In today’s episode of Extend, I’m diving into one of the most powerful and underutilized tools for your health and longevity: strength training. Whether you’re a gym regular or just getting started, this episode will break down the science and practical strategies you need to transform your fitness routine. Together, we’ll explore the four essential pillars of strength training: building and preserving muscle as you age, how your muscles directly impact your metabolism, the surprising role of mu...
Jan 24, 2025•17 min•Ep 26•Transcript available on Metacast Feeling stuck with your health? Maybe you're doing all the right things—or at least you think you are—but you're still not seeing the results you want. It’s frustrating, right? But here’s the thing: modern life is working against you. Chronic stress, hidden toxins in your environment, and mixed messages about what actually works—it’s no wonder so many of us feel lost when it comes to wellness. In today’s episode of Extend with Dr. Shah, I’m sitting down with Mona Sharma—nutritionist, wellness ex...
Jan 21, 2025•2 hr 34 min•Ep 25•Transcript available on Metacast In this solo episode of Extend, I’m breaking down the science behind sustainable fitness progress and goal-setting so you can finally make those health resolutions stick. From understanding your baseline fitness level with key assessments to the power of setting small, realistic goals, I’m guiding you step-by-step through the tools that build long-term consistency. We’ll talk about everything from DEXA scans for precise body composition analysis to why grip strength and lower body power are vita...
Jan 16, 2025•19 min•Transcript available on Metacast Your brain is your most powerful asset—so why do so many of us let it decline without a fight? Cognitive decline, brain fog, and even Alzheimer’s don’t just “happen.” They’re the result of decades of small decisions, stress, and overlooked habits. The good news? You have the ability to take control. In this episode of Extend, I sit down with Louisa Nicola, neurophysiologist and human performance coach, to uncover the science behind optimal brain health and the simple habits that can keep your mi...
Jan 14, 2025•2 hr 31 min•Ep 23•Transcript available on Metacast Have you ever wondered if hitting the gym is enough to offset hours of sitting at your desk? In this episode of Extend, I take a closer look at the silent yet dangerous effects of sedentary behavior—and why it could be one of the most overlooked threats to your long-term health. From the link between prolonged sitting and chronic diseases like heart disease and Alzheimer’s to the surprising impact it has on your metabolic health, I’m breaking down the science behind why movement throughout the d...
Jan 09, 2025•10 min•Ep 22•Transcript available on Metacast Do you know the #1 preventable cause of death worldwide? It’s high blood pressure—a condition that half of the population doesn’t even know they have. Mismanaged and misunderstood, this "silent killer" leads to heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and dementia. Yet, most people rely on outdated tools like cuffs that deliver inconsistent readings or aren’t used correctly at all. In this episode of Extend, I sit down with Dr. Jay Shah, a cardiologist and blood pressure expert to tackle the barr...
Jan 07, 2025•2 hr 30 min•Ep 22•Transcript available on Metacast Are you stuck in a relentless cycle of stress that’s draining your energy and joy? Burnout isn’t just about feeling tired—it’s a chronic state that rewires your body and mind, often without you realizing it. In this episode of Extend, I sit down with Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, a trailblazer in functional medicine and best-selling author, to explore how modern life has hijacked our stress response systems. Together, we unpack why today’s constant pressures—from overflowing inboxes to endless social m...
Dec 31, 2024•3 hr 35 min•Ep 20•Transcript available on Metacast Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the endless options in the supplement aisle? In this episode of Extend, I take a closer look at why so many people struggle to make sense of supplementation—and what you can do to make smarter, science-backed decisions. From the declining nutrient density in modern diets to the role of supplements in addressing deficiencies and optimizing health, I’m breaking it all down. I also reveal the foundational supplements everyone should consider (like Vitamin D, Omega-...
Dec 26, 2024•11 min•Ep 19•Transcript available on Metacast Have you ever wondered if memory loss or cognitive decline is inevitable as we age? What if I told you it’s not—and that, with the right strategies, you can even reverse early signs of neurodegeneration? In this episode of Extend with Dr. Darshan Shah, I sit down with my friend and esteemed colleague, Dr. Dale Bredesen, a pioneer in brain health and the author of The End of Alzheimer’s. Dr. Bredesen has completely changed the way I see cognitive decline, and today, we’re sharing how cutting-edge...
Dec 24, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Ep 18•Transcript available on Metacast Are you trapped in the cycle of endless dieting and calorie counting? For years, we've been told that weight loss is as simple as “calories in, calories out,” but if that’s true, why do so many of us still struggle? What if the problem isn’t just the numbers, but how we think about them? In this episode of theExtend podcast, I take a closer look at why the traditional approach to calorie control fails—and what you can do instead. From the science behind metabolic rate to the surprising impact of...
Dec 19, 2024•12 min•Ep 17•Transcript available on Metacast Ever find yourself putting in the time at the gym, only to feel like you’re barely moving the needle? Or notice that staying in shape seems to get tougher every year? Here’s the thing: muscle health is the backbone of your metabolism, strength, and long-term vitality, but it’s often the missing link in most people’s routines. In this episode, I’m thrilled to sit down with JJ Virgin. Together, we dive into why muscle matters for more than just strength, how to use high-intensity interval training...
Dec 17, 2024•2 hr 45 min•Ep 16•Transcript available on Metacast Are you part of the 88% of people who are metabolically unhealthy—and don’t even know it? Do you know what metabolic health really means? Or why is it the root cause of nearly every chronic disease? In this episode of Extend, I’m diving deep into the critical world of metabolic health—how it works, why it matters, and what you can do today to optimize it. With only 12% of Americans metabolically healthy, it’s time to take charge. I’ll break down the science of mitochondria, share the key biomark...
Dec 12, 2024•16 min•Ep 15•Transcript available on Metacast What if simple lifestyle changes could transform your health in ways you never imagined? In this episode of Extend with Darshan Shah, MD with my guest, Darin Olien, we dig into the basics—nutrition, exercise, and stress management—that lay the foundation for a healthier life. Darin also explains why cutting out ultra-processed foods in favor of fresh, whole ingredients is a game-changer for mental clarity, energy, and resilience. From practical tips like staying hydrated to learning the art of n...
Dec 10, 2024•2 hr 53 min•Ep 14•Transcript available on Metacast Are you overwhelmed by all the conflicting diet advice out there? In this episode of Extend, I simplify it all with a framework that works: the good, the bad, and the ugly of food. We’ll dive deep into how to structure your meals around nutrient-dense choices that nourish your body, help you maintain energy, and support long-term health. I’ll walk you through the truth about carbs, proteins, and fats—what you should embrace, what you should avoid, and what’s downright harmful. You’ll learn why c...
Dec 05, 2024•15 min•Ep 13•Transcript available on Metacast What if you could get the full potential of your health by tailoring it to your unique genetic blueprint? Ever wondered how personalized wellness could transform your approach to health and well-being? In this episode of Extend with Dr. Shah, we dive into this fascinating concept with biohacking expert Kayla Barnes Lentz, a pioneer in personalized female health. Kayla shares her insights on the unique challenges women face, from PCOS and autoimmune conditions to endometriosis and menstrual issue...
Dec 03, 2024•2 hr 38 min•Ep 12•Transcript available on Metacast We’ve all been there—grabbing a quick snack or packaged meal, trusting it to be “not that bad.” But what if I told you these ultra-processed foods are quietly undermining your health? Engineered for taste and convenience, they’re doing far more harm than you realize, contributing to fatigue, metabolic issues, and even chronic disease. If you’re serious about living longer and healthier, this is the conversation you need. In this solo episode of Extend, I break down what's behind ultra-processed ...
Nov 28, 2024•13 min•Ep 11•Transcript available on Metacast What if you could customize your health like a pro athlete? Imagine having a health and fitness routine tailored to your unique needs, just like a world-class athlete?! In this episode of Extend with Dr. Shah, we sit down with Dr. Andy Galpin, a leading expert in health and fitness technology, to explore the game-changing innovations that are transforming the industry. Andy shares insights on how personalized wellness techniques and understanding your individual response to health interventions ...
Nov 26, 2024•3 hr 54 min•Ep 10•Transcript available on Metacast Why does a slice of bread today barely resemble the one your grandmother baked? Our food system has transformed dramatically over the decades, turning simple ingredients into what some call "Frankenstein foods." On this week’s solo episode of the Extend podcast, I dive deep into how we got here, exposing the missteps and misinformation that have shaped today’s diet-driven epidemics of obesity, diabetes, and gut issues. From the infamous food pyramid to the low-fat craze, I unpack how the governm...
Nov 21, 2024•12 min•Ep 9•Transcript available on Metacast Is your metabolic health the key to unlocking overall wellness? In our latest episode, we sit down with Dr. Casey Means, a leading voice in metabolic health, to talk about how your metabolism affects everything from obesity to Alzheimer's. Dr. Casey also dive into how our industrialized world is disrupting cellular biology and fueling chronic diseases, but she also shares hope through precision health and functional medicine. Plus, she also shared actionable tips to boost wellness, the importanc...
Nov 19, 2024•2 hr 41 min•Ep 8•Transcript available on Metacast Is your health just something you react to when problems arise, or is it something you actively shape every day? For many, the journey to wellness only begins when they’re already facing a health crisis. I’m Dr. Darshan Shah, and I know this personally—I went from being overweight and on multiple medications to achieving a level of health I never thought possible. This awakening transformed how I view medicine and inspired me to prioritize an approach that goes beyond treating symptoms to active...
Nov 14, 2024•14 min•Ep 7•Transcript available on Metacast Are you struggling to find balance in your mental and spiritual well-being? Do you want to feel more grounded, less stressed, and truly connected to your roots? In this episode of Extend with Dr. Shah, my guest, Jay Shetty shares his journey from monastic life to becoming a global digital creator. We dive deep into the world of meditation, mindset, and stress management, providing practical strategies to cultivate psychological health. Jay reminds us that true happiness comes from within and emp...
Nov 12, 2024•2 hr 36 min•Ep 6•Transcript available on Metacast What if the secret to transforming your health isn’t about discipline but understanding how your brain is wired? In this episode of Extend with Dr. Shah, I dive into the fascinating science of habit formation and uncover why routines like regular exercise and structured eating are the real keys to long-term health and longevity. As a physician, I break down how habits automate your actions, helping you conserve mental energy and sustain healthy changes without relying on willpower alone. Drawing...
Nov 07, 2024•13 min•Ep 5•Transcript available on Metacast Is your quest for success silently compromising your health? Could the very drive that fuels your ambitions also be leading you away from the balanced life you’re striving for? In this episode of The Extend podcast, we dive deep into these intriguing questions with Bryan Johnson, who shares his transformation from a relentless CEO to a passionate health advocate. We also talked about his journey into humanity’s enduring quest for immortality, cutting-edge scientific advancements that could redef...
Nov 05, 2024•1 hr•Ep 4•Transcript available on Metacast Are you ready to take control of your health like never before? In a world where healthcare often feels reactive, what if you could become the CEO of your own well-being? In this episode of Extend by Dr. Shah, we’re diving into the concept of proactive, personalized health management—an approach that puts you in the driver’s seat. We explore how your genes, lifestyle, and environment all play a role in your biological destiny. You'll learn how to build a health-focused team and identify key perf...
Oct 31, 2024•16 min•Ep 3•Transcript available on Metacast What if your health depended not just on what you eat, but also on how you move, sleep, and manage stress? In this episode of The Extend Podcast with Dr. Shah, I sat down with my guest, Dr. Mark Hyman, who reveals how focusing on quality over quantity—especially when it comes to food—can transform your health. We dive into the hidden dangers of ultra-processed foods and the power of nutrient-dense diets to regulate appetite and boost well-being. He also highlights the crucial role of muscle mass...
Oct 29, 2024•2 hr 44 min•Transcript available on Metacast Could lasting health really be as simple as tweaking a few daily habits? Join me in my first solo of the Extend by Dr. Shah podcast as we explore how subtle shifts in your routine can lead to profound health transformations. I believe that only 20% of what we do leads to 80% of the results we see. So what actually falls into that 20%? What do we actually need to be prioritizing? In this episode, I answer these questions. I also break down the science of habit formation, focusing on how understan...
Oct 29, 2024•10 min•Transcript available on Metacast 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 know...
Oct 21, 2024•3 min•Transcript available on Metacast 
