“Everyone’s talking about ways to ‘stimulate your vagus nerve.’ But what actually works—and what’s just hype?” — Dr. Kevin Tracey 

Key Resources & Links  

In this second part of my conversation with Dr. Kevin J. Tracey, neurosurgeon, researcher, and one of the most cited medical experts in the world, we’re separating fact from fiction when it comes to the vagus nerve. 

If you’ve seen cold plunges, breathwork hacks, or gadgets claiming to “activate” your vagus nerve, you’ll want to hear this. Dr. Tracey explains what’s real, what’s promising, and what you can skip. We also dive into why inflammation is at the root of so many chronic conditions—and how new therapies might one day change the way we treat disease without relying on drugs. 

In this episode, you’ll learn: 

And don’t forget—we’re giving away copies of Dr. Tracey’s groundbreaking book, The Great Nerve. Winners will be chosen from listeners who share Parts 1 or 2 (or both!). Just share the link to the episode on Instagram, tag me @barbarahannahgrufferman, and you’re entered! Easy peasy! 

If you’re enjoying Age Better, I’d be so grateful if you left a quick review wherever you listen.      

And if there’s a topic or question you’d love for me to cover in a future episode, send a note to [email protected] -- I love hearing from you!    

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“Someday, devices that stimulate the vagus nerve may replace many of the drugs people take for chronic disease.”— Dr. Kevin Tracey 

Key Resources & Links 

Why Listen to This Episode? 

In this first of a two-part series, I sit down with Dr. Kevin J. Tracey, neurosurgeon, CEO of the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, and founder of the field of bioelectronic medicine. He’s also one of the most widely cited medical experts in the world. Together, we explore the science behind the vagus nerve, a vast communication highway between your brain and body that is proving to be a powerful regulator of inflammation. 

Just weeks ago, the FDA approved the first implantable vagus nerve device for rheumatoid arthritis, a breakthrough that could pave the way for treating other conditions without drugs. Dr. Tracey explains what this milestone means, how the device works, and why it could someday replace some of the medications people rely on for chronic disease management. 

What You’ll Learn in Part 1 

ENTER TO WIN A COPY OF ‘THE GREAT NERVE’! How to enter: listen to the episode, share the link on Instagram and tag me

If you’re enjoying Age Better, I’d be so grateful if you left a quick review wherever you listen.     

And if there’s a topic or question you’d love for me to cover in a future episode, send a note to [email protected] -- I love hearing from you!   

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In this solo episode of Age Better with Barbara Hannah Grufferman, I break down seven brand-new studies that could change the way you think about your health in your 50s, 60s, 70s and beyond. 

From the surprising truth about sitting time, to the power of strength training, to how the Mediterranean diet protects both brain and body—this episode is your shortcut to the latest science on aging well. 

Why listen? Because research only matters when you know what it means for you. Each study ends with a clear takeaway you can put into practice today 

What You’ll Learn 

Referenced AGE BETTER Episodes 

If you’re enjoying Age Better, I’d be so grateful if you left a quick review wherever you listen.     

And if there’s a topic or question you’d love for me to cover in a future episode, send a note to [email protected] -- I love hearing from you!   

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"Calcium from food is the ideal source." — Dr. Jennifer Han 

Learn more about SEEN Nutrition: https://www.seennutrition.com 

If you’ve been with me for a while, you know bone health is one of my biggest passions. I’ve worked with the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation for over 10 years, and I’m always on the lookout for innovations that can truly make a difference. 

That’s why I’m so excited to share this conversation with Dr. Jennifer Han. She’s a dual residency–trained, board-certified clinical pharmacist, functional medicine practitioner, and co-founder of SEEN Nutrition — the company behind the first calcium chew made entirely from real food. 

Dr. Han’s personal story is remarkable. After a rare bone disease fractured her back just two months after giving birth, she set out to completely rethink calcium supplements — and what she’s created could change the way we all think about supporting our bones. 

In our conversation, we cover: 

 Dr. Han’s message is one I want every listener to hear: bone health is a lifelong commitment, and with the right knowledge and tools, you can protect your strength, mobility, and independence for years to come. 

Take a listen—and don’t forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode.   

If you’re enjoying Age Better, I’d be so grateful if you left a quick review wherever you listen.    

And if there’s a topic or question you’d love for me to cover in a future episode, send me a note at [email protected]. I love hearing from you.  

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RESOURCES & LINKS 

Watch a message from Barbara HERE 

Check out the Osteoboost Official Website HERE 

Visit the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation Website HERE 

EPISODE UPDATE This is a replay of our March episode with Laura Yecies, CEO of Osteoboost. Since our original conversation aired, I have started using the Osteoboost vibration belt—30 minutes daily—as part of my bone health routine. 

In this conversation, Laura and I discuss Osteoboost, an FDA-approved device using NASA-inspired vibration therapy to combat bone loss. Laura explains how the technology works, its impressive clinical results (85% reduction in spinal bone loss), and who benefits most. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

Note: For informational purposes only. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any new health regimen. 

Take a listen—and don’t forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode.   

If you’re enjoying Age Better, I’d be so grateful if you left a quick review wherever you listen.    

And if there’s a topic or question you’d love for me to cover in a future episode, send a note to [email protected] -- I love hearing from you!  

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EPISODE RESOURCES: 
– Start a Be Bone Strong™ Walking Club 
– About the Be Bone Strong™ Team 
– Bone Health and Osteoporosis Foundation 
 

In this inspiring replay episode of Bone Talk, I sat down with Claire Gill, CEO of the Bone Health & Osteoporosis Foundation (BHOF), to talk about something close to my heart—walking. 

Yes, walking. It may be simple, but it’s one of the most powerful tools we have to build stronger bones, deepen social connections, and reshape how we age. And now, through the Be Bone Strong™ Walking Clubs, we’re bringing that power to communities all across the country. 

I share how my own wake-up call with low bone density—despite running marathons and living a healthy lifestyle—transformed me into a passionate advocate for movement, strength, and aging better. We also talk about how walking clubs can be inclusive, fun, and completely doable—no matter your pace, fitness level, or age. 

What you’ll hear in this episode: 

Whether you're already walking regularly or thinking about taking that first step, this episode will give you the motivation and tools to move forward—literally. 

Take a listen—and don’t forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode.  

If you’re enjoying Age Better, I’d be so grateful if you left a quick review wherever you listen.   

And if there’s a topic or question you’d love for me to cover in a future episode, send me a note at [email protected]. I love hearing from you. 

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Before we dive in, I want to encourage you to learn more about Brady Holmer and his work. He's the founder of the Physiologically Speaking newsletter and editor of Run Long, Run Healthy. You can also check out his e-book, VO₂ Max Essentials, which breaks down one of the most important health metrics we discuss in this episode. 

Here are the links: 

Now, onto the episode... 

Hi everyone. I’m Barbara and this is Age Better. 

We often focus on numbers like weight, cholesterol, or blood pressure—but what if there were two other numbers that could give you a much clearer picture of how well you're aging? In this episode, I talk with physiologist and science communicator Brady Holmer about VO₂ max and heart rate variability, or HRV—two powerful, science-backed metrics that most of us were never taught to track, but absolutely should. 

VO₂ max reflects your aerobic capacity and overall cardiovascular fitness, while HRV measures how well your body recovers from stress. The best part? You don’t need to be a marathon runner to improve either of these—and they can be key indicators for longevity, resilience, and quality of life. 

Whether you’re new to exercise or already walking and lifting regularly, this episode will give you a better understanding of how to stay strong, mobile, and fit as you age. 

As Brady says in our conversation, “Walking is an underrated health hack.” And I couldn’t agree more. 

Take a listen—and don’t forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode. 

If you’re enjoying Age Better, I’d be so grateful if you left a quick review wherever you listen.  

And if there’s a topic or question you’d love for me to cover in a future episode, send me a note at [email protected]. I love hearing from you.

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“Let’s stop ‘aging gracefully’ and start aging strong” 

                                      -Dr. Alan Rozanski 

 In this powerful and practical conversation, Barbara is joined by Dr. Alan Rozanski, a nationally recognized expert in preventive cardiology, Professor of Medicine at Mount Sinai, and founder of one of the country’s top cardiac rehabilitation programs. Together, they dive deep into what it really means to age better—and why strength may be the most overlooked key to thriving after 60. 

