The Dan Buettner Podcast

He was a world-class athlete, trained harder than anyone, and followed the standard "healthy" high-carb diet... but by his mid-20s, Mark Sisson was secretly fighting arthritis, chronic digestive issues, and skin problems. What if the training and diet you believe is giving you a long life is actually making you sick? In this rare, candid discussion, the founder of Primal Kitchen, Mark Sisson, and Blue Zones expert Dan Buettner reveal the single biggest factor for longevity that both their radically different diets agree on, and it has nothing to do with food. You’ll discover the three most common mistakes that are making you metabolically doomed, the surprising business mistake that cost Sisson $1.5 million, and how he used one simple switch to achieve peak health and energy in his 70s. Tune in to learn the truth about metabolic flexibility and unlock the non-food genetic switches that can add decades of quality life.

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Dive deep with visionary futurist and entrepreneur Peter Diamandis on his aggressive approach to longevity and age reversal. In this must-listen episode, the founder of the XPrize and leader in the biohacking movement reveals the cutting-edge science and extreme personal routine that has him spending over $100,000 per year to extend his healthspan.

Peter makes a bold prediction: AI will double your lifespan and deliver the 'Holy Grail' of longevity—a pill that reverses aging—in the next decade. Learn why he believes we are on the cusp of Longevity Escape Velocity and what this means for the future of humanity.

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"Stop calling it a "midlife crisis"!
Join us with bestselling author and Modern Elder Academy founder, Chip Conley, as he completely reframes the second half of life. Chip explains why the term ""midlife crisis"" is an ancient concept that holds us back and reveals the three essential ingredients for transforming anxiety into purpose. Discover how to cultivate curiosity, leverage your experience, and build the social connection (Tribe) necessary to find fulfillment and longevity after age 50.

If you are navigating career change, seeking deeper meaning, or feeling the pull of the midlife shift, this episode is your blueprint for a purposeful second chapter."

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In this candid conversation, Dan sits down with surfing legend Laird Hamilton and professional volleyball icon Gabby Reece. They reveal the secrets to their extraordinary energy, their enduring relationship, and their contrarian philosophy on how to live long and well.

Laird and Gabby pull back the curtain on how they maintain the energy of two teenagers in their 50s. You'll learn the truth behind Laird's unconventional training, Gabby’s approach to finding a clean signal in a noisy world, and the simple, often overlooked habits that dictate their incredible healthspan. They challenge the idea that life must be complicated to be fulfilling, arguing that what makes us feel good is pretty simple. Discover their blueprint for purposeful living, maximizing vitality, and the surprising role their lifelong partnership plays in their longevity.

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Cory Richards, one of the world's greatest adventure photographers, sits down with Dan Buettner to share a powerful story of turning pain into beauty. In this raw and vulnerable conversation, Cory reveals how his personal struggles with mental health, including depression and bipolar disorder, led to some of his most profound art and a deeply empathetic approach to life.

This episode explores the transformative power of vulnerability, the true meaning of happiness beyond comfort and ease, and the life lessons learned from extreme experiences like surviving an avalanche. Cory and Dan discuss wisdom, the importance of connection, and practical advice on how to navigate pain, fear, and trauma in a world obsessed with constant happiness.

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Dr. Sonja Lyubomirsky, the world-renowned "Doctor of Happiness" from UC Riverside, breaks down the myths and science behind what truly makes us happy. Discover why the "hedonic treadmill"—the cycle of constantly chasing new life circumstances like a new job, marriage, or house—is designed to leave you disappointed due to Hedonic Adaptation. Dr. Lyubomirsky reveals the surprising role of your genetic set point (up to 50% of your happiness!) and, most importantly, the 5 simple, proven things you can do every day to stack the deck in favor of lasting joy. Learn the two-word secret to all happiness research, how to express gratitude effectively, and why pursuing a goal and having meaningful conversations are the keys to not just living to 100, but actually enjoying the journey.

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Go beyond the "alright, alright, alright" with Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey as he dives deep into his philosophy, career, and new book, Poems and Prayers. The star of Dallas Buyers Club shares his approach to living "the documentary of life" and avoiding the "proverbial hangover on the Monday morning of our life." In this revealing episode, McConaughey opens up about his belief that "laughter can be a prayer. Dance can be a prayer. Making love can be a prayer" and what he means by "selling Sunday morning like Saturday night," the unexpected lack of privacy that comes with fame, how winning an Oscar was a "peak" moment that affirmed his work, the extreme diet that led to him losing 47 pounds for a role, his non-conventional daily routine, including his key to getting 9.5 hours of sleep, and shares a poignant childhood story about lying to his father that still "wakes him up."

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In this episode, Dan sits down with Hollywood titan Jeffrey Katzenberg and health visionary Chris Wharton to uncover the secrets to a longer, healthier, and more vibrant life. You'll discover how a media mogul who built empires at Disney and DreamWorks is now using his unique skills to tackle the biggest challenge of our time: human longevity.

Katzenberg and Wharton pull back the curtain on WndrHLTH, their new venture that's working to separate science from misinformation in the massive wellness industry. Learn their surprising take on the real keys to a longer life, why the current approach to health is a "box office flop," and the concrete, actionable steps they're taking to bring a new era of proactive health to the masses. This conversation is a fascinating look at how to apply Hollywood's blockbuster-building principles to your personal well-being.

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In this powerful episode, Dan sits down with author and motivational speaker Case Kenny to challenge the biggest myths about purpose and happiness. Case unpacks his philosophy on why loneliness is a choice and provides a roadmap for creating authentic human connection. He shares a surprising truth about how we talk to ourselves, how to get unstuck from a rut, and his step-by-step process for turning self-doubt into a life of purpose. This episode is a practical and inspiring guide to creating a life you love and finding your tribe.

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In a fascinating conversation, Dan Buettner explores the surprising link between your social life and your longevity. He's joined by Vanessa Van Edwards, who teaches us how to move past awkward small talk and have conversations that actually "juice" dopamine. Vanessa also reveals the key to finding your people and why you should get out of your house and go on a "quest" to make friends. This episode is a roadmap for building the right social network, which Dan calls "arguably the most powerful thing you can do to add good years to your life"

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