Chasing Life with Dr. Sanjay Gupta

Dr. Sanjay Gupta returned to his alma mater, University of Michigan Medical School, where he addressed the Class of 2026. Today on Chasing Life, he shares that warm welcome to the newest grads, full of lessons from the field.

Our show was produced by Sofía Sanchez

Medical Writer: Andrea Kane

Senior Producer: Dan Bloom

Technical Director: Dan Dzula

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If you’ve ever woken up to a sudden, painful leg cramp, you’re not alone. Sanjay takes a closer look at a listener's question about nighttime leg cramps -- and why popular remedies like bananas and magnesium don’t always help. Plus, what swollen feet and ankles can reveal about your health. 

This episode was produced by Jennifer Lai with assistance from Elizabeth Corallo

Medical Writer: Andrea Kane

Senior Producer: Dan Bloom

Technical Director: Dan Dzula

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Thinning hair, shedding, and sudden graying can send people searching for answers. This week, Sanjay speaks with dermatologist and Harvard assistant professor Dr. Maryanne Makredes Senna about what could be driving hair loss, what to watch for, and which treatments are actually worth it. Plus, practical tips and the biggest myths to avoid.

This episode was produced by Jennifer Lai and Kyra Dahring.  

Medical Writer: Andrea Kane 

Senior Producer: Dan Bloom

Technical Director: Dan Dzula

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After a deadly outbreak on an expedition cruise ship, listeners have questions about hantavirus and what it means for them. Sanjay breaks down what we know about how it spreads, and how worried you actually need to be. Plus, what experts are saying about the pandemic potential of the virus. 

This episode was produced by Andrea Kane, Jennifer Lai and Kyra Dahring.

Senior Producer: Dan Bloom

Technical Director: Dan Dzula

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More people are turning to AI for health advice, but how reliable is it? Dr. Sanjay Gupta sits down with Dr. Bob Wachter, author of "A Giant Leap," to unpack how AI is already helping patients and doctors, where it can go wrong, and how to use these tools safely without over relying on them. Dr. Gupta is a practicing neurosurgeon and member of the National Academy of Medicine’s AI Code of Conduct Steering Committee. He has previously provided limited consulting to OpenEvidence as a medical advisor.

Our show was produced by Kyra Dahring with support from Jennifer Lai and Elizabeth Corallo

Medical Writer: Andrea Kane
Senior Producer: Dan Bloom
Technical Director: Dan Dzula

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We all know drinking alcohol is bad for our health, but how much can it reduce our risk of cancer if we drink less or even cut it out entirely? This week, Dr. Sanjay Gupta digs into the correlation between consuming alcohol and risk of cancer as well as alternatives to alcohol if you’re feeling pressured to drink. Plus, we explain if silicone is a better alternative to replace plastic and what the differences between these two materials are. 

This episode was produced by Leying Tang 

Showrunner: Amanda Sealy 

Senior Producer: Dan Bloom 

Technical Director: Dan Dzula 

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GLP-1s are no longer only for weight loss or diabetes. Dr. Sanjay Gupta invites CNN's Meg Tirrell back to Chasing Life to update on the drug’s benefits and risks. Plus, why they’ve personally considered -- and decided against – taking one.

Our show was produced by Sofia Sanchez

Medical Writer: Andrea Kane

Showrunner: Amanda Sealy

Senior Producer: Dan Bloom

Technical Director: Dan Dzula

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A listener named Victoria wants to know what comes next for her autistic teenage son. This week on Paging Dr. Gupta, we look at how the needs of autistic kids change as they grow up. Plus, common misconceptions about independence, college, and work for autistic teens and adults, with insight from autism researcher and Arizona State University professor Dr. Joshua Anbar. 

If you want to get a glimpse into the lives of Victoria and Mason, see this photo essay.  

This episode was produced by Jennifer Lai and Kyra Dahring.  

Showrunner: Amanda Sealy 

Senior Producer: Dan Bloom 

Technical Director: Dan Dzula 

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In response to a listener's call about her autistic son, Dr. Sanjay Gupta invited leading autism researcher Dr. Matthew Lerner, Director of the Social Connections and Treatment Lab at the A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, to break down how our understanding of autism has changed, what it means to be “on the spectrum” and why diagnoses are on the rise.

The conversation continues next Tuesday on Paging Dr. Gupta, where Sanjay explores what growing up and transitioning into adulthood really looks like for autistic people.

Our show was produced by Jennifer Lai and Kyra Dahring

Medical Writer: Andrea Kane
Showrunner: Amanda Sealy 
Senior Producer: Dan Bloom
Technical Director: Dan Dzula

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Can using cannabis help women manage health issues related to endometriosis and perimenopause? Should women use weed while pregnant or breast feeding? CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr Sanjay Gupta tackles some of your health questions regarding weed and women. 

Learn more about the effects of cannabis on women, by watching the latest installment of Dr. Gupta’s documentary series, Weed 8: Weed and Women, available stream now on the CNN app.

This episode was produced by Andrea Kane and Leying Tang

Showrunner: Amanda Sealy

Senior Producer: Dan Bloom

Technical Director: Dan Dzula

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices