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If you aren’t getting adequate sleep, a lot of physical and mental problems can follow—from the obvious symptoms like fatigue and brain fog to more serious things like an increased risk of dementia. What is an adequate amount of deep and REM sleep? What are the minimum and maximum amounts of sleep we need each night? What should we do if we wake up in the middle of the night? What’s the deal with intermittent fasting and sleep? Should we take melatonin? Dr. Michael Breus, “The Sleep Doctor,” answers these questions and more.

How long will you live? Take our quiz today to find out!

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BON CHARGE: Rejuvenate your body and skin with the Max Red Light Therapy Device—high-powered, at-home red and near-infrared light therapy made easy. Boost recovery, glow naturally, and feel your best in every session. Click here to save 15% with code “ageist15”

Troscriptions: Precise, pharmaceutical-grade nootropics for peak performance. Whether you need laser focus, mental clarity, or a boost in cognitive endurance, Troscriptions delivers science-backed results. Use the code “AGEIST” for 10% off or click here.

Key Moments

“When you wake up in the morning at a consistent time, let’s say it’s 6:15, when the sunlight hits your eyeball, you have special cells in your eyeball called melanopsin cells. These turn off the melatonin faucet in your brain which allows you to kind of clear the brain fog and wake up. The more consistent you are with it, the more your body can expect when to turn off the melatonin faucet. When it turns off the faucet in your head, it sets a timer for roughly 15 hours later to start melatonin.” 

“You would actually be considered drunk behind the wheel if you get less than 5 1/2 hours just from a reaction time standpoint.”

“Sleep is a lot like love: the less you look for it, the more it shows up.” 

Connect With Dr. Michael Breus

Website: https://thesleepdoctor.com

Instagram (@thesleepdoctor): https://www.instagram.com/thesleepdoctor/

Dr. Breus’ book: Energize!: Go from Dragging Ass to Kicking It in 30 Days 

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Do you ever feel like things just aren’t clicking? This week’s guest on The AGEIST Podcast, Rabbi Asher Gottesman, shares his personal path from addiction to sobriety and from shame to self-worth. He explains how loneliness is the real epidemic, and why connection—not just to others, but to ourselves—is the cure. Asher offers clear, grounded advice for building community, rewiring self-talk, and finally feeling seen.

How long will you live? Take our quiz today to find out! Visit ageist.com/longevityquiz

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David Protein: Fuel your body's potential with David Protein, the premium formula that delivers complete amino acid profiles without compromise. Experience the difference that sustainable, clean nutrition makes in your recovery and performance—because your body deserves nothing less than extraordinary. Use our link, and when you buy 4, you get the 5th box free. Visit: tinyurl.com/weareageist.

fatty15: C15:0 is the first essential fatty acid to be discovered in over 90 years, and fatty15 is on a mission to replenish your C15:0 levels and restore your long-term health. Get 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit here or enter the code “AGEIST” at checkout.

Troscriptions: Precise, pharmaceutical-grade nootropics for peak performance. Whether you need laser focus, mental clarity, or a boost in cognitive endurance, Troscriptions delivers science-backed results. Use the code “AGEIST” for 10% off or click here.

Key Moments

“You can act yourself into right thinking. You can't think yourself into right acting.”

“Shame is the greatest element of it because guilt is, ‘I did something wrong’. Shame is, ‘I am something wrong.’”

“If you go to the room of somebody that doesn't love you, go to the next room. Don't use it as evidence that you're not lovable.”

Connect with Rabbi Asher Gottesman

Website

Instagram (@theasherg)

Podcast (Showing Up With Asher Gottesman)

Book: Connection: The Easiest Solution to the World's Greatest Problem

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Former professional sand volleyball player Gabby Reece joins us for a masterclass in how to build a sustainable, individualized approach to health, aging, and performance. She talks candidly about transitioning from elite sport to wellness, and why “listening to your whisper” can be a life-changing practice. Gabby explains the difference between having information and having a practice–and how one without the other is meaningless. From parenting strategies to hyperbaric therapy and training in water, she delivers practical, honest insights you can apply right now.