Dr. Rozanski explains that aging doesn’t happen in a straight line—it jumps, especially around age 60. That’s when declines in muscle mass, mental sharpness, and energy can take a sharp turn. But it doesn’t have to be that way. 

Using his groundbreaking Six Domains of Optimal Health and Vitality framework, Dr. Rozanski shares science-backed, actionable strategies for building physical strength, cultivating mental vitality, managing stress, deepening purpose, and fostering emotional resilience and social connection. 

Whether you’re in midlife or well beyond, this episode offers a roadmap for becoming not just older—but stronger, sharper, and more alive. It is a true masterclass in aging better.  

Key Takeaways: 

Aging isn’t linear—it accelerates at key moments, including around age 60. 

Strength training is essential for preventing falls, frailty, and decline. 

Resistance training should be included in standard medical guidelines. 

Measuring muscle strength can be as important as tracking blood pressure. 

Daily physical activity can dramatically lower your risk of early death. 

Living with purpose fuels vitality, energy, and emotional wellbeing. 

Loneliness is a serious public health threat—but it can be reversed. 

Emotional mastery helps you navigate challenges with resilience. 

Stress, when managed well, can become a force for growth. 

Small steps—like a few bodyweight squats a day—can change your trajectory. 

Learn more about Dr. Alan Rozanski HERE 

Learn more about Barbara Hannah Grufferman HERE 

FOLLOW ‘AGE BETTER’:  

To join this adventure, remember to subscribe or follow the "Age Better with Barbara Hannah Grufferman" podcast on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Yep, you can watch it or just listen!    

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!   

Your questions have spurred many episodes, so please keep them coming! Share your ideas for topics and guest suggestions at [email protected]  

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Key Links: 

Read Danielle Friedman's New York Times column: 
“Weighted Vests: Do They Actually Do Anything?” HERE 

Listen to Ep 158 “On Muscle” with Bonnie Tsui HERE 

Hi everyone. I'm Barbara and this is AGE BETTER. 

In this episode, I’m joined by returning guest Danielle Friedman, best-selling author, award-winning journalist and New York Times columnist, to unpack one of the latest midlife fitness trends: weighted vests. 

Are they truly a secret weapon for stronger bones and muscles—or just another overhyped wellness gimmick? 

Danielle shares what she learned after interviewing leading experts in bone and muscle health for her latest New York Times column. Together, we explore: 

Whether you're already a fan or wondering if it’s worth the investment, this 20-minute conversation will give you the clarity you need. 

LEARN MORE ABOUT AGE BETTER PODCAST    

Age Better podcast delves into a diverse range of topics, including finance, work, health, fitness, style, makeup, hair, nutrition, travel, relationships, sex, menopause and more. Each week, I'll bring you the latest insights, expert opinions, and actionable advice.   

SHARE YOUR IDEAS AND QUESTIONS  

Your questions have spurred many episodes, so please keep them coming! Share your ideas for topics and guest suggestions at [email protected] 

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KEY LINKS: 

What does it really mean to start over—after nearly everything has been taken away? 

In this powerful and deeply inspiring conversation, I talk with journalist and advocate Jackie Duda, who shares her extraordinary journey through chronic illness, disability, and survival. Once a thriving writer, Jackie’s life took a sharp turn when she was diagnosed with autoimmune and connective tissue disorders including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Crohn’s disease, POTS, and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. But it was a near-fatal bout of sepsis in 2021, triggered by a colon perforation, that changed everything. 

Jackie opens up about the physical and emotional toll her health battles took on her and her family—and how she slowly, courageously found her way back. Now, she’s using her voice to raise awareness about sepsis, chronic illness, and osteoporosis, and to help others reclaim joy despite life's hardest moments. 

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN: 

FOLLOW ‘AGE BETTER’: 

To join this adventure, remember to subscribe or follow the "Age Better with Barbara Hannah Grufferman" podcast on platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. Yep, you can watch it or just listen!   

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!  

Your questions have spurred many episodes, so please keep them coming! Share your ideas for topics and guest suggestions at [email protected] 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices