What if the most powerful biohacks for longevity weren't supplements, devices or expensive treatments — but stillness, water, heat, cold and rhythm?
In this episode of the Biohackher Podcast, I'm joined by one of Australia's true pioneers in integrative medicine and wellness, Dr Marc Cohen — medical doctor, professor, researcher, poet and founder of Beautiful Water.
Dr Cohen introduces his powerful philosophy of Extreme Wellness — not about pushing harder, but about using intentional contrast to find balance, resilience and deep homeostasis. We explore why stillness may be the ultimate biohack, how hot and cold therapy activates detoxification and stem cells, why water quality matters more than we realise, and how simple, accessible daily practices can profoundly improve longevity, immunity and nervous system regulation.
This is a conversation that blends science, ancient wisdom and practical biohacks — and reminds us that living well longer starts with getting the basics right.
CHAPTERS
00:32 — What Is Extreme Wellness?
Dr Cohen explains intentional contrast, the Five Elements of Life, and why balance requires knowing your limits.
02:30 — Stillness as the Ultimate Biohack
Why stillness, not stimulation, is where true homeostasis and resilience are found.
05:06 — Is Homeostasis Different for Women?
Why biohacks must be individualised, rhythmic, and responsive — not prescriptive.
06:40 — Small Biohacks, Big Results
What "biohacking" really means: low effort, high return practices.
07:20 — The Way to Wellness (Poem)
Dr Cohen shares his powerful wellness poem outlining 50 accessible daily practices.
09:18 — Why Getting the Basics Right Matters
Permaculture, simplicity, and why wellness doesn't need to be expensive.
10:51 — Why Water Is the Most Important Biohack
The role of water in ageing, hydration, skin health and detoxification.
13:39 — Chlorine, Microbes & Modern Water Problems
How chlorinated water disrupts the skin barrier and microbiome.
14:55 — Why Bathing Water Matters More Than Drinking Water
The science of chlorine absorption through skin and lungs.
17:02 — Toxins, Microplastics & Endocrine Disruptors
How modern water exposes us to plastics, PFAS and hormone-disrupting chemicals.
18:23 — The Recipe for Wellness (Poem)
A simple framework for living well longer, starting with "bathing in beautiful water".
19:27 — Travel Hack: Reducing Chlorine Exposure in Hotels
A simple way to outgas chlorine when travelling.
21:33 — Why Plastic Water Bottles Are a Health Disaster
Environmental impact, endocrine disruption and safer alternatives.
23:54 — Detoxification: What Actually Works
Hydration, flushing, sweating, and why water is foundational to detox.
25:22 — Fat, Toxins & the Female Body
Why toxins accumulate in fat tissue and what this means for women and infants.
27:42 — Whales, Earwax & Environmental Toxicity
A fascinating story revealing long-term pollution exposure.
29:05 — Is Body Fat a Protective Mechanism?
The theory of dilution and why fat may buffer toxins from vital organs.
31:22 — Fasting, Cortisol & Women's Health
Why fasting should be intuitive, not forced — especially for women.
34:33 — Sauna Science & Longevity
What the Finnish sauna studies really show about mortality reduction.
36:17 — Hot vs Cold: Why You Need Both
Why sauna alone isn't enough and contrast therapy matters.
38:15 — Stem Cells, Cold Exposure & Regeneration
How heat and cold activate your body's own regenerative systems.
41:03 — Making Cold Exposure Accessible
Why women don't need ice baths to get benefits.
41:29 — The Cold Water Hokey Pokey
A gentle, nervous-system-friendly cold exposure method anyone can do.
44:34 — Why Contrast Therapy Feels So Good
The psychological, vascular and cellular mechanisms behind the "after glow".
47:00 — Cold Showers & Immune Resilience
The study showing fewer sick days with just 30 seconds of cold exposure.
50:22 — Sleep, Recovery & Contrast Therapy
Why sauna and cold improve sleep quality and nervous system regulation.
51:03 — Is Cold Exposure Dangerous?
When cold plunging can be risky — and how to do it safely.
53:42 — Comfort Zone vs Intuition
Knowing when to challenge yourself and when to listen to your body.
55:12 — Safety Protocols for Hot & Cold Therapy
Hydration, awareness, pacing and why rest is non-negotiable.
58:36 — Why Rest Is the Missing Biohack
Stillness, spiritual health and returning to homeostasis.
01:01:40 — Infrared vs Finnish Saunas
What the research actually says — and which sauna is "better".
01:03:00 — The Meaning of Löyly (Life Force)
The deeper spiritual and physiological essence of sauna culture.
Dr Marc Cohen is a medical doctor, professor of medicine, researcher, wellness innovator and poet with over 30 years' experience in integrative and natural medicine. He is the founder of Beautiful Water and a global leader in sauna, hydrotherapy and lifestyle medicine research.
CONNECT WITH Dr MARC COHEN
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/drmarcextremewellness/?hl=en
WEBSITE: https://www.drmarc.co
JOIN OUR LIVE WELL LONGER WOMEN'S BIOHACKING RETREAT
1–6 May 2026 | Revīvō Wellness Resort, Bali
Live Well Longer Retreat has been named Group Retreat of the Year 2025 by the prestigious Destination Deluxe Awards.
Following this global recognition, we're thrilled to return to Revīvō Wellness Resort in Bali, 1–6 May 2026, for a deeply personalised, science-led retreat created exclusively for women ready to reclaim their vitality and redesign their future.
Co-founded by renowned biohacking experts Camilla Thompson and Azra Alagic, this award-winning women-only experience blends cutting-edge biohacking with soulful rituals and ancient practices to deliver lasting transformation.
At this intimate retreat, limited to just 16 women, you'll experience:
- Daily biohacking workshops tailored to women's health
- Private coaching, DNA testing, and optional hormone/gut diagnostics with naturopath
- Hot/cold therapy, hydrotherapy, meditation and MOVEŌ movement classes
- A curated, functional medicine-inspired gourmet menu
- Spa treatments, traditional Balinese blessings, full moon ceremony
- 1:1 consult with Cocoon medical Dr
Whether you're curious about biohacking or already on your longevity path, this retreat delivers the clarity, support, and practical tools to thrive at every stage of life.
Spaces are extremely limited — and this retreat will sell out so get in quick :)
Next Steps
Find out more here www.livewelllongerretreats.com
Contact Revivo Retreat directly with any questions or to book directly (deposit required) [email protected]
HELP US SPREAD THE WORD!
If you found this conversation valuable, interesting or inspiring I'd love you to share the pod and leave a review! Great reviews will help me to continue to bring you interviews with experts in longevity, and health and wellness. I would be so grateful if you could take a few minutes to submit a review on the podcast platform you listen from.
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
If you're keen to get started on your biohacking journey to optimise your health and live well longer please join me on my socials:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/biohackher_official
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/people/Biohackher
Website: www.biohack-her.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@biohackherpodcast
