Every year, more young folk and aspiring ex-smokers are turning to e-cigarettes and vapes with the hope they’re a safer, smarter choice for long-term health. But this begs the question: how much safer are they, really? So, in this episode of Aging Less: The Longevity Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella interviews health researcher Babac Salmani on the research, safety, and controversies surrounding e-cigarettes.

Having recently earned a PhD at Western University, Babac Salmani is a health researcher and injury prevention specialist specializing in the intersection of health behavior, mHealth interventions, and behavior change. His research focuses on the health behavior change in the context of vaping and the development and evaluation of digital tools to promote health outcomes. Passionate about bridging research and practice, he actively engages in translating scientific findings into actionable strategies for individuals and communities.

In this episode, Babac Salmani explains that e-cigarettes may cause different health issues in the long term to that of regular cigarettes, and that it also depends on the length of time the person has been using them. Additionally, Babac Salmani reveals what to avoid when using e-cigarettes to quit smoking.

Together, Marie and Babac Salmani discuss urge surfing as a way for smokers to curb the addiction and recognize addictive patterns, alongside a slew of other useful practices for aspiring ex-smokers.

So, are e-cigarettes a potential path for ex-smokers to greater longevity, or simply another risk to pay for in later years? Tune in to get the facts, hear from a leading expert, and discover what the science says about e-cigarettes and your health!

Follow Babac Salmani’s work: https://theconversation.com/learning-about-the-health-risks-of-vaping-can-encourage-young-vapers-to-rethink-their-habit-199557 

Produced by the Longevity Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs. 

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit https://longevity.lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ for additional information about Longevity Science Labs.

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Diving into the topic of stimulants and addiction may seem complicated, and there a certainly many misconceptions involved. However, it is important to understand as accurately and as compassionately as possible. Host Sarah Stancombe was joined in this episode by expert Professor Ian Hamilton to do just that.

Professor Ian Hamilton is an honorary fellow and associate professor in addiction in the Department of Health Sciences at the University of York. He investigates the impact drug use has on individuals, and populations, and focuses on the social, health and political issues related to drug and alcohol use. He writes a regular column for The Independent and provides opinion pieces for the British Medical Journal as well as publishing academic papers. Prior to becoming an academic, Professor Ian Hamilton worked as a mental health nurse, working with people who had a severe mental health problem and used drugs or alcohol problematically. He also has experience of working with rough sleepers and people who are homeless. 

In this episode, Professor Ian Hamilton explains that research on how stimulants interact with the brain is still developing, and it is a very complicated area of science. Despite this, it is important to learn how stimulants may affect your body, and especially what happens when it is taken away and withdrawal occurs. Although some stimulants have a medical use and are prescribed, it is important to remember they are still stimulants and their prescribed nature does not necessarily make them any safer. 

Together, Sarah and Professor Ian Hamilton explore how taking regular breaks from stimulant use is the most important thing to assess your level of dependency and how it affects your body and mind.

Follow Professor Ian Hamilton’s work on the University of York website: https://www.york.ac.uk/healthsciences/our-staff/honoraryemeritus/ian-hamilton/

Connect with Professor Ian Hamilton via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ian-hamilton-731672a7/ 

Professor Ian Hamilton recommends the following resources regarding addiction and substance use: 

Australian Government Department of Health: https://www.health.gov.au/topics/drugs

Drug Wise: https://www.drugwise.org.uk/

Produced by the Longevity Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs. 

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit https://longevity.lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ for additional information about Longevity Science Labs.

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Research has shown that those living with mental illnesses face a life expectancy of up to 25 years shorter than the general population. Yet, longevity science has long celebrated breakthroughs in physical health while the silent crisis of mental health remains. So, this week on Aging Less: The Longevity Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella is joined by medicine and psychiatry professor Robert C. Smith, M.D. to investigate the current mental health system.

