December 04, 2025

543 - The Dangers of Binge Drinking to our Health with Dr. Ulysses Wu

1 hour 19 minutes

Is your love of high-proof, perfectly aged bourbon actually good for you? Or are we all just telling ourselves that? Today, we're tackling the elephant in the whiskey room with the science: Dr. Ulysses Wu (Yuli), the Chief Epidemiologist at Hartford HealthCare.

Uly's personal journey is wild—from corporate finance to infectious diseases—and now he focuses on the intersection of alcohol, health, and longevity. He joins us to share his personal bourbon journey and how he accidentally procured some seriously rare Stitzel-Weller when nobody was looking.

In this eye-opening episode, we dive into: The Calorie Problem for barrel-proof bourbon, Uly's concept of "firewalls" (the human ability to curb excess), why robust long-term health studies on alcohol are so difficult to conduct, and the profound psychological impact of bourbon, which Uly calls a "time machine" for positive memories. This is a mandatory listen for anyone who loves brown water and wants to understand the science behind drinking healthily and responsibly.

Show Notes:

Introduction to Dr. Ulysses Wu (Uly), Chief Epidemiologist at Hartford HealthCare

Uly’s surprising career shift from corporate finance to infectious diseases

The connection between alcohol, health, and longevity

Uly's personal bourbon journey, including the accidental procurement of rare Stitzel-Weller

Scientific discussion on the true caloric content of barrel-proof bourbon

Analysis of "firewalls"—the psychological ability to prevent excess in consumption

Challenges of conducting robust, long-term health studies on alcohol consumption

The psychological power of bourbon as a "time machine" for positive memory creation

Advice for drinking bourbon responsibly and healthily

Alcohol and Health Research and Data from Dr. Wu

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