Can we find ways to target human aging and extend healthspan? This ambitious premise is at the heart of XPRIZE Healthspan, a 7-year, $101 million global competition with an audacious challenge: to successfully develop a proactive, accessible therapeutic that restores muscle, cognitive, and immune function by a minimum of 10 years, with a goal of 20 years, in persons aged 65-80 years, in one year or less. In this episode of Longevity by Design, hosts Ashley Reaver and Dr. Gil Blander spoke with D...
Mar 20, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 58
Aging is inevitable, but can we influence how we age? In this episode of Longevity by Design, hosts Dr. Gil Blander and Ashley Reaver, MS, RD, CSSD, interview Dr. Nir Barzilai—the Director of the Institute for Aging Research at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine and the Director of the Paul F. Glenn Center for the Biology of Human Aging Research and of the National Institutes of Health’s (NIH) Nathan Shock Centers of Excellence in the Basic Biology of Aging—during which he discusses groundb...
Mar 06, 2024•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 57
I n this episode of Longevity by Design, Dr. Gil Blander and Ashley Reaver, MS, RD, CSSD, sit down with Dr. Bartek Nogal from InsideTracker to explore the cutting-edge intersections of exercise, genetics, blood biomarkers, health optimization, and longevity. Dr. Bartek Nogal, with a strong background in biological engineering and genomics, dives into how personalized health data can shape our understanding of aging and wellness. He discusses InsideTracker's new innovative approach to using DNA a...
Feb 21, 2024•40 min•Season 1Ep. 56
Did you know that your oral health has a profound impact on healthspan and longevity? Do you want to learn about the connections between oral health, healthspan, and longevity and what you can do to improve your oral health to help you live longer and add more healthy years to your life? This episode of Longevity by Design is an Ask Me Anything (AMA) between Dr. Gil Blander and Ashley Reaver, MS, RD, CSSD, where they dive into the often-overlooked importance of oral health for healthspan and lon...
Feb 07, 2024•56 min•Season 1Ep. 55
In this insightful episode of Longevity by Design, hosts Dr. Gil Blander and Ashley Reaver welcome Dr. Tony Wyss-Coray, a distinguished expert in neurology and brain aging. Dr. Wyss-Coray shares his journey from a childhood fascination with nature to becoming a leading figure in neuroscience and immunology. His initial interest in farming evolved into a passion for understanding the complexities of the human brain, particularly in the context of aging and neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Wyss-Cor...
Jan 24, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Season 1Ep. 54
How can you increase NAD+ levels? And do higher NAD+ levels really lead to better metabolic health? What does the research say on their benefits for longevity? These topics and more are discussed in the latest episode of Longevity by Design with Dr. Joe Baur. Dr. Baur, Professor at the Perelman School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania, has made key contributions to the understanding of how metabolism and dietary factors influence longevity, for example, resveratrol’s effect on insuli...
Jan 10, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 53
This episode of Longevity by Design features an interview with Dr. Eric Verdin—the CEO of The Buck Institute. The Buck Institute was the first center dedicated to aging research, and many discoveries within the aging field have come out of this research center. For this episode, Dr. Verdin, Dr. Blander, and Ashely Reaver sat down in person to discuss the latest updates in longevity research. Dr. Verdin shares his opinion on questions like “is aging a disease?” and “is there a maximum lifespan th...
Dec 13, 2023•1 hr 6 min•Season 1Ep. 52
Dr. Nick Burd, PhD, is a skeletal muscle physiologist with an expertise in protein metabolism and exercise. In this episode, Dr. Burd discusses the importance of maintaining muscle mass as we age, expressing that “strong is the new healthy.” While adequate protein intake is an important aspect of gaining muscle and maintaining healthspan, many people in the US actually over consume protein. In this discussion, Dr. Burd talks about how much protein we truly need, whether or not there is an optima...
Nov 29, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 51
In this episode of Longevity By Design, Dr. Gil Blander and Ashley Reaver interview Dr. Sara Gottfried. Dr. Gottfried received her MD from Harvard Medical School and completed residency at UCSF, however she is more likely to prescribe a continuous glucose monitor and personalized nutrition plan to her patients than the latest pharmaceutical. This episode is a must listen for anyone trying to optimize their wellness plan. Dr. Gottfried discusses all the data she tracks and how that helps her prac...
Nov 15, 2023•1 hr 23 min•Season 1Ep. 50
Did you know that blood cholesterol levels are influenced by far more than just the foods we eat? Are you eager to know how to assess healthspan using your own body's data? This episode of Longevity by Design is an Ask Me Anything between Dr. Gil Blander and Ashley Reaver. We gathered frequently asked questions from the Longevity by Design audience and discussed topics fundamental to longevity. Ashley Reaver begins the conversation with a deep dive into cholesterol—including the relationship bet...
Oct 25, 2023•1 hr 25 min•Season 1Ep. 49
In this episode of Longevity By Design, Dr. Gil Blander interviews Dr. Bartek Nogal about genetic predispositions to conditions of aging. This episode goes deep into explaining how to improve your healthspan using DNA insights. Dr. Blander and Dr. Nogal talk about bone mineral density, epigenetic age acceleration, cognitive decline, risk of elevated ApoB, grip strength, and more. Knowing your genetic predispositions to certain traits can help you fine tune your wellness plan, and Dr. Nogel and D...
Oct 11, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 48
Did you know an estimated 6.7 million Americans aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's disease? Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, contributing to 60–70% of dementia cases. Being that aging is the primary risk factor for developing dementia, the Longevity By Design team has been eager to discuss dementia on the show. In this episode, Dr. Blander and Ashley Reaver, MS, RD, CSSD interview Dr. Joseph Maroon. Dr. Maroon is a professor of Neurosurgery at the University of...
Sep 27, 2023•1 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 47
GLP-1 agonist medications have been a popular topic of discussion recently. While this weight loss drug was designed for obesity, GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic have made their way into Hollywood. This has people questioning their safety and possible health risks, especially in the long run. Are GLP-1 agonists a quick fix for weight loss or a lifetime prescription? Who should be prescribed this medication, and what are the possible side effects? This Longevity by Design episode features an intervie...
Sep 13, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Season 1Ep. 46
In this episode of Longevity By Design, Dr. Blander sits down with Dr. Mitch Roslin to discuss insulin resistance. Insulin resistance has been top of mind for Dr. Blander recently, and this conversation offers new insights into how we can prevent insulin resistance through diet and lifestyle. Dr. Roslin parses out the different factors that cause insulin resistance, explaining that some are within our control (diet and lifestyle) while others are not (age and genetics). Dr. Roslin also talks abo...
Aug 23, 2023•55 min•Season 1Ep. 45
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment in which patients breathe pure oxygen at higher than normal atmospheric pressure. This increases the amount of oxygen dissolved in body tissues, enabling tissue rejuvenation and accelerated recovery. Historically, HBOT has been used for chronic wounds like diabetic foot ulcers, radiation injuries, and non-healing surgical wounds. However, the research on HBOT is evolving and has recently suggested its use can have regenerative effects on th...
Aug 09, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 44
In 2023, a study was published in the journal Science sharing a breakthrough within the longevity field. This study used synthetic biology to alter the gene networks of yeast cells, and what they found was incredible. They were able to increase the lifespan of yeast cells by 82% compared to control cells. Various media outlets have covered the study with the study’s findings sparking transformative advancements in the longevity field. This episode is an in-depth discussion with the lead scientis...
Jul 26, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 1Ep. 43
When you hear the word “insulin” what comes to mind first? If your first thought was diabetes, you are not alone. Insulin is most often associated with diabetes, but it plays a key role in many aspects of our health. Did you know that insulin is associated with brain health and cognition? Or that managing insulin levels can aid in weight management? In this episode, Dr. Lovejoy discusses insulin resistance, blood glucose control, and weight management. She shares several strategies to prevent an...
Jul 12, 2023•1 hr 21 min•Season 1Ep. 42
What if we told you that sugary foods aren't the only driver of insulin resistance? Many people attribute weight gain solely to a slowed metabolic rate, but the reality is that weight is influenced by dozens of other lifestyle factors. The media often misrepresents the term ‘hormone balance,’ leaving women without adequate advice to address menopausal symptoms. In fact, certain foods can mitigate hot flashes, yet they are the same foods often torn apart by the media. Insulin, weight management, ...
Jun 21, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 41
In this episode of Longevity By Design, Dr. Gil Blander welcomes guest Dr. John Oliffe, a renowned expert on men’s mental health. Dr. Blander and Dr. Oliffe discuss the intricacies and challenges regarding mental health faced by men in today’s world, and how when left unaddressed, can threaten men’s longevity. They delve into the complexities of modern masculinity and how traditional expectations impact men’s emotional well-being. Throughout the conversation, Dr. Oliffe shares insight into healt...
Jun 07, 2023•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 40
In this episode of Longevity By Design, Dr. Gil Blander interviews Dr. Emma Teeling, a leading bat researcher from the University of Dublin. They delve into the extraordinary world of bats, discussing how these mammals hold the key to understanding disease resistance, immunity, and longevity. Dr. Teeling explains the unique immune system of bats and their ability to suppress inflammation—which is considered one of the primary drivers of aging. Many lessons from bats can be applied to humans, inc...