Based at Michigan State University, Robert C. Smith, M.D. has been involved in teaching and research in patient-centered communication, as well as primary care mental health, since 1985. Impressively, Robert C. Smith, M.D. and his colleagues identified the first evidence-based method to teach primary care clinicians to diagnose and treat mental health and substance use problems. Fed up with medicine’s resistance to improving training in mental health care, Robert C. Smith, M.D. has released a book, ‘Has Medicine Lost Its Mind’, addressing the poor state of mental health care in the United States.

In this episode, Robert C. Smith, M.D. sheds light on what he has observed throughout his career that supports the need for a mental health system reform. He attests to the inherent connection between mind and body, and reveals the reason behind why doctors have been turning a blind eye towards it.

Together, Marie and Robert C. Smith, M.D. discuss habits that may prove useful in supporting long-term mental health and longevity. So, tune in this week for an eye-opening episode on why mental health reform is key to our collective longevity, as well as expert advice on what to do to stretch your years!

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Produced by the Longevity Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs. 

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit https://longevity.lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ for additional information about Longevity Science Labs.

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Nutrition, exercise, sleep, and genetics are among the hottest topics when it comes to the pursuit of longevity. But lesser talked about is the state of our minds. So, this week on Aging Less: The Longevity Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella is joined by psychologist Sandra Wartski, Psy.D. to learn more about the mind-body connection.

Based in Raleigh, North Carolina, Sandra Wartski, Psy.D. has been conducting individual, family, and group therapy for the past 30 years. In addition, she has held psychoeducational evaluations, with special interests in mood disorders, anxiety, eating disorders, relationship issues and crisis intervention. In her spare time, Sandra Wartski, Psy.D. also enjoys providing presentations and writing articles on a variety of mental health topics for both community groups and other professionals.

In this episode, Sandra Wartski, Psy.D. sheds light on the key factors that contribute to an individual’s mental health state. Additionally, she offers examples on how the mind-body connection may manifest in day-to-day life.

Together, Marie and Sandra Wartski, Psy.D. weigh up various habits that may prove effective in improving mental health, especially for the long term. So, tune in this week for an incredibly informative episode packed with expert advice for mental health!

Follow Sandra Wartski, Psy.D.’s work:

Connect with Sandra Wartski, Psy.D. via LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandra-wartski-2333bb18/

Produced by the Longevity Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs. 

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit https://longevity.lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ for additional information about Longevity Science Labs.

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Chronic stress is deeply related to chronic pain and other physical health issues. 

Joining host Sarah Stancombe in this episode is David Hanscom, MD, who himself struggled with a myriad of physical health issues before combatting his chronic stress in order to live a pain-free life. David Hanscom, MD practiced complex orthopedic spine surgery for 32 years. He quit his practice in Seattle to present his insights into solving chronic mental and physical pain, discovering that mental pain and anxiety was the biggest issue. He is an active speaker, author, and consultant. His book, Back in Control: A Surgeon’s Roadmap Out of Chronic Pain, systematically presents well-documented treatments for chronic pain. He launched a movement called “Dynamic Healing,” which recognizes the interactions between stress and one’s coping capacity, causing sustained threat physiology. Dealing with stress more effectively, and increasing the resiliency of the nervous system, allows healing. Furthermore, he is working on a new book addressing RUTs (repetitive unpleasant thoughts)

In this episode, David Hanscom, MD reveals lesser-known facts about physiology vs psychology, and how states such as anxiety, depression and stress are physiological states that we should teach our bodies to be less reactive to. If there is one thing to take away from this episode with David Hanscom, MD, it is awareness. 

Together, Sarah and David Hanscom, MD explore how longevity might be negatively impacted, as a body that is always on alert for danger can have a reduced lifespan of around seven years. The pair also discuss how despite all the advice in the world, it is up to the individual to know what tools and exercises work best for them. 

Follow David Hanscom, MD’s work on his websites: https://www.backincontrol.com/

Produced by the Longevity Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs. 

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit https://longevity.lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ for additional information about Longevity Science Labs.

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Chronic stress is deeply related to chronic pain and other physical health issues. 

Joining host Sarah Stancombe in this episode is David Hanscom, MD, who himself struggled with a myriad of physical health issues before combatting his chronic stress in order to live a pain-free life. David Hanscom, MD practiced complex orthopedic spine surgery for 32 years. He quit his practice in Seattle to present his insights into solving chronic mental and physical pain, discovering that mental pain and anxiety was the biggest issue. He is an active speaker, author, and consultant. His book, Back in Control: A Surgeon’s Roadmap Out of Chronic Pain, systematically presents well-documented treatments for chronic pain. He launched a movement called “Dynamic Healing,” which recognizes the interactions between stress and one’s coping capacity, causing sustained threat physiology. Dealing with stress more effectively, and increasing the resiliency of the nervous system, allows healing. Furthermore, he is working on a new book addressing RUTs (repetitive unpleasant thoughts)

In this episode, David Hanscom, MD reveals lesser-known facts about physiology vs psychology, and how states such as anxiety, depression and stress are physiological states that we should teach our bodies to be less reactive to. If there is one thing to take away from this episode with David Hanscom, MD, it is awareness. 

Together, Sarah and David Hanscom, MD explore how longevity might be negatively impacted, as a body that is always on alert for danger can have a reduced lifespan of around seven years. The pair also discuss how despite all the advice in the world, it is up to the individual to know what tools and exercises work best for them. 

Follow David Hanscom, MD’s work on his website: https://backincontrol.com 

Produced by the Longevity Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs. 

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit https://longevity.lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ for additional information about Longevity Science Labs.

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Fasting might be an intimidating word you’ve heard in the context of religion, high performance athletes, or weight loss. But in this episode we explore the overall health benefits of intermittent fasting and how it could give you more energy and focus throughout the day. 

Laurie Lewis is a certified coach who has changed the lives of thousands through her coaching of Intermittent Fasting. She shows how it’s possible for us to take exceptional care of ourselves while dealing with life's complicated and fast-paced circumstances. With Intermittent Fasting as the foundation, Laurie offers the chance to break free from the punishment paradigm of diet mindset and diet culture. Laurie Lewis guides clients to tune into the body’s inner compass and experience improvements in every aspect of our lives.

In this episode, Laurie Lewis shares her personal story of how she began her journey with intermittent fasting and moving forward to teach others. She stresses the importance of being gentle with yourself, choosing an eating window that works for you, clean fasting, and eating good food (though your body should naturally guide this process). 

Together, Sarah and Laurie Lewis discuss the importance of feeling well, and how other food management options such as dieting does not always prioritize this. Furthermore, they discuss the many benefits of intermittent fasting that many people would not even think of - everything from curing joint pain to managing diabetes and lifting brain fog. 

This episode sparks a fascinating discussion of how just one change in your life could affect many different aspects of your mind and body for the better. 

Follow Laurie Lewis’ work via her website: https://fastforwardwellness.com/ 

Connect with Laurie Lewis via the following platforms:

Produced by the Longevity Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs. 

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit https://longevity.lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ for additional information about Longevity Science Labs.

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As we age, maintaining muscle health is crucial for mobility, strength, and overall longevity. Sarcopenia—the age-related loss of muscle mass and function—can significantly impact quality of life, but emerging research is offering new hope. This week on Aging Less: The Longevity Science Insights Podcast, host Sabrina Oktavelia is joined by Dr. Michael Ryan Hicks, Assistant Professor of Physiology and Biophysics at the University of California Irvine, to discuss muscle health, aging, and cutting-edge strategies for preventing sarcopenia.

Michael Ryan Hicks, Ph.D. is the Associate Director of the UCI Muscle Biology and Disease Research Center and a member of the Sue and Bill Gross Stem Cell Research Center. With nearly two decades of experience in muscle research, he has published extensively and received prestigious fellowships, including from the Muscular Dystrophy Association and the National Institute of Aging. His groundbreaking work focuses on muscle regeneration, stem cell therapies, and potential treatments for muscle-wasting diseases.

In this episode, Michael Ryan Hicks, Ph.D. unpacks the science behind sarcopenia—what it is, why it happens, and how it affects aging bodies. He also shares insights from his latest research on muscle regeneration and explores promising future therapies, including potential drugs that could slow sarcopenia.

Together, Sabrina and Michael Ryan Hicks, Ph.D. break down the role of exercise, nutrition, and medical advancements in maintaining muscle health as we age. Whether you're looking to preserve strength, stay active, or understand the future of muscle regeneration, this episode is packed with valuable knowledge.

Tune in this week to discover how science is shaping the future of muscle health and what you can do today to stay strong for years to come!

Follow Michael Ryan Hicks, Ph.D.’s work on the following platforms:

Produced by the Longevity Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs. 

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit https://longevity.lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ for additional information about Longevity Science Labs.

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Everyday substances, from caffeine to alcohol, influence our cognitive function in ways we may not fully realize. This week on Aging Less: The Longevity Science Insights Podcast, host Sabrina Oktavelia is joined by Adjunct Professor of Human Psychopharmacology, Andrew Scholey, to explore how these common substances affect our brain performance, mood, and overall well-being.

Prof. Andrew Scholey has led groundbreaking research on the neurocognitive effects of drugs, alcohol, and natural compounds, including plant extracts like ginkgo biloba and ginseng. Formerly the Director of the Centre for Human Psychopharmacology at Swinburne University of Technology, he has spent decades investigating the mechanisms behind cognitive enhancement and the role of nutrition in brain health.

In this episode, Prof. Andrew Scholey unpacks the science behind how substances like caffeine, alcohol, and even chewing gum impact cognitive function, memory, and mental clarity. He also discusses the effects of hangovers, caffeine, and lifestyle on neurocognitive performance.

Together, Sabrina and Prof. Andrew Scholey discuss the balance between beneficial and potentially harmful effects of everyday substances, providing insights on how to make informed choices for mental resilience. So, tune in this week for expert perspectives on what fuels – or hinders – your brainpower!

Follow Prof. Andrew Scholey’s work on the following platforms:

Produced by the Longevity Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs. 

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit https://longevity.lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ for additional information about Longevity Science Labs.

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Your oral care routine just might be the key to a longer and healthier life. This week on Aging Less: The Longevity Science Insights Podcast, host Sarah Stancombe interviews oral health expert Prof. Dileep Sharma, Ph.D., FPFA, FICD to discover why this is and practical tips for managing our oral hygiene.

The Head of Discipline for Oral Health at the University of Newcastle, professor Dileep Sharma has nearly 20 years of experience as a health professional and clinical educator across multiple continents. Impressively, he is a leading voice in the field of periodontics and dental research. His extensive work spans over 80 peer-reviewed publications, award-winning research in sustainable dental materials, and leadership in international dental organizations.  

In this episode, Prof. Dileep Sharma, Ph.D., FPFA, FICD shares how a simple dental hygiene routine and regular dentist visits makes all the difference — preventing oral cancer, gum disease and systemic diseases. He also gives an important reminder that oral hygiene extends beyond the teeth, and that other parts of the mouth are also important to maintaining oral health. 

Together, Sarah and Prof. Dileep Sharma, Ph.D., FPFA, FICD discuss rumours about oral hygiene — brushing twice versus thrice a day — and whether oral hygiene should be taught in schools as well as in the home. 

So, if you are looking for some reassurance that simple habits can be the most effective, or wanting to learn about the potential for oral hygiene to affect the rest of the body, this episode is for you. 

Follow Prof. Dileep Sharma, Ph.D., FPFA, FICD’s work on dental research: https://www.newcastle.edu.au/profile/dileep-sharma 

Connect with Prof. Dileep Sharma, Ph.D., FPFA, FICD on the following platforms:

Produced by the Longevity Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs. 

Explore LMSL at https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ and visit https://longevity.lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ for additional information about Longevity Science Labs.

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