treatment plans, and helping patients take control of their own health data. We also break down common fears and misconceptions—will AI replace doctors? Can we trust AI-powered medical advice? How can everyday people use AI tools to improve their health outcomes? Rajeev Kapur is a leading voic...

Mar 29, 202537 minEp. 48

47. Dr. Vonda Wright: Future-Proof Your Bones—Why Strength Training is Non-Negotiable

Bone health is often overlooked until a fracture happens—but by then, the damage has already been done. What most people don't realize is that bones are not just structural; they play a critical role in metabolism, hormone regulation, and long-term vitality. In fact, emerging research shows that osteoporosis and bone loss start much earlier than expected, even in people in their 30s and 40s. So how can you build and maintain strong bones that support your health for a lifetime? In this episode, ...

Mar 25, 20251 hr 32 minEp. 47

46. Jeff Krasno: The Loneliness Epidemic - How Social Isolation Is Killing Us Faster Than Smoking

What if the symptoms you've been chalking up to "normal life"—brain fog, persistent insomnia, chronic fatigue, and the stubborn belly fat—were actually signs of a deeper disconnection from what makes us truly human? In this episode, I sit down with Jeff Krasno, author of "Good Stress: The Health Benefits of Doing Hard Things," to explore the hidden epidemic of disconnection and its profound impact on our health. We dive into why social isolation is as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes daily, how ...

Mar 22, 202544 min

45. The 10 Biggest Killers in the U.S.—And the Science of Stopping Them

We often hear about the latest treatments for chronic disease, but what if you could prevent these conditions before they even begin? The truth is, most of the top 10 causes of death are entirely preventable, yet our healthcare system focuses on treating disease rather than stopping it in its tracks. In today's episode of Extend, I'm breaking down the science of preventative medicine, and how you can take control of your health before disease takes control of you. Most chronic diseases don't hap...

Mar 20, 202515 min

44. Dr. Valter Longo: Fasting Myths Busted: What Science REALLY Says About It!

Fasting has been praised as a powerful tool for weight loss, metabolic health, and longevity, but is it always beneficial? The truth is, fasting can either optimize your biology or work against you, depending on how, when, and for how long you do it. Research now suggests that skipping breakfast, a common intermittent fasting practice, is linked to higher cardiovascular risk and increased mortality. At the same time, strategic fasting has been shown to trigger cellular regeneration, reduce infla...

Mar 18, 20251 hr 50 min

43. Tracy Gapin, MD: Why Men Today Have HALF the Testosterone of Their Fathers

What if the symptoms you've been chalking up to aging, low energy, brain fog, stubborn belly fat, and lack of motivation, were actually signs of a deeper hormonal imbalance? The truth is, testosterone levels in men have been plummeting for decades, and it's not just about aging. Environmental toxins, chronic stress, poor sleep, and nutrient deficiencies are creating a perfect storm for hormonal disruption, affecting not only performance but long-term health and longevity. In today's episode, I s...

Mar 15, 202549 min
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