How long will you live? Take our quiz today to find out! Visit ageist.com/longevityquiz

Thanks to Our Sponsors

David Protein: Fuel your body's potential with David Protein, the premium plant-based formula that delivers complete amino acid profiles without compromise. Experience the difference that sustainable, clean nutrition makes in your recovery and performance—because your body deserves nothing less than extraordinary. Use our link, and when you buy 4, you get the 5th box free. Visit: tinyurl.com/weareageist

LMNT Electrolytes: Our number-one electrolytes for optimal hydration. Listeners receive a free 8-serving sample pack with their purchase at DrinkLMNT.com/AGEIST.

Timeline Nutrition: Our favorite supplement for cell support and mitochondrial function. Listeners receive 10% off your first order of Mitopure with code AGEIST at TimelineNutrition.com/ageist.

Chapters

(05:27) Navigating Life Transitions

(11:58) The Whisper Within

(12:22) Balancing Intensity and Empathy

(14:25) The Evolution of Podcasting

(21:15) Understanding Personal Practice

(27:25) Time Management and Priorities

(29:56) Balancing Family and Work Life

(33:29) The Importance of Training and Physical Health

(37:35) Embracing Change and Personal Growth

(40:42) The Value of Friendship and Support

(43:12) Future Aspirations and Projects

(48:28) Aging Gracefully and Finding Purpose

Key Moments

“If you are as truthful as you’re comfortable being, you realize that has more meaning than being perfect for people.”

“What’s your practice? Because we all know a lot, but it doesn’t matter if you don’t do it.”

“You can’t stop aging. So how do I do that in a way that I don’t go crazy, but I can still be powerful from the inside out?”

Connect with Gabby Reece

Website: gabbyreece.com
Instagram: instagram.com/gabbyreece/

Podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-gabby-reece-show

Laird Superfood: lairdsuperfood.com

XPT Life (Fitness): xptlife.com

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Fitness coach Denise Kirtley joins us to talk about why transformation in midlife begins with mindset, not macros. In this conversation, she challenges outdated views of aging, critiques perfection culture, and explains how real strength is built through daily intention. Denise also speaks candidly about social media backlash and how sharing her journey in a bikini inspires women to believe change is possible. Her message is clear: stop waiting, and just start.

How long will you live? Take our quiz today to find out! Visit ageist.com/longevityquiz

Thanks to Our Sponsors

fatty15: C15:0 is the first essential fatty acid to be discovered in 90 years, and fatty15 is on a mission to replenish your C15:0 levels and restore your long-term health. Get 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit here or enter the code “AGEIST” at checkout.

BON CHARGE: Rejuvenate your body and skin with the Max Red Light Therapy Device—high-powered, at-home red- and near-infrared light therapy made easy. Boost recovery, glow naturally, and feel your best in every session. Click here to save 15% with the code “ageist15”.

Our Place: Our top cookware brand for non-toxic, PFA-free pots and pans. Use the code “AGEIST” for 10% off at fromourplace.com. 

Chapters

(03:15) The Journey of Midlife Women

(10:36) Choosing the Hard Path

(15:16) Normalizing Healthy Living

(19:32) Authenticity vs. Perfection in Aging

(26:56) Navigating Personal Choices in Aesthetic Enhancements

(34:21) The Impact of Body Image and Societal Expectations

(41:41) Empowerment Through Self-Acceptance and Action

Key Moments

"The hardest part of transformation is the mindset."

"You want to change? You can literally start as soon as you listen to this podcast."

"You have to get strong to have a good life because life’s going to get hard as you get older if you’re not strong."

Connect with Denise
Website: rebellionbody.com
Instagram: instagram.com/fiftyfitnessjourney

App: rebellionbodymethod.com

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In this week’s episode, Jennifer Vaughan Maanavi, founder of Physique 57, shares why fitness must be the foundation of any wellness plan—especially as we age. She explains how the explosion of wellness trends has dangerously shifted focus away from physical health. Jennifer offers powerful insights on building a sustainable, results-driven fitness habit that supports brain health, cardiovascular health, and emotional well-being. Listeners will come away with a clear, actionable framework for prioritizing fitness as a true cornerstone of longevity and life quality.

How long will you live? Take our quiz today to find out! Visit ageist.com/longevityquiz

Thanks to Our Sponsors

Timeline Nutrition: Our favorite supplement for cell support and mitochondrial function. Listeners receive 10% off your first order of Mitopure with code AGEIST at TimelineNutrition.com/ageist.

Our Place – our top cookware brand for non-toxic, PFA-free pots and brands. Use code “AGEIST” for 10% off at fromourplace.com 

LMNT Electrolytes — our number one electrolytes for optimal hydration. Listeners receive a free 8-serving sample pack with their purchase at DrinkLMNT.com/AGEIST. 

Chapters

(10:15) Jennifer's Journey from Finance to Fitness

(20:28) The Evolution of the Wellness Industry

(27:27) Integrating Fitness into the Healthcare Continuum

(30:21) The Importance of Fitness in Wellness

(34:50) Fitness as a Foundation for Wellness

(36:50) The Evolving Landscape of Wellness Activities

(41:04) The Need for Outcome-Driven Fitness Conversations

(42:38) The Role of Nutrition and Supplements in Wellness

(44:41) The Future of Fitness in Medical Prescriptions

Key Moments

"Wellness is taking over and it's not bringing fitness with it."

"You have to think about now—present value—who you are now and how you’re going to bring yourself into the future."

"Fitness is preventative care; it’s the key to preventative care."

Connect with Our Guest
Website: https://physique57.com
Instagram: https://instagram.com/physique57
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifervaughanmaanavi/

Book: The Physique 57 Solution

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Physical therapist and endurance athlete Dr. Mike Studer joins us this week to break the myth of a one-size-fits-all approach to health. He shares why personalization—based on genetics, performance metrics, and lifestyle—is critical to long-term success in fitness, nutrition, and mental wellbeing. From sleep consistency to gut microbiome insights, Dr. Studer lays out practical strategies to help listeners become their own best scientist. Tune in to learn how to effectively experiment, track outcomes, and stop feeling like a failure for not thriving on someone else's plan.

How long will you live? Take our quiz today to find out! Visit ageist.com/longevityquiz

Thanks to Our Sponsors
Fatty15 – C15 is the first essential fatty acid to be discovered In 90 years. Fatty15 is on a mission to replenish your C15 levels and restore your long-term health. Get 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit here or enter code: AGEIST at checkout.

Meditate Happier – Navigating menopause isn’t just about managing physical symptoms—it’s about supporting your mind and emotions too. That’s why Meditate Happier created the Mindful Menopause Guide, with Diana Winston. It is a free, expert-led course designed to help you move through menopause with more ease, confidence, and calm. Click this link or visit: www.meditatehappier.com/menopause

Troscriptions — Precise, pharmaceutical-grade nootropics for peak performance. Whether you need laser focus, mental clarity, or a boost in cognitive endurance, Troscriptions delivers science-backed results. Use code: AGEIST for 10% off, or click here.

Chapters

(03:25) Understanding SNPs and Personal Choices

(09:19) The Role of Autonomy and Beliefs in Health

(15:54) Gamification and Measurement in Health Choices

(17:46) The Importance of Sleep and Its Variability

(22:50) Genetics, Microbiome, and Personal Health

(26:08) Becoming Your Own Scientist in Health

(28:01) The Personalization of Health and Wellness

(32:36) Conclusion: Statistics vs. Individual Experience

Key Moments

“Statistics are for populations, not people.”

“We’re always our own best scientist and best prescriber.”

“You get dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin from doing what you believe is healthy for your future self.”

Connect with Our Guest

• Website: MikeStuder.com
  
  
• LinkedIn: Mike Studer on LinkedIn
  
  
• Book: The Brain That Chooses Itself

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Matt Zemon, author and psychedelic therapy advocate, joins us to explain how non-ordinary states of consciousness can help rewire repetitive thought patterns. He breaks down how psychedelics are being used not just for trauma recovery but to foster growth and deeper self-understanding. This episode also covers the rise of industrialized addiction and the tools available to counter its effects—from ketamine to breathwork to community. Whether you're struggling or thriving, Zemon offers grounded, practical ways to live with more intention and connection.

How long will you live? Take our quiz today to find out! Visit ageist.com/longevityquiz

Join our Ask David Anything Webinar on April 24th, 8pm EST. 

Special Thanks to Our Sponsors

Our Place – Our top cookware brand for non-toxic, PFA-free pots and brands. Use code “AGEIST” for 10% off at fromourplace.com 

LMNT Electrolytes: Our number-one electrolytes for optimal hydration. Listeners receive a free 8-serving sample pack with their purchase at DrinkLMNT.com/AGEIST. 

fatty15: C15:0 is the first essential fatty acid to be discovered in 90 years, and fatty15 is on a mission to replenish your C15:0 levels and restore your long-term health. Get 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit here or enter the code “AGEIST” at checkout.

Key Quotes
“These medicines remind us that there are other ways to think about ourselves, our relationships, our jobs, our lives.”

“I already am everything, as are you. And I don’t need to become, I need to be.”

“You're not broken. You just forgot how powerful you were.”

Chapters
(03:15) The Intersection of Psychedelics and Addiction
(06:28) Psychedelics and Mental Health
(09:28) Cultural Context of Addiction
(12:21) Personal Experiences with Psychedelics
(15:02) The Role of Connection and Community
(18:07) Revelations and Non-Ordinary States of Consciousness
(24:13) The Beauty of Life and Death
(28:02) Transformative Journeys: Veterans and Psychedelics
(30:00) Healing Through Psychedelics: A New Hope
(33:23) Mindset Matters: Abundance vs. Scarcity
(34:56) Exploring Psychedelics: Legal and Safe Access
(37:24) Understanding Risks in Psychedelic Use
(40:59) Navigating Change: Being Human in the 21st Century
(42:07) Tools for Living: Expanding the Toolbox

Connect with Matt Zemon

Website

Instagram (@matt.zemon)

Books: Psychedelics for Everyone andA Veteran’s Guide to Psychedelics 

Full Interview Transcript

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Craig Cooper, former professional athlete and author of Your New Prime, shares the overlooked realities men face as they age. He opens up about reversing his own osteoporosis and why many men fail to prioritize bone health. Craig breaks down why typical fitness routines may actually accelerate aging and offers science-backed alternatives for maintaining strength, metabolic function, and cardiovascular resilience. This episode equips listeners with practical, often ignored insights into how to stay strong, capable, and engaged well beyond midlife.

This May 26-31 in Santa Fe, NM, Rebecca Rusch and AGEIST founder David Stewart are hosting what might be the most transformative week of your year. It's what Rebecca calls "adult play summer camp," blending cutting-edge science with genuine joy.

Ideal for all fitness levels – whether you're a seasoned athlete or just getting started on your wellness journey.

Ready to feel better than you have in years? Your future self is waiting at meawisdom.com/enroll

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BON CHARGE: What if there was a device that combined nature’s beneficial frequencies with red, near-infrared, and far-infrared light? BON CHARGE’s Infrared PEMF Mat Max is the all-in-one device that can help you recover faster, sleep better, elevate your focus, and achieve ultimate wellness. Use “AGEIST15” at checkout for 15% off your purchase.

Timeline Nutrition: Our favorite supplement for cell support and mitochondrial function. Listeners receive 10% off your first order of Mitopure with the code “AGEIST” at TimelineNutrition.com/ageist.

Our Place: Our top cookware brand for non-toxic, PFA-free pots and pans. Use code “AGEIST” for 10% off at fromourplace.com.

Chapters

(00:15) Introduction to Craig Cooper and His Journey
(06:42) The Evolution of Health Perspectives in Aging
(13:04) Bone Health: Overcoming Osteopenia
(17:29) Cardiovascular Health and Longevity
(24:48) Nutrition and Dietary Choices for Better Aging
(26:57) Understanding Cardiovascular Health Tests
(33:04) The Importance of Early Detection in Health
(36:12) Cardiovascular Disease: The Leading Cause of Death
(40:52) Practical Health Monitoring Tips
(42:54) The Role of Personal Responsibility in Health
(46:20) Inspiring Stories of Resilience and Health
(52:12) Nutritional Strategies for Bone Health

Key Moments
“Hormonally, [training] long slow distance just really just sucks your manhood.”

“You really can’t have a discussion around longevity without focusing on arterial health.”

“I've had doctors come out of UCLA to look at what I've been doing… they've never seen this sort of switch that I've been able to execute on my bone health over the course of five years.”

Connect With Craig Cooper
Conneqt Health: conneqthealth.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigcooper007/

Say hi to the AGEIST team!

Dr. Paul Kolodzik spent 25 years in emergency medicine watching the long-term consequences of preventable disease. Now, he’s helping patients reverse metabolic syndrome using continuous glucose monitors (CGMs), low-carb nutrition, and strength training. In this episode, Dr. Kolodzik explains why blood sugar spikes—not cholesterol—may be the most urgent threat to long-term health. You’ll also hear why he believes wearables and strategic use of GLP-1 medications can radically change your health trajectory.

How long will you live? Take our quiz today to find out! Visit ageist.com/longevityquiz

Thanks to Our Sponsors
Troscriptions — Precision, pharmaceutical-grade nootropics for peak performance. Whether you need laser focus, mental clarity, or a boost in cognitive endurance, Troscriptions delivers science-backed results. Use code: AGEIST for 10% off, or click here.

LMNT Electrolytes — Our number one electrolytes for optimal hydration. Listeners receive a free 8-serving sample pack with their purchase at DrinkLMNT.com/AGEIST. 

Our Place – Our top cookware brand for non-toxic, PFA-free pots and pans. Use code “AGEIST” for 10% off at fromourplace.com 

Chapters

(00:15) Introduction to Metabolic Health and CGMs

(03:28) Understanding Fatty Liver Disease and Carbohydrate Impact

(06:10) The Role of Continuous Glucose Monitors (CGMs)

(09:06) Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Syndrome

(12:04) The Relationship Between Blood Sugar and Weight Gain

(15:18) Dietary Approaches to Managing Blood Sugar

(18:08) The Importance of Personalization in Diet

(21:11) Inflammation, Brain Health, and Blood Sugar

(24:14) Understanding A1C and Blood Sugar Metrics

(29:13) Understanding Blood Sugar Levels

(35:15) The Role of Exercise in Insulin Resistance

(41:08) Integrating GLP-1 Medications with CGMs

(47:25) The Importance of Continuous Glucose Monitoring

(51:07) Empowerment Through Data and Personal Health Management

Key Moments
Fatty liver disease isn’t from eating too much fat — it’s, for most people, excessive carb intake.

Once I see it, I can’t unsee it. And then you know what’s going on with your blood sugar physiology.

Strength training reverses insulin resistance. Your muscles are soaking up more insulin and more blood glucose

Connect with Dr. Paul Kolodzik
CGM Doctor — https://cgm-doctor.com

MetabolicMDs Practice — https://metabolicmds.com

Book:
The Continuous Glucose Monitor Revolution for Non-Diabetics — https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BHL5YZXV

Social Media:
 LinkedIn — linkedin.com/in/paulkolodzik/

Check out the full interview transcript

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At 32, Todd Vande Hei was told his declining health was just “part of getting older,” and he believed it—until he didn’t. Along with sharing how a shift in perspective led him to pursue measurable strategies to improve his well-being, he talks about ways you, too, can become the CEO of your own health. If you're tired of vague advice and want a smarter, test-based approach to longevity, this conversation will show you how to start.

How long will you live? Take our quiz today to find out! Visit ageist.com/longevityquiz

Thanks to Our Sponsors
BON CHARGE: Want to try the hottest sauna blanket on the market? Check out BON CHARGE’s Infrared Sauna Blanket, which is designed to provide easy access to the benefits of infrared heat therapy in the comfort of your own home, here.

Troscriptions — Precision, pharmaceutical-grade nootropics for peak performance. Whether you need laser focus, mental clarity, or a boost in cognitive endurance, Troscriptions delivers science-backed results. Use code: AGEIST for 10% off, or click here.

Fatty15 – C15 is the first essential fatty acid to be discovered In 90 years. Fatty15 is on a mission to replenish your C15 levels and restore your long-term health. Get 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit here or enter code: AGEIST at checkout.

Chapters

(00:15) Introduction to Todd van de Heide and Stark Health

(03:21) Todd's Health Journey: From Struggles to Transformation

(06:14) The Importance of a Health Team

(09:13) Questioning Medical Authority and Seeking Alternatives

(12:14) The Role of Measurement in Health Optimization

(15:04) The Evolution of Health Perspectives

(18:28) Agency and Responsibility in Personal Health

(21:21) The Future of Health and Medical Research

(32:18) The Importance of Humility in Medicine

(36:14) Defining Normal Health vs. Optimal Health

(44:00) Shifting from Limitation to Possibility Mindset

(49:51) Strategies for Health Across the Decades

(55:42) Integrating Health, Work, and Life

(59:38) Time Management for Well-Being

Key Moments

“You have to be the CEO of your own health.”

“Half of what doctors believe today will be proven wrong in 18 months—so you have to ask, what if they’re wrong?”

“Your health is more important than your money, yet most people track their finances far more carefully.”

Connect With Todd Vande Hei
Stark Health

Instagram: @testodderone 

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