May 24, 2023•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 39
In this episode of Longevity by Design, Dr. Renee Deehan discusses pertinent topics of women's health—and why women's health should matter to all. Hormone levels shift throughout a woman's lifespan, and the symptoms and risks associated with suboptimal hormone levels have an economic burden worth addressing. Tune in to learn how Dr. Deehan integrates blood biomarker testing, genomics, and fitness tracker data to steer conversations regarding health outcomes. To learn more about critical hormone ...
May 10, 2023•1 hr 30 min•Season 1Ep. 38
In this episode of Longevity By Design, Dr. Leroy Hood and Dr. Nathan Price discuss their approach to scientific wellness—distilling data into a simple, actionable measurement: biological age. Their goal is to leverage technology to compile data from the brain, body, gut microbiome, and more to create a model for scientific wellness. Dr. Leroy Hood and Dr. Nathan Price aim to integrate scientific wellness into the healthcare system—shifting the focus from disease-care to preventative lifestyle h...
Apr 26, 2023•1 hr 25 min•Season 1Ep. 37
In this episode of Longevity By Design, Dr. Rachele Pojednic describes the mechanism behind how exercise improves healthspan—discussing different modes of exercise and how each caters to a key health metric. Muscle integrity declines as we age, and Dr. Pojednic shares why preserving this tissue is critical for healthspan. She encourages listeners to choose the best physical activity type for themselves and quantifies how much exercise they should get per week. Finally, Dr. Pojednic discusses a p...
Apr 12, 2023•56 min•Season 1Ep. 36
In this episode of Longevity by Design, Dr. Kate Wolin discusses the tactics of behavior change science that can promote sustainable healthy habits. As a behavioral epidemiologist, Dr. Wolin provides actionable advice for health promotion in many contexts. She explains the science of motivation and how leveraging one’s motivation can promote behavior change. She also dives into how our environment facilitates positive or negative health behaviors and how to alter them. Tune in to hear the latest...
Mar 29, 2023•1 hr 38 min•Season 1Ep. 35
This episode of Longevity by Design discusses groundbreaking research on the use of gene therapies to target common diseases of aging. Dr. Noah Davidsohn leverages genes associated with aging as targets for de-aging cells and reducing the burden of age-related diseases. The research appears promising—Dr. Davidsohn is confident that these findings will eventually improve human lifespan and healthspan. Tune in for conversations that dissect the latest research in the field of longevity. For scienc...
Mar 15, 2023•40 min•Season 1Ep. 34
During this episode of Longevity by Design, Dr. Joan Mannick explains how mTOR influences the aging process. She explains that this evolutionarily conserved protein is involved in several cellular functions in the body and acts on longevity-promoting pathways like autophagy. Dr. Mannick also discusses the connection between mTOR and the immune system, sharing her research on how low-dose mTOR inhibitors can upregulate antiviral immunity, creating an opportunity for more targeted vaccines for old...
Feb 22, 2023•42 min•Season 1Ep. 33
This episode of Longevity by Design discusses topics related to longevity medicine, including mechanisms of aging, biological aging clocks, organ-specific aging, and factors that impact healthspan. With impressive clinical and research experience, Dr. Maier explains the importance of integrating longevity medicine into general practice as well as the current state of diagnostic tools within the field. For science-backed ways to live a healthier longer life, download InsideTracker's Top 5 biomark...
Feb 08, 2023•51 min•Season 1Ep. 32
This episode of Longevity by Design is the second of a two-part series in which Dr. Jennifer Garrison discusses women's health and the menopausal transition. In this episode, Dr. Garrison talks about reproductive health, the hormonal fluctuations women experience during their life, and the health implications of menopause. For science-backed ways to live a healthier longer life, download InsideTracker's Top 5 biomarkers for longevity eBook at insidetracker.com/podcast
Jan 25, 2023•58 min•Season 1Ep. 31
This episode of Longevity by Design discusses concepts related to women's health, including the brain-ovary connection, reproductive health, ovarian aging, and the health implications of menopause. Our guest today is Dr. Garrison, a neuroscientist, and expert in reproductive health. Dr. Garrison talks about gender inequalities in research and how her research lab aims to progress the scientific understanding of women's health and longevity. For science-backed ways to live a healthier longer life...
Jan 11, 2023•50 min•Season 1Ep. 30
This episode of Longevity by Design is an in-depth discussion on heart rate variability (HRV) and the stress response. Our guest today is Dr. Altini, an HRV expert and data expert. He and Dr. Blander talk through the definition of HRV, how stress impacts the autonomic nervous system, and the many factors that influence HRV. Tune in as Dr. Altini sheds light on how to interpret and improve this highly individualized marker. For science-backed ways to live a healthier longer life, download InsideT...
Dec 07, 2022•49 min•Season 1Ep. 29
