In this episode of Longevity by Design, host Dr. Gil Blander sits down with Dr. Wei-Wu, Executive Chairman at Human Longevity, Inc. Together, they explore how advances in genome sequencing, AI, and multi-layered diagnostics are changing the fight against age-related diseases. Wei-Wu shares why understanding your own genetic risks and combining them with other health data leads to better prevention and a longer healthspan.

Wei-Wu explains the value of integrating genome sequencing, advanced imaging, and liquid biopsy to catch diseases like cancer early, before symptoms appear. He draws on real-world examples, including how combining different tests can spot cancers that single methods might miss. The conversation highlights how technology brings down costs, making once-rare insights widely available, and how each person stands to benefit from personalized risk profiles.

The episode closes with practical advice: use today’s tools to become the CEO of your own health. Wei-Wu urges listeners to embrace data-driven, individualized care and stresses that no single tool or habit holds all the answers. Instead, true longevity comes from a holistic, ongoing approach, one that uses all available knowledge to prevent disease and extend both life and health.

Guest-at-a-Glance

💡 Name: Dr. Wei-Wu
💡 What he does: Executive Chairman
💡 Company: Human Longevity, Inc.
💡 Noteworthy: Known for leading advances in genomics, precision medicine, and early disease detection by integrating AI, genome sequencing, and multi-omics data.
💡 Where to find him: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wei-wu-he-ph-d-he-him-b6957313/

Episode highlights:

[00:00:00]: Introduction
[00:01:06]: Background in Genomics and Precision Medicine
[00:04:13]: Early Influences and Motivation for Longevity Research
[00:06:12]: Lessons from a Longevity Mentor
[00:08:11]: Academic Journey and Early Biomarker Research
[00:09:18]: Transition from Academia to Industry
[00:10:40]: Breakthroughs in Biomarker Approval and Commercialization
[00:11:15]: Connecting Genotype and Phenotype
[00:11:49]: Human Genome Sequencing: Cost and Innovation
[00:13:28]: Shotgun Sequencing and the Race to Decode the Genome
[00:14:39]: Linking Genes to Disease Risk
[00:15:39]: Advances in Genome Sequencing Technology
[00:16:56]: Biomarkers for Early Cancer Detection
[00:18:49]: Improving Prostate Cancer Detection with Multi-Modal Data
[00:20:30]: Personalized vs. Statistical Medicine
[00:22:11]: The Symphony of Longevity Care
[00:23:05]: Pap Smear and Cervical Cancer Screening
[00:24:39]: Vaccination and Cancer Prevention Progress
[00:26:00]: Global Disparities in Cancer Outcomes
[00:27:07]: Translating Scientific Breakthroughs to Population Health
[00:28:24]: The Value of Universal Genome Sequencing
[00:29:18]: Impact of Monogenic Diseases and Newborn Screening
[00:31:27]: Polygenic Risk Scores and Disease Prediction
[00:34:47]: Evolving Genomic Knowledge and Ongoing Discovery
[00:38:07]: The Case for Sequencing as a Lifelong Investment
[00:44:30]: Cancer Prevention and the Titanic Analogy
[00:50:08]: Multi-Modal Cancer Detection: Genetics, Imaging, and Liquid Biopsy
[00:57:24]: Advances and Limits of Genome Sequencing Technology
[00:58:10]: Liquid Biopsy for Early Cancer Detection
[01:01:28]: Integrating Data for High-Accuracy Cancer Prediction
[01:03:41]: Multi-Diagnostic Approach in Clinical Practice
[01:07:49]: Quick-Fire Round: Personal Biomarkers and Longevity Habits
[01:15:41]: The Myth of Single Solutions in Longevity
[01:15:51]: Embracing Data-Driven Longevity and AI
[01:19:59]: Closing Remarks and Takeaways

For science-backed ways to live a healthier, longer life, download InsideTracker's Top 5 biomarkers for longevity eBook at insidetracker.com/podcast

In this episode of Longevity by Design, host Dr. Gil Blander sits down with Dalia Blander and Eprihm Blander, his parents, who are thriving in their nineties. Gil explores the daily routines, food choices, and mindsets that have kept Dalia and Eprihm active, independent, and healthy well into later life.

Dalia and Eprihm share how simple habits like regular movement, home-cooked meals, and a Mediterranean diet have shaped their health. They talk about the power of walking, gardening, and staying busy with meaningful work. Both value strong family ties and regular contact with friends, crediting these connections as key to their sense of purpose. Dalia highlights the importance of curiosity, reading, and keeping her mind sharp, while Eprihm stays engaged by helping with family business and learning new things.

Together, they show that a positive outlook, daily activity, and strong relationships are at the heart of a long, fulfilling life.

Episode highlights:

[00:00:00]: Introduction
[00:01:04]: Episode Overview and Purpose
[00:01:50]: Guest Backgrounds
[00:02:45]: Approach to Interview and Method
[00:03:34]: Early Life and Childhood Environment
[00:04:17]: Childhood Diet and Physical Activity
[00:05:11]: Influence of Upbringing on Long-Term Health
[00:05:35]: Family Longevity and Genetic Background
[00:06:23]: Adult Life, Careers, and Daily Routines
[00:07:19]: Diet and Lifestyle in Adulthood
[00:07:43]: Attitudes Toward Health and Longevity
[00:08:31]: Habits Around Food, Sleep, and Exercise
[00:09:15]: Stress Management Approaches
[00:10:17]: Coping with Health Challenges and Positive Attitude
[00:11:37]: Daily Life and Routines in Their Nineties
[00:13:44]: Morning Routines and Keeping Active
[00:14:19]: Mental Engagement and Cognitive Health
[00:14:50]: Dietary Habits and Food Choices
[00:15:03]: Sources of Joy and Purpose
[00:15:27]: Mindset, Relationships, and Emotional Health
[00:16:38]: Social Connections and Family Importance
[00:17:01]: Role of Humor, Gratitude, and Curiosity
[00:17:35]: Attitude’s Impact on Health and Longevity
[00:17:58]: Advice for Younger Generations
[00:18:43]: Quick Fire Round: Daily Habits and Myths About Aging
[00:19:57]: Closing Reflections and Key Takeaways
[00:20:25]: Outro and Farewell

For science-backed ways to live a healthier, longer life, download InsideTracker's Top 5 biomarkers for longevity eBook at insidetracker.com/podcast

Similar Longevity By Design episodes we think you would love: 

• The Latest Updates in Longevity Research with Dr. Eric Verdin 
• Dr. Andrea Maier—Mechanisms of Aging
• XPRIZE Healthspan: Revolutionizing Human Aging & Healthspan with Dr. Jamie Justice

In this episode of Longevity by Design, host Dr. Gil Blander sits down with Dr. Emeran Mayer, Executive Director at the UCLA Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience and founder of Mayer Interconnected. They explore the science behind the gut-brain connection and its role in shaping health and longevity.

Emeran explains how signals flow between the brain, gut, and microbiome, influencing everything from digestion to emotions. He breaks down how modern diets, especially ultra-processed foods, disrupt the natural balance between humans and gut microbes—a relationship refined over thousands of years. The conversation highlights why early life exposure to antibiotics can have lasting effects on microbiome resilience, and how lifestyle choices like diet and exercise remain powerful tools for supporting gut-brain health at any age.

The discussion closes with a look toward the future of gut-brain science, including engineered probiotics and the promise of more targeted therapies. Emeran shares practical habits for better gut-brain health and cautions against quick-fix “biohacking,” encouraging a return to whole foods, movement, and mindful living.

Guest-at-a-Glance

💡 Name: Emeran Mayer
💡 What he does: Executive Director and Founder
💡 Company: Mayer Interconnected
💡 Noteworthy: Internationally recognized for his research on the gut-brain-microbiome connection, with deep expertise in how diet, emotion, and microbes shape lifelong health.
💡 Where to find him: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emeranmayer/

Episode highlights:

[00:00:00]: Introduction
[00:01:04]: Background in Gut–Brain Science
[00:03:04]: Early Influences and Career Path
[00:06:07]: Focus on Irritable Bowel Syndrome
[00:07:28]: Defining Irritable Bowel Syndrome
[00:08:40]: Evolving Understanding and Treatment of IBS
[00:10:22]: How the Gut and Brain Communicate
[00:13:32]: Sensation, Pain, and Visceral Hypersensitivity
[00:15:29]: Attention, Perception, and the Role of the Brain
[00:17:06]: Regulation of Sensitivity and Interventions
[00:18:25]: Bidirectional Brain–Gut System
[00:19:40]: Hormonal Signaling from Gut to Brain
[00:22:06]: Shared Biological Language of Gut, Brain, and Microbes
[00:24:08]: Microbiome’s Role in Gut–Brain Communication
[00:26:16]: Systems Biology and Complexity in Human Health
[00:29:01]: Evolution, Symbiosis, and Environmental Mismatch
[00:31:41]: Impact of Ultra-Processed Foods
[00:36:16]: Restoring Gut–Brain Health Through Diet and Lifestyle
[00:37:16]: Emotions and Their Effects on Gut Function
[00:42:03]: Antibiotics, Microbiome Resilience, and Early Life Impact
[00:46:25]: Aging, Microbiome, and Environmental Factors
[00:49:33]: Future Directions in Gut–Brain Science
[00:51:54]: Bioengineered Probiotics and Therapeutic Potential
[00:56:00]: Rapid Fire: Habits, Foods, and Beliefs for Gut–Brain Health
[01:00:31]: Closing Remarks and Takeaways

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In this episode of Longevity by Design, host Dr. Gil Blander sits down with Dr. Albert-László Barabási, Professor at Northeastern University, to explore how networks shape health, aging, and nutrition. Barabási explains how biological and social networks influence resilience, robustness, and our ability to recover from stress or disease. He describes aging as a gradual loss of resilience, where the body becomes less able to bounce back from small disruptions.

The conversation moves into the world of nutrition, where Barabási introduces the concept of “nutritional dark matter.” He argues that food contains thousands of little-known molecules, many of which play key roles in health but remain largely unmapped and unstudied. Barabási breaks down how these compounds, especially those found in plants, support cellular function far beyond the traditional nutrients listed on food labels.

The episode closes with a look at ultra-processed foods and their link to disease risk. Barabási shares new research tools that can help people evaluate what they eat and make smarter choices. Throughout, he reminds listeners that strong connections, between cells, foods, and people, are at the heart of long, healthy lives.

Guest-at-a-Glance

💡 Name: Albert-László Barabási
💡 What he does: Professor of Network Science
💡 Company: Northeastern University
💡 Noteworthy: Known for pioneering network science, the Barabási–Albert model, and research linking complex networks to human health, aging, and nutrition.
💡 Where to find him: https://www.linkedin.com/in/albert-laszlo-barabasi-264060165
💡 Guest Lab Website: https://barabasi.com/

Episode highlights:

[00:00:00]: Introduction
[00:01:53]: Early Journey from Physics to Network Science
[00:02:57]: Statistical Physics and Complex Systems
[00:05:01]: Discovering Networks in Everyday Life
[00:07:19]: Network Medicine and Disease Spread
[00:08:28]: Robustness in Networks
[00:11:16]: Resilience in Networks and Real-World Systems
[00:14:31]: Biological and Ecological Examples of Resilience
[00:17:42]: Fixed Points, Tipping Points, and System Collapse
[00:18:45]: Applying Network Theory to Aging
[00:21:10]: Modeling Aging as Loss of Resilience
[00:23:02]: Explaining the Resilience Framework for Aging
[00:26:09]: Disease, Aging, and System Perturbations
[00:27:43]: Lifestyle Factors and Biological Age
[00:29:19]: Epigenetic Reprogramming and Longevity Potential
[00:33:41]: Nutrition, Food Networks, and Nutritional Dark Matter
[00:34:41]: Mapping Food Molecules and Network Medicine
[00:38:02]: Polyphenols and the Role of Plant Chemicals
[00:42:14]: Cataloging Food Chemistry and the Need for a Food Genome Project
[00:44:57]: Food Molecules as Drug Candidates
[00:48:38]: Ultra-Processed Foods and Health Risks
[00:53:54]: Measuring and Identifying Ultra-Processed Foods
[00:57:55]: Comparing Food Processing Methods
[01:02:26]: Rapid-Fire Questions: Network Concepts, Diet, and Longevity
[01:07:18]: Key Takeaway and Closing Remarks

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In this episode of Longevity by Design, host Dr. Gil Blander sits down with Dr. Kerry Burnight, Gerontologist, Chief Gerontologist, New York Times best-selling author, and researcher. They explore what it truly means to age well, focusing less on resisting the passage of time and more on embracing vitality, curiosity, and joy throughout life’s second half.

Dr. Burnight explains why the common “decline” mindset around aging misses the full story. She shares research showing that meaningful growth, strong social connections, adaptability, and a sense of giving can shape both how long and how well we live. Dr. Burnight offers practical examples for building these habits, from maintaining friendships across generations to finding purpose in everyday acts.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Burnight urges listeners to rethink their beliefs about aging and to prepare for later life with intention. She shows that nurturing joy and purpose is just as important as physical health, and that everyone can take steps to build a more satisfying, resilient, and joyful future.

Guest-at-a-Glance

💡 Name: Dr. Kerry Burnight
💡 What she does: Chief Gerontologist
💡 Website: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/contributor/dr-kerry-burnight-ph-d/
💡 Noteworthy: Known for advancing the science of healthy aging and creating practical tools for older adults to thrive with joy, purpose, and connection.

Episode highlights:

[00:00:00]: Introduction
[00:01:16]: Overview of Gerontology and Professional Background
[00:04:52]: Defining Gerontology and Its Distinction from Geriatrics
[00:05:39]: Evolving Perspectives on Aging
[00:06:47]: Early Intervention and Preparing for Aging
[00:08:13]: Respect for Older Adults and Shifting Attitudes Toward Age
[00:09:11]: Challenging the Decline Mindset of Aging
[00:10:40]: Positive Aspects of Aging and Societal Value
[00:12:13]: Demographic Trends and the Value of Centenarians
[00:12:51]: Rethinking Longevity: Quality Versus Quantity of Life
[00:14:17]: Introducing Joyspan and Differentiating Lifespan, Healthspan, and Joyspan
[00:16:56]: Linking Joy, Purpose, and Longevity
[00:17:51]: The Four Pillars of Thriving Longevity
[00:19:53]: Growth Beyond Retirement and Lifelong Learning
[00:20:22]: The Importance of Social Connection
[00:21:37]: Work, Retirement, and Finding Purpose Post-Career
[00:23:24]: Planning for Retirement and Staying Engaged
[00:25:37]: Diversifying Social Circles Across Ages
[00:26:29]: Overcoming Ageism and Fostering Intergenerational Friendships
[00:29:25]: Adaptation as a Key to Aging Well
[00:33:47]: Giving and Finding Purpose Through Contribution
[00:36:26]: Real-Life Example: Rebuilding Life After Loss
[00:41:20]: Cultural Narratives and Internalized Ageism
[00:44:34]: Policy, Healthcare, and Intergenerational Solutions
[00:46:41]: Economic Realities and Social Determinants of Healthy Aging
[00:50:03]: Daily Joy Practices and the Power of Gratitude
[00:53:15]: Visualizing a Positive Future Self
[00:54:47]: Key Takeaway: Integrating Internal and Physical Health for Longevity
[00:55:31]: Closing Remarks and Resources

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In this episode of Longevity by Design, host Gil Blander sits down with Florence Comite, MD, physician-scientist and founder of the Comite Center for Precision Medicine & Healthy Longevity. They explore why a one-size-fits-all approach to longevity falls short and how personalized data, from biomarkers to genetics, can spot early signs of disease before symptoms appear.

Florence explains her “Nof1” method, which uses deep testing, wearables, and personal history to craft precise health plans. She highlights how sleep, more than exercise or diet, shapes long-term health but remains hard for most people to optimize. Using real-world examples, Florence shows why tracking markers like insulin and hormones matter, and why most people need support to turn health knowledge into action.

The conversation covers the limits of standard medical care, the value of knowing your family history, and how even the best routines must adapt over time. Florence urges listeners to get curious about their own data and take steps—however small—toward better health.

Guest-at-a-Glance

💡 Name: Dr. Florence Comite
💡 What she does: Physician-scientist and innovator
💡 Company: Comite Center for Precision Medicine & Healthy Longevity
💡 Noteworthy: Known for pioneering “Nof1™” precision medicine, integrating genomics, biomarkers, and lifestyle data to prevent and delay chronic disease and optimize healthspan.
💡 Guest Company Website: https://www.comitemd.com/

Episode highlights:

[00:00:00]: Introduction
[00:01:00]: Sleep vs. Exercise in Health Priorities
[00:02:00]: Background and Shift from Conventional to Proactive Medicine
[00:04:00]: Early Epiphanies on Aging and Metabolic Decline
[00:06:00]: Connecting Data Across Systems and the Limits of One-Size-Fits-All
[00:08:00]: Family Variability and the Case for Individualized Care
[00:10:00]: Genetics, Environment, and the Impact of Lifestyle
[00:11:00]: Challenges in Applying Genomic Data in Medicine
[00:12:00]: Nof1™ Protocols and Personalized Data Collection
[00:14:00]: Baseline Assessments and Biomarker Analysis
[00:16:00]: Holistic Approach to Patient Assessment
[00:17:00]: Importance of VO2 Max and Endurance for Healthspan
[00:18:00]: Early Detection and Intervention in Children and Adults
[00:19:00]: Insulin, Glucose, and Overlooked Markers in Pre-Diabetes
[00:20:00]: Evolutionary Perspective on Metabolic Disease
[00:21:00]: Moderation, Wearables, and the Promise of Digital Health
[00:22:00]: Behavioral Barriers to Lifestyle Change
[00:23:00]: Wearables, Real-Time Feedback, and Democratizing Health Data
[00:24:00]: Drivers of Chronic Disease and the Role of Genetics
[00:27:00]: Lifestyle Interventions That Move the Needle
[00:28:00]: Sleep as a Foundational Health Variable
[00:30:00]: Strategies for Improving Sleep Quality
[00:33:00]: Personalized Sleep Optimization and Barriers for the General Public
[00:36:00]: Hormonal Changes, HRT, and Gender Differences in Aging
[00:44:00]: Longevity Myths and the Limits of Universal Advice
[00:47:00]: Genetics, Data, and Playing the Best Hand
[00:51:00]: Using Family History and Genetic Insights for Prevention
[00:52:00]: Book Preview: Prototypes and Personalization
[00:55:00]: Key Biomarkers and the Value of Actionable Advice
[00:56:00]: Integrating AI and Automation in Precision Medicine
[00:59:00]: Final Thoughts and Practical Wisdom
[01:00:00]: Closing Remarks and Resources

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In this episode of Longevity by Design, our host, Dr. Gil Blander, sits down with Dylan Livingston, CEO at the Alliance for Longevity Initiatives, and Dr. Brenda Eap to explore how public policy shapes the future of aging research. Dylan and Brendan share how their team pushes for legislation that supports healthy lifespan extension, aiming to bring longevity science into the center of national health priorities.

Dylan and Brendan explain why policy advocacy is crucial for securing funding for research, reducing regulatory hurdles, and establishing a clear path for new therapies. They outline recent successes, including building bipartisan support in Congress and expanding access to experimental treatments in states such as Montana. Throughout their discussion, Dylan shows how effective communication,  using stories and simple analogies, helps move longevity from the lab to lawmakers’ agendas.

The episode closes with practical advice for listeners. Dylan highlights the power of community, clear communication, and grassroots action as tools that help turn advanced science into real-world health gains.

Episode highlights:

[00:00:00]: Introduction
[00:01:00]: Overview of Longevity Policy and Research Funding
[00:02:00]: Backgrounds and Personal Journeys into Longevity Advocacy
[00:05:00]: Inspiration and Founding of Longevity Policy Organization
[00:07:00]: Scientific Training and Motivation for Policy Work
[00:09:00]: Mission and Approach of Longevity Advocacy Organization
[00:10:00]: Policy Advocacy’s Role in Advancing Longevity Research
[00:12:00]: Gaps in Funding and the Importance of Government Engagement
[00:13:00]: Experiences with Policy Events and Realizations about Advocacy
[00:14:00]: Early Accomplishments and Congressional Engagement
[00:15:00]: Building Bipartisan Support and the Longevity Science Caucus
[00:16:00]: Legislative Engagement and Policy Paper Development
[00:17:00]: State-Level Policy Wins and Expansion of Right to Try Laws
[00:19:00]: Rationale and Strategy for State-Level Focus
[00:21:00]: Plans for Geographic Expansion of Longevity Policy Initiatives
[00:23:00]: Political Climate and Opportunities with the Current Administration
[00:25:00]: Shifts in Federal Attitudes Toward Longevity and Healthspan
[00:27:00]: Demographics, Policy Momentum, and National Health Priorities
[00:29:00]: Prevention Versus Treatment: Shifting Policy Mindsets
[00:32:00]: Communicating Policy Opportunities to a Wider Audience
[00:34:00]: Ensuring Longevity Policy Remains Bipartisan
[00:35:00]: Intersection of Policy, Science, and Public Engagement
[00:37:00]: Funding and Regulatory Challenges in Longevity Research
[00:39:00]: Barriers in Clinical Trials and Policy Modernization
[00:40:00]: Strategies for Communicating Longevity Science to Policymakers
[00:44:00]: Framing Longevity for Policy Impact and Public Understanding
[00:48:00]: Future Vision and Milestones for Longevity Policy
[00:51:00]: How Individuals and Organizations Can Support Longevity Advocacy
[00:55:00]: Practical Longevity Advice and Episode Conclusion

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Aging is more than disease—it’s the steady decline of function. In this episode of Longevity by Design, Dr. Gil Blander speaks with physicist-turned-biotech innovator Dr. Peter Fedichev about why resilience, not diseases, holds the key to longer lives.

Peter explains how his background in theoretical physics shaped his approach to biology and aging. He outlines why startups, not large institutions, are now leading innovation in longevity science. Drawing from physics, he describes aging as a series of “jumps” between states, each leaving the body more fragile.

The discussion moves from the limits of current drugs to the promise of new approaches. Peter argues that reducing fluctuations and increasing molecular fidelity could unlock far greater gains in healthspan and lifespan. Listeners gain a fresh lens on what drives aging, where the real breakthroughs may come from, and why the next frontier in longevity will require rethinking the problem altogether.

Guest-at-a-Glance

💡 Name: Peter Fedichev

💡 What they do: Founder & CEO

💡 Company: Gero (biotech company using AI to study aging)

💡 Noteworthy: Physicist turned biotech leader applying statistical physics to model biological age and resilience

💡 Where to find them: LinkedIn

Episode highlights:

[00:00:00] Opening Thoughts on Venture Capital
[00:00:58] Host Introduction and Show Welcome
[00:01:25] Guest Background: From Physics to Biotech
[00:02:42] Physics as a Tool for Biology
[00:05:19] Why Switch From Physics to Biology
[00:06:20] Discovering Aging Through Naked Mole Rats
[00:09:27] Defining Professional Goal in Aging
[00:10:15] Challenges in Crossing Disciplines
[00:11:58] Startups Driving Scientific Innovation
[00:14:09] Pharma, Biotech, and Market Dynamics
[00:16:23] Aging as a System-Level Problem
[00:18:56] Drugs With Modest Longevity Effects
[00:20:14] Aging vs. Disease: Functional Decline
[00:23:48] Squaring the Curve vs. True Aging
[00:26:02] Sponsor Message: InsideTracker
[00:26:56] Resilience in 90-Year-Olds
[00:27:55] Measuring Health With Longitudinal Data
[00:30:07] Aging as Jumps Between States
[00:31:49] Declining Recovery Times With Age
[00:33:33] Cancer Risk and Immune Decline
[00:34:30] Rare Events Driving Aging Jumps
[00:36:15] Mutations, Epimutations, and Reliability Theory
[00:38:31] Perfect Storm Failures in Aging
[00:40:26] Cancer, Diabetes, and System Crashes
[00:42:09] Searching for a Master Switch
[00:43:41] Reducing Physiological Noise to Slow Aging
[00:45:54] Targeting Fluctuations as Drug Strategy
[00:47:13] Stress, Hormesis, and Adaptation
[00:49:27] Evolutionary Role of Stress Responses
[00:50:58] Model Organisms: Mice vs. Dogs
[00:53:41] Why Dogs Mirror Human Aging
[00:55:42] Regulatory Edge: Aging Trials in Dogs
[00:56:42] Next-Gen Drugs Beyond GLP-1
[00:58:22] Epigenetic Rejuvenation vs. Noise Control
[01:00:11] Key Targets: Chromatin Modifiers
[01:01:10] Measuring Fluctuations With Biomarkers
[01:02:58] Dogs as Proof-of-Concept Model
[01:03:23] Defining Jumps Through Omics Data

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In this episode of Longevity by Design, Dr. Gil Blander welcomes Dr. Eric Verdin, President and CEO of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging. Eric discusses the science behind therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) and its potential to slow biological aging in humans. The conversation explores findings from a recent clinical trial, including measurable age reversal using epigenetic clocks.

Eric explains how removing and replacing plasma can dilute pro-aging factors in the blood, a concept inspired by earlier animal studies on parabiosis. He also describes why rigorous, placebo-controlled human trials are crucial for validating longevity interventions and distinguishing the field from hype-driven wellness trends.

The episode also highlights how omics data, such as metabolomics and proteomics, are shaping a new era of precision aging research. Eric emphasizes the value of lifestyle interventions as a foundation and sees future opportunities in combining TPE with personalized strategies to extend healthspan.

Guest-at-a-Glance

💡 Name: Dr. Eric Verdin

💡 What they do: President and CEO

💡 Company: Buck Institute for Research on Aging

💡 Noteworthy: Physician-scientist pioneering human aging research through epigenetics, metabolism, and translational science.

💡 Where to find him: LinkedIn

Episode highlights:

[00:00] Introduction to Longevity and Healthspan
[01:07] Meet Dr. Eric Verde: A Pioneer in Aging Research
[02:24] Exploring Therapeutic Plasma Exchange
[03:08] The Science Behind Heterochronic Parabiosis
[07:17] Clinical Trials and Methodologies
[12:58] The Role of Omics in Precision Medicine
[17:20] Epigenetic Clocks and Aging
[22:04] Therapeutic Plasma Exchange: Results and Implications
[26:22] Exploring Frequency and Efficacy of Treatments
[28:23] Biomarkers and Predictive Models
[31:33] Safety Profile and Side Effects
[33:28] Intrinsic Capacity and Aging Metrics
[36:58] Combining Treatments with Lifestyle Changes
[44:26] Future Directions and Recommendations
[49:08] Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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In this episode of Longevity by Design, Dr. Gil Blander sits down with Dr. Keith Diaz, Associate Professor of Behavioral Medicine at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, to unpack the hidden health risks of prolonged sitting.

Keith explains why even daily exercise isn't enough to counteract the effects of sedentary behavior. Drawing on his lab's findings, he shares a simple but powerful prescription: five minutes of light walking every hour. That small change can lower blood pressure, improve mood, and reduce fatigue, without needing to break a sweat.

The conversation also explores how modern work and home environments are built around sitting, and what it takes to build smarter habits. From treadmill desks to family walks, Keith offers practical strategies that make movement part of everyday life. Whether you're an employer, a clinician, or just desk-bound, this episode helps you rethink how you move through your day.

Guest-at-a-Glance

💡 Name: Dr. Keith Diaz

💡 What they do: Associate Professor

💡 Company: Columbia University Irving Medical Center

💡 Noteworthy: Leading researcher on sedentary behavior, cardiovascular health, and wearable tech in clinical care.

💡 Where to find them:LinkedIn

Episode highlights:

[00:00:00] Introduction: The Evolution of Television Viewing Habits
[00:00:23] Welcome to Longevity By Design
[00:00:33] Introducing Dr. Ki Diaz
[00:02:14] The Impact of Sedentary Behavior
[00:04:23] The Physiology of Sitting
[00:09:59] Exercise vs. Sedentary Lifestyle
[00:16:56] Movement Breaks: How Short is Beneficial?
[00:27:45] The Role of Wearable Devices
[00:31:51] Integrating Movement into Daily Routines
[00:33:34] Behavioral Changes and Personal Strategies
[00:34:55] The Benefits of Movement Breaks at Work
[00:37:26] Wearables and Their Impact on Health
[00:40:16] Clinicians' Role in Promoting Movement
[00:43:09] Tailoring Movement to Individual Lifestyles
[00:47:28] Incentives for Employers and Insurers
[00:52:46] Personal Movement Hacks and Daily Routines
[00:58:16] Future Research and Final Thoughts

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For science-backed ways to live a healthier, longer life, download InsideTracker's Top 5 biomarkers for longevity eBook at insidetracker.com/podcast